The Door
September 29, 2017I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. John 10:9
quickpage: Mother's Day by Lily Designs (retired), paper by Natasha Nast (retired)
In Your Midst
September 28, 2017You shall not be in dread of them, for the Lord your God is in your midst, a great and awesome God. Deuteronomy 7:21
kit: Teal for Two by Kristmess Designs, template by Little Green Frog Designs
Lay Down Our Lives
September 27, 2017By this we know love, that Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 1 John 3:16
kit: Let's Face It by Kristmess Designs, template: challenge freebie by Lindsay Jane
Praise Continually
September 26, 2017I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad. Psalm 34:1-2
elements: Beauty of Fall by Indigo Designs, papers: Romantic by Indigo Designs, photomask: Indigo Designs challenge freebie
Magnify Him with Thanksgiving
September 25, 2017I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify Him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30
kit: Beauty from Within by Megan Turnidge, template challenge freebie by Fiddle Dee Dee
Heavens and Earth and Seas
September 24, 2017Let heaven and earth praise Him, the seas and everything that moves in them. Psalm 69:34
kit: Carefree Spirit by Forever Joy
End of All Things
September 23, 2017The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 1 Peter 4:7
I chose this verse tongue-in-cheek in honor of the "Revelation 12 sign" that has Youtubers in a frenzy. It even made it into the mainstream news. The world is NOT ending today (September 23, 2017) as SOME claim--to whom I say: Read your Bible, people! Even if this were the "sign," it does NOT say that's the END. (I am aware that not all say it's a sign of "the end," but that's the way the news reported it.)
And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pains and the agony of giving birth. And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems. His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it. She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne, and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which she is to be nourished for 1,260 days. Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!” And when the dragon saw that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. But the woman was given the two wings of the great eagle so that she might fly from the serpent into the wilderness, to the place where she is to be nourished for a time, and times, and half a time. The serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, to sweep her away with a flood. But the earth came to the help of the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed the river that the dragon had poured from his mouth. Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea. Revelation 12:1-17
To the best of my understanding, Rev. 12 is when the antichrist, who has been proclaiming peace for the past 3.5 years (Dan. 9:27), reveals his true colors because Satan has been cast out of the heavens and enters into him--at which time he stands in the holy place and proclaims himself to be God, demanding to be worshiped. That event begins the 3.5 year reign of the beast, also called the hour of trial. After that is OVER, God's wrath begins (whereas what happens prior to that is the wrath of the beasts--there are actually two working together - Rev. 13, Rev. 17).
Matt. 24:29-31 [sun dark, moon dark AFTER great tribulation, trumpet call]
Joel 2:31 [sun dark, mood blood BEFORE Day of Lord]
Rev. 3:10 [faithful Church of Philadelphia spared from hour of trial to come on whole world]
Rev. 17:12 [10 kings rule with beast for "one hour"]
Rev. 11:2 [holy city trampled by nations for 42 months]
Daniel 7:25 [antichrist makes war against the saints for a time, times, and half time]
Rev. 6:12 [sun and moon dark, men hiding from God's wrath]
Rev. 14:17-20, Rev. 16, Rev. 19:11-21 [God's wrath]
Regardless of what does not happen today, the verse at the top is STILL good advice for us all to heed. The verse connects God's response to our prayers with being self-controlled and sober-minded. Isn't that interesting? (Matt. 24:36-25:30, Mark 13, Mark 14:38, Luke 12:35-59, Rev. 16:15)
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:6-11
Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Remember what Jesus said about faithfulness and fruitfulness in the Parable of the Sower? Not everyone overcomes. (See the Jesus' letters to the CHURCHES in Revelation 2-3 for His advice on how to be ready when He returns. Also Heb. 6:4-12, Heb. 10:23-39, Heb. 12, 1Pet. 1, 2Pet. 1) People think that Jesus is NEVER coming back, but Peter predicted they would say that. (2Pet. 3) The longer He seems to delay, the more chance people have to repent and be saved. (Hab. 2:2-5, Psalm 90)
“Hear then the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” Matthew 13:18-23
This teaching goes along with John 15, when Jesus told us we MUST abide in Him in order to bear fruit, remain in His love and please His Father, as He has always done Himself. (John 8:29-36)
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another. If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.” John 15:1-21
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:16-25
Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13:11-14
This country's Bible illiteracy is severe spiritual malnourishment and is a real danger. (John 6:35) Not only might we perish for lack of knowledge of God (Hosea 4:6, Jer. 4:22), but people who don't know what the Bible actually says are REALLY easy to trick. (Matt. 17:15-20, Matt. 24, Mark 13, Luke 6:26, Luke 21, Acts 20:17-38, 1Tim. 1, 1Tim. 6, 2Tim. 2-4, 2Pet. 2-3, 2John 1, Jude 1) The Bible warns us repeatedly not to be deceived, but if we don't even read it then how will we be prepared? (1Cor. 6:9-20, 1Cor. 15:33-34, Gal.6:7-10, Jam. 1:12-27, 1John 1-5)
Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:1-6
Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. But that is not the way you learned Christ!— assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 4:17-5:21
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:10-20
At some point, there will be such great delusions performed that IF IT WERE POSSIBLE, even the elect of God would be fooled into believing them. (No, I'm NOT kidding--just because we don't see these things happening YET doesn't mean they won't, possibly during our lifetime.) Someone will be "proving" with signs and wonders that he is "god," and the unsaved world will believe him and obey his command to take a mark in order to buy and sell (i.e. survive) and worship him. (Rev. 13, Rev. 14:9-13)
Now's the time to make sure your name is in the Book of Life so that God will protect you from what's coming (whether spared the entire ordeal or at least from being deceived by it). Better to even lose your life for refusing to comply with the demands of the beast than to end up in the Lake of Fire. (Rev. 20:15) No matter when these things come to pass, we each need to be ready TODAY in case it's our own last. (Heb. 3:13-15, Heb. 12:15-17, 25-29) As we can see by the following passages, God is not going to force anyone to obey UNTIL He returns and He will reward those who are found doing so willingly at that time.
For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written: “ ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’ ” So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Romans 14:10b-12
And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.” “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. Revelation 22:10-21
If you think you're "too smart" for this "nonsense," God knew you would say that and so He said this:
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,” and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” 1 Corinthians 3:18-20
kit: You Are My Sunshine by KimB
Radiance of God's Glory
September 22, 2017The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact expression of His nature, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. Hebrews 1:3
kits: by KimB and Artgal - Dec 12 Color Challenge, frame: Kristin Aagard: Oh Snap! (Scrap Orchard collab - closed)
Love Incorruptible
September 21, 2017Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible. Ephesians 6:24
kits: Dec'12 and Jan'13 Color Challenge Gifts by KimB, alpha: My Montage by KimB
All Fall Short
September 20, 2017
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. They are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23-24
kit by KimB (Feb. 2013 Color Challenge participation gift)
I can't help but point out in these dangerous days of "mega-church madness" that even though we don't do anything to save ourselves–even our faith is a GIFT (Eph. 2:8-9, but ALSO see Eph. 2:10), that does not mean that God has changed His mind and sin is now acceptable to Him. Ask Ananias and Sapphira if God didn't "see" their sin when He looked at them, but only the righteousness of Christ. (Acts 5) Their sin was lying to the Holy Spirit–no one forced them to donate anything, but they wanted the "credit" from the other disciples for giving all of the proceeds from their land while only giving part of it. (Peter wasn’t “ mean” to treat them as he did–he was only speaking forth what God said through His Spirit. God struck them–they weren’t killed by Peter.)
God DOES see and care about the behavior and even thoughts and words of believers, whom He adopts as His own beloved children. (John 14:21, Rom. 8:27, Rev. 2:21-23) How many of us would want to adopt a child that we knew in advance that no matter how much love or discipline we gave them, they would NEVER obey us, and never show us love in return? What a sad thought that we expect GOD to delight in people who delight in SIN.
Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears. Hebrews 12:3-17
That we are “justified” means that He saved us from the penalty of death for our sins. He redeemed and purchased us with His blood. (Acts 20:28, Rom. 3:25, Eph. 1:7, Col. 1:19-23, 1John 1:7, Rev. 5:9, Heb. 9:22) When we received Him as our Savior and Lord, that was the beginning of our walk with Christ on the narrow path–BOTH the path and the journey end when we see Him face to face. (Matt. 7:13-14, Rom. 6:4) IF He lives IN us, there will be continual CHANGE (sometimes subtle and sometimes dramatic) from the inside out. (Rom. 12:1-2, Rom. 8:5-14, 2Pet. 1:5-12, Philipp. 2:12-16) We are human works in progress–we slip and stumble, but we get back up again instead of living in the gutter, practicing evil instead of good. (Philipp. 3:17-21, John 8:31-34, Col. 3:3-11, 1Thess. 5:22, 1Pet. 1:14-19, Jer. 4:22)
The Bible warns about false teachers in the end times telling people with itching ears what they like to hear–that they can have one foot in the world and one in heaven. They teach that grace is a license to satisfy the lusts of the flesh. People who insist that God does not expect repentance are deceived and deceiving. (1Tim. 4, 2Tim. 3, Jude 1, Gal. 5:13-19, Rom. 13:11-14, Rom. 16:17-19, Luke 24:47) Some make up new rules, along with their own ways to make penance for breaking them–wanting to keep Jesus an “obedient child” forever. (1Tim. 4, Matt. 23:9, Mark 3:31-35, Luke 11:27-28, 2Cor. 5:16, Heb. 1, Col. 2:8-20, Heb. 9:25-28) False prophets have bad fruit, but the true children of God have His Spirit within them bearing good fruit. (Matt. 7:15-27, John 15:6, Heb. 6:4-12, Eph. 5:1-27, Matt. 18:1-10) Read your Bible so that you can recognize counterfeit teachings! (John 5:39-44, 1Tim. 4:11-16, 2Tim. 2:14-16, 1Cor. 1:10-13, 2Cor. 11:1-4, Gal. 1:6-9) It is “another gospel” if it relies on anything other than the Bible for authority, whether to add “rules” or to take them away (and this also applies to discounting or avoiding various sections of the Bible). (Rev. 22:18-19)
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Romans 16:17-20
If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:3-12
There is forgiveness and cleansing every single time we commit any sin and come to Jesus with it in repentance. (1John 1:5-2:6, 1John 3:4-10) Why would the apostles write under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that we should take care not to walk in such a way that He will be angry with us when He returns if that is an impossibility? (Heb. 10:39, 1John 2:28-29, 1Pet. 4:1-5, 1Pet. 4:17-19, Ezek. 9:4-11, Mal. 3:13-4:3) If He doesn't care whether or not we obey Him, then why all of the exhortations to do so? (For those who say much of this only applies to Israel, don’t forget about the “one new man” and how we are “grafted in” to Israel. God doesn’t hate their sin and love ours. (Eph. 2:14-15, Rom. 11) This doesn't mean we should live in fear every moment that God will disinherit us–it means that IF we LOVE Him, we will seek to please Him by OBEYING Him. (John 14, John 15, 1Cor. 2:9-10, Jam. 1:12-16, 1John 4:16-5:3) If we KNOW Him, then we'll accept that His words and promises are all true and that we can trust Him.
There are no additional "hoops" for believers to "jump through" to receive forgiveness than confessing (to God or another believer) and repenting, but if we expect to enter Jesus’ glorious kingdom, then we won’t make a habit of soiling the pristine white garment He gave us and carelessly leaving it that way. (Rev. 3:4, Rev. 21:7-8, Rev. 22:14-15, 2Pet. 2, esp. v. 22) Jesus said the disciples were clean because of the Word (John 15:3, John 6:63), but they still needed to have their feet washed to be PART of Him. (John 13:1-18, esp. v. 8) Jesus cleansed the temple at the beginning of His earthly ministry, but He still needed to cleanse it again at the end. (John 2:13-17, Matt. 21:12-13) WE are the temple now. (1Cor. 3:16-17, Heb. 3:5-6, Matt. 13:41-43)
His ONE perfect sacrifice FINISHED the work, but each individual is not saved by it until they believe. (Heb. 9:25-28) His blood covers the sins of those abiding IN Him by wearing the garment He gave them, and allowing Him to wash them (Matt. 22:11-14, Mark 14:50-52, Rev. 16:15, Eph. 5:25-27, Rev. 19:7-8, Rev. 19:11-16, 1John 1:6-10). Don't forget Jesus is our High Priest. (Heb. 7) In the Old Covenant, God said no one should come before Him empty-handed. (Ex. 23:15) In the New Covenant, we bring Him a LIVING sacrifice of ourselves. (Rom. 12:1, John 4:23, John 8:31-36)
As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. 1 Peter 2:4-12
If we are offended by the idea that repentance is expected of believers (of people who ARE SAVED, not as a way to save ourselves), we need to ask ourselves why? Did we get this from the Bible as a whole or from select snippets? Did we trust someone who is raking in a fortune and getting famous by tickling the ears of sinners who love the world? (2Tim. 4:1-5, John 12:25, 1John 2:15-17, Jam. 4:4, 1Thess. 2:3-12, Jude 1:16-19) Do we want to find a way to excuse our sin rather than overcoming it? Are we ashamed of the parts of Jesus' message that the unsaved world doesn't like to hear and it's easier to just go along than rock the boat? (Mark 8:38, Matt. 5:10-19, 2Tim. 3:12-17)
There are no additional "hoops" for believers to "jump through" to receive forgiveness than confessing (to God or another believer) and repenting, but if we expect to enter Jesus’ glorious kingdom, then we won’t make a habit of soiling the pristine white garment He gave us and carelessly leaving it that way. (Rev. 3:4, Rev. 21:7-8, Rev. 22:14-15, 2Pet. 2, esp. v. 22) Jesus said the disciples were clean because of the Word (John 15:3, John 6:63), but they still needed to have their feet washed to be PART of Him. (John 13:1-18, esp. v. 8) Jesus cleansed the temple at the beginning of His earthly ministry, but He still needed to cleanse it again at the end. (John 2:13-17, Matt. 21:12-13) WE are the temple now. (1Cor. 3:16-17, Heb. 3:5-6, Matt. 13:41-43)
His ONE perfect sacrifice FINISHED the work, but each individual is not saved by it until they believe. (Heb. 9:25-28) His blood covers the sins of those abiding IN Him by wearing the garment He gave them, and allowing Him to wash them (Matt. 22:11-14, Mark 14:50-52, Rev. 16:15, Eph. 5:25-27, Rev. 19:7-8, Rev. 19:11-16, 1John 1:6-10). Don't forget Jesus is our High Priest. (Heb. 7) In the Old Covenant, God said no one should come before Him empty-handed. (Ex. 23:15) In the New Covenant, we bring Him a LIVING sacrifice of ourselves. (Rom. 12:1, John 4:23, John 8:31-36)
As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. 1 Peter 2:4-12
If we are offended by the idea that repentance is expected of believers (of people who ARE SAVED, not as a way to save ourselves), we need to ask ourselves why? Did we get this from the Bible as a whole or from select snippets? Did we trust someone who is raking in a fortune and getting famous by tickling the ears of sinners who love the world? (2Tim. 4:1-5, John 12:25, 1John 2:15-17, Jam. 4:4, 1Thess. 2:3-12, Jude 1:16-19) Do we want to find a way to excuse our sin rather than overcoming it? Are we ashamed of the parts of Jesus' message that the unsaved world doesn't like to hear and it's easier to just go along than rock the boat? (Mark 8:38, Matt. 5:10-19, 2Tim. 3:12-17)
God has offered the previously LOST Gentiles the opportunity to become His children by believing in His Son. (1Pet. 2:9-12, Rom. 11:11, Eph. 3:6, Col. 1:27-29) We Gentile (non-Jewish, sometimes referred to as “Greek”) believers and Jews in this age who have not been “blinded” to the gospel (Rom. 11:25, Eph. 2:11-22) are purified by the blood of Jesus and zealous for good works. (Eph. 5:22-33, Col. 1:9-12, Heb. 13:16, Gal. 6:9-10, Titus 3:8, 3:14) We are supposed to understand what our purification cost Jesus and seek to remain holy with the help of His Spirit. (1Pet. 1:14-19) We are to produce fruit of that same Spirit and walk as He commanded, because He is both Savior AND Lord. (Matt. 3:10, Matt. 21:43, John 15:1-10, 2Tim. 2:19-26, Gal. 6:7-10)
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you. Titus 2:11-15
So the point is not to scare people who haven't done anything wrong (i.e. deliberately sinning and refusing to repent - Heb. 10:24-39, John 5:14, 1Cor. 15:33-34, 2Cor. 12:20-13:2), but to remind us all to stay awake and be ready when He returns. (1Thess. 5:5-11, Matt. 24:42-25:30, Rev. 16:15) What does it mean to keep watch? (Luke 21:34-36) The Bible gives us MUCH guidance, both a simplification to show how uncomplicated it is, and specific, practical examples. It's not a set of rules, but a way of life. (Acts 2:42-47, Acts 22:4-5, John 13:34-35, John 15:12-21, Eph. 4:11-32) If we actually LOVE God and WANT to please Him, in gratitude for the precious GIFT of our salvation, we will be thankful for His instructions and heed them. He hasn't left us on our own to guess what He desires of us. We can be GLAD that not only has He done this for us by having His will for us recorded and preserved, but His Spirit indwells us–we are TEMPLES of our great and glorious God–WOW!!! (John 14:15-17, Rom. 8:9-11, 1Cor. 3:16-17, 1John 3:24, 1John 4:13, Rom. 8:13-17) He empowers us to overcome this sick, dying world. What a miracle! I'm in awe of Him, aren't you? Let's show it by responding appropriately to all that He is and has done so that we'll be prepared for what He's going to do next. Amen?
