What Christians Want To Know

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T oday, discontentment is everywhere, but Christians should shine like a beacon of contentment, since their contentment rests with Christ.

Money and the love of money can control us in many circumstances.

First Timothy 6:7-8 “for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.”I brought nothing in and can bring nothing out of this world, except my soul and that’s through trusting in Jesus Christ. It’s so easy to own possessions but easier still to have possessions own you! There are risks at having a lot of possessions because “those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction” (1 Tim 6:9). It’s not that money is the root of all evil, but it can be a root of evil when money takes root in you (1 Tim 6:10).

First Corinthians 4:7 “For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?”Think about that verse for a moment. Name one thing that you came up with by yourself. Is there anything you have that you did not receive from God? The Apostle Paul is trying to humble the pride-oriented Corinthian church, but that should humble us too. Shouldn’t we be content with what we have, since all we have is from God?!

Hebrews 13:5 “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”A believer that worries about money is never more like an atheist at that time. Why? They are not trusting God’s promise to provide for them as the Bible says He will. Money can forsake us, but God, never! It is very easy to start trusting money more than trusting God takes care of us, especially when funds get low! Worry is a lack of trust. The solution is to believe God’s Word and to be content with whatever we have and in whatever state we find ourselves in. God is in total control of the good, bad and the ugly, and will bring about the best for us from all of those (Rom 8:28).

Philippians 4:11 “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.”If Paul were in need, you’d never know it from his letters. He was content…to even be in prison, and that’s where he wrote the Book of Philippians, called by some as the “Joy Epistle” or letter. To us it might seem remarkable that he was content chained to guards and behind prison walls. In many of these Roman prisons, there were nights that were freezing cold, cockroaches everywhere, rats, human excrement, and little or no sunlight, day or night. There was likely every sort of stench and smell you could imagine….but Paul had to learn to be content. So where else to learn contentment than in such disconcerting circumstances? You don’t learn contentment when everything’s going well.

First Timothy 6:6 “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”The Jewish leaders in Jesus’ day thought gain was godliness. In fact, unless you were rich, you were not likely to be a Pharisee or Scribe or Temple leader. They ascribed wealth with God’s blessing, but the fact is, some people can’t handle success. And the Pharisees were such. Godliness with contentment is great gain. It’s like you’re telling God, “I am satisfied with what I have Father. You have blessed me with so very much. Thank you God.” A godly contentment is not dependent upon circumstances or suffering or lack of money.

Luke 3:14 “Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”Early in John the Baptist’s ministry, there were dozens of converts who came to him but one Roman soldier asked, “What shall we do.” I find it very interesting that even Roman soldiers were drawn to John the Baptist. They must have seen that he was a godly man with a consuming passion for God and in his preaching, they must have been convicted. John the Baptist had the same counsel for the Roman soldiers that Paul did for Timothy; “be content with your wages.” In fact, both commands to the Roman soldiers had to do with money; be content with their wages but also, don’t extort money from anyone else by making false accusations or even threatening them. Roman soldiers had a history of doing that to their subjects.

Second Corinthians 12:10 “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”For the sake of Jesus Christ, Paul endured all his sufferings, and there was great suffering in this man of God. It didn’t matter because he learned to be content and even in his weakness, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. Paul realized that God is more glorified in weaker vessels since His power is more easily displayed and made visible. And that gives God all the glory and no credit for us. That’s as it should be (Psalm 115:1). Our weakness provides God an opportunity to show Himself strong.

Paul the Apostle, by Rembrandt. 1657

Exodus 2:21 “And Moses was content to dwell with the man, and he gave Moses his daughter Zipporah.”It was written of Moses that he was the meekest man or earth (Num 12:3) and most meek people I know are content people. You do realize that meekness is not weakness. Meekness has been described as strength under control but meekness also shows contentedness because it tells God that you are satisfied in life. Moses went from the palace in Egypt to living in tents in the desert, but he was contented…contented with God.

SummaryIt’s not really about a glass half full or half empty. It’s about being thankful you even have a glass. I do hope these Bible verses have made you feel a little more content with your life and can now rest more easily in God’s precious promises. As disciples of Christ, we are to be content even with persecutions, name calling, insults, and other such behavior because that brings a huge blessing (Matt 5:10-12). If we have truly found our contentment in Christ, then no insult or slander against us could ever take away our contentment. That’s because our contentment is not in things but in a Person, the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

ConclusionI pray you have put your trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If that has not happened yet, my friend, you are in real danger of hell fire. And I mean, in immediate danger. You’re one breath, one heartbeat…one accident away from eternity when it will be too late to repent. Today is the best day to believe (2 Cor 6:2) since tomorrow is no guarantee. If Jesus Christ came today, here is your fate (Matt 7:21-23). This is why I plead with you as you read this, repent today…and I mean right now. Put your trust in Jesus Christ. If you do not, you will face God’s judgment after death guaranteed (Heb 9:27) or at Jesus Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), which could happen at any moment.

Here is some related reading for you: How to Live a Life of Contentment: 7 Christian Tips

Resource – Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), Crossway Bibles. (2007). ESV: Study Bible: English standard version. Wheaton, Ill: Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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God’s attributes also say a lot about His character, but here are 5 major attributes of God that are essential.

God is HolyThe only attribute of God that is mentioned three times in all of Scripture is that God is holy. Isaiah the Prophet wrote that the seraphim, which hover over the Lord’s throne, “Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory” (Isaiah 6:2-3)! God is not just holy, but He is holy, holy, holy to infinity. That is the greatest emphasis you can use in the Hebrew language. It is the only attribute of God that is mentioned three times. Isaiah was undone after seeing the Holy God, said, “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts” (Isaiah 6:5)!

Compared to God, even the best of our works are filthy rags to God (Isaiah 64:6), but we are called to be holy. Naturally this doesn’t mean we’ll be sinless and live in perfection. That’s not possible this side of the veil, but the Apostle Peter admonishes us that just “as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16). Of course, believers are declared holy before God through Jesus Christ (2 Cor 5:21), but we must strive to live out holiness before God and before the world.

God is LovePeople say they love God, and that’s fine, but it must be understood that God made the first move (John 6:44; 1 John 4:19). Scripture teaches that “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19), and not the other way around. It was God who “so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him” (1 John 3:16-17). Christ made a way for us over 2,000 years ago, so those who are loved by God also love those who are loved by God, since “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8).

Micah the Prophet describes the love of God very well, writing, “Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea” (7:18-19). Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13), and Jesus did just that, testifying, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). Love is costly, but His love brings everlasting life. It was the only way we could be reconciled to God.

God is GoodWhen a man came up to Jesus and ask Him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life” (Mark 10:17c), but the rich man had it all wrong. Jesus asked him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone” (Mark 10:18). Wait! Isn’t Jesus God? Isn’t Jesus good!? Yes, but the man apparently didn’t know that he was talking to the Lord because he called Jesus “teacher.” The point is, God is good…and as for humans? Not one is good…no, not even one of us (Rom 3:10-12)! He alone is good and He is always good. He is a “Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. God settles the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land” (Psalm 68:5-6). Aren’t we glad He is a good God? He is good to those who are not!

God is UnchangeableJesus Christ is “…the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb 13:8). Again, aren’t you glad God is not like us and changes His mind about people? What if God withdrew His offer of salvation or changed His mind about you after something you did? What if He decided not to save us because we sinned too often? Thankfully, God does not change His mind. Malachi the Prophet wrote, “For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed” (Micah 3:6). God never has a bad day and then takes it out on others like we oftentimes do. God is the same today and He will be the same forever. To me, that’s a huge relief. The psalmist declares that even His Word is forever, writing, “Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens” (Psalm 119:89). His Word is as eternal as He is, since we know that “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever” (Isaiah 40:8).

God Full of GloryIf we read enough Scripture, we start to see that God desires to be glorified, and we can glorify Him too in our lives. This is one of the chief purposes for God creating mankind. We should seek to glorify God in our lives, like from abstaining from sexual immorality. We can glorify God in our bodies by controlling our passions (1 Cor 6:18; 1 Thess 4:3). The psalmist wrote, “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness” (Psalm 115:1), so it is to you, “O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all” (1 Chron 19:11). The Apostle John was an eyewitness of His glory; not only on the Mount of Transfiguration. John understood that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

Here is some related reading for you: 7 Attributes of God You May Not Know

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The Book of Jude seems as if it was written for today, and it really is, so find out why.

Who was Jude?The Book of Jude is not very long (only one chapter), but those twenty-five verses have a lot to say about the last days, and today, it is strikingly similar to the way it was in Jude’s day. Jude is the half-brother of Jesus Christ, having the same mother, and the range of date for this book is incredibly wide, with conservative scholars placing it between the years 70 to 90 AD. If so, it was written shortly before or somewhat after Jerusalem’s fall in 70 AD.

The reason I think the date is much later is because Jude refers to the Apostle’s predictions for the last days (Jude 1:18) as having already come true (Jude 1:17), but clearly, Jude’s epistle is just as relevant today as in the day it was written. That’s the way the Word of God is. It is timeless truth, never changing, always perfect in every way. It is a book for eternity. Jude begins by telling us that he’s “a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James” (Jude 1:1), so Jude is a servant of Christ. He didn’t claim Jesus as his brother…but as a servant (Greek, “doulos” meaning slave). Notice that Jude puts these relationships in the proper hierarchy; Jesus is His Lord and God (and not his brother), and only by birth is Jude physically related to Jesus.

The Last DaysThe Book of Jude seems as if to point to the last days leading up to the return of Jesus Christ. To begin with, the “last days” have been the “last days” for the last 2,000 years. Since Jesus’ ascension, we have always been living in the last days. The phrase “last days” or “end times” is very prominent in the New Testament (Acts 2:17; 2 Tim 3:1; Heb 1:2; James 5:3; 2 Pet 3:3), and it does not refer to a set amount of time or days. Even though two thousand years later, Jesus has still not came back, but we are now and have been living in the last days since Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, meaning Jesus could come back at any given moment. And you can be sure He’ll come back when least expected (Mark 13:35-37; 1 Thess 5:2; 2 Pet 3:10; Rev 16:15).

Manuscript of Jude, vs 3-4 Author Unknown

The End TimesJude wrote this book out of necessity for the church. You can tell it’s different from the rest of the New Testament books because it refers to a later time period than most of the others do. Jude writes with a sense of urgency, saying he “was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3). So it was necessary for Jude to write this to contend for the original gospel delivered once and for all. Contending for something means we have to fight for something or defend it, and in this case, it was the faith that was once “delivered to the saints.” This statement is clearly in the past tense.

I’ve heard it said, “If it’s new, it’s not from God; and if it’s from God, it’s not new,” so that’s why “new revelations” from people trouble me deeply (Rev 22:18). Just as it is today, “certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ” (Jude 1:4). This perversion could be the “quid pro quo” God who promises to bless your “seeds of faith,” or adding things to the gospel like, “Jesus Christ + baptism (or tongues, etc.) = salvation.” Jesus plus anything equals nothing!

Don’t Add to the GospelMany swallow these lies because those who brought them in to the church came in under the cover of darkness, or “under the radar,” which is why they have “crept in unnoticed.” If they had been noticed, someone would have said something, but that’s why Jude believes we must contend for the faith originally delivered by Christ and expounded by the Apostles because people are adding elements to the gospel of Jesus Christ all the time. That means it’s not really a gospel at all (Gal 1:7-9). Satan has his own imitations, but clearly, God has already spoken through His Apostles and Prophets (Heb 1:1-2), and again these vereses in the Greek are in the past tense! God is no longer making deliveries! The gospel has already, once and for all, been delivered through the Son of God, Jesus Christ (the Gospels) and the Apostles and the Prophets. We dare not add anything more than that which has already been said. We must never “go beyond what is written” (1 Cor 4:6).

Devoid of the SpiritSince the date of this book’s writing may have come after most of the Apostles had died, it makes sense that some of the prophecies the Apostles gave had already been fulfilled. Jude writes to remind them about “the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 1:17), and what “They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions” (Jude 1:18). We know it’s not those within the Body of Christ that Jude writes this about, but “these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit” (Jude 1:20). Without the Spirit of God, no one is a child of God (Rom 8:16). Looking religious means nothing because it’s not about religion; it’s about a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Satan’s MinistersWe are reminded that Satan has his own ministers, and this deceiver will make them look like angels of light (2 Cor 11:4-5), but they only appear that way because they bring a message of darkness. It usually is “Jesus + something,” which would make Jesus’ death on the cross foolishness and useless. Satan was once called Lucifer, meant “light bearer,” but today, he is the prince of darkness (Isaiah 14:12-15). A gospel look-alike that neglects matters of sin, repentance, confession, sanctification, living in holiness, coming out of this world, being Jesus’ disciple, and doing what Jesus’ disciples would naturally do (Matt 25:35-36). Satan has no gospel at all, only a counterfeit unable to save. If the Apostles were here on earth today, they would be appalled at some of the “buffet-style” religions that claim to be Christian. There is only one way and through One Person whereby we must be saved (John 6:44; Acts 4:12). We can’t have a little of this and a little of that, because without the whole gospel of repentance and faith (Mark 1:14-15), you have half the truth, and a half-truth is a whole lie…straight from hell.

Kiss of Judas – Giotto (date unknown)

SummaryI do not write a lot about the end times events or the last days, but that doesn’t mean it’s not important, but I believe it’s best to focus on Christ and to be ready for His appearing at any moment. I am not a Bible prophecy hound who is constantly searching out for more “signs,” but I do pay attention to what the Scriptures say. I see what’s going on in the world, however I don’t do that at the expense of studying and reading the rest of Scripture. Is Jesus’ returning soon? I don’t know. Are we living in the last days? Yes, but I know a better question: “Have you put your trust in Christ? Are you ready for His appearing because He could come at any moment?” If not, there are other prophecies that will come true someday (Rev 1:7, 20:12-25), so the question remains: “Will you put your trust in the Savior today?” Eternity is a very long time to be wrong.

Here is some related reading for you: Book of Jude Commentary: Study and Summary

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Here are 4 incontrovertible evidences that the morality of America and the world has slipped in the last 20 years and it’s only going to get worse.

Slime Time TVThis might be the most evident sign of all about the increasing sin nature in America and the world. If you remember some of the TV shows in the mid 90’s, you probably never heard God’s name taken in vain, you never saw images that you had to shield your children’s eyes from or you never had to blush at the sexually explicit images or specifically the predominance of sexually immoral relationships. Today, I call it “Slime Time TV” because that’s what it is. What was inconceivable just twenty years ago is now common place. Like the frog in a pot that’s heating up on the stove, society doesn’t seem to notice that they’re being desensitized to sin, especially sexual immorality. Most of the sitcoms today have unmarried couples having sexual relationships, same-sex couples are seen as typical, and having an affair, even an adulterous affair, is seen as the new norm. The boom of sexually explicit materials over the Internet, TV, on smartphones, and magazines, has grown filthier over the last twenty years. Is there any debate that our society, indeed our whole culture, has swiftly become another Sodom and Gomorrah? Abortion on demand, graphic images in almost every movie, and primetime television is not suitable anymore, even for adults.

The Growth of ProfanityI was in the grocery store not long ago and I couldn’t believe the language that I was hearing from children and I don’t mean teens…children less than ten years of age! Most used “damn” as God’s last name even while young children were present. Jesus’ name is used as a cuss word. Certain words like what I call the “F bombs” are carelessly thrown around and have become as common place as hello or good morning used to be. A euphemism is generally an innocuous word or expression used in place of one that may be found offensive or suggest something unpleasant but today, the number of euphemisms is horrendous like “Jeez” (for Jesus of course). Even the over-used “Oh my God” is said by most people without a second thought. They totally ignore the fact that it is taking God’s holy name in vain. I say in vain because they use it without thinking, or thoughtlessly and with no purpose except to make a point. If someone needs to swear to make a point, it’s not a very important one. God says He will not hold those guiltless who take His name in vain (Ex 20:7; Duet 5:11).

The Growth of RudenessWhatever happened to “Thank you, excuse me,” and “You’re welcome?” They seemed to have become extinct with the 90’s. Gone are the days of letting someone go ahead of us. Instead, there are countless road rage incidents where people have lost their temper and even killed someone just because someone pulled in front of them or took the parking space in front of them. If someone is slowing us down in traffic, we like to get right on their bumper or we fly the so-called “birdie” at them (which is the middle finger) which is symbolic of “Blank you!” I have never seen tempers so shortened or patience having worn so thin in all my 70 + years and it is getting worse. The things many of us did in school seem to pale in comparison to what is happening in schools today; stabbings, shootings, and death threats to name a few. I can remember getting in trouble chewing gum but it’s not a gum problem anymore, it’s a gun problem. We have 75 mph turnpikes, microwaves, supersonic jets and we get impatient or angry if we have to wait ten seconds for anything. We have become a society which is focused on “me” and not on others. It has been the slow death of politeness, manners, and patience.

The Growth of CrimeWe don’t even need to go back twenty years ago to see just how serious of a spike there has been in crime, but not just crime, violent crime. The U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics reported that the number of violent crimes rose 22% from 2010 to 2012 and was the result of an upward swing in simple assaults, from 4 million in 2010 to 5 million in 2012. That’s a spike of nearly twenty five percent in a short two year period for violent crime with crime trending upward. According to the Justice Department the rate of U.S. violent crime continued to go up in 2013, continuing its climb for nearly the last two decades due to a jump in assaults. There was a 22 percent increase in assaults in this time period.

SummaryIt is easier to look back twenty years ago to see the decline in America’s morals but this is happening around the world too. This decline in morality includes a steep rise in sexual immorality and promiscuous behavior; the large growth of profanity, even among youth; the growth of rudeness and decline of patience overall in society, and again, the spike in crime that continues to increase every year, particularly violent crime like assaults. Jesus spoke about the end of the age in the Olivet Prophecy and in one place in particular He said, “And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold” (Matt 24:12). That time has apparently come. As it was in the days of Noah, violent as it was, so it is in the days in which we live.

Here is some related reading for you: Biblical Signs of the Declining Morality of America and the World

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The Church must prevail, she cannot fail, therefore, the Church always wins.

The Church Always Wins by Theresa Burley“and on this rock I will build my church.” Mt 16:18a

Empires rose with iron hands,
And kings proclaimed their proud commands;
Yet saints still gathered, prayers on winds,
the Church always wins.

In catacombs by candlelight,
Believers worshiped through the night;
Though threatened, hunted for their sins,
the Church always wins.

The lions roared, the prisons filled,
The mighty thought God’s people stilled;
But faith endured where fear begins,
the Church always wins.

“and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” Mt 16:18b

Through countless wars and raging flames,
Through slander cast upon His name,
Love lit the dark where hope grows thin,
the Church always wins.

When tyrants burned the sacred Word,
And truth was silenced, mocked, unheard,
Its message lived in hearts within,
the Church always wins.

Though kingdoms fall and monuments fade,
Though every earthly power decays,
Christ’s people rise again and then,
the Church always wins.

The world has tried with doubt and scorn,
Declaring faith a thing outworn;
Yet new disciples still begin,
the Church always wins.

“But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” Rom 8:37

Not made of stone or stained-glass walls,
But every soul who hears and calls;
The living saints, redeemed from sin,
the Church always wins.

For Christ declared the gates of hell
Would never over His people prevail;
His promise stands where time has been,
the Church always wins.

And when the final trumpet sounds,
When heaven’s King is crowned and crowned,
The faithful gathered home with Him,
the Church always wins.

Author’s Bio: Theresa Burley writes about faith the way she has lived it—not as someone who has all the answers, but as a traveler still walking the road. Her poetry is shaped by seasons of joy, loss, questions, hope, and the quiet ways she has seen God’s faithfulness through them all. She lives in Kansas, where she enjoys time with family, creative pursuits, and finding reminders of grace in everyday life.

Here is some related reading for you: What is the Purpose of the Church? A Bible Study

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Are there signs that church members are not feeling welcome? If so, what are the warning signs and what can you do to address the issue of people not feeling welcome at your church?

Ignoring the Back PewWe are creatures of habit and just like creatures of habit, the same people will sit in the same place in church every Sunday. In some cases, if you sit where they normally sit, they might look at you funny when they see you sitting in their place. For some strange reason, people like to sit in the same places. Now I can understand why some sit in the front or near the front. They might be hard of hearing and the location of the speakers might better enable them to hear the messages, but you’ll notice in about every church you visit that there are those who sit in the very back pews and they often sit by themselves. Is it only because they like to get out of services quickly? Probably in some cases but there may be more to it than that.

Neglecting HospitalityThose who sit in the back are not those who always feel unwelcome but many times they do. Before I was called into the ministry, I looked for people in the back rows during the “meet and greet” time in services and also before services started. Often, that’s where new people show up. I always looked for people that sat there because the new attendees knew very few people there and they didn’t feel comfortable enough to sit closer to the front. That’s okay. I see why they might do that. I did that too at one time. Anyway, if you see new people sitting in the back in more isolated areas, maybe they aren’t feeling welcome. The old church I attended had designated “meet and greet” people. I loved that idea. Sometimes I would ask them if I could sit with them and if they agreed, I’ sit with them during services. I tried to make everyone feel welcomed but my purpose was to seek out anyone that was new. I would go up and make eye contact with them, introduce myself and tell them “Welcome.” Maybe you need someone in your church designated as a “meet and greeter” to seek out those who seem to isolate themselves by sitting alone and are always in the back pews, in particular newer people. If no one ever does this, that could be a sign that this church doesn’t welcome new people.

Seeking Out the Single PeopleThis is close to what I wrote earlier but is only different in the sense that there are some who sit alone. They could be single mothers, single men or women, and elderly widowed or widowers that have lost someone. Maybe they’re not interacting with anyone in the congregation because they’re hurting. I am a people watcher. I love to watch people…not starring at them but I like to watch for cues that something is not right. One person I saw was sitting there with his head down and barely mumbling the words to the worship song. I sensed that they were hurting. I tried to talk to them after services but they slipped out before I could reach them. The next Sunday I resolved to find him, but for some reason, I never saw him again. Did I drop the ball on that man? Did our church drop the ball on making that person feel welcome? Did anyone even try to talk to him and introduce themselves? During the “meet and greet” I did meet and greet him once but he didn’t say much.

Search and RescueDuring the “meet and greet” time, I looked at him and instead of getting up out of the pew, he remained seated but that didn’t stop me from going up to him and shaking his hand and telling him “I’m so glad to meet you and that you came today.” Making people feel welcome is so important and introducing yourself to new people is essential because you might not see them again. You may never get a second chance. You may only have one chance to make them feel welcome and if that opportunity goes by with no one to welcome them, then that may be the last time you see them. If you see someone sitting alone and no one goes up to speak with them, that is a serious warning sign that new people don’t feel welcome, so be the one to seek them out.

Potluck and Activities AttendanceWe had a potluck year’s ago at a church I formerly pastored and I noticed there were a few people missing that were normally there. I found out why from our elder’s wife. Someone had said something about a friend of theirs who was not saved. They made a derogatory comment about them and so the elder’s wife went out into the parking lot to see if they were still there. They were still sitting in the car, apparently fuming. How sad. If you have a problem with gossip, and I would imagine every church does to some extent, then you may be running new people out of the church by loose tongues. One of the most destructive of all things that we can do as the Body of Christ is to gossip. Not only gossiping about members but about their family or friends who are not saved. Since those who are outside of the Body of Christ have no access to the power of God through the Holy Spirit, it isn’t surprising to hear about things that they do that are ungodly, so instead we should pray for them. I believe we should always find something good to say about everyone.

You might also look for a person or a family sitting and eating all by themselves. Why not sit down next to them and open up a conversation and get to know them. New people sitting all by themselves at a potluck might indicate that they don’t feel very welcome. They might not be wallflowers but they might just be being ignored.

Church GroundsWhat does the property of the church look like? Is the property kept clean? Does someone keep the lawn cut? If the church looks dirty and trashy on the outside, new people might think that they don’t care and so why would they care about attending there? That is a clear warning sign if no one is in charge of keeping up the church property. What about the sanctuary? Is it clean and free of trash and old bulletins? The bathrooms are critical for new visitors. If there is no organization on cleaning and upkeep of the property that shows that the membership really doesn’t care at all and they visitor will pick up on these cues on their very first visit by what they see on the outside and what they see on the inside. Does the church sign look inviting or is it out of date or is dirty and unkempt?

The Entrance ExamI heard of an experience where a new man came into a church and one of the first things that he was asked was “Do you speak in tongues? Have you ever been filled with the Spirt?” Wow…when does the entrance exam begin? If one of the first things we do is to ask a new person what their doctrinal beliefs are this sends a strong message to the new person that unless you agree with us you shouldn’t be here. That was the last time that this man ever darkened their doorstop again. I can’t say that I blame him. Instead, why not introduce yourself to the new person. Never presume whether they have been or haven’t been saved. Why not get to know them first. Don’t pummel them with twenty questions right after you meet them. For churches that hold dogmatically to certain beliefs that are non-essential, that can give the impression that they don’t like anyone with different beliefs. This church will probably never welcome someone new who doesn’t believe exactly as they do. I am not saying that the essentials are not important (e.g. Rom 10:9-13, Acts 4:12, Rom 3:23, 6:23), but we must show grace in the non-essentials.

The Final CheckupIf some of these things are not being done or these needs are not being addressed, then the new person that walks through the door may never come back again. Which of these are missing?

Do we introduce ourselves and do we ask anything at all about new visitors…about their family, work, where they live, etc.?

Do we ever do follow up visits for new members?

Do greeters wear name tags and offer to pass out temporary name tags for new people?

Does the church lobby offer any kind of brochure about the church and what the church’s purpose is?

Does anyone ever invite them to participate in a community event or service project once they’ve been there a few Sundays?

Does anyone ever shake their hand and make eye contact?

Does the church ever consider sending them a welcome letter and offer a home visit if they wish?

Would a church ever feature information on new members or their families in the church bulletin that the visitor could read to see that are welcoming to new people?

Would anyone ever welcome them to join a Sunday school class and offer to sit next to them to introduce them to others in the class?

Would the church ever offer them an opportunity to serve?

Does the church sometimes smother them with too many people all at once?

Who would tell parents that a children’s church or a nursery is available for their children?

Does anyone ever portray friendliness to the new visitors?

Does the church have any type of training for church greeters?

Does the church have a dedicated place in the sanctuary or the entrance hallway for visitors with information on the church that they can take with them so that they can look it over then or later?

Does the church brochure or flyer with information about the church focus primarily on doctrine and not on serving?

Does the church offer a Welcome Folder or packet with information about the church or a personal letter from the pastor, contact information, a map of the church and a list of church services and functions?

Does your church ever ask for a show of hands for new visitors?

Does the pastor, deacon, elder, or worship leader ever publicly acknowledge new visitors?

Does anyone ever offer to take new visitors out to lunch after services?

ConclusionThe next time a new person walks into your church, why not go up to them and introduce yourself and say “We are so very glad to have you with us and we’d like to welcome you to our church family? If you have any questions, just ask, my name is Joe Smith. Feel free to let me know what I can do for you. It’s a pleasure meeting you.” If you are not being Christ-like to new people then you might want to have the church do a self-examination. Hospitality is more than a gift of the Spirit. It is what Christ would do so, “as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people” (Gal 6:10).

Here is some related reading for you: Would Jesus Be Welcome in Your Church?

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W hat is the story of Ananias and Sapphira all about? Here’s an account of their story from Scripture with a commentary that follows.

Before Ananias and SapphiraAnanias and Sapphira – Artist unknown

Chapter divisions were a product of Bible scholars and we can tell that the story of Ananias and Sapphira didn’t actually begin where their name is first mentioned in Acts 5 because Acts 5:1 says “But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira,” so we must turn back to the last few verses of Acts 4 to see where the story swings into action which is preceded by the conjunctive word “but” in Acts 5:1. In Acts 4:34-37 we read “There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” Apparently Ananias and Sapphira saw what happened and wanted to be thought of as highly as Barnabas was. That gives us a better understanding of what happened next in chapter five of Acts.

Acts 5:1-2 “But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”Here is the first hint of trouble. They had given to the church with the probable intent of being seen by men and women in the church. Their gift had followed the other church members giving and Barnabas generous gift (Acts 4:34-37), so the timing of their gift is not lost. The thing to remember is that they both conspired to give but “kept back” for themselves “some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet” so that they could be seen by others. The verse indicated that his wife is in on this too.

Acts 5:3-4 “But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.”The Death of Ananias – Raphael c.1515 Victoria and Albert Museum

We don’t know how Peter knew that Ananias was lying. Whether it was the Spirit of God that spoke to him or not, we just don’t know. We do know that Ananias did lie and it was Satan that inspired him to do so. Ananias had every right to give a portion and hold back some of the money as Peter said, but to indicate that all of the profits were given for the church shows deceit in Ananias’ heart. He wasn’t really lying to Peter and the apostles but to God the Holy Spirit.

Acts 5:5-6 “When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.”It was immediately after hearing these words from Peter, and really they were the words inspired by God, that he fell down dead on the spot so it is no wonder that “great fear came upon all who heard of it.” The author of Hebrews correctly states that “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb 10:31), because after death, judgment comes (Heb 9:27).

Acts 5:7-8 “After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.”This confirms the fact that Sapphira was in on this deception (Acts 5:1), and to make certain that she was, Peter asked her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much” and she confirmed that it was for “so much.” Now there is no doubt that both Ananias and Sapphira were in collusion together and what happens next is the same thing that happened three hours previously to her husband.

Acts 5:9-10 “But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband.”‘The Death of Sapphira’, 1654-1656. Artist: Nicolas Poussin

As expected, the same outcome resulted in Sapphira lying to God as did her late husband Ananias. She fell dead on the spot. She was buried next to her husband. Peter confirmed the fact that her and her husband had agreed together (conspired) “to test the Spirit of the Lord.”

Acts 5:11 “And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.”Who could blame them? The phrase “great fear” means a strong reverence and respect fell upon the whole church and everyone “who heard of these things,” indicating that those outside of the church heard about it too. This makes sense of Acts 5:13 which says, “None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem,” which meant that those outside of the church didn’t dare join them unless they were sincere or genuine in their belief in Christ. This verse doesn’t mean that others were afraid to join the church because in the very next verse it says “And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women” (Act 5:14).

SummaryThis is “why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died” (1 Cor 11:30).

The fear of God is not so much a fear of being struck dead but means having a deep, abiding, holy, reverential respect for God and for telling the truth. The Apostle John says writes, “If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that” (1 John 5:19). The sin that leads to death is likely different for each believer. When believers fall into unrepentant sin or serious sin (adultery, violence, etc.) like the Church at Corinth was experiencing, God called some home (they died). Why? It was because they were getting drunk at the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor 11). The Apostle Paul said this is “why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died” (1 Cor 11:30). Their sins lead to death, but that doesn’t mean spiritual death or that they won’t be saved. Just like Ananias and Sapphira, they committed a very serious sin, one where God took them home, but they were taken into the Kingdom because they believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. God showed the church and the public that He desires a pure and holy church where we do not lie to one another and we do not rob glory from God and ascribe it to ourselves (like Ananias and Sapphira did).

ConclusionToday, God is still adding to the church, even though there is more persecution of the church today around the world than ever before, but God’s church will prevail no matter what Satan or man does and as Jesus said “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matt 16:18b). He is still building His church today, one soul at a time.

I pray you have put your trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If that has not happened yet, my friend, you are in real danger of hell fire. And I mean, in immediate danger. You’re one breath, one heartbeat…one accident away from eternity when it will be too late to repent. Today is the best day to believe (2 Cor 6:2) since tomorrow is no guarantee. If Jesus Christ came today, here is your fate (Matt 7:21-23). This is why I plead with you as you read this, repent today…and I mean right now. Put your trust in Jesus Christ. If you do not, you will face God’s judgment after death guaranteed (Heb 9:27) or at Jesus Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), which could happen at any moment.

Here is some related reading for you: What is the Sin that Leads Unto Death?

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Maybe you’ve read where Paul says he’s become all things to all men, so what does he mean by that?

What He Didn’t MeanMaybe you’ve read where the Apostle Paul says he’s become all things to all men, so what does he mean by that in 1 Corinthians 9:22? Here’s what he doesn’t mean. It doesn’t mean Paul compromised with sin in the church. Paul didn’t mean that it’s okay to blend in with the world or become like the world in order to win the world? I believe Paul means he tries to reach people and share the gospel in a way that makes sense to his audience, whether Jew or Gentile. The gospel is still the same for both, but he approaches people more from where they’re at in life and their belief system. Paul does not mean he waters down doctrines to accommodate people’s own belief, but that he is not quick to judge others but rather he is quick to share Christ. The audience doesn’t matter to him…it does matter to him that the gospel is shared with anyone with ears.

At Their LevelThe best way to understand Scripture is to read the entire context of a certain verse, like reading the whole paragraph or better yet, read the entire chapter. We should never read just one verse and try to build a belief system on that. You end up with a cult or a false doctrine. So what did the Apostle Paul mean when he wrote, “To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some” (1 Cor 9:22). Again, it doesn’t mean he became a sinner to sinners. We know Paul better than that! He tried to meet people at the own level at which they were at. He would share Christ with a blind invalid just as easy as he would with Caesar.

Meeting Them Where They’re AtWhen the Apostle Paul went to Athens (to the Greeks in Athens (at the Areopagus), he even quoted one of their philosophers to make a point (Acts 17:8). It was likely the 6th-century BC Cretan philosopher Epimenides. Paul’s quote was that “We are also his offspring.” This points directly to God Who truly is the Creator and Author of all life on earth. Paul used that philosophy Paul mentions the idol to the “unknown god” and then points them directly to the one true and living God Who “made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place” (Acts 17:26). Paul used one of their own poet’s quote to point out Who the true Creator was so that He was “unknown” no longer.

Accommodating OthersSaint Paul delivering the Areopagus Sermon in Athens, by Raphael, 1515

When I say that we can be accommodating to others, I surely don’t mean we can accommodate sin in the church or in our lives or in the lives of those in the Body of Christ. It’s more like meeting people where they are rather than expecting them to adapt to you. It means shifting your approach, language, and attitude to connect with different types of people in order to open a spiritual conversation to share Christ. It does not mean you are a “chameleon” for a greater good. On the divinity of Christ, on the sinless-ness of Christ, on the death and resurrection of Christ, we change not! We might change our approach in sharing the gospel, but we never change the gospel. Paul became all things to all people and tells us exactly why he wrote this, in writing, “I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings” (1 Cor 9:23). It is “for the sake of the gospel” so “that I may share” it with them. Paul said, “I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them” (1 Cor 9:19), so he’s simply interested in winning souls, and not in compromising with the essentials of the faith. Even if Paul has to become like a servant to someone, he will, if that’s what it takes for someone to hear the gospel. To Paul, that’s all that mattered.

SummaryTo “Become all things to all men,” is more like a directive on the empathy and adaptability we might have to show in sharing Christ. We have a man who is deaf in our church and I am slowly learning sign language (and I mean slowly!), but I am trying to reach him where I can communicate with him and thus, fellowship with him. I can’t do that unless I become like him and have to sign my words. I am praying that God might use my inferior sign language (very weak!), in order for this man to feel welcome and part of the Body of Christ, as indeed he is! So we must ask ourselves: “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching” (Rom 10:14)? Then ask, “how are they to preach unless they are sent” (Rom 10:15a)? And is that someone you? If not you, who? And it might even take sign language.

Here is some related reading for you: Essential Beliefs of Christianity Christians Should Not Compromise On

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W hen a deacon or elder is installed in a local church, what are the qualifications and what questions should be asked before he is ordained?

What is a Deacon?We know that all potential candidates for being a deacon must be tested (1 Tim 3:1), so men must be biblically qualified to be in church leadership, but God clearly defines what the qualifications are. The term “deacon” comes from the Greek word “diakonos” meaning “servant” or “minister,” so a deacon must be a servant of the church, without regard to those they serve. The questions of a potential deacon candidate that are to be asked are in italics.

Questions for Ordination Candidates to Answer (from memory and no Bible)How long have you been a Christian, and can you give a brief account of your conversion?

Do you believe in the sinless life of Jesus Christ and His substitutionary death on our behalf and resurrection on the third day?

Are you absolutely convinced of the virgin birth of Christ?

How is your personal walk with Christ, including daily devotional and prayer life?

Do you believe in the inspiration of the Bible comes directly from God and is without error and is the final and absolute authority given to believers?

Are there any areas of personal struggle, temptation, or unconfessed sin that could affect your service?

How do you handle disagreements and conflicts, particularly within the church?

Can you explain the gospel to a man dying on the highway that has only 3 minutes to live? [Time them…]

The candidate for an elder or deacon office must have reasonable answers for most of these questions. They should also know that at one time, they were separated by God by their sins, and they were sinners and headed for the wrath of God in hell, but through Jesus’ sinless life, death and resurrection they (and we) can be forgiven, and freely receive the grace of God by trusting in Jesus Christ. This means we repent and place our faith in the Lord and is not anything we do or earn (Eph 2:8-9). It should be something like that, of course, not word for word, but a deacon must know how to share the gospel which includes trusting in Christ, repenting of sins (Mark 1:15), and having received eternal life by faith in Jesus Christ? Jesus’ life, death and resurrection are all part of the gospel (1 Cor 15:1-5).

Church elders (and deacons) are called by God and equipped by God “to teach and preach the Word” if need be (1 Timothy 3:2; 2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:9). Could you teach a class or preach a sermon if necessary due to a pastoral illness or something else that prevents the pastor from preaching or teaching?

If they cannot preach, this is not a disqualification, but they should be able to at least teach a Bible study or answer a simple Bible question if they are a student of the Bible.

What is one of your most important duties as a deacon?

Answers: Teach, preach (if necessary), correct sinning members privately, serve, hold church members accountable, and live a life above reproach as an example of godly behavior (1 Tim 3; Titus 1).

What would you do if you saw someone in the church committing sin?

Matthew 18:15-18 tells us what to do first. Don’t talk to anyone first…go to your brother first.

What if they didn’t respond to your trying to reprove them of their sin?

Then the deacon or elder/pastor are to take another brother or two (no more than two, it’s not supposed to be a posse), and if that does not bring back the brother to repentance, then follow the rest of Matthew 18:15-20 and bring it up before the whole church. Again, they are not disqualified if they don’t know the entire discipline method, but they must know that God will hold them accountable for their deacon duties and all of the churches duties to bring back a sinner who is wandering away and into sin without repentance. We do know “that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:20).

What is your prayer life like?

Should be daily at least; better if they pray during the day too, not just morning and night.

What do you pray for the most?

Do they pray for the church, the lost, for overcoming sin, for others who need prayer, for God to be glorified, or mostly for themselves? Titus and 1 Timothy 3 show that the deacon (indeed, all believers) must be compassionate. Jesus will hold them responsible for His flock.

Why do you think God has called you to be a deacon?

Various answers but all calls are from God but our own will or desire is involved.

Biblical Qualifications for Deacons/EldersWe already know the biblical qualifications for a church deacon and one of the first few things mentioned is that “Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain” (1 Tim 3:8). Paul writes “Deacons must be….” pointing back to the previous verses for pastoral qualifications like he “must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money” (1 Tim 3:2-3) but the deacon must also not be double-tongued meaning they say one thing to someone else and something different to another. That is duplicity and God will not tolerate it. The deacon must also not have an addiction to alcohol and not be motivated by money.

Living Above ReproachThe word conscience means “with” (con) “knowledge” (science) which is why Paul wrote that the deacon “must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless” (1 Tim 3:9-10). If they have a good conscience then this means that they are not living in sin and have confessed all known sin to God. They must be blameless. This doesn’t mean perfection or sinless, otherwise none would ever qualify, but Paul means they should live a life above reproach where no one can accuse them with good cause and be blamed for sinful practices. They also have to be “tested first” which tells me that they must know the essentials of the faith by heart (e.g. Rom 10:9-13, Acts 4:12) and know them well enough to say what they are from memory.

In Good StandingA church deacon must be an example for all of the church members and so “those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus” (1 Tim 3:13). A church member who is not in good standing in the church will not be qualified to be a deacon. This means, at least, that the deacon will be faithful in attendance, will serve the church (which is what the word “deacon” means), and they will have confidence in their own faith in Christ. A deacon that lacks confidence in their own faith in Christ cannot pass along that biblical confidence to others. If they are not in good standing with the church then Paul is clear that they will not be qualified to be a deacon. It is as clear as that.

Here is some related reading for you: What is a Deacon? A Bible Study

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You hear the term, born again very often, but how is a person born again and how do you know if you are?

First BirthEveryone has been born physically in a natural birth, but there is another birth that the Bible talks about called, being born again. When a child is born, the child didn’t know about it in advance, didn’t check with his/her parents, didn’t ask to be born, didn’t choose the date and place to be born or even their parents, so it is likewise when a person is born of God. To begin with, all men and women are dead in their sins (Eph 2:1-5), so they cannot choose God as we’re all born to die from the moment of birth, being enslaved by sin and headed for judgment (Heb 9:27). But, as we shall read, God steps in supernaturally to cause us to be born again as the Apostle John and the Apostle Peter puts it.

Second BirthBeing “born from above” is a foundational Christian doctrine from the Gospel of John, where Jesus tells Nicodemus that one must be “born from above” (in the Greek) to see the kingdom of God. It signifies a spiritual rebirth and a transformation of our inner life by the Holy Spirit. John 3:3-7 specifically speaks about being born from above, so can we take any credit for our own natural birth or our own spiritual birth? Did we choose to be born or the time and place? No! Since it’s kept in heaven for us, who can touch it?! It’ll be there waiting for us because it’s permanent (can never perish, spoil or fade). However, all glory must go to God, for salvation is fully a work of God (Jonah 2:9; Acts 4:12). John not only writes about being born again as an entry point of a Christian’s conversion experience, but also a life of transformation in the Spirit. A new birth creates a new creation in Christ (2 Cor 5:17).

Forced LaborI cannot count the number of people who plead with me to tell people they must be born again. Jesus tells all that we must repent and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15), and when we believe, we are born again. The late pastor Adrian Rogers once said, “If you’re born once, you’ll die twice, but if you’re born twice, you die once.” What did he mean? If you only have a physical birth, you’ll die a natural death and the “second death” is for eternity (Rev 20:12-15, 21:8), but to tell someone “You better be born again” is like telling someone to do something that they humanly can’t! Only God can cause the second birth (born again). We can’t talk someone into it or pressure them into making a decision. Only the Spirit of God and the Word of God shared by a person of God can birth a child of God. And if you’re born again, not even death can separate you from God (John 10:27-28; Rom 8:37-39).

The Command to RepentIt’s a little of a paradox to me, humanly speaking, because the Jesus warns us that we must repent and believe or perish, but then the Bible teaches that God grants repentance. How can we reconcile these two? We really don’t need to because both are true. Baptism is still commanded, just as everyone is commanded to repent (Acts 17:30). It’s not, “I will save you freely, now just finish it by getting baptized or by repenting of your sins…otherwise you won’t be saved.” It is more like God giving us His Spirit after we trust in Christ, and then we begin desire to repent of our past sins and past life. We turn away from sin and turn to God in obedience. God’s Spirit convicts us of our sins and shows us our need for the Savior. God grants all of this ability to us…including our ability to want to repent in the first place.

God Grants RepentanceThe Gentiles didn’t figure out that Jesus was the Savior and then decided to repent. Scripture teaches that it was to “the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life” (Acts 11:18). He writes to Timothy that “the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth” (2 Tim 2:24-25), and if God grants them repentance, “they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will” (2 Tim 2:26). Otherwise they, like us, would have been dead in our sins and unable to repent. We’d have as much of a chance as Lazarus resurrecting himself. He needed Jesus! So do we! God grants us repentance. That repentance shows up in a changed life, and we only then are we able to escape from the devil’s snare that formerly held us captive. Unless God had granted us repentance, we would still be in Satan’s grip, but thankfully, God demands that we repent but God grants us the ability to repent.

ConclusionBeing “born again” is also mentioned in 1 Peter 1:23 and probably 1 John 3:9 but also relates to being “born anew” or “born again.” In 1 Peter 3, 23, the Greek verb ἀναγεννάω is used, which means “to be born anew,” signifying a “new birth.” In 1 John 3:9, the Greek verb is γεννάω, which means “to bring forth birth” or “to be father of.” Here are more Scriptures on the new birth if you’d like to read more on this subject (John 3:3-7; 1 Pet 1:23; 2 Tim 2:23-26; 1 John 3:9).

Here is some related reading for you: How You Are Chosen by God, Born of God, Sought by God and Kept by God

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Christians are commanded to love, serve and pray for one another, but should Christians also minister to unsaved people?

Attracted to ChristYou can be the hands and feet of Jesus to them by serving them at a local kitchen or shelter.

Christians are commanded to love, serve and pray for one another, but should Christians also minister to unsaved people? If I only did good things for Christians, any unsaved family or friends I know would likely reject my faith as being hypocritical and they’d be right. They would see me as helping only those who are in the church and discounting those who are not saved, but that’s so wrong! I too was not saved but someone came to me and shared Christ and then helped me out when I needed it. More than once I had Christians help me before I became a Christian, but that’s why I was so attracted to Christ; seeing His working through these believers. They helped me, despite my rejection of their faith and them, in some cases, them as a person. How sad, but I’ve repented of that.

Serving OthersThe Apostle Peter speaking to the church tells them (and us, of course), that “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Pet 4:10). Every believer has at least one gift and that gift is for the church, but we are to “use it to serve one another.” If we do this, we will “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal 6:2), however if we limit our good works only for the church, then those we are ignoring those in need outside of the faith. The Apostle John says that “if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:11), remembering that God loved us first or He made the first move (1 John 4:19). The Bible says that God has appointed or foreordained for us good works, so that we should walk in them (Eph 2:10), but the question is, will we walk in them (or do them)? He did not say to do good works only to those in the church. Remember our works are to glorify God and act as witnesses for Christ’s working through us (Luke 9:23-26; 2 Cor 4:1-7).

All Will KnowJesus Christ gave us all a new commandment and that commandment was “that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (John 13:34). This love exhibited by believers will be so powerful that “all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). By Jesus saying “all people,” I presume this means the lost and the saved will know we are His disciples. How? By the way we love! When unbelievers see that kind of love being displayed in public; a love that is so missing in the world today, and is so radically different from the world they live in, it sometimes draws people to Christ living in these believer’s. That’s how “all people” will know; the lost and the saved. It will be by our love. Not our love only for the church, but for all men.

Love Our EnemiesIf we are told to “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph 4:32), why not be tenderhearted towards those outside of the faith? When I see someone reject the gospel, it breaks my heart because I know their final fate is worse than can be described. Since God loved us while we were still wicked, ungodly enemies of God (Rom 5:6-10), so how can we not love our enemies? Jesus told us, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matt 5:44b). Why would we do that? Most people take revenge or “get even,” but we must love those who hate us “so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matt 5:45). Since God blesses both the just and the unjust, should we do any less for the saints and the unsaved of the world? When we love our enemies, the world knows who Jesus’ disciples are and those who are in the world. We should shine as the children of God and stand out in this dark and decaying world.

God’s ElectWe might be scorned for our sharing the gospel with the lost, but we don’t know if that person is elected by God or not (Eph 1). So what do we do? We act as if God wants us to share Christ with all people because only He knows who the elect are. We don’t know that, so we must act as if no one we meet is saved. If they are, fantastic, but it’s our duty or command from Christ to go into all the world (Matt 28:18-20; Acts 1:8), while not forgetting to go next door.

Here is some related reading for you: What Does the God Say About Serving Others?

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What is the biggest threat to a Christian ministry? Success!

Giving God the GloryWhat is the biggest threat to a Christian ministry? Success, so believe it or not, the Christian’s greatest risk for failure or falling is not during a trial or tribulation, but when they’ve just achieved something great. When we become successful in a ministry, it’s our tendency to believe that it’s by our own hand and not from God. Of course, this robs God of glory. How sad because not even a sparrow falls to the ground that our Heavenly Father is not aware of and whatever happens, He allows it for our good (Matt 10:29: Rom 8:28). One such example was when King Uzziah began to reign in Judah and “he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah had done. He set himself to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God, and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper” (2 Chron 26:4-5), but the king knew that “God helped him against the Philistines and against the Arabians who lived in Gurbaal and against the Meunites” (2 Chron 26:7). He gave God glory for Israel’s success against her enemies.

Can’t Handle SuccessKing Uzziah prospered so much that “The Ammonites paid tribute to Uzziah, and his fame spread even to the border of Egypt, for he became very strong” (2nd Chron 26:8). The problem was not that he prospered but his prosperity or success went to his head. It was “when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction. For he was unfaithful to the LORD his God and entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense” (2 Chron 26:16). Uzziah was a king, not a priest. He had no right to burn incense in the temple, but he thought he was an exception because of his strength, wealth, and success, but that led to his downfall.

The haughty looks of man shall be brought low … the LORD alone will be exalted – Is. 2:11

Turn Losing into WinningWhen I was a Little League baseball coach, we were like the Bad News Bears. We could not win a game at all. The teams used to rub it in our face but we learned more during our defeats than we could have ever learned from winning so we came up with a plan. We decided to practice a little longer and a little harder at the skills positions while the other teams cut their practice time. We worked on the basic skills more, we examined the fundamentals more, and we also learned how to be good sports in losing. It’s easy to be a good sport when you are winning but the true test is how to be one when you lose…time and again. Slowly we began to be more competitive. Near the end of the season, we actually won a few games. We didn’t win the league, but we turned our season around. If we had been winning at first, we may have never learned some valuable lessons in the extra practices we held. We learned important lessons like how to lose graciously and how to work harder and improve. In other words, we learned more from our defeats than from our victories.

Pride, Then the FallDuring the zenith of David’s success as king, he had victory after victory, but his heart became full of pride. Only when David thought he was really something, Satan incited David to take a census and count his troops. It was a little like a rich man counting his money. Even though Joab tried to warn, David’s pride blinded him, and it can blind us too. Pride has a way of doing that. Of course, that angered God. David saw the great numbers of troops as being the real power of his kingdom, not realizing he ultimately depends on God. When he had failed to give credit to God for Israel’s source of strength, Israel paid dearly with the death of seventy thousand men (2 Sam 24:15-17).

Warning for IsraelNow, what about ancient Israel’s history? It seems that they followed the same pattern of success, pride, idolatry, and then, a fall; then repeat this over and over again. They prospered, forgot God, fell into idolatry, were sent into captivity, then humbled themselves, and God delivered them…again! Even though God had warned them numerous times, they refused to learn that the nation must not take credit for their blessings and safety where God says, “You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day” (Deut 8:18). Let us never, ever say what God warned them to never say and that is, it was by “My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth” (Deut 8:17).

Warning for UsInstead of saying, “How could Israel be like that,” I say, “How am I like that?” There are several important things we should take to heart in Deuteronomy 8. When things are going well, we better not forget the Lord. When our goods increase and our wealth (or success) is multiplied, don’t let our hearts become proud. When we are delivered out of our own trials and tribulations, let us remember that it is God Who delivered us. When things go well we are tempted to think, “My power and the strength of my hands have done this,” but that’s dangerous because that’s pride. Success makes us look in the mirror…struggles make us look to God. Isaiah writes, He is “the LORD” and “I will not give my glory to another nor my praise to graven images.” Sometimes that “graven image” (42:8) is our own success.

Give Glory to GodWhen I get a compliment for something I’m doing for God, I tell them about the moon. The moon has a dark side. As a matter of fact, it’s all dark. Without the sun shining on it, it would remain dark. The moon cannot support life. It is dead, decayed, and pock-marked by asteroids and meteorites. The moon is a waste land, but when the sun shines on it, it is beautiful. Why? It’s not about the moon…but about the sun! It reflects the sunlight and gives light to our nights. Likewise, I am dark, dead, and decaying and have no source of light except the Son of God Who shined His light on me. Only then can I be able to reflect that light to a dark, dying, sinful world. Even a tiny match can light up a large, dark cave, however, just as the moon has no right to boast, neither can I boast in my own good works (light). We all must give glory to the Son of God Who illuminates the darkness and is the light of men (John 1). God will not resist us if we give the credit and glory to Whom it is all due, and it’s “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness” (Psalm 115:1)!

ConclusionWhen we are filled with pride we are just like Satan. When we are lifted up, we are exalting ourselves, but if we remain humble and give credit to God for our successes, God will continue to bless us. If we act like it’s our own doing, God will resist us every step of the way (James 4:6). If you have failed to repent, confess your sins, and trust in Christ, you have the wrath of God abiding on you right now (John 3:36b). Humble yourself today and know that God will give you grace. He wants us to prosper in all things (Rom 10:17), but He also wants us to acknowledge where that prosperity comes from.

Here is some related reading for you: The Christian’s Greatest Danger is Success

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There has been a lot of controversy over Mark 16:9-20, so what’s wrong with that part of the gospel of Mark?

ControversyThere has been a lot of controversy over Mark 16:9-20 over the centuries, and for good reason, so what’s wrong with that part of the gospel of Mark? To begin with, the language is totally different from the rest of the gospel and the Greek grammar is starkly different than Mark’s writings elsewhere in the gospel. There are words used in Mark 16:9-20 in the Greek not used anywhere else in his gospel. These last few verses just seem like an awkward ending and it sounds like someone just wanted it to have a smoother ending. If that is true, and I believe it is, then Mark 16:9-20 is not inspired by the Holy Spirit, therefore it should not be in the Bible. More reasons on this next.

Earliest ManuscriptsIf you own a New American Standard Bible or an English Standard version, or even a New King James version, there should be a note in the margin that explains that Mark 16:9-20 is a text that has been added to Mark. We have over 25,000 manuscripts and none of the earliest (which would be most accurate) has Mark 16:9-20. All of the earliest and best manuscripts end at Mark 16:8. In fact, Mark 16:9-20 does not show up in any manuscripts until over a century later, therefore, many scholars doubt that these verses were in the original Gospel of Mark. They conclude that the long ending to the book of Mark represents an attempt by an ancient, anonymous someone to provide a more “satisfactory” ending.

Did Jesus Say?Jesus said, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16), but does this verse say or teach that unless you are baptized, you cannot be saved? First of all, this verse is not found in any of the earliest manuscripts or copies, so Jesus likely never said this. For the few who still believe you must be baptized in order to be saved, let’s ask, “What does the word baptism mean?” Obviously it refers to water baptism, and most take that as submersion or being baptized into and under the water, but an important factor is how the Greeks used this word in their everyday language. The Greeks used the word “baptize” as a way to identify something. For example, if they submerged (Greek, “baptizmō”) a cloth in purple dye, the fabric was then identified with the color purple. It was never identified with the water but the color of the dye. That’s how it’s now identified with…purple, not water. The water didn’t change a thing…the purple dye did that.

Roaring SilenceThere is a roaring silence of evidence in regard to Mark 16:9-20 where these verses are absent from the Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus. We have great reason to not accept Mark 16:9-20. Another reason is we have what is called the Bodmer Papyri in which we find John and Luke which dates from 175 to 225. And then there’s the very famous papyrus called the Chester Beatty papyrus that has all four gospels and the book of Acts and it dates around 200. Not one of these sources has Mark 16:9-20. Rather, all have the Gospel of Mark end at 16:8.

God-Breathed?I want to bring attention to two of the most important early manuscripts we have. One is called a Codex. It’s called a Codex because it is a bound volume rather than a scroll. The first one that is very important is called Sinaiticus, and its dates from about 350, and it contains the entire New Testament. These manuscripts all end at Mark 16:8. The second important one is called Vaticanus 325, but has the whole Bible. Incidentally, both Sinaiticus and Vaticanus end Mark at verse 8. Next, we also have eight thousand ancient copies of the New Testament in Latin called the Vulgate, and the Vulgate dates from 382 to 405. We also have 350-plus copies of the Bible in Syriac that goes back to the 200’s. Again, and to make my point, every one of these manuscripts all stop at Mark 16:8. This is why I believe Mark 16:9-20 are not inspired by the Holy Spirit and do not belong in the Bible, therefore, they should not be used in teaching or preaching. Shocking? Maybe, but don’t we want what is the pure, unadulterated Word of God. Do we want anything short of the very breath of God (2 Tim 3:16-17)?

ConclusionAfter examining all of the earliest and best manuscripts, Codex L is the final nail in the coffin for Mark 16:9-20. The Codex L manuscript is described by Dr. Dean Burgon as, “the work of an ignorant foreign copyist who probably wrote with several manuscripts before him; but who is found to have been wholly incompetent to determine which reading to adopt and which to reject” [Dr. Dean Burgon, The Last Twelve Verses Of Mark, pg. 203.]. The conclusion regarding the Gospel of Mark, and specifically Mark 16:9-20, is that you must know that none of the earliest manuscripts have these verses, nor do the earliest Christian’s writings (including Gospel compilations!) ever mention them. I pray this settles it once and for all and why I know they are not inspired and why I will not preach or teach these verses in a church or anywhere else, for that matter.

Final ThoughtsThere’s been lots of controversy over I pray you have put your trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If that has not happened yet, my friend, you are in real danger of hell fire. And I mean, in immediate danger. You’re one breath, one heartbeat…one accident away from eternity when it will be too late to repent. Today is the best day to believe (2 Cor 6:2) since tomorrow is no guarantee. If Jesus Christ came today, here is your fate (Matt 7:21-23). This is why I plead with you as you read this, repent today…and I mean right now. Put your trust in Jesus Christ. If you do not, you will face God’s judgment after death guaranteed (Heb 9:27) or at Jesus Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), which could happen at any moment.

Here is some related reading for you: 10 Events Seen in All 4 Gospels

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True Christian faith is the gift of God, not only for salvation but for empowering us through absolute belief and trust in God and the truths presented in His Scriptures.

God’s GiftTrue Christian faith is the gift of God, not only for salvation but also for every aspect of His design for our unique kingdom lives. It empowers us through absolute belief and trust in God and the truths presented in His Scriptures.

Eph 2:8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.”

Faith for salvation is the gift of God. Accordingly, we can take no credit. In the same way, the true Christian faith, required for thriving as the masterpiece He designed, is also God’s gift. It connects every aspect of our lives with Him, His purposes, and His power. As Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him…”

Tragically, many have been deceived into believing they, through mind, will and emotions, are responsible for faith from the time of salvation on. Through Galatians 3: 3, Paul declares, “Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now perfected by the flesh?” Thus, God’s Spirit is the only source of the faith that results in true life in Christ

Our Faith Is To Be In GodSadly, many sincere Christians are deceived into attempting to replace His gift of faith with their flesh’s futile imitation. They are taught, “If your prayers for healing or your heart’s desires aren’t answered as you wish, it is because your faith isn’t strong enough.” Refer again to Galatians 3: 3 and align that with Scripture. Our Christian lives began through God’s gift of faith so how can we possibly believe that attempting to live for Christ through human efforts at either faith or serving Him can be of any value to His kingdom? Flesh-generated faith has no power. Holy Spirit-generated faith is the only true source of life through our incredible walk with God.

Ask the Spirit for revelation about faith as He presents it in the following Scripture.

James 1: 6 “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.”

The Spirit is our source of faith regarding all of life in Christ. Doubts cannot stand against the faith He provides.

James 2: 19 (NKJ) “You believe there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe – and tremble.”

James is making the point that intellectual belief in God, versus the Spirit’s gift of faith, does not bring salvation to either demons or mankind.

1 John 5: 14, 15 “… if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us … we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.”

When faith for the power of prayer is taught, then our prayers will align with God’s will which is what the Bible teaches.

God’s Faith is Always Based on Bible TruthsScripture reveals, “All scripture is breathed out by God” (2 Tim 13: 16). The Bible is the inerrant Word of God. Only the Spirit’s revelation of this truth through His gift of faith can result in our truly believing Scripture and living accordingly. We then anchor our lives in God’s truths. Religious, cultural, and intellectual attempts at defining truth are powerless. They are as vacillating as sand driven by hurricane winds.

God’s Scripture truths include:• God’s Character and Identity
• Through all scripture
• Through the life of Christ
• His love for all mankind
• His calling for His Church
• The incredible freedom of knowing He has a unique design for each individual and their roles in His kingdom.
• The role of the Holy Spirit
• His Promises
• His Sovereignty

What Christian Faith Is NotLet us now move beyond the central truth that true Christian faith is God’s gift and cannot result from mankind’s efforts to considering misconceptions that are to be confronted and eliminated.

Christ centered faith does not include:

• Presuming on God to bless our human plans, those not initiated by His Spirit.
• Guaranteeing results that coincide with the worldly “measures of success.”
• His providing the desires of our hearts, if they are presented from the flesh instead of aligning with Scripture and His will. (Psalms 37: 3-7)
• Receiving His promises according to either our definition of what the promise means or in our insistence God executes in our desired timeframe. See Hebrews 11.
• Expecting His sovereign will to align with our limited understanding of what is best.

The Believer’s Role in Appropriating God’s Gift of FaithOur role in this life of faith centers in walking in the Spirit by journeying through this earthly life under the revelation and control of His Spirit. Through Gal 5: 16-25 (NKJ), Paul exhorts all to, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh; and these two are contrary to one another … If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” As we grow deeper in our relationship with God, we learn to receive His revelations and surrender all to Him. We stand on His Scripture’s truths. His revelation and gift of faith replaces our futile efforts. He, not our flesh, then both transforms us and accomplishes His will in and through us for Christ’s glory.

We must remember to pray with faith.

God’s Incredible Life of FaithHeb 11:13 “These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar …”

Heb 11: 33-34 (NKJ)

“… who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises … out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle … were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had … chains and imprisonment … And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise…”

God’s life of faith is empowered beyond our comprehension (please consider all of Hebrews 11). It is not always easy or viewed as successful by either the world or mankind’s church, yet He designed each of us to be listed among His group of heroes of the faith, not by our efforts but through His Spirit’s life in and through us. God does not measure heroes based on worldly accomplishments but on lives lived through His empowering faith. Jesus didn’t ask the disciple what they could do for Him, but what He could do through them!

ApplicationWhat is the Spirit revealing concerning your beliefs about faith and victorious life that differ from the Scripture references above? How do you validate those with Scripture? What steps is He guiding you to embrace with Him?

Your comments and questions are welcomed at: curtp.martinauthor@gmail.com

Author’s Bio: Curt Martin is an author, speaker, seminar leader, and organization consultant. God has filled him with the passion to see every individual and organization become the unique and incredible masterpiece God designed. Little touches Him more than helping awaken all God placed within you, so you thrive in His freedom, purpose, and power as you learn to walk in God’s Spirit. Only those who commit to this journey experience the fullness of living God’s victorious life. Articles include excerpts from his award winning book, “Whose Life Are You Living.”

Here is some related reading for you: How to Be Transformed into the Image of Christ

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There’s much more to John 3:16 than you can imagine, so here’s a commentary on God’s love.

He Loved the WorldThere’s much more to John 3:16 than you can imagine, so here’s a commentary on God’s love. When Jesus said, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16), He was not talking about the physical world, or the earth, moon, and stars. He was referring to those in the world who would believe in the only begotten Son of God, Jesus Christ. God did not love the world in the sense of the way the world presently is. Today, the world is hostile to God. They generally don’t care about the things of God. The Scriptures say, “There is no fear of God before their eyes” (Psalm 36:1; Rom 3:18), so Jesus was referring to the love that God has for the world…particularly, those who would trust in Christ. He loved this world so much that He gave Jesus Christ to redeem the world (Mark 10:45), but of course, not all the world will choose to be redeemed. Many are called but few are chosen (Matt 22:14).

He Gave His SonGod gave His son as a propitiation, or satisfaction for the wrath of God that was due us. He was completely satisfied in Christ’s redemptive work; His sinless life; His perfect obedience to the Law; His taking upon Himself our sins; His death and resurrection; and Him being seated at the right hand of the Father. God demanded a perfect sacrifice for our sins, but God supplied what He demanded in Christ Jesus. What more could God give to redeem those who used to be ungodly, wicked enemies of His (Rom 5:6-10)?

We were redeemd by the precious blood of the Lamb.

Whoever BelievesThere is no doubt that we are elected by God, or chosen from before the foundation of the world (Eph 1), but this does not exclude whomever may believe in Jesus Christ may be saved. The Apostle Paul never knew ahead of time who was and who wasn’t elected unto salvation (and neither do we!), so he said to the church at Rome (and to all who read), that “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Rom 10:9). Whoever chooses to believe in Him may do so! It is “with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved” (Rom 10:10). All one has to do is to choose, because “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Rom 10:13).

RepentanceThe final portion of John 3:16 are where Jesus tells us “that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” What does that mean? Jesus clearly says, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this” (John 11:25-26)? Ask yourself that question: Do you believe? I hope you do. If you do, then you will not perish, but receive eternal life in Christ and will not be in the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev 20:12-15). Jesus said we must repent and believe; that is the gospel (Mark 1:16), so if there is no sign of repentance, then there may be a false conversion. John the Baptist understood enough about repentance to say that genuine repentance should “bear fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matt 3:8).

The Bible teaches that God Himself grants repentance (Acts 5:31, 11:18; 2 Tim 2:25), so there should be at least some visible signs of repentance. If there isn’t, that faith may dead, just as James wrote that a faith without works is dead (James 2). Paul says that “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Cor 5:17)…and the “new” that has come should be obvious to all, especially to those who know the believer. If not, it’s time to examine oneself to ensure one is soundly saved (2 Cor 13:5; 2 Pet 1:10-11). You certainly don’t want to “fail to meet the test” (2 Cor 13:5c). The best way to do that is to “be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall” (2 Pet 1:10).

Jesus at the DoorWillaim Holden Hunt – Pub. Domain

Something about this church tells us that Jesus is not really within her midst. The Lord says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me” (Rev 3:20). The reason Jesus may be knocking on the door is because there may not even be a door handle that allows Him into the church, especially being they are so lukewarm. So there He is; standing, waiting, knocking at the door, in the hopes that they will let Him in. If He was outside knocking on the door, then He obviously wasn’t inside this church in the first place, but there again we still have hope as they can still “be zealous and repent” (Rev 3:19b). Jesus expressly says, “The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne” (Rev 3:21). Who it is that conquers or overcomes? The Apostle John writes, “Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God” (1 John 5:5), so “everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (1 John 5:4).

AmbassadorsIn summary, we know that God loved the world long before it was created. He loved it so much that He foreordained Jesus to be slain, even before the foundation or creation of the earth (Rev 5:9, 12, 13:8). That is powerful evidence of God’s love for the world; not the ways of the world, but the people of the world who would trust in Christ. God didn’t save us to put us on a shelf or to bunker down in a monastery until Jesus returns. He commands us to make disciples and go wherever we can go. We’re commanded to teach them the same things that Jesus taught His own disciples (Matt 28:18-20; Acts 1:8)! God gave…and now we should give; of our time, talents, and treasures. Since “Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor 5:18), “we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (2 Cor 5:20). The one and only way to be reconciled back to God is through Jesus Christ (John 6:44, 14:6; Acts 4:12), and once reconciled to God, we are to strive to have others be reconciled to God through Christ. Ambassadors represent their country, either in a good way or a bad way, but they represent the kingdom from which they are from.

Saved or Condemned?If God had not sent His Son into the world, we would all be without hope, but we can thank God that “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him” (John 3:17). That should be our mission too. Not to condemn but to be used by God to share Christ. If God didn’t send Jesus into the world to condemn the world, then neither should we condemn the world. We can witness to the world, but God will judge them. If God sent His Son into the world to save the world through Him, then we should tell others about that! We should agree with John 3:17, but with the understanding that “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God” (John 3:18).

ConclusionAnd just to clarify Jesus’ previous statement, the Lord lays it out so clearly that anyone can understand, saying, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him” (John 3:36). Whoever believes can be saved, but whoever rejects Him, will have God’s wrath abiding on them…for all time (Rev 20:12-15). You must either trust in Jesus and He will pay for your sins; or reject Him, and pay for them yourself, but that payment will never be paid in full (Rev 21:8), because only Jesus satisfies the Father.

Here is some related reading for you: Why Does God Love Us? Do We Really Deserve It?

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We know God will reward each person according to their works on earth, but what about the good things we do for lost people? Will God reward us for doing good things to those outside the church?

The Invisible ElectWe know God will reward each person according to their works on earth (Matt 16:27; Rom 2:6; Rev 22:12), but what about the good things we do for lost people? Will God reward us for doing good things to those outside the church? I know this. Even when we minister to those outside of the faith, they still might be part of God’s elect. We will not know that until that person comes to saving faith, and even if they never do, we have still ministered to others as a witness for Christ. We’re not responsible for them believing. It’s not our responsibility to save anyone…it is their response to His ability. It is still our responsibility to evangelize. God’s timing on saving souls is a mystery. He might use your good works for helping a lost person as a means to reach them and introduce them to Christ. Even if they reject Christ and are never saved, I believe God will still reward us.

Loving Our NeighborsTo love our neighbor is to love them even outside the faith. Remember Jesus told us to pray for and do good for and to love our enemies (Matt 5). We cannot know who God’s elect are. It is only when they come to saving faith in Christ that we know they are His elect. Many of the lost you will witness to and reject your message, I can guarantee, at least some of them are part of God’s elect. It’s just that they are still not yet called (John 6:44; 17:20). God has His own timetable, and His timing is always immaculate. We should just throw our own timetable away!

Once EnemiesConsider the fact that we were once against God and wanted nothing to do with Jesus, but God made the first move by loving us first (1 John 4:19). The Apostle Paul says: “while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly” (Rom 5:6). He didn’t wait for us to get our acts together because that was never going to happen! Without God’s Spirit, we would remain enemies of God, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8). It wasn’t because we deserved it or earned it (Eph 2:8-9), but “while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life” (Rom 5:10).

Why God Saved UsGod saved us, not to snatch us to heaven, but to use us as a means to save others. Our purpose is to glory God (Psalm 115:1) and to be used by God as a means to His ends, chiefly to save sinners or to rescue the perishing. We recognize most will reject the gospel, since we are “a fragrance from death to death [but] to the other a fragrance from life to life…” (2 Cor 2:16). Realize that rejection will come, but it is Him whom they spurn, not us personally. It’s not so much the messenger they hate (but they very well may), but the message itself (John 3:18-19). They are not really rejecting you, but rejecting God.

Foreordained WorksThe Apostle Paul tells us just why we were saved, after telling us just how we were saved, and that is, God did all the heavy lifting (John 3:16; Eph 2:8-9). Why were we saved, besides glorifying God? Paul says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Eph 2:10). This is saying God, long ago, long before we existed, God planned works for good that we should walk in them. He appointed ahead of time, good things for us to do to people to minister to. The question is, will we walk in them?

No Works – No FaithJames understood that our calling includes good works, but these good works will be fruits of the Holy Spirit, but they will be there. If there are no good works, then that’s not really saving faith the person has. James writes, that “faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:17). You can see that faith and works connection in the Patriarchs like Abraham, where “faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works” (James 2:22).

No ExcusesI know that our good works should begin in our local Body of Christ the church, but if we fail to help those who are outside the faith, then we will not be loving our neighbors, nor will we be light and salt in this world before sinners. They must see our good works to see that our faith is real and God is real. We don’t know who God is going to call. We must share Christ with all people we come into contact, no matter what they look like or what we think about them. We can’t take soil samples and then witness…we must sow the Word as often as we can, as far as we can, as wide as we can, and to as many as we can. Then, leave the increase to God, for only He can make it grow (Acts 2:47). I know of several people who said they came to saving faith by means of a person’s helping them. Can you imagine the joy of by used by God to bring someone to saving faith by His grace? There’s not only joy in heaven (Luke 15:10)…but we’re partying here too! Someone was lost…now they are saved!

ConclusionWill God reward our acts of kindness to the lost? Don’t let anyone tell you that you shouldn’t be helping people who are not Christian. God possibly helped us first by means of using someone else. Maybe their example pointed us to Christ. Never resist an urge to do good for someone…regardless of who it is.

Here is some related reading for you: Are Our Rewards Based on How We Live on Earth?

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Many people claim to have dreams or visions and want to know, are they from God and if so, what do they mean?

What Do Dreams and Visions Mean?From my own experience, I have heard many who have had dreams and had visions of Jesus Christ, but what does this mean? Is Jesus trying to reach them by the only means possible because there are no churches in some places and the Bible is illegal, if not impossible to own? How can God reach those where no missionary dares to walk or is allowed into the country? How can God save them if they’ve never read a Bible or no one tells them about Jesus Christ for fear of being put to death? Over the years, I’ve answered hundreds of emails from readers all over the world, but only a very tiny fraction contact us who seem to have had a real vision or dream and that it was obviously sent from God.

Dreams and Visions Don’t SaveLet’s be clear; Dreams and visions of Jesus doesn’t save anyone. It takes the Spirit of God and with the Word of God to make a child of God, but God may use dreams or visions to draw people to Jesus Christ or to seek out others who might know more about God. God may use dreams and visions to reach people that often can’t be reached and because the Bible is forbidden in so many countries today. It is an exceedingly rare occurrence I believe, but it appears that God does send some dreams or visions, and these dreams or visions have striking similarities. Again, dreams and visions cannot save anyone, but they may be the door for that happening.

Muslim’s Dreams and VisionsOf all the people who had dreams about Jesus, including Muslims, and Muslims who converted to Christianity, I have noticed that there are three things that always seem to be mentioned and these three things really stand out. When they have a dream or vision of Jesus, every single time there is a light or a brightness of His countenance; Him, being Jesus Christ. It is like a soft but powerful light, almost too bright to look at, but also a powerful feeling of love and peace. Interestingly, they all say they know it is Jesus, and even they can’t even explain why they know it’s Him, but they just know in their hearts. For the first time in their lives, they feel an overwhelming sense of feeling of loved and acceptance. It’s almost as if Jesus is asking them to come to Him. So these three things are almost always found in dreams or visions of Jesus; light, love, and His invitation to come to Him.

Last DaysThe Bible says that in the last days, “it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions” (Joel 2:28), and this has come true for many in these latter days. People are seeing visions or dreaming dreams about Jesus from other nations, and they’re seeing Him in places where there are few churches and Bibles. I believe this shows God will move heaven and earth to reach one lost sinner who wants to be saved.

Dreamer BewareGod doesn’t want anyone to die in their sins. It is His will that all people repent and believe (2 Pet 3:8-9), including former Muslims, Buddhists, or any other religion. Today is the day of salvation (2 Cor 6:2) because tomorrow may be too late, and after death, it’s judgment time before God (Heb 9:27). God is still seeking sinners to be saved and to come and worship Him (John 4:24), and if He has to use dreams or visions to do it, He can and He will. I really believe He still is using dreams and visions to seek and to save those who will perish apart from Christ, but it is the norm. I’ve had 11 reports that seem to be valid but that’s over a 15 year period, so you can see that it’s an extremely rare occasion. Of course, thousands over the years have contacted us about dreams and visions they had, but they were believers and had access to a Bible, and after hearing about their dreams, it appears to be just a random dream, an occurrence which happens to many of us. We cannot force meaning into our or other people’s dreams and attribute them all to God. Not every dream has meaning and God speaks most clearly to us in the Bible and not in dreams or visions.

