A Family Needs a Firm Foundation

Question: In these challenging social times, how do I help my children be strong Christians?

Answer: It’s true that traditional Christian values are being challenged from every direction. If your son or daughter attends public schools or universities, they are most likely being taught to believe ideas and ways that are contrary to God’s biblical teachings…in addition to the regular reading, writing, and math. Most parents are not aware of this. That’s why parents need to be very active in keeping up with what’s going on in their child’s school. However, the bottom line is that parents cannot be with their child every minute. Therefore, it becomes even more important that parents are teaching their children from a very early age what exactly their family believes. Proverbs 22:6 tells us to train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it. This training will be their firm foundation.

Sadly, too many Christians today don’t even know themselves what God teaches us in His Word-The Holy Bible. As Christians, we need to read and study the Bible for ourselves. Plus, it is extremely important to attend a true Bible believing, Bible teaching church. Be aware that many places call themselves a church, but they don’t even teach that the Bible is the true word of God. If you are in a church like this, you and your family need to leave NOW! Pray to find a church to join that actually follows God’s Word!

Also, know that having that firm foundation starts with you and your children understanding that we are all sinners in need of a Savior. Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, is that Savior. Jesus died on the cross to take the punishment we deserved for our sins. He rose to life again on the third day and now lives at the right hand of our Father God in Heaven.

Once we ask Jesus to forgive us our sins, repent, and accept Him as our Lord and Savior, we can go on to grow in our faith! Know that we cannot strive in this world by our own strength. God gives us His Holy Spirit to guide and comfort us through this life…until we die from this world, and move on to eternal life in Heaven!

So remember to pray for the Lord to strengthen your family in their faith and help them live their lives to please Him! Pray for them to keep God as their firm foundation!

(Reposted and updated from my March 22, 2012 Blog Post)

Looking for Hope in all the wrong places!

May9

Question: It’s been months since my boyfriend dumped me, and I still have dreams of being married and having kids with him. How do I move on?

Answer: It can be very difficult moving on with our lives after having our dreams shattered. Unfortunately, as long as you’re dealing with imperfect people, you’ll run the risk of having them disappoint you. And, as the Bible teaches us, we’re all imperfect people. Believers know that we are all sinners and that it is our faith in Jesus Christ that saves us (See Romans 5:8-11). God’s Word also tells us that it is Him that we must put our dependence on. He knows our needs and wants. He will bless us when we believe and trust in Him! The abilACity to move on with our lives will happen if we put our hope in God, and God alone! Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (NKJV)

More and more these days, we find people putting their hope in other people instead of putting their hope in God. For example, we see this nearly every election, when various politicians and their political groups make all kinds of promises to people in order to get their votes. People put their hope in these politicians because the people really believe these politicians are going to do things to make their lives better. Later, the people realize their lives aren’t much better. And, too many times, their favorite politicians didn’t keep their promises. Instead of putting our hope in politicians, we need to put our hope in God! (See Psalm 118:8-9.)

Also, people have been known to put their hope in religious leaders. They forget that religious leaders are still human. They are imperfect and will sin just like everyone else. The only man to walk this earth without committing sin is Jesus Christ because He is God. (See 2 Corinthians 5:21) Sadly, when religious leaders fall, some of their followers will have their faith shaken. They may even abandon their faith. This happens because they have put their hope in man instead of putting their hope in God.

Most commonly, people find themselves putting their hope in their family. Be it their parents, children, or spouses, people’s lives can be shattered when these family members make huge moral mistakes. Hearts are broken as a result of their sins, and disillusionment sets in. People will often blame God for putting them in these relationships. But, all along, people should have been putting their hope in God and not in their family members because family members are still just imperfect humans.

Therefore, people need to stop looking for hope in all the wrong places. Our hope should not be placed in politicians, celebrities, religious leaders, friends, family, or even ourselves. Our hope should only be in God!

How many ways to Heaven? Jesus says, just one!

Apr3

Question: Are there many different ways to Heaven?

