We did not appreciate and have abused our freedom, so God is in the process of taking it away from us.
Freedom is not unfettered chaos, everyone doing as they please, rather it is reasonable human beings acting responsibly with great care for those they may influence or have an effect on the lives of their families, their communities and finally their nation.
We have demanded our personal freedom and rights without counting the cost of blatant and selfish individualism. Now we are losing that freedom, and it is because we removed all restraints on evil to gain that which will cause us to lose all.
How is all this freedom working out for you?
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Friday, October 31, 2014
Kirk Cameron Reveals His Heart
I have just lost all respect for Kirk Cameron, I now think he may be a deceiver, since his language endorsing Halloween is the same language I use to hear when I was in the Catholic church. Is he a Catholic or has he been hanging out with Catholics? OR worse, has he been involved in satanism?
One of the statements in the Bible makes me wonder about many of these people who have much influence over far too many people to be benign in their ability to sway Christian opinion, that statement is in Matthew 24:24 "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect."
The phrase in this verse that impresses me is "they shall deceive the very elect."
Kirk Cameron has recently made a film called "Saving Christmas." I realize it is his feeble attempt to bring "Christ back into Christmas", as many believers like to do. However, Christ was never in Christmas, and He definitely never in Halloween.
Taking a pagan holiday and attempting to "Christianize" it, never works. Christ never celebrated these things, nor did the apostles ever encourage anyone to partake in the pagan celebrations.
Jeremiah 10:2 "Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them."
God told us to remain separate from the ways of the world.
2 Corinthians 6:17 "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,"
There were no celebrations of "Christmas" or "Halloween" in the accounts of the New Testament saints. All these silly human concoctions came much later when the pagans were doing it and believers didn't want to be left out of the fun so they made an attempt to "Christianize" that which was unholy, so they could feel better about partaking.
Now, we are so used to these holidays, they have become such a part of our "bone and marrow", that we cannot think any other way. When we suggest to a modern believer that they should leave these holidays alone, they look at us as though we have two heads.
There was a time in this country that the church elders would condemn these holidays, even Christmas was banned among the Puritans for it's revelry and pagan practices. Then as the next generations began to accept a little of it at a time, the snow ball grew while the mind of believers became confused and enticed by it all. Now we have believes who will fight over the right to indulge in that which dishonors God.
I am saddened at how many believers still have a serious connection to tradition based on nothing more than the good feelings they get from it.
I admit, it is pleasing to the senses to go to a mall and see all the beautiful decorations, the pretty sounding music and many happy smiling faces. These things appeal deeply to our sense of well being. Unfortunately many things in this life are appealing to the senses but in fact are deadly to the soul. Satan always comes as an angel of light bringing pretty happy and festive things to distract us from what really matters.
When you are with extended family and neighbors this holiday season, bring up the name of Christ in the gathering and watch what happens. You will make everyone in the room uncomfortable and you will be subtly shunned for the rest of the evening, even in Christian gatherings.
The people you encounter will smile, laugh and tear open their candy or presents, with great glee. As soon as Christ is mentioned, the faces fall, the laughter stops and the room becomes as cold as ice.
I have been there and done that, this is not about Christ, we only like to say so, it makes us feel better. The same reason we do this is the same reason homosexuals start churches, they feel a need to be validated in their sin.
If Christmas were about Christ, we would drop all the decorations and gifts and meet for prayer and hymns. In most gatherings there are no prayer and hymns, only gifts, candy and huge meals.
Let's each of us evaluate our traditions, asking God what pleases Him. He does give us a clue when He says this:
Hosea 6:6 "For I desire mercy and not sacrifice,
And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings"
When we say Christ is in Christmas or Halloween, and then indulge in the candy,gift giving, tree decorating and santa clause worship, we are lying. It is not about worshiping Christ but about our personal desire for revelry, if we are to be honest.
One of the statements in the Bible makes me wonder about many of these people who have much influence over far too many people to be benign in their ability to sway Christian opinion, that statement is in Matthew 24:24 "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect."
