E.P.I.C. Word of Truth

“Woe unto them”!

Posted on February 20, 2017 by Keith M. Seiber

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!”

Woe to them who confound the distinction between what is evil and what is good. Between what is morally sin and what is morally right. Woe unto them who are not ashamed of their own sin.

Isaiah compares the difference of moral “good and evil” presented to the human understanding with that of “light and darkness” discerned by the eye, and of “bitter and sweet” tasted by the palate; that is, as a plain and undeniable truth which forces its evidence upon a rational mind: to transgress God’s commandments, His laws and His statutes is a heinous crime; but to “call evil good, and good evil,” is to advance a step further into the profane and abominable.

Everywhere you look today this is happening; people are calling “evil good, and good evil”. Killing the unborn is somehow okay and if you are against it you are an evil person, homosexual relationships and even homosexual “marriage” is now called okay and if you object you are a bigot or homophobic. Praying in schools is now wrong, but now boys can use the girl’s bathrooms and locker rooms and that is somehow okay. The world has so rejected God and so turned their back on common decency and morals that they have become what Romans 1: 21,22& 25 warns us against, “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.”

This is a dire state the world is in today; but there is an answer to the world’s sins, there is a cure available to bring common sense back into the world. The Bible tells us the key to changing the world for the good to bringing revival to the world, to bringing healing and repentance to our land is for God’s people to humble themselves, for God’s people to get serious about God, for us as a whole to get right with Him and humble ourselves before Him. Then, the Bible tells us, He will bring healing, repentance and revival to our land. The key to changing America and the world back to common sense about good and evil lies within the Christian himself. (II Chronicles 7:14 – If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.)

The Love of God

Posted on February 14, 2017 by Keith M. Seiber

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THE LOVE OF GOD

My friend having just read about the life of Christ you can understand the great love and humility the Son of God had in coming down to earth. To be born of a virgin, to grow up from infancy to adulthood of no reputation. To go on to minister, preach and perform miracles during His active ministry on earth. To then be willing to die a most humiliating death just so wretched undeserving sinners would have a way to go to Heaven one day, is an amazing and incomprehensible thought.

The Christ, the Son of the Living God, did all of that just for you and me. He did it all, sacrificed all just for you and me. The Bible tells us “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13. Well Jesus not only laid down His life for His friends but He laid down His life for all of mankind. John 3:16 tells us “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Jesus did all of this out of His love for man, out of His love for you and me.

God chose to give His only son as a sacrifice for our sins. The greatest gift ever given was the gift of love that God gave over 2,000 years ago. God gave his only begotten Son so that we might have life and have it more abundantly! Christ humbled himself to become the sacrifice for our sins because He loved us. We need to worship Christ. Show Him the honor and respect He should have. Worship Him with song, praise and how you live your life for Him.

All of what He has done, has given all those who accept Him by faith, a sure path to Heaven. Is a gift of love He presented to the world to all those that will accept it. That is the key; we have to choose by faith to accept the gift of eternal life into our hearts. It does not just happen; we have to make the conscience decision, by faith in Jesus Christ, to accept Him as our own person Savior.

My friend if you have any doubts as to your eternal destination, why don’t you get that settled right now. Why don’t you invite Jesus into your heart today? Romans 3:23 tells us “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” we have to understand we are all sinners. Romans 6:23 says “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” we need to understand that the penalty of our sins is eternal death in hell. Romans 5:8 “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” this verse lets us know that even though we were sinners Christ came down to earth and died for us. He paid the penalty of death for us and for our sins. We just need to accept that payment of our sin debt in full that was paid by Christ on the cross. Romans 10:9-10 lets us know what we need to do about all this “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

It is God who gives us spiritual and eternal life. It is by the sacrifice of the “bread of life” that we have everlasting life with Him in Glory. (John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.) God gives life to those who were dead in their sins. (Romans 8:12-14 – Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.) We are debtors to the “bread of life” form Bethlehem. Without His coming to Bethlehem and being born to die on the cross for our sins we would not have life. We would be doomed to stay dead in our sins.

If you have by faith invited Christ into your heart and accepted Him as your personal Savior. Romans 10:13 gives you assurance as to the fact you are now a child of God. You now know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior! Romans 10:13 “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” – You are now an eternally secured saved child of God.

Seeking the Lost

Posted on February 13, 2017 by Keith M. Seiber

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SEEKING THE LOST (John 1:35-42)

John 1:40-42a – “One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus.”

The Apostle Andrew was always bringing people to Jesus. Andrew was not loud, boisterous and impulsive like his brother Peter, but something that seems to define Andrew was that he was always focusing on bringing people to Jesus.

