About Christianity

Last Updated: 12/20/2009 19:29                                                                                                                                           |

A Christian is simply one who follows the teaching of Yeshua (Jesus). You become a Christian recognizing your personal sins against God and accepting by faith that Yeshua died on the cross for the remission (covering) of all sins and rose to life again on the third day. There is more to the story, but that's what the Bible is for. It should be a Christian's foundation for all beliefs. Ask the Lord for a greater hunger for His Word, and He will give it. I asked and I have received! The belief of a Christian is centered on Christ and He is the only way to the Father and eternal life (John 14:6). This makes those in the "all-inclusive" crowd upset. They like to shoot the messengers when it is the One True God who laid down these rules. The Bible said that many would be offended because of Christ. He's the Creator of this universe, He has the right to make the rules. "Being good" has nothing to do with heaven because heaven is simply being where God is. If you don't believe in the God who makes the heaven, or want to be with Him, why should you expect to be in heaven? They can be mad all they want, it won't change the facts, and when the time comes, it will be them who suffer in their shame for all eternity for rejecting the only One who was able and wanted to save them. God loves all His creation and wants none of them to perish, but alas, He gave us all free will, so it is your choice.

Please listen to Paul Washer - Know You Are Saved

Persecution of Christians worldwide is increasing, keep your brothers and sisters in Christ in your prayers!

International Christian Concern - We are a non-profit and interdenominational human rights organization [501 (c)(3)] dedicated to assisting and sustaining Christians who are victims of persecution and discrimination due to practicing their faith. Since 1995, we have been assisting the worldwide persecuted Christian church by providing assistance, awareness, and advocacy striving to exemplify faithfulness to our Lord and to our donors.

How is a Christian supposed to live?

Romans 15:1-7
We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

1 Peter 4:15-19
But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

James 1:2-8
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Psalm 73
Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills. Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. From their callous hearts comes iniquity; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits. They scoff, and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression. Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth. Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance. They say, "How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?" This is what the wicked are like—always carefree, they increase in wealth. Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence. All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning. If I had said, "I will speak thus," I would have betrayed your children. When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny. Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin. How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors! As a dream when one awakes, so when you arise, O Lord, you will despise them as fantasies. When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

We have rules that govern our lives, but they aren't oppressing. They're there to guide us away from actions that are contrary to the foundation of love and keep us close to our God, who IS love (1 John 4:4-10). They're a reference and guidelines for our everyday life. The 10 Commandments is that guideline. Yeshua made it clear that all the laws of the prophets hang on two commandments, love God, and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:36-40). However, keeping your life in line with the 10 Commandments will naturally bring you to a place of synchronicity with God's heart because all those commandments hang on the concept of love. If you break the commandments, you show a lack of God's love in you. God said nothing He wrote can be changed and He means every word. In our quest to become more in line with God, these are a great resource. I've explained each commandment as best I can to show the idea that love is the foundation of all of them. If you truly claim to live by loving standards, then these should be no problem. We find everything we need for our spiritual lives in the Bible. It is our spiritual food (Luke 4:4) that teaches us God's ways of true love and true compassion. Our faith in God comes from knowing what the Bible says, so it is an important part of being a believer to read the Bible.

Romans 10:13-17
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Hebrews 12:3-17
For consider him [Yeshua] that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, [Genesis 25:19-34] who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

Remember in all things that God loves you. He has your best interest at heart with the following.

Shadows of Love

A lot of things changed when Yeshua died on the cross for the sins of those who accept Him. One of those things was our connection to the Law. It's not that the Law was eliminated, but as I would like to point out, the Spirit of the Law works in tandem with the Spirit of God and when the Spirit of God truly dwells within us, our actions show forth in kind.

Romans 2:12-16
For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

Colossians 2:8-17
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

There were actually many more laws and ordinances given to Israel than just these ten and very strict guidelines were given for following them. While some promote a following of the letter of the Law, keeping the Sabbath, I believe scripture is clear that we are under grace through faith and not under the Law. This is not to say that the Law is not important or that it doesn't mean anything, quite the contrary. By the Law we recognize sin and see our need for salvation and through God's Word we're pointed to the Messiah upon whom we put our faith by God's Word, the seed of Abraham and heirs according to the promise. The promise to Abraham came before the Law.

Galatians 3:21-29
Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Romans 4:1-4; 13-18
What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

Romans 7:4-8
Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.

Romans 3:19-28
Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

Matthew 22:35-40
Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

I believe as a Christian it is important to understand the letter vs. the spirit of the Law, but I do not believe we are under the Law even though by the Spirit we are obedient to the spirit of it. On that note, let's see how the laws hang on the idea of love for God and neighbor from the most famous of God's Commandments.

Exodus 20:1-17

And God spoke all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. (1)

Our God is a jealous God. Why? Because He is the ONLY God. All others are deceptions and misleading by the forces of darkness. If we have other gods before the only real and true God, we won't be listening to Him for guidance and we will be placing ourselves under the ownership of one who has our eternal destruction in mind. God is Love and He created us to have communion with Him, not someone or something claiming to be Him.

Can a watch deny it's designer? The human body is multitudes more complex at just the cellular level, let alone all the parts that work to produce living flesh. It was all designed and it was designed to house eternal beings created for communion with their Creator, for us to exist. He knew us before we existed and created us because He loves us. He gave us free will though, so each person has their own choice to make that nobody can make for them. They can choose reality or vain imaginations. The real God is not going to save those who don't recognize Him though... at their own request.

Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. (2)

The ancients and even some today worshipped the sun, cats, and a wide variety of physical things of stone and wood. The ridiculousness of this is apparent when you understand that all the elements will be melted with a fervent heat and a new heaven and new earth will be created. 2 Peter 3:10-13 What good will worshipping a destructible thing as a god do? Your eternal soul, God's gift of existence to you, will exist long after those physical things are gone. The stars don't answer back, they aren't sentient beings. We are eternal beings, you have an eternal God who created us, and was therefore there long before us eternally. The I AM is a statement of existence. God is outside of time, one of many dimensions of our universe, and therefore always was and always will be. He is the ultimate statement of I AM. He has given us existence and the free will to choose where to spend it, with Him or not. If God is Love, then I don't want to be where He is not forever. See if you would like to be forever separated from the fruits of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-26

Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain^H7723; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that takes his name in vain. (3)

What does it mean to take the Lord's name in vain? Most assume it's swearing. Examining the original Hebrew translation reveals a more accurate definition. The term "vain" is defined in the concordance as H7723. It means desolating, evil (as destructive); literally (ruin) or morally; figuratively idolatry, uselessness; false, lying, vain, vanity. This should be a good indication that it isn't specifically swearing, but further claiming or saying things in God's name that are contrary (lies) to His Word. This would be those who create false doctrine and claim it is God who made it. Saying they serve a God of love and issuing hate and spite. Using His name falsely for something God never intended. It has the flavor of saying something is from God when it is not. It desolates His name because consequences are always negative when we stray from God's ways of love. People think they're serving God when they are serving mans' interpretation of God or the enemy's lies about God. Read His Word, all of it, to see what He is truly like.

