BIBLICAL TEACHING AND ISSUES

Four things God wants you to know

Last call for Heaven

Biblical signs of the end of history

The Nightmare of Hell

Israel

Advanced Medical Knowledge in the Bible

Revenge: Payback Time?

Effectual Fervent Prayer

Prophecy fulfilled in history

Prophecy yet to be fulfilled

Titanic and the Apocalypse

Watch your tongue!

The Bible is Unique

"Once upon a Time"

God’s judgement on violence and cruelty

Alcohol Abuse

Questions to Ask Believers of Evolution

Drug Abuse

The Authorities

The Brevity and Uncertainty of Life

Covetousness

Demon Possession

Divorce

Bearing False Witness

The Right to be Jealous

Your Minister - Reward or judgement?

Love - What it is and what it isn’t

Marriage

The Poor - and YOU!

Psychics?

God and Racism

Think good works will get you into heaven?

Warning to Bible Readers

Rom 3:23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God..." Rom 3:10-11 "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God." Jer 17:9 "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Isa 64:6 "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags..." John 3:3 "Jesus answered and said '...Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'"

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

Acts 4:12 "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Gal 2:16 "...for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." James 2:10 "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it." Prov 14:12 "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Isa 53:6 "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him (Jesus) the iniquity of us all." 2 Cor 5:21 "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." 1 Pet 3:18 "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit..."

John 10:28 "And I (Jesus) give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." Phil 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ..." Heb 7:25 "Wherefore he (Jesus) is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." Jude 1:24 "Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy..."

Acts 3:19 "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord..."

Acts 16:31 "And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."

Rom 10:9-10 "That if you shall confess (admit) with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

BELIEVE in Jesus Christ, that He is the Son of God, that He died on the cross for your sins, and that He rose again from the dead

ADMIT or Confess you're a sinner worthy of God's judgement, and that there's nothing you can do to save yourself

REPENT change your mind about sin, and do not desire to live in sin any more

RECEIVE Jesus Christ into your heart and life by faith trusting Him to forgive all of your sin and come into you - making you His adopted child forever!

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Things that have come to pass in the last half century

Ezekiel 36-37; Matthew 24:14; Daniel 12:4, Revelation 13:16-18 (Bio-Chip I.D. Technology),
Revelation 11:9-10 (World-wide Satellite TV); Matthew 24:22; Deut. 32:8 & Hosea 1:10; Genesis 6:4-7

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Israel

"You possess what your god Chemosh gives you, and we will possess what the Lord our God gives us!"

Judges 11:24

The nearly four thousand year old Arab-Israeli conflict in the Middle East cannot be defined in political, economic or cultural terms alone. It is basically a religious conflict, with religious questions at the heart of it. "Which God is real - Allah, or The Lord God of Israel? To whom has He given the land?"

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Moses, as a prince in the family of Pharaoh himself, would certainly have received this bizarre medical training as part of his overall education (Acts 7:22). However, the first 5 books of the Bible collected and written down by Moses (the Torah) contain no trace of these well-documented Egyptian "cures." Rather, the author exhibits keen knowledge of the principles of infection, sanitation, cleanliness and the treatment of sores and wounds that would not be "discovered" until the late 19th and early 20th centuries A.D. !

"THE SIGNATURE OF GOD" by Grant R. Jeffrey

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God patiently waits for His will to be worked in the lives of all people, and he does not give up as easily as we do on those who have gone astray -- "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9

Our hearts need to be aligned with the heart of the Lord, no matter what the depth of our personal hurt. He is more concerned with the salvation of eternal souls than with serving men's impatience. He will not forget justice, however: "To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste." Deut. 32:35

"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head." Romans 12:19-20.

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Prayer is both an incredible privilege and an awesome responsibility. It can move the hand of God in situations where there is no other hope. Elijah prayed down fire from heaven. His prayers held back rain from Israel in judgement, and returned them - refreshing the land again.

