Conditional statements in the Bible

“IF” is a powerful word that is often not emphasized in order to make room for new doctrines. The popular mantra today is that God’s plan of reconciliation of man to Him is unconditional.

Many today over look or interpret the many conditional statements in the Bible in order to make these new doctrines work for them. New doctrines that fall into this modern day perversion is once saved always saved (OSAS) or originally termed the preservation of the saints as well as God is only Love and that He does not hate the sinner but instead hates the sin.

Are you guilty of falling into this trap?  I was for many years of my walk with God until I came to terms with the original intent and the specific context of His word. I thus began to take Him at His word and I stopped trying to make His word say whatever I wanted it to say.

Conditional statements conclude in outcomes that are dictated by fulfilling, either in the positive or the negative, specifically identified actions or conditions if you will…

I have addressed in the past the main complaint that is typically brought up whenever this issue is discussed that this biblical line of thinking is in no way a ‘works based’ salvation. Salvation was provided once and for all on the cross by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. What I am saying that faith is essentially works based in the sense that without good works, done selflessly and for the Lord, your faith is dead.

James 2:17-26 says:
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

If you, the salt of the earth loses it’s savour then you will be cast out and trodden under foot of men.

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Matthew 5:13

If you attempt to continue on in a reconciled relationship with God that includes worshiping Him only and yet you have not attempted to be reconciled with another person over some wrong done then you will be judged and cast into prison. Full forgiveness is required from us to others in order to be forgiven by God.

Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;  Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. Matthew 5:23-26

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14-15

Death comes to all who do not repent.

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

If you ask for anything in Jesus’ name He will do it beginning first and foremost with a repentant request for the forgiveness you of your sins.

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

Simply put, if you love Jesus you will obey Him. If you do not then you do not love Him and God will not abide with you. Keep in mind that the opposite of conditional statements hold true as well.

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

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. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. John 14:21-24

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. John 15:10

These following verses highlight the opposite outcomes of the above verses from John chapters 14 and 15 when they are taken in reversed context (Love God vs Love not God or Hate God). This is regarding if you do not keep God’s commandments. These verses fly in stark contrast to the modern popular mantra that God is love and that He hates only the sin and not the sinner.

The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity. Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man. Psalm 5:5-6

The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup. For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright. Psalm 11:5-7

And ye shall not walk in the manners of the nation, which I cast out before you: for they committed all these things, and therefore I abhorred them. Leviticus 20:23

These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. Proverbs 6:16-19

All their wickedness is in Gilgal: for there I hated them: for the wickedness of their doings I will drive them out of mine house, I will love them no more: all their princes are revolters. Hosea 9:15

The conditional statements listed further above are but a few of the many that are located in the Bible. It is very important that we do not blow these off or diminish the original and contextual intent of these, the words of God, in order to make them fit into a doctrine that is not represented within scriptures and that was not taught in the early Christian Church.

The challenge is for all who desire to rightly divide the word of God to examine all of the scriptures to see if these things are so…

Do any of you err from the truth?

Here' s the deal, when we would go out street preaching and witnessing in Austin, Tx and elsewhere, the majority of the hardest hearts, the most vocal of the hecklers and the most wretched of sinners were either professing Christians or those who claimed to have once been followers of Christ.

This disturbed me much as the watered down  gospel they were exposed to gave them the excuse they needed to go on in their sin yet still feel secure in their salvation. This was despite their choosing to serve another God, their carnal lusts. They were not serving God and thus either not bearing fruit or they were bearing bad fruit. Jesus tells us implicitly that these get cast into the fire.

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. [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. [22] Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? [23] And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:17-23

I know from God's Word that it is my obligation as a believer to try to  convert them and save their soul from death (see cast into the fire mentioned above and James 5:19-20 below).

A watered down and unbiblical gospel of once saved always saved (OSAS or the preservation of the saints) cannot convert these poor souls. OSAS only enables them to continue on in their sins assuming that grace would abound for them.

