How Can I be brave

Alexa, Hey this is Todd Breiner here. Hopefully I can help you with your question. The way that you can be brave is to trust in God and depend on him in everything you do in life. He can help you be brave in life. Check out these verses from the Bible and use them to help you when you need to be brave.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 4:5,6

Cast all anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

Demonic Music

Hey this is Todd answering your question, I will have to admit that I think this is a hard question to answer but I think that we can be helped by looking at some definitions. The dictionary defines demonic as inspired as if by a demon, indwelling spirit, or genius. So to say that non Christian music is demonic would be wrong. In fact, there are many musicians that are outspoken Christians that do not produce exclusively Christian music. As far as music goes, it is important to be very careful that the music you listen to does not hurt your walk with Jesus. I am reminded of a verse in Matthew that may be helpful in deciding what music to listen to.

If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

Matthew 5:29,30

This verse is teaching that if there is something in our lives that is causing us to sin we need to take whatever measures necessary to get rid of it. With that being said, if the music you listen to causes you to sin or leads you into sin, you should get rid of the music.

If my husband refuses to have sex with me, is he still a good Christian and does God still hear his prayers?

Dear Lonely:

In reference to your question, abstinence within the bounds of marriage is a very personal issue and something that should be in agreement between both spouses and God. You see Paul the apostle specifically addressed this issue in his letter to the Corinthians. Paul states:

The husband must fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise also the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. (1 Corinthians 7:3-5).

Paul’s statement is self-explanatory. But, I make reference to the one reason that the husband and wife abstain from one another (and only for a time): PRAYER. Communication with our Lord is one of the most important facets in a believer’s life. True devotion to the Lord, prompts continual communication with Him.

Therefore, Paul’s main point was to devote yourselves to the Lord alone, for a specified time, for the purpose of growing closer in godliness. This is very similar to fasting and prayer, and is a sacrifice of love to the Lord for the purpose of godliness. Also, make note that you must both agree on this, as you are one and are seen as one in the eyes of the Lord.

Ms Lonely, if this is not the case with you and your spouse, then I urge you to seek out the reasoning for his abstinence to you. Your question leads me to believe that there is a form of misguided communication between you and your husband. The question you ask is a result of some action or non-action between you and your husband, and herein lays the true dilemma. Though, I cannot speculate, I urge you to seek professional Christian counseling. Also, please keep in mind that you are called to respect your husband as he is called to love you (Ephesians 5:22-33).

Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband. (Ephesians 5:33)

As far as the discussion concerning his witness as a believer in Christ Jesus and his prayers to the Lord, that is a personal issue with God. Though, God says that the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective (James 5:16). I will pray for you. Blessings. Dean.

Should you always pray before you go to bed?

Dear Evelyn:

Prayer is our communication method of talking with God. As I reflect on my personal relationship with my wife and kiddies, I know that I continually strive to spend QUALITY time with them so that we have a vibrant and ongoing personal relationship. And, so it is with God. Prayer is our method of talking with God and communing with Him in a personal way. In the same way that we pray, we should also listen back to see what God is speaking to us. Remember always that a relationship is based on at least two persons and that makes for two-way communication (speaking and listening).

Now, should we always pray before bedtime? The apostles and the patriarchs didn’t only pray at bedtime, they prayed all the time. Paul the apostle commands all believers to “pray continually” in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:17). So then, prayer is simple communing with God because we want to have and keep a vibrant and ongoing personal relationship with our Father in heaven.

As an example of praying in different circumstances, the Old Testament leader Nehemiah prayed all the time. In one instance, he was in the presence of the king and as he was about to speak to the king, he prayed (most likely quietly and to himself) to God.

I was very much afraid, but I said to the king, " Why should my face not look sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?" The king said to me, "What is it you want?" Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king, "If it pleases the king… let him send me to the city in Judah where my fathers are buried so that I can rebuild it." 2 Nehemiah 2:2ff

Now the good part: God answers our prayers. For Nehemiah, he was granted permission to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls. But please understand that sometimes we may not always get what we want, but remember that God allows us what we need. Blessings to you Evelyn. Keep praying always, and I'll pray along with you. Dean.

Is God an environmentalist? Does He care and want us to protect the Earth and its natural resources?

Hey Tracy this is John Lee. Great question! I’m not sure if you can call God an environmentalist but one thing I know for sure is that He does care about the environment. In Genesis 1:11-13 is the account where God created the plants and vegetation, after God was finished “He saw that it was good.” In verses 20 through 24 God creates all the animals, and once again, God saw that it was good. Now on the sixth day God created man, not only did He create man but He also gave him responsibility. Let’s read about it:

28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."

29 Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. 30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food." And it was so.

In Genesis Chapter 2, God places Adam in the garden to take care of it. In verse 19 Adam gets the responsibility of naming all of the animals; even Eve was created to help Adam with the responsibility of caring for the land and the animals. I personally think, based on what we have read in God’s Word, that we have a great responsibility to manage the resources that God has given us, it is totally irresponsible to waste or destroy the resources that God has given to us. After Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden and were removed, they still had to work and care for the land, even though it was going to be much more difficult.

What I am most thankful for is that in the end God is going to make our planet right again. Read it for yourself in Revelation 21:1-4. I hope it all make sense to you.

What does manna look like and can I try some?

Hi, Tiffany S.
The AskGod.cc website said that you are a child, so I added some cool pictures for you while I attempted to answer your question.

Exodus 16:31
The people of Israel called the bread manna. It was white like coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey.

Below is a picture with some coriander seeds in it. They kind of look like Dip’n Dots to me.

Numbers 11:7 says, “The manna was like coriander seed and looked like resin.” Below is a picture of petroleum resin, which also resembles Dip’n Dots.

