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What Happens When You Commit Idolatry?

10 Thursday Jun 2021

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Money, fame, fortune, statues, monuments, people, and even oneself. Anyone or anything can be an idol. Merriam Webster’s Dictionary defines the word “idol” as the following:

  1. an object of extreme devotion
  2. a representation or symbol of an object of worship

It is quite possible to devote yourself to someone or something to the point where you begin to worship said person or thing. In fact, every single day, idolatry is on full display throughout our world. There are countless forms of gods that humanity has established and engaged in idol worship. We can see the very evidence when we turn on our televisions. Hollywood which is considered to be one of the premier entertainment capitols in the world, it is full of examples concerning idol worship. Or, one can easily engage in idolatry in the form of a romantic relationship.

It is the act of praising, elevating, and even proclaiming that a person or an object maintains our strict adoration and attention. We can do this by how much time we spend thinking about the person or object of our desire. Or, when we speak, our words will often show us exactly what it is that we adore or worship. Whatever has your focus, it has your heart. Matthew 6:21 says (NIV) “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

What you and I treasure the most, that is where our heart will be. That in turn means, that our focus is generally upon the thing or person that we are worshipping. However, what happens when we commit idolatry? Are there any consequences when we worship a person or a created thing? Before examining the consequences of idolatry, it must be made clear, that the Lord God almighty, the one who created the Heavens and the Earth, He is a jealous God.

Exodus 34:14 says (KJV) “(for you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God),”

God will not tolerate idol worship nor the devotion to anything other than to Him. While yes, we do have things in life that we do, and people that we love, but the key is to place the priority of our love and devotion unto God as #1. If God is not in the #1 position of your life, then there will be consequences for your idolatry. The following is what happens when you commit idol worship:

What you worship you will lose – 1 Samuel 5:1-5 focuses on the Philistines and the people of Ashdod. The Philistines had captured the Ark of God and they brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod. From there, the Ark of God was brought into the House of Dagon (Dagon was a false god/idol) and set it next to Dagon. The people of Ashdod arose in the next morning to find that Dagon was lying face down in front of the Ark of God. So, they put Dagon back in its position as it was before. However, the next day, the people of Ashdod found Dagon lying face down on the ground again. Only this time, the head of the idol, and its hands were found to be cut off, only leaving the trunk or the body of the idol remaining.

The overall point of that scripture is to state that what we worship, we will lose it. God will destroy and remove anything that we begin to devote ourselves to, more than we devote to Him.

God’s hand will be against you – 1 Samuel 5:6 says “The hand of the LORD was heavy against the people of Ashdod, and he terrified and afflicted them with tumors, both Ashdod and its territory. “ The people of Ashdod not only worshipped a false god (Dagon), but they erected their idol next to the Ark of God. When you and I worship anyone or anything other than God, we put ourselves in a position to have God’s hands against us.

This means that anything that we attempt to do, it will result in destruction. That is because, God does not accept any other god, idol worship, or any other form of devotion. All worship belongs to the Lord Almighty. If that does not occur in your life, then you will find that God will be against you and sudden destruction will be the result.

Confusion is present – Isaiah 44:9 says (NKJV) “Those who make an image, all of them are useless, And their precious things shall not profit; They are their own witnesses; They neither see nor know, that they may be ashamed.” This verse makes it clear that those who worship or create idols, they do not have any understanding because they are unable to see. They are blinded by their sin and idol worship, so God puts said individuals into a state of confusion.

Verses 18-20 says (NKJV) ““They do not know nor understand; For He has shut their eyes so that they cannot see, And their hearts, so that they cannot understand. And no one considers in his heart, Nor is there knowledge nor understanding to say, “I have burned half of it in the fire, Yes, I have also baked bread on its coals; I have roasted meat and eaten it; And shall I make the rest of it an abomination? Shall I fall down before a block of wood?” He feeds on ashes; A deceived heart has turned him aside; And he cannot deliver his soul, Nor say, “Is there not a lie in my right hand?”

The above verses points to what happens when idolatry is committed, and one of those things is confusion. A lack of understanding is produced which makes it difficult to see the coming destruction and even the behavior that one engages in.

In many Bible verses, God establishes the firm foundation that He is a jealous God and that idols are inferior and even illegitimate in His eyes. As a response, God will remove and destroy every idol that we create and worship. You may think to yourself that you have something good in your life. Maybe you are in a relationship or a marriage, and you love the person you are with. To the point that they are your everything.

To be clear, romantic relationships, friendships, family members, and even things that we find momentary pleasure in, they all have their place. God wants us to enjoy our lives within reason and within His parameters. We can do this by ensuring that we are balanced and that the position of our worship is given to God and God alone.