In Romans 6:1 and 2 Paul warned us about this error when he wrote: "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; [20] Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. James 5:19-20

God uses whomever He wants to spread His message!

God uses whomever He wants to spread His message!

I picked up some of the new Billion Dollar Bill Donald Trump gospel tracks from PinPoint Gospel Tracts (http://store.gospeltract.org/). These have a good detailed message on the back.

Last night I took the family to Wataburger and handed out a few of these new Billion Dollar bills to the staff including the manager. The manager took her time to read the back of one of them and then handed it to one of her employees. She said "read this, it will tell you if you are good or not". The employee took it and started to read it as well.

Years ago a similar thing occurred but it was at my work. I had a million dollar bill on my desk. I was working the later second shift at that time. My team lead one night picked it up off of my desk and yelled out to the dozen or so employees present at that time, "hey guys, listen to this...". He proceeded to read the entire back of the tract which walks a person through God's law so that they can see that they are not good per God's standards (His Law) and that they need Jesus. At that time the gospel was preached to my coworkers by a non-christian.

God uses anyone and anything He wants to spread His Gospel.

Amazing.

Am I a peculiar person or do I fit in well with this world?

“The church, in the days of her power, never got along with the world; and the world never got along with the church.” - A.W. Tozer

“This is the time to blush that we have no shame, the time to weep for our lack of tears, the time to bend low that we have lost the humble touch of servants, the time to groan that we have no burden, the time to be angry with ourselves that we have no anger over the devil’s monopoly in this ‘‘end time’’ hour, the time to chastise ourselves that the world can so easily get along with us and not attempt to chastise us.” - Leonard Ravenhill

Am I a peculiar person or do I fit in well with this world?

This is an honest question that every believer ought to be asking themselves on a regular basis.

If we choose to take on Christ and follow Him then we must examine ourselves to see if we are like Him or more like this world.

If we are indeed following Him and looking like Him in thought and deed then we will not fit in well with this world.

Here are some verses that encourages us believers to be set apart from the world.

We should look very peculiar to the unsaved of this world.

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Titus 2:11-14

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: 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. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 1 Peter 2:9-12

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 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. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing ; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

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. Revelation 18:4

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Ephesians 5:11

If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. John 15:18-19

I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. John 17:15-18

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

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. [2] For by it the elders obtained a good report. [3] Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. [4] By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. [5] By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. [6] But without faith it is impossible to please him : for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. [7] By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. [8] By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. [9] By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: [10] For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. [11] Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. [12] Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. [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. [17] By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son , [18] Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: [19] Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. [20] By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. [21] By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. [22] By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones. [23] By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. [24] By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; [25] Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; [26] Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. [27] By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. [28] Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. [29] By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land : which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. [30] By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. [31] By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. [32] And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: [33] Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, [34] Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. [35] Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: [36] And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: [37] They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; [38] (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. [39] And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: [40] God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. Hebrews 11:1-40

When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. Deuteronomy 18:9

And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few. But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus. And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things. Acts 17:4-8

In conclusion, never forget that if you are not a peculiar person set apart for God and if you fit in well with this world then you are an enemy of God. It is truly a fearful thing to fall into the hands of Him!

Ye adulterers, and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world, is the enemy of God. James 4:4

EN'MITY, noun
1. The quality of being an enemy; the opposite of friendship; ill will; hatred; unfriendly dispositions; malevolence. It expresses more than aversion and less than malice, and differs from displeasure in denoting a fixed or rooted hatred, whereas displeasure is more transient.
2. A state of opposition.

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.  Hebrews 10:31

"Why do we expect to be better treated in this world than Jesus was?" - Leonard Ravenhill

Do we really 'Prove all things'?

Or are we blindly going through day to day and yearly traditions without first fully examining whether or not they are things we ought to be doing?

Are we justifying our traditions on man's authority or God's?

When I realized that God's word says we have to prove all things and not just a few things I started to dig into everything that I could from the practices we do in church to the holidays that we enjoy.

