The Word

How can I live for God? (part 46)
March 10, 2010

What about church traditions?

When we are making lifestyle choices on how to live for God, a resource for help can be found within the church, through our pastor and elders. They can be a valuable resource for spiritual guidance to help steer us onto the highway of holiness. As Paul said, some important standards are passed on by traditions of our elders:

2 Thess 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

As Paul mentioned here, there were some traditions that he wrote down in his letters that became part of the Word of God, and others about which he only spoke while preaching at their the churches.

Traditions that are passed down from generation to generation to help people avoid temptation and sin are worth looking at. Rev. Jack Cunningham, while serving as a national director of home missions, gave me this sage advice on the subject:

“Before we younger preachers decide to tear down a fence, we ought to figure out why it was put up in the first place.”

An event in Moses' life provides a good example of how spiritual traditions can be set by a spiritual leader. God came down on Mt. Sinai to give Moses the commandments. God told Moses to set the boundary around the mountain of God that people should not pass:

Exodus 19:12 And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death:

God gave Moses the job of marking the line that no one should cross. It was obvious how far was too far but where was the point where it got too close for safety? God said, Let the man of God decide.

But isn't there a danger in giving such power to humans who are subject to failure or corruption? What if they are wrong? Let's examine this tomorrow.

How can I live for God? (part 45)
March 9, 2010

Does the Bible say anything about makeup?

We have been exploring the depths of the subject, “How can I live for God?” That subject touches every area of our lives. When a maturing Christian asks the question, “Is there anything wrong with wearing makeup? Should I be concerned if there is there anything in the Bible either in favor or against?” How shall we answer that?

In scripture, makeup is associated with the shame of the adulterer and wicked people. We learn from history that cosmetics had their origin in Egypt . It is not a coincidence that Ezekiel mentioned that, among many things, jewels and makeup are part of the wickedness that the Israelites picked up from Egypt .

Ezekiel 23:27, 40
27 Thus will I make thy lewdness to cease from thee, and thy whoredom brought from the land of Egypt : so that thou shalt not lift up thine eyes unto them, nor remember Egypt any more.
40 And furthermore, that ye have sent for men to come from far, unto whom a messenger was sent; and, lo, they came: for whom thou didst wash thyself, paintedst thy eyes, and deckedst thyself with ornaments,

In addition to the command to cease from participation in the lewd things of Egypt , including makeup, we also find that wearing makeup was one of the trademark behaviors of the woman who is spoken of as perhaps the most wicked woman in the Bible, Queen Jezebel:

2 Kings 9:30 And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window.

In the light of the scriptural view of cosmetics, someone pursuing godliness should avoid using them. Products in this category include things that color the face, eyes, lips, and nails.

Another way of decorating the body that is spoken against by the Lord is tattoos:

Leviticus 19:28 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.

The Lord says, “I am the Lord, don't do this.” God has set standards against putting on ornaments, painting the flesh and printing marks on the body.

How can I live for God? (part 44)
March 5, 2010

Peter and Paul on jewelry

While on the subject about, How To Live For God, lifestyle questions about apparel and adorning come to mind; or as Peter put it, our “outward adorning.” Both Peter and Paul addressed the subject of “adorning”, which means to deck or dress with ornaments; to embellish.

Peter had this to say:

1 Peter 3:3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel.

Peter said our outward adorning ought not to include these things: plaiting referring to the interweaving of trinkets, especially gold, into the weaves or braids of the hair; wearing of gold adornments/ornaments; and the “putting on” of apparel. Paul also addressed this subject and more fully explained the “putting on”:

1 Timothy 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

Here the idea of modesty in dress is emphasized along with another reference to hair, but this time the word “broided” is used. The same Greek word translated “plaited” in 1 Peter comes through as “broided” here. They have the same meaning of interweaving ornaments into the hair. Again a prohibition of adorning jewelry is mentioned. “Costly array” is a similar reference to Peter's “putting on of apparel” and has to do with excessive costs or showiness. When making decisions on how to live for God, vanity does not fit in.

Major Prophets of the Old Testament as well as by the chief Apostles in the New Testament addressed the subject of jewelry as inappropriate for God's people.

How can I live for God? (part 43)
March 4, 2010

Removing jewelry: an act of repentance

In Exodus 33, God was angry with Israel for creating the golden calf for worship. God called them “stiffnecked people” and was ready to “consume them in a moment” for their sin. Their sin brought them into disfavor before God so repentance with a resulting “fruit of repentance” or action of repentance was commanded by the Lord.

Exodus 33:4-6
4 And when the people heard these evil tidings, they mourned: and no man did put on him his ornaments.
5 For the LORD had said unto Moses, Say unto the children of Israel , Ye are a stiffnecked people: I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment, and consume thee: therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee.
6 And the children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments by the mount Horeb .

As part of their repentance and restoring a right relationship with God, God directly commanded: “put off thy ornaments from thee.”

How can I live for God? (part 42)
March 3, 2010

What does the Bible say about wearing jewelry? Since this is a lifestyle choice that is addressed in scriptures, people who ask the question, "How can I live for God?" will want to pay attention to God's heart on this subject.

In the Bible, there were times when God had His people collect jewels for the purpose of bringing glory to God; such as on the High Priest's ephod (Ex. 25:7), decorations in the tabernacle and temple (Ex 35:5), and ultimately in the glorious New Jerusalem (Rev 21:10-11, 18-21). We will look at Old Testament passages in the Bible where God “took away” the jewels of the people. We will also see from the New Testament that our outward adorning is not to include gold and pearls.

Isaiah on jewelry

There is a very practical list of items that God wanted to “take away” from “the daughters of Zion. ”:

Isa 3:16, 18-23
16 Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet:
18 In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon [cresent necklaces],
19 The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers,
20 The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands [headdress], and the tablets, and the earrings,
21 The rings, and nose jewels,

These were items the Lord “took away” from His people. Jewels were used in scripture for the purpose of magnifying the Lord in the tabernacle and temple. That is why in these verses and others, God chose to remove them from His people.

How can I live for God? (part 41)
March 2, 2010

Scriptural principles concerning gambling vs. earning

There are reasons that a child of God who honestly asks the question, “How can I love for God?”, will avoid gambling. Consider these principles of scripture:

Work for money:

1 Timothy 5:18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

Do not steal but work:

Ephesians 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

Those who won't work, go hungry—don't eat someone else's earnings:

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12
10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

Gambling goes directly against the work ethic taught by scriptures and encourages people to seek profit by causing someone loss. God was concerned about fairness where a person pays a fair price for what he gains.

How can I live for God? (part 40)
March 1, 2010

Gambling continued

One person will take the hard-earned money from another player without giving him anything in return. Simply put, gambling is stealing—stealing by prior agreement.

Some people justify gambling by saying, “All of life is a gamble, crossing the street, driving a car, flying in a plane, so what's the difference?” The difference is that there are no wagers and no stakes and no agreement to take another person's property. Risk is not the same thing as gambling.

Examples of gambling are slot machines, roulette wheels, dice and card games played for stakes, racetrack betting on horse, dogs, turtles, lottery, bingo, raffles, and even fair booths to spin a wheel to win a prize.

Concerning a raffle, if someone tries to convince you that the proceeds of a raffle are going for a good cause and you think the cause is worthy of your support, give them a donation without entering a chance to win. You don't give to charity in hopes of receiving back:

Luke 14:13-14
13 But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:
14 And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.
Gambling is not good stewardship of God's money. What we have was given to us by God and we are to wisely take care of those resources and not waste them foolishly.

How can I live for God? (part 39)
February 26, 2010

Gambling

While living life and studying the scriptures, a Christian will ultimately face the question, “Should I be involved with playing the lottery, casinos, slot machines, betting on cards or sports? How about check stub office pool or raffles?

To best answer that question we need to consider the motive behind gambling. What is behind gambling is a love for money.

1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reported in 1996: “Players lose $6 billion a year at Las Vegas casinos.” I think that is what Paul meant by, they “pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

Gambling is: a wager or bet in which each player agrees to risk losing some material possession to other players in exchange for the chance to win the possessions of other players without compensating the loser, the winner(s) and loser(s) being determined by the outcome of a game.

For example, in a card game such as poker or black jack, people, often friends, sit across from each other at a table and agree to give their hard-earned money to someone else for absolutely nothing in return. There are no goods or services being given in exchange for the person's money, and there is no plan to repay the person whose property is taken.

More tomorrow…

How can I live for God? (part 38)
February 25, 2010

Continuing from yesterday...

Skin color, eye color, hair color is determined by God and we can't change them. Dyes don't truly change hair color because hair continues to grow in its true color—the roots tell the truth.

Why change hair color any way? Some people wish to change their hair color to remove the evidence of gray hair to avoid looking old—which is a form of pride or vanity. However, Leviticus speaks of the gray head being a thing to honor and not hide:

Lev 19:32 Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.

We find the same kind of reverence, honor and respect for gray-headed people in:

Proverbs 16:31 The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.

Proverbs 20:29 The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.

According to the scriptures, the gray head is a thing of glory and beauty, not a thing to be hidden or dyed away. And Jesus had the final word on the subject: "thou canst not make one hair white or black."

How can I live for God? (part 37)
February 24, 2010

In this group of lessons, we are discovering how to live for God by doing what pleases Him—the pursuit of holiness. The theme of holiness is stated in this verse:

2 Cor 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate , saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

There are some things the Lord wants us to separate from and not to touch. We are considering some nitty gritty and practical questions about personal lifestyle choices as we pursue that principle of “separation”. Such as…

What does the Bible say about coloring the hair?

We have discussed what the Bible has to say about hair styles for men and women and have discovered it is a shame for a man to have long hair and for a woman to cut their hair. We saw how that dishonors God.

While on the subject of hair, does the Bible have anything to say about dying the hair? The goal of dying the hair is to hide the true and natural color with another color. Consider these words of Jesus on the subject of truth.

Matt 5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.

In the context of the above verse, Jesus was discussing the practice of swearing by an oath to emphasize that someone was telling the truth. That is like saying, “I promise to God,” or “I'll swear on a stack of Bibles.” Jesus said people of His day would swear by Heaven, the earth, Jerusalem , or their head. But Jesus added, “Swear not at all”, not by heaven because it is God's throne, not by the earth, because it's God's footstool, not by Jerusalem because it is the city of the great King.

And finally He added this prohibition: don't swear by your head because you don't even control the color of your hair; “thou canst not make one hair white or black.” I think it is interesting that Jesus used our hair color in this verse about speaking truth—He was saying even our hair color speaks the truth.

More next time…

How can I live for God? (part 36)
February 23, 2010

Before we launch into the next level of this discussion on how to live for God, let us once again look at the motive. We explored some significant lifestyle choices from the pages of the Bible. We have discussed the importance of modesty in dress, the distinction between male and female garments, and hair.

Ezekiel 44:23 And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

As people who have had their souls redeemed from sin and hell, we come before the Lord humbly and ask, “How can I live for you?”

How can I live for God? (part 35)
February 19, 2010

Men and their hair

And what about men's hair?

1 Cor 11:4, 14
4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.
14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?

For man to have the covering of “long hair,” it dishonors God and it is also a shame unto the man. Paul says here that “nature” teaches this—short hair on men is the natural order established by our Creator.

How short does nature teach is short? Here is one example from nature: dogs: A short haired Chihuahua typically has hair ¼ inch long; a long-haired collie has hair 2-3 inches long. If this can be used as a lesson from nature, men's hair should be somewhere in the less than 2-3 inches length.

Gender distinction is important to God. Men are to keep their hair short. The man who is pursuing God's heart will want to fix his heart on what is important to God.

How can I live for God? (part 34)
February 18, 2010

Women and their hair

What does this passage mean for women?

1 Corinthians 11:15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.

A woman is to have a covering of “long hair” – which is translated form the Greek word, koma, meaning: “to let one's hair grow long or not to cut one's hair.” A woman can obey this scripture by allowing her hair to grow without cutting it. That verse also says that having long hair is a glory to her; or in other words, it allows the glory of God to be seen through her or reflected on her. A Christian woman walking in the love of Jesus would not choose to remove a reflection of God's glory from her life.

Not only is her uncut hair her glory, as we read in verse 5, it also shows she is in proper submission to spiritual authority. And when she is in submission to the Lord, verse 11 says she has more power with God.

To further emphasize the idea of long, uncut hair, verse 6 indicates that it is equally a shame to shave or shear her hair. To shear means to cut, clip, or trim.

1 Corinthians 11 is not the only chapter that mentions long hair for women. We know that the close friend of Jesus, Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, had very long hair. Her hair was long enough that she dried Jesus' feet with her hair (John 12:3). Revelation 9:8 refers to the long hair of women.

Here is a summary of the meaning of this scripture for women: to be properly covered (head covering), the woman should not shave or cut her hair. Women that allow their hair to grow long without cutting it, honor God, avoid bringing shame to herself, allow the glory of God to rest on them, and have more power with God.

How can I live for God? (part 33)
February 17, 2010

Disobeying causes shame

The second point is that disobeying this scripture is a shame. Not only is it a dishonor to God to disobey this teaching on hair, verse 6 and verse 14 add the word “shame”; it is a shame to the man and woman to disobey this teaching.

“Shame” comes from the Greek word, atimia, meaning infamy, indignity, disgrace, reproach, shame, vile. So disobeying the teaching on hair is a dishonor to God and it is a shame to the man and woman. The subject of these verses comes with strong emphasis as disobedience brings dishonor to Christ and also brings a shame on the individual. What exactly though is the subject of these verses? We will look at that next time.

How can I live for God? (part 32)
February 16, 2010

Disobeying dishonors Christ

1 Corinthians 11:4-5
4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.
5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.

From verses 4 and 5 we see that disobeying this simple teaching on hair dishonors God, our head. There is sort of a play on words here: having the improper head covering brings dishonor to our real head and authority, Jesus Christ. That is the first point of emphasis—disobeying the teaching on hair dishonors God.

“Dishonor” comes from the Greek word, kataiskunei which means, “to shame down or disgrace.” Disobeying means we dishonor God, but obeying indicates our proper honor and submission to our Lord Jesus Christ.

How can I live for God? (part 31)
February 15, 2010

Proper head covering: New Testament head covering=hair

In our last lesson on modesty, we mentioned the example provided in Leviticus 16:4 for holy garments of the priest that included a coat, breeches, girdle and mitre or hat. We talked about the first three in earlier lessons—and now we will address the fourth, the proper head covering—the priest's mitre or hat.

When we move into the New Testament era, we find teaching on head coverings pertains to our hair and not a mitre, hat or veil. Why should hair fit into a teaching on living for God? The primary passage about hair is found in: (there are others)

1 Corinthians 11:4-7, 14-15
4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.
5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.
7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.
14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?
15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.

To summarize verses 4-7, a man must not cover his head and a woman should. Verses 14-15 tell us that covering is our hair. In a nutshell, this passage teaches that a man should have short hair and a woman should have long hair. From this passage we learn that the teaching on hair is an important part of our holiness because it demonstrates our submission to God. This scripture provides two reasons we should obey this teaching and we will examine them next time.

How can I live for God? (part 30)
February 12, 2010

More on “girding the loins like a man”

The two verses that follow refer to a distinction in the kind of garment that pertains to a man, one that cleaves or wraps closely about his loins allowing him to be prepared for quick action or movement.

Job 38:3 Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.

Jer 13:11 For as the girdle cleaveth to the loins of a man, so have I caused to cleave unto me the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah, saith the LORD; that they might be unto me for a people, and for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory: but they would not hear.

In my lifetime, I have watched the transition of who wears the pants in the family. I attended elementary school in the late 1960's when pants were considered the garment only of a man but watched them gradually become a cross-gender garment. Little Theresa, a girl in my third grade class in the local public school, was sent home by our teacher and principal because she was wearing pants and not the mandatory dress. My older sister who attended the same elementary school a few years before me reported how that the girls were even occasionally checked for proper dress length. But by the time I was in middle school, our schools had changed the policy and permitted the girls to wear pants.

Despite the shift in what has become acceptable to our culture, pants are still internationally acknowledged as pertaining to a man and dresses to women. Consider the picture sign that appears on restroom doors around the world to differentiate the distinction between the restroom that pertains to a man (a person wearing pants) and the one that pertains to women (a person wearing a dress).

It is accepted internationally that pants are a garment that pertains to the man even though it has been slightly modified to create a woman's garment.

However, our Creator said the woman is not to wear the garment that pertains to the man. A woman is not to wear a garment that is characteristic of, part of the image of, associated with, concerned with, connected with, referring to, regarding, and relating to, a man. It was the style of the man's garment that was altered for women's use so the phrase “pertains to” clearly predicted and refers to that situation. Men are simply told to not wear a woman's garment.

Simply put, the way to comply with the cross generational moral standard of Deut 22:5 is that women should not wear pants and men are not to wear skirts or dresses.

Where God states either an opinion or mandate on areas of our living such as dress, the growing, maturing Christian examines that area of their life and through the Spirit who lives within them, they seek to live in compliance with God's way.

How can I live for God? (part 29)
February 11, 2010

What moral standard does the verse teach?

Deuteronomy 22:5 The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.

What this verse says is:

(1) women shall not wear what pertains to a man
(2) men are not to wear women's garments
(3) those who do so this is an abomination to the Lord

It is also helpful to note what this verse does not say. It does not say: A man shall not wear that which pertains to a woman. For the sake of comparing these ideas it is helpful to point this out. The verse clearly says that the garment that pertains to a man is not to be worn by a woman; and, a man it not to wear a woman's garment. The most obvious garment we can apply this to in our day is the clothing item we call pants. This is parallel to the garment referred to in Job 38:3 (and indirectly referred to in Jeremiah 13:11) where the phrase, “gird your loins like a man” appears, clearly referring to a garment that pertains to a man in distinction from that of a woman.

How can I live for God? (part 28)
February 10, 2010

(Keep in mind that the present subject of study is mature Christian living--how to live for God once a person has found a saving relationship with God). Even worse than having God judge your behavior as an abomination is having the eternal destination of those who work abominations. By calling people who violate the principle of Deut 22:5 an “abomination” to Him, God is stating that they will find their judgment in the lake of fire.