The phrase in this verse that impresses me is "they shall deceive the very elect."
Kirk Cameron has recently made a film called "Saving Christmas." I realize it is his feeble attempt to bring "Christ back into Christmas", as many believers like to do. However, Christ was never in Christmas, and He definitely never in Halloween.
Taking a pagan holiday and attempting to "Christianize" it, never works. Christ never celebrated these things, nor did the apostles ever encourage anyone to partake in the pagan celebrations.
Jeremiah 10:2 "Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them."
God told us to remain separate from the ways of the world.
2 Corinthians 6:17 "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,"
There were no celebrations of "Christmas" or "Halloween" in the accounts of the New Testament saints. All these silly human concoctions came much later when the pagans were doing it and believers didn't want to be left out of the fun so they made an attempt to "Christianize" that which was unholy, so they could feel better about partaking.
Now, we are so used to these holidays, they have become such a part of our "bone and marrow", that we cannot think any other way. When we suggest to a modern believer that they should leave these holidays alone, they look at us as though we have two heads.
There was a time in this country that the church elders would condemn these holidays, even Christmas was banned among the Puritans for it's revelry and pagan practices. Then as the next generations began to accept a little of it at a time, the snow ball grew while the mind of believers became confused and enticed by it all. Now we have believes who will fight over the right to indulge in that which dishonors God.
I am saddened at how many believers still have a serious connection to tradition based on nothing more than the good feelings they get from it.
I admit, it is pleasing to the senses to go to a mall and see all the beautiful decorations, the pretty sounding music and many happy smiling faces. These things appeal deeply to our sense of well being. Unfortunately many things in this life are appealing to the senses but in fact are deadly to the soul. Satan always comes as an angel of light bringing pretty happy and festive things to distract us from what really matters.
When you are with extended family and neighbors this holiday season, bring up the name of Christ in the gathering and watch what happens. You will make everyone in the room uncomfortable and you will be subtly shunned for the rest of the evening, even in Christian gatherings.
The people you encounter will smile, laugh and tear open their candy or presents, with great glee. As soon as Christ is mentioned, the faces fall, the laughter stops and the room becomes as cold as ice.
I have been there and done that, this is not about Christ, we only like to say so, it makes us feel better. The same reason we do this is the same reason homosexuals start churches, they feel a need to be validated in their sin.
If Christmas were about Christ, we would drop all the decorations and gifts and meet for prayer and hymns. In most gatherings there are no prayer and hymns, only gifts, candy and huge meals.
Let's each of us evaluate our traditions, asking God what pleases Him. He does give us a clue when He says this:
Hosea 6:6 "For I desire mercy and not sacrifice,
And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings"
When we say Christ is in Christmas or Halloween, and then indulge in the candy,gift giving, tree decorating and santa clause worship, we are lying. It is not about worshiping Christ but about our personal desire for revelry, if we are to be honest.
Doctrine of Demons Number 3
"No one needs to evangelize Israel"
But God says this:
Jeremiah 31:3 (about Israel)
"The LORD has appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved you with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn you."
Romans 1:16
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
Romans 11:11
"I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy."
Romans 11:26
"and so all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, "THE DELIVERER WILL COME FROM ZION, HE WILL REMOVE UNGODLINESS FROM JACOB."
But God says this:
Jeremiah 31:3 (about Israel)
"The LORD has appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved you with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn you."
Romans 1:16
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
Romans 11:11
"I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy."
Romans 11:26
"and so all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, "THE DELIVERER WILL COME FROM ZION, HE WILL REMOVE UNGODLINESS FROM JACOB."
Doctrines of Demons Number 1
Doctrine of Demons Number 1
"Self Esteem is important to the well being of every human being."
Philippians 2:3 "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."
James 4:6 "6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."
There is an old saying that goes like this; "One of the elements of holiness is the absence of self awareness." (Don't know the author)
"Self Esteem is important to the well being of every human being."
