The Complete Church Piano Course

http://sanderson1611.blogspot.com/p/the-complete-church-piano-course.html

My 17 year old son and 19 year old daughter are really interested in doing this.

This is amazing! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxgLIQz6a1o

Here is Pastor Anderson's Youtube Channel that has really good tutorials. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6TaS-3a6y6O9ZdbCaooCqQ

For good KJV (the only reliable book) preaching see https://www.youtube.com/user/sanderson1611

Christianity versus Communism

Just recently my son came to me stating that someone he knew compared Christianity to Communism. He stated that this person considered the two alike in core ideologies. I have to admit that sometime in my past I too was guilty of making this mistake. At one time I would state that Christianity is the purest realization of the communist intent. I have since learned that the two ideas are at the core not alike at all.

There is one reference from the Bible that some use to state that the Bible taught communism to some degree if not fully. This was in the book of Acts chapter 2 verses 44 and 45 where it mentions the people selling their things and distributing the wealth amongst each other. When paraphrased like this it certainly does come across as communism or at least what some people see as socialism and that it is a societal, or better put, a governmental system that takes from those that have more and distributes the wealth across those that have less. This is done in order to theoretically bring equality to each individual within the system.

I have some understanding of communism having gone through junior and high school during the 1980’s and seeing the collapse of the Soviet Union in the papers and on TV. Much discussion was made in school and in the media that I am able to understand the basic premises of socialism and communism. These are when a government is supposedly empowered to bring overall societal equality to every person within the system. At least that is how it reads on paper.

Simply put it is the forced distribution of wealth. Here in lies the opposition of the two ideas regarding Christianity and Communism (or socialism).

I was tempted to go to the internet to get some material for this discussion but have discovered that there are too many disagreements on what Communism is verses Socialism and the comparison of this ideology with Christianity.

Even with Christianity no one can agree either as to what that really is as many denominations or sects have arisen since Jesus ascended up into heaven. I have learned that many of these variant divisions have doctrinal and traditional teachings that are extra-biblical or are not biblically balanced in their application of Christianity. In other words too many are in disagreement and out of context with the Bible itself.

To get a balanced blend of information from any of these in order to lend any help to this discussion would be a daunting if not impossible task. With that said I am going to go forward based on my lifetime of direct reading and studying of the Bible as well as my comprehension as to what Communism is based on my past observations and education.

Acts 2:44-45 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 

45   And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 

In order to justify this as communism one would have to take the phrase “And all that believed were together” out but more specifically it is the word “believed” that needs to be removed. It is this word that causes the ideas of Christianity and Communism to be completely different from each other.

As stated earlier Communism is essentially the forced distribution of wealth amongst those within the society. The concept as laid out in Acts chapter 2 shows a willingness to  give from those that have to those who are in need. This is not giving to those who have less to bring them to an equal economic status compared to those who have more but instead it is a willful giving to those in need. 

One has to keep it in complete context though. Remember the “believed” word? Well that word specifies that the distribution mentioned in this passage refers only to believers. The People in today’s society are not all Christians so that eliminates any potential to say that communism and Christianity are the same.

But some state that Jesus said we ought to take care of the strangers in need in Mathew 25. Indeed He did but again those who would give would do so willingly and because they were believers. There are many non-believers in society today who are forced to give to the needy through taxation. This is forced welfare and not a voluntary giving of the believer to the needy.

Sad to say that the believer in today’s society must pay through taxes to not only give to the needy but to unwillingly provide abortions and many other ungodly things that the bible does not approve of. Communism has already made its roots in our society here in America. I see it as only a short time for the severe slide towards the extreme. History is a good indicator of this potential.

It would seem that based on my writings here that I am against paying taxes and perhaps do not pay them. I put it this way to my son as to why I pay my taxes. I see it more like a car jacking or robbery where instead of protesting and potentially losing my life to the carjacker or robber I just give the money to them.

