What is important to you?

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33, EMTV)



What is the most important thing in your life?

Serious, when no one is around, you are by yourself, what is the most important thing in your life?

Is it your family? That is a very good thing, but are you sure?

Is it your spouse? Again this is very good to cherish and love your spouse, but are you sure?

Is it your country? Probably there are some that might say that but not many.

Is it your job? There are people who probably hold to that. Certainly some bosses would like that, but most do not believe that.

Take a look in the mirror. That person is who is most important if we are truly honest. What we are comfortable with—our beliefs, our thoughts, and our standards. We are comfortable with this to the point that if only everyone else would live this way, they too would have a comfortable life.

This is called relativism. Studies, polls, class room exercises, etc. have asked this question. Then the follow up is asked, will there be any conflict in a society having this standard? They answer, "Yes." What will this result in? "Chaos," they answer. Whose standard will win then? Some answer that the smartest will win, but most answer that the strongest will win. See this article for example.

Is this the best? No, because as we have seen it leads to chaos with everyone having their own standard.

When I use the word relativism, I am not necessarily referring to philosophy but as used in our daily life and lifestyle. Relativism is defined "The doctrine that no ideas or beliefs are universally true but that all are, instead, "relative" — that is, their validity depends on the circumstances in which they are applied." (Cite: Cite: relativism. (n.d.). The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition. Retrieved May 11, 2015, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/relativism


This just is not livable. So what standard is best? Christianity, that is, true Biblical Christianity has changed societies for the better. See here, here, here, or here.

Now it is true that many call themselves Christians and are quite adamant about it, but what they say has little importance. But it is in what they do, in how they live, and in how they treat others. What standard is used to know who is and who isn't? It has to be the Bible in its plain, normal sense. Consider some of these laws:

1. 
   
   Lay aside
   
   
   
   
   1. Wickedness (James 1:21)
   
   
   2. All malice (1 Peter 2:1)
   
   
   3. All guile (1 Peter 2:1)
   
   
   4. All hypocrisies ((1 Peter 2:1)
   
   
   5. All envies (1 Peter 2:1)
   
   
   6. All evil speaking (1 Peter 2:1)
   
   
   
   

Any honest person will know that society will be better if the above 6 things were NOT done.

Seeking the Kingdom of God is seeking the ordered society where God is ruler and His laws followed.

 

Sunday School Lesson--Holy Spirit

 




 

Key Theme: God is faithful to His promises.


 

A1 Objectives

B1 Describe how Jesus's promise of the Holy Spirit was fulfilled.

B2 Explain the work of the Holy Spirit in believers.

A2 Scriptures

B1 John 16:5-15

B2 Acts 2:1-24

B3 Ephesians 1:13-14

B4 Galatians 5:22-23

A3 Notes

B1 Holy Spirit

C1 Who is He?

D1 God Acts 5:3-4

E1 Omnipresent Psalms 139:7-8

E2 Omniscient 1 Corinthians 2:10-11

E3 All other characteristics of God

D2 Person, not force or power

E1 Personality and Emotions

F1 Thinking and knowing 1 Corinthians 2:10

F2 Grieved Ephesians 4:30

E2 Has a will 1 Corinthians 12:7-11

E3 Prays for us Romans 8:26-27

D3 Seven spirits of God, that is, the sevenfold Spirit of God

E1 God the Holy Spirit is identified as the sevenfold Spirit of God in Revelation

E2 Most likely it refers to Holy Spirit being perfect and complete (the perfect, highest possible)

C2 What does He do?

D1 Indweller of Christians Romans 8:16, Galatians 4:6, 1 John 3:24, 1 John 4:13

D2 Teacher 1 John 2:27, Luke 12:12

D3 Convictor (the idea of convicting of sin, so the one who convicts/convinces) John 16:8, Acts 2:37

C3 Books on

D1 The Free Will Baptist Treatise Chapter 7 is the doctrinal statement on the Holy Spirit

E1 Text

CHAPTER VII

The Holy Spirit

1. The Scriptures ascribe to the Holy Spirit the acts

and attributes of an intelligent being. He guides,86

knows,87 moves,88 gives information,89 commands,90

forbids91 sends forth,92 reproves,93 and can be sinned

against.94

2. The attributes of God are ascribed to the Holy

Spirit.

