Things done without faith is a sin.

Written by Lee Stevenson, sorry I am not the best editor.

The bible tells us without faith we cannot please God. The bible tells us things done without faith are a sin. So we need to ask ourselves do we truly have faith in God and trust Jesus as our king who is sitting on the throne in heaven. How can we be certain of our faith and how can we acquire faith. What is faith? The bible defines faith as assured expectation of what is hoped for, even though we cannot see those things we will believe them and expect them. Abraham believed the promises God had made him and lived his life according to God’s will even though he knew the promises would not be fulfilled in his life time he still believe and trusted God setting an example of faith. You can read about Noah’s faith also. Before the great flood the earth was watered with a mist, not rain showers. Since this had not occurred before Noah could have had doubts but he did not , he lived his life according to his faith and built the ark saving those that God found to be righteous.

(Romans 14:21-23) . . .. ²² The faith that you have, keep it to yourself before God. Happy is the man who does not judge himself by what he approves. ²³ But if he has doubts, he is already condemned if he eats, because he does not eat based on faith. Indeed, everything that is not based on faith is sin.

(Hebrews 11:5-7) . . .. ⁶ Moreover, without faith it is impossible to please God well, for whoever approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him. ⁷ By faith Noah, after receiving divine warning of things not yet seen, showed godly fear and constructed an ark for the saving of his household; and through this faith he condemned the world, and he became an heir of the righteousness that results from faith.

(Hebrews 11:1-3) 11 Faith is the assured expectation of what is hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities that are not seen. ² For by means of it, the men of ancient times had witness borne to them. ³ By faith we perceive that the systems of things were put in order by God’s word, so that what is seen has come into existence from things that are not visible.

For a person to develop faith they first must hear about God and Jesus. By writing God’s word on our hearts and then teach others we build up our faith. If we find our faith is not what it should be we need to ask God and believe he will answer our prayer. We also must remain in union with Christ so we have to put off fleshly things of the world and set our minds on the things above. When we pray to God we need to ask me for these things in Jesus name. I doing so we are showing we know he was our ransom sacrifice and he is now sitting on the heavenly throne. We must observe all the commandments Jesus has given us. We also must keep our eyes on the things unseen which is the heavenly kingdom, God , Jesus and the future promises. The things unseen are God, Jesus, the angels because they are spirit persons and we cannot see spirit people. The unseen things are the future promises God has given us that the heavenly kingdom with Jesus as the king will restore the earth to the original paradise and that death will be done away with. We are told the things seen will be done away with but the things unseen will be forever. So that means the promises will also be forever. We also know death will be done away with. Though we cannot see it by believing there will be a resurrection and death will be no more we are showing our faith. By obeying God and doing our best to imitate Jesus we are showing our faith. By putting our trust in God by taking in his word and letting it guide all we do instead of putting our trust in the world or ourselves we are showing God our faith.

(Romans 10:17) ¹⁷ So faith follows the thing heard. In turn, what is heard is through the word about Christ.

(Romans 10:8-10) ⁸ But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your own mouth and in your own heart”; that is, “the word” of faith, which we are preaching. ⁹ For if you publicly declare with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and exercise faith in your heart that God raised him up from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For with the heart one exercises faith for righteousness, but with the mouth one makes public declaration for salvation.

(1 Corinthians 9:16) ¹⁶ Now if I am declaring the good news, it is no reason for me to boast, for necessity is laid upon me. Really, woe to me if I do not declare the good news!

(John 15:7-10) ⁷ If you remain in union with me and my sayings remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will take place for you. ⁸ My Father is glorified in this, that you keep bearing much fruit and prove yourselves my disciples. ⁹ Just as the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; remain in my love. ¹⁰ If you observe my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have observed the commandments of the Father and remain in his love.

(2 Corinthians 4:17, 18) ¹⁷ For though the tribulation is momentary and light, it works out for us a glory that is of more and more surpassing greatness and is everlasting; ¹⁸ while we keep our eyes, not on the things seen, but on the things unseen. For the things seen are temporary, but the things unseen are everlasting.

(James 1:17) ¹⁷ Every good gift and every perfect present is from above, coming down from the Father of the celestial lights, who does not vary or change like the shifting shadows.

We can be sure that the future promises God has given us will be fulfilled because not a single promise of his has went unfulfilled. God does not change so when he makes a promise he keeps it. There is no one wiser then God and no one more powerful so what he promises he has the wisdom and power to bring it about. So we have no reason to live in fear of the things happening or of death. It gives a freedom that those who lack faith do not have. Soon all the wicked will be gone and all suffering will be done away with. If we keep our eyes on the things unseen the things happening in our lives or in the world will not cause us excess anxiety or stress because we will be certain that this is temporary and much better time are very near. This world will be gone soon and so will those who put faith themselves or the world instead of God. This is why Jesus warned many would claim to be following him but he would tell them get away from me you workers of lawlessness. So we must not only learn about God and believe in him but we have to let his word guide all we do. In doing so we are showing God our faith.

(Revelation 21:1-4) 21 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea is no more. ² I also saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God and prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. ³ With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. ⁴ And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”

(1 Corinthians 15:24-28) ²⁴ Next, the end, when he hands over the Kingdom to his God and Father, when he has brought to nothing all government and all authority and power. ²⁵ For he must rule as king until God has put all enemies under his feet. ²⁶ And the last enemy, death, is to be brought to nothing. ²⁷ For God “subjected all things under his feet.” But when he says that ‘all things have been subjected,’ it is evident that this does not include the One who subjected all things to him. ²⁸ But when all things will have been subjected to him, then the Son himself will also subject himself to the One who subjected all things to him, that God may be all things to everyone.

(Daniel 7:13, 14) ¹³ “I kept watching in the visions of the night, and look! with the clouds of the heavens, someone like a son of man was coming; and he gained access to the Ancient of Days, and they brought him up close before that One. ¹⁴ And to him there were given rulership, honor, and a kingdom, that the peoples, nations, and language groups should all serve him. His rulership is an everlasting rulership that will not pass away, and his kingdom will not be destroyed.

Another way we show God our faith is by being no part of the world and avoiding associating with those who do not believe in God. A yoke is put between two oxen so they can share the work. If one of the oxen is weak then it puts more of a burden on the stronger oxen. If we associate with those who are of the world or who do not believe in God we are becoming unevenly yoked and will add more burden spiritually on ourselves. This in turn can wear on us and rob us of our faith. The bible says those who practice sin are workers of lawlessness. Those who are lawless will not enter the kingdom of heaven. So it is very important to do all God requires of us if we want to continue to have hope in the future promises and to have God here our prayers. When we obey all God’s word and see the positive effects it has on us as a person and the strength and endurance we are given it helps to build our faith in God. Those who have faith in God can endure much much more then those who are part of the world. The bible warns if we are friends with the world we make ourselves an enemy of God. So we cannot be complete in our faith if we are friends with the world. If we show more love for the world then the things of the world the bible tells us the love of God is not in us. So we cannot have faith if we are living by flesh and not by spirit. Our faith is what will save us because it imparts endurance.

We need the endurance to do the will of God because of the way the world is it can be difficult to keep our eyes on the things unseen. This takes endurance that we receive because of our faith and hope in God. Those who endure to the end will be saved. As we see things rapidly winding down our faith will protect us and keep us from shrinking back in fear. The bible warns those who shrink back in fear will be destroyed. If we lack faith then we will see it as a minor infraction of God’s commands and we are telling God we do not trust his word to guide and protect us. All things we do must be guided by faith. As I mentioned earlier if it is not then it is a sin. I once was offered a job that would pay very well. I knew it would interfere with my worship of God because it would make it very difficult for me to have the time to take God’s word in daily and to apply it in my life. Though it would have been nice to have less struggles, I knew if I took the job it could erode away at my faith. By me turning down the job I showed God that he was first in my life and not the world or things in the world. In doing so I demonstrated my faith in him. It is by faith that were are declared righteous.

Things are rapidly winding down. If we see areas where we need to strengthen our faith whether it bad avoiding being a part of the world, learning to persist in prayer, learning to read Gods word daily and meditate on it and apply it in our lives. We should do our best to work on building our faith because the end of this system of things is very very near. If we fear the things that are coming then we need to work on our faith because we should be seeing them as signs things are going to be much better very soon. That is why Jesus told us when we see these things occur to raise ourselves up.

(2 Corinthians 6:14-18) ¹⁴ Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. For what fellowship do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what sharing does light have with darkness? ¹⁵ Further, what harmony is there between Christ and Beʹli·al? Or what does a believer share in common with an unbeliever? ¹⁶ And what agreement does God’s temple have with idols? For we are a temple of a living God; just as God said: “I will reside among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” ¹⁷ “‘Therefore, get out from among them, and separate yourselves,’ says Jehovah, ‘and quit touching the unclean thing’”; “‘and I will take you in.’” ¹⁸ “‘And I will become a father to you, and you will become sons and daughters to me,’ says Jehovah, the Almighty.”

(1 John 3:4-6) ⁴ Everyone who practices sin is also practicing lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. ⁵ You know, too, that he was made manifest to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him. ⁶ Everyone remaining in union with him does not practice sin; no one who practices sin has either seen him or come to know him.

(Matthew 7:21-27) ²¹ “Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of the heavens, but only the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will. ²² Many will say to me in that day: ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?’ ²³ And then I will declare to them: ‘I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness!’ ²⁴ “Therefore, everyone who hears these sayings of mine and does them will be like a discreet man who built his house on the rock. ²⁵ And the rain poured down and the floods came and the winds blew and lashed against that house, but it did not cave in, for it had been founded on the rock. ²⁶ Furthermore, everyone hearing these sayings of mine and not doing them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. ²⁷ And the rain poured down and the floods came and the winds blew and struck against that house, and it caved in, and its collapse was great.”

(James 4:4-6) ⁴ Adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever, therefore, wants to be a friend of the world is making himself an enemy of God. ⁵ Or do you think that for no reason the scripture says: “The spirit that has taken up residence within us keeps enviously longing”? ⁶ However, the undeserved kindness that He gives is greater. So it says: “God opposes the haughty ones, but he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones.”

(1 John 2:15-17) ¹⁵ Do not love either the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; ¹⁶ because everything in the world—the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one’s means of life—does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world. ¹⁷ Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.

(Matthew 24:13, 14) ¹³ But the one who has endured to the end will be saved. ¹⁴ And this good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

(Hebrews 10:35-39) ³⁵ Therefore, do not throw away your boldness, which will be richly rewarded. ³⁶ For you need endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the fulfillment of the promise. ³⁷ For yet “a very little while,” and “the one who is coming will arrive and will not delay.” ³⁸ “But my righteous one will live by reason of faith,” and “if he shrinks back, I have no pleasure in him.” ³⁹ Now we are not the sort who shrink back to destruction, but the sort who have faith for the preserving of our lives.

(Revelation 21:7, 8) . . .. ⁸ But as for the cowards and those without faith and those who are disgusting in their filth and murderers and the sexually immoral and those practicing spiritism and idolaters and all the liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This means the second death.”

(Luke 21:25-28) ²⁵ “Also, there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth anguish of nations not knowing the way out because of the roaring of the sea and its agitation. ²⁶ People will become faint out of fear and expectation of the things coming upon the inhabited earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. ²⁷ And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. ²⁸ But as these things start to occur, stand up straight and lift up your heads, because your deliverance is getting near.”

(Romans 5:1-5) 5 Therefore, now that we have been declared righteous as a result of faith, let us enjoy peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom we also have obtained access by faith into this undeserved kindness in which we now stand; and let us rejoice, based on hope of the glory of God. ³ Not only that, but let us rejoice while in tribulations, since we know that tribulation produces endurance; ⁴ endurance, in turn, an approved condition; the approved condition, in turn, hope, ⁵ and the hope does not lead to disappointment; because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy spirit, which was given to us.

How to make better decisions when there are gray areas.

Written by Lee Stevenson, sorry I am not the best editor.

There are the gray areas in life when we are uncertain what God would require of us. How should we handle them. How can we be guided through them. The scriptures may not be clear on how we can handle it but the bible does give us guidance on how we can make better decisions. When we experience gray areas that make decision making more difficult there are things we can do that can make it easier for us and help us to make a decision that would please God. I have broken this down in sections with new paragraphs below the scriptures.

The bible tells us everything we do must be based on faith in God. The bible tells us without faith it is impossible to please God, the bible tells us if the things we do are not based on faith it is a sin. This helps us to understand the gray areas when we are uncertain what God would expect us to do. We should put it in prayer to him. Think about what our actions are telling God and others.

Children are humble and usually willful to listen when corrected. They are innocent to sin. Children are usually eager to learn. They usually do not lie. This is why sometimes the things they say are so truthful and observant that it can surprise you. Children usually do not envy others and experience joy when they see others are happy. Backbiting means you say unkind things about someone when they are not present. Children usually do not gossip and criticize others. We all fall short of God and should not be focusing more attention on what we feel others are doing wrong. This can cause us to become prideful and be overconfident in our own spiritual wellness. This is why the bible says there is pride before a fall. By avoiding such behavior and being child like to sin it will protect our hearts and minds and help us make better decisions. If we become overconfident we may start viewing ourselves as superior to others and lose the child like thinking.

The bible tells us let each one examine their own actions , we are not to compare ourselves to others. The whole world lies in the power of the wicked one. If we start comparing ourselves to others it could actually starting giving us a sense of pride because we would see our actions may not be as bad as others are. In doing so we may lose site of what is important, and that is looking into the mirror of God’s word and using it as a gauge as to our standing with God. The bible says we could become a forgetful hearer if we do not peer into the word of God’s laws. The bible tells us if we become doers of the work we will be happy. Remaining in union with Christ means we try our best to imitate his faith and love for God and this can also help us to navigate the gray areas in life. If we think what would Christ do or what would Christ want me to do?

(Romans 14:21-23) . . .. ²² The faith that you have, keep it to yourself before God. Happy is the man who does not judge himself by what he approves. ²³ But if he has doubts, he is already condemned if he eats, because he does not eat based on faith. Indeed, everything that is not based on faith is sin.

(Hebrews 11:5-7) . . .. ⁶ Moreover, without faith it is impossible to please God well, for whoever approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him. ⁷ By faith Noah, after receiving divine warning of things not yet seen, showed godly fear and constructed an ark for the saving of his household; and through this faith he condemned the world, and he became an heir of the righteousness that results from faith.

(1 Corinthians 10:23, 24) ²³ All things are lawful, but not all things are advantageous. All things are lawful, but not all things build up. ²⁴ Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person.

(Matthew 18:1-4) 18 In that hour the disciples came near to Jesus and said: “Who really is greatest in the Kingdom of the heavens?” ² So calling a young child to him, he stood him in their midst ³ and said: “Truly I say to you, unless you turn around and become as young children, you will by no means enter into the Kingdom of the heavens. ⁴ Therefore, whoever will humble himself like this young child is the one who is the greatest in the Kingdom of the heavens;

(1 Peter 2:1, 2) 2 So rid yourselves of all badness and deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all backbiting. ² As newborn infants, form a longing for the unadulterated milk of the word, so that by means of it you may grow to salvation,

(Proverbs 18:12) ¹² Before a crash a man’s heart is lofty, And before glory there is humility.

(Galatians 6:2-5) . . .. ³ For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he is deceiving himself. ⁴ But let each one examine his own actions, and then he will have cause for rejoicing in regard to himself alone, and not in comparison with the other person. ⁵ For each one will carry his own load.

(James 1:22-25) . . .. ²³ For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, this one is like a man looking at his own face in a mirror. ²⁴ For he looks at himself, and he goes away and immediately forgets what sort of person he is. ²⁵ But the one who peers into the perfect law that belongs to freedom and continues in it has become, not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work; and he will be happy in what he does.

(1 John 3:4-8) ⁴ Everyone who practices sin is also practicing lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. ⁵ You know, too, that he was made manifest to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him. ⁶ Everyone remaining in union with him does not practice sin; no one who practices sin has either seen him or come to know him. ⁷ Little children, let no one mislead you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as that one is righteous. ⁸ The one who practices sin originates with the Devil, because the Devil has been sinning from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was made manifest, to break up the works of the Devil.

We can also ask God for the wisdom to deal with the gray areas in life. When we ask we need to ask in faith. As mentioned earlier all we do should be with faith in God. So when we ask we should have no doubt that God will grant us what we ask of him when it is his will we are seeking. We know Satan is walking about like a roaring lion. He knows the bible because when he was trying to temp Jesus he was quoting God’s word. If we do not rely on God in those gray areas Satan could use it to his advantage.

(James 1:5-8) ⁵ So if any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching, and it will be given him. ⁶ But let him keep asking in faith, not doubting at all, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven by the wind and blown about. ⁷ In fact, that man should not expect to receive anything from Jehovah; ⁸ he is an indecisive man, unsteady in all his ways.

(Romans 8:13-16) . . .. ¹⁴ For all who are led by God’s spirit are indeed God’s sons. ¹⁵ For you did not receive a spirit of slavery causing fear again, but you received a spirit of adoption as sons, by which spirit we cry out: “Abba, Father!” ¹⁶ The spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are God’s children.

(1 Peter 5:6-9) ⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time, ⁷ while you throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. ⁸ Keep your senses, be watchful! Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone. ⁹ But take your stand against him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by the entire association of your brothers in the world.

We also have a helper the holy spirit. How can we acquire the holy spirit? There are some requirements to receive the holy spirit. First we must ask for it. We cannot live according to the flesh but we will keep our eyes focus on the things above and not the world or fleshly matters. Our actions need to show we have repented from our former way of life. We also must show our faith through our actions and thinking. The bible tells us we receive the spirit through our faith. We can lose the holy spirit once we receive it if we rebel against God so it is very important to work towards our prayers if we ask for holy spirit and do our best to be Christ like.

(Luke 11:12, 13) . . .? ¹³ Therefore, if you, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more so will the Father in heaven give holy spirit to those asking him!”

(Galatians 3:13, 14) . . .” ¹⁴ This was so that the blessing of Abraham would come to the nations by means of Christ Jesus, so that we might receive the promised spirit through our faith.

(Romans 8:4-8) . . .. ⁵ For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit, on the things of the spirit. ⁶ For setting the mind on the flesh means death, but setting the mind on the spirit means life and peace; ⁷ because setting the mind on the flesh means enmity with God, for it is not in subjection to the law of God, nor, in fact, can it be. ⁸ So those who are in harmony with the flesh cannot please God.

In the gray areas decision making can be difficult. There are things we can use that can help us to make better decisions especially when the decisions involve working with others. For example do they show the works of the flesh or do they show the fruits of the spirit? If the person has outburst of anger, are envious, get drunk, do they commit immoral acts of sex, are they frequently not open to agreement which causes dissention, do they have an unrestrained sense of shame or rude and overconfidence which means they are brazen. If the person or people we are dealing with are showing these qualities then they are showing the works of the flesh and we need to be cautious of the decisions we make concerning them. They will be deceptive, try to lure us in to making promises that will be difficult to keep. They try to gain our trust to try and take advantage of our kindness and good qualities. They may even try to be extremely kind to us to lure us into a relationship with them. When we deal with ones who display the works of the flesh we have to be very cautious with the decisions we make. Often times ones like this try to get us to make decision without giving us time to think about them. If we are put in this situation we need to weigh what would be best for our relationship with God and not try to please people but to please God first. Those who produce the works of the flesh often times will have hidden motives in in the things they do, so we have to be very careful when dealing with them.

How can we tell if a person or ourselves are producing the fruits of the spirit? Those blessed by the fruits of the spirit will have self control. We all are born sinful but those who are blessed by the spirit will not act on their sinful nature and will do their best not to put themselves in a position to act on their sinful nature. Though things my be approved to do , they may not be right for us if it may cause us to act on our sin. For example if we are prone to having immoral sexual relations we should do our best to avoid situations that could cause us to act on them. By doing this we are showing we have been blessed by the holy spirit because we are demonstrating our self control.

Those who have been blessed by the spirit will have an inner peace in their hearts that protect their hearts and their minds. We will experience anxiety in life but the inner peace can protect us through those times and we will make better decisions in such times. If a person shows they make good decisions even in times of trials or tribulation it is a sign they have been blessed with the holy spirit.

Joy is also a sign a person has been blessed with the holy spirit. Satan and his people will attack those who are following Christ. When a person is being accused by Satan or going through hard times do they usually remain joyful or does their joy quickly return? We may lose our joy for a short period of time but if we have been blessed by the spirit then our joy will return quickly.

Faith is another gift of the spirit, having complete faith in God and living our lives in a way that demonstrates our faith by sharing his word and teaching others to put their faith in God and not letting the anxieties of life crowd God’s word out of our hearts we demonstrate our faith. When being tried, or we have to make a difficult decision we will not panic and make hasty decisions but we will have faith God will guide us and be patient.

If a person is kind in the way Jesus was kind then they are showing they have been blessed by the spirit. Jesus was kind to all people, even the pharisees who opposed him. He was not selective who he was kind to but he was kind to all people. Jesus was willing to serve others and did not look down on anyone. If we have the same attitude towards others by being kind to all then we have been blessed by the holy spirit.

Mildness is another fruit of the spirit. This means a person will be mild in how they act towards others and how they live their lives. They will not react in extreme ways or over react to things. They will not do things excessively but show moderation in the things they do.

Love is also a fruit of the spirit. We can best learn love by looking at the scriptures and taking note if we show love in all we do. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) ⁴ Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous. It does not brag, does not get puffed up, ⁵ does not behave indecently, does not look for its own interests, does not become provoked. It does not keep account of the injury. ⁶ It does not rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

If a person is patient and does not look out for their own interest first and does not show the works of the flesh then they have been blessed by the holy spirit. We must be patient when making decisions. In the gray areas we need to do our best to please God and not man. If someone tries to get us to make a hasty decision and we are pleasing people we could make very bad decisions that can effect the rest of our lives or someone else life. So by knowing how to deal with the gray areas it will protect and helps us make it through these uncertain times.

(1 John 2:15-17) ¹⁵ Do not love either the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; ¹⁶ because everything in the world—the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one’s means of life—does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world. ¹⁷ Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.

(Acts 2:38) ³⁸ Peter said to them: “Repent, and let each one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the free gift of the holy spirit.

(Acts 26:19, 20) ¹⁹ “Therefore, King A·gripʹpa, I did not become disobedient to the heavenly vision, ²⁰ but to those in Damascus first and then to those in Jerusalem, and over all the country of Ju·deʹa, and also to the nations, I was bringing the message that they should repent and turn to God by doing works that befit repentance.

(Isaiah 63:10) ¹⁰ But they rebelled and grieved his holy spirit. He then turned into their enemy, And he fought against them.

(Galatians 5:19-21) ¹⁹ Now the works of the flesh are plainly seen, and they are sexual immorality, uncleanness, brazen conduct, ²⁰ idolatry, spiritism, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, dissensions, divisions, sects, ²¹ envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and things like these. I am forewarning you about these things, the same way I already warned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom

(Galatians 5:22-24) ²² On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, ²³ mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. ²⁴ Moreover, those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed to the stake the flesh together with its passions and desires.

(Romans 8:5-9) ⁵ For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit, on the things of the spirit. ⁶ For setting the mind on the flesh means death, but setting the mind on the spirit means life and peace; ⁷ because setting the mind on the flesh means enmity with God, for it is not in subjection to the law of God, nor, in fact, can it be. ⁸ So those who are in harmony with the flesh cannot please God. ⁹ However, you are in harmony, not with the flesh, but with the spirit, if God’s spirit truly dwells in you. But if anyone does not have Christ’s spirit, this person does not belong to him.

(1 Peter 2:21-23) ²¹ In fact, to this course you were called, because even Christ suffered for you, leaving a model for you to follow his steps closely. ²² He committed no sin, nor was deception found in his mouth. ²³ When he was being insulted, he did not insult in return. When he was suffering, he did not threaten, but he entrusted himself to the One who judges righteously. . .

Finding true security in such trying times.

Written by Lee Stevenson, sorry I am not the best editor.

We are living in times where things seem uncertain , our live can rapidly change, man has become so corrupt it is difficult to know what is right and what is wrong. The lines between what is right and what is wrong have become so skewed that most do not know what the right thing to do is. I am going to discuss how we can be more sure of things and know what God would require of us. In doing so this will give us a security and peace that many do not know. They live in constant anxiety and confusion because of the things that are happening in the world now. I will also discuss how this will protect our mental abilities.

Being insecure means we lack trust in something or someone. We are living in the final moments of this system. We were warned how false religion would corrupt man. This is going to cause sin to be rampant and the results of those sins many will be harmed emotionally, physically and may even struggle to survive. This can lead to many insecurities. We can avoid being insecure if we put our trust in God instead of ourselves, man or the world. The bible warned us the whole world lies in the power of the wicked one. We know this is true because when Satan tried to temp Jesus he offered him all the kingdoms of the earth. Jesus did not contest that those kingdoms where in the power of Satan. Jesus himself called Satan the ruler of this world. So if we put our trust in the world we are putting our trust in the wicked one. Satan is the inventor of the lie so putting our trust in the world would be putting our trust in a lie since the whole world lies in the power of the wicked one. It is very difficult to know what to expect when putting trust in a lie, this can cause many insecurities.

God does not change, cannot lie and all the promises he has made he fulfilled so we can be certain of the things he promises us. Not only that if we write his word on our hearts it protects our minds because we get the security and confidence that comes with being certain of the decisions we make when we know what God’s will is and do his will instead of that of our will , or the will of the world or man. We are all imperfect humans, God is perfect so if we rely on his word to guide us instead of ourselves or others then we can be certain we are making the correct decisions. In doing so it gives us a certain confidence. God is merciful and forgiving. Man tends to show very little mercy and tends to hold error against us even if we have repented. They will constantly throw your error in you face and remind you of your error. Something we are told not to do. There is a security that comes with knowing we have such a loving and forgiving God.

How can we find security in our worship of God with false teaching prophesied to be rampant and religion being corrupted? How do we know whether we are worshiping in truth? True worship will bring security because we will be certain of our decisions because we will know what God’s will is and know what he would want us to do. If we look at our fruits and the fruits of those we worship with or associate with , we will know whether we ourselves and others are worshiping in truth. The bible tells us by looking at person’s fruits those worshiping in truth would be recognized. So if we know what fruits we and others produce we can identify true worship and whether we are worshiping in truth.

What are these fruits? One such fruit would be the fruit of the lips. Those who worship in truth would have such a deep love and faith in God that they would be driven to teach others about God and Jesus. Sacrifice of the lips which means telling others about God , Jesus and the heavenly kingdom so they can have hope, as things become more confusing and gloomy. Those who do not worship in truth are insecure and full of anxieties and fears. The mess man has made only God can fix. By putting their hope in God and and trusting Jesus who God has sat on the throne, to set matters straight we will produce good fruits because by sharing God’s word with others we can offer them hope and show them how to enter the narrow gate which means we imitate Jesus in every way. So if ourselves or another person gets others to put their trust and faith in God instead of man or the world they are producing the fruits of the lips. Not only that but those who produce the fruit of the lips do so with a thankful heart even when suffering trials or tribulation because they have confidence that God will fulfill the promises he made of bringing death to nothing and of restoring the earth to the paradise it was meant to be. Their actions and words even when being tried show because they are thankful for the hope God has given them and the security that comes with it. Many take things for granted, never thinking about the fact the bible warns this system and the things in it will be done away with soon including world governments. Those who may have a form of Godly devotion but put more trust in the world, themselves or God will not be thankful for the future hope God has given us and will betray one another even now as things get more distressing they are starting to betray each other. By knowing whether we are worshiping in truth and those we worship or associate with are worshiping in truth we can be more sure that we will not be betrayed by those we associate with. So if we, or those we associate with are are leading others to put their faith and trust in God and they are thankful and praise God even when being tried then good fruits are being produced. If we do not tell others about God how could they learn to trust him and what hope would they have with all the things that are happening in the world? Someone had to teach us would it not be the right thing, for us to also produce fruit by giving others hope in such dire times?

Another fruit that would be produced is peace. We are told in the bible the result of true righteousness would be peace. But how can this be so if the bible tells us the world will hate and persecute those who follow Jesus and worship in truth? When persecuted, or as we see the morals of the world and the ruining of the earth occur we get an inner peace knowing we produced fruits of the lips and those doing the things they are doing had a chance to draw closer to God and Jesus. We get an inner peace that comes from trusting God and Jesus because we know things will be better when God fulfills the future promises. Many fear death but by putting our trust in God we have the inner peace knowing even death does not have a hold on us because there will be a resurrection when the final enemy death has been destroyed. With all the indecisiveness in the world many do not know what is right and what is wrong. Trained mental experts often times have opinions that differ from the bibles. If we put our trust in God instead of man we get an inner peace knowing we are doing what is right. So the peaceful conditions we sow God’s word in will be an inner peace which is developed by producing the fruits of the lips. When we are hated or persecuted for our faith, and our trust in God we get an inner peace knowing the persecution, and trials are a sign we are no part of the world and God is with us. Jesus said the student is no better then the teacher, if the world hated him it will hate you. When persecuted or suffering trials and tribulation because of our obedience to God , we get an inner peace knowing we are entering through the narrow gate which means we are doing our best to imitate Jesus and we are entering the narrow gate and not taking the road to destruction. When Jesus said he gives us peace but not in the way the world gives it what did he mean. Reading the text in Philippians can help us better understand the peace Jesus was referring to. (Philippians 4:4-7 ⁴ Always rejoice in the Lord. Again I will say, Rejoice! ⁵ Let your reasonableness become known to all men. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.) As you can see the peace is an inner peace that protects our hearts and minds and prevents us from experiencing the anxieties that others will experience who chose not to draw closer to God and Jesus. So those who are producing fruit will have an inner peace and will not get overly anxious. We will become anxious at times but eventually the inner peace takes over from our faith and it will protect our hearts and our minds. So those producing fruit of peace will make better decisions because their hearts and minds will be protected.

Those producing fruit in righteousness will be blessed with the holy spirit and produce fruits of the spirit and not fruit of the flesh. (Galatians 5:19-24) ¹⁹ Now the works of the flesh are plainly seen, and they are sexual immorality, uncleanness, brazen conduct, ²⁰ idolatry, spiritism, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, dissensions, divisions, sects, ²¹ envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and things like these. I am forewarning you about these things, the same way I already warned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom. ²² On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, ²³ mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. ²⁴ Moreover, those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed to the stake the flesh together with its passions and desires.) If someone is producing fruit of the flesh they will have fits of anger, they will show hostility, jealousy, the will be attached to the physical things of the world which is a form of idolatry. The bible warns those who practice such things will not inherit God’s kingdom. If we or those we worship with are producing fruits of the flesh we should do our best to overcome them and to show those we associate with they are not doing what God would require. If they do not respond in a positive way then we know they are part of the world. If they respond by correcting their error then we can be sure they are doing their best to do God’s will. Strife mentioned in the bible refers to bitter conflict or violent dissension. So those reaping fruit of the flesh would be unreasonable, not agreeable to anything, they would often times be combative and have violent outburst. If we see ourselves or others producing such fruit then it indicates we need to focus more on the things unseen because we are to worship in spirit because God is a spirit person. If we are producing the fruit of the spirit it will give us security knowing we have been blessed by God and he is with us no matter what we have to endure. When we are blessed by the holy spirit we become more patient with others which prevents us from wanting to have conflicts and impose our will on them. We learn to love like Jesus and God loved which means we learn to forgive even our enemies. Those producing fruits of the spirit will have self-control, meaning they will not give in to their short comings. Knowing we and those we associate with have mastered self control and will not draw us into sin or put us in a bad situation because of sin or bad decisions gives us a security because we know what to expect from them and know they will have no hidden motives for the things they do. This is why it is very important to make sure we and those we associate with are producing the fruits of the spirit. We can get a certain security because it will make it clear who we can trust and who we cannot when we pay attention to their fruits. This also gives us security that we most likely would not be betrayed by those we choose to be close to. Next I will discuss love because it is a fruit of the spirit.