ConclusionI pray that you have already put your trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If that has not yet happened my friend, you are, at this very moment, in real danger of hell fire. And I mean, in immediate danger. Like all humanity, you are one breath, one heartbeat…one accident away from eternity when it will be too late to repent. Today is the best day to believe (2 Cor 6:2) since tomorrow is not guaranted to any one of us. If Jesus Christ came today, here is your fate (Matt 7:21-23). This is why I plead with you as you read this, repent today…and I mean right now, because Jesus could come at any moment and it will be too late for you to repent. See how the world will mourn and wail when Jesus does return because they know it’s too late for them to be saved (Rev 1:7). My advice is to put your trust in Jesus Christ. If you do not, you will face God’s judgment after death guaranteed (Heb 9:27) or at Jesus Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), which could happen at any moment.

Here is some related reading for you: God’s Amazing Conversions Through Dreams and Visions

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What does the Bible say about marriage, in particular, marriage between the saved and unsaved?

Love and FaithWhat does the Bible say about marriage, in particular, marriage between the saved and unsaved? When dreaming about your ideal marriage, you probably think of a lifetime of love, partnership, and building a family. It certainly can be these things, but as a Christian it’s important for the foundation of your marriage to not just be about love, but about shared faith. The Bible calls it being “equally yoked,” and it’s one of the most critical aspects of a God-honoring relationship. Let’s explore what this means and why it matters so deeply for committed believers.

What Does “Equally Yoked” Mean?The term “equally yoked” comes from 2 Corinthians: “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness” (2 Cor 6:14)? In biblical times, a yoke was a wooden frame used to join two animals—often oxen—so they could work together in plowing fields. If the animals were mismatched, such as pairing a strong ox with a weaker one, they couldn’t pull evenly. The work would be inefficient, and the weaker animal could be injured. In the same way, being unequally yoked in marriage means being tied to someone who does not share your faith and Christian values. It’s not about superiority or judgment; it’s about walking together in unity, especially in your spiritual life.

Strong FoundationJesus teaches us the importance of building our lives on a strong foundation. In Matthew 7, He compares those who hear His words and follow them to a wise builder: “And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock” (Matt 7:25). Marriage is one of the most significant “houses” you’ll ever build, and faith is the rock on which that house must stand. When both partners share a commitment to Christ, they’re united by something unshakeable. But if one partner’s foundation is Christ and the other’s is not, cracks can form. When you’re married, every decision—big or small—is made together. From finances to raising children to handling life’s struggles, your faith influences how you approach these areas.

A Shared FaithIf you and your spouse have different beliefs about what matters most, it can create division and conflict. Shared faith allows you to navigate decisions with a common purpose, seeking God’s will together. And If God blesses you with children, shared faith becomes even more crucial. The Bible says, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Prov 22:6). Raising children in a divided homes can be confusing for them and increase the odds that that they won’t embrace Christian values and biblical teachings as they grow up. But when both parents model a Christ-centered life, it creates a strong, consistent foundation for the next generation.

Challenges in Being Unequally YokedSome of you might be thinking, “But what if I’m already dating someone who isn’t a believer?” or “What if I fall in love with someone who doesn’t share my faith?” These are valid concerns, and they’re not easy to navigate. And while love is powerful, it’s not enough to overcome every challenge. A friend of mine once shared her experience of being married to a non-believer. Her husband was a kind, hardworking man who supported her faith but didn’t share it. Over time, she found herself going to church alone, praying alone, and feeling isolated in the most important area of her life. It didn’t mean they didn’t love each other, but it created a gap neither could fully bridge. The Bible urges us to prioritize God above all else, even in our relationships, saying, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matt 6:33). If your partner’s heart is not aligned with God’s, it can pull you away from seeking Him first.

What to Look for in a Faithful PartnerIf you’re single and committed to honoring God in your relationships, there are a few qualities to look for as you seek out your future spouse. Look for someone who loves God more than they love you – a person’s relationship with Christ will influence every aspect of their life, from how they treat you to how they handle challenges. And makes sure they’re genuine and live out their faith. Being equally yoked isn’t just about claiming the label of “Christian,” it’s about shared spiritual maturity. Do they seek God in prayer? Do they strive to live according to His Word? Marriage is a journey, and spiritual growth doesn’t stop at the altar. Choose someone who’s eager to grow in faith with you, whether that’s through church involvement, Bible study, or serving others.

Trusting God with Your FutureWaiting for the right person can be difficult, especially when you’re surrounded by friends who seem to be finding their partner fairly easily, but remember, God’s timing is perfect. The Psalms encourages us to “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27:14)! Instead of settling for someone who doesn’t share your faith, trust that God knows your heart and your desires. He is faithful to provide what you need as the Scriptures say, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). There are also some great Christian dating apps, communities and resources like from Be-Salt, which will help you meet someone who is aligned in their love for Jesus and is committed to Biblical principles. God wants the best for you and if you truly desire a spouse, then they’re worth finding.

ConclusionMarriage is one of the most beautiful gifts God has given us, but it’s also one of the most challenging. Being equally yoked ensures that you and your spouse are walking the same path, guided by the same Savior. It’s not about finding the perfect person, but about finding someone who is pursuing the perfect God alongside you. There are lots of great resources regarding Christian relationships, dating, courtship, and pursuit of the person God has for you, but also there’s real value in being content where you are while you wait for the person He has for you. As you pray and prepare for marriage, remember that God’s plan for you is good, and His guidance is trustworthy. Seek Him first, and everything else will fall into place.

Author’s Bio: Matthew Townend is a father, husband, and writer. He is a Vineyard School of Biblical Studies graduate and passionate Christian who met his wife on the SALT Christian Dating App.

Here is some related reading for you: Do Huge Age Differences Matter in Marriage or Relationships?

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With a new year, why not learn new Bible verses? Here are 7 powerful Bible verses to memorize for this and every New Year ahead.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come – 2 Cor 5:17When we are born again, or literally, born from above by an act of God (John 1:12-13, 3:3-7; 1 Pet 1:23), we become children of God. We are no longer children of the Devil as most still yet are in this world, held captive by the Prince of Darkness (2 Cor 4:3-4). Old things should start to pass away like old ungodly habits, but it takes time. Anything new takes time for the old man or fleshly nature shows up quite often at my door.

Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert – Isaiah 43:18-19It’s hard to forget our past sins or mistakes or lies. We must confess them to God and to the person we offended, but once that’s done, we should not keep remembering the former things that God has forgiven. God is doing a new thing in us by His Spirit and even in the parched wilderness in the desert. God doesn’t tell us, “Do your best and hope you make it,” but says, “I will make a way.”

Even in the parched wilderness, God “will make a way.”

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths – Prov 3:5-6Trust or faith means we believe without seeing, as in our belief in Jesus Christ whom we have never seen. Even so, we do believe, but we trust in God, not in our own understanding. He will straighten the path as long as we acknowledge Him and give Him the glory for the all the good blessings in our lives. Anything we are successful at, we must acknowledge God as the reason and source of all that is good.

To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness – Eph 4:22-24Notice that we must take some action and not “let go and let God.” We are commanded to “put on the new self,” meaning it doesn’t happen naturally. We must battle the flesh daily. Again, we must be proactive and “put off [the] old self which belongs to your former manner of life.” The only way this is possible is God working in us and through us, being renewed daily by His Word and His Spirit (Rom 12:1-2).

Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them – Psalm 139:16God has every day you will ever live recorded and already predetermined. Astounding, I know, but true. Job understood that our “days are determined, and the number of his months is with you, and you have appointed his limits that he cannot pass” (John 14:5). Since this is true, we must live out every day for the glory of God, knowing any of them could be our last. Live every day like it’s your last day on earth.

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus – Phil 3:13-14These verses are from what is called “The Joy Epistle,” or the Book of Philippians. No one runs a race looking backward. That’s dangerous and just like driving a car by looking rearview mirror too often. We don’t look back but press ahead…our goal of the Kingdom should make us strenuously strain forward toward the finish line. Right there He is waiting for you and for me.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope – Jer 29:11Horace Vernet, Jeremiah on the ruins of Jerusalem (1844).

If we take this verse in the context in which it was written, we see that it was written by Jeremiah the Prophet. He wrote this to restore the hope of the Jews who had been taken into captivity by the Babylonians. Their future looked hopeless and grim. Their home was impossibly far away…but God had told Jeremiah the Prophet that there was still yet hope. Jeremiah knew the Jews would return after 70 years of exile so he told them that God still had plans for them and had not forsaken them. And He still has plans for you too if you’re breathing. These plans may end up being painful, but we know that God will work out all these things for our very best (Rom 8:28). In Jesus Christ, we truly do have “a future and a hope.” Amen?

Here is some related reading for you: 7 Great Bible Verses for the New Year

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Here are 7 great Bible verses that get to the real meaning of Christmas.

Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.Notice that it is “the Lord himself” who will give the sign, and this supernatural sign, meaning it could not come from human effort, was that a virgin will conceive for the first time and last time in human history. Very fitting for He is God with us in Jesus Christ, namely Immanuel (means “God with us”).

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.In the original Hebrew, there are no commas in this name for God. He is all of these at one time. Notice again that it was “to us a child is born” (Jesus) and this son was given (at Calvary). God gave His one and only Son so that we might receive eternal life by belief in Him (John 3:16). That is why He came into the world (Mark 10:45).

Micah 5:2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,from you shall come forth for meone who is to be ruler in Israel,whose coming forth is from of old,from ancient days.This prophecy points to a time and a place where the Savior of the world would become a man, and in the humblest of towns and the humblest of settings (lying in a feeding trough). Out of such tiny, humble beginnings, will one come who will rule not only Israel, but all nations with a rod of iron. He is the “ancient of days,” the Lord Jesus Christ.

Luke 1:35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.”Luke the Beloved Physician is well qualified to state the unique birth of Jesus Christ. It was the Holy Spirit Who overshadowed Mary and she conceived by the Spirit, meaning Jesus would not carry the sin-gene. Or He would not have the sin nature or human nature as does all of mankind for man is born into (Psalm 51:5). The Son of God alone, as Man and God, has no sin nature nor has ever sinned, making the Spotless Lamb of God, the perfect atonement for our sins. A man cannot even die for his own sins and so must pay for them eternally in hell, but Jesus’ sacrifice, if we trust in Him, is sufficient for all sins and efficient to cleans us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

Luke 2:7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.Most kings are born in palaces, but the greatest King of all…the King of kings, was born in a barn, basically. A place where they kept the animals for they had no other place to stay and Mary was about to give birth. Here is a case from the least to the greater…and what small beginnings these were for the Lord, but what an ending for the glory of God that is coming when every knee will bow and every single tongue created will confess (Phil 2:10-11). We do not wait for the day when every tongue will confess and every knee will bow. We confess Him as Lord and bow our knee to Him in submission today and every day. Believers should do this today and every day; publically confessing Him and willing bowing to Him.

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.Imagine how hard it must have been for the Jewish religious leaders to understand that the Savior, the Messiah, must first die and then rule. They had expected the Messiah to remain forever, but there is no forgiveness of sin without the shedding of blood, and Jesus’ perfect, sinless life; His shed blood and death on the cross; and His resurrection on the third day, was exactly why He came into the world.

John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.The Word becoming flesh clearly refers to Jesus Christ. The Apostle John was any eye witness, having seen His glory, His miracles, His teachings, and His resurrection, finally understood that He must have to suffer and die and be raised on the third day to justify us before God. There was no Plan B. It was this way or no way. He had to dwell in the flesh to keep the Law to perfection since we could not. He did for us what we could not do for ourselves. This is why He is “full of grace and truth.”

Here is some related reading for you: How to Keep Christ as the Focus of Your Christmas

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How does knowledge puff us up or make us prideful so we can avoid it happening to us.

Puffer FishHow does knowledge puff us up or make us prideful so we can avoid it happening to us. It made me think of the Blowfish (family of Tetraodontidae) which are closely related to the Porcupine fish and Puffer fish. These fish are analytical to the idea of biblical knowledge that comes without love. These fish are the second most poisonous vertebrate in the known world, being highly toxic to humans. Their unique and distinctive natural defenses have the ability to inflate rapidly. Some puffers also produce a powerful neurotoxin called tetrodotixon in their internal organs, making them unpleasant, and even lethal.

Puffed UpFirst Corinthians 8:1 is a popular verse within evangelical Christianity. The proverbial portion of the verse is that “knowledge puffs up.” This regularly echoes through the corridors of our churches today. Normally, the proverb is spoken as a subtle rebuke of a believer seemingly falling in love with learning and correcting or chastising those who know less than they do. Since learning brings forth knowledge and knowledge brings forth arrogance, we reason, and then learning isn’t a habit worthy of our love. According to many who voice this proverb, some learning is necessary, but the sole objective of study is the application of that which is learned. Our goal as Christians is not to only know more about God but to know how to be more like God.

What’s in the middle of pride? “I”

The Danger of Biblical KnowledgeWe know far more about the Bible today (we imagine) than we can possibly obey, and so our focus must shift from that of impractical, pride-feeding knowledge to application and ministry skills acquisition. If knowledge does not build up his brother and it is not coupled with love, then it is useless. Knowledge devoid of love serves only to build up a person’s ego; it demonstrates that person’s selfishness as Paul wrote (I Cor. 13:2) “[if I have] all knowledge . . . but do not have love, I am nothing.” Atheists and agnostics are also made in the image of God but to only respond with knowledge without love to those who don’t believe as we often do is sin. This sin is pride.

Disciples LovePaul says that we should esteem others better than ourselves…in or out of the faith…but having a lot of biblical knowledge tends to make us esteem ourselves better than others. There is no love in this. Christ said that they would be able to recognize His disciples by the love they have for one another (John 13:34-35). It is by our loving one another and loving non-believers that they will know who Jesus’ disciples really are. Jesus didn’t qualify this by saying that it only has to do with Christians. I can disagree but still be agreeable. We can agree to disagree. When a Christian is not using his knowledge to build up his brother or sister, his or her knowledge is not coupled with love. Then we are nothing more than a Bible concordance. If love is not the foundation and at the root of our knowledge, Paul says this knowledge is worthless (1 Cor 13:2).

Knowledge and LovePaul is not trying to discourage us from learning but encouraging us to grow in knowledge and love. One without the other renders it useless, and in fact it was better to have no knowledge at all than to have all knowledge with no love. If I only pass on knowledge without love, my children and grandchildren will use that knowledge; but not in love, but in “brow beating” others who don’t have such knowledge. They will become pride-filled Christians that no one wants to have anything to do with. I have been a Christian a very long time now and have learned much “meat” from my studies, but if I do not show love, then it is worth nothing. We ought not to treat those who disagree with us, inside or outside of the church, any worse than we treat ourselves. We must love our neighbors. What do those who don’t believe think when they see other Christians criticizing each other about what are often non-essential issues? I believe it is true: The main thing is to keep the main thing, the main thing and that is Christ and Him crucified (1 Cor 2:2), so the main thing is the plain thing too.

ContentionI am not guiltless of course, but all too often I have seen Christians attacking one another over gray area matters. Where is the love in that? Where is the esteeming others better than ourselves? I love Christmas, primarily because I get to spend time with family and friends. I also get to relax and take some much needed time off but someone said that the letters in Santa can also be rearranged to spell Satan. It is true that there are pagan carry-overs in this present world but so is the wedding ring!

Lethal ChristiansHere’s the analogy. Porcupine fish and Puffer fish puff up when threatened. Knowledge without love, like these fish, can almost be most poisonous. What message to non-believers are we sending? Knowledge without love can also be highly toxic to humans. Knowledge by itself can puff up a person and overly inflate their egos and even our own natural defenses make us inflate rapidly. Like the powerful neurotoxins, we too can be lethal Christians but we have no excuse. Paul warned that “if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another” (Gal 5:15). I too have been guilty of this. God forgive for me for this and forbid that it happen again. Let me resolve to love others and esteem them better than myself, regardless of how much biblical knowledge I have or don’t have or how much they know or don’t know. It doesn’t matter…love does.

Here is some related reading for you: How to Avoid the Sin of Pride

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Wherever we are in our life journeys, God is drawing us to understand that He loves us just as we are and desires to personally walk through life with us.

God’s Everlasting LoveWherever we are in our life journeys, God is drawing us to understand that He loves us just as we are and desires to personally walk through life with us. Nothing we have ever done or ever will do can change the depth of His love for us. Jeremiah 31: 3 (NKJ) states, “The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: ‘Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love. Therefore with lovingkindness, I have drawn you.’”

Many struggle with accepting and living in God’s unconditional love. Some falsely believe we must earn it by following rules or doing good works, but these attempts are religious works of the flesh which never result in lasting kingdom value. Yes, we absolutely desire to follow His truths in Scripture and to serve Him, but we are to do so because we love Him, not to gain His love. His love is unconditional, and He sent His Son to provide access to Him and the incredible lives and freedom He designed.

We Can Fully Trust HimGod always has our best interests at heart and will never abandon or betray us. However, many find it difficult to trust others, including God. We have often been hurt in relationships. Commitments, love, and integrity have been set aside when the stakes were high enough. Accordingly, manipulation, deceit, and betrayal may have been normal parts of our lives.

However, God is “all in.” Ephesians 3:17-19 says, “so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith-that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have the strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” This incredible love is beyond human understanding but can be comprehended through His Spirit. His desire for us to know His love and experience the lives He designed is so strong that John 3:16 shares, “For God so lived the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Most of us can hardly imagine what this sacrifice cost Him. What doubt of His love can survive in the light of this gift?

Incredibly, His love is so great that He also gives us freedom of choice. We may accept or reject Christ’s sacrifice. We may indeed receive Christ but then reject His Lordship and desire for an ever-deepening relationship as we follow our own paths. Regardless, His love for us will not change, even though we endure much loss when we walk away.

What Chains Bind You?From Separation and Brokenness to LifeAs noted above, personal wounds often cause us to lose freedom, joy, and identity. We set up protective barriers and suffer differing levels of anger, anxiety, trauma, and distrust. These block our relationships, not only with humans, but also with God.

My background included love, but it was based on performance and perfection. Accordingly, all relationships, including mine with Christ, felt performance centered. Anxiety, perfection, loss of sleep, and anger prevailed. After high school I turned to alcohol. I “thought” it relieved my tensions, but it began to imprison me. Though saved and a church attender, I had a very broken view of God and little understanding of His love. My life fell into deep crisis. During my early twenties, my plea became, “There must be more to being a Christian than this. Please help me, God.” I began attending different churches and asking for help. Although I was warmly welcomed, no one understood, and I only received books.

One Sunday, as I dressed for church, I looked up and saw Christ standing in my living room. His projection of personal love was incredible, and He said, “Nothing you have ever done or ever will do can change the depth of my love for you.” I instantly knew His love was total and unchangeable. I could neither increase it nor lose it through my actions. He disappeared. (Unbelievably, I forgot this blessing for several weeks. I think it was because I had surrendered so much ground to the enemy that he could temporarily block it.) I went to church and responded to an alter call, begging God that this was my last hope. A liberal assistant pastor smiled and gave me another book. I left in utter defeat. Thankfully, God had other plans. The evangelical lead pastor soon visited. He listened, loved me, and helped me understand God’s gifts of love, faith and forgiveness. He then mentored me and connected me with mature Christians who embraced and included me in their walks with Christ.

Christ radically transformed me over the next year, guiding me through difficult struggles, and then introduced me to the incredible woman who would become my wife. A year earlier she would have walked away. She was and is the only human who has loved me unconditionally. My often-difficult journey with Christ continues as He embraces me in His transforming love.

What is Your Story?Christ meets us where we are and walks with us in His love and power to develop the fullness of the incredible life He designed. You may say, “Christ has never revealed Himself to me as He did to you. Therefore, I reject Him.” Please consider the following. Have you asked Him to do so, with a sincere and open heart? Have you actively pursued Him, beginning with the New Testament? He is pursuing you. Will you open your heart and choose to embrace His love?

Learning To Love God, Yourself, and OthersLearning to live in Christ’s love is an incredible and individualized journey between us and God’s Spirit. Mark 12: 30-31 tells us, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength … You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Christ speaks these truths not only as the greatest commandments but also as His very words of life and freedom. We are only able to walk in these commandments as we receive Him and permit His Spirit to be the Lord of our lives. Then, set free from all fear regarding our relationship with Him and our ability to trust Him, we learn to rest in Him, regardless of circumstances. When we no longer have the strength to stand, He enables us to trust in His love and purpose. When we cannot love either ourselves or others, His Spirit within provides His love and revitalizes us.

Personal filters strongly impact how we engage in life and deal with others. As God’s Spirit continuously transforms us, He replaces broken filters with healthy perspectives founded on His love and truth. When He is our filter, we know who is speaking into our lives (God, the enemy, ourselves, or others) and how to process all inputs through Him. God’s voice is always edifying, even when He is correcting and exhorting us. It may not “feel” good, but it always brings freedom and life. Words that result in us feeling unloved and of little or no value are not from the Spirit of God. Reject them as either from the enemy or your broken images from the past. God loves you unconditionally. Nothing can change the depth of His love for you.

ConclusionPlease consider the following under the Spirit’s revelation.

• Do you absolutely know that the Lord loves you just as you are?• Do you agree that nothing you have ever done or ever will do can change the depth of God’s love for you?
• Are you holding onto shame and guilt over things He forgave and forgot the moment you asked for His forgiveness?
• Are these “ghosts of the past” breaking your heart? If so, what does God want you to do with these, through the help of His Spirit?
• What stirred your soul as you read this? What excited or challenged you?
• What kind of loving and personal relationship do you have with Christ, and what relationship does He want with you?
• What actions is He guiding you to begin with Him?

I’d love to hear from you at curtp.martinauthor.com.

Here is some related reading for you: 5 Ways God Shows His Love For You

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How are Christians kept by the power of God?

Kept by GodHow are Christians kept by the power of God? When Jesus was about to go to the cross, He prayed to God the Father to keep His disciples in the Father’s name. Previously, Jesus says He kept them but with Calvary approaching, He knew that the Father must keep them until He is raised from the dead. We cannot save ourselves any more than Lazarus could raise himself from the dead. Jesus didn’t tell Lazarus, “Okay Lazarus, blink an eye or move a toe and I’ll do the rest.” No, dead men cannot do any works or cannot save themselves. Salvation is fully a work of God (Acts 4:12, 16:30-31). It is not we but God “who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy” (Jude 1:24). The Apostle Paul was so sure he’d be in the kingdom that he could clearly state that “I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil 1:6). God will finish what He began. We begin stuff we don’t finish, but God, Who began a good work in us, will bring it to completion…all the way into the kingdom.

Sealed by the SpiritThe Book of Ephesians is one of the best books we have about our security in Christ. God says you were sealed and someday will be safely delivered into the kingdom. We were dead in our sins and could not possibly choose Christ, so He intervened by His Spirit to quicken us to new life (Eph 2:1-5). Dead men cannot choose Christ. Men made alive by the Spirit can. The Apostle Paul says God “chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love” (Eph 1:4). We did not choose Him but He chose us as the Lord said, “You did not choose me, but I chose you” (John 15:16a). Dead men cannot choose anything but to decay. It was “when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit” (Eph 1:13). What the Holy Spirit seals cannot be broken except by God Himself and of course He would not change His mind about us. He changes not (Mal 3:6).

Kept by GodIf we could lose our salvation, we would, if it were up to us. We are no match for Satan and his minions but when God steps in, Satan must step out of the way. Jesus prayed to the Father, “While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled” (John 17:12). But somethings about to change: Jesus is going to the cross, so He says, “I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one” (John 17:11). Before Calvary, Jesus kept them but now, at Calvary, Jesus passes this on to the Father to “keep them in your name.” So we are kept by God Himself and the very power of God.

Glory to GodThe fact that God must intervene or we’d never be saved and stay saved gives God all the glory for our salvation. We cannot boast or brag that we saved ourselves or that we added to our salvation. That gives us credit so we must give God 100% of the glory for our salvation and that means He must receive 100% of the credit for our salvation. It’s not Jesus plus what we do equals salvation. It is faith alone in Christ alone and being saved by grace alone. Even we can’t mess that up. We were born of God from above (John 3:3-7). Can we take any credit for our own natural birth? Did we choose to be born or the time and place? No! In the same way, God causes us to be born again. The Apostle John writes, “to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12-13). We didn’t have that right. God did. It was not our will to be born physically…and similarly, it was not our will to be born again…but God’s and God’s alone! How incredibly comforting that is!

Facts Over FeelingsI cannot count the number of people who have contacted me that “feel” like they’ve lost their salvation, but if they could not gain their own salvation, how then can they lose it? How can they lose what they never gained in the first place? Feelings are vastly overrated. Feelings are the shallowest part of human understanding. We can feel like this or that will happen, but our feelings do not impact or negate what is true. We used to “feel” or believe that the earth was flat, but of course, their feelings were wrong. Feelings can deceive us and fool us very easily. That’s why we must stay in the Word of God. There you will find objective truth not based upon feelings. Our feelings are subjective and subject to error. Objective truth is always true, regardless of how we feel. Don’t trust your own feelings. Trust what the Bible says.

Here is some related reading for you: Can a Christian Lose Their Salvation? A Biblical Analysis

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Why does God allow us to go through suffering and affliction? It’s actually part of God’s plan.

Affliction Was GoodWhy does God allow us to go through suffering and affliction? It’s actually part of God’s plan, but no one I know would come up to me and say, “Hey, I was afflicted the other day, and it was good!” No, we try to avoid such things, but the Psalmist sees the good in affliction, saying, “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes” (Psalm 119:71). He thought it was good to be afflicted because during his affliction, he returned to the Scriptures. In fact, he learned more of God’s statutes in his affliction than when things were going well, so the result of his affliction was positive, even if he didn’t feel like it at the time.

Before I StrayedThe lesson is not complete about afflictions because the Psalmist had said earlier, “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word” (Psalm 119:67). He admits he went astray before afflictions came…and so do I. We all do, like sheep we are prone to wander from the Shepherd, but since he was afflicted by situations or circumstances, he now obeyed or kept God’s Word more stringently. If he had not been afflicted, he would possibly be living in disobedience and not be keeping God’s word. In his afflictions, he’d be learning more about God’s ways (statutes). If afflictions or suffering help us obey and learn His Word better, then it would have been more than worth it.

They Humble UsI don’t have to try to convince you that being afflicted can really humble you. Sometimes the word affliction is used synonymous with fasting, and when the saints in the Bible met challenges they couldn’t overcome, they fasted. Today, people still fast like when they’ve lost a loved one. When you’re afflicted, you don’t even feel like eating, but affliction keeps us humble and we know God’s grace flows downhill, to the lowly, meek, and humble (James 4:6).

Only ShadowsWe know that afflictions are good for us, even though they don’t feel like it; we know that they humble us. These afflictions can be temporary, although that may not feel helpful at the time, but truly afflictions are all working together for our good. We have God’s promise on that. If we look at afflictions as being used by God, our perspective on afflictions will change. Whatever comes our way is for our very best (Rom 8:28). We have God’s promise on that. What we are going through today cannot be compared with what’s coming to us in the eternal Kingdom (Rom 8:18), so we can truly say, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (Psalm 23:4). A shadow is not as bad as what is casting the shadow. I would rather get hit by a bus’s shadow than the actual bus.

Clay VesselsI once heard about a man who said that we are not meant to solve problems; problems are meant to solve us. Trying to solve problems that have no human solution is like Jacob wrestling with God…you can’t win. Look at problems as opportunities to grow and not as obstacles or roadblocks. Besides, a good roadblock could save your life. Clay vessels that resist the potter’s hands with the washing of the water of the Word (Eph 5:26) will eventually turn hard and brittle and begin to crack, and once it’s cracked, it begins to leak. It’s hard to be filled with the Spirit when you have a leaky vessel. Pray that we don’t become a “crack pot!” Humility will guard against that happening.

The Rock and the HammerWhen people rush into situations and try to solve people’s problems, they might actually be interfering with what God is trying to do in that person’s life. Besides, there is the risk of enabling someone by providing for their needs and then they have no incentive to seek out God in prayer. Maybe God’s trying to humble them. I’m not saying don’t pray for them or help them, but God allows problems to bring people to Christ or back to Him in repentance. We never want to get in between the rock and the hammer because God may be trying to soften their hearts to bring them to repentance and faith in Christ or to discipline them as He does all His children (Heb 12:6). If He brings them to an end of their own selves, how bad is that if they trust in Christ? Problems can be tools in the hands of a sovereign God, but we’ve got to be sure not to get in God’s way in trying to reach others.

Strength Through WeaknessGod doesn’t waste anything in our life. Whatever happens, happens for our ultimate good (Rom 8:28), even if it doesn’t look like it. God will use life’s experiences to shape us, mold us, and conform us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. The final product we should desire is to be more like Christ! I want to be pliable in the hands of the Living God and not resist His work in me. How about you?

The Apostle Paul knew that God had told him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness…” (2 Cor 12:9-10). That kept Paul humble. So why did God allow the Apostle Paul to suffer so much? The same reason other people do. It was to keep him humble. It’s hard to be prideful when you’re hurting. It’s hard to boast or brag when you are suffering, so Paul writes that it was “to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited” (2 Cor 12:7).

Saint Paul Writing His Epistles by Valentin de Boulogne (public domain).

Revealing God’s PowerWhen we are weak, God is more able to display His power, but if we’re trying to go through things on our own power, then God’s power cannot be openly displayed. This explains why Paul wrote, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Cor 12:9b). Christ’s power cannot rest upon us if we’re not glad in our weaknesses or if try to get through life alone by our own strength. It is only when our weaknesses are displayed that God’s power is clearly seen.

Learning ContentmentWhen we are weak, ironically, we can be strong, but only because Christ will strengthen us, but we also have a chance to learn something important in our weaknesses and that is we can learn to be content in all circumstances. Paul wrote that it was “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor 12:10), and “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Tim 6:6).

Dependent Upon God.

When you are weakened by health problems, a potential serious diagnosis, financial troubles, or relationship issues, we more often than not run to the Father and seek His supernatural strength and help. If we never had any problems, why would we ever need God, so our weaknesses are actually good because they force us to depend on God? The Bible teaches us that our weaknesses can keep us humble, and they also display God’s power much more clearly to others, and these weaknesses keep us dependent upon God. These same weaknesses present us with an opportunity to learn contentment, and you can’t learn contentment without experiencing weaknesses or difficulties. Trials can knock us down but we don’t stay down.

ConclusionI pray you’ve been brought to repentance and faith in Christ. If not, you are in perilous times because after death, you will be judged immediately (Heb 9:27), and if still living when Christ returns, the final judgment will come swift and suddenly (Dan 12:2-3; Rev 1:7, 20:12-15) with no chance to repent for it will be too late. Today is the day to trust in Christ. Tomorrow may not come or Christ may come back this very day and your fate is forever sealed.

Here is some related reading for you: How Tests, Trials and Tribulations Make us More Like Christ

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Christian salvation is many things, but how are they justified, then sanctified and finally, glorified?

Justified by Faith in ChristChristian salvation is many things, but how are they justified, then sanctified and finally, glorified? We are justified by the free gift of grace by God (Eph 2:8-9) when we put our trust in Jesus Christ and believe for eternal life (John 3:16), and it’s eternal, not temporary. Jesus said “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out” (John 6:37). It is God’s will that He “should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day” (John 6:39). Further, Jesus said it is precisely “the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day” (John 6:40).

Giver of Eternal LifeJesus Himself said, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand” (John 10:28-29). Whoever believes in Christ is eternally secure and not even death can separate them from our Lord (Rom 8:38). Those who die in the faith and those living in the faith at Christ’s return have eternal life. Again, the Lord said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this” (John 10:28-29)? Whether you pass away before His return or are alive at His coming, you “shall never die.” He bore our sin so that we might have His righteousness (2 Cor 5:21); enough so we can enter heaven and God’s presence without being incinerated.

Sanctified By the Word of GodIn John 17:17 Jesus says, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” It is not a truth but “the truth” of His Word that sanctifies. God’s Word sanctifies us because “it is the power (lit. “energy”) of God for salvation” (1 Rom/1 Cor 1:18). We are not that power, but God’s Word has power…the power to save and to sanctify. God has to open our minds to understand the Word and that comes by the Spirit. On one occasion, Christ Himself “opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” (Luke 24:45). You can’t be saved by the Spirit alone but the Spirit and the Word working together. It takes the Spirit of God and the Word of God and the will of God to birth a child of God. The Bible has the power to save but someone must share the Word and that should be us (Isaiah 6:8). Paul asks the rhetorical question, “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching” (Rom 10:14)? Paul is saying that “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Rom 10:17), so we must speak up! Even as you read this, the Word of God “is at work in you believer” (1 Thess 2:13c).

The Washing of the WordChrist’s desire is “that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word” (Eph 5:26), showing the Word has cleansing or sanctifying power. He does this cleansing us through Scripture, “so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish” (Eph 5:27).

Sanctified By the SpiritGod alone can open our hearts to receive and believe the truth just as “The Lord opened [Lydia’s] heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul” (Acts 16:14b). We can only produce fruit by His power (John 15:5). As we live lives by His Spirit and His power, “the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life” (Rom 6:22). At one time, we lived lives that displeased God and did things that the world does now, but you and I “were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor 6:11). We are slowing being sanctified by the Spirit, leading us to live more like Christ, and we are presently “being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit” (2 Cor 3:19). God is working in us and through us, “Having begun by the Spirit…” (Gal 3:3). This is why Paul could say, “we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth” (2 Thess 2:13). There it is; it is the Word and the Spirit working together in our salvation. Amazingly, this was “according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood” (1 Pet 1:2).

GlorifiedWe can’t pinpoint what we will be like after Christ’s return. Some will have more glory than others, I presume, but we do know that “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever” (Dan 12:3). Who are the “wise?” It is those who trust in God. Jesus Himself said that “the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (Matthew 13:43). Even though our bodies are “sown corruptible; it is raised incorruptible” (1 Corinthians 15:42). We also know that “our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body by the power that enables him also to bring all things into subjection to himself” (Phil 3:20-21). The Apostle John knew our bodies would be glorified after the final resurrection, saying that “we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2b).

ConclusionFor those who have trusted in Jesus Christ, are the same “whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified” (Rom 8:30). We were justified, we are being sanctified, and someday, we will be glorified. The Book of Revelation and elsewhere says we are called to be leaders, some priests, rulers, governors, and some rulers of five cities, and some of ten cities, and so on. God didn’t call us and prepare us a kingdom to sit around and play the harp on cloud nine. He has a purpose for us in this day (to witness) and in the future (to rule). Whatever that purpose is for you in the kingdom, I have no clue. God knows and so that’s all that matters.

Rescued From WrathI pray you have put your trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If that has not happened yet, you are in real mortal and eternal danger. Like all mankind, you are one breath, one heartbeat…one accident away from eternity when it will be too late to repent. Today is the best day to believe (2 Cor 6:2) since tomorrow is no guarantee. If Jesus Christ came today, here is your fate (Matt 7:21-23). This is why I plead with you as you read this, repent today…and I mean right now. Put your trust in Jesus Christ. If you do not, you will face God’s judgment after death guaranteed (Heb 9:27) or at Jesus Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), which could happen at any moment.

Here is some related reading for you: What Is Sanctification? A Bible Study

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Here’s how only Christ can reveal your kingdom identity.

God’s WorkmanshipHere’s how only Christ can reveal your kingdom identity. God designed us as unique and incredible masterpieces. Only as we see our identity through His eyes and walk in His Spirit, will we thrive. Every other approach results in great loss. Eph 2:10 calls us to embrace this incredible life as it shares, For we are His workmanship (masterpiece), created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Forces Distorting Our IdentitiesIntentionally or not, many forces support or distract us from becoming God’s unique masterpieces. Those with the greatest impacts are generally families, ethnicities, religious affiliations, social groups and personal relationships. Most establish pecking orders and assign labels which falsely impact our perceptions of identity, value, and worth. Many categorize us according to human definitions of value, based on looks, academic abilities, athletic prowess, leadership and other cultural definitions of success. It’s very easy for us to internalize these and take on labels impacting not only how we view our identity, but also how we then walk through life.

Seeking God’s ValidationSome of us had parents and authority figures which identified our intrinsic value (hopefully in Christ). For others, these individuals piled mountains of brokenness on us by projecting or stating that we were no good or never going to meet their expectations. What kind of environments surrounded you as you grew up? What influences are you now experiencing? How have these shaped your self-image? Thankfully, our loving Heavenly Father calls us to shed these views like out-grown snake skins and permit Him to develop us into His incredible masterpieces. We are to seek only His validation, and rest in His all-embracing, unconditional love.

Cultural ImpactsSecular and religious cultures leave lasting impacts on our self-image. Many of these views are broken, or at least distorted. Consider the following examples and determine their impact on your view of identity and worth. Ask God to reveal others that He wants you to understand before you move forward with Him. Permit Him to reveal that none of these earthly definitions of worth and identity (accurate of not) represent your true identity in His eyes.

• You are really gifted intellectually. You are not college material.
• You are physically attractive. You are not so attractive.
• You are a gifted athlete. You are an average or poor athlete.
• You behave exactly as your parents, teachers, or coaches expect. You are different and hard for them to understand.
• You can quote Scripture. God didn’t give you that gift.
• You “act” exactly like a “good Christian” should. You are learning to permit God’s Spirit to live in and through you in every situation.
• You are very outgoing and the life of the party. You are quiet, capable and caring but are often not noticed or valued.

God’s Views of Mankind’s IdentityScripture reveals God’s views of the identity of mankind. Below, we consider these in three categories: prior to salvation through Christ; following salvation – overall identity for all Christians; following salvation – His unique calling for each Christian. We are limited in the number of Scripture references presented here but refer below for a comprehensive evaluation.

Regardless of where you are in your search for identity, know that Christ’s love is unconditional. At my life’s lowest point, He personally revealed Himself and stated His truth that, “Nothing you have ever done or ever will do can change the depth of my love for you. It is eternal, and you cannot either earn it or lose it.” Psalm 36; 5, 7 (NLT) shares, Your steadfast (unfailing) love, O Lord, extends to the heavens … How precious is your steadfast love … This is true for you, just as you are.

God’s View of Mankind’s Identity Prior to SalvationAll humans share certain God-given characteristics, whether they are saved in Christ or not. Consider the following. Determine which you accept or reject them and how you would modify this list. What Scriptures support your views?

• Made in God’s image – Gen 1:27
• Loved by God – John – 3:16
• Given dominion over the Earth – Gen 1:28
• Unique – Psalm 139: 15,16
• Free Will: Consequences – Gen 3
• Eternal Beings – Matt 25: 46 ESV
• Unrighteous without Christ – Is 64: 6

God’s Overall Identity for All ChristiansWhen we receive Christ, we are incredibly transformed. We become new creations. Second Corinthians 5:17 states; “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away; behold, the new has become.” We begin life-long individual journeys with God to be and become all He designed. Throughout this journey, God sees us as His finished work through the blood of Christ. Second Corinthians 5:21 says that God made “him (Christ) to be sin who knew no sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God.” Consider the Scriptures below which reveal God’s view of every Christian’s identity through Christ.

• We have holy callings – 2 Tim 1: 9
• We are His masterpieces – Eph 2: 10
• We are ambassadors for Christ – 2 Cor 5:20
• We have everlasting life with Christ – John 10: 26-28
• Our flesh died with Christ on the cross with Christ, and it is now Christ who lives in and through us (As we live under the control of God’s Spirit) – Gal 2:20
• We are commanded to not only be filled with but to walk in the Spirit – Eph 5:18b and Gal 2:25b
• Chosen to bear His fruit – John 15:16
• We have unique roles in His Body, the Church – 1 Cor 12: 18,19

God’s Unique Purpose and Calling for Individual ChristiansYou are His unique masterpiece. As such, Jeremiah 1:5 reveal that He knew and called you for incredible, unique, and specific missions before you were formed in the womb.

He also gives free will, and we must choose whether we will walk in His specific callings. Although our salvation is firm in Christ, we are engaged in a dynamic process of continuously choosing to either walk under or reject the Spirit’s Lordship and His unique plans. We thrive only as we permit God to teach how to consciously walk in His Spirit. Galatians 5:25 reveals, If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with (walk in) the Spirit. We are to focus on His specific missions versus filling our lives with every enticing opportunity. Our uniqueness is critically important and wonderful. First Corinthians 12:18, 19 instructs, God arranged the members in the body (His Church NKJ) each one of them as he choose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? God gives different gifts, and it is He, not us, who works these gifts in and through us. First Corinthians 12: 4, 11 states, there are varieties of gifts but the same Spirit … All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

One of the great tragedies and therefore opportunities in the Christian churches is that many, if not a majority of Christians, leave this earth with much of God’s incredible and unique calling left caged within. Be one who truly lives the masterpiece identity God designed, as you set aside all other distractions and doubts.

ApplicationWill you accept and embrace yourself as the unique and incredible masterpiece God designed and delights in, or will you choose to live in some broken image? Consider the follow under the direction of God’s Spirit.

• How do you view your identity differently than God does? Why do you think this is so?
• The mature Christian life is experienced by those who commit to the lifelong journey of “walking in God’s Spirit” (Ch 15). His incredible transformations are only accomplished in us by His Spirit, never through our flesh’s efforts. What is God’s Spirit revealing to you about who are determining your perspectives on your purpose, value, missions and journey with Christ? It may be you.
• What are the next steps the Spirit is revealing for you to embrace through Him?
• For a personalized journey, please join us in Parts Four and Five of Whose Life Are You Living?

Here is some related reading for you: How to Fulfill God’s Will of Glorifying Him

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The Bible teaches us that the Holy Spirit testifies to our spirit, but how does that work?

Fleshly KnowledgeThe Bible teaches us that the Holy Spirit testifies to our spirit, but how does that work? To start with, spiritual knowledge is not discovered by empirical study. You can know about God intellectually, but you cannot really know God without having the spiritual knowledge, and mankind without the Spirit cannot know the things of God. The Apostle Paul said “For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God” (1 Cor 2:11)? Without the Holy Spirit, we cannot know spiritual truths. In our present state, we must say, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Cor 2:9). Intellectual knowledge about God changes the head…but the Holy Spirit changes the heart.

Spiritual KnowledgeThe Holy Spirit gives us ears to hear and eyes to see. What we hear and see is the need to repent and believe (Mark 1:15) and to see and understand the Word of God which tells us that Jesus is our only hope (John 14:6). The gift of God comes through the Spirit of God (Eph 2:1-2), and only then can say, “Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God” (2 Cor 2:12). It is because “these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God” (1 Cor 2:10). The Spirit from God helps us understand the Word of God and our need for God; specifically, to trust in Jesus Christ.

The Holy SpiritA person can be used by God as a means to save others. It works like this: A person of God shares the Word of God and then comes the Spirit of God to birth a child of God. It takes the Holy Spirit and the Holy Word of God. If we have any knowledge of God it is because “we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God” (1 Cor 2:12). We didn’t “figure it out.” God’s Spirit helps our spirit (human spirit) to understand spiritual truths.

The Helper The Holy Spirit points us to Christ and testifies of Him, but not only that “the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words” (Rom 8:26). Jesus reminds us to “not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you” (Matt 10:19-20). Much of what the Holy Spirit speaks through us is the Word of God. We can be ready to give an answer to unbelievers when they ask about it. The Holy Spirit even helps us when we sin as He “will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8). John 15:26 records Jesus’ promise that “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.” The Holy Spirit testifies to our human spirit about Jesus! That’s pretty simple, isn’t it? Not only that, the Holy Spirit “will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come” (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit takes God’s truth and communicates it to our human spirit so that we can understand it.

Holy Spirit’s Work in the Human SpiritWe Can Only Bear Fruit with Him (Gal 5:22-23)

We are sealed and kept by Him (Eph 1:13-14)

We live In Him (Gal 5:25)

We evangelize with Him (John 16:13-14, Acts 4:31)

We are renewed by Him (Titus 3:5)

We are shaped, molded and conformed to Christ’s image by Him (Rom 8:1-17)

We are convicted of sin by Him (John 16:8)

He sanctifies us (1 Peter 1:2)

He reveals Who Jesus is (John 16:8-14)

He helps us pray to Father (Rom 8:26)

He speaks to us inwardly (Acts 8:29, 11:12, 13:12)

He creates us as a new creation in Christ (2 Cor 5:17, Eph 2:10)

He helps us understand the Word of God (Heb 4:2)

He reminds us of what to say (John 14:25-26)

He testifies about Who Jesus is (John 15:26)

He leads us (Rom 8:14)

He imparts eternal life (Rom 8:10, 14)

He comforts us (2 Cor 1:4)

He helps overcome sin (Acts 1:5-8)

He prevents us from going somewhere or doing something sinful (Acts 16:5-7)

We can lie to Him (Acts 5:3-4)

We can quench Him (1 Thess 5:19)

We can grieve Him (Eph 4:30)

Here is some related reading for you: What is the Role of the Holy Spirit?

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Should pastors be allowed to pastor a church or preach in a church after adultery? What can we learn from Scripture?

Above ReproachShould pastors be allowed to pastor a church or preach in a church after adultery? What can we learn from Scripture? It isn’t about, “What do I think” or “Who are we to judge?” but what does the Bible say about the qualifications for being an elder and pastor? Imagine your pastor preaching about the evils of adultery while he was having an affair with another woman in church? It’s happened all too often, so could you really take his teachings seriously on the marriage bed being undefiled anymore? Would you take his preaching seriously if he said “those who practice such things [i.e., sexual immorality] will not inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Cor 6:9-10: Gal 5:19-21; Heb 13:1; Rev 21:8) while he himself has done such a thing?

QualificationsThere are at least two places where qualifications for elders (pastors) are given and in both cases, the fidelity (faithfulness) in marriage is regarded as essential. There should not even be a hint of scandal in the pastor’s life. Of course, they’ll be gossip, but that’s to be expected. What the gossipers should lack however, is real, hard evidence in sexual immorality or misconduct in the pastor’s life. Gossip is not enough. It takes two or three witnesses to establish the truth, and that, after careful deliberation (Duet 19:15; 2 Cor 31:1). The pastor or “overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach” (1 Tim 3:2). He must be faithful to his wife. If not, he is not above reproach, therefore, he is not qualified any longer to be a pastor or elder or preach from behind the pulpit or even give marriage counseling for that matter.

Marital FaithfulnessThe other place where pastoral qualifications are given to us is in Titus 1 and it’s about as clear as can be. The Apostle Paul said, the pastor or “An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient” (Titus 1:6). Notice again that the pastor must be faithful to his wife. Please take note that these are “two witnesses” from Scripture (1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:6) that establish the pastoral qualifications as being faithful in marriage and abstaining from sexual immorality, but in the same way, these same “two witnesses” say he must step down from the pulpit if there is marital unfaithfulness. It’s not baseball and “three strikes and you’re out.” It’s like the test of the Old Testament prophets went through; it’s one and done!

Being DisqualifiedSaint Paul Writing His Epistles by Valentin de Boulogne (public domain).

The Apostle Paul knew what others have felt and there were times he must have been tempted to do certain things, but even Paul knew that he had to discipline his body. Paul said, “I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified” (1 Cor 9:27). Could the Apostle Paul seriously written about abstaining from sexual immorality (1 Cor 6) if he was actually committing sexual immorality? If that were true, could they really respect his teaching on the sanctity of marriage if he himself had been unfaithful? Who would take him seriously? His former (even though forgiven) sin of adultery would always be in the back of their minds. It does seem harsh, but God holds pastors to a higher calling, just as He did the priests in the Old Testament.

Marital CounselingHow can a man preach the Word of God from behind the pulpit on the Word of God when he has violated the very Word he is preaching on? Would you really want to take premarital counseling from someone who’s been unfaithful to his wife, not to mention, perform your marriage ceremony and say to the couple in the marriage vows, “to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part?” This is a hard pill to swallow if the preacher was not faithful to love and to cherish.

BewareI have seen many a pastor fall to sexual immorality and it makes me weep and I grieve for them and their families and the church, but I must be vigilant as all pastors must be. We can’t think it won’t happen to us, but rather, “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor 10:12). One person said, “At least I haven’t done that,” but that reminds me of pride coming…just before the fall. We too are all tempted in many ways and are very vulnerable.

ForgivenessOf course, those pastors, elders and deacons who fall into sexual immorality can be forgiven, and relationships restored, even to the church, but it’s never going to be the same. They aren’t lost or damned to hell since they are secure in Christ. Remember, He forgives us of all our sins (1 John 1:9), so we should do the same. This doesn’t mean they still aren’t disqualified from pastoring a church. Jesus is the Head of the Church and He intends to present as spotless of a Bride as possible at the Marriage Feast following Christ’s wedding the church.

Gossip Without Substance“a whisperer separates close friends” (Proverbs 16:28)

You can just hear the whispers going on around the community or neighborhood after something happens or there’s some scandal around town. I remember one pastor saying, “Telephone, telegraph and tell a neighbor.” Even though it’s sin to gossip, the person who has committed adultery or sexual immorality, particularly a pastor, can never be said to be above reproach again. He will always have that haunting him…even more so in a small town where more people know one another. You simply cannot “un-think” something that’s happened. You can be forgiving, and we all should be, but the spiritual counsel this man gives, especially regarding marriage, can never respectfully received again.

Here is some related reading for you: Why a Pastor is Called to Be Above Reproach

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God desires to awaken us and draw us into His incredible journey of walking through life with Him and to know His true identity through the Holy Spirit’s revelation.

A JourneyGod desires to awaken us and draw us into His incredible journey of walking through life with Him. This is to include an ever-deepening relationship with Him as the best Father ever and requires replacing incorrect beliefs regarding His identity with His Biblical truths. We learn to be embraced in His love. Jer 31:3 speaks to each of us by stating, “… I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you (with lovingkindness, I have drawn you” (NKJ).

Social Forces That Shape Our Relationship with GodFor both Christians and non-Christians, many forces have been impacting our perspectives of and relationships with God. Much of this occurred long before we cognitively sought to know Him. Even today, pervasive inputs constantly seek to frame our beliefs. Significant among these are cultures, media, education, relationships, and religion. Ethnicities, neighborhoods, families, friends, churches, and authority figures attempt to weave their beliefs and behaviors into our understanding of the very nature of God. Did these present God in the image Christ reveals? Did they exercise their personal authority as loving and caring or as tyrants, waiting to catch us in sin and error? Were religious affiliations based on rules, performance, and either domineering or weak leaders, or did they teach personal relationship, love, and growth through willing surrender and positive accountability to the nurturing lordship of our Heavenly Father?

Cultural ImpactsSecular and religious cultures impact our views of God’s character in hundreds of ways as they seek to implant their perspectives. Consider the following alternative perspectives of God. How have these impacted you? Ask God to reveal additional areas important to your relationship with Him.

• He’s distant and uninvolved. He’s nurturing, loving and patient.
• He’s either never existed or is dead. He’s alive and is the source of life and purpose.
• He’s judgmental, harsh, operates through fear, and is just waiting to punish you. He’s joyous, loves you unconditionally, and walks patiently with you as your teacher and mentor.
• He doesn’t want to be disturbed. He says, Come to Me, all the time about every aspect of life.
• Jesus was out of His mind. He’s a prophet but not God. He is the Son of God, and One with the Father and the Spirit.
• God speaks only through pastors and teachers, and you are not encouraged to confirm their teachings through Bible study. Your Pastor teaches Biblical truths and exhorts you to study God’s Word for revelation and confirmation.

RelationshipsThis category is really loaded. Past and present relationships significantly impact our abilities to trust and walk with God. For some of us, even using the term “Father” in reference to God closes all doors to our hearts. For others, the influence of our fathers opens our hearts to the wonder of being embraced by God. Dating and marriage relationships may have warmed the hearts and abilities of some of us to trust and share transparently. For others these have been destructive, left deep wounds, and closed-down any thoughts of believing we can trust God. Authority figures, including parents, teachers, police, pastors, and coaches have impacted how we are prone to view and relate to God. Our neighborhood relationships (neighbors, social and ethnic groups, gang memberships) have played significant roles. Each has had lasting impacts on our willingness to relate with our Heavenly Father. Please consider the following as you ask God to reveal their specific impacts on your understanding of His character and ability to trust Him.

• Family: parents, siblings, foster parents, grandparents.
• Authority Figures: school officials, law enforcement, gang affiliations, coaches, institution authorities, and leaders at church and work.
• Social and Community: your family’s ethnic identity, community’s social/economic identity, athletics, academics, cliques, clubs/gangs, prison, recovery groups,
• Intimate Relationships: dating, marriage, partners, friends, isolation

God’s Revelation of HimselfGod reveals Himself primarily through His creation, the Old and New Testaments, and most incredibly, the Life of Jesus Christ.

CreationRomans 1:20 states that “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.”**** What do you know about the attributes of God as He reveals Himself through creation?

The BibleExodus 20:2, 3: “I am the Lord Your God, who brought you out of Egypt … You shall have no other gods before me.”

Jeremiah 1:5: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you …”

The Bible is God’s source of all the truth He has chosen to reveal. If we view it as written by mankind and therefore subject to our discretionary interpretations, we then have nothing solid to build our lives on or to share with others. Every “truth” is based on the drifting whims of times, tribes, and cultures. However, the Bible teaches All Scripture is given by inspiration of God (2 Tim 3:16). Each of us faces the choice of accepting or rejecting this truth and therefore the Bible as God’s truth. Some chose to reject either all or portions of the Bible at their discretion. They place themselves above God’s Word and have limited or no understanding of who He is. Some attempt to “believe” this Scripture because a credible authority says it is true and tells them they must. This is head knowledge, which is a start, but it does not bring the life of God’s revelation.

Wonderfully, some ask for and receive the revelation of God’s Spirit, and the truth of this Scripture takes up life within them. They engage in a life of transformation, accomplished by the Spirit. This includes an ever-deepening knowledge of the character and love of God. Before moving ahead, please ask God to confirm where you are regarding your belief in the inerrancy of His Word. Settle this with Him in your spirit.

As you read Scripture through the Spirit’s revelation, you will find God’s character comes to light on every page. Yes, you may buy books to do this for you and that is helpful. Making a lifetime out of knowing Him personally through scripture and walking in the Spirit eclipses every other approach. A few of His characteristics revealed in Scripture are that He is:

• Eternal
• All Things Are created by Him
• Holy
• Righteous
• He is a Spirit
• Unconditionally Loving
• All Powerful and All Knowing
• Unchanging

The Identity of ChristJohn 3: 16: “For God so loved the world that, he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Christ reveals the Father. Through John 14: 9 Jesus said “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip?” Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show us the Father?” In the four Gospels, we see God’s identity through the life of Christ – how He walked, talked, prayed, and interacted with individuals and life. His actions convey not only His and His Father’s identity but also the ways Christ desires to express Himself in and through us. We are not to permit secular cultural or church constraints on Christ’s character to replace Scripture. Many correctly focus on Christ’s love, humility, patience and mercy, but do so in a manner that strips both Christ and His followers of the loving confidence, power, and desire for accountable living that He evidenced to all. Ask the Spirit to lead you through the Gospels and reveal Jesus’ character. Focus on His interactions with leaders, His disciples, and those present during His trials and crucifixion. For specific characteristics and a thorough list of Scripture for your consideration, join us in Whose Life Are You Living, Chapters 6 and 20.

ApplicationConsider the following and ask the Spirit to guide you.

What have you learned concerning your relationship with God as Father? How has your environment impacted your view of the character of God and how He desires to walk lovingly with you.

• In comparison to what Scripture reveals, which elements of your environment have helped, and which have restrained your relationship with Him?
• How is God leading you to explore the characteristics of Christ in the Gospels?
• Is anything blocking your ability to trust God’s character?
• What are the next steps God’s Spirit is calling you to take with Him for you to further embrace God and the incredible relationship He offers?

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Many people try to avoid trials, but God allows trials for our good.

Building a Steadfast FaithMany people try to avoid trials, but God allows trials for our good. James knew all about trials that the early church were facing. Many had been shunned by family, rejected at the synagogue, lost their jobs and homes due to their faith in Jesus Christ. They could have denied Him, but they did not and as a result, many suffered tremendously in the first century church. God, through James, tells us we are to “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4).

Cause and EffectDid you notice the cause and effect that trials create? These tests of our faith produce steadfastness in the believer. This steadfastness in the believer then produces a perfecting work in us (sanctification)…and this makes us feel that we “lack in nothing.” We already know that God shall supply all our needs (Matt 6:33), so we shouldn’t shrink back when trials come. It is what our trials do for us more than to us. Paul was able to endure his sufferings because he looked ahead. He understood “that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Rom. 8:18), so a faith that is tested can be trusted, and a tested and trusted faith produces steadfastness.

AfflictionsWe know that afflictions are good for us, even though they don’t feel like it; we know that they humble us and God gives grace to the humble and not the proud (James 4:6). Realizing that these afflictions are only temporary compared to eternal life may help us endure, but every affliction is working together for our good. We have God’s promise on that (Rom 8:28).

It is what our trials do for us more that to us.

Love and DisciplineThe author of Hebrews knew that these Jewish Christians he was writing to were going through some very severe trials but sometimes our trails are allowed because, as the author writes, “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives” (Heb 12:5b-6). Love and discipline cannot be separated, and if we are chastised by the Lord it is because “God is treating you as sons” or daughters (Heb 12:7a), and “what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons” and daughters (Heb 12:7b-8). The opposite of love is not hate, it is indifference or apathy. T.A. McMahon said, “Every trial of suffering is an opportunity to grow in the faith,” and why suffering is actually good because it grows our faith. We grow our faith by exercising it!

Produces Steadfast FaithRomans 8:28 is one of the best known of all Bible passages that is often remembered when someone is going through a severe trial and experiencing great suffering. Paul assures the reader with great confidence, saying not “we think” or “we hope” but “we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” This means all things…everything, both bad and good, work out for our best.

A Genuine FaithGenuine faith “produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

Why are these tests allowed in our life? Remember Jesus said in the Parable of the Sower (Matt. 13) that some received the word but didn’t really have any root (Matt. 13:21). Others let the cares of the world choke it out (Matt. 13:22), but for those whose faith was genuine, it “produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown” (Matt. 13:23). Their fruitfulness proved that their faith was the real deal. The reality check was whether persecution and suffering would wash out the false converts (the tares) or whether the real believers (the wheat) would pass through the fire successfully.

Produces Enduring FaithI used to run track in high school many years ago (please don’t ask how many!), and we had to run with ankle weights. This was very grueling, but the coach was testing those who said they could run track but might have only wanted to get out of class early. This created a great deal of suffering: shin splints, cramps, fatigue, and sore muscles, however, the coach was trying to produce endurance for those who were really serious about track and show who really had the ability. When several eventually fell off the track team, the rest of us continued running with ankle weights, but this was for a different reason: The coach wanted us to build endurance. That’s what suffering does for the Christian. Paul wrote in Romans 5:3-4 that “we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.”

No ShameSuffering proves that our faith is genuine. It proves it to us and to others. It makes us more steadfast, and this “produces endurance which produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame.” There is no reason to be “be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6-7).

ConclusionBelievers don’t have to be anxious about anything (Phil 4:6-7), but unbelievers need to be anxious every day. How many days have God showed mercy and not taken the life of an unbeliever? God’s desire is that none should perish and come to saving faith in Christ. He doesn’t take pleasure in seeing people cast into hell. Today, while you have a chance, put your trust in Jesus Christ. He will save you and bring you safely into the Kingdom. For whoever trusts in Him will never be put to shame, not so for those who reject Jesus Christ (Dan 12:1-3; Rev 20:12-15, 21:8).

Here is some related reading for you: How Your Trials and Troubles Are Good For You

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Once we understand how God designed us to walk under the control of His Spirit, only then can we comprehend and accept His call for your life.

Man’s Head KnowledgeOnce we understand how God designed us to walk under the control of His Spirit (See: Uniquely Designed for Victorious Kingdom Living) we can comprehend and accept His call to depend fully on His revelation, as it supersedes and governs mankind’s head knowledge. So, what does it really mean to be led and guided by the revelation knowledge of God’s Spirit instead of the head knowledge of mankind? How will this life be different than the average Christian life? Ephesians 1: 17-19 reveal that “the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him [that] the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance … what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe.”

God’s RevelationThese are the extraordinary things of God that no human mind can comprehend without the Spirit’s revelation. His revelation brings enlightenment and direction to mankind’s spirit and soul. As we choose to live under the Spirit’s authority, we set aside the misguided carnal dominance of mind, will, and emotions and experience our masterpiece lives in the incredible fullness He designed.

Revelation KnowledgeOnly the Holy Spirit can reveal the truths of God to the spirit of mankind, and only His Spirit’s revelation can transform us into His masterpiece. First Corinthians 2:10-13 speaks of “these things (what God prepared for those who love Him) God has revealed to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything… no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God … we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.” Scripture further reveals in 1 Cor 1: 19, 2 that “it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discerning of the discerning I will thwart. “Where is the… wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?”

For Christians, the Spirit’s Revelation is:• The divine disclosure to humans of the knowledge that God desires to make known.
• First received in the individual’s spirit, who conveys it to mind, will, and emotions. The body is the Spirit’s conduit to the natural realm.
• Always consistent with God’s nature and His Bible truths.
• Never declares revelation of “new truths” not presented in the Bible. (Rev 22)

The Spirit’s revelation is dynamic. It immediately goes beyond human knowledge and becomes living truth within. God’s revelation results in energy, action, and transformation. He has touched us with His unchanging knowledge. If we receive it, we will never be the same. We do not have to memorize it because His revelation becomes a dynamic part of who we are in Him.

Head KnowledgeThe Apostle Paul wrote, “For the wisdom of the world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness” (1 Cor 3: 19). Head knowledge is potential truth, but it is accepted and applied only because of personal experience says it is true. As sciences expand mankind’s perception or actual understanding of truth, previous scientific “facts” are subject to change. Culturally established norms or “self-declared truths” which are not based on God’s Word are as fleeting as patterns created by wind moving across sand. Even so, secular society teaches its “truths” as correct for all. Each succeeding “incite” washes past “truths” away to once again be temporarily replaced by the next secular concept. Head knowledge works through mankind’s flesh. Accordingly, every individual, every tribe, and even some “Christian” churches declare themselves the final discerners of truth, instead of God’s Word. Thus, “truth” vacillates with times and emotions. It differs by individual, science, and culture, therefore it has limited value, unless it is based on the Bible. God provides His social and scientific truths to mankind. He designed us to thrive through exploration and learning, but He is to be our source. Many Christians are driven by secular head knowledge and forfeit much of God’s masterpiece life. These generally walk in the flesh.

Living in the DifferenceOnce we know the difference, we must constantly choose. As we choose His revelation, we are no longer willing to build life on anything else, and His revelation leads every portion of our lives. Even as we explore the intricacies of the sciences, we do so against the background of the Bible. We approach everything: sermons, articles, seminars, books, the Bible, by asking the Spirit to reveal His knowledge and the next steps of our journey with Him. We open ourselves to His revelation by placing our flesh on the cross, inviting His Spirit to fill us, and asking Him to reveal what He has for us. All is assessed against Biblical truth. This particularly applies to spiritual growth and learning, as we no longer embrace any teaching because a credible source: preacher, teacher, or author, presents it as true. We similarly evaluate through Scripture what we believe the Spirit is revealing. He then protects us from the deceptions of both the enemy and our own flesh (minds and emotions). The Spirit of God, in full alignment with Scripture, is our final authority.

How Revelation Knowledge WorksRevelation knowledge enters us straight from the Holy Spirit, as He communicates it to our born-again spirits. It may come as a flash of understanding of God’s Scripture regarding how we are to live our masterpiece lives or as a sudden understanding of the incredible truth of a Bible verse. Our spirit receives this knowledge. It then communicates and processes it through the mind, will, and emotions, and impacts the world through our bodies. New life begins to thrive within us, as the Spirit begins transforming us through this truth. It becomes a passion through which we live and walk with Christ. It is not a religious truth or rule that we attempt to copy or apply. It is a life-changing reality expressed by Christ’s Spirit in and through us.

Consider the following verses from Galatians. Through revelation, God’s Spirit guided the Apostle Paul in all areas of life, and that is the empowered and incredible relationship He offers us in Galatians One:

• 1:11,12 … the gospel which was preached by me … I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.
• 1:15,16 … When it pleased God … called me … to reveal His Son to me … I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood,
• 2:1,2 … After fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem … by revelation

Discerning Secular, Carnal and Spiritual Christian LivingWe are not to judge others, but we are to ask the Spirit for His discernment regarding how we and others are walking. Only individuals who have the revelation knowledge of God’s Word and are walking in the Spirit can truly teach, communicate, and live in God’s purpose and power. As we walk this way, we are spiritual Christians. Non-Christians and Carnal Christians may memorize the Bible and teach its truths through head-knowledge, but that is an imitation. The power of God does not flow through non-Christians. Carnal Christians may occasionally walk in the Spirit, but normally their flesh is in charge. Both may have profound influence through the charisma of their flesh, but the flesh provides no kingdom value. Wonderfully, God’s Word always carries His power in and of itself, regardless of whom utters it (Isaiah 55:11).

Intentionality and ObedienceLiving through revelation truth and knowledge is dependent on the Holy Spirit, but it requires our intentionality and obedience. We learn to always listen for, confirm, receive, and obey the voice of the Holy Spirit. The living truths of God and the Bible are passed from generation to generation through the work of the Spirit and through Him alone. We, God’s Church, have important roles, but His Spirit, not mankind’s head knowledge, brings true revelation, salvation, and transformation.

Application• Recall times when Bible truths about Christ, salvation, your identity in Him, and walking in the Spirit have jumped off the page and become revelations that transformed your life.
• Do you live and grow by the Spirit’s revelation or by religious and secular head knowledge?
• Are you willing to ask the Spirit for His revelation in every personal encounter, scripture verse, Bible study, sermon, book study, or discussion? This is His design.
• Based on what He has revealed, what transformations is He asking you to embrace? Are you willing?

Here is some related reading for you: What is the Role of the Holy Spirit?

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Christians look at death differently than the world does, so why should Christians never fear death?

GoodbyeChristians look at death differently than the world does, so why should Christians never fear death? Believers should not fear death because after death, we will be in the presence of the Lord, Jesus Christ! How bad is that? Not bad at all. It’s not really goodbye for those believers we lose, but it’s “See you later.” Death is not a period but a comma so death is only beginning when we step into eternity, therefore we should never fear death. What’s the worst that could happen? I could die, but then think, “Oh no….I’ll have to be with Jesus now.” You see my point? How bad is it when we pass from this world into the next, knowing Jesus will be there waiting with open arms for us, so it’s never goodbye for believers, but see you later…in the Kingdom. For those who have rejected Christ, after death it is goodbye forever…that will be the last time the lost will ever see their loved ones again…and for all time. It will be an eternal separation. How tragic.

See You LaterBeliever’s never said goodbye in passing from this life into the next, but rather we say to our fellow believers, “I will see you in the Kingdom,” so it’s not goodbye, but see you later. How comforting. The Apostle Paul was certain that he would be with the Lord after death, saying “that we have confidence. And we really want to be away from this body and be at home with the Lord” (2 Cor 5:8). That’s why Paul was not afraid of death because “we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord” (2 Cor 5:6). In fact, God “has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee” (2 Cor 5:5).

The Death of DeathSome great day, even death itself will die? What does that mean? The day is coming when God “will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Rev 21:4). I like that line, “and death shall be no more.” Not only will death find its end, but so will suffering, sorrow, mourning, crying, and pain. Who puts an end to it? God in Jesus Christ Who through His victory over the grave swallowed up the final enemy…death! The Apostle Paul tells us that “When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Cor 15:54). It’s not our victory, but Jesus’ victory over death and sin and pain and sorrow. He has conquered the grave. Speaking of Jesus Christ, “God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it” (Acts 2:24). The wages of sin is death (Rom 6:23), but since Jesus never sinned, the grave or death could not possibly hold Him because He had no sin (2 Cor 5:21).

Even if you DieSome of the most powerful and comforting words Jesus ever spoke concerned death. After Lazarus’ death (John 11), Jesus assured Martha and Mary, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). Of course, if they have rejected Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, they will live again, but in eternal torment (Rev 20:12-15; 21:8). The good news is for those who have placed their trust in Jesus Christ, they will never taste death, for “everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die” (John 11:26b). This means that those who are still alive at Christ’s return will instantly receive a glorified body and receive eternal life. That is, they will never actually die. How wonderfully comforting for those who believe; whether we die before He returns or we are alive at His return, death is done…forever! But only because of Jesus Christ, and nothing we have done (Eph 2:8-9).

Fragrance of Death and LifeMany will reject the gospel as offensive, but some will believe. When we share the gospel, prepare to be rejected, for “For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing” (2 Cor 2:15), so we are “to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things” (2 Cor 2:16). We must share the gospel anyway…even if it offends, and it will! It is our commission to go into all the world, even if most of the world rejects our message. It is still upon us to share Christ. Whether they believe or not is not up to us because only God can open their heart (Acts 16:14) but it is up to us to sow the seed of God’s Word.

ConclusionI was once asked, “What if you are killed in prison while you go there preaching?” My answer was, “Yeah, I get to be with Jesus,” so if you are a follower of Christ, you have no need to fear death. I am no longer fearing death or visiting prisons to preach the gospel. Why? Death is only a door to eternity, but for those who have rejected Christ, they surely must fear death because after death comes judgment (Heb 9:27). That’s why I pray you have put your trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If that has not happened yet, my friend, you are in real danger of hell fire. And I mean, in immediate danger. You’re one breath, one heartbeat…one accident away from eternity when it will be too late to repent. Today is the best day to believe (2 Cor 6:2) since tomorrow is no guarantee. If Jesus Christ came today, here is your fate (Matt 7:21-23). This is why I plead with you as you read this, repent today…and I mean right now. Put your trust in Jesus Christ. If you do not, you will face God’s judgment after death guaranteed (Heb 9:27) or at Jesus Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), which could happen at any moment.

Here is some related reading for you: Is the Time of Your Death Predestined by God?

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When Moses came down from the “mountain of God,” his face shined so brightly he had to wear a veil, and similarly, we can see Jesus in people’s faces!

Reflecting JesusWhen Moses came down from the “mountain of God,” the Scriptures say his face shined so brightly he had to wear a veil (Ex 34:29-35), and in the same way, we can often see Jesus in people’s faces! It’s as if Jesus radiates out from their smiles…they seem joyful, happy, content, and it shows! I know they’re human, but you can almost see Jesus through them. I know that it is Christ Who lives in us. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Gal 2:20). When I look at some believers, their face shines as if they’ve seen God, and it comes as close to seeing Jesus’ reflection in their faces that we can get in this world. And that’s as it should be! However, more often than not, the Christians smile is upside down…and that’s not how it should be.

Moses Radiating FaceGod spoke to Moses like a friend, and when Moses came down from the mountain with the Law, there was something very special about Moses, and in particular, his face! The Scriptures say that “When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand as he came down from the mountain, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God” (Ex 34:29). How did the people react? It was when “Aaron and all the people of Israel saw Moses, and behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him” (Ex 34:30). It was as if God was in the camp. The fear of God came over them, even though it was Moses’ face that shone. If anything, it was not about Moses, but about Moses’ radiating the glory of God in his face.

The MediatorWe can now go to the mountain to meet God just like Moses! It is through our Mediator and High Priest, Jesus Christ, that we can have access to the Father. That is such an awesome privilege! After speaking with the elders, Moses had to “put a veil over his face” (Ex 34:33b) so as to not make Israel afraid. The veil had to stay on while Moses’ face while he was in the camp because “the people of Israel would see the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face was shining. And Moses would put the veil over his face again, until he went in to speak with him” (Ex 34:35). People who have come near to God ought to have that same brilliant, radiating smile on their face. We should be all aglow being in Christ! Every time God spoke with Moses, his face would shine. Oh that our faces would shine like Moses’ face after encountering the Living God in prayer and in His Word. We should be the most joyful people on the planet. But the question is, “Do we look it?”

Radiating JesusThere are people that I’ve met in public that standout to me. They are those who are always wearing a smile, even when there’s little to smile about. It seems their joy is unreachable by circumstances. Their joy doesn’t depend on things or circumstances but on Christ alone, and you can see it in their face. Maybe you know a Christian like that. They wear their faith on their sleeve and their face lights up a room with the presence of Christ. They live like Christ so much it’s as if people can know Him better just by hanging around that person. Their joy is almost infectious. They are so unlike the world which is why they stand out in the worlds as lights and salt to a dark and decaying world. It’s very refreshing to meet someone who is on the lookout for random acts of kindness (Eph 2:10).

Why So Joyful?If you were to go up to some Christian you know (or don’t know) who has joy leaking out their ears, ask them why? Why are they so joyful? Why do they look like they’ve just seen Jesus…or won the lottery? For one thing, believers must realize and publically profess that it was even “while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly” (Rom 5:6), and that’s us. Amazing grace means “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8), and He didn’t wait for us to get our act together first, because we couldn’t. Lazarus had a better chance of resurrecting himself than we do in making ourselves right before God. Remember that “if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son” (Rom 5:10a), He gave us what we didn’t deserve (His grace) and withheld what we did deserve (His wrath).

ConclusionWe only love Him because He loved us first (1 John 4:19). Shouldn’t that make us want to stand out like a beacon on a hill and share such good news? The most joyful people on the planet are how we ought to be known…not a bunch of pouting Christians. That does not help your case for the gospel! I pray you have put your trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If that has not happened yet, my friend, you are in real danger of hell fire. And I mean, in immediate danger. You’re one breath, one heartbeat…one accident away from eternity when it will be too late to repent. Today is the best day to believe (2 Cor 6:2) since tomorrow is no guarantee. If Jesus Christ came today, here is your fate (Matt 7:21-23). This is why I plead with you as you read this, repent today…and I mean right now. Put your trust in Jesus Christ. If you do not, you will face God’s judgment after death guaranteed (Heb 9:27) or at Jesus Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), which could happen at any moment.

Here is some related reading for you: How Can I Get My Joy Back?

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Here’s why Jonathan Edwards is widely regarded as one of America’s most important and original philosophical theologians.

Jonathan EdwardsJonathan Edwards (1703 – 1758) was an American revivalist preacher, philosopher, and Congregationalist theologian. A leading figure of the American Enlightenment, Edwards is widely regarded as one of America’s most important and original philosophical theologians. Jonathan Edwards was born a little over seventy years after the first Puritan settlement of New England and, at the time of his birth, October 5, 1703. His father, Timothy Edwards, was pastor of the local church as well as a part-time school teacher and farmer.

The Great AwakeningAround 1734–35, a great revival spread along the eastern seaboard. It was the beginning of ‘the Great Awakening’, which would touch several places in the thirteen colonies of the fledgling nation. Edward’s years between 1734 and 1744 were some of the most remarkable decades in the history of parish ministries, however by 1750 he was voted out of his church, with only 23 of the 230 male members of the church voting to keep him as a pastor. The church rejected him primarily because he called out those who were only “Sunday morning Christians” and insisted on believers make their Christian profession public.