3. The works of God are ascribed to the Holy

Spirit: creation,95 inspiration,96 giving of life,97 and

sanctification.98

4. The apostles assert that the Holy Spirit is Lord

and God.99

From the foregoing, the conclusion is that the Holy

Spirit is in reality God and one with the Father in all

divine perfections. It has also been shown that Jesus

Christ is God—one with the Father. Then these three—

the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—are one God.

The truth of this doctrine is also proved from the

fact that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are

united in the authority by which believers are baptized;

and in the benedictions pronounced by the apostles,100

which are acts of the highest religious worship.101

E2 Supporting verses

86 John 16:13: Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he

will guide you into all truth.

87 1 Corinthians 2:11: Even so the things of God knoweth no

man, but the Spirit of God.

88 Genesis 1:2: And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of

the waters. Acts 8:39.

89 Acts 10:19: While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said

unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. 1 Cor. 2:13; Acts 21:11;

John 14:26.

90 Acts 13:2: The Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and

Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

91 Acts 16:6: And were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach

the word in Asia.

92 Acts 13:4: So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost,

departed unto Seleucia.

93 John 16:8: And when he is come, he will reprove the world of

sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. Gen. 6:3.

94 Mark 3:29: But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy

Ghost hath never forgiveness. Isa. 63:10, Acts 7:51; Eph. 4:30.

95 Job 33:4: The Spirit of God hath made me. Job 26:13; Psa.

104:30.

96 2 Peter 1:21: Prophecy came not in old time by the will of

man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy

Ghost.

97 1 Peter 3:18: Quickened by the Spirit. Rom. 8:11.

98 1 Corinthians 6:11: But ye are sanctified, but ye are justified

in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

99 Isaiah 6:8, 9: I heard the voice of the Lord,...And he said, Go,

and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not. Acts 28:25,

26: Well spake the Holy Ghost...Go unto this people, and say,

Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand. Compare John 3:16

with Matt. 1:18.

100 Matthew 28:19: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing

them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the

Holy Ghost. 2 Cor. 13:14: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and

the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with

you all. 1 Pet. 1:2.

E3 Addendum

APPENDIX TO CHAPTER VII

Adopted July, 1979

Free Will Baptists understand the Bible teaches the following

facts: On the Day of Pentecost believers spoke in distinct foreign

languages which were readily understood by the nationalities present.164

18 TREATISE OF THE FAITH

Tongues were given as a special gift to the early church as only

one sign which confirms the witness of the Gospel to unbelievers.165

While tongues were bestowed by the sovereign will of God on

some believers, all did not speak with tongues.166 When this gift

was abused, it became a source of disturbance in the congregational

meetings. To eliminate confusion and correct the error, Paul set

particular guidelines for the Christian church to follow.167 The gift

of tongues was neither an evidence of the baptism of the Holy

Spirit, nor does it bring about sanctification.168

We believe that speaking in tongues as a visible sign of the baptism

of the Holy Spirit is an erroneous doctrine to be rejected. Any

implication of a "second work of grace" has never been tolerated in

our fellowship of churches, and will not be permitted.

We teach and preach the fullness of the Holy Spirit and heed the

scriptural admonition, "Be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves

in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making

melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all

things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus

Christ."169

--

165 1 Corinthians 14:1-40; Heb. 2:4.

166 1 Corinthians 12:10, 30.

167 1 Corinthians 14:18, 19, 23, 33.

168 1 Corinthians 12:13.