Rev 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

And people who are an abomination to Him will be excluded from the Lamb's book of life so they will miss heaven. Heaven or the New Jerusalem is the subject of this next verse:

Rev 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

All abominations will have the same end. This is why we are not to take the meaning of Deuteronomy 22:5 lightly or disregard it as an archaic cultural issue. Some other abominations identified in scripture that also end in hell include idolatry (Deut 12:31), cheating in business (false balances Prov 11:1), liars (Prov 12:22), homosexuality (Lev 18:22), witchcraft (Deut 18:12), killing the innocent and bringing division (Prov 6:16).

Although God reserves a strong judgment for abominations, He also offers mercy to those who repent of their abominations, so never think that there is no hope or that God judges one without offering grace:

Ezek 14:6 Therefore say unto the house of Israel , Thus saith the Lord God; Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations.

How can I live for God? (part 27)
February 9, 2010

Difference between male and female garments

We will continue our discussion on clothing as we examine the subject of gender difference in garment choices. Once again we discover applicable truths from Old Testament examples, just like the apostles said we would (Romans 15:4, 1 Cor. 10:6, 11). The Lord placed a strong emphasis on the need for the difference between the garments of males and females in this verse:

Deuteronomy 22:5 The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a women's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God.

Abomination

Let us begin by examining the word “abomination” in the verse, and then look at what is being called an abomination:

Deut 22:5 … for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God.

The Lord declared that people who violate the moral standard of this verse make themselves an abomination to God. Restated, that means to disobey the standard established in Deuteronomy 22:5 is a act that makes people an abomination unto the Lord. The Hebrew definition of “abomination” means: something morally disgusting, an abhorrence, to detest and regard with horror. An abomination to the Lord is something that God thinks is morally disgusting, something that God detests, can't stand, hates and regards with horror. Because it is listed as an abomination to the Lord, it raises the declaration in this verse to a level that demands consideration as a cross-generational and cross-cultural moral standard.

How can I live for God? (part 26)
February 8, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 25)
February 4, 2010

David and Bathsheba

Who was responsible for the adulterous affair between David and Bathsheba? Of course we know that David was responsible. He had the opportunity to turn away from the forbidden. However, what happened between them could likely have been avoided, at least in the way and time it did, if Bathsheba had not appeared immodestly in a public way, visible from David’s house next door. She did not take the necessary precautions to prevent the immodest expose of her body to a man who was not her husband, fueling the fires of lust in David.

Of course, David should have worked harder at governing his eyes and thoughts after he caught the first glimpse, so he is responsible as well, but this is a perfect example why modesty is so important. Jesus said that a man has the potential to lust and sin in his heart by mere glances at women (Matthew 5:28). Christian women should be concerned about appearing as an object of lust rather than a holy child of God. Your beauty and purity is a God-given treasure that God intends for you protect as a treasure and to share with only one man—the one you are married to. When you begin to show off your treasures to someone who does not have the right to partake of them, you run the risk of having that treasure taken away.

We must remember that our actions can be a stumbling block to others:

Romans 14:12-13
12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

Since we are called to demonstrate care and concern for others, we should be resolved to not lead others to fall and be mindful of their weaknesses and not just pleasing ourselves. The pleasing-myself-only attitude says: "I should be able to wear whatever I want. If some guy has a problem with lust, that's his problem." We are called instead to edify our neighbor not tempt him.

Romans 15:1-2
1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
13. As a servant of Christ, we are to seek ways to edify, or build up the faith of our brothers and not to weaken them.

King David was not a wicked-hearted man—he was a man after God’s heart. He was simply tempted during a weak moment and Bathsheba possessed the power to either draw him deeper into his temptation or to edify him. By wearing immodest clothing, we send out a secret signal that says, “I invite you to look at me and consider me as a sexual object.”

When you do the mirror check, ask, “God, is this all right with you? Am I sending out wrong signals by wearing this?” After you ask yourself that question, then think about how your brother, father, mother, or pastor would answer.

How can I live for God? (part 24)
February 3, 2010

Modesty check questions

Last lesson we asked some questions that were part of a heart check. Now consider these questions for a garment check that we should ask before we walk out the door.

Is my shirt or blouse loose-fitting and revealing when I bend over?
Does my button down blouse have any gaping areas when I move around? I may need to add a safety pin.
Should I be concerned about how many buttons are left unbuttoned so that I am not revealing something that I should not? That can look seductive.
Can I see under garments through my outer garments?
In sunlight, are my garments see-through?
When I raise my hands, does skin show down below?
Is my garment so tight that it exposes or draws attention to the body parts they are supposed to be hiding?
When I sit down, does my skirt extend below the knee?
Does a slit reveal anything above the knee? I may need to sew it or pin it.
Do my underwear show when I bend over or lift my hands?

These questions help us conform to standards of modesty that were handed down to us directly from the pages of scripture. We may as well listen to God’s opinion of how we are to present our bodies. If we have a heart to please the Lord, then we must take a look at the clothes in our closet with pleasing God in mind.

Why should we be so concerned about what we wear? We will look at that question deeper tomorrow.

How can I live for God? (part 23)
February 1, 2010

Another principle to consider in choosing our clothing—lordship
We must ask ourselves the question, “Who is the Lord, or boss of my life?” We might quickly think to answer, Jesus! But does Jesus influence all the decisions you make such as those you make concerning your clothing styles? Who is Lord then?
Remember, when God saved us, we are no longer slaves of our culture where we are forced to wear what everyone else is wearing and do what everyone else is doing. We are servants of God.

To help you recognize who your heart is tied to, ask yourself this question, “By my appearance and clothing choices, do I fit in better in the world or in the kingdom of God?” Or, “Can I wear this at church without feeling worldly, and do I feel that I am honoring the Holy Ghost within me who actually owns me?”

You can often recognize people of different national origins by their clothing styles. You are a Holy Ghost-filled child of God and are not of this world but citizens of a heavenly country. As such, we are more concerned about looking like those of our own country than those of the world.

Rom 12:2 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.

It is true that there are some things of this world that we are simply not to imitate:

1 John 2:15 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.

Jesus was humble and his lifestyle expressed humility. What characteristics do our garments demonstrate? Your clothes make a statement about you; what statement are your clothes revealing about your heart? Whose attention and approval are you seeking? God or others? Who inspires your dress? Hollywood? An American Idol? 5th Avenue? Who are you seeking to identify with by wearing that style? Is this garment consistent with biblical values of modesty, self-control, and respect? Is this garment identified with sinful cultural values and does me wearing it reveal a hidden fascination I have with that sinful value? What do other godly people whom I respect think of this clothing?

These questions help us determine who is Lord of our life in the area of our apparel.

How can I live for God? (part 22)
January 29, 2010

Heart check questions

What we put on the outside reveals what is in our heart. Are my garments extravagant, showy, indecent, sexually enticing, do they draw undue attention to me or certain body parts? Why do I like this look? Is it because I want to fit in with a particular group, I want to be cool or popular?

When determining what we are going to wear, consider the biblical principle of ownership as stated in:

1 Cor 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

Your body with all its shapes and curves does not belong to you but God. We can’t take something that belongs to someone else and do with it what we want unless it first meets the owner’s approval. As we already mentioned, many clothing designers have sensual provocation in mind. By wearing something sensual in a public setting, the wearer is advertising or giving away something that doesn’t belong to them. We must take whatever steps are necessary to preserve, protect, honor, respect, and properly cover God’s property. It is another subject all together what one wears in private (in the bedroom or bathroom) where it may not be necessary to guard one's modesty. Yet even there, we must not forget that our body belongs to the Lord. Be diligent to teach that to your heart.

How can I live for God? (part 21)
January 28, 2010

Clothing that doesn’t fit

With that biblical definition of modesty laid out, let us consider some popular modern American apparel and see how they stand up against that definition. In doing so, again let us remember that we are not attempting to establish a human-engineered legalistic standard, or being judgmental of others. The goal here is simple: Pursue God’s heart as revealed through His Word and apply it to very practical elements of life.

Here are some garments that do not fit within the biblical definition of modesty as they don't "cover the nakedness" or they permit the wearers' "shame to be seen."
a.       short shorts
b.       short skirts
c.       belly shirts
d.       halter tops
e.       spaghetti strap tops
f.       strapless dresses that reveal the shoulders and back
g.       very short sleeve, sleeveless shirts, tank tops, low cut tops
h.       most swimming attire
i.        split skirts that reveal the knee or any part of the upper leg

Consider that even a long skirt that has a slit that reveals portions of the upper leg when sitting, walking or climbing stairs simply serve as teasers and should be avoided. Wherever the top of the split comes to is, in a true sense, the bottom of the skirt in terms of what it covers and what it reveals.

Tomorrow we will look at the heart and try to reveal what is the basis our choices of clothing.

How can I live for God? (part 20)
January 27, 2010

Another phrase found in scripture pertaining to modesty is, “covering the nakedness.”

Exodus 28:42 And thou shalt make them linen breeches (trousers) to cover their nakedness; from the loins (middle of back) even unto the thighs (legs to the knee) they shall reach:

Here is the same verse in the Living Bible:

Ex 28:42 Also make linen undershorts for them, to be worn beneath their robes next to their bodies, reaching from hips to knees.

Another verse that refers to modesty is in Isaiah 47. A judgment on the nation Babylon included them having their modesty shamed:

Isaiah 47:2-3
2 Take the millstones, and grind meal: uncover thy locks, make bare the leg, uncover the thigh, pass over the rivers.
3 Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet thee as a man.

The shame of immodesty, what God called “nakedness,” was the revealing of the upper part of the leg, the thigh. Also from Ezekiel 16:7-8 the Living Bible, the two private areas of a woman, her breasts and genital areas are called part of her nakedness. Isaiah 20:4 mentions the buttocks is part of our nakedness. 1 Samuel 5:9 mentions the male groin area calling it his “secret parts.” Secret means not to be revealed.

Compiling each of these verses on holy garments and modesty we find a basic definition of biblical modesty. Holy garments are to cover these areas:
a.         Upper body
b.         Waist or belly
c.         Hips
d.         Legs to the knee

How can I live for God? (part 19)
January 26, 2010

Our garments should be modest
Here is an important verse that addresses modesty:

1 Timothy 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel,…

It is unquestionable that that verse calls for modest dress, but what exactly is modest dress?

“Modest” is translated from the Greek word, “kosmios” meaning, well-arranged, seemly, modest, well ordered, decent, attractive, proper, suitable, decorous. With that definition in mind, let us examine some examples of modest attire in scripture. There are several scriptures that teach us God’s standard of modesty, each of them making very specific references to parts of the body that should be covered.

Let us start by looking at God’s design for the priests’ garment. This is a good example of basic modesty that works for both males and females. Pay attention to the specific articles of clothing mentioned and what portion of the body they are designed to keep covered:

Lev 16:4 He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on.

What are considered holy garments are those that provide covering of the:
a.         upper body (holy linen coat)
b.         waist (linen girdle)
c.         legs (linen breeches)
d.         the head (linen mitre)

In a later lesson we will study the scriptures that address the New Testament parallel for the head coverings. From what we have seen so far, teh foundation of a modest garment is one that covers our upper torso, waist, and legs. More tomorrow.

How can I live for God? (part 18)
January 25, 2010

Garments for glory and beauty

In recent lessons, we studied several New Testament passages tell us that to look to the Old Testament for examples and lessons for learning deep spiritual truths. Let us study the examples set forth for us in the area of modest apparel.

A good example to consider is God’s design of the priest’s garment. Here is God’ summary of the clothing requirement for His priests:

Ex 28:2 And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.

The priest’s garments were to reflect glory to God as well as beauty. That is a good example for us today: our clothes can be attractive yet still honor the Lord.

How can I live for God? (part 17)
January 22, 2010

Why is teaching on modesty needed and part of a discussion of living for God?

Teaching on modesty is needed to counteract the carnal natures of men and women and the emphasis on immodesty promoted in our culture through the media and Hollywood . Current style trends tell us the more skin that is shown the better. The title of an article in the Washington Post by Laura Sessions Stepp, makes the point clearly: “Nothing to Wear: From the Classroom to the Mall: Girls Fashions Are Long on Skin and Short on Modesty.”

The writer quoted a marketing director of a store who sells clothing for teenage girls and young women: “We appeal to an independent girl with enough self-confidence to wear our body-conscious and provocative clothing.”

Current culture falls way short of the culture of modesty set forth in scripture. We may desire the freedom to wear whatever we want, but God does care about what we wear and we should consider His opinion on the subject. That is primarily because we are to glorify God with our lives in whatever we do:

1 Cor 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God .

We are placed here to serve God and make Him happy through our choices. With girls, the mating instinct drives them to show themselves as attractive to the opposite sex, which is fine to an extent. However, it is her carnal nature that drives her too deeply on that path where she becomes flirty, touchy, desiring to look sexy and provocative, and to draw a guy's attention to her body. That is why the scripture specifically teaches ladies to dress modestly.

And on the flip-size, guys are naturally and highly aroused by what they see and often battle with temptation to take long exploring looks at a woman. Jesus spoke of that but didn't call it “girl watching”—He called it adultery in the heart. (Matt 5:28). The principles of modesty must be followed to counteract natural fleshly urges.

There are times when because of the fads of the world that the church has to be counter-cultural in order to glorify God, and in terms of clothing styles, that is certainly true today.

How can I live for God? (part 16)
January 21, 2010

Modesty and our garments: Does God care about how we present our bodies?

We now turn the corner to cover a very practical lifestyle issue: the subject of modesty in dress. Does God really care how we dress or how our bodies look? After all, does not the Bible say that God doesn't look on the outward appearance but only on the heart?

Let us look at that often misquoted and misinterpreted scripture:

1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

Samuel was looking to anoint the next king of Israel . God directed him to a specific family of several boys. Samuel was immediately drawn to the tallest and strongest candidate thinking this must be the one. However, God reminded Samuel of an obvious truth: when looking a king, there are more important qualities to consider than height and biceps. God emphasized the need for a heart review. God told Samuel, man looks on the outside and the Lord looks on the heart.

Is the point of that verse that God does not care about our outward appearance? He is making a point that when making a choice of the king, what that person has in his heart is more important than how he looks. But back to our question, “Does God care about our bodies?” Look at what the apostle Paul asked of the church in Rome .

Romans 12:1 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.

Yes, God takes interest in how we present our bodies. Otherwise, the Apostle Peter would not have even needed to mention the outward adorning in 1 Peter 3:3 and Paul would not have mentioned modest apparel in 1 Timothy 2:9. We will study these verses later.

How can I live for God? (part 15)
January 20, 2010

The choice between right and wrong is not as difficult decision a when we focus on the eternal results that will come out of our choice rather than the pleasure we may reap at the moment.

Gal 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

If the situation has the feel of iniquity, evil, deception, sin, or lust, the right thing to do is delay the gratification until it can be achieved in a wholesome setting that God honors.

Paul gives a list of good qualities that are examples of what shows up in our lives when we walk in the Spirit. They are called the fruit of the Spirit:

Gal 5:22-24
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

By showing love to the unlovable, by feeling inner joy during disappointments, by having peace in a storm, you are demonstrating what happens by walking in the Spirit.

By showing longsuffering (similar to patience) and gentleness to people who try your nerves, by maintaining goodness when everyone around us is choosing to do bad, we are crucifying our flesh and demonstrating the walk in the Spirit.

By being faithful when tried in the fiery furnace, by keeping meek and using self control when tempted to show rage, we have demonstrated what it means to walk in the Spirit.

That is one of the highest reaches of holiness in our lives—we have chosen to walk in the pathway of the Holy Spirit—that is holiness with track shoes on. Live holy in those situations where the rubber meets the road and the light of Jesus Christ will shine through you in the difficulty.

How can I live for God? (part 14)
January 19, 2010

Fruit of the Spirit

In contrast to the works of the flesh that can lead to hell, let us move on to some things that represent true holiness and living without condemnation for those on their way to heaven. Those who have received the Holy Ghost have the potential of doing something the scripture calls “walking in the Spirit”:

Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Walking in the Spirit or after the Spirit is a manner of living that pursues to please the Spirit of God that dwells in you and avoids the carnal desires of the flesh that lead to or are sinful:

Rom 8:4-5
4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

The same idea is repeated here:

Gal 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit , and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

What walking in the Spirit simply means that we follow the leading of the Spirit of God when He warns us against sinful urges of the flesh that come before us:

Rom 8:13-14
13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

We mortify or “kill the sin in our lives” by listening to and obeying the voice of the Spirit. I heard of an encounter a pastor had with someone in his church after he had preached boldly against sin. The individual came up to him and asked, “Pastor, are you trying to kill me!” The questioner was surprised to hear the pastor answer just as boldly, “Yes.”

God paves a pathway of obedience for us—we can call it the right way—through every difficult situation; and walking in the Spirit is simply listening to and obeying God as He reveals that path to us.

How can I live for God? (part 13)
January 15, 2010

Let me return to the “lists of sins” we have been discussing. Have you thought about the fact that each of these lists was found in letters that were written to saved people concerning their actions and how to mature in God? They were not evangelistic messages directed to the lost. What that means to us is that although we may have participated in those things before we were saved, after we got saved, we must avoid them. They are “works of the flesh” which when practiced by saved individuals, means that person turns from obedience to disobedience and has turned his back on God and on heaven. They are choosing flames of torment rather than a tree of life.

Works of the flesh pre-select a place of weeping, wailing, gnashing of teeth over a place of worship, singing, and eternal healing. I'm no longer what I used to be. However, if you are one who made a decision to live for God at some point in your life and have since returned to those sins, you need to know that if you are reading this today, it is not too late for you to find forgiveness. After all, Paul told those former sinners,

1 Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Colossians 3:7-8 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these…

It is time for a New Years' put off. Have you repented and turned away from those sins? If you are reading this, take this as God speaking directly into your heart. He wants you back. Repent. Return to Him.

How can I live for God? (part 12)
January 14, 2010

Are we guilty of legalism?

Before we return to some of the weightier matters of living for God, let us consider a criticism that people who pursue a lifestyle of holiness must answer. What are you trusting in for your salvation, your good and holy behavior, or Jesus Christ? Those who trust in their good works over the saving work of Jesus are guilty of legalism.

Louis Pitre, in a self-published article entitled, Legalism, September 2006, defined legalism this way: legalism is a term used to describe a doctrinal position that emphasizes a system of rules and regulations, rather than faith, in achieving both salvation and spiritual growth.

