Christian

Study and Verify

I believe the best way to learn God’s law is to read about it in the Holy Bible King James Version yourself. You can even pray for guidance and understanding as you read and study. James 1:5

When a preacher or teacher says, “the Bible says…”, you are better prepared having read the Bible to verify that statement. Don’t be afraid after Church to ask for a direct verse if you have a question about one of your pastor’s points. Send an email or make a phone call. They may even appreciate your interest.

There is a lot of errant doctrine out there and ultimately you are responsible for your own salvation.

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Christian, Inspirational

Around the World

I have seen several religious leaders and channels claim to hasten the day of the Lord’s return. They usually cite Matthew 24:14 KJV. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

The problem is from CBN to Jim Bakker the gospel is lucky to get 5%? of their airtime. Nehemiah 9:3 KJV says,
And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the Lord their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the Lord their God.

Wouldn’t it be great if these television channels and shows that claim to spread the gospel actually did? What if they read the Holy Bible out loud for a fourth of the day?

There is another verse speaking of Jesus, John 3:30 KJV, that says, He must increase, but I must decrease.

Wouldn’t it be nice if preachers and teachers used less of their own words and more of God’s.

I know the Holy Bible can be boring. The begats can seem long winded. Nonetheless reading the Holy Bible is not only necessary, but critical. To combat laziness and disinterest, to promote knowledge – read the Bible out loud. Read it aloud in your churches. Read it out loud on television. Read it out loud everywhere and Matthew 24:14 will be fulfilled.

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Christian, Inspirational

Defining Behavior

People define God’s law as they see fit. Instead of stretching definitions to suit our own benefit, what if we strictly defined the law in accordance with God’s original intent.

Exodus 20:13 KJV Thou shalt not kill. Seems clear enough, but man changes it to thou shalt not murder. We search out excuses. It’s okay in war, it’s okay in self defense, it’s okay if someone breaks into your home, it might be okay if adultery was involved, maybe there are extenuating circumstances, maybe it’s only manslaughter.

Exodus 20:9-10 KJV …thou shalt not do any work,… Yet, man says it’s not work if it was necessary. It’s not work if you wanted to do it. Even if it was work, surely God won’t hold it against me.

If you’ve never read Corinthians you may skip this paragraph. For those of you desirous of learning and keeping the law, keep reading. 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 seems pretty clear. The only question is what is Church. Is it a building? Is it a time? Is it a combination of the two? Is it whenever and wherever two or more are gathered together in Christ’s name? This like all of God’s law depends on the heart of the listener.

When you read or hear the law seek understanding. When you have understanding seek strength. When you find yourself seeking excuses – you should know you are definitely walking in the wrong direction.

When you realize your walking in the wrong direction, there remains 1 John 1:9. Turn and define (live) the law favorably within God’s original intent. Why? Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matthew 7:14 KJV

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Christian, Inspirational

Lover

Suppose your dream girl or dream guy gave you a book and said I would like a relationship with you, what I expect from you is in this book. Wouldn’t you read it. Wouldn’t you follow it?

God did exactly that. He came to Earth and gave his life to be in a relationship with us. He wrote a book all about it. It’s called the Holy Bible. Can a relationship actually be a list of do’s and don’ts? It can be. What does Jesus expect from us? What defines a healthy relationship with God?

  • Baptized into the blood. Mark 16:16
  • Read the Holy Bible. Psalm 1
  • Keep the law. John 14:15
  • Confession. 1 John 1:9
  • Prayer. Matthew 6:9-13
  • Fasting. Matthew 6:16-18
  • Attend Church services. Hebrews 10:25
  • Good deeds. Matthew 3:8

This isn’t intended to be an exhaustive list, but it certainly covers the basics. My relationship with Christ over the years hasn’t always looked the same. It is now the strongest it has been in 48 years. Do you know what the Bible has to say about that?

The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger. Job 17:9 KJV

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Christian, Inspirational

CLE

Lawyers take CLE, continuing legal education, classes yearly to keep their bar credentials valid and current.

The idea – in keeping current, there’s always room for improvement. We’re never too old to learn new material or to refresh our memory of something we have already learned.

Galatians 3:25 KJV says But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

Faith then is our diploma.

Faith, primarily my faith, calls me to try to read the Holy Bible daily. We could call that continuing legal education. God himself recommends CLE. See 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth, and 1 Peter 3:15 KJV … be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:.

My faith tells me the Holy Ghost will teach me himself. There are things in the Bible I still don’t understand. There remains wisdom to gain everyday. And there remains room to grow in faith.

James 1:5 KJV If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Mark 9:24 KJV
And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

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Christian, Inspirational

Relationship

I’ve heard preachers and people on-line say Christianity isn’t about rules and regulations.

What does Jesus say?

1 John 2:3-4 KJV
And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. [4] He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

If we want to have a relationship with Jesus we need to keep his commandments. Let no one dissuade you. Commandments are rules and regulations. The Ten Commandments can be found in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. Read your Bible. There are other rules and regulations in the Old and New Testament that we should follow.

When you hear someone say it’s not about rules and regulations stay away from them – they are liars. If you want true relationship with Jesus you have to read what he said, you have to learn, you have to do.

Proverbs 19:16 KJV
He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.

John 14:21 KJV

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

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