The Holiness Handbook Volume1 - January 2006
By: Brother Evans holyliving@gmail.com
Does
God actually expect Christians to live holy lives? After reading the following
scriptures, you can decide.
2 Timothy
Hebrews
Matthew 5:8
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
1 Peter 1:14 As obedient
children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your
ignorance: 15 But as he which hath
called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am
holy.
I’m
saved by grace, so works do not justify my salvation, right?
It is true that we
can not justify our salvation by works, but only by the blood of Jesus. It is
the free gift of God.
Ephesians 2:8
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God: Ephesians 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
But Romans 12:1 tells
us that after we are saved, that living a holy life is our reasonable service.
This means that by doing so, we aren’t going above our required duty, but just
meeting expectations!
Romans 12:1
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye
present your bodies a living sacrifice,
holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye
transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good,
and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
I think it is an
appropriate illustration to compare salvation to working a job. If an employer
gives us a position in their company, they will have certain expectations and
requirements to keep the job. Requirements such as our
attendance at work and performing the duties for which we were hired. If
we do not meet these expectations, then we can expect to lose our position.
Just like working a job, there are certain reasonable expectations and
requirements that go along with salvation.
A few
of the many scriptures relating to God’s expectations of a holy life
Romans 6:1
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may
abound? 2 God
forbid. How shall we, that are dead to
sin, live any longer therein? 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as
were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are
buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from
the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of
life. 5 For if we have been planted
together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his
resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our
old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that
henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
8 Now if we be
dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
1John 3:3
And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 4 Whosoever committeth
sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the
transgression of the law. 5
And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in
him is no sin. 6
Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth
hath not seen him, neither known him. 7 Little children, let no man deceive
you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God
was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whosoever is born
of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in
him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
James
Can we
forfeit our gift of salvation or “backslide”? From the scriptures below, the answer is
a definite yes.
Proverbs
1Timothy 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; 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their
conscience seared with a hot iron;
John 6:66
From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no
more with him. 6:67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will
ye also go away? 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord,
to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal
life.
1Timothy
Luke 9:62
And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow,
and looking back, is fit for the
Luke
James 5:19 Brethren, if any
of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; 5:20
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.
Jude
Backsliding happens
gradually and results in spiritual poverty
Proverbs 24:33
Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the
hands to sleep: 24:34 So shall thy poverty come as one that traveleth; and thy want as an armed man.
In the book of
Revelations, God warns the end time churches that being lukewarm will not be
tolerated
Revelations 2:5
Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and
do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy
candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
Revelations
Peter tells us that
returning to sin (backsliding) will result in a worse ending than never having
known the Lord.
2 Peter 2:20 For if after
they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the
latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 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. 22 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.
In the last days, the
“love of many shall wax cold” or backslide. It doesn’t take too much
understanding to know that we are in those days.
Matthew 24:11
And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the
love of many shall wax cold. 24:13 But he that
shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Jesus tells of the
terrible state of a backslider
Matthew
Can a
backslider return to the Lord? Yes!
Jeremiah
Galatians 6:1
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are
spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself,
lest thou also be tempted.
Hosea 6:1
Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he
will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.
Hosea 6:2
After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise
us up, and we shall live in his sight.
Hosea 14:1
O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. 14:2 Take with you
words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive
us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips. 14:3 Asshur shall
not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the
work of our hands, Ye are our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy. 14:4 I will heal
their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from
him.
Jeremiah
Rev 3:20
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice,
and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with
me.
The Lord Jesus gave us the Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32,
which illustrates the return of a wayward son to God.
Some may say that the
sixth chapter of Hebrews (see text below) tells that a backslider can not be
restored, as it says that it is impossible for the person described “to renew
again unto repentance”. I think we must remember what the Lord said in Luke (Luke
Hebrews 6:1 Therefore
leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection;
not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith
toward God, 6:2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on
of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 6:3 And this will we
do, if God permit. 6:4 For it is impossible for those who
were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made
partakers of the Holy Ghost, 6:5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the
powers of the world to come, 6:6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again
unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and
put him to an open shame.
What is Sin and what
are the expectations of a holy life style?
Does the Bible define what is expected?
I don’t expect to
provide a comprehensive list of all things that may or may not be sinful acts,
but will attempt to list some of the controversial topics for today and
scriptures related to these. If we can’t provide a bible basis for certain
beliefs, then it must be from man’s traditions and not from God. This doesn’t
mean that a topic has to be expressly mentioned by name but tied to a
fundamental Bible doctrine. The basis of most Christian and ethical beliefs can
be referenced to the Ten Commandments.
First Commandment:
Exodus 20:1 And God spoke all
these words, saying, 2 I am the LORD thy
God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of
bondage. 3 Thou
shalt have no other gods before me.
Second Commandment: Exodus 20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven
image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the
earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: 5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor
serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of
the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that
hate me; 6 And showing mercy unto
thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
Third Commandment: Exodus 20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the
LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
Fourth Commandment: Exodus 20:8 Remember the sabbath
day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt
thou labor, and do all thy work: 10 But
the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God:
in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy
manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is
within thy gates: 11 For in six days the
LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the
seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath
day, and hallowed it.