THE BELIEVER’S IDEALS OF VIRTUE AND GODLY BEHAVIOR
For our mutual edification and reminder, I've compiled many of the Bible's guidelines for God's people to follow. I'm sure it's not complete, but it's a good start for each of us to use in examining our own lives for fruits of the Spirit, of true faith. (2Cor. 13:5) (These are not in particular order except for the first couple on the "do" list.) God knows we’re weak and we all slip. He offers His strength and forgiveness, but warns us not to let sin harden our hearts against Him or there may come a day when we no longer hear His voice prompting us to return to Him. (Rom. 1:18-32, Heb. 3:7-13, Heb. 12:14-28, 1Thess. 5:19, Eph. 4:30) None of us knows when our last day on earth will come. Don’t play games with God and with your eternal soul!
He keeps us safe from external dangers that would try to tear us from Him, but He gives us free will to remain in His love and abide in Jesus. (John 6:39, 10:27-30, Romans 8:35-39, 2Cor. 4:7-11, 16-18) If we sincerely desire to please God and hold fast to Him, we WILL receive the help we need from Him. (Rom. 14:4, Heb. 4:12-16) This is one of the reasons for continuing to gather together, so that we can help bear one another’s burdens, hold one another accountable and watch out for each other. (Gal. 6:2) This is one of the reasons for continuing to gather together, so that we can hold one another accountable and watch out for each other. The adversary is seeking to destroy, but we put on the armor of faith and resist him so that he'll flee. (Eph. 6:11-20, Jam. 4:7-10) Part of that armor is SUBMITTING to God and accepting His help when we face temptation. He won’t allow us to be tempted beyond our endurance.
We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. Consider the people of Israel: are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar? What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he? “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. 1 Corinthians 10:8-23
I’m sure there must be many lists like this online of behaviors for the children of God to practice and those that should be avoided, but I find it more helpful to study it for myself. So now having done so, I will share my efforts with you:
(Please note this outline was expanded on August 2, 2018. Also see my article "Our Conduct.")
(Please note this outline was expanded on August 2, 2018. Also see my article "Our Conduct.")
DO:
(a/k/a the "royal law" and "law of liberty," - these are the "works" James speaks of that give evidence to the existence of SAVING faith as opposed to empty words of belief which are denied by failing to follow up on them. Jam. 1:22-27, Jam. 2:8, 2:14-26, Rom. 13:8-10, Titus 1:16)
• love God first, most, best, highest (Matt. 22:34-40, Mark 12:28-30, Luke 10:25-28, Matt. 10:37-39, Mark 12:28-34, Eph. 6:24) instead of putting ourselves first, pursuing wealth, things, the esteem of others and pleasure, idolizing celebrities, siding with loved ones against God, disobeying His instructions, disregarding what pleases Him. (2Cor. 5:9-10, 2Cor. 5:14-15, 2Tim. 2:4, 1Pet. 4:1-7)
• love our neighbor as ourselves and our brothers in the Lord (Matt. 22:34-40, Luke 10:29-37, Rom. 13:8-10, 1John 2:7-11, 1John 3:16-18, 1John 4:7-21, 1Pet. 4:7-9, Col. 3:12-14, Rom. 12:10, 1Cor. 13:4-7, 13, 2Cor. 13:11-12, Gal. 5:13-25, 1Thess. 4:9-12, 2Thess. 1:3, Eph. 4:32, Rom. 13:8-10, Rom. 15:7, Matt. 25:31-46, Heb. 13:1-3, 3John 1:9-10, 1Tim. 5:10) instead of putting ourselves first, caring only for our immediate family and friends but not sharing with the poor. (See “feed and clothe the needy.”) (Rom. 15:1-2, 1Pet. 4:8-11)
• love even our enemies (Matt. 5:38-48, Luke 6:32-36, Rom. 12:20) instead of holding grudges and getting even (see “revenge” below). We are not responsible for how people treat us, but we ARE responsible for how we react to it. Our behavior reflects on our Father in heaven. (Matt. 5:16, 1Pet. 1:41-19, Lev. 19:16)
• share the gospel, make disciples (not "believers" - God does that) (Matt. 28:19-20, Rev. 22:17, Rom. 10:14-15, 1Cor. 1:17-31, 1Cor. 9:16-17, 1Cor. 15, 2Cor. 8:16-23, 2Cor. 10:15-18, 2Cor. 11:1-11, Gal. 1:6-12, Eph. 2-3, Phil. 1:15-18, 1Thess. 2, 1Tim. 5:17-18, 2Tim. 2:1-9, 2Tim. 4:1-5, Heb. 4, Jam. 1:21-27, Jam. 2:14-26, 1Pet. 1) instead of thinking “our job here is done” when we have presented the Gospel and a person has received it. If they REJECT the Gospel, THEN we move on (but pray for God to soften their heart). If they accept, they are now our brothers in the Lord, whom we help with their needs, including how to flow Christ on the narrow road. The process of discipleship BEGINS at that point. (John 13:35, Matt. 7:13-14)
• speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15-32) with boldness, but also gentleness instead of telling people what they want to hear in order to seem “nice” and avoid being persecuted (which is salt that has lost its saltiness, or a lampstand hidden), or the opposite, beating people over the head with the Bible so that we cast stumbling blocks before them—possibly adding requirements that God did not specify, according to OUR preferences instead of the Bible. (2Tim. 4:1-4, Matt. 5:13-16, Acts 4:39-31, Eph. 6:18-20, Phil. 1:12-21, Matt. 10:26-33, Acts 5:29, Gal. 1:10, Phil. 1:27-30, 1Cor. 13:1-3, Acts 15:10, 15:19-20, Matt. 23:1-4) It’s only AFTER we are saved that God enables us to obey Him. (John 14:15-26, Titus 2:11-15, Phil. 2:12-16, Jam. 1:21)
• be baptized as an act of obedience to the command for believers instead of relying on infant “baptism” as “proof” that one is a “child of God.” It is the baptism of the Holy Spirit of the believer that saves and seals for redemption. (John 6:63, 2Cor. 1:21-22, Eph. 1:13-14, Eph. 4:30) The Bible does NOT say “be baptized so that you may believe.” We consciously accept the free gift of salvation and then obey Jesus’ command to be baptized in water, which is a joyful, memorable experience. (Matt. 28:19-20) We must be self-aware enough to understand what sin and its consequences are (circumcising our heart - Rom. 2:29), and to intend to turn from our unbelief and other sins. (Rom. 6) Those who are mentally incapable of understanding are not accountable for their sins. The penalty of death is for the actual transgressions, not for being born with the sinful nature. (Isa. 7:15-16, Rom. 5:12-13, Rom. 7:9)
Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children [this refers to relationship, not age] and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. Acts 2:37-41
• observe the Lord's Supper in remembrance of Him, proclaiming His death and resurrection until He returns (Luke 22:14-20, 1Cor. 11:23-34, John 6:60-63) instead of neglecting to gather together (Heb. 10:24-25), instead of thinking that Jesus is being sacrificed repeatedly in the bread and wine. (Heb. 9:24-28)
• study and KNOW the Bible—feed on the Word (Rom. 10:17, Col. 3:16, 1Tim. 1:3-11, 4:11-16, 2Tim. 2:14-19, 3:14-17, Eph. 4:11-16, Phil. 1:9-11, Col. 1:9-10, Heb. 5:11-14, Rom. 16:17-20, Titus 1:9-11, 2:1, 2John 1:9-11, 1Cor. 14:26, Psa. 119:105, Amos 8:11-12, Isa. 29:11-16) instead of wasting time consuming the worthless media this world has to offer, putting everything else before the word of God in priority so that there is “no time” left, or thinking we “know it all already” or that it’s “boring;” instead of just taking the word of others as to what it says, or going along with the flow—“blissfully unaware” that the “flow” is going AGAINST God. (Acts 17:11, Acts 20:29-31, 2Pet. 3:14-18, Matt. 7:13)
• pray TO GOD continually, from the heart for the genuine needs of ourselves and others (Heb. 1, Matt. 5:44, 9:37-38, Luke 18:1-8, 22:40, Rom. 8:26-27, Rom. 12:12, 2Cor. 1:11, Eph. 1:16, 6:16-20, Phil. 1:19, 4:4-9, Philem. 1:4-6, Col. 1:9-10, Col. 4:2-6, 1Thess. 5:16-18, 5:25, 2Thess. 1:11-12, 2Thess. 3:1-5, 2Tim. 2:1-4, 2:8, 2Tim. 1:3, Heb. 13:18-19, Jam. 5:13-20, 1John 5:16-17, Jude 1:20-21) instead of forgetting to pray at all, praying only when we need something, possibly only for ourselves, or praying “canned” prayers instead of using our own words. (Matt. 6:5-8, Mark 7:6-9)
• give thanks in all things (Rom. 14:6, 1Cor. 10:16, 2Cor. 2:14, 2Cor. 4:15, Eph. 1:16, 5:4, 5:20, Phil. 4:6, Col. 1:11-12, Col. 2:6-7, Col. 3:15-17, 1Thess. 5:16-18, 2Thess. 1:3, 2Thess. 2:13, 1Tim. 2:1-4, 2Tim. 1:3, Phil. 1:4-7, Heb. 13:15) instead of forgetting to be thankful at all (maybe even considering God’s answer to our prayers as a “coincidence”), or only being thankful IF we get our way.
• forgive (Matt. 6:14-15, Mark 11:25, Luke 6:37-38, Luke 7:36-50, Luke 17:3-4, John 20:23, 2Cor. 2:6-11, Eph. 4:32, Col. 3:12-13) instead of holding grudges, getting even (see “revenge” below), keeping lists of wrongs others have done against us (1Cor. 13:4-7), dwelling on the past instead of moving on. (Phil. 3:13-21)
• comfort one another (2Cor. 1:3-7, Rom. 12:15, Heb. 13:3, 10:32-34, Matt. 25:34-40, 1Cor. 12:26, Philem. 1:7) instead of being only concerned about our own problems. (Rom. 12:13, Heb. 13:2, 1Pet. 4:9)
• be humble (Matt. 11:29, 18:4, Matt. 23:5-12, Luke 14:7-11, Luke 18:9-14, Rom. 12:3, 12:16, Eph. 4:1-3, 5:21, Col. 3:12-13, Jam. 4:6-10, 1Pet. 3:8, 1Pet. 5:5-6) instead of exalting and promoting ourselves, being PROUD (1Cor. 1:25-31, 2Cor. 10:17, Gal. 6:14, 2Tim. 3:2-5), thinking we’re better than others for whatever reason. (Gal. 6:3-5)
• gather together with believers, exhorting and encouraging one another (Heb. 10:24-25, 1Cor. 14:26) instead of staying away from gatherings of believers because they’re imperfect (like us) or due to past hurts and offenses, etc. (False teachings/practices are valid reasons to leave a fellowship. The gathering of believers does NOT have to be in the form of a 501(c)(3) corporation, and probably shouldn’t be, in a perfect world.)
• help feed and clothe the needy (Luke 12:32-34, 14:12-14, Mark 12:41-44, Rom. 12:13, Eph. 4:28, 1Tim. 6:17-19, Jam. 2:15-16, 1John 3:17-18) instead of being selfish and uncaring. Our blessings are from God and we are meant to share them for His glory (Jam. 1:17). Covetousness ( or envy or greed) is actually a form of idolatry, since such a person is not content with what God has given them, but wants to be in charge of their own “blessings.” (Eph 5:5, Col. 3:5, Phil. 4:11-12, 1Tim. 6:6-12, 1Cor. 5:11, 1Cor. 6:9, Gal. 5:19-21)
• defend widows and orphans, seek justice (Jam. 1:27) instead of oppressing them or denying them justice, or looking the other way when others do so. (Isa. 1:12-20, Jer. 22:3, Luke 10:29-37)
• shine our light by doing good works (Matt. 5:13-16, Titus 2:14, 3:8, 3:14, Col. 1:9-12, Heb. 13:16, 2Tim. 2:20-21, John 15:8, Gal. 6:9-10) instead of hiding our light under a bushel, instead of accusing others who actually want to do God’s will of being “self-righteous” because they make us feel guilty for indulging ourselves and blending in with the world. (Matt. 7:21-29)
• sing hymns and spiritual songs (Eph. 5:19, 1Cor. 14:26, Col. 3:16) instead of singing songs with inappropriate lyrics, or even songs that have been “cleaned up” or SEEM “clean,” but were not originally made to honor the one true God—but perhaps a false god, whether money, fame or some other “idol,” including false religions (an example would be the popular song “My Sweet Lord” by George Harrison, with Hindu Hare Krishna lyrics at the end). (Eph. 4:29, 5:4, Col. 3:8, Heb. 13:15) We believers are the Church 24/7/365.25, not merely a small portion of one day a week. His Spirit in us leads us to desire to know and to do His will. (Phil. 2:12-16, Rom. 12:1-2)
• exercise self-control, including over our bodies, words and attitudes (1Cor. 9:24-27, 1Cor. 6:12-20, 2Cor. 12:20, 1Pet. 4:7, Eph. 4:26-27, 31, Gal. 5:16-25, 1Thess. 4:1-8, Titus 2:1-6, 2:11-15, 1Tim. 2:8, 1Tim. 3:1-13, 2Tim. 1:7, Jam. 3:2, Matt. 15:18-20, 2Pet. 1:5-6) instead of having fits of temper, cursing and swearing, slandering and gossiping, lying, practicing sexual immorality of ANY kind, harboring ill will toward others, envying, coveting, plotting revenge, scheming, refusing to accept correction and repent, avoiding carrying our share of the work load, exerting undue control over our fellow believers, rebelling against authority, etc. (See above paragraph and each of the topics mentioned in this comment.)
