A Lifetime Ago

A Lifetime Ago

Do you remember where you were and what you were doing just a little over six months ago today? Do you recall Christmas morning 2019? What about New Year’s Eve just before welcoming in 2020? In light of current events, it is hard to believe that it was only a little over six months ago that we were engulfed in those particular activities. To some it must seem as if that were a lifetime ago.

coronavirus second

All things will change and in a blink of an eye.

Still harder yet to believe would have been the thought back then, that within the next few months, everything we were so engulfed and involved in – almost all that we call “life” in general – both could, and would, be so swiftly and suddenly taken from us! So many of those things that we just simply took for granted would go on forever – from attending school, to going to work, to being involved in various sporting activities, as well as to attending weddings, funerals, church services, and graduation ceremonies – have all now ground to a very abrupt, complete, and all-encompassing halt. No one could have seen this coming, and certainly no one, even if they had, could have ever imagined the size and scope of the shutdown we are now experiencing. Even our government was taken totally off guard, finding themselves completely unprepared for the massive social, medical, financial and economic fallout this crisis would cause; and that, despite the several weeks of warning they had at the beginning as China so desperately struggled to come to grips with it.

And yet, as impossible as all of this was for any of us to imagine beforehand, here we are. What is infinitely far scarier still however, is the fact that the Bible very clearly promises us that there is another event coming that so dwarfs the deadly losses and catastrophic effects of the Coronavirus, that it defies every fiber of our ability to even begin to comprehend (2 Ptr. 3:10; Rev. 20:10-15). Unlike the Coronavirus though, this world-wide event will come upon all of us instantly and without warning; striking like a “thief in the night” (1 Thess. 5:2); occuring in the blink of an eye (1 Cor. 15:51-52). No one will even have time to think about turning their heart toward proper preparation at that time, for in the time it just took you to blink, it will all happen and be done with.

The incredibly beautiful silver lining to that mushroom cloud of mass destruction though, is that the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, as He sat on a mountainside with His disciples almost 2,000 years ago (Matt. 24:3), began to warn us to get ready for it’s coming (Matt. 24:42-25:46); a message which His faithful messengers would soon thereafter began to echo and call out as well (John 12:48-50; Acts 17:30-31; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; 2 Ptr. 3:1-18).

Oh my beloved brethren… what a wonderful blessing it is to know that one is prepared. To know that one is prepared, according to God’s word; because they love Him so much that they have completely devoted themselves to learning and obeying His holy word (Jn. 14:21-24; Acts 2:38-42; 2 Ptr. 1:2-21) so that they may know that they have eternal life (See: 1 Jn. 5:13).

For those who are not thus prepared however, the depth of the eternal tragedy they will suffer because of not being ready will be truly beyond anything one could ever possibly imagine. Today, if you know anyone at all who does not know Jesus, do not let the day pass without telling them how important it is that they get prepared while there’s still time. Because unlike the Coronavirus, when this hits, there will be no time to even blink!

 

 

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Gender Identity and Sexual Attraction

Gender Identity and Sexual Attraction

There are two sexes.  There are two genders. DNA determines from birth whether a person is male or female. Today, gender is being redefined as the role you identify with. This has created a great deal of unnecessary pain and confusion for many people.  Yet, God is very clear on this topic: “So God created man in his image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:27)  God also defined roles for males and females and he defined the nature of their relationship in view of sexual attraction. Sadly, it has become common for worldly media, political organizations, and educational institutions to deceive mankind.

There is a God given role for your gender.

In the society of our current day, assuming an identity, not according to your sex, is accepted and promoted. God has made it clear this is not acceptable and does not promote this.

“A woman shall not wear a man’s garment, nor shall a man put on a woman’s cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD your God”.  (Deuteronomy 22:5)

Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a wife to pray to God with her head uncovered?  Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him, but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering. If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God.  (I Corinthians 11:13-16)

The use of the word “Abomination” in Deuteronomy makes it clear God will never accept the practice of cross dressing and trying to assume the identity of another gender.  The dictates of I Corinthians 11 often relegated to culture with a focus on authority is established with eternal evidences and states that within the Church there is no acceptable practice for men and women to look like one another. It is against the authority structure and design of nature which God has established.

Today, the purpose behind confusing sex and gender is to promote and make same sex attraction appear acceptable.  Shaming those who do not embrace this evil dogma creates pressure to make individuals question their identity and sexual attraction.  Millennial singles are embracing the sinful side of this issue more than ever before and the Church needs to be there for them to comfort and direct them in the Lord.