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it. (4)

There are many who I feel are legalistic to this to the point of saying if the Sabbath isn't recognized on a Saturday, then it isn't recognized. Some have grown up on a different week setup where Sunday is the last day of the week. This is how I have grown up. I believe it is the principle and the recognition of why the Sabbath is observed that is important. It should be pointed out that our calendar in the West isn't even in line with God's calendar, nor is the Jewish nature of it recognized by many. Remember that God created for six days, and then rested the seventh. We should follow His example because He set it for a reason. I believe it should be a time of rest in Him, meaning a time of focus and reflection on Him. My relationship with Him is daily but life is daily too and we, like any intimate relationship, need that mutual focus time. Personally, I believe it is because God wants us to be able to rest so He mandated a time where we would rest. I believe He did that so for one day out of seven, He could communicate better with us as we are less distracted by the things of this world, or at least we should be. As Christians, that time of rest should be spent close to God. This isn't to say the rest of the week shouldn't be, but the Sabbath should be a time of reflection and recognition of God's mighty design, great wisdom, and endless love for us. Clearly, the more time we choose to spend with Him as our guide, confidant, and ally, the closer we are to Him and we are observing the Sabbath daily as we rest from the world and praise Him and meditate on Him with His Word. The flesh does everything it can to keep us from that time. Just slow down and take some time with Him. Ask Him to give you greater desire. He knows your heart better than you do. 1 Chronicles 28:9

Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God gives thee. (5)

Disrespectful children seems to be a growing trend today. I believe it is because the love of many has grown cold. If love is completely selfless, as giving up your life for a friend, then growing cold would be more selfish. The more self-centered society gets, the colder our love gets. This is one of the many signs of the end in Matthew 24 that is seen in the lack of respect from a less loved generation programmed young to follow in the footsteps of their parents. Even so, our parents should love us with an unconditional and selfless love. They are the ones we can trust to be looking out for our best interest. We should respect them as elders and teachers. They will teach because they love. There is trust in that relationship that is not found many other places in this world.

Thou shalt not murder. (6)

This should be a no-brainer. A lot of people translate this as kill, including many Bibles, but the original Hebrew is translated especially as murder H7523. There is a difference between murdering and killing. There is no justified murder. The difference can be boiled down to intent. Murder is the killing of someone for selfish reasons. Anything else is either an accident, self-defense, or for the good of future community members, capital punishment, at risk because of unrepentant self-centered people.

Thou shalt not commit adultery. (7)

Only a person who is thinking selfishly and without love would abandon their spouse in favor of temporary physical relationships with others. It is the fulfilling of lustful desires of the flesh. The Bible says the Spirit God gave us is at constant enmity with the flesh. Galatians 5:17 | Romans 8:5-8 Again, the commandments revolve around the idea of preserving true love. True love has nothing to do with sex. I believe Romans 13:14 speaks to dwelling on Christ to prevent desire of the lusts of the flesh.

Thou shalt not steal. (8)

Needless to say, stealing is a selfish act that takes from others for personal gain. This is contrary to love and selflessness. It is the same foundation for many of the things we are not to do, selfish focus and pride of self. If we only ever think of ourselves we won't understand from any other perspective and we'll live in our own little world, willing to take advantage of others to get what we want. The kicker is that all the physical stuff we could want doesn't mean a thing. One day it will all be gone. What does matter is relationship, and God's laws, love God with all your heart and love your neighbors as yourself promote these relationships and communication with God and with each other.

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. (9)

What does it mean to "bear false witness?" It means to lie. Lies are manipulation tools used by selfish individuals to redirect blame to others or heap praise onto themselves. In this case it is more directed at something detrimental to your neighbor such as accusing them of something you know is not true. This can be to get back at them, therefore putting yourself above them in other's eyes and your own.

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's. (10)

Coveting is defined in Hebrew as delighting in, lusting after. In context to this commandment, we are not to lust after those things which aren't our own. Why? Because if we live in the mentality of coveting our neighbor's things, it can lead to breaking the other commandments such as not to steal, murder, or commit adultery among them. It is best to not covet anything of this world because our treasure is built up in heaven, not here on earth. Matthew 6:9-21 Again, this is all based on selfish pride. This is what God detests the most and the cause of Lucifer's fall.

That's really not so bad, right? When one holds to these commandments, they live happier lives with less heartache and drama. These are shadows of Love and that is the spirit of the Law. We can't fulfill the Law perfectly, but we can try. When we follow the above 10 Commandments, it shows a heart of selfless love. We will not put our own self interest above the free will of anyone around us. When we take away someone's free will, it shows a character flaw of selfishness and pride. When we obey these laws, we show a heart of love for our neighbors. For the Christian, it should not be about the Law, but a heart of love for God and for each other, the law becomes fulfilled. These are the things of the spirit.

Romans 2:11-16
For there is no respect of persons with God. For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without the law: and as many as have sinned under the law shall be judged by the law; for not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified: (for when Gentiles that have not the law do by nature the things of the law, these, not having the law, are the law unto themselves; in that they show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness therewith, and their thoughts one with another accusing or else excusing them); in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men, according to my gospel, by Jesus Christ.

James 1:22-27
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deluding your own selves. For if any one is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a mirror: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth away, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But he that looketh into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and so continueth, being not a hearer that forgetteth but a doer that worketh, this man shall be blessed in his doing. If any man thinketh himself to be religious, while he bridleth not his tongue but deceiveth his heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

Romans 13:8-14
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Galatians 3:23-28
But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

When we rely on God, we aren't so engrossed in the things of this world, the physical things, and it becomes easier and easier to stay in line with God's commandments for us as we conform ourselves to the image of Christ. It isn't a task, but a privilege to follow what is right and express God's love in all things to all people. Here is what Yeshua (Jesus) said relating our relationship to Him as the vine and us as the branches.

John 15:1-17
I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another.

That shows just how selfless true Love is. Christ was the ultimate fulfillment of that love when He gave His life to save all of ours. We all sin, Romans 3:23, but through acceptance of Christ's sacrifice and establishment of the law, there is no condemnation as we try to live our lives in accordance to God's Word. His grace and sacrifice is sufficient to cover our weakness, but that doesn't mean we can go against God time and again. We live our lives according to His Word. If we love Him, we will obey Him.  Our weaknesses keep our pride in check and God can really use the humble. 2 Corinthians 12:9 We are saved by faith in God's grace Romans 4:13-25, not by legalistic holding of the law Colossians 2:16,17. A true Christian wants to be like Christ 1 Peter 2:18-25 and in so desiring, has a love for the law and for following it not to be blameless, but because of our love for God's Word and desire to live in His ways. Thank God for Christ, His Son, who came to willingly die for the remission of our sins so that we could forever be with Him!

John 4:23b
...the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

Galatians 3:6-15
Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.

Romans 3:19-31
Now we know that what things so ever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

John 17:20
My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

1 Timothy 4
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. These things command and teach. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery^G4244. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

Romans 13:8-10
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

1 John 2:15-17
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

1 John 3:13-24
Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

1 John 4:7-21
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

1 John 5:1-3
Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

2 John 1:5-9
And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

Revelation 3:19-22
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

From God Thoughts Wired: "The Overcomers Get All The Good Stuff!" Subscribe

"To him who overcomes..."
Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21

PART 1: OVERCOMING...SIN

The first (no particular order) of the five key areas in which we must {attain the knowledge, develop the skills, and cultivate the will} to overcome is: -Sin.

