The Act of Apostacy
(Praying that nobody would even Dare to Go there)
To the Reader: This article talks about apostacy which I know may be a difficult subject, especially for those who may know someone who has turned away from following Christ. However, that being said, we must stand on scripture alone. This would be true even when we are faced with those passages that we’re uncomfortable with. Therefore, I am confident that through God’s word, we can grow and mature as we study His word. Therefore let's: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15). Amen
Once Saved, Always Saved?
“It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.” (Hebrews 6:4-6 NIV)
As mentioned above, this is one of those topics that I find hard to discuss because it involves one’s eternal security. Also, it’s one that can be so abused and misunderstood as well. However, by carefully studying God’s word we can rightly put this into proper perspective. So, let’s start with that passage quoted above. Here we read of a warning against believers who turn away from Christ (commit apostacy). So, if after experiencing the Holy Spirit and the goodness of God they again fall back into the world by renouncing Christ, they have no more hope of repentance. This again is a very heavy warning for us to always keep the faith and not turn away from the hope we have in Jesus Christ.
Now, we again see this also to be true a few chapters over where we read: “For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. Anyone who has rejected Moses' law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. And again, "The LORD will judge His people." It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (Hebrews 10:26-31 NKJV)
So, by rejecting Jesus Christ and thus fall back into a life of sin, a person could become an enemy and blasphemer of God and thus face his wrath on the day of judgment. Now, I know that there may be some who have a head knowledge of who Jesus is and may even claim to believe in him. However, these same individuals may not have repented of their sins nor given their heart fully over to him. In other words, there not truly born again. So, I personally wouldn’t include these in those passage above. So, they could someday fully give their life over to Jesus Christ. Which should be our hope for them.
Now, I do know that the book of Romans says that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:31-39) And even though this is true, I don’t believe it means what some teachers claim it says. For I see it to mean that there is nothing that can come against our own will and force us away from God? For as long as we put our hope and trust in Jesus, we cannot be separated from God. We see the same thing to be true where Jesus said: “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.” (John 10:28-29) So, doesn't this simply mean that nobody can force us away from God. However, there are those who prophesied Christ and yet have willingly walk away from him. And unfortunately, I have seen this happen with a few people I personally knew.
What Happens if We Sin?
“My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father -- Jesus Christ the righteous one. He himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world.” (1 John 2:1-2 CSB)
Now even though we should not sin as Christian, there may be times that a fellow believer falls or makes a mistake. However, since they haven’t denied Christ, they are still saved. For just as we read above, we have scriptures that show this to be true. For: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) And let’s remember that King David also committed sin and yet God forgave him when he repented of his adultery.
Also, Paul the apostle went through some struggles himself. For we read in Romans 7:21-25, “I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.” (Romans 7:21-25) And what was Paul’s outcome toward the end of his life? Well, he said: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8) Yes, Paul “kept the faith” and thus he received a “crown of righteousness.”
So again, along as we keep our faith in Jesus Christ and long for his appearing, we will not lose our salvation. Therefore, in light of those stern warnings mention above, let’s keep: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2). “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” (Hebrews 10:35-36) Did you notice that it says “after ye have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.” And we know God’s will is that we keep the faith and bear fruit by abiding in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
In Closing
So then, my brothers and sisters in Christ, “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:23-25)
So, we are to daily be encouraging each other in our walk with Christ. Therefore: “Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” (Hebrews 3:12-13 ESV) And let’s do just that, always holding on and looking to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Now, let’s consider some other scriptures below concerning this topic:
- 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. ... 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. (John 15:1-2, 6 ESV)
- Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not high minded, but fear: For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again. (Romans 11:19-23)
- Know ye not that they that run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? Even so run; that ye may attain. And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, as not uncertainly; so fight I, as not beating the air: but I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)
- Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. (1 Timothy 4:13-15 ESV)
- For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. (2 Peter 2:20-22)
- Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. (Psalm 51:10-12)
- But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die. (Ezekiel 18:24)
God bless you as you seek to do his well. Aman
(Note: Bible text other than the King James Bible have been abbreviated according to the version that was used. This is for you the reader to know which version was used in order for you to go read it for yourselves. For I don’t want anyone thinking that I did some scripture twisting to make it read according to my liking or view.)