"...pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.". James 5:16

Daniel was a high government official under 3 of the most powerful rulers of his day - yet even with all that responsibility he made time to pray 3 times a day. Jesus, the Son of God, is the Master of prayer. When His disciples asked Him to teach them to pray, He gave them the Lord's Prayer. Yet He also taught:

"And when you pray, do not use meaningless repetitions like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words." Matthew 6:7 Rather, the Lord's Prayer was given as a pattern for us to apply to our prayer life, showing us what to concentrate on .

We are to: Exalt the Father, urge His Kingdom to come soon, ask His will to be done, ask for our daily necessities, ask for forgiveness (and be sure we are forgiving others), ask for protection from the devil and temptation, give God glory and honor, and praise Him and make our requests known. We are to always end our prayers in the Name of Jesus John 14:13-14.

Prayers should be offered daily - "Pray without ceasing." 1Thessalonians 5:17

Even though our hearts many times grow cold and unmotivated - go into the presence of your Father. He is not burdened by our prayers. If they are offered in Spirit and in Truth, they are a joy to Him. He loves you!

Satan and his forces will relentlessly attack your prayer life. They know how powerful it is. They will incite thoughts of sin, profanity and obscenity in your mind while you are in prayer, to discourage you and create false guilt. Whenever this occurs, demand in the Name of Jesus Christ that they leave you. Matthew 12:28-29.

Remember, there are 3 basic answers to prayer: Yes - God answers immediately; Wait - God will grant the request, but will delay until His perfect time (possibly years!); and NO - the request is something God cannot and will not grant.

Often we simply do not know what to pray for. In these cases, God will lead us - "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings that words cannot express." Romans 8:26

You can know you are praying the will of God when you pray for the lost to be saved.

"...He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9

Jesus also said that we are to pray for those who despise and use us, asking God rather to bless and help those who are our enemies Matthew 5:44. We should pray that our faith be strengthened, and that it not fail when tested Luke 22:32. Of course, God is always pleased when we ask His will, and seek His wisdom and understanding. Solomon prayed for this, and God was pleased to give him much more than he even asked for 1 Kings 3:9-13.

God does not grant every prayer uttered. There are some conditions on our prayers being heard:

"And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight." I John 3:22 "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us." I John 5:14

Prayer should be honest, straightforward and simple -- without pretense or false motivation. It does not require big words or lofty phrases, just respect and sincerity of heart. Through prayer, we are ushered into the Presence of God, and given an audience with the Creator of the Universe. Let us "come boldly before the throne of grace..." (Hebrews 4:16), yet humbly mindful of to Whom we speak! Ecclesiastes 5:2.

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Some of the prophecies of the Bible are gradually fulfilled over a period of time, others are specifically chronological, being fulfilled in this basic consecutive order:

Believe, admit, repent, receive!

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A much broader analogy can be made, however, as we compare the Titanic story with the Bible's prophetic picture of the end times, and mankind's coming day of reckoning. Like many aboard the ill-fated ocean liner, multitudes today eat, drink, party and plan for an earthly future, unaware of the danger that lay just ahead. Just as the faithful wireless operators of a neighboring vessel dutifully warned the Titanic's officers of icebergs which had been sighted, so faithful Christians have warned this generation of the Bible's description of the perils to come just before the return of Jesus Christ, and how they are ominously reflected in current world events.

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God's Word declares that the words people use have tremendous consequences. While good speech is both commanded and commended, evil speech is condemned in the harshest of terms. Our words are merely a reflection of what exists in our heart:

"...for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks... but I say to you that every idle word that men may speak, they shall give account for in the day of judgment."

"But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile (pollute) a man."

Top on the list of importance in our speech is the reverent treatment of the name of GOD.

"You shall not take the name of the Lord your GOD in vain (uselessly), for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain."

The Ten Commandments are listed in the order of their importance to God - making misuse of His name worse than murder, theft and adultery!

PROFANITY (Greek BEBELOS " To cross the threshold of evil") 1 Timothy 6:20 "...avoiding profane and vain babblings..."

BLASPHEMY (Greek BLASPHEMEO " To impiously defame, revile") Colossians 3:8 ...put off all these...blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth"

CORRUPT COMMUNICATION (Greek SAPROS "Putrefied, rotten, worthless") Ephesians 4:29 "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth..."