In Psalm 78, the Bible says, “He rained down manna for the people to eat; he gave them the grain of heaven.” So maybe manna was small and granular like rice or Dip'n Dots ice cream. However, there are verses that refer to manna as bread (Exodus 16 and John 6:31). So I am not completely sure. I do know that the Bible says that God stopped making manna after the Israelites entered the land of Canaan (Joshua 5:12). So you probably won’t be able to try any right now.

What’s the difference between the sin of a believer and the sin of a non-believer?

Dear Tracy,

This is Pastor Jorge. Thanks for the question. There is no difference in the sins. There is no difference if I sin and if someone sins who does not have a relationship with God. There is a difference in the way that God sees us. In Ephesians, Paul depicts this in an awesome way! Ephesians 1:19-21 states that God brought salvation through Christ and SEATED Him at His right hand. So Christ is seated beside God as HIS child.

“19and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.”

Keep reading in Chapter 2:4-9.

4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast.

Because of His kindness we who are in Christ are seated in the same place as Christ. God looks at us not as sinners who are lost without hope but as His children. What a privilege it is for a person who has a relationship with God to be able to call God His Father. But this is not done because of what we can do or have done, but it is because of what Christ did. God sees us just as if we had never sinned! As followers of Christ, we have been justified because of Christ’s sacrifice.

God says, “Feed the hungry and help others in need.” How I do I know they are using the money I give to help their need?

Sarah in Tally,

I summarized your question; hopefully the intent is still present in the revision. Anyway, there are many verses in the New Testament about helping those in need. Here are a few:

“Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.” Acts 10:4b

"For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem." Romans 15:26

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in." Matthew 25:35

In your situation you gave money to someone who “claimed” to be in need. Typically it’s NOT good to give money to the individual because it allows them to decide how the money is spent. When someone has a chemical dependency they will spend the money to feed their addiction, and in essence, you are aiding in that process. If someone is hungry, give them food, NOT money to buy food. If someone is cold, give them clothes, NOT money to buy clothes.

If you really want to make monetary donations to those in need I would recommend doing that through an organization you trust, or only give money to those who you know will spend it on the right things.

How are we supposed to worship God in all that we do when most of the things we do fall apart?

Hey Jaime...

You have asked a great question. Because of how the question is worded, it can be taken two ways. I'm not sure if you mean, "How can I worship God if nothing turns out right-can that be honoring to God?" Or, "How am I supposed to worship God when my life is a mess"? I'll try to answer both and be brief.

We were never promised that life would be easy.

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (Jesus) John 16:33

In terms of the words, “falls apart”, it’s important we separate our aspirations, pains and failures from the idea that somehow everything must be perfect to glorify God. We may have break ups, bad job interviews, backstabbing friends and all around bad days, but it’s what we choose to do with those situations that glorify God. Jesus just told us in John 16:33 (above) we would have trouble…trouble comes in various forms.

Check this out:

“Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 2:3

Strong words. Truthfully, it paints a tough picture. As a Christian, we are in a very real spiritual war. The analogy is clear: we are soldiers. We serve our King. We endure tough times. Can God get glory from our lives when they are so imperfect? Yes. If we honor God with our hearts and minds even in difficult times, God is glorified.

Here’s how we glorify God in tough times:

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” I Corinthians 10:31

“ I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14

Focus on one thing: glorifying God with your life. There will be bumps in the road, sometimes too many to count, but God is faithful. Choose to focus on glorifying God in every aspect of your life; even in difficult times.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

What does God think about the mixing of Faith & Politics? Does being a Christian mean you have to hate homosexuals, be against women’s right to choose

Hello Tracy

As I see it you have asked four questions. They are very good ones and per your preface are things GOD has spoken very clearly about.

Let’s start with the one about hating homosexuals

I. Does being a Christian mean that you have to hate homosexuals?
A. The simple answer to that is no!
No where in the Bible does it tell Christians to hate homosexuals. Yet we are told that homosexuality is a sin. Those two statements are not the same thing. Let’s see why.

B. There is a difference between the person and the action.
1. GOD looks at everyone the same (on face value)

“For GOD so loved the world
That He gave His one and only Son
That whoever believes in Him
Shall not perish
but have eternal life.”
---John 3:16


Initially everyone is the same to GOD. Homosexual, heterosexual, male, female, criminals, pillars of the community, various races, you name it. The arms of Christ, on the cross were opened wide to all.

“Here there is no Greek or Jew,
Circumcised or uncircumcised,
Barbarian, Scythian, bond or free,
But Christ is all and in all.
----Colossians 3:11

2. What we are versus what we do
So why this idea that if you are a Christian especially a conservative Christian you must hate homosexuals?

The idea comes from confusion about what the Bible teaches and it also comes from wanting to create a god that suits us.


GOD never condemns what we are, rather the condemnation comes from what we do with what we are.

A person can be a homosexual and be in fellowship with GOD and another person can be heterosexual and not be in fellowship with GOD. Why is that so? To answer that sufficiently let’s look to one of the major passages in the Old Testament that spells out Homosexual sin. (Leviticus 18:22).

“Do not lie with a man
As one lies with a woman;
That is detestable”
----Leviticus 18:22

There it is. It is very clear that same sex relations are a sin. You can’t say otherwise. Now I want you to take a moment and read the entire eighteenth chapter on your own. It is too lengthy to put here.

What have you found? This sexual sin is but one of many that GOD has listed as sinful. Many of them are heterosexual sins. What is the point?

We are not guilty of a sexual sin unless we commit a sexual sin. All sex outside the marriage commitment is sinful in GOD’S sight. But no person is guilty of a sexual sin if they have not committed a sexual sin. This is the same for those who are homosexuals and those who are heterosexuals.

