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If God gave You Strength – Use it for Good !
The spiritual gift of helps is found in one of the spiritual gifts lists in the Bible. The Greek word translated “helps” in 1 Corinthians 12:28 is found only there in the New Testament; therefore, the exact meaning of the gift of helps is somewhat obscure. The word translated “helps” means literally “to relieve, succor, participate in, and/or support.” Those with the gift of helps are those who can aid or render assistance to others in the church with compassion and grace. This gift has a broad range of applications, from helping individuals with daily chores to assisting in the administration of the affairs of the church.
Helping in the body of Christ can take a variety of forms. Some see the gift of helps as given to those who are willing to “lend a hand” and do even the most mundane and disagreeable tasks with a spirit of humility and grace. Helpers are often those who volunteer to work regularly around church buildings and grounds, often laboring in obscurity. Others see helping as assisting the widows and elderly or families to accomplish daily tasks, coming alongside to render assistance in those areas where help is needed. These helpers render a gift of service in the broadest sense, assisting and supporting the body of Christ.
But there is perhaps a deeper meaning to the spiritual gift of helps. Since it is one of the spiritual gifts from the Holy Spirit, all of which are given for the building up of the body of Christ, the spiritual aspect of the gift of helps is perhaps even more important than the practical aspect. Those with the spiritual gift of helps have been given the unique ability to identify those who are struggling with doubt, fears, and other spiritual battles. They move toward those in spiritual need with a kind word, an understanding and compassionate demeanor, and the unique ability to speak scriptural truth in convicting and loving fashion. Their words are “like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Proverbs 25:11) to the spiritually weak and weary. These helpful Christians can quell anxiety in the downtrodden heart with cheerful and confidently spoken words of truth and joy.
Praise God that He knows us so well. He knows all our needs and challenges and has given the gift of helps to special individuals who can come alongside others in mercy, grace, and love. These precious saints can lift the heart by helping carry a variety of burdens that we cannot, and should not, carry alone.
Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” The word burden here means “a weight of personal and eternal significance.” It can refer to a character flaw, a struggle, or a moral requirement. Some have wondered at the meaning of this verse as it compares to Galatians 6:5, which says, “Each one should bear his own load.” Are these verses contradictory? How can we bear someone else’s burdens if we are each supposed to carry our own loads?
The Greek word translated “load” in Galatians 6:5 is phortion, which refers to an individual burden that is not transferable. We each have certain obligations for which we alone are responsible. For example, God has given each of us responsibilities for our families (1 Timothy 5:8), our churches (1 Corinthians 12:18), and our personal holiness (1 Peter 1:15–16). We cannot assume the responsibility for someone else’s behavior. We can, however, bear other burdens; we can come alongside a struggling brother or sister and help shoulder the weight of a trial or temptation that threatens to pull him under.
We can illustrate the idea of bearing one another’s burdens with the picture of a man staggering beneath a heavy load of grain. He must somehow get this grain home to his family, but he is about to crumble beneath its weight. A brother sees his distress and rushes to his aid, lifting a part of the burden and thereby easing the weight of it. Although the supportive one does not assume the whole load, his help allows the struggling one to carry on to his destination.
The church at Antioch is an example of believers bearing one another’s burdens. Acts 11:27–30 records that the church learned of a coming famine in Judea. Though they did not personally know the ones who would be affected by this difficulty, they took up collections to send to them by way of traveling apostles. The Antioch church did not assume responsibility for total provision, but their generosity lightened the load for those who would be suffering.
We are each responsible before God for the gifts and resources He has entrusted to us (Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10). We cannot blame others, shift responsibility, or make excuses about why we were unfaithful with the assignments we’ve been given—we must bear our own loads. But there are also times when life threatens to overwhelm. A spouse dies. A child is injured. A job folds or a house burns down. As part of the family of God, we are to come to the aid of our brothers and sisters in need (Philippians 2:3–4). When a load suddenly becomes too heavy for one person, we are to bear one another’s burdens. The added strength and encouragement of others is often the difference between pressing on and giving up.
Unfortunately, there are a few who isolate Galatians 6:2 and make a career out of asking for help. They misuse God’s command to bear one another’s burdens to avoid their own responsibilities and habitually harass their church families with expectations of aid. Walking in the light of God’s Word is a delicate balance between selfless giving and responsible boundaries. If we err too far on one side, we become self-focused and overly independent. But erring too far the other way leads to assuming responsibility for other people’s messes. When we aim to bear our own loads, while always being available to bear the burdens of others as the Lord leads, we will strike that perfect balance.