SWEARING (Greek OMNUO " To make or declare an oath") Matthew 5:34 "...swear not at all..."

CURSING (Greek KATARAOMAI " To revile, shun as evil, doom to destruction") Romans 12:14 "...bless, and curse not."

It is obvious from the Word of God that He takes very seriously every word we say, and will hold us accountable for our words, unless we are forgiven by His grace and mercy in Jesus Christ. Are you?

"For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it." James 2:10

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved..." Acts 16:31

"Repent therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ..." Acts 3:19

"But as many as received Him (Jesus), to them He gave power to become the sons of God..." John 1:12

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*Written in different settings (wilderness, palaces, ships, dungeons, battlefields)

Unique in its Translation:

The Bible has been translated, retranslated and paraphrased more than any other book in existence.

Unique in its Survival:

Unlike other religious texts, the Bible claims that man cannot save himself from the penalty of sin by his own efforts, and that man needs a Savior - the person of God incarnate, Jesus Christ. The Bible also contains detailed predictive prophecy, much of which, to date, is 100% literally and accurately fulfilled in history. Voltaire once said that the Bible would be "extinct" by 1850. The Geneva Bible Society bought Voltaire's house after his death, and has been printing Bibles there to this day, barely able to keep up with the demand!

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Once upon a time there was a simple man with little education, farming in his field near a city. Suddenly, a man on horseback came riding up to the man and yelled excitedly "An army of fierce invaders is coming this way! They have raped, murdered and looted in every city they have encountered. I barely escaped! Quick, warn the people of this city. I will go on ahead to the other towns. Hurry!!!"

The man dropped his plow and ran into the city. The first place he came to was the University campus. A group of professors were sitting together on benches. "Quick!" the man exclaimed, "A man who just escaped from a marauding army told me they are heading this way! We must warn the people to be ready or to flee!" The professors began to laugh hysterically. Then they began to ridicule the mans lack of education. "If there were an army, the man would have come directly to we educated people, so that we could properly warn the population. He would not have entrusted the message to a simpleton like you!" they sneered. "But he did warn me! And he told me to warn the city quickly, because they will be here soon." They continued to mock his lack of intellect, calling his story a "myth" and a "fairy tale."

Exasperated, he ran to the city government officials and gave them the warning. "Why didn't the messenger come directly to us?" they wondered. "He trusted me to do that while he went on ahead" the man said. "We will go to the professors at the University and get their opinion" the officials said. "I already went to them, and they didn't believe me!" "Well, if they didn't believe you, then neither do we." And the officials asked the man to leave.

So he ran to the town "criers," those who inform the public about news and current events. They were all together, sitting and discussing which of them had the greatest influence over the most people. The man related the warning of the messenger to the criers, saying "Warn the people! There's no time to lose!" The criers replied, "We haven't heard anything at all. We should ask City Hall or the professors at the University about this." "I've already been to the professors and the city officials, and none of them believed me," the man explained. "Well then, why should we believe you? You are just a peon, and they are all wise and learned men. You and your story can hit the road! We will listen to those who know what they are talking about!"

Frustrated and angry, the man decided to use what little time he had to warn the people directly. As he began to cry out his warning in the streets, people would tell him "The professors are telling their students to ignore you. The officials are threatening to lock you up, along with anyone who listens to you. the criers are telling everyone that you are a dangerous right-wing religious fanatic."

On the horizon, a thick black column of smoke was rising from a nearby city. In the distance could be heard the clatter of horse hooves and the clash of steel. "See!" cried the man. "I'm telling you the truth!" Some of the people were convinced and followed him, but most continued to scoff, ridicule and disbelieve him. "We will trust the government, educators and media. They will keep us safe and informed."

So the man and the minority who believed the warning left the city to flee into the surrounding hills... with the laughter and jeers of the population ringing in their ears. By now, the sound of the approaching invaders was getting louder and louder. The believers ran into the hills and hid themselves. Soon, the marauders invaded the city, and tortured, raped and murdered the people, then looted and burned the city to the ground. Only those in the hills, who heeded the mans warning, escaped.