Philippians 2:3 "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."
James 4:6 "6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."
There is an old saying that goes like this; "One of the elements of holiness is the absence of self awareness." (Don't know the author)
Doctrines of Demons Number 2
Doctine of Demons Number 2
"No one has a choice whether or not to trust Christ, it was decided before we were born whether or not we go to heaven or hell."
"No one has a choice whether or not to trust Christ, it was decided before we were born whether or not we go to heaven or hell."
But God Says this:
Joshua 24:15
""If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
Revelation 22:17
"The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost."
For all (1st Timothy 2:6; Isaiah 53:6).
1 Timothy 2:6 "Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."
Isaiah 53:6 "6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all."
For every man (Heb. 2:9).
"9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man."
For the world (John 3:16).
"16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
For the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2).
"And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world."
For the ungodly (Rom. 5:6).
"6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."
For many (Matthew 20:28).
"28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."
For Israel (John 11:50-51).
"50 nor do you consider that it is expedient for us[a] that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.” 51 Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation,"
For the Church (Eph. 5:25).
"25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,"
For "me" (Gal. 2:20).
"20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
Joshua 24:15
""If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
Revelation 22:17
"The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost."
For all (1st Timothy 2:6; Isaiah 53:6).
1 Timothy 2:6 "Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."
Isaiah 53:6 "6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all."
For every man (Heb. 2:9).
"9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man."
For the world (John 3:16).
"16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
For the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2).
"And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world."
For the ungodly (Rom. 5:6).
"6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."
For many (Matthew 20:28).
"28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."
For Israel (John 11:50-51).
"50 nor do you consider that it is expedient for us[a] that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.” 51 Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation,"
For the Church (Eph. 5:25).
"25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,"
For "me" (Gal. 2:20).
"20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Sin Causes Division
It is those who continue in sin unabashed, that cause division in the church. Those who point out the sin that it might be dealt with, for the purpose of cleansing the body, are those who love unity and holiness.
It was actually said to me once, in a church we attended, that we should compromise the principles of God for the sake of unity.
God's word tells us the opposite, to have true unity we are to adhere to the principles of God and all those who come against this are divisive.
1 Corinthians 5:13 "But those who are outside, God judges. REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES."
It is sin to compromise God's principles for the sake of unity. That is the superficial unity that is a house built on sand, ready to collapse at the next wave of sin that enters the church.
True unity seeks God for His righteousness and works to bring the body in line with this.
Evangelistic minded people are more concerned about souls being saved than they are about the hearers response to their message. They know that we are merely the messengers of God, that He will take care of the response in the hearts of men.
1 Corinthians 3:7 "So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth."
The day we realize that we cannot make someone want God by our friendliness, we must be loving enough to tell the truth, and trust that God can use His Word in someone's life, is the day we will be free from the bondage of the fear of man.
Proverbs 29:25 "The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe."
Matthew 10:28 ""Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."
John 12:43 "For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God."
Galatians 1:10 "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."
Focus on Christ alone, evaluate everything in light of Him and His Word, then we will not be afraid of those we minister to, nor those who seek to offend us.
It was actually said to me once, in a church we attended, that we should compromise the principles of God for the sake of unity.
God's word tells us the opposite, to have true unity we are to adhere to the principles of God and all those who come against this are divisive.
1 Corinthians 5:13 "But those who are outside, God judges. REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES."
It is sin to compromise God's principles for the sake of unity. That is the superficial unity that is a house built on sand, ready to collapse at the next wave of sin that enters the church.
True unity seeks God for His righteousness and works to bring the body in line with this.
Evangelistic minded people are more concerned about souls being saved than they are about the hearers response to their message. They know that we are merely the messengers of God, that He will take care of the response in the hearts of men.
1 Corinthians 3:7 "So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth."
The day we realize that we cannot make someone want God by our friendliness, we must be loving enough to tell the truth, and trust that God can use His Word in someone's life, is the day we will be free from the bondage of the fear of man.