So to say that GOD and Christians are to hate homosexuals is completely incorrect. We are to hate sin not people.

Where does this leave homosexual people sexually? It leaves them in the same place that unmarried heterosexual people are sexually. It is something that you give to GOD as a sacrificial gift.

GOD knows all things. He knows our hearts. He knows that this sacrifice is done out of devotion to Him.

II. What about a woman’s right to choose ?

The first question to ask is,”Choose what?”
The second question is who says it’s a right?

A. Choose What?
Let’s say it as it is. We are talking about abortion. Abortion by any other name is still abortion. And just what is abortion. It is causing the death of an otherwise viable baby before it has the chance to reach the point that he or she can leave the womb and survive outside the host of its mother.

Of course a Christian cannot stand for this. Not only does it violate the sixth commandment but undermines the very sanctity of human life.

“You shall not murder”

----Exodus 20:13

B. Who says it’s a right?
This right to choose statement popped into the pro-life vs. pro-abortion debate some time ago and I always thought it odd.

We don’t have the right to kill a three month old, a deformed child, or one we find inconvenient after delivery. What makes the baby pre -delivery any different?

We are not talking about excising a sebaceous cyst, liposuction, or selective cosmetic surgery here. It is a human child. We have no such right.

Do you know that this topic was touched on though indirectly in the Old Testament? It involved the premature birth of a child in the womb due to a physical blow to the abdomen. (Exodus 21:22-25).

There was a penalty for causing this. If the child died the penalty was death. Why? because it is considered by GOD to be murder.

III. The Death penalty

Joseph asked his brothers,

“Am I in the place of GOD”

----Genesis 50:19b

The question was a rhetorical one. Of course we cannot take the place of GOD. If GOD says it than the statement is an absolute standard of truth that we must accept.

The death penalty is found in many places in the Bible. We need look no further than the text we just looked at in (Exodus 21:22-25).

“But if there is serious injury,
You are to take life for life…”

----Exodus 21:23

IV. What does God think about the mixing of Faith & Politics?
Our founding fathers obviously intended for faith to be mixed with politics. In spite of what is so loudly blared about. There is not one thing written in the Constitution about separation of Church and state.

If they had meant for such a separation they would not have done things the way they did. For example have you noticed that the highest office in the country (The president) begins with a swearing in ceremony with his hand placed on a Bible and the supreme court justice swearing him in? Even the statment "In GOD we trust". is printed on our money


But putting that aside. You can’t help mix Faith and politics anymore than you can avoid mixing Secular Humanism, Hedonism, or socialism and politics.

Each of these is a philosophy of life that directs the way the adherent goes about life. It is their world view.

Ultimately our way of government is of, by and for the people. And among others Christians are the people it speaks of.

Many places in the Bible talk about the propriety and obligation that a believer has in being involved in their country’s politics. Here is one of them.

“If my people who are called by my name,
Will humble themselves and pray
And seek my face
And turn from their wicked ways,
Then I will hear from heaven
And will forgive their sin
And will heal their land”

---2 Chronicles 7:14

Tracy you asked a very serious set of questions. The answer was more lengthy then I would have preferred (due to the space limitations of this forum) yet far short of what I would have liked to do.

That being said I think we accomplished (well enough) in showing what GOD teaches in the Bible about the questions you asked.

Don
Hebrews 4:12

Baptism and Minors

Pastor Eric here...

The Bible teaches that baptism occurs after salvation. Jesus instructed us to “make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).

Baptism is an aspect of discipleship which occurs after someone has repented of their sins and been saved. When Philip led the Ethiopian official to faith in Christ, the guy was baptized immediately after becoming a Christian (Acts 8:26-40).

So we do not baptize infants because we believe baptism occurs after salvation. Baptism is a beautiful symbol, but we believe the reality of salvation must occur first.

In the same manner, children and teenagers who do profess their faith in Christ should be baptized because they have been saved. And baptism is an important symbol and aspect of discipleship.

Christmas and Halloween

Pastor Eric here...

We celebrate Christmas all the time. And we celebrate Easter all the time. We always speak about his life, death, and resurrection because this is the gospel (I Corinthians 15:3-4).

We do celebrate Christmas in a more focused manner during December because it is the season when our culture celebrates Christmas and we view it as an awesome opportunity to 1) reflect on our faith and 2) invite those around us to join us in worshipping and honoring Jesus as the Christ.

We don’t celebrate Halloween. If you mean the Fall Frenzy we offer for our children, we do many fun activities for kids and their families throughout the year. We typically offer these activities around our worship services so we can engage families in all that God is doing at CF.

As Christians, we believe every day is holy. Every moment is an opportunity we must seize to know Christ and introduce others to Him.

Jesus and His blood -- Tracy's question

Tracy – Great question. This is Pastor Eric answering.

Christ shedding his blood goes back to the Old Testament sacrificial system, which God set up as a way for people to have their sin temporarily covered (until Christ came). Hebrews 9:22 says “Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.” His death had to be bloody so our sins could be erased.

That is the short version…Here is a longer and more in depth answer.

Hebrews 10:19-22 says, Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

The verse says that we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus. Christ changed everything. Christ has given you access into the presence of God. He has made it possible for you to enter the Most Holy Place. During the days of the tabernacle and the temple, the high priest would sacrifice an animal on the bronze altar in the outer court. The high priest would do this on one day a year called Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement. The blood sacrifice was to cover the sins committed by the people in ignorance. The high priest would take blood from the sacrifice made in the outer court with him into the Most Holy Place. He would sprinkle the blood on the mercy seat. He could not enter the presence of God without blood from the sacrifice.

Christ came to this earth 2000 years ago and placed himself on the altar. He sacrificed himself so that we could gain access to God.