169 Ephesians 5:18b-20

E4 Also found in Chapter 10 on faith

D2 http://www.catholic.com/magazine/articles/the-divinity-of-the-holy-spirit (Roman Catholic but has some good points)

D3 http://www.spokanebiblechurch.com/study/Bible%20Doctrines/Doctrine%20of%20the%20Holy%20Spirit.htm#HolySpiritIsAPerson

B2 John 16:5-15

C1 Jesus's message about leaving and returning to heaven.

C2 Disciples

D1 Sad

D2 Hopeful

E1 Jesus tells them that it is OK.

E2 You will be OK, because the Helper will come to you.

E3 Jesus is the sender.

E4 The church--the disciples at that point--will have the Helper with them.

C3 Holy Spirit

D1 Comes

D2 Works in the world.

E1 Convicts the world, that is, all humans.

F1 Sin

G1 This sin is of unbelief.

G2 They do not believe Jesus.

F2 Righteousness

G1 Go to Father

G2 See Him no more.

H1 That is in this life.

H2 His return will be after they die.

F3 Judgment

G1 Ruler of this world

G2 Is the devil. (John 12:31, John 14:30

D3 Works with the disciples who have many things to learn yet. The Holy Spirit will

E1 Come

E2 Guide you into all truth

E3 He will convey the message of God to these disciples

D4 Glorifies Jesus

D5 Takes Jesus's message and declares it

D6 The Godhead shares all things. The Holy Spirit is the worker of it and the messenger of it.

B3 Acts 2:1-24

C1 Day of Pentecost

C2 A gathering of the early church

C3 A sudden event

C4 A sound of wind

C5 A symbol of fire on each head

C6 A real earthly language spoken by each person

C7 A crowd gathers

C8 A message given--a message of glorifying God

C9 A ridicule

C10 A preacher--Peter

D1 An announcement

D2 A clarification (we are not drunk with wine)

D3 A fulfillment of prophecy

D4 A quote (from the prophet)

D5 A statement of doctrine--whosoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.

D6 An application--Jesus's life of miracles and other things that proved beyond any doubt that He is Messiah.

D7 A death--Jesus was killed. God know this and the plan of salvation was decreed beforehand.

D8 A resurrection

A4 Questions

B1

Bible Study

 

A1 Scripture

B1 And for this reason when we could no longer take it, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone, and sent Timothy, our brother minister of God, and our fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen you and comfort you in your faith, so that no one would be disturbed by these afflictions, for you yourselves know that we all are placed into this. For truly, when we were with you, we told you ahead of time that we would suffer afflictions, even as it happened and as you know. For this reason when I couldn't put it off any longer I sent so that I might know about your faith, lest somehow the tempter having tempted you and our labor turn out to be futile. (1 Thessalonians 3:1-5, WEL)

B2 Therefore, when we could bear it no longer, we were well pleased to be left behind at Athens alone, and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, in order to establish you and exhort you concerning your faith, that no one should be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this. For even when we were with you, we were telling you in advance that we were going to be afflicted, just as it has come to pass, and as you know. Because of this, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith, lest somehow the tempter had tempted you, and our labor be in vain. (1 Thessalonians 3:1-5, EMTV)

 

A2 Outline

B1 Curiosity

 

A3 Notes

B1 1 Thessalonians 3:1

C1 Paul longs to see them again.

C2 He was growing impatient from concern about their wellbeing

C3 He stayed in Athens

B2 1 Thessalonians 3:2

C1 Timothy sent to them.

D1 Described

E1 Brother in Christ

E2 Minister of God

E3 Fellow worker in the Gospel of Christ

D2 Purpose

E1 To strengthen you

E2 To encourage you

F1 The Greek word is parakaleo.

F2 Means

G1 Comfort them in their trials

G2 Encourage them to continue thus this would include comfort as well. This is the most likely meaning.

B3 1 Thessalonians 3:3

C1 Disturbed

D1 The Greek word is saino.

D2 It means

E1 Shaken up--to cause mental/emotional agony

E2 Disturbed

D3 His concern was that the trials and persecutions they were facing would cause them to abandon the faith.