"Sin is crouching at your door, and its desire is for you, but you must master it."
Genesis 4:7

Yes, we must master sin. "His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness" (2 Peter 1:3). That being the case, it simply boils down to skills and choices. Is it fair for me to suggest that, "The time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries" (1 Peter 4:3). So, skills and choices. First, the skills:

"But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lust."
Romans 13:14

Solomon put it this way,

"Do not enter the path of the wicked and do not proceed in the way of evil men. Avoid it and do not walk by it; turn away from it and pass on."
Proverbs 4:14-15

And then, the choices. "Choose for yourselves today, whom you will serve...But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself" (Joshua 24:15; Daniel 1:8). Skills, choices, mastery over sin. And the overcomers get all the good stuff...FOR ETERNITY.

PART 2: OVERCOMING...SELF

The second (no particular order) of the five key areas in which we must {attain the knowledge, develop the skills, and cultivate the will} to overcome is: -Self.

"The heart is deceitful above all else and desperately sick."
Jeremiah 17:9

"I have found the enemy and the enemy is...me!" Whoever coined that phrase certainly had an understanding of the human dilemma . "He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks wisely shall be delivered" (Proverbs 28:26). Wow! It's not wise to put our trust in our own feelings. We must always evaluate our thoughts and emotions and attitudes through the grid of God's word. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5). Beware the "self-sins." Self-centeredness. Self-justification. Selfishness. Wherever conflict exists, there's an awfully good chance that there's a whole lot of "self" goin' on.

PART 3: OVERCOMING...THE WORLD

The third (no particular order) of the five key areas in which we must {attain the knowledge, develop the skills, and cultivate the will} to overcome is: -The World.

"Do not love the world or the things in the world."
1 John 2:15

How do we overcome "the world?" I used to think that discipline was enough. It's not. Don't get me wrong. Discipline is important! Indeed, discipline is vital to a successful Christian walk...but it is not enough. "He who walks with the wise shall become wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm" (Proverbs 13:20). If the alcoholic spends all of his time in bars, he will eventually fall no matter how much discipline he has. The compulsive gambler will fall if he spends too much time hanging out in casinos. "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world" (John 17:14). In the world, but not of the world. That's the key!

"Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever...Therefore come out from their midst and be separate, says the Lord."
2 Corinthians 6:14-18

We are called to love those who are in the world. Reach out to them. Be-friend them. Care about them. Witness to them and be the hands and feet of Jesus for them. Enter into their lives in order to expose them to the "light" of Jesus. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). But PLEASE always remember: It is never God's will to diminish our light in the hopes of reaching those who are in the dark. That's called compromise. Jesus calls it being "lukewarm" (see Revelation 3:15-16). I call it...BEING DECEIVED!*

*Beware the preacher who is embraced by the world. Jesus said of His true followers, "I have given them Thy word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world" (John 17:14). And He also said, "If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you" (John 15:18-19).

"It is amazing the distance some Christians go to seek persecution and all so unnecessary. Draw a little nearer to Calvary, and persecution will seek you. The world still hates the man who hates his sin." -A.W. Tozer, A Word in Season, p.110

THE WORLD WILL ALWAYS HATE THE MAN THAT HATES SIN!

PART 4: OVERCOMING...OTHER PEOPLE

The fourth (no particular order) of the five key areas in which we must {attain the knowledge, develop the skills, and cultivate the will} to overcome is: -Other People.

"'They will fight against you, but they will not overcome you, for I am with you to deliver you', declares the Lord."
Jeremiah 1:19

Relative to the others, this is by far and away the greatest challenge (in my opinion). The following is what I call "The Grand Test:" Let the positives in others point you toward God, Without allowing the negatives to pull you away from Him.

I've been studying (and attempting to practice) this concept for a little more than ten years now and I've identified three components. Three keys to becoming an overcomer in the area of other people. "The Grand Test" requires three attributes:

• Love. This kind of love, found only in God, "Does not take into account a wrong suffered" (see 1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
• Humility. "For this finds favor (with God), if for the sake of conscience toward God a man bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly..." (1 Peter 2:19-20).
• Submission. "While being reviled, He did not revile in return, but kept entrusting Himself to the One who judges justly" (2 Peter 2:23).

Yes, I call it "The Grand Test," and we are given this test virtually every day...sometimes many times a day. Love, humility, submission. The highest of the "high roads." But "To him who overcomes..."

CONCLUSION: OVERCOMING...DEMONIC FORCES

The fifth (no particular order) of the five key areas in which we must {attain the knowledge, develop the skills, and cultivate the will} to overcome is: -Demonic Forces.

"Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."
Ephesians 6:12

As far as we are concerned, the skill is simple. "Don't give the devil an opportunity" (Ephesians 4:27). However, this is only half the battle because, "The devil prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). He is proactive! So, when the devil (demons) come knocking on your door the key is to "resist him (them)" (see 1 Peter 5:9). James 4:7 promises, "resist the devil and he will flee from you." (see Jesus in the wilderness for a perfect model of this, Matthew 4:4-10). And how do we "resist" demonic forces? By putting on the full armor of God.*

"Take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist..."
Ephesians 6:13

*For an in-depth discussion on this topic, click on: The Bible Says Series: Armor of God

Here is an article by Ray Gano that speaks to today's Christians and those who are not. We are not Christians because we say we are.

It is interesting, I was reading the following…

Romans 12:1,2
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

There are several things that stick out in my mind when I read these verses.

1. Which is your reasonable service
2. Be not conformed to this world

The sad thing is, both of these items I see very little of in our churches today.
We know that God came to earth in the flesh and lived a perfect life. This is so far outside our scope and ability, it is hard to understand. But more than that, God in the flesh as His only begotten son gave His life so that we might live.

That is a pretty tall order. So much so that we as mere humans do not have the ability to earn this gift, deserve this gift or ever pay this back. We are blood bought souls which the price was paid on the cross. It was a very dear price also, the life of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So what is our reasonable service? Giving our all in the service of the Lord; everything we have, every breath we take, every action, every thought; everything that is what our reasonable service is. Look at what Christ gave us. But look at today’s world and worse, look at today’s Christian.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11
“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you….”

Read the quick definitions of each of these quickly.

Fornicators - The Greek word is pornos {por’-nos}, from which we get “pornography”

Idolaters - The worship of idols, images, or any thing made by hands, or which is not God

Adulterers - It means to have unlawful intercourse with another’s wife or husband.

Effeminate - To make womanish; to unman; to weaken, a sissy boy.

Abusers of themselves with mankind – Sodomites one who lies with his or her own gender; an abomination unto God.

Thieves – 1. One who secretly, unlawfully and feloniously takes the goods or personal property of another. The thief takes the property of another privately; the robber by open force.
2. One who seduces by false doctrine. John 10.
3. One who makes it his business to cheat and defraud; as a den of thieves. Matthew 21.

Covetous - Inordinately desirous; excessively eager to obtain and possess; directed to money or goods, avaricious.

Drunkards - One given to ebriety or an excessive used of strong liquor; a person who habitually or frequently is drunk.