- ESV = English Standard Version
- NKJV = New King James Version
- NIV = New International Versi
- CSB = Christian Standard Bible
Acts of Remorse
(Take Heed to the Sixth Commandment)
To the Reader: This article is based on a subject that may be difficult for some to bear. Also, there may be some who may not agree with what’s being said here. However, we must stand on scripture along for all things; even when faced with the one’s we’re uncomfortable with. Therefore, let’s take heed to the word which says: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15).
Acting in Despair
“When Judas, who had betrayed him, realized that Jesus had been condemned to die, he was filled with remorse. So he took the thirty pieces of silver back to the leading priests and the elders. ‘I have sinned,’ he declared, ‘for I have betrayed an innocent man.’ ‘What do we care?’ they retorted. ‘That's your problem.’ Then Judas threw the silver coins down in the Temple and went out and hanged himself.” (Matthew 27:3-5 NLT)
Judas, who was a disciple of Jesus, was complaining about a woman who was using expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet. However, Jesus rebuked him for this in front of everybody present. So, what happened next? “Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?’ And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.” (Matthew 26:14-16 ESV) So, Judas made his way to the priest to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. However, after seeing Jesus being condemned to death, Judas felt remorseful for what he did. So, he went back to the priests and confessed that he did wrong. However, they had no mercy or comforting words for him. Therefore, apparently feeling that he is no longer fit to live, Judas went out and hanged himself. This was a sad and disappointing ending for Judas who betrayed his Lord.
So, where is Judas right know? Well Jesus said: “For the Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born!” (Matthew 26:24 NLT) So, from what we just read, it’s apparent that Judas didn’t enter the realm where Abraham and the rest of the saints dwell. For Jesus did say “how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him.” So, even though Judas realized what he did was wrong, he didn’t seek forgiveness from Jesus, nor did he run to the other disciples to confess that he had sinned. But instead, Judas ended up killing himself because of the evil which he did. Therefore, wouldn’t he be guilty for not only betraying an innocent man, but for committing murder upon himself as well?
How Should We View Suicide?
As mentioned above, it seems evident that Judas act of betrayal against Jesus lead him to much despair. And so much so that he felt he was not worthy to live. And unfortunately, we see this happening today as well. For so many people (including those who profess Christ) for one reason or another feel that they’re no longer fit to live. But what they don’t know is that they leave behind them family members and friends who are devastated and heartbroken. For I myself have been a witness of the negative effect that it has on others. Therefore, we should make it our aim to discourage and warn others to stay clear of this destructive act against one’s own life. This would be true whether they are confessing Christians or not. For when searching God’s word, the only thing we can compare it to is: “you shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13 ESV). Also, let’s remember that Revelation 21:8 says that murderers will end up in the Lake of Fire.
Closing Words
Now, I know that suicide is a very sensitive and debatable topic. Therefore, we’re going to see disagreements in one degree or another. However, we should all agree that suicide is an act of murder upon one’s own life. Also, we should agree that it can be devastating on others as well. However, we know that God has the final say and judgment in the end. For we know that whatever he decides to do will be right and just. For he is a merciful God and understands perfectly our situations in all things. But again, we must not make light of suicide especially in light of God’s sixth commandment already mentioned. So, whether were being chastened by the Lord for our wrongs, having our faith tested, or being attacked by the devil, let us not lose faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, nor cause ourselves (or others) any harm. For our Lord is with us in both good times and bad.
Therefore, let’s make it our aim to encourage one another to keep the faith and not to lose hope. Also, let’s make sure we’re preaching Christ to those who are suffering ether emotionally or physically.