Fifth Commandment: Exodus
Six Commandment: Exodus
Seventh Commandment: Exodus
Eighth Commandment: Exodus
Ninth Commandment: Exodus
Tenth Commandment: Exodus
Jesus
identified the two most important of the Ten Commandments. Notice that the
other eight commandments fall under these.
Matthew
Below I have listed
some of the more controversial topics of our time (not necessarily listed in order of importance):
If I didn’t mention
the areas where you have questions, then I recommend that you go to the Word of
God and study to find God’s views. If a Church doctrine can’t be identified by
commandments or fundamental truths of the Bible, then it must not be based on
God’s desire, but man’s. In the book of Revelations,
we can see what God thinks about adding undue hardships to the Word or ignoring
selective verses.
Revelations 22:18
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.
In the first chapter
of Philippians (text below), Paul warns that some ministers preach with envy
and strife to add afflictions to the hearer. The principles of Holiness should
not be compromised, but they should be presented with God’s love and compassion
as the Christian experience is one that requires continual spiritual growth (1
Peter 2:2 and 1 Corinthians 3:2 describe new Christians as “newborn babes” that
desire the sincere milk of the word). We definitely do not want to add
unnecessary afflictions that are based on man made doctrines. As a sinner,
would you be most receptive to a sermon presented in anger or with one
presented with the Love that God represents?
Philippians
1Corinthians 3:2
I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were
not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
Alcohol, Drugs,
Tobacco, and other habits harmful to our bodies
Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is
deceived thereby is not wise.
1 Samuel
Isaiah
Isaiah 28:1
Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose
glorious beauty is a fading flower, which are on the head of the fat valleys of
them that are overcome with wine!
Ephesians
1 Corinthians
1 Corinthians
2 Peter
Busybodies or
gossiping
1Peter
Exodus
Romans 1:29 Being filled
with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness;
full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters,
haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things,
disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenant breakers,
without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who
knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of
death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
1Timothy
Proverbs
Gambling
Lottery,
betting, raffle tickets, casinos games
Dictionary
definition: Gambling, the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning
(including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize);
Proverbs
Proverbs 23:5
Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that
which is not? for riches certainly make themselves
wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.
Ecclesiastes
1Timothy
Hebrews 13:5
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content
with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor
forsake thee.
Luke 16:1
And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich
man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted
his goods. 2 And he called him, and said unto him,
How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of
thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer
steward.
Philippians 2:3
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness
of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the
things of others.
Gambling,
by its nature, is selfish and self-seeking. The gambler seeks personal gain and
profit by taking other people's possessions without requiting them. Such is
completely contrary to love.
Matthew
If
gambling produces many forms of evil, which it does, this confirms the
conclusion that gambling is evil of itself. Fruits of gambling: Poverty,
neglect of families, quarreling, and divorce because gamblers often gamble with
money the family needs. Drinking and drugs, alcoholism and
addiction. Lying because gamblers seek to hide their
habit and their losses. One out of every five homeless people admit that gambling contributed to their poverty. Among the
fifty states
Proverbs
Gambling
preys on the desperation of the poor. The National Gambling Impact Study
Commission found that those with incomes less than $10,000 spend more on
lottery tickets than any other income group. High school dropouts spend four
times as much as college graduates. Scripture exhorts us to look out for the
poor and disadvantaged, and issues strong warnings against taking advantage of
their plight.
Lying, Profanity, and
using the Lord’s name in vain
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed
out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may
minister grace unto the hearers.
Colossians 3:8
But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice,
blasphemy, filthy communication out
of your mouth.
3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his
deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed
in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
James 3:9
Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we
men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing.
My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same
place sweet water and bitter?
I find it surprising
at how many Christians use the Lord’s name in vain in normal conversation
without thinking of what they are doing. Do we not realize that this is
breaking one of the Ten Commandments?
Exodus 20:7
Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him
guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
Proverbs 17:3
The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the
LORD trieth the hearts. 17:4 A wicked doer giveth
heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty
tongue.
Proverbs 6:16 These six
things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A
proud look, a lying tongue, and
hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that deviseth
wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh
lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
John
Prejudice toward
other races or nationalities
Gal
1John
1John
James 2:1
My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
Lord of glory, with respect of persons. 2 For if there come
unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in
also a poor man in vile raiment; 3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here
in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my
footstool: 4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and
are become judges of evil thoughts?
Romans
The Occult
Horoscopes,
Satanism, witchcraft
Jeremiah 10:2
Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way
of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs
of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. 3 For the customs of the people are
vain: for
Jeremiah 27:9
Therefore hearken not ye to your prophets, nor to your diviners, nor to your dreamers, nor to your enchanters, nor to your sorcerers, which speak unto you,
saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon:
10 For they prophesy a lie unto you,
to remove you far from your land; and that I should drive you out, and ye
should perish.
