Parable of the Ten Virgins
Matthew 25:1-13
"Then of kingdom of Heaven shall be likened unto ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five of them were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight a cry was heard: "Behold the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!". Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, "Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are gone out." But the wise answered, saying, "No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather, to those who sell, and buy for yourselves." And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. Afterward, the other virgins came also, saying, "Lord, Lord open to us.!" But he answered and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you." "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming."
Read This! Important Message! The moral to this parable is to get ready, for Jesus is coming soon. People these days believe that we are living in the latter days, or living in the end times. Let us however be informed, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only”. I do believe that we are living in the last days, but regardless of belief, the final day could come at any time. The signs I am referring to are in the reading of the Word of God, the Bible in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. Psychics, gurus,or to anyone else other than Jesus Christ do not have the answers to the future we seek. “Take heed that no one deceives you.” (Matthew 24:4) The signs of the end times and what will happen in the future are written in the very pages of the Bible. We all need to get ourselves ready. We all need to look out for ourselves, but not at the expense of your fellow man. We as Christians are to let our lights so shine in these days.
The foolish virgins failed to prepare themselves and were not watchful. They failed to realize that we are all living on God’s time. He is not living in ours. Getting ready involves being watchful but to endure for those who endure will also be the very ones who are saved. Don’t think like the foolish virgins that Jesus is delaying His return, because He is not. “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) God wants us all to get ready. He loves us and wants us all to spend eternity with Him. Repentance involves going a new direction, but this time, turning towards God. It involves being convicted of your sins by the Holy Spirit and knowing that you and I were born in sin. According to John 3, you must be born again, born of spirit and water, in order to be saved. The wise virgins were spirit filled, true born-again believers who were wise and persevered. The ten virgins represent the church, God’s children and Joint-heirs with the Savior, Jesus Christ. To be saved, one must confess the Lord Jesus and believe with all their heart that God raised Jesus, His Son, from the dead. (Romans 10:13)
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Saturday, August 30, 2014
New Age from a Christian point of view
New Age belief is best characterized as spiritual exploration. It unlike most of the world’s religions is a relatively new faith. At first glance, it is similar to Wicca, Hinduism, and Buddhism. It is about seeking a spiritual journey like Hindus and Buddhists. They are similarities in that there are mystical traditions taken from world religions and pagan faiths such as Wiccan. Like these religions, New Age is a flexible belief. It is not a monotheistic religion based on strict codes like Christianity or Islam. Nor are the boundaries strict as in Christianity and Islam. Rather, what I mean by flexible belief is that believers have different paths and different beliefs based on the teachings that they believe and their own experiences.
Because of its flexibility, trying to pin down the basics of the religion is very difficult unlike with Islam or Christianity. However, there are a few beliefs common to New Agers. They believe that all humanity and life are interconnected and that God is one name for energy that we are participating in. There is also a belief in spiritual guides that we must be open to such as angels. There is also a correlation between New Age Belief and Humanism in that the Human Mind is capable of overcoming physical reality.In other words, we create our own reality. We are capable of our own destiny. We have a purpose and we must know what our purpose is. We have a lot of lessons to learn on this planet while we are yet alive. But death is not the end. There is a belief in reincarnation, a process of being reborn. Life is a cycle and death is a part of life that teaches us. We are subject to spiritual laws, such as the law of cause and effect.
There is a search for purpose and spiritual meaning from not one path, but through diverse religions. There is no one or few sacred texts as in other world religions. Strict dogmas are not of great importance to New Agers. For example there is a strong belief in the renaissance of the feminine in religion. The belief here is that feminine spirits or entities have been “subordinated, masked, or obliterated by patriarchial movements that were widely practiced when sacred teachings were first committed to writing.” (Wikipedia.com: New Age) Some New Agers may even use objects as for direction and healing such as crystals and tarot cards. However, most belief that God is all that exists, but needs to be sought in the universe and within oneself. This belief is common in both pantheism and panentheism. Many New Agers also believe in an aura, a field which is radiated by the body. A person’s aura can be detected a person’s state of mind and overall well-being. Some also believe in a transformation which can be enhanced using guided imagery, hypnosis, and meditation.
There are also beliefs in a New World Order and a Universal Religion, which seem to go hand in hand. A universal religion says that there are different paths to one God. There is no one correct path to God. The hope of the universal religion is that all religions will be universally accepted yet will evolve. The New World Order is when there is world government and that there will be peace and an end to suffering. People will give up allegiance to their tribes and nations and strive for peace and end suffering for the sake of the world and its people. (Religious Tolerance.org: New Age)
At first glance, the New Age belief is very good to a Christian, especially the ones about the Universal Religion and the New World Order. Who wants to live in a world where there is peace and no suffering? All of us do. No one wants to suffer. But the Bible says things differently about a world where there is peace and no suffering. All you have to do is read Revelation 21 and 22. Sadly, not everyone will take part in this new world. Revelation 21:8 says, “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters, and all liars-their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” Many in new age practice the magic arts, for New Age takes much of their beliefs from the occult and mysticism. And a word concerning Universal religion.
Someone once asked if there is one God, then why are there many religions? The correct answer is there is only one True God and He is the Only Way, Truth, and Life and His name is Jesus Christ.He said it Himself in John 14:6-7, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him.” There is no reincarnation in Christianity, but there is definitely resurrection, for He rose on the third day. 1 Corinthians 15:20-27 says, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belongs to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority, and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For he has put everything under his feet.” Finally, from Revelation 22:17, “The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come!” And let him wh hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.” God is Guide, Lord, Master, Creator, and Savior. Come to Him. Today is the day of salvation. Come to Him. Call on His Name. Believe that Jesus is the Son of God and believe that God rose Him from the dead.Call on the name of Jesus.
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Because of its flexibility, trying to pin down the basics of the religion is very difficult unlike with Islam or Christianity. However, there are a few beliefs common to New Agers. They believe that all humanity and life are interconnected and that God is one name for energy that we are participating in. There is also a belief in spiritual guides that we must be open to such as angels. There is also a correlation between New Age Belief and Humanism in that the Human Mind is capable of overcoming physical reality.In other words, we create our own reality. We are capable of our own destiny. We have a purpose and we must know what our purpose is. We have a lot of lessons to learn on this planet while we are yet alive. But death is not the end. There is a belief in reincarnation, a process of being reborn. Life is a cycle and death is a part of life that teaches us. We are subject to spiritual laws, such as the law of cause and effect.
There is a search for purpose and spiritual meaning from not one path, but through diverse religions. There is no one or few sacred texts as in other world religions. Strict dogmas are not of great importance to New Agers. For example there is a strong belief in the renaissance of the feminine in religion. The belief here is that feminine spirits or entities have been “subordinated, masked, or obliterated by patriarchial movements that were widely practiced when sacred teachings were first committed to writing.” (Wikipedia.com: New Age) Some New Agers may even use objects as for direction and healing such as crystals and tarot cards. However, most belief that God is all that exists, but needs to be sought in the universe and within oneself. This belief is common in both pantheism and panentheism. Many New Agers also believe in an aura, a field which is radiated by the body. A person’s aura can be detected a person’s state of mind and overall well-being. Some also believe in a transformation which can be enhanced using guided imagery, hypnosis, and meditation.
There are also beliefs in a New World Order and a Universal Religion, which seem to go hand in hand. A universal religion says that there are different paths to one God. There is no one correct path to God. The hope of the universal religion is that all religions will be universally accepted yet will evolve. The New World Order is when there is world government and that there will be peace and an end to suffering. People will give up allegiance to their tribes and nations and strive for peace and end suffering for the sake of the world and its people. (Religious Tolerance.org: New Age)
At first glance, the New Age belief is very good to a Christian, especially the ones about the Universal Religion and the New World Order. Who wants to live in a world where there is peace and no suffering? All of us do. No one wants to suffer. But the Bible says things differently about a world where there is peace and no suffering. All you have to do is read Revelation 21 and 22. Sadly, not everyone will take part in this new world. Revelation 21:8 says, “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters, and all liars-their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” Many in new age practice the magic arts, for New Age takes much of their beliefs from the occult and mysticism. And a word concerning Universal religion.
Someone once asked if there is one God, then why are there many religions? The correct answer is there is only one True God and He is the Only Way, Truth, and Life and His name is Jesus Christ.He said it Himself in John 14:6-7, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him.” There is no reincarnation in Christianity, but there is definitely resurrection, for He rose on the third day. 1 Corinthians 15:20-27 says, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belongs to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority, and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For he has put everything under his feet.” Finally, from Revelation 22:17, “The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come!” And let him wh hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.” God is Guide, Lord, Master, Creator, and Savior. Come to Him. Today is the day of salvation. Come to Him. Call on His Name. Believe that Jesus is the Son of God and believe that God rose Him from the dead.Call on the name of Jesus.
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Friday, August 29, 2014
Marriage
Gen 2: 24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
Matthew 19:4-6 (4) And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made [them] at the beginning made them male and female, (5) And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? (6) Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Matthew 19:9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except [it be] for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery
Prov. 31:10-31 (10) Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price [is] far above rubies. (11) The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. (12) She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. (13) She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. (14) She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. (15) She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. (16) She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. (17) She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. (18) She perceiveth that her merchandise [is] good: her candle goeth not out by night. (19) She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. (20) She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. (21) She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household [are] clothed with scarlet. (22) She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing [is] silk and purple. (23) Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. (24) She maketh fine linen, and selleth [it]; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. (25) Strength and honour [are] her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. (26) She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue [is] the law of kindness. (27) She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. (28) Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband [also], and he praiseth her. (29) Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. (30) Favour [is] deceitful, and beauty [is] vain: [but] a woman [that] feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. (31) Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
Matt. 15:28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great [is] thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
John 20:17-18 (17) Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and [to] my God, and your God. (18) Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and [that] he had spoken these things unto her.
Lev. 21:13-14 (13) And he shall take a wife in her virginity. (14) A widow, or a divorced woman, or profane, [or] an harlot, these shall he not take: but he shall take a virgin of his own people to wife.
Lev. 20:13-17 (13) If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood [shall be] upon them. (14) And if a man take a wife and her mother, it [is] wickedness: they shall be burnt with fire, both he and they; that there be no wickedness among you. (15) And if a man lie with a beast, he shall surely be put to death: and ye shall slay the beast. (16) And if a woman approach unto any beast, and lie down thereto, thou shalt kill the woman, and the beast: they shall surely be put to death; their blood [shall be] upon them.
Eph. 5:22-29 (22) Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. (23) For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. (24) Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so [let] the wives [be] to their own husbands in every thing. (25) Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (26) That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, (27) That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (28) So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. (29) For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church.
1 Tim 3:12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
1 Tim 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach.These verses illustrate how seriously God takes marriage.
Marriage is a sacred covenant between a man and his wife. Any deviation from that definition such as adultery is a violation of that covenant. Regardless if one’s station in life, marriage is to be taken seriously. With marriage comes vitue, love, perseverance, honor, obedience, faithfulness, and chastity. Marriage is not just a piece of paper as some may say. It is something that must be honored. People who take their vows serioulsly should not be ridiculed; they should be respected. Thankfully they are especially in an age where the divorce rate in the United States is nearly 60%. God’s Word illustrates the marriage covenant between Christ and the Church. Christ is not only the Bridgroom, but also Savior, Counsellor, Husbandman. Those in marriage are also called to be examples for others such as the deacons and the bishop, but also know that there are consequences to not knowing that Christ is the Head and God commands us to love Him with every fiber of our being. We are to be faithful to Christ just as He is faithful to us. We are to honor our relationship with Him just as He loves us and has died for us. He rose again. He is not only the Son of God, he is God Himself for all things were created through Him.
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Matthew 19:4-6 (4) And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made [them] at the beginning made them male and female, (5) And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? (6) Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Matthew 19:9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except [it be] for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery
Prov. 31:10-31 (10) Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price [is] far above rubies. (11) The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. (12) She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. (13) She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. (14) She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. (15) She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. (16) She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. (17) She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. (18) She perceiveth that her merchandise [is] good: her candle goeth not out by night. (19) She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. (20) She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. (21) She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household [are] clothed with scarlet. (22) She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing [is] silk and purple. (23) Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. (24) She maketh fine linen, and selleth [it]; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. (25) Strength and honour [are] her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. (26) She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue [is] the law of kindness. (27) She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. (28) Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband [also], and he praiseth her. (29) Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. (30) Favour [is] deceitful, and beauty [is] vain: [but] a woman [that] feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. (31) Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
Matt. 15:28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great [is] thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
John 20:17-18 (17) Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and [to] my God, and your God. (18) Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and [that] he had spoken these things unto her.
Lev. 21:13-14 (13) And he shall take a wife in her virginity. (14) A widow, or a divorced woman, or profane, [or] an harlot, these shall he not take: but he shall take a virgin of his own people to wife.
Lev. 20:13-17 (13) If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood [shall be] upon them. (14) And if a man take a wife and her mother, it [is] wickedness: they shall be burnt with fire, both he and they; that there be no wickedness among you. (15) And if a man lie with a beast, he shall surely be put to death: and ye shall slay the beast. (16) And if a woman approach unto any beast, and lie down thereto, thou shalt kill the woman, and the beast: they shall surely be put to death; their blood [shall be] upon them.
Eph. 5:22-29 (22) Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. (23) For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. (24) Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so [let] the wives [be] to their own husbands in every thing. (25) Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (26) That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, (27) That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (28) So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. (29) For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church.
1 Tim 3:12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
1 Tim 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach.These verses illustrate how seriously God takes marriage.
Marriage is a sacred covenant between a man and his wife. Any deviation from that definition such as adultery is a violation of that covenant. Regardless if one’s station in life, marriage is to be taken seriously. With marriage comes vitue, love, perseverance, honor, obedience, faithfulness, and chastity. Marriage is not just a piece of paper as some may say. It is something that must be honored. People who take their vows serioulsly should not be ridiculed; they should be respected. Thankfully they are especially in an age where the divorce rate in the United States is nearly 60%. God’s Word illustrates the marriage covenant between Christ and the Church. Christ is not only the Bridgroom, but also Savior, Counsellor, Husbandman. Those in marriage are also called to be examples for others such as the deacons and the bishop, but also know that there are consequences to not knowing that Christ is the Head and God commands us to love Him with every fiber of our being. We are to be faithful to Christ just as He is faithful to us. We are to honor our relationship with Him just as He loves us and has died for us. He rose again. He is not only the Son of God, he is God Himself for all things were created through Him.
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Thursday, August 28, 2014
Why God Why?
This is a question we all ask God, but not in so many words. Even the most devout Christians I’m sure ask this question. Why do you allow this to happen? Why are so many innocent people dying? Why are the good suffering and the bad are getting away with it? Why God Why?
