How Much Do We Love Our Brethren?

There are those who equate conservative issues with Christianity. They will say someone is a good Christian if they are an anti-vaxxer, eat organic food and carry guns as being smart and good Christians. While I respect their choice of beliefs, these things are not a measure of a born-again believer.

We know the Bible does not address any of these things. Some people would call them good old-fashioned horse sense issues but they are opinions based on particular mindsets and desires.

A born-again Christian is one who has confessed their sinfulness to God and desired to be changed into a new creation by Christ because they have placed their trust in His finished work on the cross that paid the penalty for sin that mankind owed. The only test of an authentic believer is the fruit of the Spirit that lives in them.

Galatians 5:22-23 “22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

God does not speak of vaccines, organic foods or mandates to carry weapons. These are all things that are personal choices. There may be times when God tells one believer to carry a weapon for a particular journey and other times when He tells them not to do so.

God may tell individuals to eat certain foods and others to avoid those foods. He may tell one person to take a vaccine and another one to not take a vaccine.

It is wildly disturbing that Christians are fighting with one another over things God never commanded or discussed in His Word.

Each person must seek God about these personal things He does not talk about in His Word. Those who fall in line with the prevailing view of others without consulting with God are following man rather than seeking Christ Who lives in them.

We cannot possibly know what God is telling a fellow believer on matters that are not mentioned in Scripture. To make these things a litmus test for “good Christianity” or “smart Christianity” is superficial at best.

1 Corinthians 1:10 “10 Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all [f]agree and that there be no [g]divisions among you, but that you be [h]made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.”

This passage is dealing with taking sides to follow particular people. However, it is a good principle too that we not be divided on things God never wrote about in His Word. If there isn’t a direct command or a clear principle to follow about a matter then we must not divide over it. Using demeaning language or intimidation, shunning and other strategies to convince someone of our viewpoint, with those who do not agree on something God never speaks about is fleshly and divisive.

I understand that we are all convinced of certain things based on our personal preferences and life bents but that does not mean these things are commands for others. We must leave room for grace in these decisions, perhaps we do not know what God is telling others to do or His reasons for His direction to them.

In my personal experience, I have seen the anti-vaxxers far more vocal, fearful and combative about these things than those who are free to take the vaccine and those who are free to eat all foods as Paul discussed in the Word of God.

1 Corinthians 8:12-13 “…12 By sinning against your brothers in this way and wounding their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if what I eat causes, my brother, to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to stumble.”

My husband and I do not tell others whether or not to take the vaccine, but we have had others revile and shun us for making our own decision on this matter. There is such a lack of love in reviling for things that God never commanded one way or another in His Word.

I respect that someone has decided for themselves not to eat certain foods or to get a vaccine. My only hope is that Christians will show the love and grace to allow others to make a different decision for themselves without condescending or combativeness leveled at them.

It is my desire that we all make our choices without judgment on matters that God never speaks about in His Word. It is also my desire that we love one another enough to allow others to have a differing view without mocking and intimidation.

Life is full of decisions we feel strongly about but are not mentioned in God’s Word. The key to this Christian life is to appreciate others so much that we are willing to be silent if something will be a disagreement. It is one thing to calmly and rationally discuss a matter to learn from one another, but quite different from mocking and intimidating others for their personal views, that God does not discuss in His Word.

God says the two greatest commandments are to love the Lord our God with all our hearts and to love one another as ourselves. We all want others to treat us respectfully, we should respect the choices of others that are not clearly outlined in God’s Word as well as learn to hold our tongues when we know it might be offensive.

One last thought, being combative and offensive does not change the views of those who have made their decision based on what Christ told them to do, it only serves to cause division and silence someone who should also have a right to speak.

I have no desire to convince anyone to do what my husband and I have done that is not sinning. We are not so weak that we must have others agree with us to carry on our lives. We wish that if there is a disagreement that there would be love extended and allowance for personal views.

Fear drives combativeness over things God never commanded. The fear that we will be alone in our own views. It’s alright to be alone in our view, we need not have the validation of others when we are obeying Christ. Let us seek to unite around God’s Word, not around worldly values or opinions.

John 13:34 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”

When we love one another we do not mock, intimidate or malign another brother or sister over something God never commanded.

I love my brothers and sisters, and I would enjoy being appreciated and loved by them too.

Is There an Honest Man in the House?

A quote from President Abraham Lincoln:

"The Bible says somewhere that we are desperately selfish. I think we would have discovered that fact without the Bible."

Another quote from Abraham Lincoln:

"And having thus chosen our course, without guile, and with pure purpose, let us renew our trust in God, and go forward without fear, and with manly hearts.

If an unsaved person were, to be honest about himself he would have to admit how depraved and ruthless mankind is becoming and ask the question; "why?"

The moment an honest person begins to ask why is the beginning of wisdom if they continue to ponder the state of the world and what might happen when he dies.

Sadly in these last days, there are few honest people left. Most people are pretending in their hearts that they are special without flaws and determined to have their own way. How they conduct their lives doesn't matter to them as long as they think and say what pleases them, then to them, it must be true.