However, God sees even romantic or human relationships in the same way if they portray idol worship. We are not to love anyone or anything more than we love the Lord God. So, if you find yourself committing idol worship, it isn’t too late to eliminate the gods that you are serving. This comes through surrender and reprioritizing the Lord in His rightful position as #1.

This starts with acknowledging your sin and idol worship, and completely releasing what you are devoted to. Repentance means to turn from your sin and to go in the direction that Jesus Christ is calling for. Do you know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior? If not, today is a great day to give yourself to the Lord through repentance and surrender. Accept Christ today, lay down your idols and worship the true and living God.

Getting Back on Track with God

13 Tuesday Apr 2021

Posted by in Bible, Christian, Christianity, Church, Faith, God, Inspiration, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Life, Love, Religion, Religious, Spiritual

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We are all participants in this race that is called “life.” It is not a sprint, rather, it is a marathon that finds its destination at the finish line. However, as we all journey on our God given path, we are all meant to run in a lane designed just for us. You may notice that in a track race, you have multiple competitors or runners who are within a specific lane. The reason that there are different lanes is because each lane was created with the individual runner in mind. However, what would happen if one runner veered off their course, and into another lane? It would mean a disqualification of the runner, or it could also mean lost time as a result of not staying true to the course that the runner has been engaged in. It could also result in an unintended collision with another runner.

It is the same when it comes to one’s relationship with God through Jesus Christ. God has given each person a lane to run in which means that He has a purpose for you and I. However, there are times when we can lose our focus, and we begin to veer off the lane or track that God has given for us to run. There are a few things that can cause us to become off track, and also solutions as to how we can get back course.

Causes for Getting Off Track with God

  • Sin – Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV) “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,”

Sin is what breaks the fellowship or relationship that we have with God. When we engage in unrepentant behavior, it takes a toll on us and our communion with the Heavenly Father. That is because God is Holy, and anything that is not Holy, it cannot remain in the presence of God. If you are in sin, then you cannot properly live out God’s commands or His purpose.

  • Distractions – Mark 4:19 (AMP) “ but the worries and cares of the world [the distractions of this age with its worldly pleasures], and the deceitfulness [and the false security or glamour] of wealth [or fame], and the passionate desires for all the other things creep in and choke out the word, and it becomes unfruitful.”

While the above scripture is talking about how the distractions of life begin to cause one’s focus on embracing the Word of God to become fruitless, the principle here is that distractions impede our ability to truly focus on God. The above scripture makes it clear that the desires of the flesh or our sinful nature, it creeps in and it removes the individual’s attention on the Word of God, but also our focus on a steady relationship with Christ.

  • Influence from Others – 1 Corinthians 15:33 (ESV) “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”

It is important to ensure that your circle of friends are individuals who have moral and even godly character. If those around you are persons who do not push you in the direction that God has for you, then they become blockades to your growth in Christ. How others influence you often determines your direction in life, as well as how you react. The Bible teaches us that bad company or those of immoral character, they have a negative impact upon good morals and Christlike behavior.

How to Get Back on Track with God

  • Commitment to a Life of Prayer – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV) Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

The key part of the above verse is “pray without ceasing.” It is not meant to be literal in terms of praying without stopping. It simply means, one must be in a position of cultivating a lifestyle of prayer. When we pray, we invite the Holy Spirit and the presence of God into our lives. It is communication with God, and it is also an opportunity for God to communicate with us. Prayer fosters a relationship with God that only grows as we spend more time with the Lord.

  • Meditating on God’s Word – Psalm 1:2 (ESV) “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.”

To meditate upon is to find oneself in a mode of studying or thinking about a specific subject. It is to fix one’s position on the Word of God and to make a constant effort to study it. By incorporating God’s Word into your life, it becomes a part of your lifestyle and you are then able to apply His Word to every situation. You begin to live by the Biblical truths that God prescribes, therefore ensuring that your viewpoint is that of the Biblical worldview rather than the secular worldview.

  • Maintaining Key Relationships with Fellow Believers – Hebrews 10:25 (NKJV) “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Just as one should be mindful of negative influences in one’s life, it is important for every Christian to maintain good relationships with other believers. We should gather amongst ourselves and as the Bible says in the above scripture, to encourage one another. When we get together and we have community among other Christians, it leads us to a deeper relationship with God. That is because, we are being influenced and encouraged to grow in Christ as opposed to isolating ourselves or keeping friends in our lives who are not of the same mindset or belief system.