Lets take a look at what the bible tells us love is. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) ⁴ Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous. It does not brag, does not get puffed up, ⁵ does not behave indecently, does not look for its own interests, does not become provoked. It does not keep account of the injury. ⁶ It does not rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.) . God is love and Jesus perfectly reflected God’s image. Jesus knew God was going to hand him the heavenly kingdom over to him and he still did not view himself as superior to others and did not get prideful about the position he was going to be given. Jesus remained humble and continued to serve others. He set an example for us by washing the disciples feet which was something a servant would do. So to know love we need to get rid of any false pride we may have and be humble as Jesus was. If someone is prideful then we should see it is a sign they may not know love. The bible says if we love we do not behave indecently. This means we dress appropriately, we act appropriately, we do our best not to offend others, though that is a little difficult now days with few truly knowing what God requires they become easily offended. We do not gossip or say things we should not say. We should not flirt excessively especially if we are married. We should not use vulgar language. If someone shows such behavior then they do not know love because Jesus never acted indecently. If someone we associate with displays such behavior we should be cautious they are a bad association. Love bares all things which means it is patient. We all are imperfect, we should not be unreasonable with our expectations of others. Keep in mind people have to deal with our short comings also, so should we not do the same for them as they grow and draw closer to God? The bible tells us love does not hold account of injury. Jesus did not hold grudges, not even against his enemies. He told us we must forgive those who trespass against us. Imagine if someone wronged us and some day God touched their heart and was calling them to him. If we reacted in a way God would not want us to react we could hinder them drawing closer to God. This is why Jesus told us to forgive our enemies. By showing mercy and being forgiving we are setting an example for others and may possibly through our behavior get them to draw closer to God and Jesus. Holding onto anger and feeling resentment can negatively impact our hearts, our minds and our health. By learning to forgive and show mercy even to our enemies we protect our minds, our hearts and our health. By forgiving others we have the security knowing we have done our best and have conquered the evil with the good. If a person chooses to remain our enemy even when we are kind to them and have forgiven them we can be secure knowing God will judge them and they have piled fiery coals on their own heads. They will have to face judgment from God. The bible tells us we will be judged as we judge others. The bible warns do not judge or we will be judged as we judge others. If we freely forgive then God freely forgives us to the degree we are willing to forgive others. This can give us a security knowing by us showing mercy by being forgiving God will show us mercy and forgive us for our errors. If a person holds onto grudges and does not forgive but reminds people of their errors then we know they do not know love and we should be cautious. This is what causes many conflicts now days people do not forgive others and constantly hold peoples errors against them even if they have repented. By freely forgiving others we prevent the conflict that is so prevalent in others now days. The bible tells us love is the perfect bond of unity so by knowing fully what love is and knowing how to identify it in others we learn to trust them and even ourselves which gives a unity and oneness of mind lacking in the world today. By knowing love we will not become overconfident and view ourselves as being superior to others. It will help us remain united in oneness of mind and thought. (Philippians 2:1-4) 2 If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any spiritual fellowship, if any tender affection and compassion, ² make my joy full by being of the same mind and having the same love, being completely united, having the one thought in mind. ³ Do nothing out of contentiousness or out of egotism, but with humility consider others superior to you, ⁴ as you look out not only for your own interests, but also for the interests of others.) There is such an emptiness in the way the world views love now days. We can gain a certain security when we learn to identify love in the biblical sense and know those we associate with are showing love. The oneness of mind and heart gives us security from knowing we can trust and rely on the ones we associate with when they have proven they know love.

The bible tells us love covers a multitude of sins. This is because when we learn love we do our best to imitate Jesus and the love he showed which drives us to overcome our short comings and repent and draw closer to God. In doing so we have his protection. The bible tells us no weapon forged against us would succeed when we put our trust and faith in God. Death is often times used as a weapon to cause fear and get people to disobey God. Even that weapon will not succeed because the bible tells us even death cannot separate us from the love of God and the love of Jesus. If we are faithful and loyal even if we face death then we can be sure God will remember the things we have done in serving him and will remember us in the day of resurrection. Which means even death will not succeed at deterring us from putting our faith and trust in God and Jesus. We can gain a security knowing no matter what happens to us or whatever man does to us God can undo and desires to bless us.

Those who make it through the great tribulation will live on the new earth. In that system the bible tells us even, before they call out God will answer and before they are done praying he will hear. We can gain security in knowing the new earth will be here soon and there will be no more suffering, no more violence, pain , sickness , death, and corruption. Things happening in the world can be overwhelming and can take the security from us. If we focus on the spiritual things and trust God and Jesus it protects us from being overwhelmed and consumed by all the bad happening. . All these things will be gone soon. What security is there in knowing all governments, wealth, many of the people and organizations people put their trust in will be gone soon. The heavenly kingdom will rule over the earth and will not end. So many are living in fear and full of anxiety because of the uncertain times we are living in. If we put our trust in God and Jesus and keep our eyes focus on the things unseen then we gain a security knowing there is a better future for us and others, that is very very near. Many live in fear of losing their material possessions or their wealth. Many live in fear of death or fear of losing loved ones in death. Those who know God and have faith in him know that God will greatly reward them for their love , loyalty and faith in him in the new system and they will see their loved ones during the resurrection. They experience a security that brings an inner peace that most in the world do not know.

1 John 5:18We know that everyone who has been born from God does not practice sin, but the one born from God watches him, and the wicked one cannot take hold of him. ¹⁹ We know that we originate with God, but the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one. ²⁰ But we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us insight so that we may gain the knowledge of the one who is true. And we are in union with the one who is true, by means of his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and life everlasting. ²¹ Little children, guard yourselves from idols.

(2 Timothy 3:1-7) 3 But know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. ² For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, ³ having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, ⁴ betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, ⁵ having an appearance of godliness but proving false to its power; and from these turn away. ⁶ From among these arise men who slyly work their way into households and captivate weak women loaded down with sins, led by various desires, ⁷ always learning and yet never able to come to an accurate knowledge of truth.

(Jude 17-23) ¹⁷ As for you, beloved ones, call to mind the sayings that have been previously spoken by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁸ how they used to say to you: “In the last time there will be ridiculers, following their own desires for ungodly things.” ¹⁹ These are the ones who cause divisions, animalistic men, not having spirituality. ²⁰ But you, beloved ones, build yourselves up on your most holy faith, and pray with holy spirit, ²¹ in order to keep yourselves in God’s love, while you await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ with everlasting life in view. ²² Also, continue showing mercy to some who have doubts; ²³ save them by snatching them out of the fire. But continue showing mercy to others, doing so with fear, while you hate even the garment that has been stained by the flesh.

(Luke 4:6) Then the Devil said to him: “I will give you all this authority and their glory, because it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.

(John 12:31) Now there is a judging of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.

(James 1:5-8) ⁵ So if any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching, and it will be given him. ⁶ But let him keep asking in faith, not doubting at all, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven by the wind and blown about. ⁷ In fact, that man should not expect to receive anything from Jehovah; ⁸ he is an indecisive man, unsteady in all his ways.

(James 4:7, 8) ⁷ Therefore, subject yourselves to God; but oppose the Devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸ Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you. . . .

(Hebrews 6:17, 18) ¹⁷ In this same way, when God decided to demonstrate more clearly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, ¹⁸ in order that through two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to the refuge may have strong encouragement to take firm hold of the hope set before us.

(Isaiah 55:10, 11) For just as the rain and the snow pour down from heaven And do not return there until they saturate the earth, making it produce and sprout, Giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, ¹¹ So my word that goes out of my mouth will be. It will not return to me without results, But it will certainly accomplish whatever is my delight, And it will have sure success in what I send it to do.

(Habakkuk 1:11, 12) . . .Because they credit their power to their god.” ¹² Are you not from everlasting, O Jehovah? O my God, my Holy One, you do not die. O Jehovah, you appointed them to execute judgment; My Rock, you established them for punishment.

(Matthew 7:18-20) ¹⁸ A good tree cannot bear worthless fruit, nor can a rotten tree produce fine fruit. ¹⁹ Every tree not producing fine fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰ Really, then, by their fruits you will recognize those men.

(Hebrews 13:14-16) . . .. ¹⁵ Through him let us always offer to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of our lips that make public declaration to his name. ¹⁶ Moreover, do not forget to do good and to share what you have with others, for God is well-pleased with such sacrifices.

(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) ¹⁶ Always be rejoicing. ¹⁷ Pray constantly. ¹⁸ Give thanks for everything. This is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

(James 3:17, 18) ¹⁷ But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, reasonable, ready to obey, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, not hypocritical. ¹⁸ Moreover, the fruit of righteousness is sown in peaceful conditions for those who are making peace.

(Isaiah 32:16, 17) . . .And righteousness will dwell in the orchard. ¹⁷ The result of true righteousness will be peace, And the fruitage of true righteousness will be lasting tranquility and security.

(John 15:17-20) ¹⁷ “These things I command you, that you love one another. ¹⁸ If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. ¹⁹ If you were part of the world, the world would be fond of what is its own. Now because you are no part of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, for this reason the world hates you. ²⁰ Keep in mind the word I said to you: A slave is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have observed my word, they will also observe yours.

(Matthew 7:13, 14) ¹³ “Go in through the narrow gate, because broad is the gate and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are going in through it; ¹⁴ whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are finding it.

(John 14:27) ²⁷ I leave you peace; I give you my peace. I do not give it to you the way that the world gives it. Do not let your hearts be troubled nor let them shrink out of fear. . .

(John 4:23, 24) ²³ Nevertheless, the hour is coming, and it is now, when the true worshippers will worship the Father with spirit and truth, for indeed, the Father is looking for ones like these to worship him. ²⁴ God is a Spirit, and those worshipping him must worship with spirit and truth.”

(Galatians 5:19-24) ¹⁹ Now the works of the flesh are plainly seen, and they are sexual immorality, uncleanness, brazen conduct, ²⁰ idolatry, spiritism, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, dissensions, divisions, sects, ²¹ envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and things like these. I am forewarning you about these things, the same way I already warned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom. ²² On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, ²³ mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. ²⁴ Moreover, those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed to the stake the flesh together with its passions and desires.

(John 13:3-11) ³ So Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands and that he came from God and was going to God, ⁴ got up from the evening meal and laid aside his outer garments. And taking a towel, he wrapped it around his waist. ⁵ After that he put water into a basin and started to wash the feet of the disciples and to dry them off with the towel that was wrapped around him. ⁶ Then he came to Simon Peter. He said to him: “Lord, are you washing my feet?” ⁷ Jesus answered him: “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will understand after these things.” ⁸ Peter said to him: “You will certainly never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him: “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” ⁹ Simon Peter said to him: “Lord, wash not only my feet but also my hands and my head.” ¹⁰ Jesus said to him: “Whoever has bathed does not need to have more than his feet washed, but is completely clean. And you men are clean, but not all of you.” ¹¹ For he knew the man who was betraying him. This is why he said: “Not all of you are clean.”

(Proverbs 25:21, 22) ²¹ If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; If he is thirsty, give him water to drink, ²² For you will be heaping burning coals on his head, And Jehovah will reward you.

(Romans 12:18-21) . . .. ¹⁹ Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the wrath; for it is written: “‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay,’ says Jehovah.” ²⁰ But “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by doing this you will heap fiery coals on his head.” ²¹ Do not let yourself be conquered by the evil, but keep conquering the evil with the good.

(Matthew 7:1-5) 7 “Stop judging that you may not be judged; ² for with the judgment you are judging, you will be judged, and with the measure that you are measuring out, they will measure out to you. ³ Why, then, do you look at the straw in your brother’s eye but do not notice the rafter in your own eye? ⁴ Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Allow me to remove the straw from your eye,’ when look! a rafter is in your own eye? ⁵ Hypocrite! First remove the rafter from your own eye, and then you will see clearly how to remove the straw from your brother’s eye.

(1 Peter 4:7, 8) . . .. ⁸ Above all things, have intense love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.

(Proverbs 10:12) Hatred is what stirs up contentions, But love covers over all transgressions.

(Proverbs 17:9) Whoever forgives a transgression seeks love, But the one who keeps harping on a matter separates close friends.

(Isaiah 54:17) ¹⁷ No weapon formed against you will have any success, And you will condemn any tongue that rises up against you in the judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of Jehovah, And their righteousness is from me,” declares Jehovah.

(Isaiah 41:10-12) ¹⁰ Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be anxious, for I am your God. I will fortify you, yes, I will help you, I will really hold on to you with my right hand of righteousness.’ ¹¹ Look! All those getting enraged against you will be put to shame and humiliated. Those who fight with you will be brought to nothing and perish. ¹² You will search for men who struggle with you, but you will not find them; The men at war with you will become as something nonexistent, as nothing at all.

(Hebrews 6:9-12) ⁹ But in your case, beloved ones, we are convinced of better things, things related to salvation, even though we are speaking in this way. ¹⁰ For God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name by ministering and continuing to minister to the holy ones. ¹¹ But we desire each one of you to show the same industriousness so as to have the full assurance of the hope down to the end, ¹² so that you may not become sluggish, but be imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

(Romans 8:35-39) ³⁵ Who will separate us from the love of the Christ? Will tribulation or distress or persecution or hunger or nakedness or danger or sword? ³⁶ Just as it is written: “For your sake we are being put to death all day long; we have been accounted as sheep for slaughtering.” ³⁷ On the contrary, in all these things we are coming off completely victorious through the one who loved us. ³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers ³⁹ nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

(1 Corinthians 15:24-28) ²⁴ Next, the end, when he hands over the Kingdom to his God and Father, when he has brought to nothing all government and all authority and power. ²⁵ For he must rule as king until God has put all enemies under his feet. ²⁶ And the last enemy, death, is to be brought to nothing. ²⁷ For God “subjected all things under his feet.” But when he says that ‘all things have been subjected,’ it is evident that this does not include the One who subjected all things to him. ²⁸ But when all things will have been subjected to him, then the Son himself will also subject himself to the One who subjected all things to him, that God may be all things to everyone.

(Acts 24:15) ¹⁵ And I have hope toward God, which hope these men also look forward to, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.

(Isaiah 65:17-25) ¹⁷ For look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be called to mind, Nor will they come up into the heart. ¹⁸ So exult and be joyful forever in what I am creating. For look! I am creating Jerusalem a cause for joy And her people a cause for exultation. ¹⁹ And I will rejoice in Jerusalem and exult in my people; No more will there be heard in her the sound of weeping or a cry of distress.” ²⁰ “No more will there be an infant from that place who lives but a few days, Nor an old man who fails to live out his days. For anyone who dies at a hundred will be considered a mere boy, And the sinner will be cursed, even though he is a hundred years of age. ²¹ They will build houses and live in them, And they will plant vineyards and eat their fruitage. ²² They will not build for someone else to inhabit, Nor will they plant for others to eat. For the days of my people will be like the days of a tree, And the work of their hands my chosen ones will enjoy to the full. ²³ They will not toil for nothing, Nor will they bear children for distress, Because they are the offspring made up of those blessed by Jehovah, And their descendants with them. ²⁴ Even before they call out, I will answer; While they are yet speaking, I will hear. ²⁵ The wolf and the lamb will feed together, The lion will eat straw just like the bull, And the serpent’s food will be dust. They will do no harm nor cause any ruin in all my holy mountain,” says Jehovah.

Fear God not man.

Written by Lee Stevenson, sorry I am not the best editor.

I am going to discuss why we should not fear man and how it can cause us to lose faith and blind us.

We must fear God and not man if we want God’s protection. Fear of man cannot only cause us to lose favor with God it can blind us to paths God has put in place for us. Most fear blinds us, except reverential fear of God opens our eyes. Many have a fear of retribution. This is the wrong type of fear. God is a God of mercy and knows we are imperfect. It is our faith and our willingness to give up sin as we read his word and it shows us areas we need to work on so we do not sin. If we were perfect and did not sin then God would not have had to have the bible written to guide us and teach us how to be aware of our sins and how to overcome them. The bible tells us the ransom does not cover those who sin deliberately after learning about a sin they may be committing because they are doing it deliberately. This does not mean if we slip once in a while we are not covered by the ransom, it means when we plan ahead for sin knowing what we are doing is wrong. We we do such things it is very important to stop because there is know ransom for those who continue to sin knowing it is wrong. Those are the ones who have a fear of retribution. Those who continue to grow spiritually and overcome their sin daily are the ones who enjoy the reverential fear. This fear is more a fear of not wanting to cause God’s heart to be hurt by our disobedience.

Fear of losing wealth and our belongings can give us a fear of man. Fear of God will give us life.

We have to remember that man may be able to kill us but God can undo anything they do, no one can undo those Jehovah destroys.

If we do not know God how can we have faith. We must read his word and apply it or we will not learn and develop our faith and we will shrink back to destruction. God has always protected his people and provided for them. Not a single promise he had made went unfulfilled. We have have faith the future promises he made will be kept.

No matter how tough things get God will give us the strength to endure. Why worry about wealth we cannot take it with us when we die. The bible says the world is passing away and so is it’s desire very soon many of the people and material things of this world will be gone soon. If we put our faith in those instead of God then what do we have left when this is all gone?

We must put on the complete suit of armor from God to keep fear of man from ensnaring us. This involves praying, studying God’s word, applying what we have learned and letting it guide us until it becomes habit and we automatically know what to do. We have to be persistent in prayer. Sharing his word with others also works as a protection. It helps build our faith and helps us to remember his word.

Wealth cannot protect us the way God can. We have the example of Daniel and his friends when he was thrown into the fiery furnace. He would not bow to the idol and went against the kings orders. So the king ordered the furnace be made extremely hot. The furnace was so hot the men who put Daniel and his companions in it died from the heat. God sent angels to protect them. They were protected so well that even the smoke from the furnace did not touch their clothes.

All these things will be gone soon. We know we are in the last days, chances are many of us will lose things we have worked hard for. We need to decide are we going to fear man and gain the world which results in death or fear God and live. This is all temporary but the treasures in heaven no one can take from us. So we should work towards storing up treasures in heaven.

The bible warns the whole world lies in the power of the wicked one. The bible also tells us few would enter the narrow gate. We enter the narrow gate by putting our trust in Jesus, obeying the commands and laws he gave us when he made the new covenant, and doing our best to imitate him. Don’t be afraid to enter the narrow gate that leads to life. God will repay each of us for our work. We also have to believe Jesus was the ransom sacrifice, he was resurrected and is now sitting on the heavenly throne waiting to save all those who remain loyal and faithful to him and God.

Many fear death but if we are loyal and faithful to God and Jesus we do not have to fear death because the righteous will experience a resurrection of life. What hope do those who do not want to know God and Jesus have? God will not forget all the work we have done in trying to serve him.

We do not have to fear because very soon God will set matters straight and all God’s enemies will be gone. Only those who had faith and loved the one true God will remain forever. If we only put our faith in the things we can see those will perish soon then what do we have left? Faith is required by God, we cannot see him or the future promises but by completely trusting him and not being afraid even of death we are putting our faith in the things we cannot see. The things we cannot see will not perish.

We are in the last days. Many of us will suffer just as the apostles did, but God will guard our hearts and give us real peace through it all. The bible says many will survive the great tribulation. The suffering will not last long because we are told Jesus will cut it short.

(Proverbs 22:1-5) 22 A good name is to be chosen rather than great wealth; To be respected is better than silver and gold. 2The rich and the poor have this in common: Jehovah made them both. 3The shrewd one sees the danger and conceals himself, But the inexperienced keep right on going and suffer the consequences. 4 The result of humility and the fear of Jehovah Is riches and glory and life. 5Thorns and traps are in the crooked man’s path, But whoever values his life keeps far away from them.

(Proverbs 29:25) 25Trembling at men is a snare, But the one trusting in Jehovah will be protected.

(Matthew 10:28) And do not become fearful of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, fear him who can destroy both soul and body in Ge·hen′na

(John 5:25-29) 25“Most truly I say to you, the hour is coming, and it is now, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who have paid attention will live. 26For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted also to the Son to have life in himself. 27And he has given him authority to do judging, because he is the Son of man. 28Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice 29and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, and those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment.

(Hebrews 10:35-39) 35Therefore, do not throw away your boldness, which will be richly rewarded. 36For you need endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the fulfillment of the promise. 37For yet “a very little while,” and “the one who is coming will arrive and will not delay.” 38“But my righteous one will live by reason of faith,” and “if he shrinks back, I have no pleasure in him.” 39Now we are not the sort who shrink back to destruction, but the sort who have faith for the preserving of our lives.

(Philippians 4:10-13) 10I rejoice greatly in the Lord that now at last you have renewed your concern for me. Though you were concerned about me, you lacked opportunity to show it. 11Not that I am saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be self-sufficient regardless of my circumstances. 12I know how to be low on provisions and how to have an abundance. In everything and in all circumstances I have learned the secret of both how to be full and how to hunger, both how to have an abundance and how to do without. 13For all things I have the strength through the one who gives me power..

(1 Timothy 6:. 6To be sure, there is great gain in godly devotion along with contentment. 7For we have brought nothing into the world, and neither can we carry anything out. 8So, having food and clothing, we will be content with these things..

(Acts 20:31-35) 31Therefore keep awake, and bear in mind that for three years, night and day, I never stopped admonishing each one of you with tears. 32And now I entrust you to God and to the word of his undeserved kindness, which word can build you up and give you the inheritance among all the sanctified ones. 33I have desired no man’s silver or gold or clothing. 34You yourselves know that these hands have provided for my own needs and the needs of those with me. 35I have shown you in all things that by working hard in this way, you must assist those who are weak and must keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, when he himself said: ‘There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.’”

(Ephesians 6:10-20) 10Finally, go on acquiring power in the Lord and in the mightiness of his strength. 11Put on the complete suit of armor from God so that you may be able to stand firm against the crafty acts of the Devil; 12because we have a struggle, not against blood and flesh, but against the governments, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places. 13For this reason take up the complete suit of armor from God, so that you may be able to resist in the wicked day and, after you have accomplished everything, to stand firm. 14Stand firm, therefore, with the belt of truth fastened around your waist, wearing the breastplate of righteousness, 15and having your feet shod in readiness to declare the good news of peace. 16Besides all of this, take up the large shield of faith, with which you will be able to extinguish all the wicked one’s burning arrows. 17Also, accept the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, that is, God’s word, 18while with every form of prayer and supplication you carry on prayer on every occasion in spirit. And to that end stay awake, constantly making supplication in behalf of all the holy ones. 19Pray also for me, that the words may be given to me when I open my mouth, so that I may be able to speak boldly in making known the sacred secret of the good news, 20for which I am acting as an ambassador in chains, and that I may speak about it with boldness, as I ought to speak.

(Daniel 6:18-22) 18The king then went to his palace. He passed the night fasting and refused any entertainment, and he could not sleep. 19Finally at the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ pit. 20As he got near the pit, he called out to Daniel with a sad voice. The king asked Daniel: “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God whom you are continually serving been able to rescue you from the lions?” 21Daniel immediately said to the king: “O king, may you live on forever. 22My God sent his angel and shut the mouth of the lions, and they have not harmed me, for I was found innocent before him; nor have I done any wrong to you, O king.” 23The king was overjoyed, and he commanded that Daniel be lifted up out of the pit. When Daniel was lifted up out of the pit, he was completely unharmed, because he had trusted in his God..

(Acts 7:54-60) 54Well, at hearing these things, they were infuriated in their hearts and began to grind their teeth at him. 55But he, being full of holy spirit, gazed into heaven and caught sight of God’s glory and of Jesus standing at God’s right hand, 56and he said: “Look! I see the heavens opened up and the Son of man standing at God’s right hand.” 57At this they cried out at the top of their voices and put their hands over their ears and rushed at him all together. 58After throwing him outside the city, they began stoning him. The witnesses laid down their outer garments at the feet of a young man called Saul. 59As they were stoning Stephen, he made this appeal: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60Then, kneeling down, he cried out with a strong voice: “Jehovah, do not charge this sin against them.” And after saying this, he fell asleep in death.

(John 5:25-29) 25“Most truly I say to you, the hour is coming, and it is now, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who have paid attention will live. 26For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted also to the Son to have life in himself. 27And he has given him authority to do judging, because he is the Son of man. 28Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice 29and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, and those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment.

(2 Corinthians 5:6-10) 6So we are always of good courage and know that while we have our home in the body, we are absent from the Lord, 7for we are walking by faith, not by sight. 8But we are of good courage and would prefer to be absent from the body and to make our home with the Lord. 9So whether at home with him or absent from him, we make it our aim to be acceptable to him. 10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of the Christ, so that each one may be repaid according to the things he has practiced while in the body, whether good or bad.

(Isaiah 2:2-4) 2In the final part of the days, The mountain of the house of Jehovah Will become firmly established above the top of the mountains, And it will be raised up above the hills, And to it all the nations will stream. 3And many peoples will go and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, To the house of the God of Jacob. He will instruct us about his ways, And we will walk in his paths.” For law will go out of Zion, And the word of Jehovah out of Jerusalem. 4He will render judgment among the nations And set matters straight respecting many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares And their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, Nor will they learn war anymore.

(Matthew 5:5) 5“Happy are the mild-tempered, since they will inherit the earth

.(Psalm 37:27-29) 27Turn away from bad and do what is good, And you will remain forever. 28For Jehovah loves justice, And he will not abandon his loyal ones. ע [Ayin] They will always be guarded; But the descendants of the wicked will be done away with. 29The righteous will possess the earth, And they will live forever on it.

(Revelation 2:6, 7) 7Let the one who has an ear hear what the spirit says to the congregations: To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’
(Matthew 6:19-24) 19“Stop storing up for yourselves treasures on the earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal. 20Rather, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22“The lamp of the body is the eye. If, then, your eye is focused, your whole body will be bright. 23But if your eye is envious, your whole body will be dark. If the light that is in you is really darkness, how great that darkness is! 24“No one can slave for two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stick to the one and despise the other. You cannot slave for God and for Riches..

(Matthew 7:13, 14) 13“Go in through the narrow gate, because broad is the gate and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are going in through it; 14whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are finding it.

(2 Thessalonians 1:6-12) 6This takes into account that it is righteous on God’s part to repay tribulation to those who make tribulation for you. 7But you who suffer tribulation will be given relief along with us at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels 8in a flaming fire, as he brings vengeance on those who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus. 9These very ones will undergo the judicial punishment of everlasting destruction from before the Lord and from the glory of his strength, 10at the time when he comes to be glorified in connection with his holy ones and to be regarded in that day with wonder among all those who exercised faith, because the witness we gave met with faith among you. 11To that very end we always pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling and with his power perform completely all the good that he pleases and every work of faith. 12This is so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you and you in union with him, according to the undeserved kindness of our God and of the Lord Jesus Christ..

(Matthew 6:33, 34) 33“Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you. So never be anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties. Each day has enough of its own troubles.

(Philippians 4:4-9) 4Always rejoice in the Lord. Again I will say, Rejoice! 5Let your reasonableness become known to all men. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God; 7and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus. 8Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are of serious concern, whatever things are righteous, whatever things are chaste, whatever things are lovable, whatever things are well-spoken-of, whatever things are virtuous, and whatever things are praiseworthy, continue considering these things. 9The things that you learned as well as accepted and heard and saw in connection with me, practice these, and the God of peace will be with you.

(2 Peter 3:8-13) 8However, do not let this escape your notice, beloved ones, that one day is with Jehovah as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day. 9 Jehovah is not slow concerning his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with you because he does not desire anyone to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance. 10But Jehovah’s day will come as a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar, but the elements being intensely hot will be dissolved, and earth and the works in it will be exposed. 11Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, consider what sort of people you ought to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion, 12as you await and keep close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah, through which the heavens will be destroyed in flames and the elements will melt in the intense heat! 13But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell.

The truth will set your free.

Written by Lee Stevenson, sorry I am not the best editor.

Jesus “stated the truth will set you free.” In what ways can the truth set you free? Many are so confused now days. The lines between right and wrong have been skewed. The disease, suffering , starvation, corruption, crimes, violence and many other things are now happening on a scale that has never occurred before. Even though we will endure tribulation the truth sets us free in a way others who do not worship in truth experience. I am going to show why more then ever we need to worship in truth by showing the many benefits that God blesses us with when we worship in truth.

By knowing our bibles well and knowing what God requires and writing his word on our hearts we are free of the pressures society puts on others. Their opinions and ideas change almost daily and they can be unreasonable and often times you don’t know what to expect from someone one day to the next. There is a freedom that comes from knowing when to make your yes mean yes and your no mean no. As the lines between what is right and wrong get blurred which is happening at an alarming rate now days we do not have to be indecisive or confused what we ought to do if we have written God’s word on our hearts. This prevents us from being indecisive when it comes to things involving our worship or morality. Often times when you start opposing the devil he will attack you bad. But if you hold fast to your faith and love for God and Jesus he will eventually flee from you. This is also why the bible says we should not make promises and if we do we should make certain we keep them. There are so many unexpected things that can happen if we make a promise then cannot keep it we look like we are not dependable or we give empty promises. By applying bible counsel we prevent those situations.

Some have been severely injured , have been born with a disability, lost their hearing or eyesight. Those who worship in truth know there will be a new earth were righteous are to dwell and there will be no more lame, sickness or suffering. This gives them hope for the future because none of the promises God has made have ever went unfulfilled so we can be certain the future promises he has given will be fulfilled. Jesus healed many, so we need to have no doubt that in the new earth we can enjoy being fully healthy.

Many have the fear of Hell indoctrinated into them. That is not a biblical teaching the original word used Sheol meant grave or pit. The hell fire teaching came from false religion and they use the parable of Lazarus as validation of this claim but it is a parable and does not refer to an eternal suffering in a fiery hell. The original meaning of Hell was to conceal or cover over, which was not an accurate translation but still did not mean heat or torment. When Jesus spoke of Gehenna , it was used to justify the hellfire teaching. Gehenna was a pit outside the city that they burned refuse in. They would throw animal carcasses and bones in the pit. They kept a constant fire there to burn things to ashes. The bible tells us from dust we are to dust we return. It also tells us in the day we die our thoughts perish. If a person died and went to heaven or hell there would be no need for a resurrection because no one would be dead they would either be in heaven or hell. It seems to me Satan has deceived people into believing the original lie in the Garden of Eden when he told Adam and Eve they would not die. Still today people refuse to believe they die when life ends and believe that they go on living somewhere else. When we die it is like we are asleep to God and our life’s energy returns to God. During the resurrection there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and unrighteous. The unrighteous will be a resurrection of judgment. If the unrighteous were in hell then why would they need to be resurrected to be judged? This is why many no longer believe the bible because so many false teachings make the bible seem to contradict itself. God told Adam and Eve from dust you are to dust you will return. In Psalms it tells us when the spirit goes out and returns to God we return to the ground and our thoughts perish. If we lived on in heaven or hell wouldn’t we still have thoughts? If it was not for Jesus ransom sacrifice to redeem us there would be no hope for the dead. Jesus died a perfect human which blotted out the sin, he defeated death by remaining loyal and faithful to God even when facing persecution and death. We are also free from the fears that others have. If we have faith in God and Jesus we don’t even have to fear death because the bible tells us not even death can separate us from the love of Jesus and the love of God.

Many heavily rely on things like fortune telling, numerology and astrology. Those are things God would not approve of. Getting involved in those things is a type of false worship because you are putting your faith in something other then God. God requires exclusive devotion. Israel had gotten caught up in this when they worshiped the god of luck and the god of destiny and God showed Israel his disapproval. Some consult spirit mediums. There is only one true God. There is no one wiser , more trust worthy and more loving then him. When you put your faith in Jehovah God and Jesus , because they do not change and Jehovah is the source of life even if we die , we could live again. There is no one more powerful then God is, his power is limitless and he cannot die like humans can. By putting our faith in the one true God we are free from many of the fears that others have because they do not have such a wise and powerful and merciful God. The bible said we would experience tribulation so we may as well experience at as a righteous person so we have the future hope. Not only that but if we are practicing it as a righteous person often times even extremely difficult things God will get those who love him and are faithful through it. Often times those who do not have faith in God get emotionally destroyed by difficult times and they also lack the hope in the future promises that comes with having faith in God and fully trusting him.

It can free us from the influence of demons, lies especially those involved in false religion. It frees us from the sins committed from being deceived and not worshiping in truth. If you have ever noticed someone who believes something that is not a biblical teaching they will resent and even hate those who teach the bible in truth. Falsehoods are very difficult to defend. When you worship in truth you have confidence the truth will defend itself so have no need to react angrily or with violent or hateful thoughts. This is why Jesus said if they do not accept the truth shake the dust off your feet. In other words do not let it bother you. You told the truth it will defend itself. When God’s great day of judgment is here it will become very clear who was telling the truth and who was not. False religion in Jesus days had many traditions and celebration that were not put in place by God and they even violated his laws. They put heavy burdens on people financially and even physically. Many of those traditional celebrations involved forms of idolatry. The bible warned there would be teaching of demons in many churches in the last days. By worshiping in truth we are free of the burdens man and the demons would put on us. We also would be free from the guilt that comes from idolatry.