Strong PreachingJohnathan Edwards’ sermon, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, made women faint and children cry. What he said in part of this great sermon was too hard for most to handle. Preaching about sin, judgment and God’s wrath is even less popular today behind the pulpits, but knowing the fear of God should compell us to persuade men to be saved (2 Cor 5:11). God’s righteous wrath makes God’s mercy suddenly important. Edwards stated that “The God that holds you over the pit of hell, much as one holds a spider, or some loathsome insect, over the fire, abhors you, and is dreadfully provoked; his wrath towards you burns like fire; he looks upon you as worthy of nothing else, but to be cast into the fire; he is of purer eyes than to bear to have you in his sight; you are ten thousand times so abominable in his eyes as the most hateful venomous serpent is in ours. You have offended him infinitely more than ever a stubborn rebel did his prince: and yet ’tis nothing but his hand that holds you from falling into the fire every moment.”

Preaching on HellEdwards continued his sermon in the strongest way possible, saying, and according to Scriptures, that “there is no other reason to be given why you have not dropped into hell since you arose in the morning, but that God’s hand has held you up: There is no other reason to be given why you haven’t gone to hell since you have sat here in the house of God, provoking his pure eyes by your sinful wicked manner of attending his solemn worship: Yea, there is nothing else that is to be given as a reason why you don’t this very moment drop down into hell.” He is right of course, but we don’t always like to preach on hell fire and God’s judgment, even though Jesus frequently did. The whole Gosepl requires us to speak about the whole counsel of God, including the need for repentance and faith in Jesus Christ….or prepare to face God’s eternal judgment someday (Rev 20:12-15).

Fires of HellIf people come to hear pleasant Bible verses and have their self-esteem built up in church (which is not what the Bible teaches), then they will miss the realities of hell. What is hell like? Edwards gives a terrifying description, saying, “‘Tis a great furnace of wrath, a wide and bottomless pit, full of the fire of wrath, that you are held over in the hand of that God, whose wrath is provoked and incensed as much against you as against many of the damned in hell: You hang by a slender thread, with the flames of divine wrath flashing about it, and ready every moment to singe it, and burn it asunder; and you have no interest in any mediator, and nothing to lay hold of to save yourself, nothing to keep off the flames of wrath, nothing of your own, nothing that you ever have done, nothing that you can do, to induce God to spare you one moment.” If this seems like very strong preaching, it is, but it is entirely accurate too as the way Jesus portrayed hell. We can’t avoid the hard things in preaching the gospel because if God’s wrath is not revealed, His mercy will never be relevant.

Infinite PunishmentMany churches and false pastors try to do away with hell. Some like Rob Bell go so far as to teach there is no hell, but Jonathan Edwards gets his theology straight from Scripture and much from the mouth of Jesus. In part of his message, he cried out truthfully and accurately that hell is “everlasting wrath. It would be dreadful to suffer this fierceness and wrath of Almighty God one moment; but you must suffer it to all eternity: there will be no end to this exquisite horrible misery: When you look forward, you shall see a long forever, a boundless duration before you, which will swallow up your thoughts, and amaze your soul; and you will absolutely despair of ever having any deliverance, any end, any mitigation, any rest at all; you will know certainly that you must wear out long ages, millions of millions of ages, in wrestling and conflicting with this almighty merciless vengeance; and then when you have so done, when so many ages have actually been spent by you in this manner, you will know that all is but a point to what remains. So that your punishment will indeed be infinite.”

These are hard things to listen to or read but they are the truth. We must love sinners enough to speak the truth in love, even if it offends. If we have trusted in Christ, we have eternal life, but if we reject Him, we will experience His mighty judgment for time without end. This is why we must speak the truth and warn sinners. Sadly, for Jonathan Edward’s part in speaking the truth, his own church rejected him. Apparently, they couldn’t handle the truth.

ConclusionScripture shows that Jonathan Edwards was right in his preaching the full gospel because God warns us that “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb 10:31). Jesus says we should “not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt 10:38). And our Lord and our God says to the lost sinner, “I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him” (Luke 12:5)! This is why I hope that you have already put your trust in Jesus Christ so that you might avoid an eternal judgment, Hell has not opened up for business yet. That comes after the Great While Throne Judgment (Rev 20:12-15). Make sure you don’t go there.

Save Yourself!God made Jesus to be sin for us so that God will see us as having Jesus’ righteousness (2 Cor 5:21). If this hasn’t happened yet, you are in real danger of hell fire. And I mean, in immediate danger. Like every human being, you are one breath, one heartbeat…one accident away from eternity when it’s too late to repent (Heb 9:27). Today is the best day to believe (2 Cor 6:2) because tomorrow is not guaranteed to anybody. If Jesus Christ came today, it will be too late for you to repent, so today…right now, put your trust in Jesus Christ. If not, prepare to face God’s judgment after death guaranteed or at Jesus Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), either of which could happen in a split second.

Here is some related reading for you: Why Are We Born Sinners? A Bible Study

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What does it really mean to experience life as the spiritual person God designed? How will life be different when we live this way?

The Spiritual Man and the Natural ManThe Spiritual PersonWhat does it really mean to experience life as the spiritual person God designed? How will life be different when we live this way? Instead of merely existing as an imitation in the form of the natural person or the carnal Christian, we thrive in the wonder of being and becoming His unique kingdom masterpieces. Choosing to live as God’s spiritual person is a requirement for experiencing the fullness of His incredible masterpiece design. Many Christians do not choose this life. Some live this way because they have not been taught and mentored, and some because they insist on their flesh being in control. Spiritual Christians go beyond salvation and attempting to “act” like Christ as they engage in the life-long journey of willingly submitting to and following the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

The Natural PersonPaul, speaking to Christians, establishes this distinction in 1 Cor 3:1-3a, “But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh (carnal-NKJ) as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not ready, for you are still of the flesh.” He further admonishes (1 Cor 2:14) that, “The natural person (unsaved individual and Carnal Christian) does not accept the things of the Spirit of God for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them (nor can he know them – NKJ) because they are spiritually discerned.”

Made in God’s ImageJust as God is One Being with three identities, God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit (2Cor 13:14), so is mankind but in a different sense. First Thessalonians 5:23 communicates, “…may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless…”. We are also three-part beings, composed of three distinct parts, our spirits, souls, and bodies.

Three-Part BeingsOur spirits are eternal and exist the moment the Lord forms us in the womb. They are unique for each of us and carry our kingdom identity into eternity. If we choose salvation in Christ, that eternity is spent with Him. We are designed for our spirit to receive revelation and instruction from the Holy Spirit. (The Bible’s view of our spirits is in direct conflict with the New Age hypothesis that our spirits come from some mythical force at birth and return there at death.)

Our souls are also unique and are the seat of passion and determination. They consist of mind, will and emotions. Natural gifts reside here.

Our bodies engage the material realm through the five senses. As Christians, our earthly body is ultimately replaced by the spiritual body.

Created for Intimate Relationship and Walking in the SpiritGod designed us for direct, intimate relationships. Following salvation, His Spirit communicates directly with our spirit. Our spirit then processes these revelations so that they are understood and acted upon through our mind, will, emotion and body. Thus, all is to be aligned under the control and authority of God’s Spirit. Yet, even after salvation, we are free in each moment to decide whether to come under the authority of Christ as His spiritual person or take control through our flesh. When we walk as He designed, it is God’s Spirit, not our natural person or efforts, that then transform us and accomplishes His will in and through us through. (Remember 1 Cor 2: 14 above. The natural man cannot operate this way.)

The Spirit’s PowerConsider the analogy of an electric motor. God’s Spirit is the current and power. He connects with us through our spirit, which represents the motor’s on-off switch and internal wiring. He is to be the source of all that occurs within the motor. Our soul (mind, will and emotion) and body are the elements of the motor that are to be activated by God’s Spirit, through our spirit. When we operate as carnal Christians, we permit our flesh to take the throne in place of the Holy Spirit. We switch off God’s design, short circuit the motor, and are then unable to perform anything of kingdom value. In spiritual Christians, our flesh serves our spirit, our spirit keeps the switch open, and God’s Spirit empowers our lives.

The FallBecause of Adam’s sin (Gen 3: 6, 7), he and through him all mankind became sinners. He (and mankind) immediately died spiritually and began to die physically. However, God provided a prophesy and new covenant promise of salvation for mankind through the Messiah (Gen 3:15). Without Christ, the entire race fell. God’s design for Spirit-to-spirit relationship was broken, due to the death of mankind’s spirit. Without Christ, mankind operates only in the flesh (soul and body). In this state, Romans 8:8 teaches, “So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”

The FleshBoth the unsaved and the carnal Christian (saved but controlled by their flesh) can accomplish nothing of kingdom value. John 6: 63 states, “It is the Spirit that gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” Galatians 5: 17, 24 reveals, “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other … And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Finally, Galatians 6: 7-8 exhort us, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked, for whatsoever one sows, that he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”

The Flesh and Spirit BattleThrough Christ, our Father makes it possible for us as Christians to “have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Our individual spirits come to life and our ever-deepening personal relationship with God begins. However, we must be taught this truth and then continuously choose to walk in the Spirit by placing our flesh on the cross and joyously surrendering control and empowerment of our lives to God’s Spirit.

Who’s in Charge?We soon discover that, although our flesh was crucified with Christ, it does not surrender easily. It is accustomed to being in charge as mind, will, emotion, and body, and we have been comfortable operating under the flesh’s authority. As we learn to walk in the Spirit, we experience a continuing process of growth. Surprisingly, we find ourselves moving back and forth between operating in our flesh as carnal Christians and walking in the Spirit. The more we listen to the Spirit’s voice, the more we hear His loving question, “Who is in charge right now? Whose life are you living?” In these moments, we are lovingly given the choice, “Choose to either return our flesh to the cross and be filled with and controlled by God’s Spirit or ignore Him to operate in the flesh. Many do not understand this truth and do not hear the Spirit’s voice. Some ignore Him. The church is to exhort, teach and mentor this walk in the Spirit.

SurrenderAs I was learning to permit God’s Spirit to write a book through me, He taught me to face these choices more joyfully. I knew I failed a lot in this but thought I had grown more. I became discouraged at how often my flesh took over. He stopped me and said, “Do not be discouraged. This is great and as it must be. You are learning to hear and surrender moment-by-moment. This instantaneous communication and response relationship produces true growth. Rejoice and embrace my voice and lordship.”

His Life, His Victory, Our ChoiceTo live God’s spiritual life and experience the wonder of being and becoming His masterpiece, we must understand His design and give His Spirit control of all. We are always free to choose. As our flesh is continuously placed on the cross, it is His Spirit who both transforms us and accomplishes our unique missions through us in His power.

Choosing His WillWhat is God’s Spirit revealing to you about the transformations He has for your life and your missions to help others walk in His Spirit? Are you open to His revelations or are your mind, will, and emotions shouting for you to stay in control and stay safe and comfortable? Whose life are you living? Whose life will you choose? The kingdom life God has for each of us is beyond our greatest understanding. It is not easy, for we are choosing to walk against the compromised design the world demands.

Author’s Bio: God has filled Curt Martin with His passion for your life to be the masterpiece He designed. Little touches him more deeply than helping Him awaken all He has placed within us, so you can experience His freedom and power by “Walking in His Spirit” to realize your unique and incredible kingdom identity.

Here is some related reading for you: 5 Differences Between Walking in the Flesh and Walking in the Spirit

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If you have never heard of John D. Rockefeller, you must read about this man’s amazing story of faith in action that brought healing and peace to the world’s first billionaire.

Amazing TestimonyJohn D. Rockefeller

If you have never heard of John D. Rockefeller or read his biography, you must read about this man’s amazing story of a man whose faith moved him to action and in doing so, brought healing and peace to himself but to many others. The late Pastor Adrian Rogers once mentioned the life of John D. Rockefeller and Inspiration316 Radio also mentioned this man, so what was so extraordinary about the late Christian philanthropist, John D. Rockefeller?

Near Death When John D. Rockefeller was only 33 years old he became the first millionaire in America. At age 43 he owned the largest company in the world, Standard Oil Company. Then, at age 53 he became the first billionaire in America. It was at this time in the early 1900s that he grew gravely ill and could not even eat except for crackers and milk. Everyone around him, doctors included, thought he was on his deathbed. There were those in the media, newspapers in particular, who had already written his obituary, sure that he was going to die at any moment, but God had other plans. There were many who hated him and said he was full of greed and that’s why God was going to take his life, but they don’t know our God, do they? God does what typically confounds man.

Curse of RichesJohn D. Rockefeller testified publically that he was a Christian, which is what all believers are all called to do (Rom 10:0-13). Mr. Rockefeller realized that it was God who had given him the gift to accumulate wealth, however, to him was a curse because he didn’t really know the true purpose of the wealth he had been given by Almighty God. Then he heard his pastor said, “God will give money to you, if He can get it through you.”

Vision from God?One night, John was unable to go to sleep so he turned to God in prayer and was given a vision. I believe visions are exceedingly rare and I have never had one nor do I know anyone who’s had one and they are not the normative way God reaches us, but there is good reason to believe this one was really from God. In the vision he said the Lord told to him, “All the money in the world will do you no good in heaven or hell. Your job and your responsibility are to give it away to bless others.”

The Rockefeller FoundationThe very next day he called his staff together and formed the John D. Rockefeller Foundation. His philanthropy has literally changed the world, and has set the gold standard for other philanthropists in their giving as they follow Rockefeller’s model. Because of Rockefeller’s giving, today many diseases are no longer around. He wanted to help humanity in any way he could and he did.

Wealth and Health“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul” (Matt 16:26).

As time went by, Rockefeller’s wealth increased and he spent the next 40 years giving it away. He had finally discovered his true calling in life and felt God’s pleasure. God gave him peace of mind in the last years and an inner healing that opened the door for God to give him physical healing. Mr. Rockefeller experienced many miracles later in life, but in the midst of a life-threatening situation, Rockefeller found his true calling. After he discovered God wanted him to use his wealth for good and not build “bigger barns” to store and hoard his wealth, his health turned around. He spent the next 40 years giving away the wealth he had accumulated and as he did, he grew all the richer. He received the peace of mind that came with helping others…his true purpose of earth. This wealth, all a gift from God, was not really from his hand, but from the hand of God. The inner healing God gave him made possible his outer physical healing and he lived a long, happy life…a life of giving.

ConclusionI could tell of other amazing accounts of other business heroes of the faith, like that of J.C. Penny’s founder, Woolworth’s, and many other business men and women who placed giving to God above their own profits, and by doing so, God greatly blessed these men and these men in turn, blessed many others. Most importantly of all, I pray you have already put your trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If not happened, you are in real danger of hell fire right now. And I mean, in immediate danger because you are only one breath, one heartbeat…one accident away from eternity when it will be too late to repent. Today is the best day to believe (2 Cor 6:2) since tomorrow is no guarantee. If Jesus Christ came today, here is your fate (Matt 7:21-23). This is why I plead with you as you read this, repent today…and I mean right now. Put your trust in Jesus Christ. If you do not, you will face God’s judgment after death guaranteed (Heb 9:27) or at Jesus Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), which could happen at any moment.

Here is some related reading for you: A Foundation for Biblical Giving

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There is good reason that no Christian lived their lives outside of the church, the Body of Christ.

The Body of ChristThere is good reason that no Christian lived their lives outside of the church, the Body of Christ. Not only in the New Testament church, but in the centuries that followed. There are over one-hundred “one another’s” in the New Testament alone, with forty-eight of them being imperative commands. Not to mention the command from Jesus and the Apostle Paul in regards to the Lord’s Supper to “do this” in memory of Him and to proclaim His coming (Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:18-20, 1 Cor 11:23-25). To partake in the Lords’ Supper is to take part in the Body of Christ as we are many members, but one body. Individual members cannot take communion alone.

Many MembersThe Body of Christ doesn’t have scattered, isolated body parts. What good is the eye if the foot cannot take it somewhere? What good is the hand without the mouth to share Christ with the lost? There are dozens of reasons why every believer needs to be involved with other Christians. The Great Commission, serving the community, the commands to pray for one another, to reach the poor and support missions. One body part cannot do much on its own, but the entire body working together can achieve God’s purposes as the church can be used by God as a means to save the lost.

Here Comes the BrideThe audience for the New Testament in the letters written to churches was not sent out in mass mailings to scattered, individual Christians. The Epistles (books of the New Testament) were sent to churches as they are addressed to “the church” (Eph 5:25, 32) and not Mr and Mrs. Smith. The Epistles were specifically written for and specifically to groups of Christians in the local churches (Corinth, Ephesus, etc.). These instructions were given to the church to help them act as the corporate Body of Christ to reach the lost, to renew their minds, be conformed into Christ’s image, and to love God and to love one another and others…even enemies. The church is referred to as a Bride. Never is an individual Christian referred to as the Bride of Christ (2 Cor 11:2; Rev 19:7). The New Testament stresses the importance of getting the Bride ready for her to be wed to Christ at His appearance.

Body FunctionsWhen God dispensed the many different gifts of the Spirit, He gave each one different gifts, just as there are different body parts and not multiple eyes or hands (1 Cor 12:27). The church needs someone there to have the gift of hospitality, another to have the gift of service, to another the gift of teaching and so on. No one Christian alone can have all the gifts that they need to grow in God’s grace. Paul explains in Romans 12:4–5 that “just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Did you catch that statement, where it says that “each member belongs to all the others?” There are no Scriptures that allow for solo Christians to live out their lives alone and on their own, but dozens upon dozens of Scriptures show that we are part of a greater whole. They are not their own! They (and we) were bought with a price so we don’t belong to ourseves anymore. There are extreme examples of those who are in other lands who have no church or access to church and can only worship God alone, but even here, they have a deep hunger and desire to hear the Word preached through electronic devices though other ministries or their own Bible if they have one. But that is the rare exception and certainly not the rule. To forsake the assembling of the church is to forsake God’s command and the one-hundred one-another’s.

Iron Sharpens IronAs the Proverbs says, “Iron sharpens iron” (Prov 27:17). Why? You can’t sharpen iron by itself. It needs something else to keep it sharp and to continually knock the rust off because rust never sleeps. The Body of Christ is accountable to one another. This keeps us out of sin. When a member sins, the member is brought back to repentance (hopefully) and back into the sheepfold (Matt 18:15-20; 2 Cor 2:5-11). The only place of true safety is to be in the sheepfold under the care of the Good Shepard (John 10). Outside the fold are the wolves roaming about…inside is the Lord God, Jesus Christ, so who can oppose all that come? Wolves are not afraid of sheep…but they are afraid of sheep close to the Shepherd.

Forsaking Assembly, Forsaking WorshipThe solo Christian outside of the church misses out on the preaching of the Word of God, something they are commanded to submit themselves too. As we near the second coming of Christ, we must “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works” (Heb 10:24). You can’t stir yourself up. It must come from another. As the Day or Jesus’ coming nears, it’s going to be more and more needful to lean on others and help others in these last, difficult days. The Author of Hebrews clearly states the critical importance of corporate worship for Christians, commanding us to not be “neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Heb 10:25). This too is an imperative command by God through His Word. Yet people try to say the church is not relevant and they don’t need church anymore, but tell me. Have the gates of hell prevailed against the church when Jesus said it never would (Matt 16:17-19)? So, is Jesus most precious to them?

The Under-ShepherdOften, the church is referred to as the flock and when sheep get separate from the flock, what generally happens? The wolves love lamb chops. That’s a hint. Satan looks around, roaming about, looking for the wounded, separated sheep who are outside of the protection of the sheepfold and the Good Shepherd (1 Pet 5:8). The safest sheep are those who stay with the flock, being under the watchful-care of a local shepherd. The Apostle Peter tells the pastors or under-shepherds to “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them” (1 Pet 5:2). A pastor is called the shepherd, protect, feed, nurture, encourage, and equip the flock. They are also to correct, rebuke, and exhort in love by the Lord’s command, but a shepherd cannot possibly look over and care for individual sheep scattered over a thousand hills, therefore, these sheep are in real spiritual danger.

ConclusionIf you have never trusted in Jesus Christ and God has never brought you to repentance, then you had better prepare for your eternal judgment which is to come on all who reject Jesus Christ (Rev 21:8). Either trust in the Lord today, while there is still yet time (Psalm 95:7-8; 2 Cor 6:2; Heb 13:7-15), or face God’s wrath and His judgment after death (Heb 9:27) or at the appearance of Jesus Christ (Rev 1:7, 20:12-15), whichever occurs first!

Here is some related reading for you: Examples of Trials in the Bible – 7 Biblical Stories

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Faith.Tools enables different apps to work together seamlessly. Imagine each app fulfilling its intended purpose while integrating with others, allowing churches and Christians to leverage them collectively for maximum impact.

Faith.Tools: A Digital Hub for Christian ResourcesFaith.Tools enable different apps to work together seamlessly. Imagine each app fulfilling its intended purpose while integrating with others, allowing churches and Christians to leverage them collectively for maximum impact. Faith.Tools is a digital hub for Christian resources. In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, Faith.Tools stands out as a comprehensive online platform designed to assist users in finding the right resources for their faith journey. With a vast array of options, this website serves as a valuable tool for individual believers and church communities.

Overview of Faith.ToolsFaith.Tools is an innovative platform that curates over 400 Christian apps, tools, and services, providing a one-stop solution for those seeking to integrate technology into their spiritual lives. The site is meticulously organized, ensuring users can easily discover resources tailored to their specific needs.

Key FeaturesDiverse Range of CategoriesFaith.Tools offers a wide variety of categories, catering to different aspects of the Christian faith. Whether you’re searching for Bible study apps, prayer tools, AI tools, or resources specifically designed for churches and new believers, this platform has something for everyone. Its diversity ensures that every user can find the perfect tool to support their spiritual journey.

User-Friendly NavigationOne of the most notable strengths of Faith.Tools is its user-friendly design. The site is structured intuitively, making it easy for users to quickly locate the resources they need. The clean and straightforward layout contributes to a seamless browsing experience, enhancing usability.

I was able to quickly find an AI tool that helps my church create sermon clips from their sermon, Sermon Shots :).

Why Faith.Tools is Essential for ChristiansFaith.Tools is more than just a collection of apps; it’s a community-driven platform that helps users grow in their faith through digital means. Its accessibility and range of tools make it an indispensable resource for individuals and church leaders alike, enabling them to enhance their spiritual practices effectively.

About the FounderIn my interactions with Cameron Pak, the founder of Faith.Tools, I’ve been impressed by his vision and dedication. Cameron has a deep desire to connect applications, technology, and their developers in ways that ultimately benefit Christians and the Church. What stands out about his vision is his emphasis on interoperability—enabling different apps to work together seamlessly. Imagine each app fulfilling its intended purpose while integrating with others, allowing churches and Christians to leverage them collectively for maximum impact.

ConclusionI’m rooting for Cameron and Faith.Tools as they continue to develop and refine this vision. Even as it stands today, Faith.Tools is an excellent resource for Christians and churches. In an ocean of apps and technology, Faith.Tools makes it easy to find what you need—or discover something you didn’t even know existed.

For more information on Faith.Tools, visit their website: Faith.Tools

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The Great Commission given by Jesus Christ was not only for the disciples; it is given to the whole church as an imperative command.

The Great ~~Commission~~ Omission “Go into all the world,” but don’t forget to go next door.

The Great Commission given by Jesus Christ was not only for the disciples; it is given to the whole church as an imperative command (Matt 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). We are all sent to represent Jesus Christ as ambassadors so we must “go into all the world,” but don’t forget to go next door. Think of how many will pass into damnation without Christ; Unsaved brothers, uncles, cousins, sisters, sons, daughters, co-workers, aunts, neighbors….

They Must HearRomans 10:14-15 tells us we must use words…the Word of God…so we can be used by God to make new disciples. Paul asks, “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” They cannot call upon He whom they have not heard, if they cannot hear if someone is not sent. That someone can be you. Truth be told, “we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (2 Cor 5:18).

Few LaborersIn John 4:35 Jesus said, “Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.” The time to enter the harvest of souls is now…today! Look how Jesus’ heart broke for the lost in Matthew 9:35 where it says that “Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction.” Let us have similar hearts as Jesus like “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matt 9:36). Knowing that so many lost souls are in the world, Jesus “said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (Matt 9:37).

We have the same problem today among Christians. Exceedingly few believers share their faith and fewer still lead someone to Christ. This is all the more reason to obey Jesus’ command to “pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Matt 9:38). Why? It is because the harvest is huge…but the labor force is not. Pray for other co-laborers to witness to your lost spouse, neighbor, child, uncle, co-worker and grandpa.

Silence of the LambsWoe to us if we don’t preach the Gospel.

We know that most people do not share their faith regularly, but some people who try to hold back from speaking for God find that they cannot stop themselves. Jeremiah the Prophet said, “If I say, “I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name,” His message becomes a fire burning in my heart, shut up in my bones, and I become weary of holding it in, and I cannot prevail” (Jeremiah 20:9). The Apostle Paul said, “I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel” (1 Cor 9:16)!

Be Ready to WitnessIf we desire people be saved, then we must have a “unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing” (1 Pet 3:8-9). And before God, before the church and before the public, we are to have hearts that “honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Pet 3:15).

We should know the gospel well enough to give people the reason we hope in Christ. If not, get prepared, but afterward, always be gentle and show respect, for they are blind without the Holy Spirit and lost and without hope. Have Jesus’ compassion. Share the hope of Christ, then just be friendly. Don’t mention it over and over again. Jesus never crammed His beliefs down anyone’s throat. No one was every debated or argued into heaven. If a debate breaks out, leave. People, the lost and the saved have only one way to identify who Jesus’ disciples really are, and it is by their love (John 13:34-35)!

Be BoldThink the disciples were shy about talking about Jesus Christ? Acts 4:13 says that “when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” Even though they were warned about mentioning Jesus, they said, as we must say, that “we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). Even after the religious authorities threatened them further, the early church didn’t cower with fear but rather, “when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31). In Paul’s ministry, he was always “proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance” (Acts 28:31). Jail or not, Paul was going to share Christ, showing he feared God more than he feared the rejection of men.

Ashamed of Christ?Ephesians 6:19-20 asks for prayers, but not for safety, but “that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” I want to pray that, don’t you? Are we like Paul who boldly says, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Rom 1:16). Are there more believers today that are “under-cover, secret-agent, underground” Christians who seem no different than the world? Even in Jesus’ day, “many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue” (John 12:42). Today, as then, many believers “loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God” (John 12:43).

ConclusionRemember that “in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation” (2 Cor 5:19). God has entrusted us with the message of reconciliation in order that we might share it others! Now, “we are ambassadors for Christ [and] God [is] making his appeal through us” (2 Cor 5:20) to the lost.

Here is some related reading for you: What Does the Bible Say About Being a Witness?

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Movies about the Holy Ghost might seem good, but not when these movies come close to blaspheming God.

Holy Ghost MoviesMovies about the Holy Ghost might seem good, but not when these movies come close to blaspheming God. My question is, “Can the Holy Spirit really direct a movie or would He even do such a thing?” It is highly presumptuous of anyone to say that God has directed this movie and that it’s a work of the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit. Their website claims that the director is not really the director, as “Director Darren Wilson continues his journey around the world in his quest to make a movie that is completely led by the Holy Spirit.” [1] Does this man claim to know what God the Holy Spirit will do or wants him to do and which scenes should appear in the spontaneous making of this movie!? They don’t need or study a script ahead of time, believing the Holy Spirit will let them know when it’s time, but can he or anyone rightly claim the Holy Spirit is directing something like this, especially considering there are several doctrinal errors in the movies? The short answer is, “No!”

The DocumentariesThe Holy Ghost movies started with Holy Ghost, a 2014 American Christian documentary, and as documentaries go, they can be highly subjective because they rely on people’s experiences. Jesus said the Holy Spirit will show the disciples truth (John 8:31-36), I doubt that meant making movies down the line. The Holy Spirit’s role is not that of a director or writer of a movie about Himself! This movie is more about what people experienced, not what the Bible says. The Holy Spirit always testifies of Jesus and does not bring attention to Himself; rather He points us to Christ (John 15:26). The film consists of interviews with religious figures as well as musicians, all speaking about the ways “their faith” informs their work or the miracles they have witnessed, but never mentioned is the all-important message of the Bible. Jesus said we must repent and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15), and we are to proclaim the gospel to everyone (Matt 28:18-20; Acts 1:8), but these testimonies are about people’s experiences is highly subjective at best, and why do they not mention sin and God’s abiding wrath upon all who reject Christ, so there are far too many biblical doctrines omitted (i.e., Acts 4:12, 16:30-31).

The Holy GhostWhy isn’t the gospel even proclaimed in the movie if it’s about the Holy Spirit? That’s a great question, isn’t it? The Holy Spirit opens our minds to understand the Bible and then point us to Jesus Christ and our need for the Savior. What good is telling people about the miracles people have experienced without telling them about the Man…the God-Man, Jesus Christ (1 Cor 15:1-5)? We believe in miracles, yes, but we trust in Christ! We are not saved by hearing about people’s miracles. In one pathetic scene, an atheist is supposedly convinced that God is real by making one leg grow longer than the other on a man. They actually “show” this on camera, but like much of the movie, it’s a gag, and the man knows he’s not actually making this guy’s leg grow longer. And that’s not how people are saved. They are brought to repentance (2 Tim 2:25) and faith in Christ by His free gift of grace (Eph 2:8-9). People in Jesus’ day saw His many miracles, but in the end, these same many would turn away from Him forever (John 6:66). Miracles were not enough to save them. It takes the Word of God and the Spirit of God to birth a child of God (John 3:3-7; Eph 2:1-4).

No RepentanceMany people today on the street today would tell you they believe in Jesus, but they bear no fruits proving they’re abiding in Christ (John 15). They lack love for others, revealing they are not Jesus’ disciples (John 13:34-35; 1 John). Clearly the makers of this film (not counting the Holy Spirit) would rather not mention God’s coming judgment and mankind’s need for repentance. Instead, they reason, why not primarily focus on God’s love for people and people’s experiences. One hidden danger is that this movie actually promotes false teachers and dangerous ministries and people’s experiences to validate whether something is true or not. They do this rather than warn people as we’re commanded to about false teachers (Rom 16:17-28) to repent or perish (Luke 13:3-5).

Hidden DangersThey believe this documentary is an accurate portrait of the Holy Spirits work, but that is something they cannot really know. These people’s experiences seem harmless enough but that misleads others who might try to experience the same thing. Yes, there are wonderful stories where people’s lives have dramatically changed, but God is more interested in our holiness than our healthiness. The true danger of these “Ghost” movies is that people who know little about the Bible will be miss-lead into thinking this stuff is in the Bible. People who may not have even been associated with false teaching before are being lumped together and they see no problem with that.

Personal ExperienceIn the final analysis, they are validating error and exhibiting demonic manifestations and attributing that to the Holy Spirit. That is not a safe thing to do. And clearly, this is not from God the Holy Spirit. Sin is very rarely mentioned and it’s never even explained, nor is the penalty of our sins talked about and the need for forgiveness (1 John 1:8-10). They are putting their trust in their personal experiences and not putting their trust in Christ. They actually put their experiences above Scripture in some cases. All of the essentials in the gospel are never mentioned, and God’s mercy is not relevant until God’s wrath is revealed, so to be silent about it is a sin of omission and it is only half the gospel (if that), which is no gospel at all!

The Work of Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is supposed to bring conviction to sinners, but in these movies, the Holy Spirit apparently does other things too. We dare not attempt to speak for God or for the Holy Spirit Who is God. We come near to blaspheming the Holy Spirit when we believe we speak for Him. We cannot God’s secret council. What is not revealed in the Bible is none of our business. God has spoken already, once and for all (Heb 1:1-2; Jude 1:3), so let us not be in danger of judgment before God in presuming to speak for the Spirit of God. The only things the Holy Spirit has told me is to repent and believe…but never has He told me to go and make a movie. These movie makers may indeed have found god after all…but it’s the little “g” god; the god of this world who has blinded their minds as well as the world’s (2 Cor 4:3-4).

ConclusionIf you haven’t trusted in Christ yet, you are not His disciple and you do not have the Holly Spirit. Even worse, you are one breath, one heartbeat…one accident away from eternity when it will be too late to repent. Right now is best of days to believe (2 Cor 6:2) because tomorrow is no guarantee for any of us. If Jesus Christ came today, read your fate (Matt 7:21-23). This is why I plead with you as you read this right now, repent today. Put your trust in Jesus Christ. If not, you will face God’s judgment after death guaranteed (Heb 9:27) or at Jesus Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), which could happen at any moment.

Holy Ghost Reborn. wpfilm.com/media/holy-ghost-reborn (Accessed, Aug 3, 2024).
Here is some related reading for you: Who is the Holy Spirit? A Bible Study

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Why does the Word of God, the Bible, offend so many people?

Cuts in Order to HealWhy does the Word of God, the Bible, offend so many people? I would ask, “Whatever happened to the Gospel?” Jesus defined the Gospel as repenting and believing (Mark 1:15), but if we tell people they need to repent, they won’t like it. They think they’re good people, which we know is not true of course because only God is good (Mark 10:18; Rom 3:10-12, 23). But we can’t help the fact that it offends. The most loving thing we can do is to be willing to offend others for the sake of love in God’s using us as a means to rescue the perishing. A surgeon has to make painful cuts but it’s in order to heal the patient. We know God’s Word cuts us to the bone…down to our innermost thoughts and intentions (Heb 4:12), but it is for our good. It helps us know we need help outside of ourselves. May we run to the cross for mercy and grace when we see how much we have offended a holy and righteous God (Rom 5:6-10).

Keeps Us Out of SinThe Psalmist sees that there is power in the Word of God to keep us out of sin, but even our trials and troubles make us seek comfort in His Word. And there we will find it. The Psalmist says, “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes” (Psalm 119:71). Good came out of his affliction because he went to the Scriptures. Not only did the Psalmist find comfort there, he learned more of God’s statutes. To know more of His statues is to know more of Him. He knew less of the Word before, which is why “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word” (Psalm 119:67). Sin can keep us out of the Bible, but the Bible can keep us out of sin.

The Truth HurtsI imagine you would be offended if someone told you that you are a sloppy dresser and there’s a stain on your shirt. Even though it might be true, the truth said out loud would likely offend you. Now consider this. If a doctor came out and told you that you had to have an operation or you would die, would that truth hurt you? Probably, yes, but its far worse if the doctor keep it a secret and told you nothing for fear of upsetting you, his patient. Naturally, that would be unethical and illegal for the doctor to do that, so we too must warn others of the coming wrath of God (Dan 12:2-3; 1 Thess 1:10; Rev 1:7, 20:12-15, 21:8). God’s mercy is not relevant until God’s wrath is revealed. The doctor’s deadly diagnosis makes us run to the pharmacy. So too knowing the wrath of God comes upon all who reject Jesus Christ should (we pray, would) make the run to the cross. Dr. John MacArthur said, “You’ve got to get them lost before you can get them saved,” and he’s exactly right. The false idea that people are good and they’ve done enough to get to heaven must be rejected, for if that were true, then Christ died for nothing (Gal 2:11)! We know He died for something. Us who have trusted in Him!

Offense is NecessaryThe Word of God comforts the afflicted but it afflicts the comfortable. The truth sets us free…or it makes us really mad. We can’t help that, but that does not diminish our responsibility to share Christ. When Jesus was telling the truth about the spiritual state of the religious leaders, He didn’t pull punches. He offended many of them, but He was only offending them by speaking the truth. After one of these strong rebukes, Jesus’ disciple came and told Him, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying” (Matt 15:12)? Was Jesus sorry about offending them? No! He said, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up” (Matt 15:13) so “Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit” (Matt 15:14). There are some who we will witness to that will be like casting pearls before swine so we must “not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you” ( Matt 7:6). Nobody has ever been argued into salvation.

Exposes UsThe Word of God shows us who we really are, and that is sinners with hearts exceedingly deceitful (Jer 17:9). Just consider the fact that Jesus died for us, not after we “got our act together,” but even while we were ungodly, wicked sinners, and still enemies of God (Rom 5:6-10). So people we share Christ with may think we’re they enemy saying Jesus is the only way, but in a burning building, people would rejoice that there was even any way out of the flames. They wouldn’t care if there was only one exit. They would be glad that there was any exit.

Conviction of SinThe Spirit of God opens our minds and hearts to understand the Bible. The Spirit of God and the Word of God work together to open our eyes to see and our ears to hear and to receive the Gospel, and suddenly, we are convicted of sins. The Word shows us we desperately need God’s mercy and grace and flee to the cross. The Law shows us we can’t save ourselves by works, but only by the perfect work of the spotless Lamb of God. The Word of God shows us our disease and coming consequences without Christ (sin and eternal hell) but offers the cure and eternal security (by faith in Christ and forgiveness).

ConclusionI pray you have put your trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, however if that’s not happened yet, right now, you are in real mortal danger of the judgment of God. Like all unsaved people, you are one breath, one heartbeat…one accident away from eternity when it will be too late to repent, which makes today is the best day to believe (2 Cor 6:2). Oh my friend, I plead with you right now…as you read this, repent and put your trust in Jesus Christ. Do this now, for if not, you will face God’s judgment after death (Heb 9:27) or at Jesus Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), either of which could happen in the blinking of an eye.

Here is some related reading for you: What is a Seared Conscience?

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Why are more and more churches departing from the faith once delivered and leaving the truth of God’s Word behind?

PragmatismWhy are more and more churches caving into society and leaving the truth of God’s Word behind? Part of the reason is that they figure if it works most of the time for most of the people, then it must be right or true. That’s called pragmatism and it means churches are caving into the pressures of society and trying to avoid subjects such as same-sex marriage, homosexuality, adultery, fornication, pornography and the battle for holiness, not happiness. They stress happiness at the expense of stressing holiness, which is what God desires most in us. They seek to fill the parking lot and not fill heaven; they strive to fill the pews and not the Lamb’s Book of Life. They are seeker sensitive, but the problem is, the people will come for the wrong reasons; to feel good about themselves rather than admit they’re a sinner in desperate need of the Savior.

No OffenseWhen you start listing the fruits of the flesh and God’s desire to bear fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5), someone’s going to be offended. It cannot be helped. The truth sets you free or it makes you really mad. If pastors teach and preach that the sexually immoral will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor 6:9), they’re going to be accused of being narrow minded or homophobic, but it’s what is found the Word of God. We can’t water down what should be the full-strength Word of God. We are not judging those outside of the church; God will (Rom 12:17-19), but we are teaching that God will judge the unrighteous, meaning all who have rejected Jesus Christ. We don’t judge them, but we do tell them God will, so unless they repent, they will all perish.

Entertain MeThe word “amusement” is interesting. It means to not (“a”) think (“muse”), so when people come to church just for the entertainment, they’re simply amusing themselves. They won’t think about their need to confess their sins daily, to repent of ongoing sin, or to share the gospel as commanded by Christ. They just came to a concert, more than a worship service. If they worship at all, it’s the singers and musicians and not God. Precious little time is actually given to the preaching of the Word, which is the whole purpose of bringing the church together in the first place. They are there to get and not to give. It’s what they can get out of it instead of what they can put into it. It’s even better if they have surround sound, padded pews, air-conditioning, and drinks and snacks in the lobby, but is this really a church…or a social club? Dr. Voddie Baucham said “We gathered people because we liked the same kind of music or we were in the same social class. We had those things as our foundation instead of having the Gospel as our foundation.” And he adds, “The message of the Gospel is an offensive message in a lost and dying world. But we assumed the Gospel. Then, after we assumed the Gospel, we forgot the Gospel and we left the Gospel behind.”

Sinister Ministers“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matt 7:15).

We are told to beware of false teachers as there are many wolves in sheep’s clothing and Satan’s ministers can appear as angels of light (2 Cor 11:4). Since Satan has his own ministers, this must mean he has his own denominations, and if you look at recent history, many of the major denominations have fallen away from the truth by teaching half-truths, which is really teaching a whole lie. Often they seek their people to send them “seeds of faith” or offerings so that God will bless them in miraculous ways, but they’re only trying to devour the flock, fleecing them of their possessions (mainly money, but sometimes real estate, cars, homes, etc.). Jesus warned the flock to “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matt 7:15).

Falling AwayThe Apostle Paul also foresaw that many would depart from the faith delivered by Jesus Christ and passed on through the Apostles. We expect the world to get worse before Jesus’ return but we must expect that “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions” (Jude 1:18). What we don’t expect, but should, is churches that teach and preach or allow sexual immorality, so even in churches now, they are “following their own ungodly passions” (Jude 1:18) and not following the teaching about God’s judgment on the sexually immoral (Rev 21:8). Any pastor that marries same-sex couples is not in the church Jesus’ built. Satan has his own sinister ministers, and thus, Satan has his own churches too so beware!

ConclusionOne church I know requires members to tithe to have the right to vote on church boards and we know that legalism is deadly poison to the church because it stresses works and not faith alone in Christ alone (Eph 2:8-9). Wherever pastors have expository preaching from Scripture you will find the best churches and most sound doctrine. I pray you have put your trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If that has not happened yet, my friend, you are in real danger of hell fire. And I mean, in immediate danger. You’re one breath, one heartbeat…one accident away from eternity when it will be too late to repent. Today is the best day to believe (2 Cor 6:2) since tomorrow is no guarantee. If Jesus Christ came today, here is your fate (Matt 7:21-23). This is why I plead with you as you read this, repent today…and I mean right now. Put your trust in Jesus Christ. If you do not, you will face God’s judgment after death guaranteed (Heb 9:27) or at Jesus Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), which could happen at any moment.

Here is some related reading for you: How Can Christians Recognize Apostasy?

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Why would a good God allow His children to go through trials, troubles and suffering? He has very good reasons!

Toil and TroubleWhy would a good God allow His children to go through trials, troubles and suffering? He has very good reasons! If there were never any troubles and everything went perfectly for everyone, who would need God!? Since our every need would be taken care of, why need anyone else besides ourselves? Typically, we want to avoid trials and troubles, but God uses these to bring many people to Jesus Christ and salvation. Many have said that if they had not gone through a certain crisis in life, they would never have even thought about God. Many in the prisons come to saving faith because their backs are against the wall and they have no way out but God.

No EscapeThere are no shortages of troubles today, but this has been man’s lot ever since he was booted from the Garden. Job knew that “man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7), and since the whole creation is now under the curse (Gen 3:17), no one escapes trouble, trials or tribulations. They are an equal opportunity visitor to all…rich and poor, saved and the lost, so the question is how will we respond? Will we become bitter…or better for it? Will it break us or make us? Will our resolve be weakened or strengthened by life’s troubles? It is a choice left up to us, but for sure, we need God’s Spirit in order to endure and not lose our joy.

Good for EvilWhen Joseph was unjustly thrown into prison, he knew that they had meant it for evil but he also understood that “God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today” (Gen. 50:20). Just like Joseph, we are not crushed or broken by trials, but rather, we “rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet 1:6-7). Joseph was sure tested by fire, having been unjustly sold into slavery and then thrown into prison, however, Proverbs 20:30 shows how God uses problems to help us grow in holiness, as it “Blows that wound cleanse away evil; strokes make clean the innermost parts.”

Trials reveal the genuineness of our faith.

Tested by FireGod is in the refining business. Not the oil refining business but in the business of refining us like gold is refined by fire, but the fire isn’t intended to burn us up but to refine us and clear away the dross from our lives. The Apostle Peter tells us that trials and tests are allowed “so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet 1:6-7). Peter is saying that trials and suffering show whether or not we have real faith from God or “the tested genuineness of [our] faith.”

Fiery TrialsIt’s important to keep in mind the purpose of trials. They are not designed to discourage us but to refine our faith in a way that nothing else can. When the trial comes, remember Peter’s words to “not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you but rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed” (1 Pet 4:12-13). Every believer experiences trials and certainly persecution. The surprising thing is if someone who claims to believe never has any persecution. And by the way, even the unsaved go through hard places in life.

PersecutionWhether a persecution or a trial, “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you” (1 Pet 4:13-14). Our trials can bring a blessing and blessings are for lifting us up and for drawing closer to God. Jesus pronounces such a blessing, saying “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matt 5:11-12).

Search and RescueThe Apostle Peter also said that “after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” (1 Pet 5:10). That means that whatever it is, it will eventually pass, and “the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment” (2 Pet 2:9). This is why the believer can “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” (Rom 12:12). God will provide a way out even when it looks hopeless. His promise is that “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Cor 10:13). Whatever /wherever He sends you into, He will provide a way out.

Why Me Lord?Self-ExaminationThere are many reasons for troubles besides shaping you into Christ’s image. The Apostle Paul says it’s not bad to “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test” (2 Cor 13:5)! This self-examination is not meant to discourage us or make us have doubts, but rather, to see if our faith is genuine or not. If not, we can ask God to help our weak faith (James 1:1-5).

Creating RelianceIf we endure trials and tests, we are forced to rely more on God and place our faith in Him and not our own hands, so the tests and trials are not intended to destroy our faithfulness to God but to test it and see how we will do when things look bad around us. There are times when trusting God is hard, but these are also opportunities to trust God when our eyes tell us differently. These trials can give us the chance to have stronger faith; growing our faith by exercising it.

A Trusted FaithA faith that’s not tested is a faith that’s not trusted, so when our faith is tested, it doesn’t reveal anything new to God. God doesn’t test to know more about our faith…He already knows, but rather, God tests our faith so that we ourselves will know how strong or weak our faith is. Only a tested faith is a trusted faith.

Weaned From the WorldThe football game no longer has our interest if we’re in a trial.

Trials and tests suddenly make things in the world less important. The football game no longer has our interest if we’re in a trial. We’re focused on the crisis and how to get help…generally it drives us to our knees and away from worldly things. Who cares what the score is if your child has run away from home or is in trouble with the law?

ConclusionGod allows everything that happens to you for His purposes and good intentions (Rom 8:28). If it’s happened to you, it’s for your best, even if it doesn’t feel like it. If you have never trusted in Christ and God has never brought you to repentance, then trials in this life pale in comparison to the eternal judgment to come on all who reject Christ and eternal suffering for all time (Rev 21:8). Either trust in Him today while there is still time (Psalm 95:7-8; 2 Cor 6:2; Heb 13:7-15), or face judgment after death (Heb 9:27) or at Jesus’ appearance (Rev 1:7, 20:12-15), either of which could come today!

Here is some related reading for you: How Trials, Troubles and Tribulations Bring People to Christ

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How can Christians learn to spot the difference between false prophets and pastors and those who are biblically centered?

A Masterpiece in the Making“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;
Before you were born I sanctified you;
I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” – Jer 1:5

Horace Vernet, Jeremiah on the ruins of Jerusalem (1844).

Jeremiah reveals that before we were formed in the womb or born, our Father God knew us, sanctified us, and ordained us for specific kingdom missions. Isaiah teaches that when we wait on the Lord, we soar in Him into the lives He designed. What is the difference between the life you are experiencing and the incredible life He designed? Join us in this series presenting God’s biblical adventure of being and becoming His unique masterpiece.

Your Abundant, Masterpiece Life in ChristThrough John 10:10 Christ shares, “… I have come that they (His Sheep) may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” Wherever we are in our journey with Christ or our search for truth and meaningful life, Christ is inviting us to walk with Him on the unique and empowered biblical adventure He designed. He calls us to “Come and See” who He truly is, who we truly are to be in Him, and how He always has more of both Himself and His unique kingdom purpose for us to embrace. In many ways, the Christian life resembles the lives of professional athletes who are continuously training for greater excellence in the areas where God has called them. Importantly, we are not competing against each other but permitting God’s Spirit to transform us and mold us together into the empowered unity of His living Church.

Paul helps us understand this through 1 Corinthians 9:23,24,26 where he teaches, “Now this I do for the gospel’s sake …Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. Therefore, I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.” As Paul reveals in Ephesains 2:10, we are not chance creations attempting to find our way. We are unique and incredible masterpieces of Christ. He states, “For we are His workmanship (masterpiece), created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength
They shall mount up with wings like eagles.” – Isaiah 40:31a

Setting Aside Our Natural Man (Our Flesh) for Our Spiritual Man (Walking in Christ’s Spirit)Jesus calls us to thrive in the unique and abundant spiritual life He designed. In 1 Corinthians 3:1, Paul teaches we are to engage in Christ’s life as spiritual people instead of carnal. It conveys, “And I, brethren could not speak to you as spiritual people but as to carnal, as babes in Christ.” He previously emphasized in 1 Cor 2:14 that the unsaved cannot even understand the things of God, by revealing, “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned,” Christ came to live in and through us. No longer are we to walk as unsaved individuals or even carnal Christians, attempting to “act like Christ.” Gal 2:20 reveals, “I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” We are to soar in His freedom, light, life, and power. This life results from the unique and incredibly personal journey of Being and Becoming His masterpiece.

Through Galatians 6:25, Paul exhorts that only those who “walk in the Spirit” experience this life. It commands, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” This is the moment-by-moment, intentional choice believers are to make through the power of His Spirit. Accordingly, we then thrive in the incredible life He designed. It replaces the safe and comfortable average Christian life many have accepted through the enemy’s deceptions. We set aside futile attempts at trying to “act like Jesus” and permit His Spirit to live in and through us. so “it is no longer I but Christ who lives in me…”

Saint Paul Writing His Epistles by Valentin de Boulogne (public domain).

What Audiences Are You Performing For?Are you living for Christ alone, or are you defining your life by seeking to please others who want you to meet their expectations? Is God’s design for your life simply one more input you consider along with the rest? Do you recognize that many expectations placed on you by family, culture, friends, authority figures, abusers, destructive circumstances, workplace, church – and significantly by yourself – conflict with God’s design for you? Consciously and subconsciously, each of us reacts to innumerable influences around us, both long-past and present. Through Matthew 6:24, God exhorts us, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other.”

Picture yourself in the center of a stage, surrounded by a large audience. Each person is asking you to meet their needs or their expectations regarding who they want you to be and become. These demands are impacting you no matter how mature and independent you are. Jesus is in this crowd, speaking quietly to you. What priority does His voice have in directing your steps and shaping you into His masterpiece? His is the only voice that will lead you inerrantly. As you permit it to replace all others, He will help you determine which voices you are to respond to and how to let Him provide what they truly need through you. It most often will not be what they are requesting. He will focus you on His kingdom missions and accomplish them in and through you by the presence and power of His Spirit. Every other God-ordained responsibility – spouse, family, ministry, job, etc. – will be accomplished more effectively.

Trapped or Free?Paul tells us in Galatians 1:10, “For do I persuade men or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.” Are we attempting to live imitations of God’s design for our Christian lives and masterpiece callings? Are we walking in our flesh, under the imprisonment of voices other than Christ’s? Or do we continuously choose the incredible journey with Him of learning to soar as we “Walk in His Spirit.” Are you trapped or free? Consider what life would be like for an eagle who was raised in your local zoo. It would be living a constrained life that others had forced upon it. Much of its natural identity would have been snuffed-out, and its true identity would wither and die within. However, when a qualified expert with a loving heart (Christ), removed the eagle from the cage and patiently taught it how to exist as His designed, this powerful creature would begin to “be and become” all God had designed. Eventually (as it was released into the wild) it would soar into the heavens with a cry of exultation and life. This is what Christ has for each of us.

We find it only as we place Him on the throne of our lives to lead us through the incredible journey of learning to walk in His Spirit. In Ephesians 5:14-18 we are exhorted to, “Awake you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light. See that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.” His Spirit within both transforms us and lives in and through us. In His power, we are able follow Colossians 4:17b to, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”

SummaryWe encourage you to walk with His Spirit through this series. These are not presented as articles to evaluate with your mind but as personal explorations with God’s Spirit. Together, you are to listen for the Spirit’s biblical revelations regarding where you are in your unique journey with Christ. As you joyously place Him on life’s throne, He leads you and brings you further into the freedom, love, ever-deepening-personal relationship, and kingdom power of truly soaring in the wonder of the incredible life and missions He designed. You graduate from this life on Earth to heaven having truly lived as all He designed. You and those you mentor, are free to escape the following condition of many in the Christian Church.

ConclusionWhat is God revealing to you? To what degree is Christ’s voice the authority in your life and His Spirit the source of life in and through you? What actions is He asking you to engage with Him? Will you join Him through this series as He provides more understanding, life, light and empowerment? Each of us is caged by some or many voices. Christ designed us for life and freedom in Him. This is realized in our lives only as it is “no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me” and we freely and intentionally place His Spirit on the thrones of our lives. Yes, we mess up and take back control. We sin or break fellowship by walking in the flesh. If our hearts are right, our Father embraces these occurrences as a natural elements of growth. We learn the joy of hearing our Father kindly drawing us back to Him as His Spirit asks, Whose Life Are You Living?

Here is some related reading for you: Why God Created Us – A Bible Study

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Why does the Bible say that the power of life and death are in the tongue? There are very good reasons for that!

Power of the TongueWhy does the Bible say that the power of life and death are in the tongue? There are very good reasons for that! Solomon wrote, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits” (Prov 18:21). Many children were brow-beaten with words by their parents and it hardened many of their hearts. Many in the prisons could tell you similar stories, so our words matter greatly. The old saying, “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me,” is not true. Wounds from sticks and stones can heal…but words can scar people for life. Words matter…always! They can be a matter of life and death.

Judged by Our WordsWe had well water living in the country and it smelled a little like sulfur, but it was still good. Our friends who visited us didn’t like the taste. They could tell what was in our well. Similarly, Jesus said in Matthew 12:35-37, “The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” God is apparently keeping a record of our words and remembers everything we’ve said and will say and I promise you, they can come back to bite us someday.

“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body” (Prov 26:24).

Good WordsThe Apostle Paul addressed what comes out of our mouth, telling the church and believers today to “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (Eph 4:29). The tongue can tear down or it can build up, so “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Col 4:6). Salt enhances the flavor of things and is a preservative, and is even used in medicines. Solomon wrote that “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body” (Prov 26:24), and they really do a body good. Positive words not only make life more enjoyable for those around us, people live longer who have a positive outlook in life.

Words as Daggers“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Prov 15:2).

Have you ever been really hurt or embarrassed by someone’s words, and especially in front of others? Then you know that “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Prov 2:18). Words do hurt and words do matter, so to avoid speaking rash words, we should speak fewer words. In fact, “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble” (Prov 21:23). I’ve tried that and held my tongue at times and was glad I did because when I opened my mouth at other times, I inserted my foot. It is an axiom of life to understand that “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Prov 15:2).

Gossip and Bearing False WitnessI think there are fewer things more destructive to the church than gossip. Prayer requests can become gossip and gossip often comes dangerously close to slandering someone. It’s as if we can assassinate someone’s character, although they go on living. James says, “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless” (James 1:26). Our words reveal what’s in our hearts and we must realize that there is the power of life and death in the tongue, therefore, “Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin” (Prov 13:3). The chances for saying the wrong thing decrease exponentially with the fewer words we say or there is a smaller margin for error!

Defiling Words“a whisperer separates close friends” (Proverbs 16:28)

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). That’s a great prayer. I think I should memorize that. Whatever I say, I should think, are my words acceptable to God? Could I say them in public or in church? I care that my words are acceptable to others and I imagine you do too. First, I pray my words are acceptable before God, because I will be held accountable for every one of them, as will we all be. It is important to remember that “what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person” (Matt 15:18). If we speak evil words, it just defiles our personhood and our witness for Christ, so let us all remember that “by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matt 12:37).

Christ’s AmbassadorsSince we are ambassadors of God (2 Cor 5:20), we must put all of “these away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth” (Col 3:8). The tongue is very small, but even though “the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire” (James 3:5)! In many cases, it takes only a few harsh or hateful words to stoke the fire until it’s out of control. One example is when a church member has been gone for a while and someone will say to them, “Well, where have you been!?” Would it not be better to say, “How have you been?” which sounds much less insinuating and more caring?

ConclusionOur words can also mean life to others; eternal life through Jesus Christ when we share the gospel of God. By telling others that they have fallen short of God’s glory (Rom 3:23, 6:23), deserving, like all of us, His righteous wrath (Rom 2), they might run to the cross for mercy and forgiveness (John 3:16). God will grant them repentance (Acts 16:14; 2 Tim 2:25) so that the words of the gospel will bring them eternal life (Rom 10:9-13). On the other hand, by rejecting Christ, they bring eternal damnation upon themselves (John 3:18, 36), so choose today, before you pass away and judgment comes (Heb 9:27) or you see Jesus’ visible return when it will be too late (Rev 1:7, 20:12-15).

Here is some related reading for you: How Can I Control My Tongue? Answers From the Bible

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Psalm 103 gives us a clear view of the heart and mind of God and why this Psalm will lift your spirits.

Bless His NamePsalm 103 gives us a clear view of the heart and mind of God and why this Psalm will lift your spirits. Knowing that He has redeemed us through Christ, we ought to proclaim, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefit” (Psalm 103:2). One huge benefit of course is the Lord “forgives all your iniquity” (Psalm 103:3a) and “redeems your life from the pit” (Psalm 103:4a). Oh how good He is to the children of God Who “satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Psalm 103:5). We ought to be the most joyful people on the planet, having been rescued from God’s wrath, having a place reserved for us in heaven, and giving us present help in times of need (like strength when we’re weak).

He is MercifulGod shows us His heart by the sheer mercy and grace He pours out upon us. Remember He died for us before we even existed, and saved us even while we were ungodly, wicked enemies of Him (Rom 5:6-10). Do we really need any more proof of His great mercy? We have proof from the Scriptures that “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (Psalm 103:8). It is a steadfast love, not a love that is vulnerable to being lost. Knowing how great a sinner we are, we ought to have joy that our merciful God “does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities” (Psalm 103:10). Aren’t we glad for that! He does not give us what we really deserve (His wrath) but what we really need (His grace and mercy).

A Forgiving GodWe humans just can’t measure the love of God nor can we fathom His attributes because “as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him” (Psalm 103:11). And what does God do with our sins once they’re placed on Jesus Christ? The answer is a great and precious promise where God says “as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12). North and south meet (at the equator), but east and west never do…they go on into infinity, meaning He no longer holds are sins against us because they are removed forever, as far as the east goes from the west.

As a Tender FatherWe know that God understands our frame because He created us. He wrote the manual on us as our Creator. He knows we’re fragile compared to Him, therefore, He tenderly states to His own children that as “a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him” (Psalm 103:13). The Father has compassion on us because “he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:14). God knows our every strength and every weakness and reacts to this knowledge by the way He cares for us. He recognizes our limitation (1 Cor 10:13).

Everlasting LoveWhen the world talks about love, it cannot compare with the love of God. Humans can fall in love and fall out of love, and even begin to hate someone after a while, but “the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him” (Psalm 103:17). God’s mood doesn’t change. He doesn’t wake up in a bad mood one moment and in a good mood the next. The truth is, never sleeps (Psalm 121:4). And, thankfully, and unlike people, God doesn’t change His mind about us or wash His hands of us. This love is “from everlasting to everlasting,” or without end. We can’t do anything more to make Him love us more nor can we do anything less or wrong that can make Him love us less. We may displease Him, yes, but His love for us is not dependent upon our behavior…thankfully!

Bless His NameThe Psalmist started out blessing God’s name and included the command for all the saints to bless His holy name, and that’s where he wraps up Psalm 103 at the end, once again proclaiming blessings on His name, but this time, it’s given to all the angels and heavenly hosts. The Psalmist writes: “Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word” (Psalm 103:20)! They, like we, are commanded to “Bless the Lord, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will” (Psalm 103:21)! And just to show the importance and emphasis on blessing His holy name and that we get the point, he writes for the third time; “Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul” (Psalm 103:22)!

ConclusionMy prayer you who are reading this is that you have already put your trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If that has not happened yet, right now you are in real danger of hell fire. Like all unsaved people, they are on the cliff of hell, all one breath away, one heartbeat away…one accident away from eternity when it will be too late to repent. This is the very reason right now is the time to believe (2 Cor 6:2), especially considering the fact that tomorrow is not guaranteed to us. If Jesus Christ came today, here is your fate (Rev 20:12-15). This is why I pleading with you right now as you read this to repent and put your trust in Jesus Christ. If not, you will face God’s judgment after death (Heb 9:27) or at Jesus Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), whatever comes first, and He could come at any moment.

Here is some related reading for you: Why Does God Love Us? Do We Really Deserve It?

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Christians can find fulfillment not only in God but also in their work, so here are the top ten jobs for Christians.

Serving OthersChristians can find fulfillment not only in God but also in their work, so here are the top ten jobs for Christians. For many Christians, fulfilling work goes beyond a paycheck. You use your talents to make a difference by serving others. What do you do? This three-part blog explores the top ten jobs for Christians looking for purpose and offers valuable consumer services job.

StewardshipMany Christians feel fulfilled in careers that are aligned with their faith. They may be looking for:

Serving others: Helping people in need should be a Christian value.
Encouraging stewardship. The use of your skills responsibly, ethically, and with Christian principles reflects
Christian Principles.
Living by their values.
Finding a job which aligns with one’s beliefs can be very rewarding.

A Framework for Purposeful Work: Finding Your CallingBefore we dive into specific job opportunities, let’s create a framework that will help us find fulfilling career requirements. Here are some questions to think about:

Describe your interests and talents. What do you find exciting and natural?
Which kind of impact are you looking to make? Will you be helping people directly or working with animals?
Which Christian values do you hold? How do you integrate your faith with your professional life
When you’ve answered these questions, it will make you more equipped to look into potential careers.

Career Exploration Resources:* Career counselling: Many church and university career counseling services can help you identify strengths and interests. * Christian Job Boards: Sites, such as ChristianJobs.com and Faith Works, focus on positions that align with Christian principles. * Career assessment tool: This can give you insight into your abilities and personality to help you match a suitable career.

1. Social WorkerJob Title: Advocates for the poor, and helps those in distress. They identify the problems of individuals and their families, helping them find resources and advocating for their wellbeing.

Christian Connect: Working in social services is a way of living out your Christian values such as compassion, love, and service. You’ll help vulnerable people in times of need by offering them support and encouragement.

Skills and Training: Typically, bachelor’s degrees in social work are required along with a strong sense of communication, problem solving, and interpersonal abilities.

Considerations Because social work is emotionally taxing, it’s important to maintain your own health. Salaries can vary depending on the location and your experience.

2. NurseJob Summary:

The foundation of healthcare is nursing. In addition to providing direct patient care, nurses also monitor vital signs, give medication, and teach patients about self-care. Emergency care, pediatric oncology, and other specialty nursing fields are among them.

Christian Partnership: Healing is greatly aided by nursing. They are able to lessen suffering, both psychological and physical, by applying their expertise and compassion.

Skills & Education: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is required for registered nurses (RNs), whereas an Associate’s or a diploma is required for licensed practical nurses (LPNs).

Considerations: Because they work long days, are exposed to illnesses, and may experience emotional and physical strain, nursing can be physically and mentally taxing.

Teacher:Job Summary: The teachers are responsible for shaping the minds of young children. They design engaging lesson plans and deliver instruction. They also assess student progress and foster an environment that is conducive to learning.

Christian Connect: Teachers are able to influence the morals, ethics, and academics of their students and you can integrate Christian values into your lessons and inspire them with kindness, forgiveness, a sense purpose, etc.

Skills and Training: A Bachelor’s in education or state certification is usually required. A teacher must have patience, creative thinking, and good communication skills.

Consideration: Teaching can be difficult with long hours, a demanding workload, and low wages in certain areas, however the opportunity to make an impact on the future is great.

3. Counselor:Counselors are essential for individuals, families and groups. They assist clients in navigating challenges related to their mental health, relationships and career choices.

Christian Connect: Counsellors may help clients discover strength in their religion and create healthy coping strategies by embracing Christian principles such as forgiveness, reconciliation, and hope.

Skills and Training: A Master’s or Doctoral Degree may be required, depending upon the type of practice you are in (family therapy, marital counselling, school counselling, etc.).

Factors to consider: Counselling may be emotionally taxing due to its nature. Exercise, diet and quality time with loved ones are examples of self-care practices that are necessary to maintain mental and psychological well-being.

4. Youth Minister/PastorJob Summary: Youth Pastors or Ministers play a crucial role in nurturing faith development and growth among young people. They create engaging programs, lead worship, provide pastoral support, and mentor young people through life’s struggles.

Christian Connect: You’ll be a role model for youth, guide them on their spiritual paths, and help develop their moral character using Christian values.

Skill & Training: Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills are necessary to build positive relationships with youth.

Considerations: Working closely with young people requires flexibility, patience and a real passion for their wellbeing. Salaries are influenced by denomination, location, and church size.

5. Missionary:Job Summary: The missionaries are dedicated to spreading the Gospel and serving those in need all over the world. Missionaries may take part in different activities, such as teaching or providing healthcare.

Christian Connect: The Christian missionary embodies compassion, selflessness and love for everyone.

Skills and Training: Requirements differ depending on mission organizations and specific roles. The ability to adapt, be culturally sensitive, and have a deep faith are all essential.

Considerations Working as a missionary is demanding. They place more emphasis on service than financial gain.

6. Non-Profit Leader:Job Summary: Nonprofit leaders oversee organizations that deal with social issues such poverty, homelessness and environmental protection. They oversee teams, develop strategies, secure funding, or raise awareness of their causes.

Christian Connexion: Nonprofit work allows you live your faith while serving those in needs and advocating for Justice. Christian values are at the core of the missions of these organizations, including compassion, stewardship, social responsibility and stewardship.

Skill & Training A Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field (e.g. Business, Social Work) is typically preferred. Leadership and fundraising skills, as well as problem-solving ability are important.

Considerations Nonprofit work is often demanding, with many long hours. Salary may be less than that of for-profit counterparts, but there is a lot more satisfaction in this work and the potential to make a huge impact.

7. Christian EducatorJob Summary: Christian Educators teach various subjects in a Christian context, and foster intellectual growth as well as spiritual growth for students.

Christian Connect: By including faith in education, you are able to help students better understand and appreciate the Bible. It is aligned with Christian values, which encourage faith in young people, nurturing their minds.

Skills and Training: In most Christian schools, a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree is required in the chosen field of study. It is important to have a good sense of communication, organization, and a strong passion for the Christian faith.

Considerations: The work is demanding and requires planning lessons, grading students, and creating a positive learning environment.

8. Christian Writer/Editor:Job Summary: Christian editors and writers create content for readers that is inspiring, educating, and uplifting from a Christian point of view. This can include writing books or articles, creating website content, or editing Christian publications.

Christian Connect: This aligns to the Christian value that spreading the Gospel is important, and you should use your talents in order to serve God.

Skills and Training: Preferably, a Bachelor’s in English journalism or a closely related field. Knowledge of Christian theology as well as publishing best practices will be highly beneficial.

Considerations: There is competition in the freelance writing market. The importance of building a strong portfolio and making connections with Christian publishers is crucial.

9. Christian Counselor/TherapistJob Summary: Christian counsellors offer counseling services with a faith-based approach.

Christian Connect: You can use this role to help others, while also integrating your faith into the therapy process, helping clients overcome their challenges and strengthen their faith.

Skills and Training: To practice therapy, you must possess a Master’s Degree in counseling. A thorough understanding of Christian theology and how it applies to mental health will be required.

Considerations Christian counseling can be emotionally demanding so it’s important to practice self-care. Salaries are based on experience, location, and setting.

ConclusionThis article examined 9 fulfilling career for Christians who are looking to align their faith with their work. This is just the starting point. The most important thing is to determine your passions and your skills and what you want to achieve. Christian career services and faith based job boards can provide additional resume writing help as well as career development. Remember that a rewarding career is much more than a job. Begin your job search by having a faith-filled heart and a clear purpose.

Author’s Bio: Ahmad is a seasoned professional coach and expert CV writer, dedicated to helping individuals advance their careers with tailored guidance and standout resumes.

Here is some related reading for you: Where Does God Want Me to Work? 5 Tips for Finding a Satisfying Career

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Is the Men’s Warrior Group from the Mankind Project something Christian men should be involved with?

Men’s Warrior GroupIs the Men’s Warrior Group from the Mankind Project something Christian men should be involved with? They claim to be “Sharpening men to become the husbands, fathers, and leaders God designed us to be,” but is that true? Their creed seems harmless enough as you can read below:

I AM A COMMON MAN WITH AN UNCOMMON DESIRE TO SUCCEED.
I WILL KEEP MYSELF PHYSICALLY STRONG, SPIRITUALLY AWAKE, AND MORALLY STRAIGHT.
I EXPECT TO LEAD AND BE LED, AND IN THE ABSENCE OF LEADERSHIP I WILL TAKE CHARGE AND LEAD BY EXAMPLE.
I AM NOT TOO PROUD TO ASK FOR HELP.
I BELONG TO A TRIBE AND DO NOT STRUGGLE ALONE.
MY PAST FAILURES DO NOT DEFINE ME.
WHEN THE WORLD KNOCKS ME DOWN, I WILL GET BACK UP EVERY TIME.
FAITHFULNESS TO FAMILY AND DEVOTION TO GOD WILL BE MY LEGACY.
I WILL FINISH STRONG!

Sounds harmless enough and some of it even sounded good, but there’s more to this group than a creed. In practice, it seems to be a whole other story.

The Mankind ProjectThe ManKind Project (MKP) claims to be non-religious but they accept men of no faith and all faith’s. This project is for the men’s community for the 21st Century, they believe. They boast that MKP is a nonprofit training and education organization with three decades of proven success hosting life-changing experiential personal development programs for men. And that MKP supports a global network of free peer-facilitated men’s groups and supports men in leading lives of integrity, authenticity, and service, so what do people say, particularly, Christian men? They have a lot to say and many reported some very interesting experiences.

Men’s ExperiencesAs I began reading other men’s experiences, I sensed the Men’s Warrior Group was not a good idea. One man said that he began going through the “on-boarding” exercises, which included receiving a spirit animal (which becomes your name for the event). He said he found himself faced with a growing sense of unease. To him, it all felt so silly…so contrived or a bit like live-action role-playing or an old war re-enactment. He said it did not feel like he was growing as a man or learning anything new at all. As the long day continued, he found himself lodging in a cramped dorm room with a dozen uncomfortable cots and outdoor bathrooms.

Anger/Rage Therapy?One man’s big issue was the childish encouragement men were given to express destructive emotions, applauding and cheering hateful and harsh tirades against their father’s. Such vulgar and hateful comments like “____ you dad! ____ you for not letting me live the life I wanted and making me play sports!” The man screamed while jumping up and down and jamming a middle finger into the sky, allegedly at his dad. Several men had issues when they were actively encouraged to strip down during many of the events (which at one man’s event was often led by homosexual instructors), but stripping down was uncomfortable, to say the least. There was one man in particular who was totally frustrated by the condescension he received for “not being fully engaged” when he kept his briefs on.

Release the Wild ManOne man reportedly had joined this group due to the recommendation of his mentor and counselor who trusted this group, but one immediate problem was the man and his wife got frustrated at the coordinator for his very unprofessional attitude towards those who did not want to bond via their mandatory carpooling requirement. Later, all the men were reminded via myth and allegory that we needed to “release the wild man within to fully realize our masculinity,” but the man thought, “What about the hungry man?” He was starving by this time and had no clue as to the time since all of the windows were covered and the clock on the wall was stuck. For him, it was not a beneficial time.

New NamesDuring their separation, the men were then told they needed to invent new names for themselves and to think of an animal spirit that would somehow represent strength in them. One of the ugliest parts of this Men’s Warrior Group was where you “kill” someone in proxy. Most of the time, it’s the father, but it might be a brother, mother, uncle or even an employer. Some even “killed” God. When one man was actually instructed to “kill God,” he refused. We will be given new names someday by God (Rev 2:17), so I will wait on choosing an animal spirit for now.

The God SplitOne of the most evil parts to me in the MKP process is the so-called “God split.” This is where a man will “kill” God and then give himself his own god; one of his own imagination or making. Clearly this is idolatry (Ex 20:4-5), however, this is said to be a required step in the MKP ladder for a man to become an “inner King.” If he does not kill God first, he cannot be the “inner king.”

Killing as Therapy?There are reports that these “killing” processes can be very violent. For example, one man will stand in proxy for the person who is being killed. They place cushions and pillows before him and the man who is to kill has a baseball bat, tennis racket, or just about anything to be used as a weapon. Next, he hits the pillows and cushions over and over again right in front of the man standing in proxy. One man continued hitting it over and over while screaming at his “daddy.” The “daddy” gives insults and calls the man with the bat names, so it’s played out. Sadly, “daddy” slowly begins to “die” and to sink slowly to the floor pretending that he is being hit and hurt. He eventually pretends to die right on the spot. This can take many minutes. One man said that this process looks like gestalt psychotherapy and The reason that they stated it needed to be done over and over was because they didn’t kill their whole dad, only a part of him that hurt them. They needed to kill every part that had “bad energy” and not stop until it was all out.

A Spiritual Rebirth?I cannot remember where I found Mark Hamilton’s comment, but he wrote, “…This is only the tip of the iceberg however. The walking around naked while blindfolded symbolized your death to former self and old way of life. You probably snaked around some property and then were slapped on the rear to symbolize your spiritual rebirth. All these things had a definite spiritual purpose which were not at all Christian. The snaking around had to do with regeneration as the snake is a symbol of this. It may have also had to with catabasis or a symbolic journey to the underworld (sheol/hades) because before you can be spiritually reborn you first have to spiritually die. Think of a counterfeit baptism. It’s softening Christians up to seek out this kind of Initiation to heal their supposed father wounds.”

A Counterfeit ChristThey are creating a counterfeit and unbiblical Jesus or God that is a supposed “warrior” and “wild at heart”, but clearly it’s a clever lie and deception. Jesus always modeled and taught peace, and being under authority. Jesus was never rebellious but a truth teller and taught that the meek shall inherit the earth (Matt 5: 5). The men’s warrior groups are anything but meek…and anything but biblical. This is not recommended for Christian men, and I would say, even unbelievers should be aware of what they do.

ConclusionI pray you have put you yourself have trusted in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, but if not, you are in real mortal danger of hell fire. You are one breath, one heartbeat…one accident away from eternity when it will be too late to repent. Today is the best day to believe and the acceptable time (2 Cor 6:2) because tomorrow is no guarantee. This is all the more reason that I plead with you to repent and put your trust in Jesus Christ now. If not, you will face God’s judgment after death (Heb 9:27) or at the Lord’s second coming (Rev 20:12-15), which could happen in the blink of an eye.

Here is some related reading for you: What Are Signs of Being in a Cult?

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Everyone needs friends, so what does the Bible say about friends and friendship and what kind of friends we should be and what kind of friends we should have?