Revilers - To feast with loose and clamorous merriment; to carouse; to act the bacchanalian. (feasts of Bacchus hedonism – if it feels good, do it)

Extortioners - The act of extorting; the act or practice of wresting any thing from a person by force, duress, menaces, authority, or by any undue exercise of power; illegal exaction; illegal compulsion to pay money, or to do some other act. Extortion is an offense punishable at common law.

Did you catch that last part? “And such were some of you…” Some have woken up to the fact that they were living in sin and have corrected it. They realize the duty “Which is your reasonable service.”

Paul tells us in Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world…” And yet there are the many trappings that we refuse to let go of. But more than that, we are now allowing the world into our church by just slapping the word Christian on it.

Look at the definition from 1 Corinthians 6:9-11a again. Those sins are the norm in today’s churches, not the exception. Not only have we conformed to this world, we wallow in the muck and mire that the trappings of the world offers. AND YOU KNOW WHAT? WE LOVE IT TOO!!! It feels so good to wallow in the flesh.

If you are one of these partakers, it feels good now. But do you live for the Lord as is your reasonable service or do you live for Satan and wallow in the trappings of this world slapping the word “Christian” on it? Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?

Folks if you are one of these partakers of the flesh, here is what you should expect and in fact Jesus himself warned us…

Matthew 7:21-23
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Many people confuse these verses with cults like the Mormons, JWs, Moonies, ect. The problem is that these cults and false religions DO NOT call Jesus Christ Lord when the rubber meets the road.

ONLY CHRISTIANS CALL HIM LORD! So who is Christ talking to in these verses? Us… Christians. Folks, to be a Christian is a life changing event. You just don’t say some cute little prayer or check off some box and you get to heaven. Your life reflects your decision. Your reasonable service will show through. You can’t help but for it to show. If you are one of God’s children, He will have it no other way. But if you are one who has the Lord in your heart and still living in the world. Several things may happen, your life will be miserable because you are not serving him as is your reasonable service, OR… God is going to take you home. You may even face both.

If you are a Christian and you are still here breathing, then you have a duty to the Lord. That is to live a proper life with out being involved in those things mentioned in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11a as well as in other passages in scripture. You know in your heart what is and is not acceptable to the Lord, Jeremiah 31:33 states that God’s law is written on the hearts of men. So to put it bluntly, there are no excuses for “not knowing.”

Being saved by Grace is not a license to sin either. But when we look at the church today, that is just what they are doing.

Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world…

We as the church have become so conformed; there is no separation between the two. What secret sin are you living in where you have just slapped the word “CHRISTIAN” on it to justify your flesh to yourself? Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Which Kingdom will you inherit? There are only two, God’s or Satan’s? But more so… Who Do You Serve? Jesus stated the following…

John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

If you do not have Christ in your life, you will spend eternity in hell. This is a fact. It does not matter if you believe this or not, it is the truth spoken by Jesus himself. If your name is not written in the Lambs Book of Life you will go to hell for what you have not done and that is accepting Christ as your personal savior. To be placed in the Lamb’s Book of Life, you need to turn your life completely over to Him. Having “head” knowledge or “just believing in Christ” is not the same as having “heart” knowledge with Christ living in your heart. Even the “devils” believe in God.

James 2:19
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

We work hard at Prophezine to show that Bible Prophecy is coming to pass. Because of this fact, we know that the Bible is true. Since the Bible is the truth and is the inerrant word of God, there is a heaven and there is a hell. If you claim the title of “Christian” then take account of yourself this day. Many claim the title, but we read in God’s Word that the title does not get you into heaven.

Matthew 7:21-23
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Who you serve will determine where you will spend eternity. If you are not serving Christ and a true child of God, then you are serving Satan and a child of the enemy. If you are not 110% sure, then take account of yourself, your very life depends upon it.

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Need for Salvation

Galatians 5:19-21
Now the works of the flesh⁴⁵⁶¹ are manifest, which are these;

• adultery,³⁴³⁰
• fornication,⁴²⁰²
  • Indulge in unlawful lust or idolatry
• uncleanness,¹⁶⁷
  • Moral/physical impurity
• lasciviousness,⁷⁶⁶
  • wantonness (deliberate, without motive), filthy, negative vices
• Idolatry,¹⁴⁹⁵
  • Image worship (literal or figurative)
• witchcraft,⁵³³¹
  • Medication ("pharmacy"), by extension magic, sorcery
• hatred,²¹⁸⁹
  • Hostility, enmity
• variance,²⁰⁵⁴
  • Quarrel, contention, wrangling, debate, strife
• emulations,²²⁰⁵
  • Unfavorable zeal, jealousy, malice, indignation
• wrath,²³⁷²
  • Fierceness, indignation, passion (as if breathing hard)
• strife,²⁰⁵²
  • Provoking contention, intrigue
• seditions,¹³⁷⁰
  • Disunion, division, dissension
• heresies,¹³⁹
  • Choosing disunion
• Envyings,⁵³⁵⁵
  • Ill will (detraction), spite
• murders,⁵⁴⁰⁸
  • To slay
• drunkenness,³¹⁷⁸
  • intoxication
• revellings,²⁹⁷⁰
  • carousal, letting loose, rioting

and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is

• love,²⁶
  • Affection, benevolence, charity
• joy,⁵⁴⁷⁹
  • Cheerfulness, calm, delight, gladness
• peace,⁵¹¹⁵
  • To join, prosperity, quietness, rest
• longsuffering,³¹¹⁵
  • Patience, longaniminity, forbearance
• gentleness,⁵⁵⁴⁴
  • Kindness, moral excellence, usefulness
• goodness,¹⁹
  • Virtue, beneficence
• faith,⁴¹⁰²
  • Moral conviction of God's truth, persuasion, credence, assurance, belief, fidelity
• Meekness,⁴²³⁶
  • Gentleness, humility
• temperance:¹⁴⁶⁶
  • Self-control, continence

against such there is no law.

Regarding faith, there is another aspect that must work simultaneously, that is works. If we believe, then we must also act in obedience to God's Word. We're not saved by our works, that is through the shed blood of Christ alone. However upon believing in our salvation by grace through the blood of Christ, His love flowing through us should translate to action.

James 2:14-26
What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

The example given above has to do with clothing and feeding those in need. When you give something to someone with no expectation of anything in return, it is selfless.

John 15:13,14
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

Yeshua laid His life down for us, showing the greatest love there is - completely selfless. So expressing love to others in our actions, our "works" is an expression of our faith. Giving selflessly whether it is food, clothing, a helping hand, a listening ear, or whatever comes across our path in life; our actions express our faith in giving selflessly. Faith translates to action and if it does not, that faith is dead. I am still growing in this area myself having just recently woken up while living in this world of selfishness. Be observant in life, looking to help others. It doesn't have to be with money, I myself have little of that, but share the Gospel. It is the most important and valuable thing a Christian has to offer because for those with ears to hear, it is the message of eternal life in the presence of God! Share the hope that is in you!

1 Corinthians 1:17-31
For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

In the New Age movement, and in some Christian circles, there's the idea that we are little gods. This humanistic approach to understanding God is usually built on other belief systems than the Bible alone, which I feel addresses the question that it brings up and it goes back to deception, what we are warned of.

