Wine; Is it Wise for Christians to Drink Alcohol?

Posted by Aug 5, 2015 Holy Word, Podcast, Youths , 3 Comments
Wine; Is it Wise for Christians to Drink Alcohol?

Alcohol is mainly derived from the fermentation of grains and fruits. The ancient discovery of alcohol was mainly used for social enjoyment and medical purposes.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 88,000 people die from alcohol-related causes annually, making it the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States.
If the accumulative in-take of alcohol is harmful to me, then I need someone to fill my tummy with water!
Noah was the first wine-brewer in the Bible after the flood, but the social enjoyment he derived from the alcohol made him lose his right senses. He threw himself naked and made a wrong judgment by pronouncing curse on Canaan instead of Ham. (Genesis 9:20-25).
It is quite easy for people drinking alcohol to take more than the reasonable quantity, which eventually leads to drunkenness.

King Solomon who had an unpleasant experience related to alcoholism advised in the book of Proverbs chapter 23 and verse 29 to 33: ‘’Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long at the wine, those who go in search of mixed wine. Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly; at the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart will utter perverse things.’’
It is not a sin to take drugs with alcoholic content for healing purposes, because it is impossible to get drunk with such doses prescribed by the doctor.
There are references in the Old and New Testament to show that alcohol in wine can be used for medicinal purposes. Ziba gave a bottle of wine to King David for the purpose of healing the sick. You’ll discover this in the book of 2Samuel chapter 16 and verses 2 “…So Ziba said, ’’The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride on, the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat, and the wine for those who are faint in the wilderness to drink.’’

 

Paul advised Timothy to take little wine for his stomach infirmity in 1Timothy chapter 5 and verse 23, ‘’ No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.’’
I always feel sad when some drunkards in the church quote Paul’s statement to Timothy as a justification for their drunkenness. Paul had never advised anyone to take wine for enjoyment.

Paul advised Christians to stay away from drinking alcohol. Ephesians chapter 5, verse 18 and 19 says, “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.’’

The abuse of alcohol in our generation is heartbreaking! During the days of the Israelite, God did not condemn the intake of alcohol until He noticed the abuse by the people. And He gave an instruction to the priests not to drink alcohol anymore, to prevent them from messing up the altar.

Leviticus chapter 10 and verse 9 says: “Do not drink wine or intoxicating drink, you, or your sons with you, when you go into the tabernacle of meeting, lest you die. It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations that you may distinguish between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean.’’
If your heart is the altar of the Lord, then it is wise to avoid alcohol that could separate your soul from God’s presence.

After the miracle that took place in Cana of Galilee, Jesus also noticed that the abuse of alcohol by people will make them lose heaven. He also warned everyone to stay away from drinking alcohol to avoid drunkenness. Luke chapter 21 and verse 34 says, “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day (of judgment) come on you unexpectedly.’’

God dislikes the act of drunkenness. Since, there is more than 90% chance of getting drunk at the bar, it is wise for Christians to abstain from drinking alcohol to avoid the sin of drunkenness.
Many years ago, I drink ‘responsibly’, but there were some occasions I got drunk. I don’t feel bad, because I thought am not a regular drunkard. If rapture had occurred, or I got struck by a car accident to the point of death, my last action on earth at that moment would have been recorded in heaven as drunkenness. I repent from drinking alcohol when I noticed the spiritual separation it caused between me and God.

The effects of drinking alcohol to our physical and mental status are enormous. Alcohol is a depressant drug, which slows down the functions of the brain. Some other side-effects of drinking alcohol include:

• Memory problems,
• Slurred speech,
• Violent character,
• Suicide,
• Breathing difficulties
• And various forms of accidents such as auto crash.

It’s wise for Christians to stay away from alcohol than to take the risk which leads to spiritual and mental problems attributed to drunkenness.

