LOST IN THE CHURCH "[PART TWO]" THE CHURCH The Church is a very important instrument in the hands of the Lord. However, that does not mean that by simply looking to or depending on the Church, a person can be saved. The Church cannot heal a person, lead them into all truth, or even baptize them with the Holy Spirit. THE LORD alone is able to do all these things! Going to church every day of worship does not make someone a Christian. It is like taking a wheelbarrow to a garage every day and expecting it to be called a car. Reading the Word of God, preaching, or knowing some of the mysteries of salvation does not make someone a Christian either. If it were that easy, Lucifer would have been the number-one Christian! Therefore, Christianity is having a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus. And this relationship cannot exist unless a person is born again by the Holy Spirit. Being born again is not a secret matter. First, you yourself will know it, and everyone around you will see its fruits. Nevertheless, the Lord did not leave us in darkness. He gave us certain signs that would accompany His children wherever they go. There are many of these signs, and some of them can be read in Mark 16:17–18. Therefore, it is entirely possible for someone to have no visible faults in the eyes of people, to fit perfectly into a church, and to be highly respected and trusted by the pastor and the entire church, yet not be the same person before the living God. Being known by the church or by a pastor is very different from being known by God! And what will it profit us to be famous on earth if we are unknown in heaven? The truth is that there are many believers of this kind in churches, and I assure you, they are potential inhabitants of the eternal Hell that is so terrifying. As I say this, I remember once seeing the testimony of a certain servant of God who claimed to have been shown Hell. He wrote a shocking message saying: «"HELL IS FULL OF GOOD PEOPLE."» In other words: “Hell is filled with many people who were good on earth!” Christianity is not a religion. Nevertheless, one of the highest results of religion is that it can make a person civilized in the eyes of people and morally good. Yet goodness does not make a person enter heaven! The Scriptures clearly say that no one is good except God alone. Matthew 19:17. My brothers and sisters, the Church was intended to be a place with altars that help a person encounter the Lord Jesus. But if attending church is considered salvation itself, and nothing beyond that is happening, then let me tell you plainly: you are wasting your time. And undoubtedly, you may be on the list of people who are worshipping idols! Every altar must be alive and must connect Heaven with Earth. Otherwise, you are simply gathering as a society of people comforting one another, placing your hope in false expectations. For how can you have no relationship with God now and expect to have a relationship with Him in Heaven later? Heaven, just like Hell, is the continuation of the life a person has known on Earth. I think we should admit that we are entertaining ourselves with religion. Because if we truly encountered the Lord Jesus in our lives, how could we tolerate remaining in a place where the One we encountered is not present? If we have been able to tolerate such things until now, then the simplest explanation is this: we do not know the Lord, nor have we ever encountered Him. That is why we have been able to tolerate fake things, believing that those fake things are real! Water and wine are two different things. What happens when you take water to people who are accustomed to wine? Today, let us say soda and beer. What do you think would happen if you took soda to a wedding of beer drinkers? Surely, they would all leave, and you would remain only with those who had never tasted beer! And for those who have tasted Him, they will agree with me that there is no one as good and addictive as the Lord! Once you taste Him, you will spend the rest of your life here on Earth longing for Him, saying: «“Oh Lord, I need some more of You!”» And is this not the reason the Scriptures say: «“Taste and see that the LORD is good.” Psalm 34:8» And is that not also the reason the Lord said: «“Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:54» These days, it has become completely normal to enter a certain church and find that not even one person there has ever encountered the Lord—including the pastor himself! You find a pastor preaching about Jesus who appeared to, or was encountered by, other people—but not by him personally. Do you think there can be any spiritual morning in such a place? There are more churches of this kind today than the sand of the sea! My brothers and sisters, by saying these things, I do not mean to despise worship or any particular church. I simply want people to understand that the primary purpose of the Church is to lead people to the Lord. However, if a Church abandons this essential foundation and ends up controlling people, leading them into legalism, directing them toward ministers, programs, or certain religious institutional systems, then that Church can become an extremely dangerous place—perhaps even more dangerous than a drinking club. BABYLON, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS Prophetically, a woman represents a church. If you read about the prostitute woman described in Revelation 17, you will discover that this represents the FALSE CHURCH in the world. Essentially, this church is the greatest enemy of the Church of God. That is why you will see this woman drunk with the blood of the saints. «“I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints, with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement.” Revelation 17:6» Many people, when they read this prophecy, end up identifying the Roman Church as the one being referred to. However, this is a spirit of deception that exists everywhere. And this spirit may even be more deeply rooted in spiritual churches than in others. It is very remarkable that the revelation of this “woman” is connected to the revelation of the Tower of Babel when you read Genesis 11. Ultimately, the message here is a revelation of the Church—or any person—who attempts to approach God through human effort or religious zeal while rejecting the grace of the Cross of Jesus. This includes all people who approach a God who has not called them, worshipping God without knowing Him, without encountering Him, while placing their confidence in their works of the law and their own efforts. «“He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”» #ToBeContinued... Sir Ernest Nyalula +255616609885 #LostInTheChurch #Church #Christianity #BiblicalTruth #JesusChrist #KnowGod #BornAgain #HolySpirit #KingdomOfGod #SpiritualAwakening #ChristianTruth #Bible #Faith #JesusIsLord

First Love - Be the woman that waits outside. Within her, is a heart on fire. . . Burdened with love. Her thoughts consumed by the one that called her His, and With a smile sealed it in His blood. . . His joy is mesmerizing. . . Addictive! To hear His laugh. . Like a river released from captivity! Joy overflowing, and no human nature can stop it. While she works at home, her thoughts only on Him. . . Would He like it this way? What would He have done? WAIT!!!! I hear a sound outside! Is it Him??? Run to the door, look. . . NO, it is only the wind. . . My ear will be attentive to every little sound. . As i can not wait for my love to return! My heart is incomplete without the embrace of the Holy One of Israel.!!! Do you hear?? He calls!! From behond the hills, from behond the mountains! He is coming. . . And He is bringing great treasures with Him for His bride! Oh how long still??? I will go and tell the town, my love is coming! And they are all invited to our reunion! Matthew 25:13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. Matthew 25:5-6 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6 “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ #Jesus #christianlife #bibleverse #briseofChrisr #Jesusiscoming

CE QUE PAUL VOULAIT DIRE PAR « LA LOI DU PÉCHÉ ET DE LA MORT » (Lien vers le fichier Google Docs fourni dans les commentaires et à la fin pour faciliter la navigation parmi les citations bibliques cliquables) [Sauf indication contraire, les citations bibliques sont tirées de “La Bible Segond 21” (S21)] Paul a abondamment enseigné sur la grâce et la loi. Jean a simplement déclaré que la loi était venue par Moïse, mais que la grâce et la vérité étaient venues par Jésus-Christ (Jean 1:17). Mais c'est Paul qui a profondément développé le sujet de la grâce et de la loi, notamment dans l'épître aux Romains. Il est utile d'examiner l'ensemble de ses écrits pour mieux comprendre son enseignement. Isoler des fragments de ses paroles conduirait inévitablement à une mauvaise compréhension, comme l'a dit Pierre (2 Pierre 3:15-16). Notre étude s'appuiera sur les deux passages ci-dessous, afin de nous aider à mieux comprendre ce que Paul appelait « la loi du péché ». Romains 7:11-12, 14-15, 21-25 @11 Car le péché A PRIS APPUI sur le commandement : il m’a TROMPÉ et m’a fait mourir en se servant du commandement. @12 Ainsi, LA LOI ELLE-MÊME EST SAINTE, et LE COMMANDEMENT EST SAINT, JUSTE ET BON. … @14 Nous savons que LA LOI A ÉTÉ INSPIRÉE PAR L’ESPRIT DE DIEU, mais moi, je suis comme un homme livré à lui-même, vendu comme esclave au péché. @15 En effet, je ne comprends pas ce que je fais : je ne fais pas ce que je veux, et c’est ce que je déteste que je fais. … @21 Je DÉCOUVRE ainsi cette loi : lorsque JE VEUX FAIRE LE BIEN, c’est le mal qui est à ma portée. @22 DANS MON ÊTRE INTÉRIEUR, JE PRENDS PLAISIR À LA LOI DE DIEU. @23 MAIS JE VOIS BIEN QU’UNE AUTRE LOI est à l’œuvre dans mon corps : elle COMBAT la Loi qu’approuve ma raison et elle fait de moi LE PRISONNIER DE LA LOI DU PÉCHÉ qui agit dans mes membres. @24 Malheureux que je suis ! QUI ME DÉLIVRERA de ce corps voué à la mort ? @25 Dieu soit loué : C’EST PAR JÉSUS-CHRIST NOTRE SEIGNEUR. En résumé : moi-même, JE SUIS, PAR LA RAISON, AU SERVICE DE LA LOI DE DIEU, mais je suis, dans ce que je vis concrètement, esclave de la loi du péché. BDS Romains 8:1-4 @1 Il n'y a donc maintenant AUCUNE CONDAMNATION pour ceux qui sont en Jésus-Christ, lesquels ne marchent point selon la chair, MAIS SELON L'ESPRIT. @2 Parce que LA LOI DE L'ESPRIT de vie qui est en Jésus-Christ, m'a affranchi de LA LOI DU PÉCHÉ ET DE LA MORT. @3 Parce que ce qui ÉTAIT IMPOSSIBLE à la Loi, À CAUSE qu'elle était FAIBLE EN LA CHAIR, Dieu ayant ENVOYÉ SON PROPRE FILS en forme de chair de péché, et pour le péché, a condamné le péché en la chair ; @4 Afin que la justice de la Loi FÛT ACCOMPLIE EN NOUS, qui ne marchons point selon la chair, MAIS SELON L'ESPRIT. FMAR Dans Romains 7:22 et 23 nous voyons clairement ci-dessus que Paul fait référence à deux lois : la première étant la Loi de Dieu, et la seconde, « la loi du péché » qui agit en nous. Cette « loi du péché » est le principe directeur de la chair, et par conséquent, tout ce qui est fait par la chair sera toujours contraire à la Loi de Dieu, peu importe à quel point cela puisse paraître « bon » en apparence (Romains 8:6-8, Ésaïe 64:5 NBS). C’est pourquoi Paul s’opposait vigoureusement à toute action charnelle, car aussi « bonne » qu’elle puisse paraître, elle était alimentée par ce qui est contraire à la Loi de Dieu, c’est-à-dire par le principe de « la loi du péché ». Un facteur de distinction simple est que les actes de la chair ont TOUJOURS une motivation égocentrique, tandis que les actes de l'Esprit sont fondés sur l'AMOUR et profitent TOUJOURS aux autres. J'ai découvert cette distinction en écrivant le livre « Premiers pas dans le christianisme » ; au chapitre sept, où j'ai été amené à examiner les miracles de Jésus-Christ; j'ai observé qu'il n'a jamais accompli de miracle par intention égoïste, c'est-à-dire pour satisfaire sa faim ou ses désirs ; TOUS ses miracles étaient conformes aux principes de l'AMOUR (1 Corinthiens 13:4-7). Ce fut une révélation quant à la compréhension des actes de l'Esprit par opposition aux actes de la chair, ou à la nature pécheresse. J'aimerais beaucoup vous en dire plus à ce sujet, car cette découverte me passionne toujours, notamment par son aspect pratique. Je vous encourage toutefois à télécharger gratuitement le livre au format PDF via le lien fourni à la fin pour approfondir la question. Avant d'aborder plus en détail le sujet qui nous occupe, je tiens à clarifier un point en m'appuyant sur les principes distinctifs que je viens d'énoncer. Il convient de noter que, du point de vue de Dieu, tel que révélé par les Écritures, rien de bon ne peut sortir de la chair (Romains 7:18, 8:6-8). La chair, autrement dit la nature pécheresse, est régie par la « loi du péché », et de ce fait elle est totalement corrompue (2 Pierre 2:10). Toute tentative de faire le « bien » par la chair et ses principes serait TOUJOURS égocentrique. Elle ne serait jamais guidée par l'AMOUR et, de ce fait, ne vaudrait RIEN aux yeux de Dieu (1 Corinthiens 13:1-3). Par exemple, est-il bon de jeûner et d'être charitable ? À première vue, oui, si l'on s'en tient uniquement à une perspective humaine, qui ne considère que les apparences. Mais Dieu considère les choses selon le cœur et les motivations profondes ; ainsi, ce qui peut paraître « bon » et admirable aux yeux des hommes peut se révéler répréhensible aux yeux de Dieu, car Il évalue le CŒUR selon le principe de l'AMOUR, c'est-à-dire l'AMOUR pour Lui et pour le prochain (1 Sam 16:6-7, Luc 16:15, [Matthieu 6:1-6, 16-18, Ésaïe 58:2-11], [Matthieu 22:36-39, 1 Jean 4:20-21, 3:11-15]). C'est en cela que les autres religions diffèrent largement du christianisme. Généralement, dans les autres religions, on croit qu'en accomplissant de « bonnes » œuvres, on obtient la faveur et la miséricorde de Dieu, ce qui garantit le salut face à son jugement et à son châtiment. Du point de vue du Nouveau Testament, ce genre de « bonnes » œuvres relève de la chair, car la motivation est fondamentalement égocentrique. Le « bien » accompli l'est dans le but égoïste d'obtenir la faveur de Dieu ou des hommes ; il ne relève donc pas du principe d'amour, qui pousse à faire le bien principalement pour le bien d'autrui et parce que c'est la chose juste à faire (1 Corinthiens 10:24, Phil 2:3-4, Tite 3:8, Romains 12:9-18). En revanche, dans le christianisme, Dieu n'accepte que les œuvres accomplies dans l'Esprit d'AMOUR. Autrement dit, le service qui lui est rendu doit être rendu grâce à l'action de son Esprit, par l'expression de l'AMOUR et de la foi (Jean 4:24 BDS, 1 Pierre 4:11 BDS, 1 Corinthiens 15:10, 1 Thessaloniciens 1:3-6), PAS la chair (Actes 17:24-25, Romains 8:8). C'est pour cette raison que Jésus-Christ est venu, afin de nous rendre possibles la purification du péché et de permettre au Saint-Esprit de demeurer en nous (Luc 1:74-75). Ce n'est que lorsqu'une personne croit, reçoit le pardon de ses péchés et la purification par le sang de Jésus-Christ qu'elle est alors capable de recevoir le Saint-Esprit (Luc 24:47-49, Jean 7:38-39, 16:7 FMAR); et par conséquent, servir Dieu de manière acceptable et faire ce qui est bon à ses yeux (Hébreux 12:28). Mais du point de vue de Dieu, un incroyant est un pécheur. Même nous, chrétiens, étions autrefois pécheurs avant de croire en Jésus-Christ pour recevoir le pardon et la réconciliation avec Dieu (Éphésiens 2:1-3, Romains 5:6-8, 1 Corinthiens 6:9-11, 1 Jean 5:18, 2 Corinthiens 5:17-21). Ainsi, tant que nous étions pécheurs, chaque « bonne » œuvre que nous accomplissions était encore charnelle et, de ce fait, elle était inférieure aux normes justes de Dieu (Romains 3:23). Donc, si Dieu exigeait de BONNES œuvres pour le salut, aucun d'entre nous ne pourrait JAMAIS être sauvé, car nos « bonnes » œuvres accomplies par la chair sont toujours inférieures aux normes de Dieu (Ésaïe 64:5 NBS). Seules les œuvres de l'Esprit répondent aux critères de bonté de Dieu ; nous avons donc besoin de l'Esprit de Dieu pour nous guider vers ce qui est bon à ses yeux (Marc 10:18, *Ps 143:10*, Néhémie 9:20). Et puisque nous n'avons accès au Saint-Esprit qu'après le salut, nous sommes confrontés à l'IMPOSSIBILITÉ d'obtenir le salut par les BONNES œuvres (*Matthieu 19:25-26*). Dieu a intentionnellement rendu impossible à quiconque, hormis Jésus-Christ, d'atteindre les normes de BONTE telles qu'exprimées dans la Loi (Ésaïe 42:21, Romains 8:3-4). La raison en est que chacun soit tenu responsable devant Lui ; et il ne pourrait jamais être dit qu'Il devrait quoi que ce soit à quiconque pour qu'ils se vantent devant Lui (Romains 3:19-20, Éphésiens 