Because Jesus placed himself on the sacrificial altar, you can enter the presence of God. You can enjoy God’s presence because of the Son. In the temple and tabernacle system, there was a curtain separating the Most Holy Place from the rest of the temple. From the rest of the world. From you. This curtain separated us from God. We could not peer behind the curtain. We could not go behind the veil. The curtain was a constant reminder that the presence of God was inaccessible. But when Christ died, a new and living way opened for us. As he was breathing his last breath on the cross, a miraculous event occurred. “And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split.” (Matthew 27:50-51) Just as Christ’s body was torn, the curtain in the temple was torn. At the same moment. Because Christ’s body was torn, the veil was torn. The Most Holy Place became accessible. And you may enter the presence of God. Christ changed everything.

Why am I so confused about what to do with my life? I ask God for direction, but can't seem to get any answers.

Dear Confused,

Hi, this is Tony Isaacs. There are many things that confuse all of us based on the knowledge we have. That is why God has given absolutes through His written word that gives us direction. I believe the answer to your question is found in understanding God’s will for your life.

Psalms 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

It is not hidden or unwritten. The scriptures give us clear direction about what we are to do to fulfill God’s meaning and purpose in our lives.

Let me give you six things I know that are written down concerning God’s Will for you:

1. He wants you to be saved- 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

2. He wants you to be led of His Spirit- Ephesians 5:17-18 “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

3. He wants you to be pure- 1 Thess. 4:3 “It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality;”

4. He want us to be obedient to authority- 1 Peter 2:13 “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…”

5. He wants us to do right regardless of the cost- 1 Peter 3;17 “It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.”

6. He wants us to have a thankful spirit- 1 Thess 5:18 “… give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus”

God is not like a spiritual “Easter Bunny” hiding his spiritual blessings saying, “You’re getting closer”. If we live out the principles that God clearly tells us in His word, then I believe our purpose and meaning will not be a mystery.

There is one thing that will distort our view about life and that is the “sin factor”, however God gives us an answer to that also.

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11

Why is marriage supposed to last until death? Why not just let the contract play out for 7 years. Then we move on to a different relationship?

Mr. Husband,

This is Tony Isaacs, thank you for your question. The answer is fairly simple. God designed it to be that way. Two become one flesh in a marriage relationship based upon love and commitment for a lifetime.

“Two become one”
Genesis 2:24
‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.”

Oneness is designed for a lifetime
Matt 19: 4
"Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female, and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."

Love is demonstrated in a husband/wife relationship by commitment, hence the marriage vows and a public commitment. I personally don’t know how you could turn off your love and commitment towards a mate in 7 years unless you enter the marriage with a “conditional love” or allow “sin” to dominate the relationship. That would be totally opposite in how God designed us for marriage.

Christ’s love toward us was unconditional and sacrificial.

Ephesians 5:28
“…In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church”.

And we know that Christ was willing to die for our relationship.
I am very grateful for God’s unconditional love. There is no time limit on that.

IF A SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER HAS COMMITTED ADULTERY IN SECRET BUT HAS REPENTED SHOULD HE STILL BE TEACHING THE CLASS?

Hello Rick and also James

It seems that the both of you have asked the same question. It is a very serious one. As I considered the question other questions crossed my mind including:

1. How long ago did this adultery occur,
2. If the adultery was long ago has their testimony since been one that is without reproach?
3. If not long ago why does this teacher want to teach?

Because you both asked the same question I have the feeling this issue is recent if that is so then to be short and to the point this teacher should not teach.


Let’ see what the Bible has to say about all of this.

I. A Leader’s Character

A. Above reproach
“Here is a trustworthy saying: if anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach…(1 Timothy 3:1-2a)

“Deacons likewise are to be men worthy of respect; sincere….They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.” (1 Timothy 3:8-12)


Likewise teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live … to teach what is good…then they can train the younger woman… (Titus 3:1-5)

Repeatedly we see the same picture. People who lead must be above reproach and people who are teachers have to have the confidence of the people they teach. We cannot be teachers standing for a righteous GOD and be tainted with a bad testimony at the same time.

B. Can Character be restored?
Of course character can be restored. But it does not become restored in a day, week or even month. It takes time and consistency. A person who has truly repented should understand this. Restoration of confidence in a leader is similar to what happens in any relationship.


It is interesting to note that in personal relationships such as romance we give trust to someone very easily, in a way it comes “cheap”. However if that trust is ever violated it is very “expensive” to restore. Again it takes effort, time and consistency to be restored.

“For though a righteous man falls seven times,
he rises again,
But the wicked are brought down by calamity.”
----Proverbs 24:16

II. The Particular situation of this Teacher

A. How long ago was this situation?
In your question you did not state how long ago this issue occurred. This is important. If for example it was long ago and this person has had ample time to reveal true repentance by the way they live their life then we are to accept that person back as a restored one. (Galatians 6:1-10).

B. If not long ago
If this sin occurred fairly recently then we have to ask ourselves why do they want to resume this position so soon. We already know they can’t because they are not above reproach.

C. It is GOD’S timetable and Kingdom
What is the point in service to GOD if GOD is not in it? It is a privilege to serve GOD in any capacity. What is the point in serving Him contrary to the way He has told us to serve? The answer to that is there is no point.

So assuming that a person has repented and truly wants to be used of GOD then let GOD put them where He wants them to be when He wants them to be there. If GOD is GOD and we submit to Him than this will happen just that way. Nothing can prevent it.

“Humble yourselves before the LORD,
And He will lift you up.”
----James 4:10

Rick and James this was a very important question. I hope that the scriptures we shared have shed sufficient light upon it.