Answer: No. Jesus says there is just one way to Heaven and that’s through Him! In John 14:6, it reads, “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’ ” (NKJV) Believers know that Jesus does not lie. Therefore, we can be assured that the only way to Heaven is through Jesus, as our Lord and Savior! Jesus does not say that there is any other way. In fact, many other scriptures in the Holy Bible confirm this. For example, in Acts 4:12, the Apostle Peter says of Jesus, “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” John the Baptist says in John 3:36, “He who believes in the Son (Jesus) has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”

Also, in 1 John 5:10-13, the Bible gives another summary on the only way to God in Heaven. It says, “He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son. And this is the testimony; that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.”

These scriptures are the words of God. Believers know that they are true. Sadly, even some Christians will try to deny God’s Word. They do not want to admit to others that not every person will go to Heaven even if they are doing so-called “good deeds” or saying they believe in some type of “god.” This “One way to God” teaching sounds mean, divisive, and unfair to them. What these people forget is that God is a loving God. Remember that John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son , that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” God’s offer of salvation is given to all people groups.

God wants us to realize that we are all sinners in need of a Savior. He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross to take the punishment for our sins — although Jesus remained sinless. He wants us to ask His forgiveness for our sins and repent. He wants us to accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and be saved. However, He has also given us free-will. It’s up to each able-minded individual to decide to accept or reject Jesus as his or her Lord and Savior. Those who harden their own hearts and refuse to accept Jesus as their Savior have condemned themselves to eternal separation from a holy God. In other words, they choose Hell over Heaven! Still, they are making this choice for themselves.

Renowned Pastor Greg Laurie does a beautiful job of explaining that the only way to Heaven is through Jesus. Listen to this 3 minute 13 second video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ch0Qcd-wufY&feature=youtu.be

Believers must continue to pray for all those who reject Jesus Christ and the teachings of God’s Holy Word, and who believe that there are multiple ways to Heaven. Pray that they realize that God’s words are true. Pray that they accept that when Jesus said, “No one comes to the Father except through Me,” He meant it! He IS the one and only way!

(Reposted from my January 24, 2014 Blog)

Have you forgotten about the power of God’s word?

Mar13

Question: Just how powerful is God’s word?

Answer: God’s word is all powerful because our Almighty God is all powerful!

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:12-13 NKJV)

Also remember that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

As Believers — those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their one and only Lord and Savior — we know that the word of God is true! We can trust what He says to us through His Scriptures in the Bible because God does not lie!

Therefore, we don’t need to feel weak or helpless as we face life’s daily challenges. Through our prayers to Him in the name of Jesus, and by studying His word, we can be equipped by His Holy Spirit for the spiritual battles that come our way. (Read Ephesians 6:10-17) We can be confident as we stand on God’s promises which are spelled out in His word.

For example, God promises Believers His love. “And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in Him. . . We love Him because He first loved us. (1 John 4 :16, 19)

God’s word also tells us He will give us peace. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

Likewise, God’s word also spells out clearly that we are to live our lives in obedience to Him through the power of His Holy Spirit. He warns against provoking His wrath. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.” (Romans 1:18)

Also, “Whoever believes in the Son (Jesus Christ) has eternal life, but whoever does not obey the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on Him.” (John 3:36)

God’s word is powerful! Knowing this, you can understand the Scripture, “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” (Psalms 119:105)

So, get to know His word. Learn and obey the Scriptures. There really is power in the word of God!

Does love really mean not calling sin…sin?

Feb7

Question: Shouldn’t Christians just show love to others and stop trying to shame them about their sins?

Answer: That depends on what you mean by “showing love.” Consider this: a good and loving parent teaches their child right from wrong and lets that child know that doing wrong (sinning) will lead to negative consequences. For example, the loving parent will teach their child not to play with matches. They will tell him what could happen if he started a fire that caused himself or others to be seriously burned. The parent would let the child know that his disobedience could even lead to the entire house burning to the ground. If that child still goes and plays with the matches, the parent will tell the child, again, why this was wrong and punish the child to discourage him from doing it again. Likely, that child will feel ashamed when being called out for doing wrong.