I have provided the following verses that are commonly used by my many to justify Communism based on what the Bible teaches. Remember to always keep these verses in proper context in regards to who the believers in Jesus are and what they ought to do out of willingness to serve God through serving others. God does not force the believer to serve others as Governments do today. Forced charity is not charity. That is what has become of our world today. Much like the prophet Isaiah warned against “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20). Today some may see welfare as charity but instead it is forced redistribution of wealth. In Biblical terms this is stealing and this violates God’s commandments.

Acts 4:32-37 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 

33   And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.  

34   Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 

35   And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.  (NOTE: not for equality but need)

36   And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, 

37   Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet. 

Mathew 25: 31-46 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 

32   And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 

33   And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 

34   Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 

35   For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 

36   Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 

37   Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 

38   When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 

39   Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 

40   And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. 

41   Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 

42   For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: 

43   I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 

44   Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? 

45   Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. 

46   And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. 

Note: Willful giving demonstrates who the believers are in God’s economy. In society today we are not called to pay our taxes willingly but are by rules and regulations forced to do so. I phrased it as such as it is still difficult to find the clear law that directly states we have to pay the federal income tax. That is another rabbit trail altogether that others have handled in much greater detail than I have time to so I find no need to dig into that topic here.

The following passage is much abused in the church today. Some if not most people today state that we must roll over and do whatever any particular government states to do and to honor our current government as well. Verse three provides the context as to what a ruler is in God’s eyes. Those who are a terror to good works are not rulers per God’s allowance. Abortions, forced welfare and wars for economic gain and so on are not good works by the Bible’s definition.

I do see that the scripture does say to pay tribute to whom tribute is due but who is it due to in our country?   Jesus said to “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's”.

What we do not do here in America is ask who Caesar is today? Again our societal logic fails miserably and is guilty of what Isaiah said “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20). 

We have to remember that our Government is supposed to be dictated by “We the People” and not a King or some party.

With that said whose image is noted on our money today? Whose money is it?

A slight of hand occurred in this regards back in 1913 when our Government gave   economic control to the Federal Reserve Bank, a private group of banks (Central Bank). Today every dollar is a Federal Reserve Note. Just look and read on any note to verify this. What that represents is essentially the superscription that Jesus spoke of. It is interesting that every dollar that is in circulation today represents a debt (debt = usury, not a Christian principle) owed ultimately to the Federal Reserve. So the money is not the American people’s like so many well meaning patriots like to believe but instead the money belongs to a private entity and not even our Government. That is how twisted this concept has become within our world today and how it demonstrates how far we have gone from biblical principles within our Society and government.  

Romans 13:1-7 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 

2   Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 

3   For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 

4   For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 

5   Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 

6   For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 

7   Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. 

Matthew 22:19-21   Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. 

20   And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? 

21   They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. 

Luke 14:13-14  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.  (NOTE: this again speaks to believers heeding the call of God to willingly reach out to the poor and needy. The actual context here is not physical but spiritual. It is not literally call people to a physical feast but instead it is a call to witness to the lost so they can be saved and live for ever with their Creator in heaven. That is a heavenly feast).

Matthew 19:19-22   And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? 

17   And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. 

18   He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, 

19   Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 

20   The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? 

21   Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. 

22   But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.  (NOTE: this again speaks as to a willingness to give all to follow God. It is not a tax to a secular Government in order to provide welfare, abortions and so on).

In closing what it simply comes down to is a willingness to give all to God and the fruit of one who has done this is shown in a life of serving others for God’s glory. Again, this is done out of a willing heart and not forced upon the individual by any government or society. Our society today is made up of mainly non-believers by the pure definition of what a believer is per the Bible. So if these non-believers give to the poor either by taxes or even to charity outside of taxes this is what the Bible calls as dead works. These are works not done to glorify God but instead typically done for the glory of one’s self (I.e. self-satisfaction).  

IMPORTANT: Warnings from God’s word for the Churches of today regarding false prophets

Sad but too many so-called pastors, teachers, and preachers are ignoring the explicitly clear warnings against twisting scriptures for selfish reasons and as a result are excusing sin by teaching lies.