D4 We need to encourage one another.

C2 Afflictions

D1 The Greek word is thlipsis.

D2 It means

E1 Pressure

E2 The type of pressure that would be emotional, physical, mental, etc. that would cause pain.

E3 Persecution

F1 Soft as in loss of job or denial of benefits that all others receive.

F2 Hard as in jail or torture

D3 Application

E1 Paul forewarned them.

E2 It is common in the Christian life.

E3 Jesus, the Apostles, and other believers experienced it.

C3 Appoint

D1 The Greek word is keimai.

D2 It means

E1 To lie as in to be placed down on something.

F1 The spoon lies on the table.

F2 "He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay." (Matthew 28:6, NKJV)

E2 Figurative it means appoint

F1 "Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against." (Luke 2:34, EMTV)

F2 "Then they will hand you over to tribulation and they will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations, on account of My name." (Matthew 24:9, EMTV)

F3 "If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. Remember the word which I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me." (John 15:19-21, EMTV)

B4 1 Thessalonians 3:4

C1 We may be appointed for difficulties from non-Christians here, but "...God did not appoint us to wrath, but to the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Chris." (1 Thessalonians 5:9, EMTV)

C2 The Thessalonians had seen and experienced persecution of the brethren when they were there preaching the Gospel.

C3 This is different than the easy, soft, false Gospel they is regularly preached today.

B5 1 Thessalonians 3:5

C1 The Tempter

D1 The Greek word is peirazo.

D2 It means

C1 Test--as a teacher would test to know the pupils knowledge, what they have learned. Satan is this tempter and wishes to cause affliction and trouble of all sorts to try and break us down--to abandon the faith. Consider Job in Job 1:1 and the Lord Jesus--"And approaching Him, the tempter said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones may become bread." (Matthew 4:3, EMTV)

C2 Examine

D3 He does this by

E1 Lying

E2 Twisting the truth

E3 Appealing to lusts of the flesh and mind

E4 Pain

E5 Fear

E6 Physical, mental, emotional, financial, religious, etc. abuse

D4 The best ways to avoid and stay true to God is to

E1 Read and study the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15)

E2 Pray (Matthew 26:41)

E3 Encourage others (Galatians 6:2)

E4 Allow others to encourage you. Have another person you can talk to. You don't need to tell all, just ask for prayer and for the person to listen and for you to listen in return. (Galatians 5:13-14)

E5 Confess failures and sin (James 5:16)

E6 Know your weaknesses, so then you can flee temptation, avoiding it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

E7 Resist, so leave the area, start doing something else, etc. (James 4:7)

E8 When you sin, do not blame others but take the responsibility. Compare Adam who failed by blaming his wife and God (Genesis 3:12). Compare Aaron who made the golden calf (Exodus 32:24).

E9 Be persistent and consistent. (Colossians 1:23 and James 1:12)

E10 When you sin, do not be discouraged or give up. Consider Peter who denied Jesus. He was forgiven and still used of God (John 18:25-27 and John 21:17).

E11 Remember that Jesus himself was tempted, and how He resisted. (Hebrews 2:18, Hebrews 4:15)

E12 Do the Scriptures, that is, obey God's rules. (James 1:22)

E13 Stop sinning (Ephesians 4:28)

E14 Avoid evil people who may encourage you to sin (2 Corinthians 6:14)

E15 There are rewards for not sinning.

F1 First, you don't sin.

F2 Secondly, a crown from God. This is something we receive on our judgment day. (James 1:12)

E16 Be aware that the devil wants you to sin and will try anything to get you to sin. (1 Peter 5:8)

C2 Futile/in vain

D1 The Greek word is kenos.

D2 It means

E1 Vain as in unsuccessful

E2 Empty as in what you have is now gone.

D3 In this case it would mean the Gospel was preached, the people believed and led a Christian life, then totally fell away. This would be Paul's worst fear.