• remain faithful to our spouse until parted by death (except in cases of sexual immoral behavior by either party) (Matt. 19:3-9, Heb. 13:4, Mark 10:2-12, Eph. 5:22-33, Prov. 5:18-21, 1Cor. 6:9-20) instead of having affairs, seeking no-fault divorce because we aren’t “in love” anymore/we “grew apart,” or we don’t like how our spouse is aging, we didn’t “sign up” for anything except the good times, etc. (Matt. 5:27-32, Luke 16:18, Mal. 2:13-16, Mark 7:21-23)
• women submit to and respect their husbands (Eph. 5:22-24, 33, 1Pet. 3:5-6, Titus 2:4-5) instead of marching in women’s rights rallies (sometimes with a docile husband in tow, often including the right to murder unborn babies and alter God’s design and purpose for gender in the same rally), competing with them, going behind their backs, disparaging them to their friends and family (and even their own children), hounding them, arguing incessantly, etc. (Prov. 21:9, 25:24) A married couple is a team—the wife is to support her husband (and so she is called his “helper.”) (Gen. 2:18, 1Cor. 11:8-9)
• men love and honor their wives (Eph. 5:25-33, 1Peter 3:7) instead of criticizing them for every little thing, demeaning them, complaining to their friends and family (and even their own children) about them, being unappreciative of their contribution to the household, being violent toward them, being overly controlling and demanding, looking at/lusting over other women, failing to provide for, protect and guide them in a godly way, etc. (Matt. 5:27-28, Jam. 1:19-21, Isa. 3:12)
• remain faithful to God forever, endure, persevere, hold fast (Matt. 10:22, 13:21, Matt. 24:12-13, Rom. 5:3-5, Rom. 13:8-10, Rom. 15:4-6, 1Cor. 15:1-2, 2Thess. 2:15, 2Tim. 1:13, 4:14, 6:18, 10:23, 1Tim. 6:11-12, 2Tim. 2:12, Heb. 10:32-39, Heb. 12:1-13, Jam. 1:2-4, 12, Jam. 5:10-11, 1Pet. 2:19-23, 2Pet. 1:5-11) instead of trampling the Son of God, profaning the blood of the covenant and outraging the Spirit of grace which sanctifies those who are saved. (Heb. 10:26-31) Instead of thinking that “a moment of [claimed] faith” saves a person, even if their heart is unchanged—even if they do not continue in that alleged faith to the end. (Col. 1:21-23, Heb. 3:5-6, Heb. 3:12-14, Rev. 2:7, 10-11, 25-28, Rev. 3:5, 11-12, 21, Rev. 17:14, Rev. 21:7-8)
• teach our children to respect God and follow Jesus (Luke 18:15-17, Prov. 22:6, Deut. 6:7, Matt. 18:5-10) instead of waiting until they are set in the wicked ways of the world and then “letting them decide” after the battle for their souls is already nearly lost (but thankfully, with God all things are possible. Matt. 19:25-26) (Prov. 13:24, 22:15, 23:13-14, 29:15, 29:17, 30:11-17)
• support the work of the kingdom of God (Rom. 15:25-29, Rom. 12:13, 2Cor. 8:1-15, 24, 2Cor. 9, Gal. 6:6, Phil. 1:3-8, 4:10-19, Heb. 13:6, 1John 3:18, 1Tim. 6:17-19, Prov. 3:9-10) with the firstfruits of the increase we have received from God instead of putting everything else in life first and claiming not to have anything left to share, instead of being unappreciative of our blessings and failing to give credit where it is due. (Rom. 1:21, Eph. 5:4, 5:20, Col. 3:15-17, 1Thess. 5:18, Matt. 6:24, Psa. 37:25-26)
• use our God-given gifts of all kinds for His glory, which includes building up the Body of Christ (1Cor. 12-13, Eph. 4:1-16, 1Pet. 4:10-11, 1Cor. 3:10-17, 1Cor. 10:23-24, 14:12, 14:26, Jude 1:17-20) instead of being selfish with our blessings of all kinds or “burying our talent in the ground” or “hiding our mina in a kerchief” out of FEAR (whether of people or even of failing God—He knows what gifts He has provided us to work with). (Matt. 25:14-30, Luke 19:11-27)
• examine our own walk with God (2Cor. 13:5, Gal. 6:3-5) instead of worrying about everyone else except ourselves (Rom. 14), being envious of the “fun” that the unsaved have or of what they “get away with,” or thinking that God doesn’t “see” our sin. (Acts 5:1-11, Psa. 37, Psa. 73, Psa. 94:8-11, Zeph. 1:12, Mal. 2:17, Mal. 3:14-18, Isa. 29:15-16, 1Cor. 10:6-13, 1Pet. 4:17-18)
• obey authorities and honor those placed in such positions (Matt. 22:15-22, Rom. 13:1-7, 1Pet. 2:12-20, 1Tim. 3:1-13, 1Tim. 5:17-25, 1Pet. 5:1-5, Titus 1:5-16, Titus 2:1-10, Titus 3:1-2, Heb. 13:17, Jude 1:8) instead of being jealous, disrespecting, undermining or rebelling against them. (1Pet. 3:13, Rom. 13:3, Prov. 16:7)
• rebuke our brother in the Lord if they sin (but deal with our own sin first) (Matt. 18:15-35, Luke 17:3-4, Matt. 7:1-6, John 7:24, Rom. 2:1-10) instead of refusing to forgive (see above) or interpreting the golden rule as “you look the other way for me when I sin, and I will do the same for you when you sin.” Neither hypocrites nor unrepentant sinners glorify God. (John 15:8) It makes NO sense to the unsaved that Jesus had to die for OUR sin so that we could continue in it. (John 8:34-36, Rom. 6:15-23, 2Pet. 2:18-22)
• bring back sinners from straying (Gal. 6:1, Jam. 5:19-20, Jude 1:23) instead of reassuring them of their salvation, despite the lack of fruit of the Spirit. (Gal. 5:16-25, 1Cor. 5:5) Fruitless branches or branches with BAD fruit will be cut off and burned. (John 15:1-10, Matt. 3:10-12, Matt. 12:33-35, Luke 6:42-49)
• correct opponents with gentleness so they may repent (2Tim. 2:23-26, Jude 1:22-23, 1Pet. 3:8-17, 2Pet. 3, Titus 3:1-2) instead of being a “gong,” telling them God hates both them and their sin, or just letting them go without even trying to reason with them. (1Cor. 13:1-7, John 3:16-18, Acts 14:1, 28:23-24, 2Pet. 3:15)
• trust God, rely on His strength (John 10:37-38, John 14:10-12, Col. 1:29, 1Cor. 1:4-9, 25:10, 2Cor. 12:9-10, Phil. 4:13, 1Thess. 3:11-13, Prov. 3:5-8, Mal. 4:1-3, Heb. 13:6) instead of putting our trust in ourselves or other people (including the government, courts and civil servants). (Psa. 147:10-11, Jam. 4:13-16, Prov. 21:31, 1Sam. 17:46-47, Psa. 26, Psa. 43:1)
• walk in the Spirit, live to God not ourselves (Eph. 6, 1Pet. 5:6-11) instead of indulging our old, sinful nature. (Col. 1:10, Col. 3:5-17, 1Cor. 10:6-13, 2Cor. 5:9, 5:14-15, Eph. 4:17-32, 2Tim. 2:4, 1John 3:21-24, 1Pet. 4:1-5, 1Pet. 1:13-19, 2Pet. 1:3-15)
• dress modestly (1Tim. 2:9-10) instead of dressing provocatively like the world around us, which does not know God or His ways, or by trying to impress others with our materialism (again, like the world). (1Pet. 3:3-4, Eph. 4:17-24)
• cover a woman’s head when praying or prophesying (1Cor. 11:1-16), instead of ignoring the passage altogether as a “custom” of that day (2Thess. 2:15) OR instead of covering ALL of the time despite the passage specifying certain times. It is my understanding through study that “because of the angels” and “symbol of authority” are indications that the prayer referred to is corporate (since we are to pray unceasingly in our spirit). (You should conduct your own study with the guidance of the Holy Spirit - 1John 2:27, John 14:26). The passage also includes a glimpse into God’s heart and intentions when it says that woman is the glory of man and her hair is her glory, and so it is a shame to cut or shave it off. The “symbol” is NOT the woman’s hair itself, nor is it her husband. It makes no sense to say that if a woman refuses to cover her hair then she should cut it off (in shame) if the covering IS her hair. The hierarchy of authority is the reason for the symbol, not the symbol itself (God->Jesus-> man->woman), just as the Father sent the Son, at whose request the Spirit was sent. (John 6:38-40, 10:25-30, 14:10, 14:16-21, 16:13-15, Eph. 5:22-33) This is not demeaning, but orderly; not of lesser value, but functioning as God wills.