Understandably, we all ask these questions, but it’s not God’s fault. God allows bad things to happen for a number of reasons. God could be testing us, strengthening us, or even helping us to face our fears. I don’t have all the answers, and I’m certainly not him. Consider Job, a devout man who lost all his children, his servants, his health, and his wealth. The Book of Job better explains why God allow bad things to happen. Unlike so many of us, Job never turned his back on God, nor did he blaspheme Him. But He did have questions for God, which the Father answered.
Some of you reading this may be asking, then who is to blame for all of our problems. The best way I can answer this is this. In that very same book, God allowed Satan to afflict Job, who wants to destroy us. Satan is “like a walking lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5). Have you ever noticed that no one ever questioned whether or not Satan exists or that he may be the very one who is causing all of this. However, we as humans are not totally innocent. God has given us choices; we can choose to be either part of the problem or part of the solution.
Being a part of the solution is knowing that there is hope out there and His name is Jesus. Jesus is not some Man who taught us God’s word, though He did do that. Jesus is God Himself. He is God the Son and God in the Flesh, but most of all, He is God the Savior. With Him, all things are possible. Romans 8 says, that trials of this world is nothing compared to the “glory that shall be revealed in us.” There is so much hatred and bitterness and unforgiveness. Consider the fact that there are some much less fortunate than you and many of them actually believe in God or are Christians. I’m sure many of them questioned God or wanted to, but in the end, they did not. They had hope. They knew things would be better.
If you want to know about the Hope, the Risesn Lord and Savior, or are not sure, I ask that you pray this prayer:
"Lord Jesus, I am a sinner in need of a Savior. I believe that you are the Hope for our world. I have often questioned you and I want to know the truth about you and your world. I want to know that you are there for me and that you will always be there for me. Save me.. I confess that you are my Lord and Savior. Thank you for saving me, in Jesus’ name, Amen."
Understandably, we all ask these questions, but it’s not God’s fault. God allows bad things to happen for a number of reasons. God could be testing us, strengthening us, or even helping us to face our fears. I don’t have all the answers, and I’m certainly not him. Consider Job, a devout man who lost all his children, his servants, his health, and his wealth. The Book of Job better explains why God allow bad things to happen. Unlike so many of us, Job never turned his back on God, nor did he blaspheme Him. But He did have questions for God, which the Father answered.
Some of you reading this may be asking, then who is to blame for all of our problems. The best way I can answer this is this. In that very same book, God allowed Satan to afflict Job, who wants to destroy us. Satan is “like a walking lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5). Have you ever noticed that no one ever questioned whether or not Satan exists or that he may be the very one who is causing all of this. However, we as humans are not totally innocent. God has given us choices; we can choose to be either part of the problem or part of the solution.
Being a part of the solution is knowing that there is hope out there and His name is Jesus. Jesus is not some Man who taught us God’s word, though He did do that. Jesus is God Himself. He is God the Son and God in the Flesh, but most of all, He is God the Savior. With Him, all things are possible. Romans 8 says, that trials of this world is nothing compared to the “glory that shall be revealed in us.” There is so much hatred and bitterness and unforgiveness. Consider the fact that there are some much less fortunate than you and many of them actually believe in God or are Christians. I’m sure many of them questioned God or wanted to, but in the end, they did not. They had hope. They knew things would be better.
If you want to know about the Hope, the Risesn Lord and Savior, or are not sure, I ask that you pray this prayer:
"Lord Jesus, I am a sinner in need of a Savior. I believe that you are the Hope for our world. I have often questioned you and I want to know the truth about you and your world. I want to know that you are there for me and that you will always be there for me. Save me.. I confess that you are my Lord and Savior. Thank you for saving me, in Jesus’ name, Amen."
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Christmas is about Christ: or is it?
JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH
"For unto us a Child is born." Isaiah 9:6
Luke 1 and 2 prophesy the births of both Jesus and John the Baptist. The holiday, or rather, holy day, of Christmas is based solely on the story of Jesus’ birth, not the story of Santa and his elves. Santa Claus was based on a man, Saint Nicholas. But you ask what about Jesus? Wasn’t He a man? Wasn’t He a great Teacher? The Truth is, Jesus is God born of a flesh. He became a man to relate to us. His sole purpose was, and still is, to be Lord and Savior of mankind. He ministered to, healed, and set free multitudes of people. Jesus was more than a man. He was God Himself. He was not only the Son of Mary. He was, and is the Son of the Living God, born of a virgin.
Luke 2:1-7 says, “And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with Child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”
Christmas is not just about Jesus’ birth, it is about Jesus and what He has done for us. It is also about what He is doing for us now. Jesus’ first coming has been prophesied hundreds of years before, as written in the books of Psalms and Isaiah. After all, Santa Claus is based on a man named Saint Nicholas of Mora, which is in Lycea.
THOUGHT PROVOKING QUESTION
Do you think there is anything wrong with celebrating Christmas if one professes to be a Christian?
OUR KING, JESUS CHRIST
"Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet He esteemed Him sticken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgression, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chatisement of our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:4-5
YOU CAN’T HAVE CHRISTMAS WITHOUT CHRIST
"Behold, he virgin shall be with Child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, ‘God with us’." Matthew 1:23
Jesus Christ was born at the time of the Roman Empire, which also included Israel. Rome was not a godly city by any means. This is where we get most of our holiday customs from including Christmas. It has also been said that Jesus was born on December 25. There is also a pagan origin. December 25 was a day of celebrating the sun god. Many historians have said that Jesus was probably born between April and November.
Many things associated with Christmas, such as the mistletoe and the holly are associated with pagan custom. Many pagans worshipped gods of wood, stone, even trees. However, most of what is modern Christmas dated back to only a few hundred years with Christian customs, and people, such as Santa Claus.
Christmas is not about, worshipping anything pagan, nor should it ever be. Christmas is not about businesses making money off the latest toy or gismo. It is not about trees, turkeys, or cakes. It is not even about staying up late at night to watch TV or wondering if your child has been naughty or nice. Christmas has gone too commercialized. If Christmas is Christian, then why did it become so commercialized? Also,if we can’t have Christmas without Christ, then why all of the Pagan origins?
It is possible to have a good Christmas without a tree, a mistletoe, and even Santa Claus. Santa Claus after all, is based on a man and not on God. No one said that you have to put up a tree, or kiss someone under a mistletoe. No one even said that you have to celebrate Christimas. We don’t have to worship the Lord on just Christimas or other days. In fact, we should do that daily. Christmas is supposed to be, that is within the last century or so, about Jesus. After all, if Christmas is supposed to be a Christian holiday, then Jesus should be the reason for the season, right? On Christmas, we can take the time to fellowship and worship. On a day that celebrates the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, it should be about reverencing a King who did not spare His own life for us. Yes, It is amazing that a holiday that started out with pagan origins can have so many Christian themes such as love, giving, thankfulness, and family.
It is true that family does play a role, but Christmas is also about giving, kindness, helping those and praying for those less fortunate, leading others to Christ, love, joy, and peace. That is how Christmas is to be celebrated if it is really a Christian holiday. Nothing Christian should be unequally yoked or compromise with the world.
In fact, Luke 2:14 says, “Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, goodwill toward men.!” We need to learn to love one another and be prepared for His Return. Christmas is, after all, about hope. What is so wrong with celebrating a day that is about hope? Nothing, unless that hope is compromised.
Life is too short and the time for salvation is now. If Christmas is really a Christian holiday, we should take the time to celebrate Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection on a daily basis. After all, we are to live holy, and the Christian walk is a daily walk. All that other stuff about pagan customs and what not are things we need not to be hung up on. In fact, we have no business celebrating Christmas as the world celebrates it anyway.
We as Christians need to fulfill the Great Commission as written in Matthew 28. Our world is full of deceit and godlessness. Many in the church are being persecuted while others are being deceived by false prophets. But we are to remind ourselves not to get so caught up in things of this world and be godly influences for those around us by living holy, godly lives.
WISE MEN COME BEARING GIFTS
"Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the King, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him." Matthew 2:1-2
The Wise Men, or Magi, were MIddle Eastern or Central Asian men who were probably (or probably not) followers of Zoroaster. Zoroastrism is the philosophy or religion which originated out of Iran. They came to to bear gifts (gold, frankinsence, and myrrh). They also came to worship the King. Recall that this King was only a Baby born in a manger. The significance to this is the fact that Jesus, who many of us learn later that He is the King of Kings, was in the flesh born poor, a little lower than the angels.
Things would be entirely different if He were born into a rich family born in a mansion. Why is that? One of the purposes is humility, which is what Jesus taught us. Don’t get me wrong, Jesus will still be the same. He will still be perfect, compassionate, etc. But I wonder how people would react in those circumstances.
The point that I am trying to make is that people, particularly in this country, love stories about people who come from humble beginnings. You know, the underdog. Jesus in this case is the ultimate Underdog. The Son of God was born in a manger of poor parents in a small town in Israel during the Roman Empire. Later, He was hated of the religious order of His day, betrayed and denied by His friends, and died on the cross.
"For unto us a Child is born." Isaiah 9:6
Luke 1 and 2 prophesy the births of both Jesus and John the Baptist. The holiday, or rather, holy day, of Christmas is based solely on the story of Jesus’ birth, not the story of Santa and his elves. Santa Claus was based on a man, Saint Nicholas. But you ask what about Jesus? Wasn’t He a man? Wasn’t He a great Teacher? The Truth is, Jesus is God born of a flesh. He became a man to relate to us. His sole purpose was, and still is, to be Lord and Savior of mankind. He ministered to, healed, and set free multitudes of people. Jesus was more than a man. He was God Himself. He was not only the Son of Mary. He was, and is the Son of the Living God, born of a virgin.
Luke 2:1-7 says, “And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with Child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”
Christmas is not just about Jesus’ birth, it is about Jesus and what He has done for us. It is also about what He is doing for us now. Jesus’ first coming has been prophesied hundreds of years before, as written in the books of Psalms and Isaiah. After all, Santa Claus is based on a man named Saint Nicholas of Mora, which is in Lycea.
THOUGHT PROVOKING QUESTION
Do you think there is anything wrong with celebrating Christmas if one professes to be a Christian?
OUR KING, JESUS CHRIST
"Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet He esteemed Him sticken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgression, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chatisement of our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:4-5
YOU CAN’T HAVE CHRISTMAS WITHOUT CHRIST
"Behold, he virgin shall be with Child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, ‘God with us’." Matthew 1:23
Jesus Christ was born at the time of the Roman Empire, which also included Israel. Rome was not a godly city by any means. This is where we get most of our holiday customs from including Christmas. It has also been said that Jesus was born on December 25. There is also a pagan origin. December 25 was a day of celebrating the sun god. Many historians have said that Jesus was probably born between April and November.
Many things associated with Christmas, such as the mistletoe and the holly are associated with pagan custom. Many pagans worshipped gods of wood, stone, even trees. However, most of what is modern Christmas dated back to only a few hundred years with Christian customs, and people, such as Santa Claus.
Christmas is not about, worshipping anything pagan, nor should it ever be. Christmas is not about businesses making money off the latest toy or gismo. It is not about trees, turkeys, or cakes. It is not even about staying up late at night to watch TV or wondering if your child has been naughty or nice. Christmas has gone too commercialized. If Christmas is Christian, then why did it become so commercialized? Also,if we can’t have Christmas without Christ, then why all of the Pagan origins?
It is possible to have a good Christmas without a tree, a mistletoe, and even Santa Claus. Santa Claus after all, is based on a man and not on God. No one said that you have to put up a tree, or kiss someone under a mistletoe. No one even said that you have to celebrate Christimas. We don’t have to worship the Lord on just Christimas or other days. In fact, we should do that daily. Christmas is supposed to be, that is within the last century or so, about Jesus. After all, if Christmas is supposed to be a Christian holiday, then Jesus should be the reason for the season, right? On Christmas, we can take the time to fellowship and worship. On a day that celebrates the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, it should be about reverencing a King who did not spare His own life for us. Yes, It is amazing that a holiday that started out with pagan origins can have so many Christian themes such as love, giving, thankfulness, and family.
It is true that family does play a role, but Christmas is also about giving, kindness, helping those and praying for those less fortunate, leading others to Christ, love, joy, and peace. That is how Christmas is to be celebrated if it is really a Christian holiday. Nothing Christian should be unequally yoked or compromise with the world.
In fact, Luke 2:14 says, “Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, goodwill toward men.!” We need to learn to love one another and be prepared for His Return. Christmas is, after all, about hope. What is so wrong with celebrating a day that is about hope? Nothing, unless that hope is compromised.
Life is too short and the time for salvation is now. If Christmas is really a Christian holiday, we should take the time to celebrate Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection on a daily basis. After all, we are to live holy, and the Christian walk is a daily walk. All that other stuff about pagan customs and what not are things we need not to be hung up on. In fact, we have no business celebrating Christmas as the world celebrates it anyway.
We as Christians need to fulfill the Great Commission as written in Matthew 28. Our world is full of deceit and godlessness. Many in the church are being persecuted while others are being deceived by false prophets. But we are to remind ourselves not to get so caught up in things of this world and be godly influences for those around us by living holy, godly lives.
WISE MEN COME BEARING GIFTS
"Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the King, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him." Matthew 2:1-2
The Wise Men, or Magi, were MIddle Eastern or Central Asian men who were probably (or probably not) followers of Zoroaster. Zoroastrism is the philosophy or religion which originated out of Iran. They came to to bear gifts (gold, frankinsence, and myrrh). They also came to worship the King. Recall that this King was only a Baby born in a manger. The significance to this is the fact that Jesus, who many of us learn later that He is the King of Kings, was in the flesh born poor, a little lower than the angels.
Things would be entirely different if He were born into a rich family born in a mansion. Why is that? One of the purposes is humility, which is what Jesus taught us. Don’t get me wrong, Jesus will still be the same. He will still be perfect, compassionate, etc. But I wonder how people would react in those circumstances.
The point that I am trying to make is that people, particularly in this country, love stories about people who come from humble beginnings. You know, the underdog. Jesus in this case is the ultimate Underdog. The Son of God was born in a manger of poor parents in a small town in Israel during the Roman Empire. Later, He was hated of the religious order of His day, betrayed and denied by His friends, and died on the cross.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Humility is a Godly Quality
There is absolutely nothing wrong wth a person being humble.In fact, humility is a refreshing and admirable trait.A trait, in fact that God rewards. The humble are exalted in God’s eyes.