God wants to bring us all to a place where our focus and our reliance is solely upon Him. Every Christian experiences times in life when their attention is diverted and they are not seeing life or God as clear as they should be. This is why we have the Word of God and the Holy Spirit to keep us accountable and to bring us to a place where we are re-focused on the things of God. If you have lost your way, you can get back on track by following the above steps.

Do you know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior? If not, today is a great day to accept the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross. God desires to have a relationship with you, and you can experience a life that is abundant and blessed. Get on track with God, for He has great plans in store for you.

Thanksgiving – The Holiday and Every Day

25 Wednesday Nov 2020

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In the United States, Thanksgiving has become a staple among many traditions that involve celebrating life, freedom, family, and friends. It is a national holiday that was firmly established by Congress on December 26, 1941. Since the day it was legislated, Americans have celebrated this holiday by gathering with family and friends to give thanks.

The earliest remnants of Thanksgiving was by some historical accounts established in 1621, when Plymouth settlers (also known as Pilgrims) celebrated a successful season of harvest by having what was known as a ‘harvest feast.’ The Pilgrims celebrated at Plymouth for three days after their harvest.

In today’s time, Thanksgiving is not only an American event, but other countries celebrate the holiday as well. If we take a moment to think about all that we have, we can all find something to be thankful for. From the Biblical standpoint, there are verses that points to the concept of thanksgiving.

Psalm 7:17 “I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness;
    I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.”

Psalm 9:1 “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
    I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”

Colossians 4:2 “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.“

Thanksgiving is more than just a designated holiday, and it is not just to be relegated to being thankful for food, shelter, friends, and family. All of these things are important, but God desires that we show thanksgiving to Him for all that He has done for us. The loving kindness of God the Father was shown to us by sending Jesus to die on the Cross at Calvary. Without the bloodshed of Jesus and His resurrection, humanity would be eternally lost due to the penalty of sin that we all owe.

The concept of thanksgiving is also not meant to be isolated to one day each year. Rather, we can and ought to give thanks every day because there is at least one thing that we can be thankful for. Even when life does not lend itself to provide everything that we want, there are many examples that we can look to with gratitude.

We should give thanks unto the Lord for His many blessings, and this starts with having a relationship with Jesus Christ. Do you know Jesus in the pardon of your sins? If not, you can receive eternal life through Christ by repenting of your sins, acknowledging the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Then, you actively turn from your sins and embrace the new life that the Lord gives.

Let each day be a day of thanks unto God for all that He has done and continues to do. We can also be thankful for what we have, and who we are connected to. Be thankful today, and every day because there are many things we can point to. Give thanks.

Which Path Will You Take?

24 Tuesday Nov 2020

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In life, we all have choices to make. From what we wear when we get dressed in the morning, to the decision of what to eat for breakfast. We even have the choice of skipping breakfast altogether, but we all have choices. There are monumental choices that can alter our destiny if we choose correctly or incorrectly. One can think of life as a summary of decisions, but even at a much deeper level, there are moments when we have two options set before us.

There are right and wrong choices that can be made in life. Depending on which way one chooses, the end result is the sum or total of what decision was made. The world around us would have us to believe that there isn’t just one way to reach the truth. While yes, there are multiple ways to live or exist, Jesus Christ made it clear in John 14:16 when he said “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

There are different religions, belief systems, and even movements that center around non-belief. For thousands of years, there have been countless examples of a wide array of beliefs that encompass the ideology that there isn’t just one way to reach eternal life – or the very aspect of achieving an ultimate end. Rather, the worldwide belief is that all ways can lead to the truth, rather than as Jesus said that He is the truth, the way, and the life.

When Jesus made that statement according to John 14:16, He meant it just as He said it. The only way to receive life (in this context eternal life) is only through Jesus Himself. He is the truth, the way, and the life and the only way to know God is to know Jesus Christ. Many secular humanists and otherwise contend that all roads lead to the truth. Or, truth is what you make it to be, rather than it being concrete.

However, regardless of what a person or a group of people believes, there are only two choices. This fact is outlined in Matthew 7:13-14 which says:

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it. “

There are two choices that we as humans have set before us. We can take the narrow gate which is the way of Jesus Christ, or we can take the broad gate which is the way to Hell and destruction. The right path is to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The wrong path is to reject Him. The Bible makes it clear that most travel on the path that is broad, and that is because it is easier and more enticing. However, the path to everlasting life is narrow, meaning few people travel that path because it is harder and less appealing.

The overall point here, is that you and I, we have an opportunity to choose life or destruction. Will you choose the path that leads to eternal life through Jesus Christ? Or will you choose the path that leads to eternal damnation by rejecting Christ? Belief systems come and go, and trends in our world always change. However, it is the truth of Jesus Christ that remains.