Legalism attempts to teach unsaved people to obey certain rules in an attempt to “look saved” and thereby are saved. We need to emphasize here that holiness is a study of how to live for God after one gets saved, and is not a method to be saved. We do not teach that people get saved by living a good moral life, and neither do we follow lists of rules to create mechanical behavior like robots that cause us to all look and act alike. We don't follow lists of do's and don'ts' to get us saved, but as a response of obedient love to the one who saved us—Jesus Christ.

Another thing is true about the Apostolic Christian is that we pursue and make decisions about personal holiness to separate ourselves from temptations. Like Job who “made a covenant” with his eyes (Job 31:1) to help him resist being tempted by a woman, our putting up a fence to keep us from a temptation is not legalism but our expression of love and gratitude to the one who died to save us from that sin.

How can I live for God? (part 11)
January 13, 2010

We are searching out the answer to the question, “How can I live for God?” In answering this question we look for God's opinion on the subject of our lifestyle and consider our own personal holiness. Is it possible to make lifestyle choices that either please or displease God? Does God even care? Does the Bible speak about this subject? Is it ok to just blend in with our culture and, “while in Rome , do as the Romans do?” No, the Lord has a counter-cultural plan as reflected in His command to Israel after they left Egypt :

Lev 18:3 After the doings of the land of Egypt , wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan , whither I bring you, shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk in their ordinances.

We have a royal calling that carries both privileges and responsibilities:

1 Peter 2:9-11
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:
10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

When we feel drawn by some fleshly lust, we must call to mind our royal calling to help us abstain from those lusts. Like the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11, we are only strangers in this land and our citizenship is of another country.

Heb 11:13-16
13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
16 But now they desire a better country , that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

It is far better to be doing that which pleases the Lord—it has many advantages:

1 John 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

How can I live for God? (part 10)
January 12, 2010

Here is another list to read through slowly with the goal of judging your own heart and actions.

Galatians 5:19-21
21 [list follows below]… they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God . (NIV)

sexual immorality

impurity

debauchery (uncleanness)

idolatry

witchcraft

hatred

discord

jealousy

fits of rage

selfish ambition

dissensions

factions

envy

drunkenness

orgies

These verses clearly declare that participants of these sins “shall not inherit the kingdom.” Stated another way, they will miss heaven and will go to hell because of their choice of sinful participation.

From these and other lists, we find several things God lists that we must avoid if we want to live eternally in heaven. And oh, there are others: such as unforgiveness – if we forgive others, God will forgive us. If we don't, God will bring up again our indebtedness. (Matthew 18:23-35). If we have a tongue that causes discord in the church (Prov 6:16), etc.

Although God is a loving, merciful, and compassionate God, He is also very strong against sinful disobedience. A place in hell is reserved for those who are disobedient. However, where sin abounds, grace much more abounds. What does that mean?

If you are living in a condition of disobedience and you find yourself on these lists, that was also true of several people who were in the New Testament church before God got a hold of them. After listing these long lists of sins, Paul said:

1 Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Colossians 3:7-8 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these…

It is time to get washed and justified by Jesus.

How can I live for God? (part 9)
January 11, 2010

Lists of sins with destination hell.

Let us take a look at two other lists. We will look at Revelation 21:8 and another tomorrow.

Revelation 21:8 [list follows below]… shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Those who participate in the conduct/behaviors that are listed below have the lake of fire as their destination. If you have the time, don't breeze through it too quickly. Think about those that we might consider the “simple” things in this list and also consider your own conduct.

The fearful: means living without trust in God. Trust in God is the basis of salvation. If you are living in fear, you are not trusting God with your life's outcome.

The unbelieving: This is also at the root of the fearful. It simply means those who doubt of God. This person says with their words or their action, “I don't believe in God

The abominable: there are other lists in the Bible that name what is abominable to God. We will look into that later.

Murderers: Criminal, intentional homicide. I will add that the scripture distinguishes between the necessary conduct of a dutiful soldier/police officer and that of a criminal whose intent is to kill for selfish gain. The soldier/law enforcement agent who is acting as an extension of a civil government “bears the sword” because he is appointed by God to “execute wrath upon him that doeth evil “(Romans 13:4). Criminal homicide is what is in mind in Revelation 21:8.

Whoremongers: participants in fornication or prostitution.

Sorcerers: witch craft, black magic, astrology, horoscopes, fortune telling, games that explore the devil and try to make contact with demons such Ougi boards. The Greek word, farma-koi, refers also to drug use.

Idolaters: servant or worshiper of an image. We looked at this in greater detail in Friday's lesson.

All liars: includes tellers of “white” lies? All liars are headed to hell fires according to this verse.

How can I live for God? (part 8)
January 8, 2010

Warning, we are moving beyond the “milk of the Word” and getting into some things that are harder to swallow, yet just as much a part of the Word of God. Here is the first list of behaviors that we will look at that are “going to hell” sins.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (compare to Colossians 3:5-7)
9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God ? Be not deceived, neither…

fornicators: the sexually immoral – sexual contact between persons who are not married to each other. This has been a problem throughout all the ages as much as it is in modern days.

idolators: worshippers of idols. Something that comes dangerously close in the modern world (in my opinion) is worship of sports idols, recording idols, and Hollywood idols. Remember, “worship” includes shouting a name, cheering, hollering, jumping, dancing, and running in honor of the thing/person worshipped. To what extend is your life controlled by these American idols?

adulterers: prostitutes

effeminate and abusers of themselves with mankind: homosexuals, male prostitutes, sodomites (Colossians 3:5 “inordinate affection”)

thieves: people who steal, or take things that they are not entitled to or that belong to others without the consent of the owner.

covetous

drunkards: people who consume alcoholic beverages to the point of inebriation

revilers: slanderers. Has to do with speaking evil of other people.

extortioners: swindlers. Similar to thieves.

None of those “shall inherit the kingdom of God ” (go to heaven).

The parallel list in Colossians 3:6 states: “for which things sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience.” From these lists, the Lord makes it very clear that those who choose to participate in these things without repentance chose to miss heaven.

For clarity of the point, it can be restated this way: Fornicators will go to hell, idolators will go to hell, adulterers and homosexuals will go to hell, etc….Are any of those activities worth the trade? Nonreligious people often accuse religious people of judging others for saying such things but it is important to remember that it is God's Word that very clearly and without any vagueness makes that judgment.

When Jesus was teaching a very strict teaching on divorce, someone who obviously disagreed with his stand said, “It would be better then to never get married!” Jesus' response to the man was fitting then and is also fitting here and now:

Matt 19:11 But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.

Not everyone accepts or lives by God's strict standards but that does not cause God to change His standard to meet man's standards. They can be received by those to whom they are given. It will be God before whom they will stand in judgment and not you or me. If God feels that way about these things now, do people think He will somehow change how He feels at the Day of Judgment?

How can I live for God? (part 7)
January 4, 2010

Staying out of hell--Lists of sins

Welcome to the new year. Let us move on to some practical scriptural discussions about lifestyle decisions that pertain to holiness. Many of you have been taking a close examination of your life and where you are going so this is a perfect time to dive in deeply into this subject of holiness—personal holiness—how you live.

In our walk with God, we are regularly presented with the question about certain activities, “Is this wrong? Is it a sin? Can I go to hell if I am participating in this?”

The Bible warns us that if we do certain things, we will go to hell. We will look at some of those things in various lists presented in the Bible. Let me say this at the start of this subject, however; while missing hell should not our only motivation for living holy, it is certainly a real fear to keep in the back (or front) of our mind. Let us start our holiness teaching by looking at three of the lists in the New Testament that name specific things that we are to avoid because hell awaits those who participate in them.

This is a very serious matter now before us. Questions arise from time to time about some activities that people debate whether it is sinful or not because the Bible doesn't specifically name them. Those issues may fall into the category of personal convictions. However, the following issues are clearly identified as sinful activities that the child of God must stay away from.

More tomorrow...

How can I live for God? (part 6)
December 24, 2009

Odd illustration

Once upon a time, there was a baby born in a hospital whom the mother named “Odd.” After hearing the name of the child, the doctors and nurses in the hall chuckled. Odd grew up and entered school and all the kids in his school laughed at him. Odd grew older and got a job and at work he was always the brunt of jokes.

Eventually, Odd fell in love and got married. Years passed and Odd told his wife that he was tired of being identified as Odd so he said that when he died, he did not want his name to be put on his tombstone. Odd said, “I will finally cease being called Odd and will be able to get away from such ridicule.

The years passed and Odd died. And true to his request, his wife had his tombstone engraved with just his date of birth and his date of death. It seemed that finally, Odd got his wish and would no longer be called Odd.

However, more years passed and a couple was walking through the graveyard curiously examining tombstones. When they came up to Odd's tombstone, the woman noticed the nameless tombstone and called her husbands attention to it. “Look at this honey, a nameless tombstone. Isn't that odd?”

When you are saved and then called by God into a holy lifestyle, there will be people who will call you odd. But don't try to hide that identification as God's child regardless of what you are called. You're forever Odd! A peculiar person.

Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

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:

How can I live for God? (part 5)
December 23, 2009

Facts about holiness

We are called to a lifestyle of holiness:

1 Thessalonians 4:7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

When you became a child of Jesus, you received a call to holiness. We learn from scripture that holiness is a lifelong pathway or journey, not a single point or destination. We constantly work to pursue and perfect holiness:

2 Cor 6:17-7:1
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Our holiness call is a call from a life of sinful chaos to perfection—we won't hit that target in this life but we constantly aim for it.

Holiness is God's way of protecting us by putting up barriers to temptations and sin. Always remember that whenever God says no about something, it is to protect us.

Rev 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

How can I live for God? (part 4)
December 22, 2009

General facts about holiness: Seeking to become more like God

Holiness is a way of life that has as its motto; “I love God and I want to be more like Him.” It is obeying God for the right reasons. It is not merely appearing righteous but being righteous:

Matthew 23:26, 28
26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.
28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

We display an ingredient label on the outside that reveals what is on the inside. Holiness is our Christ-like-ness: WWJD, our character, attitudes, conduct, habits. When we were sinners, our life was filled with worldliness, worldly pleasures, and carnal thoughts. Holiness is a reflection of our heart being right with God. That is why holiness becomes our pursuit after we are saved and we desire to please God.

When we became newborn Christians, we received a God-centered motivation so we began a lifelong process of moving from worldliness toward godliness. Often when people make the decision to “quit church,” they usually mean they want to quit a lifestyle of godliness. But when God gets us, He wants to separate us from certain things:

Leviticus 20:26 And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine.

Our desire to be like God becomes a desire to be holy. How ironic that one of the temptations the serpent threw at Eve was that by eating the forbidden fruit would make her like God. Becoming like God means becoming holy not disobedient. As my desire to please the Lord grows, I become more interested in having God's approval of all of my thoughts, my words and my actions. Our desire to please the Lord and the resulting changes in our lives is our holiness.

To God it is important:

Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

How can I live for God? (part 3)
December 21, 2009

Our response of love

We should not just focus on staying out of hell, however; our goal of living holy is more about maintaining a loving and open relationship with God. If we love the Lord we will seek to live in a way that is pleasing to Him. The Apostle John spoke much about love and how our love for God should demonstrate obedience to God. John recorded these words of Jesus:

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments .

John 14:21 He that hath my commandments , and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

John 15:10 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.

Then years after Jesus left the world, John was still talking about love and obedience:

1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments : and his commandments are not grievous.

2 John 6 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.

So rather than looking at our choices about holiness simply as a way to stay out of hell, we should look at them as ways to reflect and demonstrate our love for God. When we truly love the Lord, we don't try to see how deep into worldliness without sinning. That is a backward perspective.

I remember hearing a story of a king who was speaking to the final four candidates who were seeking the position of the king's personal chariot driver. He asked each of them this question: “How close to the edge of the cliff can you drive yet still keep me safe?”

The first responded, “Oh, king, I can drive one foot from the ledge and still keep you safe.” The next candidate wanted to sound even more daring so he said, “I can get you six inches from the ledge and remain safe.” The third, not to be outdone spoke up and boasted, “Oh I will drive one inch from the ledge and will never fallen!” The fourth candidate responded, “Oh, king. When I drive past the cliff, I stay as far from the ledge as possible.” The king responded to the fourth, “You're hired!”

So rather than asking how close to sin can I live and still get by, I'm asking how close to God and His love can I get? How can I rid myself of all the filth all around me and pursue righteousness?

How can I live for God? (part 2)
December 18, 2009

Blotting our name from the Book of Life

A second goal that leads us to our discussion today is living for God in a way that pleases Him. In other words, how can we remain under God's umbrella of grace so that our name remains in the Book of Life? Listen to these warnings:

Revelation 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

and

Revelation 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

That first verse lets us know that we must overcome some things to keep our name in the Book of Life. The sense of the second one tells us that if we cut off parts of the Bible by ignoring them, we cut out our name from the Book of Life. That is very serious because Rev 20:12 says:

Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Living an overcoming life and obeying the Word of God boil down to our lifestyle choices. Therefore, our second goal after getting our name in the Book of Life, would be keeping it there.

Matt 7:21 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.

This is certainly an important reason to ask this question: How can I live for God? We want to find out what Jesus means by doing the will of our Father.

How can I live for God? (part 1)
December 17, 2009

How can I live for God? An Introduction to Personal Holiness

In our past Bible studies, we have explored the answers to critical life questions. Here is a summary of our in depth analysis:

1. How can I find truth? It can be found in God's Word, the Bible.

2. Who is God? Jesus

3. How can I find God? Believe (have faith) that Jesus is capable and willing to save you from your sins; pursue that faith by obeying His command to repent of your sins; further pursue that faith by obeying His command to be baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ. The climax of your faith comes when you ask God to fill you with the Holy Ghost and God does it. At the moment God gives you His Spirit He also gives you a sign, a demonstration of that infilling, that being allowing you to speak in an unknown tongue.

We then briefly covered “your new life” describing the freedom and deliverance God gave you and provided some tools to strengthen your walk: pray daily; read the Bible daily; be faithful to attend church; call on the new church family any time you need help with walking in your new life.

We now turn the corner to answer another very important question: How can I live for God? This is a study of personal holiness (pursuing what pleases God). Let us jump into a lengthy response to that question and why it is important to know the answer.

The Book of Life: There is a record book in heaven of names of people who should be very happy that their name is found there.

Luke 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

The scripture does not state exactly when God records those names there but it appears to be connected with them getting saved and becoming apart of God's church:

Heb 12:23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

With our names in the book of life, we have our ticket to one day dwell in heaven:

Rev 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it [New Jerusalem—heaven] any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Getting our name in the Book of Life should be everyone's goal in life.

Your New Life (part 8)
December 16, 2009

Warning and Help

We will conclude with a warning. Although the Lord is thrilled you have become His child—it gave him great pleasure, and the angels and all heaven rejoiced when you got saved—and although the church is thrilled about your new live and I'm sure your pastor is doing somersaults for joy that you have moved closer to God, understand that now the devil will work overtime in attack mode against you to stop your forward progress in serving Jesus.

The scripture warns us to be watchful of his attack:

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

He will likely use people to try to discourage you and even condemn you for becoming “holier than thou”, or a “holy roller,” or a “religious fanatic.” He will also try to make you stumble into sin and discourage you to the point of wanting to turn your back on God. Just understand that if you weren't feeling all those things, the devil wouldn't be doing his job.

And also consider this: the Bible calls new saints, “babes in Christ”. When babies are learning to walk, they do a lot of stumbling. But eventually they learn to walk because they just keep getting up and try again. Just keep getting up.

Help

And also remember that you are not alone. In your church there is likely a group of people who will dedicate hours praying for your success. They care for you and you can probably call someone at any time. You are now part of a family and as such, there is genuine care for one another. Welcome to the family!

Your New Life (part 7)
December 15, 2009

Consistent Church Attendance

The three basic nutrients of a successful Christian are prayer, Bible reading, and consistent church attendance. You won't be successful in your new life if you are a CEO Christian: Christmas and Easter only. You won't be successful as a Christian if you are only a 9-1-1 Christian, only coming to God when your life is in a crisis.

You may have thought that once a week church attendance was ok. What would it be like if you only ate a meal one time a week? You would surely grow weak. One means of building your spiritual strength is to be at the house of God every time the church doors are open. Maybe it's just the janitor's cleaning day, but you will be blessed in cleaning toilets and vacuuming at the church. If it is Bible study night, you will be blessed to be there. If it is an outreach effort, you will be blessed to be there.

In the Old Testament, God told Moses that when they came to the land of promise, there would be a place of gathering for worship. God commanded the people to gather there for worship:

Deut 12:5 But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, even unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come :

When the early church had was in its infancy, they were gathering daily (Acts 2:42-47). As the days progress closer and closer to the coming of the Lord, we need to make certain that we are faithful to God's house:

Heb 10:25 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.

In the church we have opportunities to pray together, to worship together, to hear each other's testimonies, to hear preaching, and to fellowship with one another.

1 Thess 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

Be faithful to assemble with God's people. It is an essential ingredient to your spiritual success.

Your New Life (part 6)
December 14, 2009

Daily Bible reading
We are talking about the three essential nutrients for a successful spiritual life. The first that we discussed last time was prayer. Today we introduce the second essential nutrient for the successful and victorious Christian walk: The Bible. It is the food that your soul requires to survive.

You may never hear God’s audible voice speak with you, but when you have the Holy Ghost on the inside, and the Holy Ghost is the author of the Bible, and you open up the Bible to read, God will make this several thousand year old Book come alive as if it was written today.

This Book is your key to success:

Psalms 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

We can cleanse our way and find direction all in the Word of God. When we read the Word and meditate on it, we are putting it in our heart. And that contributes to our success as a new Christian:

Psalms 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Bible reading charts are available to help you keep track of your daily Bible reading (check out the BREAD program). There are charts that can step you through reading the Bible through every year with only 15 or 20 minutes of reading per day. But even without a chart, you should start with one of the gospels--I recommend Luke--then read the Book of Acts. These make an excellent two-volume introduction to the life of Jesus and the church He created.

At a minimum, read at least one chapter of the Bible every day. Set aside time in each day for prayer and reading the Bible.

Your New Life (part 5)
December 11, 2009

Three Basic Nutrients
Now that you are in a new family and are a child of God, your life will become different.However, you can not just slip back into your old routines while waiting on God to speak to you in an audible voice about your next steps. There are three basic nutrients that you must have in your diet in order for you to develop spiritual strength: daily prayer; daily Bible reading and consistent church attendance.

