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The Importance of Keeping Vows in the Bible

THE LAW OF MAKING A VOW

Moses establishes the lawn of making a vow. The Bible clearly states that a vow is a very serious thing and is not be taken lightly.

  • Ecclesiastes 5:4-6  
    • When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.
    • Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.

In the Bible, a vow is a promise made to God. The first mention of a vow is about Jacob, who dreamed of a ladder reaching from heaven to earth, with angels going up and down on it. He took this as a sign of God’s favor on the place where he slept and named it “Bethel,” meaning “House of God.” Jacob also vowed that if the Lord blessed him, he would return a tenth (tithe) back to God (Genesis 28:10-22).

The Vow: Neder or Issar?

There are two types of Hebrew vows. One is called a neder and the other issar.

  • The neder vow is when a man vows a vow unto God.
    • We would say that tithing is a neder vow
  • The issar vow is when a man swears an oath to bind his soul with a bond
    • marriage between a man and a woman is an issar vow

Nazarite Vow
One of the strongest vows in the Bible was the Nazarite vow. A Nazarite vow could be a voluntary vow
commanded vow. For example, two men in the Bible were to be Nazarites from their mother’s womb-Samson and Samuel (see Judg. 13-1-7; 1 Sam. 1:11). According to Numbers 6, a Nazarite vow consisted of three parts:

  1. A Nazarite was never to drink wine or strong drink.
    • Numbers 6:3 He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried. All the days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is made of the vine tree, from the kernels even to the husk.
  2. A Nazarite was never to use a razor to shave his hair.
    • Numbers 6:5 All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no razor come upon his head: until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth himself unto the Lord, he shall be holy, and shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow.
  3. A Nazarite was never to touch a dead body, human or animal.
    • Numbers 6:6 All the days that he separateth himself unto the Lord he shall come at no dead body.

Samson is a prime example of someone who broke a Nazarite vow.

  • He attended a seven-day feast (believed to be a wedding feast) where no doubt people were drinking wine. Yet he arose and accomplished a great feat through the anointing of the Spirit (see Judg. 14-10-20).
  • He had touched the carcass of a lion (see Judg. 14.8-9) and the jawbone of a donkey (see Judg. 15:15-17).
    • Touching a dead body was forbidden in the vow, yet the Spirit of God touched him again.
  • Finally, he rested in Delilah’s lap and under pressure revealed the final aspect of his vow to God (never to shave his hair).
    • Delilah subsequently cut his hair, breaking the third part of the vow (see Judg. 16:1-19)
    • When Samson awoke, he assumed the Lord would continue to anoint him; however, the Spirit departed from him (see Judg. 16:20
      • God had extended His mercy through two acts of vow breaking, but when the third and final commandment of the vow was broken, God was no longer obligated to anoint Samson.

Foolish Vows

  • The most foolish vow in the Old Testament
    • The vow took place when a judge named Jephthah vowed that if God would help him defeat the descendants of Ammon in battle, the first thing to come out of his house following the conflict would become a burnt offering unto the Lord.
      • Judges 11:30-31
        • And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the Lord, and said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands,
        • Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the Lord’s, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.
    • After a great victory, Jephthah returned home and his only child, a daughter, met him. She was dancing with a tambourine because of her father’s victory.
    • Then the judge remembered his foolish vow. Jephthah knew the power of the vow.
      • He said, “I have opened my mouth unto the Lord, and I cannot go back” (Judg. 11:35).
    • The reason this vow was so serious is that he made a neder vow to God.
  • The most foolish vow in the New Testament
    • This vow took place when a renegade band of forty men with a hateful agenda bound themselves with an oath” that they would not eat or drink until they killed the apostle Paul (Acts 23:21
    • The conspiracy was exposed, and Paul was secretly escorted out of the city (see Acts 23:20-35).
      • Did these forty men eventually starve to death? Probably not. When they realized that Paul was in safe hands, away from their reach, they went back to eating and drinking. Their death vow was made in the heat of the moment.
      • This vow is an issar vow made to men, which is not bound by the Holy Spirit, can be repented of.

All Vows are serious and should never be treated lightly.
Many people make vows to God in times of trouble.

  • For examples:
    • when a child is ill or in an accident, parents may tell God, “let my child live and I will serve you and and attend church.
    • Others my have a companion dying and will cry out, “heal my companion. I can’t live without this person. If you do, I will follow you!”
    • Some end up in prison and will say, “Get me out and I will minister to others.”
    • A businessman about to go bankrupt may promise God, “if you will save and prosper my business, I will tithe and support your work.
  • Sometimes the child recovers, the loved one is healed, the prisoner is released, and the business is saved, but within a few months, the people forget the vow that they had made to the Lord.
  • People do not realize that the Holy Spirit takes the promises they make very seriously.
    • Your promises are not mere words but are equal to a sacrifice laid on the altar for transgression under the Old Covenant.