Abraham, a Friend of God – Genesis 15:6Everyone needs friends, so what does the Bible say about friends and friendship and what kind of friends we should be and what kind of friends we should have? One of the best examples I could find is with Abraham who was called a friend of God Himself. Don’t you want to be called a friend of God? How can we become a friend of God? In short, trust in God’s Son, Jesus Christ and God has be-friended you. Also read about how Abraham believed God and his belief was accounted as righteous and why he was called a friend of God. James tells us how to become a friend of God. He wrote, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God” (James 2:23). James is referring to Genesis 15:6. So how did Abraham become a friend of God? Scripture says Abraham “believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.” Aren’t your friends called your friends because they do what you might ask them to do and you in turn are a friend and help them when they need? When we believe God and take Him at His Word and obey His Word, He is our friend too.

“a whisperer separates close friends” (Proverbs 16:28)

Friends Are Born for Adversity – Proverbs 17:17Proverbs 17 gives us a great biblical picture of what true friendship looks like and why we need one another in good times and bad. It’s very easy to be a friend to someone when everything is fine, but when trouble comes and you need to call someone for help and it’s three in the morning, then the true friends and fair-weather friends are usually separated. When the going gets tough, your true friends usually don’t get going; your fair-weather friends do. One thing a true friend does is never gossip about you. Solomon wrote that “Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends” (Prov 17:9), so friends never share secrets or talk about their friends to others. It’s when things in life get really hard, then we better understand the fact that “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Prov 17:17).

Friends of the World are Enemies of God – James 4:4“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Prov 17:17).

James, Jesus’ half-brother, explains why being a friend of the world makes us an enemy of God. It’s very simple. If you make friends with the world and the friends of the world, you cannot be a friend of God. In a scathing rebuke of those in the church who are trying to be friends with the world, James writes, “You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4). Do you know some professing Christians who live like the world? Then they are actually enemies of God at this time. Pray they repent. Our goal is to have godly friends, but first of all, we must be a friend of God, not His enemy. We are supposed to have come out of the world, but has the world come out of us?

Friends Speak the Truth – Proverbs 27:6Read Proverbs chapter 27 and you can see why our true friends love us enough to tell us the truth. Even though their words might wound us, they’re spoken in love and intended to help us. A surgeon cuts in order to heal. God’s Word does that too (Heb 4:12). If you really want to rid something sinful out of your life, you’ll take the sword of the Word of God and cut them out. Painful as it is, those things don’t belong in our life. The Word corrects us; the Spirit convicts us. That’s as it should be. Solomon wrote, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy” (Prov 27:6). In other words, a true friend will love you enough to tell you the truth…even if it hurts. And you must be that friend, willing to offend in order to help your sinning brother or sister. That is an act of love! And of course, they are doing us a favor when they are correcting us, but someone who is not your true friend might flatter you with words that cloak your sins and make you feel better about yourself than you should. I would rather be corrected than incorrect. You do me a favor when you point out my sins or flaws. We need friends to do that because we all have blind spots and the heart is very deceitful (Jer 17:9).

Your true friends will not be afraid to tell you the truth even at the risk of hurting your feelings.

Jesus is our Friend – John 15:14Jesus tells us what real friendship is, like being honest with them, but also He also expects us to do what He says. We cannot call Jesus our friend if we disobey His Word in the Bible. Our Lord says, “You are my friends if you do what I command you” (John 15:14). We too are His friends “if” we obey Him. That “if” is conditional sounding to me. Remember Jesus showed His love for us by dying on the cross while we were still ungodly, wicked enemies of His (Rom 5:6-10), so a true and faithful friend loves us even when we’re not very lovable. But we must do likewise. Love is a verb…it is not a greeting card or a dozen roses. Love is a verb…it is what you do. Our obedience shows our love. Obedience is love in action. Jesus showed us what real love is (John 15:13) by doing something about our separation from God (John 3:16). He didn’t just talk about it: He settled it (John 19:30).

ConclusionCharles Spurgeon said, “Choose the best friends you can; then follow them no further than they follow Christ.” I love that. Those are the friends we need around us and we need to be that kind of friend too. Can’t find a friend? The Bible says we can find a friend if we would be a friend, or “show himself friendly” (Prov 18:24). If we have friends who are of the world, then we’re making friends with the world and that makes us God’s enemy. Not good! If you have still not trusted in Christ, you are still an enemy of God, and someday Jesus will tell you to depart from Him forever into outer darkness (Matt 7:21-23). This is the very reason that I plead with you right now brother or sister who are reading this, to repent today and trust in Christ. If you do not, you will surely face God’s judgment after death (Heb 9:27), or at Christ’s appearance (Dan 12:2; Rev 20:12-15), whichever comes first. Today is the day to be saved (2 Cor 6:2). Tomorrow might not even come and then it will be too late to repent and be saved (Rev 1:7; 21:8).

Here is some related reading for you: Should Christians Have Non-Christian Friends?

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How can Christians learn to spot the difference between false prophets and pastors and those who are biblically centered?

Navigating Faith and WorkHow can Christians find the right balance in exercising their faith and navigating career choices for work? You can enhance your understanding of balancing faith and work as a Christian. Here you can find practical advice on career choices to help you navigate this important aspect of your life. In any circumstance, Christian career choices can be challenging. You may have a strong desire to serve God and live your faith. Finding a new job, supporting your family, and improving your surroundings can all present challenges. This blog post is helpful to you and provides comprehensive career advice. Pick the most proficient way that suits your strict perspectives and individual objectives by offering counsel on the best way to balance your work and confidence.

Finding Purpose in Your CareerAs a Christian, you must combine your work responsibilities with your faith, feelings, and expertise to serve God and find value in your work. Perceive that your fundamental reason in life is to serve God. Your work or strict development isn’t what makes the most significant difference throughout everyday life. All things considered, an execution assists you with sticking to the script. Find the importance of life through petition and self-examination, and then at that point, pursue God’s bearing and time in your work. Consider that God is first in your life, and make sure that your decision to work doesn’t slow down your capacity to fill in your confidence.

Employment and SpiritualityFinding the right balance between religion and working as a Christian in this business world might be challenging. You certainly want to do your best at work and be successful, but it cannot be at the cost of your spiritual health. Thankfully, it is possible to maintain a healthy balance between your spirituality and company affairs. Here are a few pointers to assist you with exploring this journey.

Provide Time for GodMake sure that God is your top priority in life. As stressful as your workday might seem, one of the most important things you can do is to take daily time for prayer, meditation, and Bible study. This means that:

You are waking up early enough to spend time alone before starting your day.

You should be saying a prayer before working.

You should study a prayer book or Bible briefly during your lunch break.

You are going to a small group or prayer meeting once a week.

Choosing God first helps everything else fall into place. You’ll view your job more clearly and be able to tackle challenges in that direction.

Having Faith in God’s PlanAlways remember that God controls your career at the end of the day. If it’s not always clear at the same time, He has a purpose and a plan for your life. When making decisions or facing a difficult situation in your career, these things should be kept in mind:

Pray daily for clarity and wisdom.

Always take trustworthy advice from reliable advisors.

Keep asking, seeking and knocking to find open doors and to figure out God’s will.

Always have faith that everything happens, good or bad in your life is because of God (Rom 8:28).

Please remember that you need a clearer idea of your career plan. Put your focus on becoming loyal to whatever is in front of you and trust that God will guide you along the way that you should go. Just “work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Col 3:23).

Exploring Careers Friendly to ChristianityIt’s time to explore the job market and find possible careers that fit with your Christian values. Once you have an improved understanding of your duty, then think of your careers and sectors where you can:

Try to Serve people directly and share God’s message through missions, non-profit labor, and ministry.

Make sure to use your skills in a way that respects God, in business, education, and healthcare.

Keep promoting equality and moral behavior in law, public policy, and social work.

Look for organizations and affiliations that support Christian principles and offer an environment that encourages religious growth and development.

Align Your Work with Your PrinciplesEach phase of your life as a Christian, including your work, should be affected by what you believe. Find ways to use your abilities and talents to help others while balancing your work and biblical principles. We could suggest that you:

Try to work for an organization whose objectives and procedures match your own.

That you are always spending time on worthy activities.

That you be expressing love, respect, and honesty towards others at work.

And that in the workplace, you are setting a godly example of Christ-like activity and behavior.

Work gives new meaning and purpose when you see it as an opportunity to live out your faith. You are working towards more fantastic things than just earning a living when you do this.

We cannot compromise their biblical values at work even when the fear of losing their job is at stake.

Explore a Community

Becoming a Christian in the professional world sometimes feels lonely. You must connect yourself with a network of people of similar backgrounds who share your ideals so that you can receive help. Some methods for finding a community are:

Getting connected with your industry’s Christian professional group or network.

Always trying to attend religious and professional gatherings and events.

Keep searching for an advisor who has successfully integrated their faith into their work.

Try to make relationships with colleagues who have similar values of living.

Having anyone to pray with, exchange ideas with, and offer support as this makes a huge difference, but avoid trying this alone.

FAQsQ 1: How do I know that my career choice matches God’s purpose?

It’s important to consider your God-given talents and passions to determine whether your career choice matches God’s purpose. Find out what you like to do and what gives you peace, and consider how you can respect God and serve others using your talents.

Q 2: Can I still serve God if I am not in a traditional ministry role?

Yes, even if you’re not in a traditional ministry area, you can still serve God, just in a different manner. Some people may feel called to serve God in many roles, but others may feel called to full-time ministry. For example, you can get involved in missions work or non-profit jobs where you can use your skills and talents to help people and actively share the good news of Jesus.

Q 3: How do I balance my work and faith when faced with challenging situations?

It’s important to put the health of your faith first when facing challenging situations. It may involve planning daily time for Bible study, prayer, and Christian fellowship. Additionally, you must look for a church community that supports you and prays for you in your career.

Q 5: How do I know if I’m choosing the right career for my faith?

You must ask yourself if you’re using your skills to serve others and praise God to know if your career decision matches your beliefs. Consider that when living a life that reflects what you believe inside and outside the office.

ConclusionChristian employment and faith maintenance require a tricky balancing act between a person’s beliefs and career goals. It’s about placing God first, believing He has a purpose for what you do, and looking for jobs that fit your values. This journey calls for a daily commitment to religious activities, trust in God’s direction, and a willingness to explore job options that meet your beliefs.

You can deal with the difficulties of career choices while maintaining a satisfying and faith-driven world by finding a supportive community. Try to match your work with your ideals and treat your job as a part of your beliefs. In the end, this peace allows you to make an essential impact on your career and your spiritual growth, creating a sense of goal and achievement in all aspects of your life.

Here is some related reading for you: Where Does God Want Me to Work? 5 Tips For Finding a Satisfying Career

Author’s Bio: Ahmad is a seasoned professional coach and expert CV writer, dedicated to helping individuals advance their careers with tailored guidance and standout resumes.

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Knowing what to pray for is no mystery as God’s Word tells us, and here are 4 things we know God wants us to be praying for.

Pray About EverythingKnowing what to pray for is no mystery because God’s Word tells us how and what to pray for and here are 4 things we know God wants us to be praying for. First of all, we must be praying about everything in life. Praying for the lost, praying for the saved, and praying for those who are in need. There is nothing to large or too small and unimportant to God to pray for. Everything is small to God, so the Apostle Paul gives us a great reminder when we are in need. When we pray, we should “not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Phil 4:6). Did Paul really say pray about everything? Yes, pray about absolutely everything in this life. We pray about everything so we won’t worry about anything. Here’s how we kill the anxiety; we pray and we leave everything in God’s hands. We’ve made our needs known; now it’s up to Him and not up to us to act. We pray about everything in order to make our requests known to God, and although He already knows our every need, we’re still commanded to pray to Him for everything in life. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a large matter or something small, just pray about everything.

Pray with ThanksgivingIn Philippians 4:6 Paul says we should be praying but be praying as we give thanks to God. We can’t or shouldn’t pray without giving God thanks for what He has already generously blessed us with. That includes for most, a home, job, car, a family, church family, and leaving in peace. This means we should be praying for all things that come into our life, whether good or bad, because we can trust God that all things will work out for our ultimate best (Gen 50:20; Rom 8:28). Let our prayers include gratitude to God and “everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving” (Phil 4:6b). Never make “requests be made known to God” (Phil 4:6c) without thanksgiving.

Pray for God’s WillIn the so-called Lord’s Prayer, Jesus emphasizes a very important point that we should pray for God’s will to be done on earth as it is already being done in heaven (Matt 6:10). All too often we pray for our will to be done on earth as it should be done in heaven and not the opposite as Jesus said. The problem with that is, we don’t have the wisdom to know what His will always is but we can have enough wisdom to pray for His will in our life because His will clearly will be better for us than our own will. God knows even the future and knows what’s best for us, well before we ever do, so pray for God’s perfect will to be done in our lives and that we won’t interfere with it. Since God alone opens doors, let us not try to pick the lock or slip in through a window (Rev 3:7-13).

Pray for God’s GloryYou and I have been purchased by God, bought with the highest price there is, and that is the very precious blood of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. This is why Paul exhorts us to remember that “you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body” (1st Cor 6:20). Since we were bought, we no longer own ourselves. God owns us through the redemptive work at Calvary. We must realize that our body is no longer our own. He is the Head of the church and we are His body. The head usually tells the body where to go and what to do. We now belong to God since “You are not your own” (1st Cor 6:19c). Since we’ve resigned as our own chairman of the board and let Christ rule in our place, let us submit to the will of God and the will is to abstain from sexual immorality (1 Thess 4:3). Now that we’re to be praying for God’s will, pray that we abstain from sexual sin. We can pray for help in times of temptation. God wants us to run to Him as a refuge in times of trials and temptations for He is a strong tower and there is safety in His shelter. God wants us to be holy as He is holy. Of course, we can’t be sinless…but we should be sinning, less! We can never glorify God by living in sexual or other open sin. A secret here on earth is an open scandal in heaven. Glorifying God is His will (Psalm 115:1).

Out of LoveWe have no reason to be anxious because we can fall to our knees and pray to God about everything; we can pray to God while giving thanks; we can pray to God and seek out His will to be done in our lives and not our own; and we can pray for God to be glorified in the lives that we live. It’s not so much our duty but our debt to Him and we obey Him because we love Him (John 14:15-31). Obedience is a byproduct of our love for Christ. We obey not out of compulsion but out of love and gratitude for Jesus’ ransoming us from the wrath of God.

ConclusionIf you’ve never trusted in Christ, you had better be anxious because the wrath of God abides on all who have not trusted in the Son of God, Jesus Christ. People are actually storing up more and more wrath, day by day, week by week, year by year, and don’t recognize that we shall all give an account on judgment day or after death (Heb 9:27). Today is the best day to trust in Christ and then the wrath of God that was due upon you will have already been placed on Jesus Christ. Believe in Him and you shall be saved (Rom 10:9-13). If you refuse, then He is against you (Matt 12:30), and the wrath of God is presently resting upon you, and even worse, someday eternal destruction will surely come (John 3:36; Rev 20:12-15). I plead with you, today, right now, that this not be so.

Here is some related reading for you: 10 Prayer Tips – How to Talk to God

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The life of Rahab is a picture of our own salvation, showing anyone can move from misery into the light.

RahabThe life of Rahab is a picture of our own salvation, showing anyone can move from misery into the light. Rahab is one of the most remarkable women in the Hebrew Scriptures. She was a Canaanite prostitute who lived ca 1406 B.C. in Jericho, converted to Judaism and was in the lineage of Christ.

She was an intelligent and “street smart” woman who understood how Jericho’s social classes, military and political protocol operated. Her home was located inside one of the Jericho walls (Joshua 2:15) and she was known by royalty, residents and travelers. Rahab was aware of what was going on throughout the community and did not miss much entering or leaving the gates.

Paul stated she was a woman of faith (Hebrews 11:3) and James acknowledged she was justified by works (James 2:25). The name Rabab means “wide” or “spacious” and Josephus stated that Rahab owned an Inn at Jericho (William Winston, Antiquities of the Jews, 104). [1]

The Popular ProstituteComparing Hebrew and Greek TextsAccording to Strong’s Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Hebrew Bible, the Hebrew word in Joshua 2:1 describing Rahab as “harlot” was “Zanah,” which suggests she likely participated more in adultery than fornication, although she practiced both “continually” (Strong, 1990, 38). [2]

The word “harlot” used by Paul and James is the Greek word “pornē,” (Strong, 73), a term from which the word pornography is derived.

Evaluating these texts combined with the context in which Rahab is described, it is reasonable to conclude that an accurate evaluation of her lifestyle is that she was a common street prostitute who attained popular status among the diverse classes of Jericho.

Rabbinic CommentaryAccording to the Zevachim, Rahab was age 50 when she encountered the spies, was about 10 at the time of the Exodus and the two spies played an important part in her conversion. The Gemara states Rahab’s childhood was taken from her at a very early age. (The William Davidson Talmud Zevachim, 116b:2). [3]

Dr. Amy Cooper Robertson in her article, Rahab the Faithful Harlot, quotes that the Gemara replies that “There was no minister or prince that did not pay a visit to Rahab the Harlot” (Robertson 2019). [4] She also cites the rabbinic commentator, Malbim who stated that Rahab’s “Name was known to all of the great men in the land. They would reveal the secrets of the land to her.” (Robertson 2019).

Rahab’s StoryHer story opens when two Israeli spies entered Jericho and found their way to her home. Although their names are not mentioned in Joshua, according to a commentary noted by Tamar Kadari in her article, Rahab: Midrash and Aggagah, she identifies them as Phinehas and Caleb (Kadari 1999). [5]

The king was immediately informed that two strangers had entered Jericho, disrupting their plans to evaluate the city. Instead, they found themselves running for their lives until they returned to their camp. The king asked Rahab to bring the men to him. She lied and told him they already left Jericho, but what she did was hide them on her roof in stalks of flax.

Rahab told the spies she had heard their God had parted the Red Sea and performed other miracles that melted her heart. She asked them to spare her and her family from the upcoming city’s destruction. They told Rahab to tie the same red rope to the window she was going to use to let them down the wall for their army to see and rescue her. Perhaps the spy’s primary mission was not so much to evaluate Jericho’s layout as it was to meet Rahab and influence the final steps of her conversion and rescue.

Rahab advised them to hide in the distant hills for three days, which was in the opposite direction of the Israeli camp. She knew Jericho’s military procedures well enough to know that the soldiers would return before three days. The spies did precisely what Rahab recommended. They safely returned to their camp and Joshua made good on the promise to rescue Rahab and her family.

Rahab’s Red Rope of HopeSome Christian scholars and historians through the centuries have interpreted the red rope in every way conceivable. However, sometimes in the Bible, a rose is simply a rose. Concerning Rahab, the rope’s color was solely about a harlot using the ancient signature color of her profession to lower a couple of men from her window, which she probably kept on standby in case of an emergency. Throughout her Jericho experience, she most certainly had to deal with angry wives and mothers stopping by to cause trouble on occasion. The color also informed citizens who saw someone being lowered that they were not a danger to anyone, just Rahab getting folks safely out of there, which likely protected the spies from being identified as Israeli enemies.

Rahab and Boaz in Matthew’s GenealogyRahab is often interpreted in Matthew’s opening genealogy (Matthew 1:5) as the birth mother of Boaz, although she was no doubt intended by Matthew to be the same one who was in the Jericho story. However, the timeline of the Jericho destruction occurred ca 1406 B.C., but Boaz was born about 1100 B.C. Considering how ancient Jewish genealogies were written, it is doubtful that Rahab was the birth mother of Boaz. However, it is more likely that Rahab was either the great or second great grandmother of Boaz.

According to Dr. Peter Goeman, Professor of Old Testament and Biblical language at Shepherd’s Theological Seminary, Jewish genealogies regularly skip generations, especially when the writer had a specific objective in mind. Generations were also skipped from the genealogy of Moses in chapter 6 of Exodus (Goeman, 2022). [6]

Rehab the Social OutcastBy the time the spies entered Jericho, Rahab, at approximately age 50, was thoroughly discontented with her profession and she had long since realized that worshipping the Canaanite deities of stone and wood was meaningless. Although she had attained notoriety and status among the kingdom’s classes, she was still basically perceived as a social outcast living a harlot’s lifestyle. She was weary of playing the games and dealing with the conflicts and resentments of her profession. However, YHWH had been working in her life long before the spies met her. The stories she heard about what God did for Israel did not terrify her, God worked through them to change her.

Loss and Greater GainApart from Rahab’s immediate family, she lost almost everything when Jericho fell. However, God had greater plans for her than she initially realized, giving her far more than she lost. Rahab entered the Promised Land with the Israelites, where she remained and became a role model of God’s love and mercy. Israel unconditionally welcomed Rahab and supported her intermarriage into the royal family of Judah. She experienced a fulfilling life, had children and for the remainder of her years was a witness to Israel of Jericho’s event and how the living God brought about her conversion.

ConclusionFrom a Christian perspective, Rahab’s experiences with God are significant and the relationship they shared is based on the dynamics of how Christ interacts with us today. He is always there, even if we do not feel His presence. God is often working in between the lines unseen for our benefit. He brings people into our lives that make a difference and removes others who are stumbling blocks to our well-being. He responds to our sincerity and reaches out to us. Whether we lose individuals or possessions, God comforts our mourning, more than replaces our losses and reveals to us healthier lifestyle choices.

Author’s Bio: Lewis Hales, M.A., M.A.

Lewis Hales is retired journalist, columnist and clinical therapist with a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies and has master’s degrees in education and counseling. Lewis began his early career as a minister for 6 years and later specialized in adult psychiatric disorders and addiction as a counselor and clinical supervisor over 20 years. Lewis recently retired from of The Celtic Collection Program, a historical and living history corporation after serving as its CEO for 20 years.

Here is some related reading for you: Rahab in the Bible: Profile Story and Lessons

Flavius Josephus. Antiquities of the Jews. Josephus Complete Works. Translated by William Whiston. Kregal Publications, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1974
James Strong. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, Hebrew and Aramaic Dictionary of the Old Testament, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee, 1990: 38.
“The William Davidson Talmud.” Sefaria/Zevachim, 116b:2. Project Sefaria digitalized and released translations into the public domain, 2015. https://www.sefaria.org/Zevachim.116b.2?lang=bi.
Amy Cooper Robertson, “Rahab the Faithful Harlot” TheTorah.com, 2019. https://thetorah.com/article/rahab-the-faithful-harlot
Kadari, Tamar. “Rahab: Midrash and Aggadah.” Shalvi/Hyman Encyclopedia of Jewish Women. December 31 1999. Jewish Women’s Archive. http://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/rahab-midrash-and-aggadah>.
Peter Goeman. “Was Boaz the Son of Rahab?” The Bible Sojourner, (Podcast) December 2, 2022. https://petergoeman.com/was-boaz-the-son-of-rahab/

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Churches are using technology like never before and so here is a guide to modernizing church services with technology.

TechnologyChurches are using technology like never before and so here is a guide to modernizing church services with technology. First of all, our church streams our services over Facebook and posts them on YouTube, but there are many more effective ways to reach the lost that our church could be using and many ways to keep those in our church connected with the church. The technology available today for churches makes it much easier to reach a larger audience and spread its message worldwide over the Internet. Church technology facilitates community development, increases administrative efficiency through work automation, and promotes communication among the congregation so there are many benefits to church and technology. If technology helps us reach the un-churched, then it has been worth it, so here are ways that modernizing church services with technology can help your church and possibly, help the church grow, using technology as an outreach.

Shut-Ins and the Church-LessThere are many places around the world that share our church services, mainly because they either face opposition to having a church or they simply don’t have pastors trained in the ministry. Death threats and real deaths have increased exponentially over the last 10 years, so many places around the world have tapped into other churches services so that their small congregation can grow and hear the Word of God preached. A great number of these small churches are house churches and have no church ministers or even elders or deacons, so they depend on technology to reach their own congregation through such technologies as Sermon Shots who are committed to unparalleled customer support.

Benefits of TechnologySpeaking for many churches and our church, technology has been good for Christianity in a number of ways. First of all, it has greatly magnified the voice of those preaching the gospel to the lost and the saved. Instead of reaching hundreds or even thousands when preaching a sermon, a pastor now has a potential audience that could reach into the millions, but importantly, they can reach those who cannot attend church like shut-ins and those who have no access to a church where they live.

Pastoral HelpOne way to help modernize church services with technology is with resources such as Ministry Pass which can help pastors and Bible teachers by increasing their ability to explore timely sermon series that speak to the most pressing needs of your congregation today. Technologies such as this can provide sound biblical theology for a world that continues to change and content that addresses your congregation’s felt needs for a church’s particular areas.

Technologies AdvantagesToday, ministry leaders are relying on technology to minister in their communities, connect with their congregants, and solve critical problems. In other words, the dependency created between churches and technology was not an anomaly—it’s a thriving relationship. These days, technology allows people who need a temporary absence from church, perhaps due to illness or other extenuating circumstances, to easily stay connected and involved with their local church. And for those who are disabled or immunocompromised, or even people with nontraditional work schedules, online services are the invitation they have needed to find a church home. Viewing and listening to a church through technology allows the viewer to see how sound the church’s teachings are or if they fall short of the New Testament church standard (Acts 2:42-47). It makes finding a new church home a little easier.

No Replacing the ChurchTechnology can never replace the cooperate worship of God and His saints, The Internet and modern technology cannot take the place of the saints gathering together, iron sharpening iron. We are commanded to not forsake assembling together as the Body of Christ (Heb 10:24-25). Watching but not being involved in church services, like on television, cannot replace the prayers of the saints for you, nor can technology replace the preaching of God’s Word and the fellowship that God desires we have with one another. You cannot partake of the Lord’s Supper with a TV or Internet church or be baptized by them or have them visit you when you’re in the hospital, nor can they fulfill the over 100 “one another’s” in the New Testament. We all need a good church home. Jesus is the Head of the Church and He desires we gather together in joyful assembly to worship God and hear His Word, and we know “how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity” (Psalm 113:1)!

Technology is NeutralI have heard some people say that using any sort of technology for the church is evil or wrong, but many businesses thrive on technology. Anything that helps the church function more easily should be considered. For example, one church used an integrated technology solution that included a dynamic database, synced with sign-up forms, process queues, and mail merge. These were all very simple solutions to data management, and what was the result? As soon as the staff learned the system, stress levels dropped significantly and they were more productive at work or in their ministry. Technology is neither good nor evil. It is neutral, but of course like anything, we know technology can be and has been used for evil, but that doesn’t make technology in itself evil. It is a non-person, so it is neutral and only as good as those behind it. It can help the church spread the gospel but it can never replace the church.

ConclusionLastly, it is my prayer that you have already put your trust in Jesus Christ, but if that has not happened yet, right now, you are in real danger of hell fire. And I mean, in immediate danger. Like all humans, you’re one breath, one heartbeat…one accident away from eternity. That’s when it will be too late to repent and why today is the best day to believe (2 Cor 6:2). Tomorrow is not guaranteed to any of us. This is why I urgently plead with you to your trust in the Lord, Jesus Christ. If not, you will surely face God’s judgment after death guaranteed (Heb 9:27) or at the appearance of Jesus Christ (Rev 20:12-15), either of which could happen in a split second.

Here is some related reading for you: 10 ways Churches Can Connect With

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Everyone has broken the Ten Commandments, but here are the many ways that we can too if we’re not careful.

What is Sin?Everyone has broken the Ten Commandments, but here are the many ways that we can too if we’re not careful, so first off…what is sin? Sin is the transgression of the Law of God. The Apostle John writes “Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4). We are all sinners, even those who have been saved as the Apostle Paul says, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23) and “the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 6:23).

Separated From GodIsaiah writes “your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear” (Isaiah 59:2). The good news is that “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8) and “while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son” (Rom 5:11a). Jesus solved our sin problem by becoming sin for us so that for those who have repented and trusted in Him can be seen as having the same righteousness as Christ does (2 Cor 5:21) but if not, we still have the wrath of God on us (John 3:18b, 3:36b).

All Sins Fall Within the Ten CommandmentsThere are almost one hundred and twenty-five sins listed in the Bible so I thought it might be useful to show why God gave us the Ten Commandments as a standard by which to live. Of course no one can keep the Ten Commandments but even though it’s not humanly possible, this doesn’t give us an excuse to break them so what I have done below is to list the Ten Commandments and what sins fall under each of these sins.

It should be noted that many of these sins could be placed under more than one of the Ten Commandments but in order to see where the biblical list of sins fall, I think it best to list almost all of the sins given in the Bible under each of the Ten Commandments because if we were able to keep the Ten Commandments, none of the sins would be broken so here is a list of the Ten Commandments and the sins which they fall under each one. There is no doubt that since there are so many sins listed in the Bible, some might be inadvertently missed while others may be repeated since they fall into the differing commandments.

The Ten Commandments and Associated Sins (Ex 20:3-17)The First Commandment: You shall have no other gods before me.Idolatry, greed, covetousness, love of money, gluttony, complaining, not loving God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, tempting God, high-mindedness, disobedience, witchcraft, lover of self, putting family, friends, job, or anything else above God including food, money, sports, Internet, TV, movies, cars, attachment to riches or material goods and dozens of other things. Some cults have a false Jesus; therefore they are putting other gods (the Real Jesus!) before the One, True God.

The Second Commandment: You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.

Love of money, greed, disobedience, covetousness, love of money, lover of self, putting family, friends, job, or anything else above God, irreverent use of God’s Word, attachment to riches or material goods. Again, many have a different idea of God or Jesus than that of the Bible. Their God would not send someone to hell and loves all people unconditionally, but that is a lie. They have created a god after their own imagination and not the One from the Bible.

The Third Commandment: You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain, irreverent use of God’s Word.Cursing, swearing, blaspheming, breaking oath taken in God’s name, irreverent use of God’s name in humor, speaking evil of the church, taking communion or the Lord’s Supper in a careless manner or unworthily, anger at God, careless use of God’s name, euphemisms like “geez, gosh, oh my God” etc. One Christian occasionally uses a swear word, and I rebuked him on that. He said, “I didn’t mean it.” I said, that’s just what it means to take the Lord’s name in vain…in a careless, useless manner.

The Fourth Commandment: Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.Sloth, laziness, forsaking the assembling of the saints in church, profaning worship service with entertainment, fighting or speaking evil of Christian brothers or sisters who have different beliefs on non-essentials.

The Fifth Commandment: Honor your father and your mother.We can break this law by failing to take care of aged parents, failing to take care of sick parents, fighting with and/or speaking evil about siblings or our parents. This is the only commandment with a promised “that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you” (Ex 20:12). Cursing father or mother, dishonoring parents, striking or fighting with parents, disobeying parents, making fun of parents, filthy talk, speaking evil or badly of parents, and grandparents included in the aforementioned things.

The Sixth Commandment: You shall not murder.Murder, anger, hate (like murder in the heart), enmity, rage, brawling, rioting, striker, unforgiving heart, wrath, unmerciful, dissensions, contentions, clamor, despitefulness, debate, arguing, fighting, abortion, divisions, strife, rivalries. These are all fruits of the flesh (Gal 5:19-21).

The Seventh Commandment: You shall not commit adultery.Adultery, lusting in the heart (seen as adultery by God), fornication, sexual immorality, filthy talk, crude joking, whoremongers, defiling the body, homosexuality, sensuality, impurity, tempting others sexually, inordinate passion, corrupt language, effeminate, pornography, vulgar or crude jokes.

The Eighth Commandment: You shall not steal.Stealing, bribery, extortion, sloth or laziness at work, defrauding, dishonesty, cheating, gambling,

The Ninth Commandment: You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.Lying, gossiping, slandering, backbiting, spreading rumors, deceit, extortion, railing, slander, defrauding, breaking promises, craftiness, hypocrisy, dishonesty, whisperers, idle words, withhold all of the truth, double-tongued, bragging, boasting, flattery, exaggerating the truth, whining, speaking evil of others.

The Tenth Commandment: You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.Coveting, envy, lust, jealousy, drunkenness, sorcery (Greek means drug abuse), materialism, wantonness, sensuality, gambling, revelings, attachment to riches or material goods, lawsuits against Christians, emulations, extortion, desire for money, desire for power, desire for sex (relating to sexual immorality), anger at other’s good fortunes, desiring things of others, flirting, causing others to stumble or playing with temptation (playing with fire! – Prov 6:27-29).

ConclusionThere is but one way a person can be saved and that is to repent and confess their sins and then put their trust in Jesus Christ. No one can ever out-sin the work of Christ on the cross and as the late Adrian Rogers said, “No one is so bad that they cannot be saved and no one is so good that they don’t need to be saved.” The blood of the Lamb of God covers every sin of ours; every sin we will ever commit! Only the sin of unbelief cannot be forgiven when Christ comes in person (Rev 1:7). He is the only name given to us to be saved (Acts 4:12). There is no other possible way (Acts 16:30-31).

Here is some related reading for you: Are Christians No Longer Sinners?

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Jesus said that every one of us will be held accountable for every idle word we speak, so what does He mean by that?

Words MatterJesus said that every one of us will be held accountable for every idle word we speak, so what does He mean by that? I have often wished that I could take back the words I’ve said, but I can’t do that. None of us can. We can ask for forgiveness for what we’ve said, but it is true that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits” (Prov 18:21). Many children were brow-beaten with words by their parents and it hardened their hearts. Many in the prisons could tell you similar stories, so our words matter greatly. The old saying, “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me,” is not true. Wounds from sticks and stones can heal…but words can scar people for life. Words matter…always!

Justified or CondemnedJesus said that what comes out of our mouth really matters. Our true fruit is revealed by our words. In Matthew 12:33-37, Jesus said, “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, ofor the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, son the day of judgment people will give account forevery careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” God is keeping a record of our words and they can come back to bite us someday.

Gracious WordsThe Apostle Paul addressed what comes out of our mouth, telling the church and believers today to “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (Eph 4:29). The tongue can tear down or it can build up, so “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Col 4:6). Salt enhances the flavor of things and is a preservative, and it’s even used in many medicines. Solomon wrote that “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body” (Prov 126:24), but hard words can create hard hearts.

The Wisdom of Fewer WordsFar too often I’ve been rash in speaking. I engaged my mouth before my brain, so I know from experience that “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Prov 2:18). To avoid speaking rash words, we must speak fewer words. In fact, “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble” (Prov 21:23). Fewer words are always wiser because there are fewer chances of inserting our foot into our mouths, so “when words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent” (Prov 10:19).

A Soft AnswerArguments can quickly escalate into shouting matches. Each person begins to shout a little louder than the other person, but that never solves anything. That approach is like trying to put out a fire by throwing gasoline on it. Again, from experience, I know that “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Prov 15:2). Contrary to the way the world operates, “A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit” (Prov 15:4).

Guarding the MouthThe tongue is one of the smallest members of the body, but it can do the most damage. A lot of people who claim to be Christian but do not bridle their tongue have a religion God calls useless or worthless. James wrote that “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless” (James 1:26). There is the power of life and death in the tongue, therefore, “Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin” (Prov 13:3). Better to be silent than to speak and remove all doubt as to your intelligence.

Think Before You Speak“a whisperer separates close friends” (Proverbs 16:28)

This is a big one for me. If only I had thought about what I was going to say before I said it, maybe I wouldn’t have said it in the first place. Maybe if I had first repeated in my head what I was about to speak, I wouldn’t have spoken at all. Therefore, l pray to God: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). I care that my words are acceptable to others, but first I pray they are acceptable before God, because I will be held accountable, as will we all. It is important to remember that “what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person” (Matt 15:18).

ConclusionLet us all remember that “by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matt 12:37). Since we are ambassadors of God (2 Cor 5:20), we put all of “these away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth” (Col 3:8). The tongue is very small. In fact, “the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire” (James 3:5)! Let us think before we speak because “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver” (Prov 25:11). Today, if you are not saved, Jesus could come at any moment and it would be horrendous news for you. That’s why today is the day of salvation (2 Cor 6:2; Heb 3:7-8). One thing is certain. You will be judged, either after death (Heb 9:27), or at His appearance (Dan 12:1-3; Rev 1:7, 20:12-15, 21:8). So put your trust in Christ and receive forgiveness for your sins, as God grants you repentance that leads to eternal life.

Here is some related reading for you: How Can You Tame the Tongue?

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What is cessationism? What do cessationists believe? Who are the most famous cessationists in history?

CessationismWhat is cessationism? What do cessationists believe? Who are the most famous cessationists in history? Cessationism is the belief or doctrine that spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues, prophecy, and healing ceased with the Apostolic Age (1 Cor 13:8). Scripture says that tongues were said to be a sign for those that did not believe God was working through them (1 Cor 14:22) and not a sign for believers. Paul’s miracles were the signs of his special apostleship from the Lord and not a man-made work (2 Cor 12:12, Gal 2:7). The spiritual gifts given to the early church were signs to Israel that God was doing a new work through Paul and the Gentiles to build a new thing; the church (2 Cor 5:17, Gal 3:2-5).

What it’s NotWhat cessationism is not is an attack on the Person or work of the Holy Spirit. Cessationism is not anti-supernatural, nor does it deny the possibility of miracles. Cessationism does not deny the reality that God can do whatever He wants to do whenever He wants to do it (Psalm 115:3). It does not put God into a box or limit His sovereign prerogative at all.

ContinualismCharles H. Spurgeon

Continuationism is the belief that the gifts of the Holy Spirit have continued to the present age, specifically those sometimes called “sign gifts”, such as tongues and prophecy. Continuationism is the opposite of cessationism. Cessationists do not discount the possibility that God can and still does miracles. We know He does, but the days of Peter’s shadow passing over someone who is then healed are gone and the days that the apostles could raise the dead have ceased. God can raise the dead or heal someone instantly, but it is not man as the agent. God alone chooses to heal when and where and with whom He pleases. No one today can lay hands on someone and raise the dead or heal the sick. If they do, it was only granted by God. As for the age of prophets, they too have ceased (1 Cor 13:8; Heb 1:1-2; Jude 1:3). I have offered to go with these “faith healers” to hospitals and children’s cancer wards, but of course they always refuse.

Famous CessationistsThink you are alone in believing that the age of the prophets and apostolic miracles have ceased? I don’t think so. Consider this “Hall of Faith – Chapter Two” list of famous saints, theologians and pastors.

Start with John Calvin, then Martin Luther, Charles Spurgeon, John MacArthur, Chip Ingram, Charles Stanley, Jonathan Edwards, Adrian Rogers, William Tindale, George Whitfield, A.W. Tozer, C.S. Lewis, St. Augustine, Chrysostom, R. C. Sproul, John Piper, Matthew Henry, John Owen, Irenaeus, Norman Geisler, Charles Hodge, Irenaeus, Origen, Justin Martyr, Thomas Aquinas, Thomas Watson, John Gill and…you get the point. As we can see, continualism is fairly new, and we must know from Scripture that if it’s new, it’s not from God and if it’s from God, it’s not new (Eccl 1:9-10, 3:13). All of these great men of faith can’t be wrong.

The Cessation of Signs & WondersGod miraculously intervened by parting the waters of the sea, allowing the Israelites safe passage, but no one can do this today.

The main reason we had all of the signs and wonders in the early church (disappearing later) was to establish the fact that God was working with these men and that these are things that only God could do. It was only after the New Testament church began to be established and letters (the New Testament) of the Apostles began to be circulated and copied that these signs and wonders were no longer necessary. The church was established. They had the Word of God and now there came the Spirit of God.

The Decline of MiraclesNearing the middle of the Book of Acts, New Testament (epistles) began to be circulated, therefore, miraculous tongues and prophecies and healings began to cease…eventually ending. Near the end of Paul’s life, he himself had a thorn in the flesh, Timothy had stomach issues and several of Paul’s friends were sick and some nearly died. Epaphroditus had been sick to the point of death, but couldn’t Paul have just sent a prayer cloth to these men? Did Paul show a lack of faith in God? Why couldn’t Paul have just claimed healing on these other men or lay hands on them and heal them? Paul answers this question, saying that God “said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Cor 12:9). By the way, suffering, pain and sickness are things that God can use to humble us and make us seek Him all the more and depend on Him alone.

The Whole WordToday, we have the entire Bible; the Old Testament and the New Testament, therefore no new prophecies are needed, meaning the age of prophets is over. God is not giving new revelations to men anymore. The Canon is closed. We have all we need in the sufficiency of Scripture, so signs and wonders are no longer needed to establish someone as a genuine work of God. With the Word of God and the Spirit of God He can birth the children of God. Jesus said that an evil, adulterous generation seeks after signs (Matt 12:39) and warned us of many false prophets to come (Matt 7:16, 24:24).

Early Church Fathers TestimonyAugustine (354–430):Augustine wrote, “In the earliest times, the Holy Spirit fell upon them that believe and they spoke with tongues, which they had not learned, as the Spirit gave them utterance. These were signs adapted to the time. For there was this betokening of the Holy Spirit in all tongues [languages] to show that the gospel of God was to run through all tongues over the whole earth. That thing was done for a sign, and it passed away.” [1]

Martin Luther (1483–1546)Martin Luther – (1483-1546).

Quoting Martin Luther, he wrote, “In the early Church the Holy Spirit was sent forth in visible form. He descended upon Christ in the form of a dove (Matt. 3:16), and in the likeness of fire upon the apostles and other believers (Acts 2:3). This visible outpouring of the Holy Spirit was necessary to the establishment of the early Church, as were also the miracles that accompanied the gift of the Holy Ghost. The purpose of these miraculous gifts of the Spirit in I Corinthians 14:22, and surprisingly he says, “Tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not.” Once the Church had been established and properly advertised by these miracles, the visible appearance of the Holy Ghost ceased.” [2]

Warn ThemWe must warn the church that many are proclaiming to speak for God as prophets, but they are only fulfilling Jesus’ prophecy that there would be prophets to come…but false ones (Matt 24:11). It is not possible that all these theologians over the last 2,000 years were totally wrong. God can and still does miracles, yes, but He no longer needs to use signs and wonders to convince unbelievers. He has the Word of God and the Spirit of God to birth the children of God. And today we have the full Word of God, both the Old and New Testaments. That is why we’re warned about adding to or taking away from God’s Word since prophets today portend to speak for God (Deut 4:2, 12:32; Prov 30:5-6; Rev 22:18). Friend, just as the days of the Apostles is over (Acts 1:20-23), so are the miraculous signs and wonders.

ConclusionIn closing, I pray that all who have read this have already put their trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If not happened yet, at the present time, you are in real danger of hell fire. Like all humans, you are one breath, one heartbeat…one accident away from eternity when it will be too late to repent. This is why today is the best day to believe before you harden your heart and while God may still yet be heard (2 Cor 6:2). There is no guarantee that tomorrow will even come. This is the main reason why I plead with you right now, repent today and put your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. If not, prepare to face God’s judgment after death (Heb 9:27) or at Jesus Christ’s appearance (Rev 1:7, 20:12-15), either of which could occur in the twinkling of an eye.

Augustine, Homilies on the First Epistle of John, 6.10. Cf. Schaff, NPNF, First Series, 7:497–98.
Martin Luther, Commentary on Galatians 4, Trans. by Theodore Graebner [Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1949], pp. 150-172. This is from Luther’s comment on Gal. 4:6.

Here is some related reading for you: What is Speaking in Tongues? A Biblical Analysis

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When we are saved, we become disciples of Jesus, but that’s when it really starts to get hard.

Expect PersecutionWhen we are saved, we become disciples of Jesus, but that’s when it really starts to get hard. All of a sudden, co-workers, family and friends started distancing themselves from us. We no longer did the things we used to do and they didn’t like the change they see in us. It convicts them of their sin, but It was only by God’s grace that we were saved and not others (Eph 2:8-9), so we can’t ever think we were superior just because we were saved and most of the people we know were not. The Bible teaches us that we should expect persecution because “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim 3:12). That’s why only 1 in 4 of the seeds of the Sower took root. One-fourth of the seed wilted away after persecution came. In fact, persecution roots many who thought they were saved, but never truly were (1 John 2:19). I’ve heard many say to me that they know Jesus, but the vital question is, “Does Jesus know you!” Many say this but they never read their Bible, pray rarely, and never darken the door of a church. They say they know Jesus, but it is of vital, eternal importance that Jesus knows them, not whether they knew Him (Matt 7:21-23). People are not only known about by their friends, but by their enemies.

Discipleship in MatthewJesus never held back the truth from His disciples. He said that since they hated Him, they will also be hated on account of His name. Our Lord said that “you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matt 10:22). Later, “Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matt 16:24). If we follow Him, we will be the hands and feet of Jesus, ministering to those in the hospital, prison, and the homeless and hungry (Matt 25:31-39). These were works that God had long ago ordained that we would walk in (Eph 2:10), and how does Jesus react to our helping others? He says, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me” (Matt 25:40).

Discipleship in LukeJesus reminds us that “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40). Isn’t that what we want? Don’t we want to be more like Jesus? I do, but our Lord says it will prove costly. Jesus said, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26). Not only that, but “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27). And if that were not enough, our Lord and Master said that “any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:33). Doesn’t sound easy at all does it? We must count the cost. Salvation is free to receive, but costly for Jesus Christ and even for our own lives, but we are no longer our own because we “were bought with a price” (1 Cor 6:20a).

Discipleship in Mark and JohnThere are far more Bible verses about discipleship in Luke and Matthew, but even in the Gospel of Mark and the Gospel of John, we find strong support for the fact that disciples will not have it easy in this life and in this world. We are in enemy territory. Even so, Jesus beckons to all of us, saying, “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men” (Mark 1:17). In the Gospel of John, Jesus reminds His disciples that we must remain in the Word of God, for “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples” (John 8:31). If we remain in His Word, the Word will remain in us, and that will not be popular with the world, so “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18). He was hated first, and read what they did to many of the Old Testament prophets and saints (Heb 11), so we cannot lose heart when we’re persecuted. Our Lord reminds us all that “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours” (John 15:20). We must love them back though, even though they may be our enemies (Matt 5:10-12), because it is by our love that “all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).

ConclusionGod doesn’t take pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezk 18:23, 33:11), nor is it His desire than any perish apart from Christ (2 Pet 3:9). Is that our desire too? Many will be called, but few will be chosen. Many will be called but fall away when persecution comes. Others will fall out of the way because of troubles in this life. Yet others will hear the Word, but Satan snatches it away before it takes root. That’s why it is vital to come to Christ today, while it’s still called today (2 Cor 6:2) and not too late (Heb 9:27; Rev 20:12-15). I remember reading where Jesus “drew near and saw the city, he wept over it” (Luke 19:41). Do we? We are all commanded to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations (Matt 28:18-20; Acts 1:8), but don’t forget to go next door. People are dying in their sins. We must warn them of the wrath to come (Rom 2). Who will go for Him? Will I? Will you? May we hear the same voice that Isaiah the Prophet heard when He wrote, “I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me” (Isaiah 6:8).

Here is some related reading for you: Jesus Tells Us How to Know If We Are Truly His Disciples

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How does God use trials, tests and tribulations in our life? God allows only that which is good for us.

Being Like JesusYou must not give up on your Lord; He knows your suffering …

How does God use trials, tests and tribulations in our life? God allows only that which is good for us. A good example is a tree. A tree grows most rapidly during times of strong winds. You might think a tree would grow fastest during calm winds, but the fact is, the resistance of the tree from the wind makes it grow faster and…stronger. In a similar way, every time we resist sin and we are facing a test in life, we become more like Jesus Christ. No one has resisted to the point of bloodshed like Jesus did, so remember, “In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood” (Heb. 12:4). Resisting and defeating temptation and enduring tests makes us more like Jesus, and that is a very good thing.

Hiding His WordThe psalmist gives us a great way to resist temptation and endure tests. We can have help in overcoming sin. How? The Psalmist tells us, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11). This storing up of God’s Word means memorizing Scripture and quoting it when we are tempted to sin and tested by circumstances. Memorizing and quoting Scripture is like taking up “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph. 6:17) and using it to fight with. It’s the only offensive weapon in the armor of God that we have, but it is enough!

Covenant With GodJob had a great idea: He made a covenant with his eyes! Job said, “I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin” (Job 31:1). When Job was tempted to look at another woman, he vowed to look away, thereby avoiding lusting in his heart for her. Jesus saw lusting as committing adultery in the heart (Matt. 5:28). Watch out what gets into your “eye gate.” Covenant with God to look away at ungodly images and you’ll live a holier life and become more like Jesus.

Be a Person of PrayerJesus told His disciples, “Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation” (Luke 22:46), showing prayer is a great way to fight temptation and resist sin. When we are speaking with God, it’s a lot harder to cave into temptation and sin. Jesus was a man of prayer, and I’m not sure He could have done all He did without devoting so much time to it. If Jesus spent so much time in prayer, then how much more do we need it, being frail and feeble? Praying will help us avoid temptation, which can lead to sin, and this makes us more like Christ, so don’t lose heart because with God’s help, you can defeat temptation and survive tests by giving every ounce of your strength to resist it, by memorizing God’s Word, by making a covenant ahead of time to guard your eyes, and by being a man or woman of prayer. The more we defeat our temptations and endure tests, the more we become like Christ. Is there any goal more worthy than that?

Tried by FireWhen I was in seminary, some of the tests were brutal and I felt like I would never make it through it, but the trials of life are a lot different, for they usually last more than an hour. The Apostle Peter said, “… though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 1:6-7). Don’t you test drive cars? The factory puts these cars through grueling tests to make sure they won’t break down at critical times. God tests the genuineness of our faith to see if it’s real. Fire burns off and removes the impurities from gold to make it more precious, and so in the same way, trials refine and strengthen our faith because a faith that’s not tested cannot be trusted. My faith was doubled after visiting my old friend trouble.

Tests of Time and TroubleHave you ever heard this: Satan’s always in a hurry but God never is? When we are making a major decision, there is the temptation to make a quick decision, but that’s not wise, for “they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31a). When you are considering making a major decision in your life, here’s some of the best advice that I could find: “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10a). It’s hard to be still, isn’t it? We want to make snap decisions, but I have discovered–and usually the hard way–that haste does make waste, but being still lets you know God’s will. One of my favorite memory verses is Romans 8:28, where it says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Think about that for a minute. We only see directly in front of us, but every trouble that comes into our life is going to work out for our very best and even the bad things do us good. It’s a matter of trust. Did you know that a broken bone that heals is twice as strong? Is Romans 8:28 right most of the time or all of the time?

Tests of HeartPaul writes to the Thessalonians that “though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. … but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts” (1 Thess 2:2, 4). There is scriptural evidence that God tests our hearts. If you have been treated shamefully and have suffered for declaring the Gospel, that’s good. Rejoice in that you were persecuted for His name’s sake (Matt. 5:11-12). You will pass the test by not trying to please man but by trying to please God.

The Genuineness of our FaithGod uses tests to reveal the genuineness of our faith. He gives us tests of time to see if we will wait upon Him, He uses tests of trouble to see if we believe that everything will work out for our best, and He uses tests to see if we are trying to please men or trying to please Him. When you understand that life is a test, you’ll realize that nothing is insignificant in your life. Jesus told His disciples that “the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few” (Matt 7:14), meaning everyone that thinks they’re going to heaven may not be going. A life free from persecution or spiritual growth may indicate that person is not saved at all because the Apostle Peter said, “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim 3:12).

The Narrow RoadOur Lord said, the way to eternal life is narrow and few will find it because there is only one way to the Father and that is through Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12), so “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day” (John 6:44). Remaining faithful is hard because we must “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able” (Luke 13:24). If it were easy, the path would be broad and many would be entering it, but we know many will think they are saved but this same many will be turned away (Matt 7:21-23), and led down a path that leads to destruction. Only the narrow path leads to eternal life.

Demonic SkirmishesOnce a nation has been defeated, there are usually a few skirmishes left, but for the most part, the enemy doesn’t have a chance. So it is with Satan and his demons. They can harass us or spiritually attack us, but they can’t separate us from God (Rom 8:31-39). A toothless, declawed enemy can hinder us but he can’t take us away from our God (John 6:37-39, 10:28-29). There are no shortcuts or other ways on this narrow, hard path. This is why God is “training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:12-13). Part of our training comes through various trials and this should help us to be “prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Pet 3:15). If we don’t give an answer with gentleness and respect, they may never want to know Christ.

ConclusionGod plans on using us here on this earth but also in the kingdom of God. The Apostle John wrote, “To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen” (Rev 1:6). It was God Who “made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth” (Rev 5:10), so “Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years” (Rev 20:6). God is planning on using you today…and tomorrow, and into eternity if you’ve repented and trusted in Christ, so today, you (and I) are in training about learning godliness and in being prepared to rule with Christ, although under Christ. Today, we are in the seminary of trials, tests and tribulations; the graduates are already with the Lord.

Here is some related reading for you: How God Uses Trials and Troubles to Trust Him

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The Book of Revelation has a message for the 7 churches that could help us examine the health or sickness of our own church.

The Church at SardisThe Book of Revelation has a message for the 7 churches that could help us examine the health or sickness of our own church. In continuing in part two, our look at the 7 churches in the Book of Revelation, we move next to the Church at Sardis. The word Sardis means “Prince of Joy” but God was not full of joy about this type of church (nor, most churches today!). Jesus Christ tells this church “‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead” (Rev 3:1a). This is why Jesus tells this church, and any church today like it, “Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God” (Rev 3:2). Only a slim minority are still walking with God in obedience in this church as Jesus says that only “a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy” (Rev 3:3). There has always been a faithful remnant of believers and most Christians obey God’s Word, but there are millions of false converts out there today in churches where Jesus is not the Head but Satan is.

The Church at PhiladelphiaNext is the Church at Philadelphia. The word this church received its name from comes from the Greek word, meaning “Brotherly Love.” In Greek it is “Philadelphos” as “one who loves his brother.” This is clearly a loving church. Most in this church Jesus said “have kept my word and have not denied my name” (Rev 3:8c), however, there are many of “those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie” Rev 3:9), perhaps meaning this church is full of false converts. The claim to be a Christian is not new because we know that many today claim to be Christians but are obviously not, and Jesus will give them the most tragic news ever someday (Matt 7:21-23), when it will be too late.

The Church at LaodiceaNow we look at the Church at Laodicea. The word used for this church and this city’s name means “Just people” or” Laos” (People, Plural) “Dicea” (justice), and in a sense, they are just. They are justified by Jesus Christ and His shed blood. But like many of the churches, there are many in it who are living like the world, therefore Jesus warns them by saying, “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot” (Rev 3:15)! If they were cold, they could be cool and refreshing to sinners and saints, and being hot, may mean they are on fire for Jesus Christ. To be lukewarm is worse, for our Lord tells them that “because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth” (Rev 3:16). In other words, this church makes Jesus sick to His stomach and like lukewarm coffee or bathwater or warm soda pop or pop, neither is it refreshing or invigorating. Rather this church gives occasion for Jesus to spit them out of His mouth. Basically, this church is nauseating to Him. That may explain why God destroyed this church by an earthquake in 66 AD.

Knocking at the DoorInterestingly, Jesus tells this church, “I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me” (Rev 3:20). Why would He tell them that? Apparently Jesus was not even allowed into the church and is outside knocking, asking to be let in. There must be no door handle or access to this church so Jesus is knocking at the door because He’s not in this church. It is perhaps because of its lukewarm-ness that He gives His instruction to this church is for them to repent, “so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see” (Rev 3:18). Being outside of this church, He is forced to knock and gain access to this church, therefore He says, “If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me” (Rev 3:20). Why does Jesus say, “If anyone hears my voice and opens the door?” It’s because they are not listening to God or the Word of God, therefore they are not hearing with the ears God gave them. This is all the more reason He told them, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Rev 3:22).

ConclusionThe state of the church today is very heartbreaking. Many are running programs and plans and ways to increase the membership, but I often tell the church where I pastor at, “I don’t want to fill the pews or the parking lot…I want to fill the Book of Life.” Churches have become no better than glamorized social clubs and they are not pursuing the righteousness of God. Neither are they teaching about God’s desire that we live holy lives, the need for sanctification, the truth about sin, our need for repentance and the coming judgement of God. Rather that preach the Bible, they teach and preach that this could be “Your Best Life Now,” but it this is our best life now, we’re going to the wrong place! Right now, let me ask if you’ve been brought to repentance and faith in Christ. If not, read what will happen to you someday (Rev 20:12-15). Please put your trust in Christ today before you die, for surely judgment is coming at Christ’s return (Rev 1:7, 21:8) or after you die (Heb 9:27).

Here is some related reading for you: The Seven Churches Described in the Book of Revelation

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The Book of Revelation has a message for the 7 churches that could help us examine the health or sickness of our own church.

The Churches: Past and PresentThe Book of Revelation has a message for the 7 churches that could help us examine the health or sickness of our own church. The7 churches in Revelation were actual physical churches in the locations the Apostle John gives, so these were churches that existed at the time John wrote these letters. Some scholars believe that these 7 churches are related to the 7 different church ages that have existed since Jesus founded His church 2,000 years ago, but these letters to the 7 churches were sent to each of the 7 churches. These churches were to share or exchange these letters with the other churches. They were meant for all the churches and I believe they have a message for our churches today.

The Church at EphesusThe city of Ephesus gets its name, it is thought, from “Apasas,” the name of a city in the “Kingdom of Arzawa.” The meaning is the “city of the Mother Goddess,” or “To Sit Upon” (Rule?). Jesus tells the church, “I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false” (Rev 2:2), and today, there are no shortages of self-proclaimed apostles who are not actually apostles at all. They’ve been tested and found false. Jesus does commend this church for “enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary” (Rev 2:3), however He tells them, “you have abandoned the love you had at first” (Rev 2:4). Have we done likewise?

The Church’s DeathJesus warns them to “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent” (Rev 2:5). The lampstand represents the church itself, so the threat of having their lampstand removed means that Jesus could shut down this church’s existence immediately. Churches are like people; they are born, they live and they die, but some will die sooner than others. Today, the church at Ephesus is history, not having embraced the warning from Jesus. To their credit, they did “hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate” (Rev 2:6), so who were the Nicolaitans? They lived in sin and compromised the grace of God, turning it into a license to sin. How many churches today have done the very same thing and will soon find their end! Could the Nicolaitans be related to Nicolaus who was a proselyte of Antioch? Could he be the same man who was also a deacon in the early church? Remember that Nicolaus and other church leaders were “set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them” (Acts 6:5-7), so it may be Nicolaus who started this satanic cult.

Satan’s ChurchesRevelation chapter 2 seems to link the practices of the Nicolaitans with the practices of those who listened to Balaam (Rev 2:15). If you remember the account, Balaam used Midianite women to seduce the men of Israel which led them into sexual immorality while worshipping other gods, so the Nicolaitans could represent false churches which allow sin in the church to go unchecked, and that has clearly happened today. It’s gone so far as having homosexual women ordained as pastors and then marrying same-sex couples. What abomination! And they have a different Jesus than the One taught in Scripture. Many women are now ordained, even though this is contrary to Scripture (1 Tim 3; Titus 1), and worse, they marry same-sex couples in what is supposed to be a church. Yes, it’s a church, but Jesus is not the Head of it. Just as Satan has his own ministers, he has his own churches and now, his own denominations! We know this cannot be from God since those who practice such things won’t be entering heaven (1 Cor 6:9-10; Gal 5:21; Heb 13:4; Rev 22:15).

Sexual Immorality & IdolatryThe Nicolaitans were attending idolatrous temples to receive food given or sacrificed to idols, and we know those satanic temples were places where they would engage in sexual immorality. Irenaeus, who was an early Church Bishop (Overseer), identifies the followers of Nicolas as one of the seven deacons chosen in Acts 6, and as men who “lead lives of unrestrained indulgence,” so apparently, Nicolas was never fully converted. He was a deacon in the church but not saved. His pride induced him into forming a cult; the Nicolaitans.

The Church at SmyrnaThe Church at Smyrna’s name comes from the Greek word for myrrh and this was the chief export of Smyrna. They exported medicines, fragrances, perfumes, and burial fragrances. “Myrrh” means “Bitter” and this church became bitter in the mouth of God. Jesus tells this church, “I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan” (Rev 2:9). Since Satan has his own ministers, he also has his own churches and denominations. Jesus calls is “a synagogue of Satan.” Jesus warns them that they are about to face severe persecution (from Rome?), so they must remain “faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev 2:10b). Many churches today have caved in to societal pressures to conform to the world, therefore they no longer have Jesus as the Head of the church, but in fact, Satan runs these despicable churches.

The Church at PergamumPergamum means “height” or “elevation,” or “a Citadel” or fortress, and it was a very proud city indeed, but Jesus tells this church at Pergamum, “I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality” (Rev 2:14). Clearly that refers to sexual immorality within the church, and sadly, some in this church “have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans” (Rev 2:15). The Nicolaitans were engaging in behavior or teachings that were contrary to the values of the early Christian community, leading lives of unrestrained indulgence. Is that not the state of many of the main denominations today that are falling into sinful practices and apostasy…abandoning biblical teaching for teachings for those that tickle the ears of their membership.

The Church at ThyatiraThe name of Thyatira originates from the Greek word “Thuateira” which means “daughter” but is closely related to words meaning “a perfume” or “a sacrifice of labor,” so Jesus chastises this church. He tells them that this church (and many today) “tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols” (Rev 2:20). Jezebel was perhaps the most wicked woman in the Bible but Jesus wants to present a spotless, virgin bride to God someday, but sexual immorality (also called idolatry) taints this church and Jesus has left the building in churches like this. Sadly, there is no shortage of these types of churches today. Jesus tells them they must repent (Rev 2:22).

ConclusionWe will look at the other 7 churches in the Book of Revelation and in examining them we can see how many of the churches today are just like these…they are into pragmatism more than the truth. In other words, if it works best for most of the people most of the time it must be right, but that is contrary to God’s Word. Right now, let me ask if you’ve been brought to repentance and faith in Christ. If not, read what will happen to you someday (Rev 20:12-15). Please put your trust in Christ today before you die, for surely judgment is coming at Christ’s return (Rev 1:7, 21:8) or after you die (Heb 9:27).

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Here are some of the most powerful Bible verses that graduates can read to prepare them for life and inspire them by His promises.

Lean on Him“Set your heart on the right path” (Proverbs 23:19).

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him give Him glory, and he will make straight your paths.”It’s safer to trust in God and in His Word than to lean on your own understanding. God’s wisdom goes far, far deeper, but just keep acknowledging Him so that He is most glorified. Giving back thanks to God and telling others, “I couldn’t have done it without God,” puts the praise where it should be; on Him (Psalm 115:1).

Your Future in HimProverbs 23:18-19 “Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off. Hear, my son, and be wise, and direct your heart in the way.” Notice Jesus didn’t say in John 14:6 that He is a way, and a truth and a life, but the way, the truth, the life. That alone should give you hope in the future, for whatever happens, will ultimately work out for your good and His glory (Rom 8:28). Just keep walking in His “way.”

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego chose the path of obeying God at all cost!

The Presence of HimHeb 13:5 “Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”If we read the original Greek, it would be something like this. “Never, never will I, ever, never will leave you or forsake you.” It’s very comforting indeed to know that even when we forsake Him for a time, He is always present and a present help in times of need (Psalm 46:1), but will never, ever forsake or leave us. The rood word for content means “with satisfaction” or “satisfied with what you have.” Money and people can forsake you; God never will!

Enduring in HimIsaiah 40:30-31 “Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Will you be patient and wait on God, or be impatient and act on your own will?

In a Hurry? Get ready to stumble. If you “wait for the Lord,” that means you’re in a resting period; your resting in Him and His timing. This brings joy and we know that “the joy of the Lord, is your strength” [Neh 8:10]. I find it interesting that eagles use rising air currents to soar high up into the skies, some reaching a height of between 10,000 and 20,000 feet (almost 4 miles up). When eagles encounter a storm, they fearlessly fly into the fierce winds, using the storm current to quickly rise above the storm. The pressure of the storm is used to help them glide without using their own energy. Their wings’ unique design allows them to be locked into a fixed position amid the violent storm winds, thereby largely remaining unharmed.

His WordsPsalms 119:105 “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!”Sin can keep us out of Bible; but the Bible can keep us out of sin and sin’s power. A perfect example is from Isaiah 55:11 which says, “so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” There is the very power of God in His Word (Rom 1:18; 1 Cor 1:18; Heb 4:12).

His WorkmanshipEphesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”Philippians 1:6 gives us comfort knowing that God’s going to help us bear fruit to do good works, and that His workmanship on us will help us. Paul was “sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” I’m glad I’m not supposed to complete the work in me because I need a lot of help, but I also need to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in His work in me.

You Work for ChristColossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”Whatever job you are called to in life, God has called you to work for Him. Whatever we do, we are really supposed to give it all our might (Eccl 9:10). Why? Because God’s Word tells us, ultimately, we work for Him and should work to please Him, even when no one else is looking (Col 3:17).

Your Security in Him… rely on God to take your hand and lead you through whatever may make you fearful of the future.

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”Points to ponder; God knows the things that are planned for us; we frequently don’t. God plans are for our good or our best, which points to a secure hope in the future because we have trusted in Jesus Christ (Rev 21:1-5). Trust God, no matter what things look like, because God make all things, good or bad, work out for our very best in the end (Gen 50:20; Rom 8:28).

ConclusionWhat is more fitting than to add Paul’s sage advice in Philippians 3:13-14, writing, “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” You will make mistakes (like all of us) but keep pressing forward toward the great prize, the greatest of all, having trusted in Jesus Christ and receiving eternal life. If you have not done so yet, then I plead with you to read how it ends outside of faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (Rev 20:12-15).

Here is some related reading for you: 15 Christian Graduation Quotes and Sayings

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Mothers are vital to the development of children, and her children are blessed if she has the attributes of a godly mother.

Blesses OthersI am so blessed to have a wife that is a godly mother. I’ve never seen such a godly wife and mother, so what are the marks of a godly woman? What attributes show her heart is devoted to the Lord? Most of us might point to Proverbs 31 and refer to what is called “The Proverbs 31 Woman.” Many godly women care for others, often more than themselves! Solomon tells us that the godly woman “opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy” (Prov 31: 20). She realizes that she has been blessed so she wants to bless others who are in need. The godly woman knows that “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised” (Prov 30:30). Her “fear” is a deep reverential respect, fear and awe of God, reflected in her obedience to God.

Blesses her FamilyEven the unsaved mother cares for her family, but not the same as a godly mother does. The godly mother “looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness” (Prov 30:27). It is very likely that she will get up very early, “while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens” (Prov 30:15). A godly woman has a servant’s heart; always looking to the needs of her family…even to her own neglect. This is truly a mark of a godly woman.

Blesses her Animals (Pets)Obviously our cares for His creatures for our “heavenly Father feeds them” (Matt 6:26), but so does a godly woman (Prov 40:15). My wife is a supreme example of someone who cares for animals; either for our own or for strays; those who have been abandoned or orphaned. She is not only the “people ambulance” but also the pet ambulance, taking our cats to the vet when necessary and for regular vaccinations. She does not do this from a Bible command but out of a loving heart. God makes it clear that “Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel” (Prov 12:10). We may not think sparrows are worth very much because there are typically thousands of them and they’ve very small and insignificant, but our Lord reminds us that “two sparrows [are] sold for a penny…yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father” (Matt 10:29)? God takes notices of what we consider the least of the creatures, but that’s what godly people do. They never abuse, mistreat, frighten or neglect creatures of God, no matter where they come from or whose they are.

Blesses Widows and OrphansGodly women don’t have to be told to care for those who are unseen or rejected by society and sometimes by the church (the poor, destitute, single mothers, etc.). They might be invisible to most of the world, but they’re highly visible to the godly woman, and of course to God. My wife visits the local nursing home and ministers to these ladies and men. She is loved by them as a daughter because she treats them with dignity and respect. That is yet another mark of a godly woman. She visits the orphans and widows in their loneliness and isolation. God defines “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world” (James 1:27), so my wife’s got that down! True religion is a faith with feet on it. It’s “goes” and doesn’t just talk. Knowing that almost 4 in 10 residents never receive visitors, this woman enriches their lives and shares her love of God with residents, visiting family members and with the staff who work there. God is the “Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation” (Psalm 68:5), and so are godly woman. I remember this great axiom: “Ninety percent of serving is just showing up!”

Blessing the AfflictedNaturally a godly women will not mistreat anyone, especially the elderly, the poor and the vulnerable. It’s as if God has written this law on her heart; “You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child” (Ex 22:22). By the way, that Law is not part of the Mosaic Law that was done away with by Christ. And we can actually mistreat widows and orphans by simply neglecting them. I wished I could encourage you by telling you that Christians visit their family in nursing homes more than the unsaved do, but that’s not true. It’s about the same percentage for the unsaved, but this is not an area of neglect for the godly woman and mother. Every one of us should “stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the LORD” (Lev 19:32). If you’re sitting down and an elderly person walks into the room, then stand up. This type of respect and honor for the elderly has just about disappeared from our society and even in the church!

ConclusionTo honor our mothers will never go out of style. Honoring parents is still commanded in the New Testament (Eph 6:2) as if it was written by the finger of God (Ex 20:12), and it was (2 Tim 3:16-17). What God has written shall abide forever (Psalm 119: 89; Isaiah 40:6-8; 1 Pet 2:5), meaning it will never expire or need to be updated. God’s Word is settled in heaven.

Here are three things tell us a lot about a person’s character;

How do they treat their mother?

How do they treat children?

How do they treat animals?

Even better, how do they treat strangers or people who are much different from the way they are? A godly woman has no prejudice, and like God, is not partial (Rom 2:11-16). It’s a blessing to have a godly mother who is loving, kind, and gentle, but remember; she is also like a lioness when her children are threatened, and as a lioness she is ever ready to protect her cubs in a split second, so caution to all who bid her children ill.

If you have never trusted in Christ, you cannot be a godly man or woman. Repent today before Jesus comes as your Judge (Rev 20:12-15) rather than your Savior (Rom 10:9-13). And He could come back today…even while you’re reading this and judge you for all time with no chance of repentance (Rev 21:8). This is why the Bible says today is the day of salvation (2 Cor 6:2).

Here is some related reading for you: 7 Tips for the Christian Mother

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The Bible tells us how we can more easily share the gospel when we share it with gentleness and respect.

They Are Watching UsThe Bible tells us how we can more easily share the gospel when we share it with gentleness and respect. I remember John MacArthur saying, “You might be the only Bible anyone ever reads,” and I love that. If we live our lives like Christ did, then people should easily see Christ in us, through the attributes of Christ through the Holy Spirit. No one was ever debated into heaven so I’d rather not win an argument and lose a soul; instead I’d love to win them by the love we have for one another and treating unbelievers with dignity, respect and gentleness. Jesus never forced Himself on anyone and never crammed religion down anyone’s throats. The more assertive we are, the more defensive they can become. People who are not Christians are surely watching us who are, to see if we might slip up or lose our temper or grumble about the boss, but when we are content, we show godliness (1 Tim 6:6-10).

Your ConductPeople are more drawn to Christ through us if they see Christ in us, so “let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Phil 1:27a). I remember seeing a lady in the store one day and she was smiling at everybody she saw, including me. I was curious, so at the checkout line, I asked her if she was a Christian, and she beamed, “Yes, I have been saved by God’s grace.” This lady wore her salvation on her sleeve, for all to see, so by our conduct, we can be winsome and perhaps have doors open for us for sharing the gospel. If we’re living like the world, we’re not going to stand out in the world; rather we’ll blend in. Be different and distinct and show God is living in you so can help them know Christ someday.

Humility and SubmissionThe Apostle Peter tells us that all believers should “have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind” (1 Pet 3:8). This humility means we “Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing” (1 Pet 3:9). The world gives people what they deserve (payback) but we give them what they need (love, mercy and grace), because that’s just what God did for us (Rom 5:6-10). If anyone claims to be a Christian, “let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it” (1 Pet 3:11). If we are not turning from evil, we’ll be turning people away from Christ. Jesus said that the saved and unsaved will know who His disciples really are. How? Our Lord said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).

Gentleness and RespectThe way the world is watching us is like the way the Pharisees looked at Jesus to see if He would sin in some way (Luke 6:7), but of course we know He never did (John 8:46; 19:4), so it is incumbent upon us that, “in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Pet 3:15). If we witness for Christ without gentleness, we lose their respect. If we do not respect those we are witnessing to, then we’ll have no gentleness. It takes both gentleness and respect to share the gospel properly. We must be gentle with unbelievers as God was with us through Christ. We must show them respect as they are also created in the image of God (although severely tarnished image). All people deserve dignity and respect and to be treated with gentleness. If we do all three of these, we can gain an ear to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ, for which we are called (Matt 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). If it’s without gentleness and respect, it is better not to witness to them at all because our only witness might be bad one. We don’t want to drive people further away from God.

Be PreparedBeing prepared. That was our motto as a Boy Scout, so how can we be prepared to “make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Pet 3:15)? It is by knowing the gospel well enough that you don’t need to carry a Bible with you or flip through your Bible to give them an answer for that hope of eternal life that is in you. If we don’t know the gospel by heart, we will not be prepared to give an answer when someone “asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” Knowing the gospel well enough makes it easy to share. We can quote John 3:16 or 2 Corinthians 5:22 or Acts 4:12 or other memorized Bible verses when we are asked about the hope that we have in us. If we don’t know the gospel well enough, how can we expect to share it?

ConclusionIt is my prayer that you have already put your trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If not happened, you are in real mortal danger of hell fire. And I do mean, in immediate danger. You’re one breath, one heartbeat…one accident away from eternity when it’ll be too late to repent. This is the reason that today is the best day to believe (2 Cor 6:2) because tomorrow is not a given for any of us. This is exactly the reason why I plead with you as you read this, repent today and put your trust in Jesus Christ. If not, you will surely face God’s judgment after death (Heb 9:27) or at Jesus Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), which could happen in the blink of an eye.

Here is some related reading for you: Five Ways to Evangelize Through our Actions

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How can Christians learn to spot the difference between false prophets and pastors and those who are biblically centered?

God’s Ways“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. “

Jesus Christ has called us to peace, so can Christians play sports that are often physically violent? I heard the old joke that someone went to a boxing match the other day and a hockey game broke out. The point being, there are often multiple fights in a hockey game and you either become a punching bag or you fight back, so what’s a Christian to do in a case like this? Can Christians play hockey? Let your conscience be your guide…to a point, because ultimately, whatever we read in the Word of God should be the final decision maker for us in life. God says “my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways” (Isaiah 55:8). In fact, it’s not even close (Isaiah 55:9), so we must trust what the Bible teaches and not what we think. We can’t rationalize away the Word of God. For me, it’s hard to reconcile playing hockey and being involved in fights and claiming to be a Christian. It’s so not my nature to fight, push, shove or hit, and that is not what Christ has called us to. What if you win the fight? Is there really any satisfaction for a Christian hockey player who wins a hockey fight?

Non-Contact SportsI played sports in high school and remember them saying, “Basketball is a non-contact sport,” but from my experience, there was a lot of contact! I can’t remember how many charging fouls I took and hit the floor in this “non-contact sport,” however, I can see no real issue with playing basketball and while being a Christian too. There are actually opportunities to show good sportsmanship in losing and grace in winning. We can be an example of having the patience of Job during the game when things get rough, but basketball is a good sport and it is not really a violent sport. Other non-violent sports include baseball, tennis, golf, pickle ball, swimming, track, and even horse shoes. If we can find pleasures in these sports that are clearly non-violent, we should endeavor to play them with a clear conscience.