Consider some scripture below:
- My son, despise not the chastening of Jehovah; Neither be weary of his reproof: For whom Jehovah loveth he reproveth, even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. (Proverbs 3:11- 12 ASV)
- Think of him who endured such opposition against himself by sinners, so that you may not grow weary in your souls and give up. You have not yet resisted to the point of bloodshed in your struggle against sin. And have you forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as sons? “My son, do not scorn the Lord’s discipline or give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves and chastises every son he accepts.” Endure your suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline? But if you do not experience discipline, something all sons have shared in, then you are illegitimate and are not sons. Besides, we have experienced discipline from our earthly fathers and we respected them; shall we not submit ourselves all the more to the Father of spirits and receive life? For they disciplined us for a little while as seemed good to them, but he does so for our benefit, that we may share his holiness. Now all discipline seems painful at the time, not joyful. But later it produces the fruit of peace and righteousness for those trained by it. (Hebrews 12:3-11 NET)
Below is a comment from Saint Augustin:
- “For if it is not lawful to take the law into our own hands, and slay even a guilty person, whose death no public sentence has warranted, then certainly he who kills himself is a homicide, and so much the guiltier of his own death … It is not without significance, that in no passage of the holy canonical books there can be found either divine precept or permission to take away our own life, whether for the sake of entering on the enjoyment of immortality, or of shunning, or ridding ourselves of anything whatever. Nay, the law, rightly interpreted, even prohibits suicide, where it says, Thou shalt not kill. … Thou shalt not kill, there is no limitation added nor any exception made in favor of any one, and least of all in favor of him on whom the command is laid. … The commandment is, ‘Thou shall not kill man;’ therefore neither another nor yourself, for he who kills himself still kills nothing else than man … For suicide we cannot cite the example of patriarchs, prophets, or apostles; though our Lord Jesus Christ, when He admonished them to flee from city to city if they were persecuted, might very well have taken that occasion to advise them to lay violent hands on themselves, and so escape their persecutors. But seeing He did not do this, nor proposed this mode of departing this life … And, at all events, if it be true, as the truth plainly declares, that suicide is a detestable and damnable wickedness.
God bless you as you seek to do his will. Amen
(Note: Bible text other than the King James Bible have been abbreviated according to the version that was used. This is for you the reader to be able to read these verses for yourselves. For the one who penned this article doesn’t want anyone accuse him of scripture twisting)
- ESV = English Standard Version
- NLT = New Living Translation
- ASV = American Standard Versi
- NET = New English Translation
Unless One is Born Again
(Praying that All would Receive Their New Birth)
Born of water and the Spirit
“Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God’.” (John 3:1-3 ESV)
Nicodemus the Pharisee acknowledged the fact that Jesus was sent from God. So, what does Jesus do? Well, he gets right down to the heart of the matter by saying “unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Obviously, this statement was confusing to Nicodemus. So, Jesus then gets to the point by saying: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3:5-6 ESV) So, Jesus clearly showed Nicodemus that there needs to be first a natural birth and then a Spiritual birth in order to enter the kingdom of God. In other words, you must first come into existence before you can experience who God is and thus receive the Holy Spirit.
Now, this being “born again” doesn’t only apply to adults but to little children as well. For Jesus did say: “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6 NKJV) So, Jesus said that there are children that believe in him as well. And he also warned anyone who would try to corrupt them with sin.
A Difficult Question
Now, this may raise some questions regarding aborted or stillborn babies. And one of those questions would be concerning whether or not they’re going to exist in the afterlife. Well, I do have to say that it must be heartbreaking for one to lose their baby during a pregnancy. Therefore, we should comfort them and remind them that they are not guilty nor responsible for its death. However, on the other hand, it’s a horrible thing for someone to willfully extinguish life in the womb. Therefore, we should remind them that they are guilty of murder and must repent of their sin. But again, Jesus did say that one must first be physically born, and then be Spiritually born in order to enter into the kingdom of God.