Luke 6:30, 35-36 tells us to “give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back…But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (NASB). These verses and many others in the Bible teach us that Christians are to be loving, merciful, and self-sacrificing. As we see the needs of people all around us, our hearts should be full of compassion just as our Heavenly Father has compassion towards all people. “The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made” (Psalm 145:9).
It is right to have a heart that would continually give to others, and it pleases God to see this wonderful characteristic in our lives. However, in this area of giving and helping, the Bible also teaches that we must have wise discernment (Matthew 10:16). God gives us certain standards that we must take into account when it comes to giving our time and money to others. When the Bible tells us we are to help others, the purpose is never for us to do this to the point where it becomes detrimental. It’s good to do what we’re able to do, but 2 Thessalonians 3:10 also reminds us, “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” There are people who want to live an irresponsible lifestyle with absolutely no accountability. So there must be limits; we will help someone with a need, but if we see that it’s become a chronic life pattern, it’s wrong for us to continue to encourage that. It’s very harmful to others to contribute to their indolence, laziness, and lack of effort. The old saying “Give a man a fish and he eats for a day, teach him to fish and he eats for a lifetime” is very true. As long as we see that someone is sincerely making an effort, we should be there to support him in whatever way God leads.
Often, a much more effective way to help others is to come alongside them to give biblical counsel, principles, and encouragement. If they are willing to listen and try, they should be able, through the power of the Holy Spirit within them, to reverse this pattern of dependency on others. This begins, of course, with a clear presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, without whose empowerment, lifestyle changes of this magnitude are not possible.
We are also to take into consideration what the Bible tells us about being good stewards. As we put our trust in God and walk with Him, He promises to supply our needs (Philippians 4:19). What the Lord provides for us, we must use wisely. We are to give back to the Lord a portion of what He gives us; we are to provide for the needs of our families; and we are to pay our bills. How we spend our time is also involved in stewardship; a balance of worship, work, and family is important. These are all principal aspects of stewardship and cannot be neglected, so they must be considered in the decision of how and what we can do in helping others. If, by helping someone else financially, we are unable to take care of our own debts and responsibilities, then we are not doing right in our efforts to help.
There are many ways people can take advantage of others. It’s important that we make this a matter of prayer, asking the Lord to show us what He wants us to do. He will give us wisdom to recognize genuine need and discern between an opportunity and a distraction (James 1:5). Sometimes, people are so beaten down by life’s trials and failures that they need someone who is willing to be a long-term friend to them. This can be a trying relationship, but it can also be a very rewarding one. Local churches can be a tremendous help to those with a burden for those in need. However, trying to help someone who is just not willing to take any steps towards a solution in the matter may be a hopeless cause. Again, praying for God’s wisdom and exercising the discernment He gives are crucial in these situations.
Tea Time Manna
All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.
—1 Peter 1:24-25
As the seasons change, the leaves fall, and the grass dies, we are reminded once again of how short our lives actually are. Despite rapid advances in technology, our deepest needs are met only by the eternal, proven will of God in Scripture and through the gift of your Son, your Word in human flesh (John 1:1-3, 14-18). Whether you get your Scripture from the Bible on your mobile device or from an old family Bible, please access it today. You’re not here forever, but God is! He wants to bring you close, so that with him, you can stand forever. We each need the blessing of eternal goodness from the well of the Holy Spirit’s truth in Scripture (2 Timothy 3:14-17).
Prayer
As I age, I am constantly reminded, O God, of my transitory stay on earth and your eternal reign in heaven. Please give me the proper sense of my place before you as I seek your will in your Word, the Scriptures. In Jesus’ name, I seek your truth and your character as I pray. Amen and Amen
Truth Article by Pastor Dirk
Whats the Difference between Judging & Reproof
Jesus and the Scriptures tell us not to judge hypocritically.
“…in which the unlearned and unstable people are twisting them as they also do the rest of the Scriptures to their own destruction.” –2 Peter 3:16
“Nevertheless, if you warn the wicked to turn from his way: if he does not turn from his way, he will die in his iniquity, but you have delivered your life. –Ezekiel 33:9
“Reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” –2 Timothy 4:2
“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” –See Matthew 7:1-5,
“Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” John 7:24
Foundation: “If you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way…”
“Reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine”
“Progressives” taking ‘Do not judge’ out of context and deceiving many.