There are few "manly" men and "feminine women", left to be the examples of mankind the way God made us. Even the apostate churches have given in to the modern way of blurring the lines between roles of men and women as God intended.

In these last days, we see the world progressing toward destruction as we approach the tribulation. Is it any wonder so many use the term "progressive" without a clear definition of this term. We are progressing, progressing toward doom.

Remember in the last days "bad will be called good and good will be called bad. Everything that makes good sense to God will be called bad and everything that is foolishness to God will be called good, thus the term progressive is used to describe what God sees as destruction and chaos.

Pretending things are good when they are bad comes from a culture that wants their own way even if it is destructive. As long as it is their own way they are pleased with themselves.

Proverbs 18:6-8 "…6A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. 7A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul. 8The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being."

So what do we as born-again believers with all this mess? We do what God commanded we do when we see all this chaos and destruction occurring, that is we "lookup" with the expectation of going home to heaven for the marriage supper of the Lamb.

Luke 21:27-28 "…27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads because your redemption is drawing near.”

I can't use this phrase enough in these last days; "look up."

It is possible to live for Christ even in this wicked world. We can obey Him no matter what while maintaining a clean conscience and a faithful witness. It will hurt at times because we will be treated with contempt for not thinking the way the world thinks, but in the end, it will all be worth it.

1 Peter 5:1-4

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

James 1:12

"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."

Love is the First Character Quality of Christ in the Born Again Believer

Love is the first character quality of the fruit of the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-23

"22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."

We cannot have all the rest of the fruit without that first trait, the very essence of Christ.

One cannot die for to himself for a friend if he does not first have love.

Matthew 22:36-40

36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?”

37 And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’

38 This is the great and foremost commandment.

39 The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

40 Upon these two commandments hang the whole Law and the Prophets.”

We cannot love others if we do not first love God and if we love Him we will love others.

We need no rules or laws when we have the fruit of the Spirit because we already operate according to the love of God within us with all His fruit.

Those who are following the commandments to be acceptable to God are not operating in the Holy Spirit. Their desire is to try to be good enough for Him, in their own power under their own rules.

Those who love the Lord with all their heart soul and mind live in the Fruit of the Spirit all the time. If they fail out of emotion or weakness they quickly confess to be cleansed and begin again living in this Fruit of Love.

1 John 1:9

"9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

If we have been haughty, superior minded and ungodly, we will recognize it in ourselves and quickly confess to be cleansed. Those who never confess or will admit their wrong attitudes will not be cleansed and will walk without the fruit and without the love of Christ.

May we all keep close accounts of ourselves so that we will be the witness for the glory of the Lord continually.

2 Peter 1:10-11

"10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.

11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

Hallelujah!!!!

Honoring God Even in our Clothing

I find it interesting that so many people who think we are too concerned about attending worship in clothing a little more dressy than every day, will come to the gathering in jeans but will dress nicely for the office Christmas party.

Are those in the church gathering less important than those who are in the workplace? Is God of less importance than those in the office?

Perhaps the ones who are dedicated to being comfortable at church are too concerned about clothing, not those who want to dress respectfully for worship toward God.

I don't care very much about what others do but I find it interesting that the frequent mention of clothing by those who love to be casual suggests they are the ones who are way too concerned about clothing.

1 Corinthians 10:31

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

Perhaps clothing is an indicator of a respectful attitude or a casual attitude toward God?

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."

Not everyone can afford expensive clothing but everyone can have some clothing that reflects a respectful attitude toward God's worship.

Luke 12:27

"Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."

Back in the day, even the poor had one respectful outfit befitting the worship of the Holy God. Everyone who attended worship gatherings respected the holiness of the gathering reflected in their modest but decent clothing.

There have been those who would use scripture misunderstood to justify holey jeans at church.

"1 Peter 3:3

"Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—"

This passage that describes a church gathering that has been turned into a fashion show has been used to justify looking downright ratty. Our clothing does reflect our inner heart attitude.

The more diligent we are in life as a whole the more our clothing will reflect this. The lack of respect for the worship of God is evident when the office Christmas party gets more respect than God in worship.

We do not reject or demean anyone who is authentically poor and cannot afford good clothing, but we do attempt to show respect for God no matter what our financial situation.

I suggest that most people in America have enough money for one nice outfit to wear to worship. The people I know who dress up for the office party and dress down to worship God are showing more respect for the office party than they are for God in worship.

I suggest that today's casual attitude about clothing and lack of preparation to worship God is right in line with the casual and flippant attitude toward God.

Revelation 7:9. We will wear clothes as pure as our hearts in the presence of our God.Sep 20, 2021

A mindset of "convenient and comfortable" is more about self than it is about anyone else or God. When self is on the throne everything and everyone else become unimportant.

How we dress actually creates an attitude that spills over into our speech and actions. "There is a moral and spiritual dimension to clothing" as one writer expresses it.

Clothing is a self reflection of an inner heart. We have heard it said that only 7% of communication is words and the other 93% are other forms of communication. Clothing speaks something about us and how we feel about others.