Deuteronomy 18:10 There
shall not be found among you any one that maketh his
son or his daughter to pass through the
fire, or that useth divination, or an observer
of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,
11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar
spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. 12 For all that do these things are an
abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.
Galatians
Leviticus
Exodus
Homosexual lifestyle
Why has
homosexuality become a “normal” way of life in our society?
In
1948 Dr. Alfred C. Kinsey produced the”Kinsey Report”
which stated that 10 to 47% of Americans were homosexual. Even though the
statistics that Kinsey provided in his report were falsely represented, his
reports have been credited to starting the homosexual revolution and destroying
laws that once outlawed indecent homosexual acts. The “Kinsey Institute"
conducted this so called research at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana
from the late 1930s to the early 1950s. The irony is that people accepted these
statistics as accurate and did not consider the background of the subjects
being observed (convicted sex offenders, prisoners, known homosexuals, and even
children that were exposed to this type of people).
26% (1,400) of
Kinsey's alleged 5,300 white male subjects were already "sex
offenders." As far as the data can
be established, an additional 25% were incarcerated prisoners; some numbers
were big city "pimps," "hold-up men," "thieves;"
roughly 4% were male prostitutes as well as sundry other criminals; and some
hundreds of homosexual activists at various "gay bars" and other
haunts from coast to coast. This group of social outcasts and deviants were
then redefined by the Kinsey team as representing your average person. With
adequate press and university publicity, people believed what they were told by
our respectable scientists, that mass sexual perversion was common
nationwide-so our sex education and our laws must be changed to reflect
Kinsey's "reality." Legitimate estimates last year show that the
actual percentages are likely less than two percent. Of course that is two
percent too many.
Is God
pleased with this movement? What do the scriptures tell us?
1 Corinthians 6:9
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the
Dictionary
definition: Effeminate - To make
womanish; to unman; to weaken;
Leviticus
Leviticus
Dictionary
definition: Abomination, Anything associated
with the worship of other gods and any behavior that perverts the lifestyle God
intended human beings to live. Leviticus 18 contains a list of unlawful
behaviors (eg, incest, adultery, homosexuality,
bestiality).
Romans
Homosexuality is also
referred to as the sin of sodomy. This reference comes from an account in the
Bible of two exceedingly wicked cities,
Genesis
Jud 1:7 Even as Sodom and
Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to
fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example,
suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
These scriptures
clearly state that these vile affections of men lusting for other men (gay men)
or women lusting for other women (lesbians) are not the natural affections God
created men and women to have for one another. We know that God loves all
homosexuals, but he hates their deeds because they are sinful. God did not
create any human being as a homosexual. They are not born that way, just as
murderers are not born that way. People become homosexuals because they yield
to abnormal acts or lust. It is through some source that they have received a
demonic spirit that drives them to their lust. Viewing evil videos,
pornographic pictures, and visiting strip tease establishments are ways of
opening the door for Satan to over come one with an evil, perverse spirit.
Can
homosexuals be saved? John
John
Pornography
Pornography opens the
door to other sins such as fornication, adultery, child molestation, rape,
homosexuality and other related sins. But one does not have to physically
commit the sin of adultery to be guilty of adultery. Jesus said even if a
married man looks at a woman to lust after her in his heart, he is guilty of
adultery.
Matthew 5:27 Ye have heard
that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath
committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Psalms 101:2
I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou
come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I
hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
Job 31:1 I
made a covenant with mine eyes; why
then should I think upon a maid?
Are sins like
pornography this hidden from God?
Numbers 32:23
But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD:
and be sure your sin will find you out.
Ephesians
We only have to look
at recent history and how pornography led Ted Bundy to mistreat and murder
fifty women. Bundy said he began casually reading soft-core pornography when he
was 12 or 13 years old and gradually became addicted to it. During an interview
with Dr. Dobson, he made the following statements: "But slowly throughout
the years reading pornography began to become a deadly habit”. "My experience with pornography ... is
once you become addicted to it, I would keep looking for more potent, more
explicit, more graphic kinds of material. Like an addiction, you keep craving
something that is harder, something which gives you a greater sense of
excitement. Until you reach a point where the pornography only goes so far, you
reach that jumping off point where you begin to wonder if maybe actually doing
it would give you that which is beyond just reading or looking at it." His
religious training and morality initially restrained him from acting out his
fantasies, but he confessed that finally, "I couldn't hold back
anymore." While committing the
murders, Bundy said he felt as if he was possessed by "something ... awful
and alien. There is just absolutely no way to describe first the brutal urge to
do that kind of thing, and then what happens is once it has been more or less satisfied
and recedes, you might say, or spent, that energy level recedes and basically I
become myself again." This description describes the conditions of a
demonic possessed person that is capable of any hideous crime known to man. The
devil has no mercy nor does he have respect of person or God.
Television and Movies
We learn in Ephesians
2:2 that Satan is the prince of the power of the air. Is it any surprise that he has used
television and to a lesser degree radio (across the air ways) to weaken the
morality of our country and the world? Television and movie theaters may have
seemed harmless enough in the beginning (early 1900s), but even then the
Holiness preachers at that time condemned them as sinful. They must have had
incite to what the devil had planned, as we see that it has gradually eroded
the convictions of our nation and the world.