• be content in all circumstances (Phil. 2:14-16, Phil. 4:4-13, 1Cor. 10:9-11, Jam. 5:7-9, Heb. 13:5, 17, 1Pet. 4:9, 1Tim. 6:6-10) instead of complaining, coveting what others have, being greedy, trying to get what we “need” (i.e. want) by our own power. (Jam. 4:2-4, 1Cor. 10:9-10, Jude 1:16, Titus 2:7-8, Psa. 37:25-26, Prov. 30:7-9)
• resist temptation, pass tests and remain steadfast in trials of faith by trusting in God’s mighty power and perfect ways (John 16:33, Matt. 19:29, Gal. 6:1, 1Cor. 9:24-27, 1Cor. 10:12-14, 1Pet. 1:6-9, 2Cor. 4:7-11, 16-18, Jam. 5:7-11, Rev. 21:7-8, Isa. 48:10, Luke 21:34-36, 1John 3:11-15, 2Thess. 2:4-12) instead of shrinking back due to fear of people or anything else. (Heb. 10:32-39, Acts 20:18-26, Rev. 2:10, Rev. 3:18-19)
• carry our cross, follow Jesus, fulfill our calling (Matt. 5:10-12, Matt. 10:37-42, Matt. 16:24-27, Mark 8:34-38, Luke 9:23-26, 1Tim. 6:12, 2Tim. 1:8-14, 2Tim. 2:1-10, 2Pet. 1:5-13, Phil. 1:7-30, Heb. 13:11-13, John 15:18-25, Heb. 10:26-31, 1John 1:5-2:6, 1John 2:28-29, 1John 3:1-10) instead of turning back, leaving the narrow, difficult road and traveling the broad, easy path. (Luke 9:57-62, Luke 13:23-30)
REFRAIN from:
• idolatry (loving or honoring anything or anyone above or in place of God) (Matt. 22:36-37, Mark 12:28-30, Luke 10:25-28, Matt. 10:37, Matt. 6:24, Luke 16:13, Rom. 1:28-32, 2Tim. 3:1-5, 1Cor. 5:9-13, 1Cor. 6:9-10, 1Cor. 10:19-22, Gal. 5:19-25, 1Pet. 4:1-5, Col. 3:5-10, Jam. 4:4-10, Rev. 21:8, 22:15, Isa. 42:8) and instead, be faithful, like He is in all of His ways. (Deu. 7:9-15, Psa. 100:5 , Psa. 145:3, 1Chron. 16:34, 1Cor. 1:9, 2Thess. 3:3, 1John 1:9, Prov. 3:1-4)
• partaking of evil and deeds of darkness (Matt. 6:22-23, John 3:19-21, Rom. 1:28-32, 1Pet. 3:12, Psa. 37, Psa. 73, 2Tim. 3:1-5, 3John 1:11) and instead, abstain from and expose them. (1Thess. 5:22, Eph. 5:3-17, Rom. 12:9, 1Pet. 4:3-5, Luke 12:2-3)
• gossip (which might be true but is still forbidden), slander (untrue, spoken) and libel (untrue, written) (Jam. 1:26, Jam. 4:11-12, Matt. 15:18-20, Mark 7:21-23, Matt 15:19-20, Rom. 1:29-30, 2Cor. 12:20, Col. 3:5-10, Eph. 4:31, 1Tim. 3:11, 2Tim. 3:1-5, Titus 2:3-8, 3:1-3, 1Pet. 2:1, 3John 1:10) and instead, restrict our speech (and writings) to what edifies the hearer. (Matt. 12:36-37, Eph. 4:15-16, 29, 5:4, 2Cor. 6:7, Col. 4:6, 1Tim. 4:12)
• taking revenge (Matt. 5:38-41, Prov. 20:22, 2Tim. 3:1-5, Rom. 12:17-21, 2Thess. 2:5-10, Lev. 19:18) and instead, let God handle the defense of our character and take vengeance against anyone who harms us, but remain blameless in our own conduct at all times. (Prov. 20:22, Heb. 10:30-31, 1Pet. 3:15-16, 2Pet. 3:14-18, Titus 2:7-8, Phil. 2:14-16, Psa. 11, 18, 31, 37, 64, 91, 94, Psa. 7:1, 34:19, 43:1, 71:1-5, 72:4, 141:8-10, 142:5-7, 143L9-12, Luke 12:11-12, Prov. 18:10, Nah. 1:1-9, Zech. 3:11-15)
• suing brothers in the Lord (1Cor. 6:1-8) and instead, be willing to suffer financial loss rather than bring shame to the household of God. (Luke 12:13-34, 1Pet. 2:11-12, Col. 3:5, Titus 2:7-8, Phil. 2:14-16)
• foolishness, coarse language and crude jokes (Eph. 4:29-32, 5:4, Mark 7:21-23, Rom. 1:29-30, Col. 3:5-10, 2Tim. 3:1-5, Jam. 3:2-12), knowing that our behavior always reflects on our Father in heaven, and instead, glorify God through graceful speech, give Him praise, singing psalms, exhort one another to run the good race, fight the good fight, do good works, and remain steadfast. (Psa. 37:30, Eph. 5:18-21, Col. 3:12-17, Jam. 5:13, Phil. 4:8-9, Heb. 10:23-25, 32-39, 1Cor. 9:24-27, 1Tim. 6:11-12, Heb. 12, Jam. 1:12-16, 5:10-11, 2Pet. 1:5-15)
• sexual immorality (any sexual intimacy outside of marriage of a man and woman), which defiles God’s temple because believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 13:11-14, 1Cor. 5:9-13, 1Cor. 6:9-20, 1Cor. 7:2, 1Cor. 10:8, Eph. 5:3-12, Mark 7:21-23, 2Cor. 12:21, Col. 3:5-10, 2Tim. 3:1-5, Gal. 5:19-25, 1Pet. 4:1-5, Matt. 15:18-20, Acts 15:20, 28-29, 1Thess. 4:1-8, 1Tim. 1:8-10, Heb. 12:14-17, Jude 1, Rev. 2:14, 2:20-23, Rev. 21:8, 22:15) and instead, restrict intimate relations to those between a man and woman who are married. (Matt. 19:4-6, Heb. 13:4, Gen. 2:24-25)
• drunkenness (Matt. 24:48-51, Rom. 13:13, Titus 2:3, Prov. 20:1, 1Cor. 6:9-10, 1Cor. 11:20-22, Gal. 5:19-25, 1Thess. 5:5-8, 1Tim. 3:3, 8, 1Pet. 4:1-5) and instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit. (Eph. 5:18-21, Acts 13:52)
• lying/dishonesty (Col. 3:5-10, 1Cor. 5:9-13, 1Cor. 6:9-10, Matt. 15:18-20, 1Tim. 1:8-10, Rev. 21:8, 22:15, Jam. 3:2-12) and instead, remain truthful at all times—how will people believe our testimony of God’s goodness if we are liars? (Eph. 4:25, Prov. 30:8, Jam. 5:12, Lev. 19:11-12, Ezek. 39:7)
• sorcery, necromancy, acting as or consulting mediums or psychics (Gal. 5:16-25, Rev. 21:8, 22:15, Ex. 22:18, Lev. 19:26, 19:31, 20:6, 20:27, Deu. 18:10-11, Isa. 8:19, 1Chron. 10:13, 2Kings 21:6). Instead of seeking knowledge or anything else through pagan practices, we must trust in God and wait for Him. We need to hold to the traditions for the Church as detailed in the New Testament, not according to men’s ways (or false religions), even if longstanding and accepted. (1Cor. 10:21-22, 2Thess. 2:15, Col. 2:16-23, 1Tim. 4, 2Tim. 1:13-14, 1Tim. 1:8-11, 1Tim. 6:3-5, Titus 1:9, 2:1, 2Pet. 3:14-18)
• coveting (desiring what others have, being discontented with what God has provided, greed, gluttony, envy, jealousy) (Matt. 6:24, Eph. 5:3, 1Tim. 6:6-10, 17-19, Phil. 4:11-12, Jam. 5:1-6, Heb. 13:5, 2Tim. 3:1-5, Jude 1:11, 16, Rom. 13:8-10, 1Cor. 5:9-13, 1Cor. 6:9-10, 1Cor. 10:10, Gal. 5:19-25, 1Tim. 3:3, Titus 1:7, Jam. 4:1-3, Col. 3:5-10, Jam. 3:13-18) and instead, be grateful for our blessings, giving thanks for them to God. (See “give thanks” above.)