“Fools despise wisdom and instruction”
Neither Peter nor Paul were squeamish about judging others
“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake”
“For everyone that does evil hates the Light…”
Jesus was not polite to those who would lead astray
“The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law”
Salt & Light Dictates Reproof
“Turn the other cheek”
“Even God’s Elect Will Be Deceived”
See also: The Christian’s Calling and “Hot or Cold?” So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth (Revelation 3:16).
Foundation
“If you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way…”
Caring: Loving someone by reproving them for compromising with evil. There is a difference in judging people and judging what people do. Christians are not to condemn people, but are called to “reprove the world of sin,” to discern between good and evil, sin and righteousness of God as defined by the Word of God.
“…in which the unlearned and unstable people are twisting them as they also do the rest of the Scriptures to their own destruction. ” 2 Peter 3:16 (One New Man Bible)
“The one who justifies the wicked and the one who condemns the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD*. ” Proverbs 17:15 (One New Man Bible)
Ezekiel 33:7-9 (One New Man Bible) – So you, O son of man, I have set you as a watchman for the House of Israel. Therefore you will hear the word at My mouth and warn them from Me. When I say to the wicked, O wicked man, you will surely die, if you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man will die in his iniquity, but I shall require his blood at your hand. Nevertheless, if you warn the wicked to turn from his way: if he does not turn from his way, he will die in his iniquity, but you have delivered your life.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (One New Man Bible) – Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Stop being deceived: neither fornicators nor idolaters nor adulterers nor effeminate nor homosexuals nor thieves nor covetous people, nor drunkards, nor abusive people, nor swindlers will inherit the Kingdom of God. And some of you were these things: but you have been washed, but you have been made holy, but you have been made righteous by the name of the Lord Y’shua Messiah and by the Spirit of our God.
Luke 6:35-38 (Jesus) – But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and you shall be the children of the Highest: for He is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and you shall not be judged: condemn not, and you shall not be condemned: forgive, and you shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Jesus, In the same discourse (Luke 6:43-46) For a good tree brings not forth corrupt fruit; neither does a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
Those who selectively pick and choose the Words of God in an attempt to justify their sin do so at their own peril as Peter declared (2 Peter 3:16).
…It is astonishing that so many churchgoers believe that the church is not the place to bring up politics or the cultural issues that fly in the face of the Word of God. The Great Commission seems to have been rendered the Great Accommodation. While it is true that some people are ready to repent and become disciples after hearing that God loves them, it is also equally true that some people (like the woman at the well in John 4) need to have their sexual immoralities exposed while others (like the crowd at Pentecost in Acts 2) need to be reminded that they had demanded the death of the Son of God.
…I understand that no one wants to be demeaned, ridiculed, hated, or reviled (and that includes me!). But we are not told to “cherish the truth in love.” No, it’s “speaking the truth in love…” (Ephesians 4:15). It’s not “love the light within” but “let your light shine before others” (Matthew 5:16). Jesus didn’t promise His disciples they would be loved and appreciated by all for their personal faith in Him and their sacrifices for Him. No, they were told, “you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake” (Matthew 24:9). If you want to be accepted and liked and not have to deal with unpleasant situations and people then continue to live a lie. Pretend you believe that whatever anyone wants to do it is none of your business.
When “progressives” say “the Bible says ‘Do not judge’”
Inform them they have taken what Jesus proclaimed out of context by selectively quoting only part of the teaching of Christ. …But evil men and seducers who shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:13 ) “Progressives” then become selective and redefine tolerance, diversity, rights, justice, discrimination, ethics, science, free speech, and history, due to their lack of self-discipline and believing they do not have to abide by the premise of “the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God.”
“Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1) instructs us to judge carefully without hypocrisy, it does not say withhold judgment. Jesus completes this by saying: “Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:5) Jesus reaffirms this in John 7:24.
Jesus, immediately after His discourse on judging (Matthew 7:1-5) refers to unbelievers as dogs and pigs (Mt. 7:6) and false prophets as “ravening wolves” (Mt. 7:15). This should provide believers a reference when confronted by unbelievers with the “judge not” fallacy. How polite was Jesus to those who would lead astray, calling them “blind guides, full of hypocrisy and iniquity, serpents, generation of vipers, and how can ye escape the damnation of hell?” Should this not provide believers a reference when confronted by unbelievers with the “judge not” fallacy?