2:8-9, 1 Corinthiens 1:29-31); Même Abraham ne peut se vanter devant Dieu (Romains 4:1-5). Ainsi, seul Dieu pouvait fournir la rançon pour la vie, et tous ceux qui étaient rachetés lui seraient éternellement redevables (Ps 49:8-9, 16, Job 17:3). Ainsi, personne ne peut être sauvé par de « bonnes » œuvres, car notre définition du « bien » ne correspond pas à la définition divine, qui tient compte des motivations cachées du cœur (Proverbes 21:2, *24:11-12*, 2 Corinthiens 5:10-12, Hébreux 4:12-13). L'évaluation globale de Dieu concernant le cœur humain est qu'il tend vers la méchanceté (Genèse 6:5, Jérémie 17:9-10 FMAR). Sans son aide et sa direction, nous nous égarerions tous vers la perversité. Le salut est donc l'œuvre de Dieu qui requiert simplement notre foi et notre engagement à lui permettre de poursuivre son œuvre en nous (Éphésiens 2:8-9, Phil 2:13). C'est Dieu qui attire une personne vers le Christ pour être sauvée (Jean 6:44, 1 Corinthiens 3:6-9); c'est toujours Dieu qui convainc et fait prendre conscience à une personne qu'elle doit se REPENTIR (2 Timothée 2:25 LSG, Actes 11:18 LSG, [2 Samuel 12:1-13, Psaume 51:3-15], 2 Corinthiens 7:10); et même la foi que l'on utilise pour croire en Jésus-Christ afin d'être sauvé est un don de Dieu souvent transmis par le Message de Vérité (Romains 10:17, 12:2-3). On ne peut donc pas obtenir le salut par ses propres mérites, ou en accomplissant de « bonnes » actions. Cela engendrerait de l'orgueil et un sentiment de réussite personnelle ou de droit acquis, c'est-à-dire le sentiment que tout vous est dû. Dieu ne permettrait pas à une personne orgueilleuse de se tenir devant lui (Daniel 4:26-29, 31, 34, 1 Pierre 5:5-6, Matthieu 23:12); l'orgueil est la marque du diable, que Dieu a banni de sa présence (Ézéchiel 28:16-17, Ésaïe 14:12-15). Je le répète donc, Dieu ne permettrait pas à une personne orgueilleuse d'être en sa présence. Mais celui qui reconnaît sa faiblesse recevra le salut lorsqu'il acceptera humblement le don gratuit de Dieu (2 Samuel 22:28 LSG), à savoir : la repentance (2 Tim 2:25 LSG), le DON de la foi (Rom 10:14-15, 17, *12:3*), le DON du salut par la personne de Jésus-Christ (Éphésiens 2:8, Romains 6:23), et le DON du Saint-Esprit (Actes 1:4-5, 2:38). L'HUMILITÉ est une condition préalable pour avoir une relation avec Dieu (Nombres 12:3, 6-8, Psaume 25:9-10, 14-18, Matthieu 11:29-30, Luc 18:9-14, Jacques 4:6-10). Ainsi, le salut par la foi est un signe d'HUMILITÉ, et cette même foi fut l'expression humble d'Abraham qui lui valut d'être reconnu comme l'ami de Dieu (Jacques 3:23, Romains 4:2-8, 16-17). Mais tenter d'atteindre le salut par les « bonnes œuvres » est un signe d'orgueil et de dépendance à l'égard de ses propres capacités plutôt qu'à l'égard de Dieu (Proverbes 3:5-7). Dans le christianisme, il nous est commandé de faire de bonnes œuvres, et Dieu récompense effectivement de telles œuvres (Éphésiens 2:10, Galates 6:7-10, Matthieu 10:41-42). Néanmoins, notre motivation à obéir à ce commandement n'est PAS pour notre propre bénéfice, mais plutôt par amour pour Dieu et pour notre prochain (Jean 14:15, 15:9-14, 1 Jean 3:16, 5:2-3, Galates 6:2, 1 Thessaloniciens 4:9-10, Tite 3:8). À mes frères et sœurs chrétiens qui lisent ceci, je vous en prie, examinez toujours votre cœur pour vous assurer que tout le bien que vous faites est inspiré par le Saint-Esprit et accompli par AMOUR (1 Corinthiens 13:1-7). Ne faites pas de bonnes actions pour obtenir l'approbation ou l'admiration des gens, ni par intérêt personnel, afin de recevoir quelque chose en retour (Matthieu 6:1-6, 16-18, 23:5-7, 27-28, Luc 18:10-14, *1 Corinthiens 4:5*). Faites le bien parce que c'est la bonne chose à faire, et parce que vous aimez Dieu et tous les êtres humains, même si ces personnes ne sont pas bonnes envers vous (Matthieu 5:43-48, Romains 12:17-21). Faites le bien pour glorifier Dieu et non pour vous glorifier vous-même (Jean 7:17-18, Matthieu 5:16, 2 Corinthiens 9:12-15, 1 Pierre 2:12, 3:16-17). Si vous faites le bien uniquement pour ce que vous pouvez obtenir en retour de Dieu ou des autres, alors malheureusement vous agirez selon les principes de la chair. Encore une fois, Dieu promet de récompenser nos bonnes actions (Galates 6:7-10, Matthieu 10:41-42). Mais si vous accomplissez ces bonnes actions uniquement pour obtenir des récompenses, et non par effusion d'AMOUR et sous l'impulsion du Saint-Esprit, vous risquez de développer un sentiment de droit acquis, ce qui engendre l'ORGUEIL ; et lorsque vous aurez le sentiment que vos attentes ne sont pas comblées, votre cœur pourrait se rebeller contre Dieu (Proverbes 19:3, Ézéchiel 18:29, Ésaïe 58:3-6, Malachie 3:13-18). Dieu ne doit rien à personne, mais nous lui devons tout (Jonas 4:5-11). Par conséquent, même nos bonnes actions ne l'obligent pas à faire quoi que ce soit de plus pour nous (Luc 17:7-10, Romains 11:34-36). Je crois que lorsque vous adopterez cet état d'esprit, vous serez mieux à même de servir dans un esprit d'AMOUR et d'HUMILITÉ, qui sont les vertus que Dieu désire de nous (Michée 6:8, Galates 5:22-23). J'ai consacré plus de temps que prévu à ce détour, mais j'étais convaincu qu'il fallait l'aborder. En lien avec notre étude, ce détour avait pour but de mettre en lumière les deux principes, ou lois, qui opèrent au cœur de chaque individu : la Loi de l'Esprit et l'AMOUR (Romains 8:2, 7:6, 2 Corinthiens 3:3&6), et la loi du péché et de la mort (Romains 7:21-25, 8:2). Chaque individu naît avec le système d’exploitation de « la loi du péché et de la mort » (Genèse 8:21, *Psaume 51:7*, Job 25:4, Romains 5:12, 18-19). Une fois qu'une personne est sauvée par la foi en Jésus-Christ, elle naît de nouveau par l'Esprit (Jean 1:12-13, 3:5-6, Tite 3:5); et l'Esprit introduit sa Loi, qui est le nouveau système d'exploitation appelé Grâce (Jean 1:17); cette Grâce est une version intériorisée de la Loi de Dieu, le Saint-Esprit nous enseignant et nous guidant personnellement (Jérémie 31:31-34, Jean 14:26, 16:13, 1 Jean 2:27, Tite 2:11-14); et cela permet d'atteindre l'objectif principal de la Loi de l'Ancienne Alliance grâce au principe de l'AMOUR (Galates 5:14, 22-23, Romains 13:8-10). J'ai déjà abordé ce sujet plus en détail dans les deux articles précédents ; les liens seront fournis à la fin. Voici maintenant la partie délicate dont la plupart des croyants n'ont pas conscience : deux systèmes d'action cherchent à s'exprimer en eux, à savoir : la chair, qui fonctionne selon « la loi du péché », et l'Esprit, qui fonctionne selon la loi de la grâce, qui est aussi une capacité/aide de Dieu (Jean 14:16-17, 26 NFC). Ainsi, un chrétien possède toujours une nature charnelle, c'est-à-dire une nature pécheresse, comme tout autre être humain, et cette nature est en constante opposition à l'Esprit (Galates 5:16-17, 1 Pierre 2:11). Mais nous, en tant que croyants, avons reçu le commandement de CRUCIFIER la nature charnelle/pécheresse, afin que sa « loi du péché » ne trouve PAS d'expression en nous (Galates 5:24-25, Romains 6:6-7, 11-18, 20-23). Chaque croyant doit comprendre ce conflit intérieur afin de mieux vivre la vie chrétienne à laquelle il est appelé (Éphésiens 4:1, 17-24, Colossiens 1:9-14). C’est pour cette raison que nous essayons de démystifier cette autre loi intérieure dont Paul a parlé, à savoir « la loi du péché » (Romains 7:23-25, 8:1-2). Les croyants doivent comprendre cela pour donner un sens à la douleur et à la déception qu'ils ressentent lorsqu'ils pèchent. Cela est dû au combat intérieur, et ce déplaisir est l'expression du Saint-Esprit pour vous conduire à la REPENTANCE (1 Jean 1:8-9 LSG, 2:1-2), NON pour vous condamner ou vous disqualifier (Jean 3:17-18, 2 Corinthiens 7:10). Lorsque vous comprenez ce conflit intérieur, vous êtes mieux placé pour être sensible aux désirs de l'Esprit et pour résister fermement aux désirs de la chair qui continuent de vous attirer (1 Corinthiens 9:27 NBS, 1 Pierre 2:11, Rom 12:1-2). Veuillez lire Proverbes 9:1-6, 9-11 & Proverbes 9:13-18, pour voir une illustration des deux voix s'adressant à chaque individu : la SAGESSE, représentante du Saint-Esprit (Éphésiens 1:17, Col 1:9-10 BDS), et la FOLIE, représentante respectivement de la nature charnelle/pécheresse. Ce n'est qu'en vivant par l'Esprit que l'on peut échapper à l'attrait et aux actions de cette « loi du péché et de la mort » contraire qui influence la chair (Galates 5:16-18, Romains 8:2-8). Comme je l'ai dit, nous naissons tous avec une nature pécheresse et la loi du péché qui régit nos désirs charnels. Il est possible de résister à ces désirs, mais ils seront toujours là, tapis dans l'ombre, à l'affût d'une occasion de se manifester. Résister à ces désirs, même s'ils peuvent être agréables ou réconfortants pour la chair, c'est ce que nous appelons vaincre la tentation (Jacques 1:14, 1 Corinthiens 10:13). Tant que nous serons humains, nous serons constamment confrontés à la tentation, mais nous avons la responsabilité d'y résister, surtout avec l'aide du Saint-Esprit lorsque nous nous soumettons à lui. Le Saint-Esprit était avec Jésus-Christ, et je crois que c'est grâce à Son AIDE que Jésus-Christ a SURMONTÉ les tentations que le diable a apportées (Matthieu 4:1). Notez que Jésus-Christ était pleinement humain, possédant donc une chair comme la nôtre (Romains 8:3, Galates 4:4-5, Phil 2:7-8, Hébreux 2:14). S'il n'était pas pleinement humain, il lui serait impossible d'être tenté dans son état divin (Jacques 1:13, Hébreux 2:17-18, 4:15). En même temps, Il était pleinement Dieu, et ce parce que, même s'Il a renoncé à Sa Divinité avant de venir sur terre (Phil 2:6-7, Jean 17:5 LSG), Il était pleinement doté du Saint-Esprit (Luc 1:35, Matthieu 3:16, Ésaïe 11:2-3, Jean 3:34), qui est lui-même Dieu selon la doctrine de la Trinité. Ainsi, Jésus-Christ était pleinement humain et, en même temps, pleinement divin, grâce au Saint-Esprit ; de même, nous sommes pleinement humains, mais par le Saint-Esprit nous avons été invités à participer à la nature divine, et c’est pourquoi nous avons aussi la capacité, comme Jésus-Christ, de résister à la tentation et au péché (2 Pierre 1:3-4, Ephésiens 4:22-24). Jésus-Christ a été tenté comme nous en tout point, MAIS IL N'A JAMAIS PÉCHÉ (Hébreux 2:18, 4:15). La nature pécheresse n'est PAS le péché en soi, c'est simplement le système d'exploitation qui nous rend enclins au péché. Mais comme nous venons de le souligner, Jésus-Christ a pris notre même chair, possédant ainsi la nature pécheresse de la chair (Romains 8:3, Galates 4:4-6), MAIS il n'a JAMAIS permis à cette nature de s'exprimer malgré les nombreuses tentations auxquelles il a été confronté. Même lorsqu'il s'est agi de sa mission finale de souffrir et de mourir, il a été de nouveau tenté de désobéir à ce que Dieu l'avait envoyé accomplir sur terre, mais il n'y a pas cédé. Cette tentation lui est venue pour la première fois par l'intermédiaire de Pierre (Matthieu 16:21-23, Jean 14:30-31); et deuxièmement, lorsque Jésus fut accablé d'angoisse dans sa chair, alors qu'il priait à Gethsémani juste avant son arrestation et sa crucifixion (Matthieu 26:37-39). Bien que la nature pécheresse exerce une influence considérable sur les comportements humains, elle n'a PAS de contrôle ABSOLU sur nos actions. C'est une vérité que beaucoup doivent comprendre. Nous vivons dans une société addictive où il semble que les gens soient « programmés » pour être dépendants de quelque chose ou d'autre, que ce soit des appareils mobiles et des écrans, des substances ou des comportements addictifs. On nous fait alors croire que nous n'avons d'autre CHOIX que d'embrasser cette nature addictive. La vérité, cependant, est que cette nature pécheresse peut être vaincue par Jésus-Christ, et c'est ce que Paul enseignait (Romains 7:14-25). Les addictions ont la force compulsive d'une « loi » qui pousse les gens à agir selon un certain schéma, et ils ont l'impression qu'ils ne pourraient jamais s'en libérer. Mais en Christ, on est LIBÉRÉ de la culpabilité et de la condamnation (Galates 5:1, 13, Hébreux 10:21-23); et une Nouvelle Loi est imposée, la Loi de l'Esprit, pour nous libérer de l'autre « loi du péché » (Romains 8:1-2). C’est en se SOUMETTRE à cette Nouvelle Loi de l’Esprit que l’on est libéré de « la loi du péché » (Romains 6:4-22). Dans le passé, c'est-à-dire dans l'Ancien Testament, il était encore POSSIBLE de RÉSISTER à l'appel de la nature pécheresse, mais c'était beaucoup plus difficile et souvent infructueux (Genèse 4:6-8). Mais maintenant, c'est beaucoup plus facile avec l'AIDE du Saint-Esprit, à condition de nous soumettre à Lui. Si nous nous SOUMETTONS à la volonté de Dieu telle qu'exprimée par le Saint-Esprit (Col 1:9 BDS, 1 Jean 2:17, 24-27, 1 Pierre 4:1-2), alors nous serions tout comme Jésus-Christ (Jean 4:34), et ce faisant, nous vivrions au-dessus de l'influence de la nature pécheresse dans notre chair (Galates 5:16-18). À propos de ressembler à Jésus-Christ, j'ai écrit une courte série en trois parties sur ce sujet. Je vous ajouterai les liens à la fin si cela vous intéresse. Lorsque Paul enseignait sur « la loi du péché », il ne cherchait pas à dire que la Loi de Dieu était pécheresse. Il montrait qu'en nous, une autre « loi » était à l'œuvre, contradictoire avec la Bonne Loi de Dieu (Romains 7:12, 14, 21-23). Cette autre « loi » nous a poussés à nous rebeller contre la Loi de Dieu. Face à cet état d'impuissance, nous avons fait appel à Dieu, qui nous délivre de « la loi du péché » par Jésus-Christ et le Saint-Esprit, qui à son tour rend la Loi de Dieu accessible et applicable (Romains 7:24-25, 8:1-4). De plus, Paul a montré que cette autre « loi » était responsable des actes de la chair, qui ne pouvait PAS se soumettre à la Loi de Dieu, c'est-à-dire REBELLE contre la Loi de Dieu (Romains 8:7-8). Puisque la chair ne peut véritablement se soumettre à la Loi de Dieu, cela signifie que toute tentative de la chair d'observer les commandements de Dieu serait vaine. C'est un point que Paul n'a cessé de souligner dans toutes ses lettres. Il n'était pas contre la Loi de Dieu, contrairement à ce que certains pensent (Romains 3:31, *1 Timothée 1:8*); il était contre le fait de tenter de respecter la Loi de Dieu par la chair, et de le faire par des interprétations de la « sagesse » humaine (1 Corinthiens 2:13-14, Jacques 3:13-17). Par exemple, certains ont soutenu que la circoncision était nécessaire au salut (Actes 15:1). Je crois que c'est la raison pour laquelle Paul fait référence à la question de la circoncision dans ses lettres (Tite 1:10-11). Paul s'y est opposé avec véhémence, car se faire circoncire pour être sauvé ou pour recevoir quoi que ce soit de Dieu serait une œuvre de la chair et un motif de vantardise, comme nous l'avons expliqué précédemment (Phil 3:2-3). Il a toutefois souligné que ce qui compte vraiment, c'est la foi et l'amour, qui sont des expressions de l'Esprit, et non de la chair (Galates 5:6, 6:13-15, 1 Corinthiens 7:19, Romains 2:26-29, Col 2:11). Il n'eut aucun problème à circoncire Timothée, qui était à moitié juif (Actes 16:1-3); mais cet acte n'était pas en soi une nécessité pour le ministère, mais visait à apaiser la conscience des gens qui savaient que Timothée était en partie grec (1 Corinthiens 8:11-13, 10:31-33). Ainsi, là où Paul lutte avec vigueur, c'est lorsque les gens essaient, par la voie de la chair, de faire des progrès spirituels (Galates 3:2-5). Malheureusement, beaucoup de gens, en s'épuisant physiquement, font un travail inutile en pensant qu'ils seront considérés comme justes pour cela (Romains 9:30-32). Mais Dieu instaurait une justice qui s'obtenait par la FOI. Cette FOI était liée au nouveau système juridique administré par le Saint-Esprit par l'AMOUR. Romains 3:25, 27 @25 C'est lui que Dieu s'est proposé de constituer en EXPIATION, AU MOYEN DE LA FOI, PAR SON SANG, pour montrer sa justice ; parce qu'il avait laissé impunis les péchés commis auparavant, … @27 OÙ DONC EST LA FIERTÉ ? Elle est EXCLUE. Par quelle loi ? Celle des œuvres ? Non, mais par LA LOI DE LA FOI. NBS Vivre selon ce nouveau système de foi signifie vivre en obéissance aux enseignements de Jésus-Christ et aux Écritures, qui sont la Parole de Dieu pour nous guider (Matthieu 28:19-20, 2 Timothée 3:16-17). Il n'y a aucune promesse que l'obéissance à Dieu soit facile et confortable pour la chair. Au contraire, en ce qui concerne la chair, elle sera plutôt inconfortable (2 Timothée 3:10-12); mais même alors, par l'Esprit, la paix et le réconfort nous sont promis face aux épreuves (1 Thessaloniciens 1:6, Jean 16:33, 2 Corinthiens 1:3-7, 10). Cette paix est inestimable et n'a pratiquement aucun sens dans le naturel, compte tenu des circonstances (Jean 