5 Ways to Save your Marriage from Crashing

Posted by Jul 26, 2015 Family, Holy Word, Podcast 1 Comment
5 Ways to Save your Marriage from Crashing

God designed marriage as a perfect plan to overcome the burden of loneliness in man. Genesis chapter 2 verse 24 says, ‘’ Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.’’
It’s no more news that there has been a high rate of marriage crashing in our generation. God is not pleased with this trend, because He hates divorce. Malachi chapter 2 verses 16 says, ‘’ For the LORD God of Israel says That He hates divorce, For it covers one’s garment with violence,” Says the LORD of hosts. “Therefore take heed to your spirit that you do not deal treacherously’’.
Marriage involves the use of some spiritual skills to prevent it from crashing;

1. Maintain the Family Prayer Time

Do not allow the rush of the morning, or the tiredness of the night to snatch the family prayer time from you. I had tried this method and it has been a good medium of solving marital conflicts. When I had misunderstanding with my wife, I always find it difficult to sleep over it, because the two of us respect the family prayer time before going to bed. Thus, we humbly solve our differences before the Lord so that our prayers will be answered.

In the book of Matthew chapter 5 verse 23 and 24, Jesus says: ‘’ Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.’’

Prayers with your spouse in the morning and at night release an unbreakable supernatural bond to your marriage.

2. Sharing the Word of God

I asked a couple who were so hot to crash their marriage if they read the Bible together every day. I was shocked to discover that none of the couple reads Bible except on Sunday service.
If the government is taking away Bible from the public places, then it is disastrous for couples to hide theirs in the private home. The word of God is powerful and highly significant to the unity of a marriage. When you have a contrary opinion to a decision your spouse intend to take, do not organize a hot debate center in your living room. The best action is to argue with respect to God’s word, pick your Bible and read through related passages. If your spouse’s decision is on God’s side, then give your consent.
Otherwise, tell your spouse with a respectful voice that such decision is against God’s will. Sharing the word of God together with your spouse gives a greater chance of common reasoning which will reduce hot argument drastically.

3. Doing Things Together

A Christian marriage understands that both the husband and wife is helper to each other. Doing domestic work together such as; laundry, painting, cooking and cleaning are all filled with fun.

Doing things together establishes a mutual understanding between you and your spouse, and it discourages conflicts. A lot of couples carelessly find it easy to crash their marriage, because they do things alone. But in a condition where both couples do things together, to break-up will be a hard nut to crack.

4. Learn to Say ‘Sorry’

Some marriages stand the risk of crashing when the spouse at fault in a particular matter could not say ‘sorry my love’. Apologizing for doing something wrong rekindles the light of love in the marriage.

5. Don’t Make Jest of your Spouse

Some spouse thought it is all about fun when they expose their spouse’s error in the public. It does more harm than good. For instance, a woman at a wedding party yelled at her husband to button his sleeve, everyone around him laughed at his improper dressing but deep in his heart it was a public embarrassment.

It is the responsibility of both the husband and wife to give their hearts to God. Every marriage controlled by God cannot crash. So, keep your marriage intact by drawing close to God…

Tattoo: God’s View to Tattoo on Your Body

Posted by Jul 16, 2015 Family, Holy Word, Podcast, Word of Faith, Youths , , 1 Comment
Tattoo: God’s View to Tattoo on Your Body

The oldest discovery of tattoo on human skin was found on the upper lip of a Chinchorro culture mummy from South America, dating to about 6,000BC, while the oldest direct evidence of tattoo in Europe is the body of Otzi the iceman, dating from the late 4,000BC.

Tattoo had been an ancient practice for different purposes across the world. For instance, the Greeks and Romans used tattoo as punishment and identification of slaves and criminals. While in some part of the world, tattoo is an idolatry practice to show solidarity to idols.

Presently, tattoo is referred to as fashion in the western civilization. One in every five adult in the United States has at least one tattoo on their skin, and women have the highest figure according to the results of The Harris Poll. It is unfortunate that most of the film artists, musicians and sport men are promoting tattoo through the media.

 

Is Tattoo Acceptable for Christians?

Romans chapter 12 verse 1 and 2 says: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.’’ This passage always struck my heart when I ponder on controversial topics such as this.

As a child of God, your body is designed for God, and not to the fashions of the world. The teachings of God were different from the culture of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites who lived on the promise land, so He warned the Israelites to destroy them and never to follow their customs. Deuteronomy chapter 7 says: “…and when the LORD your God delivers them over to you, you shall conquer them and utterly destroy them. You shall make no covenant with them nor show mercy to them’’.