Daily Prayer
Prayer is simply a conversation with God. You know that the success of developing a relationship depends on regular communication. If you want to have a happy marriage, you must learn to communicate on a regular basis. Your marriage is doomed to either failure or bondage if you don’t learn to have open and honest communication with your spouse. The success of your new relationship with God likewise depends on regular communication.

If you don’t know how to pray, the best example of how to pray is the pattern that Jesus provided in Matthew 6:9-13. It is know as "the Lord’s prayer" but it is more a guide for how we are to pray.

Matthew 6:9-13
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 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.

Notice that Jesus didn’t say to recite these words, but to pray after this manner. Use it as a pattern. (Click here for a Prayer Card that I developed as a guide in my daily prayer.) But in the beginning, don’t get bogged down by a pattern.Prayer is talking to God. Whatever pattern you use, whatever time you use it, just be faithful to do it daily.

*Prayer Postions*
Three preachers sat discussing the best positions for prayer, while a telephone repairman worked nearby.
"Kneeling is definitely best," claimed one.
"No," another contended. "I get the best results standing with my hands outstretched to Heaven."
"You're both wrong," the third insisted. "The most effective prayer position is lying prostrate, face down on the floor."
The repairman could contain himself no longer.
"Hey, fellas," he interrupted, "the best prayin' I ever did was hangin' upside down from a telephone pole."

The best kind of praying is that which connects you to God. The secret to effective praying is two words: “do it”

How long should I pray?
Start with 5 minutes, then move to 10. Move it on up as you learn how to open your heart to God. You can talk with your best friend for an hour and you wonder where the time went. You will find that as you develop this relationship, Jesus will be your new best Friend.

Your New Life (part 4)
December 10, 2009

New nature through the Holy Ghost

Think about the way you lived, habits, lifestyle, etc., before you came to Jesus. For most of us, we were nothing like Jesus. So do you wonder how you can change? How can you be different? How can you live like a Christian? How can you quit your filthy habits?

One of the added benefits of having the Holy Ghost is having power to be different:

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Your life may have previously only demonstrated wickedness, immorality and iniquity, but because you now have the Holy Ghost, the power of the Holy Ghost will make your life a witness to and for Jesus. Your new powerful life will cause people to say, “Hey, what’s changed about you? You’re different.”

You can joyfully answer, “Jesus has entered my life and is changing me from the inside out.” We sing a song that goes like this:

Jesus on the inside
Working on the outside
Oh, what a change in my life.

You will be a witness unto Him as that power of God living in you starts working through you. The power that God put inside of you is making you into something different than you were. You are God’s child and are starting to look and act like Him.

John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

And rather than being driven by a pursuit of the shallow thrills of one party, orgy, or high after the next, you are now led by the Spirit of God in you:

Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Your New Life (part 3)
December 8, 2009

New authority – the Lordship of Jesus Christ

Here is some more help for you on your journey in your new life. It is important to know that as you break away from your old life that you are now no longer controlled by our old sinful habits or even the devil. Drugs, bad temper, uncontrolled lusts, and other things may have had a controlling influencing on your life before, but the stronghold that the devil had on you, “he ain’t got no more.” Jesus said,

Matthew 28:18 … All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

And he gave some of that power to His born again children to use over the devil. Listen to Jesus tell a story that He must have had fun retelling:

Luke 10:18-19
18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

You no longer are under the command and authority of the devil. But get this…he is now under your authority. Jesus is your new boss. When the devil bugs you, you can say it like Jesus did: “Get behind me satan.”

Your New Life (part 2)
December 7, 2009

A new beginning
Now that you have been born again, you have been given a new beginning by Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Because old things are passed away, you need to know that your old sinful life is dead and buried. The devil always tries to drag up your past but you have been given a new lease on life by Jesus Christ, and He’s the boss. Even the devil has to bow down to Jesus Christ.And the good news is that he even has to run for cover from us when we come at him in Jesus’ name:

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Your new birth is a holy thing. Your first birth was natural and could have even been surrounded by sinfulness. But your were born again according to God’s eternal and holy Word:
1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

Your New Life (part 1)
December 4, 2009

We move on from the topic of, "How to find God" to discuss where to go from there after you HAVE found God. Let's talk for a while on the topic, "Your New Life." Now that you have been baptized in the name of Jesus and have received the gift of the Holy Ghost, you have found a new life.

What just happened to you? What happened to you is part of the experience that prepares you for heaven. Jesus said a person had to be born again to go to heaven:

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Jesus spoke of the “kingdom of God” and the “kingdom of heaven” which are phrases that refer to the church and to heaven. To go to heaven, you must be born again. The phrase, “born again” has been made popular by religious people but what does it mean?

Let’s answer it by asking a related question, How can I get into God’s church? Or how can I go to heaven? It is answered by Jesus in John 3:5.

John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Being born again has two parts to it: being born of the water (water baptism) and being born of the Spirit (receiving the Holy Ghost). That happened for the first time in Acts 2 and is still happening today. It happened to some of you recently. If you were baptized in water in the name of Jesus, then you have been born of the water. If you have received the gift of the Holy Ghost (the immediate evidence of that happening is speaking in an unknown tongue), then you have been born of the Spirit.If you are lacking one of these, remember, you must find both in order to be saved. If you have been born of water and of the Spirit, then you have been born again according to the scriptures.

How can I find God? (part 39)
December 3, 2009

Today is our final lesson on the topic, “How can I find God?” I will summarize the many scriptures we have presented in the previous lessons.

Faith

To come to God, we must make our approach by faith. That simply means that you believe that by seeking Him, you can find Him and that He has the willingness and ability to eternally save you. Hearing or reading the Word of God or testimonies of others can give us that faith.

Repentance

Faith leads us to repent of our sins. That means that we make a heart-decision to turn away from what displeases God (sin). We come to Him on His terms. His plan is not open for negotiation. Sin must be left behind for it has separated us from God. This is not the same as a new year's resolution, it is a statement by faith that, through God's help, you will forsake your sin.

Baptism

Faith leads us to be baptized for Jesus said believers will be baptized. How we are baptized is to be after the manner set forth in numerous scriptural examples, by being immersed in water as the name of Jesus Christ is called over us. This is the act of faith that causes the blood of Jesus to wash away (remit) our sins.

Receiving His Spirit

Our act of faith is followed by God's act of putting His Spirit inside us. In scripture this is called receiving the Holy Ghost. It is also referred to as being baptized by the Spirit, or being filled with the Spirit. God takes up residence inside of you and you become His temple and a new creation. The immediate sign that God gives us as we are filled with His Spirit is that we begin to speak a (heavenly) language that we have not previously learned. God literally puts the words in our mouths.

This is how to find God in a nutshell. Are you ready to find Him? Let me know if you need help. Write me at a warner@moreword.com .

Our next topic answers the question, “How can I live for God?” After you are filled with the Holy Ghost, God gives instructions on how to make our life more full of Him.

How can I find God? (part 38)
December 2, 2009

As we conclude our study of “How can I find God?”, remember that a correct answer to that question must be based on what the scripture says on the subject rather than simply relying on a religious tradition that we have been familiar with. And neither should we base the answer to such an important question on current philosophical trends.

I was raised in a religious tradition that had core teachings that were not based on scripture. As my family began to search scripture, we decided to make a break from the trend of the past. It was not easy but we were interested in finding God not just another social gathering.

We investigated various religions and almost settled for one that sounded very easy to follow. To “find God” according to their teaching, I simply needed to believe, recite a prayer, and accept Jesus as my savior. I believed, recited, and accepted over and over yet never experienced the life-changing power of God. And in fact, I could not find any examples in scripture to support that idea.

Finally, through study of the scripture, I found many examples of the salvation (finding God) experience that people experienced when the church started in Acts 2. If you want to find God, read through the Book of Acts, where salvation was “acted” out many times over. I found a church that taught the scriptural pattern set forth in Acts 2:38.

Acts 2:37-38
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

This pattern of finding God came in answer to the question, “What shall we do!” The people asking that question were just like you. They had heard about God and they witnessed other people finding God. These folks, however, were the first people to ask that question after Jesus started His church.

Look at it this way, Jesus lived, died, and was resurrected as recorded in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Those books concluded with Jesus saying, “Go to Jerusalem to seek for the promise of the Father.” Then what follows is the Book of Acts that records those people coming to Jerusalem and receiving the promise of the Father. Then some outside observers said, “I like this. What shall we do?”

The point is, that pattern of finding God was repeated many times through Acts to establish the fact that, “this is the way to find God.”

Tomorrow we will sum that up in the final lesson.

How can I find God? (part 37)
December 1, 2009

Some religious traditions teach that the perfect thing mentioned there was the event of the putting together of the books of the Bible that occurred in the first and second centuries. This line of thought suggests that speaking in tongues concluded when the Word of God began to be available for people to read. However, those who argue this issue only point to the fact that tongues will be done away with but that verse also says that when the perfect thing comes, knowledge and healing shall also be done away with, and likely refers to all the gifts of the Spirit. No one believes that when Bibles were produced that knowledge and healing were done away with.

The phrase, “that which is perfect” comes from the single Greek word, “teleios,” which means “properly, brought to its end, finished; lacking nothing necessary to completeness”. That completion speaks of the coming of Christ when He makes all things complete/perfect in the New Jerusalem. That will be the first time when the gifts of the Spirit will no longer be necessary for God to communicate with or heal His people.

And finally, as we conclude this topic, let us consider these next verses:

1 Cor 14:5 I would that ye all spake with tongues , but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues , except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

1 Cor 14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

1 Cor 14:28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

It is clear that these verses specifically refer to the gift of tongues. If someone speaks in tongues to the church in a loud attention getting manner without an interpretation following, that does not help the church. We are instructed so pray for an interpretation. If there is no interpretation of that loud speaking with tongues, quiet your voice so that you are speaking only to yourself and God.

How can I find God? (part 36)
November 30, 2009

Defense of tongues

1 Cor 12:27-30
27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
28 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.
29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

We have already spoken of the difference between the gift of tongues and the sign of tongues. The subject of the above verses is the gifts of the Spirit, and the point is clearly made that everyone does not possess or is always used in all the various gifts that God distributes in His church. Paul describes the church as a body with the different parts each functioning differently according to the needs of the body at the time. The gifts are used to communicate God's messages and to do His work in the church. But notice in the next passage that Paul states that this method of communication and work is not permanent.

1 Cor 13:8-10
8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

All the gifts of the Spirit will eventually be done away with. Right now, they serve as methods through God communicates and works with us. However, Paul spoke of a future time “when that which is perfect is come” when these methods would not be needed. More on this tomorrow.

How can I find God? (part 35)
November 25, 2009

While pursuing the subject of how to find God, let's address an important question that someone pursuing an understanding God's plan may ask. What is the difference between the gift of tongues and speaking in tongues as a sign they have received the Holy Spirit?

The two forms of speaking in tongues are similar because they sound very much the same. As we have seen the difference is in the purpose of each. Personal speaking in tongues as a sign of the Holy Ghost, is usually done to God alone and provides personal spiritual strength to the individual. The gift of tongues comes very loudly, boldly, commanding the attention of the whole church and edifies the whole church.

When God chooses to use the gift of tongues to speak to the church, the church can sense that and becomes quiet. After hearing the message in tongues, then the church prays and reverently waits for God to give the interpretation.

Forbid not to speak with tongues

1 Corinthians 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

Because of a misunderstanding regarding the difference between tongues as a sign for the individual and tongues as a gift to the church, some would say that tongues are not for today. Some have gone so far as to say that tongues are of the devil. It is true that the devil has produced false versions of God's true ways, trying to portray them as substitutes for truth. There are false prophets, anti-christs, supposed pleasures of sin, and on and on. It may be that there are demons who would falsify speaking in tongues, but most assuredly, there is a real, true, authentic, indisputable, legitimate, and genuine speaking in tongues that is from God.

And although Paul sought to regulate and even limit the use of the gift of tongues, he also said, “forbid not to speak with tongues.” And some churches have tried to do just that. How awful it would be if we did not have the opportunity to enjoy the pure and holy pleasure we receive when we speak with tongues. Anyone who would forbid speaking with tongues because they think it is an evil thing, simply has not spoken with tongues themselves as the Spirit gave the utterance.

With that in mind, let us next address a defense of speaking with tongues using the very same verses that are used to attempt to do away with speaking with tongues.

How can I find God? (part 34)
November 20, 2009

We are still on the topic of finding God. And the current subject is certainly a way to have a close encounter with God. The gift of tongues is intended to communicate a message to the whole church to edify everyone. That is why it seemed that Paul tried to restrain tongues in the church of Corinth.

1 Corinthians 14:19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

It was obvious that the misuse of the gift of tongues was leading to confusion in the church. Many would speak in tongues to the whole church and there would be no interpretation. Paul sought to bring the zeal under control at Corinth :

1 Corinthians 14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

He provided the church with a practical way to control out-of-control use of the gift of tongues:

1 Corinthians 14:27-28
27 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.
28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

The gift of tongues is very useful to the church when someone with the gift of interpretation interprets the message in an understandable language. But if no interpretation comes, then the speaker should “keep silence” or in other words, quiet his voice, and then speak only for himself to God.

Paul shows us that the two forms of tongues are very closely related and it is possible to move from one function of tongues right to the other. You may have been speaking in tongues loudly to the church as if it were the gift of tongues ready to be interpreted. However, if no one receives the interpretation to give to the church, your tongue talking should be quieted so that you are not grasping the attention of the whole church. What began as an expression of the gift of tongues to the church may change to tongues as a personal communication to God alone as with tongues for a sign.

The gift of tongues serves to speak a message out loud to the whole church through interpretation. The sign of tongues serves to speak a message relatively quietly and personally to God alone, and is a sign/evidence that a person has been filled with the Spirit. Practically speaking, this form of speaking in tongues may not be quiet or silent, but it is comparatively quiet in relationship to the total volume of worship being experienced by the collective body of worshipers. However, it is personal worship to God and not done to get the attention of the whole church.

How can I find God? (part 33)
November 19, 2009

Tongues as a gift (with interpretation)

Then there is the “gift of tongues.” Paul provides various lists of gifts of the Spirit in his writings. The most commonly used list of the gifts of the Spirit is in 1 Cor 12:4-10.

1 Corinthians 12:4-10
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

The gift of tongues is for the purpose of communicating an understandable message to the church. As in Acts 2:11, it may be in a language that is understood by the hearer but not by the speaker, or the words may be interpreted by someone to whom God gives an interpretation.

1 Cor 14:27 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.

In fact, when using the gift of tongues, we should pray that it is interpreted:

1 Cor 14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

1 Corinthians 12:10 indicates that not everyone will receive “gift of tongues”.

1 Corinthians 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

The gift of tongues serves a different purpose from sign of tongues. The person using the gift of tongues speaks out loud in church with the purpose of his message being interpreted to the whole church. When the message is interpreted for all then the whole church is edified:

1 Corinthians 14:5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

From this verse we see that tongues with an interpretation serves the same purpose as prophesying and is equal in importance. The gift of prophecy and the gift of speaking in tongues with an interpretation both serve to edify the church.

From what we can learn from the New Testament, prophecy is not just foretelling future events, but also speaking the Word of God boldly, as in anointed preaching (John the Baptist, Jesus, Anna, Agabus, Judas and Silas, and others prophesied), or testimony (the new Ephesian believers in Acts 19). So we can see that both prophecy and speaking in tongues with an interpretation, is similar to bold preaching that communicates a message from God to the church.

However, using the gift of tongues alone completes only half of the intended purpose of communicating to people. More tomorrow on this subject.

How can I find God? (part 32)
November 18, 2009

Tongues as a sign

In 1 Corinthians 14:21-22, Paul said one form of speaking in tongues is as a “sign” of the fulfilled prophecy of Isaiah:

Isa 28:11-12
11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.
12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.

Paul said speaking in tongues was a sign that the prophecy of God's Spirit speaking through people had come to pass. It was a sign to convince anyone who would doubt.

1 Corinthians 14:21-22
21 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.
22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: …

We see that happened in Acts 10:45-46 when the Jews were slow to believe that Gentiles were filled with the Holy Ghost in the same manner as they.

Acts 10:45-46
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. …

They knew it was true when they heard them speak in other tongues, so tongues were a sign to the doubters or unbelievers. This kind of speaking in tongues appears not to be a language that other people would necessarily understand, but a heavenly language. Paul spoke about the “tongues of angels” and the “tongues of men” in 1 Corinthians 13:1.

1 Corinthians 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

“Tongues of men” could refer to the second purpose of tongues, the gift of tongues, which we will address in a moment. However, the “tongues of angels” could very well be the “sign” that Paul spoke of when a believer becomes a citizen of the kingdom of heaven. It may sound like babble because it is not necessarily a human language. This form of tongues involves speaking directly to God and not men:

1 Cor 14:2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

When we speak in tongues we don't even understand what we are praying but the “spirit speaks mysteries.” This kind of speaking in tongues edifies, or strengthens the spirit of the one praying:

1 Cor 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself…

In fact, when we pray in tongues, it is our spirit doing the praying:

1 Cor 14:14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

When we received the Holy Ghost, we spoke in tongues as (1) a sign we were filled with the Holy Ghost, and (2) for our spirit to make direct communication to God, and (3) to edify us.

Remember, this sort of speaking in tongues is spoken directly to God and not out loud as if to grab the attention of the whole church for a prolonged time. This is the first purpose of tongues—a sign or evidence of the Spirit within. That is why when we are praying with someone seeking to be saved and filled with the Holy Ghost that we listen for them to speak with new tongues. That was the sign that the first believers had been filled with the Holy Ghost and there is no reason to believe God has changed that.

Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

How can I find God? (part 31)
November 16, 2009

It is clear that from the very beginning of the church on the Day of Pentecost, that when the Holy Ghost fell on people, that experience was accompanied by speaking with tongues by those who received the Holy Ghost.

Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

John Drane, the author of Introducing the The Testament (Drane 245), argues that by judging the evidence provided by the reactions of eyewitnesses, it appears that tongue talking took two different forms or purposes on the Day of Pentecost.

First, tongues was the evidence that the person received the Holy Ghost allowing the speaker to communicate directly to God in a language unknown to humans, and blessing them with the joy of God's Spirit.

And second, it enabled the believers to communicate understandable messages from God to people.