The truth protects us from lies. Believing or telling lies can complicates ones life. One can tell if they have been convinced of a lie because the more they have to defend it the more complicated it gets to defend a lie because more lies have to be told to support the first lie. For example major religion has actually changed history and how it actually has happened in order to support their lies. But eventually documents or something gets unearthed to expose the truth. It takes more lies to defend the first lie until eventually the lies get so numerous a person would have to completely ignore certain scriptures to maintain their belief in a lie. Some religions teach their leaders word over rides the bible. The bible warned if anyone taught something or said something contrary to what the bible says then they are teaching false doctrine. We are not to add to God’s word or take from it. The bible tells us by preventing our tongue from lying we enjoy many good days. The bible tells us the one who lies with every breath shall perish. It stands to reason, it is very stressful trying to defend a lie. Studies have shown stress dramatically reduces ones life span. When we tell the truth in the end what matters is whether God knows or not, because he is above all others , there is no authority over him. So whether someone believes us when we tell the truth or not we do not have to worry because God knows the truth and will remember that we stood for being truthful no matter what. Since he is the one who gives life we are free from the fear of destruction that others would have to fear. By not lying we are protected from the destruction that others will suffer during the day of judgment and free of the fear that our lie will be found out. Studies have shown those who tell lies eventually start losing their sense of what is real and what is not. So not telling lies protects our minds. Many believe they do not sin. The bible tells us if we believe we do not sin we are a liar. We all fall short and sin. If we were perfect we would not have had to have the bible written for us by God to guide us in how to prevents sinning and how to overcome it when we do sin. This helps us grow and to draw closer to God and Jesus. Those who lie will not reflect in the mirror of God’s perfect word so do not get the peace of mind and security that those who apply God’s word and do their best to draw closer to him would enjoy. Gods word hurts their conscience. What hope do those who lie have for the future. It is why when they are under trials and tribulation they are full of anxiety and the feelings of hopelessness. When the corruption of this system is being used to attack them they lose all hope. Those who do not lie know they can trust God and no matter what they endure, if they endure it as a righteous person God will reward them. This helps to free us from the anxieties and frustrations that come from having no hope. By not lying we can freely approach God in prayer and it will protect our hearts when we are being tried and give us an inner peace that those who lie do not enjoy.

By taking on the yoke of Jesus we are not burdened by the many problems others cause themselves. A yoke is put between beast of burden so they can share the load. What if you have a beast of burden that does not carry it’s load or causes an increased work load for the rest of the beast of burden. It can cause them to become wore down. This is why Jesus warns do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers because it can eventually start wearing at our faith, trust and loyalty to God. For example fornication which covers a variety immoral sex acts comes with the dangers of sexually transmitted diseases , some of them can actually cost you your life. There is unplanned pregnancy that can come with immoral relations. Having children out of wedlock does not provide a child with the stability they need while growing up. Often times the father does not participate in the children’s lives and even refuse to support them causing the mother to struggle financially. If we become unevenly yoked by those who approve of such things we could easily get drawn in and it may not only destroy our lives but it could effect others negatively. By taking on Jesus yoke and doing our best to obey the commands he has given us we are protected from the harm that can come from being yoked with the world who do not obey the commands Jesus has given us. By obeying God and following Jesus example we are protect from the confusion and problems immoral relations can cause. Often times the fornication carries guilt. We are free from the guilt and complications that come from fornicating.

We are told the whole world lies in the power of the wicked one. We are also told not to put our trust in ourselves or nobles. By trusting in God and Jesus it prevents us from making the many mistakes that we see man make. History has shown man makes the same mistakes over and over again. If they would obey God and put there trust in him many of those mistakes could be avoided. The mistakes man makes often times causes problems for themselves and others. When you trust God and Jesus and put your faith in them it prevents you from bringing more problems on yourselves and from causing others problems. We are all imperfect but by putting our trust in God if we make an error we have the confidence that his word will show us the way out. We can also be certain when we have whole heartedly repented God will forgive us because he is a merciful God. When the world makes errors they usually try to fix it by making more errors, causing themselves and others more problems. By putting faith in God and letting him guide us we will not make as many errors and if we do we have the confidence that his word will guide us through it and show us the way out instead of adding to our problems. The bible says we will suffer tribulation , by doing our best to obey God when we do suffer tribulation as a righteous person we will not have the added burdens those of the world have. This can helps us to endure because we have the yoke of Jesus so the burden is much lighter. Not only that but when we associate with those who do not let the God’s word guide them it sometimes can add stress to our lives because we try to navigate around their lack of faith and trust in God which can add stress to our lives. Also by being friends with those who reject God we are telling God we approve of their behavior. No matter how nice they may seem if God is not calling them to Jesus then there are things we cannot see that he can. We have to remember God can read peoples hearts and can see the hidden things in the heart we cannot. It is the more subtle things that can draw us away from God. By putting on the yoke of Jesus and being no part of the world we are protected and will not risk falling short and adding to the burdens of our lives.

Things are rapidly winding down, what hope do those who do not put their faith in God or Jesus have. They do not have the hope that being a part of the heavenly kingdom gives to those who do their best to obey God have. This can cause them to become heavily involved in the politics of this world and the corruption in it. Being no part of the world protects us from putting our trust in man and in doing so we have faith in the heavenly kingdom with Jesus as our king, when the end of this system comes we have no need to fear because Jesus said to raise ourselves up because when these things occur it means redemption is near. So when this occurs it is exciting times for those who are obedient because we know things are going to get much much better very soon. For those who put their faith in man and the corrupt political system and imperfect humans in this system when it collapses what hope do they have? What hope do those who put their trust in the wealth of this system or the material things of the world have when these things are gone, which the bible shows will occur very very soon? Those who put their trust and faith in God even if they lose everything they can have faith that God will protect them and get them through it. How refreshing it is to not live in the fear and panic others are in right now as they see things rapidly getting much much worse. What about those who are ill and do not get to know God or who are blind and do not get to know God? They have no hope to ever be healed and to experience perfect health which the bible promised to those who are obedient and faithful. So we can see the truth sets us free from the many anxieties and worries that those who are part of the world will experience.

The bible tells us to protect our minds from bad thoughts, and evil influence. Illegal drugs and excess alcohol make our minds open to influences. They can alter our moral compass . Many have made errors when intoxicated by a drug or alcohol that have destroyed their lives or cost others theirs. Some of the errors made while under the influence of a substance have permanently altered their lives or the lives of others in a way it has left life long emotional scars and sometimes financial loss. The cost of substance abuse or alcohol abuse is very expensive and have driven many to poverty. By protecting our minds from substance abuse or alcohol abuse it also protects us and others. If someone is struggling with substance abuse or alcoholism I can tell you first hand drawing closer to God helps you overcome them. I could never have done it on my own, my spiritual relatives were really there for me and they always had the right scripture to comfort me and help me overcome my alcoholism.

Another way the truth sets us free is we do not hold on to negative emotions, especially anger. Anger has been shown to dramatically impact our health it can negatively effect our mitochondria, our adrenal glands, our guts and can lead to cardiovascular disease. Jesus stressed the importance of forgiving others . We are even to forgive our enemies and pray for them. If our enemies are hungry or thirsty we are to provide for them. This prevents us feeling the hatred and anger that the world seems to be driven by now days. Because of this we come to know the real love that God and Jesus has. Even though our love would never be as complete and as pure as theirs if we do our best to imitate their love then we can experience the happiness they experience and we do not have the burden of the negative emotions that come with hating others or by carrying our anger for long periods of time. It frees our minds to dwell on happier and more fulfilling things. By holding a grudge or not forgiving someone it can hinder our prayers and even prevent God from listening to them. So those who are forgiving will have their prayers heard and be shown mercy as they show mercy.

This system is rapidly winding down. Food shortages, pestilence , hatred, violence, corruption, chronic illness, financial hardships and many other things are going to get worse. Those who have faith and trust in God and Jesus know these things are a sign that things are going to get much much better very soon. This is why Jesus said when you see these things occur raise ourselves up because deliverance is near. So we need to focus more on spiritual things now more then ever. Pray to God now more then ever. Things will get difficult for a short period of time but God has always gotten his people through it. We are in a time very similar to when Israel was ready to enter the promised land. They had two steep cliffs on each side of them. They had the sea in front of them. They had the enemy in chariots that had blades on the wheels. They would run people over and the blades would hack them up. It may have seemed hopeless for them but they remained faithful and did all God ask. He parted the sea for them. This resulted in then having a clear path to the promised land. When the enemy tried to cross God left the sea flood over them. Not a single one of the enemy soldiers that were pursuing them survived. Also even though all these things are occurring those with faith in God know God will protect them and provide for them as long as they have faith in him. This frees us from the fear and panic many are in now. This frees us from having to look for solutions because we know those solutions will not come from man but they will come from God.

(John 8:31, 32) ³¹ Then Jesus went on to say to the Jews who had believed him: “If you remain in my word, you are really my disciples, ³² and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

(Acts 15:9-11) . . .. ¹⁰ So why are you now making a test of God by imposing on the neck of the disciples a yoke that neither our forefathers nor we were capable of bearing? ¹¹ On the contrary, we have faith that we are saved through the undeserved kindness of the Lord Jesus in the same way that they are.”

(Mark 7:7, 8) ⁷ It is in vain that they keep worshipping me, for they teach commands of men as doctrines.’ ⁸ You let go of the commandment of God and cling to the tradition of men.”

(1 Timothy 4:1-5) 4 However, the inspired word clearly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to misleading inspired statements and teachings of demons, ² by means of the hypocrisy of men who speak lies, whose conscience is seared as with a branding iron. ³ They forbid marriage and command people to abstain from foods that God created to be partaken of with thanksgiving by those who have faith and accurately know the truth. ⁴ For every creation of God is fine, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, ⁵ for it is sanctified through God’s word and prayer over it.

(Jeremiah 10:1-5) 10 Hear the word that Jehovah has spoken against you, O house of Israel. ² This is what Jehovah says: “Do not learn the way of the nations, And do not be terrified by the signs of the heavens Because the nations are terrified by them.  ³ For the customs of the peoples are a delusion. It is just a tree of the forest that is cut down, Worked by the hands of the craftsman with his tool.  ⁴ They adorn it with silver and gold And fasten it with hammer and nails so that it will not fall over.  ⁵ Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field, they cannot speak; They have to be carried, for they cannot walk. Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, Nor can they do any good.”

(John 8:43-47) . . .. ⁴⁴ You are from your father the Devil, and you wish to do the desires of your father. That one was a murderer when he began, and he did not stand fast in the truth, because truth is not in him. When he speaks the lie, he speaks according to his own disposition, because he is a liar and the father of the lie. ⁴⁵ Because I, on the other hand, tell you the truth, you do not believe me. ⁴⁶ Who of you convicts me of sin? If I speak truth, why is it that you do not believe me? ⁴⁷ The one who is from God listens to the sayings of God. This is why you do not listen, because you are not from God.”

(Matthew 10:13-15) . . .. ¹⁴ Wherever anyone does not receive you or listen to your words, on going out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet. ¹⁵ Truly I say to you, it will be more endurable for the land of Sodʹom and Go·morʹrah on Judgment Day than for that city.

(James 4:7-10) ⁷ Therefore, subject yourselves to God; but oppose the Devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸ Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you indecisive ones. ⁹ Give way to misery and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy into despair. ¹⁰ Humble yourselves in the eyes of Jehovah, and he will exalt you.

(Matthew 5:33-37) ³³ “Again you heard that it was said to those of ancient times: ‘You must not swear without performing, but you must pay your vows to Jehovah.’ ³⁴ However, I say to you: Do not swear at all, neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; ³⁵ nor by earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. ³⁶ Do not swear by your head, since you cannot turn one hair white or black. ³⁷ Just let your word ‘Yes’ mean yes, your ‘No,’ no, for what goes beyond these is from the wicked one.

(Revelation 21:1-4) 21 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea is no more. ² I also saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God and prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. ³ With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. ⁴ And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”

(Isaiah 65:24, 25) ²⁴ Even before they call out, I will answer; While they are yet speaking, I will hear. ²⁵ The wolf and the lamb will feed together, The lion will eat straw just like the bull, And the serpent’s food will be dust. They will do no harm nor cause any ruin in all my holy mountain,” says Jehovah.

(Isaiah 35:6, 7)  ⁶ At that time the lame will leap like the deer, And the tongue of the speechless will shout for joy. For waters will burst forth in the wilderness, And streams in the desert plain.  ⁷ The heat-parched ground will become a reedy pool, And the thirsty ground springs of water. In the lairs where jackals rested, There will be green grass and reeds and papyrus.

(Ecclesiastes 9:5, 6) ⁵ For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing at all, nor do they have any more reward, because all memory of them is forgotten. ⁶ Also, their love and their hate and their jealousy have already perished, and they no longer have any share in what is done under the sun.

(Psalm 146:4)  ⁴ His spirit goes out, he returns to the ground; On that very day his thoughts perish. . .

(Psalm 13:3) ³ Look upon me and answer me, O Jehovah my God. Give light to my eyes, so that I may not fall asleep in death,

(John 11:11-14) ¹¹ After he said these things, he added: “Lazʹa·rus our friend has fallen asleep, but I am traveling there to awaken him.” ¹² The disciples then said to him: “Lord, if he is sleeping, he will get well.” ¹³ Jesus, however, had spoken about his death. But they imagined he was speaking about taking rest in sleep. ¹⁴ Then Jesus said to them plainly: “Lazʹa·rus has died,

(1 Corinthians 15:20-22) ²⁰ But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep in death. ²¹ For since death came through a man, resurrection of the dead also comes through a man. ²² For just as in Adam all are dying, so also in the Christ all will be made alive.

(Revelation 20:12-15) . . .The dead were judged out of those things written in the scrolls according to their deeds. ¹³ And the sea gave up the dead in it, and death and the Grave gave up the dead in them, and they were judged individually according to their deeds. ¹⁴ And death and the Grave were hurled into the lake of fire. This means the second death, the lake of fire. ¹⁵ Furthermore, whoever was not found written in the book of life was hurled into the lake of fire.

(John 5:28-30) ²⁸ Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice ²⁹ and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, and those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment. ³⁰ I cannot do a single thing of my own initiative. Just as I hear, I judge, and my judgment is righteous because I seek, not my own will, but the will of him who sent me.

(2 Thessalonians 1:9) ⁹ These very ones will undergo the judicial punishment of everlasting destruction from before the Lord and from the glory of his strength. . .

(2 Peter 3:7) ⁷ But by the same word the heavens and the earth that now exist are reserved for fire and are being kept until the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly people.

(Romans 8:37-39) . . .. ³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers ³⁹ nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

(Isaiah 65:11-13) ¹¹ But you are among those forsaking Jehovah, Those forgetting my holy mountain, Those setting a table for the god of Good Luck, And those filling up cups of mixed wine for the god of Destiny. ¹² So I will destine you for the sword, And all of you will bow down to be slaughtered, Because I called, but you did not answer, I spoke, but you did not listen; You kept doing what was bad in my eyes, And you chose what displeased me.” ¹³ Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “Look! My servants will eat, but you will go hungry. Look! My servants will drink, but you will go thirsty. Look! My servants will rejoice, but you will suffer shame.

(Deuteronomy 18:10-13) . . ., ¹¹ anyone binding others with a spell, anyone who consults a spirit medium or a fortune-teller, or anyone who inquires of the dead. ¹² For whoever does these things is detestable to Jehovah, and on account of these detestable practices Jehovah your God is driving them away from before you. ¹³ You should prove yourself blameless before Jehovah your God.

(Psalm 34:12-14) ¹² Who among you takes pleasure in life And would love to see many good days? נ [Nun] ¹³ Then guard your tongue from what is bad, Your lips from speaking deception. ס [Samekh] ¹⁴ Turn away from what is bad and do what is good; Seek peace and pursue it.

(Proverbs 19:9)  ⁹ A false witness will not go unpunished, And the one who lies with every breath will perish.

(Revelation 21:8) But as for the cowards and those without faith and those who are disgusting in their filth and murderers and the sexually immoral and those practicing spiritism and idolaters and all the liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This means the second death.”

(James 1:12, 13) ¹² Happy is the man who keeps on enduring trial, because on becoming approved he will receive the crown of life, which Jehovah promised to those who continue loving Him. ¹³ When under trial, let no one say: “I am being tried by God.” For with evil things God cannot be tried, nor does he himself try anyone.

(Matthew 24:13, 14) ¹³ But the one who has endured to the end will be saved. ¹⁴ And this good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

(Job 42:10, 11) ¹⁰ After Job had prayed for his companions, Jehovah removed Job’s tribulation and restored his prosperity. Jehovah gave him double what he had before. ¹¹ All his brothers and sisters and all his former friends came to him and ate a meal with him in his house. They sympathized with him and comforted him over all the calamity that Jehovah had allowed to come upon him. Each of them gave him a piece of money and a gold ring.

(Philippians 4:4-7) ⁴ Always rejoice in the Lord. Again I will say, Rejoice! ⁵ Let your reasonableness become known to all men. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.

(John 16:33) ³³ I have said these things to you so that by means of me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but take courage! I have conquered the world.”

(John 8:34-36) ³⁴ Jesus answered them: “Most truly I say to you, every doer of sin is a slave of sin. ³⁵ Moreover, the slave does not remain in the household forever; the son remains forever. ³⁶ So if the Son sets you free, you will be truly free.

(Romans 6:15-18) . . .! ¹⁶ Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey, either of sin leading to death or of obedience leading to righteousness? ¹⁷ But thanks to God that although you were once the slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that pattern of teaching to which you were handed over. ¹⁸ Yes, since you were set free from sin, you became slaves to righteousness.

(Matthew 11:28-30) . . .. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for yourselves. ³⁰ For my yoke is kindly, and my load is light.”

(2 Corinthians 6:14-18) ¹⁴ Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. For what fellowship do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what sharing does light have with darkness? ¹⁵ Further, what harmony is there between Christ and Beʹli·al? Or what does a believer share in common with an unbeliever? ¹⁶ And what agreement does God’s temple have with idols? For we are a temple of a living God; just as God said: “I will reside among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” ¹⁷ “‘Therefore, get out from among them, and separate yourselves,’ says Jehovah, ‘and quit touching the unclean thing’”; “‘and I will take you in.’” ¹⁸ “‘And I will become a father to you, and you will become sons and daughters to me,’ says Jehovah, the Almighty.”

(1 Peter 2:18-25) . . .. ¹⁹ For it is agreeable when someone endures hardship and suffers unjustly because of conscience toward God. ²⁰ For what merit is there if you are beaten for sinning and you endure it? But if you endure suffering because of doing good, this is an agreeable thing to God. ²¹ In fact, to this course you were called, because even Christ suffered for you, leaving a model for you to follow his steps closely. ²² He committed no sin, nor was deception found in his mouth. ²³ When he was being insulted, he did not insult in return. When he was suffering, he did not threaten, but he entrusted himself to the One who judges righteously. ²⁴ He himself bore our sins in his own body on the stake, so that we might die to sins and live to righteousness. And “by his wounds you were healed.” ²⁵ For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the shepherd and overseer of your souls.

(1 Peter 4:15, 16) ¹⁵ However, let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or a wrongdoer or a busybody in other people’s matters. ¹⁶ But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but let him keep on glorifying God while bearing this name.

(Matthew 5:27-30) ²⁷ “You heard that it was said: ‘You must not commit adultery.’ ²⁸ But I say to you that everyone who keeps on looking at a woman so as to have a passion for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. ²⁹ If, now, your right eye is making you stumble, tear it out and throw it away from you. For it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be pitched into Ge·henʹna. ³⁰ Also, if your right hand is making you stumble, cut it off and throw it away from you. For it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to land in Ge·henʹna.

(Luke 10:26-28) . . .” ²⁷ In answer he said: “‘You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole strength and with your whole mind’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’” ²⁸ He said to him: “You answered correctly; keep doing this and you will get life.”

(Romans 12:1, 2) 12 Therefore, I appeal to you by the compassions of God, brothers, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, a sacred service with your power of reason. ² And stop being molded by this system of things, but be transformed by making your mind over, so that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

(1 Peter 5:6-10) ⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time, ⁷ while you throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. ⁸ Keep your senses, be watchful! Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone. ⁹ But take your stand against him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by the entire association of your brothers in the world. ¹⁰ But after you have suffered a little while, the God of all undeserved kindness, who called you to his everlasting glory in union with Christ, will himself finish your training. He will make you firm, he will make you strong, he will firmly ground you.

(Ephesians 5:15-18) ¹⁵ So keep strict watch that how you walk is not as unwise but as wise persons, ¹⁶ making the best use of your time, because the days are wicked. ¹⁷ On this account stop being unreasonable, but keep perceiving what the will of Jehovah is. ¹⁸ Also, do not get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but keep getting filled with spirit.

(Proverbs 20:1) 20 Wine is a ridiculer, alcohol is unruly; Whoever goes astray by them is not wise.

(Proverbs 23:21) ²¹ For a drunkard and a glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe one with rags.

(Matthew 18:21, 22) ²¹ Then Peter came and said to him: “Lord, how many times is my brother to sin against me and am I to forgive him? Up to seven times?” ²² Jesus said to him: “I say to you, not up to seven times, but up to 77 times.

(Mark 11:24, 25) ²⁴ This is why I tell you, all the things you pray and ask for, have faith that you have received them, and you will have them. ²⁵ And when you stand praying, forgive whatever you have against anyone, so that your Father who is in the heavens may also forgive you your trespasses.”

(Luke 17:2-4) . . .. ³ Pay attention to yourselves. If your brother commits a sin, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. ⁴ Even if he sins seven times a day against you and he comes back to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”

(Romans 12:17-21) ¹⁷ Return evil for evil to no one. Take into consideration what is fine from the viewpoint of all men. ¹⁸ If possible, as far as it depends on you, be peaceable with all men. ¹⁹ Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the wrath; for it is written: “‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay,’ says Jehovah.” ²⁰ But “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by doing this you will heap fiery coals on his head.” ²¹ Do not let yourself be conquered by the evil, but keep conquering the evil with the good.

(Luke 21:27, 28) ²⁷ And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. ²⁸ But as these things start to occur, stand up straight and lift up your heads, because your deliverance is getting near.”

(Luke 21:16-19) ¹⁶ Moreover, you will be handed over even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death, ¹⁷ and you will be hated by all people because of my name. ¹⁸ But not even a hair of your heads will perish. ¹⁹ By your endurance you will preserve your lives.

(Luke 12:6, 7) Five sparrows sell for two coins of small value, do they not? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. ⁷ But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Have no fear; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Building discernment for protection.

Written by Lee Stevenson, sorry I am not the best editor.

In order to be aware of the more subtle things that could cause us to fall away from God or cause us to fall short requires discernment. I am going to discuss things that can help to build and protect our discernment.

The original world in the bible where subtle was used meant elusive, sly, crafty or treachorous. So when you are being deceive they will distract you or use partial truths to deceive you. For example the bible often mentions who cunning immoral women or men are at tricking people to do their will. By knowing fully what God would expect of us we can be more aware of when someone is trying to deceive us. Often times their words do not match their actions. If we pay attention to their actions. For example if they are very secretive experience has taught me to be very careful. For example if you ask a friend about their day and they are elusive be cautious this usually indicate they are hiding something. If you meet someone and they will not talk about themselves but will keep bringing the conversation back around to you be careful it means they are trying to control the conversation and do not want you to know more about them. Often times we brush those subtle things off but being subtle is how Satan deceived Eve. When Satan tempted Eve and tried to temp Jesus he first stated certain truths to try and get them to drop their guard then he would tell a lie. Eve knew what was required of her but kept listening to Satan’s deception. Jesus knew God’s word very well so when Satan would try to use the scripture in a deceptive way Jesus always followed with a scripture that Satan could not provide an answer to. Jesus told us that Satan is the creator of the lie, he has had thousands of years to practice deception so we need to know God’s word very well so we can identify when we are being deceived.

The bible warns us to keep our senses because our adversary the Devil walks around like a roaring lion seeking to devour someone. A lion will roar at the ground this causes it’s roar to reflect off the ground causing it to go in every direction. Since it’s pray cannot tell which direction the roar has come from often times the prey does not know which direction to run. The prey will run right in the direction of the lion. Satan will bombard people and try to overwhelm them. He will usually hit them in the areas they have the most confidence in. He did this with Job he took Job’s family, Job’s wealth and Job’s health. But Job never lost his faith in God and for that he was rewarded many times over. Job did not turn to the world for answers and solutions. When we are getting overwhelmed by many things be aware it could be an attack by Satan. His persecutions are not always obvious , he may use weaknesses of others in our lives as a way to persecute and cause us tribulation. When these things occur we should not take them personal. We all fall short. This is why we should be aware of our short comings because he could use our short comings to cause others to feel persecuted or tried.

The apostle Paul warned holding a grudge and not forgiving someone can cause us to be overreached by Satan. This is why Jesus tells us to forgive those who trespass against us.

Another subtle way we can be drawn away from God is by loving the things of the world more then we do God. Our actions demonstrate our love. If we devote so much time to things of the world that we cannot stay focused spiritually or we start missing meeting and associations with spiritual relatives it could be a sign we are loving the world and things in it more then God. Now God is not unreasonable he realizes things will come up that will need us to devote time to and it can take from us being able to apply ourselves spiritually. When this occurs we should at least try our best to take in his word daily. If you do have wealth you should imagine what it may be like for you if you no longer had it. Imagine how you could continue to honor God as you adjust to the life that is ahead of you. We are living in the last days and many will lose all they have. If we grow too attached to material things when we lose them it can cause us to lose faith and trust in God. For many of the apostles survival was a day to day thing yet they continue to build their faith and trust in God and set good examples of faith and obedience to God for others.

Another subtle way Satan and man, can trick us is to try and get us to put mans wisdom above God’s wisdomand try to get us to lean on our own understanding which can lead us astray. I often times hear people say I don’t need to study the bible because I will follow my heart. The bible warns the heart is treacherous and desperate. How many times have we done things out of desperation that we later realized was not the best solution? The bible warns us about putting our trust in human knowledge and philosophy of man. Often times I see psychologist and therapist that give advice that goes against what God would expect us to do. God created us he knows our minds and hearts better then anyone can. By writing God’s word on our hearts it prevents us being swayed by imperfect human knowledge which often times has been influenced by Satan. We write God’s word on our hearts by reading God’s word, applying it in our lives so much that we automatically know what God would want us to do. We need to be careful about anxieties of life and again getting caught up in the things of the world because Jesus warned were our treasure is there our heart will be. So if we get overly caught up in watching current events, acquiring material things , or start putting more confidence in secular knowledge and not weigh what God would want us to do we can be slowly led astray. Putting our trust in human knowledge or things of the world can lead our hearts astray. We have to deal with many secular things in life such as mental health experts, medical health experts, lawyers, and sometimes even financial experts. When they give advice we need to know God’s word because sometimes their advice may not be in agreement with what God would want us to do. The bible tells us the wisdom of the world is foolish and when this system ends much of that wisdom will be gone. The bible warns there is a way that seems right to man but the end result is death. The bible warns that if there is pride or arrogance Godly wisdom cannot exist in our hearts so we need to be careful and try our best to be humble. We are told Jehovah mocks those who ridicule but he grants wisdom to the humble. One subtle form of arrogance is ridicule. Do we look for the good in others or do we have a tendency to ridicule others. We are told God grants wisdom to the humble. Most of all if we want God’s wisdom to guide our hearts we need to ask him for his wisdom.

With things rapidly winding down we need discernment now more then ever. Discernment is acuteness of judgment and understanding. In other words it can help us decide what is correct and what is not. The bible warns if we do not keep trusting in God’s word we could lose our abilities of discernment. So we don’t only need to take God’s word in we need to let it guide all we do. If we do not we risk losing discernment which will make it hard for us to understand the deeper wisdom in the bible and we will get stuck in a cycle of needing milk instead of solid spiritual food. Jesus wept over a city because they lacked discernment. They knew God’s word but did not apply it so did not develop discernment. He knew many bad things were going to happen to them because they could not discern the times they were in. The Jewish system was going to collapse. Those who did not see the warning signs so they could flee would suffer some horrible things and few would survive. We are in the last days. If we do not develop our discernment and maintain it through practice we could lose sight of the times we are in and by the time we realize the reality of things it may be too late. If we are having difficulty developing our discernment we could talk to the elders and have them pray for us.

We should also find reasons to thank God and ways we can glorify God. With us living in the last days some of us may be really struggling whether it be in health, financially, persecution , and many other struggles in life. It may be difficult to find things to be thankful for. We can be thankful we have the one true God who will set matter straight very soon and will destroy all the wicked on the earth and end all suffering very soon. We have the future promises he has given us one of which is the restoration of the earth to a paradise and the promise living forever. We can be thankful we have a God who does not change because of this it is easy to know what he would require of us. Man is like a wave on the ocean whichever way the wind blows that is what will shape what they think. God is not like that he does not change, this can give us confidence in our decisions when they are based on his word and what he would want us to do. We can also thank him for giving us his word to guide us through the hard times and to help protect us. (Habakkuk 3:17-19)

How can we glorify God? Often times religion makes God seem vindictive and vengeful this pushes people away from learning about God. We could glorify God by showing others how merciful and loving he is. We could show the wonderful promises he has made that give us hope. The bible tells us God is love, we are also told to imitate him. So we could glorify God by letting love guide all we do. We could show others the power of God and help them to understand it. This could help build their faith in God. Sharing God’s word with others also helps to remind us and to strengthen our faith in God as we see it positively effect their lives. Jesus glorified God by his actions, he imitated the things he had seen his father do so perfectly when he was on earth it was like having God with man. Not only that but when Jesus was near being tortured and nailed to the torture steak he prayed that he would glorify God. So when we are suffering it can be difficult to glorify God. We should ask God to help us glorify him when times are difficult. God’s name has been removed from many bibles. Many do not know God’s name or what it means. We could glorify God also by teaching others God’s name and the value of knowing it. When we show our faith in God through our actions and our obedience we glorify God. Many who follow false teachings cause God’s good name to be spoken of abusively because people see their hypocrisy. Surely we would never want our actions to cause that to happen. Surely we would not want to be hypocritical and not practice what we teach. We would not want to blaspheme God’s good name by the things we say and do. Israel claimed to trust in God but their actions often times smeared his good name.

If we do the things mentioned it can help us to build our discernment up and will protect us and help us to survive the things that are about to occur and it will give us peace of mind and heart even when we are suffering because our hope and faith will be in God who keeps his promises. Not one of his promises went unfulfilled in the bible. So we can have hope and peace of mind knowing suffering and all this bad will gone soon and better times are very very near. If the foundation of our life is built on trust in ourselves , things of the world or worldly knowledge. If we suddenly lose those things our faith and trust in God can be shaken. If we build our foundation on Jesus and following him and obeying him as our king then we cannot be easily shaken when we suffer trials and tribulation. If we are easily shaken then this can helps us to realize we need to strengthen our foundations by imitating Jesus, trusting God and having faith in him. It sometimes may be difficult when we experience trauma or something shocking but this is a time when we should at least try to read and apply some of God’s word while we deal with the situations we may face.

(Genesis 3:1) 3 Now the serpent was the most cautious of all the wild animals of the field that Jehovah God had made. So it said to the woman: “Did God really say that you must not eat from every tree of the garden?”

(Proverbs 7:10-13) ¹⁰ Then I saw a woman meet him, Dressed like a prostitute, with a cunning heart. ¹¹ She is loud and defiant. She never stays at home. ¹² One moment she is outside, next she is in the public squares, She lurks near every corner. ¹³ She grabs hold of him and gives him a kiss; With a bold face, she says to him:

(1 Peter 5:8-11) ⁸ Keep your senses, be watchful! Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone. ⁹ But take your stand against him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by the entire association of your brothers in the world. ¹⁰ But after you have suffered a little while, the God of all undeserved kindness, who called you to his everlasting glory in union with Christ, will himself finish your training. He will make you firm, he will make you strong, he will firmly ground you. ¹¹ To him be the might forever. Amen.

(2 Corinthians 2:9-11) . . .. ¹⁰ If you forgive anyone for anything, I do also. In fact, whatever I have forgiven (if I have forgiven anything) has been for your sake in Christ’s sight, ¹¹ so that we may not be overreached by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his designs.

(John 8:43, 44) . . .. ⁴⁴ You are from your father the Devil, and you wish to do the desires of your father. That one was a murderer when he began, and he did not stand fast in the truth, because truth is not in him. When he speaks the lie, he speaks according to his own disposition, because he is a liar and the father of the lie.

(1 John 2:15-17) ¹⁵ Do not love either the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; ¹⁶ because everything in the world—the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one’s means of life—does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world. ¹⁷ Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.