Do not fall prey to those who say we are not to judge. How are Christians called to “reprove the world of sin,” to be the “salt of the earth” and the “Light of the World” without juding, reproving, and rebuking? Timid Christians have been deceptively silenced, because they are unsure of their foundation in Christ. “Progressives” have successfully used this ploy with false charges that Christians are being offensive and intolerant. Christians have fallen prey to this mistaken claim that they should not judge, revealing many are not founded on the Word of God, do not wear in the full armor of God, and are disobedient to their Lord’s call to be the Salt & Light of the earth, to boldly preach the Word of God and reproving the world of sin.
Matthew 7:1-5 – Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why behold you the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but consider not the beam that is in your own eye? Or how will you say to your brother, Let me pull out the mote out of your eye; and, behold, a beam is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of your own eye; and then shall you see clearly to cast out the mote out of your brother’s eye.
“Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1) instructs us to judge carefully without hypocrisy, it does not say withhold judgment. Jesus completes this by saying: “Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:5) Jesus reaffirms this in John 7:24.
John 7:24 – Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
“Reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine”
John 3:16-21 – For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believes on him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that does evil hates the light, neither comes to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that does truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
2 Timothy 3:13-4:5 – But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
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 perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
Fools despise wisdom and instruction
Proverbs 1:5-7 – A wise man will hear and will increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain to wise counsels to understand a proverb and its interpretation, the words of the wise and their riddles. Reverence of the LORD* is the beginning of knowledge. Fools despise wisdom and instruction. (One New Man Bible)
Matthew 4:16-17 – The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Proverbs 9:6-10 – Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding. He that reproves a scorner gets to himself shame: and he that rebukes a wicked man gets himself a blot. Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
John 8:3-11 – And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
Itching Ears that Hate the Truth – By Rob Pue – In one of the apostle Paul’s last letters — the one he wrote to Timothy — he gave some vitally important words of caution and warning. 2nd Timothy 4, starting at verse 2: “Preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts, shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned to fables.” Then, he added: “But watch thou, in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.”
…I’m reminded of the prophet Jeremiah, known as the “weeping prophet,” because he wept for the nation of Israel. God sent him to declare His Word and Truth to the people, and sound the warning regarding all their iniquities. But the people did NOT want to hear. Instead they demanded, “Jeremiah, tell us something GOOD for once… tell us what we want to hear!”
Let’s read just a little bit from chapter 7 as God explains things to Jeremiah: “But this command I gave them: ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I command you, that it may be well with you.’ But they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in their own counsels and the stubbornness of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward. From the day that your fathers came out of the land of Egypt to this day, I have persistently sent all My servants the prophets to them, day after day. Yet they did not listen to Me or incline their ear, but stiffened their necks. They did worse than their fathers.”
And so God continued: “So you shall speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to you. You shall call to them, but they will not answer you. And you shall say to them, ‘This is the nation that did not obey the voice of the Lord their God, and did not accept discipline; truth has perished; it is cut off from their lips.”
Does that not sound like America today? Truth has perished. It’s DEAD! Evil is called “good” and good is called “evil” and we LIKE it that way. And anyone who DARES defy the celebration of sodomy or speak TRUTH on this matter is virtually crucified by all — even those you would THINK would be on your side — the “church” people. Indeed, we are at a place and time now where even those who profess to be people of God will no longer endure sound doctrine. Instead, they heap up for themselves teachers who tell them what they prefer to hear.
…Wrote Paul: “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!” (Galatians 1:6-8) …And so, according to Paul, those who shrink from the “full counsel of God,” are not only out of line, they are under “God’s curse.” The fall he took on the road to Damascus clearly knocked free his ability to skate the thin ice of political correctness.
Still, like the Galatians, far too many in today’s church are more concerned with not offending others, most especially those who are without Christ, and, rather than being fearless “servants of Christ,” instead have busied themselves with “trying to please people.” And, like the Galatians, they have created a false gospel to that end. Pleasing the world is not taking up your cross and suffering for Christ. Pleasing the world is a cakewalk. “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you” (John 15:19).
Neither Peter nor Paul were squeamish about judging others
Peter said to Simon the magician “Your heart is not upright before God. Repent of this wickedness of yours … for I see that you are filled with bitter gall, and you are in the bonds of iniquity” (Acts 8: 20–23).
Paul said to Elymas, “you son of the devil, you enemy of all that is right, full of every sort of deceit and fraud. Will you not stop twisting the straight paths of the Lord?” (Acts 13: 9–10).
Here are some excerpts from the epistles that illustrate judgment:
Paul: “But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.” (Galatians 2:11).
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:1-2).