If you don’t know Jesus in the pardon of your sins, this is a perfect opportunity to accept the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross by repenting, believing that Jesus rose again, and accepting His love. Which path will you choose?

There is Only One Way to God – Jesus Christ

22 Tuesday Sep 2015

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ID-10071822The world that you and I live in is diverse in its population. There are various belief systems, cultures, religions, and ethnic groups. With such diversification, there has been an introduction of what resides within our world’s culture. In our modern day, it is nearly impossible to live in a nation that has not seen some sort of diversity in one form or another. While there are nations that are considered to be autocratic or heavily opposed to diverse thinking and living, most nations and the people within them have become exposed to some degree. Much of the reason for that is because of technology and how it has become a global means for communication.

With all of the diversity within our world, many have begun to become more open to the idea of ‘global unity.’ This means that there has been a concerted effort to unify humanity regardless of one’s background or belief system. It has even come to the point in which some have even made the statement that ‘there are many ways to God.’ This belief and false doctrine has been one of the many tools that satan has used to deceive even those who claim to be in Christ. However, God’s Word gives you and I the basis for absolute truth.

In John chapter 14, Jesus is speaking to His Disciples as He admonishes them not to be troubled but to have faith in God. It was at this point in which Jesus was explaining to His Disciples that He was soon to be crucified but that He would later return. The Disciples were in a quandary about where Jesus would be going, but He gives them comforting words throughout this chapter. In verses 1-4 of John chapter 14, Jesus says the following:

(NLT) “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.”

What Jesus is saying in these verses is that He is leaving in order to prepare a place of residence for those who follow Christ as He told His Disciples. He says to the Disciples that they already know the way and to where Jesus is going. The ‘way’ that Jesus mentions is the path to His crucifixion and ascension into Heaven with God the Father. However, Thomas did not understand this which is evident in His question in verse 5. Jesus says to Thomas in verse 6:

(NLT) “Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”

The answer to Thomas’s question about the way to the place where Jesus would eventually go (which was to Heaven with God the Father) was and is through Jesus Christ. Jesus makes it clear in verse 6 that He is the only way to get to God. Our world has presented a multitude of lies which come directly from satan himself.

We are living in a time in which you can believe what you desire, and it can be taken as absolute truth. Now, there is a movement in which the embrace of various religions has become more of the norm. If you are a Muslim, Buddhist, atheist, agnostic, or of any other belief outside of Christianity it is now seen as morally and socially acceptable. However, the interesting fact is that slowly but surely, those who are truly in Christ are becoming marginalized.

Jesus says in John chapter 15 in verses 18-19 the following:

(NLT) “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.”

What Jesus says here should be the way that we who are in Christ approach the subject of ‘global unity.’ The emphasis of such unity is for satan to get everyone who will, to agree with his agenda as long as it does not include the truth of Jesus Christ. Basically, it is satan’s goal to get the world to embrace every sort of sin and belief outside of God’s Word. We who are in Christ should keep in mind that we are not to be accepted or embraced by this world. We should also understand that we who are in Christ are not to accept or believe in the false doctrine of those who are apart of this world system.

If we are hated or scorned by the world, then we are in such a position because Jesus Christ was hated first. Our world is now pushing forth the lie that there are many ways to God or to salvation. However, Jesus Christ is the only way. Satan has used the media to indoctrinate both today’s youth and even adults into believing that you can and should accept the various ways that exist in this life.

The truth of the matter is that you and I are free to choose what path we shall take and what we will believe. However, with such choices there are either positive or negative consequences. Choosing to abide by the false doctrine of believing that there are many ways to God will lead to destruction. Jesus Christ is the only way to God and the only way to salvation.

Many have now said that America is a pluralistic society which in many respects is absolutely true. As a nation, America has embraced just about any sort of sinful lifestyle and belief system that you can think of. However, with such a pluralism, there is a degradation and moral decay that exists. Many cannot understand how it is that crime continues to increase, and why we see tragedies that occur daily.

It is because America as a nation and even the world around us has embraced moral relativism and even more so our world has embraced sin in its very embodiment. However, the answer to our world’s problems is Jesus Christ. Christ is the way to receive eternal salvation. Hell is a place that is reserved for those who choose not to follow Christ but to accept sinful living. However, the gift of Jesus Christ is everlasting life.

There are many choices that you and I can make in this life. The world continues to offer the perceived way to happiness and to salvation. However, the way of a world that is in darkness is the way that leads to spiritual and moral decadence. What the media has said and continues to suggest is nothing more than false doctrine. The truth of Jesus Christ and God’s Word is what will last and it is the only truth to stand on.