14:27, Phil 4:7, [Matthieu 5:10-12, Actes 5:40-41]); mais pour le Chrétien vivant par l'Esprit, cette paix et cette joie valent tout (1 Pierre 1:5-9). Cependant, un problème se pose pour le Chrétien qui, par ignorance, se concentre sur la chair et perd de vue l'Esprit et la Parole de Dieu (Luc 8:11, 13-14). Nous devons tous prendre conscience qu'en tant que chrétiens, nous avons encore la chair, sujette à la faiblesse et à la tentation (Matthieu 26:41, 1 Corinthiens 10:13). Et cette connaissance doit nous préparer à CHOISIR activement de crucifier la chair, NIANT ainsi ses désirs, tout en choisissant de faire ce qui plaît à l'Esprit. Je crois que c'est pourquoi Paul a développé son exposé sur : la nature charnelle/pécheresse ; son action à travers « la loi du péché » ; la Loi de Dieu ; le rôle du Saint-Esprit ; et la portée concrète de la grâce. Je crois qu'en comprenant pleinement ces vérités, nous mûrirons dans notre cheminement de foi chrétienne. Un nourrisson n'a que peu ou pas de contrôle sur son corps et un seuil d'endurance ou de tolérance à la douleur/aux difficultés extrêmement bas. Mais un individu mature a le CONTRÔLE de son corps et un seuil plus élevé pour endurer la douleur et les difficultés (Hébreux 5:12-14, 10:32-39, Jacques 1:2-4, 2 Corinthiens 6:4-10…). Et en fait, la MAÎTRISE DE SOI fait partie de l'administration du Saint-Esprit (Galates 5:22-23, 2 Timothée 1:7 NFC, 1 Thessaloniciens 4:4 BDS). Un Chrétien qui ignore la présence de sa chair et la nécessité de dompter ses désirs serait déconcerté de voir de vieilles habitudes, qu'il déteste, revenir le hanter, même après avoir goûté aux bienfaits du salut et de la vie chrétienne (Romains 6:20-22, 2 Pierre 2:18-22). C'est à cause de cette lutte interne chez chaque chrétien que Paul a dit que nous devrions faire attention à ne PAS faire tout ce que nous voulons (Galates 5:16-17, *1 Corinthiens 6:12*). Lorsque quelqu'un agit selon son propre désir, sans consulter le Saint-Esprit, il marche selon la chair, et « la loi du péché » ne tarde pas à trouver l'occasion de s'exprimer d'une manière ou d'une autre. Mais lorsqu'on est conscient de la présence de la chair, on peut alors enrayer toute action, même celles qui paraissent « bonnes », car on sait pertinemment que tout ce qui est produit par « la loi du péché », ou par la chair, ne sera JAMAIS agréable à Dieu (Romains 8:8). C'est un chemin vers la maturité auquel les chrétiens doivent accorder un peu plus d'attention. Beaucoup de chrétiens se sont éloignés de la foi parce qu'ils ne comprenaient pas, ou ne reconnaissaient pas, le conflit intérieur, ou comment y remédier. Un peu de pression et ils craquent. Ils ne comprennent pas concrètement l'appel de Jésus à se renier et à porter leur croix chaque jour (Luc 9:23-26); ils ne comprennent pas non plus les enseignements de Paul qui enjoignent de crucifier les désirs de la chair (Galates 5:24-25). Ils ont négligé leurs responsabilités, et le péché a donc ressurgi et les a étouffés hors de la foi. Il est donc grand temps que nous comprenions ces choses afin que chacun d'entre nous puisse se tenir debout (Galates 6:3-5). Et ayant résisté à la tentation de tomber (2 Pierre 3:17-18), nous sommes alors mieux placés pour aider nos frères et sœurs qui ont trébuché par manque de compréhension (Osée 4:6, Galates 6:1-2, Matthieu 7:5, Jacques 5:19-20, 1 Pierre 4:7-8). J'aurais beaucoup plus à dire sur ce sujet, mais je pense qu'il vaut mieux m'arrêter là pour l'instant. Ce sujet, et bien d'autres, sont abordés dans le livre « Premiers Pas Dans le Christianisme », dont je vous propose le lien pour télécharger gratuitement le PDF. J'espère que cette étude vous aura été utile d'une manière ou d'une autre ; et j'espère qu'à votre tour, vous serez une source de bénédiction pour les autres grâce à ce que vous avez appris. Merci de votre temps et que Dieu vous bénisse. Shalom ! {La plateforme semble rencontrer des difficultés pour analyser les liens français. Il vous faudra peut-être copier l'intégralité du lien et le coller dans un navigateur, ou dans votre application de traitement de texte ou de notes, afin de pouvoir cliquer dessus plus facilement. Veuillez nous excuser pour ce désagrément} Pour le poste actuel : https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/CE_QUE_PAUL_VOULAIT_DIRE_PAR_LA_LOI_DU_PÉCHÉ_ET_DE_LA_MORT/ Lien vers la version originale en Anglais : https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/What_Paul_Meant_by-The_Law_of_Sin_and_Death-Rom_7and8/ Vous pouvez également suivre ce lien vers la publication Facebook. Les liens y fonctionnent parfaitement : https://www.facebook.com/share/p/187iPaAkns/ Et pendant que vous y êtes, pensez à aimer et à suivre la page 🙏 : https://www.facebook.com/share/1EjeJLJSLC/ Les deux articles précédents : https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/L'ANCIEN_TESTAMENT_EST_L'OMBRE_DE_LA_NOUVELLE_ALLIANCE/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/COMMENT_JÉSUS_PEUT-IL_PAYER_POUR_LES_PÉCHÉS_DES_AUTRES/ Série « Être Comme Jésus » : https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/ÊTRE_COMME_JÉSUS-SÉRIE_COMPLÈTE/ Désolé(e), pour le moment, les livres sont uniquement en anglais, mais je m'efforce de les publier en français rapidement. Dès que les versions françaises seront prêtes, je mettrai à jour les liens. N'hésitez pas à revenir vérifier leur disponibilité. Merci. Pour obtenir gratuitement le PDF de « Premiers Pas Dans le Christianisme » : https://selar.com/EarlyStepsInChristianity Pour les exemplaires brochés ou reliés : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKW4H91N Pour obtenir gratuitement le PDF de « Les Fêtes Bibliques de Dieu » : https://selar.com/TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod Pour les exemplaires brochés : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKPP5N6J Suite du livre, « Les Fêtes Bibliques de Dieu » : https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/CHIFFRES_ET_CODES_BIBLIQUES-PARTIE_1/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/CHIFFRES_ET_CODES_BIBLIQUES-PARTIE_2/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/CHIFFRES_ET_CODES_BIBLIQUES-SÉRIE_COMPLÈTE/ … Veuillez aimer et suivre ma page Facebook pour ce contenu et bien d'autres contenus Chrétiens, merci🙏 : https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cv9QngSUc/ … Je vous encourage également à consulter les ressources suivantes : https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/LES_ORIGINES_DE_PÂQUES/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/JÉSUS-CHRIST_L'AGNEAU_DE_LA_PÂQUE-SÉRIE_COMPLÈTE/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/LE_PRÉMISSE_DU_CHRISTIANISME/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/JÉSUS-CHRIST_LE_RÉDEMPTEUR/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/S'INSTALLER_SUR_UN_HÉRITAGE_ET_LAISSER_UN_HÉRITAGE_DERRIÈRE_LUI/ #Jésus #JésusChrist #Théologie #Christianisme #ÉtudeBiblique #LaBible #Écriture #ParoleVivante #Vérité #ÉtudeBibliqueAvecDanielOlatunji #Gratuit #LivresGratuits #PremiersPasDansLeChristianisme #LesFêtesBibliquesDeDieu #SaintEsprit #Foi #Grâce #LaLoi #ApôtrePaul #PéchéEtMort #VaincreLaTentation #VieVictorieuse

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🌺🌹🎁🎀💝 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY. SUNDAY MAY 3, 2026. "HOOKED ON URGENCY" ‘There is a time for everything.’ Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV URGENCY IS stressful. It’s also addictive, and if you find yourself habitually reacting to outside demands, you may be ‘hooked’. Like any addiction, urgency temporarily meets your need to feel needed. It creates a sense of ‘getting things done’, falsely enhances your self-esteem, yet tends to make problems worse because mostly ‘haste makes waste’. If you’re hooked on urgency, here are two things to consider: 1) in today’s society busyness equals status. People expect you to be in demand. But while constantly abandoning your goals to help others accomplish theirs may make you feel appreciated, it can sidetrack you from your real purpose and create in you a false sense of importance. The Bible says, ‘God gives ability to all for their particular service’ (1Corinthians 12:6 GNT). The lion’s share of your time should be spent doing what God called you to do, not fulfilling the demands and expectations of others. 2) identifying your response pattern can help set you free. Sometimes it’s hard to say no because as a Christian you feel obligated. But not every ‘need’ is a directive from God to jump in and meet it! Try to be discerning. Your decision to get involved should come from God, so before you react, pray for wisdom and guidance. The Bible says, ‘In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths’ (Proverbs 3:6). If you’re a ‘fixer’ you probably enjoy solving problems, meeting needs, and influencing behaviour and outcomes. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. You just need to recognise you’re vulnerable to the urgent, and become more priority-minded. Bible In A Year:Num 25-26; Mark4:13-25; Ps37:32-40; Pro11:7-8. Courtesy: Grace So Amazing Foundation 💝🎀 *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.*💝🌹🌷🎀. MD.ii. A DIFFERENT VIEW TO DEATH "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing." - 2 Timothy 4:7-8 Death should not be a difficult subject to God's children. The wonderful and beautiful outlook at the end of someone's life is made dark by the black clothes, black cars, body carriers in black, mourning cards with a black border, etc. It is all about mourning and defeat. I feel that I have to try to change the view of God's children on this subject. Transitioning from an earthly to a heavenly life is the most beautiful part of the entire life journey for a child of God. As the Bible says, we will then defeat the last enemy. From God's point of view The point is whether you view death from a human or a divine point of view. We should of course respectfully pay our last respects to the dead. But from God's point of view, the person who dies in the Lord, is delivered from the chains (the body) that used to hold him. When you go to heaven, you are finally free from this body that was sick or deteriorating. We mourn while this person is already in heavenly glory for some days by now. I hope we see death differently. God's children have eternal hope; we have our Lord Jesus Christ whom we long for. Paul does not use the word death. He says: 'The time for my departure is near' (2 Timothy 4:6). He actually says: 'I am going to leave this earthly temple, in which I have lived all those years. I am going to exchange it for a heavenly temple.' Paul heard the footsteps of his executioners, but he was ready. It would not be long before he would sit at the table for a feast with the King. Dear reader, when your time is there, let go of the earthly life with joy. We are going to a wonderful place and there will be neither death nor sorrow. https://www.theblessingdevotional.com 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer This [is] the day [which] the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. ⏤ Psalm 118:24 The soul needs Sabbath to rest and recharge. ⏤ Wesley L. Duewel O God, we thank You for this holy Sunday. It is Your day, honored and made sacred by You from the beginning. It was made even more holy by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is full of holy hopes as it reminds us of the eternal rest in Heaven. We thank You for all that this day means to us in our personal lives and for the blessings it has brought to our home. We thank You for its quiet rest, that we can cease from our weekday toil and spend the day with You. May You make this a day of real blessing to us. May Heaven’s windows be opened, and may holy blessings be poured upon us. Bless our home life today. May we grow closer together as a family. May our affection be sweetened. Fill our hearts with Your love—then we will love each other as we should. Bless our home conversation. May it be beneficial to us, ministering grace to our hearts, and may it be worthy of the day. Help us to shut out of our lives anything that is worldly or unworthy of You. May Your Spirit fill our home, bringing gentle, enriching influences. Bless our worship in Your house. Go with us and help us to honor You in the public services. Open our eyes to see wonderful things in Your word. Sanctify the worship and instruction we receive in the sanctuary. May we be so blessed in our hearts by waiting on You that we will be ready for good service all week. Help us also to be a blessing to others today. Fill us with Your Spirit so that every life that touches ours will receive a blessing from us. We ask all these Sunday blessings from Your hand, humbly, faithfully, and joyfully, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/28/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

ADDICTED TO APPROVAL (Part 4) How Social Media Wires You for Approval Social media did not create the approval problem. But it handed it a megaphone, a scoreboard, and a 24-hour broadcast channel. Before #smartphones, approval-seeking had natural limits. You could only perform for the people in the room. Feedback was slow, social circles were small, and there were hours in the day when no one was watching. That gave a person time to simply exist without an audience. That space is gone now. And what replaced it is rewiring an entire generation from the inside. The Machine in Your Pocket Here is what is actually happening when you post something and wait for the response. Social media platforms leverage the same neural circuitry used by slot machines and cocaine to keep users engaged. When users receive positive #feedback online, dopamine receptors activate and action potentials propagate through neural networks, creating short-term feedback loops that lure users back for more. That is not a metaphor. It is neuroscience. The same brain chemistry that drives substance addiction is triggered every time you get a like, a comment, or a new follower. The platform designers know this. They built the systems this way deliberately. #Scientists have found that every time you get a notification, a like, or watch a video you enjoy, your brain's reward system, specifically the nucleus accumbens, gets activated. Social media is designed to keep you #hooked, much like gambling. Scientists call this delay discounting, where you choose the immediate reward of scrolling over something more important, like studying, sleeping, or spending time with people in real life. Every pull-to-refresh is a slot machine pull. Every notification is a small hit. And just like any #addictive substance, the brain adjusts. Over time, you need more to feel the same effect. The more you use social media, the harder it becomes for your brain to resist it. The brain starts pruning #neurons to make the reward pathway faster. The shorter pathway means rewards feel faster, but it also makes you more impulsive and less able to stop scrolling. Over time, this pruning shrinks areas like the amygdala and nucleus accumbens, which are key for controlling emotions and making #decisions. This is not about willpower. The platform is winning a biological battle against a brain that was never designed to handle this volume of social feedback. Why Young People Are Most Vulnerable The timing of all this matters enormously. Starting around age 10, children's brains undergo a #fundamental shift that spurs them to seek social rewards, including attention and approval from peers. Social media activity is closely tied to the ventral striatum, a brain region that receives a dopamine rush whenever we experience social rewards. In #adults, two factors reduce the harm: a fixed sense of self that relies less on peer feedback, and a more mature prefrontal cortex that helps regulate emotional responses to social rewards. Young people have neither of these advantages. Read that again. The years when young people are most biologically driven to seek peer approval are the exact years they are handed devices that deliver or withhold that #approval in real time, at scale, around the clock. For the first time in human history, we have given up autonomous control over our social relationships and interactions, and now allow machine learning and artificial intelligence to make decisions for us. As APA chief science officer Mitch Prinstein put it, what is scarier is considering how this may be changing brain development for an entire generation. The Scoreboard Nobody Asked For Before social #media, you could share something and simply not know how many people approved of it. That uncertainty was actually