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22

Whenever you are doing something do you ever ask yourself "is this something that I want to do?" or are you studying and researching to prove that you are doing all that you can in order to know that it is something that God has purposed for you to do and that it is approved by His word?

It is not enough to just accept something as being right in God's eyes just because we have always done it. You need to dig deep on everything you do, traditions, etc,, You should sincerely ask yourself "am I doing this just because I want to or is this something that God wants and does it truly please Him?"...

Remember that many times we try to justify what we are doing is ok because of so-called "Christian Liberty". But God's word says that our liberty should not be used to disguise sin (occasion to the flesh) but instead to serve others and more importantly to serve God.

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. Galatians 5:13.

As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. 1 Peter 2:16

Some, such as I did at one time, will justify their participation in a particular activity or tradition as just having good clean fun without proving that it is acceptable to God even though it has evil underlying roots or associations.

God does care about the origins of any particular thing we involve ourselves in but many, as did I in the past, think that we have cleansed whatever activity or tradition and now we can freely indulge in it as Christians. This is far from God's truth as seen through what He told Haggai:

Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Ask now the priests concerning the law, saying, If one bear holy flesh in the skirt of his garment, and with his skirt do touch bread, or pottage, or wine, or oil, or any meat, shall it be holy? And the priests answered and said, No. Then said Haggai, If one that is unclean by a dead body touch any of these, shall it be unclean? And the priests answered and said, It shall be unclean. Then answered Haggai, and said, So is this people, and so is this nation before me, saith the Lord ; and so is every work of their hands; and that which they offer there is unclean. Haggai 2:11-14

We cannot call something clean just because it is fun and we want to indulge in it. We do not have the power to "Christianize" anything. Only God can make the unclean clean. He is the one who sets those standards not us.

Remember that sin is indeed fun for but a season but the end result is death and it is not good to ever try and justify it.

By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. Hebrews 11:24-25

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

We should not use our thought processes outside of God's word to justify anything we do...
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

We should indeed prove all things and not compromise on anything so that we can be assured that whatever we do is indeed acceptable unto the Lord.

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

Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. Ephesians 5:10

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

God's word also reminds us that we ought not to indulge in ungodly practices even if we think no one is watching. A true believer knows he is always in full sight of our Lord who sees everything.

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:12-13

When we do something we ought to also remember that it should first and foremost be pleasing to God as we were created for His good pleasure and not the other way around.

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. Revelation 4:11

Do not be like the Pharisees and build up defenses that lie outside of God's word and that are in opposition to His will in order to try to justify whatever it is you want to do that is not pleasing to God.

And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. Mark 7:9

With all that said, are you really proving all things in the light of God's holy word?

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee...Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:11 and 105

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

When people do this they find out how narrow the path to life truly is.

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matthew 7:13-14

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

Persecution will not be the exception in a believer's life.

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12

If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. [19] If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. [20] Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. [21] But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. [22] If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. [23] He that hateth me hateth my Father also. [24] If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. [25] But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause. John 15:18-25

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. Acts 14:22

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: [2] By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. [3] And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; [4] And patience, experience; and experience, hope: [5] And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Romans 5:1-5

Our responses to those who will persecute us is very important. Just as Stephen did when he was killed we ought to “lay not this sin to their charge” but instead we ought to bless and forgive them…

When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.  Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:54-60

Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. [15] Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Romans 12:14-15

Our response should be a happy and joyful one knowing that Jesus is glorified when these things happen.

If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. 1 Peter 4:14

We definitely must never forget that we do not suffer alone nor should we allow other believers who are being persecuted to suffer alone.

Here is a classic example of a dear brother in Christ who was shot and almost killed for his faith in Jesus. He demonstrates exactly what the scriptures say in regards to how we should act when being persecuted.