Do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord & Savior? If you are not in Christ, then you are on a path that leads to a life of uncertainty and a destiny that leads to destruction. However, Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose again so that you would have life and have it abundantly. Confess your sins and believe in your heart that He is Lord. For those of us who are in Christ, we must ensure that we are not deceived and that we know God’s Word and that we have the Holy Spirit to teach us how to navigate through the world’s deceptions. Jesus Christ is the only way to God.

Tools to Equip Every Believer

11 Friday Sep 2015

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ID-100169199A toolbox is a container that houses various assortments of instruments used to repair broken items. Each tool is designed to address a specific need with the intent to incorporate a solution to a problem. For example, a hammer is used to drive nails into a particular surface. If you need to tighten a loose nut or bolt, then a wrench would be useful. Or you may need to turn or even remove a screw which would mean using a screwdriver. Every tool that is available provides efficiency for the task at hand. Without the appropriate tool, then the issue that you may be facing will be unresolved until there is an intervention.

In the life of every believer, there are various tools that God has given to you and I as we journey through this life. The world continues to show us just how sin and a lack of morality have become the culture that many have embraced. If you turn on your television or even if you visit a website dedicated to the latest news you will see just how wicked and perverse our world has become. The fact is, the times that we are living in require a keen focus into who God is and what He desires for our lives. It also means that there must be the utilization of the spiritual tools that God has made available to every believer. This is so that we can be equipped to battle against satan as he continues to attack God’s people every day.

In scripture, there are various verses that we can examine to show us what tools we have available and also how such tools can be used so that we will be armed against the enemy’s schemes. The following are at least five tools that we who are in Christ have at our disposal. These tools are also taken from key verses of scripture to show you that God’s Word gives us all of the answers that we seek regarding life and how to live.

1. The Holy Spirit – The role of the Holy Spirit is to be our comforter and our helper. John chapter 14 and verse 26 says:

(NLV) “The Helper is the Holy Spirit. The Father will send Him in My place. He will teach you everything and help you remember everything I have told you.”

In this scripture, Jesus is talking to His Disciples, and He gives them the promise that the Holy Spirit will be sent to comfort them after His death on the cross. Basically, Jesus says that the Holy Spirit will be available once Christ leaves the Earth. Notice the key words in this scripture which are ‘teach’ and ‘helper.’ The Holy Spirit is available to every believer which gives you and I the ability to live triumphantly. The Holy Spirit which is one of the 3 in the Trinity (God, Jesus, Holy Spirit) is here to teach us. With the increasing level of deception in our world, we need the Holy Spirit more than ever.

The role of the Holy Spirit is to guide us into all truth so that we would not be deceived and destroyed. Secondly, the Holy Spirit is here to help us. He helps us to avoid the snares of the enemy in addition to giving us the supernatural power to do battle against our enemy. We obtain the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit through seeking God’s presence in prayer and in worship.

2. Pastoral Leadership – Unfortunately, there are some who are in Christ who choose not to find themselves in corporate worship or under the leadership of any Pastor. We are living in a time in which church attendance has dropped precipitously which aligns with the ‘Great Falling Away’ that the Apostle Paul talks about in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. However, God has designed Pastoral care and leadership for the well-being of believers who are not called to serve in that capacity. Every Christian who can should find a Pastor who speaks God’s truth and can teach them the principles of God’s Word.

Titus chapter 1 verses 5-9 mention the characteristics that a Pastor should exhibit. The Apostle Paul encouraged the institution of Elders (which is also aligned with what Pastors are meant to do which is to oversee believers in Christ) within churches. Verse 9 of this chapter says:

(ESV) “He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.”

The role of a Pastor is to give instruction to believers. Someone who is in Christ who does not have a Pastor to teach them in the ways of the Lord is someone who is without protection. The role of the Pastor which is also mentioned in Ephesians 4 verse 11 is one that God put into place for the purpose of leading believers and furthering the discipleship process. It is the role of a Pastor that buffers the enemy so that one’s soul is not left unattended and without sound instruction.

3. God’s Word – We are living in a time in which deception is increasing every single day. While it is important that we who are in Christ have the Holy Spirit, we also need to know God’s Word. It is knowing His Word and taking it as absolute truth that will spare us from being caught in the web of lies that satan puts forth. So many are now accepting what satan has given as truth instead of seeing God’s Word as the truth that is infallible and immutable.

Hebrews chapter 4 verse 12 says,

(NLV) “God’s Word is living and powerful. It is sharper than a sword that cuts both ways. It cuts straight into where the soul and spirit meet and it divides them. It cuts into the joints and bones. It tells what the heart is thinking about and what it wants to do.”