Don
Galatians 1:10; 6:1

If I'm a Christian, and perfect love casts out fear, then why am I so afraid of people, and life?

Hey Christian, this John Lee and I want to say thanks for submitting your question. I want to be honest with you, we all can become fearful of people and life in general; it is not uncommon. However, God does have some things to say that will be helpful and encouraging. It is so easy to become fearful in today’s society because there is so much to be afraid of and even as a Christian we can become fearful of so many things, but let’s listen to what God says:

Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 49:5 Why should I fear when evil days come, when wicked deceivers surround me.

Even though there are plenty of things to be fearful of, God wants us to do the opposite-trust! When you trust someone you will never be afraid. When you trust someone it gives you strength and courage. God wants us to trust in Him.

Proverbs 3:5, 6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Jeremiah 17:7-8

“But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

You see when we don’t trust someone, when we don’t trust God; we become fearful. God’s perfect love does cast out fear but you have to put your trust in the one who is able to cast it out. It is a daily thing that you must do, and as you discipline yourself your heart will be able to say:

Psalm 18:1-2 I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

How do I decide between ending a relationship to avoid the pain it brings, or toughing it out for the few good times that we still seem to have?

Hey April thanks for submitting your question. I understand where you are coming from, because relationships can bring us pain, however; God’s Word can help us avoid the pain that some relationships can bring. The question that you need to answer is “why am I with this person?” If you are just out to have a good time, then you will disappointed in the end simply because relationships take work and it’s not always fun.

God doesn’t tell us who we should get hooked up with, but He does tell us who not to get hooked up with. 2 Corinthians 6:14 tells us ^“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? You have to be on the same page with that person. As a Christian, our relationship with Christ is the most important thing; if we do not share that connection there will always be pain and disappointment. The second question you should ask yourself: “is this a person I could marry down the road?” What kind of character does this person have? The Bible gives us some pretty good insight on what type of person we should be looking for.

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Let’s break it down

Love—is this person a loving person? Do they sacrificially love me?

Joy—does this person have the exuberant Spirit that lives in the life of a man of faith?

Peace—does this person have peace with God through Christ. Is this person anxious and worried all the time? Does she or he have a calming nature?

Patience—is this person able to delay gratification, are they disciplined the way they handle finances and time? Is this person as patient with you or demanding?

Kindness—is this person truly kind? Whatever you do, pick someone who is kind.

Goodness—is this person basically good? Do they have strong morals to stand up for what is right?

Faithfulness—this is the mark of a true believer, someone who is always there, consistent and honest. Is the one you’re with faithful or flaky? Is this person sensitive to your needs and feelings or cold and macho?

Self control—does this person control their speech? Does this person control the sex drive? Or does this person always want to go off road and jump in the back seat?

GOD WANTS US TO HIT ON ALL CYLINDERS

Can you imagine being hooked up with someone and not being able to share that which is the most near and dear to you with that person? As a Christian, our relationship with Christ is the deepest thing in our lives. What is it that gives you meaning? You have to have that in common. What kind of person do you want to be with? Until you’ve got that dynamic down, your relationship will never hit on all cylinders. Even though it may cause you pain, it is better to get out of that relationship and focus one that has more meaning. I hope that this has been helpful to you.

John Lee

Why is it that some consider it a sin to masterbate? Isn't that just a part of being human sort of like burping or farting?

Hey Anonymous...

Thanks for asking. Let's consider a couple of things:

The most active part of your body while masturbating is your mind. The thoughts, images, etc, are all forces at work. Your mind is not disconnected during this physical action.

Does the Bible address masturbation specifically? No, not by name. However it does address the issue of our minds and hearts. Check out what the Bible is saying about a pure mind and heart:

"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.'But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Matthew 5:27-28

"It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable..." I Thessalonians 4:3-4

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

"Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." 2 Timothy 2:22

So what does all of this mean?

1. It's impossible to masturbate and not lust. We must violate our minds in order to do it.

2. Can we actively pursue God and actively pursue gratifying ourselves? No. Because we must engage our thoughts for stimulation. When we continually pursue lust it hinders our spiritual growth.

3. Masturbation in itself can also bring issues like addiction, (to masturbation and to porn/etc), selfishness, guilt, etc.

While it may seem very natural, the results adversely affect us both physically and spiritually.

I hope this helps in some way.

Pastor Jeff

My husband drinks to much and has lost his faith. What is a good way to ask him to start to go back to church?

Hello Freeze

The question you ask is a tough one. There is no single answer that I can give you that is the "medicine" that cures every reason a person walks away from Godly living. Remember that not even the earthly presence of Jesus was enough to change the hearts of everyone that met Him.

Yet that being said many peoples hearts have changed to the better regarding their relationship to GOD. I am going to list things that you can do in an effort to reach your husband.

Let's start with prayer.

A. Prayer

This may seem so obvious that you may pass by it too quickly. However it is where we should start.

1. Prayer for yourself (it starts with GOD and me)

We should always pray first about our own heart. It is always right that we pray for GOD to take charge of our lives. Remember words are worthless if they are not honest reflections of our heart. David said:

I have considered my ways

and have turned

my steps to your statutes.

---Psalm 119:59

2. Prayer for your husband (Intercessory prayer)

There are two points I would like to recommend here . They are first don't give up on praying for your husband . Secondly do not underestimate GOD in all of this. He is All knowing, All wise, All powerful and the totality of goodness.

Do not ever think that when we pray, giving an issue into HIS hands that HE is not doing something with it. Yes HE is limited, in a sense by our free will, but the more we pray the more HE acts upon the prayer.

Several times Jesus pointed out that our persistence in prayer causes GOD to respond more. Why I don't know. But that is the truth of it. (Luke 11:1-10)

"...yet because of the man' persistence

he will get up and

give him all that he needs"

----Luke 11:8b

Now you may be thinking, "Is this really about prayer?" The answer is yes this was an example Christ used to illustrate a principal about prayer.