Psalms 101:2
I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou
come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. 101:3 I will set no wicked
thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall
not cleave to me.
The movie “Gone with
the Wind” (released in 1939) is credited (or discredited) as the first movie to
have actors using profanity. Many people of that day were appalled by this use
of foul language but it only opened the door for
In 1938, at the very
dawn of the age of television, news anchorman, E.B. White stated these words:
"I believe TV is going to be the test of the modern world, and in this new
opportunity to see beyond the range of our vision, we shall discover either a
new and unbearable disturbance of the general peace or a saving radiance in the
sky. We shall stand or fall by TV, of that I am quite sure."
Well, we have had
sixty plus years to put TV to the test, and it has
failed miserably. Not only has TV become "an unbearable disturbance,"
it has become one of Satan's chief devices in his deceitful plot to destroy our
nation. Over ninety-seven percent of all American homes have at least one TV
with most having two or more.
1 Thessalonians
Ephesians 5:3 But
fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named
among you, as becometh saints; 4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor
jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this ye know,
that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater,
hath any inheritance in the
Some
people use the excuse that I only watch the News or Family programs, but from
what I hear, the commercials are as full of ungodliness as the programming!
Even the results of secular studies prove the negative effects of television on
our society (see a few of the many negative findings below. You can also find
resources in the library or Internet with more statistics):
(Can you identify any real benefits from
television?)
1) Children spend
more time learning about life through media than in any other manner. The
average child spends approximately 28 hours a week watching television, which
is more than they spend in school.
2) The average
American child will witness over 200,000 acts of violence on television
including 16,000 murders before age 18.
3) A study of
population data for various countries showed homicide rates doubling within the
10 to 15 years after the introduction of television, even though television was
introduced at different times in each site examined.
4) Studies suggest
that higher rates of TV viewing are correlated with increased tobacco usage, alcohol intake and
younger onset of sexual activity.
5) Forty-six percent
of all television violence identified by the study took place in children's
cartoons. Children's programs were least likely to depict the long-term
consequences of violence (5%) and they portray violence in a humorous fashion
67% of the time.
6) The average
television watcher now sits entranced for 7.2 hours per day.
I
dare say that most professing Christians know all the actors and the details of
the popular shows and movies, but the same ones would struggle to name the
books of the Bible or many of it’s characters! Where are our hearts and minds? Evidently not in the word of God! What are we teaching our Children by exposing
them to this filth? How vile will the broadcasts be for future generations? The
next time you find yourself watching a movie or show with profanity and
lewdness, ask yourself if you would be ashamed if Jesus came at that time.
Would God be pleased with the violence, profanity, homosexuality, nudity, and
other sinful acts that are shown through the TV in your home? Would you equally
welcome these same people or acts into your home to educate you and your
children to their lifestyles?
Hebrews 12:1
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a
cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside
every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run
with patience the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of
our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising
the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
You
may say that you don’t see TV as sin, but the verse above tells us to lay aside
every weight and sin. Can it be denied that it is a weight that vexes our souls
like
Dictionary definition : VEXED - Teased; provoked; irritated; troubled;
agitated; disquieted; afflicted.
2 Peter 2:6
And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned
them with an overthrow, making them an example unto those that after should
live ungodly; 2:7 And delivered just
Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation
of the wicked: 2:8 (For that
righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous
soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds);
1 John
Philippians 4:8 Finally,
brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever
things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely,
whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be
any praise, think on these things.
Isaiah 33:15 He that walketh righteously, and speaketh
uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions,
that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;
Matthew
James 1:8
A double minded man is
unstable in all his ways.
Isaiah 5:20 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!
1 John
Proverbs 17:3
The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the
LORD trieth the hearts. 17:4 A wicked doer giveth
heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty
tongue.
Proverbs 16:6
By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the
LORD men depart from evil. 16:7 When a man's
ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to
be at peace with him. 16:8
Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without
right. 16:9 A
man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
Proverbs 3:7
Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the
LORD, and depart from evil. 3:8 It shall be
health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. 3:9 Honor the LORD with thy substance, and
with the firstfruits of all thine
increase:
2 Timothy
James
James 4:7
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will
flee from you. 4:8
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify
your hearts, ye double minded.
Ephesians
The Internet
The
“Internet” is a network of computer systems all over the world that is used for
business, education, government, research, and entertainment. It’s a shame that
the Satan has already populated it with so much pornography and ungodly sites.
The other dangers involve young and old alike getting involved in “chat rooms”
or conversations that lead to divorce, marital problems, and abductions. I
would recommend that anyone using the Internet should use “Parental Filtering” to avoid accidental or intentional access to
these sites. Children’s use should be monitored and limited to protect them
from the dangers that are present. Jesus told us that if our eye offends us to
pluck it out, so if we are temped by the wrong things – then disconnect it!
Mark
See
the reference verses for Television and Pornography
What types of Music
should Christians listening to?