This scripture clearly states that God’s Word is ‘living and powerful.’ It is so powerful that the writer says that it is sharper than a sword that cuts both ways. Basically, it is God’s Word that convicts and brings the truth of God to our mind and our heart. It is the truth of God that cannot be changed despite how much the world around us changes. Using God’s Word as a filter allows you and I to avoid the lies that the world promotes to us daily. Knowing God’s Word and having it in your heart is what will give you knowledge and a baseline for conviction.

4. Prayer – Prayer is one of the most important weapons that we can use against the enemy. When we pray, we are establishing an open line of communication unto God which creates a relationship. Not only are we talking to God, but in prayer God talks back to us. It is like having a relationship with a person which is to say that constant communication builds the relationship. Through prayer, we have safety in addition to receiving the blessings that God desires for us.

Philippians 4:6 says,

(ESV) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

God wants to know what is on your heart and He wants us to trust Him to the point that we rely on Him through prayer. Some may contend that if God already knows what we need or desire that there isn’t a reason to pray. However, when we pray it is the dialogue that we have with God that creates a closer relationship. Having daily times of prayer institutes a greater sense of who God is what He is able to do.

5. Fellowship with other believers – Knowing others who are also in Christ and having relationships with them establishes a mode of strength and accountability. In this individualistic society, it becomes so easy for us to be self-absorbed into our own thoughts and lifestyles. However, God created us to be relational which means to have relationships with others.

Hebrews 10:25 says,

(KJV) “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.”

The writer of this scripture wants us to understand that we must not take for granted that we can and should come together in the faith. Exhortation which also means to build each other up is an important part of the process. Weekly interaction with fellow believers gives you a sense of hope and also a sense of connection. This is also why it is important to be connected to a body of believers through regular church attendance.

The overall message is that we must be equipped through Jesus Christ. All of these tools are available to those of us who are in Christ, but to those who are not in Christ these tools cannot be manifested appropriately. If you don’t know Jesus, today is a great day to accept Him as your Lord and Savior. He wants to be your King and He desires that you have access to the tools listed above. In doing so, your life will be enriched and you will have the necessary means to address all of life’s circumstances. This is God’s promise to the believer and those who wish to know Him through Christ.

Being a Student of God’s Word – Knowing His Truth for Yourself

06 Thursday Aug 2015

Posted by in Bible, Christian, Christianity, Faith, God, Inspiration, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Life, Love, Spiritual

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ID-100159550 (1)Most who have experienced any sort of education did so in the context of studying a particular subject.  A classroom setting has been one of the most common forms of education in a public setting.  Students gather to receive instruction from their professor or teacher in order to be educated about a specific topic.  Surrounding the topics are various exercises that each student must complete in order to rehearse and ultimately prove their level of ascertaining the material.  Once such exercises are complete, students are usually tested in order to ensure that they have retained the material.

Such tests are given grades and are used as a measuring tool to examine a student’s aptitude in a subject. If the student does well throughout his/her course, then they will be rewarded with a passing grade.  If not, then the student will suffer a failure of the course and will not be permitted to move to the next level of learning.  However, the most important aspect for every student who encounters an assignment or a lesson plan is that of their study. For a student to be successful there must be a regimen which involves either self-study or corporate study with other students.  Without a measured amount of study, there will be a loss of information which results in a failed attempt to obtain knowledge and succeed in the course.

Spiritually speaking it is important for all who desire to seek the righteousness of God and His ways to study God’s Word.  Whether it be studying on your own time or doing so in a corporate setting, the education of God’s Word is invaluable to the life of every believer. In the book of Hosea chapter 4, the account of the prophet Hosea who is speaking to the people of Israel is recorded.  Throughout this chapter, Hosea like other prophets in the Old Testament is seen giving words of judgment and rebuke against those who are in sin.

Verses 1-3 state the following:

(NLV) “Listen to the Word of the Lord, O people of Israel, because He has something against the people of the land. “They are not faithful or kind, and no one in the land knows God. There is swearing, lying, killing, stealing, and sex sins. They are always hurting others, and there is one killing after another. The land is filled with sorrow. Everyone who lives on it wastes away, together with the animals of the field and the birds of the sky. Even the fish of the sea are taken away.”  

In these 3 verses, Hosea is telling the people of Israel what God has given him to say. These were words of rebuke and it was a direct testament to the reality of sin that was occurring among the nation of Israel at that time.  If you look at what Hosea says, you can see a parallel between what happened then and what is happening in our world today. The fact is, there has been an abundance of sin that has swept through our world.

Just by looking at your local, national, and international news networks you can see the same if not worsened acts of sin that Hosea names in this chapter. It is because of humanity’s sinfulness that our global society is in the condition that we see.