Nigeria: Habila Shot for Refusing to Deny Jesus:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2nujFsnI6Y

And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. [27] Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 1 Corinthians 12:26-27

Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. Hebrews 13:3

Precious indeed is the death of His saints who die standing firm in the gospel of Jesus Christ!

I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.
I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people.

Precious in the sight of the Lord 

is the death of his saints. 

O Lord, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.
I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord. Psalm 116:13-17

Woe to the rebellious children...that will not hear the law of the Lord...

These following verses were addressed to Israel as a prophetic warning back in Isaiah's time.

It sure sounds like a warning for our time as well.

Today we do indeed have a world filled with rebellious children who will not hear the law...

Woe to the rebellious children, saith the Lord , that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin: [2] That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt! [3] Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion...[9] That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord : [10] Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: [11] Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us. [12] Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon: [13] Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant. [14] And he shall break it as the breaking of the potters' vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare: so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire from the hearth, or to take water withal out of the pit. [15] For thus saith the Lord God , the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. [16] But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift.  Isaiah 30:1-3, 9-16

Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the Lord ! [2] Yet he also is wise, and will bring evil, and will not call back his words: but will arise against the house of the evildoers, and against the help of them that work iniquity. [3] Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When the Lord shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together. Isaiah 31:1-3

Difficult Scriptures and how to deal with them...

Many have struggled with some of the scriptures, especially the ones that leave very little wiggle room for people's propensity towards sin.

I know of one person who took himself and his family into hyper-dispensationalism and a much more "accepting", if you will, perverted gospel that allows carnal pleasures through what I have come to call a life of greasy grace. Greasy grace is where one believes they can keep on sinning or they have redefined sin in their lives as not sin and thus they can continue on in it under the false notion that they are protected by God's grace. This is despite Paul warning that we ought not to continue on in sin so that grace may abound (Romans 6:1-2).

The following scriptures are some of the more difficult ones that I can think of.

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. Hebrews 10:26-27

For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. ‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭2:21-22‬

The key to dealing with these scriptures and what they are telling us is to stay on the old paths. We need to take joy in the fact we have been saved from sin and death all the while never forgetting nor diminishing the holiness of God in our minds as well as throughout every aspect of our lives.

Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls…Jeremiah 6:16

Remember also that we were created for His good pleasure and not our own…

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13

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. Revelation 4:11

A simple formula to adhere to would be to pray and stay.

Pray without ceasing that you stay in the Word, and stay in constant and joyful service for Him, and that you stay in His will.

Stay on the old paths...

Open-air preaching was the norm and not the exception in the Bible

OPEN-AIR PREACHING

By Charles H. Spurgeon

THERE ARE some customs for which nothing can be pleaded, except that they are very old. In such cases antiquity is of no more value than the rust upon a counterfeit coin. It is, however, a happy circumstance when the usage of ages can be pleaded for a really good and Scriptural practice, for it invests it with a halo of reverence. Now, it can be argued, with small fear of refutation, that openair preaching is as old as preaching itself. We are at full liberty to believe that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, when he prophesied, asked for no better pulpit than the hillside, and that Noah, as a preacher of righteousness, was willing to reason with his contemporaries in the shipyard wherein his marvelous ark was builded.

Certainly, Moses and Joshua found their most convenient place for addressing vast assemblies beneath the unpillared arch of heaven. Samuel closed a sermon in the field of Gilgal amid thunder and rain, by which the Lord rebuked the people and drove them to their knees. Elijah stood on Carmel, and challenged the vacillating nation with "How long halt ye between two opinions?"

Jonah, whose spirit was somewhat similar, lifted up his cry of warning in the streets of Nineveh, and in all her places of concourse gave forth the warning utterance, "Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!" To hear Ezra and Nehemiah "all the people gathered themselves to "ether as one man into the street that was before the water gate." Indeed, we find examples of open-air preaching everywhere around us in the records of the Old Testament.