A godly person is a humble person. A humble person is a wise person. Those who are not humble are foolish and not wise. Proverbs 9 writes of wisdom and foolishness. “Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn out its seven pillars…”Come eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the say of understanding.”…”Let all who are simple come in here!” she says to those who lack judgemen. “Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious! But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of the grave.”” Those who lack humility lack judgement. They are arrogant and will be brought low. Consider the verses about exalting the humble and bringing down the arrogant. Pro 16:19Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud. Pro 29:23 A man’s pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor. James 4:9-10 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. 1 Pe 5:5-6 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Matthew 23:12 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Luke 1:52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. Luke 18:14, “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” God is merciful towards those who are in need, such as those who are in need of forgiveness and direction. He is not as merciful to those who think that they are above that of who they are. Jesus tells of a Pharisee who judged a man who was a tax collector for his sins. However, God will exalt the tax collector because of his humility and will bring down low the Pharisee because of his arrogance and his hypocrisy. 1 John 1 says that those who believe he has no sin is wrong, for all of us are sinners. Even if we sin, God will forgive us. God is and will be gracious toward the humble.
God is a just God. But He is also a Jealous God and will not permit worshipping anything else other than Him. The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sins. In that time, we are humbled because we now know that we are sinners and we need Him. We are brought low. Our faith has become childlike. Luke 9:48 says, “Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all-he is the greatest.”” Be childlike and humble in your faith. Humble yourself before God. Psalm 51 writes of a broken and contrite heart. A humble person is an honest person. Be honest with God. Come to Him. Believe that He Rose Jesus. Call on the name of Lord Jesus.
A godly person is a humble person. A humble person is a wise person. Those who are not humble are foolish and not wise. Proverbs 9 writes of wisdom and foolishness. “Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn out its seven pillars…”Come eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the say of understanding.”…”Let all who are simple come in here!” she says to those who lack judgemen. “Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious! But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of the grave.”” Those who lack humility lack judgement. They are arrogant and will be brought low. Consider the verses about exalting the humble and bringing down the arrogant. Pro 16:19Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud. Pro 29:23 A man’s pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor. James 4:9-10 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. 1 Pe 5:5-6 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Matthew 23:12 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Luke 1:52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. Luke 18:14, “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” God is merciful towards those who are in need, such as those who are in need of forgiveness and direction. He is not as merciful to those who think that they are above that of who they are. Jesus tells of a Pharisee who judged a man who was a tax collector for his sins. However, God will exalt the tax collector because of his humility and will bring down low the Pharisee because of his arrogance and his hypocrisy. 1 John 1 says that those who believe he has no sin is wrong, for all of us are sinners. Even if we sin, God will forgive us. God is and will be gracious toward the humble.
God is a just God. But He is also a Jealous God and will not permit worshipping anything else other than Him. The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sins. In that time, we are humbled because we now know that we are sinners and we need Him. We are brought low. Our faith has become childlike. Luke 9:48 says, “Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all-he is the greatest.”” Be childlike and humble in your faith. Humble yourself before God. Psalm 51 writes of a broken and contrite heart. A humble person is an honest person. Be honest with God. Come to Him. Believe that He Rose Jesus. Call on the name of Lord Jesus.
Monday, August 25, 2014
The Price of Folly
There are many people in this world who are following their own way instead of living for the Lord. Such people are foolish and without wisdom. They are clueless as to what their end is going to be. Folly means making the wrong decisions rashly or without regards to consequences.
Solomon writes about the price of folly in the Book of Proverbs. It is interesting to note that folly is likened to a prostitute or an adulteress who leads her men to doom. She is loud, seductive, and lacks knowledge. She is not only stupid, but is arrogant and attracts those who are also simple for they lack wisdom. In other words, she advantage of those who are not watchful, for she is deceitful and the one being deceived does not realize that her way is the way to Hell for she has taken many down that road.
One who is foolish does not like rebuke nor have consider wisdom when they hear it. They do not think of the consequences of their actions. A wise person would consider his or action and realizes that for every action, there are consequences. They realize that they are not immune to the spiritual and natural laws. They know that one who sows corruption reaps corruption. They know that in scientific terms, there is an equal and opposite reaction to their actions. The end of the wise is good for they have lived life of wisdom. Even their names and memories will be blessings. The wise and righteous will be blessed going out and coming in. Those who engage in folly will come to ruin for their foolishness.
The foolish are known by their actions including their words. A foolish person speaks foolish words and therefore exposes himself or herself as foolish. Those who engage in folly are those who refuse rebuke, to do right, or to walk in integrity. Foolish people are not respected. They are often hated, scorned, or laughed at because of their ignorance. The ultimate end for a foolish person is death. In the Book of Proverbs, it is said that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. The fool does not fear God. They live according to the flesh. Their minds are carnal and love the evil that they do. They may know of the consequences but live their lives as if there are none just as long as they don’t suffer.
They are selfish, lazy in doing good, and are unrepentant. Those who are unrepentant , the foolish, are those who shall have their part in the Lake of Fire as written in Revelation 20. They are outside of the great city because they were foolish enough to procrasitinate or to outright reject wisdom. All they had to do was repent, and seek God’s face. All they had to do is to come to Jesus, the one true Vine, the only Way to God for salvation. He is the only One with the power to forgive sins, to save men. But because of folly, the foolish are amongst the wicked that will be outside the city as it is written in Revelation for they did not seek God. They did not ask for wisdom, which God gives liberally. They did not ask for wisdom for God guides us with His eye. But to a fool, his ways seem right, but the righteous know not to be conformed to this temporal world. Those who are foolish lack humility and when he looks for wisdom, he or she will not find it for their way is wrong. They lack prudence, grace, and are self righteous. They are annoyed easily at offence. They disgrace themselves and bring their own souls to damnation for their foolishness. Don’t let this happen to you, for the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Verses to Read: 2 Chron 7:14, Psalm 38:5,Psalm 69:4-6,Psalm 85:7-9,Proverbs 6:1-3,Proverbs 7-8, Proverbs 9:13-18, Proverbs 10, Proverbs 11:12, 14, 29, Proverbs 12:8, 15-16, 23, Proverbs 13:1-3, 15-16, 18-21, Proverbs 14:3, 6-9, Proverbs 15:2, Ecclesiastes 7:26, Galatians 5:16-26, Revelation 20-22.
Solomon writes about the price of folly in the Book of Proverbs. It is interesting to note that folly is likened to a prostitute or an adulteress who leads her men to doom. She is loud, seductive, and lacks knowledge. She is not only stupid, but is arrogant and attracts those who are also simple for they lack wisdom. In other words, she advantage of those who are not watchful, for she is deceitful and the one being deceived does not realize that her way is the way to Hell for she has taken many down that road.
One who is foolish does not like rebuke nor have consider wisdom when they hear it. They do not think of the consequences of their actions. A wise person would consider his or action and realizes that for every action, there are consequences. They realize that they are not immune to the spiritual and natural laws. They know that one who sows corruption reaps corruption. They know that in scientific terms, there is an equal and opposite reaction to their actions. The end of the wise is good for they have lived life of wisdom. Even their names and memories will be blessings. The wise and righteous will be blessed going out and coming in. Those who engage in folly will come to ruin for their foolishness.
The foolish are known by their actions including their words. A foolish person speaks foolish words and therefore exposes himself or herself as foolish. Those who engage in folly are those who refuse rebuke, to do right, or to walk in integrity. Foolish people are not respected. They are often hated, scorned, or laughed at because of their ignorance. The ultimate end for a foolish person is death. In the Book of Proverbs, it is said that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. The fool does not fear God. They live according to the flesh. Their minds are carnal and love the evil that they do. They may know of the consequences but live their lives as if there are none just as long as they don’t suffer.
They are selfish, lazy in doing good, and are unrepentant. Those who are unrepentant , the foolish, are those who shall have their part in the Lake of Fire as written in Revelation 20. They are outside of the great city because they were foolish enough to procrasitinate or to outright reject wisdom. All they had to do was repent, and seek God’s face. All they had to do is to come to Jesus, the one true Vine, the only Way to God for salvation. He is the only One with the power to forgive sins, to save men. But because of folly, the foolish are amongst the wicked that will be outside the city as it is written in Revelation for they did not seek God. They did not ask for wisdom, which God gives liberally. They did not ask for wisdom for God guides us with His eye. But to a fool, his ways seem right, but the righteous know not to be conformed to this temporal world. Those who are foolish lack humility and when he looks for wisdom, he or she will not find it for their way is wrong. They lack prudence, grace, and are self righteous. They are annoyed easily at offence. They disgrace themselves and bring their own souls to damnation for their foolishness. Don’t let this happen to you, for the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Verses to Read: 2 Chron 7:14, Psalm 38:5,Psalm 69:4-6,Psalm 85:7-9,Proverbs 6:1-3,Proverbs 7-8, Proverbs 9:13-18, Proverbs 10, Proverbs 11:12, 14, 29, Proverbs 12:8, 15-16, 23, Proverbs 13:1-3, 15-16, 18-21, Proverbs 14:3, 6-9, Proverbs 15:2, Ecclesiastes 7:26, Galatians 5:16-26, Revelation 20-22.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
How does God view backsliders?
Luke 15:4-32 4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. 8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? 9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. 10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. 11 And he said, A certain man had two sons: 12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. 13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. 14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. 15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. 17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, 19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. 20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. 21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. 22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. 25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. 28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. 29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: 30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. 31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. 32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
Let me start off by pointing out what a backslider is. A backslider is a believer who has “returned” to the world system. He has fallen into sin and needs to repent of his or her sin. The backslider is in a dangerous place because of the choice to fall away or not living a surrendered, holy life.
As evidenced by these verses, God loves backsliders. He want us to be saved, delivered, set free. Jesus died for us so that might live with Him in Heaven. We are Jesus’ joint-heirs and backsliders if they don’t repent could lose their salvation and thus, their godly inheritance.
"The devil is a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8) That does not mean that the devil cannot be defeated. In fact, he already is a defeated foe! That also does not mean that God has left us. The backslider is one who leaves God, but there is hope for the backslider. 1 John 9 says that if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. God knows that there is not one of us who hasn’t sinned, for the previous verse says that we are deceiving ourselves and the "truth is not in us".
If you have backslidden, then all you have to do is come home. Come home to Jesus. God is still merciful and gracious. Jesus is still the same; He has never changed. Come back to Him. If you are a backslider or one who has never even accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, please pray this prayer, or say one similar to this one in your own words: “Lord Jesus, I am a sinner in need of a Savior. Forgive me for all of my sins, for I believe that you died on the cross and rose on the third day. I believe that you died for me and for that I am thankful. I confess you as Lord and Savior. Thank you for saving me. In your name, Jesus, Amen.”
Let me start off by pointing out what a backslider is. A backslider is a believer who has “returned” to the world system. He has fallen into sin and needs to repent of his or her sin. The backslider is in a dangerous place because of the choice to fall away or not living a surrendered, holy life.
As evidenced by these verses, God loves backsliders. He want us to be saved, delivered, set free. Jesus died for us so that might live with Him in Heaven. We are Jesus’ joint-heirs and backsliders if they don’t repent could lose their salvation and thus, their godly inheritance.
"The devil is a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8) That does not mean that the devil cannot be defeated. In fact, he already is a defeated foe! That also does not mean that God has left us. The backslider is one who leaves God, but there is hope for the backslider. 1 John 9 says that if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. God knows that there is not one of us who hasn’t sinned, for the previous verse says that we are deceiving ourselves and the "truth is not in us".
If you have backslidden, then all you have to do is come home. Come home to Jesus. God is still merciful and gracious. Jesus is still the same; He has never changed. Come back to Him. If you are a backslider or one who has never even accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, please pray this prayer, or say one similar to this one in your own words: “Lord Jesus, I am a sinner in need of a Savior. Forgive me for all of my sins, for I believe that you died on the cross and rose on the third day. I believe that you died for me and for that I am thankful. I confess you as Lord and Savior. Thank you for saving me. In your name, Jesus, Amen.”
Saturday, August 23, 2014
What Really is Prayer?
Prayer is honest, respectful communication with God. Prayer is better than a phone call. It is not channeling the spirits or anything of the psychic world for that is not what prayer is about. You don’t have to be superspiritual to pray. You don’t have to have a ministry to pray.
God hears the prayers of the average person, just like you and me. He hears the cries of His children. God is all-knowing, and all-seeing. He knows our hurts, our fears, and our needs. Prayer is not about begging or bargaining. It is about coming to a powerful God who is to be feared in reverance and communicating with Him whether in the Spirit or in everyday tongues. It is about knowing that He is the great “I AM” and believing that He is who He says He is. It is about creation coming before a Holy God and humbling himself and opening their souls to Him.
If you have never received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and you believe that He dies for you and rose from the dead and that you know that you are a sinner who needs Him, please pray this prayer or say something similar in your own words. This decision is the most important decision you will ever make. “Lord Jesus Christ, I am a sinner in need of a Savior. I believe that you died on the cross for me and rose on the third day. Forgive me of all my sins. I ask that my name be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Thank you for saving me, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Congratulations! Publicly confess your new life in Christ. Tell someone about your salvation. John 3 says that those who are born of water and of spirit shall enter the kingdom of God. There are a few verses in the Bible about water baptism. Water baptism is public confession of your newfound life in Christ Jesus. It is also for the remission of sins. This does not mean that water baptism saves a person, Jesus does. We are saved by Jesus through faith. I also suggest that you read the Book of John and fellowship with a group of TRUE believers.
There is another baptism I will write to you about called the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is one who is the Spirit of Truth. He guides us and is to be revered. We cannot be forgiven if we blaspheme the Holy Spirit which is outright rejection by word and/or deed. Acts 2 refers to Pentecost in which men from various nationalities receive the Holy Spirit. There are people who have spiritual gifts such as speaking in other tongues, interpreting tongues, and prophecy. Spiritual gifts cannot be taught. To receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, pray this prayer or one in your own words.
" Lord Jesus, I thank you for saving me. I ask for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Show me how to use my spiritual and natural gifts to glorify you, Heavenly Father. In Jesus’ name, amen."
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God hears the prayers of the average person, just like you and me. He hears the cries of His children. God is all-knowing, and all-seeing. He knows our hurts, our fears, and our needs. Prayer is not about begging or bargaining. It is about coming to a powerful God who is to be feared in reverance and communicating with Him whether in the Spirit or in everyday tongues. It is about knowing that He is the great “I AM” and believing that He is who He says He is. It is about creation coming before a Holy God and humbling himself and opening their souls to Him.