a protection. It forced you to develop your own internal standard. Now everything is quantified. Posts have counts. Profiles have follower numbers. Every piece of content you put into the world comes back with a score. According to research from the Pew Research Center, 59 percent of teenagers report feeling pressure to look good or appear successful on #social media, which erodes self-worth and heightens anxiety. That #pressure is not incidental. It is structural. The platform is built around visibility metrics. When you post and the number is low, your brain registers it as social rejection. When the number is high, it delivers a reward. You did not choose to play this game. But the moment you opened the app, you were entered into it. New likes and new content on social media trigger dopamine again and again, making young people think more and more frequently about what is happening on their feeds, which leads to #anxiety and emotional lows described as depressive states. The result is a person who wakes up and immediately reaches for their phone, not because they want information, but because they need to check the score. They need to know where they stand. They need the approval to start their day. The Comparison Trap Social media does not just measure approval. It manufactures comparison. Every scroll is a curated highlight reel of other people's best moments, best angles, best outcomes. Vacations, achievements, relationships, bodies. All of it filtered, staged, and selected for maximum #impact. The dopamine deficit that follows heavy social media use manifests as depression and anxiety, mimicking the same #symptoms and feelings. Over time, these effects alter the synaptic plasticity of specific brain pathways involved in reward and emotional regulation. A young person comparing their internal reality, their doubts, their struggles, their ordinary Tuesday, to someone else's curated external performance will always come up short. And when that comparison happens hundreds of times a day, the cumulative damage to self-image is significant. This feeds directly into approval #addiction. The young person sees what gets applauded online and begins adjusting themselves accordingly. The clothes they wear, the opinions they express, the places they go, the relationships they show. All of it gets filtered through the question: will this get approved? The self becomes a product. The audience becomes the standard. What the Bible Understood Before the Algorithm Did Proverbs 4:23 says to guard your heart above all else, because everything you do flows from it. The heart, in #biblical terms, is the inner life: your values, your identity, your sense of self. It is the source from which your decisions emerge. Social media is a direct assault on that inner life. It trains you to look outward for direction, to let the crowd determine what is worth keeping and what needs to be cut. It replaces the internal compass with an external scoreboard. Matthew 6:1 records Jesus warning against performing #righteousness before people to be seen by them. The entire logic of social media performance runs against this. Post to be seen. Perform to be validated. Exist only insofar as the audience confirms your existence. That is not freedom. That is a very sophisticated cage. The Exit Is Not Deactivation Deleting the app will not fix what the app exposed. If the approval addiction was there before the platform, it will find another outlet. The phone is not the root problem. The emptiness that the phone exploits is. The real work is building something inside you that does not collapse when the numbers are low. An identity anchored in something more stable than public opinion. A sense of #worth that does not refresh with the feed. That is what the next post addresses: how to break free, and what it actually takes to build a self that does not need the crowd's permission to exist. The series continues. #fypシ゚ #fyp #foryouシ #foryoupage #viralpost #fypシ #foryou #fypviralシ #davidwrites

STORACALS OF PROPHECY # 21 Hello friends, family, and my brothers, and sisters in Christ. This is Brother Johnny Gass. Welcome to Bible study. Study to show thyself to approved unto God, a Workman unashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 Please share these lessons with everyone you know for the expansion of the kingdom of God. Voice in the Wilderness. Jesus said, "Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist." Matthew 11:11. What do we know about this solitary man whom Jesus called the greatest of the prophets? When John began preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, people came from miles around to hear this powerful, fearless, and humble messenger. In glaring contrast to the religious leaders of the day, his life was marked with holiness and simplicity. While the priests wore luxurious clothing, John wore a modest garment of camel hair with a leather belt. While they were feasting, John was fasting or eating locusts (carob pods) and wild honey. He refused to drink any wine or strong drink, that he might be filled with the Spirit of God (Luke 1:15). Rather than ornate synagogues, John chose the rivers and rocky valleys as his cathedral for preaching. Soon people were asking, "Could this man be Elijah?" John did dress like the Old Testament prophet, but he was not Elijah reincarnated. The angel Gabriel had explained to John's parents before his birth that he would go "in the spirit and power of Elias [the Greek word for "Elijah"] ... to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." Luke 1:17. The key to John's ministry was that he would have the same power of the Holy Spirit as did Elijah to cause a revival among God's people. His special work was to preach repentance for sin and prepare people for Jesus' first coming. The Bible says there will be an entire army of Elijahs and John the Baptists in the last days to do a similar work in preparing the world for Jesus' second coming. "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord." Malachi 4:5. (See also Joel 2:28-31.) 1. What was one secret of John's Spirit-filled life? Luke 3:16. John answered, ... I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not ______ to unloose. John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: The Spirit-filled life of John the Baptist was marked by unusual humility. There was a direct connection between John's powerful ministry and the complete surrender he had made to the Lord. It was John's highest joy to point others to Jesus rather than to himself. All he did was designed to bring glory to God's name. 2. Did John the Baptist read the Scriptures? John 1:23. He said, I am the _______ of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias [the Greek word for "Isaiah"]. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: Yes! John quoted from the Old Testament as evidence that he had a solid grasp of the Scriptures. The Bible also tells us that John taught his disciples to fast and to pray often (Matthew 9:14). This is another testimony of his deep love for the Lord. In the same way, through our personal devotions and Bible study, we can come to know and love God and to receive of His Spirit. 3. Was John the Baptist willing to witness for Jesus? __________ 1:29. The next day ______ seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: : By nature, John was a solitary soul (Luke 1:80). Yet he was willing to risk ridicule and even to lay his life on the line in order to point people to Jesus as Saviour of the world. In the same way, those who truly love the Lord today will be willing to set aside fear and convenience to witness for Jesus. 4. Was the straight preaching of John popular among the political and religious leaders? Luke 7:30. The Pharisees and lawyers _________ the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him. Luke 3:19, 20 But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him ... for all the evils which Herod had done, ... shut up John in prison. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: John boldly spoke out against the popular sins of the day that were indulged even by the religious leaders. God's last-day message of repentance and holiness will also be unpopular among most of the respected political and church leaders, but it will be biblical. 5. Does the Bible discourage the wearing of jewelry and fancy clothing? 1 Timothy 2:9. In like manner also, that women [and, of course, men] adorn themselves in ______ apparel, ... not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls or costly array. 1 Peter 3:3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, ... even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. Isaiah 3:18-21 In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, ... The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers [veils], The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets [perfume boxes], and the earrings, The rings, and nose jewels. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: Yes! John the Baptist wore simple, modest clothing--a good pattern for Christians to follow. The popular, sexually suggestive fads and fashions of today encourage a great deal of temptation and debt. God does not intend for us to dress in burlap; however, unduly expensive, flamboyant, or ostentatious clothing should not be part of a Christian's wardrobe. Although the wearing of jewelry is widely accepted in the world, it has a negative image in the Scriptures. You may not recognize all of the items mentioned in Isaiah 3:18-23, but people in other parts of the world do. Many of these pagan ornaments are now appearing in Western culture, as well. 6. Was there a connection between John's Spirit-filled life and his simple diet? Luke 1:15. For he ... shall drink neither _____ nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: Christians should completely abstain from all fermented beverages in order to keep their minds clear and to hear God's Spirit (Proverbs 23:31, 32; Habakkuk 2:15; 1 Peter 5:8). 7. Why is God concerned about what we eat and drink? Judges 13:7. Behold, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and now drink no wine nor strong drink, neither eat any ______ thing: for the child shall be a Nazarite to God from the womb to the day of his death. 1 Corinthians 6:19 Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God? Answer : ____________________ NOTE: There is a direct connection between what we eat or drink and our mental clarity, ability to resist temptation, and capacity to distinguish between right and wrong. Everything a Christian does--including what he eats and drinks--should be done to God's glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). 8. What does the Bible say about worldly behavior? James 4:4. Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the ______ of God. 2 Corinthians 6:17 Come out from among them, and be ye seperate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. 1 John 2:15 If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. Romans 12:2 Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: The Lord has called His people today to live exemplary lives as they help others prepare for Jesus' second coming. 9. What should a Christian choose to think about? Philippians 4:8. Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are _____, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Psalm 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: John the Baptist commanded the people to abstain from all violence (Luke 3:14). For us, this would include watching violence as a form of entertainment. Jesus taught that sins of sex and violence originate in the thoughts and attitudes (Matthew 5:22, 28). Therefore, a Christian should avoid any TV programs, videos, or reading material that would encourage impure thoughts. 10. What type of music will a true Christian enjoy? Psalms 40:3. He hath put a new _____ in my mouth, even praise unto our God. 1 Samuel 16:23 And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: It is obvious that a great majority of the popular music in the world does not help us spiritually. Instead, it destroys our desire for heavenly things and often strengthens the lower nature. However, music can be a tremendous power for good. When King Saul was tormented by an evil spirit, the soothing music from David's harp refreshed him and drove away the evil influence. 11. Is dancing good recreation for a Christian? 1 John 2:6. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to _____, even as he __________ed. Titus 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: Most of the popular contemporary dancing is associated with worldly music and has a very strong sexual emphasis. In almost any situation we should ask, "What would Jesus do?" I think we all agree that our Saviour would not abandon His reason to swing body and limb to the beat of some syncopated rhythm. 12. Will a Christian play the lottery or gamble? 1 Timothy 6:10. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many _________. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 This we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. Proverbs 28:20 He that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: Gambling can be just as addictive as many drugs. Some have squandered entire family savings at casinos or on state lottery tickets. Most "get rich quick" schemes are associated with undue risk, unfair prices, and questionable ethics. 13. What should be the aim of God's people today? 1 John 3:22. We _____ his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. Ecclesiastes 12:13 Fear God, and __________ his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: A person cannot live any way he wishes and finally be saved in God's kingdom. This is one reason Jesus came to earth--to give us an example of holy living (1 Peter 2:21). 14. What makes it easy to obey God in the matters of lifestyle discussed in this lesson? John 14:15. If ye ________ me, keep my commandments. 1 John 5:3 For this is the __________ of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. Psalm 40:8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. Answer : ____________________ 15. Why is the Christian life such a high calling? 1 Peter 2:9. But ye are a ______ generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: As ambassadors for Jesus, Christians do indeed have a high calling! John the Baptist helped prepare people for Jesus' first coming, and God has called His people today to live holy lives as they help others prepare for Jesus' second coming. 16. Are you willing to be a unique "voice in the wilderness" and witness through a godly lifestyle to prepare others for Jesus' second coming? Answer : ____________________ Supplemental Study Ambassadors for Christ When a person becomes a Christian, he or she is enlisted as an ambassador from a better kingdom. The Bible says, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ." 2 Corinthians 5:20. The dictionary defines an ambassador as "a diplomatic official of the highest rank appointed and accredited as representative in residence by one government or sovereign to another, usually for a limited length of time." Ambassadors are just as important in the spiritual realm as they are in the political realm. Citizens of the kingdom of heaven are not like the citizens of this world. We have been sent into the world to demonstrate who Jesus is and what He is like. Through the Holy Spirit, we become His representatives to reflect His image in everything from the way we talk and work to the way we eat and dress. In other words, when we become part of God's spiritual kingdom, we should be living demonstrations of the government we represent. In 2 Corinthians 3:18, the Scriptures say that "we all ... are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." We, the Church, are the hands and feet, the eyes and mouth, and yes, even the ears of Jesus in the world today. We are the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22, 23 5:29, 30 Colossians 1:18). Before He ascended to heaven, Jesus told us, "As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you." John 20:21. Every facet of our lives should be a reflection of the life and person of Jesus. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16. To learn more about our Lord Jesus Christ, the Word of God, and the Sabbath, please visit your local Seventh-day Adventist Church. Or please visit us at Rossville Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at 1737 Mission Ridge Road, Rossville Georgia 30741 Pastor; Greg Hudson Services start at 11am on Saturday (Sabbath) morning.