It may suffice us, however, to go back as far as the origin of our own holy faith, and there we hear the forerunner of the Saviour crying in the wilderness and lifting up his voice from the river's bank. Our Lord Himself, who is yet more our pattern, delivered the larger portion of His sermons on the mountain's side, or by the seashore, or in the streets. Our Lord was to all intents and purposes an openair preacher. He did not remain silent in the synagogue, but He was equally at home in the field. We have no discourse of His on record delivered in the chapel royal, but we have the Sermon on the Mount and the Sermon in the Plain; so that the very earliest and most divine kind of preaching was practiced out-of-doors by Him who spake as never man spake.

There were gatherings of His disciples after His decease, within walls, especially that in the upper room; but the preaching was even then most frequently in the court of the Temple, or in such other open spaces as were available. The notion of holy places and consecrated meetinghouses had not occurred to them as Christians; they preached in the Temple, or in such other open spaces as were available. but with equal earnestness "in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ."

See more here: https://www.biblebelievers.com/StreetPreaching2.html

I do not carry the scars...

After pushing several hundreds of staples into the Gospel of John and Roman booklets that we are preparing to send overseas to folks in order to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ I noticed that my wrists and palms were getting pretty sore.

Then it dawned on me.

This is an awesome example that we cannot save ourselves.

While doing this work no doubt brings great joy to our Father in heaven it certainly is not the work that saves me.

Even though there is pain in my wrists and hands, this pain does not save me either.

When I look at my hands I realize the pain is really quite insignificant as I find that there are no marks. No scars or cuts can be seen.

When we get to heaven and look at Jesus' hands we will definitely see the scars that tell of how salvation is truly earned.

It was through the nails that were driven through His hands and onto the cross where He hung and died. That is where salvation was provided for me.

We do not serve Him to win His grace or to save our souls.

We serve Him because He is worthy.

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Not of works, lest any man should boast.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 

Ephesians 2:4-10

After doing this over and over again it does get a bit sore!

Look! No scars!

Is Building a Wall always a bad idea?

I am not clearly set in regards to how I feel about a wall being built but I can see some inconsistent thinking coming from some who oppose the idea, especially when they try to say it is universally wrong to do so from a Christian perspective.

Enter the Pope as he says that anyone who wants to build a wall "is not Christian".

His way of thinking would actually be in line with the neighboring Kings in Nehemiah's time who ridiculed Nehemiah for wanting to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. No doubt they feared that the wall would bring the necessary safety for the Jewish people to once again flourish and grow strong thus threatening their own power and control in the area.

But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king? Nehemiah 2:19

But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned? Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall...But it came to pass, that when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth, And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it.Nehemiah 4:1-3, 7-8

There certainly did not seem to be an issue with walls for the sake of defense during Nehemiah's time.

And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house. Nehemiah 7:3

BSA, Dumb on Purpose…

Boy Scouts have gone the way of compromise despite what we know of in regards to genetic science.

Regardless of anyone's feelings those, along with emotions and personal and selfish desires, do not negate or change one's genetic designation.

Thus by all scientific and more importantly Biblical definitions they are being dumb on purpose.

‘Willingly ignorant’ in the Greek means ‘Dumb on Purpose’.

Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
For this they willingly are ignorant of,
that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 2 Peter 3:3-7

Secaucus transgender boy returns to Scouting:

http://www.northjersey.com/story/news/2017/02/07/secaucus-transgender-boy-returns-scouting/97608482/

Transgender defined: denoting or relating to a person whose sense of personal identity and gender does not correspond with their birth sex.

Science tells us that the sex of an individual is determined by a pair of sex chromosomes, pure and simple. 

There may be some exceptions, some involving mutations, etc, but they are just that, exceptions. 

Science does not recognize feelings or a "sense of personal identity" as being a determining factor at the genetic level, at all.  

What is the difference between God and a doctor?

What is the difference between God and a doctor?

God does not think He is a doctor.

He is our absolute salvation!

...They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.Mark 2:17

Church Discipline and Legal matters…yet again more failures by the modern church...

