Tattoo: God’s View to Tattoo on Your Body

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?

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.

How your power of Choice Can Restrain God’s Power!

How your power of Choice Can Restrain God’s Power!

The power of God is so great and no one can quantify the size. When God created us in His own image, He gave us the power of choice.
The first assignment of Adam was naming the animals created by God through the use of his power of choice, as stated in Genesis chapter 1 verse 19 and 20, “Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature that was its name. So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field…” (NKJV)

 

Have you ever asked yourself why the omnipresent God did not stop Eve from eating the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden? The simple answer is that God respected the power of choice made by Eve. Genesis chapter 3 verses 6 says, “So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate…”

 

God gave us the power of choice so that we can have the liberty to take helpful decisions in life. Unfortunately, Adam and Eve abused the power of choice through disobedience to God’s instruction, but thanks to Jesus who devoted His power of choice to save us from eternal condemnation.
He says in the book of John chapter 10 verses 18, “No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.”

 

I discovered that God respects my choice so much, and He cannot compel me to obey His instructions in the Bible. The glorious life I enjoy today starts from the moment I turned away from worldliness, and I devoted my power of choice to obey the word of God in the Bible every day.

The power of God cannot stop you from taking any decision in life, but the reason for the instructions in the Bible is to prevent you from abusing the power of choice.
God made it clear that we must live a sinless life for us to gain heaven. Paul says, “For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”  (Romans 14:17). So the atheists have to think twice…

 

God gave us the power to make good choice, but people chose various categories of religion such as; Christianity, Judaism, Muslim, Satanism, Buddhism, Atheism, and so on.
The only way to heaven is through Lord Jesus. He says in the book of John chapter 14 verses 6, “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

 

It is impossible for the power of God to take a sinner who chose to live a sinful life to heaven.
Your power of choice is significant for your success in life.

Three Benefits of God’s Power

• The Power of God had brought salvation and grace to the world, but it is the power of your choice that will determine the acceptance of the Good News into your life.
• The Power of God had created the beautiful and peaceful mansions in heaven for all the interested human beings who devote their power and strength to obey God’s commandment. Jesus says: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”
• The Power of God is available to defeat Satan and to solve any problem in this world, but you cannot enjoy this Power of God’s salvation if your power of choice is devoted to worldliness.
God will never abuse His mighty Power, so you must take the wise step which involves devoting your power of choice to obey God’s word in the Bible daily. If your power of choice is aligned with God’s Power, then you will be victorious on earth and enjoy eternity in heaven.

Suicide: An Escape Route to Heaven?

Suicide: An Escape Route to Heaven?

Suicide is liken to a player on the football field who chose to run away from the pitch because his team had been terribly defeated by the opponent with ten goals to zero at the first twenty minutes of the game.
World Health Organization estimates that over 800,000 people worldwide die due to suicide every year and it is predicted that by 2020, the rate of death will increase from one death every 40 seconds to one every 20 seconds.

 
Suicide is a wrong choice made by those who thought their problems can never have a solution. Besides, there is always a solution to every problem in life when you obey the counsel of Jesus in the Bible. He says in the book of Matthew chapter 7 verses 24 and 25, “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.” (NKJV)

The Causes of Suicide

There are lots of challenges in life such as: Financial problems, health issues, job… but we must not allow any challenge of life to control our emotions. If you allow yourself to be carried away by the unwanted conditions of life, then depression will hit you in a hard way. Some people thought drinking alcohol is a good way to forget their problems, but unfortunately the stupor lifestyle will never solve the problems.

In fact, experts had confirmed that depression and alcoholism are two major factors that hasten the act of committing suicide. King Solomon condemn this act in the book of Proverbs chapter 23 verse 29 and 30, ‘’ 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.’’

How to Avoid Suicide

Suicide is a taboo in the stable cultural settings across the world, and the powerful salvation of Jesus is to save us from committing suicide when we are in trouble. Jesus proclaimed this in John chapter 16 verses 33, ‘’These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.’’ (NKJV)

Suicide is not an option to solve any problem in life, so we must help anyone at risk of committing suicide.
• Avoid putting on the cap of depression; the best way to overcome the thoughts of committing suicide is to move out of your closet and speak with any genuine servant of God in your area. I am very sure that the attempt to commit suicide by someone who speaks to the professionals for help will not see the light of the day.

 
• Reading the Bible to know more about how God saved the people of the past from their problems is a good recommendation for people who attempt to commit suicide.

 
• Since abuse of drugs and alcoholism affect mental stability, then the best way to overcome suicidal thoughts is to stay away from such lifestyle. Paul said: ‘’ 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.’’ (Ephesians 5:18-19)

 
• Gamblers who have lost everything are prone to commit suicide, so it is advisable to stay away from the casino.

 
• You must not allow the feeling of faithlessness and hopelessness to take control of your mind.

 
The solutions you want to all the complex issues of life are available in the power of God, but you must be hopeful and have faith in the word of God written in the Bible. If you accept Jesus Christ into your life as your Lord and Savior, then He will give you peace of mind. Jesus says in the book of John chapter 14 verse 27, ‘’ Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.’’

 
Committing suicide will not open the gate of eternal rest in heaven because such act is referred to as murder. Revelation chapter 21 verse 8 says, ‘’ But the cowardly… murderers… shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.’’ (NKJV)
Please, help anyone around you suffering from any attempt to commit suicide.

Is Courtship Necessary Before Marriage?

Is Courtship Necessary Before Marriage?

Courtship is a kind of relationship between a mature man and woman who have reached marriageable age. The significance of courtship is for both partners to date each other (without sex) for a period, and decide whether they are suitable for marriage. 

The Bible and most cultures across the world support the act of courtship. There is no thumb rule for the period of courtship. But, it should be long enough for both partners to be convinced that they are ripe and compatible for marriage.

For the Lord God of Israel says that He hates divorce, for it covers one’s garment with violence,” Says the Lord of hosts (Mal 2:16).

Courtship involves a great deal of discussion and proper planning between the partners. It is best done together in places with less distraction, but private places that could encourage fornication should be disallowed. 

3 Major Benefits of Courtship

1. Courtship Reveals More Information
A lot of marriages got crashed because there was lack of basic information to execute the success of the relationship.

Courtship will give you the opportunity to retrieve enough vital information you need to know about your prospective spouse. You can get this information through interaction with each other and investigation from close associates.

It is a good thing to know the history of the partner you intend to marry with respect to; the family background, health, finance and belief. If you get this information, then you would be able to decide marrying such person or not.

2. Courtship Builds Strong Friendship
There is more to marriage than the wedding ceremony. So, courtship gives room for intimacy of both partners. And, it is also a period that builds the foundation of a strong friendship.

It will be a difficult task for a marriage that has a firm foundation on friendship to break away. Many marriages break apart because some wives do not have a sense of belonging in their matrimonial home.

3. Courtship Strengthens Marriage
Courtship preserves your body and emotional feelings for the person you intend to marry. Thus, your marriage will be built on a stronger foundation when compared to someone who messed up in premarital sex.

The chances of getting a divorce will be reduced, because both couples understand the ‘price’ they paid for their unity during the courtship through abstinence. Such abstinence goes a long way to build a strong trust in the heart of both couples.

It is obvious that the act of courtship before marriage is unpopular in our generation which is the major cause of high rate of divorce in our midst when compared to the past. I strongly recommend to Christians to do a transparent courtship before marriage.