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Understanding the Spiritual Significance of Altars

The English word “altar” in Hebrew is “mizbeach,” derived from the root word “zabach,” which means “to slaughter, kill, or slay an animal.” The altar served as the central place for sacrifices and the meeting point between God and humans.

Notice the following altars:

Building of the AltarReference
Noah builds an altar after the flood(Gen. 8:20)
Abram (Abraham) builds an altar near Bethel(Gen. 12:7)
Abraham builds an altar on Mount Moriah and called it Jehovah-jireh(Gen. 22:9, 14)
Isaac builds an altar Beer-sheba(Gen. 26:25)
Jacob builds an altar at Shalem(Gen. 33:20)
Moses builds an altar and called it Jehovah-nissi(Exod. 17:15)
Joshua builds an altar on Mount Ebal(Josh. 8:30)
Gideon builds an altar and called it Jehovah-shalom(Jude 6:24)
Manoah builds an altar on a rock(Judg. 13:19-20)
King Saul builds an altar to the Lord.(1 Sam. 14:35)
King David builds an altar and stopped a plague(2 Sam. 24:21, 25)

Solomon built the First Temple to God in Jerusalem, placing a permanent altar in the outer court for daily sacrifices. Under the Old Covenant, three types of altars were made: one of natural stones (Joshua 8:30-32), a square brass altar (Exodus 27:1-2), and a golden altar in the holy place for burning daily incense (Exodus 30:1-3). These three altars symbolize three spiritual battles every believer will face.

  • Stone Altar: Abraham uses the stone altar to offer Isaac to God on Mount Moriah, symbolizing personal sacrifice and the surrender of our own will to the will of the heavenly Father. Willing to give up his best to please the Almighty, Abraham sets aside his personal feelings to serve a greater divine purpose. To understand God’s will, we must first come to this altar and confront our own desires, emotions, and self-interest.
  • Brass Altar: The second altar, known as the brass altar, is where the flesh of animals was offered in sacrifice. It symbolizes our willingness to take up our cross and follow Christ (Matt. 16:24) and to crucify our flesh (Gal. 5:24). Our bodies are “living sacrifices” (Rom. 12:1), with our carnal nature needing to be brought under control. Sacrifices here were bound to the four horns of the altar, representing believers standing firm in faith until God transforms them from within. The three fires constantly burning on the brass altar remind us of the Lord’s zeal that must keep burning in our hearts as we submit to God’s Spirit and bring our flesh into submission.
  • Golden Altar: The golden altar is where incense is burned each day, carrying the prayers of the righteous to God. It’s the place where we grow in worship and prayer.

At the stone altar, we learn obedience to God’s will; at the brass altar, we find freedom from sin and train our flesh; and at the golden altar, we embrace and practice daily prayer and worship.

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A Reason to Live

A Reason to live

Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.


“To live is Christ”, is Paul’s reason for living. He is in a Roman prison, when he writes this letter to the people of Philippi. In Ancient Rome prisoners were not treated well. They were more or less left to die without food or water or feed to the lions. Unless resources were brought to the prison for them, they had nothing. Paul is writing this letter to the people of Philippi as a thank you note for sending a care basket.

There are times people today still struggle with living. It is important to remember that Jesus is our source of Joy. Jesus is a great reason to live. Until the work on earth that Jesus has called you to do is finished, it is necessary and essential for you to live.

For anyone who has every felt more than ready to go home to heaven, remember that Jesus hasn’t called you home yet because you still have work on earth to do. Your work may be something as simple as talking to others or it may be something more. Your reason for living is Jesus. Take joy in Jesus. Trust in Jesus. Get your strength from Jesus. Pray and ask Jesus what work it is that you need to do and then get busy doing it. Remember that even when it feels like no one sees and no one cares that Jesus does.

God’s Presence in Times of Trouble is a poem that may help you get through the bad times.

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Morning Prayer by Rebecca J. Weston

MORNING PRAYER

Father, we thank Thee for the night
And for the pleasant morning light,
For rest and food and loving care,
And all that makes the world so fair.
Help us to do the things we should,
To be to others kind and good,
In all we do, in all we say,
To grow more loving every day.