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God's Judgement Upon Violence& Cruelty

"The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. And God looked upon the earth, and behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. And God said to Noah, 'The end of all flesh is come before Me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth.'" GENESIS 6:11-13

"...(the wicked's) mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down on his own crown." PSALM 7:16

"The Lord trieth the righteous, but the wicked and him that loveth violence His Soul hateth." PSALM 11:5

"Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth; evil shall hunt the violent man and overthrow him." PSALM 140:11

"Blessings are upon the head of the just, but violence flows from the mouth of the wicked." PROVERBS 10:6

"...for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence. Wherefore I will bring the worst of the heathen, and they shall possess their houses; I will also make the pomp of the strong to cease, and their holy places shall be polluted." EZEKIEL 7:23-24

"...Do violence to no man, neither accuse anyone falsely; and be content with your wages." LUKE 3:14

"Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel; I will divide them in Jacob,and scatter them in Israel." GENESIS 49:7

"...he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh." PROVERBS 11:17

"...(even) the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel." PROVERBS 12:10

"Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate; and He shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it." ISAIAH 13:9

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Alcohol Abuse

While the Bible does not condemn all use of alcoholic beverages (Deut. 14:26; Prov. 31:4-7; 1 Tim. 5:23), it is very clear about the seriousness of abusing them. For the most part, the wines referred to as commonly used were a weak variety, mixed with much water. even children partook of this "wine" with daily meals. In a time of questionable water supply safety, the low amount of alcohol acted as an antibacterial agent.

However, God left no uncertainty when referring to the sin of drunkenness:

"Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." Galatians 5:21. Drunkards set themselves up for an eternity in hell: "Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them! ...Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it" ISAIAH 5:11,14

The abuse of alcohol robs people of wisdom and sound judgement: "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise." Proverbs 20:1 "But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment." Isaiah 28:7

The filthy and debased condition that alcohol abuse usually brings a person to has been the same throughout the centuries: "For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean." Isaiah 28:8 "Therefore thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Drink ye, and be drunken, and vomit, and fall, and rise no more..." Jeremiah 25:27. "Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?

Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. Your eyes will see strange sights and your mind imagine confusing things. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging. "They hit me," you will say, "but I'm not hurt! They beat me, but I don't feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?" Proverbs 23:29-35

Jesus Christ has the power to free anyone from the grip of sin and destructive addictions, like alcohol abuse. If you turn to Him completely and sincerely, He will grant you a total pardon -- as well as a new life and a fresh start. It's not too late!

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The Word of God on Drug Abuse

The Greek word translated "sorcery" is PHARMAKEUS, which is defined as pertaining to drug making and use, particularly as relates to mind-altering hallucinogens which distort reality and perceptions, thereby allowing the sorcerer control of his subjects. Pharmakeus is the word from which our modern term "pharmacy" is derived. The Bible strongly condemns this abuse of drugs: "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." REVELATION 21:8

We are called to control our actions, emotions and appetites by an act of our will, with God's help. The Bible teaches that self control is a fruit of the Spirit. The Christian is to be governed by God, not self: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long- suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." GALATIANS 5:22-23 "Temperance" is self-control. God will supply His power through His indwelling Holy Spirit to give us the strength to do what we should when we are too weak in ourselves to overcome temptation. "...'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty." Zechariah 4:6

The desire to cater to the lustful desires of our flesh, whether to thrill and exhilarate, or to numb and anesthetize us (in order to hide from responsibilities), is something we are to avoid with all diligence: "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof." ROMANS 13:14

Rev. 9:21, 18:23, 22:15; 1 Cor. 6:15, 9:25,27; Titus 2:12; 2 Peter 1:5; Mark 4:19; Ephesians 4:22-23; 2 Tim. 2:22; James 1:14-15

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The Word of God has much to say regarding the subject of authority among men. While God reserves to Himself supreme authority over all of His creation (Isaiah 40, John 5:26-30), He has also set human government over the nations of the earth. When they operate according to His principles, the good of society results: "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience." Romans 13:1-5

"Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men." 1 Peter 2:13-15

God has given civil governments the right and the responsibility to exercise rule over their respective nations, and to enforce judgement on wrongdoers. This is to be done justly, without prejudice or favoritism:

"Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the LORD your God is giving you." Deuteronomy 16:19-20

The Bible recognizes that, all too often, governments can be voted in or fall into the hands of the wicked, decreeing unrighteousness. In times such as those, it is the duty of all who love God to serve Him and obey His higher law: "Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard... We must obey God rather than men!'" Acts 4:18-20, 5:29

Submit to the authorities as God would have you to.

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"And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' "Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry." "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God." Luke 12:16-21

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"You shall not follow a crowd to do evil; make no covenant with them..." EXODUS 23:2

"And Jehu... said to King Jehoshaphat 'Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love (to be with) them that hate the Lord? Therefore is wrath upon thee from before the Lord." 2 CHRONICLES 19:2

"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful." PSALM 1:1

"My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. If they say 'Come with us... cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse': My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path." PROVERBS 1:10,11,14,15

"Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away." PROVERBS 4:14-15

Consorting with those who do not love God can be dangerous: "A companion of fools shall be destroyed." PROVERBS 13:20

"Now I beseech you, bretheren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple." ROMANS 16:17-18

"...But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a forni- cator, or covetous, or an idolater or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such a one, no not to eat." 1 CORINTHIANS 5:6-11

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Covetousness is an intense desire to possess someone or something that one does not have. The Ten Commandments prohibit this attitude: "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife... nor any thing that is thy neighbour's." Exodus 20:17.

Covetousness springs from a greedy self-centeredness and an arrogant disregard of God's law. The Bible repeatedly warns against this sin (Josh. 7:21; Rom. 7:7; 2 Pet. 2:10). Many examples of covetousness appear in the Bible: Gehazi's greed (2 Kin. 5:20-27), Judas' betrayal of Jesus (Matt. 26:14-15), the rich fool (Luke 12:13-21), the rich young ruler (Luke 18:18-25), and the deceit of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11). The apostle Paul labeled this sin as idolatry (Col. 3:5). He warned believers not to associate with a covetous brother (1 Cor.5: 10-11).

The best way to avoid a self-centered, covetous attitude is to trust the Lord, be content with what we have been given, and to face one's responsibilites (Gal. 6:7-9; 2 Thes. 3:6-15). To those tempted by "covetousness" and "worthless things" (Ps. 119:36), Jesus declares, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses" Luke 12:15."

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Demon possession is an affliction of persons who have been invaded or controlled by demons (Matt. 4:24; 8:33). The New Testament gives graphic descriptions of the effect of demons on people. Some of the afflictions which they caused included muteness (Matt. 12:22; Mark 9:17,25), deafness (Mark 9:25), blindness (Matt. 12:22), and bodily deformity (Luke 13:10-17). But demons were not responsible for all physical ailments. The gospel writers frequently distinguished between sickness and demon possession (Matt. 4:24; Mark 1:32; Luke 6:17-18). Sometimes a problem caused by demons in one case appears to have another cause in another situation (Matt. 12:22; 15:30).

Demons were also responsible for some mental problems (Matt. 8:28; Acts 19:13-16). The rantings and ravings that they produce mimic mental disorders (Mark 1:23-24; John 10:20). Uncontrolled fits were another form of demonic affliction (Luke 9:37-42; Mark 1:26). Sometimes a demon also caused a person to behave in a hateful, antisocial manner (Luke 8:27,35).

The method of Jesus and His disciples in casting out demons differed radically from the mystical methods so often used in that time. Through His simple command Jesus expelled them (Mark 1:25; 5:8; 9:25). His disciples simply added the authority of His name to the command (Luke 10:17; Acts 16:18). Even some people who were not His followers invoked His power (Luke 9:49; Acts 19:13). In some instances prayer and fasting was necessary before a demon could be cast out (Mark 9:29).