But, better that parent tell that child what he was doing was wrong than keeping the child ignorant of the dangers of his actions… actions that could possibly lead to catastrophic results! That parent telling the child his behavior was wrong was actually showing love to that child. For it would not be very loving to let that child remain unaware of his dangerous behavior and the potentially deadly consequences.

Likewise, God wants Believers to tell the world His Gospel. In fact, Jesus left us with the Great Commission to, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…” ( Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV) Of utmost importance in what His Holy Word teaches is the deadly consequences of our sin. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Since Romans 3:23 says that we “…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” we all need our Savior, Jesus Christ!

Therefore, it would not be very loving to keep people ignorant of the dangers of their sinful behavior. Letting people know what sin is and the consequences of their sin is actually a loving thing to do. Just always let them know in ways that are compassionate and caring – remembering that we were all lost in sin until we accepted Jesus as our Savior. Thank God for His saving grace!

(Reposted from my February 2017 Blog Post)

God said it! Do you really believe it?

Jan11

Question: Should I believe everything in the Bible?

Answer: Yes! “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV)

And over and over again, Jesus Himself quoted from the Scriptures and cited them as the true words of God: “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ” (Matthew 4:4)

That’s why it’s so important that we all read the Bible and study His Holy Word regularly. It tells us how God wants us to live our lives. Plus, we can have confidence in knowing “…it is impossible for God to lie…” (Hebrews 6:18)

Here are some of the many truths we find in the Bible.

From the very beginning of God’s Word, we learn that it was God who created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). We also learn that God created all life: plants, animals, and humans, who were created male and female in His image (Genesis 1:26-28). God’s first humans, Adam and Eve, did not obey God’s instructions to them. They sinned against God and passed that original sin on to all mankind.

Our sins separate us from a Holy God. We can’t go to Heaven in our sin. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord,” (Romans 6:23). So indeed, God still made a way to heaven for us. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Jesus died on the cross to take the punishment we deserved for our sins. On the third day, God raised Him from the dead. Jesus now lives at the right hand of the Father in Heaven. Jesus intercedes with God on our behalf when we pray.

So what are some other important truths God wants us to know?

In John 14:6, Jesus is quoted as saying, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” God wants us to know that we must accept Jesus Christ as our one and only Lord and Savior. He wants us to ask forgiveness and repent of our sins. He wants us to live our lives to please Him.

God also wants us to know that we have an enemy who is Satan (also known as the devil and the thief). In John 10:10, Jesus says: “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

Unlike God, we learn that Satan does lie! In fact, Jesus called him “the father of lies” (John 8:44). God warns us against falling for Satan’s many lies. One of his biggest lies is that there are many ways to Heaven instead of the truth, being that Jesus is the only way. Remember Jesus’ own words: “No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Another of the devil’s lies is that people can decide for themselves what is right and wrong. The truth is, only God says what is right and wrong. Therefore, if God says something is sin, then it is sin no matter what the world says about it.

Yet another lie is making people think that what they desire or believe is more important than what God expects us to desire and believe. We should only want to do and support what is pleasing to God! Jesus said, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word…” (John 15:23)

God wants us to read His Word and pray for His Holy Spirit to guide us (John 14:24-29). He wants us to know that one day Jesus will be coming back to take Believers with Him to Heaven and to condemn those who refused to accept Jesus as their Savior, which means eternal damnation in Hell:

“He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed.” (2nd Thessalonians 1:8-10 NIV. See also: John 14:1-4; Revelation 22:12-21)

God gave us all truth in His Holy Word – the Bible. Believe It!

Don’t have a Jesus-free Christmas!

Dec12

Question: In the hustle and bustle of the season, how can I make sure I’m keeping Christ in Christmas?

Answer: Even dedicated Christians can sometimes find themselves consumed with every tradition of the holiday season except what’s most important. They can forget that Jesus really is the reason for the season! Christians know that this is the time of the year we choose to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Therefore, we should make the time and make the effort to keep Christ in our Christmas! But, if we know this, then why don’t we do it?

Unfortunately, some Christians can get as consumed with creating the picture-perfect Christmas experience as the world does. They fill themselves with anxiety trying to get the best super sales on the most popular gifts. Adults get worked up over seeing their peers gifting themselves with the latest “must-have” gadgets and new technology. They wear themselves out trying to keep up with the trends of the crowd. They forget to pause, reflect, and be thankful for the greatest gift – Jesus Christ.