Contact SportsAnymore, watching football for me is like watching two trains collide. The bigger the hit, the louder the crowd cheers. It is very close to the Roman gladiator games; games which were extremely violent and yet thousands and thousands attended. Football is often like train wrecks on the field; someone is going to get seriously hurt, but “Wow, let’s watch that hit again on instant replay!” It’s too much for me. Should Christians really get enjoyment out of watching “big hits,” where someone often gets hurt? Personally, I can’t watch that. Hockey plays into that same category. The bigger the hit, the more pumped the crowd gets. It can whip them into a frenzy, so for me, that’s too violent, and I can’t justify watching, not to mention, playing it.

Called to PeaceJesus’ disciples were very troubled about Jesus telling them He was going away. Jesus had been all they knew of God, and now He was leaving them. That’s why Jesus said, “that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). The Apostle Paul said that “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Rom 12:18), so I’m pretty sure pancaking an opposing hockey play is out of the question. Rather, “let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding” (Rom 14:19), and “Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up” (Rom 15:2). That means we don’t punch, push, pull, flatten or otherwise physically intimidate our fellow man and call it “sports.” We are told to “Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor” (1 Cor 10:24), and being aggressive against a fellow human being is not doing our neighbor good nor seeking their welfare.

Violent SportsWe know that “Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come” (1 Tim 4:8). It’s important to remember that “we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 5:1), so we should live in peace with all men and women. We should be producing godly fruits and the world should see and taste of these fruits, for “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness” (Gal 5:22). Jesus Himself said, “be at peace with each other” (Mark 9:50), and that can’t happen when you’re a boxer fighting an opponent trying to smash their face in. Bare-knuckle boxing is especially brutal and should be outlawed as being too violent. I don’t know why they even allow it on TV and young children seeing this begin to think they can do that too. That is way over the top and something a genuine Christian should never, ever engage in. It is antithetical to the Christian calling and not Christ-like at all.

ConclusionSpeaking of violence, you cannot imagine the violence ahead for those who have rejected Jesus Christ. If you have not yet trusted in Jesus Christ, you are in real danger because you are only one breath or accident away from eternity when it will be too late to repent. Today is the very best days to believe (2 Cor 6:2) since tomorrow is not guaranteed to any. This is why I plead with you as you read this right now, repent today and put your trust in Jesus Christ. If you do not, you will face God’s judgment after death guaranteed (Heb 9:27) or at Jesus Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), either of which could happen in a split second.

Here is some related reading for you: Why False Prophets Are on the Increase Today

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Jesus tells us the way to know for sure if we are His disciples or whether we are not.

A True DiscipleJesus tells us the way to know for sure if we are His disciples or whether we are not. By the way, being a disciple does not mean we are a spiritual person or religious. God doesn’t want any more religious people (remember the Pharisees?). He wants disciples after His own heart with the express purpose of being more like Christ, “So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:33). If people or possessions are more important than Jesus, then we are not truly a disciple of His.

What is a Disciple?What exactly is a disciple? It comes from the Old English discipul (fem. discipula) which comes from the Latin discipulus, meaning, “pupil, student, follower,” and said to be from discere “to learn” from which we get the word “discern” and that comes from the root word, dek which means “to take, accept” (hint: Matt 28:18-20).

Like Teacher, Like StudentYou’ve heard the saying, “Like father, like son,” and that’s not far from what Jesus said in Luke 6:40, saying that “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.” What is a disciple? A disciple is someone called to live “in” Christ, equipped to live “like” Christ, and sent to witness “for” Christ. “Calling” includes salvation and abiding in Christ (John 8:31–32). “Equipping” includes spiritual formation and growth (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

A Follower of Jesus“Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matt 16:24). We know where Jesus went (Calvary) so in this context, the cross represented persecution. He chose suffering and shame for the glory of God in order to save us. We too will be persecuted, but not to that extent of course. Jesus reminds us that “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40). Jesus submitted to the Father, we must submit to the Son. Jesus suffered severe persecution, and those who are like Christ will suffer persecution because they live like Christ (that is, if they do).

No Easy BelievismThe gospel is free for us, but it comes at a tremendous cost to God (John 3:16). But once we’ve trusted in Christ, we must realize it will cost us too! Jesus said, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26). That doesn’t sound easy to me, but if your own family keeps you from serving and worshiping God, then you love them more than God, for “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27).

Difficult and NarrowEvery Christian should know that it is a very narrow path to eternal life, and it will be difficult alone the way. That’s why few will find it (Matt 7:13-14), and why only 1 in 4 seeds of the Word took root in the heart. We can’t bail out. We must continue until the end, because “any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:33). Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote a book on the cost of being a disciple of Jesus, and then almost prophetically lived it out in a Nazi prison camp. He said, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die,” and “Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ.” A true disciple of Christ puts their hand to the plow and does not look back with regret like Lot’s wife did (Luke 9:62; 17:32).

Growing in GraceWe must be more than Sunday morning Christians. We must be Christ-followers, 24/7! A disciple is willing to grow in Christ. A disciple is willing to go for Christ! A disciple is willing to die-to-self for Christ! But not just on Sundays! Jesus must be preeminent in our life all week. It is as He said that “any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:33). It’s easy to say you’re a disciple of Christ, but the test is do we pick our own cross and follow Him…beyond Sunday mornings?

Jesus’ WarningOne final warning comes from Jesus’ own lips that “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness” (Matt 7:21-23). It’s not whether you know the Lord but rather, does the Lord know you!

Love is ProofIf we say we love God but hate our brother, we are only deceiving ourselves (1 John 4:20) and we are not a disciple of Jesus. If we say we love Christ but don’t do what He commands, we’re actually lying to God (1 John 2:4) and cannot say we are His disciples! Love is how people will know who Jesus’ disciples are (John 13:34-35). This love may be expressed in feeding the poor, clothing the poor, visiting the sick and those in prison, and even showing mercy to a stranger (Matt 25:35-36), but this is the way Jesus sees it; “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me” (Matt 25:40).

Promised PersecutionJesus promised His disciples, “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours” (John 15:20), “and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matt 10:22). Christ followers know that none were ever hated more than Jesus Who said, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18). We should expect persecution because “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim 3:12). He said “all,” not most. If there is never any persecution, it might be a good time to examine oneself to see if they’re in the faith (2 Cor 13:5; 2 Pet 1:10-11).

ConclusionIf you haven’t trusted in Christ yet, you are not His disciple, but worse, right now you are one breath, one heartbeat…one accident away from eternity when it will be too late to repent. Right now is best of days to believe (2 Cor 6:2) because tomorrow is no guarantee for any of us. If Jesus Christ came today, read your fate (Matt 7:21-23). This is why I plead with you as you read this right now, repent today. Put your trust in Jesus Christ. If not, you will face God’s judgment after death guaranteed (Heb 9:27) or at Jesus Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), which could happen at any moment.

Here is some related reading for you: Are You a Disciple of Christ? Here’s How to Know

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Here are six things that you should look for in a church conference.

Word-CenteredHere are six things that I believe you should look for in a church conference, and number one and most important, is it based upon the Word of God? Does the schedule and programs bring glory to God? Does it conflict with what the Bible teaches in any way at all? Do the agenda and handouts better equip the saints so that they can be more useful for the Kingdom? Is the conference subject something that will bring glory to Jesus Christ? Opinions can be wrong, but the bedrock truth of Scripture must be the foundation to all that the conference covers. Unless it squares with the Bible, and worse, if it teaches things contrary to Scripture; run…don’t walk, but run (or at least don’t sign up).

Expensive or EconomicalOne of the most important factors in whether to attend a conference or not is whether it’s very expensive or fairly economical?” Of course, attending conferences is expensive today, but it should not break the bank. If it seems to highly priced, then it may well be that it’s not right for you. Some of the best church conferences that I’ve ever attended were completely free or with very little expense. Naturally, some conferences include means and we should expect that they will cost more, but if it seems like the prices are too exorbitant, then this conference might not be right for you. From my experience, very few church conferences are in it to make money, and many conferences have made pre-arrangements with area hotels, offering conference attendees a discount at their motel.

Available ResourcesIn our church, we keep a small library where people can borrow or keep books, read them, return them, and a variety of other small booklets about the Christian faith. These were donated and we include only solid authors like Charles Stanley, C. W. Lewis, and John MacArthur. These are resources that anyone can have and they’re absolutely free. A good church conference should have at least some resources available that are relevant to the conference’s intent, even if it’s a brochure about the conference or a website associated with the conference. There should be at least some resources available, and yes, even if we have to pay for them. Good books (or booklets) from good Bible teachers can help strengthen our faith so that we can better glorify God. Some books are money well spent.

If the conference is about evangelism, there might be several free resources available to choose from, and there are many people who are willing to come and speak for free. Just sitting and hearing a lecture for a few hours without something tangible they can hold on to will not help them remember the reason they came to the conference in the first place. A good church conference should be able to give practical ideas to the listeners who can then put that teaching into application. All conferences should be outcome based; that is, an objective they wish to achieve.

Creature ComfortsSince most of the people who are attending the conferences will be sitting for some time, it’s best to make them as comfortable as possible. Even having a snacks, coffee or drinks table set up for intermission for breaks during the conference will help. Having name badges is a huge help to me. You can buy name tags that you just stick on your lapel or somewhere so that people can begin to call you by name, and you may even remember their name! As for me, I bring a blank notebook or pad and plenty of pens so I can take notes and share pens with those who didn’t bring one. The weakest ink is better than the best memory. The point being, you’ll get more out of a conference if you take notes. I remember once hearing, “The mind can withhold only what the bottom can withstand.”

Informed PresentersThe reason most people might attend a church conference is to learn and grow in biblical wisdom, so we should have reasonable expectations that the teachers or speakers have a good, firm grasp of the Bible and that they can show us everyday application for what we’re learning. For example, a church conference about missions might invite a missionary to speak to the group. Who better to tell us what it’s like on the “front line” of the battle to share God’s Word? Most can tell us some pretty amazing things and others can tell us just how frightening things were. Several missionaries have related that they almost died in some cases, but God remained faithful. This is why a first-hand account is always best because the presenters or speakers who have the greatest experience are the most compelling teachers and can inspire us to be even bolder for Christ. Speaking for me, I would look for a church conference who doesn’t necessarily have to be an expert or PhD, but at least someone who is well-suited and well-experienced to speak about a particular area.

Live-StreamedAnother thing to look for in a church conference is whether they live-stream the conference. This comes in handy in case you miss part of it or can’t make it for the whole conference. You can always go back to parts of the conference that you were especially interested in, so having the conferenced live-streamed is an advantage, even if you can attend the entire conference. It’s also something you can easily share with your Christian contacts in case they couldn’t attend. It’s a conference that keeps on giving…

ConclusionFinally, I must ask you if you have put your trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If not, you are in real danger of hell fire. And I mean, in immediate danger. Like everyone, you are only one breath, one heartbeat…one accident away from eternity when it will be too late to repent. This is why today is the best day to believe (2 Cor 6:2) because tomorrow is not guaranteed to anyone. If Jesus Christ came today, will this be your fate (Matt 7:21-23)? This is the reason why I plead with you as you read this, repent today and put your trust in the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If not, you will face God’s judgment after death guaranteed (Heb 9:27) or at Jesus Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), whichever comes first, and either one could come at any moment.

Here is some related reading for you: Great Topics for Women’s Meetings and Ministries

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Some believe that the Red Cross profits from donated blood, but is that true and is it wrong to donate blood to the Red Cross?

Saves Lives“Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act” (Prov 3:27).

Some believe that the Red Cross profits from donated blood, but is that true and is it wrong to donate blood to the Red Cross? Yes, the Red Cross is making money from their selling blood donations but it is primarily used for their operating expenses and they are not “price gouging” hospitals or clinics when they sell it. The vast majority of the blood that is donated to the Red Cross is used where I see people at; children in the cancer ward, the elderly needing life-saving blood transfusions, and in the ER where lives are saved by the thousands by the blood that is donated. The Red Cross is not perfect, but what organization run by people is? I’ve heard “they are evil” but we know God uses evil for good (Gen 50:20; John 3:16), but here specifically, we are only discussing whether we should give blood, if we are able. We recognize not everyone can give blood and for various reasons.

Doing GoodIn principle, the Bible teaches that donating blood is a way to save lives and in doing so, we can obey the second greatest commandment, which is to love your neighbors as yourself. Of course, there’s more than donating blood than loving our neighbors, but it is no less than giving so that others might live. When Jesus shed his blood on Calvary, it was shed in order to save mankind from their sins and the wrath of God by providing forgiveness through trusting in Him. He willingly gave His own blood and left us an example of what Jesus did for us so that we may live with Him forever and that we too might be sacrificial givers. Giving of such nature is a mark of the selfless love which Jesus spoke about as an identifying mark of who Jesus’ disciples are (John 13:34-35). James wrote that “whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin” (James 4:6). I am not telling you that you are sinning by not donating blood, but if you saw someone who was bleeding to death and you had the chance to donate blood to save their life, surely you would do that, wouldn’t you?

You can be the hands and feet of Jesus to them by serving them at a local kitchen or shelter.

SacrificialWhen we donate blood, we are offering a part of our very lives to save the life of someone else; someone else we might never meet. To live a life of sacrifice is the very reason Jesus came to earth and that is our calling too so that we might persuade others to trust in Christ. In addition, the Bible teaches that blood symbolizes the forgiveness or covering over of sins. For example, in Hebrews 8:11-12, blood is sprinkled on the Mercy Seat. The Iowa Donor Network encourages all Christians to become organ, blood, and tissue donors, “as part of their ministry to others in the name of Christ, who gave His life that we may have life in its fullness.” I am a donor myself, and even though the Bible says nothing directly about donating blood or having a blood transfusion, it has become a life-saving tool for medical procedures that were not possible in the days when the Bible was written. Certainly we can apply other principles from God’s Word about blood and life and draw wise conclusions about what God thinks about donating blood.

Twisting ScriptureSome religions, such as the Jehovah’s Witnesses, wrongly believe that the Bible prohibits blood transfusions, citing Scriptures from the Old Testament, but they are taking texts out of context and creating a false pretext. We cannot do violence to the Scriptures just to satisfy our beliefs or our religion. It is very clear in the Scriptures that eating or drinking blood is sinful, but not donating it. Some religions put unscriptural emphasis on the blood itself, rather than the spirit behind the prohibition against donating blood. One example is from the Jehovah Witnesses own doctrines that “The Bible commands that we not ingest blood. So we should not accept whole blood or its primary components in any form, whether offered as food or as a transfusion.” That’s quite a leap if you ask me. They jumped, from “no eating or drinking” to “no transfusions,” but their beliefs are not supported by Scripture. Contrary to the claims of the Jehovah’s Witnesses and other such false religions, there is nothing in the Bible that prohibits the practice of donating or receiving donated blood or platelets or organs for the purposes of saving lives.

Give LifeDonating blood is actually a picture of what Jesus did for us. Donating our blood can only save a physical life, but those who trust in Christ can have eternal life through Jesus’ shed blood. When we give blood, we are offering a part of our lives to save the life of someone else. It is one way we can obey the second greatest commandment, which is to love others as we love ourselves (Mark 12:31). Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). If we are called to lay down our lives for others, we can surely give some of our blood to help save others. If your neighbor’s life could be saved by donating your blood, or a transfusion, does that not abide within what Jesus called the second greatest commandment? This certainly seems to be the case.

Here is some related reading for you: Is it Biblical to Donate Blood, Platelets or Organs?

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The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, so why is the fear of God disappearing around the world?

Good FearThe fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, so why is the fear of God disappearing around the world? It may seem strange to say that fear can be a good thing, but it is. For example, it keeps us from taking unnecessary risks or avoiding certain activities that we might think are dangerous. That’s just self-preservation, and that’s a good thing. Even the animals have this survival instinct, but fear keeps me from climbing untrustworthy ladders, or from standing too close to the edge of a room, and so on. That kind of fear keeps us alive. So not all fear is bad. In fact, it is good to fear the Lord and a healthy fear of God is pleasing in His sight. When we’re afraid, we suddenly have more adrenaline and can sometimes act quickly so fear is human and it’s a natural, God-given instinct that God has placed in us, thankfully. Now, what about the fear of God? Why should we be afraid of God?

Be Very AfraidThe Author of Hebrews tells us that it is a very grievous sin to reject the only way to be saved (Acts 4:12), and that is Jesus Christ (John 3:16). It is fearful enough to fall into the hands of a human enemy who’s going to kill you, but it’s even a more “fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb 10:31). That’s because none can deliver from His hand! When Jesus was speaking to His disciples about their being persecuted, He told them to “not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt 10:28). Our body can be destroyed by someone, but only God can destroy both body and soul (in Hell).

Body and SoulJesus said to fear not only someone who can destroy the body, but He who can destroy both body and soul in hell, because “after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him” (Luke 12:5). That is actually a healthy fear…a fear of God’s judgment in an eternal, unchangeable state and place for those who reject His Son, Jesus Christ. All who reject Christ up until His return (Rev 1:7) or their death (Heb 9:27) will have their fates sealed for all time (Rev 20:12-15). Knowing the judgment of God so compelled the Apostle Paul to evangelize and seek out the lost that he said it is by “knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others” (2 Cor 5:11a). This is why we are all given the Great Commission (Matt 28:18-20). We are to warn them of the wrath to come (Matt 3:7), just like John the Baptist did the “religious group” who trusted in their own righteousness, justifying themselves before God (Luke 18:9). Many people still do that today in rejecting the gospel.

Godly FearWe must all work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Phil 2:12). He is not saying we don’t work because saved people produce works naturally through the Holy Spirit (James 2), but the Scripture warn “anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor 10:12). The wisest thing you could ever do is to put your trust in Jesus Christ. Fearing God is obeying God’s call to repent and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15). So what is a good and godly fear? Frequently in Scripture, we read “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Prov 1:7), so what exactly does it mean to fear God? A person who reverences, has deep awe and respect, and high regard for God and His Word will bear godly fruit (Gal 5:22-23). That’s godly fear and that’s true wisdom. We will never be sinless in this life, but we should be sinning less over time, because of “the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil” (Prov 16:6). We don’t want to break God’s commandments; therefore we respect His Word and obey it. That is precisely a godly fear. A godly fear is a healthy fear that bears godly fruit. You cannot even begin to have godly wisdom until you have a healthy fear or respect for God and the Word of God. That kind of fear bears godly fruit and brings eternal life.

No Fear of God“There is no fear of God before their eyes” (Rom 3:18).

When a person or a nation no longer fears God, God withdraws His blessings from them. Ancient Israel is a perfect example of what happens when a nation fails to fear God in a way that honors, reveres and respects Him and His Word, the Bible. Ancient Israel was taken into captivity and the Kingdom split apart (The Southern Kingdom, Israel and the Northern Kingdom of Judah). Today, as it was in Paul’s day, “There is no fear of God before their eyes” (Rom 3:18). As a result, God is withdrawing His blessings upon people and nations, and when that happens, difficult days are expected. To begin with, not fearing God means there is no wisdom in how to live their lives or run their nations. Godly wisdom is essential to all of life, but they have rejected God and no longer fear Him, despite the truth that “The fear of the Lord prolongs life” (Prov 10:27a). Of a truth God says, “Whoever walks in uprightness fears the Lord” (Prov 14:2a), and “In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge” (Prov 14:26). That’s very comforting to me being a parent and grandparent. Fearing God might prolong your life, bless your life, and provide you protection, so no wonder the “fear of the Lord is a fountain of life” (Prov 14:27a).

Here is some related reading for you: What Does it Mean to Fear the Lord?

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Why have congress and other political parties become so divided and why do we have such bad leadership in this nation?

God’s SovereigntyWhy have congress and other political parties become so divided and why do we have such bad leadership in this nation? It has happened in biblical history and it has happened in world history, so it is likely happening again. A nation gets the leadership it deserves, and the example of Israel would be a good starting place. As the nation grew more evil over time, falling into idolatry, the evil the kings of Israel did became even more wicked with each succeeding generation. The even grew more evil than the nations around them, so the evil nation had the evil leadership it deserved, and we’ve seen that happen even in human history.

No SurprisesGod is not caught off guard by all these world leaders who are growing more corrupt and evil every day. He is sovereign over all things, including the evil that is presently in the world. God has a history of using evil for good (Gen 50:20; John 3:16), so whatever happens falls within the sovereignty of God. God is not the author of the evil, but He uses the freewill evil actions of nations to do all according to His good pleasure (Rom 8:28), just as God used Judas’ evil intent to fulfill biblical prophecy (Matt 26:24).

Satan’s WorldThe Apostle Paul writes that the “gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing” (I Cor 4:3), because “the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (1 Cor 4:4). Clearly, this is not our Father’s world, but the god of this age blinds those who are not saved and keeps them from clearly seeing their need for forgiveness and their desperate need for the Savior. This means Satan likely controls most, if not all, of this world’s governments. Satan uses them to oppress people, to keep people under his control, and to try and eliminate the gospel from being preached. Satan has his own religions (Islam, Jehovah Witnesses, etc.) and own churches to keep people from seeing the real Jesus. If they have the wrong Jesus (i.e., a created one), then they have the wrong Savior.

Take ComfortWe should all take comfort in the fact that He alone is “declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose” (Isaiah 46:10). It is not the council of men but “The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generation” (Psalm 33:11). Where man rules, God overrules, so “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand” (Prov 19:21). Nothing has ever just occurred to God. Nothing has ever dawned on God. God is never caught by surprise. He is in charge every second of the way…up the Jesus Christ’s return. Take comfort in the fact that God’s got this, even if it doesn’t look like it. What appears to be falling apart for us is falling together for God.

The NationsIts impossible for us to change the world, so just trust God that He can, but we might ask, “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain” (Psalm 2:1)? It is because they are of this world and follow their father, Satan (John 8:44-45). It is clear that even today, “The nations have sunk in the pit that they made; in the net that they hid” (Psalm 9:15), but even the evil nations do will play right into God’s sovereign plan which is and has been unfolding through time and history. Someday, not today, but someday, “the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you” (Psalm 22:7). God disciplines every child of His, and so He does with nations too. Frequently, God will use one nation to punish another (Isaiah 9:8-10:34), but it is all in His good time and at the pleasure of His will.

ConclusionIf you are not saved right now, I will pray you will put your trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If you do not my friend, right now you are in real mortal danger of hell fire; in danger of falling into the hands of an angry God (Heb 10:31). At this very moment, you are one breath, one heartbeat…one accident away from eternity when it will be too late to repent and trust in Christ. Right now is the best time of all to believe (2 Cor 6:2) because tomorrow is no guarantee for anyone. If Jesus Christ came today, read what happens to you (Matt 7:21-23). This is the reason why I am pleading with you as you read this to repent and put your trust in Jesus Christ. If not, you will face God’s judgment after death guaranteed (Heb 9:27) or at Jesus Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), whichever happens to come first…and either could come in a split second!

Here is some related reading for you: Does God Use Evil Governments as Judgements Against Nations?

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Parents and caregivers have never had a more difficult job of keeping their children away from the world and the ways of the world.

Christ FirstParents and caregivers have never had a more difficult job of keeping their children away from the world and the ways of the world. In the first place, if you are not a Christian, then you cannot give them the best ways to keep them from the world and being conformed into the image of the world. We’d rather have them being shaped or molded into the image of Christ, but if we don’t live our lives much like Christ lived His, then we are being hypocritical. If we’re living like the world, then our children will be like the world and live that way. If we don’t put Jesus Christ first and make sure people know we are His disciples (John 13:34-35), then how can we expect our children to not live like the world? More is caught than taught and our children can’t hear what we’re saying because our actions are drowning out our words. If you believe, you will live what you believe, and others will see it; in the hopes that they too will believe.

Family NextIf we place God first and foremost in our lives, then our family must come next. Someone who wants to be a church leader and yet things are not going well at home, can’t expect the church to call him into a pastor, elder or deacon office. The Apostle Paul wrote that an elder “must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church” (1 Tim 3:4-5)? If things are disastrous at home, how could they possibly counsel someone who’s having issues with their marriage or with their children? That’s how important it is to have our children in submission at an early age…while they are pliable, but be the parent. Show up at their school events or games to show them they really are important to you.

Train up a child in the way he should go …

Immersed in the WordIn our home, we have Bible verses and quotes just about everywhere. These are to remind us about Who is in charge and Who has charge of us. When Children regularly hear the Word of God read, even more so when they read it themselves, they are more likely to have peace about things in the world and in their personal life. Getting children immersed into the Word will give them a large reservoir of God’s promises when they need them or Scriptures that tell them what they ought to do or what they shouldn’t do. Many families have a set of Bible verses that they pull out and read just before dinner and discuss the meaning of that verse while eating.

Regular Church WorshipNo personal or family Bible study at home (or one a camping trip!) can replace the cooperate worship of the Body of Christ. As the day of Jesus’ return draws nearer, we will need one another even more (Heb 10:24-25). When Children attend Sunday school and worship services, they absorb more than you might think. I was preaching about lambs and how Jesus was the Lamb of God, a young boy went “Baaaa…baaa…,” so even the boy knew we were talking about sheep. It might have looked like he wasn’t paying attention, but he was listening.

Hearing the Word of God preached means unleashing the very power of God which is the gospel (Rom 1:16; 1 Cor 1:18). When the power that is within God’s Word is unleased. The Author of Hebrews wrote that “the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Heb 4:12). We must let the children hear the Word of God regularly because the power of the Word of God will not return to God without having an effect on the hearer (Isaiah 55:11). Let that power of God’s Word do its work in their hearts, but it must first enter their ears!

Pray Without CeasingThere is no doubt Satan wants our children and grandchildren, and it’s not just physical warfare we fight. Ours is a spiritual battle; one where the enemy is invisible, and yet powerfully influential. Satan is the god (little “g”) of this world. Just looking at the evening news or prime (slime) time television should be enough evidence to see that this is not our Father’s world. We must pray for our children and grandchildren and pray for those who will be around them and influence them when we’re not around. Let us “not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals” (1 Cor 15:33). We tend to be like those we hang around with…for good or for bad. Make sure your children’s friends are true friends indeed.

ConclusionFinally, it is my prayer that you have already put your trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, but, if that has not yet happened, you are in real danger of hell fire right now. Why do I say that? Like everyone else, you are one breath, one heartbeat…one accident away from eternity when it will be too late to repent. This is why today is the best day to believe (2 Cor 6:2). Tomorrow is not guaranteed. If our Lord came today, read your fate (Matt 7:21-23). This is all the more reason why I plead with you to repent today and put your trust in Jesus Christ. If not, you will face God’s judgment after you die (Heb 9:27), or at Jesus Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), whichever happens first.

Here is some related reading for you: How to Raise a Child in a Christian Home: 10 Important Tips

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There are several ways to teach children how to memorize Bible Scriptures so here are a few.

In a SongThere are several ways to teach children how to memorize Bible Scriptures so here are a few but how can we help children commit certain Bible verses to memory ? By the way, these same ideas can help adults memorize Scripture too and we’re much better if we do. Perhaps one of the greatest ways to teach Scripture is by the use of music. Music has a way of imbedding Bible verses deep within the recesses of the mind, very similar to how we learned our ABC’s in a song. Music can help children (and us) to higher rates of memorization than just rote reading of Bible verses. Most children love music, so why not use music to help them internalize Bible verses? It might even hope to have them clap their hands to the music because this could further reinforce the memorization process. Even if they’re not strictly Scripture, we can teach biblically centered lessons in songs. In this way, the children can memorize Bible stories and remember the important lessons they bring. It is much more fun and easier using music to teach children.

Board GamesI used to have a Bible board game that I used in Sunday school when teaching 3rd/4th graders (combined class). There was a board game where Moses was taking the Israelites out of Egypt and through the desert, heading toward the Promised Land. When the children read parts of Exodus, they could answer questions that moved their piece across the board. They learned to tie in the events of Exodus with the Scriptures associated with the migration of the nation of Israel after their exodus from Egypt, even teaching on the Passover and the meaning of this holy day. I can also remember a board game where Joshua led the nation of Israel into the Promised Land. In this game they had to select one of three Bible verses that matched where the Israelites were. By finding the correct Bible verse, they could advance on the game board. The outcome was that they had to read the Bible for themselves (which is always a good thing). Every time they played this game, they became better acquainted with Bible verses. Some students didn’t even have to look at their Bible because they already knew which Bible verse applied to the question. You can be creative and make up your own board games using cardbox.

Arts and CraftsChildren typically love arts and crafts because they’re hands on activities. Allow them freedom to choose one of their favorite Bible verses and then create a craft around their own idea. It might even be a Bible verse that they can choose to create a craft related to the Bible verse. One of their favorites were, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15). Children can then take these crafts home to be hung in the child’s room or even on the refrigerator where they can see it every day. The possibilities for biblical or scriptural arts and crafts are only limited their imagination. Let them choose the Bible verses so that they can feel more proud of their own accomplishments.

Dinner Table Scripture ReadingAnother idea is to have the children take about thirty 3 by 5 index cards and write down their own Bible verses or ones they like. Let them choose. These Bible verse cards can then be placed at the family dinner table and be read before praying over the meal. They might even use different colored pencils to delineate between Old Testament or New Testament or red for Jesus’ words. They can be replaced every so often for variety. This works very well for many family Bible studies.

Make a Bible Verse ScrapbookScrapbooking Bible verses in a scrap book for them to own and take home is another fun way for the children to memorize Bible verses. Let them decide what Bible verses are to go in the scrapbook. It’s even more fun to have them draw their own pictures that are associated with the Bible verse or verses. Make sure to place their names on the inside of the first page and put the dates that they were created. They can add pictures as they go and this can be a keepsake for them to pass on to their own children and grandchildren. If they need help with pictures, you can search old magazines or newspapers and them clip out but let them paste or glue them to the scrapbook. These little scrapbooks can eventually become highly valued gems that they can cherish throughout the child’s life and take with them into their adulthood and share with their own children someday.

Verse Around the ChairsIt is fun to tell Bible stories to children & then give them a quiz to see how many details they remember.

I couldn’t come up with a good enough name for this one so I called it “Verse Around the Chairs” but have the children sit in a circle, on the floor or in chairs, and give each child a 3 by 5 index card with the same verse on it. Start randomly in one place and have each child read only one word at a time and immediately after one child reads one word of the Bible verse(s) have the child to their immediate right read the next and go around and around until the entire verse or verses are read. Start in the reverse order next time. Then challenge them to go as fast as they can…they’ll love it. They will usually end up memorizing it fairly quick.

ConclusionParents, caregivers and those who care for children are all commanded too “take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children” (Duet 4:9). Why? It is “so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life” (Duet 6:2). Maybe those two Bible verses can be the first Bible verses used to memorize.

Here is some related reading for you: 7 Great Bible Verses for Children to Memorize

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Christians should not be angry at lost sinners but rather love them and pray for them.

God’s First MoveChristians should not be angry at lost sinners but rather love them and pray for them. First of all, there go we but by God’s grace, and secondly, God loved us first before we ever loved Him (1 John 4:19). God made the first move so we must also make the first move. We ought to feel compassion for those who have rejected Christ because their eternity will be indescribably horrible. We wouldn’t want that for our worst enemy, would we? Of course not. We know that judgment starts with the house of God or with the church. God will judge those outside the church so we cannot and have not the right to judge them. We can judge whether what they are doing is good or not good, but beyond that, we must leave judgment to God and the throne of God is a one-seater. Only He knows their hearts and only He can save them, but it is our duty to share the gospel with the lost and then it’s up to God to save them or not.

Judging Sinners?The Apostle Peter wrote, “For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God” (1 Pet 4:17)? Church leadership is required by God to discipline members who are openly sinning and failing to repent of that sin once it’s brought to the light, but God will judge those outside the church. That is His job, not ours. It is His right, not ours, but it is our right, in fact, our duty to judge sin within the church.

Church DisciplineMatthew 18 contains instructions for the church to discipline members of the body of Christ. The basic model for church discipline is found in Matthew 18:15-20. In the first step of church discipline methods that Jesus taught, He says “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother” (Matt 18:15). Hopefully you can persuade them of their fault and they repent of it, but if “he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses” (Matt 18:16). That doesn’t mean take a posse with you and show up at their front door or confront them at church publically. This is still a private matter, however, even after all this, he or she “refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector” (Matt 18:17). This sounds harsh, but we know God disciplines every child whom He loves (1 Cor 11:32; He 12:5-8).

Have CompassionWe should never, ever be angry at sinners because we too were once in their place, having the wrath of God abiding on us. Even in the face of intense persecution against us, think about this: It could have been us who were lost and headed for the judgment of God (Rev 20:12-15). It could have been us who were the persecutors of those who believe. If not for God, we would not have escaped the wrath due upon us except that God intervened supernaturally on our behalf (Eph 2:1-5). Only the Spirit of God can show them Who Christ is and open their eyes and unstop their ears. It’s like they are helpless victims…helpless to see the need to repent and seek after Christ. God’s Word tells us that “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Cor 2:14). Consider the fact that God loved us first even while we were ungodly, wicked sinners who were once enemies of God (Rom 5:6-10). How can we hate or be angry at sinners since even Christians still fall into sin?

Rescue the PerishingWhat can we do then for those who are headed for hell? We can share the gospel…we can love them first as God did us (1 John 4:19). We can pray for them to be saved. God wants us to be in the business of rescuing the perishing. Besides, didn’t someone share Christ with us at one time while we were still lost? How can we not do the same for others? When I see people I believe are lost, my heart breaks for I know that God doesn’t desire anyone perish (2 Pet 3:9) and takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezk 33:11). Neither should we.

Planting SeedsAlone, we cannot save anyone. We are not able to. It’s not our responsibility to save anyone. It is their response to His ability, but it is our responsibility to plant the seeds (Matt 28:18-20). Someone else may come along and water the seed we planted, or another may fertilize it…but we must plant the seed of God’s Word. It takes a person of God and the Word of God with the Spirit of God to birth a child of God (John 3:3-7). God alone saves (Acts 4:12), but God can use us as a means to His end to plant the seed so He can send His Spirit to save them. Please don’t be angry with sinners…have compassion and share Christ. Love them and pray for them and leave the results up to God. Only God can give the increase (Acts 2:47).

ConclusionLove your enemies and pray for the lost because at one time, “such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor 6:11). If you yourself are not saved, today is the day because today, even right now, “is the acceptable time” (2 Cor 6:2). After He returns (Rev 1:7) or after we die (Heb 9:27), it is too late. I pray you have repented and believed the gospel. If so, share it and pray to the Lord of the Harvest to send forth more laborers as Jesus commanded (Matt 9:38).

Here is some related reading for you: God Hates the Sin but Loves the Sinner – Is This in the Bible?

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Is using the word “Easter” pagan? Should Christians use the name Easter?

Is Easter Pagan?Is using the word “Easter” pagan and is the word of pagan origin? Wait before you answer that. Many believe that Easter has connections with paganism. Some things we grant are not from the Bible. Things like hiding and gathering Easter eggs, painting Easter eggs, people buying baby bunnies (bad idea), and other such traditions. The eggs and bunny are said to portray fertility, but that has nothing to do with the resurrection of Jesus Christ. On the other side, people are becoming more condemning of others for using the word Easter. They would rather call the Sunday that Jesus was raised from the dead as Resurrection Sunday. I do that too, but to call the day Easter is too much for some people. Are they right? Should we refrain from using this word? What is the origin of the word Easter?

Resurrection SundayMany churches celebrate the fact that Jesus was raised on the 3rd day so that we might be raised to eternal life someday (1 Cor 15:1-5). Some call it Easter while others refer to that day as Resurrection Sunday. So where does the word Easter come from? Is it unbiblical to call it that? Apparently, the Old English word Easter originates from the word “Ēastrun” and also “Ēastru” which comes from a pagan image called “Eastre” who is the mythological goddess of spring. This was originally celebrated by Northern European Saxons to honor the goddess and was always held during the spring equinox, but Easter or Resurrection Sunday is not always on the same day as the spring equinox. Looking at the way the world celebrates Easter, we can see that some of the associated symbols are steeped in paganism. The Easter bunny represents fertility while the eggs picture a period of new birth, but these are not associated with Scripture.

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. (Matthew 28:6)

Heavily CommercializedLike many Christian days of observance, Easter has become very commercialized, just like Christmas has. If the focus is on Easter eggs, the Easter bunny, and not on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, then it is clearly a pagan activity. Easter is good news for us because it assures us that we too will be raised to eternal life someday. Because He lives, we can live again for all time in His presence. What joy that will be. Clearly, Easter is heavily commercialized over much of the world which is celebrating with painted Easter eggs and the Easter bunnies, neither of which has any connection with Christianity. We should not be participating in such symbolic activities, in my opinion, if our conscience is not clear about it. If others conscience’ is fine with them about doing such activities and they still participate in worship of the risen Lord on Resurrection Sunday, I cannot judge them. To them, it is not sin.

The PassoverIn some Christian circles, this celebration is often called Pascha and is connected to the Hebrew “Pesach” and is related to the word Passover. This is the most special of all the Jewish feasts as it commemorates the Exodus of Israel and the first and original Passover feast. It is no coincidence that the time that the Passover Lamb was sacrificed during Passover comes at the exact time of Jesus’ death on the cross. There is a Christian festival of Pascha which was first started in the mid-2nd century, and observing this is not sin, neither is it of pagan origin. We are free to observe this and free not to. Some churches do the foot washing on Maundy Thursday night, which was the night Jesus was betrayed and washed the feet of the disciples, however, it is not commanded as a new ordinance or command by Jesus. The new commandment was that we love one another, sacrificially, like Jesus did for us. That’s how people will be able to identify who Jesus’ disciples really are (i.e. John 13:34-35). Seeing the fruit shows us the root (John 15).

Stand Up (the Resurrection)Virtually all languages refer to Easter as either a transliterated form of pascha or use resurrection in the name. When Martin Luther translated the Bible into German (New Testament in 1522), he chose the word Oster to refer to the Passover references before and after the Resurrection. Because the English Anglo/Saxon language originally derived from the Germanic, there are many similarities between German and English. This is why many English writers refer to the German language as the “Mother Tongue!” I find it highly interesting that the English word Easter is of German/Saxon origin. It is decidedly not of Babylonian origin as Alexander Hislop falsely claimed. The German equivalent of Easter is Oster. Ostern being the modern day equivalent is related to Ost which means the rising of the sun, or simply in English, east. Oster comes from the old Teutonic form of auferstehen / auferstehung, and get this: It means resurrection! The older Teutonic form comes from two words, “Ester” meaning first, and “stehen” meaning to stand. These two words combine to form erstehen which is an old German form of auferstehen, the modern day German word for resurrection!! To these ancient Germans, Easter mean “resurrection.”

The grave clothes of Jesus were still in place (John 20:1-7)

Going Too FarIf you are married, as I am, you probably have a wedding ring on your finger, but did you realize that the ring is an ancient pagan symbol? The difference for us is the ring represents to the world that I am hers and you are another’s, forever pledged to be faithful to one another. The wedding ring is a symbol of an unbroken circle of love between a man and a woman. It is certainly not a symbol of the couple’s worship of the spring goddess. My wedding ring doesn’t mean I’m a pagan or practicing paganism. It means I’m forever someone else’s spouse. The same principle should apply to people using the word Easter. We can carry things too far in our judging others by the names they use for Christian celebrations.

Passing Judgment“Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment”

The Apostle Paul asks all of us, “Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand” (Rom 14:4). They will stand before God for their choices, but they do not have to stand before us! He tells the church at Colossae to “let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath” (Col 2:16), and we are wise to heed that same advice. We should not judge people on whether they call it Easter or Resurrection Sunday or the Passover. If they are sincere in their observance of the risen Lord and they celebrate that great historical event, it doesn’t matter what name they use. We are not to judge others because we do not know their heart. If you are convinced it is okay to call it Easter or Resurrection Sunday or Passover, we should not judge others by what they call it. If they have peace in their own conscience about it, they are not sinning.

ConclusionFinally, I pray you have put your trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If that has not happened yet, my friend, you are in real danger of hell fire. And I mean, in immediate danger. You’re one breath, one heartbeat…one accident away from eternity when it will be too late to repent. Today is the best day to believe (2 Cor 6:2) since tomorrow is no guarantee. If Jesus Christ came today, here is your fate (Matt 7:21-23). This is why I plead with you as you read this, repent today…and I mean right now. Put your trust in Jesus Christ. If you do not, you will face God’s judgment after death guaranteed (Heb 9:27) or at Jesus Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), which could happen at any moment.

Here is some related reading for you: What is Maundy Thursday? Is it Important?

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The story of Joseph in Genesis has striking similarities and portrayals to Jesus Christ.

Jesus and JosephThe story of Joseph in Genesis has striking similarities and portrayals to Jesus Christ. Joseph is the only man in the Bible (besides Jesus) who is never said to have sinned. Of course, we all sin and fall short of His glory (Rom 3:32), but the Scriptures are silent about Joseph’s sin. We know he did, but the reason that it is never mentioned is perhaps God is showing us an example or forerunner of the coming sinless Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, Who was without sin. Joseph’s life is a portrayal of the coming sinless Messiah, Jesus Christ. This may explain why over 1/4th of the Book of Genesis focuses on Joseph. He takes up more space than Adam, Noah and Abraham combined. Why? Again, it may be a way of God teaching us what the Son of God is like and the reason He came into the world (Mark 10:45).

Striking Similarities Between Jesus and JosephHe had promises of exaltation (Joseph’s dream).

He was mocked by his family.

He was sold for pieces of silver – regular price of a slave.

He was given a robe.

He was stripped of his robe.

He was delivered up to the Gentiles.

He was falsely accused.

He had false witnesses lie about him.

He was faithful amid temptation.

He was thrown into prison.

We were redeemd by the precious blood of the Lamb.

He was hated without a cause.

He is never said to have sinned.

He is the object of his father’s special love.

He stood before rulers.

His power was acknowledged by the highest authority.

He is exalted after and through humiliation.

He embraces God’s purpose even though it brings him intense suffering.

He is the instrument God uses to bless the Gentiles & Jews.

He saves the lives for both Jews & Gentiles (grain-famine).

He welcomes Gentiles to be part of his family.

He gives hungry people the bread of life.

They wanted to kill him.

People must bow their knee before him.

Everyone will profess his name, now or later.

Bids all who are hungry, come to him.

Sold Into SlaveryJoseph’s brothers were clearly jealous of him because Jacob loved him more than all the others (Gen 37:3-4), so when “They saw him from afar, and before he came near to them they conspired against him to kill him” (Gen 37:18). Thankfully, “when Reuben heard it, he rescued him out of their hands, saying, “Let us not take his life” (Gen 37:21). His brothers sinned greatly when “they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it” (Gen 37:24), apparently left there to die. Judah, one of his brothers, said, “Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And his brothers listened to him” (Gen 37:27). Once more, they thought they had seen the last of Joseph. They had rejected him and then sold him into slavery, betraying him; Jesus similarly was rejected by His own family (at first) and Judas, one of the Twelve, betrayed Him for thirty pieces of silver. Like Joseph, Jesus was hated without a cause.

Hated Without a CauseJoseph was later sold to Potiphar, Pharaoh’s chief guard, and later thrown into prison by having false accusations made about him. Jesus too was falsely accused by false witnesses and had witnesses lie about Him and was thrown into prison. Even though Joseph was in prison without reason, it says numerous times that “the Lord was with Joseph” (Gen 39:2). Even while a slave, and later, even worse, in prison without a cause, it says again and again, that “the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison” (Gen 39:21).

Meant For EvilWhat God allows in this life is meant for our good. The Apostle Paul said as much in writing that “we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Rom 8:28). It doesn’t say only the good things work out for our good, but all things, good and bad; even very bad! When Joseph’s brothers unfairly sold him into slavery, they had thought that was the last of Joseph, but God was using their evil for good. Joseph told his brothers, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today” (Gen 50:20). He is not denying they did evil, because they did, but that God can even use evil to accomplish His purposes. This perspective is given in John 3:16 and it gives it greater meaning to where it says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

His unjust suffering and unjust judgment brought about the salvation of millions who would later trust in Him for eternal life. He was treated as we should have been treated, for we deserved it; He did not. Like Joseph, Jesus was innocent. By the way, that is the greatest evil historical travesty of justice ever done (Calvary), but it brought about the greatest good the world has or ever will see (Rom 10:9-13; Acts 4:12).

ConclusionFinally, I pray you have already put your trust in Jesus Christ, but if that has not happened yet, my friend, right now you are in real danger of hell fire. And I mean, in immediate danger. Like all lost sinners, you are one breath, one heartbeat…one accident away from eternity and then it will be too late to repent. I plead with you make today your day of salvation (2 Cor 6:2) because tomorrow is not guaranteed to anyone. If Jesus Christ were to come today, you would be in real trouble (Matt 7:21-23). Right this moment, as you read this, repent and put your trust in the Savior. If not, you will face God’s judgment after death (Heb 9:27) or at Jesus Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), whatever comes first and either of these could happen at any moment.

Here is some related reading for you: What Was the Significance With the 30 (Thirty) Pieces of Silver

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God has placed the members of His church where He sees fit, but every single member of the church is essential.

Jesus Builds His ChurchGod has placed the members of His church where He sees fit, but every single member of the church is essential. When Jesus began to build His church on the Apostles and Prophets (Heb 11:1-2), with Himself being the Chief Cornerstone (Eph 2:19-22), He needed diversity. He didn’t need twenty pastors and five lay members. He needed pastors, teachers, evangelists, elders and deacons to equip the church, but He needed more. He needed other members to be joined together and make a functional body…the Body of Christ, with Jesus as the Head of the Church. We didn’t decide which member goes where in the Bible. That is Jesus’ choice. It is the wisdom and sovereignty of God at work in His calling and placing those whom He has chosen to build and sustain His church. It was not man who built this church, otherwise, it would have failed 2,000 years ago, “But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose” (1 Cor 12:18). It was His choice, not ours, and we should be thankful for that because we know God will get it right! Mankind? Most likely not.

Every Member EssentialMy liver is essential to life, but when was the last time someone asked you, “Hey, how’s your liver?” Probably never, but the point is every single member of the church is critical to its growth, to its strength, to its mission work, and so the church can equip the saints. My liver draws little attention unless I have a medical issue with it, but those who might seem less important and hardly noticed or mentioned by name are just as important as any member in the body, including pastors, elders and deacons/deaconess. If I could show someone my liver, they’d probably say, “Yuck,” but it takes all the different body parts to be able to live, breath, move and have a life.

If the foot doesn’t get a lot of attention, is it any less important? Drop a hammer on the foot, and believe me, the whole body feels it! When another member hurts, we should hurt. We should be so connected as the Body that we “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Rom 12:15). The foot moves the body but the hands are needed to take up the gospel, but we’re not done yet. We need the mouth to preach the gospel, otherwise they cannot be saved (Rom 10:14), however without the ear, it’s pointless. The foot is perhaps not the most beautiful member of the body, but without it, we could not go into all the world, therefore it takes each and every member of Christ’s Body (the church) to go into all the world so that others might be saved.

Not Many MightyGod uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things! He does this to bring glory to Himself, and naturally He is worthy of all honor, praise and glory (Psalm 19:1-6, 115:1-2). Jesus is not asking me, “What can you do for me” but “What can I do through you.” God does not call the high and mighty, probably because they’d boast about it, or someone would say, “Well they did some extraordinary things because they’re rich…or a politician, they have a lot of power, or persuasion…etc.” It is not so with the church. God chooses or calls the lowly, weak, broken, poor, and often, rejected of the world. He cannot fill people who are already full of themselves. God gives grace to the humble, but He is opposed to the proud (James 4:6), and you do not want God opposing you!

No Boasting or BraggingWe can never brag or think we’re superior to others because we’re saved. The late preacher Adrian Rogers once said, “We’re not better than others…we’re just better off!” And that’s only because of Jesus and only because God sought us and bought us (John 6:44). We didn’t find God because He wasn’t missing! In the second place, He ran ahead of you so He could become visible to you. One old time pastor called it, “The hounds of heaven pursued you.” I put it this way: He thought me, He sought me, He bought me, and He taught me, what I ought be. It’s all about “He” and not about me. We didn’t have that grace of God coming to us (Eph 2:8-9). We had God’s wrath abiding on us (Rom 2), so “consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth” (1 Cor 1:26).

Good Chooses the LowlyGod didn’t look down from heaven and say, “Hey, this one stands out to Me” or “She’s really special, I’ll choose her.” The fact is, “God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong” (1 Cor 1:27). Even further, “God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are” (1 Cor 1:28). God’s reason for this was “so that no human being might boast in the presence of God” (1 Cor 1:29), and knowing human nature (knowing my nature!), we’d boast. If it were up to us complete our salvation, I think we’d become arrogant, and look down on sinners (just like the Pharisees did.). We might say to the lost, “Hey, what’s wrong with you! Why aren’t you saved yet! Get it together man!”

ConclusionGod uses even the poor widows as prayers is critical to the function of the believer and the church. Those who think they can’t do anything for the church sell themselves short. What greater access to God’s power than through the prayers of the saints. Speaking of prayer, I pray you have put your trust in the Savior, Jesus Christ. If not, then Jesus Christ will say, “Depart from Me” forever and all time and into hell or outer darkness (Matt 7:21-23). My dear friend this is why right now as I write this, I plead with you and pray for those reading this that they repent today and put your trust in Christ. If you don’t, it hurts me to tell you that you will face God’s judgment after death (Heb 9:27) or at Jesus Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), whichever comes first.

Here is some related reading for you: What Does the Bible Say About Church Membership and Attendance?

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Church elders are crucial to the growth of the church, so what are the duties and responsibilities of a church elder?

Pastors are EldersChurch elders are crucial to the growth of the church, so what are the duties and responsibilities of a church elder? To start with, every pastor is an elder but not every elder is a pastor. For example, every Californian is an American but not every American is a Californian, so there are pastors/elders and then elders and then deacons. All of these men must be biblically qualified to be in church leadership, but God has not left us to guess work. He clearly defines what the qualifications are.

Above ReproachIt’s not just pastor, but elders and deacons too must “be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach” (1 Timothy 3:2). Neither can he be “a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money” (1 Timothy 3:3). The elder “must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil” (1 Timothy 3:7). These qualifications are much the same in Titus one, so twice in Scripture we are told the qualifications of elders so we don’t have to guess. If these character issues are not found in a person, they have no reason to be called into such an office as an elder. No drunkard, quarrelsome, money-loving, violent man could ever be an elder, not to mention a Christian.

Duties of EldersChurch elders are called by God and equipped to “teach and preach the Word” (1 Timothy 3:2; 2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:9), protect the church from false teachers (Acts 20:17, 28–31), exhort and admonish the saints in sound doctrine (1 Timothy 4:13; 2 Timothy 3:13–17; Titus 1:9), visit the sick and pray (James 5:14; Acts 6:4), and judge doctrinal issues (Acts 15:6). In biblical terminology, elders shepherd, oversee, lead, and care for the local church (16). The pastor is also an elder, so pastors have this duty as well.

Elder ResponsibilitiesWe have read that the primary responsibility of an elder is to serve as a manager and caretaker of the church (1 Timothy 3:5). That involves a number of specific duties. As spiritual overseers of the flock, elders are to determine church policy (Acts 15:22), be involved in church discipline (Matthew 18:15-20), oversee the church (Acts 20:28) and to ordain others who are qualified (1 Timothy 3). Very often church elders do the “heavy lifting,” or the hard things that few others in the church would do. We must remember that it is God’s choice, not ours, and “the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29). Elders rewards are not earthly but “from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:24).

Called by GodGod calls all of us, including pastors, elders and deacons, but He calls them and places them into church offices. The church I pastor at has perhaps the best church elder I have ever known. He is amazing. He continually pours himself into serving the church and taking care of the church grounds and building. He’s first on the spot when there’s trouble, like when our church basement was flooding or when our AC went on the fritz. This past summer, he worked all week and then taught at Vacation Bible School all week long at night. He is amazing. His dedication and devotion to God and His people tells me exactly why God has placed him in this office. It wasn’t a human idea. God ordains men and women as deaconess to such a call. Never does a man of God choose to be an elder. It is God Who places those in the Body as He sees fit (Ephesians 4:1; Acts 20:28; 1). It was God’s choice to call and choose “the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers” (Ephesians 4:12). It is His decision and is best for His church and for us (Ephesains 4:12-13), and God has made a wonderful choice in placing Ben as our church elder. There are few men who I have a greater respect for.

Benefiting the ChurchGod calls pastors, elders, deacons and deaconess to help the church to grow in grace and knowledge, but also to protect what is taught in the church, “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function” (Rom 12:4). The analogy of the church being a body is perfect because when one member suffers, all suffer (or at least should) as we read in 1 Corinthians 12:26. Just like if you hit your thumb with a hammer, the rest of the body is very much interested in the pain. Jesus as the Head of the church also feels our pain as the Head recognizes what’s going on with the Body (the church). Every one of us, church office or not, will be held accountable for what we do and don’t do. We are called to be helping others, serving others, and praying for others. The hand helps the foot when needed; the eyes see trouble to avoid that might hurt the body…and so on. God has great reason for selecting pastors, elders, deacons and deaconess. We must trust the process for it is Jesus’ church, not ours.

ConclusionI pray you have already put your trust in the Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. If have not done so, then Jesus Christ has news for you on that last day where He will turn you away and from heaven and you will be forever in eternal torment in hell. This is exactly why I plead with you right now, even as you read this, and I prayed while writing this, that the reader would repent and put their trust in Jesus Christ. A failure to do so will ensure that you will face God’s judgment after death (Heb 9:27) or at the appearance of Jesus Christ (Rev 20:12-15), whichever of these occur first. Make today your day of salvation (2 Cor 6:2). If you don’t, your heart will become harder and harder over time with each rejection of the gospel. The Author of Hebrews tells us to “not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness” (Heb 3:8). What happened to those in the wilderness could happen to you too.

Here is some related reading for you: What it Means for Elders, Overseers and Pastors to Live a Life Above Reproach

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Many people struggle with a besetting sin that they just can’t get over, and they question, “Am I really saved?” What about sinful Samson and Lot? Besetting Sins Many people struggle with a besetting sin that they just can’t get over, and they question, “Am I really saved?” What about sinful Samson and Lot? Guess […]

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What is a catalyst of truth? How can you be a catalyst for truth and the cause of Christ? Read on.

The SpiritWhat is a catalyst of truth? How can you be a catalyst for truth and the cause of Christ? Speaking scientifically, a catalyst is “a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction, or lowers the temperature or pressure needed to start one, without itself being consumed during the reaction.” If we’re speaking about someone or a group of persons, then the definition of being a catalyst changes a bit and it’s all for the good. Jesus Christ was the greatest catalyst of history, including of course the Holy Spirit Who convicts us of our sin and makes us see our need for the Savior. The Holy Spirit brings understanding and enlightens the Scriptures to make sense to us. The Word and the Spirit work together in creating the children of God, so in this sense, the Holy Spirit is that “substance” that created a reaction in us (repentance and faith), without which, we would be “consumed” (by His righteous wrath!). Grace is free to us (Eph 2:8-9), but supremely costly to God.

The CatalystFor Catalyst of Truth, a catalyst is a person or thing that precipitates an event or change, and this group (Catalysts of Truth and similar groups) hopes to spark change in each other’s lives and to any that would come. They want to be an agent of change…a change for us to focus on Christ and living for God’s purpose. Jesus said that “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Jesus didn’t just have the truth or know the truth….He is the truth, saying, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6). He is not just “a” truth or one of many truths. He is the bedrock and origin of the truth. Come to Him and He will set you free…free from sin. Although we will never be sinless this side of the veil, we should sin less and be set free from sin more and more over time (sanctification). He will set us free from our former penalty of having the wrath of God abiding on us, storing up more day by day as we were (Rom 2:5).

Now that we’ve been set free, it is up to us to show others how they might be set free and these kinds of Bible studies like Catalysts of Truth are having, can equip us to be used by God as a means to save others. So many people are hurting out there…we have the elixir of life…eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. That’s what the mission of this group of Christian women is all about. It is God working through them and for Him. He’s not asking these women to do something for Him but to do something through Him (John 15:5; Phil 4:13).

Working in UsThe Spirit is working in us to make us catalysts for the Kingdom and to effect change by sharing Christ and the Word of God. There is awesome power in God’s Word to convert souls (Psalm 19:7). Now if you take the Word of God and the people of God who have the Spirit of God, real change is possible. Like the Sower, we must sow God’s Word and pray for the seed to take root. The more we sow, the more seed that may sprout. The less we sow, the less we reap (or God reaps, to be accurate). God has moved these women, the Catalysts of Truth, to use Warner Wallace’s book, “Person of Interest: Why Jesus Still Matters in a World that Rejects the Bible.” These kinds of studies help equip us to share Christ and they let us know where to meet people where they’re at. We must meet them in their unbelief or skepticism of Scripture, for we too were once in unbelief.

On a MissionHeritage Church, Udall, KS

These types of missions that the Catalysts of Truth are, help us to always be ready to give an answer for the hope that is within us (1 Pet 3:15). The Apostle Peter wasn’t just writing a suggestion, hoping we’d do it. He was writing about being ready to answer unbelievers at any moment…and it is put as an imperative command. The Apostle said, “…but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” If it is not with gentleness, it’s useless; if it’s without respect, is not a reason of hope. In our defense or belief about God and His Word, we must always be respectful and gentle, never getting into a shouting match. That is not the way.

ConclusionIf you’d like more information about Catalysts of Truth, email them at catalystsoftruth@gmail.com. I pray, as the Catalysts of Truth you’ve already trusted in Christ and discover what God’s will is for your life, and that is to bring Him glory (Psalm 115:1). I pray that God uses me and you to bring glory to Himself, even if it’s at our own expense, for none Other than You deserve all glory, honor and praise. I pray God has brought you to a time of repentance and faith in Christ and now you yourself become a catalyst for His name’s sake and for His glory.

If you have not yet trusted in Christ, God will slam the door in your face, telling you to depart from Him forever (Matt 7:21-23) and not entering the Kingdom of Heaven. Instead, you could be delivered into the kingdom of hell; a place of separation, torment and darkness forevermore. Again I plead with you today to repent today and trust in Christ or face God’s judgment after death (Heb 9:27) or at Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), whichever happens comes first. And He could come even while you’re reading this! Today…right now, you must be…you need to be saved (2 Cor 6:2).

Here is some related reading for you: 10 Topics for Youth Meetings

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The Bible tells us to not be conformed to this world but rather have our minds transformed, so how can we do that? Discernment The Bible tells us to not be conformed to this world but rather have our minds transformed, so how can we do that? The Word of God commands us to “not […]

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What is the mark of the beast? What does Scripture say about it? End Times What is the mark of the beast? What does Scripture say about it? We can read about the Antichrist in Revelation 13 in the two beasts, one that comes from the sea and the other from the earth. These two […]

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The Bible tells us specifically who can and who can’t be a pastor, elder or deacon, but what if they’ve been married before? Biblical Qualifications The Bible tells us specifically who can and who can’t be a pastor, elder or deacon, but what if they’ve been married before? The qualifications from the Word of God […]

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Worship leaders play an important part in services, so to help them better serve the Lord and the church, here are some great Bible verses for worship leaders. Music Worship Leaders Worship leaders play an important part in worship services because worship music somewhat prepares the hearts of believers to hear the preaching of the […]

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With so much evil in the world, how can Christian parents and grandparents explain why God allows it and all the suffering that goes with it? Bad News With so much evil in the world, how can Christian parents and grandparents explain why God allows it and all the suffering that goes with it? All […]

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Evolution and creation both cannot be true and theistic evolution is not biblical. Problems with a Theory Evolution and creation both cannot be true and theistic evolution is not biblical. The first problem that arises with evolution is that many believe that microevolution and macroevolution are the same thing and work in similar fashion, but […]

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It is very hard to forgive family and friends, but how can we forgive someone who is our enemy and doing us harm? Dying for the Ungodly It is very hard to forgive family and friends at times, but how can we forgive someone who is our enemy and doing us harm? To start with, […]

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If someone asks you why you believe in God, can you tell them? Here’s help. Law of Entropy If someone asks you why you believe in God, can you tell them? Here’s help. To start with, I mention the Second Law of Thermodynamics which states that “as one goes forward in time, the net entropy […]

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We might think that persecution is bad, but in fact, persecution causes the growth of the church but also growth in the Christian. Persecution We might think that persecution is bad, but in fact, persecution causes the growth of the church but also growth in the Christian. To begin with, everyone who lives a godly […]

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Jesus tells us to pray for our enemies and do good to them, but also to love our enemies, so how can we do that? God Loved His Enemies Jesus tells us to pray for our enemies and do good to them, but also to love our enemies, so how can we do that? Many […]

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Most of us are not thieves and do not steal, we might be surprised how we can steal without even being aware of it. Robbing God of Glory Most of us are not thieves and do not steal, but we might be surprised how we can steal without even knowing it. One of the greatest […]

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Funerals are hard for those left behind, but the Bible gives believers hope, so here are 5 great Bible verses to use for a funeral or graveside service. Second Timothy 4:7-8 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the […]

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What does the Bible say about how to pray and prayer in general? Praying in Secret -Matthew 6:6 What does the Bible say about how to pray and prayer in general? Jesus tells us not only how to pray (Matt 6:9-13), but when we do pray, we are to pray in private and not to […]

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Many claim to be prophets and apostles of God today, but what does Scripture say about the end of the age of the prophets and apostles? God Has Spoken Many claim to be prophets and apostles of God today, but what does Scripture say about the end of the age of the prophets and apostles? […]

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Funerals are hard enough for believers, but what do you say at an unbeliever’s funeral service? Sympathy and Compassion Funerals are hard enough for believers, but what do you say at an unbeliever’s funeral service? The Bible commands us to weep with those that weep (Rom 12:15). It doesn’t say we should not weep for […]

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Jesus warned us that if we deny Him then He will deny us before the Father, so can believers actually deny Jesus Christ? Fear of Man Jesus warned us that if we deny Him before others then He will deny us before the Father, so can believers actually deny Jesus Christ? If we’re ashamed of […]

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It’s almost common today to plead the blood of Jesus when praying for something or over someone, so it is biblical to plead the blood of Jesus? The Blood of Jesus It’s almost common today to plead the blood of Jesus when praying for something or over someone, so it is biblical to plead the […]

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The Apostle John writes there is a sin which leads to death, but what is the sin that leads to death? Unforgiveable Sin The Apostle John writes there is a sin which leads to death, but what is the sin that leads to death? One sin that we all know leads to death is to […]

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When it seems we’ve reached the end of our rope and everything seems hopeless, you can still have hope in Christ. Hope in His Love – Psalm 33:18 When it seems we’ve reached the end of our rope and everything seems hopeless, you can still have hope in Christ. King David had been in peril […]

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We are told to put on the armor of God because there is an invisible enemy seeking to destroy us, so what does the Bible say about spiritual warfare? The Invisible Enemy We are told to put on the armor of God because there is an invisible enemy seeking to destroy us, so what does […]

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When life seems to be too much for us, and we’re out of energy to keep on fighting, how can we find strength in God? The Lord is our Strength – Exodus 15:2 When life seems to be too much for us, and we’re running out of energy, and we don’t feel like we can […]

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Jesus says that true disciples must deny themselves, take up their cross and follow Him, so how can believers do that? Denying Self Jesus says that true disciples must deny themselves, take up their cross and follow Him, so how can believers do that? Just after telling the disciples He was going to Jerusalem to […]

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More and more churches are falling away from biblical truth and teaching and compromising with the world and there may be churches near you who are abandoning the truth once delivered. Abandoning the Faith The growth of churches which are falling away from biblical truth and teaching and compromising with the world is growing exponentially […]

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There are many great and precious promises in the Bible, so here are 5 examples that should give us peace of mind about the promises of God. God’s Promise to Abraham – Genesis 18:10 There are many great and precious promises in the Bible, so here is the first of 5 examples that should give […]

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Ithink most people are not as patient as they should be, and that includes me, but here are 5 Bible verses that will help us understand God’s timing.

Waiting on God’s Timing has its Rewards – Psalm 27:14I think most people are not as patient as they should be, and that includes me, but is the first of 5 Bible verses that will help us understand God’s timing. To start with, David had to wait a long, long time for Saul to exit the throne of Israel before he could reign as King. In fact, David waited over 20 years of his life to be made king. How David handled this for more than two decades shows his great patience and trust in God’s timing, not his. He had two chances to kill King Saul, but knew it was not God’s will. He writes during this time of great difficulty and uncertainty to “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27:14)! So easy to say…so very hard to do, but David’s example of waiting on God’s timing is an excellent lesson for us to try and not take matters into our own hands and try to force God’s hand.

Will you be patient and wait on God, or be impatient and act on your own will?

Renewing Your Strength by Waiting – Isaiah 40:31Isaiah the Prophet tells us that it is those who wait upon the Lord who will have their strength renewed. I assume for those who don’t wait upon the Lord, their strength is zapped. Isaiah the Prophet says that “they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31). We can grow weary and might even faint during circumstances and having to wait, but waiting on God is a form of rest. When we rest in Him, we show we have trust in Him. And that means our trust is in the right place or rather, the right Person.

A Time for Everything and Purpose – Ecclesiastes 3:1Solomon explains that whatever happens in our life ultimately has a purpose, including the time when things happen. In the end, it is God’s timing that matters. There are proper times for everything and for every occasion. For example, at a funeral, it’s a time to cry, not laugh (Eccl 3:4). At times we know it’s best to keep silent and at other times, to speak up (Eccl 3:7). There’s even a right time for war and for peace (Eccl 3:8), but again, God’s timing is always best. We need to recognize and show wisdom in knowing when and how to act or not to act in certain situations because “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” (Eccl 3:1).

Our Frame and God’s Time Frame – 2 Peter 3:9The Apostle Peter wants us to understand that God is not limited by time and space, and that thousands of years to us are but a day to Him. In other words, God’s time or His timing may not match what we think our timing should be. One example is about the second coming of Jesus Christ. Many who say they used to believe in God and others who are openly hostile to God, and thus, to hostile to Christians “will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation” (2 Pet 3:4). All we can say is the Lord says no one can know the day or hour of His second coming, but we know for a fact that He is coming (Rev 1:7). Why has Jesus not yet come back? Peter says it is because God “is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Pet 3:9). He is waiting for that last sinner to repent and be saved, or what the Apostle Paul called, “The fullness of the Gentiles” (Rom 11:25). For me, I am glad He didn’t come before I was saved!

Nothing’s too Hard for God – Genesis 18:14Although the child of Promise, Isaac is not yet born, God encourages Abraham, now 99 years old now, that he’s going to be a father, proving that nothing is too hard for God. Biologically, things didn’t look good for Sarah to bear a child. Remember, she would be 90 years old when the child was born! Even though Abraham was pleasantly surprised, Sarah wasn’t thoroughly convinced, so God said to her, “Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son” (Gen 18:14). And of course, it came to pass so that was a rhetorical question. God wasn’t asking Abraham’s opinion. Now, I have a question for me. Is anything too hard for me? Yep! Lots of things are hard for me, but for God, there is nothing that is hard. We think our problems are huge? Then our estimation of God is too small, for He is infinitely greater than our biggest problems.

ConclusionGod is waiting for sinners to repent today and to come for the free gift of God (Eph 2:8-9), saving faith in Jesus Christ. I plead with you right now to come to Christ and put your trust in Him. He can cleanse you from all sin and make you presentable before a Holy God in heaven. Without Christ’s imputed righteousness, you cannot enter the Kingdom (Rev 21:8). That means you enter into eternal darkness and weeping and gnashing of teeth. I ask you now to repent today and put your trust in Christ or face God’s judgment after death (Heb 9:27) or at Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), whichever happens to come first.

Here is some related reading for you: 8 Favorite Bible Verses About God’s Timing

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People struggle to find out God’s will for their lives, but God’s will for our lives is easy to find in Scripture.

God’s Will and Ours – Matthew 6People struggle to find out God’s will for their lives, but God’s will for our lives is easy to find in Scripture. For example, when we pray, we must pray for God’s will above our own since His will is perfect and our will is less than perfect. I don’t know about you, but I tend to pray that my will is done on earth as it should be done in heaven, not the other way around. And I could not be more wrong. Notice that Jesus was teaching the disciples about how to pray. It’s not meant to be a prayer to repeat. They’re told to “pray then like this” (Matt 6:9), not “pray this. same prayer.” The Lord’s Prayer is fine to say out loud in church or elsewhere, so don’t get me wrong, but it’s not a prayer that should stand alone. God wants to know in specific detail the things we’re praying for or in desperate need of. But, above all, we must pray to God, “your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt 6:10). If we have good sense, we’ll know it’s best to pray for His will and not ours.

Discerning the Will of God – Romans 12A believer is better equipped to discern the will of God when they’re not conformed to this world, but instead, are transformed by a renewed mind. That renewal comes from the Holy Spirit, essentially converting dead sinners into live, saved children of God (Eph 2:1-5). We must not “be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom 12:2). By the Spirit’s renewing our mind (this is a daily occurrence), we can more easily determine what is right and what is wrong, thereby, knowing God’s will more easily. Charles Spurgeon said discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong; it is knowing the difference between right and almost right. A renewed mind can discern the difference.

Knowing God’s Will – 1 Peter 2You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination“ (Lev 18:22).

Living a life that pleases God, like not living in the flesh, is the will of God, so God’s will is not something He hides from us or some mystery we must figure out. It is plainly revealed in Scripture. For example, we’re commanded to respect those in authority (1 Pet 2:13-14), even if they’re evil, “For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people” (1 Pet 1:15). To submit to and respect authority is the will of God. Only when man’s law conflicts with God’s Law do we obey God over man (Acts 5:27-29).

We know that this is “God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God” (1 Thess 4:3-5). There’s nothing ambiguous about that. If you or someone else you know who claims to know Christ is living in sexual immorality, they are outside of God’s will. It’s plain as day.

Accepting God’s Will – Matthew 27If Jesus had not accepted God’s will, we would still be in our sins, and we’d die in our sins, and that means the wrath of God would abide on us for all time, so doing God’s will, even though painful, must always be done. Three times Jesus prayed to the Father to have this cup of Calvary pass from Him, but above His own feelings, He still said, “your will be done” (Matt 28:42). Jesus accepted God’s will that He die for ungodly, wicked enemies of His (Rom 5:6-10). This is why we call grace, not just grace…but amazing grace. That Jesus would die for unworthy sinners…that He Himself was without sin, spot, or blemish…is something we should be thankful to God for. To thank God for such a great salvation is the will of God.

Giving Thanks is God’s Will – 1 Thessalonians 5Christians give thanks to God for all of the good things He’s done, and that’s a lot, but it’s actually God’s will for us to be thankful at all times, no matter what the circumstances are. We are commanded to “Rejoice always [and] pray without ceasing” (1 Thess 5:16-17), but no matter what things look like, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess 5:18). To be thankful “in all circumstances” is not very easy to do. Sometimes God’s will is not easy to do, but it is more pleasing to God when we thank God, even while we’re going through a great difficulties.

ConclusionWe know that the will of God is that none should perish apart from Jesus Christ (Ezk 33:11; 2 Pet 4:9), but that’s just what sinners will do if they reject their only hope of salvation (Acts 4:12). There is no other way made possible by God except through Jesus’ sacrificial atonement (Acts 16:30-31). To reject Christ today is to take chance for eternity since no one has any guarantee that their tomorrow will ever come and if you die without Christ, judgment is sure to come (Heb 9:27). Today is the day to choose Christ (2 Cor 6:2). If you refuse again and again, there is the danger that your heart will harden against the gospel over time and you will not hear the Spirit’s voice any longer (Heb 3:7-19). Jesus will either be your Savior (John 3:16) or your Judge (Rev 20:12-15). Whichever He is to you, is entirely up to you.

Here is some related reading for you: How to Find God’s Will in Your Life

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God blesses us in many ways, more than we can even imagine, so here are 5 great examples of God’s pouring out His blessings.

Abraham’s Blessing Was Our Blessing Too – Genesis 12God blesses us in many ways, more than we can even imagine, so here is the first of five great examples of God’s pouring out His blessings. When God told Abraham that all the nations of the earth would be blessed through His seed, God was ultimately referring to Jesus Christ, one of Isaac’s descendants (Gen 12:3). His blessing would cover all the families of the earth (the nations) by offering the forgiveness of sins and eternal life to all who would believe. No other blessing can even come close to that. What can compare to a human soul and its eternal destination? By Abraham’s obedience, the whole world and ages into eternity will be blessed through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. We too should add that blessing to others as we share the gospel of Jesus life, death and resurrection, which is essentially the gospel (1 Cor 15:1-5).

The Blessed to Bless Others – Romans 15The Apostle Paul told the Roman church that since they’ve received every spiritual blessing from God, they must also be a blessing to others, particularly to God’s chosen people Israel through whom the oracles (Word) of God came. Paul’s point is that since “the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings” (Rom 15:27b). The “them” Paul was referring to were the Jewish Christians at Jerusalem who were undergoing a great famine and severe persecution. Since the Jews had preserved the Word of God (the oracles), we are indebted to them since that is where salvation is found. How can we know the gospel unless we’ve heard it and read it, and how will we know unless the Word of God has been preserved? We ought to pray for the Jewish people and be grateful for their dogmatic preservation of the Scriptures; the very Word of God that we hold in our hands today. Not every generation has been so blessed. Even today, many are put to death for even having a Bible in their possession.

The Blessed Ones of God – Psalm 144“Blessed be the Lord, my rock” (Psalm 144:1a).

Whoever is a child of God has already been richly blessed, but not by wealth, but by God’s mercy and grace, the greatest blessing of all. That doesn’t exclude physical blessings too and relationship blessings (spouse, parents, friends, etc.). If you’ve trusted in Christ, then you are blessed beyond measure and abundantly more than the lost, so truly, “Blessed are the people to whom such blessings fall! Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 144:15). Amen and again we should all shout, “Blessed be the Lord, my rock” (Psalm 144:1a). All other ground is sinking sand in comparison to knowing the Rock of our Salvation; the Lord Jesus Christ. If you have trusted in Jesus Christ, then you are most blessed by the Lord because He is your God.

Blessed by Blessing Others – Proverbs 28Solomon writes that a faithful man will both be blessed and be a blessing to others, but no such blessing can be found for those who pursue wealth as their chief goal. This explains why Solomon wrote that “A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished” (Prov 28:20). Hastening to get rich rarely works and serves only to wreck relationships and destroy trust among people. When the rich seek to get richer rather quickly, they often take advantage of the poor. And it is to their own ruin since “The one who trusts in the Lord will be enriched” (Prov 28:25b). Whoever trusts in self will surely be disappointed, but whoever trusts in Jesus Christ shall never be put to shame (Rom 10:11). Let us bless others as God has blessed us. To be a blessing is to receive a blessing.