Clothing affects our moods, if we dress more casually we will be less likely to be restrained in our speech or actions. When dressed more respectfully we tend to act in more restrained and polite ways.

I suggest that the change in dress codes to casual in our time reflects the change in values in the past 50 years. Many who attend the worship of God do not value Him or anyone else around them. They value only their own comfort, which is the reason we see ratty-looking jeans coming into the church.

Fashion takes precedence over worship. And, yes believe it or not it is actually the fashion now to look as ratty as one can. I have known people who paid $80 for jeans with rips and tears all up and down the legs of their jeans. I am sure young people think this is just fashion but really it is an expression of disrespect toward God and everyone else.

We are living in the end days when our clothing tells on us. It reveals a flippancy toward God and toward others as unimportant and not worthy of respect.

When we respect God and others we care what they think of us through our clothing. It is the attitude of selfishness that does not care about God or others.

I know this will be a hot button for some because they are so obsessed with being casual and comfortable they will accuse me of placing too much importance on clothing. Just the opposite is true, my emphasis is not on clothing but on an attitude of respect.

Many things are being taken out of context in scripture to fit into our modern culture of rebellion. God said not to dress lavishly for worship, but that does not mean it is acceptable to dress disrespectfully in shorts and tee shirts either.

There is a mentality today that mocks those who enjoy and believe in excellence in all things because of the rebellion in the hearts of so many.

Leaders in churches today do not preach on excellence for fear of being labeled legalistic. It is not legalism to teach respectful behavior to the congregation. It is legalism to mock someone who believes in wearing respectful clothing to worship.

We can honor or dishonor someone in our clothing. This is a very foreign idea in this culture of rebellion and few will receive this message.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."

1 Corinthians 10:31

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

There ought not to be rules in the church about this matter of clothing, but there ought to be teaching on what it is to honor God in all things, even our clothing.

Just "Saying Stuff" has no Value!

So many Christians are thinking just "saying stuff", is tantamount to "doing something." I am called to the gospel, not to overthrow a government.

I was involved in politics back in the day, but as prophecy began to show its increase God showed me to switch my focus from effecting government to speaking the gospel and teaching God's principles.

There are people who attempt to make us feel guilty by not talking all the time about politics. I have lost all interest in politics because no leader in our day is going to please God.

Even if we get some things we think we want, they are worldly without wisdom about God's plan.

We cannot know God's calling on every life and we cannot know God's plan. We know what is happening but we don't know the sequence of events God is going to use as He brings the world into the tribulation.

Personally, I don't want to do anything that would thwart what God is doing merely so I can live a happier safer life. He has clearly stated that we are in the end times, the nations will be waring, the people would be wicked and He will bring it all down for its willfulness against Him.

Romans

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

2 Peter 3:9

"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."

Ephesians 5:17

"Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."

Many churches in our day are apostate, they say they are "Bible Believing" but reject many if not most of the commands of Jesus Christ in His Word.

They seem to think if they follow a few things they are alright. The truth is that God expects us to follow all that He has in His Word. Jesus Christ is called the WORD, He is the very essence of His own Word, the Bible.

When we reject any part of the Word, refusing to go to prayer and study to clear up disagreements, then we have rejected Him.

I know that sounds harsh, but there are those who would argue with Jesus Christ if they were standing right in front of Him. It would be the same as reading His word and refuting it because they dislike what He dictated to His prophets.

Just saying!!!!

The Nations will follow the Antichrist

We are now seeing other nations of the world using the phrase; "make our nation great again."

I am convinced this is the mantra that will bring the world together, soon shouting "make our world great again" when the antichrist convinces them that he will be the one to make it great with all his plans.

He will appear to save the people from misery only to bring on much more than they had before. He will be the cruelest ruler of all time because he is the devil and will harm everyone whom he claimed he would help.

Those who follow him will go to hell without a chance to repent and be saved from the fate he has for them.

Revelation 13:3 "And I saw that one of his heads was, as it were, wounded to death, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world wondered after the beast."

Those who are looking for an earthly leader to save their nation or the world will be easily duped by the antichrist. They will be excited about his promises, fooled by his false miracles and believe every false way and word that he says, only to be cast into the lake of fire at the end of it all.

The devil has many clever devices to make people think he has something good to offer them. He has convinced many people their life here on the earth is the most important of anything, but in reality it is only their eternity that matters.

Hebrews 3:7-8 "7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you hear His voice, 8 do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion, in the day of testing in the wilderness, "

Hebrews 3:15

15 while it is said,

“Today if you hear His voice,

Do not harden your hearts, as [a]when they provoked Me.”

Today is the day to turn to Christ and be cleansed by Him. You may not have tomorrow. No one is promised a long life, but we are promised salvation when we trust in Christ or hell if we refuse.

Joshua 24:14 "14 “Now, therefore, fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord."

This was written to the Israelites but it has application for us today. Not all things were written to us but all things were written for us to learn and heed.

An Important Overlooked Sign of the Times