Most people are attracted to the opposite sex. Some people have feelings of attraction for the same sex or both sexes.  For most this is a passing thought of youth and it is common. Advantageously, the world supports acting upon these feelings.  However, God does not support that behavior.  The following passages all condemn acting upon same sex attraction: Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20:13, Romans 1:26-27, I Corinthians 6:9-10, I Timothy 1:9-10.

While some people have same sex attraction, strong sexual drives, or weak sexual drives, some people identify as asexual.  This is in its simplicity defined as a lack of sexual attraction. There can be a number of reasons for no sex drive or attraction: youth, lack of full development, trama, ongoing stress, depression, low self esteem, emotional issues, prescription medication, obesity, diet, lack of proper nutrition, and so much more. The majority of people identifying as asexual have depression and low self esteem. These impacting issues are normal and can often be resolved.  Unfortunately, our young people are prime targets of those with an agenda to be pushed into considering themselves asexual.  If they question why they do not have a sexual drive, those with a worldly agenda tell them perhaps they aren’t male or female.  Perhaps they need to pursue their sexuality with the same sex or some unidentified nonexistent group.  Here are three important things to know:

  • Approximately 1% of the population identifies as asexual.
  • It is important to note that females are much more likely to identify as asexual than men. (Consider the role testosterone has in this).
  • According to – John Whitehall – Professor of Paediatrics at Western Sydney University …up to 90 per cent of children who question their sexual identity will orientate to their natal sex by puberty.

This issue is rising among the millennial single population.  Such a philosophy when directed by the world lends itself to tearing down the family unit, increasing ungodliness, and causing what God identifies as sinful to be acceptable.  It needs to be understood that while various levels of sex drive can occur throughout different stages of a person’s life, they still have the responsibility to:

  1. Look like their God given sex.
  2. Behave like their God given sex.
  3. Provide a proper Christian example.

Gender identity and sexual attraction, or lack thereof, is not just about you.  It can say something about your relationship with God and its example impacts others.  God has set the parameters of a human’s sex\gender to be male and female.  He has set their roles of sexuality to be moral and yoked to the opposite sex.  While having a lack of sexual attraction is not a sin, it doesn’t give you the right to transgress God’s will for you.  You are His child and though you may have some struggles, He has provided a path within His Word and His Church so that you might spiritually thrive.  Do not withdraw from Him or your Christian family, they are here to help you especially with these difficult issues.

 

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A Crisis of Holiness

A Crisis of Holiness

Some people can’t find it within themselves to “live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18). Why is it that they seem to make an issue out of every little thing? The answer is that they lack holiness.

holiness

Do you know those who make a mountain out of a molehill?

Holy living is not just being a moral person: one who doesn’t commit fornication, drink booze, gamble away money, take advantage of other people, lie, cheat, steal, etc. Holiness certainly avoids these things, but that is not all it is. Holiness means that one is set apart from the world and its ways. This includes not only immoral behavior, but also worldly attitudes. Unfortunately, some glory in their “moral” behavior, but their attitudes are wholly corrupted by the world. The Pharisee who prayed with himself is in this category (Luke 18:9-14).

Let me paint a picture of someone who has a crisis of holiness. This person gets involved in every little scandal. She always seems to be in a panic. He relishes the latest gossip. She is constantly portraying matters in an extreme way to get others sucked into her mind-set. He can’t let go of matters that have long since been resolved. She is neurotic and always feels like something is going on that she isn’t involved with. He is paranoid and constantly worried about what others may be saying about him. Lack of holiness is why it is a sin to be a busybody (1 Peter 4:15), gossip (2 Thessalonians 3:11), talk idly (Matthew 12:36), be fearful (Revelation 21:8), disobey authority (Jude 8), be envious (Galatians 5:26), and suchlike. These actions are all unholy because the person doing them can’t separate him or herself from the world. Moreover, they lead to one engaging in the immoral behavior listed above. May God help us to be holy both in morality, and in attitude.

God bless you, and I love you.

 

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Blood on the Bible – Covenant

Blood on the Bible

The book of Hebrews often gives great insight into Divine truths within just a few words. Read these words, “Therefore not even the first covenant was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, saying, ‘This is the blood of the covenant which God has commanded you to perform’” (Heb. 9:18-20).

blood bible

There is no book of greater worth than the Bible.

That book truly was a sacred message from heaven. Because of this, Moses took the blood of animals and dedicated this book, which was sanctified and made holy by God’s use of that blood. The remnant of that blood was a visual reminder of how special every word found in it was. One could not look at these words without seeing the blood which God used to dedicate it.