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. (Ephesians 5:11)
Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. (1 Timothy 5:20).
For the grace of God that brings salvation hats appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. (Titus 2:11-15)
It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife. And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that has so done this deed, In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. (1 Corinthians 5:1-5)
“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake”
We are called to preach the Word, not convict and convince, for that is the work of the Holy Spirit. As Paul indicated, while we plant the “seed” and water, God causes the increase. (1 Cor. 3:6-7 – I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that plants any thing, neither he that waters but God that gives the increase.)
Matthew 10:14-22 – And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaks in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endures to the end shall be saved.
John 1:5 – And the light shines in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
John 3:22 – For every one that does evil hates the light, neither comes to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
Titus 3:9-11 – But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sins, being condemned of himself.
Luke 11:52 – Woe unto you, lawyers! for you have taken away the key of knowledge: you entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in you hindered.
Isaiah 5:20 – “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”
Matthew 5:11 – “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.”
Colossians 4:5-6 – “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
1 Peter 3:8-18 – Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
2 Timothy 2:15-19 – Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, The Lord knows them that are his. And, Let every one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
2 Peter 3:3-4 – Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
“For everyone that does evil hates the Light…”
Colossians 2:4,8: And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Psalms 1: Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law does he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knows the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Ephesians 5:11: And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
Jesus, John 15:18-19: If the world hate you, you know that it hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love his own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
Jesus – John 16:8-11: Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
Acts 4:18-19 – And they (Sadducees) called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
Jesus was not polite to those who would lead astray, calling them “blind guides, full of hypocrisy and iniquity, serpents, generation of vipers, and how can ye escape the damnation of hell?”
John 2:13-16 – And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.
Matthew 23 – But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor! Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifies the gold? And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever swears by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty. Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifies the gift? Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, swears by it, and by all things thereon. And whoso shall swear by the temple, swears by it, and by him that dwells therein. And he that shall swear by heaven, swears by the throne of God, and by him that sits thereon.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin (dill or fennel), and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto white sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchers of the righteous, And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?
Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that kill the prophets, and stone them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord.
The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 1 Corinthians 15:56
Proverbs 6:16-19 (BBE) – Six things are hated by the Lord; seven things are disgusting to him: Eyes of pride, a false tongue, hands which take life without cause; A heart full of evil designs, feet which are quick in running after sin; A false witness, breathing out untrue words, and one who lets loose violent acts among brothers.
2 Chronicles 19:4-6 – And Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem: and he went out again through the people from Beersheba to mount Ephraim, and brought them back unto the LORD God of their fathers. And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city, And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment.
Romans 2:11-15 – For there is no respect of persons with God (Deuteronomy 10:17). For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
James 2:10-13 ( Power New Testament) – For whoever would keep the whole Torah but would stumble in one thing, has become guilty of all. For the One who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not commit murder:” but if you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a transgressor of Torah. So you must continually speak, and so you must act as one going to be judged through the law of freedom. For judgment without mercy is to be given for the one who does not do mercy: mercy, full of glad confidence, has no fear of judgment.
John 8:31-36 (Power New Testament) – Therefore, Jesus was saying to the Jewish people who believed in Him, “If you would remain in My Word, you are truly My disciples and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s seed and we have never been slaves: how do You say that “You will become free?” Jesus answered them, “I most definitely say to you that everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. And the slave does not stay in the house forever, the son does stay forever. If therefore the Son would set you free, you will truly be free.”
1 John 3:8 – He that commits sin is of the devil; for the devil sins from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Salt & Light Dictates Reproof
As stars can only be seen in a dark sky, a believer’s Light should be seen by those living in darkness.
Proverbs 15:5,10,12, 17:10, 21:11 – A fool despises his father’s instruction: but he that regards reproof is prudent. Correction is grievous unto him that forsakes the way: and he that hates reproof shall die. A scorner loves not one that reproves him: neither will he go unto the wise. A reproof enters more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool. When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
1 Peter 2:9 – But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:
2 Peter 1:19-21 – We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Philippians 1:27-30 – Only let your conversation be as it becomes the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
Philippians 2:14-15 – Do all things without murmurings and disputing: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Colossians 4:5-6 – Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Matthew 5:13-16 – You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
1 Peter 4:1-6 – Forasmuch then as Christ has suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
Matthew 13:37-42 – He (Jesus) answered and said unto them, He that sows the good seed is the Son of man; The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
The Christian’s role is to be an ambassador for the Kingdom of God which Jesus has established.