The Apostle Paul later wrote on the subject of speaking in tongues and explained the difference between these two purposes calling them respectively, a “sign” and a “gift.” The evidence for these two purposes can be seen first in Acts 2. There were multitudes of visitors present in Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost that had come from many different countries representing many different languages. Acts 2:9-11 provides a list of countries represented. Some of these foreigners heard them speaking languages they could understand and were amazed at what it meant.

Acts 2:11-12
11 … we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

So first of all, we see that God used speaking in tongues to communicate an understandable message. Others heard nothing but a babble that caused them to think the speakers were merely drunk:

Acts 2:13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

Second, God used tongues simply as evidence of a behavior-changing experience. Now let us examine Paul's writings on tongues that more clearly identifies the two purposes for speaking in tongues.

How can I find God? (part 30)
November 13, 2009

Speaking in tongues: what is it for?

Tongue talking distinguishes Pentecostals from other religious groups. That is why it is said that Pentecost is not a religion but an experience. Pentecost is not religious ritual but an encounter with God. Because the birth of the church on the Day of Pentecost involved speaking with tongues, and that experience continued throughout the experience of the early church, there is no reason to conclude that it is not for us today.

Some argue that some verses in 1 Corinthians 12, 13, and 14 indicate that speaking in tongues is NOT for the church today. They point to:

1 Cor 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues ? do all interpret?

1 Cor 13:8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues , they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

1 Cor 13:9-10
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

1 Cor 14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

1 Cor 14:28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

The purpose of the next severals lessons is to address those and other verses to understand the purpose of the practice of speaking in tongues as taught in the Bible.

A lesson on the subject of speaking in tongues fits into our study on “How can I find God?” because this was practiced in the church of the New Testament when they found God.

How can I find God? (part 29)
November 10, 2009

When addressing the subject of speaking in tongues, some point out that Paul said that tongues would cease. Then they make the application of that idea and say that speaking in tongues was only for the first century church and then it ended. However, there is undeniable evidence from history that speaking in tongues did continue in the church and continues yet today. I see and hear examples of this happening on a week to week basis. I pray in tongues myself when speaking to God. What exactly then did the apostle say and what did he mean?

1 Corinthians 13:8-10
8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away with.

What Paul was saying is that upon the arrival of the perfect kingdom of God on earth, when Jesus comes the second time, love will remain, but we will no longer have a need for prophecies, tongues, or knowledge. Signs and spiritual gifts will no longer be required when the Perfect One is before us to always communicate His will and Word directly.

Also, it is important to note that tongues in and of themselves do not save. Tongues rather are the evidence of the initial baptism of the Holy Ghost. So we do not seek to speak with tongues, we seek Jesus through the infilling of His Spirit, the Holy Ghost. God provides the tongues when the Spirit fills the individual.

How can I find God? (part 28)
November 6, 2009

It can be noted that Paul spoke with tongues.

1 Corinthians 14:18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

Let us examine further the Samaritan salvation experience.

Acts 8:15-18
15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

Simon sought to be able to reproduce whatever that obvious and physical sign of the Holy Ghost falling that Peter and John saw when they laid hands on the Samaritans. It had not been seen previously under the ministry of Philip when he led the people to believe and be baptized in Jesus' name. But after Peter and John laid hands on them, the people received the gift of the Holy Ghost in such a manner that it was obvious to the observers. It is likely that the Spirit fell with the same sign as experienced in the other salvation examples already noted (Acts 2:4, Acts 10:46, Acts 19:16), that being the believers immediately spoke with tongues. That appears to be what Simon wanted the power to do—to lay hands on people so they could speak in tongues, something like a magicians trick.

How can I find God? (part 27)
November 5, 2009

We continue with the study of the connection between receiving the Holy Ghost and speaking in tongues. Several scriptural examples describe the outpouring of the Holy Ghost on various people and include the immediate evidence following that outpouring: speaking in tongues.

The Jews who accompanied Peter to Cornelius' house watched God fill the Gentiles with the Holy Ghost and confirmed that these Gentiles had received the same salvation experience that they had because of the repetition of the evidence of that outpouring.

Acts 10:44-46
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God…

So far the evidence of speaking in tongues when the Holy Ghost fell was seen with the Jews (Acts 2:4), the Samaritans (implied reference in Acts 8:18), and on the Gentiles (Acts 10:46). And now when Paul is out on the foreign mission field preaching the gospel in the city of Ephesus in Asia , the same experience was noted as happening there.

Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

How can I find God? (part 26)
November 2, 2009

Is it necessary to speak in tongues to receive the Holy Ghost? Speaking in tongues is the unique sign that a person is baptized or filled with the Holy Ghost. It is the evidence of a change that is happening on the inside of a person. We will look at several examples this week. Here are two:

Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

Acts 2:1-4
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

How can I find God? (part 25)
October 30, 2009

Disciples of John at Ephesus

After Cornelius's household found God by coming through the same plan introduced in Acts 2 and Acts 8, we now move beyond Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria, and head to the uttermost part of the world (based on Acts 1:8)—Ephesus. This was the capital city of Asia . There Paul was on his third missionary journey and found some men whom Paul identified as believers. These men already been baptized but to was according to John's baptism. This is how that encounter went:

Acts 19:1-6
1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Here we find some important facts. A similar pattern of “How to come to God” was demonstrated here when compared to what was seen in the earlier studies. The Holy Ghost came on the believers, they spoke with tongues (and prophesied), and they were baptized in the name of Jesus. It is also true that what you believe is important because these believers needed a little more truth. And how you are baptized is also important. These men had already been baptized but when it was learned that they had not been baptized in Jesus' name, they were rebaptized.

How can I find God? (part 24)
October 29, 2009

Cornelius' household

We continue looking at detailed examples in the Book of Acts where the message of salvation was delivered and acted upon. Jesus had instructed his disciples in Acts 1:8 that the message (witness) would be delivered powerfully in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria , and to the end of the earth. We examined the beginning in Jerusalem and Judea in Acts 2, and Samaria in Acts 8. The initial launching point for getting the message to the ends of the earth was the delivering of it to the Gentiles. Up to this point, the first Christians had been of Jewish background.

Next on the recipient list were Gentiles who had some understanding of the Jewish God and His Word. We find them gathered in the home of a Roman Centurian named Cornelius. Cornelius had been praying for something similar to the theme of our Bible study, “How to find God.” He was asking God to show him the way. The answer came in the Apostle Peter. Peter introduced them to the same message and demonstration that they had experienced in Jerusalem (Acts 2:1-4, 38). This is what happened while Peter was preaching:

Acts 10:44-48
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord….

It is no coincidence that we see here given to Gentiles a repetition of the same basic elements that were seen as responses to the Jew's saving faith: baptism in the name of Jesus and receiving the Holy Ghost as evidenced by the recipient speaking with tongues. More examples of this to come...

How can I find God? (part 23)
October 27, 2009

Samaritans

The next example in scripture of someone clearly receiving the Holy Ghost as part of their salvation is found in Acts 8, on the Samaritans. Jesus had told his disciples just prior to His ascension into heaven that He wanted them to take the gospel witness to this city (Acts 1:8). So when persecution arose in Jerusalem , Philip fled Jerusalem and took the message to Samaria .

Philip preached the same message to these people that Peter had preached in Jerusalem .

We learn a very important truth from the example found in this chapter.

Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

People heard the preaching, expressed faith in Jesus, and were then baptized. According to some religious traditions, these people would now be considered saved. That body of teaching states that at the moment that a person expresses saving faith in Jesus, they are instantaneously filled with the Holy Ghost.

It happened differently here. Speaking of the Holy Ghost, the verses continue saying:

Acts 8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

We know the people were baptized in the name of Jesus, and that they had believed in Jesus, but they had not yet received the Holy Ghost. However, the Holy Ghost did eventually fall on these folks:

Acts 8:14-17
14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

How can I find God? (part 22)
October 26, 2009

An issue as significant as our eternal destination, whether it is heaven or hell, is one that we want to be right about. This is not like other insignificant choices we make, like when you download software on your computer, Blackberry, or iPhone, and you have pages of “I agree with the following” statements that you are supposed to fully read and understand before you scroll to the bottom and hit “I agree”. If you like most people, you just skim through or even skip the fine print because you are pretty sure that they are not going to ask for your second child, a lien on your car, or possession of your fine china. You just want to get to the bottom of that page and click your way to be able to run the software. There details don't seem to matter.

However, anyone who desires to come to God and eventually make heaven their home, wants to make certain they have not missed “the fine print.” Well God makes this one so easy to understand, even the least educated can get it.

From another perspective, think about the “plan of salvation” that is promoted by the religious tradition that you are most familiar with. Can you turn to several places in the Bible and find several examples of that plan being experienced by others? That would help you to know for sure that you believe the truth about what it takes to get saved.

Check out these examples where people were saved (filled with the Holy Ghost) and see if there are common elements that are repeated.

Day of Pentecost

This was the first occurrence of the baptism of the Holy Ghost.

How can I find God? (part 21)
October 23, 2009

Receive ye the Holy Ghost

We have discussed the importance of faith and man's proper response to faith (repentance and baptism). Now comes the good part—God's response to man's faith. When you demonstrate saving faith before God, God demonstrates by putting His Spirit inside of you. One of God's titles, the “Holy Ghost”, is the operation of God that describes this gift.

Consider these verses that describe God as the Holy Ghost:

1 Peter 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

John 4:24 God is a Spirit:

Not only does God exist as a “holy” “Spirit”, He intends to and wants to put that same Spirit into people. That will happen when peopl have saving faith. The book of the Bible that describes the work of the Holy Ghost—The Book of Acts—includes several phrases that describe this infilling:

Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

Acts 10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

How can I find God? (part 20)
October 22, 2009

Analogy concerning "faith alone"

If you know a little bit about the Bible, you probably know that we are saved by faith and not by works. Then how are we to understand the Bible's commands to repent and be baptized? Aren't repentance and baptism works though?

When considering how to find God, it is important that we realize that it is faith alone that saves us. How then are we to understand the Bible's commands to repent and be baptized?

Saving faith necessarily expresses itself through repentance, water baptism, and receiving the Spirit. We do not have the power to turn from sin. God leads us to repentance and grants us power to repent. We do not have the power to submit ourselves to the name of Jesus through baptism. God leads us to baptism and grants us the remission of sins through it. We surely do not have the power to take the Holy Ghost. God gives it as a free gift to those who have saving faith.

Man's role is to believe the gospel, seek repentance, submit to water baptism, and allow God to fill him with the Spirit. These responses to God's drawing Spirit does not earn or pay for salvation, but it is a necessary response for receiving salvation.

If I tell you that I have $10,000 for you, all you have to do is meet me at the bank tomorrow at 10 am (the meeting is a condition upon which the receiving the gift depends). If you really believe me, you will show up at the bank tomorrow at 10 am. By you showing up at the bank, does that mean you have earned the money? No, still a free gift. Your appearance though, was necessary to receive the gift. If you do not show up, you will not receive the gift and the responsibility for the failure will fall totally upon you (lack of faith in the promise).

We must respond to God in faith by seeking repentance, remission of sins at water baptism, and the Spirit baptism. If we seek, God will graciously grant our petition and we receive salvation totally as a free gift, not as an earned right. If we do not respond though, we will not receive the promise, and the blame falls completely on us.

How can I find God? (part 19)
October 21, 2009

Summary of baptism

We are studying the topic, “How can I find God?” We have discovered from scripture that coming to God requires having faith that Jesus will save you, expressing that faith through obedience by repenting (turning away from, forsaking) of your sin, and finally by being baptized.

In the Bible we find several specific examples of how people were baptized and the examples were very much the same in form. A pattern emerges in scripture of how baptism should be done:

by immersion, and

in the name of Jesus Christ.

We summarize that second point here from the previous several lessons:

Baptism should be done in a singular name:

Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name…

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name…

In Matthew 28:18 Jesus set the context describing His power so baptism is about the transforming power of the name of Jesus.

Mark and Luke described the same situation as Matthew 28:19 and both show that Jesus was the only name mentioned.

The early church baptized in the name of Jesus Christ:

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

Acts 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

Jesus is the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

And finally, God revealed that He has one name:

Zechariah 14:9 And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.

Revelation 22:3-4
3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.

How can I find God? (part 18)
October 20, 2009

What is meant by the phrase, “the name of the Holy Ghost”? Is Holy Ghost a name? Rather than being a name, it is one of the titles that refer to God, or an operation of God, or a manifestation of God. As we saw with “the name of the Father”, Jesus associated His own name with the Holy Ghost.

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

To get some context for Matthew 28:19, let us go back a verse and read verse 18:

Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

That statement provides an opening proclamation that we need to think about. To paraphrase it, Jesus said, “I'm in charge here so make disciples for me and baptize them in my name.” Jesus is the king of this Kingdom. He is in charge. We become His servants. And we take on His name and not that of some other person, or even simply the titles that refer to Him. Children born or adopted into my family will take on the family name, not any title I may hold. So it is when we are born into the family of Jesus Christ. We take on His name by having that name called over us in baptism.

How can I find God? (part 17)
October 19, 2009

With understanding Matthew 28:19 in view, just what is the name of the Father? Let us consider other verses that deal with that.

John 5:43 I am come in my Father's name…

In a prayer addressing the Father, Jesus said:

John 17:6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world:…

In a Messianic Psalm, the psalmist indicated that the Messiah would declare God's name:

Psalms 22:22 I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.

And the writer of Hebrews indicated that that verse was fulfilled by Jesus:

Hebrews 2:12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.

If the Messiah, the Son of God, came in the Father's name, manifested His name, and declared His name, and if the Son's name was revealed as “Jesus”, these scriptures reveal that the name to ascribe to the title, “Father” is Jesus.

Tomorrow we will consider the name of the Holy Spirit and also the context of this verse.

How can I find God? (part 16)
October 15, 2009

Can we be certain that the biblical way to be baptized is in the name of Jesus Christ? There are some who prefer to baptize using the titles, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost because of Matthew 28:19. Let's examine carefully what that verse does and does not declare.

In the last lesson, we mentioned that that verse, like Acts 2:38, both say, “in the NAME,” using the singular word. How can we apply God's singular name requirement here? We will look at all three titles to do so.

First, is there any question what is the name of the Son?

The angel of the Lord instructed Joseph this way:

Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Even demons know the name of the Son:

Matt 8:29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus , thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?

Peter knew that Jesus was the son:

Matt 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

That is very important indeed because it was Peter who stated the requirement to be baptized in the name of Jesus in Acts 2:38.

Tomorrow we will examine the name of the Father.

How can I find God? (part 15)
October 14, 2009

In studying scripture, it is beneficial to remember the biblical principal that truth must be established by more than one witness.

2 Corinthians 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

So in studying the Bible, and especially looking for important practices (doctrines) that should be repeated today, this principle should be held to. The phrase “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” appears only once in scripture related to baptism while the phrase, “in the name of Jesus Christ” as set forth in Acts 2:38 is repeated many times.

Matthew 28:19 is part of the “Great Commission,” important last words of Jesus concerning the future of the church. This Commission is recorded by two other writers in Mark 16:15-18 and Luke 24:47-49, and Acts 1:4-8. It is best to study the Commission by laying these verses side by side. When we do we see the following points.

1. Preach to all nations

2. Baptize

3. In the name: (a) of the Father, Son, Holy Ghost; (b) in my name; (c) in his name

4. I am with you, signs will follow, wait for the promise of the Holy Ghost

Where baptism is mentioned, each refererence is to it being done in a singular “name” and not the plural “names”. The references here are clearly pointing to the name of Jesus. Scripture is clear here and elsewhere that there is one name and not three. Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are not names but titles so it is important to discover the name that properly describes these. That name is Jesus.

How can I find God? (part 14)
October 13, 2009

What about Matthew 28:19 then?

Many choose to use the words spoken by Jesus in Matthew 28:19 as a baptismal formula instead of the words used in Acts 2:38. Both refer to baptism “in the name”, but Matthew 28:19 says:

Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

And Acts 2:38 says:

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Are not both of these verses speaking of baptism? Do these verse contradict one another concerning what a minister must speak over the person being baptized? Or does it matter?

First of all, the Bible is God's Word. It is inerrant and not contradictory. We have established that in earlier lessons. Matthew, who recorded that verse above, was present when Peter made the proclamation above (see Acts 2:14). Matthew heard the question asked of those Peter was preaching to: “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37) If Matthew thought that Peter's answer was wrong, he could have spoken up to correct him.

The answer is that Matthew 28:19 and Acts 2:38 both describe the one baptism that is part of salvation. Let us look into this.

How can I find God? (part 13)
October 12, 2009

If God requires people who are making their way to Him to be baptized, does it matter how we are baptized? Does the Bible have anything to say on that subject?

We have dealt with one element of baptism from scripture so far—the person being baptized must be dunked fully under the water. But beyond that, are there any other requirements concerning baptism that we can learn from examples in scripture? What was the normal practice concerning baptism according to the Bible?

Baptism is to be done in the name of Jesus Christ.

Acts 8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

Acts 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Baptism identifies us with Jesus, and we take on His name, therefore it must be done in His name. Salvation is considered a new birth, and when a baby is born, it takes on the family name. Similarly, we take on Jesus' name when we are born into this family. Peter said that baptism was for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). In Acts 10:43, Peter said that remission of sins was through the name of Jesus. The logical conclusion of course being that we must do it in Jesus name.

Acts 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. All things that we do should be done in Jesus' name.

Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Baptism consists of both word and deed, so it could be applied. It makes sense to use the highest name when being baptized.

Philippians 2:9-10
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

How can I find God? (part 12)
October 9, 2009

Baptism comes from Greek word bapto which meant “to dip.” There were other words that would have been used if sprinkling was the method of baptism. The examples of baptism found required much water.

John 3:23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.

Bible describes baptism as burial with Christ.

Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Colossians 2:12 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.

Nobody is buried by sprinkling a little dirt on them. So baptism has to be understood as being completely buried under the water (immersion). Other modes of baptism arose as a matter of convenience (i.e. sprinkling).

I was sprinkled in baptism as a baby. When I was old enough to understand scripture, I realized that I needed to be rebaptized (as in Acts 19:1-5).

How can I find God? (part 11)
October 8, 2009

Water Baptism

When we ask the question, “How can I find God?”, or ,“How can I be saved?”, we start by believing that Jesus can and wants to save us. That is called faith. That faith in Jesus then moves us to obey the things Jesus asked. The first act of faith is repentance which we just finished discussing. The next act of faith is being baptized. But baptism is not just getting yourself wet in any old manner that someone comes up with.