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Biblical Principles for a Godly Family Life

Family is important to God. He created the first family. His word has much to say about family. When the family is in correct alignment with God’s Word, everything is easier. Here is some Bible Studies to help you understand what the Bible says about various issues that may come up in your family.

  • Biblical Insights on Marriage: A Divine Blueprint– The Bible outlines the significance of marriage as instituted by God, emphasizing companionship, partnership, and a selfless bond. Guidelines for marriage encourage faithfulness, respectful relationships, and marrying based on shared beliefs. Additionally, it highlights the importance of intimacy while recognizing that not everyone is meant for marriage, underscoring the sacred nature of this union.
  • The Biblical Perspective on Women’s Responsibilities: The Bible describes women’s roles as teachers, keepers of the home, and supportive partners, emphasizing obedience to husbands while also highlighting the importance of their honor in marriage.
  • Biblical Guidance for Raising Godly Children: The Bible provides extensive guidance on raising children, emphasizing instruction, compassion, discipline, and bringing them to Jesus, ensuring spiritual growth and development.
  • God’s Perspective on Children in Scripture: The Bible emphasizes the value of children, their divine purpose, and the joy they bring to families, highlighting their unique relationship with God and their future significance.
  • The Truth About Abortion: This explains the true origins of abortion.
  • Prayers that can be said for Children: The content emphasizes the significance of praying for children as they navigate various challenges in today’s world. It provides guidance through two specific prayers: one for overcoming rebellion in teens and another focused on dedicating a child’s future to God, underscoring the importance of faith, guidance, and nurturing relationships. More Prayers will be added soon.

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The Biblical Perspective on Women’s Responsibilities

What does the Bible say about the role of woman? The Bible has much to say.

Teachers

  • Women are to be teachers of good things.
    • Titus 2:3-5 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
    • Provers 31:26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

Keepers of the home

  • This means that maintaining her home is high on her list of priorities.
    • Titus 2:3-5 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
    • Proverbs 14:1 Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.
      • This means that:
        • She works to create a loving, caring inviting environment.
        • She tries to have a tidy organized home.
        • She tries to keep the home as clean as possible.
        • She does her best to have a peaceful home.

Obedient to their own husbands (for the unmarried, please see the notes at the bottom of the page)

  • This means that she is to submit to the leadership of her husband.
    • Titus 2:5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
    • Colossians 3:28 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
    • Proverbs 12:4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
    • Ephesians 5:22-24 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore, as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.
    • 1 Peter 3:1-2 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
    • 1 Peter 3:5-7 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
      • Please take note of the warning to the husband: giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. The wife is commanded to submit to the leadership of her husband, but the husband is directly accountable to God for his treatment of her. If he does not give her honor his prayers will not be answered.

A Helper to her husband

  • Genesis 2:18 And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
    • “An Help Meet”
      • Strong’s H5828 – ʿēzer
        • עֵזֶר ʻêzer, ay’-zer; from H5826; aid:—help.
  • Genesis 2:21 And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
    • Notice that woman was made from man’s side. This is important because it tells us a few things about the relationship between man and woman.
      • She was not taken from his feet.
        • She is not meant to be walked on.
      • She was not taken from his head.
        • She is not meant to be the leader who has to make the hard choices.
      • She was taken from his side. The ribs are near the lungs and the heart.
        • She is meant to be held close to his heart. She is meant to be valued and loved.
        • She is meant to be his helper.
          • Doing what he doesn’t know how to do.
          • Doing what he doesn’t have time to do.
        • She is meant to be his partner.
        • She is meant to be his closes companion.
    • For more information on marriage click here.

Notes:

If you are not married listen to the words of Paul.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:8-9 But I say to the unmarried and to the widows, [that as a practical matter] it is good if they remain [single and entirely devoted to the Lord] as I am. But if they do not have [sufficient] self-control, they should marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
    • Some women can do a better job of teaching others if they are not married because they will be able to devote more time to the work of the Lord. However, even those women live somewhere. They are still expected to tend to their homes.

Not everyone was made for marriage.

  • Matthew 19:11-12 But He (Jesus) said to them, “Not all men can accept this statement, but only those to whom [the capacity to receive] it has been given. For there are eunuchs who have been born that way from their mother’s womb [making them incapable of consummating a marriage]; and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men [for royal service]; and there are eunuchs who have made themselves so for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to accept this, let him accept it.”

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The Story of Lot: Choices That Lead to Sin

Lot and his flocks became a burden for Abram and his flocks, putting strain on the land. Abram allowed Lot to choose his path, and Lot decided to head south, toward the southern end of the Dead Sea. This region was home to five cities.