3. Pray all the time (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

"pray continually"

It used to be that when I prayed about something I prayed once or twice. That was about it. A friend of mine used to say , "GOD is not deaf". That made sense to me . So I got the idea in my head that once or twice was enough. But that's not true the scriptures tell us to pray often about important things.

The prophet Daniel prayed for twenty one days (Daniel 10:1-14) about an issue dear to him. All the time there were battles in heavenly places about that prayer. On the twenty first day the answer came.

I have sometimes wondered what would have happened if he had stopped praying prematurely say on the tenth day or eighteenth.

I think this piece of scripture was not placed there by accident. I am very sure GOD wanted us to see the need to pray without giving up regardless of the results we see.

B. Set the Example ( It starts with us)

Ultimately the only person you can control is you. You are the only person GOD holds you accountable for.

Putting your husbands behaviour aside (because ultimately only he can control
that) I recommend that you sit down and list not just areas in which you could improve regarding him but also regarding your walk with GOD.

Please don't get frustrated with me on this. I know that you are already trying hard. But it is very helpful to put things on paper where you can see, review and modify things over time.
Something thoughtfully written out often helps to clarify a sensible way of going about things.

A word of caution here. Don't do anything with the motive that he will see me doing this and feel guilty about his ways. That can make you like a Pharisee and you don't want that.

However when we are really right with GOD it sets HIS Spirit that is within us (Ephesians 1:13-14, 4:30, 5:18) free to do GOD'S work without hindrance.

C. Follow the Biblical order (Matthew 18:15-20)

1. Go to him by yourself (Matthew 18:15)

I would write down ahead of time just what you want to say. Writing things down helps to clarify your thoughts.

Carefully think out the best time, place and way of telling him what's on your heart. You may want to ask someone to pray at that exact time for what you are doing.

2. Go to him with someone you both have confidence in and who is spiritually mature (Matthew 18:16)

This helps to get a fresh insightful perspective into the situation. This may be a difficult thing to do.

But if you have friend(s) that are close enough to you both and you choose a non threatening setting like dinner, to watch a football game, fishing, golf and other things that you know would appeal to your husband. Perhaps the environment may be conducive to a conversation that would touch his heart.

3. Bring a pastor or leader of the church together with you (Matthew 18:17)

This brings a trusted authority into the situation. Our church has a recovery program called Celebrate Recovery. Pastor Pete Cotto is the one to contact about this.



D. Other Possibilities

1. Join a small group and invite him to come
2. Invite him to special events
3. If you have a mutual friend who goes to a men's small group you may ask that friend to call and invite your husband to go.
4. Try to get him to go for walks with you. Pray the whole time. Do not be quick to get to the subject that is so dear to you. Let GOD take charge and see what happens.


The issue you wrestle with is a difficult one . As you know there are no guarantees that your husband will come around. Yet many times people do come around. I have seen situations turn around that I thought would not.

My thoughts and my prayers are with you Freeze.

Don
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Does god our father have parents? John

Dear John.

You have asked an excellent question. God himself tells us to “honor your father and your mother,” in the fourth commandment. The only commandment with a promise: “so that you may live long…” A Great Promise!!!

However, as we look at our heavenly father from an ontological point of view; we cannot say that there is anything or anyone greater than God. In essence, God (YHWH) is the creator and the Father of all things (animate and inanimate).

Genesis 1:1 states that, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

John 1:1 states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men.”

Supposedly, we imagine, just for a second, that there was a being that was the father of God… then that would be God, etc, etc, etc. That father of God would be the NECESSARY being, or the creator. But, in all actuality, YHWH (GOD) is the Father of all. He is the beginning and there is no other.

On another note, you ask about parents. The concept of man and woman was created by God to be in the image of God. Both man and woman together are created in the image of God.

Genesis 1:27.
So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.

In summation, God does not have parents. He is the Original CREATOR. There is no none like HIM.
Thanks and many blessings John.

Dean.


Psalm 8
1 O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
above the heavens.

3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,

If I'm a Christian, and I've confessed my sins, why do I keep geting reminded of them over and over, still feeling guilty?

As Christians we know that God loved us so much that He sent His own Son to die on the cross and take the punishment for all of our sins. (John 3:16) We also know when we've asked for forgiveness, we are forgiven because that is what God promises in His Word. It seems that it is often harder to forgive ourselves for our own failures, especially when we have one who wants us to stand accused. (Revelation 12:10) When I struggle with anything that is contrary to God's Word,the only way to combat those feelings is with God's Word itself. (Memorizing Scripture) 1 John 1:9 "if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." Psalm 103:12 "as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." Psalm 85:2 "You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins."

Kelly Moore

Does God really exist?

Hello Red-

Does GOD exist? That's a good question. Even as I'm reading it I'm thinking does Red mean does GOD exist in the sense that HIS existence can be proved beyond any reasonable doubt. Or does he mean Does GOD exist in the sense that I can see HIS working unmistakably in the world of touch taste and feel that I can gasp in a more personal way.

I am reasonably certain you are looking at hard evidence that proves the existence of GOD. So let's take that approach.




I. Can the Existence of GOD be proved academically?

The answer to this is yes, emphatically so! There are two ways in particular that GOD has told us prove HIS existence. One of them proves not only his existence but also proves the Bible to be the one and only Holy book written to mankind by HIM.



Remember the Bible is a supernatural book. You would expect it to prove itself in a way that is beyond the ability of natural man. It has done this through predictions. Lets look at this one proof first.