Chapter 7 A sunny afternoon in Hell Jude 22 And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. You may be intrigued by the title, how can it be sunny in Hell. As I have said earlier, I was born in Bradford and they have a football team called Bradford City, I remember standing behind the goal at City's valley Parade ground many times, it was an old ground, with crumbling terraces and an old wooden main stand. They were the first winners of the FA Cup in 1911, but they had fallen on hard times, they were in the third highest league in England, but in season 1984-85, they had a young and exciting team, they stormed to the division title and the last game of the season on the 11th May was to be a celebration. I wanted a ticket, so I called my brother, he was going with his children, but was unwilling to get me one, so I phoned up and got one, I went by car and got my ticket. The ground was swarming with people, it was a joyous occasion, I sat in the far end of the main stand, it was a sunny day, but the wind was blowing down the valley, the ground was situated in. It was a terrible match, there was a serious injury to one of the players, it was boring, it was five minutes to half time, I wanted to go to the toilet, but something stopped me, don't go, this was the Lord stopping me. If I had gone to the back of the stand, I would of been killed. No sooner had I returned to my seat, that I heard laughing behind me, there was smoke arising from the seats behind me, someone had dropped a cigarette and it had gone down the crack in the flooring and ignited the rubbish under the stand, we were pushed forward and soon, we had to climb or be pulled over the wall and go onto the pitch, the flames by now, were overwhelmingly, the flames had now reached the roof, which was made of felt cladding, which is very combustible. I wandered around on the pitch, searching for my brother and family, who had been in the next section to me, I remember asking myself, If this is the heat of a fire, what will Hell be like, total fire and destruction for those who don't trust Christ. Fifty six people died that day, lives, were never the same after that day. Devotional thought For Christian's reading this, please listen to the comments I have placed below This should be the Christian's greatest motivation, we have ourselves been pulled out of the fire, so we should seek to rescue those from the fire of hell. Some people on that day were heroes, they helped people on fire, I remember walking past the goalmouth, two bodies were just lying there, this is the situation with the world today, people are dying every minute of every day and the church and Christians are idly standing by and doing nothing. I remember hearing the story of a man who was interviewing for a job working as an usher in a cinema, showing people to their seats, he was asked "what would you do in if a fire broke out" His answer was like this: " I would be ok, I would make sure I would be safe" That is how many Christians live. They have salvation, they have places in heaven or so they think, but they have no care or compassion for those who are dying every day all around them. Spurgeon said The world lies in darkness: this great city still pines for the light: your own friends and kinsfolk are unsaved, and they may be dead ere this week is over. Oh, if you have any humanity, let alone Christianity, if you have found the remedy tell the diseased about it. If you have found life, proclaim it to the dead; if you have found liberty, publish it to the captives; if you have found Christ, tell of him to others. My brethren in the college, let this be your choice work while studying, and let it be the one object of your lives when you go forth from us. Do not be content when you get a congregation, but labour to win souls, and as you do this God will bless you. As for us, we hope during the rest of our lives to follow him who is The soul-winner, and to put ourselves in his hands who maketh us soul-winners, so that our life may not be a long folly, but may be proved by results to have been directed by wisdom. This memory is still with me, it is a day of regret for the people who died but also thankfulness for the Lord preserving me. Let me tell you, it is not enough to go to church, to give to missions, even to belong to social media groups or even to write devotions. For anyone, who has not trusted Christ, life is very short, those people who died that day, many of them were young, looking forward to a long life, but suddenly life was gone, please don't delay, the day of salvation is now. 2 Corinthians 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) CHAPTER 8 THE WORLD'S GRASP 1 JOHN 2 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. During the final two years of me working at the hospital (1987-89), I went to night school to study Business studies and Computing, I got my Basic diplomas in both, so as my job finished, I was going to take the National diploma at my local college, meaning that I could still live at home. But I saw an advert in the Bradford Newspaper for a two year full time course at Bradford and Ilkley community college, So I returned back to my birthplace. I loved the day to day lectures, I was really stretched, these were subjects I really enjoyed. In our first year, we had to put in place an investment portfolio and we had to formulate a business plan for an actual business, myself and two other students, Mark and Jacqui decided to open an Organic restaurant, costings, locations and menus had to be thought out, and then we had to submit our plans to our lecturers for marking. We got distinction for our plan. In my final year, I got five distinctions out of seven subjects. Although I loved college, my life completely forget God and the church, although I didn't live a bad life, God was not part of it, I used to love going to concerts, theatre etc, my friend Mark, used to call me a culture vulture. During my second year, I got involved with a girl, nothing ever happened between us, we went for coffee, to the theatre, but it just ended. We graduated in June 1991, I keep applying for jobs, no one was interested. Many of my peers were doing the BA In Business studies at the college, but foolishly and seeking to impress this girl, I decided to do Accounting qualifications at City College in Norwich for 1991-92, this led to terrible failure, I went back hope to Morecambe, but my eldest brother insisted I go back to Bradford, so job hunting went on in earnest, I tried everything. My Mother who was on a world cruise with her rich sister, had a stroke on the last day and Philip said I had to live away from her, so I ended up in a variety of contract jobs but nothing permanent. I lived in some bad places, one especially. The landlord lived at no 3 and his son and I lived at no 1, one Monday morning I met the landlord coming into no 1. "Where's Mark, he should of been at work" Oh he's asleep in the living room We went in, he had fallen off the sofa and had choked on his own vomit, his body was filled with 634 mg of alcohol, there had been a late night drinking session at the local pub, they had encouraged him to drink the powerful spirit Pernod. An inquest happened and I had to testify, my mum said " when drinks in, wits out" We had many people live at No 3, one night I came down to the kitchen and met our new lodger, a talkative guy, who I tried to get away from, but he continued talking, he kept receiving phone calls from somewhere, strange I thought. He came in and out, and then one day, he was gone, to be honest I was glad he had gone, then one night, in came my landlord with five police officers, one of them came and talked to me, what do you know about this guy? Why I asked, has he done something wrong? Well he has been accused of murder. Little did I know that this man in our house was a rapist and murderer, and I had talked to him, on my own for over one hour. I managed to go and see my brother in Canada and he strongly advised me to get out of Bradford, so soon after Mum returned from her trip, I returned to Morecambe. During this time, I had been on anti-depressants, very strong and addictive ones.. Cipramil 15mg, I was to remain trapped by these for many years afterwards. Devotional Thought The prodigal son in Luke 15, had to experience hard times before he remembered what he had lost. I had lost much in those eight years since I left Morecambe in 1989, the early 1990's were not a happy time for me. I lost my innocence, I regret deeply what happened especially in the years 1992-97, I remember especially years later meeting up with a fellow student, she had been far below me in the class, she had got a degree a 2.1 and it just filled me with sadness and sorrow, we truly make mistakes, mostly because we go our own way, I can and will blame no one but myself. Remember that there is forgiveness from God, he does forgive, the real question we have to face is do we forgive ourselves. To do this, we do have to take responsibility and admit our mistakes and then we can be cleansed of the guilt and pain, IF ONLY, are small words, but we cannot dwell of what might of happened, it didn't. I'm actually glad all this pain happened, it has allowed me to see life in a true way and to be honest with myself about how fallible I really am. Also It has allowed me to help others, people reading this will have made terrible mistakes, that they feel are life ending, but they aren't, they are life enhancing. Do not dwell on your failures, the apostle Paul didn't dwell on his past, in Philippians 3 he said this and I echo these words. 7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; That time was probably the darkest in my life. Praise God, he brought me through it.. only HE COULD.

WHAT PAUL MEANT BY - THE LAW OF SIN AND DEATH (Google doc file link provided in comments and at the end for easy navigation of clickable Bible citations) Paul taught prolifically about Grace and the Law. John simply stated that the Law came through Moses, but Grace and Truth came through Jesus Christ (John 1:17). But it was Paul who deeply expounded on the subject of Grace and the Law, especially in the book of Romans. It helps to examine the sum of all he said in ALL his letters to get a clearer picture of his teaching. Isolating bits and pieces of his words would surely lead to misunderstanding him, just as Peter said (2 Peter 3:15-16). Our study is going to be based on the two Passages below, to help us better understand what Paul was referring to as “the law of sin”. Romans 7:11-12, 14-15, 21-25 [11] For sin, SEIZING the opportunity afforded by the commandment, DECEIVED me, and through the commandment put me to death. [12] So then, THE LAW IS HOLY, and the commandment is HOLY, RIGHTEOUS and GOOD. … [14] We know that the Law is SPIRITUAL; but I am UNSPIRITUAL, sold as a slave to sin. [15] I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. … [21] So I find this law at work: Although I WANT to do GOOD, evil is right there with me. [22] For in my INNER BEING I DELIGHT in God’s Law; [23] but I see ANOTHER LAW at work in me, WAGING WAR AGAINST the Law of my mind and making me a PRISONER OF THE LAW OF SIN at work WITHIN me. [24] What a wretched man I am! Who will RESCUE me from THIS BODY that is SUBJECT to death? [25] Thanks be to God, Who DELIVERS me THROUGH Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I MYSELF IN MY MIND AM A SLAVE TO GOD’S LAW, BUT in MY SINFUL NATURE a slave to THE LAW OF SIN. NIV Romans 8:1-4 [1] Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, [2] because THROUGH Christ Jesus THE LAW OF THE SPIRIT Who gives life has set you FREE FROM THE LAW OF SIN AND DEATH. [3] For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened BY THE FLESH, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so He condemned sin in the flesh, [4] in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be FULLY MET IN US, who do NOT live according to THE FLESH but according to THE SPIRIT. NIV In Rom 7:22&23 above, we clearly see that Paul is referring to two laws: the first being God's Law, and the other, “the law of sin” that's operating within us. This “law of sin” is the driving principle of the flesh, and as a result anything done by the flesh is always going to be contrary to the Law of God, regardless of how outwardly “good” it may be (Rom 8:6-8, Isaiah 64:6). This is why Paul vehemently opposed any operation that was by the flesh, because no matter how “righteous” it appeared, it was fueled by that which is contrary to God's Law, i.e. by the principle of “the law of sin”. A simple distinguishing factor is that acts of the flesh ALWAYS have a self-centered motive, while acts of the Spirit are LOVE-based, and these ALWAYS overflow to the benefit of others. I discovered this distinction in the course of writing the book, “Early Steps in Christianity”; in chapter seven, where I was led to examine the miracles of Jesus Christ, I observed that He never did a miracle with selfish intent, I mean like to satisfy His hunger or desires; ALL His miracles were outflowing in keeping with the Principles of LOVE (1 Cor 13:4-7). This was an eye-opening discovery in understanding acts of the Spirit in contrast to acts of the flesh, or the sin nature. I'd really love to share more on that, as this discovery still excites me, especially in its practicality, but I'll encourage you to grab a Free PDF copy of the book via the link provided at the end to fully explore the subject. Before we move on to further address the topic at hand, I feel the need to make something clear using the distinguishing principles I just stated. It should be noted that from God's perspective, as revealed by Scripture, NO GOOD can come out of the flesh (Rom 7:18, 8:6-8). The flesh, aka the sin nature, is governed by the “law of sin”, and because of that it is utterly corrupt (2 Peter 2:10). Every attempt to do “good” by the flesh and its principles would ALWAYS be self-centered. It would never be LOVE-driven, and as such it would amount to NOTHING in the sight of God (1 Cor 13:1-3). For instance, is it good to fast and be charitable? By all indications yes, when judged solely from a human perspective, which only views things from the outward appearances. But God views things from the heart and internal motives, so what may qualify as “good” and admirable in the sight of men, may turn out to be reprehensible in God's sight, because He evaluates the HEART by the principle of LOVE, i.e. LOVE for Him and fellow mankind (1 Sam 16:6-7, Luke 16:15, Matt 6:1-6, 16-18, Isaiah 58:2-11, [Matt 22:36-39, 1 John 4:20-21, 3:11-15]). This is where other religions largely differ from Christianity. Generally, in other religions, it is believed that in doing “good” works one gains the favor and mercy of God, and this would guarantee salvation from God's judgment and punishment. From the New Testament perspective, this kind of “good” works is by the principle of the flesh, because the motive is ultimately SELF-CENTERED. The “good” being done is carried out with the selfish aim of obtaining favor from God or people, hence it's not by the principle of LOVE, which does good mainly for the benefit of others and because it is the right thing to do (1 Cor 10:24, Phil 2:3-4, Titus 3:8, Rom 12:9-18). In Christianity however, God ONLY accepts works that are done in the Spirit of LOVE. In other words, service to Him must be carried out by the enablement of His Spirit in the expression of LOVE and faith (John 4:24, 1 Peter 4:11, 1 Cor 15:10, 1 Thess 1:3-6), NOT the flesh (Acts 17:24-25, Rom 8:8). It is for this reason that Jesus Christ came, to make it possible for us to be cleansed of sin so that the Holy Spirit can have a holy habitation within us (Luke 1:74-75). It is only when an individual believes, receives forgiveness of sins, and cleansing by the Blood of Jesus Christ, that they are then able to receive the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:47-49, John 7:38-39, 16:7 NKJV); and as a result, ACCEPTABLY serve God and do what's GOOD in His sight (Heb 12:28 NKJV). But an unbeliever from God's perspective is a sinner. Even we, as Christians, were once sinners before we came to believe in Jesus Christ to receive forgiveness and reconciliation to God (Eph 2:1-3, Rom 5:6-8, 1 Cor 6:9-11, 1 John 5:18, 2 Cor 5:17-21). So while we were sinners every “good” work we did was still of the flesh, and as such it fell short of God's righteous standards (Rom 3:23). So if God were to require GOOD works for salvation, none of us would EVER be able to be saved, because our “good” works by the flesh always falls short of God's standards (Isaiah 64:6). Only the works of the Spirit meet God's standard of GOODNESS, so we need the Spirit of God to guide us in that which is GOOD in God's sight (Mark 10:18, Ps 143:10, Neh 9:20). And since we only gain access to the Holy Spirit after salvation we're stuck with the IMPOSSIBILITY of attaining salvation by GOOD works (*Matt 19:25-26*). God intentionally made it impossible for anyone, apart from Jesus Christ, to reach the standards of GOODNESS as expressed in the Law (Isaiah 42:21, Rom 8:3-4). The reason is so that everyone would be held accountable to Him; and it could never be said that He would owe anyone anything that they should boast before Him (Rom 3:19-20, Eph 2:8-9, 1 Cor 1:29-31); Not even Abraham can boast before God (Rom 4:1-5). This way ONLY God could provide the ransom for life, and everyone ransomed would be ETERNALLY INDEBTED to Him (Ps 49:7-8, 15, Job 17:3). So no one can ever be saved because of “good” works, because our definition of “good” doesn't measure up to God's definition, which accounts for the hidden motives of the heart (Prov 21:2, *24:11-12*, 2 Cor 5:10-12, Heb 4:12-13). God's overall evaluation of the human heart is that it tends to wickedness (Gen 6:5, Jer 17:9-10). Without His help and guidance, we would ALL stray towards perversity. So salvation all together is the working of God that simply requires our faith and commitment to allow Him continue with His work in us (Eph 2:8-9, Phil 2:13). It is