If you have never received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and you believe that He dies for you and rose from the dead and that you know that you are a sinner who needs Him, please pray this prayer or say something similar in your own words. This decision is the most important decision you will ever make. “Lord Jesus Christ, I am a sinner in need of a Savior. I believe that you died on the cross for me and rose on the third day. Forgive me of all my sins. I ask that my name be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Thank you for saving me, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Congratulations! Publicly confess your new life in Christ. Tell someone about your salvation. John 3 says that those who are born of water and of spirit shall enter the kingdom of God. There are a few verses in the Bible about water baptism. Water baptism is public confession of your newfound life in Christ Jesus. It is also for the remission of sins. This does not mean that water baptism saves a person, Jesus does. We are saved by Jesus through faith. I also suggest that you read the Book of John and fellowship with a group of TRUE believers.
There is another baptism I will write to you about called the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is one who is the Spirit of Truth. He guides us and is to be revered. We cannot be forgiven if we blaspheme the Holy Spirit which is outright rejection by word and/or deed. Acts 2 refers to Pentecost in which men from various nationalities receive the Holy Spirit. There are people who have spiritual gifts such as speaking in other tongues, interpreting tongues, and prophecy. Spiritual gifts cannot be taught. To receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, pray this prayer or one in your own words.
" Lord Jesus, I thank you for saving me. I ask for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Show me how to use my spiritual and natural gifts to glorify you, Heavenly Father. In Jesus’ name, amen."
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Friday, August 22, 2014
God's Word on Healing
Throughout the Bible, countless people have been healed. Jesus has healed people and raised others back to life. He raised Lazarus after being dead for a few days. With His words, Lazurus was resurrected. He healed people of various ages and peoples with conditions that could not be cured. Two examples are the woman with the issue of blood and the man with leprosy. Even if one has exhausted all of their money trying to find a cure or if there is no cure in sight according to the medical community, God can still heal.
Healing doesn’t have to be a physical restoration. It can also be a spiritual restoration. Hosea’s marriage to Gomer was restored after adultery and the consequences of adultery, children of adultery. His marriage was healed and his children were raised as his children. The Book of Hosea was a story of a faithful prophet who was commanded to marry a faithless woman who had children by her lovers. He was then told to buy back his wife for silver and barley, even though he found her with another man (Hosea 3:1). He forgave her on the condition that she is not to be a prostitute or be intimate with another man (Hosea 3:2-3). Hosea is also a story of God’s relationship with Israel who was unfaithful and was eventually restored after punishment, humiliation, and at its lowest point, they repented and God forgave and restored them. Like with Gomer, Israel repented, and was restored. They were in short healed of their sins.
Healing could also mean to atone, or make right. Jesus’ death on the cross made it possible to atone for our sins. We too could be healed, whether it is our sins if we have never asked for forgiveness, backslidden, or in need of healing. God can heal, for He is merciful and provides grace to help whether we are in need. Call on the Lord. Repent and believe. Turn your life and surrended to Him. God can transform you into a new creation.
Verses and Books to Read: 2 Chronicles 7:14, Hosea, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Ephesians, Hebrews 4
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Healing doesn’t have to be a physical restoration. It can also be a spiritual restoration. Hosea’s marriage to Gomer was restored after adultery and the consequences of adultery, children of adultery. His marriage was healed and his children were raised as his children. The Book of Hosea was a story of a faithful prophet who was commanded to marry a faithless woman who had children by her lovers. He was then told to buy back his wife for silver and barley, even though he found her with another man (Hosea 3:1). He forgave her on the condition that she is not to be a prostitute or be intimate with another man (Hosea 3:2-3). Hosea is also a story of God’s relationship with Israel who was unfaithful and was eventually restored after punishment, humiliation, and at its lowest point, they repented and God forgave and restored them. Like with Gomer, Israel repented, and was restored. They were in short healed of their sins.
Healing could also mean to atone, or make right. Jesus’ death on the cross made it possible to atone for our sins. We too could be healed, whether it is our sins if we have never asked for forgiveness, backslidden, or in need of healing. God can heal, for He is merciful and provides grace to help whether we are in need. Call on the Lord. Repent and believe. Turn your life and surrended to Him. God can transform you into a new creation.
Verses and Books to Read: 2 Chronicles 7:14, Hosea, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Ephesians, Hebrews 4
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Thursday, August 21, 2014
What do Buddhists believe?
Buddhism is a religion that has started in India thousands of years ago. However, like other religions, it has spread across various cultures, mostly in Asia. Unlike other religions, Buddha is not based on a fundamental religious system. In fact, Buddhism has been described as a religion, a philosphy, an ideology, and a way of life. It is a flexible religion in that different cultures have adapted to it and that Buddhism has adapted to them.
It rejects the concept of a God, as Christians, Jews, and Muslims believe. Buddhism is well know for its diverse nature. In fact, there is no one Buddhism. In Buddhism there are no moral absolutes. It also offers many different paths for diverse people with various needs and capacities. The Basic Teachings of Buddhism are the Four Noble Truths, the Kalama Sutta, and the Eightfold Path.
The First truth is the undeniable existence of suffering in the world of birth and death. Solving a problem involves using the other three principles and using virtue, concentration, and discernment. Discernment is developed through meditation. In order to alleviate the suffering and stress, one must abandon our self-identity. There is strong emphasis on meditation and a denial of “self”. Faith is about a heartfelt confidence in our own awakening. In other words, we become our own gods and we are the masters of our destiny.
Because of its flexibility, Buddhism has no Commandments, but moral guidelines. They reject the “rigidities” that are associated with Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Freedom is the promise of Buddhist practice. It is about freeing ourselves from psychological restraint and responding to each situation. Their view of ethics is different from that of Christianity whereas Buddhist views of ethics is about contributing to one’s own well-being and that of others, including in sexuality. Whereas in Christianity, the only sex that is not sinful is that between a man and a wife. In Buddhism, sexuality is not based on constructs such in marriage, but that sexuality is consentual, but not harmful or perverted. The structure of sexual desire is unique, and the limit is within the precepts of sexuality. In fact, marriage is a civil matter not a spiritual matter. They feel that the sexual ethics of Christianity are repressive; however, they feel that they have a strong sexual ethic. This includes sexuality in a consentual, honest, respectful, and not in a ill-willed, manipulative way. Buddhism does not buy into the social constraints, or social engineering, of reproduction.
Buddhism is a religion that has evolved throughout its history. That is a problem. In Christianity, there is a God who has never evolved. He has stayed the same through all time. He is not a God of repression. He does not have suggestions. He has commands us not to hate, to steal, to lie, or to kill. He commands us to love, to serve and worship Him. Sex is not to be taken lightly. Adultery and fornication are sins, plain and simple. In the Bible, those constraints are there for the purposes of right, moral living, and obedience to God. Salvation and “higher living” is through faith in Jesus Christ, who died for our sins. He loved us enough to die for our sins. We were called to reproduce. Marriage is a spiritual matter, between man and wife, for according to the Bible, man and wife are one. Faith is the substance is the things hoped for,the evidence of things not seen. (Heb. 11:1) It is not about awakening. Those who believe on Jesus, the Only Begotten Son of God, should not perish, but have everlasting life. Christianity is a religion of hope. Suffering is in the world, but Christians should rejoice at their suffering. To be a Christian, no meditation is necessary, and the only self-denial there is to take up your cross and follow Jesus. Believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead and confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord. (Romans 10:9)
It rejects the concept of a God, as Christians, Jews, and Muslims believe. Buddhism is well know for its diverse nature. In fact, there is no one Buddhism. In Buddhism there are no moral absolutes. It also offers many different paths for diverse people with various needs and capacities. The Basic Teachings of Buddhism are the Four Noble Truths, the Kalama Sutta, and the Eightfold Path.
The First truth is the undeniable existence of suffering in the world of birth and death. Solving a problem involves using the other three principles and using virtue, concentration, and discernment. Discernment is developed through meditation. In order to alleviate the suffering and stress, one must abandon our self-identity. There is strong emphasis on meditation and a denial of “self”. Faith is about a heartfelt confidence in our own awakening. In other words, we become our own gods and we are the masters of our destiny.
Because of its flexibility, Buddhism has no Commandments, but moral guidelines. They reject the “rigidities” that are associated with Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Freedom is the promise of Buddhist practice. It is about freeing ourselves from psychological restraint and responding to each situation. Their view of ethics is different from that of Christianity whereas Buddhist views of ethics is about contributing to one’s own well-being and that of others, including in sexuality. Whereas in Christianity, the only sex that is not sinful is that between a man and a wife. In Buddhism, sexuality is not based on constructs such in marriage, but that sexuality is consentual, but not harmful or perverted. The structure of sexual desire is unique, and the limit is within the precepts of sexuality. In fact, marriage is a civil matter not a spiritual matter. They feel that the sexual ethics of Christianity are repressive; however, they feel that they have a strong sexual ethic. This includes sexuality in a consentual, honest, respectful, and not in a ill-willed, manipulative way. Buddhism does not buy into the social constraints, or social engineering, of reproduction.
Buddhism is a religion that has evolved throughout its history. That is a problem. In Christianity, there is a God who has never evolved. He has stayed the same through all time. He is not a God of repression. He does not have suggestions. He has commands us not to hate, to steal, to lie, or to kill. He commands us to love, to serve and worship Him. Sex is not to be taken lightly. Adultery and fornication are sins, plain and simple. In the Bible, those constraints are there for the purposes of right, moral living, and obedience to God. Salvation and “higher living” is through faith in Jesus Christ, who died for our sins. He loved us enough to die for our sins. We were called to reproduce. Marriage is a spiritual matter, between man and wife, for according to the Bible, man and wife are one. Faith is the substance is the things hoped for,the evidence of things not seen. (Heb. 11:1) It is not about awakening. Those who believe on Jesus, the Only Begotten Son of God, should not perish, but have everlasting life. Christianity is a religion of hope. Suffering is in the world, but Christians should rejoice at their suffering. To be a Christian, no meditation is necessary, and the only self-denial there is to take up your cross and follow Jesus. Believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead and confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord. (Romans 10:9)
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
First Century Church...An examination of the Book of Acts
We in the 21st century ought to follow the examples of the church of the First Century. This is not to criticize or lump together the entire modern church, but after 21 centuries, there need to be some changes made if the church wants to be the True Church God intended us to be. This is not to say that the church was perfect back then nor did I say that we today are all hypocrites. This is to say, however, that there are many things that stand out in the Book of Acts that we could do today.
The biggest problem with the 21st century church is a lack of unity. Churches for the last few centuries have been divided on the basis of denomination, race, color, and language. This is not what God intended. In fact, two of the first meetings of new believers fellowshipping was made up of different nationalities of people, who were all baptized in the name of Jesus. Proof of this is written in Acts 13, which states: 1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. During the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2, the Holy Spirit fell upon believers of various cultures from various parts of the world. Sadly many people in the Body of Christ would not or do not worship in brotherhood with a person of another race or color anywhere.
This brings to mind another problem within the modern church: a lack of love and forgiveness. It is normal not to equate murder with adultery, but both are sins. In the Bible, there are only one of two places where we will end up: Heaven and Hell. In Acts 9, Saul (or Paul) was converted. He has been forgiven of being responsible for the deaths of many believers.
Many people would not forgive one who has done such horrible acts. We can’t forgive one and then forgive someone else. Nor should we expect to be forgiven by God if we can’t forgive someone. There is so much hatred and hyprocrisy in the church, it is no wonder that most non-believers see Christians as hypocrites. We need to follow the example of Ananias in verses 10-16: “10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.” Many today would either hesitate or wouldn’t even obey Jesus’ word to Ananias. It is natural that he would have a concern about Saul because of the crimes he committed. However, God also commanded us to love our enemies.
However, in Acts 10, Peter realizes how wrong he is to keep the law about Jews and non-Jews meeting together: “28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?” Even though it was written into law during the Old Testament, even God’s law has been misinterpreted. It was not intended to justify prejudice, but to keep the Jewish people holy, from the influence of nearby pagan cultures. However, people today use God’s law to justify all types of evil, just as the Pharisees did 2000 years ago.
First Century Church…examination of the Book of ActsWe in the 21st century ought to follow the examples of the church of the First Century. This is not to criticize or lump together the entire modern church, but after 21 centuries, there need to be some changes made if the church wants to be the True Church God intended us to be. This is not to say that the church was perfect back then nor did I say that we today are all hypocrites. This is to say, however, that there are many things that stand out in the Book of Acts that we could do today. The biggest problem with the 21st century church is a lack of unity. Churches for the last few centuries have been divided on the basis of denomination, race, color, and language. This is not what God intended. In fact, two of the first meetings of new believers fellowshipping was made up of different nationalities of people, who were all baptized in the name of Jesus. Proof of this is written in Acts 13, which states: 1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. During the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2, the Holy Spirit fell upon believers of various cultures from various parts of the world. Sadly many people in the Body of Christ would not or do not worship in brotherhood with a person of another race or color anywhere. This brings to mind another problem within the modern church: a lack of love and forgiveness. It is normal not to equate murder with adultery, but both are sins. In the Bible, there are only one of two places where we will end up: Heaven and Hell. In Acts 9, Saul (or Paul) was converted. He has been forgiven of being responsible for the deaths of many believers. Many people would not forgive one who has done such horrible acts. We can’t forgive one and then forgive someone else. Nor should we expect to be forgiven by God if we can’t forgive someone. There is so much hatred and hyprocrisy in the church, it is no wonder that most non-believers see Christians as hypocrites. We need to follow the example of Ananias in verses 10-16: “10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.” Many today would either hesitate or wouldn’t even obey Jesus’ word to Ananias. It is natural that he would have a concern about Saul because of the crimes he committed. However, God also commanded us to love our enemies. However, in Acts 10, Peter realizes how wrong he is to keep the law about Jews and non-Jews meeting together: “28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?” Even though it was written into law during the Old Testament, even God’s law has been misinterpreted. It was not intended to justify prejudice, but to keep the Jewish people holy, from the influence of nearby pagan cultures. However, people today use God’s law to justify all types of evil, just as the Pharisees did 2000 years ago. Keeping that in mind. We have too many manmade traditions that are of ill effect. These manmade traditions do nothing to edify the believer or the Body the Christ. All they do is further divide the Body of Christ. Much of this comes from either misinterpreting the law or unconfessed sins.
One example of this is miracles. Many people question if miracles still happen today. This should not happen, especially in the Church. Jesus said He is the same for all time, so that means that miracles do happen. In fact, salvation itself is a miracle. In Acts, there are countless accounts of miracles taking place. Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. 2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) 4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. 5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. 6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. 7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. 8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. 9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.
Acts 12:21-13:7 Acts 12:21 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. 22 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 23 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) 24 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. 25 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. 26 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. Acts 13 7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. 8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. 9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.