John 10:30-38
I and my Father are one. Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.

Genesis 3:5
Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

It was that desire to be like gods is the temptation that led to the disobedience and brought with it the curse and subsequent knowing of good and evil. Notice that doubt was introduced to what God said in order to tempt Eve. Lucifer and his followers work the same in trying to destroy faith in the Bible today. Without this knowledge there could not be sin since there was no law to transgress save one, eating of the tree. Once they did that, they gained knowledge of evil. The choice to have that knowledge opened Pandora's box of choices and the introduction of our capability for evil as well as good.

Psalm 82
God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods. How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah. Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked. They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course. I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes. Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.

So we are children of the most High and know good from evil, we are in this way gods subservient to the one God by acting like He does according to His Word. The following of God's ways of selfless love are "good" while doing things contrary to this are "evil." The key is having the spirit of God in us and acting as such.

The word "god" is is also figuratively a magistrate; Strong's H430. So we are not gods in the all-knowing sense of course, but we are His representatives on earth acting on His behalf to share His selfless love with others as a witness to His love. We are not infallible as God is and history is evidence of man choosing evil over good continually. Death is a part of the curse of being tainted by evil after gaining the knowledge of good and evil. However it is just a blink in eternity. In eternity, we will have immortal bodies as the angels are now. It was the fall in Genesis 6:1-9 that Jude 1:6 talks about when the angels left their first estate to pollute the genetic lineage of mankind in an attempt to prevent the advent of Christ and our salvation.

Matthew 22:23-30
The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him, Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother: Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh. And last of all the woman died also. Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her. Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.

The wicked always have power over the poor because they lust for control and power while the poor in spirit are taken advantage of, something I think we're seeing that now in the world. The concept that we are gods in the sense of human might and intelligence doesn't fit with history. Examining history shows that those men who claimed to be gods were tyrannical dictators who had no compassion for those "below" them and amassed wealth and power by which to exert control which usually brought death to the general population.

There are many New Age beliefs that center on us as our own gods, our own "Christ consciousness," but like I said earlier when we have that attitude it tends to lean towards a selfish nature that dictates rather than an open position of love and mutual respect. This is not true in all cases, I'm sure, but you can always judge a tree by its fruits. When division, mistrust and strife are the result, the tree's not producing the fruit of love. The heart of a man of pride is something to be cautious of, especially when a position of power that can puff up pride. What's that saying, "power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely?" We will see this happen when the antichrist declares himself God at the abomination of desolation.

Jeremiah 17:9,10
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

The Bible says that those who are humble and loving will be rulers with Christ according to God's ways of love. In this way we are co-rulers under His authority and so the relationship of God and man will be one of communion and not a dictatorship like all the little self-proclaimed god-men of today. It's all about the spirit behind it. Those who are humble and give all trust and authority to God over their own desires are the children of God who will rule and reign with Him, looking out for those under their watch, not looking out for themselves. I just want to align myself more with God's ways.

Galatians 5:22-26
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

I think many Christians try to provoke each other more than to love sometimes. Pride is an issue for all of us at times in life, and pride comes before a fall. Some Christians like to compare and point fingers rather than admit they're in the same boat. So while we may be children of God and do God's will with the authority of Christ, we are still fallen and battling our selfish nature, made more difficult by the enemy trying to flatter us and puff us up so he can take advantage of that pride to do his will. This is why we must be aware and guard our minds with God's Word. With great power comes great responsibility and we are told to act in accordance with God's will, revealed in His Word not our own plans and desires to build ourselves treasures on earth.

Matthew 6:1-21
Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

The greatest treasure we can have in eternity is the communion with God that begins right now in prayer through to His coming and eternity while bringing the Truth to the lost so that they too will be in communion with us in heaven and not separated from God. Our treasure is not always seen here and now but comes by doing God's will now for future benefits to all that love God. We are chosen for our love of God to be kings and priests to our God where we will rule and reign with Him, and under Him, for eternity. Until then, our job is to warn and build up those who have ears to hear with the Gospel of salvation through Yeshua the Christ. The time to put on the immortal is fast approaching and time is running out. See why here.

The importance of remaining obedient in order to "know" God

1 John 2
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning. Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

Matthew 10:24-33
The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

To me the fear of God is the fear of an eternity completely separated from Him. God is love. The second death is eternal life, but separated from God in all ways, which I count as no life at all. No more love, hope, peace, goodness or any of the things that bring us true joy. That frightens me to my core. It causes me to test my heart and check my ways against God's. But the more I build my relationship with Him, the less there is fear as my desire is for His ways that naturally lead me to Him.

Psalm 119:104-106
Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.

The straight and narrow path is the one you walk when you have a goal in mind, a destination. When you desire what is at the other destination, you don't deviate but for obstacles that block your path. These stumbling blocks of self and worldly pleasures are meant to lure you from your path leading to the one source of salvation and the goal of the bride of Christ and our blessed hope, to meet Yeshua in the clouds at His coming. He is our focus and our goal, taking us from this world to His Father's house with many mansions, New Jerusalem for the marriage of the Lamb. When your desire becomes Him and you understand His heart for you, the fear is more for those who reject God because they do not believe. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God, the Bible.

Matthew 7:21-27
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

John 15:7-18
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

This last one lays out the applicability of Christ's death for the sins of those that obey Him. Christ showed that greatest love for a friend by giving up His life for His friends. He then says we are His friends IF WE DO WHATSOEVER GOD HAS COMMANDED US. That is a conditional statement. We are only His friends if we are obedient to His Word, the Bible. It shows our desire for relationship through trying to understand God according to His Word. Relationship is key and is communication, or prayer. Through this relationship, Yeshua sends the Holy Spirit to guide us and comfort us. How do we develop that relationship?

Psalms 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

How do we "know" God? God created laws which, if followed, represent His Spirit of love, peace, joy, patience, longsuffering, goodness, gentleness, faith, meekness, and temperance. In order to truly know God, we must emulate His ways. Then we will see from His perspective and know Him deeper. Therefore, knowing God means obedience to His ways. We are called to do His Word and be like Him. The best way to do that is to read His Word, which is for us to understand the things of God.

Acts 17:30,31
And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

If we know we are given understanding through the Bible and that it is our guide, we should desire to know what it is we might do that would be an offense to God. God winked at the ignorance in times past, but through Christ, we're called to repentance. Repentance requires acknowledging sin and turning from it to God. That means we must understand what God considers sin. Personally, I want to understand how to live my life as well, and the mysteries of God. I'm going to be a king and priest ruling and reigning with Christ. 

Proverbs 25:2
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.

We're also not to be ignorant about spiritual gifts. This means we must understand them and the only place that gives that information is the Bible.

1 Corinthians 12:1-3
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

This passage reveals much about speaking in tongues and prophesying as well as women in the church and letting ignorant people be.

1 Corinthians 14:20-40
Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.

So I encourage those who haven't accepted Christ as their personal Savior to get alone and talk to Him. You don't have to know what to say. Just ask Him to reveal Himself to you and enter your heart. Ask forgiveness for those sins you've committed against God and others. Accept Yeshua as your Lord with the intention to obey His Word even at the cost of the desires of the flesh.