By casting out demons, Jesus showed that the KINGDOM OF GOD-- God's rule in the affairs of mankind-- was a present reality. This was also a clear demonstration of His power over Satan and the demonic forces of sin and evil in the world. Jesus has now given His followers in the Church the authority to cast out demonic forces. (Mark 16:17).

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When God presided over the first marriage, He proclaimed that the man and the woman had become "one flesh" (Gen. 2:24). God intended their union to be a permanent one - to last their entire life together. Human dissolution of the marriage covenant through divorce is not merely something He dislikes: "I hate divorce' says the Lord God of Israel" (Mal. 2:16).

Despite the Law of Moses' provision for divorce, Jesus taught that God's ideal was for marriages to remain intact (Matthew 19: 7-9). The only grounds that He allowed were the breaking of the marital vows by adultery "But I say unto you, that whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery." Matthew 5:32

All other historical or modern reasonings for divorce (ie. "Mental Cruelty, Incompatibility, No-Fault," etc.) are not viewed by God as valid. In allowing divorce for the single reason of "immorality," or illicit sexual intercourse, Jesus' teaching is clearly that a person dissolves his marriage by creating a sexual union with someone other than the marriage partner. Such union violates the sacred "oneness" intended by God when he united Adam and Eve in the first marriage relationship (Gen. 2:18-25).

In the case of sexual unfaithfulness, the decree of divorce simply reflects the fact that the marriage has already been broken. A man divorcing his wife for this cause does not "make her an adulteress," for she already is one. Thus, divorce on the grounds of unchastity usually frees the innocent partner to remarry without incurring the guilt of adultery (Matt. 19:9). However, this is sometimes questioned. Although Jesus allowed divorce for adultery, He did not require it. On the contrary, He insisted that divorce disrupts God's plan for marriage and left the way open for repentance and forgiveness.

The Holy Spirit spoke through the Apostle Paul in his first letter to the Church at Corinth about a number of concerns relating to divorce: "And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife ("put away" = divorce). But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace." 1 Corinthians 7:10-15.

If you have committed adultery or wrongly divorced, remember - God forgives. Even though we may suffer from the effects of our past decisions in this life, we can be sure of His grace and help now, and of His eternal joy forever more - if we turn to Him sincerely and completely.

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Bearing False Witness, or lying about our knowledge and experience, is a very serious offense to God. It is forbidden in the 9th Commandment: "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour." Exodus 20:16

Lying is against the very essence of God's character - "Jesus saith unto him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life...' " John 14:6. "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?" Numbers 23:19

He refers to a false witness as an abomination, which means something detestable or sickening: "These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him... A false witness that speaketh lies..." Proverbs 6:16-19

A false witness is cruel, for he destroys honest reputations and thwarts justice - "Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty." Psalm 27:12

Under Old Testament Law, the Government of Israel was to carefully examine the witnesses as well as the accused. If they were found to be false in their testimony, the "eye for eye" principal (the punishment was to fit the crime) applied - "And the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified falsely against his brother; then shall ye do unto him, as he had thought to have done unto his brother: so shalt thou put the evil away from among you." Deuteronomy 19:18-19. A false witness was never to be allowed to get away with it - "A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish." Proverbs 19:9

Isaiah lived in a day much like our own in its spiritual condition:

"For your hands are stained with blood, your fingers with guilt. Your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue mutters wicked things. No one calls for justice; no one pleads his case with integrity. They rely on empty arguments and speak lies; they conceive trouble and give birth to evil... Their deeds are evil deeds, and acts of violence are in their hands. Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent blood. Their thoughts are evil thoughts; ruin and destruction mark their ways. The way of peace they do not know; there is no justice in their paths. They have turned them into crooked roads; no one who walks in them will know peace.

So justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We look for light, but all is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows. Isaiah 59:3-9.

No lie is ever justified. God loves truth, and the truth we need to stand on is His Word "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." John 17:17.

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The Right to be Jealous

"For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God" Exodus 34:14.