I
make an assumption that if you are a Christian, that you know enough
fundamental doctrine to understand that Country, Rock, Rap, or other
non-Christian music is not pleasing to God.
With that in mind, we see that many of the so-called Christian artists
are relying on secular styles of music and calling it Gospel. Does God need to
copy the devil’s styles for his music? I think not. To determine what type of
music Christians should listen to, we should go to the scripture. After reading
the verses below, you should determine that the purpose of Christian music is to Praise the Lord. Anything short of that goal is not edifying
or worthy of our time.
Psalms 9:2
I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy
name, O thou most High.
Psalms
Psalms 28:6
Blessed be the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my
supplications. 7 The LORD is my strength
and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart
greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise
him.
Psalms 33:1
Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the
upright. 2 Praise
the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten
strings. 3 Sing
unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud
noise.
Acts
Sadly,
much of what goes by the name Christian Music today is NOT Christian. It does
not testify, praise or sing about the Lord Jesus Christ or God the father. In
fact, a great deal of it does not even mention the Lord Jesus Christ. Much of
today's Christian Music goes out it's way to avoid the
name of Jesus Christ – or any Christian content whatsoever.
Martin
Luther (Christian reformer of the early 1500’s) put his views of the state of
salvation bluntly: "whoever does
not want to sing and speak of it shows that he does not believe it".
According
to the Lord Jesus Christ, Satan’s goal is to uplift man and not God :
Matthew
A
Christian's music is sung to the Lord. It is not for the world.
Psalms 40:1
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for
the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. 2 He brought me up also out of a
horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and
established my goings. 3
And he hath put a new song
in my mouth, even praise unto our
God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
Psalms 144:9
I will sing a new song
unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing
praises unto thee.
Can you
even understand the lyrics of some of the contemporary styles of music?
1Corinithians
Psalms 66:1
To the chief Musician, A Song or Psalm. Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: 2 Sing forth the honor of his name: make his praise glorious.
Hebrews
Psalms 149:1
Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise
in the congregation of saints. 2 Let
Men’s Hair
1 Corinthians
David
Lee Roth of the rock group Van Halen (who has songs like "Running with the
Devil") says his long hair "is a flag" and
"anti-establishment". In other words — REBELLION: "[his long hair] It's a flag. It's
Tarzan. I'll always be anti-establishment". (
But
didn’t Jesus have long hair?
The
paintings of Christ are simply artists' conceptions and have no Scriptural
authorization. At least one historian of Jesus’ day described him as being a
tall man with short chestnut-colored hair, parted in the middle.
The
oldest representations (going back to the first Christian century, found
chiefly in the catacombs of
"Along
with extensive writings from the period, experts also point to a frieze on
Women’s Hair
1 Corinthians 11:6 For if the woman be not covered, let
her also be shorn: but if it be a
shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.
In
the 16th verse (above) Paul said that there is no reason to argue
about this topic because the church doesn’t have any other custom other than
for the women to have long hair! What
about you or your church, do you have other customs? If so, it isn’t Bible
based and should be reproved. How long is long? I think that it is long enough
for God as long as it’s not being trimmed or cut.
Paul
went as far as saying if women do not have this covering of long hair, then let
her be shorn or shaved. In other words, if you cut it short, you might as well
shave it off.
Dictionary definition: CONTENTIOUS 1. Apt to contend; given to angry
debate; quarrelsome; perverse.
2.
Relating to contention in law; relating to litigation; having power to decide
causes between contending parties; as a court of contentious jurisdiction. 3.
Exciting or adapted to provoke contention or disputes; as a contentious
subject.
1 Corinthians 11:9 Neither was the man created for the
woman; but the woman for the man. 1Co
Some
Bible commentators have interpreted from the 9th verse (above) as
“power” representing a veil. Since the
15th verse said that a women’s hair is her GLORY, I think the term
“Power” is also referring to her long hair.
Does the verse continue to tell us that the Angels are offended by women
with short hair? I must admit that I can not say with certainty what Paul was
referring to with the term “because of the angels”, but anyone reading the
eleventh chapter with an open mind can determine that women should have long
hair.
In
conclusion, men should have short hair as a sign that they assume their
responsibilities as being made in the image of God and as rulers over their
households. Women are to wear long hair to symbolize their submission to
husband or father in the case of the unmarried, taking their place with meekness
as women surrendered to the will of God and subject to the authority God places
over them. How about that for fodder for the women’s Liberation movement?
1 Timothy 2:9
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest
apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or
pearls, or costly array.
Dictionary definition BRAID To weave or infold
three or more strands to form one.
1Peter 3:3 Whose adorning
let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of
gold, or of putting on of apparel;
Dictionary definition PLAITING
Folding; doubling; braiding. Braiding; intertwining.-
hair style formed by braiding or
twisting the hair
Paul
instructs that a women’s hair should not be braided or plaited.
Women and Men’s
clothing
All
through history, the clothing used by men and women have been unique so that
there was a clear distinction between the genders. Thousands of years ago
both men and women wore types of cloaks or types of robes, but even then
there were differences that allowed a person to identify the gender.