(1 Timothy 6:10) ¹⁰ For the love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things, and by reaching out for this love some have been led astray from the faith and have stabbed themselves all over with many pains.

(Hebrews 12:1-3) 12 So, then, because we have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also throw off every weight and the sin that easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ² as we look intently at the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus. For the joy that was set before him he endured a torture stake, despising shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Indeed, consider closely the one who has endured such hostile speech from sinners against their own interests, so that you may not get tired and give up.

(1 John 1:8-10) ⁸ If we make the statement, “We have no sin,” we are misleading ourselves and the truth is not in us. ⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous so as to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ¹⁰ If we make the statement, “We have not sinned,” we are making him a liar, and his word is not in us.

(Jeremiah 17:9)  ⁹ The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. Who can know it?

(Proverbs 3:5-7)  ⁵ Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, And do not rely on your own understanding.  ⁶ In all your ways take notice of him, And he will make your paths straight.  ⁷ Do not become wise in your own eyes. Fear Jehovah and turn away from bad.

(Proverbs 28:26) ²⁶ Whoever trusts in his own heart is stupid, But the one who walks in wisdom will escape.

(1 Corinthians 1:19-21) ¹⁹ For it is written: “I will make the wisdom of the wise men perish, and the intelligence of the intellectuals I will reject.” ²⁰ Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this system of things? Has not God made the wisdom of the world foolish? ²¹ For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not get to know God through its wisdom, God was pleased through the foolishness of what is preached to save those believing.

(Proverbs 27:11, 12) ¹¹ Be wise, my son, and make my heart rejoice, So that I can make a reply to him who taunts me. ¹² The shrewd person sees the danger and conceals himself, But the inexperienced keep right on going and suffer the consequences.

(Proverbs 14:11, 12) . . .But the tent of the upright will flourish. ¹² There is a way that seems right to a man, But in the end it leads to death.

(Proverbs 11:2)  ² When presumptuousness comes, dishonor will follow, But wisdom is with the modest ones.

(James 4:6) ⁶ However, the undeserved kindness that He gives is greater. So it says: “God opposes the haughty ones, but he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones.”

(Proverbs 3:34) ³⁴ For he mocks those who ridicule, But he shows favor to the meek.

(Proverbs 19:29) ²⁹ Judgment is in store for ridiculers, And beatings for the back of the stupid ones.

(James 1:5-8) ⁵ So if any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching, and it will be given him. ⁶ But let him keep asking in faith, not doubting at all, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven by the wind and blown about. ⁷ In fact, that man should not expect to receive anything from Jehovah; ⁸ he is an indecisive man, unsteady in all his ways.

(Hebrews 5:11-14) ¹¹ We have much to say about him, and it is difficult to explain, because you have become dull in your hearing. ¹² For although by now you should be teachers, you again need someone to teach you from the beginning the elementary things of the sacred pronouncements of God, and you have gone back to needing milk, not solid food. ¹³ For everyone who continues to feed on milk is unacquainted with the word of righteousness, for he is a young child. ¹⁴ But solid food belongs to mature people, to those who through use have their powers of discernment trained to distinguish both right and wrong.

(1 Thessalonians 3:12, 13) ¹² Moreover, may the Lord cause you to increase, yes, to abound in love for one another and for all, just as we do for you, ¹³ so that he may make your hearts firm, blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the presence of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones.

(Luke 19:41-44) ⁴¹ And when he got nearby, he viewed the city and wept over it, ⁴² saying: “If you, even you, had discerned on this day the things having to do with peace—but now they have been hidden from your eyes. ⁴³ Because the days will come upon you when your enemies will build around you a fortification of pointed stakes and will encircle you and besiege you from every side. ⁴⁴ They will dash you and your children within you to the ground, and they will not leave a stone upon a stone in you, because you did not discern the time of your being inspected.”

(Colossians 1:9) ⁹ That is also why from the day we heard of it, we have never stopped praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the accurate knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual comprehension,

(Romans 1:21-23) For although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God nor did they thank him, but they became empty-headed in their reasonings and their senseless hearts became darkened. ²² Although claiming they were wise, they became foolish ²³ and turned the glory of the incorruptible God into something like the image of corruptible man and birds and four-footed creatures and reptiles.

(Habakkuk 3:17-19) ¹⁷ Although the fig tree may not blossom, And there may be no fruit on the vines; Although the olive crop may fail, And the fields may produce no food; Although the flock may disappear from the pen, And there may be no cattle in the stalls; ¹⁸ Yet, as for me, I will exult in Jehovah; I will be joyful in the God of my salvation. ¹⁹ The Sovereign Lord Jehovah is my strength; He will make my feet like those of a deer And cause me to tread on high places.

(Matthew 28:19) ¹⁹ Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit,

(John 13:31, 32) ³¹ When, therefore, he had gone out, Jesus said: “Now the Son of man is glorified, and God is glorified in connection with him. ³² God himself will glorify him, and he will glorify him immediately.

(2 Timothy 3:1-7) 3 But know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. ² For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, ³ having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, ⁴ betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, ⁵ having an appearance of godliness but proving false to its power; and from these turn away. ⁶ From among these arise men who slyly work their way into households and captivate weak women loaded down with sins, led by various desires, ⁷ always learning and yet never able to come to an accurate knowledge of truth.

(Romans 2:17-24) ¹⁷ If, now, you are a Jew in name and rely on law and take pride in God, ¹⁸ and you know his will and approve of things that are excellent because you are instructed out of the Law, ¹⁹ and you are convinced that you are a guide of the blind, a light for those in darkness, ²⁰ a corrector of the unreasonable ones, a teacher of young children, and having the framework of the knowledge and of the truth in the Law— ²¹ do you, however, the one teaching someone else, not teach yourself? You, the one preaching, “Do not steal,” do you steal? ²² You, the one saying, “Do not commit adultery,” do you commit adultery? You, the one abhorring idols, do you rob temples? ²³ You who take pride in law, do you dishonor God by your transgressing of the Law? ²⁴ For “the name of God is being blasphemed among the nations because of you,” just as it is written.

(Ezekiel 20:27) ²⁷ “So speak to the house of Israel, O son of man, and tell them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “In this way also, your forefathers blasphemed me by acting unfaithfully against me. . .

Do not fear the news stay focused.

Written by Lee Stevenson, sorry I am not the best editor.

I am going to cover why we should not be afraid of the things we are seeing in the news and how the things we are seeing are proof things are going to get much better and what we need to do to prepare.

When Jesus came to earth in human form he showed us the foundation we should build our life around. Many may build their foundation on wealth, material possessions, their friends, family, and many other things. Those may give a certain security but we are living in uncertain times and things can change rapidly over night. If we develop our foundation and identity around those things , if any of them are lost it can have a devastating effect on us mentally and spiritually. It can also take our happiness from us. We are living in the last days, so we need to ask how in such trying and times of tribulation can we remain faithful and happy?If we base our foundation on God and the future promises he gave us then when we experience loss it may effect us but we quickly recover because we have a solid foundation. Jesus sermon on the mount tells us how to achieve true happiness. I recommend reading it as often as necessary and applying his counsel. It has gotten me through some very very difficult times. The sermon on the mount teaches us how to be happy no matter what we endure and how to keep our faith and loyalty to God no matter what we endure. The sermon on the mount can be found in Matthew 4:23.

We can be confident because we now have a heavenly king who is the chief cornerstone of that foundation. We need to follow his examples and do our times to imitate him in every way. By following Jesus example and having faith that he has been seated on the throne and will do the work God has set out for him to do we can be confident that no matter what we have to endure it is only temporary. God has given Jesus authority over every thing but Jehovah God himself. Jesus has even been given authority over death. So if we remain faithful, loyal and as blameless as possible we can be confident that any thing we lose whether it be family to death, financial loss, loss of our belongings or even loss of our own life these things are only temporary and during the resurrection, when the new system is here all the things that have caused suffering, sadness, fear or anxiety will be gone and there will only be good memories. The bible tells us the good memories will replace the bad. The bible also tells us in the new system before we are done praying God will answer. So no matter what we endure in this system we need to make sure God is our foundation and we follow the chief corner stone Jesus Christ to get us through it. In doing so we have the hope in the future promises.

The bible warns those who do not have that solid foundation would be uncertain of things, they would be living in panic and fear. But those who have the solid foundation and follow the chief corner stone will not live in fear and panic.

We build on this chief corner stone buy taking God’s word in daily, applying it and not doubting it in guiding us. It makes us more certain of when to make our yes mean yes and our no mean no. When we have decisions to make we should put it in prayer. We have to work towards that prayer by researching it in the bible and applying what we learn. We should never lean on our own understanding if we do we are not putting our confidence in the real foundation and chief corner stone.

There is no doubt things are rapidly winding down. There will be many who walk through the great tribulation into the new system. Those who do walk through the great tribulation will get to see the earth restored to it’s original glory and will get to see God’s original purpose for the earth be fulfilled. The words used for the Garden of Eden could not be accurately translated but they have a similar meany as the words we would use to describe an amusement park. So we know when God put Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden it was a very happy and enjoyable place. There will no longer be corruption because we can have confidence that God and Jesus are not and cannot be corrupt. They leave love guide all they do. Jesus stated that he was doing what he had seen his father do. He perfectly reflected God’s qualities when he was here in human form. So we know he will put his fathers will first.

So imagine walking into a new system where we will get to see loved ones resurrected that we lost to death. There will be no more crime, no more wars, no more violence, no more hatred, no more suffering, no more starvation, no more homelessness, no more tears of sadness, no more illness, and most of all no more death. They will all be done away with. Peace will be restored to a such a degree that even animals and man will be at peace with each other. It tells us a mere child will be able to command a lion. It says no one will go hungry or build and not be able to dwell in the home.

We are living in the last days. The conclusion of mans rule is very near and the heavenly kingdom is going to replace mans rule. These are very confusing, frustrating and even overwhelming times. By letting God’s word guide all we do and approach he in prayer even with small decisions we will know when to make our yes mean yes and no mean no. Decision making will be much easier which will reduce any anxiety or uncertainty we experience. We have been warned that even some of our family and spiritual brothers and sisters would fall short as things wind down and some would even betray each other. By learning the bible and looking at a persons fruits it can help us better decide who we can trust and who we should be cautious with. This also can work as a protection because our foundation has been built on God and the chief corner stone so not matter what we endure whether it be loss of loved ones, betrayal by loved ones, loss of material things, loss of health, or even if we may experience danger because of the things occurring as the conclusion of this system draws near putting God and his son first in our lives will give us a solid foundation and we will not be easily shaken when these things may occur to us.

As things get worse and this system and is nearer and nearer reaching it’s end, let that serve to remind us how much closer the new system is. As things get worse it is a sign better times are very very near. The bible tells us God will teach us in the new system and his knowledge is so vast that man will never be able to learn everything God knows. We know Jesus was the first born of all creation so he has been by God’s side longer then anyone even the spirit creatures such as the angels and he stated there were things he didn’t even know about his father. Imagine how much more we can enjoy things with nothing to worry about and knowing we no longer have to protect our belongings or worry about not having the money to maintain our homes or to be uncertain if we will be healthy or have food the next day. Imagine an earth were grave yards and prisons are no longer needed. Imagine what it will be like when there is no more hatred and no more wars. Most of all imagine a world were everyone let’s God guide all they do so there will be no more indecision man will know what is right and what is wrong. Because of things currently occurring decision making can be very very difficult if we do not lean on God now more then ever.

This system is rapidly winding down. The new system is very very near and just as in Noah’s day the righteous survived we need to do our best to try and remain blameless as possible keeping in mind that no one is more powerful then God and anything that may occur to our or our loved ones God has given Jesus full authority and even if we face death he can undo anything any human can do to us. Those who oppose God will not fair so well because what God will do to them no one can undo and they will no longer be here to cause all the misery and sadness they have caused and are causing. So keep constantly in our minds these things occurring are a sign deliverance is near and instead of living in fear of the current events we now see happening let it remind us that better times are very very near. We have no need to fear because when it is time for our deliverance Jesus has legions of angels at his command and we have many examples of the power just one angel has in times past in the bible so imagine what legions of angels will be able to do. When the time comes we do not have to plan what we will say or do because the bible tells us God will send his holey spirit to guide us and to call the scriptures we have read to mind to guide us. So now more then ever it is not the current events most of our focus should be on, or the trials and tribulation but it should be on spiritual things as we store up treasures in heaven because much of this will be done away with soon but the treasures we store in heaven well be forever.

It is not wrong to pay attention to the current events or to things that may be occurring in our lives but we cannot let those things take precedence over spiritual matters. If we do then it could actually cost us our lives because We could easily get distracted and overwhelmed or even worse start leaning on our own understanding or even put what we desire over God’s will which could leave Satan or his people trick or entrap us. So if we spend more time with current events then we are spending taking in and applying God’s word we could be leading ourselves into a trap. We can acknowledge these things are occurring but should not be caught up in telling others about it. We can make them aware of it but it should not consume large amounts of our time. That time would be better spent preparing ourselves for the new system and to making certain we do what God would require so we may walk through the great tribulation into the new system. Some may even start to follow their hearts and the bible warns us the heart is the most deceptive thing. If we write God’s word on our hearts then even our heart would be guide by God. Since all these things will be gone soon. Persecute of money, material things or even amassing a number of friends may provide a certain comfort and security but if it is our main focus it could drown out the most important thing and that is our relationship with God which will get us through this. The decisions we make as this system of things winds down could be a matter of life or death and a matter of whether we are destroyed or resurrected. The more we focus on spiritual things the better our chances are of living and if we die of being resurrected. Not only this but as things continue to decline and get worse we will not experience the anxieties and fears that the world will because we have a solid foundation that our lives are built on. We will not lose our identities because our identities would be built on gaining knowledge of God and living our lives by that knowledge.

There were times scriptures did not appeal to me. This is because I knew it meant I had to make some major life changes. Those changes were needed to draw closer to God . This also meant it was going to effect almost all areas of my life. I had faith in God so I did as he ask. I do not regret it because there were things that happened to me and they dramatically changed my life for the worst. For the most part because of my love for God and the fact I try my best to do as he requires I have been able to remain fairly happy in spite of it all. Very soon there are going to be things that will occur that are going to effect everyone. We need to apply God’s word and make the changes so we can have a solid foundation when these things occur. I have found by doing as God ask it has simplified my life and made it much easier for me to know when to make my yes mean yes and my no mean know. I had to change who I chose as friends, I had to be more cautious of family that I left be a part of my life. I had to do away with some practices widely accepted but are things not approved by God. Many opposed and even hated me for being so different and for seeming to be so extreme. But the bible said if we are truly no part of the world the world will hate you. It even warned members of our own household could be our enemies. This is nothing new often times those who claim to represent God would persecute and kill his messengers. If we want to find true happiness , and eventually eternal happiness then we need to do all we can to draw closer to God. The opportunity to do that is going to be gone soon and just as God closed the door on the ark he will close the door and those who chose to give up their chance to draw closer will not be able to enter into the heavenly kingdom. We are very very close to the new system and better times, so now more then ever our things should be focus on the things above and the hope in the future promises that are soon to be fulfilled.

If a scripture may make us feel bad we should try to figure out why. Is it because we may not have a clear understanding of that scripture. Is it because God may be asking us to make changes we may not want to make? Is it because it may challenge something we may believe. Or could it be that our heart may desire something other then what the scriptures are telling me? Is it because I want to follow my heart instead of the bible? All those things can draw us away from God. If we veer from the path even in the slightest in the times we are living in it could put us in physical or spiritual danger. The changes we have to make often times are very difficult and can even be trying especially when people who do not want to make those changes but we may love them very much start to oppose the changes we make. But by making those changes we could set and example for them which could help guide them to salvation. Since we know Jesus did the things he saw his father doing we should do the best we can to imitate him. The bible has warned us the whole world lies in the power of the wicked one and that we should not put our faith in nobles so we need to draw closer to God more then ever because the political corruption and corruption of man has reach a level never seen in history before. It is very difficult to know who we can trust or what we should do but if we know what God requires and what he would expect us to do it will make things much much easier for us. Man has had thousands of years ruling ourselves and things have only gotten worse. We have thoroughly proven we cannot put our trust in ourselves or in man. We can only trust God to guide us through all this and to fix the mess man has made.

Keep in mind we are all imperfect. If God only looked at our sins then no one would make it. He looks at our faith and our growth spiritually. AS we learn about him and we learn to recognize sin we work towards being less sinful. If he only looked at our sins no one would make it. If we fall short we need to do as God would require and repent and take corrective action to show we want to draw closer to him. We should not get discourage some things are deeply entrenched and take a while to overcome. God can read our hearts and know we are doing our best. It is our heart he judges. I know times are getting very difficult but we have to keep in mind God desires no one to be destroyed but desires all to repent so until all his sheep have been gathered and many have had the opportunity to repent the this system will not end so we need to patiently wait. Falling short mean missing the mark , if we sin and fall short now more then ever we need to repent and do all we can to make things right by Jehovah and whoever we may have sinned against as much as possible. To expect we will not fall short and expect ourselves to be perfect is unreasonable. It is our willingness to give up sin as we draw closer to God and our faith in him that he looks at. If he only looked at sin no one would make it. Our faith in God will help us to overcome sin and many other things and will draw us closer to God. In times past those who put their faith in God like Noah and Abraham did not look back at what they were losing or had lost but looked forward to the future. We need to keep the mindset they had and keep our minds on the heavenly things and future promises.

When people hearts become hardened to the truth and they want to seek their own answers to things please do not let that discourage you and do not let it draw you away from God. We are going to see this happen on a scale we have never seen before and some people we are very fond of will start putting more faith in their own decisions or put their faith in man out of fear. They will want people to tell them what they want to hear and not what they need to hear so they will start resenting you and may even grow to hate you. Please do not take this personal and no matter how much you care about them this is a sign to be cautious this is revealing deeper things in their hearts and about their faith and we must be careful they do not drag us down. We know even spiritual relatives we are very fond of will turn away from the truth and start putting their faith in themselves and man very soon, so we need to draw closer to Jehovah and Jesus now more then ever.

(Isaiah 28:16) ¹⁶ Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “Here I am laying as a foundation in Zion a tested stone, The precious cornerstone of a sure foundation. No one exercising faith will panic.

(1 Peter 2:4-8) ⁴ As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but chosen, precious to God, ⁵ you yourselves as living stones are being built up into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, in order to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. ⁶ For it says in Scripture: “Look! I am laying in Zion a chosen stone, a precious foundation cornerstone, and no one exercising faith in it will ever be disappointed.” ⁷ It is to you, therefore, that he is precious, because you are believers; but to those not believing, “the stone that the builders rejected, this has become the chief cornerstone” ⁸ and “a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They are stumbling because they are disobedient to the word. To this very end they were appointed.

(Romans 10:11-15) ¹¹ For the scripture says: “No one who rests his faith on him will be disappointed.” ¹² For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek. There is the same Lord over all, who is rich toward all those calling on him. ¹³ For “everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.” ¹⁴ However, how will they call on him if they have not put faith in him? How, in turn, will they put faith in him about whom they have not heard? How, in turn, will they hear without someone to preach? ¹⁵ How, in turn, will they preach unless they have been sent out? Just as it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who declare good news of good things!”

(Isaiah 26:13, 14) ¹³ O Jehovah our God, other masters besides you have ruled over us, But we make mention of your name alone. ¹⁴ They are dead; they will not live. Powerless in death, they will not rise up. For you have turned your attention to them To annihilate them and destroy all mention of them.

(1 Corinthians 15:22-28) ²² For just as in Adam all are dying, so also in the Christ all will be made alive. ²³ But each one in his own proper order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who belong to the Christ during his presence. ²⁴ Next, the end, when he hands over the Kingdom to his God and Father, when he has brought to nothing all government and all authority and power. ²⁵ For he must rule as king until God has put all enemies under his feet. ²⁶ And the last enemy, death, is to be brought to nothing. ²⁷ For God “subjected all things under his feet.” But when he says that ‘all things have been subjected,’ it is evident that this does not include the One who subjected all things to him. ²⁸ But when all things will have been subjected to him, then the Son himself will also subject himself to the One who subjected all things to him, that God may be all things to everyone.

(Luke 21:25-28) ²⁵ “Also, there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth anguish of nations not knowing the way out because of the roaring of the sea and its agitation. ²⁶ People will become faint out of fear and expectation of the things coming upon the inhabited earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. ²⁷ And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. ²⁸ But as these things start to occur, stand up straight and lift up your heads, because your deliverance is getting near.”

(Psalm 18:2-6)  ² Jehovah is my crag and my stronghold and the One who rescues me. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, My shield and my horn of salvation, my secure refuge.  ³ I call on Jehovah, who is worthy of praise, And I will be saved from my enemies.  ⁴ The ropes of death encircled me; Flash floods of worthless men terrified me.  ⁵ The ropes of the Grave surrounded me; The snares of death confronted me.  ⁶ In my distress I called on Jehovah, To my God I kept crying for help. From his temple he heard my voice, And my cry to him for help reached his ears.

(Isaiah 65:17) ¹⁷ For look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be called to mind, Nor will they come up into the heart.

(Revelation 21:1-4) 21 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea is no more. ² I also saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God and prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. ³ With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. ⁴ And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”

(Isaiah 65:24) ²⁴ Even before they call out, I will answer; While they are yet speaking, I will hear.

(Matthew 7:24-27) ²⁴ “Therefore, everyone who hears these sayings of mine and does them will be like a discreet man who built his house on the rock. ²⁵ And the rain poured down and the floods came and the winds blew and lashed against that house, but it did not cave in, for it had been founded on the rock. ²⁶ Furthermore, everyone hearing these sayings of mine and not doing them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. ²⁷ And the rain poured down and the floods came and the winds blew and struck against that house, and it caved in, and its collapse was great.”

(Revelation 7:13, 14) ¹³ In response one of the elders said to me: “These who are dressed in the white robes, who are they and where did they come from?” ¹⁴ So right away I said to him: “My lord, you are the one who knows.” And he said to me: “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

(Mark 13:18-20) . . .; ¹⁹ for those days will be days of a tribulation such as has not occurred from the beginning of the creation that God created until that time, and will not occur again. ²⁰ In fact, unless Jehovah had cut short the days, no flesh would be saved. But on account of the chosen ones whom he has chosen, he has cut short the days.

(Acts 24:15) ¹⁵ And I have hope toward God, which hope these men also look forward to, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.

(Isaiah 65:21-25) ²¹ They will build houses and live in them, And they will plant vineyards and eat their fruitage. ²² They will not build for someone else to inhabit, Nor will they plant for others to eat. For the days of my people will be like the days of a tree, And the work of their hands my chosen ones will enjoy to the full. ²³ They will not toil for nothing, Nor will they bear children for distress, Because they are the offspring made up of those blessed by Jehovah, And their descendants with them. ²⁴ Even before they call out, I will answer; While they are yet speaking, I will hear. ²⁵ The wolf and the lamb will feed together, The lion will eat straw just like the bull, And the serpent’s food will be dust. They will do no harm nor cause any ruin in all my holy mountain,” says Jehovah.

(Psalm 37:10, 11) ¹⁰ Just a little while longer, and the wicked will be no more; You will look at where they were, And they will not be there. ¹¹ But the meek will possess the earth, And they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.

(Daniel 2:44, 45) ⁴⁴ “In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed. And this kingdom will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it alone will stand forever, ⁴⁵ just as you saw that out of the mountain a stone was cut not by hands, and that it crushed the iron, the copper, the clay, the silver, and the gold. The Grand God has made known to the king what will happen in the future. The dream is true, and its interpretation is trustworthy.”

(2 Peter 3:12, 13) . . .! ¹³ But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell.

(2 Corinthians 7:1) 7 Therefore, since we have these promises, beloved ones, let us cleanse ourselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

(Isaiah 9:7)  ⁷ To the increase of his rulership And to peace, there will be no end, On the throne of David and on his kingdom In order to establish it firmly and to sustain it Through justice and righteousness, From now on and forever. The zeal of Jehovah of armies will do this.

(Isaiah 11:6-9)  ⁶ The wolf will reside for a while with the lamb, And with the young goat the leopard will lie down, And the calf and the lion and the fattened animal will all be together; And a little boy will lead them.  ⁷ The cow and the bear will feed together, And their young will lie down together. The lion will eat straw like the bull.  ⁸ The nursing child will play over the lair of a cobra, And a weaned child will put his hand over the den of a poisonous snake.  ⁹ They will not cause any harm Or any ruin in all my holy mountain, Because the earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah As the waters cover the sea.

(John 5:19-24) ¹⁹ Therefore, in response Jesus said to them: “Most truly I say to you, the Son cannot do a single thing of his own initiative, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever things that One does, these things the Son does also in like manner. ²⁰ For the Father has affection for the Son and shows him all the things he himself does, and he will show him works greater than these, so that you may marvel. ²¹ For just as the Father raises the dead up and makes them alive, so the Son also makes alive whomever he wants to. ²² For the Father judges no one at all, but he has entrusted all the judging to the Son, ²³ so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. ²⁴ Most truly I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes the One who sent me has everlasting life, and he does not come into judgment but has passed over from death to life.

(Romans 11:33, 34) ³³ O the depth of God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How unsearchable his judgments are and beyond tracing out his ways are! ³⁴ For “who has come to know Jehovah’s mind, or who has become his adviser?”

(Matthew 24:36-42) ³⁶ “Concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father. ³⁷ For just as the days of Noah were, so the presence of the Son of man will be. ³⁸ For as they were in those days before the Flood, eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, ³⁹ and they took no note until the Flood came and swept them all away, so the presence of the Son of man will be. ⁴⁰ Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken along and the other abandoned. ⁴¹ Two women will be grinding at the hand mill; one will be taken along and the other abandoned. ⁴² Keep on the watch, therefore, because you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.

(1 John 2:15-17) ¹⁵ Do not love either the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; ¹⁶ because everything in the world—the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one’s means of life—does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world. ¹⁷ Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.

(Colossians 3:1, 2) 3 If, however, you were raised up with the Christ, go on seeking the things above, where the Christ is seated at the right hand of God. ² Keep your minds fixed on the things above, not on the things on the earth.

(2 Peter 3:10-13) ¹⁰ But Jehovah’s day will come as a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar, but the elements being intensely hot will be dissolved, and earth and the works in it will be exposed. ¹¹ Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, consider what sort of people you ought to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion, ¹² as you await and keep close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah, through which the heavens will be destroyed in flames and the elements will melt in the intense heat! ¹³ But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell.

(Mark 13:9-13) ⁹ “As for you, look out for yourselves. People will hand you over to local courts, and you will be beaten in synagogues and be put on the stand before governors and kings for my sake, for a witness to them. ¹⁰ Also, in all the nations, the good news has to be preached first. ¹¹ And when they are taking you to hand you over, do not be anxious beforehand about what to say; but whatever is given you in that hour, say this, for you are not the ones speaking, but the holy spirit is. ¹² Furthermore, brother will deliver brother over to death, and a father a child, and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. ¹³ And you will be hated by all people on account of my name. But the one who has endured to the end will be saved.

(Romans 12:11-16) . . .. ¹² Rejoice in the hope. Endure under tribulation. Persevere in prayer. ¹³ Share with the holy ones according to their needs. Follow the course of hospitality. ¹⁴ Keep on blessing those who persecute; bless and do not curse. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. ¹⁶ Have the same attitude toward others as toward yourselves; do not set your mind on lofty things, but be led along with the lowly things. Do not become wise in your own eyes.

(Romans 8:35-39) ³⁵ Who will separate us from the love of the Christ? Will tribulation or distress or persecution or hunger or nakedness or danger or sword? ³⁶ Just as it is written: “For your sake we are being put to death all day long; we have been accounted as sheep for slaughtering.” ³⁷ On the contrary, in all these things we are coming off completely victorious through the one who loved us. ³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers ³⁹ nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

(Jeremiah 17:9, 10)  ⁹ The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. Who can know it? ¹⁰ I, Jehovah, am searching the heart, Examining the innermost thoughts, To give to each one according to his ways, According to the fruitage of his works.

(Proverbs 28:26) ²⁶ Whoever trusts in his own heart is stupid, But the one who walks in wisdom will escape.

(Isaiah 2:22) For your own sakes, quit trusting in mere man, Who is only the breath in his nostrils. Why should he be taken into account?

(Jeremiah 17:5) This is what Jehovah says: “Cursed is the man who puts his trust in mere humans, Who relies on human power, And whose heart turns away from Jehovah.

(1 John 4:7-10) ⁷ Beloved ones, let us continue loving one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born from God and knows God. ⁸ Whoever does not love has not come to know God, because God is love. ⁹ By this the love of God was revealed in our case, that God sent his only-begotten Son into the world so that we might gain life through him. ¹⁰ The love is in this respect, not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins.

(Proverbs 24:16) ¹⁶ For the righteous one may fall seven times, and he will get up again, But the wicked will be made to stumble by calamity.

(1 John 1:8-10) ⁸ If we make the statement, “We have no sin,” we are misleading ourselves and the truth is not in us. ⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous so as to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ¹⁰ If we make the statement, “We have not sinned,” we are making him a liar, and his word is not in us.

(1 John 4:7-10) ⁷ Beloved ones, let us continue loving one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born from God and knows God. ⁸ Whoever does not love has not come to know God, because God is love. ⁹ By this the love of God was revealed in our case, that God sent his only-begotten Son into the world so that we might gain life through him. ¹⁰ The love is in this respect, not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins.

(2 Peter 3:8-10) . . .. ⁹ Jehovah is not slow concerning his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with you because he does not desire anyone to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance. ¹⁰ But Jehovah’s day will come as a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar, but the elements being intensely hot will be dissolved, and earth and the works in it will be exposed.

(Isaiah 1:18) “Come, now, and let us set matters straight between us,” says Jehovah. “Though your sins are like scarlet, They will be made as white as snow; Though they are as red as crimson cloth, They will become like wool.

(Acts 3:19) “Repent, therefore, and turn around so as to get your sins blotted out, so that seasons of refreshing may come from Jehovah himself

(Jeremiah 31:34) ³⁴ “And they will no longer teach each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know Jehovah!’ for they will all know me, from the least to the greatest of them,” declares Jehovah. “For I will forgive their error, and I will no longer remember their sin.”

(Micah 7:19) ¹⁹ He will again show us mercy; he will conquer our errors. You will throw all their sins into the depths of the sea.

(Hebrews 10:35-39) ³⁵ Therefore, do not throw away your boldness, which will be richly rewarded. ³⁶ For you need endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the fulfillment of the promise. ³⁷ For yet “a very little while,” and “the one who is coming will arrive and will not delay.” ³⁸ “But my righteous one will live by reason of faith,” and “if he shrinks back, I have no pleasure in him.” ³⁹ Now we are not the sort who shrink back to destruction, but the sort who have faith for the preserving of our lives.

(1 John 5:2-4) . . .. ³ For this is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome, ⁴ because everyone who has been born from God conquers the world. And this is the conquest that has conquered the world, our faith.

(Hebrews 11:3-16) ³ By faith we perceive that the systems of things were put in order by God’s word, so that what is seen has come into existence from things that are not visible. ⁴ By faith Abel offered God a sacrifice of greater worth than that of Cain, and through that faith he received the witness that he was righteous, for God approved his gifts, and although he died, he still speaks through his faith. ⁵ By faith Eʹnoch was transferred so as not to see death, and he was nowhere to be found because God had transferred him; for before he was transferred he received the witness that he had pleased God well. ⁶ Moreover, without faith it is impossible to please God well, for whoever approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him. ⁷ By faith Noah, after receiving divine warning of things not yet seen, showed godly fear and constructed an ark for the saving of his household; and through this faith he condemned the world, and he became an heir of the righteousness that results from faith. ⁸ By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place he was to receive as an inheritance; he went out, although not knowing where he was going. ⁹ By faith he lived as a foreigner in the land of the promise as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the very same promise. ¹⁰ For he was awaiting the city having real foundations, whose designer and builder is God. ¹¹ By faith also Sarah received power to conceive offspring, even when she was past the age, since she considered Him faithful who made the promise. ¹² For this reason, from one man who was as good as dead, there were born children, as many as the stars of heaven in number and as innumerable as the sands by the seaside. ¹³ In faith all of these died, although they did not receive the fulfillment of the promises; but they saw them from a distance and welcomed them and publicly declared that they were strangers and temporary residents in the land. ¹⁴ For those who speak in such a way make it evident that they are earnestly seeking a place of their own. ¹⁵ And yet, if they had kept remembering the place from which they had departed, they would have had opportunity to return. ¹⁶ But now they are reaching out for a better place, that is, one belonging to heaven. Therefore, God is not ashamed of them, to be called on as their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

(2 Timothy 4:2-5) . . .. ³ For there will be a period of time when they will not put up with the wholesome teaching, but according to their own desires, they will surround themselves with teachers to have their ears tickled. ⁴ They will turn away from listening to the truth and give attention to false stories. ⁵ You, though, keep your senses in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelizer, fully accomplish your ministry.