God is spoken of repeatedly in the Scriptures as being extremely jealous of His people's affections and loyalties. This is usually mentioned in verses dealing with idolatry: "Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God..." Deuteronomy 5:9

Jealousy is defined as being fearful or wary of being supplanted (replaced), or apprehensive of losing affection or position. God, who is holy and pure, with no evil motive or unjust thought or intent, is jealous for His creature's love and affections both by right - because He owns all things - and for our own good - because misery and destruction come from placing our greatest affections on people or things (Galatians 5:24)

God is rightly jealous of the love and devotion of His people, for He has created all things: "For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him" Colossians 1:16

We, on the other hand, do not really own anything in this life: "The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein." Psalm 24:1

"And if ye have not been faithful in that which is anothers, who shall give you that which is your own?" Luke 16:12

Elijah the Prophet spoke of being jealous, only for the LORD's interests in a time of great spiritual decline:

"And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken Thy covenant, thrown down Thine altars, and slain Thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away." 1 Kings 19:10

This "Godly jealousy" is spoken of by the Apostle Paul: "For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ." 2 Corinthians 11:2

We should avoid acting on the possessive, emotional temptation of jealousy in our lives, and instead concentrate on being jealous for "His righteousness." By His power, we can prevail: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13

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OR WILL HE JUDGE  HIM?

Many church goers completely accept whatever their pastor or priest teaches as being true - without ever seeking verification from the Bible. Indeed, many clergymen actually discourage Bible study - telling their people that they are not properly "qualified" to "interpret" it. Yet God clearly warned throughout the Scriptures that many of those in a position of spiritual authority would end up leading multitudes away from His will for their lives. "For those who guide this people are leading them astray, and those who are guided by them are brought to confusion." ISAIAH 9:16. "For both prophet and priest are polluted, even in My house I have found their wickedness, declares the Lord" JEREMIAH 23:11

The scribes and pharisees were the religious leaders in Jesus' day - and He often reproved them for false and confusing teaching. "...And why do you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?...You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied of you, saying 'This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me. But in vain do they "worship" Me, teaching as doctrines the ideas of men.'" MATTHEW 15:3,7-9.

God hates lies and perverted teachings that lead people into sin and destruction. Those who teach contrary to the Bible have gone against His will, no matter what their title, status or position. "To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." ISAIAH 8:20.

God has set down very clearly what He wills for His ministers, in both teaching and conduct. "Since an overseer (minister) is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless - not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined." TITUS 1:7-8.

What kind of teacher and example is your minister? What is his opinion of the Bible? Does he believe it is God's infallible Word? Does he live his life in accord with ALL of it's teaching, or does he teach that it has "errors" and is unreliable? If he teaches contrary to the Bible, find another minister - QUICK!

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Isaiah 28:7,8; Jeremiah 6:13, 8:10, 23:2; Ezekiel 22:28, 34:1-10; Hosea 4:9; Zechariah 11:17; Matthew 5:20, 7:21-23, 15:1-9, 24:35; 2 Timothy 3:13,16; 1 Timothy 3:1-7;

Titus 1:6-11; 2 Peter 1:21

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"Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." Matthew 22:39

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Marriage - the sanctified union of a man and a woman - was ordained and blessed by God in the beginning of creation. Set up as the basic unit of His intended social order, marriage has great significance in the proper function of human society.

The Lord has much to say in His Word about marriage. First, God's will is that marriage last for a lifetime: "And He answered and said unto them, 'Have ye not read, that He which made them at the beginning made them male and female, 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?' Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." Matthew 19:4-6

It is God's will that marriage be between men and woman only: "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them." Leviticus 20:13

It is also God's will that a marriage not be between close relatives: "None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am the LORD." Leviticus 18:6, also 7-18.

The Holy Spirit inspired the Apostle Paul to record many truths regarding marriage in the New Testament. First, Paul stated that celibacy is an acceptable lifestyle for a Christian, not all people need to marry. In fact, Paul declared that he himself preferred not to marry. However, the single life can be lived for God's glory only if God has given the gift of singlehood. If one does not have that gift, he should marry. And Paul expected most people to marry.