God that woos a person to come to Christ to be saved (John 6:44, 1 Cor 3:6-9); it is still God that convicts and makes a person realize that they need to REPENT (2 Tim 2:25, Acts 11:18, [2 Sam 12:1-13, Ps 51:1-13], 2 Cor 7:10); and even the faith that one uses to believe in Jesus Christ in other to be saved is a gift FROM God often conveyed by the Message of Truth (Rom 10:17, 12:2-3 NKJV). So one CANNOT “work” their way to salvation by doing “good” deeds. This would produce pride in the person and a sense of self-achievement or entitlement. God would NOT allow a proud individual to stand before Him (Daniel 4:29-32, 34, 37, 1 Peter 5:5-6, Matt 23:12); pride is the hallmark of the devil, whom God BANISHED from His presence (Ezek 28:16-17, Isaiah 14:12-15). So again I say, God would NOT allow a proud individual in His presence. But one who recognizes his brokenness will receive Salvation when they HUMBLY receive the FREE GIFT FROM God (2 Sam 22:28), namely: Repentance (2 Tim 2:25), the gift of Faith (Rom 10:14-15, 17, *12:3*), the GIFT of salvation through the Person of Jesus Christ (Eph 2:8, Rom 6:23), and the GIFT of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5, 2:38). HUMILITY is a prerequisite to have a relationship with God (Num 12:3, 6-8, Ps 25:9-10, 14-18, Matt 11:29-30, Luke 18:9-14, James 4:6-10). So salvation by faith is a sign of HUMILITY, and this same faith was the humble expression of Abraham that made him recognized as God's friend (James 3:23, Rom 4:2-8, 16-17). But an attempt to attain salvation by “good works” is a sign of pride and dependence on one's ability instead of on God (Prov 3:5-7). In Christianity, we are commanded to do good works, and indeed God does reward such works (Eph 2:10, Gal 6:7-10, Matt 10:41-42). Nevertheless, our motivation to obey this command is NOT for SELF benefit, but rather out of LOVE for God and fellow mankind (John 14:15, 15:9-14, 1 John 3:16, 5:2-3, Gal 6:2, 1 Thess 4:9-10, Titus 3:8). For my Christian brethren reading this, please always search your heart to be sure that whatever good you do is prompted by the Holy Spirit, and it is done in LOVE (1 Cor 13:1-7). Don't do your good deeds to gain the approval or admiration of people, or for selfish gain, so that you get something in return from people (Matt 6:1-6, 16-18, 23:5-7, 27-28, Luke 18:10-14, 1 Cor 4:5). Do good because it is the right thing to do, and because you LOVE God and ALL people, even if those people are NOT good to you (Matt 5:43-48, Rom 12:17-21). Do good to bring God glory, and NOT for self-aggrandizement (John 7:17-18, Matt 5:16, 2 Cor 9:12-15, 1 Peter 2:12, 3:16-17). If you do good solely for what you can get in return from God or people, then unfortunately you would be acting by the principle of the flesh. Again, God does promise to reward our good acts (Gal 6:7-10, Matt 10:41-42). But if you do those good acts solely for the sake of the rewards, and not from the overflow of LOVE and the Holy Spirit, then chances are you may get a feeling of entitlement, and that in turn produces PRIDE; and when you feel your expectations are not met, your heart may begin to rage against God (Prov 19:3, Ezek 18:29, Isaiah 58:3-6, Mal 3:13-18). God does NOT owe anyone anything, but we on the other hand owe Him EVERYTHING (Jonah 4:5-11). Hence, even our good acts do NOT compel Him to do anything further for us (Luke 17:7-10, Rom 11:34-36). I believe when you adopt this mindset you'd be better aligned to serve in the Spirit of LOVE and HUMILITY, which are the virtues that God desires from us (Micah 6:8, Gal 5:22-23). I've spent more time than I anticipated on this detour, but I felt strongly that it needed to be addressed. In relation to our study, the purpose of the detour was to highlight the two possible principles, or laws, that are operational in the heart of an individual: the Law of the Spirit and LOVE (Rom 8:2, 7:6, 2 Cor 3:3&6), and the law of sin and death (Rom 7:21-25, 8:2). Every individual is born with the operating system of “the law of sin and death” (Gen 8:21, *Ps 51:5*, Job 25:4, Rom 5:12, 18-19). Once a person is Saved through faith in Jesus Christ, they get born again by the Spirit (John 1:12-13, 3:5-6, Titus 3:5); and the Spirit introduces His Law, which is the New operating system called Grace (John 1:17); this Grace is an internalized version of God's Law with the Holy Spirit Personally teaching and guiding us (Jer 31:31-34, John 14:26, 16:13, 1 John 2:27, Titus 2:11-14); and this achieves the core intent of the Old Covenant Law through the principle of LOVE (Gal 5:14, 22-23, Rom 13:8-10). I've discussed this a bit more in the two previous posts, links will be provided at the end. Now here's the tricky part that most Believers are unaware of, and it is the fact that two operating systems seek to find expression in them, that is: the flesh, which operates by “the law of sin”, and the Spirit, Who operates by the Law of Grace, which is also ENABLEMENT/HELP from God (John 14:16-17, 26 NKJV). So a Christian still has flesh, i.e. the sin nature, like every other human, and this nature is in constant opposition to the Spirit (Gal 5:16-17, 1 Peter 2:11); But we, as believers, have been commanded to CRUCIFY the flesh/sin nature, so that its “law of sin” does NOT find expression in us (Gal 5:24-25, Rom 6:6-7, 11-18, 20-23). Every believer needs to understand this contention within them, so that they can better navigate the Christian lifestyle they've been called to (Eph 4:1, 17-24, Col 1:9-14). It is for this reason that we're trying to demystify this other law within an individual that Paul spoke about, i.e. “the law of sin” (Rom 7:23-25, 8:1-2). Believers need to understand this so as to make sense of the grief and disappointment they feel when they fall short by sinning. This is because of the war within, and that displeasure is the expression of the Holy Spirit to lead you to REPENTANCE (1 John 1:8-9, 2:1-2), NOT to condemn or disqualify you (John 3:17-18, 2 Cor 7:10). When you understand this internal conflict you're in a better position to be sensitive to the desires of the Spirit, and to ADAMANTLY RESIST the desires of the flesh that STILL beckon to you (1 Cor 9:27, 1 Peter 2:11, Rom 12:1-2). Please read Prov 9:1-6,9-11 & Prov 9:13-18, to see an illustration of the two voices calling at each individual: WISDOM, representative of the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:17, Col 1:9-10), and FOLLY, representative of the flesh/sin nature, respectively. ONLY when living by the Spirit can one escape the lure and operations of this contrary “law of sin and death” that influences the flesh (Gal 5:16-18, Rom 8:2-8). As I said, we were all born with the sin nature and the operating system of “the law of sin” driving our fleshly/carnal desires. It is POSSIBLE to resist these desires, but they are always going to be lurking in the dark seeking opportunities for expression. The act of RESISTING these desires that may be pleasing or comforting to the flesh is what we refer to as OVERCOMING TEMPTATION (James 1:14, 1 Cor 10:13). As long as we have human flesh, temptations will always be sent our way, but we have a RESPONSIBILITY to RESIST them, especially with the HELP of the Holy Spirit when we YIELD to Him. The Holy Spirit was with Jesus Christ, and I believe it was with His HELP that Jesus Christ OVERCAME the temptations that the devil brought (Matt 4:1). Note that Jesus Christ was FULLY Human, thus having flesh like us (Rom 8:3, Gal 4:4-5, Phil 2:7-8, Heb 2:14). If He wasn't FULLY Human, it would be impossible for Him to be tempted in His Divine state (James 1:13 Heb 2:17-18, 4:15). At the same time He was FULLY God, and that's because, even though He laid aside His Divinity before coming to earth (Phil 2:6-7, John 17:5), He was FULLY endowed with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35, Matt 3:16, Isaiah 11:2-3, John 3:34), Who is Himself God by the understanding of the doctrine of the Trinity. So Jesus Christ was FULLY Human, and at the same time FULLY Divine, because of the Holy Spirit; in like manner we are fully human, but by the Holy Spirit we've been invited to participate in the Divine Nature, and for this reason we also have the capacity, like Jesus Christ, to RESIST temptation and sin (2 Peter 1:3-4, Eph 4:22-24). Jesus Christ was tempted like us in every way, BUT HE NEVER sinned (Heb 2:18, 4:15). The sin nature is NOT sin itself, it is just the operating system that causes one to be prone to sin. But as we've just highlighted, Jesus Christ took on our very same flesh, thus possessing the sin nature of the flesh (Rom 8:3, Galates 4:4-6), BUT He NEVER allowed that nature to find expression despite the various times He was tempted. Even when it came to His final assignment to suffer and die, He was once again tempted to disobey what God sent Him to accomplish on earth, but He didn't yield to it. This temptation first came through Peter (Matt 16:21-23, John 14:30-31); and secondly, when Jesus was overwhelmed by anguish in His Flesh, while He was praying at Gethsemane just before His arrest and crucifixion (Matt 26:37-39). Even though the sin nature has an overwhelming capacity to get people to act in certain ways, it does NOT have ABSOLUTE control to define one's actions. This is a truth that many people need to understand. We live in an addictive society where it seems as though people are “programmed” to be addicted to one thing or the other, whether it is addiction to mobile devices & screens, or addiction to substances, or behavioral patterns. We're then made to believe that we have no CHOICE but to embrace this addictive nature. The truth however is that this sin nature can be subdued through Jesus Christ, and that is what Paul was teaching (Rom 7:14-25). Addictions have the compulsive force of “law” to cause people to act in a certain pattern, and it feels as though they wouldn't be able to break free from its clutches. But in Christ, one is FREED from the guilt and condemnation (Gal 5:1, 13, Heb 10:21-23); and a New Law is enforced, the Law of the Spirit, to liberate us from the other “law of sin” (Rom 8:1-2). It is by SUBMITTING to this New Law of the Spirit that one gets liberated from “the law of sin” (Rom 6:4-22). In the past, i.e. Old Testament, it was still POSSIBLE to RESIST the call of the sin nature, but it was much harder, and often unsuccessful (Gen 4:6-8). But now it is much easier with the HELP of the Holy Spirit, provided we YIELD to Him. If we SUBMIT to the will of God as expressed by the Holy Spirit (Col 1:9, 1 John 2:17, 24-27, 1 Peter 4:1-2), then we would be just like Jesus Christ (John 4:34), and in so doing we would live above the influence of the sin nature in our flesh (Gal 5:16-18). Speaking of being like Jesus Christ, I did a short three-part series on that topic. I'll add the links at the end as well if you're interested in that subject. When Paul taught on “the law of sin” he wasn't trying to say that God's Law was sinful. He was showing that within us another “law” was operational that was contradictory to God’s Good Law (Rom 7:12, 14, 21-23). This other “law” caused us to REBEL against God's Law. Seeing this helpless state, the appeal was made to God, Who brings about deliverance from “the law of sin” through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, Who in turn makes God's Law ACCESSIBLE and APPLICABLE (Rom 7:24-25, 8:1-4). Furthermore, Paul showed that this other “law” was responsible for the acts of the flesh, which could NOT submit to God's Law, i.e. REBELLIOUS against God's Law (Rom 8:7-8). Since the flesh CANNOT truly submit to God's Law, it means that every attempt of the flesh to keep God's commands would amount to EMPTY WORK. This is something that Paul kept on emphasizing in all His letters. He wasn't against God’s Law, as some people misunderstand (Rom 3:31, *1 Tim 1:8*); he was against trying to keep God's Law by way of the flesh, and doing so by interpretations of human “wisdom” (1 Cor 2:13-14, James 3:13-17). For instance, some argued that circumcision was necessary for salvation (Acts 15:1). I believe this was the cause for Paul's references to the issue of circumcision in his letters (Titus 1:10-11). Paul opposed this vehemently, because doing circumcision to be saved, or to receive anything from God, would be a work of the flesh, and something to cause people to boast, as we've previously explained (Phil 3:2-3). He however emphasized that what truly counts is faith and Love, which are expressions of the Spirit, NOT the flesh (Gal 5:6, 6:13-15, 1 Cor 7:19, Rom 2:26-29, Col 2:11). He didn't have a problem circumcising Timothy, who was a half-Jew (Acts 16:1-3); but the act in itself wasn't a necessity for ministry, but to ease the conscience of the people who knew that Timothy was partly Greek (1 Cor 8:11-13, 10:31-33). So where Paul fights vigorously, is when people try by way of the flesh to make spiritual advances (Gal 3:2-5). Sadly, a lot of people by straining in the flesh do EMPTY WORK thinking that they would be counted as righteous for it (Rom 9:30-32). But God was introducing a righteousness that was by FAITH. This FAITH was connected to the New Legal System administered by the Holy Spirit via LOVE. Romans 3:25, 27 [25] God presented Christ as a sacrifice of ATONEMENT, through the shedding of His Blood—to be RECEIVED BY FAITH. He did this to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— … [27] Where, then, is BOASTING? It is EXCLUDED. Because of what law? The law that requires works? NO, because of THE LAW THAT REQUIRES FAITH. NIV Living by this New System of faith, means living in obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ and Scripture, which is God's Word for our guidance (Matt 28:19-20, 2 Tim 3:16-17). There is no promise that obedience to God would be easy and comfortable to the flesh. On the contrary, with respect to the flesh it is going to be quite uncomfortable (2 Tim 3:10-12); but even then, by the Spirit, we are promised peace and comfort in the face of hardships (1 Thess 1:6, John 16:33, 2 Cor 1:3-7, 10). This peace is priceless, and makes practically no sense in the natural, given the circumstances (John 14:27, Phil 4:7, [Matt 5:10-12, Acts 5:40-41]); but to the Christian living by the Spirit, this peace and joy are everything (1 Peter 1:5-9). However, there is a problem for the Christian who ignorantly focuses on the flesh, and loses sight of the Spirit and God's Word (Luke 8:11, 13-14). We all need to be made aware that as Christians we still have the flesh, which is prone to weakness and temptation (Matt 26:41, 1 Cor 10:13). And that knowledge is to gear us to actively CHOOSE to crucify the flesh, thus DENYING its desires, while at the same time choosing to do that which is pleasing to the Spirit. I believe this was why Paul did his exposition on: the flesh/sin nature; its operations via “the law of sin”; God's Law; the role of the Holy Spirit; and the practicality of Grace. I believe that as we get to fully comprehend these truths, we'll mature in our Christian walk of faith. An infant has little to no mastery over his flesh, and an extremely low threshold of endurance or pain/hardship tolerance. But a mature individual has CONTROL over his flesh, and a higher threshold to endure pain and difficulties (Heb 5:12-14, 10:32-39, James 1:2-4, 2 Cor 6:4-10…). And as a matter of fact, SELF-CONTROL is part of the administration of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22-23, 2 Tim 1:7, 1 Thess 4:4). A Christian who is unaware of the presence of his flesh and the need to SUBDUE its desires, would find it confusing when old habits, that they detest, come back to haunt them, even after they have tasted the goodness of salvation and the Christian life (Rom 6:20-22, 2 Peter 2:18-22). It is for the sake of this struggle that Paul said we should be careful not to just do WHATEVER we want (Gal 5:16-17, 1 Cor 6:12). Whenever, one does whatever they want, without consulting with the Holy Spirit, they are walking by the flesh, and “the law of sin” would quickly find occasion to try to express itself in one way or the other. But when one is mindful of the presence of the flesh, then they can shut down every operation of the flesh; even the ones that appear “good”, because they know fully well that whatever is produced via “the law of sin”, or flesh, would NEVER be pleasing to God (Rom 8:8). This is a pathway to maturity that Christians need to pay a little more attention to. Many Christians have fallen away because they didn't understand, or recognize the contention within, or what to do about it. A little pressure and they snap. They don't practically understand Jesus’s call to DENY one's self and daily take up one's cross (Luke 9:23-26); neither do they understand Paul's teachings for one to CRUCIFY the desires of the flesh (Gal 5:24-25). They left their responsibilities undone, therefore sin once again sprang up and choked them out of the faith. So it is high time we understand these things so that individually we would be able to stand (Gal 6:3-5). And having withstood the pull to fall (2 Peter 3:17-18), we're then in a better position to help our brothers and sisters who have stumbled for lack of understanding (Hosea 4:6, Gal 6:1-2, Matt 7:5, James 5:19-20, 1 Peter 4:7-8). There are quite a few more things that I'd have loved to share on this subject, but I believe I should leave it at this for now. Again, this and more is covered in the book, “Early Steps in Christianity”, for which I'd provide the link for the Free PDF. I hope this study has blessed you in some way; and I'm hopeful that you'd in turn be a blessing to others through what you've learnt. Thanks for the privilege of your time and God bless. Shalom! Google Doc link for current post: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/What_Paul_Meant_by-The_Law_of_Sin_and_Death-Rom_7and8/ Links for the previous two posts: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_OLD_TESTAMENT_IS_THE_SHADOW_OF_THE_NEW_COVENANT/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/HOW_CAN_JESUS_PAY_FOR_THE_SINS_OF_OTHERS/ “To Be Like Jesus” series: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/To_Be_Like_Jesus_Full_Series/ For the Free PDF of "Early Steps in Christianity" (E.S.C): https://selar.com/EarlyStepsInChristianity For Paperback or Hardcover copies: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKW4H91N For the Free PDF of "The Biblical Festivals of God" (TBFG): https://selar.com/TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod For Paperback copies: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKPP5N6J Follow-up Posts to the book, TBFG: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Biblical_Ciphers_Part_One/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Biblical_Ciphers_Part_Two/ "Biblical Ciphers and Codes - Update": https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Biblical_Ciphers_Update/ #Jesus #JesusChrist #Theology #Christianity #BibleStudyWithDanielOlatunji #BibleStudy #TheBible #Scripture #TheLivingWord #Truth #Free #FreeBooks #EarlyStepsInChristianity #TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod #HolySpirit #Faith #Grace #TheLaw #ApostlePaul #SinAndDeath #OvercomingTemptation #VictoriousLife