When any man who calls himself a man of God distorts the word of God for whatever reason he thus qualifies himself as a false prophet, a wolf in sheep’s clothing, a deceiver and these are in grave danger of God’s wrath. They are a specific danger to God’s own children. This is the solid Biblical position.

Satan led the way with “Yea, hath God said...” and evil men have followed his lead ever since.

There are many examples to draw form today based on the many pastors in the many churches I have listened to over the years of my life. Most recently and what really prompted this study was a pastor who outright stated that smoking and drinking were not sins. The pastor stated this with a man dying from smoking sitting in the audience. Also present in the audience was my father who has struggled in the past with alcohol almost to point of death. I had the same issue as well and Jesus has since delivered me from that bondage. My brother is currently drinking himself to death and has already killed one marriage and his second marriage is quickly following the same deadly path.

Paul called out the false prophets by name as will I in regards to the latest occurrence that I witnessed. Kenneth Hickman is not a man of God but passes himself off as a minister of righteousness and is definitely a follower of Satan himself the angel of light as per the Bible. 

Anyone who is involved in a church being led by someone who changes the word of God ought to leave as it is not true fellowship but rather a work of Satan.

I will let the word of God do the teaching and admonishing in regards to false prophets.

Genesis 3:1  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? 

Deuteronomy 18:20-22 But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.

21 And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which

the LORD hath not spoken?

22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.

2 Corinthians 11:12-15   But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. 

13   For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 

14   And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 

15   Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. 

Titus 1:9-16   Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. 

10  For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:  

11   Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. 

12   One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. 

13   This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; 

14   Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. 

15   Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. 

16   They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. 

Galatians 1:8-9   But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 

9   As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. 

2 Peter 2:1   But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 

Matthew 7:15-20   Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 

16   Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 

17   Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 

18   A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 

19   Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 

20   Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 

2 Timothy 4:2-4 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

 1 Timothy 6:20-21 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:

21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

Acts 20:28-31 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church

of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

Matthew 24:23-24   Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 

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

Hebrew 13:9   Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. 

2 Peter 3:17   Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

1 Timothy 1:3-4, 18-20 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 

4   Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. 

18  This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; 

19   Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 

20   Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

1 Timothy 4:1  Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils

2 Timothy 2:15-17   Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 

16   But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 

17   And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;   

Mark 7:7-9   Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. 

8   For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. 

9   And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.    

Deuteronomy 4:1-2    Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you. 

2   Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. 

Deuteronomy 12:32 What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

Proverbs 30:5-6  Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 

6   Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. 

Revelation 22:18-19 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 

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. 

2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

Ephesians 4:14   That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;  

Romans 16:17-18  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 

18   For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 

Ephesians 5:6-16   Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 

7   Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 

8   For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 

9   (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 

10   Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 

11   And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 

12   For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 

13   But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. 

14   Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 

15   See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 

16   Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 

2 Corinthians 6:14-18   Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 

15   And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 

16   And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 

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. 

1 Thessalonians 5:21-24   Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 

22   Abstain from all appearance of evil. 

23   And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

24   Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. 

Thank you, 

John Hicks

A letter to a lost friend

Dear Friend,

I realize this will likely have you unfriending me on Facebook and elsewhere but please hear me out first.

If I truly believed in a real place called hell then what kind of person would I be to not warn you? If your house was on fire I surely would pull you from the flames even if it hurt your feelings. This is not a matter of a temporal home though but a matter of eternal significance which holds much more weight.

I am praying for you. My prayers are not focused on the temporary but are messaged a concern for the future, for eternity.

I have such a concern for you at this time so please take this only in the context that I desire the utmost good for you.

Our family ministry mindset is based on Genesis 50:21a “Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones…” The Hebrew word for “nourish” is kuwl (cool). K.U.W.L. for us is “Keeping” “u” “Ill” “Longer”. Not only do we address the physical needs but the spiritual as well. Sooner or later the body dies. The Bible tells us “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” Hebrews 9:27. This and the remainder of the Bible tell us that career success, self-gratification and any other success or fulfillment in this life is meaningless in the scope of eternity. We do not want to miss that point because according to God’s council all physically healthy people die eventually and depending on what they do with their lives dictate where they will spend eternity. So we desire to help people become spiritually healthy over physically healthy.