Miracles justify to the fact that God is real. They testify that he sovereign and all-knowing. God does have all the answers. That is why need not to be ashamed of Jesus. We need to confess that He died on the cross and rose from the dead. There is so much going on in the world for us to just keep it to ourselves. Don’t be afraid!
There is sin out there. The Bible says when sin abound, grace abounds even more. Psychics, New Age, Wicca, homosexuality, lying, theft, and pornography are not of God. It is not okay to do these things! They are all sins! Jesus did not die for us in vain! There are is no “it is okay for each individual”. There is no such thing as individual morality. Consider these verses from Acts 24:25-27: 25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. 26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. 27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound. …and from Acts 26:18 “Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” Paul’s journey’s throughout the known world at that time was not in vain. God had a job for Paul to do and Paul did not hesitate to do it. His job was to preach the Gospel and to have people saved by Jesus and baptised in His name.
Agrippa’s words should be convincing enough that you can believe in God or be logically convinced in His Word and not be saved. To be saved, you have to believe on the name of Jesus Christ. You have to admit that you are a sinner. You also have to believe that Jesus died and rose on the third day. You have to believe this with all your heart and to be willing to pay the price for your beliefs, just as Paul and other believers have. Throughout chapters 12-28, Paul and fellow believers have suffered much persecution and have learned a lot of lessons along the way.
If you just believe in God, or are a backslider, or never believed in God, I ask that you pray this prayer. Just believing is not enough: “Lord Jesus Christ, I am a sinner in need of a Savior. Forgive me of all my sins. Come into my heart and be my Savior and Lord. I believe that you died on the cross and rose on the third day. I ask that my name be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. I thank you for saving me, In Jesus’s name, amen.”
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The biggest problem with the 21st century church is a lack of unity. Churches for the last few centuries have been divided on the basis of denomination, race, color, and language. This is not what God intended. In fact, two of the first meetings of new believers fellowshipping was made up of different nationalities of people, who were all baptized in the name of Jesus. Proof of this is written in Acts 13, which states: 1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. During the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2, the Holy Spirit fell upon believers of various cultures from various parts of the world. Sadly many people in the Body of Christ would not or do not worship in brotherhood with a person of another race or color anywhere.
This brings to mind another problem within the modern church: a lack of love and forgiveness. It is normal not to equate murder with adultery, but both are sins. In the Bible, there are only one of two places where we will end up: Heaven and Hell. In Acts 9, Saul (or Paul) was converted. He has been forgiven of being responsible for the deaths of many believers.
Many people would not forgive one who has done such horrible acts. We can’t forgive one and then forgive someone else. Nor should we expect to be forgiven by God if we can’t forgive someone. There is so much hatred and hyprocrisy in the church, it is no wonder that most non-believers see Christians as hypocrites. We need to follow the example of Ananias in verses 10-16: “10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.” Many today would either hesitate or wouldn’t even obey Jesus’ word to Ananias. It is natural that he would have a concern about Saul because of the crimes he committed. However, God also commanded us to love our enemies.
However, in Acts 10, Peter realizes how wrong he is to keep the law about Jews and non-Jews meeting together: “28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?” Even though it was written into law during the Old Testament, even God’s law has been misinterpreted. It was not intended to justify prejudice, but to keep the Jewish people holy, from the influence of nearby pagan cultures. However, people today use God’s law to justify all types of evil, just as the Pharisees did 2000 years ago.
First Century Church…examination of the Book of ActsWe in the 21st century ought to follow the examples of the church of the First Century. This is not to criticize or lump together the entire modern church, but after 21 centuries, there need to be some changes made if the church wants to be the True Church God intended us to be. This is not to say that the church was perfect back then nor did I say that we today are all hypocrites. This is to say, however, that there are many things that stand out in the Book of Acts that we could do today. The biggest problem with the 21st century church is a lack of unity. Churches for the last few centuries have been divided on the basis of denomination, race, color, and language. This is not what God intended. In fact, two of the first meetings of new believers fellowshipping was made up of different nationalities of people, who were all baptized in the name of Jesus. Proof of this is written in Acts 13, which states: 1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. During the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2, the Holy Spirit fell upon believers of various cultures from various parts of the world. Sadly many people in the Body of Christ would not or do not worship in brotherhood with a person of another race or color anywhere. This brings to mind another problem within the modern church: a lack of love and forgiveness. It is normal not to equate murder with adultery, but both are sins. In the Bible, there are only one of two places where we will end up: Heaven and Hell. In Acts 9, Saul (or Paul) was converted. He has been forgiven of being responsible for the deaths of many believers. Many people would not forgive one who has done such horrible acts. We can’t forgive one and then forgive someone else. Nor should we expect to be forgiven by God if we can’t forgive someone. There is so much hatred and hyprocrisy in the church, it is no wonder that most non-believers see Christians as hypocrites. We need to follow the example of Ananias in verses 10-16: “10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.” Many today would either hesitate or wouldn’t even obey Jesus’ word to Ananias. It is natural that he would have a concern about Saul because of the crimes he committed. However, God also commanded us to love our enemies. However, in Acts 10, Peter realizes how wrong he is to keep the law about Jews and non-Jews meeting together: “28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?” Even though it was written into law during the Old Testament, even God’s law has been misinterpreted. It was not intended to justify prejudice, but to keep the Jewish people holy, from the influence of nearby pagan cultures. However, people today use God’s law to justify all types of evil, just as the Pharisees did 2000 years ago. Keeping that in mind. We have too many manmade traditions that are of ill effect. These manmade traditions do nothing to edify the believer or the Body the Christ. All they do is further divide the Body of Christ. Much of this comes from either misinterpreting the law or unconfessed sins.
One example of this is miracles. Many people question if miracles still happen today. This should not happen, especially in the Church. Jesus said He is the same for all time, so that means that miracles do happen. In fact, salvation itself is a miracle. In Acts, there are countless accounts of miracles taking place. Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. 2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) 4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. 5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. 6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. 7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. 8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. 9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.
Acts 12:21-13:7 Acts 12:21 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. 22 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 23 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) 24 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. 25 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. 26 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. Acts 13 7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. 8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. 9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.
Miracles justify to the fact that God is real. They testify that he sovereign and all-knowing. God does have all the answers. That is why need not to be ashamed of Jesus. We need to confess that He died on the cross and rose from the dead. There is so much going on in the world for us to just keep it to ourselves. Don’t be afraid!
There is sin out there. The Bible says when sin abound, grace abounds even more. Psychics, New Age, Wicca, homosexuality, lying, theft, and pornography are not of God. It is not okay to do these things! They are all sins! Jesus did not die for us in vain! There are is no “it is okay for each individual”. There is no such thing as individual morality. Consider these verses from Acts 24:25-27: 25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. 26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. 27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound. …and from Acts 26:18 “Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” Paul’s journey’s throughout the known world at that time was not in vain. God had a job for Paul to do and Paul did not hesitate to do it. His job was to preach the Gospel and to have people saved by Jesus and baptised in His name.
Agrippa’s words should be convincing enough that you can believe in God or be logically convinced in His Word and not be saved. To be saved, you have to believe on the name of Jesus Christ. You have to admit that you are a sinner. You also have to believe that Jesus died and rose on the third day. You have to believe this with all your heart and to be willing to pay the price for your beliefs, just as Paul and other believers have. Throughout chapters 12-28, Paul and fellow believers have suffered much persecution and have learned a lot of lessons along the way.
If you just believe in God, or are a backslider, or never believed in God, I ask that you pray this prayer. Just believing is not enough: “Lord Jesus Christ, I am a sinner in need of a Savior. Forgive me of all my sins. Come into my heart and be my Savior and Lord. I believe that you died on the cross and rose on the third day. I ask that my name be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. I thank you for saving me, In Jesus’s name, amen.”
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Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Who is the Holy Trinity?
The Holy TrinityGod the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Revelation 1:8
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Romans 8:26-27
In the same way the Spirit also comes to help us, weak that we are. For we do not know how we ought to pray; the Spirit Himself pleads with God for us, in groans that words cannot express. 27 And God, who sees into the hearts of men, knows what the thought of the Spirit is; for the Spirit pleads with God on behalf of His people, and in accordance with His will.
Isaiah 12:2
Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation
Isaiah 54:5
For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.
The Answers
The Holy Trinity is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. To best explain the Trinity, they are three members in one Godhead. Most people, including Christians, have little to no understanding who God is, much less each Person in the Godhead. So who is God? Is He a loving God? Is He a Strict Disciplinarian who is waiting to punish us whenever we sin? There are many who either believe in God, but have no relationship with God or those who do and have doubts about Him. The answers to these questions and concerns are in the Bible.
God the Father is known by many names: Yahweh, Jehovah, Yehovah, Heavenly Father, Father God, Lord God, Yah, Creator, etc. He…………… He has the power to forgive sins. He is a limitless, boundless God. He is omniscient and omnipotent. He is Almighty and all-powerful. He is also a Jealous God because He is the only true God. He is not only a loving Father, but a fearless Judge. He is non-compromising God who hates sin. He will punish the wicked, as written in His Word. His word is True because He cannot lie, nor does He expect us to lie without penalty. God is written with human emotions such as anger and laughter.
God the Son is also known by many names: Jesus, Lord, Yeshua, Emmanuel, Redeemer, Savior, Lord of Lords, etc. Isaiah 54:9 calls Him, “Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”. He too has the power to forgive sins. He was the Babe born in a manger to a virgin. Then by about 30 years old, He began a three year ministry where He healed the sick and preached the gospel of repentance. Jesus However, was not just any Teacher. He was God in the flesh. He paid the price for our sins by being crucified. We were according to 1 Corinthians 7:23 “bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.” Within three days, He rose from the dead. He is the only way to the Father; there is no other way. He is the only One who can save us. Through faith in Him we became “more than conquerers” (Romans 8:37) and “dead to sin”. (Romans 6:2). He is the One who set us free from the curse of sin, Hell, and thus eternal death.
God the Son is also a joint-heirs along with Him. He and the Father are one. If we call out to Him in the Name of the Son, it will be done. He gave the disciples, and us, parables about the Kingdom of Heaven, Hell, and abiding in Him. Jesus called Himself, the “True Vine” and the Father, “the Husbandman.” (John 15:1).
Jesus also gave us an account of who the Holy Spirit is and an even better understanding of the Trinity in John 14: John 14 1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 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. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. 4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. 5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. 8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? 10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. 12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. 13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. 20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. 21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me. 25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. 30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. 31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.
The Holy Spirit is also called the Holy Ghost. He is the least understood Person in the Godhead. He intercedes for us in prayer. He is our Comforter, Guide, and is the Spirit of Truth. However, He does not speak of Himself. He is always spoken of in the Third Person. He, like the Father and the Son, were part of the Creation in Genesis. The Holy Spirit, like the rest of the Godhead, is to be reverenced in fear. However, blaspheming Him will not be forgiven.
Hopefully, this page has helped you understand about the Trinity, or Godhead. If you have never been born-again or truly accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, I ask that you pray this prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, I am a sinner in need of a Savior. The Holy Spirit is the One who has convicted me of my sins and I repent of my sins. I receive You now as Lord and Savior. I ask that my name be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. I thank You for saving me. In Your name, Jesus, Amen.”
Holy Spirit
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Revelation 1:8
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Romans 8:26-27
In the same way the Spirit also comes to help us, weak that we are. For we do not know how we ought to pray; the Spirit Himself pleads with God for us, in groans that words cannot express. 27 And God, who sees into the hearts of men, knows what the thought of the Spirit is; for the Spirit pleads with God on behalf of His people, and in accordance with His will.
Isaiah 12:2
Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation
Isaiah 54:5
For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.
The Answers
The Holy Trinity is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. To best explain the Trinity, they are three members in one Godhead. Most people, including Christians, have little to no understanding who God is, much less each Person in the Godhead. So who is God? Is He a loving God? Is He a Strict Disciplinarian who is waiting to punish us whenever we sin? There are many who either believe in God, but have no relationship with God or those who do and have doubts about Him. The answers to these questions and concerns are in the Bible.
God the Father is known by many names: Yahweh, Jehovah, Yehovah, Heavenly Father, Father God, Lord God, Yah, Creator, etc. He…………… He has the power to forgive sins. He is a limitless, boundless God. He is omniscient and omnipotent. He is Almighty and all-powerful. He is also a Jealous God because He is the only true God. He is not only a loving Father, but a fearless Judge. He is non-compromising God who hates sin. He will punish the wicked, as written in His Word. His word is True because He cannot lie, nor does He expect us to lie without penalty. God is written with human emotions such as anger and laughter.
God the Son is also known by many names: Jesus, Lord, Yeshua, Emmanuel, Redeemer, Savior, Lord of Lords, etc. Isaiah 54:9 calls Him, “Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”. He too has the power to forgive sins. He was the Babe born in a manger to a virgin. Then by about 30 years old, He began a three year ministry where He healed the sick and preached the gospel of repentance. Jesus However, was not just any Teacher. He was God in the flesh. He paid the price for our sins by being crucified. We were according to 1 Corinthians 7:23 “bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.” Within three days, He rose from the dead. He is the only way to the Father; there is no other way. He is the only One who can save us. Through faith in Him we became “more than conquerers” (Romans 8:37) and “dead to sin”. (Romans 6:2). He is the One who set us free from the curse of sin, Hell, and thus eternal death.
God the Son is also a joint-heirs along with Him. He and the Father are one. If we call out to Him in the Name of the Son, it will be done. He gave the disciples, and us, parables about the Kingdom of Heaven, Hell, and abiding in Him. Jesus called Himself, the “True Vine” and the Father, “the Husbandman.” (John 15:1).
Jesus also gave us an account of who the Holy Spirit is and an even better understanding of the Trinity in John 14: John 14 1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 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. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. 4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. 5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. 8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? 10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. 12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. 13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. 20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. 21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me. 25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. 30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. 31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.
The Holy Spirit is also called the Holy Ghost. He is the least understood Person in the Godhead. He intercedes for us in prayer. He is our Comforter, Guide, and is the Spirit of Truth. However, He does not speak of Himself. He is always spoken of in the Third Person. He, like the Father and the Son, were part of the Creation in Genesis. The Holy Spirit, like the rest of the Godhead, is to be reverenced in fear. However, blaspheming Him will not be forgiven.
Hopefully, this page has helped you understand about the Trinity, or Godhead. If you have never been born-again or truly accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, I ask that you pray this prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, I am a sinner in need of a Savior. The Holy Spirit is the One who has convicted me of my sins and I repent of my sins. I receive You now as Lord and Savior. I ask that my name be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. I thank You for saving me. In Your name, Jesus, Amen.”