Ask for a hunger for His Word, the Bible. If you truly want to get to know Him more, He will answer you. And if you truly want to understand Him more, take the time to read His Word that He has preserved over thousands of years for your eyes. He may not speak to you with a booming voice and lightning and thunder, but you will know when He does. Get quiet and listen to that still, small voice.  You will know those thoughts by their alignment in scripture.

He has promised to answer John 16:23-28 if your heart is humble and right before Him, acknowledging Yeshua as God in the flesh who came to save you from eternal separation from God. Place God before all else, even family and friends. Matthew 10:32-38 Not to the point of not speaking to them, but make your allegiance to God before all. Our true brothers and sisters are those who do God's will. Matthew 12:46-50 They will be the only ones accepting Christ, and therefore the only ones who will live in eternity with you. That is why it's so imperative to reach out to those you love with the gospel.

The world looks on Christians as Bible thumpers. In reality, we just recognize the Truth and the danger in rejecting that Truth written in the Bible, the Gospel. That God came in the flesh and lived a perfect life to be nailed to a tree and accursed, taking all the sins of history to Himself. He rose again from the grave defeating death and gives the promise of eternal life through the sealing of the Holy Spirit. All we need to do is ask and receive and obey God's Word.

Hebrews 10:22-39
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Remember this too, that Christ didn't come into the world to accuse us, but to cover our sins and eliminate them from our record! It is Satan that accuses us before God as with Job. It is God who sent His only Son into the world to die John 3:16 and remove our sins as far from memory as the east is from the west. Psalms 103:12 His presence also brings conflict in our lives because we live in a world of darkness. So bringing Christ into your life will bring with it some conflict with others Matthew 10:34-37 because they don't like to hear the truth or don't believe that it is the truth. God will take us in always, forgiving and loving us when we put our faith in Him and follow His ways written in the Bible for us.

2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Take Christ up on His offer, it's free and a personal relationship with the Creator of the universe! What more is there really? Sure we need to recognize our sins, but God doesn't care how bad they were, as long as we desire to follow Him and His way.

Lord, I may not know what to say, but you know my heart better than I do. I want to know you more and understand your ways. I ask for a greater hunger for your Word, the Bible, and that you reveal your heart to me. I accept your free gift of forgiveness for the sins I committed against you. I repent and turn from those things that separate You and I. I need You in my life and I open the door for You to enter my heart. I want to be that new creation in You even though I may not know how, I believe you will teach me and I am willing to learn from Your Word. I thank you that you would die for my sins so that I can experience eternity in your Love. Amen

Surviving Our Present Culture Dr. Charles Stanley - Christians fall into two categories: committed followers of Jesus and those entangled by the present culture. More In Touch Ministries audio

The Menorah: Seven Churches in the Old Testament

Revelation 1:9-20
I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

In regards to the seven candlesticks, these are the menorah that was part of the inner court of the Hebrew temple.

"The menorah, made from a single piece of solid gold, stands in the southern side of the Sanctuary. Each morning a priest prepares and rekindles the wicks. The central wick, known as "the western candle" is required to burn perpetually. The oil and wicks of this candle are changed in such a fashion as to insure that it will never be extinguished." The Temple Institute

I believe this speaks to the seven churches from the seven letters in Revelation 2-3. Chuck Missler did a great study on the seven letters to the seven churches and I recommend greatly that you read them.

Zechariah 4
And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep. And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof: And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof. So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord? Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it. Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth. Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof? And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the LORD of the whole earth.

We see above an Old Testament reference to the seven churches and the two witnesses yet future in Bible prophecy.

Revelation 11:3-5
And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.

Regarding the menorah, an interesting connection I feel is the connection with the lamp and the oil. The lamp and wick itself does not burn except it is fuelled by the oil and having the fuel produces the flame that gives light.

As Christians we are anointed with the Holy Spirit and it is the Holy Spirit that teaches and guides us through the Word of God. It was the Holy Ghost that authored the Bible through the 40 authors that wrote the 66 books. 2 Peter 1:16-21 God's Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. Psalm 119:104,105 By knowing and obeying His Word, we communicate in prayer and have the Holy Spirit dwelling inside us all. This is the Spirit in us bringing the Word of God to remembrance so that we can be a light to the world. John 14:23-30

At Pentecost the Holy Spirit manifest as tongues of fire, which is exactly what each candle of the menorah representing the seven churches has when lit, tongues of fire. I believe the menorah is the representation of the bride of Christ. The connecting scripture to all of this is Matthew 25:1-13 regarding the kingdom of heaven, the 10 virgins and the escape of the bride to the marriage of the Lamb. For more...Perhaps the realization of the menorah and the church being taken is how the Gentiles provoke Israel to jealousy and the blinders are removed at the fullness of the Gentiles. Romans 11

The Mystery of the Menorah William F. Dankenbring - The Menorah -- the seven-lamped candlestick that lit up the Temple of the Most High God -- has been the most common symbol of the Jews for centuries. Long after the destruction of the Temple, it remains an amazing symbol that lives on. What is its true meaning? What relevance does it have for us today?

Is Baptism Necessary?

by WaitingPatiently:
Peter on the Day of Pentecost.

Acts 2:37,38
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

So in these passages we see people asking what they have to do to accept the message Peter was preaching. Which was Jesus, read the entire second chapter. They were told to repent and be baptized, why, for the forgiveness of their sins and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Second scripture

Romans 6
What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.

So, we were buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. I agree that baptism is act of obedience but I also think the scripture teaches that it is a little more than simply identifying yourself publicly as a Christian. The entire book of Act gives example after example of people accepting Christ and being baptized.

I've had many discussions about the with a very wise man that happens to be my grandfather. I was asking these same type of question before I accepted the Lord many many years ago. One thing that he said that I have never forgotten stuck with me. He said, Let's say you're right and baptism isn't essential to salvation. Nether one of us has any worries. Whether baptized or not we're both going to heaven. But what if it does, are you willing to take that chance. I would suggest to read the book of Acts and Romans.

All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We need to repent for our sins against God's ways. Examples of what we should and shouldn't be like (how we sin, or transgress against God's ways):

• Galatians 5:19-26 - Works of the flesh vs. works of the Spirit
• 2 Timothy 3:1-5 - What people in the end days will be like
• 1 Corinthians 5:9-11 - What people in the end days will be like
• James 4:4 - Friend of the world is an enemy of God
• Ephesians 4:2-6, 29-32 - How we are all one body in Christ and how we should put away malice, bitterness, anger, wrath, and evil speaking of others.

What does the Bible say about what baptism is for?

Matthew 3:1-17
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Matthew 18:18-20
And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Mark 1:4,5
John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.

 

Mark 16:15,16
And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Acts 2:38
And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 10:44-48
While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, "Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.

Christian Persecution Worldwide

This section is dedicated to tracking the increased persecution of Christians worldwide. Yeshua said we would be hated of all nations for His namesake. It is especially evident in Muslim nations and third-world nations of just how true this is today. Sometimes those of us blessed with a secure life in the United States, for now, don't realize how blessed they are and it can lull them into a false sense of security. God is about to shake things up, so expect that this persecution that is part of the end times worldwide (even in America) will be coming soon.