To be a blessing is to receive a blessing.

Obedience Brings Blessings – Deuteronomy 28God told ancient Israel that they would live under a cause and effect economy; obey God and be blessed, disobey God and fall under a curse. We also have to choose; either blessings or curses. God made us free moral agents, but we will be responsible for our choices. Consequences always follow choices. We reap what we sow, even later than we sow, but in time, we will be sure to reap whatever it is we’ve sown. One such consequence (or effect) is of obedience, where “blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God” (Deut 28:2). There are also consequences if we “will not obey the voice of the Lord your God or be careful to do all his commandments and his statutes that I command you today, then all these curses shall come upon you and overtake you” (Deut 28:15). Continual disobedience to God will bring curse after curse upon us and upon the nation (Deut 28:16-24).

ConclusionJesus became a curse for us so we could be blessed with eternal life. The greatest blessing in history came from the greatest Man in History; the God-Man, Jesus Christ. Through Him as Abraham’s seed, He is still blessing all the nations. He is bringing many sons and daughters to faith in Jesus Christ. The greatest act of disobedience is failing to put your trust in the Son of God, Jesus Christ. He is the one and only way to the Kingdom (Acts 4:12). There is no other blessing that compares to knowing Him and having your names written in heaven. If you haven’t repented of your sins and placed your trust in Jesus Christ, then you will face the wrath of God at Jesus’ appearance (Rev 20:12-15), or after death (Heb 9:27), whichever happens first. I plead with you today to make this the moment of your salvation. Today is the day. Tomorrow may not come. And there is no repentance in hell.

Here is some related reading for you: The Amazing Blessings of God in the Bible

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The Bible says a lot about faith, but what is true, biblical faith and how can we have it?

Faith is More Than Hoping – Hebrews 11The Bible says a lot about faith, but what is true, biblical faith and how can we have it? Read why faith is more than just hoping for something; faith is the assurance of the things we hope in and is a conviction of the things we do not yet see (Heb 11:1). We take it by faith that God has said He created the heavens and the earth (Gen 1:1; Heb 11:2). All we need do is to look up and see that “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). The Psalmist said it was as if the creation itself testifies that there must be a Creator (Psalm 19:2-3). Maybe this is why among all the sciences, astronomers believe in God more than all the other scientific disciples. They can see God’s “handiwork” in the universe.

Faith is Dead Without Works – James 2James tells us we must show our faith by the works we do, not that we’re saved by works, but our works for God show that our faith is real. Someone might (and has always said in such cases), “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works” (James 2:18). We can proclaim we are saved and have received saving faith, however “faith apart from works is useless” (James 2:19). If we’re all talk and no show, then our faith is not real. To claim to believe means little because even demons believe and are not converted and do no works but evil (James 2:19), so it’s works that prove our salvation; works that God has long ago prepared for us to do (Eph 2:10).

Faith Justifies Us – Romans 3Paul tells us just what the Old Testament stated long ago, and that is, we are justified by faith and not by works, although like Abraham, works will be evident. God says that we are saved by faith…which comes from God Himself (Eph 2:8-9), so “the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction” (Rom 3:22). To believe in Jesus’ sinless life, death and resurrection is to have faith in God and that is why it’s called saving faith. We believe Jesus lived and died for us. That faith justifies us in God’s sight. The gospel includes the sinless life, the atoning death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Cor 15:1-5). We were not there. We were not eyewitnesses to this, but we believe by God’s Spirit and by God’s Word. The Spirit of God takes the Word of God and reveals the Son of God and births a child of God (John 1:12-13, 3:3-7; 1 Pet 1:23). The fact is, even our need for Jesus’ cleansing comes from God Himself since even our faith is from God (1 John 5:4).

Faith is Believing God – Gen 15Abraham believed what God told him about a far way land and did what God commanded him, so God accounted that belief of his as righteousness. When God told the old man Abraham that his descendants would be like the stars in heaven and that he was to go to a place he had never seen or been too, what did Abraham do? Did he question God like, “Where is the place? Is it safe? How can I survive bandits along the way?” No, the Scriptures indicated that Abraham “believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness” (Gen 15:6). That’s seeing things with the eyes of faith…and that’s what faith is. We trust God, even in the silence and even in the darkness. We don’t believe our eyes more than we believe our God. We believe in God, despite what our eyes see!

I’ve been over a major bridge on a highway hundreds of times….I never stop to check underneath the bridge to see if the steel beams are still in place, or if the pylons are still standing. I know by faith because I’ve driven over it hundreds of times. I trust that bridge, but with God, I trust Him infinitely more.

Pleasing God with Faith – Hebrews 11It’s not hard to please God without faith…it’s impossible, so whoever believes in God and draws near to Him will have a great reward coming for their faith in Him. To have faith in God means we trust God and God is pleased when we trust Him, even in the dark. If we don’t trust God, we have no faith in God, and the fact is, “without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (Heb 11:6). Why go to God in prayer if you doubt Him now? That does not please God. Trusting Him is having faith in Him…not having faith in circumstances or in self. I place no confidence in my flesh (Phil 3:1-9).

ConclusionBelievers have faith in Jesus Christ and it’s called, saving faith. We have trusted in Him to be our righteousness before God, having passed from judgment because of the shed blood of the Lamb of God, without spot and without blemish. If you have trusted in Christ, you must have at least some faith. If not, I plead with you right now to place your trust in Jesus Christ, while it is still called today (2 Cor 6:2). We have no guarantee that tomorrow will ever come, but we do know that judgment comes and is appointed for all after death (Heb 9:27) or at His appearing (Rev 1:7), whichever comes first. Here is your future with Christ: Revelation 21:1-5. Here is your future without Christ: Revelation 20:12-15. Choose today while there is still yet time (Rev 1:7).

Here is some related reading for you: How Abraham Proved His Faith by Works

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Many Christians have compromised biblical truth about sexual immorality and so some now say there is a Side A Christian, Side B Christiasn and so on, so who or what is Side A and Side B Christians?

Side B ChristiansMany Christians have compromised biblical truth about sexual immorality and so some now say there is a Side A Christian, Side B Christiasn and so on, so who or what is Side A and Side B Christians? Side A Christians are those who believe that sexual attractions to members of the same sex are okay and that God blesses sex between members of the same sex within certain boundaries. Side B Christians are “Christians” who acknowledge that their sexual orientation is open to their choice. Not all of them, but some. The term Side B derives from an Internet forum where Side A Christians, with an affirming view of LGBT sexuality, were contrasted with Side B Christians, so this is a group of openly LGBTQ Christians who, while embracing their sexual orientation, also believe God designs sex and marriage to occur exclusively between a man and a woman. The group, called “Side B” (as opposed to Side A Christians who celebrate same-sex marriage and sex), is a largely virtual community that sits in the middle of a culture war. Over the years, Side B has felt less like a theological position and more like a distinct sub subculture. Actually, there is only one Christian (and not really Side A, Side B and so on). All others are imitations or frauds from the Devil. True Christians strive to avoid sin, particularly sexual immorality.

Truth DividesThey rightfully say that truth divides. It does. It divides truth from error. It divides false, satanic teaching from true biblical teaching, where for example, God created one male and one female for each other (Gen 1:27). The differences in their sex would give the relationship balance, so any differences in the biblical view of marriage and the liberal churches (and pastors) whose view on biblical marriage are skewed by society, changing with the times. Sadly, they forget God never changes (Mal 3:6-8), nor does His Word (Matt 24:35). These differences are indeed huge “dividing lines” as they separate false converts from true believers; the sheep from the goats. These will be the same ones that Jesus will turn away someday who believed they were saved (Matt 7:21-23) but practiced immorality. They changed their beliefs to fit society, thereby falling from grace.

Slaves to SinPeople can claim they’re Christian till they’re blue in the face, but in John 8:34 “Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin” (John 8:34). They might think they’re free, claiming to be Christian but yet practicing sexual immorality. The truth is they are still “saves to sin and not the righteousness of God” (John 8:34). How do we know that? Jesus said “The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever” (John 8:35), so if the son does not remain in the house (or they have not fully trusted in Christ but in themselves), they are still a slave to sin and Satan (2 Cor 4:3-4). Notice the close parallel of Leviticus 18:30 where God’s Law says to “keep my charge never to practice any of these abominable customs that were practiced before you, and never to make yourselves unclean by them: I am the LORD your God.”

God’s Unchanging WordGod’s Word doesn’t change with the times because God’s Word is timeless and eternally true. Society changes but we must not change God’s teaching in order to suit it and the world’s lifestyle. Being a friend of the world makes you an enemy of God (James 4:4). Besides, preaching the gospel suits any society. We must forever and always contend for the original faith that was once and for all delivered to us (Jude 1:3), and deliver exactly the same to others (Mark 1:15; Matt 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Jude 1:23-24).

True LoveMany professing Christians who say it’s okay to live in unnatural relationships (men with men and women with women) believe its okay because they “love” the other person. If they love them, it must be okay in God’s eyes, but I am reminded that Eve loved the forbidden fruit in the Garden and bank robbers love money, so that’s no reason to live in disobedience. Besides, love and lust are too easily misidentified. What is often called manifest love is more often manifold lust. True love is displayed by obedience. Jesus said if you love Him, you will obey Him (John 14:15). Those who condone or approve of sexually immoral relationships think they are trying to expand how the church views love and kinship. That is why they give their approval of unbiblical relationships and actually condone or approve of such behavior.

Me-ology and TheologyToo such as these, the Apostle Paul says, “For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature” (Rom1:26). And in similar fashion, “the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error” (Rom 1:27). This type of illicit relationship is not only contrary to nature, it is sin against God and one’s own body (1 Cor 6:18). Sinning before God, especially in sexual immorality, is not a very loving thing to do for God, and it actually destroys any “kinship,” unless you count kinship with the world. True love of God is obeying God and His Word, the Bible, not compromising with His Word. The Bible teaches theology but liberals have always taught “me-ology.”

You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination“ (Lev 18:22).

The New “Normal?”Think hard on this. It’s not only those who practice sexually immoral lifestyles that will be condemned (unless they repent), but those who give their approval of it. When society condones or approves of sexually immoral lifestyles as “normal,” then society and the people in it will suffer God’s judgment too. Every celebrity or false pastor who supports same sex marriage will share in their judgment. So says the Apostle Paul who wrote, “Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them” (Rom 1:32). They know about God’s righteousness and so are without excuse (Rom 1:18-22), so it’s not only “those who practice such things” who will face God’s wrath (Rom 2:2), but also those who “give approval to those who practice them,” and do so publically and politically.

Practicing Sexual SinI played basketball as a youth and I had to practice it every day. I loved it, so that’s why I practiced it a lot. Those who are still lost practice sin every day and give no thought to it, but we who know Christ now “fall” into sin and do not practice it like we would a sport we love. We strive to avoid it, and fall as we may, we don’t dive into it like lost sinners do (and we once did; 1 Cor 6:11). That’s what Paul means be practicing. He writes that “the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine” (1 Tim 1:10). The Bible is crystal clear that “the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality” (1 Cor 6:9), so you and I “may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God” (Eph 5:5). There is only one side to Christianity…the right side in Christ.

ConclusionI pray you’ve already trusted in Christ and repented of your sins and that you will abstain from sexual immorality, knowing God does not approve and those who practice these things as a lifestyle will not enter the kingdom. If you have still not trusted in Christ, you will surely face God’s judgment after death (Heb 9:27) or at Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), whichever comes first. I plead with you right now to make today your day of salvation (2 Cor 6:2), because only then can you stand before God, having Jesus’ own righteousness (2 Cor 5:21). If that’s true, I will see you in the Kingdom!

Here is some related reading for you: What Does the Bible Say About Sexual Desire?

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It’s easy to slide into complacency in the Christian faith, but how can we avoid turning into a lukewarm Christian?

Yeast and SinIt’s easy to slide into complacency in the Christian faith, but how can we avoid turning into a lukewarm Christian? Sin is compared to yeast in the Bible because it puffs up and enlarges the lump, but yeast works best in, guess what…lukewarm water! It’s the same thing that sin does in the believer when we’re lukewarm for Jesus Christ and holy living. We have an overestimated opinion of our sins (I’m not that bad…not as bad as the next fella…etc.), but Jesus warned the Laodicean Church in the Book of Revelation about being lukewarm. When we think we’re doing just fine, God warns us, “Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump” (1 Cor 5:6)? It doesn’t take much sin in the church to affect the whole body as “A little leaven leavens the whole lump” (Gal 5:9). The same thing is true for believers.

The Laodicean ChurchIt’s far too easy to make money a god in our lives. Why? It’s because money supplies all of our needs, can grant our every desire, and can give us more influence and power than others might have around us. The problem is, instead of owning possessions, they begin to own us. Jesus rebuked the Laodicean Church by telling them, “For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked” (Rev 3:17). They might have been physically rich, but they were spiritually bankrupt. The problem was they didn’t even know it. They thought they were just fine, but in God’s eyes, they were “wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” When we place anything or anyone else ahead of God, we’re no better than the lost. The Laodicea church was near modern Denizli, Turkey, but today, all that is left of this church is ruins. Why? It’s because they did not have ears to hear and to listen and obey so Jesus removed their lampstand.

Laodicean ChristiansIf we begin to have Laodicean tendencies, Jesus warns us too, saying, “I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see” (Rev 3:18). Jesus says to us and He says to the church, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me” (Rev 3:20). If He is knocking at the door, this means He’s not even in the church but He desires to be allowed in. He wants to eat with us and fellowship with us, but we must hear His voice and open the door. That’s something we must do.

Tares and WheatWhen Jesus spoke about tares within the wheat, He meant there would be a mixture of false converts among the genuine believers and since we may not know the difference, we’re not to “uproot them” from the church (Matt 13:30). Likely, we’d be wrong about some, but God says to you today, if you haven’t yet heard His voice (the Holy Spirit’s calling), “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts” (Heb 4:7c). Trust in Him today…right now, while it is still called today and it is still “a favorable time” (2 Cor 6:2a). Tomorrow may be too late (Heb 9:27; Rev 1:7), so God says again, “Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor 6:2b).

Being SureDo you think you might be living like a Laodicean? Then examine your faith and inspect your fruit. We must “be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall” (1 Pet 1:10). What things was the Apostle Peter referring to where he asks if we practice these things? What things? These qualities include “faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love” (1 Pet 1:5-7). These are not only fruits to be found in the believer’s life, but the Apostle was saying that “if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Pet 1:8). Either our fruit is increasing or we’re not attached to the Vine, because without being joined to Jesus Christ, we can do nothing at all (John 15:5).

ConclusionIf you’re not sure you are saved, then talk to your pastor or a trusted Christian friend who you know today. Do not put this off. We must get this right. Eternity is a long, long time to be wrong. Jesus’ promise to all is, “Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). Jesus promised that “everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this” (John 11:26)? I hope you do believe. If you are not sure, please make sure today…right now. Jesus could come at any moment and then it will be too late (Rev 1:7), or you might not live past today and then judgment then would be swift and sure (Heb 9:27). My prayer for all who read this is that they repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and are saved. Being lukewarm is a warning sign…a sign you might not be saved at all. And that would be one huge tragedy if it were so (Rev 20:12-15).

Here is some related reading for you: What Are Signs Your Church is Lukewarm or Laodicean?

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Many Christians have experienced a “dark night of the soul,” but what happens when you lose your faith? Are you lost forever?

FaithMany Christians have experienced a “dark night of the soul,” but what happens when you lose your faith? Are you lost forever? I cannot keep track of all the people who have contacted us through our website that feel like they’ve lost their faith…some, even their salvation. They’re in a crisis and feel like they can’t go on. They have “lost their faith” and now they don’t know what to do. What would you tell them? We shouldn’t tell them to “Keep your chin up” or even, “We know that all things work together for your good” (Rom 8:28). Even though that’s true, it may not feel true to them…at least it doesn’t feel true right now. We must show mercy on those who have doubts (Jude 1:22). We should never kick another believer when they’re down. The only time we should look down on someone is when we’re helping them up. And if we think a crisis of faith can’t happen to us, then we’re more vulnerable to it than we think. To say “That can’t happen to me” is dangerous ground to walk upon.

Your SalvationHow many have contacted us about losing their salvation (or thought they had?)? There were countless thousands over the last 14 years. The question becomes, “If they had eternal life and lost it, was it truly eternal?” No! You cannot lose what you did not gain and that is eternal life in Christ. He alone chooses those whom He pleases (John 6:37-44; Rom 8:35-39; Eph 1). Since He is the Author of our Faith, He is also the Finisher of it (Heb 12:2) and He finishes what He starts (Jude 1:24). Too often people say, “I feel I’ve lost it…” or “I feel like I’m condemned,” but what happens is they put more priority on their feelings than they do the facts of God’s Word (John 10:28-29). Feelings are very unreliable and subjective, but God’s Word is objective, meaning it is always true, so don’t rank your “feelings” over the facts. Feelings are the shallowest part of human understanding. The Truth of Scripture is the deepest depth of truth there is.

Exercising Your FaithIf you feel like God is far from you, think about this; who went where? Who moved? Was it God…or have we moved away from Him? We might have taken God’s silence as God’s judgment, but that’s not fair to God. God works where eyes cannot see or ears cannot hear. We must live by faith and not so much live by sight. Faith is like a muscle…we must exercise it or we will lose it. At the least, our faith will be weakened. The best way to strengthen your faith (hard as it is) is to trust God in all trials and tribulations. When all is going well, there’s no reason to exercise faith. That’s why God allows trials for us. A faith not be tested is a faith not trusted. We must see with the eyes of faith, not by sight. God will not ever, no not ever, forsake us (Heb 13:5), even when we forsake Him. He is faithful, even when we are not.

Precious PromisesWhen you feel like you’ve lost your faith, do the only thing you can do and that is run to the Word of God. Remember His great and precious promises (2 Pet 1:4). He will see you all the way into the Kingdom. God the Father has no aborted children! What He starts, He begins (Rom 8:37-39). The Apostle Paul was confident of God’s ability to bring believers into the kingdom that he wrote, “I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil 1:6). What God begins, God will complete. That truth is true even if you have the flu. Forget what you “feel.” Remember what He promises! Forget what you “feel” but trust what He says for His Word is always true, no matter what you feel!

Lost and FoundIt may actually be a good thing if someone believes they’ve lost their salvation or lost their faith. God may be drawing them to Christ for the first time and putting doubts in their minds so that they might actually be saved for the first time. In other words, they might not have even been saved at all…and this may be the way they are saved by God! God is mysterious in His election and saving of sinners. That’s why we’re commanded to make our own election by God and His calling sure or certain (2 Pet 1:10). That’s a command…not a suggestion! A truism is this; the more you read the promises of God, the less you’ll believe your own feelings. If given a choice, I’m going with facts over feelings.

ConclusionWe must trust God at times of crisis. God will not give up on us, even if we give up on Him for a time. God will not forsake us or leave us, even when we leave and forsake Him for a time. He is truly faithful. Never forget His true and trusted promises. God will never abandon His very own children (Heb 13:5) any more than a father or mother would forsake their own children. God is faithful and will never abandon those who have trusted in Jesus Christ (John 6:37, 39, 44; 10:28-29). It is my prayer that you have already trusted in Christ, but if you haven’t…that’s bad. That means you must face God’s judgment after death (Heb 9:27), or at Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), whichever happens to come first, so put your faith in Christ, while it is still called today (2 Cor 6:2).

Here is some related reading for you: What is a Crisis of Faith? Are You Having One Now?

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It was said of mothers once, “The hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world.” Here’s a tribute to honor mothers everywhere and those who fill the role of “mom.”

Honoring MothersIt was said of mothers once, “The hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world.” Here’s a tribute to honor mothers everywhere and those who fill the role of “mom.” There is no more profound truth than this, and being a father and a grandfather, I have no jealousy at all about it. I just know that mother’s deserve this fitting tribute. I have such respect for motherhood and hold these selfless women in highest regard and esteem and of course those who fill the role of “mom” in other people’s lives.

A mother’s love is so essential to life. Children can actually die from a lack of love, the same as animal babies can too. Even adults can shrivel up and die, inside at least, without love, particularly a mother’s love. A mother’s hand is the preeminent hand that affects history. So here is what I hope a fitting tribute to mothers and a tribute to their sacrificial labor of love in the poem I wrote for my wife who I believe (along with her mother) is the best mother that God could create.

Proverbs 6:20 – “My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.”

“Let your father and mother be glad; let her who bore you rejoice” (Prov 23:25).

Mothers rule the world,
and fathers may be jealous.
But when hunger pain or skinned up knee,
what clearly does this tell us?

She always has the time for us,
her tender mercies show.
With love like, not quick to judge,
even to death row.

This special bond resembles love,
Christ Jesus’ of the Father.
With feedings up at two AM,
no sign that this does bother.

She cooks, she cleans, she sews, she mends,
and gives the best advice.
Yet no one seems to notice her,
or the endless sacrifice.

Many years and trails of tears,
her children grown too soon.
But even when they’re grown and gone,
they think she hung the moon.

So here’s to mothers everywhere,
regarding self not of,
Your long enduring labor is,
a labor come from love.

“Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise),” Eph 6:2

Proverbs 23:22 – “Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.”

ConclusionI pray you honor your mother which is the first commandment given with a promise of a longer life. It does seem to go well for those who care for their mothers, fulfilling the 5th Commandment to honor our parents. I pray you’ve already trusted in Christ and discover what God’s will is for your life; what He has called you to do (Matt 25:35-36; 28:18-20). If you have still not trusted in Christ, God will say no to you regarding your entering into the Kingdom. Repent today and trust in Christ or face God’s judgment after death (Heb 9:27) or at Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), whichever comes first.

Here is some related reading for you: 8 famous Bible Mothers

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Why should the sovereignty of God comfort us in times of trouble?

What is Sovereignty?Why should the sovereignty of God comfort us in times of trouble? To begin with, God is in complete control of all things…good and bad. We too have free will just as God does but God has planned, even from before our birth, what we would do, where we’d live and whether we’d trust in Jesus Christ or not (Eph 1, 2:10). Whatever happens, God intends it for our best and not harm (Rom 8:28). So what is sovereignty? A king is sovereign over the entire kingdom. He controls whatever happens and determines who does what and what goes where. The king is the supreme authority and his sovereignty entails hierarchy within the state, as well as external autonomy for states. This is even more so for God. God’s sovereignty is not just ruling a kingdom but it is His dominant power and supreme authority over all that is created. One pastor said, “Not a fly moves unless God approves” and He knows when even one tiny sparrow falls to the ground (Matt 10:29), so why should God’s sovereignty be a comfort to those who believe?

But you, O LORD, are enthroned forever

No AccidentsIn God’s economy, there are no accidents. Around our house, I’m usually the one having accidents, but even these are ordained or allowed by God. Whatever is allowed by God is God’s will but we should never forget that bad things will turn out for our good (Gen 50:20), even if it doesn’t look like it at the time. One pastor recalled a time when he was about to be a guest speaker at a Christian conference; his first ever, but the evening before, he broke his leg by a freak accident. He was heartbroken but wait a moment! When he got to the hospital, they found out that there was a dangerous blood clot that was ready to break loose and possibly lodge in his heart. That would have been fatal, so this pastor’s “bad break” saved his life. That’s the way God works…wonderfully and mysteriously. We can trust Him even when the wheels fall off!

Complete Control“Faith must trample under foot all reason, sense and understanding.” Martin Luther

The Bible shows that from beginning to end, God has been and still is in, total control. Yes, Satan and his demons are creating havoc right now, but even the Devil is God’s Devil, so said Martin Luther. The evil done at Calvary to Jesus was inexcusable, and yet God used that great evil to bring in many sons and daughters of God. Jesus’ shed blood opened the portal to heaven. He made the eternal kingdom accessible to us and made us subjects of His, the Lord of lords and King of kings. God wins. That’s what we read in Revelation. There was little doubt of that of course, but evil may seem to be winning…at least for the moment, but that too will be part of God’s comprehensive plan of salvation. And in the end, all death and sin and evil will vanish (Rev 21:4).

Divine SovereigntyThe Word of God is so powerful; especially those verses speaking of God’s complete sovereign control. How amazing it is that God “chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him” and “In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will” (Eph 1: 4-5). He did the choosing, not we. We were just as dead as Lazarus in our sins (Eph 2:1-5) and dead men cannot choose God. Lazarus couldn’t cry out for help before Jesus resurrected him, so God had to make the first move (John 6:44). He had to love us first before we’d ever love Him (1 John 4:10, 19).

Part of His sovereignty is using others as a means to save people. Someone must have shared Christ with us, right? So we too must make the first move or how else will they know without hearing the Word and if not us, then who (Rom 10:14-15)? One of the most potent Bible verses about God’s sovereignty that is overlooked is from Isaiah the Prophet who wrote, “I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me” (Isaiah 6:8). If it is not you or me, then who? We cannot ignore the Supreme Commander’s imperative command (Matt 28:18-20; Acts 1:8) to rescue the perishing (Jude 1:23-24).

A MosaicI remember seeing a beautiful mosaic done in fabric. It was so beautiful and real looking, but on the backside, it looked like chaos. The threads and colors were all mixed together and the back of the mosaic looked like an accident at a paint factory. In the same way, we can only see things through a dark glass or only in part (1 Cor 13:12). Our trust in God must override what we see with our eyes. We must learn to see with the eyes of faith and not by sight. Especially considering God is Spirit. What He is doing in our lives, no eye can see nor understand (Rom 11:34). He must be most precious to us (I plead guilty of it not being so in my life!). I think we’ve all fallen far short. Do what we can with our own hands and then trust God with those things we have no control over and we’ll be fine.

ConclusionWe must trust God even in the silence or what seems to be, absence of God. His silence is not His shunning. Never will He forsake His own children (Heb 13:5) any more than a parent would forsake their own children. God is faithful and will not abandon those who have trusted in the Son of God (John 6:37, 39). It is my prayer that you have already trusted in Christ. If not, I pray you will repent today and trust in Christ and be saved. If you do not, you must face God’s judgment after death (Heb 9:27), or at Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), whichever happens to come first.

Here is some related reading for you: What is the Sovereignty of God?

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Why would someone believe that pain is a gift from God? In fact, there are several reasons that pain can help us.

Dependent upon GodWhy would someone believe that pain is a gift from God? In fact, there are several reasons that pain can help us. When you’re in pain, and especially when there’s nothing you can do about it, all you have to turn to is God; but that’s just what He wanted in the first place. Whether it’s pain of a physical, mental, emotional nature (or all three!), all we can do is come to Christ. Our Lord tells one and He tells all, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt 11:28). Do you feel totally spent or exhausted at times? Then come to Christ as He bids you, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt 11:29). Do you feel like you’ve got a ton of burden on your shoulders which feel more like a yoke on an ox? Jesus says “my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt 11:30). Your yoke is probably hard and likely heavy; His yoke lightens the load and it becomes less burdensome. That’s why we must come to Him and depend on Him when we can depend on no other. Allow that pain to drive you to His arms!

Cosmic SpankingsThe Word of God comforts the afflicted but it also afflicts the comfortable. It meets us where we are! It’s the living, active, breathing Word of God and it cuts deep…but it cuts in order to heal. David wrote that afflictions served good purposes (Psalm 119:67-71). It brings us to repentance and brings us into a more intimate prayer life with the Father. Anything that brings us to repentance and increases our prayer life is a good thing, and we know this is what God desires. If we start to wander off into trouble, as sheep are prone to do, the Good Shepherd brings us back into the fold (Prov 23). Even though it’s painful, it’s necessary. If a person had no feelings in their body, they could run around on a broken leg or scald themselves creating a serious burn without even knowing it. Pain is a warning that somethings not right and we need to look inward to see the cause.

Discipline = LoveAs a child, I remember this Bible verse’s truth which says, “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way” (Heb 12:11). Only after my son was grown and became a father could he see that discipline is a blessing. It shows love. It didn’t feel like it at the time, but it surely was an act of love. Spanking hurt, but it kept me out of playing in the street, which in turn, kept me alive to reach adulthood! Discipline is an act of love, not anger (Heb 12:9-10). The discipline of God is for our good and shows His deep love for us. The opposite of love is not hate…it is indifference or apathy.

Keeps us HumbleIt’s really hard to be arrogant or proud when you’re in pain. Pain tends to humble us or bring us to our knees. It makes us seek God in prayer more often and even asking prayer from the other saints. Since God is opposed to the proud and gives His grace only to the humble (James 4:6), if we become too full of ourselves, then God may allow something to humble us. Either we humble ourselves voluntarily…or God may have to do it for us. You can guess which would be more painful. If we humble ourselves under His mighty hand (1 Pet 5:6-7), He won’t have to do it for us! And it will likely be the hard way…so pain can and should humble us and make us feel no better than others. This is just what the Bible teaches, and in fact, we are to esteem others even better than ourselves (Phil 2:3-11).

You must not give up on your Lord; He knows your suffering …

Good to be AfflictedThe man who ignored his pain for 24 hours died in a local hospital. He had a burst appendix. That pain was a warning sign that he needed help. Pain is like the engine light that comes on when your car is having problems. It warns you before serious damage can occur. Chest pains have saved millions of lives by avoiding victims avoid a heart attack as they sought out medical help. Likewise, the psalmist wrote, “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes” (Psalm 119:71). Really!? It is good to be afflicted? The psalmist saw pain as a helpmate. For example, he wrote, “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word” (Psalm 119:67). Before he was afflicted, he (and we) had went astray (sinned!), but the affliction brought him back to the right path (Psalm 119:105). Our pain drives us to our knees to pray…drives us to His Word to read, and helps us learn the hard way that we must obey. Pain is a gift from God that keeps us alive and prevents us from having any unconfessed sin.

ConclusionWe know that everything that happens in our lives is allowed by God for our ultimate good (Rom 8:28). We can learn to trust Him and have faith when we can’t figure out why we’re in such pain. If it does nothing less than bring us to Him in prayer and we run to the Scriptures for comfort, the pain has done its work. No pain is ever wasted. Trust God even when nothing else makes sense. He is the Master Potter. As clay vessels, let us yield to life’s situations, whatever they may be, and trust in the work of His hands. These trials and tribulations mean to do us good, even in the worst of circumstances (Gen 50:20; Luke 9:22). If you have not yet trusted in Christ, save yourself some eternal pain and repent of your sins and put your trust in Christ. Whoever trusts in Him will see a pain-free eternity. I don’t promise you that…God does (Rev 21:1-5).

Here is some related reading for you: How to Thank God For Your Sorrows and Problems

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Christians are in a spiritual battle, backed by Satan and he wants your mind, so how can we resist satanic spiritual attacks?

The Prince of DarknessChristians are in a spiritual battle, backed by Satan and he wants your mind, so how can we resist satanic spiritual attacks? The Apostle Paul warns believers that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Eph 6:12). I don’t know about you, but I am no match for these “spiritual forces of evil” and I doubt you are either. The prince of the power of the air is also called the “god of this world” (2 Cor 4:4) and disbelievers are called the “sons of the devil” (John 8:44-45), so we’re going to need some help.

“Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”

Stand FirmYou can’t stand firm on your own and neither can I. We must put on the armor that God provides for us, meaning we must make the effort to put it on or take it up. We cannot afford to ignore this spiritual battle. An unseen enemy is even more dangerous than those of flesh and blood. At least you can see them! This is why it’s critical for every believer to “take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day” (Eph 6:13). If we don’t, then we may not “be able to withstand in the evil day” when troubles and temptations come fast and furious. Praying is a vital defense against spiritual attacks but prayer is also a strong shield and refuge for those who “come to Him” (Prov 30:5; Matt 1:28-30; Eph 6:18).

Own Worst EnemyWe are not only fighting an invisible enemy who is bent on destroying us, or at least causing us to sin and ruin our Christian witness, but we are fighting our own flesh. It’s like the man looking at the mirror: “Aha! I’ve met the enemy…and it’s me!” The three things that sealed off the Garden of Paradise was the pride of life, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes. It got Eve…and it’s still claiming victims. Satan wins when people say, “Did God really say?”…or, “The Bible’s just written by men.” Satan managed to make Eve doubt God’s Word and Satan’s still doing that in a world that’s growing further and further from God…and closer and closer to Satan.

Enemy TerritoryThe Devil has access to your home thru the Internet, TV and radio.

If we want to resist the Devil and demonic influences, we must stay out of enemy territory. That is, we must not place ourselves in places or situations where we can be tempted. Going to a bar to shoot pool is fun for some, but for a former alcoholic, it’s not a good choice! He or she is likely to be tempted…and thus, sin. A person who has problems with pornography should not be going to the movies with a friend or spouse if it’s full of sexually explicit images and language (and it likely is!). By the way, almost all movies today are R-rated. Even the Internet is dangerous to the human imagination. I recommend putting in a G-rated or family-rated filter in your browser (under browser settings) so that there’s no “accidental” image that might tempt someone (or family members who share the computer) to lust. Lusting at images or movies of adultery or illicit sexual relations is like doing the real thing to Jesus (Matt 5:28).

New CreationsIf we’re new creations in Christ (2 Cor 5:17) then we’ve got new friends in Christ. Or at least we should, so we can’t run with the former crowd if they’re still practicing sinful things. We are to be holy as God is holy. God commands us to come out of her (my people, i.e., Lev 11:44-45; 1 Pet 1:16; Rev 18:4). We’ve got new family and friends now (in the church). We need accountability partners…and yes, even me (Heb 10:24-25).

Soak in the WordWhat I mean by “soak in the Word” is to saturated and mediate and contemplate the Word of God in your mind. Be daily in Scripture. Immerse your mind in the teachings of Jesus Christ. I have heard people say that when they start reading the Word of God, spiritual attacks increase, but when they read it on their knees and read where Jesus has overcome the grave, and where it mention the shed blood of Jesus Christ that cleanses sinners, and where Satan’s fate is sealed…sure and certain…then…the attacks lesson. You must realize Satan hates hearing Scripture. He hates even more the parts where Jesus conquered the grave and defeated the god of this world. He has been judged and someday, sentence with be sudden and swift. Satan is furious he can’t rob our salvation from us (Rom 8:37-39; John 6:37-39, 10:28-29). The best he can do now is to influence our minds and persuade us to give into the pride of life, the lust of the flesh or the lust of the eyes (or all three!). If we fail to resist and flee from the Devil, we’ll likely fall into sin (James 4:7-8). The results are that Satan will win a battle by ruining our Christian witness to the world.

ConclusionI would suggest we stay out of areas and situations where we’d be tempted (notice I say “we,” meaning me too!). We should also avoid those who are still practicing sin (either today or the past crowd we used to follow). And I believe we should be in the Word, day and night, and every moment we can steal away, to be steeped in prayer to God. We must be intentionally taking up and putting on the spiritual armor that God has provided for us. I pray you have already trusted in Jesus Christ and discovered that you have access to the spiritual, invisible armor, well suited for an enemy who is also invisible, and putting it on so that our Christian witness is not ruined or we give cause for having God ‘s holy name blasphemed by our behavior.

Finally, if you have still not trusted in Christ, God will say no to you regarding your entering into the Kingdom. Repent today and trust in Christ or face God’s judgment after death (Heb 9:27), or at Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), whichever comes first.

Here is some related reading for you: How Can We Identify When Satan is Scheming Against Us?

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If you look at human history, it appears more people are going to hell than to heaven since only a small percentage of the world’s population is Christian.

Not Many SavedIf you look at human history, it appears more people are going to hell than to heaven since only a small percentage of the world’s population is Christian. Only 31.7 percent of the world’s population is considered Christian. By the way, the word “Christian” can be associated with some form of Christian faith, not necessarily the biblical definition. For example, hundreds of cults teach a different Christ and still claim to be Christian, but this is not a true Christian. The point is, there are fewer Christians than we think there are because not everyone who calls themselves a Christian, is one (Matt 7:21-23).

Out of this segment of self-proclaimed Christians (31.7%), those who do not profess Christ number a whopping 70 percent! Those who don’t profess Christ cannot call themselves a Christ. In China, which has nearly one-fifth of the earth’s population, only about 5 percent of the people profess to be Christians. India has 17 percent of the world’s population but only 2.6 percent Christian. Japan is less than 1 percent Christian and in the Middle East and North Africa only 3.8 percent of the population is Christian.

Is Christianity the Largest Religion?Although Christianity is considered the largest religion today, clearly we can see that the vast majority of humanity is not and has never been part of any form of Christian worship, so they cannot technically call themselves Christian.

According to Christian teachings, humans are made in the image of God; and as such, all should have an equal opportunity for eternal life. The Bible expresses exactly that “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality: But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him” (Acts 10:34-35). There are multiple millions that believe, but there are many more millions (and billions) who have never believed. The majority of the world right now and in human history appears to have rejected Jesus Christ, just as they did in First Century Judea, so on the surface at least, it appears that most people are not going to heaven but instead, they will be going to hell. Many are called, but only a few are chosen, as we shall see.

Many Called, Few ChosenHow can we know who the Christians truly are? They obey God. Jesus said “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matt 7:21-23). If someone is not following God’s Word or obeying Him, then that person cannot truly claim to be a Christian. On the Day of Judgment, tragically, many will believe they are saved but are not. Jesus said in fact, “many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name” (Matt 7:22). They claim to have taught Jesus’ Word and to have been in His service, but what does Jesus say of such people. He says, “then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness” (Matt 7:23). There remained lawlessness in their life and un-repentant of sin, so it’s not that He didn’t know about them since Jesus as God is omniscient, but they didn’t have a personal relationship with Him. If they did, they would have strived to obey God’s will. They knew about Him, as most people do, but they did not truly know Him personally because “everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand” (Matt 7:25). To hear and not obey is to show a person is not truly Christ’s.

Fearing GodThe Bible clearly teaches that “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight” (Prov 9:10), but today, there is little fear or respect or reverence for the Lord (Rom 3:18). There should be, because our eternal destiny is at stake. We shouldn’t worry so much about who kills us or how but rather, what happens after death (Heb 9:27). That’s why Jesus warned us to “not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt 10:28). Fear hell because it is eternal and there’s no repentance in hell. It’s too late. Like the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man could not go to or from Abraham’s bosom (Paradise) to warn his brothers because it is an unbridgeable gap (Luke 16:19-31).

Lazarus and the Rich Man by Fyodor Bronnikov. 1886

Being SureIf you are not sure if you yourself are a Christian, today is the day to decide that. Today is the Day of Salvation (1 Cor 6:2) and not tomorrow. We must make certain, which is why the Apostle Peter commanded us to “be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall” (2 Pet 1:10). That’s an imperative command to make our election or calling 100% certain. We can’t guess about it or hope so…we must know so!

ConclusionI wish it were not true that the majority of mankind will be cast into hell someday (Dan 12:2-3; Rev 20:12-15, 21:8). It’s not so amazing that only a few in the human family will believe in Christ or only a few will be saved. What’s amazing to me is that anyone is saved. God Himself must open our eyes and ears to see and hear the gospel and why we need Jesus Christ (Eph 2:1-5). Everyone who wants to come to Christ can come (Matt 11:28-20)…at least today, because no one has any guarantee that tomorrow will ever come. This is why today (not tomorrow) is the day of salvation (2 Cor 6:2). Either trust in Him today and have your sins forgiven, or reject Him and He will be your Judge and you will eternally pay for your own sins (Rev 20:12-15). It is your choice. Choose today…while it is still called, “today.”

Here is some related reading for you: Is There Really A Place Called Hell?

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So many people think they can lose their salvation, but what does the Bible say about eternal security?

Once Saved, Once LostSo many people think they can lose their salvation, but what does the Bible say about eternal security? It actually says a lot about the security of the saints, and it’s not up to the saints to hold onto it by their own efforts alone. When I walked my son across the street in his youth, I didn’t tell him, “Okay, hold on as tight as you can…it’s up to you to hold on tight!” No, I said, “I’ve got your hand, and I’m not letting go.” God is the One Who preserves us and keeps us in His name. It’s not like the old hymn with a new twist where it says, “I was once lost, but now am found…but then I was lost again.” What a way to live. They can think they are saved one day but the next day, they are lost. How can we share the gospel of a “hope-so” salvation, rather than a “know-so” salvation in Christ? Try going up to someone to share the gospel and tell they that they can be saved by trusting in Christ and receive eternal life but to be careful because they could blow it. That’s no better than what the world offers. The world hopes in promises the world can’t deliver, so there is never any absolute security for unbelievers. What a way to live. Believers can have their joy robbed too by living in such fear, and for no good reason (1 John 4:18).

Eternal Life, Unless…Jesus said that whoeverbelieves in Him can receive eternal life (John 3:16). It is unqualified. He didn’t say, “Whoever believes in me will have eternal life unless they blow it.” When Jesus says “They have eternal life,” it is in the Greek form of a present tense or present possession. If you believe you’ve lost your salvation, then you may not be saved at all or you don’t understand what is taught in Scripture. You could also be receiving false teaching from someone who believes you can lose your salvation. If you believe you have eternal life but then can lose it, then it was not eternal life that you received! In the last decade or so, hundreds have contacted us to say they believe they have lost their salvation or blasphemed the Holy Spirit. Still others berate us for teaching the security of the saints, despite what the Bible teaches (Rom 8:35-39; John 6:37-39, 10:28-29). God has no aborted children of God!

Fallen Away?One “proof text” people cite is where the Author of Hebrews writes, “For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore…” (Heb 6:4-6). Any that leave the faith never had the faith in the first place. John says that they went out from us because they weren’t really of us in the first place (1 John 2:19). They might have “tasted the goodness of the word of God” and shared in “the heavenly gift” (Jesus Christ!), but they truly never believed. They never took in the goodness of God and partook of the Bread of Life. They only got a taste or sample of it, so this is not about believers. How do I know that? It is because of the author’s conclusion that if they reject their only way to be saved, there is “no longer” a sacrifice for their sins. The author is not writing to believers here but about unbelievers. Once again, in his conclusion, the author of Hebrews says “Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation” (Heb 6:9), so in our case, that is for believers, the author feels sure of better things for believers.

SecurityMany also cite Hebrews 10:26-29 which says, “For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace.” So is this talking about believers? No, for the author’s conclusion was that “we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls” (Heb 10:39). Many hear the Word of God and have tasted God’s goodness (Heb 6:4-6), but they just keep on sinning, showing they are not God’s children anyway (1 John 1). In their case, or in the church’s case, the author was saying we are not like those who might profess faith but then just keep on sinning. We are not of those who keep on sinning after they hear the gospel and thereby, trample on the blood sacrifice of Christ. Unless they repent of that, there is only a fearful expectation of fiery judgment. If you are still diliberately sinning after hearing the truth, you are not saved. We all sin, but believers don’t deliberately seek out and practice sin.

ConclusionThe Apostle Paul could confidently say, “I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me” (1 Tim 1:12). Jesus said we’re in His and the Father’s hands (John 10:28-29). Paul writes that nothing created or even death itself can ever separate us from God (Rom 8:37-39). But, if you have still not trusted in Christ, then you are still dead in your sins (Eph 2:1-5) and have no hope outside of Christ and on judgment day and have no security of salvation when you eventually face God’s judgement (Heb 9:27; Rev 20:12-15). Today, if you will trust in Christ, you can have the security that God promises through His Word and that not one will be lost whom He has chosen to save (Eph 1). This is why I plead with you today to repent and put your trust in Christ. If you don’t, then you will have to face God’s judgment, either after death (Heb 9:27), or at Christ’s appearance, and without Him standing in for you, you will pay for your own sins and for all time.

Here is some related reading for you: Can a Christian Lose Their Salvation? A Biblical Analysis

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The Scriptures indicate that believers are new creations in Jesus Christ (2 Cor 5:17), so what does that mean and what does that look like in the believer’s life?

Creation and Re-creationThe Scriptures indicate that believers are new creations in Jesus Christ, so what does that mean and what does that look like in the believer’s life? I like to think of creation like this: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen 1:1), but in Jesus Christ, God has recreated man (2 Cor 5:17). That’s why the Apostle Paul wrote that “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Cor 5:17). So what is the “therefore” there for in this verse? It’s there because of what came before, chiefly the verse that says “we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer” (2 Cor 5:16), so as a new creation, we will have new desires and new purposes in life. Our new nature will not be about just pleasing ourselves but about pleasing God. That’s new for sure. The older desires may still come and go, but our hearts won’t be in it as before. We will be grieved over sin and repent of it when we do sin. That’s certainly a new nature, isn’t it?

Ambassadors of ChristWhen God saved us, He could have taken us immediately to heaven, but He didn’t. Wonder why? It’s because we who have believed are to go and make disciples of others, going into our own part of the world with the gospel (Matt 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). And more than that, we represent the King of the heavenly kingdom as ambassadors for Him. We can make Him look really good by godly behavior, or we can bring shame to the cause of Christ by the way we live. Typically, ambassadors live in obedience in the land they are living because they reflect the nation they represent. In our case, it’s God’s Kingdom we represent. That’s why the Apostle Paul says “we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (2 Cor 5:20). People will reason, “Well, if the ambassador to that nation lives like that, I don’t want to live there.” If, on the other hand, we live good and godly lives, people will be attracted to the King of our kingdom.

Hungering and ThirstingJesus once pronounced a blessing on those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, saying, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (Matt 5:6). Do you have a hunger to know more about Jesus and the Bible? Do you have a great thirst to live like Christ lived? If so, you are a new creation and the old is passing away. Notice, it is “passing away,” meaning it doesn’t suddenly disappear (2 Cor 5:17). The psalmist had a new nature given by God where he had a great hunger and thirst for righteousness…or for God and to know Him better, saying “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God” (Psalm 42:2). The new creation now craves God and His righteousness and does not crave fleshly things as much. He passionately prayed to God, “you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water” (Psalm 63:1). Is that in you? Do you crave the Word of God and desire to know God better? Are you excited when you learn new truth in Scripture? If so, you’re a new creation in Christ Jesus.

Walking in the SpiritWhat does it mean to walk in the Spirit? It means yielding to the Holy Spirit’s voice or prompting to do this or avoid doing something else. It’s like a governor on an engine. It tends to limit what can be done. This is because “those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit” (Rom 8:5). We discovered the fact that “those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit” (Rom 8:13). We never used to think spiritually but only carnally or like the flesh, as it was all about us, but suddenly, when God’s Spirit quickens us to new life (Eph 2:1-5), we have a new nature. We begin to think of pleasing God and not ourselves anymore. We think less of ourselves and more about the needs of others, however, the old nature doesn’t die off easily, but it does begin to lose its foothold in our hearts.

ConclusionNew creations in Jesus Christ have a new life…a life given by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God changes our hearts from within and our heart’s desires change so that “we make it our aim to please him” (2 Cor 5:9b). If you have still not trusted in Christ, then you are still dead in your sins and have no hope outside of Christ and on judgment day. You are still the old creation and that old creation is destined for an eternal fire. Your good works will be utterly useless on Judgment Day (Eph 2:8-9). I plead with you to today…right now, repent and put your trust in Jesus Christ. If you don’t, someday you will face God’s judgment after death (Heb 9:27) or at Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), whichever comes first.

Here is some related reading for you: What is a New Creation in Christ?

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The Parable of the Sower shows that only 1 in 4 who heard the gospel, believed, so what do the 4 different soil types represent?

The SowerThe Parable of the Sower shows that only 1 in 4 who heard the gospel believed, so what do the 4 different soil types represent? When Jesus gave the Parable of the Sower, He said “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them” (Matt 13:3-4). What the birds missed, the rocky ground took care of as there was “not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil” (Matt 13:5), so “when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away” (Matt 13:6). Still yet, the other “seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them” (Matt 13:7). Sadly, only 1 in 4 of the seeds took root, that being the one sown which “produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty” (Matt 13:8). What do these non-productive soils represent? Do believers still face these types of soils in their lives? How can we multiply our grain (fruits) with what we’ve been given?

The Evil OneSatan has always wanted humans to doubt God’s Word and in this particular case, Satan snatched God’s Word from unbeliever’s hearts so that they might not believe. Jesus spoke about this in saying, “When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path” (Matt 13:19). How does Satan (the evil one) snatch the seed of God’s Word out of their hearts? The same way he did to Eve in the Garden, by planting doubts in Eve’s mind about what God really said. He wanted Eve to think that God was not really being honest with her. He tantalized her by making her think she was being deprived of being like a god herself (Gen 3), so she did not believe God’s Word and thus, she disobeyed. Many who hate the Word of God will try to snatch the seed of God’s Word away from believers by trying to plant doubts about the authenticity of the Bible, saying “It’s only a book written by men” (That’s false of course, i.e., 2 Tim 3:16-17). The “path” is not a great place to have a seed sown either. The path is easily susceptible to the birds snatching the seed of God’s Word away. The path may be the path that the world’s headed down and it’s a path toward destruction that Jesus spoke about earlier (Matt 7:13-14).

The Rocky GroundJesus explains to us the meaning of the soil where the seed of God’s Word was sown and it’s not a good place for long term growth. Jesus said, “As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away” (Matt 13:20-21). The rocky paths are really taken by all humans, aren’t they? All of life has its moments…good and bad…so the lost and the saved will all face rocky paths in life once in a while, but the difference is, the seed in the good soil is just off the beaten path and takes root. Why does it take root in some but not in others? It’s because it “had no root in himself.” We must abide in the vine or we can produce nothing at all (John 15:5). When friends, family, and co-workers start to persecute them for their faith, they fall away, thinking it’s not worth it, but also proving, “They went out from us (the church) because they were not of us” (1 John 2:19). They receive it gladly at first, “with joy,” but it’s not genuine saving faith which is a faith that perseveres until the end.

The Thorns and ThistlesThe cares of this world often choke out the seed of God’s Word as Jesus said, this seed that “was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful” (Matt 13:22). The world and its pleasures…riches, pleasure, sexual immorality…all are more important to them than God. They reject God because they’d have to give up their sin and they won’t do it. If given a choice, they choose to “eat, drink and be merry,” and not worry about tomorrow, even though Scripture tells us, today is the day of salvation (2 Cor 6:2; Heb 13:5) and after death, judgment will come (Heb 9:27).

The Good SoilFinally, if you’re a believer, this is where your seed landed; in very good soil. Jesus explains that “what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty” (Matt 13:23). The good soil has been watered by someone and fertilized by another, but only God could give the increase (1 Cor 3:6-8), and the only way the seed of God’s Word can take root is by His Spirit (Rom 7, 8). Dead men cannot choose Jesus Christ (Eph 2:1-5). The difference between the seed that didn’t take root and that which did is that they hear “the word and understand it,” and that Word bears fruit in the person by God’s Spirit. Some people, like plants, naturally produce more fruit (grain) than others, but they will all produce.

ConclusionDo believers still face these 3 types of deadly soils in their daily lives? Yes! We will face toils and troubles. Jesus promised that the road to eternal life is narrow and difficult, which is why so few find it (Matt 7:13-14). Even in the Parable of the Seed, only 1 in 4 of the seeds took root, so thank God it took root in you…or you took root in Christ!

Here is some related reading for you: What is the Meaning of the Parable of the Sower?

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Why does your church need Vacation Bible School? Why is it good for the church as well as for children in the community?

Teach Your ChildrenWhy does your church need Vacation Bible School? Why is it good for the church as well as for children in the community? Our church gears up well ahead of time every year before we present our Vacation Bible School. We know that God commands parents, grandparents and caregivers to “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Prov 22:6). Of course, this is not a guarantee that they will be saved, but it’s a promise that what they learn in youth will never depart from their minds. It is not a guarantee of their salvation but these trainings will always be there in the back of the minds, which is a good thing. Those biblical principles are seeds sown into their hearts, and the best we can do is to nourish and water the soil with love and attention. Only God can give the increase (1 Cor 3:6-7). Fathers specifically are told to “bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Eph 6:4), without provoking them, but why do churches need VBS as much as children do?

24/7Vacation Bible School is certainly not nearly enough of a biblical foundation for a child. Instructing our children in the ways of God is a 24/7 duty (not a job), and not just for Sunday school or VBS. Those are just not enough. The command still stands for parents and caregivers, first and foremost, to “teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise” (Deut 11:19). Teach them when you’re at home sitting down for an evening meal or spending time together relaxing or reading the Word…talk to them about God while you’re on the way to or from somewhere, traveling or whatever, and of course talk to them about God and Jesus Christ at bedtime, reminding them of the great and precious promises of God, and not forgetting to pray with them and for them, including “when you rise” in the morning. Like I said; it’s a 24/7 duty for parents.

The Great CommissionIt’s easy to forget that the Great Commission to reach the lost is just for adults. The direct imperative command given by Jesus Christ is for all people everywhere, young or old, adult or child. Remember when “Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 19:14)? Statistics show that most believers are saved before they become adults, so this vitally small window of opportunity passes quickly and we must take advantage of the time children are young. Of course, the gospel is never forced on children, or anyone for that matter, and we never want to pressure children into making a decision for Christ, or make them feel they must repent now. That could produce a false convert or give the child false assurance that they’re saved. We must be sure, but more so, the child must be sure. God’s timing is always best. The child will know when God is calling them to Christ.

God’s TimingParents and teachers at church can only expose children to the gospel and then leave the rest up to God. Of course, they must be good examples since more is caught than sometimes taught, but it is God alone Who saves. He must act first by the work of the Holy Spirit. Parents and Sunday school teachers make a poor substitution for the Holy Spirit. Anything we can talk them into, they can talk themselves out of, but when the Spirit speaks to their heart, nothing can forbid their coming to Christ. We can (and sometimes do) more harm than good. Patience is the key. Provide the power of the Word and then let the Spirit take that Word to their heart. We can’t do that; we can only get in the way of God working in them.

Discovering Your GiftsI heard one pastor say, “Ninety percent of serving is just showing up” and he’s right, but more than that, when a church hosts and presents a Vacation Bible School, they give the opportunity for members of the church to serve, and believe me, there is true joy in serving. There are often many opportunities to help in VBS, including supervising children, teaching, IT help, music, kitchen, snacks, food preparation, clean up, and so on. Every member of Christ’s body has a gift, so why not use it? There are so many rich opportunities to serve in VBS, and I’ve never heard anyone complain at the end of the week, after it’s all over. More often than not, the person that has served in VBS has a sense that they made a real difference in the community and a feeling of satisfaction. They feel they made their mark in the lives of the children who they served and desire to be saved. A by-product of serving at VBS is that many people discover their gifts of the Spirit. Many discover that they have the gift of teaching, the gift of serving and the gift of administration. Serving at Vacation Bible School is a great way to discover hidden gifts of the Spirit or gifts they’ve not been aware of yet.

ConclusionDisciplining our children is actually an act of love (Prov 13:24), just as God disciplines us as our Good and faithful Father for our own good (Heb 12:6-14). Part of that disciplining of a child is instructing them in the Word of God and that can come through VBS. A side-benefit is that members of the church have the opportunity to participate and serve in their church’s Vacation Bible School. Vacation Bible school provides children with the basic elements of the faith (John 3:16; Roman 10:9-13; Acts 4:12, etc.), but, and this is vital, we must be 100% certain that what the church (or our church) is teaching the children. Does the content square up with what is taught in the Bible? Make certain the curriculum presents clear and precise teachings that include how people are saved. Make every effort that they hear the Word of God read and taught, since faith comes by hearing (Rom 10:17), and then leave the rest up to God.

Here is some related reading for you: Why Every Adult and Child Needs Sunday School and VBS

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God can use many ways to reach the lost, including dreams and visions. Here are a few real examples.

Christianity vs IslamGod can use many ways to reach the lost, including dreams and visions. Here are a few real examples. One man wanted to convert to Christianity because of the unloving, harsh and deadly faith that he belonged to and this man paid dearly. He wrote:

Flag of Jammu and Kashmir.

“Tawfeeq: [near Pakistani Border- Kashmir]”

“Hi. My self tawfeeq. I am from Kashmir I want to convert to chirstainty. I belong poor family and i tried to get help. so many Muslim preachers but no one came to help. I am the only person who has to earn for family. Now I don’t believe in what muslim beleive Coz since childhood everyone told me that Allah will help u but I did not get any help. Even muslims try to depress [persecute] me. I want to get convert and i need help.”

This man later came to understand that persecution is natural for all believers and all who live godly in Christ will be persecuted. We prayed for him and offered encouragement. He replied later to us with this encouraging message:

“Thank You so much for your blessed prayer. I am really blessed by your words. I have decided to follow Jesus Christ in every situation of my life. You will be glad to know that, I have started to share the gospel.

There are few people ready to accept Jesus Christ.
Please remember me in your personal prayer. ”

Good QuestionsEygpt

Frequently we receive questions like the following and gladly follow up to answer their questions, including the one below:

Answara (Egypt)

“Hey I want to be a Christian as I’m new this this, what’s the best way to start approaching the bible through God and Jesus Christ?

Should I approach the bible as a guidebook and love letter? More specifically an instruction or a tutorial on how to live we’re supposed to and why we should and how it applies to us regardless of our generation? And the love letter part is that it’s used for mainly God and Jesus Himself to show love to his people and how He plans to redeem us and define us alone?”

This man later came to know the Lord Jesus Christ with an understanding that He is God and came to die for His sins and pay the penalty that even Muhammed could not pay for himself. He said his curiosity about Jesus came in a series of dreams he had about Jesus and one where Abraham was present with Jesus. Abraham is an important man to Muslims, being the Father of the Arab nations. That’s why this dream finally caught his attention and he began to seek out more about the Lord. The one True God.

Now What?This person had a short but good question to which we answered. It came from:

Quarshie (Yemen)

“how to start Christan walk? What do I do?”

We pointed him to the Scriptures (i.e., Rom 10:9-13, John 3:16-17…etc.). He was a new believer and wanted to know what was next. Isn’t that a great question for all of us! Of course, we told him what was next (i.e. Matt 25:35-36; 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Heb 10:24-25) and that he should seek out other believers and share the gospel with the lost. We are praying for him.

Flag of Yemen.

Using CautionWe have to be very cautious about reported dreams or visions we hear from others because Satan will apparently be given the power to perform miraculous wonders in the end times. Dreams and visions cannot save anyone. Signs and wonders are no proof either. People having claimed to die and gone to heaven and back or to hell and back, but this is contrary to Scripture (Heb 9:27). No one will ever be saved apart from Christ (Acts 4:12), and that includes dreams or visions. Notwithstanding, God does apparently choose to use dreams and visions in places where angels fear to tread and where no evangelist might go. There are too many accounts to include in this one writing and it happens far too often to be just coincidence. God is sovereign.

Reaching the LostWe are receiving more and more messages from Muslims around the world. Places like Asia, the Middle East, even as far as China, India, Pakistan, and Russia. I thank God that He can lead these people to us and that we can, with God’s help and His Spirit, reveal Christ to them. That’s about as good as it gets my friend! Nothing happens that has no purpose, even a dream or a vision, but to be clear, we must be brought to repentance and faith in Christ and it is a gift of God (Eph 2:8-9). No one is saved by dreams or visions. We know that people are saved by the Word of God and the Spirit of God. We also know that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Will you be that person by whom they will hear? We can’t depend on our friends, neighbors, or co-workers to have a dream or vision about Jesus. We must go to them and proclaim Christ.

“Go” With the GospelThe Apostle Paul asks us all, “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news” (Rom 10:14-15). Will you go for God? Hear God’s passionate voice in His desire to rescue the perishing (Ezk 33:11; 2 Pet 3:9) with this question: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” (Isaiah 6:8a), so will you answer as Isaiah the Prophet answered in saying, “Here I am! Send me” (Isaiah 6:8b).

ConclusionI need to remind everyone that every dream you have is not a message from God and no one can be saved by simply having a dream. They must repent and put their trust in Christ. It takes the Word of God and the Spirit of God but God can use a person of God like you to go into all the world, but even if we can’t go into all the world, we can go into our own part of the world and make disciples of others (Matt 28:18-20), but let’s not forget to go next door either!

Here is some related reading for you: Christian Dream Interpretation – Does God Use Dreams to Speak to Us?

Telling MinistriesGod is currently using Telling Ministries to reach millions of people worldwide. We are seeking to continue along the path on which God is leading us to spread the truth of the Gospel around the world through the use of technology.

With the Bible as the source of truth, we are guiding and leading people to answers to their questions, stimulating their spiritual growth and pointing them to the only Name by which they might be saved…Jesus Christ.

Let us know if you would like to advertise on any of our websites. We would be happy to discuss with you something that can fit your need. With such a large audience across many different sources, we are sure to find something that fits your needs.

Partnering OpportunitiesWe are always looking for ways to partner with other Ministries and Christian organizations to help reach more people around the world. Feel free to contact us if you have something in mind that will help us all grow our audience.

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God can use many ways to reach the lost, including dreams and visions. Here are a few real examples.

Many HardshipsGod can use many ways to reach the lost, including dreams and visions. One of the most amazing accounts is from a man that told us his dream drew him to Jesus but it cost him dearly at first. Even so, he said, “My family rejected me. I went to various churches and learned about the Word of God. I also followed many Bible courses and eventually went into Christian ministry. Now I have had the joy of seeing many people come to the Lord and accept Jesus Christ as Savior. Thanks to the Lord, I am now married and have a Christian family. My wife Khalida and I are involved in the work of the Lord and have been able to share the miracles God has done in our lives. Even though it is not easy and we face many hardships, we feel like Paul who went through hardships and suffering for the glory of his Savior, Jesus, who himself suffered during his walk on earth and his time on the cross. We thank God the Father for sending his Son to this earth and giving us free, eternal life through him. Likewise, we thank God for his Spirit who encourages us day by day to live for him.”

Despite the hardships, this man’s dream of Jesus brought him to hunger for more about the Savior, and thereby, he was saved.

Abdulrahman’s DreamsOne man’s dream or vision (he could not be sure) amazed me and it eventually led him to faith in Jesus Christ. Please note that his English is not great, but it doesn’t matter. He contacted us and with this message:

“I am Abdulrahman Ghamdi Greetings Faith in the News, I’m a Qurani Muslim, i respect christianity, i read the Old Testament before many years…however, i had dream last night and its really strange, i dreamt of me in desert alone and i was starving. A long walking alone and i found someone with planty of food and drinks but i couldnt reach him cause he was surrounded by many people, But they let me pass and called me “lucky” i didn’t understand but they were pointing at my chest , when i take a look at what they were pointing at, i found a very huge cross tattoo in my chest. And i felt so happy and warm inside , and i had this feeling like i wasnt muslim in that dream. So my question is, “can someone in christianity feels like that in his sleep? And what does it mean?”

We answered this man’s questions and he later repented of the Islamic faith and trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life. Was this a case where this was the only way God could reach this former, devout Muslim because the Islamic population was about 97%? Who knows, but with God, we know all things are possible. I believe God would move heaven and earth to reach one soul that was truly seeking to know Him and His Son, Jesus Christ. I’ve read about this happening so many times where God uses a dream or a vision to reach someone and then they start to hunger for access to a Bible. God is God. He does as He pleases. Where there is no one there to share the gospel, the gospel finds a way through the ways and means of God. I stand in awe of our wondrous God.

Muslim NationsHere is a man who is also in a predominantly Muslim nation and city and he wrote:

“I am a Christian or I want to be a Christian. My name is Mahmoud Hosny Mahmoud Rashed , from Egypt , and I work as a doctor . I want to convert to Christianity instead of Islam. I said this to some people from my family and some close people, but I was subjected to insult, violence and threats, and my wife also left me for this reason. There is no religious freedom in Egypt. If a person leaves Islam here, he is threatened with death even from his family. Muslims believe that whoever leaves Islam should be killed. The Egyptian government does not protect anyone who wants to convert to Christianity and does not allow him to change his religion to Christianity in his official papers. I feel very scared and frightened to even go to churches here because the Egyptian security prevents anyone who is written on his ID that he is a Muslim, and being subjected to violence and threats. Christians in Egypt are also afraid of helping those who convert to Christianity, because of the persecution of those who leave Islam and those who help them. I am also afraid of even trying to change religion in my official papers because of this persecution. Please help and save me.

Thank you very much ,
Mahmoud Hosny Mahmoud Rashed”

We prayed for this man and his family and for access to other brothers and sisters. I hope you will pray for him too.

Counting the CostHere is a heartbreaking experience of a new believer who came to know Christ through a dream. He wrote the following to us.

“Im a Qurani Muslim, i respect christianity, i read the Old Testament before many years

However, i had dream last night and its really strange, i dreamt of me in desert alone and i was starving
A long walking alone and i found someone with planty of food and drinks but i couldnt reach him cause he was surrounded by many people, But they let me pass and called me “lucky” i didn’t understand but they were pointing at my chest , when i take a look at what they were pointing at, i found a very huge cross tattoo in my chest.
And i felt so happy and warm inside , and i had this feeling like i wasnt muslim in that dream

So my question is, “can someone in christianity feels like that in his sleep? And what does it mean?”

Of course, we pointed him to Jesus Christ and the message of the cross and he was saved. What joy to hear of such a work of God.

Faith over FearAnother example is from a man named Muhammad. He wrote, “My name is Muhammad. I live in Qatar. I wanted to know why I was having a dream about Jesus. He stood in a boat and waved to me to come to Him. I looked for dreams and visions on the Internet and found one. Then, I asked a man on a website (WhatChristiansWantToKnow) what this dream of Jesus means.

He told me it could be from God and that God may be calling me to Jesus. I wanted to believe but had fear, but after knowing why Jesus came, I wanted Him and He is my Savior now. He loves me so I do not practice Islam any more. Now, I want Jesus alone. I know this dream was from Him, so thank you to your website, I know Jesus more and why He called me.

Godly love, Muhammad.”

The Empty TombOne man contacted us and said he had this dream: “I wanted to prove to my non-Muslim friends that I can prove the Qur’an is God’s Word and not the Bible so I set the Qur’an on fire, and it burned before our eyes. Then I attempted to do the same with the Bible. As soon as I tried, the Bible struck my chest, and I fell to the ground. Smoke surrounded my body. I was burning, not physically, but from a spiritual fire. Then suddenly I saw a man with golden hair at my side. He was wrapped in light. He placed his hand on my head and said, “You are my son and from now on you will preach the gospel in your nation. Go! Your Lord is with you.” Then the vision continued, and I saw a gravestone, which had been removed from the tomb. Mary Magdalene spoke to the gardener who had taken the body of the Lord. The gardener was Jesus himself.”

It was after this dream that he contacted us and wanted to know more about Jesus, but my question in all of these messages is this: How did they all seem to know that it was Jesus. Like us, they had never seen Jesus. They had very little knowledge of Him beyond the fact He was considered a Prophet (We know He was “the” Prophet that was to come. Duet 18:15-20). The vast majority of these experiences seem to include things like, knowing it was Jesus, seeing and feeling a soft or warm (and sometimes bright) light, and an overwhelming sense of peace and love. Sounds just like Jesus, doesn’t it?

ConversionAfter this dream, the man said, “I went home and I told my parents about this dream, but they did not believe me. They thought the Christians had me under some magic, but I told them that everything had happened before my very own eyes and that many people were watching. They still did not believe me and kicked me out of my home, refusing to accept me as their family member. I went to a church close to home; I told them all about what had happened. I asked them to show me the Bible. They gave me the Scriptures, and on that day, February 17, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior.”

ConclusionNot every dream is a message from God since they are so random as to be impossible to tell and we need to be clear that everyone must be brought to repentance and faith in Christ. No one can be saved by having a dream or vision. It takes the Word of God and the Spirit of God to birth a child of God, but faith comes by hearing and not by dreams. Will you be that person by whom they will hear? We can’t depend on our friends, neighbors, or co-workers to have a dream or vision. We must go to them and tell them about Jesus.

Here is some related reading for you: Christian Dream Interpretation – Does God Use Dreams to Speak to Us?

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God can use many ways to reach the lost, including dreams and visions. Here are a few real examples.

The Last DaysGod can use many ways to reach the lost, including dreams and visions. Here are a few real examples in part one of this series of articles on how God’s reaching people through dreams or visions. We’ve been living in the last days for the last 2,000 years, but it does say that in the last days some would have visions or dreams. Joel the Prophet wrote of the latter days when “it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions” (Joel 2:28). Of course, some of these occurred in the Book of Acts like with the Apostle Peter’s vision (Acts 10:9-16). Peter spoke about this happening in referring to Joel even before it happened to him (Acts 2:17). There were also the Apostle Paul’s visions (2 Cor 12:1-10; also see Acts 9, 17:23-24, 23:11; Gal 2:2).

It appears that God is still using dreams and visions to bring people to faith in Christ, but this is not the normative way to reach lost people but God can and apparently has used dreams and visions to whet a person’s interest in Christ and afterwards, they have a hunger to know more about Him. God may have to reach people with dreams or visions because in some places, you can die for sharing the gospel and in heavily populated Muslim areas, there are few Bibles and fewer witnesses still.

Contact UsWe receive hundreds and hundreds of emails through our “Contact Us” links every year, and in this special article, we want to share with you the many amazing experiences of those who contact us about dreams or a vision they thought they had. We will attempt to show how they came to know Jesus Christ and be saved after they had a vision or dream. We tried to find out why their dream or vision made them seek Jesus for the first time. We must be clear that no one can be saved by just having a vision or dream of Jesus or about God. They must hear the Word of God or read the Word of God and only then can the Spirit of God convert them into a child of God. Faith comes be hearing…hearing of the Word of God (Rom 10:17), and not by visions or dreams, so dreams are not enough to save anyone. God has used dreams in some cases to point people to Christ and to whet their appetite to know more about Him, but it’s rare in our experience at What Christians Want to Know (Telling Ministries) to receive that many messages where someone has either had a dream or a vision about Jesus. In the last ten years, we’ve received more and more messages from people who knew it was Jesus; either in a vision or a dream, and we’re going to share some of these stories with you. The names of the people and their locations have been changed, although the actual nations may be the same.

It’s Jesus!I’m amazed that so many people from around the world had dreams or visions of Jesus and even more puzzling, how did they all know with 100% certainty that it was Jesus?! How did they know for sure without ever seeing Jesus or even knowing much about Him? How are they still so sure it’s the Lord!? They often describe it as seeing Him and around the Lord there is usually a very bright or white light, like a glowing luminescence that seemed to make them feel loved. For many Muslims, it’s their first real idea of Who Jesus is and what it means to feel loved for the first time. The Islamic faith would rather see their enemies dead than to pray for them (like believers are told to do), so Christian love is a radically different idea to them.

After people who have had dreams or visions contact us, they want us to interpret them, which is not something we can really do. Interpretations belong to God alone (Gen 40:8; Dan 2:28), but what these experiences did was to have them start to ask a lot of questions about Who Jesus is and how they can find out more about Him. Sometimes they want to know where they can get a Bible. The most often repeated experience with these predominantly Muslim men was a feeling of warmth, love, acceptance and a deep sense of peace. They might have known about Jesus as a prophet, but not as God or as the Savior. That’s a gigantic leap for Muslims to take, but God may still be using visions and dreams to draw lost souls to Jesus.

Dreams and VisionsThere was a man who was often angry at those who would not submit to the Islamic faith, particularly Christians. He debated with them over and over again and saw them as the lowest class in society in Pakistan, mainly because they often were. He was one of their greatest persecutors, but similar to Saul, but God was going to change this man forever. Christians are often outcasts in areas where the Islamic faith is strongly entrenched. Frequently, believer’s lose their jobs due to their faith, lose their homes, their income, and sometimes, even their family disowns them…all for putting their trust in the Savior.

Saint Paul Writing His Epistles by Valentin de Boulogne (public domain).

Humanly speaking, it seems impossible for someone so deeply entrenched in the Islamic faith can still be brought to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, but then I remember Saul who was converted and became Paul and in a case where God used a vision, but visions are not enough to save anyone. Faith comes from hearing the Word of God and believing in the Word of God…but sometimes it may be necessary for God to send a dream or vision to make them seek out more about the Word of God or to find out more about Jesus. It’s happened many times in the past, so I believe God could still be using visions and dreams today. He is God. He does as He pleases. I will never limit what God chooses to do, even if it’s by using extraordinary means.

The Hearing of the WordNothing happens that has no purpose, even a dream or a vision, but to be clear, we must be brought to repentance and faith in Christ and it is a gift of God (Eph 2:8-9). Salvation does not come by dreams or visions. We know from Scripture how they (and we) truly saved. It takes the Word of God and the Spirit of God to birth a child of God, but faith comes by hearing. Will you be that person by whom they will hear? We can’t depend on our friends, neighbors, or co-workers to have a dream or vision. We must go to them and proclaim Christ.

ConclusionIn the next article, God’s Amazing Conversions Through Dreams and Visions – Part Two, we’ll read about the experiences of the many who had a dream or vision of Jesus or thought it was Jesus and how that dream or vision led them to faith in Christ. The Apostle Paul asks us all, “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news” (Rom 10:14-15). Will you go for God? Hear God’s passionate voice in His desire to rescue the perishing (Ezk 33:11; 2 Pet 3:9) with this question: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us” (Isaiah 6:8a)? Will you answer as Isaiah the Prophet answered in saying, “Here I am! Send me” (Isaiah 6:8b).

Here is some related reading for you: What Do Dreams and Visions Mean today?

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The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is essential to the gospel, and here are 7 powerful Bible verses showing the power of the resurrection.

The ResurrectionThe Resurrection of Jesus Christ is essential to the gospel, and here are 7 powerful Bible verses showing the power of the resurrection. The resurrection is essential to the gospel because “if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins” (1 Cor 15:17) and without that hope that our own bodies will one day be resurrected to eternal life someday, “we are of all people most to be pitied,” but of course, He is risen. The Scriptures declare it, saying “God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power” (1 Cor 16:14).

The grave clothes of Jesus were still in place (John 20:1-7)

The Empty TombLuke 24:2-3 “And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.”The tomb was left open, not so Jesus could get out, but so that the eye witnesses could get in and see that Jesus had been raised to life again. Of course, Jesus is God and He did not go out of existence, since God cannot die, and since the wages of sin is death (Rom 6:23), the grave couldn’t hold Him because He was sinless (Acts 2:24)!

Perish Without ChristFirst Corinthians 15:17-18 “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.”Jesus Christ is the firstfruits of those raised from the dead, and being a forerunner, we know we too will be raised. We ought to thank God that “Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Cor 15:20). This means our resurrection to glory is guaranteed. You are not standing on burial ground in the cemetary, but it is “resurrection ground!”

Belief and Eternal LifeJohn 11:25-26 “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”Jesus here links eternal life and belief in Him since there is no other way into the Kingdom (Acts 4:12), Even death will not cut us off from His loving presence someday, nor anything else in this world will separate us (Rom 8:37-39). If you believe this, then even if you die, and we all will, you shall live again…having received eternal life by faith in Christ.

Born From AboveJohn 1:12-13 “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.Jesus clearly taught that we are born from above (John 3:3-7) and so just as we had no choice in the matter of when or if we’d be born, we had no choice but to only believe and be saved. He gave that right to us and it was not of ourselves (Eph 2:8-9). It was not of my own will nor was it of your own will; it was an act of God’s sovereign, saving, loving grace (Rom 5:6-10). This is just what the Apostle Peter wrote about when he said, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” (1 Pet 1:3-4).