In verses 4-5, God speaks through Hosea when he mentions the fact that both the Priests and the people of Israel will fall or as other translations such as The Message Bible uses the word ‘stumble.’ The reason why both sides stumble is because they have essentially turned their back on God to revert to sinful lifestyles.  However, an additional reason is because both the Priests and the people of Israel have forsaken the knowledge of God.

Verse 6:

(NLV) “My people are destroyed because they have not learned. You were not willing to learn. So I am not willing to have you be My religious leader. Since you have forgotten the Law of your God, I also will forget your children.” 

God says through Hosea that His people (meaning those of Israel and the Priests) are in the condition of being destroyed because they have not learned.  The New King James Version translation says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” The prognosis of those in Israel along with the Priests was that they were in danger of being utterly destroyed because they lacked knowledge.  What was it that they lacked knowledge of?  If you read further in verse 6 you will see that God says that they along with the Priests had forgotten the Law of God.

Basically, the Law or Laws of God are the unchanging principles and commands that God has set into place.  The people of Israel as a whole had abandoned the study and adherence to God’s Word.  In addition, the Priests who were called by God to teach the people had forsaken His Word as well. As a result, the Priests were no longer chosen to be representatives of God in the capacity of being Priests.

In looking at this scripture there are a few things we should take note of:

1. We must know the truth of God through His Word – The Bible contains both the Old Testament and the New Testament but both books are relevant with commands and principles for every generation. One reason why there is so much chaos and sin in our world is because there is a lack of knowledge concerning God’s Word.  Especially as it relates to many churches and those in the body of Christ, there has been a watering down of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The fact is that everything that has been prophesied to occur throughout scripture concerning the End Times is coming to pass.  The answers to the questions that those in sin are asking such as, ‘What is happening in our world?’ can be found in God’s Word. However, because there is a deviation from God’s knowledge and obedience unto His principles, humanity perishes because of a lack of learning.  We who are called must know God’s Word and understand that it is absolute truth.

2. There is a penalty for turning away from God and His precepts – The fact is that blatant sinfulness will always have a penalty.  The notion that one can continue in sin (whether Christian or non-Christian) without a consequence is completely debunked when the light that God’s Word provides is shed on the very thought.  The Word of God and truly knowing it will convict you and it will provide a clear path to every problem or question you will have.

The body of Christ today has shown many examples of church leaders who either do not know God’s Word or have excluded certain parts of it in order maintain their church membership. However, whenever you and I forsake God’s Word and obedience unto Him then there is a price to pay.  Israel during the time of Hosea paid a price for their disobedience and not knowing God’s Word.

3. The truth of God cannot be changed – If you look further through the book of Hosea, chapters 9 and 13 show that Israel is judged for its blatant sinfulness. In fact throughout the Bible there were prophecies of judgment against any nation that sinned and turned away from God.  Each prophecy turned out to be true with swift judgment falling on any ungodly nation.  The fact is, God’s word will always be true.

Despite what society claims to be true, moral, and acceptable, it is not the ultimate authority. What our world politicians have established and the media has stated as relative truth cannot stand against God’s absolute truth. Relativism is essentially the way of life as we know it today.  It basically means that one can have their own version of the truth rather than abiding by moral and even spiritual absolutes.  God’s Word will always trump what humanity attempts to change as a new and appropriate version of the truth. Regardless of how much the world changes, God’s Word will never change.

For all of us who desire to be in Christ, it is paramount that you and I take the time to study God’s Word and seek the revelation of it from the Holy Spirit. In today’s time, it is necessary more than ever that we hide God’s Word in our hearts.  Satan distorts the truth and many believe his falsehoods. However, only those who stand firm in God’s Word and take it as the truth will be saved.

Do you know Jesus as your personal Lord & Savior?  If not, you are currently under the deception of satan.  The lies that he has fed you are embedded in your heart.  However, accepting Jesus Christ and learning God’s Word will wash away the sin and the confusion. Take the time today and accept the gift of life that Christ offers.

Sticking to the Ingredients – Maintaining the Truth of God’s Word

13 Monday Jul 2015

Posted by in Bible, Christian, Christianity, Faith, God, Inspiration, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Life, Love, Spiritual

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ID-100101370When it comes to baking or preparing any dish, it is necessary to adhere to the appropriate ingredients. This is especially true as it relates to baking any sort of cake. For example, the primary ingredients in an oven baked cake would be that of eggs, milk, butter, flour (or cake mix), vanilla extract and sugar. The reason for such ingredients is to create consistency within the cake mix, in addition to adding elements for the flavor of the cake. However, what would happen if you decided to exclude one the essential ingredients from the cake mix? The result would likely be that of a cake that would lack flavor, or the ability to rise due to a lack of continuity. Thus, it is always best to stick to the list of ingredients for the best results.