Monday, August 18, 2014
My Testimony and Inspiration
Hello, I have been writing a testimony about my life. I first became born again in 1994. It has been an interesting journey. I thanked God and still do, thank Him for saving me. My life has had many ups and downs. My testimony will be like many Christians who have been diagnosed with an emotional disorder.
I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder on February 19, 1994. I was at first diagnosed with depression because of what has been going on with me. Within a week or two, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I was actually relieved. For a long time, I felt like I was going crazy. I had suicidal thoughts almost on a daily basis. My personality changed with my moods. My relationships with others suffered. My grades went down. I would walk out of class and oftentimes, I wouldn’t make even show up for class. Not long before, I had never walked out of class unless there was an excuse such as a medical emergency. My grades were decent-I was on the honor roll. I graduated in the top 5 of my high school class. I was a happy 18-year old who enjoyed going to college. Life was good. However, I didn’t know that depression during those days would be a precursor to my worst year ever.
Life became a total wreck. By this time, people began to turn on me. I have thought of elaborate ways that I wanted to die. I had a rough time dealing with what was going on around me. I began to obsess about a particular guy that I got along with. All of a sudden, a little crush turned into an obsession. I made a fool out of myself. The worst part of it was that others knew as well. Everything seemed negative. I did care about what others think. But then, I started praying a long prayer to God.
What I didn’t realize is that that prayer would be the beginning to a journey that would forever change my life. Things haven’t improved, not until September 10, 1994. I prayed to ask Jesus to come into my heart twice on advice of a friend. I wasn’t sure if He heard me. But that day was a miracle in itself. I didn’t think I was well-liked or had many friends. But then, I realized who my real friends are. I am thankful that God showed me who they were that way. I really needed them then. What I didn’t realize was that I needed God. It was around 1:00 or so that afternoon and I went up to a friend’s room. I knew that she was a born-again Christian and I started talking to her about all of my problems. I met two other girls, one of them was a freshmen at that time. I literally cried a river and poured out my heart. I was a lonely young woman. I knew it. Then she asked me if I believe that Jesus died for me and that if I believed that Jesus rose on the third day. I told her that I did. Then she mentioned the word “friends”. It clicked. That was all I remember from that question. However, I have told her that I will get saved later on that I wanted to go somewhere. Her warning was to me that tomorrow was promised to no one. These were not her exact words, but that is what she meant. I am so glad that I did not hesitate. I prayed with her to receive Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I saw a mental picture of cherub-like angels on a blue background. It was a mental painting almost. Everything seemed different. Things were brighter. One of the girls remarked that I even looked different. God took my pain away. He had started me on a new journey. And for that I praise God. Life is better. I still have my share of problems, but all Christians have their share of problems. Christians will be persecuted for their faith. I went from barely reading the Bible from reading and studying the Bible daily. I prayed mostly in need, but I pray daily. I have changed. Within a year from that day, I transferred to a new school and graduated two years later. I have learned how to handle my problems better. Over time, I have grown to depend on God daily. I have become interested in different things. I have become a different person. I have become wiser, and I thank God for that. The internet has become my ministry to share the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. I hope that this site inspires you. If you have not accepted Jesus Christ and no longer desire to live life “as is”, admit that you are sinner and that you believe with all your heart that He died on the cross and rose on the third day. All of us need forgiveness. If you are reading this and have not accepted Jesus, I ask that you pray this prayer, and mean it with all your heart: “Lord Jesus Christ, I am a sinner in need of a Savior. Forgive me of all my sins. I receive You now as Lord and Savior. I ask that my name be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. I thank you for saving me, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
◀▶
I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder on February 19, 1994. I was at first diagnosed with depression because of what has been going on with me. Within a week or two, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I was actually relieved. For a long time, I felt like I was going crazy. I had suicidal thoughts almost on a daily basis. My personality changed with my moods. My relationships with others suffered. My grades went down. I would walk out of class and oftentimes, I wouldn’t make even show up for class. Not long before, I had never walked out of class unless there was an excuse such as a medical emergency. My grades were decent-I was on the honor roll. I graduated in the top 5 of my high school class. I was a happy 18-year old who enjoyed going to college. Life was good. However, I didn’t know that depression during those days would be a precursor to my worst year ever.
Life became a total wreck. By this time, people began to turn on me. I have thought of elaborate ways that I wanted to die. I had a rough time dealing with what was going on around me. I began to obsess about a particular guy that I got along with. All of a sudden, a little crush turned into an obsession. I made a fool out of myself. The worst part of it was that others knew as well. Everything seemed negative. I did care about what others think. But then, I started praying a long prayer to God.
What I didn’t realize is that that prayer would be the beginning to a journey that would forever change my life. Things haven’t improved, not until September 10, 1994. I prayed to ask Jesus to come into my heart twice on advice of a friend. I wasn’t sure if He heard me. But that day was a miracle in itself. I didn’t think I was well-liked or had many friends. But then, I realized who my real friends are. I am thankful that God showed me who they were that way. I really needed them then. What I didn’t realize was that I needed God. It was around 1:00 or so that afternoon and I went up to a friend’s room. I knew that she was a born-again Christian and I started talking to her about all of my problems. I met two other girls, one of them was a freshmen at that time. I literally cried a river and poured out my heart. I was a lonely young woman. I knew it. Then she asked me if I believe that Jesus died for me and that if I believed that Jesus rose on the third day. I told her that I did. Then she mentioned the word “friends”. It clicked. That was all I remember from that question. However, I have told her that I will get saved later on that I wanted to go somewhere. Her warning was to me that tomorrow was promised to no one. These were not her exact words, but that is what she meant. I am so glad that I did not hesitate. I prayed with her to receive Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I saw a mental picture of cherub-like angels on a blue background. It was a mental painting almost. Everything seemed different. Things were brighter. One of the girls remarked that I even looked different. God took my pain away. He had started me on a new journey. And for that I praise God. Life is better. I still have my share of problems, but all Christians have their share of problems. Christians will be persecuted for their faith. I went from barely reading the Bible from reading and studying the Bible daily. I prayed mostly in need, but I pray daily. I have changed. Within a year from that day, I transferred to a new school and graduated two years later. I have learned how to handle my problems better. Over time, I have grown to depend on God daily. I have become interested in different things. I have become a different person. I have become wiser, and I thank God for that. The internet has become my ministry to share the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. I hope that this site inspires you. If you have not accepted Jesus Christ and no longer desire to live life “as is”, admit that you are sinner and that you believe with all your heart that He died on the cross and rose on the third day. All of us need forgiveness. If you are reading this and have not accepted Jesus, I ask that you pray this prayer, and mean it with all your heart: “Lord Jesus Christ, I am a sinner in need of a Savior. Forgive me of all my sins. I receive You now as Lord and Savior. I ask that my name be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. I thank you for saving me, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
◀▶
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Does the Bible Contradict Itself
No, the Bible does not contradict itself. To say that the Bible contradicts itself is to say that the Author has contradictory views. That in itself is not true. God cannot lie. He does not compromise. His word says that there is a right and wrong. That is why He wanted Moses to show the newly freed slaves the Ten Commandments. And the reason why Jesus was born of a virgin, preached the gospel, was crucified for the sins of the world, and rose on the third day. That is why Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth. He teaches us, guides us, and convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgements.
On this page, I have written questions that people often use to prove that the Bible contradicts itself. The Bible is a book that gives reproof, corrects us, and gives us instruction. It is inspired of by God.(from 1 Timothy 3:16)
We live in a time where people scoff at the Lord’s return. People abandoned God and choose to do all manner of evil things. So don’t be surprised that people will say unkind things about God, the Bible, and Christians. We have to answer those who are lost and lack understanding. The Truth is our weapon.
Here are answers to common questions people may have:
1. If God is a God of peace, then why did Jesus talk about division? In Matthew 10:34, Jesus said that He came not to bring peace, but a sword. There will be divisions amongst family, for many will sacrifice everything for Jesus. There are some who will love their families, money, or anything other than Jesus. Verses 38-39 state the consequences of this love.
2. I thought people aren’t supposed to kill anyone. Why are wars and the death penalty justified? In Numbers 32, God commissioned a war against the Midianites and various people because of their sins. God hates sin and punished those who allowed sin into their camps and into their nations. From Romans, “The wages of sin is death.” People tend to forget that God is a God of Justice and yes, He does get angry. As for the death penalty, the death penalty was and still not an act of murder. It was for deterring crimes. It was used against those who murdered someone with malice. There were laws in the Old Testament for things from accidental murder, self defense, to outright lying.
3. If God is love, then why are homosexuality and interracial marriages wrong? Leviticus 18:22 states, “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.” This is not about
hating gays and lesbians. It is about committing an act that is wrong in God’s sight. No where in the Bible did it say that interracial relationships or marriages wrong. The Isrealites were not allowed to enter into relationship with neighboring peoples because they were pagans. Race had nothing to do with it.
4. I thought that God is the only one who can judge us; what does the Bible mean when he is supposed to talk about men judging angels? 1 Corinthians 6:3 asks,”Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?” Paul was writing about how the believers shall appear, namely in judicial matters before the world. He did not mean in any other way that we have the right to judge others, because we don’t.
5. Does the Bible justify slavery?
Remember that the Bible was written in ancient times, and various people enslaved other peoples. But in no way does the Bible justify enslaving other people as was the case in the Americas. People who enslaved others were to treat them humanely and then to set them free. But I haven’t read any passages where slavery was outright justified. In fact, Paul wrote that as believers, we should be a slave or servant to no one.
6. Why does one belief have to be better than others?The answers are in Revelation 9 and Revelation 21:8.
Revelation 9:20-21
20 And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship
devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:
21 Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.
Revelation 21:8
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and
whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
7. Why does God love some and love others? I was taught to love everybody. You are supposed to love everybody. God was referring to those who obey His commandments and those who don’t. He hates sin and punishes sin.
8. Peter denies Jesus and Jesus forgives him. I thought if we deny Him, then He will deny us? True, 2 Timothy 2:12 does say, “If we suffer, we shall
also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:” Jesus forgave Peter. Peter was remorceful at what He has done for Jesus’ prediction came true. Jesus was God in the Flesh. He died for our sins, including Peter’s.
9. Some men in the Old Testament had more than one wife. Isn’t that wrong? A man was supposed to have one wife, and for that it is wrong. In many Eastern societies, many wealthy men had more than one wife and many other women.
10. Didn’t someone say something about a “perfect hatred”? It was David. In Psalm 139:22 he says, “I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.” David hated them because of their wickedness, not because of who they are. He didn’t hate them as in bad blood hatred, but in righteous indignation.
11. Doesn’t the curse of Ham and the blessing of Japheth prove that Christianity is a White Man’s religion? Was Ham black? Genesis 10 is a genealogy of the human racial family. There is no such thing
as a white race, a black race, or any other race except for the human race. We are all descended from one family: the family of Adam and Eve. Christianity
is first of all, not a white man’s religion. Japheth was not “white” and Ham was not “black”. Japheth was the ancestor of the Indo-European peoples which include the English, Irish, Italians, Germans, Armenians, and Cypriots. Ham was the ancestor of the Libyans, Afro-Americans, Chinese, Egyptians, and Native Americans. Their brother Shem was the ancestor of the Arabs, Berbers, and Hebrews. The curse was about Ham uncovering Noah’s nakedness, not about race.
12. The Bible said that money is the root of all evil. Does that mean that it is wrong for people to have money? According to 1 Timothy 6:10, it is the love of money that is the root of all evil not money itself. It is not wrong for people to have money. Job, Esther, and King David were righteous people who were extremely wealthy.
13.Do Christians not have to follow the rules that everybody else have to follow? Seems like that most Christians are a bunch of hypocrites. Christians are not supposed to be hypocrites. We all have to give account for how we live our lives on this planet. All of us are supposed to follow God’s rules, but most people don’t.
14. Why does God love some more than He loves others?
He doesn’t. Jesus died for the sins of the world so that all might come to repentance.
15. If it is wrong to have money, then what is having life abundant (from John 10)? The abundant life doesn’t have to be just financial abundance. It could be spiritual or physical abundance. In other words, Jesus was talking about a person being made whole.
16. I thought believers are supposed to have the Sabbath on the seventh day. Why do Christians celebrate it on the first day? Not all do. Seventh Day Adventists celebrate a Saturday Sabbath. In the Book of Acts, a group of believers began to fellowship the first day of the week. From that, most Christians follow the Sunday Sabbath.
17. Does the Bible condone sexism? No, it does not.
18. Paul said be a servant to no one, but slavery is mentioned to no one and Jesus was talking about servitude. What is that about? It refers to humility and service. There is a difference between servitude and slavery.
19. I thought there were certain things Christians aren’t supposed to do. Why did Paul say not to judge them on those things? (from Romans 14) Paul was writing in Romans 14:3 about manmade laws and
stumblingblocks that could hurt the unity of the church. Romans 14:3 says, “Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.”
20. I thought all sins are forgiven, no matter how bad. Why not the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit? Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is the outright rejection
of the Holy Spirit in word. In other words, you will not be forgiven for saying anything evil,or negative against the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth; He convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgement. To outright reject the Truth is to reject God, for the Holy Spirit is of the Trinity or Godhead.
21. Is all divorce wrong? No. The only way divorce is acceptable in the Bible is in cases of adultery.
22. I thought that Jesus was baptized in water. What does Holy Spirit baptism mean? He was. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to us. The Holy Spirit came upon a diverse group of believers in Acts 2. The congregation received power from on high. When someone is baptized in the Holy Spirit, they receive one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which include speaking in tongues, interpreting tongues, prophecy, faith, working of miracles, and wisdom.
23.Are some of the Ten Commandments of no effect now that we live in the New Testament? No. The Ten Commandments are still effective, no matter what Testament we live in. We live in the Age of Grace, which means that we don’t have to offer sacrifices to be forgiven.
24. What is predestination? Romans 8:30 says, “Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” God already knew plans for our lives before we did, but God gave us the freedom of choice.
25.Is it wrong to be angry? When we hold on to our anger or when we don’t control it, then it is wrong. When anger is righteous indignation, as in the case of Jesus at the temple throwing the moneychangers’ tables, then no, it is not wrong. Paul writes in Ephesians 4:26, “Be ye angry, and sin not.”
26. Why does God allow suffering to happen? It is best answered with a summary of the Book of Job. God allowed the Devil to inflict him with illness and other problems. He lost his wife, his children, his servants, his home, and his livestock. He was also inflicted with boils. But unlike many, Job did not blaspheme or abandon God. God also gave us freedom of choice and our choices have consequences, some more catastrophic than others.
27. Why did God change His mind about punishing Nineveh? Jonah 3:10 says, “And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.” The Ninevites repented of their sins.