For instance, if you want to obey what the Bible says about baptism, you cannot just decide that baptism means sticking your head under the shower. Or that baptism means putting your foot in the pond. While some people feel that the way their tradition defines baptism is good enough for them, I would make sure it is biblically sound since the Bible commands baptism. Let us explore the scripture for the way it was done in the Bible in the church that Jesus started.

Here are several places where baptism was mentioned in the book that describes the beginnings, the foundation, and activities of the new church, the Book of Acts. We will comment on these later. For now, let us read a few.

Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Acts 8:12, 16
12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

Acts 8:36, 38
36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

Acts 9:18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

Acts 10:47-48
47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Acts 16:15 And when she ( Lydia ) was baptized, and her household,

Acts 16:33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

Acts 18:8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

How can I find God? (part 10)
October 7, 2009

Commandment to repent

The scripture lays out very clearly how important repentance is when coming to God. If you want to make things right with Him, if you want to get closer to God, that is the right place to start.

Ezekiel 18:30-32
30 Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel , every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.
31 Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel ?
32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.

Ezekiel 33:11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel ?

It is important to note that when Jesus started His preaching ministry, the first message He preached was, “Repent!”

Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Mark 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

It is clear that He included everyone in that command and not just a few really bad folks.

Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

And it was not only a message for their neighborhood and their time, but Jesus also told his disciples to preach repentance everywhere.

Mark 6:12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.

Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem .

Identification to Christ's death

A study of Romans 6 leads us to understand that when we repent and are baptized (we will cover baptism in future lessons), we are fulfilling the Gospel and connecting in a symbolic way to the death of Jesus Christ.

Romans 6:1-2 What shall we say then? Shall we continue insin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? NKJV

We die to our sins when we repent. We die to the desires of the old man, or the old and sinful way of life. Repentance is the starting point of our new life filled with God.

How can I find God? (part 9)
October 6, 2009

How to repent – examples from scripture

The prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32)

In verse 17, he came to a realization of his sin and his desperate condition (“He came to himself”). In verse 18, the son plans confessing his sin. In 19, he shows contrition by saying “I'm not worthy.” And also in verse 19, he plans a forsaking of sin by stating that he will continue in his father's house as a servant.

Proper attitude towards repentance

Luke 18:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

David asks for forgiveness

Psalms 51:1-4, 7, 9-12
1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

How can I find God? (part 8)
October 2, 2009

Today we are adding a couple more traits that are included in true repentance.

Remorse for sin

Remorse is the genuine sorrow for the sins that have been committed. As we make our approach to God, we must feel regret for wrongs done, and our heart must be broken over his sins, not seeking to cover up, deny or justify our actions.

Psalms 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

As we come to God with a broken heart, we begin to get a taste of God's displeasure for our sin, not just a human sorrow or regret.

2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death:

Many feel regret for their sins without genuine repentance. They regret the consequences that sin has brought into their life. That is an example of the “sorrow of the world” which is not part of repentance. True repentance stems from Godly sorrow.

Decision to forsake sin

Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

Repentance involves an actual turning away from sin.

Acts 26:20 repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

Thus, true repentance causes an actual change in one's actions. This does not mean that there is a length of time in which you must prove that you are forsaking sin as God immediately knows your heart. Repentance can still happen in a moment.

How can I find God? (part 7)
October 1, 2009

Repentance

Jesus clarified it in Matthew 7:21 that just calling His name is not enough to take one to heaven, but a person must do His will to be saved. What does that mean?

We will find from scripture that one of the first actions that someone must take after they believe in Jesus and want to be saved is to repent. From Webster's Dictionary, repent means to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life; to feel regret or contrition; to change one's mind. The Greek definition, means “to change one's mind or purpose.”

Repentance can be described as a radical transformation of mind, attitude, conviction, and direction. Repentance includes four elements: recognition of sin, confession of sin, remorse for sin, and a decision to forsake sin. We will consider the first two today.

Recognition of sin

Mark 2:17 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Jesus' statement here points out that he will save only those who recognize their sins. It is with recognition of sin that man realizes his need for God. For if there is no sin, there is no need for a god.

Confession of sin

After recognizing your sin, you must confess it to God. God already knows everything (including your sin) but He requires an honest confession to Him (and in the process to yourself).

Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

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.

How can I find God? (part 6)
September 30, 2009

Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

This verse is quoted by many in relation to salvation so it is important to understand it. What is the correct interpretation of this verse? First, because Paul was writing to people who already were saved, he was not attempting to explain to provide them all the details of the new birth experience for they all had experienced it already. Romans 10:13 is a reminder that the foundation of salvation remains faith in Christ and the gospel and not a stand alone verse on how to be saved..

Second, it is also likely that Paul is referring to the future tense of salvation that applies to everyone who already has found initial salvation. A continual calling on Jesus throughout our lives is necessary to keep us until the Lord completes our salvation experience when He catches us away at His coming.

Third, as Paul states elsewhere, to be able to confess Jesus, a person must already have the Spirit (be saved).

1 Corinthians 12:3 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.

In the fullest sense of this verse, one has to have the Holy Ghost to be able to confess that Jesus is Lord of his life.

How can I find God? (part 5)
September 29, 2009

So you would like to find God? Do you want to be saved? How than can someone be saved? Getting the answer from the scriptures is the only way to know you are on track. Don't allow affiliation with a religious tradition, or being as good or better than the next guy be the thing that you rely on for salvation. Let's search the scriptures.

Romans 10:9-10
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Is that scripture saying that I can be saved simply by just believing, or giving mental assent and verbal confession of Jesus? No. If so, many who don't even claim to be living for God would be saved. Including the demons! For they know that Jesus is God, confess Him verbally, and believe in one God.

Matthew 8:29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?

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

Obviously that can't be right. And it becomes even more apparent as we dig deeper in the subject.

Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Does that mean that every person who says the name of Jesus is going to be saved? Definitely not, then the name of Jesus would just merely be a magical formula that saves everyone who speaks it in conversation or in cursing. Jesus said the same thing and gave us the other essential ingredient to add to confessing His name: obeying His will.

Matthew 7:21 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.

Do you want to enter into the kingdom of heaven? Faith and obedience are both required to accompany the confession of His name. The main reason for verse 13 is to teach that salvation is for all. The emphasis is on “whosoever.” In Romans 10:13, Paul was quoting Joel 2:32 to support the idea that both Jews and Gentiles can receive the salvation experience.

How can I find God? (part 4)
September 28, 2009

Why is this reliance on Jesus so important? God created a standard that requires that blood be shed to remove our sins.

Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

But the blood of animals is not enough.

Hebrews 10:4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

We are much greater than animals because we were made in the very image of God. The sacrifices in the Old Testament never completely removed sin, but rather pushed their sins ahead another year (Hebrews 10:1-4).

The blood of an ordinary man would not be enough either. All deserve eternal death for their own sins. Jesus though, was the only sinless man ever to live. He was the only one who did not deserve to die, thus His death provided a perfect substitute for ours.

Romans 3:25 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;

The important point here is that God does not excuse our sins. Rather, He inflicted the penalty of those sins on the innocent man Jesus. The substitutionary, atoning death of Jesus was required because of:

a)         The sinfulness of man
b)         The holiness of God
c)         God’s law requiring death as the punishment for sin

This is why salvation can be found in no other.

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other : for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

How can I find God? (part 3)
September 23, 2009

What is salvation? Salvation in a general sense means any kind of deliverance, preservation, or liberation. In a theological context, salvation means deliverance from the power and effects of sin.

Where does salvation come from? It comes only through faith in Jesus. Man can do nothing to save himself. No amount of good works or “being a good person” will save a person.

Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Salvation is a free gift from God. The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus made this free gift available. The only way to receive salvation is to have faith in Jesus and the sufficiency of His sacrifice. This faith in Christ includes obedience to His gospel and the application of His gospel to our lives.

It must be stressed again that the ONLY way to salvation is through Jesus.

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.

John 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

The message Jesus presented is very narrow and exclusive and is not popular with people who argue for religious tolerance. But the message of the Bible, and specifically the words of Jesus, clearly declares that there is no other way of salvation except through Him.

How can I find God? (part 2)
September 22, 2009

We are looking at the question, “Why do we need salvation?” In yesterday's lesson we saw scriptures that demonstrated that all people are guilty of sin and sin causes death. And it is not just natural, physical death here on earth, but also eternal punishment after this life. And that is a major issue to consider.

Jesus spoke about a “furnace of fire” that is the final judgment for people who do iniquity:

Matthew 13:41-42
41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Matthew 13:49-50
49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,
50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Both of these verses speak of the intensity of suffering that evil doers will suffer. But that does not have to be anyone's destination. That is the reason Jesus offers salvation—salvation from eternity in torment.

How can I find God? (part 1)
September 21, 2009

“Finding God” is the topic of this study. And another way to refer to the topic is finding salvation. What does it take to be saved according to the Bible?

To introduce this topic, let us first explore the question, Why is salvation necessary? Starting at the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve sinned, there was a void created between man and God. Adam and Eve hid from God in the garden after they had sinned. God's holiness makes it impossible for God to tolerate sin.

Psalms 5:4-6
4 For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.
5 The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.
6 Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.

Isaiah 59:1-2
1 Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:
2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

Everhone needs salvation because everyone has sinned.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Romans 3:9What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;

1 Kings 8:46 (for there is no man that sinneth not,)

And sin brings forth death.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

James 1:15 and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Who is God? (part 19)
September 17, 2009

Conclusion of “Who is God?”

We come to the end of this topic. The evidence is conclusive. Who is God? The Jews of Old Testament believed there was only one God. The New Testament church believed that the one God was revealed in flesh as Jesus Christ.

John the Apostle was caught up into heaven and given a preview of the conclusion of all things. After the 7th trumpet sounds in Revelation 11:15, it will revealed to everyone that Christ will reign for ever and ever.

Rev 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

John recognized it was “He” or “Christ” who was the singular visible person who will reign for ever. John also beheld the throne and only saw one sitting on it:

Revelation 4:2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.

He further revealed that the one in the midst of that throne was the Lamb, Jesus Christ (Rev 5:6).

It is interesting that the people who got a preview of God in heaven (Isaiah, Paul, and John) were the primary advocates in scripture of a singular God. Why not make Jesus your God and king today?

Who is God? (part 18)
September 16, 2009

What is the name of God?

There is supreme power and authority in the name of Jesus. It is the only saving name. It is the only name that provides remission of sins.

God was called Yahweh or Jehovah in the Old Testament. He was known as Jehovah rapha, the healer; Jehovah nissi, our banner; Jehovah shalom, our peace; Jehovah shammah, is present; and several other similar compound names.

But finally, God revealed the one that tops them all, Yehowshuwa` (yeh-ho-shoo'-ah) mashiyach (maw-shee'-akh); Jehovah our anointed savior. Ieesoú Christou is the Greek translation of that Hebrew name of God, and Jesus Christ is the English translation.

Where does prayer power come from? Jesus

John 14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

Where does salvation power come from? Jesus

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

What is the highest name? Jesus

Who was the possessor of all power? Jesus

Matt 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

The New Testament church always prayed, preached, taught, healed, performed miracles, cast out devils and baptized in His name and counted it a privilege to suffer persecution and even die for that name. It was as obvious to them as it should be to the student of scripture today, there is one God and Jesus is His name!

Who is God? (part 17)
September 15, 2009

The Godhead

What is meant by the word “Godhead” (used in the Bible three times: Acts 17:29, Rom 1:20, Col 2:9)? The state of being God, divinity. From Colossians 2:9 we see that center of the power of God is located in Jesus Christ.

Col 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. KJV
Col 2:9 For in Christ there is all of God in a human body; TLB

This is an easy way to understand the Godhead: God's spirit that dwells everywhere in the universe at the same time has His power centrally located and administered in and through Jesus Christ. He can be God in heaven and God on earth at the same time. He can listen to every person praying or worshipping anywhere on earth at the same time.

A good example of this picture is seen in the baptism of Jesus. God's voice was heard from heaven while Jesus was being baptized and the Spirit of God was descending like a dove. (Matt 3:16-17) God was operating in three places at the same time. Although Jesus was God in the water being baptized, He had not ceased to exist as God that always inhabited the entire universe as an invisible spirit.

For humans to look at that picture and to say that God must be three distinct persons or three separate personalities in order to have three simultaneous appearances puts severe restrictions on how we define God and limits His existence to weak human terms of understanding. For instance, God can show up in 100,000 places at the same time in whatever manner He chooses. Does that mean that for God to accomplish that, that He must exist in 100,000 distinct persons? No.

When reading Bible verses that present different manifestations of God, whether visual or audio, we must keep in mind the verse in the Bible that Jesus considered the most important scripture:

Mark 12:29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:

Who is God? (part 16)
September 14, 2009

More evidence of One: The flesh/image of God

Jesus was the flesh of God. He was the invisible One taking on a visible image:

Col 1:15 [Jesus Christ] Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

God had no other image and in the second commandment (Ex 20:4) He forbid people from making a image of him.

What about three persons? Not one scripture ever declares that God exists in three persons, but 48 times makes reference to the Holy One. Such as:

Isaiah 54:5 For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

Only one passage uses the word “three” in relation to God and has to do with how God “bears record” in heaven.

1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

“Bear record” comes from one Greek word that most often is translated “witness” or “testify.” Being the only verse that directly refers to three, it is important to note that it does not say is that God is a three-part God, but that God testified in three forms, manifestations or modes of appearance. That does not make God a trinity of persons any more that me being a father, me speaking words, and me having a spirit, makes me three persons. We already noted in the last study lesson how that when Jesus came to earth, He was begotten as the "express image of his person," meaning the visual expression (body) of the invisible person (God) not the introduction of another person. And the conclusion of 1 John 5:7 is that “these three [manifestations] are one [person].”

Who is God? (part 15)
September 11, 2009

A mystery of the ages revealed

The scripture calls this a mystery, meaning that it was a previously unknown fact. Not that it is unknowable, but that it was unknown in the old days but is now revealed in the last days.

1 Tim 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

Jesus Christ was always the one and only true God from the beginning, but was manifest, revealed or made known to people after His birth in Bethlehem . That is the meaning of the “begotten son” as in:

John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son , which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

“Declare” means, unfold, to make apparent. The hidden mystery of godliness was unfolded and revealed in Jesus. The Apostle Peter was close to Jesus and he eventually understood this mystery:

1 Peter 1:19-20
19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

God's decision to come to the earth in human flesh was preplanned from before the world was created, but took place during Peter's day. In these last times, Jesus, the invisible God of eternity, took on a body, an act called the “incarnation”, and in His flesh He was called the Son of God.

The writer of Hebrews made a revealing statement about the incarnation:

Hebrews 1:1-3
1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

Jesus, “the Son”, was not another person, like a second person of God; He was the image of the one person, God. Jesus was “the express image of his person,” which means “representation or stamp of his essence or substance.” This scripture clearly reveals that Jesus was not another person in the Godhead, but the visible image or stamp of the only divine person that exists.

Who is God? (part 14)
September 10, 2009

Jesus is the Father

What do we do with Jesus' claims that He was the Father? We find a reference to this unique relationship foretold in:

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

The child, the son, is the mighty God and everlasting Father. He does not identify Himself as an eternal second person but as the First and Last. Examine how Jesus explained this unique relationship:

John 10:30 I and my Father are one.

He further explained it in this way:

John 10:38 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.

It was a unique idea for them to consider—that God could actually be seen in a fleshly, human form. How could a man see the Father? Even His own disciples who spent much time with Him and knew Him better than any other, needed an extra explanation:

John 14:7-9
7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?

With the claim of Jesus that God was His father, and then adding that they had seen the Father, He was revealing something altogether different than a second person next to His Father. Jesus answer to the statement, "Show us the Father," was, "Here I am." Jesus claimed that the invisible Father and LORD was He Himself. Although God lived on earth in a human body for 33 years, He also continued to live everywhere in the universe as a Spirit as He always had.

Who is God? (part 13)
September 9, 2009

Bowing to Jehovah or Jesus?

Through Isaiah, Jehovah of the Old Testament said, “Unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.”

Isaiah 45:23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

Paul applied that scripture to Jesus as though Jesus and the Old Testament Jehovah were the same person:

Philippians 2:10-11
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

To avoid any misunderstanding or apparent contradiction with those two verses, Paul quoted Isaiah 45:23 and directly applied it to Jesus:

Romans 14:10-11
10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

It is clear then that the scriptures teach that when you bow your knees before God, you are bowing to Jesus.

Who is God? (part 12)
September 8, 2009

Scriptures claim that Jesus=Old Testament LORD

John the Baptist prepared the way of the LORD

We have seen several scriptures that affirm that Jesus and the Father were not two but one, and will look at some other examples of that. When you see the word “LORD” in all caps in the Old Testament, it is a translation of the word used for the name of God, Yahweh or Jehovah.

Isaiah foretold of a man to come in the wilderness who would prepare the way of the LORD on earth.

Isaiah 40:3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

According to Jesus, John the Baptist was the one who fulfilled that prophecy.

Matthew 11:10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

Since John was the one preparing the way for the LORD, who was that LORD he prepared the way for? Jesus. In John 1:30, John the Baptist identified Jesus as the one: “This is he”. Isaiah told us that this person would prepare the way for Jehovah—and in walked Jesus Christ—the “LORD” of the Old Testament.

Who is God? (part 11)
September 4, 2009

Visible God

In John 14:6-9, Jesus identified himself as the only way to the Father because He was the Father and the only visible image of the Father.

John 14:6-9
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?

Jesus also claimed total oneness with God in

John 10:30 I and my Father are one.

The orthodox religious leaders understood His claim and again took up stones to kill Him because “thou makest thyself God.”

John 10:31-33
31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
33 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.

Since Jesus taught that He was God in flesh, He created enemies of the strict monotheistic Jews.

Who is God? (part 10)
September 3, 2009

I am

Jesus' enemies had a problem with Him because He claimed equality with God. But did Jesus ever make such claims about Himself?

In Exodus 3:14, God told Moses His name was “I AM” meaning the always existing, self-existent One with no beginning and no creator who created Him. The Jews highly reverenced and respect that name. In John 8:58, Jesus angered His listeners by identifying Himself as that “I AM”.