Deuteronomy 22:5
The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth
unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so
are abomination unto the LORD thy God.
Among
the Hebrews neither men or women was permitted by
Mosaic Law to wear the same form of clothing as was used by the other. A few
articles of feminine clothing carried somewhat the name and basic pattern, yet
there was always sufficient difference in embossing, embroidery, and needlework
so that in appearance the line of demarcation between man & women should be
readily detected.
What
makes you think that pants are a man’s garment?
1)
"Breeches" were an article of clothing designed by God for the
priests who were all men. The word does not occur very often in scripture, but
in every case it’s men’s apparel (Exodus 28:42,
Leviticus
2)
Until
3)
The universal symbol for designating a men’s bathroom is a stick figure wearing
a pair of pants. The universal symbol for designating a woman’s bathroom is a
stick figure wearing a dress. Even our sinful society recognizes that there is
a difference in a man’s and woman’s clothing.
4)
Pants are a symbol of authority, as evidenced by the saying "
I’m the one who wears the pants in the family." Sadly, most women
might as well wear the pants, since they rule their homes anyway!
Cross
dressing is one of the devil’s clever moves to advance the "women’s
liberation movement" and to obscure the Biblical distinction between man
and woman. "Unisex clothing" began to show up in the factories during
WWII when women first started wearing slacks. At the same time: short hair,
cigarettes, swearing became acceptable feminine behavior. Down that same path
has come to Abortion, Divorce, Single Parent homes, extreme feminism.
Some
people want to ignore verses like Deuteronomy 22:5 because it is listed in the
Old Testament and they say it is not expressed in the New Testament. But if we
look at the reference book Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (printed over one
hundred years before women wore pants) we see that it cross references
Deuteronomy 22:5 to 1 Corinthians 11:3-14. That proves that men that study the
Bible, not just in our day but years ago, have seen that 1 Corinthians 11
contains the same principle that is stated in Deuteronomy 22:5.
1 Peter 3:3
Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting
the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4 But
let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even
the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great
price. 5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also,
who trusted in God, adorned themselves,
being in subjection unto their own husbands:
Immodest clothing (bathing suites,
shorts, short dresses…)
When
Adam & Eve had their conscious awaked, the first thing they did was cover
themselves. Then God clothed them with animal skins. God’s intentions
since then is for humanity to be clothed.
Genesis 3:6 And when the
woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the
eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof,
and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. 7 And the eyes of them both were opened,
and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and
made themselves aprons. 8 And they heard the
voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam
and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees
of the garden. 9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and
said unto him, Where art thou? 10 And he said, I
heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid
myself. 11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I
commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? 21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the
LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.
Early
church doctrine taught that a women’s dress or skirt should be below the knee
(whether sitting or standing) and that the neckline should not be low. Anything shorter than the knee would not be
modest. The length of a dress or skirt should be considered to end where any
splits begin.
1 Timothy 2:9
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and
sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array.
Modest
dress doesn't call attention to the wearer. This is a reason why clothing that
exposes your nakedness is immodest. Harlot’s were
identified by their attire. This indicates the immodest dress is used to draw
attention to one’s self and to incite lustful
thoughts.
Proverbs
In
comparing
Isaiah 47:1
Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of
Makeup
1Timothy 2:9
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest
apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or
pearls, or costly array. 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
The
Greek word for modest is kosmious, which means
orderly, well-arranged, seemly, or modest. In other words, "modest"
refers to clothing that is neat and appropriate for the occasion. The Greek
word that is translated shamefacedness is aidos,
which means having a sense of shame, modesty, and reverence. The Greek word for
sobriety is sophrosuna. This is a person of sound
mind, with self-control, of good judgment, and moderate in all that he does.
Early
church writings (less than two hundred years after Jesus was born) condemn the
use of face painting (see below).
Those
women who wear gold imitate the Egyptians. They occupy themselves with curling
their locks. They are busy anointing their cheeks, painting their eyes, dyeing
their hair, and practicing the other pernicious arts of luxury. The truth is
that they deck the covering of their flesh in order to attract their infatuated
lovers. Clement of Alexandria (circa 195 AD), 2.272.
Whatever
is born is the work of God. So whatever is plastered on,
is the devil's work.... How unworthy of the Christian name it is to wear a
fictitious face — you on whom simplicity in every form is enjoined! You, to whom lying with the tongue is not
lawful, are lying in appearance. Tertullian (circa 198 AD),
4.21.
Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. 5 Let your moderation
be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Archaeologists
have found the earliest evidence of cosmetics (makeup) being used in
Revelations 11:8
And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city,
which spiritually is called
Exodus 5:2
And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice
to let
Wicked
women of the bible wore makeup
2 Kings
Ezekiel
Did
you know that the American colonies outlawed makeup between
1700-1800? Until the 1940s, it
was considered sin by most churches.
Jewelry
1 Peter 3:3 Whose adorning
let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
1Timothy 2:9
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest
apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array. 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
Gen 35:4
And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their
hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under
the oak which was by Shechem.