Daniel 7:23-25
Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, [EU?] which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; [antichrist Revelation 13:1-10] and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they [saints] shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. [3 ½ years | great tribulation]

• Voice of the Martyrs
• Pray for Iran

Here are some more scriptures defining how a Christian is supposed to live...

2 Corinthians 10:4
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;

Philippians 2:12-16
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

1 John 4:11-21
Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

1 Peter 4
Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

Galatians 5:22-26
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Matthew 15:1-14
Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

To me, this means the Truth must be rooted firmly and solely in the Word because it's easy to get caught up in the traditions of men. This is how Judaism and the Roman Catholic Church are. Modern Judaism is built on many sayings of Rabbis not found in the Old Testament. Roman Catholicism too is built on many traditions, most of which are not found in the Holy Bible. So where did they come from? In many cases, Babylonian tradition. Guard your mind with the Truth of God's Word alone! Let the traditions of men that work for naught be cast aside for the solid foundation of the Holy Bible. Test all things to scripture.

Acts 17:11
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Matthew 22:35-46
Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The son of David. He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? If David then call him Lord, how is he his son? And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.

1 Timothy 4:1-11
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times [Arguably NOW] some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits [New age/spiritual movement], and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron [producing lack of compassion and love Matthew 24:11-13]; Forbidding to marry [vow of celibacy], and commanding to abstain from meats [vegan], which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. These things command and teach.

Colossians 2:8-23
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

James 5:14-16
Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Matthew 10:16
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Romans 14:1
Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.

---

I Am A Christian
Author Carol Wimmer - Copyright 1988

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."
I'm whispering "I was lost,
Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
And need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace, somehow!

How should the church be like?

• Churchianity - We must always be sure to distinguish between the Lord's invisible, universal, spiritual Church (the Ecclesia) and the non-profit religious organization that meets in a building with a steeple on top. The difference is incalculable, and we dare not make the mistake of confusing the two.
• Paul Washer: Shocking Message - This is a Shockingly Powerful & Biblical message
  preached to about 5,000 youth in a day when youth are appealed to through shallow and worldly means. At one point in this sermon the 5,000 Youth are clapping and yelling BUT THEN the preacher makes a comment that CHANGES THE WHOLE ATMOSPHERE TO WHERE YOU COULD HAVE HEARD A PIN DROP... As you can imagine, the preacher was never invited back. We believe the whole sermon will be a blessing to many souls. For more info about Paul Washer go to www.heartcrymissionary.com

0:58:58

How would we describe the New Testament church in simple terms? 

A New Testament church would be a church in which all was done to "adorn" (as Paul puts it) the foundational principles of the ekklesia - the called out company of the elect meeting together as set forth in Scripture.  Let me suggest seven foundational principles that are key.  A New Testament church will express and never mar the truths of:

1)  the Headship and centrality of Christ
2)  the unity of all believers
3)  the priesthood of all believers
4)  the family nature of the church
5)  the sanctity of the sexes
6)  the divine order in leadership
7)  the mission known as the Great Commission.

Prophecy

1 Corinthians 14:29-33
Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

Links

• Rain Down Now Lord! - This book is a compilation of things the Lord has been teaching me for about two years, but was written from start to finish in about two weeks. Some older material is incorporated, but most of it is brand new. There are some things in this book that I have never read anywhere or heard from ANY man. I believe that this book is really important for what's coming. In fact, I believe that the Lord has shown me the mechanism for getting the Latter and the Early Rain to fall at the same time. I believe that WE (the Body of Christ) are the mechanism to pour out His Spirit on all flesh! You'll have to read the book to understand it all and what He showed me. This free online book is a MUST READ for the body of Christ! He also has written several other books I haven't had the opportunity to read yet, but focus on the direction of the church harkening back to the New Testament city-churches.
• You Can Hear God's Voice! - Mark Virkler presents the four keys to consistent, powerful, life-giving conversations with God. You can also get the pdf file here.

Christianity Issues

• Ministry Watch - MinistryWatch is an online database with profiles on more than 400 of the largest church and parachurch ministries in the United States. It is also a place where you can learn about how to be a "responsible giver".
• My Problem with Christianism (May 7, 2006) - Are you a Christian who doesn't feel represented by the religious right? I know the feeling. When the discourse about faith is dominated by political fundamentalists and social conservatives, many others begin to feel as if their religion has been taken away from them. Many of us who are Christians and not supportive of the religious right are not on the left either. In fact, we are opposed to any politicization of the Gospels by any party, Democratic or Republican, by partisan black churches or partisan white ones. "My kingdom is not of this world," Jesus insisted. What part of that do we not understand?
• Spirit of Error: Examining the Apostolic-Prophetic Movement - “Where, in the Bible, is there any concept of an end-times army of Christians — led by apostles (with great authority) and prophets (with new revelation) — that will subdue God’s enemies and establish His kingdom on earth?” If you have a scripture, please go to the blog and share! In a time when we are warned by Christ about deceivers, should we listen to those claiming "new revelation" that isn't found in the Bible?
• Approximately 100 Million American Church Members Have Very Little to No Understanding of Bible Prophecy -
  Eye to Eye - Facing the Consequences of Dividing Israel by Bill Koenig $12.50 - Updated/revised July 5, 2006

  Today there are approximately 100 million American church members who have very little to no understanding of Bible prophecy. These church members are from replacement theology churches that don't teach Bible prophecy and who look at prophetic scriptures as allegorical and not literal. Consequently, they do not understand the importance of Israel to the God of Israel or God's redemptive plan for Israel and the nations. (To Read "The Error of Replacement Theology" - By Clarence H. Wagner Jr. click here.) These church members also have no understanding of the biblical significance of what is transpiring today in Israel, Russia, China, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Turkey, and in other Middle East nations. They are also not aware of the significance of the formation of the European Union, new ID technologies and much more. I have shared the biblical significance of our times with some of these people and almost all of them can't process the information mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. And due to fear they do not want to hear more. They also have no point of reference in which to start if they had interest. The good news is those who understand Bible prophecy are fully aware of the significance of Israel, God's time clock, and are watching the times with great interest and expectancy. more...  Bible Study guide to catch up on the end-times study.

Word of Wisdom by Stan Smith

The word of wisdom may be the most overlooked gift of the Holy Spirit, yet it has the power to translate our dreams into reality.

If you've ever had so many things to do that you became paralyzed because you didn't know what to do next, you needed a word of wisdom. If you're working harder and harder and accomplishing less and less, you need a word of wisdom. If you face a dilemma, you need a word of wisdom.

The word of wisdom is small but powerful. It's small because it is just one little thought or idea. It's powerful because it helps us take the next step in God's purpose. The next-step is all-important. Often we receive a promise from God and wonder, what do I do next? How do I walk into fulfillment of the promise?

The word of wisdom helps us grow in intimacy with God. He wants to be involved with us, whatever we do. Even when we receive an assignment from Him, He wants to help us step-by-step as we complete it. This means we don't just work for Him; we work with Him.

The word of wisdom also helps us succeed at whatever we do. God will show us how to avoid pitfalls, how to connect with difficult people, how to design new products, the list is endless. He is the Creator, and He will awaken our creativity as we face our challenges.

Solomon received a word of wisdom when two women claimed to be the mother of one baby. "Cut the baby in half," he commanded. And as he watched the two women react, he could easily identify which was the child's mother.