• stealing (Eph. 4:28, Mark 7:21-23, Rom. 13:8-10, 1Cor. 6:9-10, Matt. 15:18-20, Prov. 30:7-9) and instead, restore anything we have taken (and more), be content with what we have, and work for what we need, if we are physically able. (Luke 19:8-9, 2Thess. 3:6-15, also see coveting.)
• murder (Mark 7:21-23, Rom. 13:8-10, Jam. 4:1-3, Matt. 15:18-20, 1Tim. 1:8-10, Rev. 21:8, 22:15) and instead, love our neighbor as ourselves, and even show kindness to our enemies. (Lev. 19:18, Mark 12:28-34, Matt. 5:43-48, Rom. 12:19-21, Rom. 13:8-14, Gal. 5:13-15, Jam. 2:8-26)
• idleness (2Thess. 3:6-15, 1Tim. 5:3-16, 1Thess. 4:11-12) and instead, work in order to have something to share with others (if able). (Eph. 4:28, Prov. 18:9, Heb. 13:16, Gal. 6:6-10, 1Tim. 6:17-19)
• fits of temper (Jam. 1:19-21, 2Cor. 12:20, Gal. 5:19-21, 1Tim. 2:8, 1Tim. 3:1-13, Eph. 4:26-27, 31) and instead, rely on the Holy Spirit for help controlling ourselves. (Gal. 5:22-24, Rom. 8:13-18, Rom. 6:4, 2Cor. 5:17)
• pride in any form of anything (except knowing the Lord and what He has done for us), seeking our own glory (Luke 20:45-47, Mark 7:21-23, Rom. 1:29-30, 2Cor. 12:20, Mal. 4:1-3, 2Tim. 3:1-5, Jude 1:16, Gal. 5:19-26, Titus 1:7, Prov. 27:2) and instead, acknowledge that all blessings come from Him as the designer, maker and owner of everything, including us; and give Him the glory for all He is, Has done and is going to do. (1Cor. 4:6-8, Rev. 3:15-17, Psa. 19, 24, 50, 95, 100, 104, 118, 147, Psa. 69:30, 105:1-5, 1Chron. 16:8-13, 23-36, Heb. 13:15)
• taking credit or giving it to another for what God has done (Rom. 1:18-21, Heb. 12:25-29, Isa. 42:8, 48:11) and instead, (see above).
• loving the world and its ways (Jam. 4:4-10, 1John 2:15-17) and instead, recognize the error of its fallen ways and separate from it as God intends for His called-out children. (2Cor. 6:14-7:1, 1Cor. 15:33-34, Rev. 18:4-5, John 15:19, Eph. 4:17, 1Thess. 4:3-8, 2Pet. 2:12, 2Pet. 4:3-5)
• being wise in our own eyes or that of the world, but being foolish in God’s sight (Rom. 12:16, Isa. 5:21) and instead, seek the wisdom from above, recognizing that those living in darkness are not wise and cannot understand spiritual things or accept God’s higher ways. They do NOT know the way to eternal life. (Psa. 37:30, Isa. 55:8-9, Jam. 3:13-18, Eph. 1:17, Col. 1:9, 28, Rom. 11:33-36, 1Cor. 1:18-31, 1Cor. 2:14, 1Cor. 3:18-20, Col. 2:23, 3:16, 4:5, Jam. 1:5-8, Mark 7:20-22, Matt. 7:24-27, Matt. 25:1-13, 2Tim. 3:6-9, Col. 2:23, John 14:6, 1John 3:24)
• taking the Lord's name in vain (for no purpose or even worse yet, for a profane purpose) (Ex. 20:7, Psa. 139:20, Jude 1:14-19, Prov. 30:7-9) and instead, be mindful that God is holy and so is His name, which not only identifies Him, but describes His eternal, perfect nature. (Luke 1:49, Rev. 15:4, Lev. 22:32, Psa. 103:1-5, Isa. 47:4, 57:15, Ezek. 39:7)
• fearing men, worrying (Matt. 6:25-34, Phil. 4:6-7, Heb. 13:6, Gal. 1:10, 1Thess. 2:3-8, Matt. 10:24-28, Col. 3:23-24, John 15:18-25) and instead, trust and obey God in all things. (Prov. 3:5-8, 6:3, Psa. 127:1, Phil. 4:6-7, also see “trust God” above.)