(1 Timothy 4:1-5) 4 However, the inspired word clearly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to misleading inspired statements and teachings of demons, ² by means of the hypocrisy of men who speak lies, whose conscience is seared as with a branding iron. ³ They forbid marriage and command people to abstain from foods that God created to be partaken of with thanksgiving by those who have faith and accurately know the truth. ⁴ For every creation of God is fine, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, ⁵ for it is sanctified through God’s word and prayer over it.

(Matthew 13:15-17) ¹⁵ For the heart of this people has grown unreceptive, and with their ears they have heard without response, and they have shut their eyes, so that they might never see with their eyes and hear with their ears and get the sense of it with their hearts and turn back and I heal them.’ ¹⁶ “However, happy are your eyes because they see and your ears because they hear. ¹⁷ For truly I say to you, many prophets and righteous men desired to see the things you are observing but did not see them, and to hear the things you are hearing but did not hear them.

Weapons used by Satan and how we can protect ourselves.

Written by Lee Stevenson. Sorry I am not very good at editing. I did this article in sections.

Now the thing that will protect us the most is putting on the full armor of Jehovah. I will discuss that at the end of this article but first I want to discuss the most common weapons Satan uses to lure us away.

Fear has been used by Satan many times. He has used intimidation tactics , used fear in the loss of wealth, fear of being homeless, fear of change and many other types of fear to get people to lose faith. We have to remember in times past when God’s people had to flee and leave their homes and possessions behind God provided provide for them and sustained them. Even when God’s people were severely outnumbered they prevailed because God protected them. Fear can be a sin if we are doing what God requires and we lose things or our lives are threatened and we start fearing man more then God and give in to their will instead of God’s. Fear of failing God or of not having faith in him and trusting him is a sin. So if Satan or his people can instill improper fear and get us to lose our faith they can sway us. I have seen many reject bible truths because they knew they would be rejected by their families or would even be hated. The world warned if we followed in Jesus foot steps the world would hate us so that includes member so our own families. We have to work very hard to build our faith in God because very soon all types of fear are going to be used to try and break our faith. Even if we die we have no reason to fear if we die faithful to God because he will remember us during the resurrection. God is the life giver. There is no one with more authority. So if we obey him above man then we can be sure he is with us. As long as our faith remains strong we have the upper hand because no one is more powerful then God.

(Isaiah 35:4)  ⁴ Say to those who are anxious at heart: “Be strong. Do not be afraid. Look! Your own God will come with vengeance, God will come with retribution. He will come and save you.”

(Matthew 6:33, 34) ³³ “Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you. ³⁴ So never be anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties. Each day has enough of its own troubles.

(John 6:26, 27) . . .. ²⁷ Work, not for the food that perishes, but for the food that remains for everlasting life, which the Son of man will give you; for on this one the Father, God himself, has put his seal of approval.”

(Romans 8:37-39) . . .. ³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers ³⁹ nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

(Psalm 27:1) 27 Jehovah is my light and my salvation. Whom should I fear? Jehovah is the stronghold of my life. Whom should I dread?

Distractions are another way our faith can be weakened. Jesus was visiting Martha and Mary. Martha seemed caught up in making a big feast for Jesus. She most likely was overfilled with joy that he was there. Jesus knew that the Jewish system of things were going to end very soon and wanted all his disciples to be prepared. So when Mary complained that Martha was not helping her Jesus pointed out that she needed to keep things more simple. Just as the Jewish system ended this system is going to end on a world wide scale. By keeping our lives simple and free of distractions we can focus more on spiritual things which Jesus was pointing out to Mary. The more things we own the more thing not spiritually related we get involved in the more we increase our anxiety and the less we can focus on spiritual matters like praying, reading and researching God’s word and sharing what we learned with others. Could you imagine if no one took the time to teach God’s world. How many would still not have the answers they are seeking. You never know when a moment you gave to vanity may have been a moment someones eyes had been opened by you. The things in this system will perish soon, so why accumulate or get involved in things that will perish? The treasures stored up in heaven is forever and so is the promises that come with those who endure and are faithful until the end. If we put the pursuit of money or other things over the pursuit of spiritual things we are not storing up treasures in heaven. The bible warned you can be a slave to the treasures of the world or store up treasures in heaven but we cannot be slaves to both.

When Jehovah’s great day comes it is going to come in a day we do not expect. We are warned people will be confident there will be peace and security so will pay no attention to the signs of what is about to occur. The bible warns us many would take no note of the times we are in until it was too late and God’s great day would be suddenly upon them. Just as in Noah’s day Noah and his family heeded God’s warnings and built the ark as they were instructed and Noah and his family survived the destruction that came upon the earth. Many will heed God’s warnings and stay alert and walk through the great tribulation. In order to learn what God requires so you can be one of the ones who walks through the great tribulation and do not suffer the destruction that those who ignore God’s warnings or who oppose him do we need to learn what he requires.

(Luke 10:38-42) ³⁸ Now as they went on their way, he entered into a certain village. Here a woman named Martha received him as a guest in her house. ³⁹ She also had a sister called Mary, who sat down at the feet of the Lord and kept listening to what he was saying. ⁴⁰ Martha, on the other hand, was distracted with attending to many duties. So she came to him and said: “Lord, does it not matter to you that my sister has left me alone to attend to things? Tell her to come and help me.” ⁴¹ In answer the Lord said to her: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and disturbed about many things. ⁴² A few things, though, are needed, or just one. For her part, Mary chose the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.”

(Matthew 6:28-34) ²⁸ Also, why are you aSolanum jamesiinxious about clothing? Take a lesson from the lilies of the field, how they grow; they do not toil, nor do they spin; ²⁹ but I tell you that not even Solʹo·mon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these. ³⁰ Now if this is how God clothes the vegetation of the field that is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much rather clothe you, you with little faith? ³¹ So never be anxious and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or, ‘What are we to drink?’ or, ‘What are we to wear?’ ³² For all these are the things the nations are eagerly pursuing. Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. ³³ “Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you. ³⁴ So never be anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties. Each day has enough of its own troubles.

(1 John 2:15-17) ¹⁵ Do not love either the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; ¹⁶ because everything in the world—the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one’s means of life—does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world. ¹⁷ Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.

(Matthew 6:19-24) ¹⁹ “Stop storing up for yourselves treasures on the earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ Rather, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ²² “The lamp of the body is the eye. If, then, your eye is focused, your whole body will be bright. ²³ But if your eye is envious, your whole body will be dark. If the light that is in you is really darkness, how great that darkness is! ²⁴ “No one can slave for two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stick to the one and despise the other. You cannot slave for God and for Riches.

(1 Thessalonians 5:1-5) 5 Now as for the times and the seasons, brothers, you need nothing to be written to you. ² For you yourselves know very well that Jehovah’s day is coming exactly as a thief in the night. ³ Whenever it is that they are saying, “Peace and security!” then sudden destruction is to be instantly on them, just like birth pains on a pregnant woman, and they will by no means escape. ⁴ But you, brothers, you are not in darkness, so that the day should overtake you as it would thieves, ⁵ for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We belong neither to night nor to darkness.

(Matthew 24:36-41) ³⁶ “Concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father. ³⁷ For just as the days of Noah were, so the presence of the Son of man will be. ³⁸ For as they were in those days before the Flood, eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, ³⁹ and they took no note until the Flood came and swept them all away, so the presence of the Son of man will be. ⁴⁰ Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken along and the other abandoned. ⁴¹ Two women will be grinding at the hand mill; one will be taken along and the other abandone. . .

(Revelation 7:13-17) ¹³ In response one of the elders said to me: “These who are dressed in the white robes, who are they and where did they come from?” ¹⁴ So right away I said to him: “My lord, you are the one who knows.” And he said to me: “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. ¹⁵ That is why they are before the throne of God, and they are rendering him sacred service day and night in his temple; and the One seated on the throne will spread his tent over them. ¹⁶ They will hunger no more nor thirst anymore, neither will the sun beat down on them nor any scorching heat, ¹⁷ because the Lamb, who is in the midst of the throne, will shepherd them and will guide them to springs of waters of life. And God will wipe out every tear from their eyes.”

Doubt can draw us away from God. Not only that but doubt can result in apathy and we may lose focus and start being drawn away from God and become part of the world which is passing away. The bible has warned us what is about to occur, if we doubt God’s word we could be misled and not realize the time-frame we are in. Most of the prophecies concerning the last days have been fulfilled indicating we are in the final minutes of this system. Now more then ever we need to over come any doubt we may have. We can do this by taking in God’s word and applying it in all we do. If we have doubt we may start putting our faith ourselves or man more then God and be drawn away from God. Man will perish but God cannot die and will endure forever. There is no one wiser we can be certain of his wisdom by the grandeur of his creation and the knowledge it would have taken to create such things. There is no one more powerful then God so we can be sure he will fulfill the promises he gave us that give us a future hope. If we have doubt we may become one of the mockers mentioned. who claim God’s great day is not near. Since we have inherited sin from Adam and Eve each day we need to work to over come these imperfection and become new creations and do our best to imitate Christ. Very soon we will be put in some very difficult situations but we do not have to worry God says he will fight for us and our enemies will become as dust under our feet. Even death will be done away with. Satan created doubt in Adam and Eve and got them to disobey God. Adam and Eve knew what God required. They had no reason to doubt God he had only done good things for them and gave them good work that would be happy work to do. So they should not have listened to Satan when he was trying to deceive them. Not only this but he convinced Eve she would not die. We still hear this lie being told today when people say you do not die you either go to heaven or hell. The hell fire teaching was not taught by Jesus. The fire of destruction was taught by Jesus. Jesus words induced hope and trust in God and taught us how much God loved us. His words encouraged us to draw closer to God.

(James 1:5-8) ⁵ So if any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching, and it will be given him. ⁶ But let him keep asking in faith, not doubting at all, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven by the wind and blown about. ⁷ In fact, that man should not expect to receive anything from Jehovah; ⁸ he is an indecisive man, unsteady in all his ways.

(Matthew 21:22) And all the things you ask in prayer, having faith, you will receive.”

(Hebrews 11:6) Moreover, without faith it is impossible to please God well, for whoever approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him.

(Jeremiah 17:5)  ⁵ This is what Jehovah says: “Cursed is the man who puts his trust in mere humans, Who relies on human power, And whose heart turns away from Jehovah.

(2 Peter 3:2-11) . . .. ³ First of all know this, that in the last days ridiculers will come with their ridicule, proceeding according to their own desires ⁴ and saying: “Where is this promised presence of his? Why, from the day our forefathers fell asleep in death, all things are continuing exactly as they were from creation’s beginning.” ⁵ For they deliberately ignore this fact, that long ago there were heavens and an earth standing firmly out of water and in the midst of water by the word of God; ⁶ and that by those means the world of that time suffered destruction when it was flooded with water. ⁷ But by the same word the heavens and the earth that now exist are reserved for fire and are being kept until the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly people. ⁸ However, do not let this escape your notice, beloved ones, that one day is with Jehovah as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day. ⁹ Jehovah is not slow concerning his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with you because he does not desire anyone to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance. ¹⁰ But Jehovah’s day will come as a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar, but the elements being intensely hot will be dissolved, and earth and the works in it will be exposed. ¹¹ Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, consider what sort of people you ought to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion,

(2 Corinthians 5:16, 17) ¹⁶ So from now on we know no man from a fleshly viewpoint. Even if we once knew Christ according to the flesh, we certainly no longer know him in that way. ¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in union with Christ, he is a new creation; the old things passed away; look! new things have come into existence.

(Malachi 4:1-3) 4 “For look! the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the presumptuous ones and all those practicing wickedness will become like stubble. The coming day will certainly devour them,” says Jehovah of armies, “and it will leave them neither root nor branch. ² But on you who honor my name, the sun of righteousness will shine, with healing in its rays; and you will skip about like fattened calves.” ³ “And you will tread the wicked underfoot, for they will be like dust under the soles of your feet on the day when I take action,” says Jehovah of armies.

(Isaiah 25:7-9)  ⁷ In this mountain he will do away with the shroud that is enveloping all the peoples And the covering that is woven over all the nations.  ⁸ He will swallow up death forever, And the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces. The reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, For Jehovah himself has spoken it.  ⁹ In that day they will say: “Look! This is our God! We have hoped in him, And he will save us. This is Jehovah! We have hoped in him. Let us be joyful and rejoice in the salvation by him.”

(Genesis 3:3-7) . . .” ⁴ At this the serpent said to the woman: “You certainly will not die. ⁵ For God knows that in the very day you eat from it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and bad.” ⁶ Consequently, the woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was something desirable to the eyes, yes, the tree was pleasing to look at. So she began taking of its fruit and eating it. Afterward, she also gave some to her husband when he was with her, and he began eating it. ⁷ Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized that they were naked. So they sewed fig leaves together and made loin coverings for themselves.

We need to learn to forgive. The bible warns holding onto anger can give Satan an opportunity. If we hold onto anger we are judging others. It does not matter if the person repents or not. We have to keep in mind God is the judge and he gave that right to Jesus because he is our king. We are imperfect and our hearts are imperfect. Not only that we cannot read others hearts to know if something they have done was intentional or not. God can read hearts, he has given Jesus the ability to read hearts and Jesus will judge. We do not have that right Jesus earned the right to the throne. The princes gathered from the earth will judge with Jesus but while on earth we are not to judge others. God does lay guidelines on who we should associate with and if our anger was because of a sin committed we should be cautious associating with them if the are unrepentent, when possible. But we need to learn to forgive even our enemies so that we do not hold anger in and leave an opportunity for Satan. If someone has wronged us or has sinned against us we should talk to them about it. If it is serious enough we should talk to an elder but we should not judge them or hold anger towards them. We are to let love guide all we do. Jesus set the example by forgiving those who persecuted him and he prayed for those persecuting him. Anyone can love those who love them but it takes getting to know God and Jesus to be able to love all even those who hate you. We have to remember if we are forgiving God will forgive us but if we judge others we will be judged likewise. We are told if we let love guide us it covers a multitude of sins.

(Ephesians 4:25-27) ²⁵ Therefore, now that you have put away deceit, each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, because we are members belonging to one another. ²⁶ Be wrathful, but do not sin; do not let the sun set while you are still angry; ²⁷ do not give the Devil an opportunity.

(Leviticus 19:17) “‘You must not hate your brother in your heart. You should by all means reprove your fellow man, so that you will not bear sin along with him.

(Matthew 5:23, 24) “If, then, you are bringing your gift to the altar and there you remember that your brother has something against you, ²⁴ leave your gift there in front of the altar, and go away. First make your peace with your brother, and then come back and offer your gift.

(Matthew 5:43-48) ⁴³ “You heard that it was said: ‘You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ However, I say to you: Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ so that you may prove yourselves sons of your Father who is in the heavens, since he makes his sun rise on both the wicked and the good and makes it rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous. ⁴⁶ For if you love those loving you, what reward do you have? Are not also the tax collectors doing the same thing? ⁴⁷ And if you greet your brothers only, what extraordinary thing are you doing? Are not also the people of the nations doing the same thing? ⁴⁸ You must accordingly be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

(Matthew 7:1, 2) 7 “Stop judging that you may not be judged; ² for with the judgment you are judging, you will be judged, and with the measure that you are measuring out, they will measure out to you. . .

(Luke 6:37, 38) ³⁷ “Moreover, stop judging, and you will by no means be judged; and stop condemning, and you will by no means be condemned. Keep on forgiving, and you will be forgiven. ³⁸ Practice giving, and people will give to you. They will pour into your laps a fine measure, pressed down, shaken together, and overflowing. For with the measure that you are measuring out, they will measure out to you in return.. . .

(1 Peter 4:7, 8) ⁷ But the end of all things has drawn close. Therefore, be sound in mind, and be vigilant with a view to prayers. ⁸ Above all things, have intense love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.

There are many temptations that we can be overcome by. Since we are born imperfect and inherit sin we have to take in God’s word to teach us to be aware of our sinful nature so temptation cannot overcome us. Satan has been very busy making sin much more accessible. Once we give in to temptation we do not only separate ourselves from God but often times our sin can effect others negatively causing them harm. When we give into sin it can rob us of our joy and drag us down into a life that is very hard to recover from. I have seen many in my life get involved in self destructive behavior that ended in either them acquiring diseases from immoral behavior, or from alcohol or drug abuse that resulted in them dying at a very young age. Not only this but it effected many around them negatively and even cost their families large amounts of money. I have seen marriages end from those giving in to sin that destroyed the lives of innocent children. Giving into sin comes with more then spiritual consequences we also have to deal with the mess we create after we sin. So we can fully see why God gets so hurt in his heart when we sin. He desiresnone to perish but desires all to repent and attain eternal life. King David once sinned against God and it resulted in a mans life being lost. He desired the mans wife so he manipulated things so that the man would get killed in battle. This was after he had relations with the mans wife and caused her to become pregnant. He did these things to try to hide his error. You can tell this effected some of his family because one of his sons committed even grosser sins. So the example we set could either draw others closer to God or could get them to sin against God. Job would not even look at a woman in an inappropriate way. He stated he had a covenant with his eyes. In other words before he had an inappropriate thought he would stop looking. David repented but he had to pay the consequences for his sin. Satan can use sin to trap us so that he can harm us.

(1 Corinthians 10:12, 13) ¹² So let the one who thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall. ¹³ No temptation has come upon you except what is common to men. But God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out so that you may be able to endure it.

(2 Samuel 11:2-4) ² One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the rooftop of the king’s house. From the rooftop he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful. ³ David sent someone to inquire about the woman, and he reported: “Is this not Bath-sheʹba the daughter of E·liʹam and the wife of U·riʹah the Hitʹtite?” ⁴ Then David sent messengers to bring her. So she came in to him, and he lay down with her. (This happened while she was purifying herself from her uncleanness.) Afterward, she returned to her house.

(Job 31:1) 31 “I have made a covenant with my eyes. So how could I show improper attention to a virgin?

(Matthew 5:27, 28) ²⁷ “You heard that it was said: ‘You must not commit adultery.’ ²⁸ But I say to you that everyone who keeps on looking at a woman so as to have a passion for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

(James 1:22-25) ²² However, become doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves with false reasoning. ²³ For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, this one is like a man looking at his own face in a mirror. ²⁴ For he looks at himself, and he goes away and immediately forgets what sort of person he is. ²⁵ But the one who peers into the perfect law that belongs to freedom and continues in it has become, not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work; and he will be happy in what he does.

Satan uses adversity to try and draw us away from God. He hit Job with so many things at once that while one messenger was delivering bad news another would enter. Satan did not get Job’s faith to falter or get him to reject God. Because of that God rewarded Job. Very soon things like this will happen on a world wide scale to those who choose to remain loyal to God and refuse to do and act of worship to the beast. Through this adversity we will need friends we can count on and trust to be loyal to Jehovah. So now more then ever we need to choose our friends wisely. The bible even cautioned us about having many friends. It is better to have a few friends that we know we can count on to help us with adversity. True friends will not abandon or avoid you when you are going through tough times but will be by your side through thick or thin. Most of all we need to stay close to Jehovah and put our burdens on him and he will sustain us.

(Job 1:16-21) ¹⁶ While he was still speaking, another one came and said: “Fire from God fell from the heavens and blazed among the sheep and the servants and consumed them! I am the only one who escaped to tell you.” ¹⁷ While he was still speaking, another one came and said: “The Chal·deʹans formed three bands and made a raid on the camels and took them, and they killed the servants with the sword. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.” ¹⁸ While he was still speaking, yet another one came and said: “Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house. ¹⁹ Suddenly a great wind came from the wilderness, and it struck the four corners of the house, so that it fell on the young people and they were killed. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.” ²⁰ At that Job got up and ripped apart his garment and cut the hair off his head; then he fell to the ground and bowed down ²¹ and said: “Naked I came out of my mother’s womb, And naked I will return. Jehovah has given, and Jehovah has taken away. Let the name of Jehovah continue to be praised.”

(Job 42:10-15) ¹⁰ After Job had prayed for his companions, Jehovah removed Job’s tribulation and restored his prosperity. Jehovah gave him double what he had before. ¹¹ All his brothers and sisters and all his former friends came to him and ate a meal with him in his house. They sympathized with him and comforted him over all the calamity that Jehovah had allowed to come upon him. Each of them gave him a piece of money and a gold ring. ¹² So Jehovah blessed the last part of Job’s life more than the beginning, and Job came to have 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 pairs of cattle, and 1,000 female donkeys. ¹³ He also came to have seven more sons and three more daughters. ¹⁴ He named the first daughter Je·miʹmah, the second Ke·ziʹah, and the third Kerʹen-hapʹpuch. ¹⁵ No women in all the land were as beautiful as Job’s daughters, and their father gave them an inheritance along with their brothers.

(Proverbs 17:17) ¹⁷ A true friend shows love at all times And is a brother who is born for times of distress.

(Ruth 1:16, 17) But Ruth said: “Do not plead with me to abandon you, to turn back from accompanying you; for where you go I will go, and where you spend the night, I will spend the night. Your people will be my people, and your God my God. ¹⁷ Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May Jehovah do so to me and add to it if anything but death should separate me from you.”

(1 Samuel 19:2) Since Saul’s son Jonʹa·than was very fond of David, Jonʹa·than told David: “My father Saul wants to have you put to death. Please be on your guard in the morning, and go to a secret place and remain hidden.

(Proverbs 18:24) ²⁴ There are companions ready to crush one another, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. . .

(Psalm 55:22) ²² Throw your burden on Jehovah, And he will sustain you. Never will he allow the righteous one to fall.

(Jeremiah 29:11-14) ¹¹ “‘For I well know the thoughts that I am thinking toward you,’ declares Jehovah, ‘thoughts of peace, and not of calamity, to give you a future and a hope. ¹² And you will call me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.’ ¹³ “‘You will seek me and find me, for you will search for me with all your heart. ¹⁴ And I will let you find me,’ declares Jehovah. ‘And I will gather your captives and collect you together out of all the nations and places to which I have dispersed you,’ declares Jehovah. ‘And I will bring you back to the place from which I caused you to go into exile.’

Division is another method Satan uses to draw people away from God. Some may not like what they are hearing so will find teachers who will teach what they want to hear and now what they need to hear. Those who teach what people need to hear will be hated by the world we have to remember Jesus warned the student would be not better then the teacher. We know what they did to Jesus. We can expect to be persecuted and ridiculed also. They even taunted him when he was on the torture steak. At that time Jesus had been made king by God. He was being taunted and they were telling him if you are truly the Christ save yourself. We will most likely be given the same kind of treatment but we do not have to answer them. God will answer for us. Taunts like that do not deserve or require an answer. If we are arrested we do not have to rehearse what to speak. God will send the holy spirit which will instruct so we will know what to say. The pharisees and sudducess caused divisions because theu taught traditions and other things that were not a part of true worship or what God required. They also lacked humility and would promote themselves which caused divisions. They would do things like pray in public to put a show on. We need to keep humble and not make a show of our faith in God. We need to make certain what God requires because we were warned in the last days there would be many false teachers.

(Luke 22:63-65) ⁶³ Now the men who held Jesus in custody began to mock him, hitting him; ⁶⁴ and after covering his face, they kept asking: “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?” ⁶⁵ And they said many other blasphemous things against him.

(Luke 23:34-38) . . .. ³⁵ And the people stood looking on. But the rulers were sneering and saying: “Others he saved; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.” ³⁶ Even the soldiers mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine ³⁷ and saying: “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself.” ³⁸ There was also an inscription over him: “This is the King of the Jews.”

(Luke 12:11, 12) ¹¹ When they bring you in before public assemblies, government officials, and authorities, do not become anxious about how or what you will speak in defense or what you will say, ¹² for the holy spirit will teach you in that very hour the things you should say.”

(Acts 6:8-10) ⁸ Now Stephen, full of divine favor and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. ⁹ But some men of the so-called Synagogue of the Freedmen came forward, along with some Cy·reʹni·ans and Alexandrians, and some from Ci·liʹcia and Asia, to dispute with Stephen. ¹⁰ But they could not hold their own against the wisdom and the spirit with which he was speaking.

Satan will use slander to turn people against those who worship in truth. These rumors and gossip are divisive and can effect our spiritual brothers and sisters. We have the example of Korah because he knew God’s word as well as Moses he thought he should be the one leading Israel. He started gossiping and got others to back him. This was in defiance of God because Moses was chose by God to lead Israel. It is best if we do not get involved in gossip or the spreading of rumors. I have seen false rumors break whole families up. Korah had caused others to rebel against Jehovah and it cost many lives. We have have to keep in mind Satan is called the accuser. Those who choose his side in this spiritual battle are also going to copy his behavior and will be constantly making accusations. Something I experienced when I first learned bible truth is that I had given up many sinful habits. My past sins were constantly being thrown in my face and held against me by the world. Even though I repented for many years they would still throw those sins in my face and falsely accused me. At first it caused me deep distress but then I came to realize they are not my judge. Jesus is our king and judge he knows the truth so no matter what false accusations they make Jesus knows the truth. Something to keep in mind Satan and Devil are terms and not names. Satan means adversary or accuser so we can be certain not only him but those who do not worship in truth will constantly doubt your reasons for your faith. Now more then ever when being accused we need to turn to God in prayer and he will strengthen us. We know that Satan has been cast out of heaven and has great wrath and is seeking to take many down into the pit of destruction with him. The persecution and the accusations are going to get much worse but the bible tells us these are a signs that our redemption is near so we are very very close to all this suffering being over.

(Numbers 16:28-35) ²⁸ Then Moses said: “By this you will know that Jehovah has sent me to do all these things, that it is not of my own heart: ²⁹ If these people die a natural death as all men do and if their punishment is the same as that of all mankind, then Jehovah has not sent me. ³⁰ But if Jehovah does something extraordinary with them and the ground opens and swallows them and everything that belongs to them and they go down alive into the Grave, you will certainly know that these men have treated Jehovah disrespectfully.” ³¹ As soon as he finished speaking all these words, the ground beneath them split apart. ³² And the earth opened and swallowed them up, along with their households and everyone who belonged to Korʹah and all their goods. ³³ So they and all who belonged to them went down alive into the Grave, and the earth covered them over, so that they perished from the midst of the congregation. ³⁴ All the Israelites who were around them fled at their screaming, for they said: “We are afraid that the earth may swallow us up!” ³⁵ Then a fire came out from Jehovah and consumed the 250 men offering the incense.

(James 4:11, 12) ¹¹ Stop speaking against one another, brothers. Whoever speaks against a brother or judges his brother speaks against law and judges law. Now if you judge law, you are not a doer of law but a judge. ¹² There is only one who is Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and to destroy. But you, who are you to be judging your neighbor?

(Matthew 10:36-39) ³⁶ Indeed, a man’s enemies will be those of his own household. ³⁷ Whoever has greater affection for father or mother than for me is not worthy of me; and whoever has greater affection for son or daughter than for me is not worthy of me. ³⁸ And whoever does not accept his torture stake and follow after me is not worthy of me. ³⁹ Whoever finds his soul will lose it, and whoever loses his soul for my sake will find it.

(John 15:17-20) ¹⁷ “These things I command you, that you love one another. ¹⁸ If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. ¹⁹ If you were part of the world, the world would be fond of what is its own. Now because you are no part of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, for this reason the world hates you. ²⁰ Keep in mind the word I said to you: A slave is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have observed my word, they will also observe yours.

(1 Peter 5:6-11) ⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time, ⁷ while you throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. ⁸ Keep your senses, be watchful! Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone. ⁹ But take your stand against him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by the entire association of your brothers in the world. ¹⁰ But after you have suffered a little while, the God of all undeserved kindness, who called you to his everlasting glory in union with Christ, will himself finish your training. He will make you firm, he will make you strong, he will firmly ground you. ¹¹ To him be the might forever. Amen.

(Revelation 12:10-12) ¹⁰ I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come to pass the salvation and the power and the Kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ, because the accuser of our brothers has been hurled down, who accuses them day and night before our God! ¹¹ And they conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their witnessing, and they did not love their souls even in the face of death. ¹² On this account be glad, you heavens and you who reside in them! Woe for the earth and for the sea, because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing that he has a short period of time.”

Pride is one that many of us have been guilty of at one time or another. Pride is what got Satan in the position he is in now and he will be destroyed some day. Jesus remained humble by keeping in mind that his father had more knowledge then him and that all authority and power came from God. No matter what we do there is nothing we could do that would be greater then what God can. Jesus told us he only did what he had seen his father do. He never took credit for the wisdom and gifts God had given him. He always gave the credit to God. If it was not for God we would not exist so no matter how much money we have, how many friends , how much power we have it does not draw us closer to God. Being humble and realizing we are just human and things of the world are not what makes us who we are. God guides and teaches us. Jesus showed so much humility, love, loyalty and faith in God that he entrusted him with the heavenly throne. God has put everything under Jesus authority even the angels so he can fulfill the work of restoring the earth and heaven to their original purpose. The heavens have already been restored because Satan and the demons have been cast out. Now the earth will be restored and the original purpose for the earth will be fulfilled and the earth will be filled with peaceful people and there will be no more wars, suffering or pain. There will be no more tears or death. When this work is done Jesus will show his humility again by handing the throne back to God and he will subject himself to God. So no matter how much knowledge, wealth, power or notoriety we may achieve we should keep in mind the example Jesus set who knew how much authority he had but still washed the apostles feet which was something that servants would do. The bible warns us if we exalt ourselves we will be humbled. If we humble ourselves we will be exalted. When being persecuted it is difficult not to look down on those doing the persecuting but keep in mind the Apostle Paul and one time persecuted God’s people and we know he worked very heard to spread the good news when his eyes were opened. If we look down on our persecutors we react in a way that could set a bad example and possibly hinder them from learning the truth.

(Ezekiel 28:16, 17) ¹⁶ Because of your abundant trade, You became filled with violence, and you began to sin. So I will cast you out as profane from the mountain of God and destroy you, O covering cherub, away from the stones of fire. ¹⁷ Your heart became haughty because of your beauty. You corrupted your wisdom because of your own glorious splendor. I will throw you down to the earth. I will make you a spectacle before kings.

(John 5:19, 20) ¹⁹ Therefore, in response Jesus said to them: “Most truly I say to you, the Son cannot do a single thing of his own initiative, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever things that One does, these things the Son does also in like manner. ²⁰ For the Father has affection for the Son and shows him all the things he himself does, and he will show him works greater than these, so that you may marvel.

(John 14:27, 28) . . .. ²⁸ You heard that I said to you, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I am.

(1 Corinthians 15:24-28) ²⁴ Next, the end, when he hands over the Kingdom to his God and Father, when he has brought to nothing all government and all authority and power. ²⁵ For he must rule as king until God has put all enemies under his feet. ²⁶ And the last enemy, death, is to be brought to nothing. ²⁷ For God “subjected all things under his feet.” But when he says that ‘all things have been subjected,’ it is evident that this does not include the One who subjected all things to him. ²⁸ But when all things will have been subjected to him, then the Son himself will also subject himself to the One who subjected all things to him, that God may be all things to everyone.

(John 13:3-9) ³ So Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands and that he came from God and was going to God, ⁴ got up from the evening meal and laid aside his outer garments. And taking a towel, he wrapped it around his waist. ⁵ After that he put water into a basin and started to wash the feet of the disciples and to dry them off with the towel that was wrapped around him. ⁶ Then he came to Simon Peter. He said to him: “Lord, are you washing my feet?” ⁷ Jesus answered him: “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will understand after these things.” ⁸ Peter said to him: “You will certainly never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him: “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” ⁹ Simon Peter said to him: “Lord, wash not only my feet but also my hands and my head.”

(Luke 14:7-14) ⁷ He then told the invited men an illustration when he noticed how they were choosing the most prominent places for themselves. He said to them: ⁸ “When you are invited by someone to a marriage feast, do not recline in the most prominent place. Perhaps someone more distinguished than you may also have been invited. ⁹ Then the one who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Let this man have your place.’ Then you will proceed with shame to take the lowest place. ¹⁰ But when you are invited, go and recline in the lowest place, so that when the man who invited you comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, go on up higher.’ Then you will have honor in front of all your fellow guests. ¹¹ For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” ¹² Next he said also to the man who had invited him: “When you spread a dinner or an evening meal, do not call your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your rich neighbors. Otherwise, they might also invite you in return, and it would become a repayment to you. ¹³ But when you spread a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; ¹⁴ and you will be happy, because they have nothing with which to repay you. For you will be repaid in the resurrection of the righteous ones.”