  • Sodom,
  • Gomorrah
  • Admah
  • Zebolim
  • Zoar

 Genesis 13:5-9 And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents. And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together. And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram’s cattle and the herdmen of Lot’s cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land. And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren. Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.

Lot gazed toward Sodom, one of the largest and most corrupt cities of that time. It’s unclear he fully understood just how wicked it truly was.

There is a parallel between the actions of Lot and how people get involved in sin today. Just look at the chart below.

LotPeople Today
First, Lot looked toward Sodom. Gen. 13:10 And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.Bondage to sin often begins with what we see. The lust of the eyes can and will get you into a lot of trouble. 1 John 2:16 “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.”
Second, Lot pitched his tent toward Sodom. Gen 13:12 Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.Slowly, we move toward the wrong things we see.
Third, Lot dwelt in Sodom. Gen 19:1-2 And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground; And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant’s house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.Then, we are living in the midst of the bondage to sin.
Fourth, Lot was sitting at the gate of Sodom Gen 19:1 And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them;Finally, we often remember the better days of our past.

If you have been looking towards sin with lust, now is the time to stop before you get in too deep.

If you are already there, help is just a prayer away. Now is the time to repent and turn from the wickedness.


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Why Churches Must Address Noise Levels for Children

My daughter recently wrote about churches and the loudness of the music. If you have not read it, please do. Here is the link Why Churches Should Consider Noise Levels for Children with Noise sensitivity.

I am thankful for my daughter being as high functioning on the Autism spectrum as she is. I know that many other parents have it so much worse than I do. My heart goes out to all of the parents who are trying to figure out what to do. I don’t know why there is more people being diagnosed with autism. However, I am beginning to see it as a test for the churches, after my daughter showed me a verse in the Bible. Here is the verse.

  •  Matthew 18:5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

This is Jesus talking in the above verse. My daughter looks at things differently than I do. She said that to reject a child is the same thing as rejecting Jesus, because those who receive a child in the name of Jesus receives Jesus. Think about those words.

Then she pointed out that the public library is more sensitive than the church is to the needs of the children. So, the test is will the church receive children who are different? Failure to receive all children in the Name of Jesus is failure to receive Jesus.

I am not saying that children should not be taught as much as possible how to behave in church. I am saying that children should be loved, considered, cared for, and appropriate accommodations provided for.

Here are some examples of what a library system is doing.

Notice how accommodating the library is. Various items are being provided by the library to help the children. Unnecessary light and sound elements are being turned off. The library is normally a quiet place. They are going above and beyond by offering to turn off any additional sound elements. I am thankful that the library is offering this. I have not had to use this with my daughter, because the library is already quiet enough for her. Everyone on the spectrum has different issues. It is not a one size fits all kind of thing. I am grateful that the library is trying to do something. I hope and pray that the churches step up and try harder to communicate with the parents about what the needs are and how they can help and support. I do know that the number 1 thing that they can do is take it seriously when the people say that the music is too loud.

At the church we are currently attending, the music is loud. With earplugs my daughter is able to sit/ stand in the back. She is unable to go to the front of the church because of the music.

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Called to Be Holy: Living a Godly Life

When Jesus died the curtail separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies was torn into. Today our high priest is Jesus.

  • Hebrews 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

The throne of grace is similar to the mercy seat that was built on the Ark of the Covenant. We are now all called to be part of the royal priesthood.

  • 1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

That means there is no need for the priest like Israel had before Jesus came. However, that does not mean that God is any less Holy. God still says for us to be Holy for he is Holy.

  •  1 Peter 1:14-16 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
  • Leviticus 11:44-45 For I am the Lord your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. For I am the Lord that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.
  • Leviticus 19:2 Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy.

Peter quotes from the Old Testament when he writes “Be ye Holy”. Peter explains that we are to be Holy in all manner of conversation.

  • All manner of Conversation is a phrase.
    • ἀναστροφή anastrophḗ, an-as-trof-ay’; from G390; behavior:—conversation.
    • STRONGS G391: ἀναστροφή, -ῆς, ἡ, (from the passive ἀναστρέφομαι, see the preceding word), properly, ‘walk,’ i. e. manner of life, behavior, conduct (German Lebenswandel): Galatians 1:13; Ephesians 4:22; 1 Timothy 4:12; James 3:13; 1 Peter 1:15, 18; 1 Peter 2:12; 1 Peter 3:1f, 16; 2 Peter 2:7; plural ἅγιαιἀναστροφαί the ways in which holy living shows itself, 2 Peter 3:11. Hence, life in so far as it is comprised in conduct, Hebrews 13:7. 
    • Basically, it means in everything that you do, be Holy.
  • Holy
    • ἅγιος hágios, hag’-ee-os; from ἅγος hágos (an awful thing) (compare G53, H2282); sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated):—(most) holy (one, thing), saint.