Proverbs 29:25 "The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe."
Matthew 10:28 ""Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."
John 12:43 "For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God."
Galatians 1:10 "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."
Focus on Christ alone, evaluate everything in light of Him and His Word, then we will not be afraid of those we minister to, nor those who seek to offend us.
Judging is a Necessity
There are two forms of judging, the judgment over appearances when we don't know the details of the circumstances we think we see.
Judge 7:24 "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment."
The second form of judging is proper in the sight of God and even commanded.
1 Corinthians 2:15 "But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no one."
Sometimes it is necessary to confront a brother or sister who is in sin. We have a responsibility to them as a member of the family of God. We need to care more about our brothers and sisters than we do about ourselves.
1 Timothy 5:22 "Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure."
We are not to endorse a sin by our acceptance of it or silence about it. When we refuse to speak out of fear of losing friends or family, then we have endorsed and even participated in the sin. When self is the motivation for our actions, then we walk in sin, the sin of elevating ourselves above God, becoming our own god.
If a person has been truly born again, they will not argue and fight when corrected, they will be humbled and desire to know truth, even weeping over their sin ready to repent. I have not had the privilege of meeting anyone in many years who will take correction humbly and graciously. I have come to the conclusion that most who claim to be "Christians" have never been born again in the first place. They never learned from the beginning to weep over their sinfulness, so they are unconcerned about sin after they said they became a "Christian."
The region "of the world" has hardened the hearts of the rebellious, they will defend others in sin, with the "don't judge" mantra, even if the judgement is over something they themselves wouldn't do. They are so steeped in self esteem that they can not endure any form of instruction or correction, unless it will elevate them in some way. Because these superficial believers don't like to be corrected themselves, they cannot tolerate anyone else being corrected, perhaps they would be next.
Those who love the Lord with all their hearts don't fear correction for two reasons, first, they are not walking in guilt because they keep close accounts of thought sins, they abhor sin as God commands us to do, so they do not fight against correction but rather lean into it.
Those who cannot tolerate any form of confrontation or conflict, do everything in their power to avoid needed confrontation. We do not want conflict, but it is not those who confront sin who create conflict, it is those who are in sin and refuse to admit their sin, who generate conflict.
Sadly the rebellious person brings with them onlookers who lack discernment, these people come along side them, defending them with avengence . Helping to maintain their position of sinfulness, the onlooker is a willing partner in their sin.
These onlookers defy God when they defend the sinning brother or sister while bludgeoning the righteous one who honors God in speaking truth.
We cannot be intimidated by those who defend sin in the body. If our focus is God completely, then we will ignore the promptings of the flesh and the devil to avoid the necessary conflicts of life and proceed as the Holy Spirit leads.
2 Timothy 4:2 "Preach the word; be diligent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine."
Proverbs 27:5 "Better is open rebuke than hidden love."
Matthew 8:15-17 "“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector."
1 Timothy 5:20
20 "Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear."
Titus 2:15 "15 Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you."
2 Timothy 4:2 2 "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching."
James 5:20 "20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul[a] from death and cover a multitude of sins."
Proverbs 27:6 "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful."
Proverbs 29:15 "15 The rod and rebuke give wisdom,
But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother."
God often refers to us as His "little children", when we discipline our children it is for their good. Although not always pleasant to have to do it we know that it will produce something better even making them safer.
James 3:18 "And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace."
We sow peace by promoting righteousness, superficial peace brought on by ignoring sin creates conflict and war, there is no peace deep down in the soul of a person who is at enmity with God.
James 4:4 "You adulterers and adulteresses, know you not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."
When we ignore sin in the body we grow more sin, when we deal with it according to the Word, then we create an atmosphere of holiness and God's kind of peace that reaches to the depth of the soul. Nothing can harm that kind of peace, those who live in this peace become very strong in their walk with God.