(Romans 12:14-16) ¹⁴ Keep on blessing those who persecute; bless and do not curse. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. ¹⁶ Have the same attitude toward others as toward yourselves; do not set your mind on lofty things, but be led along with the lowly things. Do not become wise in your own eyes.

(Acts 26:9-18) ⁹ I, for one, was convinced that I should commit many acts of opposition against the name of Jesus the Naz·a·reneʹ. ¹⁰ This is exactly what I did in Jerusalem, and I locked up many of the holy ones in prisons, for I had received authority from the chief priests; and when they were to be executed, I cast my vote against them. ¹¹ By punishing them often in all the synagogues, I tried to force them to recant; and since I was extremely furious with them, I went so far as to persecute them even in outlying cities. ¹² “While doing this as I was traveling to Damascus with authority and a commission from the chief priests, ¹³ I saw at midday on the road, O King, a light beyond the brilliance of the sun flash from heaven around me and around those traveling with me. ¹⁴ And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice say to me in the Hebrew language: ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? To keep kicking against the goads makes it hard for you.’ ¹⁵ But I said: ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said: ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. ¹⁶ But rise and stand on your feet. This is why I have appeared to you, to choose you as a servant and a witness both of things you have seen and things I will make you see respecting me. ¹⁷ And I will rescue you from this people and from the nations, to whom I am sending you ¹⁸ to open their eyes, to turn them from darkness to light and from the authority of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by their faith in me.’

One thing I almost forgot to mention many of the weapons Satan uses is designed to isolate you especially from spiritual things. Very soon there will be many times we will not have our spiritual brothers and sisters. We may be imprisoned, or isolated because tactics Satan has used to separate us. Many of us have family who reject bible truths. When the beast is fully empowered by the nations family will turn on many of us. These things are designed to isolate us in hopes Satan or his people can break us spiritually. In those times we will need to really on God and Jesus more then ever. We need to believe God cares for us and they he hears us and they we are not truly alone. He will put pressure on us to try and separate and isolate us from God spiritually. In those times it is very important to read God’s word and be persistent in prayer. We have the example of Jesus when he was fasting and alone in the wilderness. So Jesus would have been hungry and alone. Satan seized this opportunity to try and tempt Jesus. Satan even used scriptures to try and deceive Jesus. Because Jesus knew God’s word so well even when he was hungry and alone he did not give in to Satan. We have to be very careful we do not become over confident and isolate ourselves by associating less with spiritual brothers and sister and by not attending meeting. The bible warns this can cause us to fall and we are more easily temped. So you can see isolation is another weapon used against us by Satan. When possible we must do our best to prevent Satan from isolating us.

(Matthew 4:1-11) 4 Then Jesus was led by the spirit up into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil. 2 After he had fasted for 40 days and 40 nights, he felt hungry. 3 And the Tempter approached and said to him: “If you are a son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered: “It is written: ‘Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every word that comes from Jehovah’s mouth.’” 5 Then the Devil took him along into the holy city, and he stationed him on the battlement of the temple 6 and said to him: “If you are a son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written: ‘He will give his angels a command concerning you,’ and, ‘They will carry you on their hands, so that you may not strike your foot against a stone.’” 7 Jesus said to him: “Again it is written: ‘You must not put Jehovah your God to the test.’” 8 Again the Devil took him along to an unusually high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him: “All these things I will give you if you fall down and do an act of worship to me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him: “Go away, Satan! For it is written: ‘It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.’” 11 Then the Devil left him, and look! angels came and began to minister to him.

(James 4:7-10) 7 Therefore, subject yourselves to God; but oppose the Devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you indecisive ones. 9 Give way to misery and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy into despair. 10 Humble yourselves in the eyes of Jehovah, and he will exalt you.

(Hebrews 3:12-15) 12 Beware, brothers, for fear there should ever develop in any one of you a wicked heart lacking faith by drawing away from the living God; 13 but keep on encouraging one another each day, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you should become hardened by the deceptive power of sin. 14 For we actually become partakers of the Christ only if we hold firmly down to the end the confidence we had at the beginning. 15 As it is said, “Today if you listen to his voice, do not harden your hearts as on the occasion of provoking to bitter anger.”

(1 Corinthians 10:12, 13) 12 So let the one who thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall. 13 No temptation has come upon you except what is common to men. But God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out so that you may be able to endure it.

What is the suit of armor of God and how do we put on the full suit. Well to understand that we need to understand each aspect of that suit of armor. We need this suit of armor because this spiritual battle involves world governments and other authorities, we are battling Satan and the demons and those who have chosen Satans side in this battle. Satan and his demons can easily influence man so we have not only the inherited human imperfection to deal with but we also are dealing with those who have been influenced by Satan and the demons.

The belt of truth and breastplate of righteousness are mentioned in the same sentence. If we wear the belt of truth which is taking in God’s word and applying it and letting it guide all we do it will help to keep us blameless so when accused or if we are arrested we can have peace of mind knowing we did no wrong. We can also have peace of mind knowing no matter what happens Jesus will redeem us.

Our feet need to be shod in readiness to declare the good news. So we need to teach others what we have learned. In doing so it helps put it deeper into our hearts, builds our faith and helps others learn how to put on the full suit of armor. Not only that but there are many looking for answers. The good news of the heavenly kingdom gives all who put there faith in God hope. If we did not know about the heavenly kingdom what hope would we have. If someone had not told us about the good news of the heavenly kingdom what would it be like for us now? We most likely would be living in a state of panic and confusion like many are now days. Our hope gives us peace that those who do not accept the bible truth will not experience.

We are to take up the large shield of faith. So we must trust God will guide is through what is about to occur. He will protect us and take care of us no matter how bad things may seem. Already many have had their homes taken from them because of their faith in God. Some have been imprisoned. Some are going hungry but Jehovah God is sustaining them. He has in the past no matter how much the odds seemed to be against someone who was loyal to him. In the end those causing the harm were judged and destroyed. This is going to occur on a world wide scale. We have no need to be afraid because even death will not separate us from the love of God and the love of Jesus. God performed man amazing miracles in the past to protect his people and I am certain he will again. No matter what accusation or what harm we are threaten with we can be certain like Daniel we are worshiping the one true God and he will protect us like he did Daniel and his companions when they were throne in to the fiery furnace.

The helmet of Salvation that is in God’s word. By learning about the ransom sacrifice of God’s only begotten son and the purpose for it. We get a better understanding of God’s love. He gave his only begotten son to make atonement for the sins of Adam. Because of that ransom sacrifice , death was defeated. So those who make it into the new earth will not die. Those who experience a resurrection of righteousness will not die either. So if we do our best to imitate Jesus, be faithful and loyal even death will not have a hold on us and we will be resurrected.

We must put on the sword of God’s spirit, which is God’s word. If we let God’s word guide all we do then we will be protected not only by God but by the wisdom his word will impart to us. Very soon we will be forced into positions were we have to be certain when to make our yes mean yes and our no mean no. If we do not know God’s word and have it written on our hearts we could have doubts as to when we should say yes or no. This could cost or lives.

We are to persist in prayer. At times it may seem God is not listening. Sometimes we have to repeatedly pray let God know it is him we trust and not ourselves or man. If we do not get an answer then it may be a no answer and we need to believe God knows what is best and when the best timing for things are. Sometimes the answer to the prayer may be delayed because we are not quite ready to have it answered and have some growing spiritually or it may not be what is best. If we persist in prayer it helps us to think on it more and more and adjust our prayers which would show God our spiritual growth and determination. If we get a no answer it does not mean God does not love us. It may mean that at the time giving a yes answer may not be what is needed. Sometimes we endure things to help to temper and strengthen us and build our faith and wisdom. One thing I found is if I am praying asking for a yes or no answer I ask for a specific sign that will be so unique I will have no doubt what his answer is.

(Ephesians 6:10-20) ¹⁰ Finally, go on acquiring power in the Lord and in the mightiness of his strength. ¹¹ Put on the complete suit of armor from God so that you may be able to stand firm against the crafty acts of the Devil; ¹² because we have a struggle, not against blood and flesh, but against the governments, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places. ¹³ For this reason take up the complete suit of armor from God, so that you may be able to resist in the wicked day and, after you have accomplished everything, to stand firm. ¹⁴ Stand firm, therefore, with the belt of truth fastened around your waist, wearing the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and having your feet shod in readiness to declare the good news of peace. ¹⁶ Besides all of this, take up the large shield of faith, with which you will be able to extinguish all the wicked one’s burning arrows. ¹⁷ Also, accept the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, that is, God’s word, ¹⁸ while with every form of prayer and supplication you carry on prayer on every occasion in spirit. And to that end stay awake, constantly making supplication in behalf of all the holy ones. ¹⁹ Pray also for me, that the words may be given to me when I open my mouth, so that I may be able to speak boldly in making known the sacred secret of the good news, ²⁰ for which I am acting as an ambassador in chains, and that I may speak about it with boldness, as I ought to speak.

We need to be ready to handle naysayers.

If you are to follow in Jesus foot steps you will be ridiculed , hated, accused of being crazy, lied about, and persecuted in many ways. Often times these things were done by Jesus own people and family. The bible tells us the student is no better then the teacher. We should not answer the naysayers the bible says if they reject the truth then to shake the dust from our feet and move on.

(Matthew 10:13-15) . . .. ¹⁴ Wherever anyone does not receive you or listen to your words, on going out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet. ¹⁵ Truly I say to you, it will be more endurable for the land of Sodʹom and Go·morʹrah on Judgment Day than for that city.

Our putting God’s things first may seem harsh to others because we may may choose spiritual well being over other things. They may even think we do not know how to be happy because they have forgotten how to enjoy the simple things in life. Take away all the things they own and what will they have if they do not have God or Jesus on their side? We know many would appear to have faith but few will make it. We need to continue going through the narrow gate.

Often times as we change people will try to get us to look back. We become a new person and need to stay focused and look forward and not back at the person we used to be. That person no longer exist to God. Once we have repented and changed we are a new person to God. We have to keep in mind all this will be gone soon and all the things in this system will be gone but the treasures we store up in heaven will last forever.

Many times in the past they had ridiculed and even made fun of God’s people. They even falsely believed nothing would change and that God would not do anything and things would continue as always. Just as in Noah’s day they would take no note until it was too late. Following Jesus will not be easy because as we grow spiritually many we were close to well start hating the new person we are becoming. This is why Jesus said members of a persons own household would become their enemies. Some will only take in baby food and be so caught up in the world they never grow spiritually. The bible even warns us about associating with those how do not grow spiritually because this could effect us. We have obligation to family we must fulfill but we also must do our best to protect ourselves spiritually because as we change if they do not continue to put on the new personality daily we will grow apart from them because they will not understand us and our reasons for our faith. These ones are more physical and put their faith in the physical things of the world. We need to be careful we do not put our faith in physical things first. We should always do our best to put spiritual things first. If we do not we could lose what progress we have made and end up like others and have to take in spiritual milk instead of mature spiritual food.

We should never be ashamed of our faith or be afraid when made fun of or persecuted. We do not have to worry what to say the bible says Jesus will send the helper the holey spirit to help us when we are being tried to recall to mind the things we have learned. So we should never reply to a matter before hand but be patient God will helps us.

Whether it be family, friends or a stranger a stranger if they do not take it personal. If they refuse the truth pray for them and leave it to God. If they persecute you or shame you shake the dust off your feet and let it at that and hope some day you set and good enough example of faith it that will give a good enough witness that their eyes may be opened.

As we learn and apply God’s word we become a new person daily so some may be disappointed in our changes especially when it comes to our putty spiritual things first. To them this is not rational. As they focus on the things seen we focus on the things unseen. So they cannot see the things unseen because their spiritual eye has not been trained so our behavior is confusing to them.

I know this can be very difficult because many we love deeply will not respond to the truth but will put more faith in the physical things. Faith is one of the fruits of the spirit if someone is not excepting the truth are showing by their behavior they are just going through the motion we should be cautious so our faith is not affected. We have to continue to let love guide all we do but deal with people who show a lack of faith cautiously will feeding those who do take an interest more spiritual food. No one wants to lose family and friends but if we truly love God he has to be first in our lives. Without him there is not hope. It is from him that life comes and he is the one who can bring true happiness. No human can promise true happiness and eternal life. We need to continue to love those who hate us and pray for their eyes to be open.

We have to stay steadfast because and do our best to remain blameless because we do not want to give anyone a reason to accuse us. The more blameless we are the more their short comings stand out, in order to justify the things they do they will try to smear those who put their faith in God and try and make it look as if we are no different. Because we are more difficult to manipulate and fool they may even get upset with us because we do not easily give into their will because we know what God requires and do our best to do his will.

Because we do not put our faith in human things like wars, people, money or many other things of the world they view us as week or defenseless but no one is wiser or more powerful then God so they are very very mistaken.

(Romans 1:16, 17) ¹⁶ For I am not ashamed of the good news; it is, in fact, God’s power for salvation to everyone having faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. ¹⁷ For in it God’s righteousness is being revealed by faith and for faith, just as it is written: “But the righteous one will live by reason of faith. . .

(1 Peter 4:12-14) ¹² Beloved ones, do not be surprised about the fiery trials that you are experiencing, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ On the contrary, go on rejoicing over the extent to which you are sharers in the sufferings of the Christ, so that you may rejoice and be overjoyed also during the revelation of his glory. ¹⁴ If you are being reproached for the name of Christ, you are happy, because the spirit of glory, yes, the spirit of God, is resting upon you.

New personality

(Colossians 3:10, 11) and clothe yourselves with the new personality, which through accurate knowledge is being made new according to the image of the One who created it, ¹¹ where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, foreigner, Scythʹi·an, slave, or freeman; but Christ is all things and in all.

(Ephesians 4:22-24) . . .. ²³ And you should continue to be made new in your dominant mental attitude, ²⁴ and should put on the new personality that was created according to God’s will in true righteousness and loyalty.

We cannot look back.

(Luke 9:62) ⁶² Jesus said to him: “No man who has put his hand to a plow and looks at the things behind is well-suited for the Kingdom of God. . .

(1 Corinthians 9:24) ²⁴ Do you not know that the runners in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it.

(Mark 10:28-31) . . .” ²⁹ Jesus said: “Truly I say to you, no one has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the good news ³⁰ who will not get 100 times more now in this period of time—houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and fields, with persecutions—and in the coming system of things, everlasting life. ³¹ But many who are first will be last, and the last first.. . .

How the world will treat those who choose to put faith in God and Jesus.

(Matthew 5:11, 12) ¹¹ “Happy are you when people reproach you and persecute you and lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against you for my sake. ¹² Rejoice and be overjoyed, since your reward is great in the heavens, for in that way they persecuted the prophets prior to you. . .

Store up treasures in Heaven

(Matthew 6:20, 21) ²⁰ Rather, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Accused of being out of their minds

(Acts 26:24) ²⁴ Now as Paul was saying these things in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice: “You are going out of your mind, Paul! Great learning is driving you out of your mind!”

(Mark 3:21, 22) ²¹ But when his relatives heard about it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying: “He has gone out of his mind.” ²² Also, the scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying: “He has Be·elʹze·bub, and he expels the demons by means of the ruler of the demons.”

We lose family friends and maybe even material things.

(Philippians 3:6-9) . . .. ⁷ Yet, the things that were gains to me, I have considered loss on account of the Christ. ⁸ What is more, I do indeed also consider all things to be loss on account of the excelling value of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have taken the loss of all things and I consider them as a lot of refuse, that I may gain Christ ⁹ and be found in union with him, not because of my own righteousness from following the Law, but because of the righteousness that is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith.

(Luke 21:16-19) ¹⁶ Moreover, you will be handed over even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death, ¹⁷ and you will be hated by all people because of my name. ¹⁸ But not even a hair of your heads will perish. ¹⁹ By your endurance you will preserve your lives.

Yes means yes, many will get upset that we cannot be easily manipulated or accused.

(Matthew 5:36, 37) . . .. ³⁷ Just let your word ‘Yes’ mean yes, your ‘No,’ no, for what goes beyond these is from the wicked one.

(2 Timothy 3:15-17) . . .have known the holy writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.

(John 8:31, 32) ³¹ Then Jesus went on to say to the Jews who had believed him: “If you remain in my word, you are really my disciples, ³² and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.. . .

We are freed from all the hatred and many other bad things that go on in the world.

(James 1:24, 25) . . .. ²⁵ But the one who peers into the perfect law that belongs to freedom and continues in it has become, not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work; and he will be happy in what he does. . .

(Matthew 7:22, 23) Many will say to me in that day: ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?’ ²³ And then I will declare to them: ‘I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness

(Hebrews 11:13) ¹³ In faith all of these died, although they did not receive the fulfillment of the promises; but they saw them from a distance and welcomed them and publicly declared that they were strangers and temporary residents in the land.

(Romans 14:22, 23) ²² The faith that you have, keep it to yourself before God. Happy is the man who does not judge himself by what he approves. ²³ But if he has doubts, he is already condemned if he eats, because he does not eat based on faith. Indeed, everything that is not based on faith is sin.

We have to try and tell people the things we have learned if we do not how could they learn to have the faith we have?

(John 4:39-42) ³⁹ Many of the Sa·marʹi·tans from that city put faith in him because of the word of the woman who bore witness, saying: “He told me all the things I did.” ⁴⁰ So when the Sa·marʹi·tans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. ⁴¹ As a result, many more believed because of what he said, ⁴² and they said to the woman: “We no longer believe just because of what you said; for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the savior of the world.”

We cannot give up because all these things are temporary. So there is no good reason to love the world and the things in them when they will be done away with soon.

(2 Corinthians 4:16-18) ¹⁶ Therefore, we do not give up, but even if the man we are outside is wasting away, certainly the man we are inside is being renewed from day to day. ¹⁷ For though the tribulation is momentary and light, it works out for us a glory that is of more and more surpassing greatness and is everlasting; ¹⁸ while we keep our eyes, not on the things seen, but on the things unseen. For the things seen are temporary, but the things unseen are everlasting.

(1 Corinthians 2:6-10) ⁶ Now we speak wisdom among those who are mature, but not the wisdom of this system of things nor that of the rulers of this system of things, who are to come to nothing. ⁷ But we speak God’s wisdom in a sacred secret, the hidden wisdom, which God foreordained before the systems of things for our glory. ⁸ It is this wisdom that none of the rulers of this system of things came to know, for if they had known it, they would not have executed the glorious Lord. ⁹ But just as it is written: “Eye has not seen and ear has not heard, nor have there been conceived in the heart of man the things that God has prepared for those who love him.” ¹⁰ For it is to us God has revealed them through his spirit, for the spirit searches into all things, even the deep things of God.

(1 John 2:15-17) ¹⁵ Do not love either the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; ¹⁶ because everything in the world—the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one’s means of life—does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world. ¹⁷ Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.

Getting caught up in worldly things can destroy our faith and relationship with God.

(Proverbs 11:28) ²⁸ The one trusting in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like the foliage.

(1 Timothy 6:9, 10) ⁹ But those who are determined to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and harmful desires that plunge men into destruction and ruin. ¹⁰ For the love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things, and by reaching out for this love some have been led astray from the faith and have stabbed themselves all over with many pains.

(1 Corinthians 3:1-3) 3 So, brothers, I was not able to speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to fleshly men, as to infants in Christ. ² I fed you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet strong enough. In fact, neither are you strong enough now, ³ for you are still fleshly. Since there are jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly and are you not walking as men do?

(Hebrews 5:11-14) ¹¹ We have much to say about him, and it is difficult to explain, because you have become dull in your hearing. ¹² For although by now you should be teachers, you again need someone to teach you from the beginning the elementary things of the sacred pronouncements of God, and you have gone back to needing milk, not solid food. ¹³ For everyone who continues to feed on milk is unacquainted with the word of righteousness, for he is a young child. ¹⁴ But solid food belongs to mature people, to those who through use have their powers of discernment trained to distinguish both right and wrong.

(Ephesians 4:14, 15) ¹⁴ So we should no longer be children, tossed about as by waves and carried here and there by every wind of teaching by means of the trickery of men, by means of cunning in deceptive schemes. ¹⁵ But speaking the truth, let us by love grow up in all things into him who is the head, Christ.

(Luke 21:13-15) . . .. ¹⁴ Therefore, resolve in your hearts not to rehearse beforehand how to make your defense, ¹⁵ for I will give you words and wisdom that all your opposers together will not be able to resist or dispute. . .

(Psalm 69:7, 8)  ⁷ I suffer reproach on your account; Humiliation covers my face.  ⁸ I have become a stranger to my brothers, A foreigner to the sons of my mother.

Jesus own brother lacked Faith

(John 7:3-5) . . .. ⁴ For no one does anything in secret when he seeks to be known publicly. If you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” ⁵ His brothers were, in fact, not exercising faith in him. . .

(John 14:26, 27) . . .send in my name, that one will teach you all things and bring back to your minds all the things I told you. ²⁷ I leave you peace; I give you my peace. I do not give it to you the way that the world gives it. Do not let your hearts be troubled nor let them shrink out of fear.

We are in the last days we do not have much longer. We just need to remain faithful to the end. We know that many will ignore the signs until it is too late.

(2 Timothy 3:1-4) 3 But know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. ² For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, ³ having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, ⁴ betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God,

(2 Peter 3:2-7) . . .. ³ First of all know this, that in the last days ridiculers will come with their ridicule, proceeding according to their own desires ⁴ and saying: “Where is this promised presence of his? Why, from the day our forefathers fell asleep in death, all things are continuing exactly as they were from creation’s beginning.” ⁵ For they deliberately ignore this fact, that long ago there were heavens and an earth standing firmly out of water and in the midst of water by the word of God; ⁶ and that by those means the world of that time suffered destruction when it was flooded with water. ⁷ But by the same word the heavens and the earth that now exist are reserved for fire and are being kept until the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly people. . .

(Matthew 24:36-42) ³⁶ “Concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father. ³⁷ For just as the days of Noah were, so the presence of the Son of man will be. ³⁸ For as they were in those days before the Flood, eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, ³⁹ and they took no note until the Flood came and swept them all away, so the presence of the Son of man will be. ⁴⁰ Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken along and the other abandoned. ⁴¹ Two women will be grinding at the hand mill; one will be taken along and the other abandoned. ⁴² Keep on the watch, therefore, because you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. . .

(Luke 21:34-36) ³⁴ “But pay attention to yourselves that your hearts never become weighed down with overeating and heavy drinking and anxieties of life, and suddenly that day be instantly upon you ³⁵ as a snare. For it will come upon all those dwelling on the face of the whole earth. ³⁶ Keep awake, then, all the time making supplication that you may succeed in escaping all these things that must occur and in standing before the Son of man.. . .

Many will be blinded to the truth because they choose to disobey God and put their faith in the world and worldly things. They will not put up with healthy teaching but will gather teachers who will scratch their ears and make them feel good instead of telling them what they need to hear.

(2 Thessalonians 2:9-11) ⁹ But the lawless one’s presence is by the operation of Satan with every powerful work and lying signs and wonders ¹⁰ and every unrighteous deception for those who are perishing, as a retribution because they did not accept the love of the truth in order that they might be saved. ¹¹ That is why God lets a deluding influence mislead them so that they may come to believe the lie,

(2 Timothy 4:3, 4) For there will be a period of time when they will not put up with the wholesome teaching, but according to their own desires, they will surround themselves with teachers to have their ears tickled. ⁴ They will turn away from listening to the truth and give attention to false stories.

(2 Thessalonians 2:9-11) ⁹ But the lawless one’s presence is by the operation of Satan with every powerful work and lying signs and wonders ¹⁰ and every unrighteous deception for those who are perishing, as a retribution because they did not accept the love of the truth in order that they might be saved. ¹¹ That is why God lets a deluding influence mislead them so that they may come to believe the lie,

(2 Timothy 4:3, 4) For there will be a period of time when they will not put up with the wholesome teaching, but according to their own desires, they will surround themselves with teachers to have their ears tickled. ⁴ They will turn away from listening to the truth and give attention to false stories.

(Matthew 27:41-43) ⁴¹ In the same way also, the chief priests with the scribes and the elders began mocking him, saying: ⁴² “Others he saved; himself he cannot save! He is King of Israel; let him now come down off the torture stake, and we will believe in him. ⁴³ He has put his trust in God; let Him now rescue him if He wants him, for he said, ‘I am God’s Son. . .

(1 Corinthians 1:22-25) ²² For the Jews ask for signs and the Greeks look for wisdom; ²³ but we preach Christ executed on the stake, to the Jews a cause for stumbling but to the nations foolishness. ²⁴ However, to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. ²⁵ Because a foolish thing of God is wiser than men, and a weak thing of God is stronger than men. . .

(1 Timothy 4:1, 2) 4 However, the inspired word clearly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to misleading inspired statements and teachings of demons, ² by means of the hypocrisy of men who speak lies, whose conscience is seared as with a branding iron. . .

(2 Chronicles 30:10-12) ¹⁰ So the couriers went from city to city throughout the land of Eʹphra·im and Ma·nasʹseh, even to Zebʹu·lun, but the people were making fun of them and mocking them. ¹¹ However, some individuals from Ashʹer, Ma·nasʹseh, and Zebʹu·lun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem. ¹² The hand of the true God was also in Judah to unite them to carry out what the king and the princes had commanded by the word of Jehovah.

(John 15:17-21) ¹⁷ “These things I command you, that you love one another. ¹⁸ If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. ¹⁹ If you were part of the world, the world would be fond of what is its own. Now because you are no part of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, for this reason the world hates you. ²⁰ Keep in mind the word I said to you: A slave is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have observed my word, they will also observe yours. ²¹ But they will do all these things against you on account of my name, because they do not know the One who sent me.

This corrupt world has nothing to offer us so we need to seek heavenly things first.

(1 John 5:18, 19) . . .. ¹⁹ We know that we originate with God, but the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one. . .

(Matthew 6:33, 34) ³³ “Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you. ³⁴ So never be anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties. Each day has enough of its own troubles.

(Hebrews 13:5) ⁵ Let your way of life be free of the love of money, while you are content with the present things. For he has said: “I will never leave you, and I will never abandon you.. . .

(Matthew 6:19-21) ¹⁹ “Stop storing up for yourselves treasures on the earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ Rather, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

(James 5:1-3) 5 Come, now, you rich men, weep and wail over the miseries that are coming upon you. ² Your riches have rotted, and your clothing has become moth-eaten. ³ Your gold and silver have rusted away, and their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh. What you have stored up will be like a fire in the last days.

Why many will not understand and will be blind to what is occuring.

(1 Corinthians 2:14-16) ¹⁴ But a physical man does not accept the things of the spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot get to know them, because they are examined spiritually. ¹⁵ However, the spiritual man examines all things, but he himself is not examined by any man. ¹⁶ For “who has come to know the mind of Jehovah, so that he may instruct him?” But we do have the mind of Christ. . .

(Matthew 10:14, 15) ¹⁴ Wherever anyone does not receive you or listen to your words, on going out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet. ¹⁵ Truly I say to you, it will be more endurable for the land of Sodʹom and Go·morʹrah on Judgment Day than for that city.

(Acts 18:5, 6) When, now, both Silas and Timothy came down from Mac·e·doʹni·a, Paul began to be intensely occupied with the word, witnessing to the Jews to prove that Jesus is the Christ. ⁶ But after they kept on opposing him and speaking abusively, he shook out his garments and said to them: “Let your blood be on your own heads. I am clean. From now on I will go to people of the nations.

(Ezekiel 12:1, 2) . . .: ² “Son of man, you are living in a rebellious house. They have eyes to see, but they do not see, and ears to hear, but they do not hear, for they are a rebellious house. . .

what God has to offer because what man has to offer will be gone soon but God’s promises are forever.

(Revelation 21:1-4) 21 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea is no more. ² I also saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God and prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. ³ With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. ⁴ And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”

(Isaiah 11:4) ⁴ He will judge the lowly with fairness, And with uprightness he will give reproof in behalf of the meek ones of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth And put the wicked to death with the breath of his lips.

(Isaiah 65:17) ¹⁷ For look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be called to mind, Nor will they come up into the heart.

(2 Peter 3:13) ¹³ But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell. . .

How can someone put God to the test?

Written By Lee Stevenson

 

This was inspired by something someone said to me. They were eating foods that are known to cause chronic illness. They said that they could eat what they wanted because God would protect them. Jesus would not willfully put himself in harms way to test God and we should follow his example. By willfully putting ourselves in harms way then we are testing God which is something we are told not to do.

Why would Jesus not test God? What harm would it do? Why our trials and tribulation should not cause us to put Jehovah to the test.

As you read the scriptures you will see two examples of how Israel tested God. They tried tempting him and they also lacked faith and constantly ask for proof that he could do as he promised. It also includes whether we believe God’s word is true or not. Jesus had no doubt about the truth of God’s word and quoted it to show Satan the Devil that he did not doubt what Jehovah could do and did not doubt Jehovah’s word.

(Matthew 4:5-7) 5 Then the Devil took him along into the holy city, and he stationed him on the battlement of the temple 6 and said to him: “If you are a son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written: ‘He will give his angels a command concerning you,’ and, ‘They will carry you on their hands, so that you may not strike your foot against a stone.’” 7 Jesus said to him: “Again it is written: ‘You must not put Jehovah your God to the test.’”

Testing God is a sin, it is saying we do not believe him and that we do not have faith that he can or will save us and fulfill his promises.

(Psalm 78:16-22) 16 He brought streams out of a crag And caused waters to flow down like rivers. 17 But they continued to sin against him By rebelling against the Most High in the desert; 18 They challenged God in their heart By demanding food that they craved. 19 So they spoke against God, Saying: “Can God spread a table in the wilderness?” 20 Look! He struck a rock So that waters flowed and streams flooded out. “Can he also give us bread, Or can he provide meat for his people?” 21 When Jehovah heard them, he became furious; A fire blazed against Jacob, And his anger flared up against Israel 22 Because they did not put faith in God; They did not trust in his ability to save them. . .

Many in Israel seen Jehovah’s miracles first hand and still lacked faith. It was their sins and vanity that caused their lack of faith. This often times resulted in Jehovah having to destroy them because they were spreading their sinful nature and causing others to lose faith.

(Numbers 14:20-24) 20 Then Jehovah said: “I forgive them according to your word. 21 But on the other hand, as surely as I live, all the earth will be filled with the glory of Jehovah. 22 However, not one of the men who have seen my glory and my signs that I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness and yet have kept testing me these ten times and have not listened to my voice 23 will ever see the land about which I swore to their fathers. No, not one of those treating me without respect will see it. 24 But because my servant Caʹleb had a different spirit and kept following after me wholeheartedly, I will certainly bring him into the land where he went, and his offspring will take possession of it.

(Psalm 106:14-18) 14 They gave way to their selfish desires in the wilderness; They tested God in the desert. 15 He gave them what they requested, But then struck them with disease that made them waste away. 16 In the camp they grew jealous of Moses And of Aaron, the holy one of Jehovah. 17 The earth then opened up and swallowed Daʹthan And covered those assembled with A·biʹram. 18 A fire blazed among their group; A flame consumed the wicked.

These things happened as an example to teach us not to listen to murmurers who are causing division or causing us to lose faith. Those who listened would continually put Jehovah to the test. We need to be like A’haz he refused to put Jehovah to the test.

(1 Corinthians 10:8-11) . . .. 9 Neither let us put Jehovah to the test, as some of them put him to the test, only to perish by the serpents. 10 Neither be murmurers, as some of them murmured, only to perish by the destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for a warning to us upon whom the ends of the systems of things have come.

A’haz’s faith was very strong , he refused to put Jehovah to the test even though there were very fearful things happening. We are going to experience very fearful things very soon but we must stay strong and just as A’haz refused to put Jehovah to the test he held tight to his trust in Jehovah’s ability to save those remaining loyal and obedient to Jehovah.