I believe that you may have spent some time in church and that you may have even read the Bible for yourself to some degree so the following should not be too much of a surprise or maybe it will. The urgency on my end to tell you these things is hard to convey in writing. The problem these days is that too many churches gloss over some of these things and for sake of not offending people they tend to avoid the hard hitting issues such as confronting sinners who are headed for the literal flames of hell.

Again, please take everything here to heart knowing that I love you and only want what is best for you.

If your time to die was today, do you know where you would spend eternity? Are you like most people these days and believe that if you are good enough as per your standard of what is good is or what the average standard of good may be then perhaps you may get into heaven?

These are all honest questions everyone should be asking themselves.   If you are going to be honest with yourself, then you need to hear what the Bible says in regards to this issue. It is God’s final authority that matters here, not our own.

So where will you spend eternity? God says that all liars will have their part in the lake of fire (Hell) Revelation 21:8. And Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God”. The word 'ALL' includes myself and you as well.

Some people create their own standard of what good is but the Bible has already given us the only standard that counts towards eternity. God gave us His moral law, His standard that every person has to meet. This standard is the Ten Commandments. God gave them to us to be a mirror and a schoolmaster for us to know if we have sinned. Paul said that if it was not for the law he would not know what sin was (Romans 7:7).

So lets take a look at God’s law (Exodus 20) if you will, and see how you stack up. Remember you just have to fail one of these questions to be a sinner.

1. Have you ever told a lie? The Ten Commandments tell us that I should not lie and this includes even what the world excuses as little “white lies”. Any untruth is a lie regardless of motive or context. What do we call people who tell lies? We call them liars. How many murders does one have to commit to be a murderer? One is all it takes. If you have told just one lie, then God sees you as a liar. The Bible warns that all liars will have their part in the Lake of Fire (Revelation 21:8).

2. Have you ever stolen anything regardless of worth? (An idea, a pen, didn't give your employer your best effort at work, etc.). Anyone who steals is called a thief.

3. Have you ever taken the name of the Lord in vain? This is using God's name for any reason other than worship, prayer, or any other activity that brings Him glory. People these days tend to use His name as a cuss word. This is a blasphemous use of his name. One who does this is a blasphemer.

4. Have you ever hated anyone?  Jesus said in Matthew 5:21-22 that hatred is the same as murder. God’s standard is indeed higher than our own but it is just and true. If you hated anyone then you would be a murderer per God’s standard.

5. Have you ever had sexual thoughts about someone? In Matthew 5:28, Jesus said that this is committing adultery in your heart. According to God It is no different from actually committing the physical act. The Bible says that adulterers and fornicators (those who have had sex before or outside of marriage) will not enter the kingdom of heaven (1 Corinthians 6:9).

Now being honest, can you admit that you are a liar, a thief, a blasphemer, a murderer and an adulterer at heart? For me the answer is yes to all of these.  I am guilty of breaking these. Keep in mind that we have only looked at 5 of the Ten Commandments.

If God were to judge you by His standard, the Ten Commandments, would you be guilty or innocent? Would you deserve to go to Heaven or to Hell? Does the fact that you have sinned against God concern you? It should. We have all angered Him by our sin. Because of this the Bible says His wrath abides on you (John 3:36), and that you are an enemy of God in your mind by your wicked works (Colossians 1:21).

Who of us can say we are not guilty of breaking any of these Commandments? This is what the Bible means when it says, "for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). You are guilty of sinning against God Himself, and, because you have a conscience, (con-with, science-knowledge) you have sinned "with knowledge."

James 2:10 says, “for whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all”. It’s like this. You are hanging from a helicopter 10,000 feet in the air by a chain that has ten links in it. It would take but one link to break to cause you to fall to your death. That is the closest I can get to equating the spiritual concept within our physical world. God’s standard is pure and high and let’s face it, it is unattainable. Death (permanent separation from God) is eminent and required.