AMAZING FACTS BIBLE STUDY. # 17 Hello friends, family, and my brothers, and sisters in Christ. This is Brother Johnny Gass. Welcome to Bible study. Study to show thyself to approved unto God, a Workman unashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 Please share these lessons with everyone you know for the expansion of the kingdom of God. Amazing Facts # 17 God Drew The Plans. We all know that 4,000 years ago, on the grand summit of Mt. Sinai, God gave Moses the Ten Commandments. But most people don't know that at the same time, the Lord gave Moses the blueprints for one of the most mysterious structures ever built - the sanctuary. It must have been important, because the Israelites could not enter the Promised Land until it was completed. This unique portable temple represented God's dwelling place among His people, and its services showed the nation of freed slaves a three-dimensional panorama of the plan of salvation. A careful look into the secrets of the sanctuary will crystallize your understanding of how Jesus saves the lost and leads the church. The sanctuary is also a key to understand several prophecies. This awesome Study Guide lets you explore the sanctuary and discover its hidden meanings. An exciting adventure awaits you! 1. What did God ask Moses to build? "And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them." Exodus 25:8. Answer: The Lord asked Moses to erect a sanctuary--a special building that would serve as a dwelling place for the great God of heaven. A Brief Description of the Sanctuary The sanctuary was an elegant, tent-type structure (15' x 45'--based on an 18-inch cubit) where the supernatural presence of God dwelt and special services were conducted. The walls were made of upright acacia (wooden) boards, set in silver sockets and overlaid with gold (Exodus 26:15-19, 29). The roof was made of four layers of coverings: linen, goat's hair, ram's skin, and badger skin (Exodus 26:1, 6-14). It had two rooms: the holy place and the most holy place. A thick, heavy veil or curtain separated the rooms. The courtyard--the area around the sanctuary--was 75' x 150' (Exodus 27:18). It was fenced with fine linen cloth supported by 60 pillars of brass (Exodus 27:9-16). God Himself gave Moses the plans for the sanctuary. 2. What did God expect His people to learn from the sanctuary? "Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?" Psalms 77:13. Answer: God's way, or plan of salvation, is revealed in the earthly sanctuary. The Bible teaches that everything in the sanctuary or connected with its service was a symbol of something Jesus would do in saving us. This means we cannot fully comprehend the plan of salvation until we understand the symbolism connected with the sanctuary. Thus, the importance of this Study Guide can hardly be overstated. The sanctuary and its services were to demonstrate the plan of salvation. 3. From what source did Moses obtain the blueprints for the sanctuary? Of what was the building a copy? "Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man." "Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount." Hebrews 8:1, 2, 5. Answer: The sanctuary blueprints and full specifications for its construction were given to Moses by God. They were a copy of the original sanctuary in heaven, which was the pattern for Moses' sanctuary. 4. What furniture was in the courtyard? Answer: A. The altar of burnt offerings where animals were sacrificed was located in the courtyard, just inside its entrance (Exodus 27:1-8). This altar represented the cross of Christ. The animal represented Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice (John 1:29). B. The laver, located between the altar and the entrance of the sanctuary, was a large washbasin made of brass. Here priests washed their hands and feet before offering a sacrifice or entering the sanctuary (Exodus 30:17-21; 38:8). The water represented cleansing from sin, or the new birth (Titus 3:5). 5. What furniture was in the holy place? Answer: A. The table of shewbread (Exodus 25:23-30) represented Jesus, the living bread (John 6:51). B. The seven-branch candlestick (Exodus 25:31-40) represented Jesus, the light of the world (John 9:5; 1:9). The oil represented the Holy Spirit (Zechariah 4:1-6; Revelation 4:5). C. The altar of incense (Exodus 30:7, 8) represented the prayers of God's people (Revelation 5:8). 6. What furniture was in the most holy place? Answer: The ark of the covenant, the only piece of furniture in the most holy place (Exodus 25:10-22), was a box or chest of acacia wood overlaid with gold. Standing atop the chest were two angels made of solid gold. Between these angels was the mercy seat (Exodus 25:17-22), where the supernatural presence of God dwelt. This symbolized God’s throne in heaven, which is likewise located between two angels (Psalms 80:1). The mercy seat represents God's throne in heaven, which is also located between two angels. 7. What was inside the ark? Answer: The Ten Commandments, which God wrote on tables of stone with His own finger, and which His people will always obey (Revelation 14:12), were inside the ark (Deuteronomy 10:4, 5). But the mercy seat was above them, which signified that as long as God’s people confessed and forsook sin (Proverbs 28:13), mercy would be extended to them through the blood which was sprinkled on the mercy seat by the priest (Leviticus 16:15, 16). The blood of the animal represents Jesus’ blood that was shed for us to bring us forgiveness of sin (Matthew 26:28; Hebrews 9:22). The Ten Commandments were inside the ark. They represent God's character, which He implants within His people. 8. Why did animals need to be sacrificed in the Old Testament sanctuary services? "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission." Hebrews 9:22. "For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." Matthew 26:28. Answer: The sacrificing of animals was necessary to help people understand that without the shedding of Jesus' blood, their sins could never be forgiven. The ugly, shocking truth is that the punishment for sin is eternal death (Romans 6:23). Since all of us have sinned, all of us should die. When Adam and Eve sinned, they would have died at once except for Jesus, who stepped forward and offered to give His perfect life as a sacrifice to pay the death penalty for all people (Revelation 13:8). After sin, God required the sinner to bring an animal sacrifice (Genesis 4:3-7). The sinner was to kill the animal with his own hand (Leviticus 1:4, 5). It was bloody and shocking. And it indelibly impressed the sinner with the solemn reality of sin's awful consequences (eternal death) and the desperate need of a Saviour and a substitute. Without a Saviour, no one had any hope for salvation. The animals sacrificed represented Jesus, who sacrificed His life for all people. The sacrificial system taught, through the symbol of the slain animal, that God would give His Son to die for their sins (1 Corinthians 15:3). Jesus would become not only their Saviour, but also their substitute (Hebrews 9:28). When John the Baptist met Jesus, he said, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." John 1:29. In the Old Testament, people looked forward to the cross for salvation. We look backward to Calvary for salvation. There is no other source of salvation (Acts 4:12). 9. How were animals sacrificed in the sanctuary service, and with what meaning? "And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him." "And he shall kill it on the side of the altar northward." Leviticus 1:4, 11. Animal sacrifices taught the shocking truth that sin would cost the death of Jesus. Answer: When a sinner brought a sacrificial animal to the door of the courtyard, a priest handed him a knife and a basin. The sinner laid his hands on the animal's head and confessed his sins. This symbolized the transfer of sin from the sinner to the animal. At that point, the sinner was considered innocent and the animal guilty. Since the animal was now symbolically guilty, it had to pay sin's wage--death. By slaying the animal with his own hand, the sinner was thus graphically taught that sin caused the innocent animal's death and that his sin would cause the death of innocent Jesus. 10. When a sacrificial animal was offered for the entire congregation, what did the priest do with the blood? What does this symbolize? "And the priest that is anointed shall bring of the bullock's blood to the tabernacle of the congregation: And the priest shall dip his finger in some of the blood, and sprinkle it seven times before the Lord, even before the vail." Leviticus 4:16, 17. Answer: When a sacrifice was offered for the sins of the entire congregation, the blood was taken by the priest, who represented Jesus (Hebrews 3:1), into the sanctuary and sprinkled before the veil which separated the two rooms. The presence of God dwelt on the other side of the veil. Thus, the sins of the people were removed and symbolically transferred to the sanctuary. This ministry of the blood by the priest foreshadowed Jesus' present blood-ministry for us in heaven. After Jesus died on the cross as our sacrifice for sin, He arose and went to heaven as our Priest to minister His blood in the heavenly sanctuary (Hebrews 9:11, 12). The blood ministered by the earthly priest represents Jesus applying His blood to our record of sins in the sanctuary above, showing that they are forgiven when we confess them in His name (1 John 1:9). 11. Based on the sanctuary services, in what two major capacities does Jesus serve His people? What fantastic benefits do we receive from His loving ministry? "Christ our passover is sacrificed for us." 1 Corinthians 5:7. "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:14-16. As our sacrifice, Jesus brings us a completely transformed life with all sins forgiven. Answer: Jesus serves as the sacrifice for our sins and as our heavenly Priest. Jesus' death as our sacrificial lamb and substitute, and His continual powerful ministry as our heavenly Priest, accomplish two incredible miracles for us: A. A complete life change called the new birth, with all the sins of the past forgiven (John 3:3-6; Romans 3:25). B. Power to live right in the present and future (Titus 2:14; Philippians 2:13). These two miracles make a person righteous--which means a right relationship exists between the person and God. There is no possible way for a person to become righteous by works (his own efforts), because righteousness requires miracles which only Jesus can accomplish (Acts 4:12). A person becomes righteous by trusting Jesus to do for him what he cannot do for himself. This is what is meant by the biblical term "righteousness by faith." I ask Jesus to become the ruler of my life and trust Him to work the needed miracles as I cooperate fully with Him. This righteousness, which is miraculously accomplished for me and in me by Jesus, is the only true righteousness that exists. Every other kind is a counterfeit. As our High Priest, Jesus gives us the power to live right in the present and in the future. 12. What six sublime promises does the Bible give us about the righteousness offered to us through Jesus? Answer: A. He will cover our past sins and count us as guiltless (Isaiah 44:22; John 1:9). B. We were created in God's image in the beginning (Genesis 1:26, 27). Jesus promises to restore us to God's image (Romans 8:29). C. Jesus gives us the desire to live right and then grants us His power to actually accomplish it (Philippians 2:13). D. Jesus, by His miracles, will cause us to happily do only the things that please God (Hebrews 13:20, 21; John 15:11). E. He removes the death sentence from us by crediting us for His sinless life and atoning death (2 Corinthians 5:21). F. Jesus assumes responsibility for keeping us faithful until He returns to take us to heaven (Philippians 1:6; Jude 1:24). Jesus is ready to fulfill all these glorious promises in your life. Are you ready? Kneel down now and ask Him to take control of your life. He will not fail you. Jesus, by His miracles, will cause us happily to do only the things that please God. 13. Does a person have any role at all to play in becoming righteous by faith? "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." Matthew 7:21. Answer: Yes, Jesus says we must do His Father's will. In Old Testament days, a person who truly had been converted kept bringing lambs to sacrifice, indicating his sorrow for sin and his whole-hearted desire to let the Lord totally lead in his life. Our role in salvation is to lovingly and willingly response the voice of the Holy Spirit by following where Jesus leads. Isaiah 30:21 says “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.� Today, though we cannot work the miracles needed to become righteous, we must daily recommit to Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:31), inviting Him to control our lives so those miracles can take place. We must be willing to be obedient and to follow where Jesus leads (John 12:26; Isaiah 1:18-20). Sin causes us to want to have our own way (Isaiah 53:6) and, thus, rebel against the Lord as Satan did in the beginning (Isaiah 14:12-14). Permitting Jesus to rule our lives is sometimes as wrenchingly difficult as having an eye plucked out or an arm torn off (Matthew 5:29, 30), because sin is addictive and can be overcome only by God's miraculous power (Mark 10:27). Many believe that Jesus will take all who profess salvation to heaven, regardless of their conduct. But this is not so. It is a fabrication of Satan. A Christian must follow Jesus' lifestyle (1 Peter 2:21). The powerful blood of Jesus can accomplish this for us all (Hebrews 13:12), but only if we give Jesus full control of our lives and happily follow where He leads--even though the path may sometimes be stony and rough (Matthew 7:13, 14, 21). 14. Can you help me understand the day of atonement? Answer: A. Once each year, on the day of atonement, a solemn day of judgment took place in Israel (Leviticus 23:27). All were to confess every sin. Those who refused were that very day cut off forever from the camp of Israel (Leviticus 23:29). B. Two goats were selected: One, the Lord's goat; the other, the scapegoat, representing Satan (Leviticus 16:8). The Lord's goat was slain and offered for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:9). But on this day the blood was taken into the most holy place and sprinkled upon and before the mercy seat (Leviticus 16:14). Only on this special judgment day did the high priest enter the most holy place to meet God at the mercy seat. The sprinkled blood (representing Jesus' sacrifice) was accepted by God, and the confessed sins of the people were transferred from the sanctuary to the high priest. He then transferred these confessed sins to the scapegoat, which was led into the wilderness (Leviticus 16:16, 20-22). In this manner, the sanctuary was cleansed of the sins of the people, which had been transferred there by the blood sprinkled before the veil and had been accumulating for a year. 15. Does the day of atonement symbolize or foreshadow a part of God's great plan of salvation, as did the other facets of the earthly sanctuary and its services? "It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these." Hebrews 9:23. Answer: Yes. That day's services pointed to the blotting out of sin by the real High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary. Through His shed blood applied to those written in the book of life, Christ would confirm the decisions of His people to serve Him eternally. This special judgment day, like that of Israel's Yom Kippur, foreshadowed the final atonement to be made for planet Earth. From the yearly type of the ancient day of atonement, all of humanity is assured that our faithful High Priest, Jesus, still mediates in heaven for His people and stands ready to blot out the sins of all who will exercise faith in His shed blood. The final atonement leads to the final judgment, which settles the sin question in the life of every individual, culminating in either life or death. Israel's day of atonement was a symbol of the final judgment, which will forever settle the sin question throughout the universe. Momentous Events You will discover in the next two Study Guides how the symbolism of the earthly sanctuary and especially the day of atonement foreshadowed momentous events of the end time, which God will bring to pass from the heavenly sanctuary. Date for the Judgment In the next Study Guide, we will examine a crucial Bible prophecy in which God sets a date for the heavenly judgment to begin. Thrilling, indeed! To learn more about our lord Jesus christ, the Word of God, please visit your local Seventh-day Adventist Church. Or please visit us at Rossville Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at 1737 Mission Ridge Road, Rossville Georgia 30741 Pastor; Greg Hudson Services start at 11am on Saturday (Sabbath) morning.