Eye WitnessesActs 2:32 “This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses.”How important to Paul was the resurrection? Notice it’s not a footnote or good to know about Jesus Christ’s resurrection, but it is “of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Cor 15:3-4). It’s of “first importance.” His sinless life, His suffering at Calvary, and His resurrection are all tied together. You cannot believe one and not believe the others, otherwise, you are not a true believer. This was not done in a corner but Jesus “appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep” (1 Cor 15:5-6).

Evangelizing by TestimonyActs 4:33 “And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.”Saint Paul Writing His Epistles by Valentin de Boulogne (public domain).

Paul was on trial for preaching about what used to be called “the Way.” Perhaps because Jesus is the One and only way to the Father (John 6:44), but the hope of the just or the justified (in Christ) is that of their resurrection will be to eternal joy and glory and not in the judgement of God (Rev 20:12-15), without end (Rev 21:8). The early church put great emphasis on the resurrection and as a result, “great grace was upon them all.”

The Son of GodMatthew 27:52-54 “The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”For those who were eye witnesses at Jesus’ death, and upon seeing the miracles and the earthquake at Jesus’ death, even the unbelieving Roman centurion declared, “Truly this was the Son of God!” For this former unbeliever, that was enough to make him believe.

ConclusionIf there is a greater miracle than that of a dead man coming to life, I don’t know what is. Consider this. The Apostle Paul says that we all “were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience” (Eph 2:1-2). In other words, we were dead in sins and like the course of this world, headed to utter destruction in hell, but what happened? It was God Who, “even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved” (Eph 2:5).

We cannot make ourselves alive any more than we can bring about our own birth. God “made us alive.” If He hadn’t, we forget that dead men cannot choose anything but to suffer decay. Dead men cannot choose Christ. If you have still not trusted in Christ, then you are still dead in your sins and have no hope outside of Christ. On judgment day, God will say “No” to you regarding your entering into the Kingdom. Your good works are useless to God (Matt 7:21-23; Eph 2:8-9; Rev 20:12-15). I plead with you to today…even now, repent of your sins and put your trust in Christ. If you don’t, someday you’ll face God’s judgment after death (Heb 9:27) or at Christ’s appearance (Rev 21:8), whichever comes first.

Here is some related reading for you: Historical Evidence of Jesus Christ’s Resurrection

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Have you ever felt like giving up? I know I have, so here are some Bible verses to read when you feel you’re ready to quit.

Giving Up?Have you ever felt like giving up? I know I have, so here are some Bible verses to read when you feel you’re ready to quit. If you’re human, you’ve probably grown so frustrated by problems, trials, sickness or financial troubles that you felt like giving up even trying. I have been there and done that and bought the t-shirt, but there is real help besides praying to God. We can run to God’s Word and fill up on His promises. Let’s do that right now.

Grown Weary?Isaiah 40:31 “but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

I get tired more easily than I used to, and it’s not always from physical exhaustion. Sometimes it’s mental fatigue and frustration, but then I am forgetting that God can renew my strength and I don’t have to faint along life’s way. There is strength in God’s Word and in His great and precious promises. They can lighten the load while we’re running the race. That should make things a little easier.

Running the RaceFirst Corinthians 9:24 “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.”

We don’t run the race of life for Christ without becoming weary or stumbling and falling, but you do realize we are running for something. The prize is entry into the Kingdom of God, but if we stop running, our prize will not be as great. We should not lose heart when we fall in the race…but race as if you see the prize across the finish line…and there it is…or there He is…Jesus! He is waiting for us at the end of the race so run as if you were running right into His arms.

Taking CourageSecond Chronicles 15:7 “But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.”The word courage is an interesting word. It comes from the Vulgar Latin “corāticum” which means “to take heart” or “of the heart.” We are told just that in several places in Scripture where is says “take courage” or “be courageous,” meaning we must act and take it up. We must take heart of the situation and be encouraged someday…probably not today…but someday “your work shall be rewarded” by God. Take courage in that fact.

Don’t Give UpGalatians 6:9 “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”One lady swimming the English Channel in a fog finally gave up and got back into the boat, but if she had kept pressing on for only 1 & 1/2 more miles, she’d have made it. She gave up too soon, and later said, if she’d only known that she was that close to the shore, she’d have kept swimming. For us, we must keep moving and not grow weary of doing good since we may not reap immediately and we can’t see the shore yet. Reaping always comes much later after our sowing…so we may not see the reaping to its fullest extent until we enter the Kingdom. Only then will we finally receive all of what is due us.

Rewards ComingHebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”Do you believe God rewards those who seek Him with all their heart? I do. Just read Psalm 37. If we have faith, we will rest in the fact that our rewards are not in this life so we can’t give up just because we’re not being blessed as much as others. Our payment in full is probably not going to be in this life but in the life to come. Focus on that and then draw near to Him.

Strength for the WeakIsaiah 41:10 “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”Fear not, for I am with you

Fear is the opposite of faith I believe. If we are not fearful, we must trust something, or in this case, Someone and that Someone is God. There’s no reason to fear if He promises to strengthen us and help us and uphold us by His right hand. Why the right hand? The right hand represents His authority and God promises by His own authority and Word that we have no reason to be dismayed or live with fear or give up. He is always there.

Not in VainFirst Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”I’ve done a lot of things in vain in my life, meaning they were useless and didn’t help me at all, but those who trust in the Lord shall never labor in vain or labor for nothing. Everything you do for Him matters…even a glass of cold water (Matt 10:42). The Lord knows what we are doing for Him (Matt 25:35-36) and will reward us openly for those things we do for Him in secret, but if we tell everyone about our good works, we already have our reward…the praise of men. For me, I will keep silent about what I do for Him so God will remember it. It’s not in vain. Don’t give up.

ConclusionWe do not go to heaven because we’re good or we’ve done enough to enter heaven. It is only through Jesus Christ and faith in Him that we are saved. There is no other way than to trust in Jesus (Acts 4:12; 16:30-31). If there was another way, Jesus died for nothing, but indeed, He has died for those who will trust in Him and they have received eternal life and have passed from judgment (Rev 21:8) unto eternal life (John 3:16-17). Have you trusted in Christ yet? Make today your day of salvation (2 Cor 6:2), or you may face His wrath after death (Heb 9:27) or at His return (Rev 1:7; 20:12-15), whichever comes first…and it could come at any moment!

Here is some related reading for you: Call on God for Help in Desperate Times

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Here is a Bible study with commentary on the Book of Romans, chapter one.

The Called ApostlePaul typically gives his credentials at the very beginning of his letters (epistles), and the Book of Romans is no exception (Rom 1:1-2). He was “called to be an apostle,” proving it wasn’t his idea but God’s divine intervention (Acts 9). He was set apart (which is what sanctified means) for holy use; for God’s purpose.

I love how often Paul thanked God for the church and certain members (Rom 1:8). This is something I’ve borrowed from Paul’s custom, frequently thanking God for specific church member’s work, naming them by name. I think it’s clearly biblical to do that. Of course I also thank them to their face. I strive to imitate Paul’s frequent prayers given to God on behalf of the church (Rom 1:10).

Saint Paul Writing His Epistles by Valentin de Boulogne (public domain).

Under ObligationEveryone has obligations in life, but for Paul, it was a much different obligation and one that had great impact. He said, “I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome” (Rom 1:14-15). Here is clear evidence from Paul that He was the Apostle of the Gentiles and that it was not according to his own will but Gods, but now he is gladly “under obligation.” Paul embraced this call and was “eager to preach the gospel” to them. How many of us are eager to do the same thing?

Not AshamedOne thing I can say about the Apostle Paul is he was never ashamed to mention the Name of Christ. He said, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Rom 1:16). He recognized that he didn’t have the power; the gospel itself had the power to save. Paul understood that “in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith” (Rom 1:17). It is revealed by God not by man as it’s a gift of God (Eph 2:8-9). I have no power but the gospel does; we only have to unleash that power (Isaiah 55:11). May we never be ashamed of the gospel and never fear to share Christ with the lost.

Suppressing the TruthGod’s wrath is revealed by the unrighteous acts of man, but knowing mankind, he will “suppress the truth” anyway, rather than embrace it. This is despite the fact that “what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse” (Rom 1:19-20).

The Greek word Paul uses for “suppress” is “katechō” and this means to physically “hold back, to detain,” or “to push down on or against” something. The Greeks would have used this word if I were pushing down on a coil spring, suppressing it, so they are “without excuse,” doing it intentionally. Everyone really knows in their heart that God exists. Even the creation declares God’s glory (Psalm 19:1-3).

Love the DarknessThe light that shines from God overcomes the darkness, but when living in darkness is a choice, God gives them up to their own darkness. By choosing to live in darkness rather than light, God withdraws what light there is. He gives them over to their own depravity, which is why “they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things” (Rom 1:22-23). They will worship anything but the true Creator. They will worship nature, the stars, the sun, the moon, themselves, and even the brahma bull, but they have exchanged what is not a god for the One, True God.

Sexual DepravitySince men love the darkness, and they choose the darkness of God, God gives them up to their own lusts of impurity. They rejected God for a god of their own imagination. They exchange this lie for the truth, the life and the way (John 14:6). It’s so easy to see the results of rejecting God in our culture today, especially in how they dishonor their bodies by their sexually immoral behavior (Rom 1:24-26). Even though they were created in the image of God (Gen 1:26-27), they exchanged the self-evident truth that there is a God and a higher, moral standard for a lie and now they worship or serve the creature or creation (themselves and their own lusts). In fact, they become an idol unto themselves, worshiping themselves and seeing themselves as the center of the universe. “If it feels good, it must be good” is their philosophy.

God gives “them up to [their own] dishonorable passions” (Rom 1:26).

Unnatural UnionWhen we try to run from God, we run to our own destruction, but is there a “point of no return” when we fail to hear the Holy Spirit or God’s calling? At what point do men and women finally become reprobate and unwilling to repent again like Satan and the fallen demons? Paul believes that God gives “them up to [their own] dishonorable passions” (Rom 1:26). In part, this means sexually transmitted diseases, abortions, AIDS, or whatever else their partners have brought with them from their previous partners. The depravity reaches such a low point that men have sex with men and women have sex with women. Everything’s exactly the opposite of the way God has designed us.

Evil for GoodSo true were the words of the Prophet that what is good is now evil and what is evil is now good (Isaiah 5:20-21), therefore they “gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another” and began immoral sexual relations with “men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error” (Rom 1:27). This penalty is going to be incurred at the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev 20:12-15) because all who live in sexual immorality will have their part in the lake of fire (Rev 21:8), but another penalty must be paid too and that often results in shortened lifespans and/or suffering from sexually transmitted diseases. This is something that faithful, monogamous married couples do not have to worry about.

Fruits of the FleshYou can find the fruits of the Holy Spirit and the fruits of the flesh in Galatians 5, but you can also find the fruits of the flesh in Romans Chapter one. For example, for those who reject God, they become “filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless” (Rom 1:28-31). Jesus warned us that we will know them by their fruits (Matt 7:15-20).

Hearty ApprovalPeople love to drag others down with them it seems. If they’re in trouble, they want others to join them in their troubles. Many years ago…decades ago, I quit drinking. Some of the people I ran with who still drank didn’t understand why I stopped drinking and running with them. It’s almost as if they wanted me to get back to drinking and have some alcohol issues again. It was as if when others got drunk, they “give approval to those who practice them” (Rom 1:32b). I guess misery does love company but I was no longer practicing those things. I was a changed man (2 Cor 5:21; Eph 2:1-5). In their hearts, these men know about “God’s righteous decrees” (Rom 1:32a), yet they, like the other lost people, do the things that deserve death (for some a premature death). God’s Word be true; “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter” (Isaiah 5:20)!

ConclusionPractice sharing the gospel with others or someone. Have one person be the hard-nosed atheist, the other someone trying to share Christ. Think about what you might say to someone you want to open up a spiritual conversation with. Pray before and during your encounter; trust the Holy Spirit to give you the right words, know the gospel well enough that you can quote it in a few memorized Bible verses. Examples are 2 Cor 5:21, John 3:16, Acts 4:12, etc.

Romans chapter one has caused a lot of controversy behind the pulpits today, but I’m not afraid to speak (or write) about these things. Are you? Many are afraid to “cry aloud and spare not” because they don’t want to offend, but the Word of God is supposed to cut in order to heal. God’s Word comforts the afflicted but afflicts the comfortable. The truth will set you free or it will make you really mad. I can live with both.

Here is some related reading for you: Bible Verses From Romans: 25 Scripture Quotes

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The Bible contains many miracles, so what is the greatest miracle ever mentioned in the Bible?

The CreationThe Bible contains many miracles, so what is the greatest miracle ever? Was it the creation mentioned in Genesis one? God made everything out of nothing! We can’t do that. No scientist can create something out of nothing. Only God can create everything out of nothing. That’s a huge miracle…to make everything out of nothing! My finite mind cannot wrap around that fact, but I trust that fact. God said in the beginning He created the heavens and the earth (Gen 1:1). That’s enough for me, but I don’t think it was the greatest miracle.

The Red SeaYou must know about the Red Sea crossing where the Israelites crossed over but the Egyptian army was drowned. In the biblical account, Moses holds out his staff and God parts the waters after a drying wind blew all night. It was at God’s command that “Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left” (Ex 14:21-22). The Israelites walk on dry ground and cross the sea, followed by the Egyptian army whose chariots had difficulty crossing over in the mud. Once the Israelites had safely crossed over, Moses drops his staff, closing the sea, and drowning the pursuing Egyptians. What a miracle, but it’s not the greatest ever I don’t think. Even the Ten Plagues on Egypt were nothing compared to the greatest miracle of all.

Walking on WaterNo one can defy the natural laws of nature that God has laid down, but God can supernaturally suspend natural laws when it fits His will. It was so when Jesus walked on the water, defying natural laws as He walked, and it was “in the fourth watch of the night the came to them, walking on the sea” (Matt 14:55). I know about water’s surface tension and all that and that there are insects that can skip across the water and others can float (like otters), but to walk on water? That’s humanly impossible…but it is God possible, but this miracle is not even close to the greatest miracle of all.

Lazarus’ ResurrectionWhen Jesus initially heard of Lazarus’ sickness, He still waited two whole days. By the time Jesus arrived to Lazarus’ tomb, he had been dead four days. That’s dead! A dead person cannot revive themselves. This takes a miracle and Jesus does a miracle in raising Lazarus from the dead, saying, “Lazarus, come out” (John 11:43c). Since Jesus is God He has resurrection power in His word. What He commands must come to pass, but Lazarus’ resurrection, even as fantastic as it was, is still not actually the greatest miracle of all.

Jesus’ ResurrectionMany people believe that Jesus’ resurrection may be the greatest miracle recorded in the Bible, but is it? For one thing, Jesus could not actually die since He is God. His body could die, but Jesus never! In fact, since the wages of sin is death and Jesus never sinned, the grave could not possibly hold Jesus. Jesus was crucified and died but “God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it” (Acts 2:24). So Jesus could not actually die as God is Spirit even though His body could die, but never again. I still believe this is not the greatest miracle in the Bible.

Human ConversionIf there is a greater miracle than that of a dead man coming to life, I don’t know what it is, and I don’t mean physical life like Lazarus. I mean spiritual life. Consider this. The Apostle Paul says that every one of us “were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience” (Eph 2:1-2). In other words, we were dead in sins and like the course of this world, we were headed to utter destruction in hell, but what happened? It was God Who, “even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved” (Eph 2:5).

The Word and the SpiritThe gospel, upon hearing it, has the power to save (Psalm 19:7; Rom 1:16; 2 Cor 11:23-26). When the Spirit of God makes sense of the Word of God, only then can we trust in the Son of God and be saved. We cannot make ourselves alive any more than Lazarus could. We could not be born again by the will of man any more than we can bring about our own birth and choose the date. God “made us alive.” If He hadn’t quickened us to new life by His Spirit, we’d still be dead and likely not reading this. Lest we forget, dead men cannot choose Christ. The dead man Lazarus could not choose Christ to help him. God had to act first. All those who are dead in sins can do is to suffer decay. Dead men cannot choose Christ, therefore conversion is greater than a physical miracle (walking on water, creation, etc.). It is a spiritual conversion which only God can bring about.

ConclusionIf you have still not trusted in Christ, then you are still dead in your sins and trespasses and you have no hope outside of Christ and on judgment day when you meet God face to face. God will say no to you regarding your entering into the Kingdom, telling you to depart from Him for eternity (Matt 7:21-23). Your good works are useless to God (Eph 2:8-9). I plead with you to repent today and trust in Christ or face God’s judgment after death (Heb 9:27) or at Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), whichever comes first.

Here is some related reading for you: Does God Still Work Miracles Today?

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What is the definition of meekness? What’s the difference between the world’s view and God’s view of meekness?

Worldly MeeknessWhat is the definition of meekness? What’s the difference between the world’s view and God’s view of meekness? The world defines the state of being meek as having a quiet, gentle nature, easy to get along with and is submissive. Meekness describes someone who shows patient restraint and doesn’t take offense easily. That’s what most people think of meekness as, but many have the misconception that meekness is also a human weakness. Most ancient powers like the Greeks and Romans thought that meekness was evidence of cowardice or fear. The authorities of the day typically despised people who showed meekness or humility, seeing it as a weakness. I hope we don’t see meekness in that light because it’s actually an attribute that pleases God.

Godly MeeknessMeek people do not jump to conclusions or judge people in the sense of condemning them. They live by what Jesus said, “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment” (John 7:24). The prophecy of Jesus was that “his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide disputes by what his ears hear” (Isaiah 11:3). If meek people judge anyone, it is they themselves. They understand that they are to “show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory” (James 2:1). Jesus proclaimed a blessing on the meek, saying, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matt 5:5). The psalmist saw the value in meekness, writing that “the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace” (Psalm 37:11). Meekness is a godly attribute. Just look at Jesus Who submitted to the Father, and who would accuse Jesus of being weak?!

Moses’ MeeknessMeekness is not what the world thinks of as being weakness. Andre the Giant was a huge man. He was nearly 7 feet tall and weighed about 500 pounds. He was an imposing figure on the movie set where he guest starred in The Princess Bride. But he was exceedingly shy and very meek. Since this giant of a man was so meek, would anyone still think of him as weak? Of course not. Moses must have been a strong man too being a shepherd in the wilderness and even on the day of Moses’ death he was still in good physical condition (Duet 34:7). He was called the “meekest man on earth” (Num 12:3-5), but who among the Jews would ever accuse Moses as being weak? Meekness is strength under control. A meek person doesn’t over estimate their own self-worth, but they do esteem others better than themselves, as we’re commanded to do (Phil 2:3-5). Some of the meekest people I know are some of the strongest believers I know! You can be strong and meek at the same time. Just look at Jesus.

Embracing MeeknessMeekness is a choice, which is why James tells us to “put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21). The Book of James is considered New Testament wisdom literature, and in an inquiring way, James asks, “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13). In other words, prove yourself by your good conduct in doing good works for Christ but in gentleness and in meekness.

Putting on MeeknessThe Apostle Paul wrote passionately to the Church in Corinth, saying I “entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ” (2 Cor 10:1), showing us our Lord Himself had a quiet, meek spirit and the Scriptures prove that out as He was a tender-hearted shepherd. Jesus’ powerfully comforting words were said in meekness, where He says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt 11:28). Our yoke may be hard and our burden heavy, but Jesus says that “my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt 11:30). Jesus Himself was meek, but in fact, we are commanded to “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” (Col 3:12). The idea is, if you have to put something on, you’re not wearing it now, and if meekness is missing, put on that “meekness and gentleness of Christ.” Most of us tend not to be meek, which is why we see so many commands to “put on” meekness and humility, among other things.

ConclusionStill don’t think God cares about meekness. God asks, “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom” (Psalm 45:4). And someday in the Kingdom, “The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the LORD, and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 29:19), but if you have never trusted in Jesus Christ, then you will be judged guilty someday; either after your death (Heb 9:27), or at Jesus Christ’s second coming (Rev 1:7, 20:12-15). I hate to say it but the results will be catastrophic for those who have rejected the Lord Jesus Christ (Rev 21:8). This should explain to you why I plead with you right here and right now, repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and have all your sins washed away. This is only possible by His precious blood of the Lamb of God which can make you whiter than snow (Psalm 57:1; 2 Cor 5:21). There is absolutely no other way (Acts 4:12) to the Father (John 6:44) or into the Kingdom (Acts 16:30-31).

Here is some related reading for you: 4 Examples of Humility in the Bible

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W e tend to treat people differently because of the way they look, but what if Jesus looked like anyone else and walked into your church? Would Jesus feel welcome?

Is Jesus Welcome?We tend to treat people differently because of the way they look, but what if Jesus looked like anyone else and walked into your church? Would Jesus feel welcome? Consider the fact that what you do for others is like doing it unto Christ Himself, Who said, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me” (Matt 25:35-36). Whatever we do for the Body of Christ and even for strangers, it is doing it unto Jesus Christ. That’s the way our Lord sees it (Matt 25:40). Conversely, to do nothing, ever, for our Lord, is a serious sign of unbelief and coming judgment (Matt 25:41-46). Nothing is lost when we serve or help others. In fact, Jesus says, “whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward” (Matt 10:42). What kind of reward could a believer receive for giving someone a cup of cold water? I’m not sure, but by no means will they “lose [their] reward,” whatever it is. If you treat others with love and service, then Jesus would certainly be welcome around you!

You can be the hands and feet of Jesus to them by serving them at a local kitchen or shelter.

Judging by AppearancesImagine a church is trying to hire a new pastor and in comes this man. He’s a bit aged and perhaps has vision problems. He’s got several scars too from some old wounds. The rumors are that in just about every town he’s been in, they had a riots break out and he’s been in jail several times. He’s constantly in trouble with the authorities and the local religious groups, so would you like to hire this man? Most churches would say, “No!” but they’d miss out on the greatest preacher (next to Jesus) in the New Testament and that’s the Apostle Paul. We can’t judge a book by a cover any more than we can judge a person by what they look like, how they dress, or how they talk. God can use a donkey to speak through if necessary (Num 22), so we must not judge by appearances because we can be wrong. And frequently, the first impression, although it may be a lasting one, is not the right one.

Strangers and AngelsWe are commanded to be hospitable to one another and even to strangers and aliens (Lev 19:34), for we too were once aliens in this fallen world, called into a new and better Kingdom of which Jesus is King. One verse about angels sounds like a warning where God says “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Heb 13:2). Imagine treating someone shamefully and then finding out they’re an angel. No, it’s not likely, but it’s possible we might offend some angel by the way we treat others. Could they be an angel, unaware? Who knows? We might have entertained, or perhaps made some angel angry in our lifetime. Why do I say that? The author of Hebrews says we could have entertained angels and not even known about it. The world “entertain” doesn’t mean you put on a show for them, but you treat them with respect and politeness, as you should every person.

Aliens, Orphans & WidowsGod is a strong defender of the orphans and widows, but not only for the Jews or only for the Old Testament time period. God does not change and so today, He is still “Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation” (Psalm 68:5). Many Scriptures about orphans and widows come with warnings, like “If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry” (Ex 22:23), and as a result, God says, “my wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless” (Ex 22:24). As in ancient times, God is still highly concerned with how we treat widows and orphans who often have no provider or little support. When someone takes advantage of them, God takes it personally.

Pstr Jack Coleman in Africa.

Are You Welcome?If you haven’t trusted in the Son of God, you won’t be welcomed into the Kingdom someday, but rather you will face the eternal judgment of God (Rev 20:12-25, 21:8). Please consider today putting your trust in the Savior (2 Cor 6:2). Don’t let Jesus’ final words be, “Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt 25:41), “For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me” (Matt 25:42-43). Here we see someone who only thought of themselves and not as servants of others and believer’s in Christ, and in effect, doing things for Christ (Matt 25:40). There were so many opportunities that the lost would have missed in their lifetimes…missed chances to feed the poor, cloth the underprivileged, and visit those who are sick and in prison. But they were the center of their own universe. Jesus Christ was not enthroned in their hearts; they were.

ConclusionThe Bible tells us that “God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do” (Heb 6:10), so “let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Gal 6:9). You can turn an enemy into a friend by the love you show for them and by our love for one another, people can know who Jesus’ disciples truly are (John 13:34-35). The greatest act of love we can ever show people is to warn them of the coming wrath of God. Tell them of Jesus that He is ready to save and that He is their one and only hope of eternal life (John 3:16-17; Acts 4:12).

Here is some related reading for you: How to Find a Bible-Believing Church

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We tend to treat people differently because of the way they look, but it is sin to judge people by their appearances.

Judging by AppearancesWe tend to treat people differently because of the way they look, but it is sin to judge people by their appearances. I’ve done it so I plead guilty. My experience is that even though first impressions are lasting ones, they’re not always right. And I would say our first impressions are wrong. We don’t know what’s inside that person, what they’ve gone through, or their background either. There’s no way to judge a book by the front cover just as we cannot accurately or fairly judge a person by what they look like, how they talk, or what they do. Jesus said, “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment” (John 7:24), and what we see does not always give us a “right judgment.” Jesus always judges right. It is written of Him that “his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide disputes by what his ears hear” (Isaiah 11:3). Need we do any less?

No PartialityWhat if someone walked into your church in worn, tattered and dirty clothes? Would we be ready to ask them to leave…or would we show them no partiality and say, “Hello my brother/sister, come right in and sit down and join us in worship.” God’s Word commands us to “show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory” (James 2:1). God showed no partiality in saving us, and we were certainly not worthy of being saved. If a rich man and a poor man walked into church at the same time, to who would you go to first? Again, a reminder from God’s Word, that “if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors” (James 2:2). Some laws never go out of existence, I believe, like the command: “You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor” (Lev 19:15). Do we really think that part of God’s law has passed away?

Kindness to StrangersIt’s probably harder to be kind to strangers than people we know. We want to keep our nose out of other people’s lives, but we’re called to serve Christ (Matt 25:35-36), and to live like Christ (2 Cor 5:17), in order to share Christ (Matt 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). Besides, the way we treat people might actually be the way we’re treating an angel. What?! The author of Hebrews says it’s possible we’ve entertained angels and not even known about it, so just to be on the safe side, we must “not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Heb 13:2). The world “entertain” doesn’t mean you put on a show for someone. It means you treat them with respect and dignity, like you would all people.

Examine YourselfThe one I’m most concerned with in this world and among my friends in the church and family is not someone else…it’s me! When I hear other preachers, I’m not listening to hear how others should get their lives together. I’m hearing, “How can I be more holy in this life? What is it in my life I need to work on?” I’ve got troubles enough with the man in the mirror than to worry about others and judge them for things that I think are sin. Judgment is good (Matt 18:15-20), but it starts in the house of God and not on the street (1 Pet 4:17). I’m not sure I want to judge others because that same standard will then apply to me. It is just as Jesus said, “the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you” (Matt 7:2). What this naturally means is that “if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged” (1 Cor 11:31). Judging myself keeps me so busy that I have no time to judge others (nor, any right).

Benefit of the DoubtWe’ve all done it. We’ve judged someone by the way they look. We might not say it, but we might think it; they’re too old, they’re too young, they’re too short, they’re too tall, they’re too skinny, they’re too fat….etc. I’ve learned the hard way that dynamite comes in small packages and it doesn’t take much nitro glycerin to make an impression. The only way to truly judge someone fairly is to get to know them. I don’t mean judge them as innocent or guilty and worthy of hell. I mean making a judgment about their character. By spending time with someone, getting to know them, to know their family, hearing about their history and such things allow us to judge a person rightly, as Jesus said we must (John 7:24). Judging by appearances, most people today would not have even given the great Apostle Paul a second thought, but if they only knew what God was doing through this man of God, they’d stop judging him by his appearance, like we do people. Lord help us to not jump to conclusions and usually wrong ones! Love not only believes all things, it thinks the best of people, giving them the benefit of the doubt (1 Cor 13:7). That’s the loving thing to do.

ConclusionIf you’ve never trusted in Christ, then you will be judged guilty someday; after death (Heb 9:27) or at Christ’s second coming (Rev 20:12-15), and the results will be catastrophic (Rev 21:8). This is why I plead with you right here and right now, you who read this; repent and believe and have all your sins fall upon Christ. Only His precious blood can make us whiter than snow (2 Cor 5:21). There is absolutely no other way (Acts 4:12).

Here is some related reading for you: How Can I Stop Judging People? Answers From the Bible

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What does the Bible say about gratitude? How can believers express gratitude to God?

Gratitude DefinedWhat does the Bible say about gratitude? How can believers express gratitude to God? Man’s definition of gratitude is having the quality of being thankful and having a readiness to show appreciation for things and to return kindness in return. You could call it focusing on what is good in our lives and then being thankful for the things we have, but expressing that thankfulness before God and before others by our words to others and in our prayers to God. Gratitude can be pausing to reflect upon and notice and appreciate the things that we often take for granted in life like having a place to live, food to eat, a job, a vehicle, clean water, friends and family. Those are all and good, but those will pass away someday. What is it that we should be most grateful for?

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess 5:18)

Eternal SecuritySadly, many denominations and churches teach that you can lose your salvation. Now try to imagine sharing the gospel with someone but believing you can lose your salvation. We might share the gospel with someone like this: “Hey friend, have you believed on the Lord Jesus Christ? If so, you have eternal life because God so loved this world that He sent His one and only Son so that whoever would believe in Him would receive eternal life and never perish” (John 3:16-17)…but they would add to this verse, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life…unless you blow it or you lose it.” See how that takes the power of the gospel away? The power is in the Gospel to save and God will save whosoever believes.

God promises that, but never does God say “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved…unless you lose it” (Rom 10:9). Some must believe we can add the line, “unless you sin too much or lose it” or “whoever believes has eternal life” unless he/she does a certain sin. No! If Jesus said it was eternal life, He means its eternal life, not temporary. That’s great news and why we should be emphatically grateful, showing our gratitude to God.

Say It And Pray ItSince God has called you and saved you through His Son, Jesus Christ, “let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe” (Heb 12:29). Say that to God and pray that to God and say that to others when you share the gospel. The Psalmist was so ecstatic about his salvation that over and over again, he said, “I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise” (Psalm 138:1) and “I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness” (Psalm 138:2). He was the most thankful person in the Bible (save, Jesus). That’s showing gratitude and gratitude by which God is well pleased. If you’re a parent, wouldn’t you love to hear your children thank you for all you do; provide for their needs, food, shelter, clothing and such? It tickles our ears when people are grateful to us and express it openly, especially before others.

Thanking GodOne of my favorite things to say to people is to say, “I thank you and I thank God for you.” I think it’s important we show gratitude to others and why we must be “giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph 5:20). Giving thanks to God is giving something to God…like a gift to Him. It shows we trust Him and don’t take His blessings for granted. We out to even be thankful for our trials and troubles for all these things will surely work out for our very best in life (Rom 8:28; 1 Pet 1).

In the WordThe more I read the Bible, the more I ought to be thankful for what’s in it. God’s Word has power to save and power to comfort, so God’s advice to us is to “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Col 3:16). We express our gratitude in corporate worship and in private worship with spiritual songs and hymns. Why? Because God’s Word, when dwelling in us richly, gives us wisdom and the sense to admonish one another when we need it.

ConclusionFollowers of Christ should be the most grateful people on the planet because our Lord “has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire” (2 Pet 1:4). God did not give us what we deserved (His wrath); He have us what we needed (mercy and grace). He gave us what we didn’t deserve (grace) but withheld what we should have received (wrath). Why not verbally express that gratitude to God in song and prayer and to others who can hear just how good God is, at least to those who have trusted in Christ. For others who have yet to believe on the Lord, God’s wrath awaits them (John 3:36) and will surely and do so sudden someday; after death (Heb 9:27) or at the final judgment (Dan 12:2-3; Rev 20:12-15). Why not put your trust in Christ today and be raised in glory and in His precious presence someday (Rev 21:4, 22:5).

Here is some related reading for you: 5 Bible Lessons About Being Thankful

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A s more and more churches turn apostate, how can we know when it’s time to leave our church and find a biblical one?

The EssentialsAs more and more churches turn apostate, how will we know when it’s time to leave our church and find a biblical one? In church history, it seems there are three essentials that each church must have. They are the preaching of the Word of God, the Bible. Then there is church discipline as Jesus commanded (Matt 18:15-20), and finally, every church must have the sacraments, including the Lord’s Supper or Communion and I would include baptism in the sacraments of the church because Jesus commanded new disciples be baptized (Matt 28:18-12). Even Jesus was baptized, although He had no sin and it was to fulfill all righteousness, but the church must have the preaching of the Word of God, church discipline, and the Lord’s Supper (regularly), but also including baptism. These essentials should be found in every church where Jesus is the Head. If any of these are missing, then it might be time to leave your church.

No Expository PreachingIf there is no preaching or teaching of the Word of God from the pulpit, then the sheep will starve to death. Just as sheep need to be feed in green pastures, so do believer’s need to feed on the Word of God. We are commanded to “grow in the grace and knowledge” (2 Pet 3:18). We have no message, but God’s Word does and it has power, for “it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Rom 1:16). Only God’s Word has the ability to achieve what it is sent out to do (Isaiah 55:11), not us. The Word of God has the power to save because many “have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God” (1 Pet 1:23). Interestingly, God even declares that we are “protected by the power of God” (1 Pet 1:5), and we read about that power in the Bible. When a person of God shares the Word of God then the Spirit of God might birth a child of God.

The Spirit and the Word work together in our salvation, for the Spirit is the Author of the Word as “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Tim 3:16). We’re commanded to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (2 Tim 4:2). We are to teach and preach the Word, not a word from man! If your pastor is not preaching from the Bible, it’s time to head for the door.

No Church Discipline“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone.”

Jesus knows human nature, for He is our Creator. He knows we will all need discipline, so that’s why there is church discipline. Step one: go to the person first, in private, and talk with them about the serious nature of their sin (like adultery, public drunkenness, abuse charges, etc.). The first time the church is mentioned, Jesus brings up the command for church discipline, and it starts here, where “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother” (Matt 18:15), “but if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses” (Matt 18:16). The Bible clearly indicates that by two or three witnesses a thing is established (Duet 19:15; 2 Cor 13:1), so if going to them first doesn’t work, take two or three brothers or sisters with you. Not a posse, but just two or three.

Paul dealt with church discipline and it lines up with what Jesus taught. For example, if the two or three witnesses do not persuade the sinning church member to repent, then we are to “tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector” (Matt 18:17). If the church agrees, then heaven is agreed with the church’s decision (Matt 18:18-20). They are to be disfellowshipped because Jesus is trying to have the Bride appear before the Groom as spotless, and sexual immorality especially, tarnishes the Bride of Christ Who is betrothed to Christ. And it is really for the good of the sinning member because God desires that they repent. If they are allowed to continue to worship while living in such sin, there will never be repentance and the Bride of Christ will not be presented as spotless before the Lamb. So it is best for both the church and for the sinning member. It is the ultimate act of loving your brother or sister to go to them when they sin.

“Take; this is my body … this is my blood of the covenant …”

No SacramentsRegular Communion should occur in every biblical church as we are commanded to “Do this in remembrance of [Him]” (1 Cor 11:24). We are to remember His broken body and shed blood by observing the Lord’s Supper, and when we do, we proclaim His death till He comes This command comes with a warning for those who make take it in an “unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord” (1 Cor 11:27). This is reason enough for all of us to “examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself” (1 Cor 11:28-29). Apparently some who took it in an unworthy manner died (1 Cor 11:3), not properly observing His supreme sacrifice. I would add baptism too because we are commanded to be baptized, not in order to be saved, but because of a witness that we are saved.

ConclusionIf churches do not have the weekly preaching of the Word of God, or if there is no church discipline at all, and there is a lack of sacraments (Communion and baptism), it’s time to find a new church home. We must be biblical and agree with Jesus’ model for the church because He is the Head, not we ourselves (Col 1:17-18; Eph 5:22-25). Let us be about our Father’s business, warning people of the coming wrath of God. We must tell them of Jesus that He is mighty to save and that He is their one and only hope of eternal life (John 3:16-17; Acts 4:12). If not us, then who?

Here is some related reading for you: How to Find a Bible-Believing Church

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Some things that are broken can be fixed, including broken relationships. There is room for forgiveness and reconciliation by God’s grace and mercy.

Maintaining RelationshipsSome things that are broken can be fixed, including broken relationships. There is room for forgiveness and reconciliation by God’s grace and mercy. Maintaining healthy relationships can be one of the most challenging things in life, particularly in romantic relationships like dating. Whether it’s a disagreement about finances, a difference in values, or simply a misunderstanding, conflicts are bound to arise. However, forgiveness and reconciliation play a crucial role in restoring damaged relationships, and as Christians, we can turn to God’s grace and mercy to guide us in this process.

Grace and MercyThroughout the Bible, God’s grace and mercy are consistently offered to His people, even in the midst of their brokenness and mistakes. It says in Psalm 103:8 that “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” We are called to extend this same kind of grace and mercy to others, particularly in our relationships. Through forgiveness and reconciliation, we can restore damaged relationships and build stronger, healthier connections with those around us.

What is Forgiveness?Forgiveness is the act of letting go of anger, resentment, and the desire for revenge towards someone who has wronged us. It is not an easy thing to do, especially if the offense was severe or ongoing. However, forgiveness is necessary for healing and moving on. In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus says, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” This shows us that forgiveness is not an option, but a commandment.

What is Reconciliation?Reconciliation is the process of restoring a broken relationship. It involves addressing the issue, seeking forgiveness, and making amends. In Matthew 5:23-24 Jesus says, “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” This shows us that God values reconciliation and that it is essential to Him.

The Role of God’s Grace and MercyForgiveness and reconciliation can be difficult to achieve, especially when the hurt is deep, however, with God’s grace and mercy, we can find the strength to forgive and reconcile. In Ephesians 4:31-32 we read “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” This passage shows us that we are called to forgive others because God has forgiven us.

Grace and MercyGod’s grace is His unmerited favor, meaning we receive it even though we don’t deserve it. It is by God’s grace that we are forgiven and reconciled to Him. In Romans 5:8 we read, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This shows us that God’s love for us is not based on our actions, but on His grace.

God’s mercy is compassion shown to those who have sinned. It is by God’s mercy that we are not punished for our sins, but rather receive forgiveness and reconciliation. In Lamentations 3:22-23 we read, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” This passage shows us that God’s mercy is abundant and available to us every day.

Hard but NecessaryForgiveness and reconciliation are not easy, but they are necessary for maintaining healthy relationships. As Christians, we have a responsibility to forgive others, just as God has forgiven us. We must also seek reconciliation, even if it means humbling ourselves and making amends. With God’s grace and mercy, we can find the strength to do so.

Remember, forgiveness and reconciliation is an ongoing process. Even if we have forgiven and reconciled with someone, there may be times when we need to forgive again or seek further reconciliation, however with God’s help, we can persevere in the process and trust that God’s grace and mercy will see us through.

Steps for Forgiveness and ReconciliationHere are some practical steps we can take towards forgiveness and reconciliation:

Pray for the person who has wronged you. It can be hard to pray for someone who has hurt us, but Jesus commands us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). Praying for the person can help soften our hearts towards them and open the door for reconciliation.

Seek counsel. Talking to a trusted friend or mentor can provide guidance and support in the forgiveness and reconciliation process. It can also help to gain a different perspective on the situation.

Make amends. If we have wronged someone, we must take responsibility for our actions and make amends. This may involve apologizing, making restitution, or simply taking steps to ensure that the offense does not happen again.

Extend grace and mercy. Just as we have received God’s grace and mercy, we must extend it to others. This means letting go of our anger and desire for revenge, and instead showing kindness and compassion towards the person who has wronged us.

ConclusionForgiveness and reconciliation are crucial aspects of the Christian faith, and they play a pivotal role in maintaining healthy relationships. As followers of Christ, we can turn to God’s grace and mercy to guide us in the process of forgiveness and reconciliation. We are called to forgive others just as God has forgiven us, and to seek reconciliation even if it means humbling ourselves and making amends. As it says in Colossians 3:13, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

With practical steps and the help of the Holy Spirit, we can find the strength to forgive and reconcile with others. By following the example of Christ, who forgave even those who persecuted and crucified Him, we can build and maintain strong and healthy relationships with others. Through forgiveness and reconciliation, we not only experience the peace and joy that comes from restored relationships, but we also reflect the love and mercy of God to those around us.

Here is some related reading for you: What Does the Bible Say About Forgiveness?

Author’s Bio: Meet Jennifer Cleveland, the owner of LuvDate.co and a renowned Christian. With a passion for helping Christian singles find meaningful relationships at luv date to help Christian singles meet in a safe and meaningful way. Jennifer combines her expertise in online dating and her deep-seated faith to bring a unique and empowering perspective to the world of Christian dating.

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How does the Trinity work in our Salvation? Actually, all Three Persons of the Trinity are involved in our being saved.

The Work of ThreeHow does the Trinity work in our Salvation? Actually, all Three Persons of the Trinity are involved in our being saved. The doctrine of effectual calling is a clear expression how the Three Persons of the Trinity work in harmony to bring about the redemption of ill-deserving sinners, like us. The Father elects people for salvation, the Son redeems them through His death and resurrection, and the Holy Spirit calls them to faith.

Election, Redemption & CallingThe Father elects people for salvation, choosing them for salvation from before the foundation of the world. This is the doctrine of election, which teaches that God has chosen certain individuals for salvation, not based on anything they have done or will do, but simply because of His grace and mercy. Jesus was clear that “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day” (John 6:44).

The Son redeems a people for Himself through His death and resurrection. He takes the punishment that we deserve for our sin and offers us forgiveness and the gift of eternal life. This redemption is only possible because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Finally, because of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit calls people to faith in Him. This is what is referred to as effectual calling. The Holy Spirit convicts people of their sin (John 16:8), reveals the righteousness of Jesus Christ (Rom 8:16), regenerates them (Eph 2:1-5), and enables them to respond to the gospel message and put their faith in Jesus Christ (Rom 8:14).

The Necessity of RegenerationWhy is effectual calling and regeneration necessary? Isn’t the outward call of the gospel enough (Rom 10:14-15)?

Both effectual calling and regeneration are necessary because all people are affected by sin and are unwilling to choose God or turn to Him of their own accord. First Corinthians 2:14 states: “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.”

What this means is that apart from the work of the Holy Spirit, people are unwilling and unable to understand or receive the things of God because the truths of the Bible are either foolishness or a stumbling block to them (Rom 8:6-7). They are unwilling to choose Him or respond to His summons to salvation because, being of the flesh, they are under the influence of sin, being held captive captivity and are resistant or hostile to spiritual truths (Rom 8:7).

Total DepravityIn light of the unwillingness and inability to choose the things of God, we are helpless and hopeless. The total depravity of man means that all people are affected by sin and are unable to choose God or turn to Him of their own accord. They are not morally capable of responding to the gospel message and receiving salvation without the work of the Holy Spirit (Jer 17:9). This is why an effectual calling, which is the work of the Holy Spirit, is necessary for salvation. The Holy Spirit enables the individual to understand and respond to the things of God, leading them to faith in Jesus Christ. It is by grace alone in an act of God alone (Eph 2:8-9).

In summary, the Trinity works in harmony to bring about redemption. The Father elects people for salvation, the Son redeems them through His death and resurrection (1 Cor 15:1-5), and the Holy Spirit calls them to faith. Each person of the Trinity plays a unique and important role in the process of salvation, and all three work together to bring sinners to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

We were redeemd by the precious blood of the Lamb.

The Outward and Inward CallFirst Corinthians 1:23-24 is a passage that displays both the outward and inward call of the Holy Spirit. It says, “But we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” In this passage, the Apostle Paul is referring to the outward call of the gospel, which is proclaimed to all people, both Jews and Greeks. The message of Christ crucified is a stumbling block to some and foolishness to others, but to those who are called, it is the power of God and the wisdom of God (Rom 1:16). This outward call is the general invitation of the gospel, which is extended to all people without distinction.

The Outward CallFirst Corinthians 1:23-24 also implies the inward call of the Holy Spirit. The term “called” in this passage refers to those who have responded to the outward call and have been saved by the grace of God. The inward call of the Holy Spirit is not based on anything the person has done or will do, but solely on the sovereign grace of God. It is an irresistible work of the Holy Spirit, who convicts the individual of their sin, reveals the righteousness of Jesus Christ, and enables them to respond to the gospel message and put their faith in Jesus Christ.

ConclusionIn summary, 1 Corinthians 1:23-24 displays both the outward and inward call of the Holy Spirit. The outward call is the general invitation of the gospel to all people, while the inward call is the specific, personal summons to salvation that is the infallible result of God’s sovereign grace, thus, all Three Persons of the Trinity are involved in our salvation, just as all Three were involved in bringing everything into being (Gen 1:1-2).

Here is some related reading for you: The Trinity – A Bible Study

Author’s Bio: George Haithcock is a pastor and author who creates Bible studies to focus on the preaching of the Word of God as the church’s main purpose. You can visit his facebook page here. Contact Pastor George Haithcock at: grhaithcock@hotmail.com for more information on Bible studies.

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Jesus said many are called, but few are chosen, so why are so few saved while many more are not?

The Broad PathJesus said many are called, but few are chosen, so why are so few saved while many more are not? If there is a broad path anywhere, it is not to heaven, but rather to destruction. It’s easier to follow a path that is broad and wide and much more difficult to enter into a narrow path which is why Jesus warned that we must “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many” (Matt 7:13). Imagine there is only one fire escape. We wouldn’t care if it’s a narrow staircase because we’d be happy there is a way of escape, so if the way to destruction is broad and the way to eternal life is a narrow, single-file path, it appears that most people will not be saved. For the, the cost is too high. If most people in the world were going to be saved then we would need a broad path to heaven and not a narrow one, but the truth is, it’s a narrow, difficult path to enter into the Kingdom and that’s why most will not be taking it.

The Narrow GateJesus said that “the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few” (Matt 7:14). Why is the gate so narrow that leads to eternal life? It’s because not many are taking it so a wide path is not needed. If you go into a large grocery store, you’ll likely see 2 or 3 double doors for customers to come in and go out of, but if you look for a fire escape, there’s usually only a single door and only one person can pass through the door at a time. That’s why “those who find it are few.” There are two things that stand out in Jesus’ statement; the way is hard that leads to eternal life. Why? It’s because we have to die to ourselves and live for Christ (Gal 2:20). It’s a life of self-denial (Luke 9:23) and most people will not deny their own pleasures in life and thus, they will take the broad path that leads to destruction.

Few Who Find ItIt appears on the surface that few are going to be saved because the gate that leads to eternal life is hard and difficult and a path most people are not willing to take. That’s why it’s narrow or single-file; not many are taking it which is why “those who find it are few.” There are fewer entering the Kingdom than we might think, which is why believers must stand in the gap between heaven and hell and share the gospel, snatching them from the fire (Jude 1:23). We are on a rescue mission as God uses us as a means to save some.

Many Called, Few ChosenWhy do so many fall away? The Apostle John wrote that some who will not find the narrow gate will leave the church over trials, troubles or persecution. Why? It’s because they were not really part of the church to begin with (1 John 2:19). Remember that in the Parable of the Sower only 1 in 4 of the seeds took root. That means 3 out of 4 rejected the Word of God and thus, eternal life. Like in the call to the wedding feast, most rejected that call, and as such, Jesus’ words ring clear that “many are called, but few are chosen” (Matt 22:14). Many think they’re good enough to go to heaven, not realizing that none of us are good (Rom 3:10-12, 23). Many respond to the call but many of these same will be turned away by Jesus Christ, telling them that He doesn’t even know them and to depart into everlasting judgment (Matt 7:21-23).

Examine YourselfSo how can you be sure that you are saved and among the remnant? The Apostle Paul says that “at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace” (Rom 11:5), so even in Pauls’ day, there was only a remnant of the Jews who believed. I am less concerned about gifts of the Spirit than I am fruits of the Spirit because Jesus said we’d know them by their fruits and not by their gifts (Matt 7:16), so it doesn’t hurt to do a self-diagnostic spiritually speaking. We are actually commanded to examine ourselves to see if we really are in the faith (2 Cor 13:5). What fruits do others see in us? What fruits are we producing that we can see? Have we repented of sins, especially that of sexual immorality? Jesus never said you would know them by their gifts but by their fruits, for where the fruit is, there the root is. We know where the source of the fruits of the Spirit is and it’s not in us. We cannot do any fruit producing without Christ (John 15:5), but there should be fruits (Matt 25:35-36). If not, there’s a serious problem and you might be among the many headed down the wrong path (Matt 25:41-46).

A Remnant of IsraelGod has not forgotten His chosen one Israel, for Micah 2:12a says, “I will surely assemble all of you, O Jacob; I will gather the remnant of Israel.” Isaiah wrote of a day for “the remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob” (Isaiah 10:20). Even “though your people Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will return” (Isaiah 10:22), so even among the Israelites, there will only be a remnant (small amount) saved.

ConclusionIf you have not been brought to repentance and faith in Christ, then you are not among the few who will be saved. You are headed the wrong way…down the broad path of destruction and it’s a one-way road. It’s wide and easy to take, but there is no escape, so I plead with you to make today the day of your salvation (2 Cor 6:2). Do this today…even right now, while it is still called today because no one has “tomorrow” guaranteed.

Here is some related reading for you: Lord, Are There Few That Be Saved?

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Christian dating is not as easy as you think these days, so how can we navigate our relationships with faith?

Christian DatingChristian dating is not as easy as you think these days, so how can we navigate our relationships with faith? Dating can be a complex and sometimes overwhelming experience, especially for individuals who are deeply rooted in their faith and beliefs. Christians face an added challenge of finding a suitable partner who shares similar values, beliefs, and a strong commitment to their faith. The traditional dating methods can be less effective in helping Christians find compatible partners. That’s why a growing number of Christian singles are seeking alternative options and turning to specialized dating sites. These dating platforms cater specifically to the needs and desires of Christian singles, providing a safe and supportive environment where they can connect and build meaningful relationships with others who share their beliefs. The best we can do is to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding” (Prov 3:5).

Successful DatingWhether you’re seeking friendship, romance, or a long-term commitment, there are websites designed to help Christian singles find the right match, no matter their background or denomination. As a Christian, it’s important to remember that your faith should play a significant role in all aspects of your life, including your romantic relationships. While love and attraction are important, they shouldn’t be the only determining factors when it comes to choosing a partner. It’s crucial to find someone who not only accepts your beliefs but also shares them, as this will provide a strong foundation for a healthy and happy relationship…and hopefully, a lasting one. The key is to “not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness” (2 Cor 6:14)?

Christian Dating TipsHere are a few tips for successful Christian dating: Pray for guidance before entering into any new relationship. It’s essential to ask God for guidance and wisdom. Pray for His will to be revealed in your love life, and trust that He has a plan for you. Remember, God’s plans are always greater than our own, and He wants what’s best for us. Know your standards. As a Christian it’s important to have clear standards for what you’re looking for in a relationship. This includes not only physical attraction but also personality traits, values, and beliefs. Be clear on what you’re looking for, and don’t compromise your standards just to be in a relationship. Communicate openly and honestly and remember that true “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful” (1 Cor 13:4-5).

CommunicationOpen and honest communication is the key to any healthy relationship, and it’s especially important in Christian dating. Make sure you and your partner are on the same page when it comes to your beliefs, values, and expectations for the relationship. Be willing to listen to each other’s perspectives and work together to find common ground. Take it slow. While it’s tempting to dive headfirst into a new relationship, it’s essential to take things slow when dating as a Christian. Get to know each other gradually, and take time to determine if your relationship is built on a solid foundation of shared values and beliefs.

The Church CommunityGet involved in your church community. Getting involved in your church community is a crucial aspect of finding meaningful relationships as a Christian. The church serves as a hub for likeminded individuals who share common faith and beliefs. By participating in church events, activities, and joining a small group, you have the opportunity to meet and connect with others who share your values and beliefs. This can lead to forming meaningful relationships, including the potential for dating. Additionally, as the Scriptures state, we are not to be “neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Heb 10:25). This verse highlights the importance of community and coming together to support and encourage each other. By getting involved in your church community, you not only increase your chances of finding someone to date, but you also build a support system of like-minded individuals who can uplift and encourage you in your faith journey.

Making New FriendsWhether you’re looking to make new friends, deepen your spiritual growth, or potentially find a romantic partner, getting involved in your church community is a valuable and fulfilling opportunity. Seek counsel from trusted friends and family since “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed” (Prov 15:22). Don’t be afraid to seek counsel from trusted friends and family members when navigating Christian dating.

ConclusionIn conclusion, Christian dating can be a beautiful expression of love and faith when approached with intentionality and care. By incorporating prayer, self-reflection, and open communication into your dating journey, you can find a relationship built on mutual respect and shared values. By getting involved in your church community and seeking counsel from trusted friends and family, you can expand your social circle and increase the chances of finding a compatible partner. It’s important to remember that the foundation of a successful Christian relationship is built on a shared love for God and a commitment to living out your faith.

While dating can be challenging, it’s important to have faith in God’s plan for your life and trust that He will lead you to the right person at the right time. If you’re a Christian single looking for a relationship built on shared values and beliefs, consider checking out a Christian dating site designed specifically for Christian singles. With the right approach, a heart open to God’s will, and the help of supportive communities and resources, you can find the love and happiness you’ve been searching for.

Here is some related reading for you: True Love: How Do You Know When You Find It?

Author’s Bio: Jennifer Cleveland is the owner of LuvDate.co and a renowned Christian. With a passion for helping Christian singles find meaningful relationships, Jennifer combines her expertise in online dating and her deep-seated faith to bring a unique and empowering perspective to the world of Christian dating. Visit her site, LuvDate to experience her vision for connecting Christian singles in a safe and meaningful way.

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E veryone feels guilty at some point, but we don’t have to live with shame or guilt, so how do we get rid of our shame and guilt once and for all?

All Are GuiltyEveryone feels guilty at some point, but we don’t have to live with guilt, so how do we get rid of our shame and guilt once and for all? I know dog’s feel guilt…as I’ve found them with the evidence around him that he was guilty. He knew he’d done wrong, so the dog went out of sight and lay down in a corner. So even animals feel guilt, at least our pets do, so what do we do about the guilt? The wisest man living at the time, King Solomon, stated as fact, “Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins” (Eccl 7:20). He is surely right because God’s Word is always true. Job asked the rhetorical question with the obvious answer being “no one,” when he said, “What is man, that he can be pure? Or he who is born of a woman, that he can be righteous” (Job 15:14)? Job’s point is that no one born of a woman (meaning all of us!) can be righteous. Only Jesus, born of a virgin, conceived by the Holy Spirit, could not sin, being as He is God.

None RighteousWe have no ability to make ourselves righteous before God. It must come through Jesus Christ’s own righteousness (2 Cor 5:21). The Apostle Paul makes it abundantly clear, even quoting the Psalms (Psalm 14:1; 53:1; 143:2). If they holy men of old and the holy Apostle Paul considered themselves sinners (1 Cor 15:9; Eph 3:8; 1 Tim 1:15), what does that make us? This makes us the same thing…sinners! If we say we’re not sinners anymore, then we’re actually calling God a liar (1 John 1:8) because in fact, we are sinners (1 John 1:10). We’re also lying to ourselves because God’s True Word says that “None is righteous, no, not one” (Rom3:10).

None GoodI believe Paul said “No, not one” because there’s always that one who thinks they’re they rare exception, thinking “I’m not a sinner anymore.” Sorry, you’re wrong, because “All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one” (Rom 3:12). I am sad for people who think they’re not sinners anymore because I know Jesus came to die for sinners…sinners like me. He didn’t come to die for the (self)-righteous. Our Lord said, “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32). Until you repent and put your trust in Christ, you will never rid yourself of the guilt…the shame of standing before God with only your filthy-rags righteous works (Dan 12:2-3; Rev 20:12-15). That’s a terrible place to be with no way out. If you trust in Christ, your guilt before God is paid for by the shed blood of the Lamb of God, slain even before the earth (and we) existed (Rev 13:8)!

Confess it to GodIf you are a believer, you can come to the Father at any time and confess your sins to Him. God’s promise, and He cannot lie (Num 23:19; 1 Sam 15:29; Titus 1:2; Heb 6:18; 2 Tim 2:13), is, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Notice it says “all unrighteousness,” and not most of it or 95% of it…it’s all atoned for in Christ! He will cleanse us if only we come to the Father through Jesus the Son. Confess it to God and its gone! Whoever covers their sin, God will expose it; but whoever exposes their sin, God will cover it…by His grace and mercy. There’s no more need to sweat it! It’s done…forgotten. Now, are our standards of forgiveness greater than God’s? They are if we fail to forgive ourselves after God’s already forgiven us, so “Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered” (Psalm 32:1). What God has covered, don’t uncover. What God’s buried in the grave of forgetfulness, don’t exhume the body! It’s forgiven and a lesson learned…now move on…guilt free and shame free.

Confess it to OthersIf you are still living with shame or guilt from something you did to someone or said to someone, then why not humble yourself and go to them privately? I can promise you that you’ll feel better after confessing your sin to the person you offended or sinned against. It clears the air and helps you move forward, but it takes humility and a willingness to be honest with God and honest with others about our faults and shortcomings. We are all sinners, so we can’t expect perfection, but we should confess our sins and apologize to those we’ve sinned against and do so immediately (James 5:16), but of course, first and foremost is our need to confess them to God. What happens if they don’t forgive you? Then that’s on them! That’s now their problem and it’s between them and God. You have done what you could but the rest is up to them. If they fail to accept your apology, then they need to repent of that and confess it to God. You’re slate is clean. There’s nothing more you need do. God see you have done your part by humbling yourself; now it’s on them to do the same.

When Satan reminds you of past sins, remind him they’re forgiven!

ConclusionShare the gospel of God and that gospel must include the fact that that unless they repent and put their trust in Christ, they will live with shame and guilt for all eternity. They are under the wrath of God in fact. Daniel the Prophet wrote about those who did not believe in God and their final judgment, and it would not be a few, but “many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt” (Dan 12:2). Don’t let yourself be among them. Instead, I plead with you, to be in the second group that Daniel mentions and that you will be one of “those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever” (Dan 12:3). No one need go to a place of eternal torment with no possible escape (Luke 16:26). Put your trust in the Son of God today (2 Cor 6:2) and embrace His forgiveness and have all your shame and guilt absolved forever. That is my prayer, now as I write this, for all who will read this.

Here is some related reading for you: How to Overcome Feeling Regret and Shame From Past Mistakes

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H ow does one become a Christian? What is their part of the process and what is God’s part?

Becoming a ChristianHow does one become a Christian? What is their part of the process and what is God’s part? Contrary to what many believe, we cannot become a Christian…at least on our own. We need help. In John 6:44 Jesus declares that “no one comes to me unless the farther who sent me draw him, and I will raise him up at the last day.” The Greek word translated “draw’ is (helkuo) which means “to drag.” This drawing is a one-sided affair. God does the drawing to salvation; we who are drawn have a passive role in the process. We respond to His drawing us, but the drawing itself is all on His part.

The Effectual CallThe Greek word (Helkuo) is used in John 2:16 to refer to a heavy net being dragged to the shore. In John 2:18 we see Peter drawing his sword, and in Acts “helkuo” is used to describe Paul and Silas being dragged into the marketplace before the rulers. Clearly the net had no part in its being drawn to shore. Peter’s sword had no part in being drawn, and Paul and Silas did not drag themselves to the marketplace. The same can be said of God’s drawing of someone to salvation. Some come willingly, and some are dragged unwillingly, but all come, although we have no part in the drawing.

“The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Cor 2:14).Hopeless and HelplessWhy does God need to draw (or drag) us to salvation? If He didn’t, we would never come on our own (Eph 2:1-5). Jesus says that “No man can come unless the father draws him” (John 6:65), so it is God Who does the saving, not we ourselves. The natural man has no ability to come to God, nor does he have the desire to come. Because his heart is hard and his mind is darkened, the unsaved person doesn’t desire God and is actually an enemy of God. According to God’s Word, it was “when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life” (Rom 5:10).

When Jesus said that no man can come without God’s drawing him, He is making a statement about the total depravity of the sinner and the universality of that condition. So darkened is the unsaved person’s heart that he doesn’t even realize it. We need a new heart. Indeed, we need to become a new creation (2 Cor 5:17). Jeremiah reminds us that “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it” (Jer 17:9).

“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh” (Ezk 36:26).By Grace AloneIt is only by the merciful and gracious drawing of God that we are saved. According to Paul in Ephesians 1:18, it is God Who enlightens the mind, and inclines the will toward Himself, and influences the soul. Without such influence, the soul remains darkened and rebellious against God. All of this is involved in the drawing process.

“One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul” (Acts 16:14).The General CallThere is a sense in which God draws all men to Himself (John 12:32). This is known as the “General Call” and is distinguished from the “Effectual Call” of God’s elect. Passages like Psalm 19:1-4 and Romans 1:20 attest to the fact that God’s eternal power and divine nature are “clearly seen” and “understood” from what has been made, “so that people are without excuse.” Men still do deny God, and those who acknowledge His existence still do not respond to His drawing them. It is only those who have been “drawn” through special revelation – by the power of the Holy Spirit and the grace of God. Only those will come to Christ.

The Spirit and the WordThere are ways in which those who are being drawn to salvation experience that drawing. First, the Holy Spirit convicts them of their sinful state and their need for a Savior. (John 16:8). Secondly, He awakens in us a previously unknown interest in spiritual things and creates a desire for them that was never there before. Then our ears are opened, and our heart is inclined toward Him, and His Word begins to hold a new and exciting fascination for us. Our Spirit begins to discern spiritual truth that never made sense before. A man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned (1 Cor 2:14). Then we begin to have new desires. He places within us a new heart that inclines us toward Him, a heart that desires to know Him, obey Him, and walk in the newness of life (Rom6:4). Therefore, all glory goes to God in our salvation; 100% to Him; not one bit to us (Psalm 115:1).

Here is some related reading for you: What Steps Do I Take to Become a Christian?

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W hat is the view of Christians on mental health? Is it okay to seek help when you need it or is it a lack of faith?

Faith and HealthWhat is the view of Christians on mental health? Is it okay to seek help when you need it or is it a lack of faith? As a Christian, I was taught that faith and prayer could provide strength and comfort in difficult times, however I have come to the realization that this also applies to mental health as well.

Mental health is something that’s often stigmatized in our society, and for that reason, we usually feel that admitting that we have a problem will make us look weak or that it is something we should be ashamed of, and that is just not the truth. The truth is, mental health issues is something extremely common, with statistics showing that 1 in 5 Americans suffer from some form of mental health problem, according to the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI).

“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Jesus Christ – Mark 2:17 So, what does this have to do with Christianity? Well, I believe that faith can play a huge role in helping us to cope with mental health struggles. Whether it’s through prayer, reading Scripture, or simply having a community of believers to support you, faith can provide a source of strength and comfort that’s hard to find anywhere else. For example, I have a friend who was going through a tough time, and instead of looking for help to deal with his depression, he decided to use alcohol to cope with his feelings—making things worse than they were.

But as time went on, he realized that things were not getting better, so he finally decided to open up to his church community, he was surprised by how much support and love he received. They prayed for him, checked in on him, and even helped him to find a therapist. It was through his faith and the support of his community that he was able to start getting better. Now, I know that not everyone shares my beliefs, and that’s totally okay. But I hope that by sharing my perspective, I will be able to help others that might be struggling to take the first step and show that faith can be a powerful tool against some mental health problems like anxiety, stress, and depression.

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up…” The Apostle Paul – 1 Thess 5:11Faith and Mental HealthFor most people, it’s easy to focus solely on the physical and emotional aspects of mental health, but the spiritual aspect is just as important. Spirituality can provide us with a sense of purpose and meaning, which can be incredibly helpful for people struggling with mental health challenges. It can also provide a sense of hope and peace, which can be difficult to find elsewhere. Christianity particularly provides comfort to people that are struggling because it is full of stories of people who have overcome struggles and found hope in their faith.

“O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me.” David – Psalm 25:2One example is King David who faced many difficult challenges throughout his life. However, probably one of the most difficult ones was when he was on the run from King Saul, who was trying to kill him. During this time, David was constantly on the move, living in caves and hiding, and suffered from loneliness and uncertainty, but throughout it all, David never lost faith in God. As a Christian, I believe that faith can make a real difference in helping us cope with the problems we have to face in our daily lives.

Christianity’s RoleAs I mentioned before, faith can be a source of strength, comfort, and hope in times of difficulty, helping individuals to keep pushing forward, however, faith can also be a tool to help us heal and find peace. So, how exactly does Christianity play a role in the recovery process? Let’s take a closer look.

The Power of PrayerOne of the most powerful ways that Christianity can help us heal is through prayer. When we pray, we’re not just talking to God, we’re also strengthening our faith and our connection with Him. And when we pray for healing and wholeness, we’re aligning our thoughts and desires with God’s will for our lives. This can bring a sense of peace and comfort that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” James 5:16Strength in the WordAnother way that Christianity can play a role in the recovery process is through the power of God’s Word. When we read scripture, we’re not just reading words on a page, we’re hearing the voice of God speaking directly to us. This can be incredibly comforting and inspiring, especially when we’re feeling lost or discouraged. And as we study God’s Word, we can learn more about His character and His love for us, which can give us the strength and hope we need to keep going.

Christian Community SupportFinally, Christianity offers the support of a community of believers. When we’re going through a tough time, it can be easy to feel isolated and alone. But when we’re part of a Christian community, we have others who are walking the same journey with us, who can offer encouragement and support. This can make all the difference in the world when we’re trying to heal and recover.

Additional AdviceWhile faith can be a great tool to deal with depression, anxiety, or any other mental health struggle, it’s important to take care of yourself and look for professional help when needed. Mental health challenges can be complex and overwhelming, and it’s okay to reach out for additional support, in particular Christian counselors, so here are some tips and advice that have helped me and many others in my journey towards mental wellness:

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” David – Psalm 56:3 Seek Professional HelpThere’s no shame in seeking professional help when dealing with mental health issues. Whether it’s a therapist, a counselor, or a doctor, working with a mental health professional can help you find the tools and strategies you need to overcome your struggles and find healing.

Take Care of Your Physical HealthYour physical health and well-being play a critical role in your mental health. Make sure you’re eating well, getting enough sleep, and staying physically active. This will help you feel better and be more equipped to face the challenges of mental illness.

Practice GratitudeFocusing on the things you’re thankful for, no matter how small, can help shift your perspective and bring peace to your mind and heart. Keep a gratitude journal or simply take a few moments each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess 5:18).

“…giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The Apostle Paul – Eph 5:20Connect with NatureSpending time in nature has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health and well-being. Take a walk, go for a hike, or simply sit outside and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. Allow yourself to be refreshed and recharged by the peace and stillness of the natural world.

Remember, recovery is possible, and with the right support and resources, you can find hope and healing. Don’t give up hope, and know that God is with you every step of the way.

Author’s Bio: Patrick Bailey is a writer for Sunshine Behavioral Health. I attempt to stay on top of the latest news in the addiction and mental health world and enjoy writing about these topics to break the stigma associated with them. When not writing you can look for me at your local basketball court.

Here is some related reading for you: How Should Christians Deal With Mental Illness?

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What God promises, He delivers, but there are some that are more powerful to believers. Here are 7 promises of God.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. – Matt 11:28-29When you are at the end of your rope and everything around you seems to be falling in upon you, then run to the Savior. Lay on His broad shoulders all the labors and heavy burdens that are too hard for you to care. Only then can He give you rest for your soul. If you insist on carrying your own burdens, you will never find true rest for your soul.

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. – Phil 4:13The Bible tells us that we cannot do anything of significance by ourselves (John 15:5), and that only through our Lord’s strengthening us, can we do all things that are His will. To do “all things” doesn’t mean we’ll have that luxury car or a bigger house, but our will and the Lord’s will are aligned in purpose and whatever happens, He can provide for our needs (Phil 4:19) and give us strength at times of weakness (Isaiah 40:29-31), but only if it’s in accordance with His will (Matt 6:10).

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Rom 8:38-39If there is a more comforting and more powerful promise that Romans 8:38-39, I’m not sure what it is. For our Lord to tell us that nothing at all, created or otherwise, can ever separate us from God and His love means we have security in God’s preservation of His children (John 10:28-29). Nothing or no one can cut us off from God once we’ve trusted in Christ.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. – Jer 29:11.

Although this was written to ancient Israel who part of the nation were already in captivity, it gave the Jews hope for a future. God means them good and not harm; good and not evil; both a future and a hope. He does likewise to His own children who have trusted in the Lord, Jesus Christ.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16The most familiar Bible verse in all of Scripture is John 3:16. It sums up the entire gospel in a sense for it says, whoever believes in Jesus Christ will not perish but receive eternal life. To “believe” means to trust in or have faith in and for that matter, to obey. Those who reject Christ will perish in the lake of fire, although their soul will continue forever. There are only two places we can go to in this life; into the Lord’s presence after death (2 Cor 5:8), “but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God” (John 3:18b).

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. – 2 Cor 5:21We were redeemd by the precious blood of the Lamb.

Here may be the best and clearest presentation of the gospel in the entire Bible. It states that Jesus never knew sin, but we sure do, don’t we?! That’s why He became sin for us. His death was for the purpose of our receiving His righteousness. Without that imputed toward us, we cannot enter the Kingdom. We must have the same righteousness as Jesus does or we’ll be shut out in outer darkness forever, but not so if we’ve received Him and put all our trust in Him.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9I’m not sure who said it, but one person was asking whether they deserved a second chance with God because they’d “blown it” again. The wise, old pastor said, “You do realize you didn’t deserve the first one.” That man is right. None of us deserved to receive God’s mercy and grace. We could never earn it in a million lifetimes. God forgives us when we confess it to Him. End of story! Now, we must learn to let that go which God has forgiven. Even our salvation is a free gift of God so that none of us would boast or brag about it (Eph 2:8-9), and knowing human nature, I’m sure we’d brag to about anyone that’d listen. One young child in Sunday school said the only part she brought to be saved was her sin. Jesus did the rest. She’s nailed it. Out of the mouth of babes, they say.

ConclusionI know you can think of other powerful and precious promises of God. Just think about this powerful promise of God. The Apostle Peter said that our Lord “has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire” (2 Pet 1:4). These promises are not just great promises….they are “very great” and exceedingly “precious” promises. We should rejoice that God doesn’t change His mind about us. If He did, none of us would make it.

Here is some related reading for you: The Promises of God: 10 Powerful Bible Verses

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Coveting is breaking the Tenth Commandment, so how can we stop coveting people and their possessions?

Coveting vs ContentmentCoveting is breaking the Tenth Commandment, so how can we stop coveting people and their possessions? You’ve heard people are either a glass half empty or glass half full person, but I am just thankful I’ve got a glass! God is more glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him (John Piper said). Why? It is because our contentment rests in Him and not in things or possessions. He alone is most precious to us; all other things in life are vanity when compared to our beautiful Lord and Savior. So what is true and godly gain in God’s eyes? The Apostle Paul says dogmatically that “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Tim 6:6), so being content in life is what godly people are like, and I’ve seen that in many believers! Haven’t you? Besides, “we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world” (1 Tim 6:7).

George Herbert – Christian Quotes.Info

Tenth CommandmentPaul knew about the Law and strived to keep it, but his weak point was that of coveting. But that helped him recognize his sin for “if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet” (Rom 7:7). For Paul, and I know for all of us, “sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead” (Rom 7:8), but why should we really covet anything in this world? “What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it” (1 Cor 4:7)? The fact is we have nothing at all that God did not give us and we can’t take it with us anyway, which is why you’ll never see a U-Haul behind a hearse. No one carries their checkbook with them to the grave. Enjoy what God has blessed us with. Be content with what we have, or God can take what we have away.

God’s SovereigntyIf we have trusted in Christ, we must trust the sovereignty of God. God has blessed us with just enough where we won’t hurt ourselves. What I mean is that some of us can’t handle success. Success breeds the desire for more success, so we must remember that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs” (1 Tim 6:10). People who reject Christ do so because “the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful” (Mark 4:19). The wisest man of the Old Testament, King Solomon, prayed that God “give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me” (Prov 30:8). Every one of us should honestly say that “if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these” (1 Tim 6:8).

Not Many Mighty or NobleGod does not call many governors, politicians, mayors or even superstar athletes, but He does seem to call the weak, the despised, the poor, and those the world looks down upon. The Apostle Paul reminds believers to “consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth” (1 Cor 1:26). There will be some noble or powerful, but not very many. The fact is God chooses who the world would not. He elects those who the world rejects, so “God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong” (1 Cor 1:27). Why would we covet things or people’s position in this world when we know it’s all going up in smoke? The Apostle Peter reminds us all about our possessions and positions on this world as “the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed” (2 Pet 3:10).

Dietrich Bonhoeffer – Christian Quotes.Info

Trust in God or Riches?Most of us don’t have to worry about having too much money. It’s usually the other way around, but the problem with riches is, you might think you own them, but they can come to own you. The rich trust more in their riches than in God, but what will all their possessions do for them on judgment day (Rev 20:12-15)? Why covet what God despises? It’s all temporary, so why try to hang onto it or pursue it or covet it? Only those things done for Christ will pass through the fire (1 Cor 3:13-15). The rich can make money their God because their money takes care of them, gives them a sense of security, takes away worries about tomorrow, and makes them think, they can take care of themselves, but as we know, riches can go as quickly as they come. God is able to do abundantly more for us than money can. He is the God Who takes care of His own. We can depend on Him more than we can our weekly paychecks. Will we trust in Him enough to cast all our anxieties upon Him (1 Pet 5:6-7)?

ConclusionIf we feel the urge to covet the possessions of others (job, car, spouse, house…) or a position someone has like a CEO, Supervisor, or employer, ask yourself this. Are they saved? Will all their power and prestige save them on the day of judgment (Rev 21:8)? What is the worth of a human soul? Your 401-K might make a good profit this year, but “what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul” (Matt 16:26)? Why covet what people have, especially if they are not saved? Have mercy on them (Jude 1:23-24). Share the gospel that unless they trust in Christ and not in their possession, positions or prestige, all that they have will go to someone else and be lost to them forever. Even worse, they will be in a place of torment forever with no possible escape, so why covet what they have? Instead, help them to covet the Son of God and His forgiveness and desire Him more than anything else, and pray that they might be saved and receive the greatest gift of all; eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Here is some related reading for you: You Shall Not Covet: Bible Lesson and Life Application

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M ass shootings are on the increase and violence is growing ever worse, so why the sudden increase in all the mass shootings?