Exo 33:4 And when the people heard these evil
tidings, they mourned: and no man did put on him his ornaments. 5 For the LORD had said unto Moses, Say
unto the children of
Isa 3:16
Moreover the LORD saith, Because the
daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton
eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their
feet: 17 Therefore the Lord will smite with a scab the
crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will discover their
secret parts. 18 In that day the Lord will take away
the bravery of their tinkling ornaments
about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon, 19
The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers, 20 The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs,
and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings, 21 The rings, and nose jewels, 22 The changeable suits of apparel, and the
mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins,
Definitions:
Cauls: a jeweled netting for the hair. Round Tires: round pendent for the neck (moon
shaped) .
Mufflers:
a long veil. Wimples: a wide cloak
Body Piercing and
tattoos
Leviticus
1Co
Should Christians
marry non-Christians?
2 Corinthians
1Co
If a
Christian is already married to a non-Christian
1Corinthians
Divorce &
Remarriage
We can
read in both the New and Old testaments that God hates divorcement, as he made
marriage to be until death.
Malachi
Mark 10:9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put
asunder.
Gen
Mat 19:5
And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and
shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh 6
Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath
joined together, let not man put asunder.
7 They say unto him, Why did Moses
then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away 8 He saith unto them, Moses because
of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from
the beginning it was not so
1Corinthians
1Co
What
does God say about adultery?
Exodus
1 Corinthians 6:9
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the
It is
evident from many scripture verses, including one of the Ten Commandments that
God views adultery as Sin, but what is defined as adultery?
Dictionary
definition: ADULTERY, voluntary sexual
intercourse between a married man and someone other than his wife or between a
married woman and someone other than her husband;
Romans 7: 2 For the woman which
hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the
law of her husband. 3 So then if, while
her husband liveth, she be
married to another man, she shall be
called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that
law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.
Mark
1Co
What if
I was in this adulterous state before being saved, doesn’t God forgive me of my
sins?
Yes
the Lord forgives us but can we continue in sin? Does salvation change the fact
that one of the spouses already has a living husband or wife? If the sin in question is that of an
alcoholic, can he continue drinking alcohol after being saved?
Romans 6:1
What shall we say then? Shall
we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3 Know ye not, that
so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are
buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from
the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of
life. 5 For if we have been planted
together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his
resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our
old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that
henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
8 Now if we be
dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
Doesn’t
the clause, “except it be for fornication” allow for divorce and remarriage
when a spouse is unfaithful.
Matt
Mat 19:5
And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and
shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh 6
Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath
joined together, let not man put asunder.
7 They say unto him, Why did
Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away 8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your
hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not
so. 9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall
put away his wife, except it be for
fornication, and shall marry another, committeth
adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away
doth commit adultery.
Dictionary
definition: FORNICATION, The
incontinence or lewdness of unmarried
persons,
The
key to “rightly dividing the word” here is to understand what Fornication
means. Since adultery is used several places in the Bible, the use of the word
Fornication is not trivial here. If God had meant that unfaithfulness after
marriage was grounds for divorce and remarriage, then the word used would have
been adultery. Since Fornication is
referring to unfaithfulness between unmarried people, how can you have
fornication after a marriage is consummated?
The answer is, you can’t by today’s customs, but by the Jewish
engagement and marriage ritual, you could.
The
Jewish Marriage of Biblical times has has Four
Phases
1)
matchmaking (or falling in love) 2)
betrothal or engagement 3) return of groom & time alone together 4) week of celebrating
In
the Jewish customs, a woman was considered bound to the man while they were
engaged or “betrothed.” Immorality during this "betrothal" period
would then be the only valid reason for a divorce.
The
engagement period was usually one-year in duration. This engagement could be
broken by a bill of divorce (not
just "sorry, changed my mind") During the
year (or so) the husband built a bridal chamber onto his father’s house (a Vanderhaan).
You may say that you have
never heard such a thing before, but read the scripture below that is often
used in the Christmas season. You will see that Joseph was espoused (engaged)
to Mary and finding that she was with child (thus adultery involved) he would
"put her away" privately (divorce her). That is the Bible way even if
it is contradictory to what most churches preach and teach today.
Matthew
1:18 Now
the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph,
before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Mat 1:19
Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
Even in the Holiness ranks,
there is acceptance that a person can be forgiven of adultery and stay in the
relationship with the "new" partner without being in sin. The Bible
is clear that a marriage is binding as long as both original spouses are
living. This is clear in the text below where Jesus stated that the woman at
the well had many husbands but the one she was with was not her own.
John
4:16 Jesus saith
unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. 17 The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well
said, I have no husband: 18 For thou hast had five
husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly. 19 The woman saith
unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.
Look back to the words of Jesus in "Mark
10:11" above and see if he left any loopholes for living in an adulterous
state.
The Holy Trinity or
Godhead
Genesis
Genesis
Genesis 11:6
And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all
one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained
from them, which they have imagined to do.
7 Go to,
let us go down, and there confound
their language, that they may not understand one another's speech.
Isaiah 6:8
Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and
who will go for us? Then said I,
Here am I; send me.