(Isaiah 7:3-12) 3 Jehovah then said to Isaiah: “Go out, please, to meet Aʹhaz, you and your son Sheʹar-jaʹshub, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool by the highway of the laundryman’s field. 4 You must say to him, ‘Take care to stay calm. Do not be afraid, and do not lose heart because of these two stumps of smoldering logs, because of the hot anger of Reʹzin and Syria and the son of Rem·a·liʹah. 5 For Syria with Eʹphra·im and the son of Rem·a·liʹah have plotted harm against you, saying: 6 “Let us go up against Judah and tear it apart and conquer it for ourselves, and let us appoint the son of Tabʹe·el as its king.”  7 “‘This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “It will not succeed, Nor will it take place.  8 For the head of Syria is Damascus, And the head of Damascus is Reʹzin. Within just 65 years Eʹphra·im will be completely shattered and cease to be a people.  9 The head of Eʹphra·im is Sa·marʹi·a, And the head of Sa·marʹi·a is the son of Rem·a·liʹah. Unless you have firm faith, You will not be firmly established.”’” 10 Jehovah continued speaking to Aʹhaz: 11 “Ask for a sign from Jehovah your God; it may be as deep as the Grave or as high as the sky.” 12 But Aʹhaz said: “I will not ask, nor will I put Jehovah to the test.”

Through our tribulation God is teaching us , building our endurance and helping us to endure things most could not dream of enduring and surviving. Those who tested Jehovah in the past left their imperfections guide their actions. We have Jehovah’s word to guide us and now more then ever it is very important to write it on our hearts because very soon it will be taken from us and all we will have left of his word is what we have written on our hearts. We know it is his word that is going to carry us through all this.

(1 Peter 5:6-11) 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time, 7 while you throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 8 Keep your senses, be watchful! Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone. 9 But take your stand against him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by the entire association of your brothers in the world. 10 But after you have suffered a little while, the God of all undeserved kindness, who called you to his everlasting glory in union with Christ, will himself finish your training. He will make you firm, he will make you strong, he will firmly ground you. 11 To him be the might forever. Amen.

(James 1:12-15) 12 Happy is the man who keeps on enduring trial, because on becoming approved he will receive the crown of life, which Jehovah promised to those who continue loving Him. 13 When under trial, let no one say: “I am being tried by God.” For with evil things God cannot be tried, nor does he himself try anyone. 14 But each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then the desire, when it has become fertile, gives birth to sin; in turn sin, when it has been carried out, brings forth death.

We are not promised it will be easy but because we know God can and will save his loyal ones we have a peace that will help us endure many types of trials and tribulation.

(Philippians 4:4-7) 4 Always rejoice in the Lord. Again I will say, Rejoice! 5 Let your reasonableness become known to all men. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.

Jesus stated the student is no better then the teacher. The world and the wicked one hated him and it will hate those who faithfully follow Jehovah and submit to the authority given his only begotten son Jesus. So one who worships faithfully in truth will be treated no better then our teacher and king Jesus Christ. It does not mean you fell out of favor if you are suffering or if you are being attacked though many who false reason believe that to be so.

(1 Peter 4:12-14) 12 Beloved ones, do not be surprised about the fiery trials that you are experiencing, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 On the contrary, go on rejoicing over the extent to which you are sharers in the sufferings of the Christ, so that you may rejoice and be overjoyed also during the revelation of his glory. 14 If you are being reproached for the name of Christ, you are happy, because the spirit of glory, yes, the spirit of God, is resting upon you.

(2 Timothy 3:11-13) . . .I endured these persecutions, and the Lord rescued me from them all. 12 In fact, all those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted. 13 But wicked men and impostors will advance from bad to worse, misleading and being misled. . .

When we suffer trials it exposes our weaknesses so we can work on them and become spiritually stronger and wiser.

(Deuteronomy 8:1-5) . . .. 2 Remember the long road that Jehovah your God made you walk these 40 years in the wilderness, to humble you and to put you to the test so as to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not. 3 So he humbled you and let you go hungry and fed you with the manna, which neither you had known nor your fathers had known, in order to make you know that man does not live by bread alone but man lives by every expression from Jehovah’s mouth. 4 The clothing you wore did not wear out, nor did your feet become swollen these 40 years. 5 You well know in your heart that just as a man corrects his son, Jehovah your God was correcting you.

(James 1:2-8) 2 Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you meet with various trials, 3 knowing as you do that this tested quality of your faith produces endurance. 4 But let endurance complete its work, so that you may be complete and sound in all respects, not lacking in anything. 5 So if any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching, and it will be given him. 6 But let him keep asking in faith, not doubting at all, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven by the wind and blown about. 7 In fact, that man should not expect to receive anything from Jehovah; 8 he is an indecisive man, unsteady in all his ways.

For those who like videos here is a wonderful video on examples of when others have put Jehovah to the test.

https://www.jw.org/en/publications/videos/respect-jehovahs-authority/#?insight%5Bsearch_id%5D=bcef40fa-582c-4593-a3c6-d9eb88af008a&insight%5Bsearch_result_index%5D=10

Jesus showed us how to conquer the world and not let the world conquer us.

How to use.

 

To learn to conquer the world in the context Jesus was talking about we need to understand what he was referring to when he referred to the world. When you read in the bible often times you see it is referring to the people in the world and the rebellious system of the world which is run by the people and influenced by Satan.

(John 1:29) ²⁹ The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and he said: “See, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

(1 John 2:1, 2) 2 My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not commit a sin. And yet, if anyone does commit a sin, we have a helper with the Father, Jesus Christ, a righteous one. ² And he is a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins, yet not for ours only but also for the whole world’s. . .

Since Adam and Eve who were perfect brought this sinful rebellion into the world it took a perfect human to show us the way out and for a ransom of a perfect human to be provided to cover those sins.

(2 Corinthians 5:18, 19) ¹⁸ But all things are from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of the reconciliation, ¹⁹ namely, that God was by means of Christ reconciling a world to himself, not counting their offenses against them, and he entrusted to us the message of the reconciliation.

(Romans 5:18, 19) ¹⁸ So, then, as through one trespass the result to men of all sorts was condemnation, so too through one act of justification the result to men of all sorts is their being declared righteous for life. ¹⁹ For just as through the disobedience of the one man many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one person many will be made righteous.

So when the bible says the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one it is referring to the people and this system of rebellion of man choosing to rule themselves and decide right from wrong for themselves. So it is referring to man and man’s system of things.

(John 12:31) ³¹ Now there is a judging of this world; now the ruler of this world. . .

(2 Corinthians 4:3, 4) ³ If, in fact, the good news we declare is veiled, it is veiled among those who are perishing, ⁴ among whom the god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through.

Jesus Conquered the world.

In order to conquer the world we need to follow the one who conquered the world, God’s only begotten son Jesus. The ruler of this world has already been defeated and judged. Jesus stayed focused on the things above and not on the worldly things.

(John 16:33) ³³ I have said these things to you so that by means of me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but take courage! I have conquered the world.. . .

(John 16:8-11) ⁸ And when that one comes, he will give the world convincing evidence concerning sin and concerning righteousness and concerning judgment: ⁹ first concerning sin, because they are not exercising faith in me; ¹⁰ then concerning righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; ¹¹ then concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged. . .

(Colossians 3:1, 2) 3 If, however, you were raised up with the Christ, go on seeking the things above, where the Christ is seated at the right hand of God. ² Keep your minds fixed on the things above, not on the things on the earth.

Things that can cause us to be conquered by the world.

Pride has been the downfall of many and it was the downfall of the king in Babylon in Daniels time. God does not take pride lightly. It has caused the downfall of many kings.

(Proverbs 16:18, 19) ¹⁸ Pride is before a crash, And a haughty spirit before stumbling. ¹⁹ Better to be humble among the meek Than to share the spoil of the haughty. . .

(Daniel 4:30-32) The king was saying: “Is this not Babylon the Great that I myself have built for the royal house by my own strength and might and for the glory of my majesty?” ³¹ While the word was yet in the king’s mouth, a voice came down from the heavens: “To you it is being said, O King Neb·u·chad·nezʹzar, ‘The kingdom has gone away from you, ³² and from mankind you are being driven away. With the beasts of the field your dwelling will be, and you will be given vegetation to eat just like bulls, and seven times will pass over you, until you know that the Most High is Ruler in the kingdom of mankind and that he grants it to whomever he wants.

(Acts 12:21-23) ²¹ On a set day, Herod clothed himself with royal raiment and sat down on the judgment seat and began giving them a public address. ²² Then the people who were assembled began shouting: “A god’s voice, and not a man’s!” ²³ Instantly the angel of Jehovah struck him, because he did not give the glory to God, and he was eaten up with worms and died.

So we can see those who become haughty from pride Jehovah opposes but he favors those who are humble.

(James 4:6) ⁶ However, the undeserved kindness that He gives is greater. So it says: “God opposes the haughty ones, but he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones. . .

(Proverbs 3:34) ³⁴ For he mocks those who ridicule, But he shows favor to the meek. . .

(Psalm 37:11) But the meek will possess the earth, And they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.

(Psalm 138:6) Though Jehovah is high, he takes note of the humble, But the haughty he knows only from a distance

Jesus set a pattern of humility for us to follow and he demonstrated this by washing the apostles feet something that a servant usually would do. Even though he knew he would be seated on the thrown in the heavenly kingdom and was the only begotten son of God he did not let that go to his head and remained humble and was happy to serve others in a way that pleased his heavenly father.

(John 13:14-17) ¹⁴ Therefore, if I, the Lord and Teacher, washed your feet, you also should wash the feet of one another. ¹⁵ For I set the pattern for you, that just as I did to you, you should also do. ¹⁶ Most truly I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. ¹⁷ If you know these things, happy you are if you do them. . .

(Luke 9:48) and said to them: “Whoever receives this young child on the basis of my name receives me also; and whoever receives me also receives the One who sent me. For the one who conducts himself as a lesser one among all of you is the one who is great.

Avoid being conquered by hatred.

Our actions show whether we are filled with love or filled with hatred. We know we are in the last days and that men will do many hateful and selfish things. The bible has warned us what the last days would be like many times.

(2 Timothy 3:1-7) 3 But know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. ² For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, ³ having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, ⁴ betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, ⁵ having an appearance of godliness but proving false to its power; and from these turn away. ⁶ From among these arise men who slyly work their way into households and captivate weak women loaded down with sins, led by various desires, ⁷ always learning and yet never able to come to an accurate knowledge of truth.

Hatred is a very serious sin. If we have hatred in our hearts it forfeits our chances of eternal life.

(1 John 3:14, 15) . . .. The one who does not love remains in death. ¹⁵ Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has everlasting life remaining in him. . .

This contrast the fruits of the spirit in which love is one of them.

(Galatians 5:22-24) ²² On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, ²³ mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. ²⁴ Moreover, those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed to the stake the flesh together with its passions and desires. . .

Love would be an identifying mark of those who worship in truth. This love would be so deep if necessary they would give their lives for each other.

(John 13:33-35) . . .I now say it also to you. ³⁴ I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also love one another. ³⁵ By this all will know that you are my disciples—if you have love among yourselves.. . .

(John 15:11-13) ¹¹ “These things I have spoken to you, so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be made full. ¹² This is my commandment, that you love one another just as I have loved you. ¹³ No one has love greater than this, that someone should surrender his life in behalf of his friends.

We are not to show impartiality, Jesus demonstrated this in his treatment of the Samaritan women. Samaritans were very good at counterfeiting legal documents. They would counterfeit documents of their human linage. So no one was certain if they were really jews or gentiles. They were not trusted and for the most part avoided. The Samaritan was aware that the gentiles would also be welcomed to worship the true God and be considered part of the nation of Israel. Jesus revealed to the Samaritan woman would be a spiritual nation he also revealed to her that he was the messiah who would fulfill the things she had mentioned.

(John 4:7-26) ⁷ A woman of Sa·marʹi·a came to draw water. Jesus said to her: “Give me a drink.” ⁸ (For his disciples had gone off into the city to buy food.) ⁹ So the Sa·marʹi·tan woman said to him: “How is it that you, despite being a Jew, ask me for a drink even though I am a Sa·marʹi·tan woman?” (For Jews have no dealings with Sa·marʹi·tans.) ¹⁰ In answer Jesus said to her: “If you had known of the free gift of God and who it is who says to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” ¹¹ She said to him: “Sir, you do not even have a bucket for drawing water, and the well is deep. From what source, then, do you have this living water? ¹² You are not greater than our forefather Jacob, who gave us the well and who together with his sons and his cattle drank out of it, are you?” ¹³ In answer Jesus said to her: “Everyone drinking from this water will get thirsty again. ¹⁴ Whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty at all, but the water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water bubbling up to impart everlasting life.” ¹⁵ The woman said to him: “Sir, give me this water, so that I may neither thirst nor keep coming over to this place to draw water.” ¹⁶ He said to her: “Go, call your husband and come to this place.” ¹⁷ The woman replied: “I do not have a husband.” Jesus said to her: “You are right in saying, ‘I do not have a husband.’ ¹⁸ For you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. This you have said truthfully.” ¹⁹ The woman said to him: “Sir, I see that you are a prophet. ²⁰ Our forefathers worshipped on this mountain, but you people say that in Jerusalem is the place where people must worship.” ²¹ Jesus said to her: “Believe me, woman, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. ²² You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, because salvation begins with the Jews. ²³ Nevertheless, the hour is coming, and it is now, when the true worshippers will worship the Father with spirit and truth, for indeed, the Father is looking for ones like these to worship him. ²⁴ God is a Spirit, and those worshipping him must worship with spirit and truth.” ²⁵ The woman said to him: “I know that Mes·siʹah is coming, who is called Christ. Whenever that one comes, he will declare all things to us openly.” ²⁶ Jesus said to her: “I am he, the one speaking to you.. . .

(Acts 10:34, 35) ³⁴ At this Peter began to speak, and he said: “Now I truly understand that God is not partial, ³⁵ but in every nation the man who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. . .

Jesus also set the example of love by praying for those persecuting him. He commanded us to love our enemies, many love those who love them that is easy but to truly follow in Jesus foot steps we must love those who hate us.

(Luke 23:34) ³⁴ But Jesus was saying: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Furthermore, they cast lots to distribute his garments.

(Matthew 5:43-48) ⁴³ “You heard that it was said: ‘You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ However, I say to you: Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ so that you may prove yourselves sons of your Father who is in the heavens, since he makes his sun rise on both the wicked and the good and makes it rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous. ⁴⁶ For if you love those loving you, what reward do you have? Are not also the tax collectors doing the same thing? ⁴⁷ And if you greet your brothers only, what extraordinary thing are you doing? Are not also the people of the nations doing the same thing? ⁴⁸ You must accordingly be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

(Galatians 6:10) ¹⁰ So, then, as long as we have the opportunity, let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith.

Are we to pray for all sinners? The answer is no. There are sins that incur death and they are sins against the holy spirit. We are not to pray for those who are sinning against the holy spirit.

(1 John 5:16) ¹⁶ If anyone catches sight of his brother committing a sin that does not incur death, he will ask, and God will give life to him, yes, to those not committing sin that incurs death. There is a sin that does incur death. It is concerning that sin that I do not tell him to make request. . .

(Mark 3:29) But whoever blasphemes against the holy spirit has no forgiveness forever but is guilty of everlasting sin.

Love the only begotten son and our heavenly father Jehovah.

The way we react to the bibles teachings and apply them in our lives shows whether we love Jesus and our heavenly father. It will not be easy because being no part of the world means you will be hated and persecuted by the world. Jesus warned us many times of this. By following Jesus teachings and applying them in our lives we will be in union with Jesus and our heavenly father.

(John 14:21) ²¹ Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. In turn, whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and will clearly show myself to him.”

(John 15:17-20) ¹⁷ “These things I command you, that you love one another. ¹⁸ If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. ¹⁹ If you were part of the world, the world would be fond of what is its own. Now because you are no part of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, for this reason the world hates you. ²⁰ Keep in mind the word I said to you: A slave is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have observed my word, they will also observe yours.

(John 17:15-19) ¹⁵ “I do not request that you take them out of the world, but that you watch over them because of the wicked one. ¹⁶ They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world. ¹⁷ Sanctify them by means of the truth; your word is truth. ¹⁸ Just as you sent me into the world, I also sent them into the world. ¹⁹ And I am sanctifying myself in their behalf, so that they also may be sanctified by means of truth. . .

(John 16:27, 28) ²⁷ For the Father himself has affection for you, because you have had affection for me and have believed that I came as God’s representative. ²⁸ I came as the Father’s representative and have come into the world. Now I am leaving the world and am going to the Father.. . .

So observing God’s commands and having faith we can conquer the world.

(1 John 5:2-4) . . .. ³ For this is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome, ⁴ because everyone who has been born from God conquers the world. And this is the conquest that has conquered the world, our faith. . .

Jesus did not say it would be easy.

Jesus warns those living in harmony with him and our heavenly father will be persecuted. He tells us the student is no better then the teacher. If the world hated him they would also hate those who loyally follow him.

(2 Timothy 3:12, 13) ¹² In fact, all those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted. ¹³ But wicked men and impostors will advance from bad to worse, misleading and being misled. . .

Many will not heed our warning and will ridicule us.

(2 Peter 3:2-4) . . .. ³ First of all know this, that in the last days ridiculers will come with their ridicule, proceeding according to their own desires ⁴ and saying: “Where is this promised presence of his? Why, from the day our forefathers fell asleep in death, all things are continuing exactly as they were from creation’s beginning. . .

(Jude 17-23) ¹⁷ As for you, beloved ones, call to mind the sayings that have been previously spoken by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁸ how they used to say to you: “In the last time there will be ridiculers, following their own desires for ungodly things.” ¹⁹ These are the ones who cause divisions, animalistic men, not having spirituality. ²⁰ But you, beloved ones, build yourselves up on your most holy faith, and pray with holy spirit, ²¹ in order to keep yourselves in God’s love, while you await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ with everlasting life in view. ²² Also, continue showing mercy to some who have doubts; ²³ save them by snatching them out of the fire. But continue showing mercy to others, doing so with fear, while you hate even the garment that has been stained by the flesh.

We must be careful this ridicule can cause us to let down our guard and we could be lured into the world. This is also why we are warned not to become unevenly yoked with the world.

(Luke 21:34-36) ³⁴ “But pay attention to yourselves that your hearts never become weighed down with overeating and heavy drinking and anxieties of life, and suddenly that day be instantly upon you ³⁵ as a snare. For it will come upon all those dwelling on the face of the whole earth. ³⁶ Keep awake, then, all the time making supplication that you may succeed in escaping all these things that must occur and in standing before the Son of man. . .

(2 Corinthians 6:14-17) ¹⁴ Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. For what fellowship do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what sharing does light have with darkness? ¹⁵ Further, what harmony is there between Christ and Beʹli·al? Or what does a believer share in common with an unbeliever? ¹⁶ And what agreement does God’s temple have with idols? For we are a temple of a living God; just as God said: “I will reside among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” ¹⁷ “‘Therefore, get out from among them, and separate yourselves,’ says Jehovah, ‘and quit touching the unclean thing’”; “‘and I will take you in.. . .

The world views people by their status in society if we pursue things of the world and we risk becoming like them which can cause us to become bias towards those who are in need and develop an incorrect view of them. They even show favoritism towards those who are well off, something we are warned not to do.

(James 2:1-4) 2 My brothers, you are not holding to the faith of our glorious Lord Jesus Christ while showing favoritism, are you? ² For if a man with gold rings on his fingers and in splendid clothing comes into your meeting, but a poor man in filthy clothing also enters, ³ do you look with favor on the one wearing the splendid clothing and say, “You take this seat here in a fine place,” and do you say to the poor one, “You keep standing” or, “Take that seat there under my footstool”? ⁴ If so, do you not have class distinctions among yourselves, and have you not become judges rendering wicked decisions?

Ephesians lays out the complete way to protect ourselves by putting on the complete armor of God. The belt of truth with is the truth in God’s word will protect and guide us. Be remaining blameless it protects us. Our faith is our shield, and putting our faith in our redeemer and the hope of salvation is our helmet. Also taking in God’s word and applying it is the Sword of the Spirit. And praying and asking God in times of trouble help us.

(Ephesians 6:10-13) . . .. ¹¹ Put on the complete suit of armor from God so that you may be able to stand firm against the crafty acts of the Devil; ¹² because we have a struggle, not against blood and flesh, but against the governments, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places. ¹³ For this reason take up the complete suit of armor from God, so that you may be able to resist in the wicked day and, after you have accomplished everything, to stand firm.

The bible does not promise wealth or that we would live in comfort. We must remember if we follow in Jesus foot steps will will be falsely accused, many will hate and turn on us. Many of us will go without food. All these things would not stop us from enriching people spiritually.

(2 Corinthians 6:3-10) ³ In no way are we giving any cause for stumbling, so that no fault may be found with our ministry; ⁴ but in every way we recommend ourselves as God’s ministers, by the endurance of much, by tribulations, by times of need, by difficulties, ⁵ by beatings, by imprisonments, by riots, by hard work, by sleepless nights, by times without food; ⁶ by purity, by knowledge, by patience, by kindness, by holy spirit, by love free from hypocrisy, ⁷ by truthful speech, by God’s power; through the weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left, ⁸ through glory and dishonor, through bad report and good report. We are regarded as deceivers and yet we are truthful, ⁹ as unknown and yet we are recognized, as dying and yet look! we live, as punished and yet not handed over to death, ¹⁰ as sorrowing but ever rejoicing, as poor but making many rich, as having nothing and yet possessing all things.

When we endure patiently it may draw others to the bible truths. We must do our best not to let the world shape who we are but to let Jehovah and his word shape us, it will protect us from being conquered by the world. In doing so we conquer the evil with the good.

(2 Timothy 2:23-26) ²³ Further, reject foolish and ignorant debates, knowing that they produce fights. ²⁴ For a slave of the Lord does not need to fight, but needs to be gentle toward all, qualified to teach, showing restraint when wronged, ²⁵ instructing with mildness those not favorably disposed. Perhaps God may give them repentance leading to an accurate knowledge of truth, ²⁶ and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the Devil, seeing that they have been caught alive by him to do his will. . .

(Romans 12:9-21) ⁹ Let your love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is wicked; cling to what is good. ¹⁰ In brotherly love have tender affection for one another. In showing honor to one another, take the lead. ¹¹ Be industrious, not lazy. Be aglow with the spirit. Slave for Jehovah. ¹² Rejoice in the hope. Endure under tribulation. Persevere in prayer. ¹³ Share with the holy ones according to their needs. Follow the course of hospitality. ¹⁴ Keep on blessing those who persecute; bless and do not curse. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. ¹⁶ Have the same attitude toward others as toward yourselves; do not set your mind on lofty things, but be led along with the lowly things. Do not become wise in your own eyes. ¹⁷ Return evil for evil to no one. Take into consideration what is fine from the viewpoint of all men. ¹⁸ If possible, as far as it depends on you, be peaceable with all men. ¹⁹ Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the wrath; for it is written: “‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay,’ says Jehovah.” ²⁰ But “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by doing this you will heap fiery coals on his head.” ²¹ Do not let yourself be conquered by the evil, but keep conquering the evil with the good. . .

Our endurance and faith shows our love for Jesus and his father. In remaining faithful and strong we set on example for others. Jesus did not say it would be easy he warned that to follow him we would have to endure the same things as he did. Just as they falsely accused him , persecuted him in many ways so those who follow him in truth will be treated. God did not promise us wealth as a matter of fact Jesus did not have a home to sleep in.

(James 1:2-4) ² Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you meet with various trials, ³ knowing as you do that this tested quality of your faith produces endurance. ⁴ But let endurance complete its work, so that you may be complete and sound in all respects, not lacking in anything. . .

(Matthew 10:24-31) ²⁴ “A student is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master. ²⁵ It is enough for the student to become as his teacher, and the slave as his master. If people have called the master of the house Be·elʹze·bub, how much more those of his household? ²⁶ So do not fear them, for there is nothing covered over that will not become uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. ²⁷ What I tell you in the darkness, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, preach from the housetops. ²⁸ And do not become fearful of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, fear him who can destroy both soul and body in Ge·henʹna. ²⁹ Two sparrows sell for a coin of small value, do they not? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. ³⁰ But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹ So have no fear; you are worth more than many sparrows. . .

(Matthew 8:20) But Jesus said to him: “Foxes have dens and birds of heaven have nests, but the Son of man has nowhere to lay down his head.

Those who put their faith in the world and things of the world cannot put faith in God and will not learn to love him. It can hinder their relationship with God. These things will all be gone soon and all we will have is our relationship with God. If we do not have a relationship with God we will not fair well when this system collapses.

(1 John 2:15-17) ¹⁵ Do not love either the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; ¹⁶ because everything in the world—the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one’s means of life—does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world. ¹⁷ Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but the one who does the will of God remains forever. . .

Exercising Faith.

The bible tells us to exercise faith showing we have to work to build our faith. In doing so we will receive the power from God to endure the things that will occur. Many had faith in Jesus but did not want to lose their status in society so they would not acknowledge him. Jesus warned them that the things he said were given as commanded to him by God. To disobey his commands we would be disobeying God which shows a lack of faith.

(John 14:1) 14 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Exercise faith in God; exercise faith also in me.

(John 12:42, 43) ⁴² All the same, many even of the rulers actually put faith in him, but they would not acknowledge him because of the Pharisees, so that they would not be expelled from the synagogue; ⁴³ for they loved the glory of men even more than the glory of God. . .

(John 12:47-50) ⁴⁷ But if anyone hears my sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I came, not to judge the world, but to save the world. ⁴⁸ Whoever disregards me and does not receive my sayings has one to judge him. The word that I have spoken is what will judge him on the last day. ⁴⁹ For I have not spoken of my own initiative, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment about what to say and what to speak. ⁵⁰ And I know that his commandment means everlasting life. So whatever I speak, I speak just as the Father has told me. . .

(Romans 3:28-31) ²⁸ For we consider that a man is declared righteous by faith apart from works of law. ²⁹ Or is he the God of the Jews only? Is he not also the God of people of the nations? Yes, also of people of the nations. ³⁰ Since God is one, he will declare circumcised people righteous as a result of faith and uncircumcised people righteous by means of their faith. ³¹ Do we, then, abolish law by means of our faith? Not at all! On the contrary, we uphold law. . .

We can see that exercising faith means that we adhere to the teachings of Jesus and follow his example.

(John 3:16-21) ¹⁶ “For God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world for him to judge the world, but for the world to be saved through him. ¹⁸ Whoever exercises faith in him is not to be judged. Whoever does not exercise faith has been judged already, because he has not exercised faith in the name of the only-begotten Son of God. ¹⁹ Now this is the basis for judgment: that the light has come into the world, but men have loved the darkness rather than the light, for their works were wicked. ²⁰ For whoever practices vile things hates the light and does not come to the light, so that his works may not be reproved. ²¹ But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that his works may be made manifest as having been done in harmony with God.”

We need to work towards strengthening our faith because it will help us to endure. The things we endure teaches and strengthens us and those who lack faith give up but we endure things through our faith that is beyond normal.

(1 Peter 5:6-11) ⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time, ⁷ while you throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. ⁸ Keep your senses, be watchful! Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone. ⁹ But take your stand against him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by the entire association of your brothers in the world. ¹⁰ But after you have suffered a little while, the God of all undeserved kindness, who called you to his everlasting glory in union with Christ, will himself finish your training. He will make you firm, he will make you strong, he will firmly ground you. ¹¹ To him be the might forever. Amen.

Exercising faith means we would have such a deep love for God and his son Jesus that we will give testimony about them even if it may cost our lives.

(Acts 20:24) Nevertheless, I do not consider my own life of any importance to me, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to bear thorough witness to the good news of the undeserved kindness of God

(Luke 9:24) For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake is the one who will save it.

(Revelation 12:11) And they conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their witnessing, and they did not love their souls even in the face of death.

We have a helper.

Jesus told the apostles he would send a helper. This helper is the spirit of truth from God.

(John 14:25, 26) . . .. ²⁶ But the helper, the holy spirit, which the Father will send in my name, that one will teach you all things and bring back to your minds all the things I told you. . .

(Matthew 10:19, 20) However, when they hand you over, do not become anxious about how or what you are to speak, for what you are to speak will be given you in that hour; ²⁰ for the ones speaking are not just you, but it is the spirit of your Father that speaks by you

(John 14:16, 17) ¹⁶ And I will ask the Father and he will give you another helper to be with you forever, ¹⁷ the spirit of the truth, which the world cannot receive, because it neither sees it nor knows it. You know it, because it remains with you and is in you.

If we do not have the spirit of truth we cannot worship God in spirit and truth because our minds will be set on material things.

(Romans 8:5) ⁵ For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit, on the things of the spirit.

Getting too caught up in the world can lure us in and we may start drinking of the cup of the devil which would inhibit our receiving the spirit.

(1 Corinthians 10:20, 21) ²⁰ No; but I say that what the nations sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God; and I do not want you to become sharers with the demons. ²¹ You cannot be drinking the cup of Jehovah and the cup of demons; you cannot be partaking of “the table of Jehovah” and the table of demons.

We do not just receive the spirit we must ask for it. How would a parent know your needs if you do not ask. We have to let God know we desire and need his helper.

(Luke 11:12, 13) . . .? ¹³ Therefore, if you, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more so will the Father in heaven give holy spirit to those asking him!. . .

How do we know when we have received the spirit? Because we will produce the fruits of the spirit. Love will guide all we do, we will find joy even though we will be heavily persecuted and have to endure much tribulation, we will have an inner peace , we will be more patient , we will strive to be good, our faith will increase, we will be known for our mildness and self-control.

(Galatians 5:22, 23) ²² On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, ²³ mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. . .

Of the fruitage of the spirit love is the most important one. It can cover a multitude of sins. Love should guide all we do. It is the love God has for us that drove him to provide a ransom sacrifice for us. If we do not love we cannot know God.

(1 Corinthians 13:4-7) ⁴ Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous. It does not brag, does not get puffed up, ⁵ does not behave indecently, does not look for its own interests, does not become provoked. It does not keep account of the injury. ⁶ It does not rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. . .

(1 John 4:8-10) ⁸ Whoever does not love has not come to know God, because God is love. ⁹ By this the love of God was revealed in our case, that God sent his only-begotten Son into the world so that we might gain life through him. ¹⁰ The love is in this respect, not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins. . .

(1 Peter 4:7-9) ⁷ But the end of all things has drawn close. Therefore, be sound in mind, and be vigilant with a view to prayers. ⁸ Above all things, have intense love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. ⁹ Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.

Our salvation depends on the fruits we produce. It is an expression of our love for Jehovah and his only begotten son Jesus Christ.

(1 Peter 1:8, 9) ⁸ Though you never saw him, you love him. Though you do not see him now, yet you exercise faith in him and are greatly rejoicing with an indescribable and glorious joy, ⁹ as you attain the goal of your faith, your salvation. . .

(Romans 6:21-23) ²¹ What, then, was the fruit that you used to produce at that time? Things of which you are now ashamed. For the end of those things is death. ²² However, now that you were set free from sin and became slaves to God, you are producing your fruit in the way of holiness, and the end is everlasting life. ²³ For the wages sin pays is death, but the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord.

We can see it is not the status of someone that determines their status with God but the fruits they produce and it is an identifying mark of those worshiping in truth. False prophets will produce bad fruits. We learned this in 2 Timothy 3:1-8 which speaks of the last days and the results of false teachings.

(Matthew 7:15-20) ¹⁵ “Be on the watch for the false prophets who come to you in sheep’s covering, but inside they are ravenous wolves. ¹⁶ By their fruits you will recognize them. Never do people gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles, do they? ¹⁷ Likewise, every good tree produces fine fruit, but every rotten tree produces worthless fruit. ¹⁸ A good tree cannot bear worthless fruit, nor can a rotten tree produce fine fruit. ¹⁹ Every tree not producing fine fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰ Really, then, by their fruits you will recognize those men.

Jesus promised us peace.

Jesus promised us peace but it would not be peace as man knows peace but it would be an inner peace because of our faith and the hope in the future promises. We would have an inner peace because we would not live in fear as many others do now days. Fear can be used to deceive people and manipulate them. Because we do no live in fear it cannot be used as a weapon against us. We also have the peace of knowing all can now worship God in truth through the ransom sacrifice of God’s only begotten son Jesus Christ. This ransom sacrifice removed all barriers.

(John 14:27) ²⁷ I leave you peace; I give you my peace. I do not give it to you the way that the world gives it. Do not let your hearts be troubled nor let them shrink out of fear.

(Ephesians 2:13-18) ¹³ But now in union with Christ Jesus, you who were once far off have come to be near by the blood of the Christ. ¹⁴ For he is our peace, the one who made the two groups one and destroyed the wall in between that fenced them off. ¹⁵ By means of his flesh he abolished the enmity, the Law of commandments consisting in decrees, in order to make the two groups in union with himself into one new man and to make peace, ¹⁶ and to reconcile fully both peoples in one body to God through the torture stake, because he had killed off the enmity by means of himself. ¹⁷ And he came and declared the good news of peace to you who were far off, and peace to those near, ¹⁸ because through him we, both peoples, have free access to the Father by one spirit.