Now, I know that there may be those who may not see eye to eye on what’s being said here. However, I’m hoping that we can all agree that the mouths of those who preach that it’s better to abort a baby than to let them be raised by sinners must be stopped. For they claim that these babies will go directly to heaven. However, where does the scriptures declare this to be true? For this kind of talk only encouraging abortion advocates to continue in their campaign of murdering innocent babies. Therefore, we should do our best to warn those who are involved in abortion to stop this evil. This would be true not only for those who are performing it, but those who willingly receiving it as well. For this is MURDER and according to God’s word murderers will end up in the Lake of Fire. (Revelations 21:8)
In Closing
So, to all those of you who had an abortion or even performed one, please repent of your sins. For: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). Therefore: “Come now, and let us reason together, saith Jehovah: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18 ASV) Yes, God will forgive you if you truly repent and turn from these wicked acts. Amen.
Below are comments from others:
- Jesus said, “Unless a man is born of the water and of the Spirit.” Now, what does He mean water and Spirit? We know what it is to be born of the Spirit. What is He referring to being born of the water? There are those who declare that He is talking about water baptism. Unless you have been baptized in water, you’re not going to see the kingdom of heaven, and that born of the water refers to water baptism. I do not believe that Jesus is referring to water baptism here, because I believe that there are people who have gone through the ritual of water baptism who are not going to see the kingdom of heaven. It was only a ritual. But it would seem to me that being born of the water would be a reference to our natural birth, as the fetus is in that water sac being protected, and then there is the water bursting and the child is born. To be born of the water would refer to the natural birth, because in context then, Jesus said, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, but that which born of the Spirit is spirit.” And so, He's talking about the two births: born of the water, and born of the Spirit. And that the born of the Spirit is referring to the new birth, the spiritual birth that we have, where born of the water would refer to the fleshly birth. (By the late Pastor Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel)
- When Nicodemus approached Jesus, Christ informed the Pharisee that he must be “born of water” AND a spiritual birth. There has been much question as to what “born of water” means. Many hold incorrectly that it is referring to water baptism. There are also other thoughts about what it means. The Bible makes it clear that “born of water” is referring to the natural birth. When a mother cries, “My water has broken,” shortly thereafter a child is delivered from the amniotic water where the baby safely resided inside his mother for many months. This is the “born of water” to which these verses refer. … This spiritual birth happens when one first realizes he is a sinner, and realizes he is bound for Hell because of his sins. To change destinations to be with God in His heaven, one must believe and trust that there is nothing one can do to get rid of the wages of their sin — an eternity in the Lake of Fire. There is, however, one that has already paid for our sins. That is Jesus. He died on the Cross, not for anything He had done, but He died as payment for our sins. When we believe His shed blood is payment for our sin debt and ask Him to be our Saviour, we can have God’s promise of eternity with Him. It is then one experiences the spiritual birth. One is then “born-again. Comment from Bill Brinkworth at: https://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/john/born-of-water/
What other passages have to say on the topic of unborn children. These are presented in order to help support what was mentioned above. Yes, I know that this may be uncomfortable and hard to read for those who lost a child during their pregnancy. However, we must stand upon God's word and believe that he is always in control:
- Let them be like a snail which melts away as it goes, Like a stillborn child of a woman, that they may not see the sun. (Psalm 58:8 NKJV)
- Or like a miscarriage which is hidden, I would not exist, As infants that never saw light. (Job 3:16 NASB20)
- A man may have a hundred children and live many years; yet no matter how long he lives, if he cannot enjoy his prosperity and does not receive proper burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he. It comes without meaning, it departs in darkness, and in darkness its name is shrouded. (Ecclesiastes 6:3-4 NIV)
(Scriptures used in this article are taken from the KJV bible unless noted otherwise. All other versions used are detailed below in order for you to check them out yourself. This way you can read for yourself that there was no scripture twisting in any of the bible quotes above. Also, some of the bible versions used in this article may have archaic spelling or different punctuations in their text which were purposely left untouched. This would include the word Saviour which today is spell Savior.)