Next, Paul spoke to the problem faced by a Christian believer whose spouse does not believe. He reasoned that if the unbelieving partner is willing to live with the Christian, then the Christian should not dissolve the marriage. Remaining with the unbelieving partner could result in his or her salvation (1 Cor. 7:14). This is not to say that a spouse needs to remain in a physically abusive situation - they can separate themselves without ending the marriage for their own safety. But it is never God's will that a believer initiate divorce proceedings (Malachi 2:14-16)

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul showed how a marriage relationship can best function. First, he said, "Wives, submit to your husbands, as to the Lord" (Eph. 5:22). The model for the wife's submission is the church, which is subject to Christ (Eph. 5:24). Second, husbands are to love their wives. The role that the husband plays is outlined by Jesus Christ, who loved His bride, the church, so much that He died for her (Eph. 5:25).

FOR FURTHER STUDY: Gen.2:23-24; Lev.21:7; Prov.18:22; Matt.5:31-32; Mark 10:2-12; Luke16:18; Romans 7:1-3; 1 Cor.6:16; 1 Cor.7:1-40; 1 Tim.4:1-3; Hebrews 13

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The Poor.. . and YOU!

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God says that practices like this can lead to occultism, and He expressly forbid them in His law:

"...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, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. 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." Deuteronomy 18:9-12

"Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God." Leviticus 19:31

"And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people." Leviticus 20:6

"A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them." Leviticus 20:27

Even when a psychic is fairly accurate in predictions, or gives advice that turns out for the good, people are not to be deceived:

"If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a miraculous sign or wonder, and if the sign or wonder of which he has spoken takes place, and then he says, "Let us follow other gods" (gods you have not known) "and let us worship them," you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul." Deuteronomy 13:1-3

God has given us clear direction in His Holy Word - the Bible. In it He tells us plainly how to direct our lives to please Him and have maximum contentment and joy. If we are wise, we will accept His counsel... and His warnings!

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"God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands... And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation..." Acts 17:24-26

The Bible teaches that God created all mankind for His pleasure - and that He does not show favoritism:

"Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism, but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right." Acts 10:34

The Scriptures that relate the Jewish people as "God's Chosen" do not teach that this choice was because He was showing preference: "The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand..." Deut. 7:7-8

God made a nation from the descendants of one faithful man, Abraham, by which He would bring about salvation for all people: "And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time...And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice." Gen 22:15,18

Jesus has often been portrayed through the centuries by misguided artists as a fair skinned man, many times with blond hair! But the Scripture teaches that Jesus was a direct descendant of Abraham, through the tribe of Judah. He was a Mediterranean Jew of the first century, and if He were of average complexion for that time He would have been darker skinned than even many modern African Americans.

Skin color, national origin, and other physical considerations are unimportant to God. What matters to Him is a repentant, humble heart. His sacrifice on the cross was in payment for the sins of men and women in every place for all time. Hypocrisy in His name has brought confusion and rejection of the gospel among many peoples, but this is the fault of men, not God.

One day, all who have received His love and forgiveness will gather together in His presence in perfect peace and unity: "...for thou (Jesus) wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth." Rev 5:9-10

For further reading: "One Blood" by Ken Ham - www.answersingenesis.org

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Millions of people around the world daily perform acts of kindness and charity, many of them believing that someday these good works will gain them access to heaven. In essence, they believe that right standing with God is something they can earn. But what does the Word of God have to say about this important subject?

Salvation from our sins is a gift from God - it is NOT something we can earn, for the price is too high! No matter how many good deeds a person might be able to do, he could never erase the guilt of sins he had already committed.

Those who put their faith (deep abiding trust) in Christ's death on their behalf for the full payment and pardon of their sins become heirs of His eternal life and joy.

God has once and for all settled our redemption and forgiveness by the blood of His cross - and will give eternal life to anyone in the name of Jesus.

But we only receive the gift of salvation on HIS TERMS!

We must REPENT, or change our heart and mind, and turn from sin - no longer wanting to live in it.

Ask Christ to come into you, to save you and to change you. He can and HE WILL!

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