Perhaps you think God is good and because of his goodness He will overlook your sins. But if you knew of a human judge who turned a blind eye to the crimes of a guilty rapist would you describe him as a "good" judge? No. That would be a corrupt judge. God is not a corrupt judge. He will punish all the rapists, murderers, liars and thieves.  But he won't stop there. He will also punish all liars, the lustful, adulterers, idolaters, and blasphemers, (Revelation 21:8). The place of eternal punishment is Hell. But because God is rich in mercy and compassion, he has provided a way for you to be forgiven. He has invited you to come to Him for a full pardon and to receive the free gift of Eternal Life. You cannot earn it, and you do not deserve it, but God is offering it to you as proof of His love for you.

Imagine you are standing in front of an earthly judge, guilty of multiple serious crimes. All the evidence has been presented and there is no doubt about your guilt. Your apologies and good works cannot erase your crimes; therefore you must be punished. The fine for your crime is $1 Billion or life imprisonment, but you don't have two pennies to your name. The judge is about to pass sentence when someone you don't even know steps into the court room and pays your fine for you. The court accepts the money and declares that you are free to go. The law has been satisfied, your debt has been paid in full, and the stranger's sacrifice was a demonstration of his love for you.

That's what God did for you around 2000 years ago. The Bible says that the God of the Universe became a man (Jesus Christ), and suffered and died on the cross for your sins and mine so that we could be set free. It's as simple as this—we broke the Law, and Jesus paid our fine. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us” (Galatians 3:13).

Do you see God's great love for you and the price He paid for us all? Do you see your need for His forgiveness? Then it makes sense to do what He commands and "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord" (Acts 3:19).

You must turn away from sin and turn to God.

Have nothing to do with sin, and surrender your life to the only One who can save you.

Jesus died to set you free, and then he rose from the dead to be your Lord.

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me".

If you will confess and forsake your sins (repent) and trust in Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord, God will forgive you and you'll pass from death to life.

If you are not sure how to pray, read Psalm 51 and make your prayer like the Psalmist’s.

What does it mean to "put your faith in Jesus Christ?" It means to personally trust in Jesus the same way you'd trust in a parachute if you had to jump 25,000 feet out of an airplane. You wouldn't just "believe" in the parachute; you would put it on! In the same way, the Bible says, "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ..." and you will be saved. There are millions of people who "believe" Jesus exists... but they have not put on the Saviour—there's a BIG difference. And the difference will be obvious when you "jump" through the door of death.


Today, with all your heart—turn away from sin, and surrender your life to Jesus Christ. Please don't put it off till later. You may die today and then it will be too late. Please repent and trust Christ today. God will transform you from the inside out. You will think and feel differently as you learn to trust and obey Him. God will give you new strength to live right and love Him above all else. Read your Bible daily and obey His Word. You can trust God.  He loves you and will always be faithful. If you've decided to reject the gift of forgiveness and you die in your sins, then there is no hope for you.  The wrath of God abides on you and you will spend eternity in Hell. Please take the time to consider your sins and that God is willing to forgive you if you repent of your sins and put your faith in Christ and follow Christ as Lord.

As I stated earlier all true believers who are saved had to confront the exact same thing I have laid out here for you. I had to realize that my standard of goodness could not save me and only when I realized that I was a wretched sinner in light of God’s holy standard did I submit myself to Him and accepted fully what He had already done for me on the cross. It’s a daily walk in the service of the Lord now and realizing how finite our existence is here on earth in light of His overall plan I want every second to count for His Kingdom. It’s a serious thing when you realize that you are dealing with the one true living God.

I will not promise a perfect life but I will promise that God can carry us through all the evil and bad things that this world throws at us. He truly provides the peace that passes all understanding.

You can be free from the bondage of sin and you can partake in a life that has eternal significance. Jesus said, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed”. John 8:36.

Friend, I thank you for taking the time to read through this and want you to know I am praying for you.

Sincerely,

Your Friend, John