Piercing, cutting and tattoo on the skin were popular practices in the midst of the heathen to worship their idols and to pacify the infernal deities they dreamt of, and to make them propitious to their deceased friends. God gave the strong warning, because He does not want the Israelite to receive the image and superscription of the dunghill deities.

Four reasons for Christians to Stay Away From Tattoo

1. God is the sole creator of your body, so any tattoo that could change the natural appearance of your skin is not acceptable by Him. God does not want you to idolize your skin, because He is a jealous God. Deuteronomy chapter 4 verses 24 say: “For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God’’.
2. Bleeding of the skin: The tattoo artist uses a machine with the attachment of needles piercing the skin repeatedly. Every puncture of the needles inserts tiny ink droplets and this process causes bleeding and pains to the body.
3. There is the high risk of viral infections such as HIV and hepatitis through the use of the needles.
4. There is no scriptural reference that supports the practice of tattoo.
Tattoo might look like an attractive fashion, but not all what looks good is beneficial to the body. Christians must be careful not to be carried away by the lustful desire of tattoo which has no spiritual benefit. Paul knew what your body can push you to do, but He warned in Romans chapter 6 verses 12, “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts’’.
I belief tattoo was not mentioned in the New Testament, because it was not a threat to the faith of the early Christians. I discovered the view of God on tattoo when He was teaching the Israelite how to live an acceptable life. Leviticus chapter 19 verses 28 say, “You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the LORD’’.
Tattoo is becoming popular, and you must not be deceived by the false preachers who support the wrong fashion. God cares for your skin so much. I consider the use of tattoo as an abuse to the body created by God.
The inks of tattoo change the natural appearance of the skin created by God. If we surrender our body to God as a genuine Christian, then you will agree with me that tattoo is completely unnecessary in the Christendom.

Gay Marriage: Is it a Boring Relationship?

Posted by Jul 5, 2015 Family, Holy Word, Youths 3 Comments
Gay Marriage: Is it a Boring Relationship?

Gay marriage is gaining a worldwide recognition as the supreme court of United States ruled on June 26th that States cannot ban same-sex marriage. The U.S. is now the 21st and most populous country to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide.
Is this another sex revolution from the western civilization?

 
The history of gay marriage was traced to the old generation of Abraham in the land of Sodom where the gays insisted to have sex with Lot’s male visitors. Genesis chapter 19 verse 6 to 9 says, “So Lot went out to them through the doorway, shut the door behind him, “See now, I have two daughters who have not known a man; please, let me bring them out to you, and you may do to them as you wish; only do nothing to these men, since this is the reason they have come under the shadow of my roof.”
And they said, “Stand back!” Then they said, “This one came in to stay here, and he keeps acting as a judge; now we will deal worse with you than with them.” So they pressed hard against the man Lot, and came near to break down the door.’’

 
God destroyed the land and all the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah with fire, because of the gay lifestyle and other abominable characters practiced by the people.
The origin of gay marriage is not from God, but the rebellious people who chose to go against the will of God invented the same-sex marriage. When God created human beings, He made marriage to be between a male and a female. Genesis chapter 2 verses 24 says, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.’’

 
I implore you not to support this boring relationship of gay marriage which the western civilization intends to spread all over the world. I had searched through the Bible and no verse is in support of gay marriage. Gay marriage is a strong weapon from devil to lure the world into a great abomination. The general acceptability of gay marriage like the time of Sodom and Gomorrah can spark the wrath of God on our generation.

 
The gays and the government of all the countries legalizing same-sex marriage are not Christians. So, Christians must not give-in to this abomination, because the thief is in our midst to destroy the holy matrimonial custom established by God. The first part of John chapter 10 verses 10 describes the function of devil, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…’’

 
I don’t know how a normal human being in his/her right senses could fall in love to someone of the same-sex. I’m sure the gays are suffering from a serious mental and spiritual destabilization. The plan of devil is to introduce this abomination to the Christendom, Daniel prophesied this in his book, chapter 11 verses 31, “And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation’’.

 
God dislike gay with all His heart and that was the reason for the law in the book of Leviticus chapter 20 verse 13, “If a man lies with a male as if he were a woman, both men have committed an offense (something perverse, unnatural, abhorrent, and detestable); they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.’’ (Amp)

 
The period of persecution has come for the Christian leaders in the States (God’s own country). The true pastors will prefer to go to jail than to accept gay marriage in the house of the Lord. I recommend you stay away from any church that accepts the practice of gay marriage, because such gathering had compromised the standard of God for marriage.