There are more overlooked and underutilized scriptures in the American Christian Church. These involve church discipline and legal matters.

Underutilized and overlooked equals to 'not adhering to'.

'Not adhering to' is equal to essentially not obeying.

Well, it really is all about not obeying.

There are always exceptions to this as some, while very few, are out there practicing these to the letter of original intent.

This issue centers on church discipline and matters that require legal judgment involving believers.

There is enough scripture available to follow regarding this as well as scripture that helps understand why this is happening.

I am still working through these as well in my mind in light of our current issues, societal laws and practices but there does clearly appear to be abuse or neglect regarding these biblical principles lately and these are pretty rampant in occurrences.

Most everyone knows of at least a few examples or more regarding this.

It is not my intention here to point out specific cases or examples but will instead leave that to the readers of this as I will keep what I know around that to myself at this time. It is not my intention at this time to call out people specifically. My intention is to only the point out that these issues are occurring today and what the Bible has to say about them.

I, personally, am determined to not deviate with any work-arounds but instead I purpose to stay with the contextual and original intent of what Scriptures instruct when it comes to these principles.

Changes in the times do not dictate deviating from scriptures.

We change but God does not and that includes His Word.

As far as church discipline and judging other Christians on matters I suppose the problem can be root caused by looking at Lamentations 1:10 where Jeremiah tells us why Israel fell. It was because she disobeyed God in allowing the heathen (heathen = non-Jew = non-believers in this context) into her sanctuaries when she was commanded by God to not allow the heathen into her congregation. God allowed both sanctuary and congregation to be used in His Word in order for no one to be confused about His specific command regarding this.

The adversary hath spread out his hand upon all her pleasant things: for she hath seen that the heathen entered into her sanctuary, whom thou didst command that they should not enter into thy congregation. Lamentations 1:10

For those who want to say that under the new covenant things have changed here are some scriptures that say that this is absolutely not the case and that it still applies to our current sanctuaries and congregations (the church if you will):

Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. James 4:4

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. Romans 12:2

Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.  And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.  Ephesians 5:10-11

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?  And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?  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.  Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,  And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.  2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Rejoice evermore.  Pray without ceasing.  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  Quench not the Spirit.  Despise not prophesyings.  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.  Abstain from all appearance of evil.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

Here are some of the scriptures that deal specifically with church discipline and matters that require legal judgment involving believers:

Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren? But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.  Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? 1 Corinthians 6:1-7

Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear [thee, then] take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Matthew 18:15-17

But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself. Titus 3:9-11

It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 1 Corinthians 5:1-5

But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 2 Thessalonians 3:13-15

Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. James 5:19-20

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Galatians 6:1

Why the church should not look anything like the world...

Here just a few scriptures that are clear on this topic.

You should thoroughly search the remaining scriptures as there are more…

The adversary hath spread out his hand upon all her pleasant things: for she hath seen that the heathen entered into her sanctuary, whom thou didst command that they should not enter into thy congregation. Lamentations 1:10

Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. James 4:4

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. Romans 12:2

Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.  And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.  Ephesians 5:10-11

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?  And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?  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.  Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,  And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.  2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Rejoice evermore.  Pray without ceasing.  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  Quench not the Spirit.  Despise not prophesyings.  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.  Abstain from all appearance of evil.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

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;  And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.  2 Timothy 4:3-4

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!  Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!  Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:  Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!  Isaiah 5:20-23

So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Revelation 3:16

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…For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,  And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.  Matthew 24:24, 38-39

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.  For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,  Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.  2 Timothy 3:1-7

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?  1 Peter 4:17

Have you forgotten how holy God is?

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 

1 Peter 1:15-16

If we spent more time focusing on the holiness of God and how we can fully submit to Him than we do justifying any level of sin then we would be in a much better place.

The church has forgotten how holy God really is.