- ESV = English Standard Version
- NKJV = New King James Version
- ASV = American Standard Versio
- NASB20 version = New American Standard Bible, 2020 revision
- NIV = New International Version
Who Can Forgive Sins?
(Pray that All would Forgive as They have been Forgiven)
Your Sins are Forgiven
“When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?” (Mark 2:5-7)
This passage above is one of those incidents where the Jews wrongfully accused Jesus of blasphemy. So, is it true that only God can forgive sins? Or is it possible that we who have God’s Spirit can forgive sins just as Jesus did? Well: “Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld’.” (John 20:21-23 ESV) So, we see that Jesus gave his disciples the authority both to forgive or not to forgive a person’s sins. This should include us today who are Christ’s disciples as well.
Please consider what others have to say:
- Jesus also wished to continue his ministry of the forgiveness of sins specifically through the Apostles and their successors. Thus, following his glorious Resurrection, Jesus conferred on the apostles the power to forgive sins, a power Jesus himself had exercised during his earthly ministry. It is recounted in John’s Gospel that, during a resurrection appearance, Jesus met with the apostles and said to them, in particular: “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you. And when he said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven: if you retain the sins of any, they are retained” (John 20: 21-23) Confession, thus, is a resurrection gift from Jesus who has passed on his ministry of forgiving sins … https://catholicstrength.com/
Therefore, couldn’t we rightly say that the Jews were wrongly accusing Jesus of blasphemy? For we must remember that even though Jesus emptied himself of all he was in heaven, he still had the Spirit of God upon him. Therefore, mighty works were being performed through him including the authority to forgive sins. These same mighty works are given to us today who have the Spirit of God within as well. And let’s also consider what Jesus said to his apostles: “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Matthew 19:28 ESV) Also, let’s consider what the apostle Paul said to us: “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?” (1 Corinthians 6:2-3)
In Closing
John the apostle said: “If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life - to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.” (1 John 5:16-17 ESV) So, we can see that our prayers can help bring about forgiveness to a fellow believer. However, if they commit a sin that does lead to death, we are to withhold our prayers. Again, this fits the words of Jesus who said: “‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld’.” (John 20:21-23 ESV)
Therefore, brothers and sisters in Christ; Jesus gave us the power to forgive or not to forgive sins. “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.” (James 5:16-18)
Don't throw Out the Baby with the Bathwater
Below is a video of a short sermon by Dr. Brant Pitre on why we have power to forgive sins. And yes, even though he is a Catholic, there is still truth to what he is saying.
Below is another video by John Schoenheit declaring that Jesus gave us the power to forgive sins. And yes, I know that he is a Unitarian and I’m not. However, we shouldn’t be so quick to throughout everything one is teaching because of their confusion in one area or another. For unfortunately, there is also a lack of clarity in today’s Protestant churches on who Jesus Christ is as well.
God bless you as you seek to do his will. Amen.
(Note: Bible text other than the King James Bible have been abbreviated according to the version that was used. This is for you the reader to know which version was used in order for you to go read it for yourselves. For the one who penned this article doesn’t want anyone thinking that he did some scripture twisting to make it read according to his liking or view)
- ESV = English Standard Version
Speaking in Haste
(Pray that All would be able to Hold Their Tongue)
Hasty in Words
“Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.” (Proverbs 29:20)
Do you ever say something off the top of our head? Well, if you’re one that does, you should be thinking twice before you opening your mouth next time. I say this because you may be eating your own words. For not only do we have that passage quoted above, but in Proverbs we also read: “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” (Proverbs 18:21 NLT) And yes, I’ve seen the consequences not only from my careless speaking, but from others who have spoken in haste as well.
Now, one such person that comes to mind was a famous pastor. So, while preaching a sermon he made light comment about coming down with cancer. For he said that you shouldn’t panic when the doctor tells you that you have cancer. Then he went on to claim that he would say that cancer is an interesting way to go. This he said to a church that holds a large amount of people per service and was aired over the radio as well. And sure enough, this pastor did come down with cancer and ended up dying from it. I’m not saying this mockingly, but with sorrow because I knew this man and loved him as a dear brother in Christ. For I attended the church that he preached at.