While we as humans have so many questions to ask God, never assume that God makes mistakes. Never let your questions cause you to doubt the Bible’s validity or God Himself.
I HOPE I HAVE ANSWERED YOUR QUESTIONS
I hope I have proven that the Bible doesn’t contradict itself. If your beliefs cloud your judgement about God and the Bible, then you need to open your eyes. If you have never accepted Jesus, backslidden, or are not sure you are saved, I ask that you pray this prayer:
“Lord Jesus, I am a sinner in need of a Savior. I confess all of my sins to You. I am not proud of the fact that I have not put You first in my life. I had doubts about You and didn’t trust You at all. I repent of my sins. Forgive me. Come into my heart. I accept You as Lord and Savior. Thank You for saving me, in Your name, Jesus, Amen.”
IF GOD IS SUCH A LOVING GOD, THEN WHY IS THERE A HELL?
There is a Hell because people chose not to accept the free gift of salvation. They would not repent of their sins. They did not put God first in their lives.
WHY IS GOD CONSIDERED A JEALOUS GOD IF JEALOUSY IS WRONG?
Jealousy and envy are wrong, though they are pretty much the same thing. God is a Jealous God because He wants for us to worship and serve Him. He wants us to love Him and obey Him. He is the only True Living God.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE REALLY SAY ABOUT WINE?
ACCORDING TO THE BOOK OF PROVERBS, “WINE IS A MOCKER, A STRONG DRINK”. THE BIBLE SAYS OUTRIGHT THAT DRUNKENESS IS WRONG, NOT JUST FOR HEALTH REASONS, BUT BECAUSE OF ITS OVERALL DESTRUCTION.
WHILE IT IS TRUE THAT JESUS TURNED WATER INTO WINE, MOST PEOPLE DRINK WINE IN MODERATION. ALSO, THERE WERE BENEFITS TO DRIKING SMALL TO MODERATE QUANTITIES OF WINE SUCH AS FOR THE STOMACH AND ANTI-OXIDATION. SO AS WITH MOST EVERYTHING, BE CAREFUL WITH WHAT YOU PUT INTO YOUR BODY. ALSO KNOW OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF YOUR ACTIONS AND HOW THEY WILL AFFECT OTHERS AS WELL AS YOURSELF.
On this page, I have written questions that people often use to prove that the Bible contradicts itself. The Bible is a book that gives reproof, corrects us, and gives us instruction. It is inspired of by God.(from 1 Timothy 3:16)
We live in a time where people scoff at the Lord’s return. People abandoned God and choose to do all manner of evil things. So don’t be surprised that people will say unkind things about God, the Bible, and Christians. We have to answer those who are lost and lack understanding. The Truth is our weapon.
Here are answers to common questions people may have:
1. If God is a God of peace, then why did Jesus talk about division? In Matthew 10:34, Jesus said that He came not to bring peace, but a sword. There will be divisions amongst family, for many will sacrifice everything for Jesus. There are some who will love their families, money, or anything other than Jesus. Verses 38-39 state the consequences of this love.
2. I thought people aren’t supposed to kill anyone. Why are wars and the death penalty justified? In Numbers 32, God commissioned a war against the Midianites and various people because of their sins. God hates sin and punished those who allowed sin into their camps and into their nations. From Romans, “The wages of sin is death.” People tend to forget that God is a God of Justice and yes, He does get angry. As for the death penalty, the death penalty was and still not an act of murder. It was for deterring crimes. It was used against those who murdered someone with malice. There were laws in the Old Testament for things from accidental murder, self defense, to outright lying.
3. If God is love, then why are homosexuality and interracial marriages wrong? Leviticus 18:22 states, “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.” This is not about
hating gays and lesbians. It is about committing an act that is wrong in God’s sight. No where in the Bible did it say that interracial relationships or marriages wrong. The Isrealites were not allowed to enter into relationship with neighboring peoples because they were pagans. Race had nothing to do with it.
4. I thought that God is the only one who can judge us; what does the Bible mean when he is supposed to talk about men judging angels? 1 Corinthians 6:3 asks,”Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?” Paul was writing about how the believers shall appear, namely in judicial matters before the world. He did not mean in any other way that we have the right to judge others, because we don’t.
5. Does the Bible justify slavery?
Remember that the Bible was written in ancient times, and various people enslaved other peoples. But in no way does the Bible justify enslaving other people as was the case in the Americas. People who enslaved others were to treat them humanely and then to set them free. But I haven’t read any passages where slavery was outright justified. In fact, Paul wrote that as believers, we should be a slave or servant to no one.
6. Why does one belief have to be better than others?The answers are in Revelation 9 and Revelation 21:8.
Revelation 9:20-21
20 And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship
devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:
21 Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.
Revelation 21:8
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and
whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
7. Why does God love some and love others? I was taught to love everybody. You are supposed to love everybody. God was referring to those who obey His commandments and those who don’t. He hates sin and punishes sin.
8. Peter denies Jesus and Jesus forgives him. I thought if we deny Him, then He will deny us? True, 2 Timothy 2:12 does say, “If we suffer, we shall
also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:” Jesus forgave Peter. Peter was remorceful at what He has done for Jesus’ prediction came true. Jesus was God in the Flesh. He died for our sins, including Peter’s.
9. Some men in the Old Testament had more than one wife. Isn’t that wrong? A man was supposed to have one wife, and for that it is wrong. In many Eastern societies, many wealthy men had more than one wife and many other women.
10. Didn’t someone say something about a “perfect hatred”? It was David. In Psalm 139:22 he says, “I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.” David hated them because of their wickedness, not because of who they are. He didn’t hate them as in bad blood hatred, but in righteous indignation.
11. Doesn’t the curse of Ham and the blessing of Japheth prove that Christianity is a White Man’s religion? Was Ham black? Genesis 10 is a genealogy of the human racial family. There is no such thing
as a white race, a black race, or any other race except for the human race. We are all descended from one family: the family of Adam and Eve. Christianity
is first of all, not a white man’s religion. Japheth was not “white” and Ham was not “black”. Japheth was the ancestor of the Indo-European peoples which include the English, Irish, Italians, Germans, Armenians, and Cypriots. Ham was the ancestor of the Libyans, Afro-Americans, Chinese, Egyptians, and Native Americans. Their brother Shem was the ancestor of the Arabs, Berbers, and Hebrews. The curse was about Ham uncovering Noah’s nakedness, not about race.
12. The Bible said that money is the root of all evil. Does that mean that it is wrong for people to have money? According to 1 Timothy 6:10, it is the love of money that is the root of all evil not money itself. It is not wrong for people to have money. Job, Esther, and King David were righteous people who were extremely wealthy.
13.Do Christians not have to follow the rules that everybody else have to follow? Seems like that most Christians are a bunch of hypocrites. Christians are not supposed to be hypocrites. We all have to give account for how we live our lives on this planet. All of us are supposed to follow God’s rules, but most people don’t.
14. Why does God love some more than He loves others?
He doesn’t. Jesus died for the sins of the world so that all might come to repentance.
15. If it is wrong to have money, then what is having life abundant (from John 10)? The abundant life doesn’t have to be just financial abundance. It could be spiritual or physical abundance. In other words, Jesus was talking about a person being made whole.
16. I thought believers are supposed to have the Sabbath on the seventh day. Why do Christians celebrate it on the first day? Not all do. Seventh Day Adventists celebrate a Saturday Sabbath. In the Book of Acts, a group of believers began to fellowship the first day of the week. From that, most Christians follow the Sunday Sabbath.
17. Does the Bible condone sexism? No, it does not.
18. Paul said be a servant to no one, but slavery is mentioned to no one and Jesus was talking about servitude. What is that about? It refers to humility and service. There is a difference between servitude and slavery.
19. I thought there were certain things Christians aren’t supposed to do. Why did Paul say not to judge them on those things? (from Romans 14) Paul was writing in Romans 14:3 about manmade laws and
stumblingblocks that could hurt the unity of the church. Romans 14:3 says, “Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.”
20. I thought all sins are forgiven, no matter how bad. Why not the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit? Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is the outright rejection
of the Holy Spirit in word. In other words, you will not be forgiven for saying anything evil,or negative against the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth; He convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgement. To outright reject the Truth is to reject God, for the Holy Spirit is of the Trinity or Godhead.
21. Is all divorce wrong? No. The only way divorce is acceptable in the Bible is in cases of adultery.
22. I thought that Jesus was baptized in water. What does Holy Spirit baptism mean? He was. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to us. The Holy Spirit came upon a diverse group of believers in Acts 2. The congregation received power from on high. When someone is baptized in the Holy Spirit, they receive one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which include speaking in tongues, interpreting tongues, prophecy, faith, working of miracles, and wisdom.
23.Are some of the Ten Commandments of no effect now that we live in the New Testament? No. The Ten Commandments are still effective, no matter what Testament we live in. We live in the Age of Grace, which means that we don’t have to offer sacrifices to be forgiven.
24. What is predestination? Romans 8:30 says, “Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” God already knew plans for our lives before we did, but God gave us the freedom of choice.
25.Is it wrong to be angry? When we hold on to our anger or when we don’t control it, then it is wrong. When anger is righteous indignation, as in the case of Jesus at the temple throwing the moneychangers’ tables, then no, it is not wrong. Paul writes in Ephesians 4:26, “Be ye angry, and sin not.”
26. Why does God allow suffering to happen? It is best answered with a summary of the Book of Job. God allowed the Devil to inflict him with illness and other problems. He lost his wife, his children, his servants, his home, and his livestock. He was also inflicted with boils. But unlike many, Job did not blaspheme or abandon God. God also gave us freedom of choice and our choices have consequences, some more catastrophic than others.
27. Why did God change His mind about punishing Nineveh? Jonah 3:10 says, “And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.” The Ninevites repented of their sins.
While we as humans have so many questions to ask God, never assume that God makes mistakes. Never let your questions cause you to doubt the Bible’s validity or God Himself.
I HOPE I HAVE ANSWERED YOUR QUESTIONS
I hope I have proven that the Bible doesn’t contradict itself. If your beliefs cloud your judgement about God and the Bible, then you need to open your eyes. If you have never accepted Jesus, backslidden, or are not sure you are saved, I ask that you pray this prayer:
“Lord Jesus, I am a sinner in need of a Savior. I confess all of my sins to You. I am not proud of the fact that I have not put You first in my life. I had doubts about You and didn’t trust You at all. I repent of my sins. Forgive me. Come into my heart. I accept You as Lord and Savior. Thank You for saving me, in Your name, Jesus, Amen.”
IF GOD IS SUCH A LOVING GOD, THEN WHY IS THERE A HELL?
There is a Hell because people chose not to accept the free gift of salvation. They would not repent of their sins. They did not put God first in their lives.
WHY IS GOD CONSIDERED A JEALOUS GOD IF JEALOUSY IS WRONG?
Jealousy and envy are wrong, though they are pretty much the same thing. God is a Jealous God because He wants for us to worship and serve Him. He wants us to love Him and obey Him. He is the only True Living God.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE REALLY SAY ABOUT WINE?
ACCORDING TO THE BOOK OF PROVERBS, “WINE IS A MOCKER, A STRONG DRINK”. THE BIBLE SAYS OUTRIGHT THAT DRUNKENESS IS WRONG, NOT JUST FOR HEALTH REASONS, BUT BECAUSE OF ITS OVERALL DESTRUCTION.
WHILE IT IS TRUE THAT JESUS TURNED WATER INTO WINE, MOST PEOPLE DRINK WINE IN MODERATION. ALSO, THERE WERE BENEFITS TO DRIKING SMALL TO MODERATE QUANTITIES OF WINE SUCH AS FOR THE STOMACH AND ANTI-OXIDATION. SO AS WITH MOST EVERYTHING, BE CAREFUL WITH WHAT YOU PUT INTO YOUR BODY. ALSO KNOW OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF YOUR ACTIONS AND HOW THEY WILL AFFECT OTHERS AS WELL AS YOURSELF.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
The Biblical Definition of Death
Exodus 21:15 And he that smiteth his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death. Exodus 21:16 And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.
Exodus 21:17 And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death. Ezra 7:26 And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.
**Death in these verses was the ultimate penalty. It was a form of punishment for the worst of crimes. The purpose of the death penalty was to deter crime. The message was not only to send a message that these things are wrong, but to remember God’s commandments. These are God’s laws, and these laws are not meant to be broken.
Psalms 6:5 For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?
Psalms 9:13 Have mercy upon me, O LORD; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death:
Psalms 13:3 Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;
Psalms 18:4 The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.
**Oftentimes in the Book of Psalms, death and depression went hand in hand. Death is eternal sleep. It is no more. There is no remembrance in death. It was truly the opposite of life. There was no peace whether or not it was because of one’s own sin or persecution. Death is lonely. Not only can you not take your memories, but you can’t take anything else with you to Heaven or Hell.
Proverbs 7:27 Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.
Proverbs 8:36 But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
Luke 2:26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
**Death is the eternal punishment. Death became the penalty for man’s sins. Our eternal destination is chosen by us, not by God. God is a loving God. He gave us the freedom of choice. We are saved by faith, not by works or any other means. We are, however, justified by our works. Simply put, “……..I will show you my faith by my actions.” (James 2:18)
John 21:19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.
Acts 22:20 And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.
**Those who were true believers were often persecuted for their faith. Many were arrested, even killed. However, with our faith comes persecution, for Jesus prophesied that we (Jews and Christians) will be hated by the world because we are not of this world. Death is seen in this case as honorable for true believers are sacrificing their lives for what they believe in and they know their eternal salvation.
1 Corinthians 15:26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
1 Corinthians 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
1 Corinthians 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
Colossians 1:22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
1 John 5:17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.
Revelation 9:6 And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.
Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
**The Good News of the Gospel: Christ died for us so that we might live eternally with Him. We are dead to our sins because we have repented of those sins. Death has been conquered. Death was thrown into the Lake of Fire. (from Revelation 20:14)
Hopefully, this teaching has cleared up how the Bible, as we as believers should, view death. There are things more important than life. One thing that’s more important is the Truth.
Exodus 21:17 And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death. Ezra 7:26 And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.
**Death in these verses was the ultimate penalty. It was a form of punishment for the worst of crimes. The purpose of the death penalty was to deter crime. The message was not only to send a message that these things are wrong, but to remember God’s commandments. These are God’s laws, and these laws are not meant to be broken.
Psalms 6:5 For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?
Psalms 9:13 Have mercy upon me, O LORD; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death:
Psalms 13:3 Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;
Psalms 18:4 The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.