AMAZING FACTS BIBLE STUDY A/F # 13 Hello friends, family, and my brothers, and sisters in Christ. This is Brother Johnny Gass. Welcome to Bible study. Study to show thyself to approved unto God, a Workman unashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 Please share these lessons with everyone you know for the expansion of the kingdom of God. Amazing Facts # 13 God's Free Health Plan Great medical care is priceless - but wouldn't it be great if we didn't need doctors anymore? Did you know there is a proven way to put a lot of doctors out of work? Take care of your body! Scientists have sounded the ominous warnings about cholesterol, tobacco, stress, obesity, and alcohol, so why press your luck? Hospitals and psychiatric institutions are packed with people who have ignored the warnings - do you really want to join them? God truly cares how you treat your body, and He's given you a free health plan, and a manual to go by... the Bible! For amazing facts about how you can have abundant health and longer life, look over this Study Guide - but be sure to read it all before jumping to conclusions! 1. Are health principles really a part of true Bible religion? "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." 3 John 2. Answer: Yes. In fact, the Bible rates health right near the top of the list in importance. Man's mind, spiritual nature, and body are all interrelated and interdependent. What affects one affects the other. If our bodies are misused, our minds and spiritual natures cannot become what God ordained they should. 2. Why did God give health rules to His people? "And the Lord commanded us to do all these statutes ... for our good always, that he might preserve us alive." Deuteronomy 6:24. "And ye shall serve the Lord your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee." Exodus 23:25. Answer: God gave health rules because He knows what is best for the human body. Automobile manufacturers place an "operations manual" in the glove compartment of each new car because they know what is best for their product. God, who made our bodies, also has an "operations manual." It is called the Holy Bible. Ignoring God's "operations manual" results in disease, twisted thinking, and burned-out lives, just as abusing a car (against the manufacturer's counsel) results in serious car trouble. Following God's rules results in "saving health" (Psalms 67:2) and more abundant life (John 10:10). These great health laws are like a wall or fence to keep out the diseases of Satan. God tells us what these rules are so we can avoid the devil's traps. 3. Do God's health rules have anything to do with eating and drinking? "Eat ye that which is good." Isaiah 55:2. "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31. Answer: Yes, a Christian will even eat and drink differently--all to the glory of God--using only "that which is good." If God says a thing is not fit to eat, He must have a good reason. He is not a harsh dictator, but a loving Father. All His counsel is for our good always. The Bible promises: "No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." Psalms 84:11. So if God withholds a thing from us, it is because it is not good. God's health rules have much to say about what we eat and drink. Note: No person can eat his way into heaven. Eating even the food of angels will not entitle people to paradise. Only acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour can do that. Ignoring God's health laws, however, may cause a person to be lost, because it will ruin his judgment and cause him to sin. 4. What did God give people to eat when He created them and provided a perfect diet? "And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed ... and every tree ... yielding seed." "Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat." Genesis 1:29; 2:16. Answer: The diet God gave people in the beginning was fruit, grains, and nuts. Vegetables were added a bit later (Genesis 3:18). God prescribed a vegetarian diet for Adam and Eve. 5. What items are specifically mentioned by God as being unclean and forbidden? Answer: In Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, God very clearly points out the following groups as being unclean. Read both chapters in full. A. All animals which do not have a split hoof and chew the cud (Deuteronomy 14:6). Pigs are unclean. B. All fish and water creatures that do not have both fins and scales. Nearly all fish are clean (Deuteronomy 14:9). Shellfish and catfish are unclean. C. All birds of prey, carrion eaters, and fish eaters (Leviticus 11:13-20). Birds of prey are unclean. D. Most "creeping things" (or invertebrates) are also unclean (Leviticus 11:21-47). Note: These chapters make it clear that most animals, birds, and water creatures people ordinarily eat are clean. There are, however, some very notable exceptions. According to God's rules, the following animals are unclean and are not to be eaten: hogs, squirrels, rabbits, catfish, eels, lobsters, clams, crabs, shrimp, oysters, frogs, and many others. The ones which live all or part-time in water and do not have both fins and scales are unclean. 6. But I like pork. Will God destroy me if I eat it? "For, behold, the Lord will come with fire ... and by his sword will the Lord plead with all flesh: and the slain of the Lord shall be many. They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves ... eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the Lord." Isaiah 66:15-17. Answer: This may be shocking, but it is true and must be told. The Bible positively states that all who eat "swine's flesh," the "mouse," and other unclean things that are an "abomination" will be destroyed with fire at the coming of the Lord. When God says to leave something alone and not eat it, we should by all means obey Him. After all, the mere eating of a piece of forbidden fruit by Adam and Eve, a sinless couple, brought sin and death to this world in the first place. Can anyone say it doesn't matter, when God so clearly shows it does? God says men will be destroyed because they "chose that in which I delighted not." Isaiah 66:4. 7. But didn't this law of clean and unclean animals originate at Sinai? Wasn't it for the Jews only, and didn't it end at the cross? "And the Lord said unto Noah, ... Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens ... and of beasts that are not clean by two." Genesis 7:1, 2. Answer: No indeed! The Bible has ample evidence that there were clean and unclean animals from the very dawn of Creation. Noah lived long before any Jews existed, but he knew of the clean and unclean, because he took into the ark the clean animals by "sevens" and the unclean by "twos." Revelation 18:2 refers to some birds as being unclean just before the second coming of Christ. Noah's sacrifice of a clean animal (Genesis 8:20) shows that he understood the difference between clean and unclean. The death of Christ had no altering effect whatever on these health laws, since the Bible says that all who break them will be destroyed when Jesus returns (Isaiah 66:15-17). The Jew's stomach and digestive system in no way differs from that of a Gentile. These health laws are for all people for all time. 8. Does the Bible forbid the use of alcoholic beverages? "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise." Proverbs 20:1. "Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder." Proverbs 23:31, 32. "Neither fornicators ... nor drunkards ... shall inherit the kingdom of God." 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10. Answer: Yes, the Bible clearly forbids the use of alcoholic beverages. The use of alcoholic beverages is clearly condemned by Scripture. 9. Does the Bible condemn the use of tobacco? Answer: Yes, the Bible gives six reasons why the use of tobacco is displeasing to God: A. The use of tobacco injures health and defiles the body. "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17. B. Nicotine is an addictive substance that enslaves people. Romans 6:16 says that we become servants to whomever (or whatever) we yield ourselves. Tobacco users are servants of nicotine. Jesus says, "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." Matthew 4:10. C. The tobacco habit is unclean. "Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you." 2 Corinthians 6:17. It is really preposterous to think of Christ using tobacco in any form, isn't it? The use of tobacco in any form is displeasing to God. D. The use of tobacco wastes money. "Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread?" Isaiah 55:2. We are God's stewards of the money given us, and "it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." 1 Corinthians 4:2. E. The use of tobacco never draws anyone closer to Christ. "Abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." 1 Peter 2:11. Tobacco use is a fleshly lust. F. The use of tobacco shortens life. Recent scientific findings confirm the fact that the use of tobacco often shortens the life span by as much as one-third. This breaks God's command against killing (Exodus 20:13). Even though it is slow murder, it is still murder. One of the best ways to postpone your funeral is to quit using tobacco. 10. What are some of the simple, yet very important, health laws found in the Bible? Answer: Here are 11 Bible health rules: A. Eat your meals at regular intervals, and do not use animal fat or blood. "Eat in due season." Ecclesiates 10:17. "It shall be a perpetual statute ... that ye eat neither fat nor blood." Leviticus 3:17. Eating meals at regular hours is very important. Note: Recent scientific studies have confirmed the fact that most heart attacks result from a high cholesterol level in the blood--and that the use of "fats" is largely responsible for this high level. It looks like the Lord knows what He is talking about after all, doesn't it? B. Don't overeat. "Put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite." Proverbs 23:2. In Luke 21:34, Christ specifically warns against "surfeiting" (overeating) in the last days. Overeating is responsible for many degenerative diseases. C. Don't harbor envy or hold grudges. These evils disrupt body processes. The Bible says that envy brings "rottenness of the bones." Proverbs 14:30. Christ even commands us to clear up grudges that others may hold against us (Matthew 5:23, 24). Christ specifically warns His followers not to overeat. D. Maintain a cheerful, happy disposition. "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine." Proverbs 17:22. "As he thinketh in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 23:7. Many diseases from which people suffer are a result of mental depression. A cheerful, happy disposition imparts health and prolongs life. E. Put full trust in the Lord. "The fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied." Proverbs 19:23. Trust in the Lord strengthens health and life. "My son, attend to my words. ... For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh." Proverbs 4:20-22. So health comes from obedience to God's commands and from putting full trust in Him. A cheerful, happy disposition benefits health. F. Balance work and exercise with sleep and rest. "Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work." Exodus 20:9, 10. "The sleep of a labouring man is sweet." Ecclesiates 5:12. "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread." Genesis 3:19. "It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late." Psalms 127:2. "For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun? ... his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also vanity." Ecclesiastes 2:22, 23. Ample sleep is essential to good health. G. Keep your body clean. "Be ye clean." Isaiah 52:11. Cleanliness is crucial for health. H. Be temperate in all things. "Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things." 1 Corinthians 9:25. "Let your moderation be known unto all men." Philippians 4:5. A Christian will completely avoid all things that are harmful and will be moderate in the use of things that are good. Habits that injure health break the command "Thou shalt not kill." They kill by degrees. They are suicide on the installment plan. I. Avoid all harmful stimulants. Here is a surprise for some. Medical science has confirmed the fact that tea, coffee, and soft drinks that contain the addictive drug caffeine and other harmful ingredients are all positively damaging to the human body. None of these contain food value except through the sugar or cream added, and most of us already use too much sugar. Stimulants give a dangerous, artificial boost to the body and are like trying to carry a ton in a wheelbarrow. The popularity of these drinks is due not to flavor or advertising, but to the dose of caffeine they contain. Many Americans are sickly because of their addiction to coffee, tea, and caffeinated soft drinks. But the real tragedy is that men and women seeking peace and strength are using tea and coffee as cheap substitutes for prayer and Bible study. This delights the devil and wrecks human lives. Caffeine harms the body. J. Make mealtime a happy time. "Every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God." Ecclesiastes 3:13. Unhappy scenes at mealtime hinder digestion. Avoid them. K. Help those who are in need. "Loose the bands of wickedness, ... undo the heavy burdens, ... deal thy bread to the hungry, and ... bring the poor that are cast out to thy house ... when thou seest the naked, ... cover him ... and thine health shall spring forth speedily." Isaiah 58:6-8. This is too plain to misunderstand: when we help the poor and needy, we improve our own health. Helping people in need enhances your health. 11. What solemn reminder is given to those who ignore God's rules? "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Galatians 6:7. Answer: The answer is too plain to miss. Those who break God's rules regarding the care of the body machine will reap broken bodies and burned-out lives, just as one who abuses his automobile will have serious car trouble. And those who continue to break God's laws of health will ultimately be destroyed by the Lord (1 Corinthians 3:16, 17). God's health laws are not arbitrary. They are natural, established laws of the universe, like the law of gravity. Ignoring these laws always brings certain disastrous results. The Bible says, "The curse causeless shall not come." Proverbs 26:2. Trouble comes when we ignore the laws of health. God, in mercy, tells us what these laws are so we may avoid the tragedies that result from breaking them. Ignoring God's health laws is a sure way to end up in surgery. 12. What fearful, shocking truth about health involves our children and grandchildren? "Thou shalt not eat it; that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee." Deuteronomy 12:25. "I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me." Exodus 20:5. A person may suffer because of his parents' or grandparents' bad health habits. Drug-using parents often transmit weaknesses to their children. Answer: God makes it very plain that children and grandchildren (to the fourth generation) pay for the folly of parents who ignore God's health rules. The children and grandchildren inherit weakened, sickly bodies when mother and father defy God's rules for their lives. Is this what you want for your dear children and grandchildren? 13. What more fearful, sobering fact does God's Word reveal? "There shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth." Revelation 21:27. "But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord God." Ezekiel 11:21. Exercise in the great outdoors will help us prepare for heaven. Answer: Nothing defiling or unclean will be permitted in God's kingdom. All filthy habits defile a person. Use of improper food defiles a person (Daniel 1:8). It is sobering, but true. Choosing their "own ways" and that in which God "delighted not" will cost people their eternal salvation (Isaiah 66:3, 4, 15-17). 14. What should every sincere Christian endeavor to do at once? "Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit." 2 Corinthians 7:1. "Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he [Christ] is pure." 1 John 3:3. "If ye love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15. Answer: Sincere Christians will bring their lives into harmony with God's rules at once, because they love Him. They know that His rules greatly add to their happiness and protect them from the devil's diseases (Acts 10:38). God's counsel and rules are always for our good, just as good parents' rules and counsel are best for their children. And once we know better, God holds us accountable. "To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." James 4:17. Sincere, living Christians will want to bring their lives in harmony with God's health rules. 15. But I'm worried because some of my evil habits have bound me so tightly. What can I do? "As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God." John 1:12. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13. Answer: Take all of these habits to Christ and lay them at His feet. He will joyfully give you a new heart and the power you need to break any evil habit and become a son or daughter of God (Ezekiel 11:18, 19). How thrilling and heartwarming it is to know that "with God all things are possible." Mark 10:27. And Jesus says, "Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." John 6:37. Jesus is ready to break the shackles that bind us. He longs to set us free, and will, if only we will permit it. Our worries, evil habits, nervous tensions, and fears will be gone when we do His bidding. He says, "These things have I spoken unto you ... that your joy might be full." John 15:11. The devil argues that freedom is found in disobedience, but this is a falsehood (John 8:44). Evil habits that bind us can be quickly broken by Jesus. 16. What thrilling promises are given about God's new kingdom? "And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick." Isaiah 33:24. "And there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain." Revelation 21:4. "They shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31. Answer: The citizens of God's new kingdom will obey His health laws, and there will be no sickness or disease. They will be blessed with eternal vigor and youth and will live with God in supreme joy and happiness throughout all eternity. Heaven will be free from disease and sickness. All of its inhabitants will follow God's laws of life. Thought Questions 1. 1 Timothy 4:4 says, "Every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused." Can you explain this? 1 Timothy 4:4 This Scripture passage (verse 3) refers to meats "which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving" by His people. These meats, as we have already discovered, are the clean meats listed in Leviticus chapter 11 and Deuteronomy chapter 14. Verse 4 makes it clear that all creatures of God are good and not to be refused, provided they are among those created to "be received with thanksgiving" (the clean animals). Verse 5 tells why these animals (or foods) are acceptable: they are "sanctified" by God's Word, which says they are clean, and by a "prayer" of blessing, which is offered before the meal. Please note, however, that God will destroy people who try to "sanctify themselves" while eating unclean foods (Isaiah 66:17). 2. Matthew 15:11 says, "Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out." How do you explain this? Matthew 15:11 The subject in Matthew 15:1-20 is eating without first washing the hands (verse 2). The focus is not eating, but washing. The scribes taught that eating any food without a special ceremonial washing defiled the eater. Jesus said the ceremonial washings were meaningless. In verse 19, He listed certain evils--murders, adulteries, thefts, etc. Then He concluded, "These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man." Verse 20. 3. But didn't Jesus cleanse all animals in Peter's vision, as recorded in Acts 10? Acts 10:13 No! In fact, the subject of this vision is not animals, but people. God gave Peter this vision to show him that the Gentiles were not unclean, as the Jews believed. God had instructed Cornelius, a Gentile, to send men to visit Peter. But Peter would have refused to see them if God had not given him this vision, because Jewish law forbade entertaining Gentiles (verse 28). But when the men finally did arrive, Peter welcomed them, explaining that ordinarily he would not have done so, but "God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean." Verse 28. In the next chapter (Acts 11), the church members criticized Peter for speaking with these Gentiles. So Peter told them the whole story of his vision and its meaning. And Acts 11:18 says, "When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life." 4. What did God make the hog for, if not to eat? Isaiah 66:17 He made it for the same purpose that He made the buzzard--as a scavenger to clean up garbage. And the hog serves this purpose admirably. 5. Romans 14:3, 14, 20 says: "Let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth." "There is nothing unclean of itself." "All things indeed are pure." Can you explain this? Romans 14:3 Verses 3 through 6 are a discussion of those who eat certain things versus those who do not. The passage does not say either is right, but rather counsels that neither pass judgment on the other. Instead, let God be the Judge (verses 4,10-12). Verses 14 and 20 refer to foods that were first offered to idols (and were thus ceremonially unclean)--not to the clean and unclean meats of Leviticus chapter 11. (Read 1 Corinthians 8:1, 4, 10, 13). The point of the discussion is that no food is "unclean" or "impure" just because it has first been offered to idols, because an idol is "nothing in the world." 1 Corinthians 8:4. But if a person's conscience bothers him for eating such food, he should leave it alone. Or even if it merely offends a brother, he should likewise abstain. 6. Are health laws and eating and drinking really important to me personally? If I love the Lord, isn't that enough? Romans 12:1 They are a matter of life versus death, because these laws involve obedience. "He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him." Hebrews 5:9. "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." Matthew 7:21. Love to Christ is involved here because He says, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15. When we truly love the Lord, we will gladly obey Him without dodging or making excuses. This is the supreme test. To learn more about our lord Jesus christ, the Word of God, please visit your local Seventh-day Adventist Church. Or please visit us at Rossville Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at 1737 Mission Ridge Road, Rossville Georgia 30741 Pastor; Greg Hudson Services start at 11am on Saturday (Sabbath) morning.