D4 The Holy Spirit was sent by Jesus to be our helper.

E1 "My little children, these things I write to you, that you may not sin. And if someone should sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." (1 John 2:1, EMTV)

E2 How God helps us

F1 Helps us to remember Scripture

F2 Does not leave or forsake us

F3 Prays (intercedes for us)

F4 Loves us

F5 Chastens us (to correct our wrong behavior and for us to repent)

F6 Strengthens us (Philippians 4:13)

F7 Gives grace, that is, something we do not deserve to help us resist and flee temptation. (Hebrews 4:16)

F8 Reminds us that He is stronger than the devil (1 John 4:4)

F9 Given us a Psalm to help us (Psalm 23)

G1 Gives peace and rest

G2 Restores

G3 Leads on the righteous path

G4 Remains close beside us even while we are dying

G5 Stays with us when trouble comes

G6 Blesses us even when our enemies surround us

G7 God's goodness and mercy are applied to me

Some Ways God Helps Us

Let your way of life be without loving money, being satisfied with what you have. For He Himself has said, "By no means shall I desert you, nor in any way shall I forsake you;" so that being confident, we may say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:5-6, EMTV)


 




 

How God helps us

1. 
   
   Helps us to remember Scripture
   
   
   
   
   
   1. The importance of Scripture cannot be understated.
      
   
   
   2. 
      
      Gives us guidance to know our way.
      
      
      
      
      
      1. Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. (Psalms 119:105, NKJV)
         
      
      
      2. There are many decisions to make. We need to use our mind, reason, and logic, but there still is the unknown. Things happen and best decisions might not turn out as we expect. The Bible gives many rules, principles, and examples of good and bad decisions.
         
      
      
      
      
   
   
   3. To know what is true and/or false (John 17:17)
      
   
   
   
   


2. Does not leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5)
   


3. Prays (intercedes for us) (Romans 8:26)
   


4. 
   
   Loves us (Romans 8:37-39, 1 John 4:9)
   
   
   
   
   
   1. The description of love is found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
      
   
   
   2. This love, God's love, is a choice, not necessarily a passion. True love whether in marriage or family or friends may or may not have passion. True love is a choice.
      
   
   
   
   


5. 
   
   Chastens us (to correct our wrong behavior and for us to repent) (Psalm 94:12)
   
   
   
   
   
   1. This is just not rough times in our lives.
      
   
   
   2. It is to get us to repent and to do things God's way, according to His rules (1 Corinthians 11:32).
      
   
   
   3. He does this because He loves us.
      
   
   
   
   


6. Strengthens us (Philippians 4:13)
   


7. Gives grace, that is, something we do not deserve to help us resist and flee temptation. (Hebrews 4:16)
   


8. Reminds us that He is stronger than the devil (1 John 4:4)
   


9. 
   
   Given us a Psalm to help us (Psalm 23)
   
   
   
   
   
   1. Gives peace and rest
      
   
   
   2. Restores
      
   
   
   3. Leads on the righteous path
      
   
   
   4. Remains close beside us even while we are dying
      
   
   
   5. Stays with us when trouble comes
      
   
   
   6. Blesses us even when our enemies surround us
      
   
   
   7. God's goodness and mercy are applied to me
   
   
   
   

Some Financial Advice

Bob at Christian Personal Finance has been writing financial advice from a Christian perspective for a long time. He has a newsletter, blog, courses, books, and lots of personal advice. I find his advice timely and useful.



Photo credit: Ken Wilcox. / Source / CC BY-ND


He wrote a column in 2007 entitled The one thing I would teach a recent college Grad.

This road can sometimes feel like a lonely road, when everything and everyone around you is yelling, "Spend! Spend! Spend!" But, be assured, those who go down this road get the last laugh. They experience freedoms that most people only dream of.