In the same way, the way that God’s word is interpreted and taught should be done in consistency. In the book of 2 Timothy 3: 16-17 it says:

(NKJV) “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

In chapter 3 of 2 Timothy, the Apostle Paul is giving instruction to Christians regarding the signs of the end times, various sins which correlate to such times, doctrine, and truth. Specifically, towards the end of this chapter, Paul mentions the continuation in the learning of scripture and doctrine in verses 14-15. However, the main part of this chapter to focus on is verses 16-17.

When the Apostle Paul makes the declaration about God’s word, he uses a key phrase:

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God”

This phrase is one that should be highlighted because it points to the fact that all scripture that was written in the Bible was given from God to those who wrote it by His inspiration. What this means is, all scripture comes directly from God and cannot nor should it be changed as something that was done by human intellect. The thing about the modern day is that many have taken it upon themselves to interpret scripture based on what they think it means, rather than seeking the Lord for divine revelation. Secondly, there are many Christians who have taken certain scriptures to live by while at other times excluding what is in God’s word.

It is something that occurs more so now than ever, especially given our world’s social climate. We live in a society in which, the truth has become relative. Basically, what one person believes in, can be their own truth while another can have their own version of the truth. This sort of ideology suggests that two or more individuals can maintain their version of the truth and they can both be correct. However, the problem arises when both versions of “the truth” do not agree or are incongruent when the facts are displayed. Relativism isn’t necessarily a new methodology, but it has grown in its influence over time.

The problem with this concept is that it doesn’t leave room for absolute truth. What is absolute truth? It is a truth that cannot be refuted or shown as incorrect even if there are various attempts to claim its falsity. Going back to the scripture of 2 Timothy 3:16-17, the Apostle Paul says that all scripture is given by the inspiration of God. This means, that God’s truth cannot be changed, nor should it be altered in any way to fit our own lifestyles. That is because, all scripture came directly from God Himself which means His truth is absolute.

For example, ever since the ruling of the United States Supreme Court to allow “same-sex marriage” in all 50 states, there have been those who have touted the scripture, of Matthew 22:39. It simply says, (KJV) “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Many both Christian and non-Christian have used this scripture to apply it to various sins which include the issue of homosexuality. In essence, this scripture can and does apply to every believer because we are indeed to love others. However, here is what this scripture says in its full context:

Matthew 22: 36-39

(KJV) “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.”

This scripture which is one of the most quoted lines in the Bible actually qualifies what is found in John 14:15 which says, “If you love me you will keep my commandments.” Many who use verse 39 in Matthew 22, do so because it only shows one side of what God requires. It is much easier to simply say that you will “love your neighbor” because to love someone is to accept them for who they are. While it is true that every Christian is to love those around them, God does not want us to love, accept, or approve of a person’s sin.

The Apostle John makes it clear in John 14:15, that if you love God, you will keep His commandments. As Jesus said in Matthew 22, the first commandment is to love God with all of your heart. In doing so, you will do as He desires which is to not only love others but to abstain from sin. What many have done in our world today, is they have taken scripture and removed parts that they wish not to follow.

Even as it relates to the issue of “same-sex marriage”, many have excluded the declaration that it is a sin, but rather they have used Matthew 22:39, as a way to escape or lessen the criticism from others. Basically, not to call something a sin or to confront someone, is less risky as opposed to speaking out and calling a matter a sin. Whether it be homosexuality, drunkenness, greed, or any other sin, Jesus Christ died so that we could be saved from the destructive power of sin.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is one of not only love and redemption but also one of separation from sinfulness. Simply limiting the Gospel to one side, does not tell the full story. The Apostle Paul says in 2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV) “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” The keywords in this context are, “rightly dividing the word of truth.”

To rightly divide the word of truth is to understand God’s word, what and who it applies to, and how to apply it to everyday life. Taking one scripture to live by, and excluding others is not rightly dividing the word of truth. If something is a sin, we as Christians are to call it out for what it is. However, even in doing so, we are not to forget that love is still a part of the equation. Both love and correction are necessary in order to relay the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a dying world.

One cannot be a Christian, and living in sin at the same time. There must be a demarcation which sets every believer apart from the world. Jesus died so that we could be made whole, and be reconciled back to God. Do you know Jesus in the pardon of your sins? If not, you have an opportunity to know God’s love through Jesus Christ. The Gospel of Jesus is one of love, but it is also one of accountability. God desires that you know Him and experience Him in the fullness of His presence. Accept Christ today, and find out what His plan is for your life.