Next, there was this well know Christian radio talk host that spoke lightly about his own life. For during one of his shows, he was talking about the immortality of our souls. Then he went on to share how he rides his motorcycle in the carpool lane and how people pull in front of him. And to make his point clear, he said that at any time someone could knock him off his motorcycle and spread his body parts all over the road. This he said to point out that even though he would be physically dead, his soul would still be alive. And sure enough, on his way home that day he got knocked off his motorcycle and died around a month later. Now, some claimed that he prophesied of his death. However, that’s not true because his body parts were not scattered all over the road.
So, this all being said, let’s be careful how we speak concerning our own life and that of others my brothers and sisters in Christ. Therefore, if anyone speaks a word of harm directed to you, rebuke it in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Being Judgmental
Now please, I'm not trying to be all judgmental. For even I myself am guilty of speaking in haste as well. For during a time when I was obsessed with the worldly sport of Racquetball, I told my opponents that they’re going to regret playing against my partner and I. And sure enough, my partner accidentally hit one of our opponents in the eye with the ball and caused damage to it. And after taking him to the emergency room, I never saw that person again on the courts. How irresponsible that was of me. For I regret ever saying such a careless thing against someone else.
Therefore: “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19-20) Yes, let us think twice before we open our mouth and say something we are going to regret. And by the help of the Holy Spirit, we can use our tongues wisely as we should. Amen.
- No weapon that is formed against you shall be blessed; and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment, you shall condemn. This is the inheritance of the servants of Jehovah, and their righteousness is from Me, says Jehovah. (Isaiah 54:17)
- So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. (James 3:5-10 ESV)
- For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (1 Peter 3:10-12 ESV)
God bless you as you seek to do his will. Amen.
(Scriptures used in this article are taken from the KJV bible unless noted otherwise. All other versions used are detailed below in order for you to check them out yourself. This way you can read for yourself that there was no scripture twisting in any of the bible quotes above. Also, some older bible versions used in this article may have archaic spelling or punctuations in their text which were purposely left untouched.)
- NLT = New Living Translation
- ESV = English Standard Version
Who Owns Christian Music?
(Pray that Nobody would Claim it for Themselves)
God Puts the New Songs in our Hearts
“And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: Many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in Jehovah.” (Psalm 40:3)
Why do Christian musicians collect royalties and claim ownership for music they don’t own? Isn’t God himself the true author and owner of Christian music in the first place. For according to that passage above, he has put the new song in our hearts. Therefore, God has freely given us these songs for a purpose. So: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16)
Now, Jesus did say in Matthew 10:10 that: “the workman is worthy of his meat.” However, a few verses earlier he said: “freely ye have received, freely give” as well. So, let’s consider these verses in their contexts. First, Jesus sent out his disciples to preach, heal, raise the dead and casting out devils. So, they receive wages not for the power or the message Jesus gave them, but instead it was for the work that was associated with delivering it. In the same way, a leader of a congregation receives wages not for a word of exhortation that he received from God, but for being a good steward in delivering it. Yes, he may have spent a lot of time studying the scriptures, but we must remember that God is the one who put it on his heart in the first place.
And likewise, it’s the same with Christian music. God puts the song on our heart, and we faithfully deliver it for others to hear. Therefore, we should only get wages for the delivery of it. For as said before, we’re not the originators of it, but God is. Once that song goes out, it should be freely open to share with other churches. So please fellow Christians, stop claiming and collecting royalties for songs you don’t own. For if it did originate with you, would it even be worth singing? No! Could you imagine the negative reaction if King David demanded royalties for the songs that he penned? “Copyright By: King David Psalm Ministries. Any Duplication or Use without Prior Permission from the Copyright Owner is prohibited by Law.” That sound’s absurd, doesn’t it? Well, thank God that David never ended each Psalm this way. For if he did, there may have been a big portion of the Old Testament missing.