If you are like I was, you will think, "oh, I can spend now, because I will be making more money later." Well, the truth is that it doesn't matter how much money you make. Expenses rise to meet income. So, as your income increases, you can be sure that, by default, your expenses will increase as well. Believe it or not, there are people out there with $500K annual salaries filing bankruptcy and in the same moment, you have people who never...

The article deals with some timely advice for the recent graduate but even people who are older. It truly is never too soon to start.

God has much to say about finances in the Scriptures. If we heed God's advice, we will be much better off. You and I know some things never seem to work out and tragedies do happen but generally we will be better off. Not only do we learn, but we can pass this information to our children, friends, and neighbors.

Tips on avoiding sin

No true Christian wants to sin and displease God. The Scriptures truly state that "…you will know them by their fruit," that is, what kind of life they live.

How do we avoid sin?



Photo credit: I am marlon / Loveseat Deals / CC BY-NC-ND

We will be tempted.

Some tips:

1. 
   
   Read and study the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15)
   
   
   
   
   
   1. Reading the Bible should be no difficulty. Just read it. Need some help search for a reading plan. The YouVersion Bible app (or here) has many short, long, topical, chronological reading plans. Another is the Blue Letter Bible reading plans.
      
   
   
   2. Studying the Bible. The best is to use the cross references and a topical Bible as Nave's or Torrey's. Online there is Blue Letter Bible, Bible Hub, Precept Austin, and others.
      
   
   
   
   


2. 
   
   Pray (Matthew 26:41)
   
   
   
   
   
   1. Praying is simply talking with God. Jesus prayed (Mark 1:35 and many other places).
      
   
   
   2. 
      
      Some things to pray for are
      
      
      
      
      
      1. Things to be thankful for
         
      
      
      2. Others needs for spiritual health, emotional health, and physical health, etc.
         
      
      
      3. Leaders of your country, religious leaders, and all (1 Timothy 2:1-4).
         
      
      
      
      
   
   
   
   


3. 
   
   Encourage others (Galatians 6:2)
   
   
   
   
   
   1. "Don't give up." "We can make it with God's help."
      
   
   
   2. It is part of bearing one another's burdens.
      
   
   
   
   


4. 
   
   Allow others to encourage you. Have another person you can talk to. You don't need to tell all, just ask for prayer and for the person to listen and for you to listen in return. (Galatians 5:13-14)
   
   
   
   
   
   1. Not only are we to be an encouragement to others, but we are to let others encourage us.
      
   
   
   2. It is OK to ask for help.
      
   
   
   
   


5. 
   
   Confess failures and sin (James 5:16)
   
   
   
   
   
   1. All of us from Peter to us today have sinned and need to confess our sins and ask God for forgiveness.
      
   
   
   2. If we sin and only God knows, confess it to Him alone.
      
   
   
   3. If we sin against one, then confess to God after you have gone to the other person, confessed your sin, and ask for their forgiveness. When we forgive others, we then allow God to handle it. That others person still needs to confess and ask God for forgiveness.
      
   
   
   
   


6. 
   
   Know your weaknesses, so then you can flee temptation, avoiding it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
   
   
   
   
   
   1. Have the addiction gene? Then stay away from any addiction as gambling, alcohol, drugs, etc.
      
   
   
   2. Always and everyone needs to stay away from porn.
      
   
   
   
   


7. 
   
   Resist, so leave the area, start doing something else, etc. (James 4:7)
   
   
   
   
   
   1. If tempted, then leave the area and get busy with something—work, exercise, helping others, washing dishes, anything to occupy your time.
      
   
   
   2. Walk away and memorize Scripture, pray, go out and help someone.
      
   
   
   
   


8. When you sin, do not blame others but take the responsibility. Compare Adam who failed by blaming his wife and God (Genesis 3:12). Compare Aaron who made the golden calf (Exodus 32:24).
   


9. 
   
   Be persistent and consistent. (Colossians 1:23 and James 1:12)
   
   
   
   
   
   1. People are not just tempted once. It will happen again and again.
      
   
   
   2. If we give in, it will be easier to give in the second time.
      
   
   
   
   


10. 
    