Jesus received a word of wisdom when He was asked the trick question about paying tax to Caesar. "Whose image is on the coin?" He asked. "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and render to God the things that are God's."

Solomon's word of wisdom was one small snippet of wisdom and it worked just once. But once was enough. Jesus' word likewise took the sting out of a trick question.

The word of wisdom keeps us dependent on God. It meets an immediate need; but once the need is met, the word of wisdom isn't helpful anymore. This means we need to hear from God again and again. We have to cultivate a hearing ear.

If we ask God for wisdom, we can expect Him to give it. And His wisdom can enrich our lives not only spiritually, but also in practical ways.

If God can accompany our preaching with signs and wonders, He also can accompany our work with words of wisdom that will give us credibility in the marketplace.

When King Solomon was sought out for his wisdom, he didn't just preach. He had insights about nature, business, and government. Wisdom is more than good theology. It is God's insights in the practical matters of our lives.

There was a season when Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. During these years, He worked as a carpenter. The workplace was the school where the Father filled Jesus with wisdom. God can do the same for us.

James, the half-brother of Jesus, tells us to ask God for wisdom:

James 1:5-6
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

Perhaps James had seen Jesus ask for wisdom - and receive it - in the practical matters of his business. The habit of listening to the Father later proved to be the key to His miracle ministry after His baptism in the Jordan. Miracles happened because Jesus did what He saw the Father doing, and spoke what He heard the Father speaking.

The word of wisdom can arrive in many ways. We may hear a clear word or phrase. We may see a picture. God may speak with non-verbals, causing us simply to know something we didn't know before.

The word of wisdom can come suddenly like a lightning flash, or it can form gradually like dew on the grass. It can be a thought that comes to us while we pray, or it can pop into our minds when we aren't even thinking about the things of God.

My favorite way to listen is to soak in God's presence. With worship songs in my iPod and a pen and paper in hand, I spend half an hour or more listening for God's wisdom. Sometimes I ask Him questions; sometimes I simply rest in His love and enjoy being with Him.

Jesus has called us to follow Him. Part of our following is learning His lifestyle, a lifestyle of listening for Father's voice day-by-day and acting on what He shows us. Here are a few things that can mean.

1. He will talk to us about people. Some people are hard to love - until God shows us their hearts.
2. He will talk to us about what we're doing. He wants to be included in our daily lives, and will show us things that make our job easier, more effective, or more influential.
3. He will give us creative ideas. Every sphere of human learning is a sphere where God can give wisdom. He will give images to artists, sounds to musicians, and stories to writers. He will give industry-specific wisdom to inventors, manufacturers, and marketers.
4. He will show us how to position ourselves. He will show us what battles to fight and what issues to ignore; He will show us who we should work with and who we should avoid; He will show us when to speak up and when to be silent.
5. He will show us how to transform the seemingly meager resources we have into the resources we need. Many people think they need money, but what they really need is an idea. When He shows us how to use what we already have, we may find that it doesn't take a lot of money to do what He has called us to do.

The list could go on and on, but the word of wisdom stands out among the gifts of the Holy Spirit because it works both inside and outside the church. It is a key to marketplace ministry. And God will give it to those who ask, if we also expect to receive. Take time to ask, take time to watch and listen, and then make it a priority to walk in the wisdom God gives you. (c) 2007, GospelSmith

Christian Products

• Film: The Nativity Story - Looks like a very well done story of the birth of Yeshua.
  • In Christianity Today, Mike Rich, the man who wrote the screenplay for The Nativity, was interviewed by reporter Mark Moring, who asked Rich: Any particular "wow" moments in your research? Rich replied: "A couple. Number one, the economic and cultural oppression of the times. To get an in-depth look at the brutal oppression, economic conditions and tyranny they were living under was really eye opening for me. One of the fun moments was my research on the star of Bethlehem. If you ask half a dozen experts, you'll get a half a dozen answers—ranging from a comet to a supernova to a major celestial event. But the one explanation that was so intriguing to me—and it's the one we incorporated into the film—was the alignment of this star the Babylonians called Sharu [better known today as Regulus] with Jupiter and Venus. The only time that's happened in 3,000 years was in that particular time period. To me, the "wow" moment is the mythological references to all three: Sharu is the Babylonian word for king, while Venus is the mother planet and Jupiter the father planet. Father, Mother and King—that's really an intriguing combination."
• Film: One Night With The King - Born of slaves, a young Jewish woman named Hadassah becomes part of the harem of powerful King Xerxes. Simultaneously, a close adviser to the king hatches a plan to exterminate the Jews. Hadassah, now called Queen Esther, must find the courage to step forward and save her people from annihilation.
• Film: Facing The Giants - In his six years of coaching, Grant Taylor has never had a winning season. Even the hope of a new season is squelched when the best player on his Shiloh Eagles decides to transfer schools. After losing their first three games of the season, the coach discovers a group of fathers are plotting to have him fired. Combined with pressures at home, Coach Taylor has lost hope in his battle against fear and failure. However, an unexpected challenge helps him find a purpose bigger than just victories. Daring to trust God to do the impossible, Coach Taylor and the Eagles discover how faith plays out on the field … and off. With God, all things are possible.

• Grace Harbor Farms - MSM Cream: Goat Milk Skin Care Cream. This is a Christian operation based in Washington State, you can find out more on the website. I used their hand lotion on my head and it really helped with dandruff. There are other testimonials from people regarding hemorrhoid relief, skin rashes, joint pain relief and more.
• Bride of Christ Ministries - The Rapture sculpture by David Magiera. "It was the summer of 1992 when the Lord inspired this vision of the rapture. I saw a beautiful woman representing the bride of Christ, rising aove the clouds wearing a long white robe. As I pondered my 'open-eyed' vision, I was compelled to manifest it as a work of art. A year earlier, at the age of 45, I began to explore my creative talents as a sculptor... and within a year, "The Rapture" would be conceived. But it has taken more than a decade to refine this prophetic masterpiece and fully convey the profound symbolism it contains."
• Thomas More Law Center - The Thomas More Law Center is a not-for-profit public interest law firm dedicated to the defense and promotion of the religious freedom of Christians, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life. Our purpose is to be the sword and shield for people of faith, providing legal representation without charge to defend and protect Christians and their religious beliefs in the public square. We achieve this goal principally through litigation, seeking out significant cases, consistent with our mission, where our expertise can be of service to others. We also defend and promote faith and family through media and educational efforts. Above all, the lawyers of the Thomas More Center seek to meet the highest moral and ethical standards of our Christian faith and our legal profession.

THE BELL
I KNOW WHO I AM
I am God's child (John 1:12)
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15)
I am united with the Lord(1 Cor. 6:17)
I am bought with a price(1 Cor. 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ  (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt.5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ(1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation (Rom. 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil.3:20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31-34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God(2 Cor.5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God(Rom.8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor.1:21-22)
I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8: 28)
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit  (John 15:16)
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3). I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am God's workmanship(Eph. 2:10)
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected  (Phil. 1: 5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven (Col. 1:14). I have been adopted as God's child(Eph 1:5)
I belong to God
Do you know
who you are!?

"The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make His face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn His face toward you
and give you peace."
Numbers 6:24-26

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