Because the church has either forgotten or greatly watered down the holiness of God it has thus either forgotten or watered down the fact that freedom in Christ is truly freedom. Freedom in Christ means that we are not in a continual bondage to sin. If you are then there is a serious problem on your end. Truthfully many do not see their bondage to sin as a problem as they choose to continue on in it so that God's grace may abound. God's word said that we ought not have this mindset! See Romans 6:1, etc...

All throughout scriptures we see that we are freed from the bondage of sin and renewed unto God in order to walk after His Holiness but many have no clue what that means because the church has failed to spur them on towards this end.

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God and many have missed that point entirely.

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There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither [is there] any rock like our God. 

1 Samuel 2:2

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For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Isaiah 57:15

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Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy. 

Leviticus 19:2

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O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.

Psalm 96:9

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And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.

Isaiah 6:3

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According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love

Ephesians 1:4

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Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 

Hebrews 10:29-31

Anyone who forsaketh not all that he hath cannot be Jesus' disciple...It's all or none...

The path to follow Jesus is indeed narrow and it involves more commitment from people than any other perceived goal, enterprise or entity that exists in all of Creation.

Despite what scriptures tells us in regards to this all or none condition people, including myself at differing times, especially in my past, make excuses and create work arounds in an effort to justify whatever vice, career, endeavor, or hobby they obsess over. In other words they justify their desires to not fully commit to Jesus.

My desire,is to give things up that I know keep me from fully serving God. Oddly enough I actually take joy in doing this as I get confirmation in my soul from God's Word and His Spirit that I am doing what I was created to do and that is fully follow Him. I pray that when I slip in this God allows me to see my failure and do what is right and forsake whatever it is that is wrong. I know that He will give me the strength to overcome.

What have I lost in this process? Bondage to worldly and ungodly music and carnal and self-serving entertainment that do not please God such as movies, books and much more.

What have I gained? My soul...

For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:26

When Jesus said literally that one must forsake all he was not exaggerating as this is the theme throughout scriptures. Here are just a few examples:

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Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Matthew 7:13-14

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

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If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,

Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?

Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.

So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

Luke 14:26-33

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

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Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. John 15:14

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Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Matthew 16:24-26

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

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

James 4:7-8

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I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Romans 12:1-2

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But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.

Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.

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?

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

1 Corinthians 6:17-20

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Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Matthew 7:13-14, 21-27

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No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Matthew 6:24

The First Song...

This is the first song that is recorded in the Bible. This is how a song gives all praise and glory to God in a real and specific way, unlike many of the modern songs we have today:

The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him. 

The Lord is a man of war: the Lord is his name. 

Pharaoh's chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea. 

The depths have covered them: they sank into the bottom as a stone. 

Thy right hand, O Lord , is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O Lord , hath dashed in pieces the enemy. 

And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble. 

And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together, the floods stood upright as an heap, and the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea. 

The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them. 

Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters. 

Who is like unto thee, O Lord , among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? 

Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them. 

Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation. 

The people shall hear, and be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina. 

Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away. 

Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O Lord , till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased. 

Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O Lord , which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established. 

The Lord shall reign for ever and ever. 

For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and the Lord brought again the waters of the sea upon them; but the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea. 

Exodus 15:2-19 KJV

Choose you this day whom ye will serve...Will ye also go away?

There are only two paths to take.

This is applicable to everyone. There are no exceptions.

Joshua challenged the people during his day, prior to the coming messiah:

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15

We ought to respond the same as did the people in their response to Joshua's challenge:

And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods; Joshua 24:16

Go forward some 1375 or so years to the time of Jesus where He said some very hard things. Some of those that were following Jesus did not like what Jesus said so they chose to go the way of man and left Jesus.

This happened in John chapter 6 verse 66.

Ironically enough 666 is where we read about these men leaving Jesus...but that is just an interesting side note...

From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. John 6:66

Jesus challenged those who stayed with Him:

Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? John 6:67

We ought to respond the same as did Peter in his response to Jesus' challenge:

Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. John 6:68-69

There is only one way to the Father and that is through Jesus Christ.