A. Prophecy

Many times in the book of Isaiah GOD states that predictions are HIS challenge to all other supposed gods and religions to prove they are the true path. Since GOD says this is the foundational proof let's spend a few minutes following that thought.



First let's look at what GOD says.

"Present your case

says the LORD.

Set forth you're arguments,

says Jacobs King.

Bring in your idols, tell us what is going to happen.

Tell us what the former things were,

so that we may consider them

and know their final outcome,

Or declare to us the things to come,tell us what the future holds,

so that we may know that you are gods."

Isaiah 41:21-23

A. The law of averages

In a concise definition the law of averages is a mathematical formula that tells us the probability

of certain things happening in the future. You see this every day in things like the lottery .

You know how it works the more numbers you need to choose to win the less possibility it is that you will ever hit . If you play a three number game your odds are pretty favorable and the jackpot smaller. Playing four numbers gets less favorable odds, five (Fantasy five) still worse and six (Lottery) virtually impossible.

Here is how the law of averages works. Every prediction made has a one in two possibility that it will occur. However when you string a bunch of predictions together one after the other the odds against all of them happening grows explosively.

1. Each succeeding prediction squares the possibility of occurrence yielded by the previous one.

Suppose for instance you make one prediction that someone will knock at your door within five minutes. The possibility of it happening is one chance in two.

Now if you make another prediction, such as that person will be a female as opposed to a male the probability changes in that you square the two of the previous prediction. The second prediction becomes one chance out of four.

If you further predict this will be a woman as a opposed to a girl you square the four(4 x 4 = 16) and it become one chance of sixteen. Then you predict she will have long hair as opposed to short hair (16 x 16 = 256) That would make it one chance in 256. Then you predict that she is wearing lipstick as opposed to no lipstick (256 x 256 = 65,536) . Next you predict that she will be wearing a ring as opposed to no ring (65,536 x 65,536 = 4,294,967,296) The probability of this is one in 4 plus billion.

My calculator can not calculate beyond this so lets round this off and see where it leads. Bear with me I am making a profound point.

So far we have made six sequential predictions and the law of averages of this happening has gone from one chance in two to one chance in four plus billion. I have to round it off at this point because of the limitations of my calculator.

7 predictions = 1 chance in 16 billion

8 sequential predictions is 1 chance in 256 billion

9 sequential predictions is one chance of ?????????????

Why the question mark you ask? Because we have passed trillion and zillions their are no more numbers to use.

Have you any idea how many predictions were fulfilled just in Christ ? More than a hundred. Think about it! If nine predictions in a row pass beyond any known number in the law of averages what does more than one hundred mean?

It can only mean one thing . It means that GOD has proved that HE exists and that the Bible is HIS book to us.

2. Where to find predictions

You can find lists of predictions on the Internet simply for the asking. Search using requests like Bible study predictions or Messianic predictions.

II Creation

The other way GOD proves HIS existence is creation. I have previously answered a question on creation so for the sake of brevity I would like to ask that you go to that post dated September 18 and answering the question that starts "I am a scientist."

The question you asked is of extreme importance because what is the sense of looking for GOD unless we believe HE exists?

"And without faith it is impossible to please GOD

because

Anyone who comes to HIM must believe that HE exists

and

that HE rewards those who earnestly seek HIM"

----Hebrews 11:6

---Don

Isaiah 41:21-23

I serve at a church that supports charismatic doctrines...

This is Todd Breiner here, and I chose to answer your post because I too am involved in youth ministry and I recently was involved in a situation very similar to this. Where a youth worker held different doctrine from their church and did not agree with the direction the church was going. I advised that youth worker to find another church.

If you are opposed to the doctrines that your church teaches, you should seriously consider switching churches. Even though you as a youth worker may be teaching what you believe to be proper doctrine, once those students leave the youth ministry they will be bombarded with doctrine that you believe to be false. Simply if you don't believe in the direction or the doctrine of the church it would be unhealthy for you to be there.

Maybe this verse will help...

Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
1 Timothy 4:16

How did the Disciples Die?

Hey Samuel,
The Lord Jesus said that all the disciple would die a martyr's death except one, John, the beloved disciple. Eventhough John did not die a Martyr's death he was boiled in oil and later exiled to the isle of Patmos. One verse that keeps coming to my head is John 16:33, which says, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." As you read on, remember that their lives were an example to us, to live our lives all to HIM.
1. Andrew - crucified
2. Bartholomew - beaten then crucified
3. James, son of Alphaeus - stoned to death
4. James, son of Zebedee - beheaded
5. John - exiled for his faith; died of old age
6. Judas (not Iscariot) - stoned to death
7. Matthew - speared to death
8. Peter - crucifed upside down
9. Philip - crucified
10. Simon - crucified
11. Thomas - speared to death
12. Matthias - stoned to death

Paul who was a key person in the writing of the new testament also was martyred. He was beheaded. In Philippians 1:21 he states, "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain."
Lets live for Him
Pastor Jorge

How are hope and faith related?

Hello Jules

In a nutshell hope is seeing things clearly and faith is what we do now that we see things clearly.

A good verse for seeing these two words together is Hebrews 11:1

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for

and certain of what we do not see.

This what the ancients were commended for."

I. Definition of Faith and Hope

A. hope :

The Greek word translated hope is (elpis.) The simple meaning of which is, "favorable and confident expectation." Hope is the happy anticipation of good.

B. Faith:

The Greek word translated faith is (pistis). It's simple definition is: "trust, the conviction of the truth of anything, firm persuasion."

So what does that mean in practical terms?Let's use an example to make sense of that definition.

Suppose you need a job. You respond to one add in the paper and you go for an interview. What do you see when you get to the business and meet the boss for the interview? The building is what you see first and it is a dilapidated thing with peeling paint everywhere, weedy flower beds, and a window with a hole in it .