We are called to be Holy just as God is Holy. We are not to act more holy than everyone else. We are to walk righteously before God and others. In all that we do and say, we are to glorify and be pleasing unto God.

We are called to be a

  • royal priesthood
    • royal: of, relating to, or subject to the crown
      • God is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords
      • We are His adopted children.
    • priesthood
      • the office, dignity, or character of a priest
      • Priest: someone who is authorized to perform the sacred rites of a religion especially as a mediatory agent between humans and God
  • holy nation
    • We are now part of God’s eternal kingdom.
  • a peculiar people
    • peculiar: different from the usual or normal:
    • We are not called to act or look like the rest of the world. We are called to be children of the Most High God.

We all of this in mind think about

  • how you act on a daily basis.
  • how you are dressing.
  • how you are talking to others.
  • how you are treating others.
  • what you are spending your time doing.
  • Does your behavior reflect the love of God?
  • Is your style of dress that of a Godly person? or is it more of a worldly person?
  • Would anyone know from what you talk about that you are a Christian?
  • Is what you are watching, reading, or playing pleasing to God?

1 Peter 4:17-18 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?

1 Corinthians 11:30-32 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

Now is the time to make corrections. Now is the time to repent. Now is the time to judge ourselves before God has to step in and so to speak clean house with a whip. Remember Jesus made a whip and cleaned house while he was on earth.

  • John 2:15-16  And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.
  • Matthew 21:12-13 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

Today we normally don’t allow buying and selling in the House of God. However, many people made the word of God into nothing more than merchandise. Paul talked about this in his writings as he was explaining that his group and him were not like the others.

  • 2 Corinthians 2:17 (amp) For we are not like many, [acting like merchants] peddling God’s word [shortchanging and adulterating God’s message]; but from pure [uncompromised] motives, as [commissioned and sent] from God, we speak [His message] in Christ in the sight of God.

When you are acting more like a merchant than a messenger of God, you only teach, preach, or focus on what brings in the crowd and you ignore the rest (holiness, obedience, etc.). You often compromise the true and allow unholy things to come into the Church and lives. If you are guilty of this, repent.

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Understanding Jesus’ Return: Myths and Truths

The subject of when Jesus is returning has gotten a lot of attention lately. It seems that many people have an idea, a thought, or a theory. It is not wrong to try to look at the Bible and then try to think about what is happening in the world around you. I even have thoughts, ideas, and theories, but until Jesus arrives it will stay a thought, idea, or theory. It is wrong however, to say that you know when Jesus is coming.

  • Matthew 24:36-39  But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Anyone who says that they know the day and hour when Jesus is returning is a false prophet.

  • Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

As time draws near, it may be possible to have a really good idea of the season.

People have had various ideas for the last few centuries. Even Paul had to deal with some false prophets spreading false information.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5 Now in regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our [a]gathering together to meet Him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, not to be quickly unsettled or alarmed either by a [so-called prophetic revelation of a] spirit or a message or a letter [alleged to be] from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has [already] come. Let no one in any way deceive or entrap you, for that day will not come unless the apostasy comes first [that is, the great rebellion, the abandonment of the faith by professed Christians], and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction [the Antichrist, the one who is destined to be destroyed], who opposes and exalts himself [so proudly and so insolently] above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he [actually enters and] takes his seat in the temple of God, publicly proclaiming that he himself is God. Do you not remember that when I was still with you, I was telling you these things?

Today, we still have people proclaiming that they have had prophetic revelation. The best way to test a prophet is the wait and see test. If what the prophet says is true, it will come to pass otherwise the prophet is false.

Instead of running after every prophet that comes around, how about being more productive. There are several things that would be more productive than chasing after new prophetic revelations.

  • Reading and studying your Bible.
  • Praying.
  • Sharing the gospel with others.
  • Helping others by:
    • volunteering
    • donating
    • visiting the shut-ins
      • in their homes
      • in the nursing homes
      • in the hospitals
    • looking in on the widows.
    • being concerned about the orphans.
    • caring for the weakest in society.

Not everyone is called to do everything, but everyone is called to do something. Pray about what you are called to do. It could be simply helping others with what they are doing, or it could be something more. That is between you and God.

  • 1 Corinthians 12:27-31 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

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