Matthew 10:16 – “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be you therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”
Psalm 33:12 – Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people He has chosen as His own inheritance.
Proverbs 14:34 – Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.
Ezekiel 12:2 – Son of man, you dwell in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house.
Jeremiah 9:5-9 – And they will deceive every one his neighbor, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity. Your habitation is in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me, says the LORD. Therefore thus says the LORD of hosts, Behold, I will melt them, and try them; for how shall I do for the daughter of my people? Their tongue is as an arrow shot out; it speaks deceit: one speaks peaceably to his neighbor with his mouth, but in heart he lays his wait. Shall I not visit them for these things? says the LORD: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?
“Death is more eligible than slavery. A free-born people are not required by the religion of Jesus Christ to submit to tyranny, but may make use of such power as God has given them to recover and support their liberties…” – The men of Marlborough, Massachusetts who took part in the Boston Tea Party
“Turn the other cheek”
Matthew 5:39 – But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other. See also Luke 6:29.
The word for “smite” is not in reference to a fist, as in war; but to an open hand, “slapping” someone in a mocking way as an insult. Notice the two Scripture references both used the word “reproach,” as in defy or insult a person. This in no way reflects defending against a greater harm to yourself or in defense of others, as in war. It would be quite different if terrorists used slapping instead of deadly weapons.
From Strong’s Concordance:
resist: G0436 – anthistemi — pronounced: anth-is’-tay-mee from 473 and 2476; to stand against, i.e. oppose: KJV — resist, withstand.
smite: rapizo – G3374 — pronounced: hrap-id’-zo from a derivative of a primary rhepo (to let fall, “rap”); to slap: KJV — smite (with the palm of the hand).
Lamentations 3:30 – He gives his cheek to him that smites him: he is filled full with reproach.
Job 16:10 – They have gaped upon me with their mouth; they have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully; they have gathered themselves together against me.
Mark 14:53, 65 – As was the case when they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes. …And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.
When Jesus was slapped He did not turn the other cheek but instead challenged the reason for why He was slapped. John 18:22–23 (One New Man Bible) – Then the High Priest asked Y’shua about His disciples and about His teaching. Y’shua answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world, I always taught in a synagogue and in the Temple, where all the Jewish people gather, and I spoke nothing whatever in secret. Why are you asking Me? You must ask those who heard what I said to them: see, they know what I said.” Then after He said these things one of the attendants standing by hit Y’shua saying, “Would you answer the High Priest this way?” Y’shua answered him, “If I spoke wrongly, you must testify concerning the evil: but if I spoke correctly, why do you beat Me?” Then Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the High Priest.
Even God’s Elect Will Be Deceived
Matthew 24:24 – For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Matthew 23:14-15, 27-33 – Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. …Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?
Do not fall prey to those who say we are not to judge one another. How are Christians then called to reprove the world of sin, to be the “salt of the earth” and the “Light of the World?”
…Paul was also not afraid to name sins. I recently did a survey of all of Paul’s epistles to see how he addressed sexual immorality. I discovered that he confronted sexual sin head-on in 10 of his 13 epistles. He boldly called out adultery, fornication, sensuality and homosexuality in a culture that was saturated in hedonism.
…It’s time for us to grow a backbone. Let’s get rid of weak Christianity, spineless preachers and jellyfish morals. Let’s preach the message of the Bible instead of a neutered version. Let’s not only point out sin but also point people to the only hope they have of overcoming it—our strong Savior, whose death on the cross was the ultimate confrontation of sin.
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When “Respect” Means Silence: Why Christians Should Watch Britain’s New Orders
A pastor preaches John 3:16 in public—and ends up convicted in court.
The gospel offers hope, but it also confronts us with hard truths: we are sinners in need of repentance, forgiveness and a changed life. That message can offend. But being challenged to turn from sin is not the same as being threatened or harassed.
In Northern Ireland, retired pastor Clive Johnston was convicted under a law governing abortion “safe access zones” after holding an open-air service that included that Bible verse. He is appealing. His case involved a different law from Britain’s new Respect Orders, but it raises a question Christians should take seriously: can peaceful religious expression become punishable when someone in authority decides it has crossed a line?
Respect Orders have now taken effect in England and Wales. They are promoted as a way to curb persistent antisocial behavior. A court can restrict where an adult goes or what they do, and can require them to take part in activities aimed at addressing the causes of their behavior. Breaching an order is a criminal offense that can lead to prison.