John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

They understood the significance of His claim to deity and sought to stone Him.

John 8:59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

Jesus made it clear that He identified Himself as the "I Am," making Himself the singular God of the Old Testament, not another.

Who is God? (part 9)
September 2, 2009

Summary of the past 8 lessons and moving ahead with more...

The teaching that God is one was what the Jews believed. Moses, the one who spoke with God on the mountain, believed in one God who existed as one. The notion of God being a divided, multi-part deity is a doctrine that is not developed in the scriptures. He is the only God. He is the only Savior. He is the only Creator. The apostle Paul and Jude the brother of Jesus both wrote letters about Jesus and included this phrase about Him: “the only wise God.”

To sum up the past few lessons in one sentence: There is one God and God is one and His name is Jesus.

To further explore that summary, let us look at why Jesus presented a problem to the Jewish people He came to.

Equality with God

Jesus made the claim to be equal to God—this is the Apostle Paul's description of that:

Phil 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

It was not robbery—Jesus did not steal the position of being equal with God—that is who He was and is. By listening to the enemies of Jesus, we find further evidence of that same claim of Jesus to be equal with God raised strong disagreement from the strongly monotheistic Jews. The commandments didn't allow worship of any other with claim to be God. The monotheistic Jews believed that their God was an invisible Spirit who filled the heavens.

In addition, they rejected the idea that Jesus was a fulfillment of the messiah scriptures. Their religious leaders knew the scriptures well enough to feel pretty certain that they had found the key to eternal life in them. But Jesus challenged them to carefully search the scriptures because if they would, they would find Him in there:

John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

They saw Jesus simply as the neighbor boy who grew up in the home of Joseph the carpenter along with the rest of the neighborhood kids.

Mark 6:2-3
2 And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?
3 Is not this the carpenter , the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.

Their problem was that they saw His humanity and could not accept His claim of deity. When Jesus made claims making Himself equal with God, that came as an attack against their religious upbringing.

John 5:18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.

Who is God? (part 8)
September 1, 2009

Is there any like God?

Let's consider one more question that could be asked about the existence of other gods. We discovered that there were no gods around before God; none came along after God; there was no other savior but God; and no other creator but God. God who is called by the name, Jesus Christ, is the only God.

Here is the question: Could there not possibly exist somewhere out there, another being, maybe not another god, but perhaps something or someone like god? Does God's Word leave room for the existance of the existance of others perhaps like the gods of the Greeks, Romans, or Hindus, or Buddhists, Muslims? There is not even a god-like being out there according to God:

Isaiah 46:9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,

God said there is not even another like Him out there. Even the devil, who as Lucifer once dwelt in heaven, knows of the one God:

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

Why would he tremble at that fact? Luke 10:18 reveals that Jesus watched the devil fall from heaven, and Rev 12:8-9 reveals that satan was cast out of heaven after warring with the angel Michael. The devil is still trembling at that one God in heaven, Jesus, who was responsible for his ultimate eviction from heaven.

No, there is not even another god-like being out there. There is but one true God, Jesus Christ!

Who is God? (part 7)
August 31, 2009

Only One Creator

Could God have had a second-person god beside Him and had that person help Him create the heavens and the earth?

Isaiah 44:6, 24
6 Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.
24 Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;

The answer is that, no, God did all the creation Himself without any help: “alone” and “by myself”. Jesus was God Himself doing the creating. Paul acknowledged that this was a mystery from the beginning:

Eph 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

All things were created by Jesus yet Isaiah said all things were created by God. What does that mean? That Jesus is God and it rules out the possibility that another god or a second-person god beside Him did the creating.

In another place, Paul added this about Jesus the Creator:

Col 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

We also have the witness of the Apostle John who was caught up into heaven and witnessed Jesus in the throne of God and a crowd around Him worshipping and proclaiming:

Rev 4:10-11
10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

John saw Jesus being worshipped in heaven as the creator! If Jesus were something other than God, then God, being a jealous God, would not allow that kind of honor to be given to another, especially on His own throne in heaven! But Jesus is God and Jesus is our Creator and worthy to be worshiped as such.

Who is God? (part 6)
August 28, 2009

Only One Savior

Notice how Isaiah also said that God claimed to be the only savior. He stated another important truth about Himself in the 2nd commandment that we need to notice: He is a jealous God.

Ex 20:4-5
4 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:
5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: [why not?] 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;

God declared that He was the only savior and that He was jealous and would not tolerate His people honoring any other savior. Yet with that being true, God sent an angel to reveal this truth about the birth of Jesus Christ:

Luke 2:10-11
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

This angel lived in heaven and knew first-hand that God was a jealous God who said there was no other savior; yet he now proclaims that this baby is the Savior. There is no contradiction here; the angel knew there was only one Savior—the God of eternity who was now being born as a human baby.

The Samaritans, after hearing and seeing the ministry of Jesus, recognized that Jesus was the Savior of the world:

John 4:42 And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.

It is not a contradiction to identify Jesus as the savior when the scriptures had declared that God was savior because they are the same. We find the scripture saying interchangeably that God is Savior and Jesus is Savior:

Titus 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

Titus 3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

Yes God is a jealous God and won't tolerate worship of any other. But to worship and honor Jesus as Savior does not identify a second person as a savior, but the one true God coming as savior.

Who is God? (part 5)
August 27, 2009

There is only one--What about other gods?

Jesus said the oneness of God was the most important commandment, so let's deal with some practical questions on the subject. If there were ever any other gods, we should ask, when did they show up? Were they around before our God? If not, were there any gods that came along after Him?

Isaiah 43:10-11
10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.
11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.

God looked beside Himself and found no one. Isaiah said it a second time just to make sure we didn't miss the point:

Isaiah 45:21 … and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.

While it is true there is no God beside the one and only God, Paul says that one God who is over all is Christ:

Rom 9:5 Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen. NIV

Who is God? (part 4)
August 26, 2009

How important is the complete unity (oneness) of God?

How important is it to make an issue about God being one? Does it really matter how many we see God as? Let us see how Jesus answered this question.

Mark 12:28-30
28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?
29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

This was Jesus' answer to the question about what was the most important commandment. Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 6:4 which contains that all-important statement about God's nature. Jesus said this truth that God is one was singularly identified as the most important commandment of scripture.

Who is God? (part 3)
August 25, 2009

He is one

A second fact that we learn about God early in scripture is that God is one. It is true that not only is there only one God, but that God is one:

Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

That is a foundational truth imparted by God to His ancient people and was the primary distinguishing factor that separated the Jews from other religions in the ancient. The Jews believed that there was only one true God, and not many.

In comparison, it is interesting that today, one of the primary doctrinal differences between Apostolic teaching and that of other religious groups is the strong adherence to the teaching that God is one and not three. The Jews were strict monotheists and the law did not permit worship of other gods. God was so strict with this teaching about one God that when He gave Moses the 10 commandments, the first commandment addressed this truth:

Exodus 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Harsh judgment from God always fell on Israel when they chose to worship other gods. Going from one God to many gods was always a downhill slide. That is still true today. Not only does scripture only recognize one God, but also that the one God is absolutely one.

Various names and titles of God such as Jehovah or Yahweh, Lord, Father, King, The Almighty, Word, Holy Ghost, Jesus, The Holy One, all refer to the same one being.

There are some scriptures that use a plural noun to refer to God but the reference can be attributed to the plurality of God's majesty, various attributes, titles, roles, or modes of activity. Oneness Christians and Jews have the same view of God's oneness as defined in Deut 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD. This was one of the core teachings, or “landmarks,” that the Jews were to repeatedly teach to their children when sitting, walking, lying down, rising up—continuously remind them.

Who is God? (part 2)
August 24, 2009

The first answer to the question, "Who is God?", is, He is Creator. Now that we know that the Bible is the source of truth (see the fomer Bible study topic just completed), the first truth we discover from the very first verses of the Bible is that God is the creator of everything:

Genesis 1:1-3
1 In the beginning God created the Heaven and the earth.
2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

John said it like this:

John 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

That of course includes man: God created mankind as well. Jesus said God created male and female:

Matthew 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,

The implication of Jesus' words here does not leave room for evolution of humans from a lower life form. The scripture makes it clear that God is the creator of all things. As such, we are His creation and owe Him our worship.

Psalms 100:1-3
1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Who is God? (part 1)
August 21, 2009

Prov 22:28 Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.

Prov 23:23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

We are taking up the task of discovering the ancient landmarks that our fathers have set. “Our fathers” can mean to us:

a. our Heavenly Father who gave us His Word;
b. our Jewish fathers like Abraham, Moses, David, Isaiah, and others who introduced God to us;
c. and finally our Apostolic fathers, Peter, John, Paul and others who revealed Jesus and His kingdom to us.

These fathers set down landmarks, which if we are diligent about discovering them, we can seek to live within their boundaries. Once we find truth, we must buy it and never sell out to something less.

We have already examined one such landmark that we discovered by asking the question, “How can we know truth?” or “Where do we find truth?” The answer is the Bible—the trustworthy Book from God that teaches us His eternal truths. The only Book on this level. The second landmark we will discover is the answer to this very important question: “Who is God?”

Where can I find truth (part 21)?
August 20, 2009

Summary

We've examined some of the evidences why we can be assured that the Bible is the Word of God. We looked at the testimony of scripture itself, indicating that it came by inspiration of God and then God moved the people to speak and write it. We saw the testimony of Jesus Christ confirming that both the Old Testament and the New Testament were from God. And Peter confirmed that Paul's letters were scripture. The supremely high moral content and character of the Bible clearly identifies it as the Word of God. And finally, history, science and prophecy also confirm the accuracy of scripture.

The Bible is what is says it is: God's Word.
Ps 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Ps 1:1-2
1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

One of the most important facts concerning the Bible is that the Words from its pages continue every year to miraculously change the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.
John 5:39 Search the scriptures ; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

John 20:30-31
30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
31 But these are written , that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

Where can I find truth (part 20)?
August 18, 2009

B. Fulfilled prophecies concerning Jesus the Messiah

The Old Testament predicted many events concerning the Messiah (approximately 456 predictions). Among them are:

a. His genealogy from the tribe of Judah through King David
b. His miraculous conception
c. His ministry in Galilee
d. His rejection by Jews
e. Time of birth
f. Place of birth
g. Triumphal entry into Jerusalem
h. Betrayal for 30 pieces of silver
i. Details of his trial, death, his silence, being hit, spit on, punished with other criminals, crucifixion, piercing, mockery, offering of gall and vinegar, the casting of lots for His garments, unbroken bones, burial with the rich, resurrection and ascension.

Every one of these details of Jesus' life were predicted long before Jesus was born. The mathematical probability that one person could fulfill all these predictions is virtually impossible. But the Bible is a miraculous book—a book from God. And with God, nothing shall be impossible.

Where can I find truth (part 19)?
August 17, 2009

Fulfilled Prophecy

The Bible is the only prophetic book of major religions. It is the ONLY book whose specific predictions have come to pass without error. There are approximately 1800 predictions in the Bible and many have already been literally fulfilled and some are being fulfilled in our day.

A. Fulfilled prophecies concerning Israel

One of the most astounding prophecies in scripture is the re-gathering of the Jews to the land called Palestine. God made a promise to the father of the Jews, Abraham, that He would give them the land of Canaan or Palestine as we call it today.They eventually occupied it and their kings ruled from there. However, they rebelled against God and God removed them as punishment for their rebellion.

He then promised to return them:

Isaiah 11:10-12
10 And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.
11 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.
12 And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.

This ancient prophecy was fulfilled when some of you were children and teenagers. This is one of the most remarkable fulfillments of prophecy. After 1900 years of not existing as a nation, Israel was re-gathered into their land and became a nation again on May 14, 1948. Jews continue to pour into Israel every week and it was reported in the Jerusalem Post last week that it is estimated that the population of Jews living in Israel will exceed the population of Jews living outside of Israel some time this year. Considered in the large scheme, that is miraculous!

Where can I find truth (part 18)?
August 14, 2009

C. Dinosaurs in the Bible

Taken from http://www.clarifyingchristianity.com/dinos.shtml.

Behemoth: Job 40:15-24 tells of a huge creature whose tail is as a cedar tree, ribs like bars of iron and he eats vegetation. He is called the “First of the ways of God” which in Hebrew implies it is the biggest animal ever created by God. The largest land animal discovered is the brachiosaurus and all descriptions of Behemoth match him with the brachiosaurus.

Leviathan: Job 41, Psalm 104:25-26, Isaiah 27:1 all describe this creature as a sea dragon, ferocious, terrifying with terrible teeth, scales of armor, and he breathes out fire. His description closely matches a kronosaurus. Speaking of fire breathing, that is something that even the small bombardier beetle of Central American can do with a flame throwing nozzle that sprays high temperature jet of gas.

The history of every culture is filled with stories of fire-breathing dragons. If you think about it, in all the past ages wouldn't someone have made up a story of a fire-breathing lion or something? No. The dragon stories are based on truth, and only “dragons” breathed fire.

Many fossil dinosaur skulls contain unexplained, empty passages. Scientists have not been able to guess the reason for these passages. It could be that some dinosaurs used these passages as “gas tanks” for the combustible mixture used to “breathe fire.”

Where can I find truth (part 17)?
August 13, 2009

Continuation of the topic, “Agreement with Science”…

d. Blood plays an essential role in sustaining life
Leviticus 17:14 For it is the life of all flesh; the blood of it is for the life thereof: therefore I said unto the children of Israel , Ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh: for the life of all flesh is the blood thereof: whosoever eateth it shall be cut off.

e. Isolating infected people is mentioned in Leviticus 13:45-46.

f. Washing after handling a dead body is called for in Numbers 19:11-19.

g. Burying raw sewage is spoken of in Deuteronomy 23:12-13.

h. Leviticus 11:1-47 lists foods that should not be eaten. Dr. David I. Macht did a study of these animals in 1953 and found that they have a higher toxicity level than the clean animals.

i. Pork is a good example, for when improperly cooked, it carries the risk of trichinosis.

j. Circumcision called for in Genesis 17:12 offers many potential medical benefits resulting in resistance to phimosis, balanoposthitis, prostate cancer and AIDS.

k. Deuteronomy 20:19-20 and 22:6-7 offer sound ecological advice concerning the conservation of natural resources.

l. The earth hangs on nothing in outer space
Job 26:7 He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing.

m. The earth is round
Isaiah 40:22 It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:

n. The hydrological cycle shows that the rain on land came from water which evaporated from the sea.
Ecclesiastes 1:7 All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.

o. The Two Laws of Thermodynamics, the two most fundamental principles of modern science are inferred in Genesis 2:2-3 (energy cannot be created or destroyed), and Psalms 102:25-26 (matter goes from organization to chaos).

Where can I find truth (part 16)?
August 12, 2009

Agreement with science

Not only have many historical discoveries confirmed the Bible as true, but there is agreement with science as well. During the ancient days when the Bible was written, people held many superstitious beliefs and false scientific concepts, yet the Bible never contradicts true science. If it were not for the divine inspiration of the Bible, it would also be full of scientific errors.

There are many scientific truths that were not known during the ancient days during which the Bible was written but are recorded in scripture.

a. Water currents are referred to in:
Psalms 8:8 The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.

b. The global wind circuits that are only obvious from outer space:
Ecclesiastes 1:6 The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits.

c. Ocean springs (something Job could not have personal knowledge of) are mentioned in:
Job 38:16 Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth?

Where can I find truth (part 15)?
August 7, 2009

Yesterday we began to show archeological discoveries that support scriptural accounts. We continue today.

b. A writing dating from 900 or 800 BC was found in Northern Israel refers to the House of David and events recorded in 2 Kings.

c. A Moabite stone dated from 930 BC was written by the king of Moab and records events concerning Israel and mentions their God Yahweh, mirroring events described in 2 Kings 3:4-5 concerning Moab rebelling against Israel.

d. 2 Chronicles 12 mentions conquests of the Egyptian King Shishak. Archaeologists have long known about the Egyptian Pharaoh Shoshenq and his conquests from the carvings on the temple of Amun at Karnak . The names of several cities referred to in the Bible that this Pharaoh conquered have been confirmed as well as their existence during the time periods spoken of in the Bible. Cities named in the conquests in the Book of Joshua have also been confirmed.

e. A clay seal used by scribes has been discovered in Israel that refers to Jeremiah's scribe, Baruch mentioned in Jeremiah 36:1, 4 and has been authentically dated for this period.

f. The water tunnel built by Hezekiah according to 2 Kings 20:20 was discovered in 1838, and more recently, in 2003, Israeli and British scientists have dated the tunnel to around 700 BC. Hezekiah reigned 727-698 BC.

Http://www.christiananswers.net/archaeology/home.html notes many interesting archeological findings that confirm facts in the Bible. Because God cannot tell a lie, we would expect nothing less of His Word, and archeology has certainly offered confirmation of the accuracy of the truth found in the Bible.

Where can I find truth (part 14)?
August 6, 2009

Historical and Scientific Verification

We've examined the testimony of scripture itself, the testimony of Jesus Christ and the character of the Bible as reasons we can know it is God's word. Now let us take a look at proofs from history and science.

Agreement with history

Archeological studies and historical research have added to the body of evidence that confirms the accuracy of the Bible. As an example, the Bible speaks of the existence of the Hittites who were a powerful kingdom in the Middle East in the days of Moses and Joshua. The Bible was the only source of information about these people until the late 1800s and many critics of the Bible said the Hittites were merely invented by biblical authors. However, archaeologists researching in Turkey have since found the capital city of the Hittite empire along with their massive library.

Dr. Bryant Wood has done research around the ancient city of Jericho and has shown the evidence perfectly matches the biblical account of the fall of the walls of Jericho .

Http://conservativecolloquium.wordpress.com/2007/12/19/archeological-evidence-supporting-the-credibility-and-accuracy-of-the-bible/ is a conservative intellectual website that hosts the article, “Archeological Evidence Supporting the Credibility and Accuracy of the Bible.” The article lists numerous discoveries. Among those are:

a. A seven foot slab of black granite was erected 1209 BC by the son of Ramses the Great of Egypt—it mentions the nation Israel .

Check back for more...

Where can I find truth (part 13)?
August 5, 2009

Unity

The Bible's content and moral superiority are characteristics that indicate it is the Word of God. But a third characteristic, its unity of message, is also a strong witness for the Bible.