Likewise, many Christian families find themselves in turmoil during this season. Married couples fight over which in-laws they are going to spend Christmas Day with. Parents argue over how much money they are going to spend to make sure their children have this year’s hottest toys. They fill the family calendar with so many seasonal activities that they find themselves exhausted. Yet, they fail to make time for the most important things – reading, meditating on, and discussing God’s Word.

Most importantly, during this season of spending extra time with family and friends, too many Christians fail to include in their discussions talk of their walk with the Lord. They tend not to share with their family and friends how God has brought them faithfully through this year. They are willing to talk about everything else but Jesus. It doesn’t have to be this way.

Don’t have a Jesus-free Christmas! See that you and your family are keeping Christ in Christmas. There are many ways you can do this. For example, plan to take your family to a church Christmas program that tells the story of Christ’s birth. While decorating the tree, play or sing Christmas hymns that give praise to our Lord. Make sure to share with your family and friends how God has blessed you this year. And, always make sure your family knows the story of the birth of our Savior. Luke 2: 1-20 spells out in detail how Jesus was born in Bethlehem. This Bible passage may be one you’d even want to read aloud together. Listen to a reading of this account by clicking here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCKpwaRxIww&feature=youtube_gdata .

And, have a very Merry CHRISTmas!

(Reposted from my December 2014 Blog Post.)

Helpful Links:

Focus on the Family www.focusonthefamily.com

Crown Financial Ministries www.crown.org

The Christian Broadcasting Network www.cbn.com

World Magazine www.wng.org

Are you living the “thankful” life?

Nov9

Question: How can I stop complaining so much and remember to be more thankful?

Answer: Start by taking a few moments right now to thank God for the many blessings in your life! Ask God to forgive you for all the times you’ve failed to give Him the glory for your life. Our Heavenly Father knows that none of our lives will be perfect, for only Jesus Christ lived a perfect life. God knows that we often have to deal with frustrations and disappointments. He knows that we can find these times hard to deal with. He has given Believers His Holy Spirit to live in us, and to guide and strengthen us as we deal with these challenges. It’s through the power of the Holy Spirit that we can learn to live the “thankful” life during both good times and hard times.

God commands us, as Believers, to be obedient to His Holy Word. He wants us to live our lives to please Him. Multiple times in His Word, He lets us know that part of being obedient is being thankful. For example:

-In Psalm 92:1, His Word tells us that “It is good to give thanks to the LORD…” (NKJV)

-Psalm 100:4-5 says, “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.”

-Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

-First Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

So, we see in these scriptures and in many others why God wants us to be thankful. He wants us to value and appreciate all that He has done and continues to do for us because He loves us. Of course, we are to be most thankful for the ultimate way God showed His love for us: by giving us His Son, Jesus Christ! (Read John 3:16)

Believers are thankful that God gave us Jesus to die on the cross to take the punishment we deserve for our sins and that Jesus rose again on the third day to live with God forever in Heaven. We are thankful that we’ve accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior, have asked Him to forgive us of our sins, and have repented of our sins to also be able to live in Heaven one day.

For these reasons and many others, we have so many blessings in our lives for which to be thankful. God wants Believers to be thankful at all times – when things are easy and even when things are difficult. He wants Believers to remember that He loves us and is always with us.

Through the power of His Holy Spirit in us, we can live the “thankful” life!

Updated and reposted from my November 12, 2022 blog post.

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One Nation Under God?

Oct5

Question: What should Christians do to get our country out of its moral decline?

Answer: Pray! Christians know that prayers do, indeed, change things. The Bible tells us in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If My people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (NKJV) As Christians, we must make sure that we are living our own lives to please God. We need to repent from our own sins before we seek to witness to others about their need to turn from their sins. Unbelievers can often spot a hypocrite, and they are understandably turned off by them.