    When you sin, do not be discouraged or give up. Consider Peter who denied Jesus. He was forgiven and still used of God (John 18:25-27 and John 21:17).
    
    
    
    
    
    1. All of us sin.
       
    
    
    2. All of us are forgiven.
       
    
    
    3. All of us need God's help.
       
    
    
    4. Peter sinned a grievous sin and still was used by God (see the verse above).
       
    
    
    
    


11. 
    
    Remember that Jesus himself was tempted, and how He resisted. (Hebrews 2:18, Hebrews 4:15)
    
    
    
    
    
    1. He knew the Scriptures.
       
    
    
    2. He applied the Scriptures.
       
    
    
    3. He lived the Scriptures.
       
    
    
    
    


12. 
    
    Do the Scriptures, that is, obey God's rules. (James 1:22)
    
    
    
    
    
    1. If we busy ourselves obey God's laws, we will know what they are and be practiced in obeying them.
       
    
    
    2. There are over 1,000 rules in the New Testament.
       
    
    
    
    


13. Stop sinning (Ephesians 4:28)
    


14. Avoid evil people who may encourage you to sin (Proverbs 1:10, 2 Corinthians 6:14)
    


15. 
    
    There are rewards for not sinning.
    
    
    
    
    
    1. First, you don't sin.
       
    
    
    2. Secondly, a crown from God. This is something we receive on our judgment day. (James 1:12)
       
    
    
    
    


16. Be aware that the devil wants you to sin and will try anything to get you to sin. (1 Peter 5:8)

Sin is a constant danger. God knows we are frail. God will help us. Don't give up, that's what the Tempter, the devil, wants.

Scientific Truth?

A new post at the Discovery Institute's Evolution News deals with the total nonreality of some evolutionists and the warping of truth or ignorance of it. Consider:

We are often told that "nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution." The statement was first made in 1973 by neo-Darwinist Theodosius Dobzhansky. (Neo-Darwinism is the view that evolution is due to the natural selection of variations that originate as gene mutations.) Dobzhansky's statement is false. Nevertheless, it has become the majority opinion ("consensus") of the scientific establishment. Sometimes, it is carried to absurd extremes.

For example, in a blog post last week defending that reliability of "scientific consensus," theoretical astrophysicist Ethan Siegel wrote:

[E]volution was the consensus position that led to the discovery of genetics...

What a hoot! The truth is that Gregor Mendel discovered genetics with no help from evolution. Mendel published his theory…

For too many people truth is "what I say," as if they are the final authority in life. What people believe to be true, and what is reality are two different things.

1. Truth corresponds to reality. This would be seen when a cashier hands you the wrong change. Immediately people will say, "Wait a minute. This is not the correct change." No theories allowed here; it is reality.


2. Truth is fact. An example of this would be 1+1=2. No theory really needed. Someone may explain it away, but 1 $(USA) plus 1 $(USA) does equal 2 $(USA).

An article on truth.

Christian and non-Christians understand this.

1. "If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything." Mark Twain


2. "Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored." Aldous Huxley, Complete Essays 2, 1926-29


3. "In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act." George Orwell


4. "Fallacies do not cease to be fallacies because they become fashions." G. K. Chesterton


5. "The truth is, of course, that the curtness of the Ten Commandments is an evidence, not of the gloom and narrowness of a religion, but, on the contrary, of its liberality and humanity. It is shorter to state the things forbidden than the things permitted: precisely because most things are permitted, and only a few things are forbidden." G. K. Chesterton


6. "Never speak against the truth, but be ashamed of your ignorance." (Sirach 4:25 NRSVA)


7. "A reliable witness always tells the truth, but an unreliable one tells nothing but lies." (Proverbs 14:5 GNB)

The above article explores what is true. It is a good read for sure. Check out the facts before you believe something.

Let us not be led away by "experts," government, salespeople, or someone we know.