The Bible was written over a time span of 1500 years by more than forty different writers from widely different backgrounds. Moses was educated in the royal palace of Egypt and Peter was a Galilean fisherman who was called “unlearned and ignorant”. Solomon was a very wise king, Luke was a doctor, Paul a trained theologian, yet Amos was among the herdsmen of Tekoa (a shepherd), and Matthew was a tax collector. Yet even with the wide spectrum of backgrounds of the writers and the huge span of time over which it was written, it presents a consistent and coherent message on morality, salvation and one plan for the future.

Try to imagine how a book that began to be written by someone 1500 years ago, around 500 AD that just got completed this year. Imagine that book with such a variety and such a number of authors as the Bible. Add to the mix the fact that some of the authors lived on three different continents during the days before email and faxes and could not collaborate on the topic. What is the chance that book would come out with such a highly spiritual content, such moral superiority, and such a totally unified message like the Bible?

The Bible is the only Book that demonstrates such high character—Why? Because it is the Word of God.

Where can I find truth (part 12)?
August 4, 2009

The Character of the Bible

Content
The first characteristic to note is the content of the Bible—the Bible is a Book that contains answers to man's deepest philosophical and spiritual questions. The “big” questions of life such as, “Who am I, where did I come from, what is my purpose for being here, where am I going?” Are all answered in the Bible. What that means is that the content of the Bible provides life's answers that can only come from God.

Moral superiority
A second characteristic to note is that the Bible is morally superior to any other book. The Bible teaches about holiness, morality, love, justice, truth, grace, and mercy in a way that no other book does. No other ancient book on religion has such a unique emphasis on strict monotheism and or ethical conduct. The Bible contains the highest moral teachings of any book in the world.

If the world's most moral book is not what it claims to be, than it would have to be the world's biggest lie. But it proclaims its own words to be truth. The one Book that is morally superior to all others is a book that could only have come from God.

Where can I find truth (part 11)?
August 3, 2009

The Word shall not pass away

Also, Jesus gave a promise that His Words would never pass away.

Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

What makes God's Word indestructible is its source—God is indestructible. Nothing in all creation has the power or ability to destroy the Creator. And His Word is also indestructible for that reason.

In Jeremiah 36 we read of God's call to the Prophet Jeremiah to warn King Jehoiakim that his sins and those of the nation were going to bring about the destruction on Judah . Jeremiah had his secretary take down the dictation of God's word as God gave it to him. That scroll was then taken to the king and read to him. The king didn't like someone judging him and telling him he was a sinner and about his coming judgment so after hearing a portion of it:

Jeremiah 36:23 And it came to pass, that when Jehudi had read three or four leaves, he cut it with the penknife, and cast it into the fire that was on the hearth, until all the roll was consumed in the fire that was on the hearth.

But did Jehoiakim's destruction of God's word really end God's word?

Jeremiah 36:27-28
27 Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, after that the king had burned the roll, and the words which Baruch wrote at the mouth of Jeremiah, saying,
28 Take thee again another roll, and write in it all the former words that were in the first roll, which Jehoiakim the king of Judah hath burned.

God's Word is indestructible because God is indestructible and can continually regenerate His Word! Anyone accepts the integrity of Jesus Christ, must also accept the fact that Jesus endorsed the scriptures that He used as being the Word of God.

We will discuss the importance of the Dead Sea Scrolls in a future lesson, but I'll mention this much now:

a. The very same version of Old Testament scriptures that Jesus read in the temple, was copied by contemporaries living in a community in nearby Qumran ; and

b. We now have access to that very same version; and

c. The King James Bible you hold in your hand matches that version with 95% accuracy; and

d. Of the 5% variance, most of it is minor things like spelling or word order—certainly things that don't affect the message.

Since there is no question of Jesus' integrity, and if Jesus certified the Hebrew Bible He held in His hand and read, then there is likewise no question about the Bible you hold in your hand and read because it is essentially the same as the one Jesus had.

Where can I find truth (part 10)?
July 31, 2009

Jesus' word on “questionable” Old Testament stories/passages

Skeptics of the Bible often like to point out certain Old Testament passages as being hard for thinking people to believe. Jesus addressed some of those arguments and verified the truth of those passages, just for the cynic.

Question 1: Did God really create humans or did they evolve from some lower life form?

Matthew 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,

Jesus did not believe in evolution.

Question 2: “That story about Noah, the ark and the animals sounds so far-fetched. How could it possibly be true?”

Jesus was well convinced of the existence of Noah. So much so that He tied belief in His second coming to the historicity of Noah.

Matthew 24:38-39
38 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,
39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Question 3: “Do you really believe that story about Jonah being swallowed about a whale?” Jesus did. And He even used the truth of that story to illustrate how long He would be in the grave, a theme of high importance, central to New Testament salvation:

Matthew 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

Question 4: “Jesus was all about loving others, forgiveness, and not judging people. Why are churches intolerant and homophobic?”

Jesus confirmed a passage of the Old Testament where God judged the sin of homosexuality and foretold the future judgment of those who rejected Him:

Matthew 10:15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

Jesus also confirmed that God's plan for marriage was one man and one woman for life:

Matt 19:4-5
4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which ade them at the beginning made them male and female.
5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?

When Jesus validates something that others question, let God be true and every man a liar. I'd believe Jesus above all the rest.

Where can I find truth (part 9)?
July 30, 2009

Jesus commissioned the New Testament

We have considered Jesus' opinion about the Old Testament being God's Word, but what about the New Testament? Did the writings of the New Testament receive Jesus' blessing?

Yes of course, because the writing of the New Testament was actually commissioned by Jesus Christ. Jesus made this promise to some of those who would later become the writers of the books of the New Testament:

John 16:12-13
12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

Jesus promised these soon-to-be authors that the Holy Ghost would guide them to “all truth”.

And to help those with failing memories, Jesus even promised that the Holy Ghost would bring all His words back to their memory after He left:

John 14:25-26
25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

We will have more to say about the validity of the New Testament later.

Where can I find truth (part 8)?
July 29, 2009

Integrity of Jesus Christ--Jesus' certified the Old Testament

Not only do we have the words of prophets, kings and the apostles, Jesus Christ Himself gave testimony that the Old Testament was “scripture”, or God's word.

Luke 24:44-45
44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

Jesus identified the whole Old Testament that we use as truth in Luke 11:51. Although our Old Testament ends with Malachi, the Jewish Bible, which contains the same books as our Old Testament, orders the books differently and ends with 2 Chronicles. With that in mind let's read:

Luke 11:51 From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.

Jesus was giving an illustration similar to how we would say, “from A-Z”, from the beginning all the way through to the end. Abel was mentioned in Genesis and Zacharias in 2 Chronicles.

In addition, Jesus calls the Old Testament the “commandment of God” in Mark 7:8-9. In Matt 5:17-18, Jesus said that the Law and the Prophets (the Old Testament) would not pass away but would all be fulfilled—in other words, Jesus said the Word is indestructible and forever valid. We will talk more about how indestructible it is later from Jeremiah 36.

Where can I find truth (part 7)?
July 28, 2009

The Apostles testified that they spoke by the Spirit of God, and with the mind of Christ:

1 Cor 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

The apostle Peter wrote about the letters of Paul and considered them scripture:

2 Peter 3:15-16
15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

So when the apostles penned the content of the New Testament, they were writing through the mind of Christ. In other words, they wrote what God spoke to them. And when those words were written, the church considered them "scriptures."

Where can I find truth (part 6)?
July 27, 2009

Testimony of kings, prophets and apostles

There is other testimony within scripture that identifies scripture as God's Word. Just between the books of Isaiah and Amos, we find the prophets declaring this bold statement 134 times: “Thus saith the Lord…” Such as:

Isa 7:7 Thus saith the Lord God, It shall not stand, neither shall it come to pass.

The prophets were convinced it was God's Word they were speaking and recording. And also the greatest Kings of Israel accepted the writings of Moses as the Word of God. King David said Moses' writings were the “charge” or requirements “of the Lord thy God”:

1 Kings 2:1-3
1 Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying,
2 I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man;
3 And keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses , that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:

When reading the New Testament, we see numerous references to how those writers regarded the Old Testament as God's Word. In fact, a great deal of the New Testament is simply quotes of the Old Testament.

Where can I find truth (part 5)?
July 24, 2009

The Bible is God's infallible Word. How do we know that the Bible is authentically God's Word? From where does that idea come? First let's look at evidence from the Bible itself, from the Apostles, Peter and Paul, that identify it as the Word of God.

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

These verses reveal that scripture came to us in a two-fold manner. First, God “inspired”: divinely breathed in” words to the writers; Second, God “moved”: “carried, or moved by bearing” the prophets to speak and write. So in a very literal sense, God breathed words into men and then moved them to speak them and write them down. That is how we got the Bible—it started in God's mind and has been transcribed onto the pages in front of us today. How do we know this is God's Word? The Bible contains its own certification of authenticity.

Where can I find truth (part 4)?
July 23, 2009

So where do we stand? First and foremost, on the Bible, God's holy Word. Our first topic of the series addresses the question, “Where can we find truth?” The second group of lessons will address the question, “Who is God?” Then after we know the source of truth and know who God is, then we can address the question, “How can I find God?” where we will discuss the biblical plan for salvation. Then we will address the question, “How do I live for God?” which addresses questions of personal holiness.

When compared to all the religious literature produced in the world, The Holy Bible is uniquely God's Word to mankind. From the beginning of man's days, the devil has tried cause people to question, distort, destroy, and deny it, but it is still God's Word.

Genesis 3:1-4
1 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?
2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:
3 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.
4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

The devil has continued to use that scheme with people, even yet today. Where the Bible has said, “This is true,” the devil has simply inserted the word “not” to pass the message, “This is not true.” Yet despite thousands of years of attempts of destruction, the Bible has survived and has been passed down to you and I today in very much the same condition it was when Jesus stood in the temple to read it.

Where can I find truth (part 3)?
July 22, 2009

You and I didn't create and die for the church—Jesus did. And because of that, we do not have the liberty to define or redefine the church after our pleasure. To be the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, we must be founded on doctrines of the Bible. Our study will present such Bible topics as, “the apostles doctrine” and the “doctrine of Christ” and will avoid presenting traditions of men as equivalent to scripture since Jesus spoke against such.

While we can certainly respect religious traditions of people we love, it is important that the Bible be the primary source of teachings over what somebody in our past has believed. The scripture laid down the “landmarks” that determine the boundaries that define the church and we need to search out those landmarks to make sure what we think is true is true indeed:

Proverbs 22:28 Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.

Where can I find truth (part 2)?
July 21, 2009

I heard Bro. Doug White preach a message entitled, “I believe in rings.” He spoke of how the implements of worship in Moses' tabernacle in the wilderness, all had rings affixed to their side to allow them to be transported easily. The brazen altar, the altar of incense, the table of showbread, and even the boards of the tabernacle, all had four rings of gold on their corners or sides. Then they made staves or rods of shittim wood and overlaid them with brass.

When it was time to move on, those rods were inserted into the rings on each item of the tabernacle and the items could be transported easily and safely. When the time of transition came, their center of worship did not have to be left behind and then reinvented after each transition. The implements of worship were not touched by human hands so they were not corrupted, defiled, changed or diminished when it came time to move to the next phase of existence.

The purpose of this lesson is just that—we are purposely and diligently teaching the truths that define the church as the Church so we can pass it to the next generation “untouched” by human hands. We won't be looking on the history and traditions of a church denomination, but the teachings taught in the Bible. The goal of the present-day church should be to duplicate the teachings and practices found in the Bible. It is important to know why we believe what we believe.

1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Foundational teachings of scripture
Where can I find truth?
July 20, 2009

Welcome to a new feature of Moreword.com. We present an extensive series that will cover some of the most foundational teachings of the Bible. We will cover topics that answer important questions like:

Where can I find truth?
Who is God?
How can I find God?
How do I live for God?

We will take several weeks to cover each topic completely as, like Proverb-a-day, each lesson will be designed for just a few minutes of study at a setting. This study will not be sent out by email but will only appear here at moreword.com so you will need to check back Monday through Friday. So here we go. Welcome aboard the journey through scriptures.

Where Can I Find Truth?

It is extremely important that we are diligent about passing the truth of God's Word to the next generation. In the Book of Joshua, we learn what happens when a generation fails to adequately pass the truth to their children. After the death of Joshua and those of Joshua's generation, it was said:

Judg 2:10-11
10 And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel .
11 And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:

Why did the new generation not know the works God had done for Israel? God's works were not taught to them. It is as though an entire generation missed out on Sunday School. We should not assume that the Message is getting passed on, we must diligently teach it. Let's look at the Old Testament verse that Jesus considered the most important (Matt 22:38):

Deuteronomy 6:4-7
4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
7 And thou shalt teach them diligently…

Links to Apostolic sermons for free downloading:

Liberty Tabernacle, New Whiteland, Indiana

New Life Church, Austin, Texas

If you know of other sites with free downloading of Apostolic preaching, please send that link to me at awarner@moreword.com.

More Word to the World

A Ministry of Anthony and Rebecca Warner

The Word

How can I live for God? (part 46) March 10, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 45) March 9, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 44) March 5, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 43) March 4, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 42) March 3, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 41) March 2, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 40) March 1, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 39) February 26, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 38) February 25, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 37) February 24, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 36) February 23, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 35) February 19, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 34) February 18, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 33) February 17, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 32) February 16, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 31) February 15, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 30) February 12, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 29) February 11, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 28) February 10, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 27) February 9, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 26) February 8, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 25) February 4, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 24) February 3, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 23) February 1, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 22) January 29, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 21) January 28, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 20) January 27, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 19) January 26, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 18) January 25, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 17) January 22, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 16) January 21, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 15) January 20, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 14) January 19, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 13) January 15, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 12) January 14, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 11) January 13, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 10) January 12, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 9) January 11, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 8) January 8, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 7) January 4, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 6) December 24, 2009

How can I live for God? (part 5) December 23, 2009

How can I live for God? (part 4) December 22, 2009

How can I live for God? (part 3) December 21, 2009

How can I live for God? (part 2) December 18, 2009

How can I live for God? (part 1) December 17, 2009

Your New Life (part 8) December 16, 2009

Your New Life (part 7) December 15, 2009

Your New Life (part 6) December 14, 2009

Your New Life (part 5) December 11, 2009

Your New Life (part 4) December 10, 2009

Your New Life (part 3) December 8, 2009

Your New Life (part 2) December 7, 2009

Your New Life (part 1) December 4, 2009

How can I find God? (part 39) December 3, 2009

How can I find God? (part 38) December 2, 2009

How can I find God? (part 37) December 1, 2009

How can I find God? (part 36) November 30, 2009

How can I find God? (part 35) November 25, 2009

How can I find God? (part 34) November 20, 2009

How can I find God? (part 33) November 19, 2009

How can I find God? (part 32) November 18, 2009

How can I find God? (part 31) November 16, 2009

How can I find God? (part 30) November 13, 2009

How can I find God? (part 29) November 10, 2009

How can I find God? (part 28) November 6, 2009

How can I find God? (part 27) November 5, 2009

How can I find God? (part 26) November 2, 2009

How can I find God? (part 25) October 30, 2009

How can I find God? (part 24) October 29, 2009

How can I find God? (part 23) October 27, 2009

How can I find God? (part 22) October 26, 2009

How can I find God? (part 21) October 23, 2009

How can I find God? (part 20) October 22, 2009

How can I find God? (part 19) October 21, 2009

How can I find God? (part 18) October 20, 2009

How can I find God? (part 17) October 19, 2009

How can I live for God? (part 46)
March 10, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 45)
March 9, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 44)
March 5, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 43)
March 4, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 42)
March 3, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 41)
March 2, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 40)
March 1, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 39)
February 26, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 38)
February 25, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 37)
February 24, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 36)
February 23, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 35)
February 19, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 34)
February 18, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 33)
February 17, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 32)
February 16, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 31)
February 15, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 30)
February 12, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 29)
February 11, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 28)
February 10, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 27)
February 9, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 26)
February 8, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 25)
February 4, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 24)
February 3, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 23)
February 1, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 22)
January 29, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 21)
January 28, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 20)
January 27, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 19)
January 26, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 18)
January 25, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 17)
January 22, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 16)
January 21, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 15)
January 20, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 14)
January 19, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 13)
January 15, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 12)
January 14, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 11)
January 13, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 10)
January 12, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 9)
January 11, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 8)
January 8, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 7)
January 4, 2010

How can I live for God? (part 6)
December 24, 2009

How can I live for God? (part 5)
December 23, 2009

How can I live for God? (part 4)
December 22, 2009

How can I live for God? (part 3)
December 21, 2009

How can I live for God? (part 2)
December 18, 2009

How can I live for God? (part 1)
December 17, 2009

Your New Life (part 8)
December 16, 2009

Your New Life (part 7)
December 15, 2009

Your New Life (part 6)
December 14, 2009

Your New Life (part 5)
December 11, 2009

Your New Life (part 4)
December 10, 2009

Your New Life (part 3)
December 8, 2009

Your New Life (part 2)
December 7, 2009

Your New Life (part 1)
December 4, 2009

How can I find God? (part 39)
December 3, 2009

How can I find God? (part 38)
December 2, 2009

How can I find God? (part 37)
December 1, 2009

How can I find God? (part 36)
November 30, 2009

How can I find God? (part 35)
November 25, 2009

How can I find God? (part 34)
November 20, 2009

How can I find God? (part 33)
November 19, 2009

How can I find God? (part 32)
November 18, 2009

How can I find God? (part 31)
November 16, 2009

How can I find God? (part 30)
November 13, 2009

How can I find God? (part 29)
November 10, 2009

How can I find God? (part 28)
November 6, 2009

How can I find God? (part 27)
November 5, 2009

How can I find God? (part 26)
November 2, 2009

How can I find God? (part 25)
October 30, 2009

How can I find God? (part 24)
October 29, 2009

How can I find God? (part 23)
October 27, 2009

How can I find God? (part 22)
October 26, 2009

How can I find God? (part 21)
October 23, 2009

How can I find God? (part 20)
October 22, 2009

How can I find God? (part 19)
October 21, 2009

How can I find God? (part 18)
October 20, 2009

How can I find God? (part 17)
October 19, 2009

How can I find God? (part 16)
October 15, 2009

How can I find God? (part 15)
October 14, 2009

How can I find God? (part 14)
October 13, 2009