You open the door and enter. Sitting behind a cluttered desk piled high with papers, Styrofoam cups, and unpaid bills sits a dishevelled man with a lit cigarette dangling to the side of his mouth and a three days growth of beard. He is the owner.

You don't have a good feeling about this but you are there and you sit down for the interview. An hour later you leave with a job offer and a promise to pay you eight hundred dollars a week with full medical benefits. You have no confidence that the business has the ability to pay you that so you decline and go to the next interview.

When you get to the next business you find the complete opposite. The building sparkles with fresh paint and flowers, the parking lot has been freshly painted and several nice cars are parked outside.

Entering in you see an orderly and busy workplace and you are ushered into the managers office by a business-like secretary. This is a subsidiary of the IBM corporation. An hour later the job is offered and you accept. Why?

Because you saw clearly that you could trust this place to fulfill its promises (Hope). based on seeing this you you accepted the job (Faith). Then what does faith do? Faith causes you to work Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday without daily compensation on the promise that on Friday you would be paid all at once for all five days.

So at this point we see that hope is seeing things clearly and faith is what we do now that we see things clearly

II. Application

All of the eleventh chapter of Hebrews is a wonderful application of the dynamic between faith and hope. My personal favorite is verse six.

"And without faith it is impossible to please GOD,

because anyone who comes to HIM

must believe that HE exists

and that HE rewards those who diligently seek HIM."

A. Three things

1. It is impossible to please GOD without living a faith life.

2. That "faith living" springs from seeing clearly, vividly, in 30 font letters, and blaring trumpets that GOD really does exist.

3. It is in our best interests to seek HIM

B. I was an atheist

I remember so well the day I realized that GOD really did exist after all. It came as a shock.I am a very logical and sequential thinker so the next thought came to me right away. It went like this:

"Oh GOD really does exist....that changes everything!"

That is what the faith-hope dynamic does to people if they are treating the reality of GOD honestly. Because hope is seeing clearly that GOD exists and faith is picking up the ball and running with it.

Don

Hebrews 11:6

What is the purpose of life?

Hello John-

Very briefly our purpose is to live in such a manner that we bring glory to GOD.

On the surface this may seem very limiting but in truth it not only sets us free but we are totally fulfilled in the doing of it. Let's see why.

I. Some texts that tell us to bring glory to GOD

"In the same way, let your light shine before men,

that they may see your good deeds

and praise your father in heaven"

------Matthew 5:16

"Of all the commandments which is the most important?

The most important one answered Jesus, is this:

Hear O Israel the Lord our GOD is one

Love the Lord your GOD with all your heart

and with all your soul

and with all your mind

and with all your strength."

------Mark 12:28b-30

"The second is this:

Love your neighbor as yourself.

There is no commandment greater than these."

-----Mark 12:31

II. How do we glorify GOD?

A. Matthew 5:16

Notice some things found in Matthew five verse sixteen.

1. let (allow)

Each of us has the ability, the potential to glorify GOD. The only thing stopping us is our own decision to do so. We can choose to glorify GOD or we can choose not to. Sound simplistic. It is. It is also fundamental.

But than why do so many not glorify GOD? Because though simplistic in principal it is not simple in the doing. Why is that?

Because most people have not made an all

out commitment to being GOD centered in their life choices. They are mostly self centered.

To the degree we are self centered we will make choices that don't bring glory to GOD and we thus are purpose less in the truest sense of the thought. The more GOD centered we are the more we bring glory to GOD in our behaviour and at the same time come into harmony with the purpose for which GOD created us.

2. your light shine

There are three words here that are "illuminating".

The first one Your indicates that I possess something. It is not a theory that I possess it. It is a fact. There is a light in me.

a. light

If find it interesting that the Bible says that we are light( Ephesians 5:8) and also that GOD is light (1 John 1:5-6). It also tells us that we are made in the image and likeness of GOD. (Genesis 1:27)

b. shine

So when we let our light shine not only are we glorifying GOD but we are in harmony with HIM and with ourselves because that is what we have been created to do.

B. The key

You my be thinking, "Is there some key, some easily grasped formula to letting my light shine?"

There is! The key is love.

1. what is love?

Love is lack of self. We have been created to give ourselves away. Satan was all about self (Isaiah 14:12-14). Jesus was all about giving Himself away.

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served

but to serve,

and to give His life as a ransom for many."

----Mark 10:45

2. Choice

To the degree that we choose to give ourselves away (Love) we draw close to GOD. Conversely to the degree we choose to live for self we draw close to satan who is the antithesis of GOD .

GOD is love

Whoever lives in love

lives in GOD

and

GOD in him

----1 John 4:16b

3. To love people is to love GOD

Sometime we can be confused as to what loving GOD means? People have lived as hermits in caves, isolated from all other people trying to avoid sin. Others have tried to follow every rule in the Bible. But the real trick is to love people. 1 Corinthians 13 tells us how to do this. 1 John tells us that loving people is loving GOD.

" if anyone says, I love GOD

yet hates his brother, he is a liar

for anyone who does not love his brother

whom he has seen,

cannot love GOD,

whom he has not seen."

-----1 John4:20

III. To sum it all up

Our purpose is to live life in such a way that we bring glory to GOD. In doing so we come into harmony with GOD and find our greatest happiness.

In a way you may think of how a bird brings glory to GOD and see ourselves in the analogy. GOD created the bird. When a bird is healthy it sings. That song glorifies GOD because GOD put that ability to sing in the bird.

When we love others we glorify GOD because GOD put that ability to love inside us. Love is our song to GOD. Love is the purpose for which we have been created.

Your question is very important John. I am glad you asked it.

Don

Matthew 5:16