This peace that we receive guards our hearts. If you read Psalm 27:1-14 you will see why Jesus had peace even though he was heavily persecuted. His faith was in Jehovah so it gave him the courage and strength to endure. This drove Jesus to teach the good news of the heavenly kingdom which give a future hope of better things to come.

(Philippians 4:6, 7) ⁶ Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus. . .

(2 Timothy 1:7-10) ⁷ For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but one of power and of love and of soundness of mind. ⁸ So do not become ashamed either of the witness about our Lord or of me, a prisoner for his sake, but take your part in suffering adversity for the good news by relying on the power of God. ⁹ He saved us and called us with a holy calling, not because of our works, but because of his own purpose and undeserved kindness. This was given to us in connection with Christ Jesus before times long ago, ¹⁰ but now it has been made clearly evident through the manifestation of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and has shed light on life and incorruption through the good news,

(Revelation 21:1-4) 21 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea is no more. ² I also saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God and prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. ³ With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. ⁴ And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”

Destruction of the wicked.

We must be patient and endure because God desires none to be destroyed but wants all to have the opportunity to know him and to repent. So we must do our best to warn others and to teach them about the one true God while we patiently wait knowing that many of our spiritual brothers and sisters are still out there waiting for someone to show them the way out. Sharing God’s word, being persistant in prayer will help keep us awake so that we will be ready when the destruction of the wicked comes. We know it will happen suddenly and at a time people least expect.

(2 Peter 3:8-10) . . .. ⁹ Jehovah is not slow concerning his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with you because he does not desire anyone to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance. ¹⁰ But Jehovah’s day will come as a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar, but the elements being intensely hot will be dissolved, and earth and the works in it will be exposed.

(Revelation 16:15) ¹⁵ “Look! I am coming as a thief. Happy is the one who stays awake and keeps his outer garments, so that he may not walk naked and people look upon his shamefulness.. . .

(Matthew 24:43, 44) ⁴³ “But know one thing: If the householder had known in what watch the thief was coming, he would have kept awake and not allowed his house to be broken into. ⁴⁴ On this account, you too prove yourselves ready, because the Son of man is coming at an hour that you do not think to be it.

Those who conquer the world their name will not be blotted out and they will be remembered. This will be those who have figuratively washed their robes. In other words they have repented from the ways of the world and have drawn closer to God.

(Revelation 3:4, 5) . . .. ⁵ The one who conquers will thus be dressed in white garments, and I will by no means blot out his name from the book of life, but I will acknowledge his name before my Father and before his angels. . .

(Revelation 22:13-15) . . .. ¹⁴ Happy are those who wash their robes, so that they may have authority to go to the trees of life and that they may gain entrance into the city through its gates. ¹⁵ Outside are the dogs and those who practice spiritism and those who are sexually immoral and the murderers and the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices lying.. . .

This gives us courage beyond what is normal because we do not fear those who can kill the body. We know the heavenly father and his son love us and would not forget the work we have done and the love we have shown for Jehovah’s great name.

(Matthew 10:28-31) ²⁸ And do not become fearful of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, fear him who can destroy both soul and body in Ge·henʹna. ²⁹ Two sparrows sell for a coin of small value, do they not? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. ³⁰ But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹ So have no fear; you are worth more than many sparrows.

(Hebrews 6:10-12) ¹⁰ For God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name by ministering and continuing to minister to the holy ones. ¹¹ But we desire each one of you to show the same industriousness so as to have the full assurance of the hope down to the end, ¹² so that you may not become sluggish, but be imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

This is why now more then ever we need to put God’s word into our hearts to better equip us for the work ahead. Just a while longer and the bad memories will be gone they will be replaced by the good memories of the fulfillment of the future promises.

(2 Timothy 3:16, 17) ¹⁶ All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.

(Isaiah 65:17) ¹⁷ For look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be called to mind, Nor will they come up into the heart. . .

(2 Peter 3:11-13) ¹¹ Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, consider what sort of people you ought to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion, ¹² as you await and keep close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah, through which the heavens will be destroyed in flames and the elements will melt in the intense heat! ¹³ But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell. . .

(Psalm 37:28, 29) ²⁸ For Jehovah loves justice, And he will not abandon his loyal ones. ע [Ayin] They will always be guarded; But the descendants of the wicked will be done away with. ²⁹ The righteous will possess the earth, And they will live forever on it.

We can find comfort in knowing nothing not even death can separate us from the love that Jehovah has for us and the love his only begotten son our heavenly king has for us.

(Romans 8:35-39) ³⁵ Who will separate us from the love of the Christ? Will tribulation or distress or persecution or hunger or nakedness or danger or sword? ³⁶ Just as it is written: “For your sake we are being put to death all day long; we have been accounted as sheep for slaughtering.” ³⁷ On the contrary, in all these things we are coming off completely victorious through the one who loved us. ³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers ³⁹ nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We must remember to continue to pray for those persecuting us remembering that the apostle Paul also once persecuted those who worshiped in truth.

(Acts 7:54-8:1) ⁵⁴ Well, at hearing these things, they were infuriated in their hearts and began to grind their teeth at him. ⁵⁵ But he, being full of holy spirit, gazed into heaven and caught sight of God’s glory and of Jesus standing at God’s right hand, ⁵⁶ and he said: “Look! I see the heavens opened up and the Son of man standing at God’s right hand.” ⁵⁷ At this they cried out at the top of their voices and put their hands over their ears and rushed at him all together. ⁵⁸ After throwing him outside the city, they began stoning him. The witnesses laid down their outer garments at the feet of a young man called Saul. ⁵⁹ As they were stoning Stephen, he made this appeal: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” ⁶⁰ Then, kneeling down, he cried out with a strong voice: “Jehovah, do not charge this sin against them.” And after saying this, he fell asleep in death. 8 Saul, for his part, approved of his murder. . .

(1 Timothy 1:12-16) ¹² I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who imparted power to me, because he considered me faithful by assigning me to a ministry, ¹³ although formerly I was a blasphemer and a persecutor and an insolent man. Nevertheless, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and with a lack of faith. ¹⁴ But the undeserved kindness of our Lord abounded exceedingly along with faith and the love that is in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Of these, I am foremost. ¹⁶ Nevertheless, I was shown mercy so that by means of me as the foremost case, Christ Jesus might demonstrate all his patience, making me an example to those who are going to rest their faith on him for everlasting life.

This link is a good article explaining how to recognize true worship so we do not make the same error Paul made.

https://www.jw.org/en/publications/books/good-news-from-god/recognize-true-worshippers/#?insight%5Bsearch_id%5D=80147093-0f96-400a-9756-6f29ef57a5d9&insight%5Bsearch_result_index%5D=2

Have you drawn close to God for nothing?

It may seem like God has forgotten those of us who are trying our best to be obedient. It seems those who do not care, who will not help the down trodden and who do many bad things live in peace and comfort. We have to keep in mind God is listening and taking note. We may even question why we have done our best to cleanse ourselves and obey God.

(Psalm 73:3-13)  ³ For I became envious of the boasters, [When] I would see the very peace of wicked people.  ⁴ For they have no deathly pangs; And their paunch is fat.  ⁵ They are not even in the trouble of mortal man, And they are not plagued the same as other men.  ⁶ Therefore haughtiness has served as a necklace to them; Violence envelops them as a garment.  ⁷ Their eye has bulged from fatness; They have exceeded the imaginations of the heart.  ⁸ They scoff and speak about what is bad; About defrauding they speak in an elevated style.  ⁹ They have put their mouth in the very heavens, And their tongue itself walks about in the earth. ¹⁰ Therefore he brings his people back hither, And the waters of what is full are drained out for them. ¹¹ And they have said: “How has God come to know? And does there exist knowledge in the Most High?” ¹² Look! These are the wicked, who are at ease indefinitely. They have increased [their] means of maintenance. ¹³ Surely it is in vain that I have cleansed my heart And that I wash my hands in innocence itself.

Many have felt this way. God does take note of who is obedient and who is not. This system is temporary but the new system is forever. Those written in the book of remembrance will be rewarded by God and it will be an eternal reward.

(Malachi 3:14-16) ¹⁴ “YOU have said, ‘It is of no value to serve God. And what profit is there in that we have kept the obligation to him, and that we have walked dejectedly on account of Jehovah of armies? ¹⁵ And at present we are pronouncing presumptuous people happy. Also, the doers of wickedness have been built up. Also, they have tested God out and keep getting away.’” ¹⁶ At that time those in fear of Jehovah spoke with one another, each one with his companion, and Jehovah kept paying attention and listening. And a book of remembrance began to be written up before him for those in fear of Jehovah and for those thinking upon his name. . .

Those who have washed their outer garments and acknowledged the one true God will not be blotted out of his book.

(Revelation 3:4, 5) . . .. ⁵ He that conquers will thus be arrayed in white outer garments; and I will by no means blot out his name from the book of life, but I will make acknowledgment of his name before my Father and before his angels. . .

(Philippians 4:2, 3) . . .. ³ Yes, I request you too, genuine yokefellow, keep assisting these [women] who have striven side by side with me in the good news along with Clement as well as the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

During the resurrection those who have done bad and thought it went unnoticed will receive their reward which is the lake of fire and those who were obedient will be rewarded with eternal life.

(John 5:28, 29) ²⁸ Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice ²⁹ and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment. . .

(Revelation 20:11-15) . . .. ¹² And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and scrolls were opened. But another scroll was opened; it is the scroll of life. And the dead were judged out of those things written in the scrolls according to their deeds. ¹³ And the sea gave up those dead in it, and death and Ha′des gave up those dead in them, and they were judged individually according to their deeds. ¹⁴ And death and Ha′des were hurled into the lake of fire. This means the second death, the lake of fire. ¹⁵ Furthermore, whoever was not found written in the book of life was hurled into the lake of fire.

We know we are in the last days. The time is very near for scoffers who follow their own sinful desires to be done away with. We need to stay strong we only have a little longer it is a sign salvation is near.

(2 Peter 3:2-7) . . .. ³ For YOU know this first, that in the last days there will come ridiculers with their ridicule, proceeding according to their own desires ⁴ and saying: “Where is this promised presence of his? Why, from the day our forefathers fell asleep [in death], all things are continuing exactly as from creation’s beginning.” ⁵ For, according to their wish, this fact escapes their notice, that there were heavens from of old and an earth standing compactly out of water and in the midst of water by the word of God; ⁶ and by those [means] the world of that time suffered destruction when it was deluged with water. ⁷ But by the same word the heavens and the earth that are now are stored up for fire and are being reserved to the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly men. . .

 

We are to lift our heads because it means deliverance is near.

(Luke 21:25-28) ²⁵ “Also, there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth anguish of nations, not knowing the way out because of the roaring of the sea and [its] agitation, ²⁶ while men become faint out of fear and expectation of the things coming upon the inhabited earth; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. ²⁷ And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. ²⁸ But as these things start to occur, raise yourselves erect and lift YOUR heads up, because YOUR deliverance is getting near.”

Bible tells us we are not saved by works alone, yet it says faith without works is dead. Seems contradicting but is it really?

To fully understand what the scriptures are telling us you have to consider what the works are. Their are various forms of work concerning any situation in life. It is the same for our spiritual part of our lives. In Ephesians it is saying we have to be saved through faith not by works. Yet it also says we are to do good works. So clearly it is speaking of two different works.

(Ephesians 2:8-10) ⁸ By this undeserved kindness, indeed, YOU have been saved through faith; and this not owing to YOU, it is God’s gift. ⁹ No, it is not owing to works, in order that no man should have ground for boasting. ¹⁰ For we are a product of his work and were created in union with Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance for us to walk in them.

Now if you remember the pharisees believe by memorizing God’s laws and by appearing to be the most righteous they would achieve salvation.

(Matthew 23:1-13) 23 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying: ² “The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the seat of Moses. ³ Therefore all the things they tell YOU, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds, for they say but do not perform. ⁴ They bind up heavy loads and put them upon the shoulders of men, but they themselves are not willing to budge them with their finger. ⁵ All the works they do they do to be viewed by men; for they broaden the [scripture-containing] cases that they wear as safeguards, and enlarge the fringes [of their garments]. ⁶ They like the most prominent place at evening meals and the front seats in the synagogues, ⁷ and the greetings in the marketplaces and to be called Rabbi by men. ⁸ But YOU, do not YOU be called Rabbi, for one is YOUR teacher, whereas all YOU are brothers. ⁹ Moreover, do not call anyone YOUR father on earth, for one is YOUR Father, the heavenly One. ¹⁰ Neither be called ‘leaders,’ for YOUR Leader is one, the Christ. ¹¹ But the greatest one among YOU must be YOUR minister. ¹² Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. ¹³ “Woe to YOU, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because YOU shut up the kingdom of the heavens before men; for YOU yourselves do not go in, neither do YOU permit those on their way in to go in. . .

Now it is becoming clearer what some of the works is. Works of law. So the pharisees thought the law was their way to salvation. But Jesus stated many times we must exercise faith.

(Romans 9:30-32) ³⁰ What shall we say, then? That people of the nations, although not pursuing righteousness, caught up with righteousness, the righteousness that results from faith; ³¹ but Israel, although pursuing a law of righteousness, did not attain to the law. ³² For what reason? Because he pursued it, not by faith, but as by works. . .

But does this mean we do not have to obey the laws of the bible? It seems to say this is so. But how can we exercise faith which Jesus stated many times we needed to do if we do not apply God’s laws in our lives to guide us.

(Galatians 3:10-14) ¹⁰ For all those who depend upon works of law are under a curse; for it is written: “Cursed is every one that does not continue in all the things written in the scroll of the Law in order to do them.” ¹¹ Moreover, that by law no one is declared righteous with God is evident, because “the righteous one will live by reason of faith.” ¹² Now the Law does not adhere to faith, but “he that does them shall live by means of them.” ¹³ Christ by purchase released us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse instead of us, because it is written: “Accursed is every man hanged upon a stake.” ¹⁴ The purpose was that the blessing of Abraham might come to be by means of Jesus Christ for the nations, that we might receive the promised spirit through our faith. . .

We know that one exercises faith with the heart and we make a declaration of our faith. So how do we acquire the skills to exercise faith in our hearts?

(Romans 10:10) ¹⁰ For with the heart one exercises faith for righteousness, but with the mouth one makes public declaration for salvation.

So we are to write God’s word on our hearts. In other words we are to live by his word and let it guide all we do.

(Proverbs 7:1-3) 7 My son, keep my sayings, and may you treasure up my own commandments with you. ² Keep my commandments and continue living, and my law like the pupil of your eyes. ³ Tie them upon your fingers, and write them upon the tablet of your heart. . .

(John 14:15-17) ¹⁵ “If YOU love me, YOU will observe my commandments; ¹⁶ and I will request the Father and he will give YOU another helper to be with YOU forever, ¹⁷ the spirit of the truth, which the world cannot receive, because it neither beholds it nor knows it. YOU know it, because it remains with YOU and is in YOU. . .

So it is not by obeying the laws that will save us but faith in God and his laws, also faith in his son and our King Jesus.

(Romans 2:13) For the hearers of law are not the ones righteous before God, but the doers of law will be declared righteous

Now another dilemma faith without works is dead. Now what works could this be? We know that is takes more then learning God’s laws and obeying them but what are the other works? We can look to the book of James for that answer.

(James 2:14-17) ¹⁴ Of what benefit is it, my brothers, if a certain one says he has faith but he does not have works? That faith cannot save him, can it? ¹⁵ If a brother or a sister is in a naked state and lacking the food sufficient for the day, ¹⁶ yet a certain one of YOU says to them: “Go in peace, keep warm and well fed,” but YOU do not give them the necessities for [their] body, of what benefit is it? ¹⁷ Thus, too, faith, if it does not have works, is dead in itself.

Now it becomes clear we do not only have to learn the law and live by it but we must do certain works. Works of compassion.

(Matthew 25:34-46) ³⁴ “Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, YOU who have been blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for YOU from the founding of the world. ³⁵ For I became hungry and YOU gave me something to eat; I got thirsty and YOU gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and YOU received me hospitably; ³⁶ naked, and YOU clothed me. I fell sick and YOU looked after me. I was in prison and YOU came to me.’ ³⁷ Then the righteous ones will answer him with the words, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty, and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and receive you hospitably, or naked, and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to you?’ ⁴⁰ And in reply the king will say to them, ‘Truly I say to YOU, To the extent that YOU did it to one of the least of these my brothers, YOU did it to me.’ ⁴¹ “Then he will say, in turn, to those on his left, ‘Be on YOUR way from me, YOU who have been cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his angels. ⁴² For I became hungry, but YOU gave me nothing to eat, and I got thirsty, but YOU gave me nothing to drink. ⁴³ I was a stranger, but YOU did not receive me hospitably; naked, but YOU did not clothe me; sick and in prison, but YOU did not look after me.’ ⁴⁴ Then they also will answer with the words, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not minister to you?’ ⁴⁵ Then he will answer them with the words, ‘Truly I say to YOU, To the extent that YOU did not do it to one of these least ones, YOU did not do it to me.’ ⁴⁶ And these will depart into everlasting cutting-off, but the righteous ones into everlasting life. . .

Now we know that we must have some works , works of compassion not works of the law. What is faith? We know faith is involved in the works. In James we learned we must have works and faith. We cannot see faith. How do we acquire it?

(Romans 8:24) For we were saved in [this] hope; but hope that is seen is not hope, for when a man sees a thing, does he hope for it?

(Hebrews 11:1) 11 Faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities though not beheld. . .

The bible tells us we must keep our eyes on the things unseen, not the things seen to build out faith.

(2 Corinthians 4:18) while we keep our eyes, not on the things seen, but on the things unseen. For the things seen are temporary, but the things unseen are everlasting

(2 Corinthians 5:7) for we are walking by faith, not by sight

Without faith it is impossible to please God so it is very important to acquire faith.

Hebrews 11:6  Moreover, without faith it is impossible to please God well, for whoever approaches God must believe that he is* and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him.

We learn faith follow the things heard. So we must take in God’s word and listen attentively at meetings to make sure we put God’s word on the tablet of our hearts. It should guide all we do.

(Romans 10:17) ¹⁷ So faith follows the thing heard. In turn the thing heard is through the word about Christ. . .

2Timothy 3:16  All Scripture is inspired of Goda and beneficial for teaching,b for reproving, for setting things straight,* for disciplining in righteousness

We must do personal research to verify that all we are being told is true. We must look deeply into God’s word.

Acts 17:11 11  Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thes·sa·lo·niʹca, for they accepted the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.

We learn that faith is a fruit of the spirit so faith comes from God as a blessing of the holy spirit. How do we acquire the spirit. By asking our heavenly father.

(Luke 11:12, 13) . . .? ¹³ Therefore, if YOU, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to YOUR children, how much more so will the Father in heaven give holy spirit to those asking him!”

(Galatians 5:22, 23) ²² On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, ²³ mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. . .

Once we acquire faith we must exercise it by speaking to others about the reason for our faith.

(Romans 10:10) ¹⁰ For with the heart one exercises faith for righteousness, but with the mouth one makes public declaration for salvation.

(Hebrews 13:15) ¹⁵ Through him let us always offer to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips which make public declaration to his name.

So it is not through works we are saved but through our faith and our showing our faith. The works would be the results of the fruits of the spirit. So we can see it is not the works of the laws of God but the works of our faith.

Colossians 1:9, 10) . . ., ¹⁰ in order to walk worthily of Jehovah to the end of fully pleasing [him] as YOU go on bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the accurate knowledge of God. . .

(Matthew 5:16) ¹⁶ Likewise let YOUR light shine before men, that they may see YOUR fine works and give glory to YOUR Father who is in the heavens. . .

So the work we must do is make sure we represent God in a righteous way so as not to smear his good name and prove our faith.

(Ephesians 5:6-12) ⁶ Let no man deceive YOU with empty words, for because of the aforesaid things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience. ⁷ Therefore do not become partakers with them; ⁸ for YOU were once darkness, but YOU are now light in connection with [the] Lord. Go on walking as children of light, ⁹ for the fruitage of the light consists of every sort of goodness and righteousness and truth. ¹⁰ Keep on making sure of what is acceptable to the Lord; ¹¹ and quit sharing with [them] in the unfruitful works that belong to the darkness, but, rather, even be reproving [them], ¹² for the things that take place in secret by them it is shameful even to relate.

Hopefully if we please God we will escape the destruction that is coming upon this wicked system and those who are causing God’s good name to be spoken of abusively.

(Titus 2:6-8) ⁶ Likewise keep on exhorting the younger men to be sound in mind, ⁷ in all things showing yourself an example of fine works; showing uncorruptness in your teaching, seriousness, ⁸ wholesome speech which cannot be condemned; so that the man on the opposing side may get ashamed, having nothing vile to say about us. . .

(2 Peter 2:1-6) 2 However, there also came to be false prophets among the people, as there will also be false teachers among YOU. These very ones will quietly bring in destructive sects and will disown even the owner that bought them, bringing speedy destruction upon themselves. ² Furthermore, many will follow their acts of loose conduct, and on account of these the way of the truth will be spoken of abusively. ³ Also, with covetousness they will exploit YOU with counterfeit words. But as for them, the judgment from of old is not moving slowly, and the destruction of them is not slumbering. ⁴ Certainly if God did not hold back from punishing the angels that sinned, but, by throwing them into Tar′ta·rus, delivered them to pits of dense darkness to be reserved for judgment; ⁵ and he did not hold back from punishing an ancient world, but kept Noah, a preacher of righteousness, safe with seven others when he brought a deluge upon a world of ungodly people; ⁶ and by reducing the cities Sod′om and Go·mor′rah to ashes he condemned them, setting a pattern for ungodly persons of things to come;

So the works of are works faith in which we can read about those who did just hat in God’s word and some were mentioned in Hebrews chapter 11. There are many examples of those who trusted God and had faith he would fulfill the future promises and would do what is best. They held fast to Jehovah no matter what they had to endure. They worked to educate and guide others and set examples to follow. We need to work towards what is right in God’s eyes and not mans. In doing so we express our faith in our heavenly father and his son our king Jesus. So the works we are to do are an expression of our faith.

Being able to identify when others show the fruits of the spirit will make it harder for those appearing as angels of light to deceive us.

Fruits of the spirit. No matter how spiritual someone may seem if they are not showing fruits of the spirit then be cautious. If we are not or those we associate with are not showing the fruits of the spirit then it shows we or they need to write God’s word on our hearts and let it guide us. We must remember Satan will put wolves among us and they will be hard to identify but they will not show the fruits as those who are applying God’s word and writing it in our hearts.

Galations 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Of all the fruits love is the most important one.

1 Corinthians 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

Joy comes from remaining faithful no matter what we endure. Joy because we know we have salvation. We have faith that our king will save us. So if the person is a complainer or cannot see the good but only the bad be cautious. Also try and help them to learn to put faith in the promises of the future in store for those who remain faithful.

James 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

1 Peter 1:8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. We build the joy by sharing God,s word and doing his will.

Knowing God’s word and being able to give an answer for our hope gives us happiness.

Proverbs 15:23 A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!

Hebrews 12:2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the torture steak, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. How to have complete joy.

We need to keep in mind this is all temporary and things will get better much better.

John 16:22 So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. 23 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

God wrote his word because he knew what we would endure and he knew we would need guidance to get through it and assurance of the future.

Psalm 119:111 Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.

Peace our future hangs on pursuing it. If we see acts of violance and see people planning to do harm and we do not report it then we are not persuing peace. We are avoiding the possible persecution that may come from it. Pursuing peace means we do not return the acts of violance.

Psalm 37:37 Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace. Being peaceable helps keep us from stumbling. We must completely trust Jehovah. This gives us an inner peace no matter what we endure.

Psalm 119:165 Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Peace from God protects our minds.

Philipians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. God’s people would be peace makers. So they would not incite, condone in or tolerate acts that would promote violence.

We need to pay attention does the person strive for peace or do the stir up contentions?

Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Anyone can love those who love them but ot takes a true person of God to love those who do not love them.

Do they let love guide all they do?

Matthew 5:43“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbori and hate your enemy.’ 44But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Forbearance the quality of someone who is patient and able to deal with a difficult person or situation without becoming angry.

James 1:19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;

Because we are in the last days we may as well be patient and suffer as righteous and not unrighteous so we will have a future hope. So a lack of patience is not a good quality and is not a fruit of the spirit. Patience and endurance is are fruits of the spirit.

1 Peter 2:19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. If we are nut patient it shows we are not humble. Ecclesiastes 7:8 Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. We have to keep in mind Jehovah is patient and has given us an oppurtunity to repent, other have the same oppurtunity.

We need to be patient with those who do not yet know the truth they may be a spiritual brother or sister some day.

2 Peter 2:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. Those who refuse that oppurtunity will reap their reward. Revelation 21:8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

Being kind can be difficult in these times but stop and think if we are kind to those who are not which one will God judge? If both people are cruel who will be judged?

Proverbs 11:17 A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.

Proverbs 19:17 Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.

We are to be kind to everyone.

Galations 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

If we are not kind we could be cut of from the future promises.

Romans 11:Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.

I have found this to be true no matter how down and out I am when I do acts of kindness it picks me up.

Acts 20:35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

We should keep in mind in mind that God performed the ultimate act of kindness so we should do our best to imitate his kindness.

Romans 5:But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

When someone is burdened down we are to bear some of that burden when possible. Even if all we have to give them is an ear to listen. Having someone to talk to in times of trouble means more then most realize. So when someone is going through tough times do we show the fruits of the spirit and pick them up or do we avoid them and look down on them? Avoiding someone who is in need is not a fruit of the spirit.

Galations 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

1 Timothy 6:18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, If someone needs help and we do nothing it is a sin to not offer our kindness.

James 4:17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

Romans 15:1 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

In the bible where goodness was referred to it meant deliberate preference of right to wrong, the firm and persistent resistance of all moral evil, and the choosing and following of all moral good. So it pretty much means blameless. One of the things we must do is not complain or argue.

Philipians 2:14Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.

Guarding our tongues is very important but it says we must speak the truth in our hearts, so we should never justify things with false reasoning in our hearts. If we give an oath or promise we are to stick to it no matter how difficult. If we do those things the bible says we will not be shaken.  Do we or someone we associate with guard their tongue?

Psalm 15:1 Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? 2 The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; 3 whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; 4 who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; 5 who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken. The tent of Jehovah is a prize worth working for.

Revelation 7:15 15 That is why they are before the throne of God, and they are rendering him sacred service day and night in his temple; and the One seated on the throne will spread his tent over them.

Revelation 21 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea is no more. 2 I also saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God and prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. 4 And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”

Faithfulness, the apostle Paul defined faith. Do we or others we are concerned about put faith in God’s word or do they seek answers from man.

Hebrews 11:1Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. We are to believe in our hearts. If we let our jearts be filled with things like gear anger resentment or any other negative things how could we have room for faith, then how could we have the courage to share that faith?

Romans 10:10 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. We aquire faith by learning and hearing Gods word and listen to the teachings of Christ.

Do we or those we are associating with seek more wisdom in God’s word or do they rely on their own understanding? Putting faith in oneself or man is not a fruit of the spirit. When criticized or persecuted for their faith do they remain strong or shrink back. Those who have the fruits of the spirit will have strong faith.

Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. We should not put our faith in man many times mans solutions are short lived orvplagued with problems. Only God has the power and wisdom to give real answers and solutions.

1Corinthians 2:5 That your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. If we do not have faith we will not be accepted by God. Which stands to reason. It is no different then saying we do not believe him. Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Hebrews 10:38-39 But my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. If we have real faith we will work towards that faith.

Do you are others you associate with have works that show they have faith? If they do not share the truth or shrink back when challenged on their faith it is showing a lack of the fruits.

James 2:18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

If we do not share our faith continue to build on it by studying and hearing God’s word our faith will die. We must also apply that faith by always doing Jehovah’s will and not succumbing to doubts or fears. If a person has doubts or fear it is not a fruit of the spirit.

James 2:17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

Thessalonians 1:2-3 “We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Gentleness means we won’t even speak of bad things let alone

do them. Gentleness means we don’t force things on others but we will give them gentle answers. If someone likes to argue or debate that is not a fruit of the spirit.

Titus 3:2 To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

2 Timothy 2:24-26 quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

Galations 5:23 Gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. If we are gentle we are precious to God.

We are to figuratively wear gentleness. So a fruit of the spirit is being gentle and kind. Not firm and harsh.

1 Peter 3:4 But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. We are to be gentle with everyone.

1 Peter 2:18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust.

Self-control involve overcoming our human imperfections like anger, selfishness, greed, the list goes on. Our temper.

Proverbs 11:A fool always loses his temper, But a wise man holds it back.

Do they put physical things over spiritual. Putting physical things first is not a fruit of the spirit.

1 Thessalonions 4:3-7 For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God

1 Corinthians 7:9 But if they do not have self-control, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

Watching what we say. A tongue that stirs up contention, or does not offer comfort is not a fruit of the spirit. Also one who holds a grudge is not showing the fruits of the spirit.

Proverbs 21:23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles Proverbs 18:7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin, And his lips are the snare of his soul. Not getting violent.

Matthew 5:39-40 “But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. “If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also.

Controlling hatred not even letting it into our hearts. Hating others or looking down on them is not a fruit of the spirit.

Luke 6:27-29 “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. “Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either.

Fear is not a fruit of the spirit.

Isaiah 35:3 Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; 4 say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”

Do they have inner peace when under tribulation or persecution? Inner peace is a fruit of the spirit.

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

Matthew 6:25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Fear of death is not a fruit of the spirit. It involves faith in the future promises.

John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” Matthew 10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in the firey pit.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

To live again we must live by spirit. Do we or those we associate with live by spirit letting God’s word guide them?

Romans 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

Materialism is not a fruit of the spirit.

Fear of losing what we have. 1 Timothy 6:7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.

John 5:28 28 Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, and those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment.

Do we or those we associate with have complete faith or do we have doubts. Doubt is not a fruit of the spirit.Controlling doubt If we let Jehovah’s word guide us and do his will we have no reason to have doubts. If we have doubts we will tend to lean on our own understanding.

Proverbs 3:5-8 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. If we have doubts it will it will cloud our thinking, it could hinder us from making the right decisions. We will be easily swayed like wave on the ocean when blown by the wind.

James 1:5-8 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Matthew 21:21 And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

I could go on and on but if you are blessed with the spirit we are to produce fruits from the spirit. That means we will do what we can to obey Jehovah’s laws and teach others also. Our fruits will speak for us. We are commanded to bear fruits.

Matthew 3:8 “Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance; Matthew 12:33 “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit.

You will know a true person of God by their fruits. What is it like around them? Do they try to work toward peace and live peacefully with others? Do they strive to teach others God’s word and help build their faith are do they only worry about themselves?

Matthew 7:16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Gentleness.

James 3:13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.

Helping others

Titus 3:18 Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.

James 2:14-26 What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?

Do they show they are letting the wisdom from above guide them? When the seed does not grow and produce fruit it is not showing the fruits.

James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.

Draw other to the truth.

Matthew 13:23 “And the one on whom seed was sown on the good soil, this is the man who hears the word and understands it; who indeed bears fruit and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty.” Spiritual things and Gods will will come first.

Romans 8:13-14 for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

Galations 5:24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Over coming our errs. Looking at our reflection in the mirror of God’s word and seeing our error and working to overcome them is a fruit. If someone is avoiding overcoming their error they are not showing the fruit.

Romans 6:11-14 Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.

Increase in knowledge and applying it is a fruit.

Collossians 10: so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Their actions will demonstrate their love.  Do their actions and deeds show they know love and are truthful.

1John 3:18 Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.

Characteristics of those producing the fruits.

James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

Do they try and draw others to God’s word so they can know him and have faith? Do they acknowledge God’s name and declare it?

Hebrews 13:15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.

Love would guide all they do.

1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

Joy and peace no matter what their circumstances.

Romans 15:13 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

They will have endurance and patience.

Collossians 1:11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,

Bragging, harshness, those are not fruit of the spirit. We should be humble and gentle.

Ephesians 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Does the person persevere under trials and tribulations or do they complain and struggle to hold their faith? They would be able to persevere.

2Peter 1:5-7 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.

Their trust in God will be clear they will not turn to man or immoral things or the world but to Jehovah and let his word guide them and will do his will not their own. In doing so they will know what to do and will not be easily moved from doing Gods will.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,whose confidence is in him.They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

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

They will have no doubt about God’s and Jesus love.

Romans 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We do not want to be one of those not producing the fruits. Matthew 7:19 Every tree that brings not forth good fruit is cut down, and cast into the fire.