Plus, as Christians, we need not despair as we see evil gaining ground by way of some of the new laws being made in this country which go against the Word of God. Believers know that if God says something is sin, we know that it is sin no matter who says otherwise. Therefore, Believers should not give their support to any politician or group who supports such laws!

Also, Believers need not feel defeated as we witness polls that show the majority of people favoring what God’s Word clearly calls sin. We need to heed the warning found in Isaiah 5: 20, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil…” The Bible also tells us that God will not be mocked (Galatians 6:7). He is still in control. When a nation continues to be disobedient to God, it invites the wrath of God upon it!

Additionally, America’s founding fathers were wise to include recognition of God in such places as the Declaration of Independence. Dr. Harold Pease, an expert on the US Constitution, wrote about the five references to God found in the Declaration of Independence. Most famous is the following reference about our Creator, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” (See http://www.libertyunderfire.org/2011/07/five-references-to-god-in-the-declaration-of-independence/).

Also, in 1954, US President Dwight Eisenhower was wise to get Congress to add the words “under God” to the Pledge Of Allegiance. ( See http://www.ushistory.org/documents/pledge.htm). There are even carved images of the story of Moses in the building of the US Supreme Court. Despite the many wrongs this country has contributed to like slavery and segregation, this country has done many other things right. For example, this country remains one of the nation of Israel’s closest allies. This country continues to be one that gives the most to address the world’s humanitarian needs. This nation continues to be considered the most powerful in the world. America has been blessed. America has a history of acknowledging God in its historical documents, national buildings, and patriotic songs. Most of its citizens call themselves Christian.

Therefore, America needs to remain a country which recognizes the existence of Almighty God. America’s people would be wise to remember the part of the Pledge that says we are “one nation under God.” As Christians, we need to live out our beliefs and continue to pray for others to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. For the Bible tells us in Psalm 33:12, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD…” We need to rely on the teachings of the Bible when making laws for our country and not govern in ways that go against God’s Word.

Amen!

(Reposted and updated from my July 2013 Blog)

Are you really putting God first?

Sep6

Question: How can I be sure my decisions put God first instead of just pleasing myself?

Answer: You can start by making sure your decisions don’t go against the word of God! The two ways you can be guided in this are by studying to know God’s word and by praying for the Holy Spirit to help you. In reading the Bible, we learn about the many promises Our Heavenly Father has made to us as Believers. Two of these promises are that He will always be there for us and that He will give us His Holy Spirit to guide us.

Jesus said, “…when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth…” (John 16:13 NKJV)

Unfortunately, there are times when we talk ourselves into believing that what we want in a situation is the same as what God wants. But this may not always be the case. In fact, God’s Word warns us against believing we know better than God. As the Prophet Isaiah cautions, “Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes…”(Isaiah 5:21)

Therefore, if God tells us not to commit or support sin, we should put Him first and not support sin. For example, we may want to support those who promote sinful behaviors – especially if they are people we like. We convince ourselves that it’s okay to support their sinful agendas as long as we’re not actually committing these sins ourselves and we like the good things these people may do.

But God’s word says, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones” (Proverbs 3:7-8). If your support helps these people or others sin against God, then you are sharing in their sin by giving them your support! (See Romans 1:28-32) You are choosing to put their desires ahead of God’s commands. That’s not putting God first! As Believers, our first obedience must be to God. For to God, obedience is better than sacrifice. (See 1 Samuel 15:22)

A different example of not putting God first could happen in the way we respond to our achievements. When given the opportunity, we may enthusiastically give credit for our success to many people – our parents, teachers, mentors, and even ourselves. While acknowledging the help of all these people is fine, we must remember to give the main credit to God! He is the one who blessed us to be able to achieve that success by providing us with the various people, skills, wisdom, and opportunities that helped us to achieve. Therefore, make sure to give God the credit for His many blessings in your life.

Now, we are not perfect people. The only perfect one to walk this earth was our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! So, there are going to be times when we fail to put God first. When this happens, we need to ask Jesus to forgive us and repent of our sins. Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you make the right choices.

Just remember that God loves us even when we fail Him. Keep reading God’s word and pray for the Holy Spirit to help you keep God first in your life. He will guide you and keep you on the right track.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3: 5-7)