Sin is likened to leaven, in the Word of God, the more we allow, the bigger it gets.Galatians 5:9 "A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough." Those who are in sin unchecked, and those who support them are making way for the devil to overtake the church, and this is the condition of most churches today in this age of apostasy.
Let us remember, God's way is always best and man's way always destroys what is holy.
Judge 7:24 "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment."
The second form of judging is proper in the sight of God and even commanded.
1 Corinthians 2:15 "But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no one."
Sometimes it is necessary to confront a brother or sister who is in sin. We have a responsibility to them as a member of the family of God. We need to care more about our brothers and sisters than we do about ourselves.
1 Timothy 5:22 "Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure."
We are not to endorse a sin by our acceptance of it or silence about it. When we refuse to speak out of fear of losing friends or family, then we have endorsed and even participated in the sin. When self is the motivation for our actions, then we walk in sin, the sin of elevating ourselves above God, becoming our own god.
If a person has been truly born again, they will not argue and fight when corrected, they will be humbled and desire to know truth, even weeping over their sin ready to repent. I have not had the privilege of meeting anyone in many years who will take correction humbly and graciously. I have come to the conclusion that most who claim to be "Christians" have never been born again in the first place. They never learned from the beginning to weep over their sinfulness, so they are unconcerned about sin after they said they became a "Christian."
The region "of the world" has hardened the hearts of the rebellious, they will defend others in sin, with the "don't judge" mantra, even if the judgement is over something they themselves wouldn't do. They are so steeped in self esteem that they can not endure any form of instruction or correction, unless it will elevate them in some way. Because these superficial believers don't like to be corrected themselves, they cannot tolerate anyone else being corrected, perhaps they would be next.
Those who love the Lord with all their hearts don't fear correction for two reasons, first, they are not walking in guilt because they keep close accounts of thought sins, they abhor sin as God commands us to do, so they do not fight against correction but rather lean into it.
Those who cannot tolerate any form of confrontation or conflict, do everything in their power to avoid needed confrontation. We do not want conflict, but it is not those who confront sin who create conflict, it is those who are in sin and refuse to admit their sin, who generate conflict.
Sadly the rebellious person brings with them onlookers who lack discernment, these people come along side them, defending them with avengence . Helping to maintain their position of sinfulness, the onlooker is a willing partner in their sin.
These onlookers defy God when they defend the sinning brother or sister while bludgeoning the righteous one who honors God in speaking truth.
We cannot be intimidated by those who defend sin in the body. If our focus is God completely, then we will ignore the promptings of the flesh and the devil to avoid the necessary conflicts of life and proceed as the Holy Spirit leads.
2 Timothy 4:2 "Preach the word; be diligent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine."
Proverbs 27:5 "Better is open rebuke than hidden love."
Matthew 8:15-17 "“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector."
1 Timothy 5:20
20 "Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear."
Titus 2:15 "15 Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you."
2 Timothy 4:2 2 "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching."
James 5:20 "20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul[a] from death and cover a multitude of sins."
Proverbs 27:6 "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful."
Proverbs 29:15 "15 The rod and rebuke give wisdom,
But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother."
God often refers to us as His "little children", when we discipline our children it is for their good. Although not always pleasant to have to do it we know that it will produce something better even making them safer.
James 3:18 "And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace."
We sow peace by promoting righteousness, superficial peace brought on by ignoring sin creates conflict and war, there is no peace deep down in the soul of a person who is at enmity with God.
James 4:4 "You adulterers and adulteresses, know you not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."
When we ignore sin in the body we grow more sin, when we deal with it according to the Word, then we create an atmosphere of holiness and God's kind of peace that reaches to the depth of the soul. Nothing can harm that kind of peace, those who live in this peace become very strong in their walk with God.
Sin is likened to leaven, in the Word of God, the more we allow, the bigger it gets.Galatians 5:9 "A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough." Those who are in sin unchecked, and those who support them are making way for the devil to overtake the church, and this is the condition of most churches today in this age of apostasy.
Let us remember, God's way is always best and man's way always destroys what is holy.
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