"Let
US make man in OUR image": Three plural pronouns, (We, Us, Our) used six
different times in four different passages: Gen 1:26;
The
Jews consider the verse in Deut 6:4 as one of the most sacred. (Deut 6:4:
"Hear, O
Genesis
Deuteronomy 6:4
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
Gen
Genesis
Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem
Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands
of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in
Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
God
the Father says that the Messiah shall come forth from
John 1:1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with
God. 3 All
things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
After reading the
following verse, how can a reasonable person think that the Father, Son, and
Holy Ghost are one single being or deity?
John
Would Jesus speak in
the “second person” if he and the Father were the same entity?
John 8:54
Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye
say, that he is your God: 55 Yet ye have not known him; but I know him:
and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I
know him, and keep his saying. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he
saw it, and was glad. 57 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art
not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? 58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily,
I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
John 19:7
The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to
die, because he made himself the Son of God.
Philippians 2:6
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal
with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took
upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And
being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto
death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also
hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should
bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And
that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God
the Father.
Mark
All three members of the Holy Trinity identified at one time.
Jesus was being baptized, the Holy Ghost came in the form of a dove, and the
Father spoke from heaven.
Luke 3:21 Now when all the
people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and
praying, the heaven was opened, 3:22 And
the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice
came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well
pleased.
Jesus refers to his Father being in Heaven while he is on the
Earth
Mat
Does one entity or
deity need two thrones in heaven?
Revelations 22:3
And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the
Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
Jesus instructs how
Christians should be baptized. Would he mention all three members of the
Trinity if they were not three separate deities?
Matthew 28:19
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
From
these scriptures, I think we can fairly state that that the Holy Trinity or
Godhead is made up of three distinct entities: God the Father, the Son of God
(Jesus), and the Holy Ghost (comforter) with all three agreeing as one and
working together as one.
I’m
reminded what Jesus said in Mark 12:34 when thinking about how some of the
Oneness groups hold close to the standards of Holiness but do not accept the
Godhead as the true trinity, but a uni-personal God
that takes on different roles at different times. God will be the ultimate
judge to determine how much this inaccurate “Oneness” interpretation matters in
the end.
Mark
Tithing and offerings
Dictionary
definition: TITHE (from Old English teogotha "tenth") is a one-tenth part of
something, paid as a voluntary contribution or as a tax or levy, usually to
Abraham
pays tithes to Melchizedek (see verses below)
Genesis
Lev 27:30
And all the tithe of
the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD's: it is holy unto the
LORD.
Numbers
1Corinthians
1Timothy
God
asks if we will rob him in tithes and offerings and instructs us to prove him.
He promises a blessing that there is not room enough to receive to those that
pay tithes to God. (see verses below)
Malachi 3:8 Will a man rob God?
Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we
robbed thee? In tithes
and offerings. 3:9 Ye are cursed
with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse,
that there may be meat in mine house, and prove
me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I
will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive
it.
Closing Remarks
Many
churches have compromised the Word of God to a point that they have lost the
concept of salvation and a sanctified life and have become a social gathering
like any other club or organization. I
hope that some of these simple remarks and scripture references in this
document will help you understand what God expects from a Christian. I don’t claim to “know it all” but I tried to
take some of the current topics and provide a fair evaluation of the scriptures
relating to them. The list of topics in this document should not be considered
all encompassing, but the scriptures provided should provide a good foundation
for evaluating God’s expectations.
Paul
provided guidance in the following verse, to “work out your own salvation with
fear and trembling”. Many people have used this verse as a crutch that they
will live “their own salvation” the way they think is right. If we proceed as
Paul explains with the Fear of God that causes us to be cautious or tremble,
then we should not err in understanding God’s Word.
Philippians 2:12 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. 13 For it is God
which worketh in you both to will and to do of his
good pleasure. 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 That
ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst
of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
16 Holding forth the word of life; that
I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither
labored in vain.
I
have found that the keys to maintaining a sanctified Christian life are held in
the following four actions:
1)
Studying the Bible (not just reading
a few verses, but studying to understand it - 2Timothy
2)
Prayer (not just a simple kid’s bedtime
prayer, but one that touches God with faith and spiritual fire - 1Thessalonians
3)
4)
Fasting (Jesus told us that some answers only
come by Prayer and Fasting - Mark
If
we are willing to accept God’s direction, this way of Holiness is not complex
or unreasonable. Isaiah wrote that it was so simple that a fool shall not err
therein. (see the verse below)
Isaiah 35:8
And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called
The way of holiness; the unclean
shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though
fools, shall not err therein.
I
feel that we are very near the time (likely in this decade) for the Rapture of
the Church and the Great Tribulation (in which ever order God provides) and it
is time for God’s church to awake out of sleep and redeem the time. To witness to the lost and help them come to God.
Romans 13:11 And that,
knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we
believed.
If you find this document useful, feel free to copy or distribute
it as you desire.
If you have any questions or comments concerning this commentary,
you can email me at holyliving@gmail.com.
My web site for additional commentaries and information is www.trinity-holiness.com.
May the grace and mercies of God
bless and keep you!
Brother S. Evans