**Oftentimes in the Book of Psalms, death and depression went hand in hand. Death is eternal sleep. It is no more. There is no remembrance in death. It was truly the opposite of life. There was no peace whether or not it was because of one’s own sin or persecution. Death is lonely. Not only can you not take your memories, but you can’t take anything else with you to Heaven or Hell.
Proverbs 7:27 Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.
Proverbs 8:36 But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
Luke 2:26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
**Death is the eternal punishment. Death became the penalty for man’s sins. Our eternal destination is chosen by us, not by God. God is a loving God. He gave us the freedom of choice. We are saved by faith, not by works or any other means. We are, however, justified by our works. Simply put, “……..I will show you my faith by my actions.” (James 2:18)
John 21:19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.
Acts 22:20 And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.
**Those who were true believers were often persecuted for their faith. Many were arrested, even killed. However, with our faith comes persecution, for Jesus prophesied that we (Jews and Christians) will be hated by the world because we are not of this world. Death is seen in this case as honorable for true believers are sacrificing their lives for what they believe in and they know their eternal salvation.
1 Corinthians 15:26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
1 Corinthians 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
1 Corinthians 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
Colossians 1:22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
1 John 5:17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.
Revelation 9:6 And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.
Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
**The Good News of the Gospel: Christ died for us so that we might live eternally with Him. We are dead to our sins because we have repented of those sins. Death has been conquered. Death was thrown into the Lake of Fire. (from Revelation 20:14)
Hopefully, this teaching has cleared up how the Bible, as we as believers should, view death. There are things more important than life. One thing that’s more important is the Truth.
Friday, August 15, 2014
Honesty is Truly the Best Policy
An honest person would not lie no matter the cost. You and I could trust them. They are noble to a fault. Sadly it seems that people such as this are rare. That assumption I am hoping is an incorrect one, because an honest person is much needed in this world today. There are people who lie, cheat, and use people to get what they want and they seemingly get away while honest people are being hurt for their honesty. There are also people who are honest for not so honest reasons. They tell the truth to get back at someone or to blackmail someone. Is that the kind of person who should be a role model? Wouldn’t you want someone who is honest to be a role model? Obviously you would.
However we live in a world where it seems that dishonesty reigns, let it be known that God sees what the wicked do. The wicked may think that their deeds won’t either hurt anyone if they aren’t caught or that they are prospering, thinking they have nothing to worry about. But Revelation 21:8 says differently. “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars-their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” Liars-dishonest people- will have plenty to worry about in the end if they don’t repent. They will not prosper in the afterlife because they have not repented of their deeds.
An honest person is a person with integrity. A person others can respect. A person he or she can count on. An honest person is a person with character. An honest person is not one who gives false witness. One who is honest knows and practices the Ten Comandments. Deuteronomy 5:20 says, “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.” One who is truly honest is truly godly. Honest, godly people serve an honest God, one “who does not lie” (Titus 1:2). God is not a God of contradictions, despite what critics may say or think. “His works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.” (Deuteronomy 32:4). An honest person is also considerate of others and what God has done for him or her. All of God’s promises are true. There is no left or right to His promises. He is 100% Faithful and True. You can count on God. He is one to be reverenced and feared. We are to imitate Christ, for Jesus Himself walked in integrity. He was honest and never lied. He was honest at the cost of His life. He suffered greatly for us, despite the fact that He did nothing wrong. He was tempted, yet never gave in. He was mocked, spat upon, and executed, yet kept his integrity till the very end. Let us all consider what Jesus has done and thank Him. He sacrificed His life for us and God rose Him from the dead. Let us be as those “whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart” (Psalm 15:2) Let us read from his word, for His word is truth. In His word is correction, reproof, and wisdom. God would never mock you or make a fool out of you. He will be with you every step of the way. Consider the words of Psalm 25:5 “guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”
I cannot stress enough how much God expects from us in the area of honesty. I can only do my part and tell you the punishment for those who are dishonests in their daily dealings. Rev 21:27 says, “Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” God does not take these things lightly. This is serious business and it is not a joke. These words are clearly written in the word of God. His word states, clearly, in Rev 22:15 “Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” This message is clear for all of us. No one is immune. For yourself, be honest with yourself. If you have not been honest in word or deed, repent. Repentance means to turn from living our own way to living the way God intends us to live. We serve an honest and faithful God. Call on Him today.
However we live in a world where it seems that dishonesty reigns, let it be known that God sees what the wicked do. The wicked may think that their deeds won’t either hurt anyone if they aren’t caught or that they are prospering, thinking they have nothing to worry about. But Revelation 21:8 says differently. “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars-their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” Liars-dishonest people- will have plenty to worry about in the end if they don’t repent. They will not prosper in the afterlife because they have not repented of their deeds.
An honest person is a person with integrity. A person others can respect. A person he or she can count on. An honest person is a person with character. An honest person is not one who gives false witness. One who is honest knows and practices the Ten Comandments. Deuteronomy 5:20 says, “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.” One who is truly honest is truly godly. Honest, godly people serve an honest God, one “who does not lie” (Titus 1:2). God is not a God of contradictions, despite what critics may say or think. “His works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.” (Deuteronomy 32:4). An honest person is also considerate of others and what God has done for him or her. All of God’s promises are true. There is no left or right to His promises. He is 100% Faithful and True. You can count on God. He is one to be reverenced and feared. We are to imitate Christ, for Jesus Himself walked in integrity. He was honest and never lied. He was honest at the cost of His life. He suffered greatly for us, despite the fact that He did nothing wrong. He was tempted, yet never gave in. He was mocked, spat upon, and executed, yet kept his integrity till the very end. Let us all consider what Jesus has done and thank Him. He sacrificed His life for us and God rose Him from the dead. Let us be as those “whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart” (Psalm 15:2) Let us read from his word, for His word is truth. In His word is correction, reproof, and wisdom. God would never mock you or make a fool out of you. He will be with you every step of the way. Consider the words of Psalm 25:5 “guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”
I cannot stress enough how much God expects from us in the area of honesty. I can only do my part and tell you the punishment for those who are dishonests in their daily dealings. Rev 21:27 says, “Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” God does not take these things lightly. This is serious business and it is not a joke. These words are clearly written in the word of God. His word states, clearly, in Rev 22:15 “Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” This message is clear for all of us. No one is immune. For yourself, be honest with yourself. If you have not been honest in word or deed, repent. Repentance means to turn from living our own way to living the way God intends us to live. We serve an honest and faithful God. Call on Him today.
Thursday, August 14, 2014
What is sin?
It has been said that sin is lawlessness, which is true. Anyone who breaks a rule commits lawlessness, for that is what God’s Word says about breaking even one commandment. We are all guilty of breaking at least one commandment sometime in our lives. His Word goes even further and says that if we are guilty of breaking one commandment, then we are guilty of breaking the whole law. In God’s eyes, there is no such thing as a “little white lie” or a “little sin”. All sins are sins and all sins constitute breaking the law. (Exodus 20:1-17, Deut 5:6-21,Matthew 5:17-18, Matthew 22:36-40, James 2:10-11, 1 John 2:4-6, 1 John 3:4) It is true that all of us make mistakes. We have all done wrong at some time in our lives and in that instance, none of us has room to pass judgement on one another. I have heard this statement at least once. “The littlest sin can keep a person out of Heaven.” That means that as mentioned previously there are no “little sins” or “big sins”, just sins. One can follow all of the rules, go to church, pray at least twice daily, be a good role model for children, and a solid citizen in the community and still be a sinner. All of us were born as sinners in a sinful world and in need of a Savior. One day, all of us will have to stand before God and answer for how we lived our lives, whether or not we are born again. That includes the multiple adulterer or adulteress, the liar, and the murderer as well as the nun, the teenager who attends Bible school on a weekly basis, and the soccer mom. (John 3:16, Romans 3:23, Romans 5:8, Romans 14:10, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Revelation 20:11-15)
Sadly, most people have been deceived into thinking that the world offered more than what God has to offer thinking that they have enough time to make a decision to “do the right thing” and get themselves together. Others are also deceived into thinking that all they have to do is just live right and that is it. Living right is good, but so is just belief, but without being aware of the fact that they needed Jesus in their lives. Many of them think that their religion and their good works will get them into heaven. The world is full of damnable heresies, deceit, fraud, jealousy, envy, hatred, unforgiveness, unfaithfulness, ungratefulness, and deception. Sadly, most people will never walk the narrow road that leads to life because they have not made the decision to repent of their sins, seek, surrender to, and accept Christ as Savior and Lord. (Matthew 7:13-14, Romans 1:17-32, 2 Timothy 3:1-8, James 2:18-19)
In Psalm 14, the fool says in his heart that there is no God. God looks down from Heaven and laments the corruption and the sinfulness of the people. He looks for people who will seek Him. He is a Spirit who seeks true worshippers who worship Him in spirit and in truth. Those who commit wicked and vile deeds are those who cannot only worship Him in Spirit and Truth, but cannot see God, for they are unrepentant. There are some who are vile, full of lust, and deceiful. There are other people are cold, unforgiving, judgemental, and have holier than thou attitudes. What they have in common is that they are unrepentant sinners who have not trusted in Christ or called on Him. They have not sought his face nor turned from their wicked ways. (Psalm 14, Psalm 24:4, Psalm 73:3, Proverbs 20:9, Jeremiah 5:3, Matthew 5:8, John 4:23-25)
In short, sin is not only lawlessness, but it is missing the mark. Missing the mark? John 3 writes about those who cannot see the Kingdom of God. They are those who are not born again, born of water and Spirit. Those who are born again recognized that no matter what they have done, short of blaspheming the Holy Spirit, that they are sinners who are in need of forgiveness. The Holy Spirit is the “Eye Opener” sort of speak. He is the Spirit of Truth who convicts us of our sins, righteousness, and judgement. Paul writes did you know that saints shall judge the world? What did he mean by that? Saints have once been sinners who have repented and have been made perfect. They have been brought with a price, just as Gomer was in Hosea. Jesus is our Mediator, the Propitiation for our sins. How was this possible? Jesus over 2,000 years ago suffered greatly before His death on the cross. He rose again on the third day. Believers not only know this, they believed this in their hearts. We are saved by faith…faith. Good works justify or back up our faith, but they do not save us. (Isaiah 30:15, Matthew 12:31, John 3:5-8, John 16:8, Romans 5:1, 10-11, 1 Timothy 2:5, 2 Cor 5:19)
Jesus died on the cross. He paid the penalty for us. That is how much He loved us and still does, but one day, it may be too late. Don’t let that happen to you. Sin is deceitful, painful, and ultimately leads to death, whether it is physical death or spiritual death. Jesus died so that we might have life. Sin is alluring and pleasurable for a season, but in the end the sinner is punished because of their deeds. But because of what Jesus has done for us, we can have a second chance. We can be restored and renewed. We can become new creation if we don’t reject what Jesus has done for us. Life is too short to just think about it. Our souls are way too important for that. That decision is not just a matter of life and death, but of eternity. Sin does not care about us. It is a liar and a deceiver. But we can be forgiven. Confess that Jesus is Lord and that God raised Him from the dead. We are all deserving of eternal punishment, but Jesus paid the debt.
(Leviticus 5, Psalm 39:4-9, Hosea, John 8, Romans 6:23, Romans 8, Romans 10:9-10)
Sadly, most people have been deceived into thinking that the world offered more than what God has to offer thinking that they have enough time to make a decision to “do the right thing” and get themselves together. Others are also deceived into thinking that all they have to do is just live right and that is it. Living right is good, but so is just belief, but without being aware of the fact that they needed Jesus in their lives. Many of them think that their religion and their good works will get them into heaven. The world is full of damnable heresies, deceit, fraud, jealousy, envy, hatred, unforgiveness, unfaithfulness, ungratefulness, and deception. Sadly, most people will never walk the narrow road that leads to life because they have not made the decision to repent of their sins, seek, surrender to, and accept Christ as Savior and Lord. (Matthew 7:13-14, Romans 1:17-32, 2 Timothy 3:1-8, James 2:18-19)
In Psalm 14, the fool says in his heart that there is no God. God looks down from Heaven and laments the corruption and the sinfulness of the people. He looks for people who will seek Him. He is a Spirit who seeks true worshippers who worship Him in spirit and in truth. Those who commit wicked and vile deeds are those who cannot only worship Him in Spirit and Truth, but cannot see God, for they are unrepentant. There are some who are vile, full of lust, and deceiful. There are other people are cold, unforgiving, judgemental, and have holier than thou attitudes. What they have in common is that they are unrepentant sinners who have not trusted in Christ or called on Him. They have not sought his face nor turned from their wicked ways. (Psalm 14, Psalm 24:4, Psalm 73:3, Proverbs 20:9, Jeremiah 5:3, Matthew 5:8, John 4:23-25)
In short, sin is not only lawlessness, but it is missing the mark. Missing the mark? John 3 writes about those who cannot see the Kingdom of God. They are those who are not born again, born of water and Spirit. Those who are born again recognized that no matter what they have done, short of blaspheming the Holy Spirit, that they are sinners who are in need of forgiveness. The Holy Spirit is the “Eye Opener” sort of speak. He is the Spirit of Truth who convicts us of our sins, righteousness, and judgement. Paul writes did you know that saints shall judge the world? What did he mean by that? Saints have once been sinners who have repented and have been made perfect. They have been brought with a price, just as Gomer was in Hosea. Jesus is our Mediator, the Propitiation for our sins. How was this possible? Jesus over 2,000 years ago suffered greatly before His death on the cross. He rose again on the third day. Believers not only know this, they believed this in their hearts. We are saved by faith…faith. Good works justify or back up our faith, but they do not save us. (Isaiah 30:15, Matthew 12:31, John 3:5-8, John 16:8, Romans 5:1, 10-11, 1 Timothy 2:5, 2 Cor 5:19)
Jesus died on the cross. He paid the penalty for us. That is how much He loved us and still does, but one day, it may be too late. Don’t let that happen to you. Sin is deceitful, painful, and ultimately leads to death, whether it is physical death or spiritual death. Jesus died so that we might have life. Sin is alluring and pleasurable for a season, but in the end the sinner is punished because of their deeds. But because of what Jesus has done for us, we can have a second chance. We can be restored and renewed. We can become new creation if we don’t reject what Jesus has done for us. Life is too short to just think about it. Our souls are way too important for that. That decision is not just a matter of life and death, but of eternity. Sin does not care about us. It is a liar and a deceiver. But we can be forgiven. Confess that Jesus is Lord and that God raised Him from the dead. We are all deserving of eternal punishment, but Jesus paid the debt.
(Leviticus 5, Psalm 39:4-9, Hosea, John 8, Romans 6:23, Romans 8, Romans 10:9-10)
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