The government points to conduct such as harassment, intimidation and street disorder. Christians should want genuine threats and harassment dealt with. But the legal test also turns on whether conduct causes—or is likely to cause—“harassment, alarm or distress.” That language invites a difficult question: what happens when peaceful Christian speech itself is described as harmful?
When the message offends
Christian teaching often challenges the assumptions of the day. A pastor may preach that marriage is between a man and a woman, that human beings are male or female, that abortion is wrong, or that government immigration policy is failing. Those beliefs can provoke strong reactions. A complaint can turn theological disagreement into an allegation about the effect of someone’s words or conduct.
Respect Orders do not declare Christian beliefs illegal, and they were not used in Johnston’s case. But the power to impose restrictions and mandatory requirements deserves scrutiny precisely because it operates at the boundary between behavior that harms others and speech that people find offensive.
This concern is not theoretical. Bristol preacher Dia Moodley was arrested after making comments about Islam and transgender ideology while street preaching. Police later ended the investigation without taking further action. The arrest itself meant hours in custody and months under investigation. Whatever one thinks of his words, Christians should ask whether public preaching is becoming something people must do at the risk of police intervention.
The cost of staying silent
The chilling effect does not require a conviction. A police visit, arrest, legal bill or months-long investigation can be enough to make a pastor, parent or church leader reconsider speaking publicly. If a court order then tells someone where they may go or requires them to attend a program, the consequences reach beyond the original complaint. And if they breach that order, prison becomes possible.
That is why Christians should care even if they never expect to receive an order themselves. The freedom to preach the gospel includes the freedom to say things others reject. It includes peaceful opposition to abortion, public defense of biblical marriage, and the right to challenge ideas about sex and gender. These freedoms mean little if people can exercise them only when no one is offended.
A free society must distinguish threats and targeted harassment from peaceful religious witness. The terms of these orders must be applied narrowly, with strong protection for lawful speech and a real chance to challenge restrictions before they upend someone’s life.
“Respect” should not mean silence before the prevailing culture. Christians should watch these laws closely—not because every complaint will become an order, but because the power to restrict a person’s conduct carries serious consequences when the line is drawn too broadly.
The Cost Of Selective Christianity: A Congregation Applauds A Polygamous Pastor
A Cleveland-area congregation applauded as its pastor’s first wife introduced his second wife from the church platform. The scene was startling, but the deeper issue is familiar: when leaders treat Scripture as a collection of passages to accept or set aside at will, almost any conclusion can be presented as God’s will.
At LifeWorks Church in Wickliffe, Ohio, Pastor Lydia Ford introduced Minister Shakayla Ford as her husband Israel Ford’s second wife and her “sister in marriage.” The Fords described their relationship as polygynous—a marriage in which one man has more than one wife. Israel Ford, who calls himself a prophet, later said the belief that a man should have only one wife is “unbiblical.” Shakayla told the congregation the arrangement reflected God’s will.
The congregation applauded.
A Bible verse is not a blank check
The Bible does describe men with multiple wives. But describing something is not the same as commanding it—or presenting it as God’s ideal. Scripture also records deception, violence, betrayal and family turmoil without endorsing them.
Ford cited Exodus 21:10, a law addressing a man who takes another wife and requiring him to continue providing for the first wife. That passage regulates a situation within ancient Israel’s law. It does not instruct Christian pastors to take additional wives, nor does it erase the New Testament’s expectations for church leadership.
In 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, Paul says an overseer or elder must be “the husband of one wife.” Christians debate the precise meaning of that phrase, but it has long been understood as a standard of marital faithfulness and singularity for church leaders. Jesus, when questioned about marriage, points back to Genesis: a man leaves his parents, is joined to his wife, and the two become one flesh.
That word—two—matters. The Bible’s marriage pattern is not something leaders can redraw simply by finding an Old Testament passage that mentions another arrangement.
The same road to acceptance
The church’s acceptance of same-sex marriage followed a similar pattern of reasoning. It often began with an appeal to compassion and sincerity: these people love each other, so how can the church deny their relationship? From there, biblical passages that set boundaries were reinterpreted, treated as culturally limited, or set aside. The conclusion came first; Scripture was then made to fit it.
The underlying move is strikingly similar: human judgment becomes the final authority, while biblical teaching is accepted only when it supports the desired conclusion.
That raises an unavoidable question for Christians who defend same-sex marriage on the grounds of love, commitment and consent: If those principles are enough to set aside the traditional biblical definition of marriage, why would they not also justify a consensual polygynous marriage? If the answer is that Scripture still sets limits, then which limits—and why should those passages govern one debate but not the other?