• making oaths (let our word be good without "swearing" by anything) (Matt. 5:33-37, Jam. 5:12) and instead, speak plainly and keep our word. (Col. 3:9-10, Lev. 19:11, Eph. 4:25, Zech. 8:16, Ecc. 5:4-5, Psa. 119:57)
• judging our brothers in the Lord for the way they serve God or exercise matters not dealing with sin but with personal choice (Rom. 14, Gal. 5:15, Jam. 4:11-12, 1Cor. 4:5) and instead, build one another up in the Lord, appreciate and support one another in our various works given to us by God to do. (Rom. 12:3-8, 11, 1Cor. 12:12-27, Col. 3:23-25, Eph. 2:10, Titus 2:14, 3:8, 3:14, John 15:8, Matt. 5:16)
• associating with people who lead us astray (2John 1:7-11, 1Cor. 5:9-13) and instead, realize that the company we keep can either help us grow in the Lord, or draw us away from Him. (1Cor. 15:33-34, Matt. 10:34-49, 2Cor. 6:14-7:1)
• casting stumbling blocks before anyone to cause them to sin, approving of sin (Rom. 1:32, 1Thess. 4:1-8, Rom. 14:13-23) and instead, stand firm in the truth, in love, and help others escape the snare of the devil. (Jude 1:17-23, 1Cor. 10:12-13, Gal. 6:1, Jam. 5:19-20)
• causing dissension, division, strife (1Cor. 1:10-13, 1Tim. 6:3-5, Gal. 5:19-25, 1Tim. 3:3, Jam. 3:2-12, Lev. 19:16) and instead, live in peaceful harmony as much as possible (without disobeying God). (Rom. 12:18, Acts 2:47, 1Tim. 4:12, 1Tim. 3:10-17, Jam. 3:13-18, 1Pet. 1:14-19, 1Pet. 2:11-12, 3:14-18)
• giving gifts or donations in order to get recognition, pursuing honor for ourselves (Matt. 6:1-6, Mark 12:38-44, Luke 20:45-47) and instead, give in secret, storing treasure in heaven. (Luke 6:32-36, Matt. 6:19-21, 19:21, Luke 12:32-34, Matt. 10:40-42, 1Tim. 6:18-19 )
• showing partiality based on wealth or position (Jam. 2:1-13, 3:17, Matt. 22:16, Mark 12:14, Luke 10:21, Acts 10:34-35, Rom. 6:2-11, Gal 2:6, 3:28, Eph. 6:9, Col. 3:11, 3:25, 1Tim. 5:20-21, Jude 1:16) and instead, be fair and just no matter whether someone is rich or poor, famous or “ordinary,” like us or different, young or old, male or female, Jew or Greek. (Rom. 2:6-11, 10:12, Ex. 23:1-9, Ex. 22:21-24, Deu. 24:17-22, 27:16-19, Lev. 19:13-18, 32-37, Psa. 37:30, 94:6-7, Isa. 1:15-17, 23, 10:1-4, Jer. 5:26-31, Ezek. 22:7, 22:29-31, Zech. 7:8-14, Amos 8:4-6)
• worshiping by rote, ritual and traditions of men (Matt. 15:7-9, Mark 7:8, John 4:23-24, Rom. 7:6, 8:2, Gal. 3:2, 2Cor. 3:2-18, Matt. 5:8) and instead, worship in spirit and truth, offering our bodies (including our entire lives) as living, holy sacrifices. (Rom. 12:1-2, 1Cor. 6:18-20, 1Cor. 3:16-17)
• entering controversies and vain arguments, being contentious (2Tim. 2:14, 23-26, 1Tim. 6:3-5, 2Cor. 13:11, 2Cor. 12:20, Phil. 4:5, Titus 3:1-2, 9-10, Titus 1:7, Heb. 12:14, Jam. 3:2-12, 4:1-4, Matt. 5:9, Rom. 12:18) and instead, correct opponents with gentleness, hoping that they will come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved; and submit to God when it comes to differences regarding the understanding of sound doctrine (also see “sorcery” above). (Jude 1:22-23, 2Tim. 2:23-26)
• listening to false teachers (2Cor. 4:1-5, 11:13-15, 2Thess. 2:15, 1Tim. 1:3-11, 1Tim. 4, 1Tim. 6:3-21, 2Tim. 1:13-14, 2Tim. 2:14-26, 2Pet. 3, Titus 1:9-16, Titus 2, Heb. 13:7-9,) and instead, recognize them by their fruits. (2Cor. 11:13-15, Acts 20:28-31, 2Tim. 3:1-4:5, Jude 1:3-23, Matt. 7:15-29, Matt. 12:33-35, Luke 6:39-39, Matt. 3:7-12, Rom. 6:20-23, Gal. 5:19-21, Rom. 7:4-6, John 15:1-10, Eph. 5:9, Phil. 1:11, Col. 1:10, Heb. 12:11, Jam. 3:13-18)
• drinking blood or eating meat that has been strangled (Acts 15:20, 28-29, 21:25), because the life is in the blood, and the shedding of the blood makes atonement for sins. (Lev. 17:11, Heb. 9:22-28, 1John 1:7-9, Rev. 5:9-10) The part about strangling is not clarified, but there is a connection in that it kills by stopping circulation. Common sense tells us that animals for food should be both raised and slaughtered humanely.
• eating meat that we KNOW was sacrificed to an idol (for the sake of those who think that such things have power) (1Cor. 10:23-33, Acts 15:20, 28-29) and instead, abstain from eating anything that might cause our weaker brother in the Lord to stumble by giving the appearance that we are honoring a god that doesn’t exist. (1Cor. 8, 1Cor. 10:19-22)
• covering a man’s head while praying or prophesying (1Cor. 11:1-16), instead of going along with traditions of men where male believers (often specifically those in leadership) in some faiths wear something on their head. In the same passage, Paul also indicates that men should cut their hair rather than growing it long like women. Most interpret it these days as customs of those days that we may safely ignore. For myself, I feel that although it’s far from the most important issue, once we choose to disregard one passage, then it becomes easier to do the same with the next one we dislike and so on. The reason given is NOT “custom”—that is the reason that no one should argue about Paul’s instructions given by his authority from God. (2Thess. 2:15, 2Cor. 10:8, 13:10, 1Thess. 4:2, 8—Paul says so if he is stating his preference. 1Cor. 7:6, 10, 2Cor. 8:8) The reason given is that Jesus is the head of man, who is God’s glory, and also “because of the angels” (who are presumably observing our gatherings to worship). (Also see “covering a woman’s head” above.)
• exercising our freedom in such a way that causes a weaker brother to stumble (1Cor. 8) and instead, be willing to give up some of our freedoms for the sake of our weaker brother whose conscience convicts him of sin despite his freedom in Christ. (1Cor. 10:23-33) (This is NOT permission to be sexually immoral or to deliberately do any other activity that dishonors God. We are set free FROM sin, not TO sin. Matt. 18:6-9, 1Thess. 4:1-8, 1John 1:5-2:6, 2:28-29, 1John 3:1-10, Rom. 13:11-14)
The above guidelines are for believers who are following Christ to observe. They are meant to be obeyed out of LOVE, gratitude and respect. They are NOT meant to put us back “under the law” with legalism and self-righteousness. We don’t save ourselves—we obey because we are saved. Each person should test their own heart to see how much of themselves they are willing to give to God. The more we know Him, the more we will love and trust Him so that the same things that please Him will please us, and we will be motivated to do His will, for His glory. The rewards are GREAT. Take a look at Rev. 2-3, Rev. 20:4-6, Rev. 21:7-8, 22:14-15, Col. 3:23-25, 1Cor. 2:9, Heb. 10:35-39, 1Cor. 3:11-15, 2John 1:8, Jam. 1:12, 2:5, 1Cor. 9:24-27, 1John 3, 2Tim. 4:6-8, 2Tim. 2:3-7, Heb. 6:11-12, Heb. 12, Matt. 25:14-46, Luke 19:11-27.
CONCLUSION
There’s a song by Love & The Outcome called "Heart Like You" that summarizes very nicely what the personal attitude of believers should be. (I can't give a blanket endorsement to this husband and wife duo, Chris Rademaker and Jodi King, since I don't know anything about them or their musical ministry, but there is so much Scripture packed into the lyrics of this particular song.)
A Heart Like You Burn bright In my life Burn away the things I hold tight Give me Eyes to see Your Kingdom the way You want it to be What can be worth more than You? What do I have I wouldn't lose? If it means You and I Look more alike That's what I chose CHORUS I give up the world to find my soul Pour out my life, give You control I just want to be what You want me to be I just want a heart that's true A heart like You I just want a heart like You As Your ways Take shape All my guilt and shame start to fade And Your love Takes their place I become a well of Your grace, Your grace CHORUS I don't mind the price it costs I will count all I have as loss When this fades away, what's true remains What can be worth more than You? What do I have I wouldn't lose? CHORUS I just want a heart like You I just want a heart like You | Bible passages John 13:34-35 John 15:9-17 John 8:12 Matt. 25:1-13 John 3:3-5 Rev. 12:11 Luke 14:33 Matt. 10:37-39 Philipp. 3:8-17 Rom. 8:29 Philipp. 2:17 John 14:6 Matt. 22:16 1Cor. 12:4-11 1John 2:1-11 1Cor. 6:11 Heb. 10:19-23 John 4:13-14 1John 2:15-17 1Pet. 2:21-25 Eph. 2:4-5 1John 4:7 |