Thief in the NightMass shootings are on the increase and violence is growing ever worse, so why the sudden increase in all the mass shootings? If you asked the average person on the street about whether they believed Jesus is coming back again to judge the world and all the violence, you’re likely to get differing (and unbiblical) answers. But we know for certain that we’re living in a world of escalating violence, much like it was in Noah’s day (Gen 6). No one expected a flood to come…or expected a judgement of God to come. Same as it is today. Since it had never even rained before, why worry about a flood? Today, most people are not living lives for Jesus and awaiting His appearance as the Bible teaches believers, so just as in our day, “the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark” (Matt 24:37-38). It is business as usual.

Everyone expects things to pretty much continue like they are. The vast majority of the world mocks any supposed return of Jesus just as they did in the Apostle Peter’s day. Peter warned that “scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation” (2 Pet 3:3-4). This is all the more reason we must be “fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night” (1 Thess 5:2) and warn the lost before it’s too late.

The Days of NoahI believe our world is much like it was in Noah’s day and not in a good way, as “The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Gen 6:5). The heart of mankind was “only continually” set toward evil intention and probably evil “invention,” inventing new ways to do evil. Is that much different from the way of the world today? It was such an evil and corrupt world that only a small remnant walked with God, those being Noah and his extended family, so only that remnant would be saved. Like it is today, it was in Noah’s day when “the earth was corrupt in God’s sight, and the earth was filled with violence” (Gen 6:11). Just watch the evening news and you can see just how full of violence the world is? If the Lord were to look down at our nations today, would the Lord God again see “the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth” (Gen 6:12).

No Peace for the WickedTo start with, the world doesn’t really know the peace of God unless they know the Son of God, Jesus Christ. If you’ve never put your trust in Jesus Christ, then “there is no peace,” says the LORD, “for the wicked” (Isaiah 48:22). If you do not know Jesus Christ and God the Father, you cannot have true peace with God because only we who believe “have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 5:1). You cannot have the peace of God until you’ve first made peace with God, meaning the previous condemnation has been lifted (Rom 8:1). We can be at peace with God only if we’ve trusted in the Son of God (John 3:16). Whoever trusts in Christ is at peace with God, but not so in this world. There is a shortage on peace, and if there’s peace, it’s never a lasting peace. The Prince of Peace is the only One Who can bring lasting peace, but it will have to be by force (Rev 1:7).

A World of TroubleThe idea that the world would just be a better place if we’d all be more enlightened or understanding of one another sounds good, but in practical turns, it just won’t work. Statistics prove that violence is escalating, more wars and rumors of wars are occurring, and natural disasters seem to be increasing, but so is the violence of mankind. Technology has now made it easier than ever to injure, maim, or kill many more people than ever before. It’s getting more dangerous every single day. During Jerusalem’s “last days” before she fell in 70 AD, Jesus warned the Jews and the nation that had rejected Him that “lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold” (Matt 24:12), and that’s happening in our century too. God is angry with those who hate and try to loot and burn in protests. Our “Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence” (Psalm 11:5).

ConclusionOur only hope is not in the U.N, the president, in our military or in national alliances. Our hope is in God alone and more specifically, Jesus Christ the Son of God. He warned of end times when “nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places” (Matt 24:7), but to those who would believe, he says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt 11:28). Don’t let the increasing violence worry you, rather listen to Jesus say to you, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt 11:29-30).

Here is some related reading for you: Is Increasing Violence a Sign of the End Times?

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Troubles come into everyone’s life; it’s just a matter of time, so what do believers do when trouble comes into their lives?

Like Sparks Fly UpwardTroubles come into everyone’s life; it’s just a matter of time, so what do believers do when trouble comes into their lives? Job rightly understood that a “man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7). Just as sparks fly upward continuously from a fire, so troubles come into our lives, one after another, so what do we do with all these “sparks?” We’re born into troubles the moment we enter the world, and for some, even before they’re born. Why does God allow His children to suffer? What purpose is there in living in a world full of troubles? If all went well in the world and everybody was happy, how many people do you suppose would even think about God?

Troubles drive us toward God and prosperity is seems, drive us away from Him. That’s because a rich person has their own god; money and their money provide them with future security and present help in the here and now. They don’t know what it feels like to struggle paycheck to paycheck. They rarely need anyone’s help, but the poor, the broken, the shattered have no place else to turn to…no other resources, so many of these downtrodden turn to God. And that’s just what God was waiting for! He wanted them to come to an end of themselves because God cannot fix what is first not broken. God cannot fill those who are full of themselves.

Storms of DirectionWhen our vehicle starts to have problems, we look under the hood, so when troubles comes into our lives, it doesn’t hurt to look under our own “hoods” and see why we’re passing through a particular storm in life. God could prevent them from happening to us, so why doesn’t He? I believe it’s because He knows these storms are for our own good, and no matter how bad it gets, God will bring good out of it (Rom 8:28). Not every storm is God’s cosmic spanking. Everyone who has trouble doesn’t mean they’re in trouble with God. It could be, but most often God allows trials and troubles to enter our lives so as to refine us and make us depend upon Him. I remember where it was written that “The Lord hurled a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship threatened to break up” (Jonah 1:4). Jonah actually brought this storm on himself by rejecting God’s mission and Jonah was heading the wrong way so God brought him back the right direction…toward Nineveh.

Storms of AffectionGod hurled a great storm at Jonah.

As a parent and now a grandparent, I will discipline when I find it is in the best interests of the child. To me, the opposite of love is not hate; it is indifference. A parent that cares not for their child will not discipline them, thus ensuring the child will likely be hurt in some manner in the present or future. To not tell a child, “Don’t play in the street” is to say, by indifference, “Whatever….I don’t care.” To not care is to not love or at least it proves there is no natural love there. But God is much different. He sends storms of affection because He loves you, not because He’s mad at you. God says that “the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives” (Heb 12:6). Like our own children, we should say, “It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline” (Heb 12:7)? We need this discipline from God so that we might not hurt ourselves.

Love is proven by our care and concern for our children and wanting to protect them. We discipline them for their own good, just as God does us. We directly intervene in their lives when they try to hurt themselves, like when reaching for the top of a hot stove or trying to take a knife out of a kitchen drawer. God does no less than that.

Storms of ReflectionThe storms that God sends could be storms of perfection, storms of direction, storms of correction, storms of affection and storms of reflection…depending on what we need, but when God sends or allows storms of reflection, He wants us to stop and think about our life. Sometimes He is making us examine our lives and rearrange our priorities if necessary. These storms may be from God in order that we stop and take stock of where we’re going and what we’re headed for (good or bad), but in all these storms, we must recognize that what is over our head is always under His feet!

Storms of PerfectionStorms of perfection allow us to share in Jesus’ sufferings and persecutions, but they are also purifying our faith. The Apostle Peter said that trials and troubles are allowed by God “so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 1:7). Job had an idea of the storm he went through and it was so that “he has tried me, I shall come out as gold” (Job 23:10).

Other StormsOther storms of life include storms of correction (to bring us to repentance) and storms of rejection for your faith (family, co-workers, and acquaintances) so that you might be blessed. Peter says that “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you” (1 Pet 4:14). Don’t you want that “Spirit of glory” resting upon you? I do and you will receive it if you share your faith and are rejected for your faith, but what joy to suffer for His name’s sake (John 15:21; Phil 1:29). Storms allow us to fellowship with Jesus and to be partakers of His sufferings (1 Pet. 4:13). The Apostle Paul wanted to know Jesus so much that he suffered for Christ and that was so “that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Phil 3:10).

ConclusionGod loves us if we’ve trusted in Christ and He will never allow anything that would separate us from Him (Rom 8:37-39) nor would He allow anything that would hurt His children (Rom 8:28). We know that Lord lovers us because He corrects us (HEb 12:6) and that shows we are His own children (Heb 12:7), so take heart. That storm is for you not against you. Row with the wind and not into it. Don’t fight what God’s attempting to do with this storm of ours. Storms of correction should (hopefully) bring us to repentance. That’s what human parents do too; they discipline their children (hopefully) because they love them and care for them, but God is an even better and more loving parent than any of us could ever be. What parent can say they love their child and yet never discipline them? And we need this discipline from God too, so that we too might not hurt ourselves. I cannot count the number of prisoners who only came to saving faith when they had reached rock bottom and being in that position, there’s only one way to look and that’s up! That is, look up to God.

As far as storms go; someone now is getting ready to go into a storm; someone else has just passed through a storm, and someone is going through a storm right now. You’re either in a storm, headed for one or just passed through one, but storms are signs of God’s love for you…that is, if you’ve trusted in Christ. If not, you haven’t seen anything yet as far as storms are concerned (Rev 20:12-15; 21:8).

Here is some related reading for you: How God Uses Trials and Troubles To Trust Him

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How does God define love in the Scriptures? What is genuine, godly love?

Love is a VerbHow does God define love in the Scriptures? What is genuine, godly love? To start with, love is a verb. It is not so much a dozen roses or a Valentine’s Day card or saying, “I love you,” but rather, it’s what you do for others. Just like action speaks louder than words, love is a verb displayed before others in how we treat them, talk to them, and do for them. Jesus displayed the godliest love of all (agape) when He went to the cross for us sinners. Jesus told His disciples He loved them, but that love was no better displayed than at the cross where He died for unworthy sinners who were hostile to God; even dying while yet wicked, enemies of God (Rom 5:6-10).

Love in ActionGod displayed this love for us by not giving us what we really deserve (His holy, righteous wrath) but instead, giving us what we desperately needed (mercy and grace; i.e., Eph 2:8-9). You can tell someone you love them, but the proof of that love is displayed by how you make yourself available and a servant of others. Jesus, Who is God, came not to be served but to give His own life a ransom for the many who would trust in Him (Mark 10:45). I can tell my wife I love her, but if I never lift a finger to help her, do I really lover her? Am I showing my love for her by doing nothing to help her? Not likely. My saying, “I love you,” is sheer hypocrisy without action. You cannot love without doing, which is why, love is a verb; it’s what you do!

Discipline Equals LoveGod loves us if we’ve trusted in Christ and He will never allow things that would hurt His children (Rom 8:28). We know that “the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives” (Heb 12:6), so rejoice if He disciplines you. That means He loves you for “It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline” (Heb 12:7)? That’s what human parents do too; they discipline their children (hopefully) because they love them and care for them, but God is an even more loving parent than any of us could ever be. What parent can say they love their child and yet never discipline them? Love is proven by our care and concern for our children and wanting to protect them. We discipline them for their own good, just as God does us. We directly intervene in their lives when they try to hurt themselves, like when reaching for the top of a hot stove or trying to take a knife out of a kitchen drawer. And we need this discipline from God too, so that we too might not hurt ourselves.

Human LovePhileo is one kind of love. This Greek word for love signifies a kind of spontaneous natural affection for someone/others, sometimes more feeling than reason. The love we have for our family or brothers can be the Phileo kind of love, but this love can be had for a best friend or spouse too. For example, I love my brother because he’s my brother but also love my brother in a different kind of way (“storge”). We know about the city of Philadelphia, called the city of brotherly love, and so it is with Phileo love. My love for my natural brother or my blood-relative is “Storge.” Storge is the type of love signifying the natural affection between kinfolk like a brother, sister, child or spouse. This word appears a few times in the New Testament but only in the compound form. Then there is Eros love. This Greek word was not used in the New Testament but it refers to sexual love and probably derived its name from the mythical god of love. This love is found in marriages. Dr. Norman L. Geisler, in his book, Christian Ethics (Baker Book House, 1989) breaks down the various kinds of love.

First of all, Mr. Geisler states that Erotic love is inward turning and describes it as egoistical (focused on self, one’s own feelings, and what is best only for self). It says to self, “Me first” because I am my first and last consideration.

Then there is the Phileo love which is more mutualistic and can be altruistic (giving). It’s a love a little like the barter system: “I will give as long as I receive.”

And once again, Storge is the type of love that signifies a natural affection or bond between family members.

Godly LoveAgape love, on the other hand, is altruistic, saying, “I will give, requiring nothing in return.” I will give even though someone doesn’t deserve it. It involves God making the first move. The Apostle John explains the only reason we love God “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). He made the first move. Dead men and women cannot choose Christ and that’s just what we were; dead in our sins (Eph 2:1-5). Like Lazarus, being four-days-dead and beyond all hope, he could not have chosen Christ. It was Christ Who choose Lazarus (and us). This explains why salvation is fully a work of God (John 3:16; Acts 4:12). Agape love is a self-sacrificial love that Jesus Christ displayed on the cross. Think of this; how many of our sins were yet ahead when Jesus died? All of them! This is the kind of love at which God operates. It is a love that is willing to sacrifice and demand nothing back. What better way to sum up God’s agape love than from Jesus’ own lips where He said, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

ConclusionGod has already shown us what real, godly love is in Jesus’ supreme sacrifice (John 3:16). It is a love where God doesn’t give us what we truly deserve, namely His wrath, but instead, and only because of Jesus Christ, He gives us what we need, and that is His mercy and grace (Eph 2:8-9). We all should honestly say what the Apostle Paul wrote and he wrote that said, “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost” (1 Tim 1:15), so I do pray you are like the Apostle Paul who understood that we only “received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life” (1 Tim 1:16).

Here is some related reading for you: Bible Verses About Love: 25 Awesome Scripture Quotes

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Are you a disciple of Jesus Christ? How can you be sure? Here’s how you can know you are truly Jesus’ disciple?

What is a Disciple?Are you a disciple of Jesus Christ? How can you be sure? Here’s how you can know you are truly Jesus’ disciple? A disciple is someone called to live “in” Christ, equipped to live “like” Christ, and sent to live “for” Christ and called to “share” Christ. “Calling” includes salvation and abiding in Christ (John 8:31–32, 15:1-11). “Equipping” includes the spiritual formation and growth that God commands each one of us (2 Timothy 3:16–17). “Sending” includes making new disciples and discipling them (Matt 28:18), and doing good works that God has set out before us in this life (Eph 2:10). Disciples must be bearing Spirit-powered fruit (John 15:8; Gal 5:22-23) while loving others as Jesus loved the disciples and loved us (John 13:34-35). And remember, God had to make the first move (1 John 4:10), so we must do the same.

Used by GodClearly, Jesus gave His disciples and He gives all disciples the imperative command known as the Great Commission. We are all commanded to go into all the world and make disciples (Matt 28:18-20; Acts 1:8), while not forgetting to go next door. That’s our own part of “the world.” We may not be able to go overseas on a mission trip, but we can be on mission where we live and still be used by God to make disciples. We are to bloom where God plants us, but we know that God alone saves and without Him and without the Word of God, no one can be saved. Even so, God is pleased to use us as His means to His ends; to make disciples, saving souls in the process, so they in turn can make other disciples. It’s an ever-expanding circle like ripples in a pond. Jesus is the Head of the Church and He alone can draw men to Himself, but He can use us at part of His process. God alone saves whom He chooses (John 6:37-39, 44; Eph 1:1-5), but as disciples of Jesus, we are His hands, feet, ears, eyes and voice. That means we must resign as chairman of our own board and put God first. Our Lord Jesus Christ said, “If any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:33), meaning we must love God even more than our own family, work, sports, and even ourselves. Just as we read of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his own son Isaac, we must be willing to renounce anything that comes between us and God.

A Disciplined StudentIf you are a disciple of Jesus, then you will be a student of the Bible. The word disciple means to be “a pupil, student,” or “follower” of Jesus Christ. The root word for disciple is discere, which means “to learn” and where we get our word “discern” from. This means we strive to grasp the knowledge of Jesus Christ and then analyze His teachings thoroughly so as to take hold of it. A true disciple of Jesus Christ is someone who obeys His teachings (Matt 28:18-20), and has as their main goal being, that “when he is fully trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40). That’s the goal; to become more and more like Jesus until when people see us, they see Jesus too! The word discipline is also derived from the word discipline and it’s easy to see why. It takes discipline to study, abide in (John 15:7), and obey the Word of God. We are basically a disciplined student of Jesus; disciplined or corrected by the Word.

Fruits and RootsJesus told His disciples to “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matt 7:15), but how will you recognize the false ones from true pastors and teachers of God’s Word? Jesus said that “you will recognize them by their fruits” (Matt 7:20). Even in nature, Jesus pointed out an analogy where He says, “You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles” (Matt 7:16)? The fruit reveals the root; whether abiding in the Vine (John 15:1-5) or abiding in the world which ends in death. The fruit may appear real, but only later is it discovered to be wax fruit (Matt 7:21-23). Every disciple of Jesus Christ will bear fruit…even if it’s a little shriveled up raison. All believers who abide in Christ will produce fruit, but without Him, it’s not possible (John 15:5) to bear anything but carnal or fleshly fruit.

Broken Heart for the LostI believe our hearts should be broken over the things that break God’s heart, and one thing for sure is God doesn’t take pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezk 18:23, 33:11), nor is it His desire than any perish apart from Christ (2 Pet 3:9). I remember reading where Jesus wept over the lost sheep of Israel. They were lost sheep without the Good Shepherd. Doesn’t your heart ache for those you know who are presently separated from God and have the wrath of God abiding on them (John 3:36b)? I remember reading where Jesus “drew near and saw the city, he wept over it” (Luke 19:41). Why? It was because they all lost like sheep and blind to the truth and missing out on eternal life (Luke 19:42). Jesus knew the terrible fate that awaited the unsaved Jews (Luke 19:43) and He wept because of that. Do we weep over the lost who are destined for hell? True disciples of Jesus are like their teacher; they too desire that all be saved.

Counting the Cost“Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matt 16:24), and what was it that followed Jesus? It was severe persecution; unlike anything we’ll ever face. Jesus was clear that those who are like Christ will suffer persecution like Christ, again proving the point that “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26). Jesus’ statement that “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27) seems hard for me. What is that cross? It is living like Jesus, sharing the gospel, and suffering persecution because of it. That’s what the cross represents; Jesus and our suffering for His name’s sake. It sounds impossible to me to denounce everything for Him and share the gospel like Him and suffer persecution like Him (not to the same extent of course), so I’m going to need some help. Thankfully, that help is promised (John 15:5; Phil 4:13).

ConclusionDietrich Bonhoeffer was a disciple of Jesus if ever there was one. He said, “Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ.” Discipleship is never done alone or as a solitary Christian living apart from the church, the Body of Christ. There are over 100 “one another’s” in the New Testament, 48 of which are imperative commands. This shows we need one another, so discipleship cannot happen in a vacuum or by living the Christian life alone. It’s not possible to love one another when you’re by yourself and outside of the Body of Christ, so discipleship is impossible if we forsake the assembling of ourselves from church (Heb 10:24-35). A true disciple will be discipling others, attempting to make disciples, while being discipled by others and by the Spirit of God and the Word of God. That’s how you’ll know you are truly a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Here is some related reading for you: What is Discipleship? Should Every Christian Disciple Others?

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What is your purpose in life? What meaning is there that we can find in the Bible?

Biblical WisdomWhat is your purpose in life? What meaning is there that we can find in the Bible? Let’s be real; life can sometimes be a pain but don’t worry. The Bible’s got your back! Its teachings are chock full of wisdom and truth that can help you find your way when you’re feeling lost. Whether you’re struggling to find your purpose or just trying to make it through the day, the Bible’s got you covered so why not take a break from all the chaos and see what the good book has to say? You might just find some much-needed inspiration and guidance.

OverviewImagine waking up every day knowing that you are living a life full of purpose and meaning. Every choice you make, and action you take aligns with your values, goals, and passions. You feel fulfilled and satisfied, knowing that you are making a positive impact on the world and that your existence has value and purpose. You have direction, focus, and a clear sense of identity. This is what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning – it’s like living your best life every day.

The Bible on PurposeThe Bible is a source of direction for anyone seeking to understand and achieve their life’s purpose. This purpose is unique to each person and manifests itself via their abilities, talents, and experiences. It entails using these skills to assist others while also honoring God. Being productive and performing good actions are crucial elements of this purpose, as are loving God and loving others. Hardship and suffering may also aid in the discovery of one’s purpose by allowing a person to develop their faith and knowledge of God’s intent.

Finding Your PurposeTrials can teach a person great lessons about endurance, faith, and dependence on God, which can then be used to serve others and fulfill their purpose. How do you discover your purpose and meaning in life? If you are trying to find your purpose in life, you are certainly not alone, my friend! Finding your purpose is a process that takes time, effort, and having an openness to new ideas, however, with the right mindset, you can discover the direction and meaning you are looking for.

Discovering Your Purpose and MeaningThe most significant step you can take to find your purpose is to seek God’s will through prayer and Bible study. Spend some time in prayer and ask God to reveal his plan for your life. Look for themes or messages that appear to repeat themselves as you read the Bible, paying particular attention to sections that speak to you. Using your inherent qualities and abilities to benefit others is one of the most gratifying ways to discover your purpose. Look for ways to volunteer, become active in your community, or assist a friend or neighbor in need.

The UnexpectedOur purpose can sometimes be discovered in unexpected places. Maintain an open mind and be prepared to take risks and try new things. You never know where your mission could be waiting for you. Don’t be ashamed to seek support in your quest to understand your mission. Seek advice from knowledgeable and trustworthy people. Find reputable and wise advisors such as pastors, counselors, friends, or mentors. Or maybe call, communicate and share what you’re thinking or what is bothering you. Take these actions and don’t stop trying! You may discover your purpose and find significance in your life with persistence and an open heart to God’s plan.

Living Out Your PurposeIf you are ready to find purpose and meaning in your life, even in the busy and often hectic modern world, it’s time to take control and make your life meaningful. Balancing the different aspects of your life, like work and personal growth, is important, as is finding joy and purpose in everyday tasks. It will take effort and determination, but with the right mindset, you can stay focused on your goals and overcome any obstacles that comes your way.

Living in the World1. Practice gratitudeDeveloping a grateful mindset is one method for finding purpose in the mundane routines of daily life. Take time each day to focus on the things you are grateful for, no matter how trivial they may appear.

2. Set boundariesIt may be difficult to combine job, family, and personal growth in today’s fast-paced, connected environment so set limitations and learn to keep focused on your objectives and priorities. This can help you manage your time and obligations more successfully, allowing you to move closer to your goal.

3. Find time for self-careSelf-care is vital for having a purposeful and fulfilling life so schedule time for things that feed your mind, body, and soul, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies.

4. Seek out opportunities for growthPersonal development is an essential aspect of having a purposeful and satisfying life. Look for opportunities to learn new things, attempt new things, and push yourself beyond your comfort zone.

5. Don’t give upThere will be obstacles and failures along the path, but don’t let them stop you. Remember that your life’s purpose and meaning are a journey, not a destination. Don’t give up, and keep pushing forward. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 says, “For everything, there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing.” As social beings, we are bound to be involved in various aspects of our lives – like family, friends, and work so setting up time for everything is the key as God wants us to manage our time better. God wants us to give all our heart to what we’re doing and achieve the best possible results for everyone around us.

Hurdles of LifeThe Bible tells us that “we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28). We face the worst scenarios at times. We face heartbreaks, job cuts, emotional distress, the death of a loved one, and countless other events that seem unfair, unjust, and against all our good efforts but it don’t mean the end of the world. All those setbacks really mean is that the LORD wants to push us out of our comfort zone and discover what is truly meant for us. The things meant for us takes time, patience, and a strong faith in God. To never lose our faith and trust in God is challenging, especially when life throws so many hurdles and obstacles to test our faith but being honest with ourselves and with God as well as being true to our faith always results in us understanding Him better. Glorifying God, obeying his commandments, and fearing his judgments are really the true purpose of our lives.

ConclusionI want to encourage you to pursue a life of purpose and meaning based on biblical principles. Many feel that setting objectives and ambitions in one’s life go against biblical precepts. This is because it suggests a lack of trust in God’s plan and what his goals are with our being but this is not the case. As humans, we are accountable to ourselves, our families, friends, social circles, work and colleagues, and so on. As social creatures, we must make an effort to love, care for, and manage our duties to others, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Col 3:23-24). God wants us to take responsibility for our lives and do so with all our hearts. Where our heart is involved, so is God, and setting goals to do better in all our responsibilities is the way to do it.

Author Bio: Sienna Martin is the Chief Marketing Officer and Co-founder of KrispCall, a reliable cloud telephony service provider and one of the best phone systems for churches and ministries. Sienna has a deep understanding of the unique communication needs of faith-based organizations. She is passionate about helping churches and ministries connect with their communities and share their message with the world at KrispCall.

Here is some related reading for you: What is God’s Purpose for Creating Us?

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We naturally want to avoid trials and troubles, but these are allowed by God and are actually good for us.

Good to be Afflicted?We naturally want to avoid trials and troubles, but these are allowed by God and are actually good for us. Afflictions and troubles are bad, right? Well, not really. Quite the opposite is true. The Psalmist wrote, “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes” (Psalm 119:71). How is that good to be afflicted, we might ask? It was so good because he and we “might learn your statues,” and those are found in the Bible. If trials send us to the Word of God more often, that’s good because that’s where we’ll find help for our situation. We find comfort and encouragement in the promises of God like He promises to never, ever forsake us or leave us (Duet 31:8; Jer 29:11; Heb 13:5). When we’re passing through trials and troubles, we suddenly become much more interested in God, in prayer, and in His Word (the Bible). These hard times make us seek God for His help, but they also humble us before our Lord and Savior. If our troubles humble us, then that’s a good thing because God sends His grace to the humble, but He resists the proud of heart (James 4:6). The lesson is, “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word” (Psalm 119:67). That’s what afflictions, trials and troubles do. God “does not afflict from his heart or grieve the children of men” (Lam 3:33) unless there is very good reason.

ReflectionOur problems can help us focus more easily about what choices we’ve made that turned out bad and the consequences to match it. If our trials make us change or rearrange our priorities, mainly to serving God, then our problems have been good because they’ve lead us to a beneficial outcome. We know God does not indiscriminately allow such hardships without good reasons (Lam 3:33), so examine yourself, examine your life, and reflect on why certain things may be happening. We could likely be reaping what we’ve sown and God wants to point this out to us. When our vehicle starts to have problems, we look under the hood, so when troubles come, it doesn’t hurt to look under our own “hoods” and see where we’re going in life and if we’re headed in the wrong direction. If it’s necessary, and it often is, God will send storms in our life. These can be storms of reflection, storms of direction, storms of correction, and storms of perfection, depending on where we’re at with our walk with Christ.

Discipline & LoveGod is very pleased when we’re going through trials and we thank and praise Him for them as are to thank Him for all things (Rom 8:28). It’s like praising God in the storm…while the storm’s still pounding us. That’s faith when you can praise God when everything around you looks like a sinking ship, but everything that’s over our head is under His feet. He will never allow things that would hurt His children because He loves us and disciple is proof His love. We know that “the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives” (Heb 12:6), so rejoice if He disciplines you. That means He loves you for “It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline” (Heb 12:7)? That’s what human parents do; they discipline their children (hopefully) because they care for them, but God is even more loving and is a better parent than any of us could ever hope to be.

To Comfort OthersWhen someone’s suffering from something that you’ve went through, whom better to comfort them than you?! You know what it might feel like and so to go to someone who is suffering for something that you went through. When you do, the person you’re trying to comfort will know you understand better than most people do, particularly those who haven’t been through what the two of you have been through. Suffering allows us to give comfort to others the very same comfort we received from God and from others for it is God “who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2nd Cor 1:4). Isn’t it a good reason to suffer so that we can help alleviate someone else’s suffering? We can “pass on” this same comfort to those around us, so in this way, suffering is never wasted.

ConclusionWe must trust God even in the silence in our suffering, knowing that He is working everything out for our best, even when it doesn’t feel like it. When the disciples were afraid for their lives in the storm, they should have realized (we should realize), Jesus was with them in the boat. Did they really think He’d let the boat sink and they’d all drown, including Jesus!? The silence of God is not the shunning of God. He will not forsake His own children any more than a mother would forsake their own baby at birth. God is faithful and will not ever abandon us (John 6:37, 39), so even in our troubles, “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). If you’re feeling crush, then God is nearer to you than He is most!

If you have still not trusted in Christ, everything will work out for your worst since you are not a child of God, loved by God and called by God (Rom 8:28). God will say no to you regarding your entering into the Kingdom, so I pray, even now, that you might repent today and trust in Christ or face God’s judgment after death (Heb 9:27), or at Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), whichever comes first.

Here is some related reading for you: How to Thank God For Your Sorrows and Problems

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Here is a Bible study with commentary on the Book of Romans chapter two.

ControversyThe Book of Romans chapter one has brought about much controversy over the centuries, from the pulpits to the streets, but to put it this way; the lost cannot be saved until they know they are lost, and the Book of Romans tells them (and us) their precarious state before God. I’m not afraid to speak these things behind the pulpit because until they hear the bad news, the good news isn’t important. Even so, many are afraid to “cry aloud and spare not” (Isaiah 58:1) because they don’t want to offend anyone, but the Word of God is supposed to cut in order to heal; it comforts the afflicted but it also afflicts the comfortable. That’s what Romans chapter two does.

Judging OthersPeople who judge others for doing something that they are also doing are standing condemned before God. The Apostle Paul tells them “you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things” (Rom 2:1). If we continue living in sin, what makes us that thank I or “you will escape the judgment of God” (Rom 2:3)? This is why we must never “presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance” (Rom 2:3), and the fact that God is the One Who grants repentance (2 Tim 2:24-66).

Works RewardedEvery one of us will be judged according to what we’ve done in this life. If we’ve not trusted in Christ, our works will not save us on the Day of Judgment (Rev 20:12-15), but there is good news and there is bad news. Paul says that someday, God “will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life” (Rom 2:6-7), but for those who have rejected Christ and “are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury” (Rom 2:8). God does not discriminate (Rom 2:11). We are all equal opportunity sinners before God and all in need of His grace (Eph 2:8-9). If God the Father didn’t even spare His own Son (Rom 8:32), then what makes us think our works will get us off the hook!? If works could do it, then Jesus died for nothing.

HypocrisyThe religious leaders of Jesus’ day were hypocrites, but we can be too if we’re not careful. For example, if we teach others not to steal “While you preach against stealing, do you steal” (Rom 2:21b)? We might teach that you “must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery” in your hearts by lusting after someone who is not your spouse? Jesus calls this adultery of the heart (Matt 5:27-28). We cannot teach we what we do not practice, otherwise our teachings ring hollow and empty. The Pharisees didn’t even practice what they taught (Matt 23:3), but we can be a Pharisee too if we’re not careful.

Circumcision of the HeartThe Old Testament law where the men had to be circumcised never changed them on the inside. The true circumcision God desires must be of the heart and not the foreskin. Paul says that “no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical” (Rom 2:28). It must be from the heart because “a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God” (Rom 2:29).

Religion but no RelationshipNo forms, ordinances, or notions can profit us without regenerating grace, which will always lead to seeking an interest in the righteousness of God by faith. Paul is saying that he or she is a real Christian who is inwardly a true believer with an obedient faith (Rom 2:28-29). It is a true baptism of the heart by the washing of regeneration and the renewal of the Holy Spirit. Let us pray that we may be made real Christians, not outwardly, but inwardly; in the heart and in the spirit; not in the letter of the law but in the spirit of the law; baptized not only with water only, but with the Holy Spirit. Because of this amazing grace, let our praise be, not of men, but of God. We can have a form of religion, but a relationship with Jesus Christ is priceless.

Practice EvangelizingPractice sharing the gospel with someone or do it in the mirror or with your spouse. Have one person be a hard-nosed atheist while the other person tries to share Christ. Think about what you might say to someone you want to open the door for to share Christ. Pray, trust the Holy Spirit to give you the right words, but know the gospel by heart in a few memorized Bible verses. Examples are 2 Corinthians 5:21, John 3:16, and Acts 4:12, etc.

ConclusionUnless someone knows they have the wrath of God abiding on them, they will never see the grace of God as important. You don’t tell people the good news until they’ve heard the bad news because the bad news makes the good news all the better. Our desperate state before God, with the abiding wrath of God resting upon them (Rom 2:5-8), should make men and women run to the cross for mercy and grace. Unless they repent, as Jesus said, they will all likewise perish (Luke 13:3), and we know that’s not God’s desire. That must be our desire too; to rescue the perishing and pluck out that burning stick. Someone loved you enough to share Christ with you, so how can we be silent, knowing that those who are perishing without Christ will face God’s everlasting wrath?

Here is some related reading for you: Romans 3 Commentary: Bible Study and Summary

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Paul states in Ephesians that each believer is God’s workmanship (masterpiece). What is the difference between living as His masterpiece and simply experiencing the average Christian life?

God’s MasterpiecePaul states in Ephesians that each believer is God’s workmanship (masterpiece). What is the difference between living as His masterpiece and simply experiencing the average Christian life? Paul shares in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are His workmanship (masterpiece), created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” He has designed each of us to walk in unique kingdom roles and missions for His glory. We are not intended to wander about hoping to please God by finding something meaningful to do. Consider Jeremiah 1:5 where the Lord tells Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

God had a unique kingdom role designed for Jeremiah before his life began. The Lord equipped him as He placed His words in his mouth (vs.9). Then He commissioned him and established his specific mission as He says, “See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant” (Jer 1:10). In the same way, God uniquely designs, commissions, and empowers each believer as they are assigned unique roles and missions in Christ’s body. First Corinthians 12: 12-18 discusses roles in Christ’s body and verse 18 concludes that “God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose.” We are each free to either embrace the unique life God has designed for us or error as we determine to control our own lives and follow our own desires.

Your ChoiceIn order to truly live as the masterpieces God designed us to be, each of us must learn to live for Christ and Him alone. Many, the majority of believers, totally miss this. Once they are saved, they move forward by attempting to “act like Christ” while asking God to bless their personal plans. Instead of willingly and joyously surrendering their will and placing themselves totally under the authority of God’s Spirit, they insist on being in control. They do not understand and therefore do not experience biblical life as Paul related in Gal 2: 20a where it says, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” In order to choose this life in Christ, we must become aware of whose life we are living at every point. Countless individuals and organizations, including mankind’s interpretations of the Christian religion, stake claims on us and pressure us to live as they desire. We often behave like actors performing on a stage as we attempt to meet all of these expectations. We must determine what priority we have been giving Christ’s voice among them all, and then decide what priority He will hold in our future.

First PriorityJesus is to receive first priority and indeed replace all other voices. We progress little in Christ’s unique life until we learn that, although we honor all individuals, we are ultimately to only seek validation from the Lord. Only He knows who He created us to be and become. Only He can correctly reveal this to us. He directs all of our actions including whether and how we are to respond to the demands of others. As we follow His guidance, all other elements of life (marriage, family, employment, and ministry) will be lived much more effectively. God teaches us these principles like in Matthew 8:24 where Jesus states, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” It is living solely for Christ is His wonderful, life-long journey of learning to walk under the authority of the Holy Spirit.

Living in the SpiritThrough Galatians 5:25, God provides His doorway to the very life, light, and power He designed for every Christian. He lovingly states that “If we live in the Spirit, let us also keep in step with (walk in) the Spirit.” As we join Him on this incredible journey, we learn to permit God’s Spirit to transform us into Christ’s likeness and accomplish His kingdom missions, as He lives in and through us. We learn to keep our flesh on the cross with Christ (Galatians 2:20 above). Accordingly, we are set free from futile efforts of our flesh as it attempts to “act like Christ.” We truly live because, “It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me.” He lives in and through us and touches lives with His love, revelation, and power. As we grow in this walk, we learn to distinguish when we are walking in our own power (our flesh) and when we are walking in the Spirit. We recognize that all our righteous deeds (works of our flesh) are as a polluted garment before God (Isaiah 64:6) and we have no positive impact on God’s kingdom purposes.

Walking In the FleshWalking in our flesh will never result in living God’s masterpiece life. Consider how the following versus confirm this. Galatians 5: 16-17 says, “But I say, walk in the Spirit, and you shall not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” Galatians 6:7-8 also establish this truth; “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”

Revelation Through God’s SpiritThe only way to truly understand and embrace God’s life of walking in the Spirit is through the revelation of His Spirit. Ephesians 1: 17-19 states “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened …” Most Christians do not know this and attempt to live according to mankind’s “head-knowledge.” There is a huge difference. Note how Paul distinguishes these in 1 Cor 2:13-14 where it says “we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.” Ask God for His Spirit’s revelation of all biblical truths as you journey with Him to “Walk in the Spirit.” God’s revelations become “alive” within us and results in His Spirit’s transforming g us.

The JourneyThe Christian life is an incredible journey of growing in and walking with God. Through every step, He loves us unconditionally and delights in us. “He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me” (Psalms 18:19). Every journey of ours is uniquely designed to develop and empower us to walk in Christ’s roles and missions. We experience an ever-deepening personal relationship with God and truly experience the unique life He designed for us. He views honest mistakes and failures in a way that is deeper but similar to how healthy parents love, celebrate, catch, and encourage a child who is learning to walk. All throughout our journey, God’s Spirit, not our flesh, is our source of personal transformation and action.

ConclusionThere is an incredible difference between believers who learn to live as God’s unique masterpieces and those who settle for the normal Christian life in the flesh. The first truly experience the incredible life of Christ and leave this earth with nothing of Christ’s design left trapped within. The second, though saved to live in eternity, will leave earth with most of God’s life lost within. By choosing to enjoy God’s kingdom life as He designed and by walking in His Spirit, all aspects of our lives and missions will increasingly glorify God as He accomplishes His will in and through us, and we will live humbly in demonstration of God’s Spirit and His power. Paul said, “I didn’t preach my message with clever and compelling words. As I preached, the Holy Spirit showed His power” (1 Cor 2:4). Please take time now to process all scripture and text above with God’s Spirit. Ask for His revelation and His direction regarding what steps you will take. Will you choose to walk in the Spirt and truly live your unique kingdom life for Christ?

Author’s Bio: Curt Martin, author of “Whose Life Are You Living,” was born in Columbus, Ohio and is married to his wife Joanne, having now walked with Christ across forty-eight years. They’ve been blessed with three adult children. Mr. Martin’s website is here. This man has over forty-five years’ experience in leading business organizations, successful business consulting, and participating in ministries at both the board and volunteer levels. His passion is to support individuals and organizations so that they can know who God created them to be in Christ as masterpieces of God.

Resource – Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version ®
(The few scripture words that are entered in black are NKJ)

Here is some related reading for you: What Was God’s Purpose for Calling You?

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Here are 10 Bible verses that I hope can motivate you and encourage you during the new year.

Romans 8:38-39 “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”These verses remind me of God’s sovereignty. He’s got it all under control, even when it doesn’t look like it. He knows what around the blind corner of time because He’s already been there and back. Nothing that happens this year or any year can ever separate you from God and His love for you. What a promise!

Second Corinthians 4:16-18 “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer man is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”Time marches on, so they say, but after a while, it feels like I’m the one being marched on. Time catches up to us all, but today cannot be compared to what’s ahead for us. Whatever you’re going through might seem like it’s taking forever, but someday, in the eternal Kingdom, it’ll seem like a puff of smoke that quickly vanishes, especially when placed against timeless eternity.

Second Chronicles 16:9 “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars.”This verse is wonderful. It shows God is looking for servants to be used by Him and He’s scanning the whole earth. Will He find “those whose heart is blameless?” Of those He finds, He promises “to give strong support.” Isn’t that encouraging?

Hebrews 13:5c-6 “I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’”We can have our friends, family, co-workers and even employers forsake us, but God’s promise is that He will never leave us and never forsake us like others do. Whoever else has failed you, God never will. That’s His precious promise.

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”This verse is not a blank check that we can do anything we want, but we can do all things through Him or through Jesus. Jesus didn’t call the disciples for what they could do for Him; He called them for what He could do through them. Without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5), and nothing is not a little “something.”

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare [literally “peace”] and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”Although this was written to a nation (Judah) that was headed for captivity, Jeremiah wanted them to have a hope for a future. God was not finished with them. If they repented and believed God, He would give them a future and a hope. That promise remains for those in-grafted into the natural tree (Gal 3:29); if we are in Christ, we are also headed for a future and hope that’s beyond descriptions (Rom 8:18).

Romans 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”For those whom God loves, and He loves all who love the Son, whatever happens will work out for their very best. My problem is I try to interfere with what God’s doing. I must remember that it will all work together for His purpose, not mine. He has better purposes than I do.

Psalm 23:8 “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”We had a stray cat once that took forever to approach. We could only feed him at first, but now, he knows that it’s safe, and “Oscar’s” even shown affection toward us. He knows that when we come out (with food and affection), goodness and mercy are to follow. It’s his safe place in a hostile (to male cats) world. He dwells in peace with us as those who trust in Christ shall dwell in peace with the Lord forever.

John 10:28-29 “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”If someone shares the gospel that we can believe and receive eternal life by trusting in Christ, how can they think it might be lost? If it is eternal life, it’s eternal, right? Otherwise, it’s not eternal life they received but a false assurance. Many believe but live in fear of losing their salvation and they even teach others the same thing. Now, if I did earn it, I know I could lose it, but I didn’t. Jesus did; paid in full (John 3:16, 35-36). Whomever God gives to the Son remains an eternal possession of the Son (John 6:44). How comforting is that!?

John 6:37 “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.”I’ve been fired before. It doesn’t feel fun, but it was best for me in the long run. I didn’t feel it was best at the time, but over time, I saw God’s providential hand was moving in my life. Did you realize that for those who trust in Christ, the Father presents you to Christ and whoever God the Father saves and presents to Christ will never, ever…no, not ever be cast out of His presence. You are His trophies of grace! You must believe that. I do, for He said it.

ConclusionIf you have not already done so, why not repent of your sins, confess them to God right here and now and put your trust in Christ to save you. Romans 8:1 could be another inspirational verse because it has a very powerful promise that “There is therefore no more condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” If you are not in Christ, you stand condemned at the moment (John 3:18, 36) since there is no other way to heaven except by Jesus’ redemptive work on the cross; it is only by the shed blood of the Lamb of God that you and I are made spotless (Acts 4:12, 16:30-31). Praise the Lord for His everlasting, tender mercies toward former vessels of wrath fit for destruction (Rom 9:22) and children of the Devil (John 8:37-37; 1 John 3:10; Eph 2:2-3).

Here is some related reading for you: 4 Ways to Have a Happier New Year

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We are told to speak wholesome words to encourage one another, but also told not to use language not befitting a disciple of Christ.

The TongueWe are told to speak wholesome words to encourage one another, and to speak words befitting a disciple of Christ, so how can believers guard their tongue and ensure they don’t swear or use curse words? The tongue is among the smallest members of the body and yet it can cause great harm by the words that are spoken. We can speak words of life or we can speak words of death because there is great power in the tongue; power to do good and power to do evil. Even though our “tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire” (James 3:5). Jesus reminds us that “it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person” (Matt 15:11), so whatever we say betrays what’s in our heart since so “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless” (James 1:26).

How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire” (James 3:5).

The SpiritIf we have trusted in Christ, we have a great source of power. The very power of God is in those who trust in the Lord, and when we don’t know what to say when asked about our faith, we can take heart that “it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you” (Matt 10:20). Jesus reassures us that “the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say” (Luke 12:12). Our hope is in the second coming of Jesus Christ, “Therefore encourage one another with these words” (1 Thess 4:18). Since God has sparred us from the His holy wrath, let us “encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing” (1 Thess 5:11). Whether in the church or the world, “Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up” (Rom 15:1). Words can build up others by encouraging them, thanking them for serving, exhorting them unto good works, but words can also be used to tear down and tear up others. Let the Spirit guide or tongue and we’ll avoid using curse or swear words. Instead, let us give thanks in all things and in all circumstance (1 Thess 5:16-18).

A New CreationFor whoever has trusted in Christ, that same person has become a new creation. They now have different desires (i.e., to please the Lord) and different priorities (i.e. the Great Commission; Matt 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). We’re not who we used to be, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Cor 5:17). The old man or woman doesn’t pass away immediately or easily, but in time, it does diminish. The old man tries to show up at our door at times, but more often than not we slam the door in his face and say “He doesn’t live here anymore,” so as a new creation of God we have new hearts and hopefully, new tongues to go with that. What words we say we can never take back so we must choose our words carefully and guard our mouths. One tiny word can start a war, wreck a relationship, cause a divorce, divide churches, and wreak havoc, so even though a few words might be spoken, the damage can be enormous, and taken too far, our words can leave irreparable harm to the hearers.

Pray Before You SayWhen you feel anger welling up in you, stop and pray. Stop, pray and think before you speak. Examine the reasons for your anger. Doesn’t this show a lack of trust in God’s sovereignty that all things will work out for your best (Rom 8:28)? Whatever happens in this life, good or bad, it cannot be compared to the glory that is coming for followers of Christ (Rom 8:18). Discontentment can create anger as well as unmet expectations, but if we realize God is sovereign over all that happens, we will trust God in all this, knowing He is fully aware of what you’re going through (Psalm 135:6). We are commanded to “Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place” (Ephesians 5:4). Misuse of God’s name is no small thing to Him (Ex 20:7). You can overcome swearing or using cuss words by the Spirit of God and through Christ Who Himself will strengthen you (Phil 4:13). Without Him, we cannot do much of anything of significance (John 15:5).

Bad CompanyThe Bible is clear that we tend to become who we hang around with, which is why we’re told, “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals” (1 Cor 15:33). Being too much like the world with people who are too much like the world can drag us down to their level, so choose carefully who are make friends with, “lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare” (Prov 22:25). It is best to spend time with believers who are like-minded and who are also guarding their tongue. We tend to watch our behavior and our words when in the company of other saints.

ConclusionIf we feel the urge to cuss or sense that anger is welling up in us, stop and pray. Think about how much God has blessed us. What could possibly happen in this life to dampen the joy that is set before us; that being the eternal Kingdom of God? If we trust in Christ and ask the Holy Spirit to help us guard our tongue, and if we recognize that God is sovereign over everything that happens, then nothing that happens make us cuss or swear anymore. Instead, we’ll be praising God and thanking God for the blessing of eternal life through Jesus Christ’s shed blood, knowing that our suffering is going to end someday (Rev 21:4-5). But, if you’ve never trusted in Christ, then you will have no power to guard your tongue; and worse, you will die with the wrath of God on you. I pray you trust in Christ today, while it’s still called “today” (2 Cor 6:2). If you wait, it could be too late (Heb 9:27; Rev 1:7, 20:12-15).

Here is some related reading for you: Christian Swearing and Swear Words: A Lesson on Guarding Your Tongue

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It’s so easy for us to gossip and listen to gossip, but since we know it’s very destructive, how can we stop the gossip?

What is Gossip?It’s so easy for us to gossip and listen to gossip, but since we know it’s very destructive, how can we stop the gossip? Gossip has been defined as casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true. Three very good questions to ask about gossip or what you hear are these: Is it helpful, is it true, and is it necessary. If it’s not all three, then let it be! Gossip was well defined by Solomon who wrote, “A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends” (Prov 16:28). More relationships have been destroyed by gossip than we can even count. Families, friends, churches, workplaces, and other places have suffered on account of gossip. It can cause divorces, get people fired, and sometimes, even lead to violence. Some sue one another for slander or something like that. The byproducts of gossip are ugly. Maybe you’ve been hurt by gossip, but maybe others have been hurt by our own gossip. Prayer requests and prayer chains can so easily turn into gossip columns.

“a whisperer separates close friends” (Prov 16:28)

Slander and a False WitnessGod is angry when we gossip or even when we listen to other people’s gossip because if we’re allowing them to gossip to us, we’re participating in their sin by listening! God hates such things, in fact Solomon wrote, “There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers” (Prov 6:16-19). Gossip can cause discord among brothers, so a lying tongue (which gossip can easily fall into) is something God hates. Truly, “Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered” (Prov 11:13), so God sees gossip as equal to slander. And today, you can get sued for that!

Stopping GossipThe next time someone comes up to you and starts gossiping about someone, do this. First, if they say “Jane” or “Joe” has done such and such a thing, stop them right there! Tell them that the both of you will try to contact them (person being gossiped about) and set up a time to talk to them about this and “See if we can help them.” If we are fortunate enough to have the person in the church, I’d look right over at them and say, “Hey, there is Joe or Jane over there. Let’s go over and talk to them right now about what you just told me.” Tell them, “This sounds very serious” or something to that effect and actually try to take them with you to the person they gossiped about. More often than not, that will stop them from ever coming to you again and spreading gossip. It also shames them a bit into (hopefully) seeing the sin in gossiping about someone else.

Talking negatively about anyone who is not there is not fair to the person being gossiped about because they are not there to defend themselves. Gossip typically degrades a persons’ character or worth, so stop, don’t listen, walk away if necessary, tell them you will go to that person they’ve gossiped about and tell them what they said. Hopefully, that should end it. Don’t even listen to it because that provides an audience for it to continue, because it is “For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases” (Prov 26:20).

Avoid the GossiperEven if it’s too late and you’ve heard the gossip, keep it to yourself, for “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble” (Prov 21:23). If we’re not able to bridle our tongue and don’t walk away from the gossiper, then that person’s religion is worthless. James wrote, “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless” (James 1:26). It may be necessary to separate yourself from the gossiper, which is why God’s wise counsel is, “Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler” (Prov 20:19).

Extinguishing the FireIf no one would ever listen to a gossiper, then the gossip would stop right there. It takes kindling to keep the fire going, but once there’s only one log in the fire, it will eventually go out. We are commanded to “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (Eph 4:29), and gossip is positively corrupt talk, if ever there was.

ConclusionIt’s important that we remember “on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak” (Matt 12:36), and every idle word of gossip, even more so! That sobering reminder should help us to stop our ears to the gossip, check our tongue, walk away from the gossiper and stop the chain of destruction as people pass on one bit of gossip to another. If you knew someone was gossiping about you, wouldn’t that make you mad? It would me. Before we end, let me ask you; Haveyou trusted in Christ? I pray you have already trusted in Jesus Christ, for He says to you and He says to all, “unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:5). Repent today and trust in Christ or face God’s judgment after death (Heb 9:27) or at Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), whichever comes first.

Here is some related reading for you: How to Stop the Gossip in Your Church

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Here are simple reminders of how to keep Christ as the focus of your Christmas this year.

Why in the Flesh?Here are simple reminders of how to keep Christ as the focus in your Christmas this year. To begin with, let’s ask this question: Why did Jesus have to come and be born in the flesh? Couldn’t He have just come straight from heaven as the Son of God? Apparently not because this was the only way we could ever “meet” God face to face and live to tell about it. God cannot be seen in His full glory or none would survive, so “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). This was spoken of long ago by Matthew who wrote, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us)” (Matt 1:23). Matthew quotes Isaiah the Prophet who prophesied that “the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14), and that was fulfilled in Bethlehem.

Since none can look upon God and live, we are able to see what the Father is like by looking at Jesus, the Author of our Salvation. He truly is God with us since He is fully God (Matt 1:23). He was born of a virgin, conceived by the Holy Spirit, thereby not having the sinful adamic nature than mankind is infected with. That’s what we celebrate and why we celebrate Christmas: He came to meet us where we are and was born in the flesh to save that which is in the flesh (that’s us).

Read the StoryIf you want to make it a more inspiring Christmas, why not read the Christmas account in the Gospel of Luke and the many prophecies of Jesus Christ in the Old Testament (Isaiah 7, 53; Micah, Psalm 22, 23)? Even better, why not play some Christmas songs in the background while you give the account of Jesus’ announcement, birth and celebration, being born as a King and worshiped by the shepherds and the wise men? Perhaps the best account of the Christmas story is found in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 1:5-56, 2:1-20), but there are chronological Bibles that blend the other gospel accounts of the Christmas story into one whole story. It makes it an amazing story. It’s long enough that you can start reading it a week or more before Christmas and read just a few verses each week, then at Christmas Eve, you can read the actual account of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. On Christmas Day, you can finish it, ending with the visit from the wise men or magi from the East. Again, using Christmas music in the background almost gives the reading a more inspiring feeling…almost as if you’re right there.

Glory to Jesus ChristOur Lord was born to be a King, so “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor 5:18). He came not to be served, but to serve, which meant giving His own life as a ransom for the many who would trust in Him (Mark 10:45). His shed blood was the one and only way to the Father through the forgiveness of sins (Acts 4:12, 16:30-31), and the only way we could receive the righteousness of God (2 Cor 5:21). What better reason for His coming than that?! His will was to bring many sons and daughters into the glorious Kingdom (Heb 2:10-11). How amazing is His grace. That’s what needs to be told more than just displaying the nativity scene under a Christmas tree. He was born in lowly circumstances, but now His Name is elevated above all that is created. In the beginning, He humbled Himself to the point of death (Phil 2:8), but soon, all shall see the risen Lord and exalt the name that Name which is above every name (Phil 2:9; Rev 1:7).

Watch Christmas MoviesWatching Christmas movies as a family is a great experience and leaves lasting memories. There are dozens of good, wholesome Christmas movies that the family would enjoy and ones that are suitable for all ages. It’s a Wonderful Life has an important message and that’s only one example of a good Christmas movie. There are many more; even Kevin in Home Alone. Some have become family favorites and now it’s a family tradition to watch. Frosty the Snowman, the Grinch, and multiple others…but we must keep Christ in Christmas. It must remain the most important reason for the season.

The Perfect TimeThe Word of God says that Jesus came at “the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Gal 4:4-5). At one time we “were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world” (Gal 4:3), but God timed Jesus’ earthly arrival and His work on the cross to redeem us. The Star of David is the origin of the star on top of most Christmas trees so Jesus as the highest and most Holy God should be at the top of our minds, not just during Christmas, but all year. The very word “Christmas” means a “Christ Mass” or Christ service, which is to be dedicated to the Author of Life and giver of eternal life, Jesus Christ. This is why we need to keep the “Christ” in Christmas.

ConclusionToday, if you are not a believer in Christ Jesus, then your Christmas memories will not have the same meaning. To the lost, its downtime, time off from work, time to party, and time to revel…but that will come to an end someday and the yelling will turn to wailing (Rev 1:7). It’s much more than just getting some days off from work. It means that Jesus Christ came to be born as a man, to live a sinless life, to make Himself the supreme, once-and-for-all sacrifice that can redeem you and reconcile you to a right relationship with God. This is in order that we might enjoy God and live with Him forever in the Kingdom of Heaven. Today, wise men and wise women are still coming to the King. Are you wise? You are if you have bowed the knee to Jesus Christ our Lord, repented of your sins, confessed them to God, and put your trust in Christ. If you have, then you know what Christmas is all about.

The staff at What Christians Want to Know want to wish you and your family a very blessed and Merry Christmas and a healthy, prosperous new year. We are only here to serve you and we pray for all who come to read this. Click on Contact Us and we’ll answer any questions you may have…even if it’s, “We don’t know.” We may never get a second chance to share Christ, “For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor 6:2).

Here is some related reading for you: Christmas Bible Verses: 20 Great Quotes

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One of the worst sins we commit is lying and some really struggle with this, so how can Christians learn to stop lying?

All Men Are LiarsOne of the worst sins we commit is lying and some really struggle with this, so how can Christians learn to stop lying? The good news is there is help both from the Spirit and the Word of God. First of all, let’s see where we all fit in as far as being liars. The Bible is clear that “All mankind are liars” (Psalm 116:11). The Apostle Paul must have known this verse because he also wrote, “By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, “That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged” (Rom 3:4). Obviously, if you’re a human being, you’ve lied and so have I! It’s natural for us, but it’s also very sinful. Since God is Truth, lying is cosmic treason against Him. Only God is the Truth and cannot lie. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). He is not one of many truths…He is Truth itself for God is sinless and cannot sin by His nature and is always true and never false.

God Cannot LieThe Word of God tells us that “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind” (Heb 23:19a). Since God is Truth, He is incapable of lying for He is perfect, just and holy in every way. It is contrary to God’s nature. The Scriptures are full of promises, and not one has nor ever will be broken, including the “hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began” (Titus 1:2). Cleary, “it is impossible for God to lie” (Heb 6:18c), but is not only possible for us to lie, it’s 100% certain that at some point we’re going to tell another lie. So how do we stop lying?

Be AccountableChip Ingram (Living on the Edge Ministries) once gave a great solution to lying. He said that when he lied, he promised to go back to that person and confess it. Imagine how hard that must be to go back to someone and tell them that you’ve lied to them? When we think about those consequences, we’re less likely to lie if we have to go back and tell them, “I lied to you.” If we are even thinking of lying and then realize that we’re going to have to go back to that person and confess that lie, I think we’re a lot less likely to lie! I don’t think I’d want to do that; therefore, I will more likely resist the temptation to lie.

Lying: The Easy Out“a whisperer separates close friends” (Proverbs 16:28)

We lie generally to make ourselves look better or get out of situations we don’t want to be in. We lie to avoid doing things we don’t like. We lie to our employers, our family, our friends and even strangers. We tend to over value ourselves and undervalue others when we lie about them. It’s much easier to lie than to face the truth we think. We believe people will think more highly of us so we stretch the truth (lie), but a half-truth is a whole lie. Half the truth is no truth at all and gossip is often a lie that spreads like wildfire and does just as much damage.

AccountabilityWe are accountable to God for every idle word we speak and if it’s a lie, God will hold us accountable. For whoever has trusted in Christ, we won’t be cast into hell, but Jesus warned us all, and I mean all, when He said, “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak” (Matt 12:36). Think about that next time you’re tempted to lie and that you’ll have to confess it to the person you’ve lied to. That’s the key. Stop and think! Is it true? It is helpful? Is it edifying? If not, don’t say it, for we will be responsible for our words and we cannot take back our words once they’ve been thrown out there. It may be hard to undo the damage our lies have caused and people may not trust us when they talk to us anymore, but we can lose more than credibility. We can lose relationships and cause division in the church, our family, at work, or wherever we are.

I will say it again. Lying is cosmic treason against God. He is the Truth and we are the lie…but we can strive to stop lying and hold our tongue before our lies get the best of us. We can lock them behind the ivory bars (teeth) of our mouth. We can stop and realize that we’re also lying to God and not just man, so there is help and hope in the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit can bring these Bible verses to mind before we lie, and He can convict us ahead of time to stop the lies and help us avoid them in the future. With Christ’s help (Phil 4:13), you and I can stop lying so much to people and lying to God.

ConclusionFor everyone reading this, my prayer for you is that you’ve already trusted in Christ and are doing what He has called you to do (Matt 25:35-36; 28:18-20). If you have still not trusted in Christ today, do so today…even now, as today is the acceptable time to be saved (2 Cor 6:2). You must either repent of your sins and trust in Christ or face God’s judgment after death (Heb 9:27) or at Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), and there is no way to know which will come first and when (even today!).

Here is some related reading for you: What Does the Bible Say About Lying? A Christian Study

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Churches can reach more people today with the gospel using technology, but what 4 technology mistakes might your church be making.

Sound BitesChurches can reach more people today with the gospel using technology, but what 4 technology mistakes might your church be making? One of those mistakes churches may make is not utilizing technology. For example, a great way to reach people of all ages with the gospel is by using technology such as Sermon Shots. At Sermon Shots, they help churches create professional looking, short-format video content (we call them Sermon Shots) from their uploaded sermons and/or Bible studies. And it’s perfect for the technology-challenged of us who don’t have experienced editing and formatting messages or church services. Sites like Sermon Shots make it so easy. There’s no need to worry about editing or copy and pasting videos together because they provide steps for them to easily create their own short, sermon clips. In turn, these small sermon clips can be posted on church websites, their Facebook page, their Twitter page, on TikTok or whatever media they choose to use. Sermon Shots requires no software to download, no added staff and no outsourcing is ever needed.

We know that professional looking video content is hard to create today but it’s so important. That first impression is usually a lasting one. Hiring someone or downloading apps to help you do it yourself can be really expensive, very time consuming and actually creating a good, quality clip can be exhausting. That’s why great tools like Sermon Shots allow you to choose from Sermon Clips, Sermon Snippets, Sermon Snaps, Mini-Sermons, Micro Sermon Videos, Sermon Recaps, Sermon Highlights, Bite-Size Sermons and even Little Short Sermon Videos to post to social media. And by adding music in the background, it makes it much more appealing.

TikTokIf you’re between the ages of 16 or 24 (even younger), then you probably already use TikTok on a daily basis. This app had over 315 million downloads, setting a world record for downloads, and today, there are well over one billion users, so posting messages on TikTok can help you reach an audience you might not otherwise reach. What TikTok does is reach age groups for Christ in the 16-24 age group (and younger) who almost live on TikTok and use this platform nearly every single day. TikTok can be an effective outreach and branding tool for your church, so use this viral tool to reach people with the Gospel, to encourage believers, and to build awareness of Christ around your community. TikTok, like YouTube, allows you to upload messages or go livestream, but nothing has exploded in popularity like TikTok has. Your church should include this technological door as part of your outreach.

Mobile AppsStatistics show that Americans spend about 71% of their digital time on mobile devices. That’s nearly three hours a day, so it makes good sense to have a specific mobile app for your church to use. One church launched an app and within the week, someone emailed the senior pastor and said they had been thinking about leaving the church but now sensed there were going to be changes and so they said they’d “stick around.” They were not always able to be at church as they had to travel a lot for their job, but this church’s app kept them connected to the local Body of Christ until they could again physically connect to the church when they returned home. The instant prayer request chains contact people in real time and allow people to be notified of an emergency in short order. Can you imagine a place where sermon notes, videos and podcasts live in one convenient location and are accessible at your fingertips? The good news is there are custom mobile apps for your church and many of these app have platforms that contain all kinds of wonderful features like an extensive database of prayers, Bible verses, Christian quotes, sermon messages and more.

No TechnologyOne of the most serious mistakes churches can make in technology is not using any technology at all. If you have Sunday sermons and no one outside of the church can hear or listen to them, they are not always going to be able to make a sound judgment when trying to find a church home. And churches are losing a huge opportunity to reach a younger generation if they remain “off-line,” which means, inaccessible to most of this generation. If people aren’t coming to the church, the church must be coming to the people. Today, most Christians are using technology in one way or another for their devotional life. If they have to miss a Sunday, they can always visit the church website and (hopefully) listen to the sermon or open their church app and listen to the message and announcements.

Virtual RealityChurches can utilize amazing new technologies like virtual reality which uses computer-generated 360-degree images to immerse the viewer into a comprehensive, realistic experience as if they were actually in a church. This type of technology can be a portal to faith and spirituality for those who might not otherwise get the chance to hear or read about spiritual matters. Some may never come to church, but the church can reach out to them. Reposting sermons, even on Facebook, allows others who are not near a church or in a church or not able to go to church (illness, shut-ins, incarcerated, etc.) have an opportunity to hear the church’s worship music and message.

From ExperienceI have actually used some of these technologies for our church like where I mentioned, like Sermon Shots, Facebook and our church’s website. These are some of the easiest to use today. Sites like Sermon Shots guide you through the whole process and make it very simple to produce short video clips that give short, precise sermon bites that cover what the message was all about and whet’s the viewer’s appetite. If we don’t keep up technologically, we’ll lose important opportunities to share the gospel and we might not get a second chance to reach them. Using technology in association with preaching the gospel of repentance and faith (Mark 1:15) makes it possible to reach the lost in ways the traditional brick and mortar churches cannot do. Most may not come to church, so why not have the church come to them through the use of technology.

ConclusionThe world thrives on sound-bites today so it makes sense to share the gospel in short precise sermon clips that get right to the point of your message. They’re short enough to keep their attention and keep them tuned in but still sufficient to share what the message is about. Technology or websites such as virtual reality, Facebook, TikTok, or Sermon Shots are a great technological tool that your church can use to reach more people with the gospel. Many churches not only share their messages on social media, they create their own podcasts. Video sermons can be used to create podcasts and MP3 programs that are easily downloadable.

Here is some related reading for you: How Technologies Like Faith Brush Can Make Your Church More Visible

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It’s so easy to worry about things, but Christians should not worry so much, so how can we learn to stop worrying?

Waste in WorryIt’s so easy to worry about things, but Christians should not worry so much, so how can we learn to stop worrying? As it turns out, most of what we worry about doesn’t even happen or is rectified, and those things we can’t change we shouldn’t worry about anyway. We must leave the things we can’t do anything about in the hands of the only One Who can. When we’ve done all we can, only God can do all He can. Trust God and rest in His sovereignty and in His timing. The Devil’s always in a hurry; God always takes His time and His timing is always best. At best, worry makes things worse and doesn’t change anything but adding stress to our lives. Worry can ruin our health, can cause stress in our lives, can create friction in relationships can zap our trust or faith in God. Worry leads to nowhere good.

God our FatherCan you imagine a child of yours coming up to you and being anxious about whether the electric bills going to be paid, or if the family has enough money for groceries this month. No child naturally checks the parent’s checkbook to see if there’s enough money in the bank to get by, but that’s what we tend to do when we worry about finances or health issues or anything else that we have no control over. God is the benevolent God Who provides for all of our needs. If our earthly fathers and mothers provided for us, what makes us think that our Perfect Heavenly Father won’t provide for His own children and in a much better manner? Who has more resources than God!? Jesus said, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him” (Matt 7:11)?

Supplying our NeedsThe Word of God says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” (James 1:17). That is, God won’t change His mind about us like humans tend to do. He doesn’t withhold gifts from His children. Since our Father is God, we should “not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear” (Matt 6:31)? God will not supply all of our wants, but He will supply every need we have, and we can take comfort in the fact that “our heavenly Father knows that you need them all” (Matt 6:32). Our duty is to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matt 6:33). What things will be added to you? Everything God deems that you will need to ge by until you pass into glory or He returns again. What you need (not want) is promised by God but we must trust Him, even when the cupboard is nearly empty.

Trusting GodOne of the most calming and reassuring doctrines in the Bible is the sovereignty of God. The late pastor Adrian Rogers once said, “Not a fly moves unless God approves.” He is sovereign over all things, including the bad (Rom 8:28). Only God can make good come from evil (Gen 50:20; John 3:16). The point is we can trust God and rest in the fact that He is in complete control. Did you realize that nothing has ever occurred to God? God has never been caught off guard or surprised. Whatever happens, God knew it would happen, so whatever happens in our life, God intends it for our good and not to harm us (Jer 29:11). That should deflate our worries a lot. Things might surprise us, but never does it surprise God. If it happened, God intended it for our best, including the bad things that we encounter.

Crushing WorryThe Apostle Paul came up with one of the best solutions to worry. He tells us to “not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Phil 4:6). Make a list of things you’re worried about. Call it your “Anxiety List.” Now make this list your prayer request list. Make all your anxieties prayer requests and lay them before the mighty God who not only owns the cattle on a thousand hills; He owns the hills (Psalm 50:10)! Just pray about all the things you’re anxious about. Make those requests known and then walk away. God’s heard you. It’s up to Him now. Let it be in His timing. Jesus tells us to “not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried” (Luke 12:29).

ConclusionThe greatest worry anyone should have is the worry about facing the judgment of God. For those who have rejected Jesus Christ all their life, there is a place of eternal torment. I would be worried if I hadn’t trusted in Christ yet. We are one accident or one heartbeat or one breath away from meeting our Maker. Will God be your Judge or will He be your Savior? Has God brought you to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ (Mark 1:15)? If not, my prayer for you is you will heed Jesus’ warning that “unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:5). Your best works will not wipe one sin away. The wrath of God abides on lost sinners every day. Repent today and trust in Christ today or face God’s judgment after death (Heb 9:27) or at Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), whichever comes first.

Here is some related reading for you: How to Be Worry Free – A Bible Study From Matthew 6

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Satan would love us to wait before we trust in Christ, but today is the only day of salvation because tomorrow may never come.

The Great Chicago FireSatan would love to have us wait before we trust in Christ, but the problem with that is, today is the only day of salvation. Tomorrow may never come for any of us. That’s a lesson D. L. Moody learned the hard way and never forgot and it’s a lesson we should learn too. In 1871, D. L. Moody began a series of messages on Bible characters at Farwell Hall in Chicago. Large crowds soon began attending the meetings. On the fifth Sunday night of this preaching series, D. L. Moody preached to the largest congregation he had ever addressed in that city and perhaps in Chicago history. What did he preach on? He preached the gospel and asked everyone a question: “What shall I do with Jesus which is called Christ?”

D. L. Moody never said “wait” again in his messages.

Too LateAt the close of the service, D. L. Moody did not call for an immediate decision. He said, “I wish you would take this text home with you and turn it over in your minds during the week, and next Sabbath we will come to Calvary and we will decide what to do with Jesus of Nazareth.” That very night the great Chicago fire broke out. Many, if not most of those who had just heard the gospel but never trusted in Christ perished that night in the fire…and went to another fire (Rev 20:12-15); an unquenchable one. They were told to think about until tomorrow it but they never lived to see the next day. D. L. Moody considered that to be one of the greatest mistakes of his life. He never said “wait” again in his messages.

Today: the Day of SalvationTime is short. Life is a vapor. The point is we may never get a second chance to share Christ to the lost or even for ourselves, “For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor 6:2). Apparently, the Apostle Paul quoted Isaiah 49:8 which says much of what 2nd Corinthians 6:2. Isaiah the Prophet wrote, “Thus says the LORD: “In a time of favor I have answered you; in a day of salvation I have helped you; I will keep you and give you as a covenant to the people, to establish the land, to apportion the desolate heritages” (Isaiah 49:8). What both of these men were saying is that today is the day of salvation because what if tomorrow never comes? We have no guarantee that tomorrow will dawn for us or for anyone, including that lost person you know. That’s why “today” is the acceptable time. Wait too long and Jesus won’t be their Savior; He will be their Judge and that will be a time that’s not acceptable to God.

Procrastination“…let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found…”

Procrastination is our enemy because to make no choice or to choose to wait to make a choice is to choose to not trust in Jesus Christ for eternal life. There is no fence sitting. Those on the fence about the gospel must know this; those who reject Christ and those on the fence not deciding yet will all be cast into the lake of fire…fence and all! Choose today while it’s still today, for tomorrow may be too late and then Jesus will be their Judge and not their Savior. What the Psalmist wrote is also my prayer and “my prayer is to you, O LORD. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness” (Psalm 69:13). This is the acceptable time, not tomorrow. Today, salvation is available to trust in Him but if Christ returns or someone passes away, judgement is surely coming (Heb 9:27; Rev 20:12-25, 21:8), “Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him” (Psalm 32:6).

Suppressing the GospelJesus the Savior will not be found after He returns or if you die, so pray to God to be saved “at a time [God] may be found.” Satan’s favorite tactic is to wait and wait until it’s too late. Even in the Wilderness, God pleaded with them to trust Him and why “the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness” (Heb 3:7-8). The more we reject the gospel after hearing it several times the more we risk falling away permanently. For those who “did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done” (Rom 1:28). Rejecting the gospel time and time again results in God’s giving “them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen” (Rom 1:24-25). Suppressing the gospel will not make God’s judgement go away (Rom 1:18-22).

ConclusionLike those who refused to believe that a great flood was coming in Noah’s day, all who have rejected Christ will be swept away by God’s judgment for time without end (Gen 7:16). They will be shut out for all eternity from the great wedding feast of the Lamb of God (Matt 25:1-13). We know in our hearts that God exists and so we are all without excuse, since “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them” (James 4:17). Put your trust in the Savior today if you haven’t already done so, for you nor do I know if tomorrow will ever arrive or if Jesus comes back this very day. This is all the more reason to trust in Christ today, not tomorrow, but trust in Him today while it’s still being called “today.” Jesus Himself warns all who will hear: “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God” (John 3:18).

Here is some related reading for you: How to Share the Gospel With Family

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It’s so easy for us to lose our temper and use words we normally don’t use, so how can we stop swearing and especially using God’s name in vain?

A Learned LanguageIt’s so easy for us to lose our temper and use words we normally don’t use, so how can we stop swearing and especially using God’s name in vain? It seems to come more naturally for some than for others. Perhaps they were raised in a family that consistently used profane language and took the Lord’s name in vain all the time. When you’ve been raised since a youth hearing it, it’s much harder to rid yourself of foul language, but there is hope. Because it is a learned language by being around those who swear, it’s harder to unlearn it and we can start to use other words in place of swear words. My wife says, “Oh my!” while I say, “Oh no!” but neither of us have ever used foul language anyway, so it’s easy for us to avoid taking God’s name in vain. For those who have been steeped in it since birth, it’s much more difficult, but it’s not impossible. Substitution of swear words is a good place to start for some and works well in their avoiding filthy language.

EuphemismsWe can substitute other words for when we’re angry and want to use foul language. We can use euphemisms, but we must be careful because many euphemisms are very nearly the same thing as taking God’s name in vain. A few examples are “Jeeze” (for Jesus) and “Oh my gosh” for “Oh my God,” but many believers use “Oh my God” in a vain way or as an expression of surprise or at a time of danger, and that’s taking God’s holy name and using it in a useless, careless and vain manor. Others customarily use “Oh Lord!” when in trouble or surprised by something good. Either way, you can be sure we can say “Jeeze” but God hears Jesus’ holy name used in a vain or useless way. And you can be sure He is not pleased with that.

Our LanguageJesus warned everyone that it will be “by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matt 12:37). Words certainly mattered to Jesus as He warned us all that “on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak” (Matt 12:36). Those words include our profanity, curse words, swearing and certainly, using God’s name in vain. Using filthy language ruins a believer’s testimony and is contrary to the command to “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (Eph 4:29), so we must guard our tongue and stop the profanity. There is no place for a believer to talk like the world.

Come Out of HerWe are to be apart from the world and not sound like the world does today. Even on TV and the Internet, foul and filthy language is commonly accepted as normal, but God commands us that there should “be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving” (Eph 5:4). It is obvious that foul language has no place in the life of a Christian and we are told to “put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth” (Col 3:8). Jesus commands us to “Come out of her, my people” (Rev 18:4), meaning we shouldn’t sound like the world we’re supposed to have come out of. We’re not to be of this world.

Swearing an OathIt is not wise for us to swear oaths to people or God. In fact, we’re told to “not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation” (James 5:12). We do not have the ability to bring to pass things that we swear to make happen. God does. We cannot change one thing outside of the will of God, so to say, “I swear I’ll be there,” or “I swear I’ll do that,” is slippery ground to stand on because something may come up and we may not be able to be where we swore we would be at. It is better to promise that you’ll do your best to be there or do that, but we can’t swear to God about anything. God considers that sin.

Stop and ThinkIf we start training our minds to think before we speak, we might better keep guard of our tongue. If we stop before we say something, we might avoid saying something rash or using a swear word or profanity. Think about what Jesus would say in a certain situation or how would Jesus react in a given situation. We must be led by the Spirit to be able to speak in the Spirit. We can grieve the Spirit; we can quench the Spirit, and we can suppress the Spirit by acting on impulse or without first thinking. Pray to God to help you guard your tongue and let no unwholesome talk come out of our mouths.

ConclusionBefore I close, may I ask you this? Has God brought you to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ (Mark 1:15)? If not, my prayer for you is you will heed Jesus’ warning that “unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:5). Repent today and trust in Christ today or face God’s judgment after death (Heb 9:27) or at Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), whichever comes first.

Here is some related reading for you: Christian Swearing and Swear Words – A Lesson on Guarding Your Tongue

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