When Jesus came, He brought a far greater blood—His own blood. The Hebrew letter spoke of “the blood of the covenant,” but He revealed a newer covenant made sacred by a far greater blood. As He instituted the Lord’s Supper, He took the cup and said, “This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matt. 26:28).   Blood of the new covenant—think of all that this implies.

His precious blood was shed and used to dedicate the New Testament. While it might not be visible as was that blood sprinkled on the Old Law, with the eye of faith we should see His blood as we turn every page.

There are many books in this world. Solomon said, “Of making of books there is no end” (Ecc. 12:12). There are 29,000,000 in the library of Congress. There are 151,575,778 total items in this library, but only one is tied directly to the blood of Jesus. His blood is the blood of the new covenant. His blood is precious and so is His book. His blood is holy and sacred and so is His book.

What is the value of all the books in the Library of Congress? What is their worth? I do not know, but this I know, all of them added together do not have the value of that one book in your home!

So, the next time you sit and read your Bible, remember to see His blood on every page. See His blood in every chapter. See His blood in every verse. See His blood in every paragraph and every phrase. Look at every word, for remember that we cannot live by bread alone but by every word which comes from the mouth of God (Matt. 4:4), and see the value of every single word in your Bible.

When you do this, you will never find study of the Bible as a burden to be borne. You will not find Bible classes as something to be endured. His blood is on every page!

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Spiritual Coronavirus

Spiritual Coronavirus

As a vital prelude to today’s article, the following understanding is critical. To all of those of you who: #1) Have a compromised immune system, or some other, legitimate, health-related issue which causes you to likewise avoid travel and exposure to other places of public contact as well (such as work, the grocery store, and etc.); #2). Have been exposed to or in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the Coronavirus; and/or, #3). Fall into the most “high-risk” category of our society due to either your age or some other contingent; then thank you, God bless you, and we love you, for being loving and willing enough to make whatever personal sacrifices necessary, whenever you choose to stay home for worship instead of coming to the building for worship, and placing yourself – as well as your brethren – in even greater danger. If any of these three criteria describe you, then the following article is definitely not, about you!!!

coronavirus spiritual

Zoom does not replace the encouragement and comfort of gathering together.

From what I have recently read, heard, and discussed with others, there is a very real, very strong, and seemingly-growing concern amongst many elders, preachers, and other leaders in the Lord’s church, concerning the actual number of fatalities both connected to, and caused by, the Coronavirus. You see, there is something far more deadly than just simply the amount of physical deaths the Coronavirus has and will continue to cause, as reported by the mainstream media. And that is the potential number of spiritual deaths that it will also cause (or at the very least, deeply contribute to) … the actual number of eternal lives that will be lost, at least in part, due to the COVID19 outbreak as well.

How can the Corona virus cause, or even highly contribute to, the loss of many Christian’s eternal lives you may ask? Easy. Here’s how (and hence the reasoning as to why so many faithful and hard-working leaders in the Lord’s church are so deeply concerned): Physically speaking, the virus seems to pose a far more serious threat to, and have a far more deadly impact on, those who already have deeply compromised immune systems or some other serious physical health issues going on.

The same is true when it comes to the spiritual. Spiritually speaking, those Christians who already suffer from their own self-inflicted series of compromised convictions, lukewarm attendance habits, or lazy, lackadaisical, “take-it-or-leave-it” type attitudes towards the Lord and His church, may very well find in the Coronavirus, the very excuse they have so long been looking for, in order to now completely disconnect and distance themselves from both the work and worship of the Lord’s church. After all they may reason, “Who needs to get up, get ready, and go to worship on a Sunday morning, when it is so much easier to just sit at home, stay on the couch, still in one’s P.J.’s, avoid others, and have all of the services simply piped into my living room via Zoom, Facebook, or YouTube?” The problem, as always, is that the longer one chooses to needlessly practice such illegitimate “spiritual-distancing,” the easier it is to not only continue to do so, but to more easily continue to justify one’s absence as time goes by as well. And the further one goes down that road, the harder it gets, and the more effort it takes, to then turn around and finally return home (Heb. 6:4-6).

Yes, todays’ live streamed lessons can be an absolute “life-saver” to those with legitimate health issues and concerns; to those who have been exposed to the Coronavirus and do not wish to contaminate anyone else; and to those who are in the most high-risk category of our culture. However; to those who’s spiritual health has already suffered and been duly compromised and decimated by years of less than complete and undying devotion and dedication to the Lord Jesus Christ and His church, this same, electronic, live streaming lesson blessing, can easily become the exact, opposite, and deadly reverse: an eternal life-decimating and devouring curse.

Which will it be, for each one of us? That is completely and entirely, up to each, individual, one of us (Dt. 30). “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To Him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Ptr. 5:6-11).

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