A House of Prayer
Let’s remember what Jesus himself said to those who were selling things in the temple: “It is written, my house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” (Matthew 21:13) He said this to those who were making money off of the people by selling things that were to be used for religious service. Therefore, Jesus rightly said: “Get these things out of here! Stop turning my Father's house into a marketplace!” (John 2:16 CSB) So, couldn’t this be applied to music as well? Also, if you’re making money off of songs in which God is the originator, wouldn’t you be taking money for something that doesn’t belong to you? So, wouldn’t that be considered fraudulent. Therefore, brothers and sister in Christ, let our time of gathering be for worship and praise and not for a means of financial gain.
Now, to go even further with this; what about those bible Publishers who place restrictions on God’s word? For in their opening pages, we see limitations on how many passages we’re allowed to quote. However, wasn’t it God himself the one who gave use his word? And didn’t he give it to us to freely share? Of course, brothers and sisters in Christ. Therefore, he is the one who is the true author. So, we should have the freedom to share God’s word without publishers’ limitations or restrictions. However, that being said, we should give these same publishers credit for making it possible to have God’s word at our fingertips. So then, we shouldn’t expect to get these bibles for free. For they should be paid for the work they put into the making and printing of it. But again, God is the true author of his word. Therefore, to claim ownership of it and to limit or restrict sharing it, is not only wrong, but fraudulent as well.
In closing
Now, I would like to say that I do love all my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who are penning and singing songs for the sake of the church and the world. For I myself love to sing, write songs, and even listen to the music from my fellow Christian. And again, I’m grateful for those publishers who made it possible for us to have the word of God in our hands. But please, let’s not mirror how the world operates or does things. I say this: “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.” (1 Timothy 6:10 ESV) So then, let’s not live like those who crave financial gain, but let’s live our lives as true children of the Light. For God is calling us to come out of the world and be separate. “Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the LORD. Don't touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you.” (2 Corinthians 6:17 NLT) So, our goal shouldn’t be to fleece the sheep but to feed the sheep instead. Amen.
Below are some passages pertaining to what was mentioned above:
- Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)
- And as ye go, preach, saying, the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. (Matthew 10:7-10)
- And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise. (John 2:13-16)
- Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6 ESV)
God bless you as you seek to do his will. Amen.
(Note: Bible text other than the King James Bible have been abbreviated according to the version that was used. This is for you the reader to know which version was used so that you can read it for yourselves.)
Version notes:
- ESV = English Standard Version
- CSB = Christian Standard Bible
- NLT = New Living Translation
Our Vain Pursuits
(Don't Seek after the Vain Glory of this World)
This Also is Vanity
“He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: He taketh no pleasure in the legs of a man. Jehovah taketh pleasure in them that fear him, In those that hope in his lovingkindness.” (Psalm 147:10-11 ASV)
According to that passage above, God is not impressed with our athletic abilities or worldly feats; for our God already knows what we can and cannot do. So, when it comes to the Bible verse which reads, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” we shouldn’t believe that this can be applied to our athletic abilities as well. (Philippians 4:13 NKJV) Because let’s face it, there are many successful men and women (whether it be in sports or business) who are opposed to God’s truth. And what about those sport teams that have confessing Christians on both sides who may be praying for a win? So, if God did make a choice, wouldn’t that go against his word which says: “For God does not show favoritism.”? (Romans 2:11 NIV)
So, what does that passage in Philippians apply to? Well, in order to find out, we must read apostle Paul’s own words in its entirety: “for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13 NIV) So, Paul is simply saying that whatever this life dishes out to him, he can get through it by keeping his eyes on Jesus. So again, this passage has nothing to do with our worldly pursuits or feats.
And just to let you know, I was one of those whose life was wrapped up in sports. I was on my High School’s surf team, I played in Racket Ball tournaments, Golf tournament, ping pong matches, tennis matches, played organized hardball during my youth, and the list goes on and on. However, most of these things are based on competition which is built on pride and arrogance which God hates. However, when it comes to the opposition we Christians receive from sinners, it’s only through God’s strength can we endure and have true victory. Therefore, it’s not us who gets the glory, but God himself. And yes, there are many Christian athletes who point to the sky as though God gave them victory. However, as said before, there are ungodly people who have been victorious just the same.