Some Christians who support same-sex marriage may reject polygamy. But if they do, they need to explain the biblical principle that draws that line. Otherwise, their rejection risks sounding less like a consistent scriptural standard and more like a preference: one redefinition is welcomed, another condemned. That is the charge of hypocrisy they will have to answer.
When the rules keep changing
This controversy exposes a broader problem in modern Christianity. Some churches have recast biblical teaching on marriage and sexuality around the slogan “love is love.” Others now defend polygamy by appealing to selected Old Testament laws. The arguments differ, but the danger is similar: Scripture becomes a tool for validating a conclusion already chosen.
If a passage is welcomed when it appears to support a desired position and dismissed when it challenges one, then the Bible no longer has final authority. The interpreter does.
That changes the church’s answer to a basic question: Is the church called to submit to God’s Word, or can its leaders declare new permissions and call them revelation?
The applause matters
The responsibility does not rest only with pastors. Congregations help decide what their churches will accept. The applause at LifeWorks was more than a reaction to an unusual announcement; it showed people publicly affirming the leaders’ claim. Christians are called to test teaching, not simply follow the person on the platform.
The answer cannot be that any arrangement is acceptable if the people involved say they love one another. Nor can it be that every practice recorded in the Old Testament is therefore approved for the church. Christians must read Scripture as a whole, taking seriously Jesus’ teaching and the New Testament’s instructions for church leaders.
The cost of selective Christianity is that no biblical boundary remains firm. One congregation can redefine marriage in the name of love; another can redefine it in the name of an isolated proof text. And when the congregation applauds, the church sends a message that Scripture’s authority ends wherever its leaders’ preferences begin.
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TruLight Ministries has Created these 4 Radio Dramas for Educational Purpose’s
The 1st Play
The Place of Death – Radio Drama
A Link between the Old and New Testament . What happened in the spiritual realm during the 3 Hours of Darkness on Earth after the Death of Jesus on the Cross and the 3 Days and Nights Events leading the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The 2nd Play
Have you seen! (Dear Angel) – Radio Drama
A Radio Drama about the Last 7 Years and 7 Months on Earth. Travel with Bill as He takes you to the Major Bible Prophecies on the End Time, Time Line.
The 3rd Play
Eschatology: Back to the Future (WHO ARE WORTHY) – Radio Drama
This 3rd Play by TruLight Ministries is the 2nd Part of a 3 Part End Time Time line Study . You should 1st Listen to our 1st Play – The Place of Death and then this Play ” Back to the Future ” and then or 2nd Play ” Have you seen , Dear Angel “. These 3 Radio Drama Plays will take you on a Journey starting at the Ministry of Jesus to then Great white Throne Judgment and every event in between giving you a clear understanding on the events as the had and still will unfold in the Prophetic End Time Time line unto the 2nd Coming of Jesus and beyond.
The 4th Play
The Sheriff of The Church (I Tell You Tru) – Radio Drama
The Audio Drama Series
“The Sheriff of the Church” is a faith-based radio drama featuring a “Spiritual Lawman” appointed by God. The character rides a horse called “Justice” and travels through different “Doctrines of Demons” to serve reproof and rebuke summons on systems that have strayed from the truth. You can listen to episodes on the The Gospel Truth platform. “The Sheriff of the Church” is a breakthrough Christian radio drama produced by The Gospel Truth and written in alignment with the teachings of Pastor Dirk, the in-house teacher of TruLight Ministries.The core details of this audio broadcast include:
The Premise
The series is framed as a spiritual Western. It follows a Spiritual Lawman who has been appointed by God and officially commissioned by the “City Marshal’s Office”. Mounted on his horse named Justice, he rides across a metaphorical landscape to confront spiritual deception.
The Mission
The Sheriff’s primary task is to track down and confront various “Doctrines of Demons”. He is tasked with serving official Reproof and Rebuke Summons to religious and worldly systems that have abandoned biblical truths in exchange for false teachings.
Where to Listen & Context Platform:
You can stream and access the audio drama directly on The Gospel Truth Website and Sheriff of the Church Websites , Links provided.
Thematic Style:
It uses a dramatic, narrative-driven audio format (similar to old-time radio theater) to unpack modern spiritual issues using strict King James Version (KJV) scriptural references. Companion Shows: It airs alongside other end-times prophecy audio programs on the same platform, Eschatology Back to the Future
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