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

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. John 3:36

Christian liberty is about being selfless and not selfish..

It is sad that today's "Christians" lean so much on a modern non-biblical definition of "Christian Liberty" in order to justify their sins be it drinking, smoking or just fill in the blank with whatever carnal vice...

The Bible is clear that we should not use any "liberty" in ways that cause others to stumble.

In fact we are to use our liberty to our “liberty” to serve God and others.

Liberty is not a tool to be used to serve one’s self.

But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. 1 Corinthians 8:9 KJV

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. Galatians 5:13 KJV

As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. 1 Peter 2:16 KJV

Jesus gave us the best example that we ought to follow. He was God made flesh who came and dwelt among His creation. He did not come to be served but instead He came to serve.

And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Mark 10:44-45

Today is not that day that the Lord hath made…Hear me out on this…

While all things were indeed created by him, and for him (Colossians 1:16) today is not the day that the Psalmist was referring to in Psalm 118 verse 24 when he wrote “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

Many take this verse out of context so often and most have no idea they are doing this. Thus the intention of the verse is not only watered down but it is actually distorted.

Yes, in this case, the context does matter.

A lot in fact.

Today is not the day our LORD hung on the cross to suffer incredibly while taking on death in our behalf so that we could have eternal life.

That day happened around two thousand years ago.

That day is not today.

That was ‘the day’ that the Psalmist was excited about as he looked forward to the coming Saviour.

This is absolutely no trivial matter because no other day holds more importance to any sinner that has ever lived before or after that one specific day. That includes each and every one of us today and for all time.

Without that day we all deserve to go to hell, eternally separated from our Father.

Only because of that one particular day can anyone be saved and live forever with the Father.

One must take in more than just verse 24 in order to understand the full context.

Here are verses 21 through 24 for reference:

I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.

The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. 

Psalm 118:21-24

Life is but a vapour...What are you doing with it?

When I graduated high school I thought anyone over 30 years old was really old.

Now I am 32 years past my high school graduation and realize how true God's Word is in regards to life...

It really is just a vapour, a dash, if you will.

I have heard it said that the our life's time frame can be visualized by that short dash on our tombstones. That dash between our birth dates and our deaths.

What are we doing with our dashes?

What are we doing with our vapours???

Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. James 4:14-15

...and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther 4:14

Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5;14-17

For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. Romans 4:18

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24

Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Jude 1:21-23

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Mark 10:44-45

There has been another hijacking…

‘Pro-choice’. They keep using those words but I do not think they mean what they think they mean…

Actually I know they do not…

Today’s liberals have indeed hijacked more words and have perverted them to accommodate their godless agenda.

There are many today who have jumped on the bandwagon of equivocation. These are the ones who have collectively hijacked the phrase 'pro-choice'.

They use this phrase to mean something that the actual definition and context fully contradicts.

Thus, by using the phrase  'pro-choice', they are guilty of being logically fallacious.

Equivocation is defined simply as the use of ambiguous language to conceal the truth.

When assuming the so-called position of ‘pro-choice’ there is an illusion that this is somehow a positive position and that since one person has a choice somehow it makes it morally right for everyone.

Wrong...

‘Pro-choice’ fails to include everyone involved in the matter. The father and child are not allowed any choices under this ideology. If the father is allowed a choice then it is only because the woman gave him any say in the matter at all.

Thus the position ought to be correctly defined or labeled as “Limited Choice”.

Actually ‘Pro-death’ is more accurate and honest.

This is because if the one person who does have a choice chooses to kill the baby then of course death is actually what is being chosen. That outcome is not positive at all for the baby who had no choice in the matter.

Now the equivocators will continue to delve deeper into their equivocating by screaming “it’s a fetus not a baby (human)!!!” all the while science with the obvious observable evidences is stating the exact opposite.

Please stop this insanity.

Start thinking logically straight and let the babies live!

Just say no to equivocation and say YES to life!