In Closing
The apostle Peter said: “And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear” (1 Peter 1:17)
Yes, brothers and sisters in Christ; we must always put God first in our lives. For there was a sister in Christ who almost lost her life in a shark attack while surfing. This came about after she backed out of her commitment to go on a mission trip to help others. For she wanted to prepare for an upcoming surfing competition instead. Again, this should be an example for us not to choose vain earthly pursuits over the works of God. Now, I’m not saying that surfing in itself is a sin. However, when it comes to being competitive, then pride comes into our heart which God hates. For: “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.” (Proverbs 16:18-19)
Below are a few links to other sites concerning what’s been mentioned in this article:
- Sports Idolatry – Marriage4life.org
- Idolatry and Sports – David Platt
- TV, Sports and Idolatry – David Wilkerson
Below are a few more verses on the evil of pride:
- How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. (Isaiah 14:12-15)
- But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him: (Daniel 5:20)
- The pride of thy heart hath deceived thee, O thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground? Though thou mount on high as the eagle, and though thy nest be set among the stars, I will bring thee down from thence, saith Jehovah. (Obadiah 1:3-4 ASV)
- You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you. Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones. Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings. By your many sins and dishonest trade you have desecrated your sanctuaries. So I made a fire come out from you, and it consumed you, and I reduced you to ashes on the ground in the sight of all who were watching. All the nations who knew you are appalled at you; you have come to a horrible end and will be no more.' " (Ezekiel 28:15-19 NIV)
(Scriptures used in this article are taken from the KJV bible unless noted otherwise. All other versions used are detailed below in order for you to check them out yourself. This way you can read for yourself that there was no scripture twisting in any of the bible quotes above. Also, some older bible versions used in this article may have archaic spelling or punctuations in their text which were purposely left untouched.)
- ASV = American Standard Version
- NKJV = New King James Version
- NIV = New International Version
Putting Together Lazarus
(Pray that All would See the Connection)
Just Some Parable?
“Now there was a rich man and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, making good cheer in splendor every day. And there was a poor man, by name Lazarus, who was laid at his gateway full of sores, and desiring to be filled with the crumbs which fell from the table of the rich man; but the dogs also coming licked his sores. (Luke 16:19-21 DBY)
Saying things that have no real value or meaning would be unfruitful and unproductive. So, when Jesus spoke of the rich man and Lazarus, would he be just throwing out some random name in a parable? For Jesus himself said: “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” (Matthew 12:36-37) Therefore, I believe that this is not some parable, but an actual event that did happen. I say this because Jesus is mentioning someone by name which never happened in any of his other parables.
Therefore Christians, it’s our job to find out who Jesus is talking about in this parable. So that being said, if you read through that same passage mentioned above, you would notice that Lazarus above both died and was being comforted in the arms of Abraham. Therefore, I believe that Lazarus is none other than Mary and Martha’s brother who both died and was raised from the dead. I say this because the “rich man” who was suffering in hell was asking for Lazarus to be sent back in order that his brothers would be warned about hell. For we read: “Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.” (Luke 16:27-28)
God always has the Last Say
Now, even though Abraham is a righteous man, we know that God always has the last say in all things. Therefore, couldn’t God hear and answer this rich man’s passionate cry for his brothers. I do believe so. “Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.” (John 11:41-44)
Below is a passage of scripture that supports what was mentioned above:
- Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. ... Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. ... Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. ... These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. ... Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. (John 11:1, 3, 5-6, 11, 13-14)
God bless you as you seek to do his will. Amen
(Note: Bible text other than the King James Bible have been abbreviated according to the version that was used. This is for you the reader to know which version was used so that nobody would dare think that some scripture twisting was done.)
- DBY = John Nelson Darby’s translation of the bible