 
I read in the news that the Episcopal Church officially joined Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) and the United Church of Christ on July 2, becoming the third mainline denomination to embrace gay marriage rites. Scriptures had made it clear in the book of Mathew chapter 7 verses 16, “You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles?’’.
The leaders of these churches are not ministers of God anymore, because their choice to support same-sex marriage had no scriptural basis. They had chosen to support the plans of devil against humanity. This new movement must not be embraced by other Continents who love to imitate western civilization.
Gay marriage is a threat to the good family standard of our society (Father, Mother and Children).

 

The Danger of Same-Sex Marriage

• Same–sex marriage has no productive sex-life to offer both partners.

 
• Gay marriage has no children to multiply; it will be a cheat to adopt, and if the gay partners could think of adopting a child that originates from a traditional marriage, then it is a clear signal that such gay partners need a Christian pastor who can use the word of God to deliver them from mental bondage.

 
• Gay marriage will reduce the population of the society which can lead to extinction of human race.

 
I urge Christians all over the whole world to disallow gay marriage in their churches and to be bold to face any persecution from any supporter of such abominable act.
The church must reject gay marriage. This is not an abuse of human right, but it is the sustenance of God’s right upon the church who established the traditional marriage of one man one woman.

What is the Reality of Eternal Security?

Posted by Jun 27, 2015 Gospel Evangelism, Holy Word, Podcast , , 292 Comments
What is the Reality of Eternal Security?

Eternal security is referred to as a long-lasting enjoyment in heaven, but I was shocked when I heard some pastors’ definition of eternal security as the freedom to do anything in this world as long as you confess Jesus as Lord and Savior. The preaching of these false teachers implies that you can simultaneously be a Christian and a sinner to gain heaven. What a contradictory expression!!
The pattern of God’s salvation in the Old Testament involved a lot of ceremonial and sacrificial laws which were referred to as ‘works’ in the New Testament. But, the pattern of God’s salvation in the New Testament involved the supreme sacrifice of Jesus Christ. And eternal security is a guarantee for anyone who believes in His teachings and power of resurrection.

 

Repentance is the Key that Opens the Door to Eternal Security

The purpose of Jesus on earth is to secure our eternal life, and that is the essence of His first preaching in Mark chapter one verse 14 and 15, “Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

Repentance is an act of changing one’s lifestyle from committing sins to living a holy life. The salvation of Jesus for your life is free, thus the only need is your readiness to believe and live by His principle of holiness.
The false teachers of our generation said that you will get eternal security if you accept Jesus as your savior, and you are free to do anything you like in the world, but such teachings are wrong and misleading. If Jesus wants us to live our lives anyhow, He would not spend His whole life moving from one place to another to teach the principle of holy lifestyle.

The Lord is patiently waiting for sinners to repent, because repentance is the only way to enjoy the eternal security according to the book of 2 Peter chapter 3 verses 9, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

You do not need to work for your salvation, because Jesus had done all the works on the cross. So, sin and death would not have power over you when you genuinely surrender your total life to Jesus. You are saved when you repent from sinful lifestyles to holy lifestyles described by Jesus in the book of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Jesus says in the book of Luke chapter 15 verses 7:” I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” Your holy lifestyle in the salvation of Jesus Christ through His power and grace is the only reality of your eternal security to heaven.

 

Can a Christian Lose His Salvation?

Yes!! You lose your salvation when you go back to sinful lifestyle. Hebrew chapter 10 verse 26 and 27 says, “For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.’’ There is no eternal security for disobedient ‘Christians’.
No sinner will dwell with God in heaven, so do not be deceived by the famous false preachers who spread the wrong teachings of eternal security. The salvation of Jesus Christ is available to people whose humble hearts are filled with repentance. The book of 1Peter chapter 4 verses 18 says: “Now if the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”
The salvation of Jesus will not act as an eternal security to the active sinners in the church who chose to be lukewarm Christians. God’s judgment in the book of Revelation chapter 3 verse 15 and 16 says: ’’ I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.’’

Be careful of not being trapped into the false teachings of eternal security.