INTRODUCTION: The Apostle Andrew’s name means “manly”. Many preachers and commentators call Andrew a man’s man. The most masculine and mature thing you could do as a man is love Jesus with all your heart, follow Him with all your might and bring others to Him as often as you can. Andrew was the very first of the Apostles to follow Jesus. He is often referred to as Simon Peter’s brother, but Andrew was his own man. He was the first of the twelve Apostles’ to acknowledge Jesus was the Christ. Andrew’s personality was basically the opposites of Peters. Andrew was calm and considerate and naturally helpful; his brother Peter was impulsive, bold and brash. Peter was a leader and took charge of men, Andrew was a man that supported leaders, looked out for leaders and followed leaders. We can all learn something from the Apostle Andrew. Andrew seemed to always play second fiddle to his brother Peter and never was upset or jealous about it. Andrew did not consider it beneath him to be an assistant to a leader; in fact he thrived in this position. Andrew had the right perspective of himself and his situations. It was not about him, and it is not about us; it should be all about God and His son Christ Jesus. (Colossians 3:2 – Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.)

BIOGRAPHICAL OVERVIEW OF THE APOSTLE ANDREW

Andrew was first a disciple of John the Baptist. Andrew was saved under the ministry of John the Baptist. (John 1:35 & 40 – Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.) So Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist. Then one day he heard John preach “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me” Andrew turned and saw Jesus and Andrew never looked back. That one look at Jesus was enough to change Andrew’s life forever. We need to look unto Jesus the Son of God, He has “all power”, He can change our life forever, for the good, if we just surrender to Him and let Him work in our life. Andrew was Simon Peter’s brother and partnered with Peter and James and John in a fishing business. Andrew’s fathers name was Jona or John and Andrew lived in Bethsaida.
The account of Andrew becoming an Apostle is found in Luke 6:13-14 – “And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles; Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,”

CHARACTER LESSONS FROM THE APOSTLE ANDREW

Andrew was concerned with bringing others to Jesus. He first prepared himself to bring others to Jesus. How did he do that? The same way we can do it today by spending time with Jesus. How do you spend time with Jesus? By prayer, by Bible study, by going to church every time the doors are open. Andrew prepared himself to bring others to Jesus. (John 1:39 – He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.)
Andrew made it a priority to find others so he could bring them to Jesus. How much of a priority do you make it to find friends or family members you could bring to church or point to Jesus? (John 1:41a – He first findeth his own brother Simon,) – Notice Andrew started with his family members first in his quest to find people to bring to Jesus. There is a saying that goes “They will not come – they must be brought, they will not seek – they must be sought, they will not learn – they must be taught.” Winning souls to Christ involves effort it usually doesn’t just happen.
Andrew made a proclamation to his brother “We have found the Messias”! Andrew did not hesitate to boldly proclaim Jesus to his brother.
Andrew had a purpose. People need Christ in their life. Andrew purposed to help as many people as possible to get Christ in their life. How are you doing in this regard? (John 1:42 – And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.)
Andrew was people orientated. You will not get the job done Christ wants you to do unless you get among people, and interact, talk and get to know them. In John chapter six the multitude needed to be fed. Christ asked Phillip where they could buy loaves of bread to feed the multitude. Phillip basically said it can’t be done we can’t feed these people, but Andrew had been among the people and he knew of a lad who had some bread and some fishes; and in Andrew’s fashion he brought him to Jesus. Andrew took enough time to spend with this lad to know he had the bread and the fishes. (John 6:8-9a – One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes:)
Andrew was also dependent on Jesus. Andrew did not try to solve his problems by himself. He did not first exhaust himself trying to solve problems in his own effort like many of us do; he first took his problems and concerns straight to Jesus and was dependent on Him to help him solve the problem. John 6:9 says “There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?” Notice the last part of the verse “but what are they among so many?” Andrew immediately stated the concern and brought it straight to Jesus. Are you dependent on Jesus for your problems, concerns and decisions?
Andrew was devoted to Jesus. He devoted his whole life to Jesus, to serving Him and doing His will. Andrew invited Jesus into his home. Some people let Jesus in their heart but never really make Him welcome in their home! Is Jesus welcome in your home? Would he feel welcome in your home? Do you have movies, books, or video games in your room or internet sites you visit that Jesus would not approve of? (Mark 1:29 – And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. & Colossians 2:6 – As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him)
Andrew was a trusted problem solver. When a fellow Apostle was not sure of the best course of action, he consulted with Andrew for direction on how best to handle the situation; and Andrew handled it in his usual fashion, he took it to Jesus as soon as possible. (John 12:20-22 – And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.)
We need to be “Andrews”. We need to be concerned with bringing others to Jesus. Over and over again we see examples of Andrew bringing people to Jesus. How many people have you brought to Jesus? We need to be people oriented like Andrew. He made it a priority to get to know people. Andrew was dependent on Jesus in all parts of his life. Is Jesus first in all areas of your life? Do you bring your problems to Jesus right away or do you try to solve them yourself first? Andrew devoted his life to serving and ministering for Christ. What are you doing as service to the Lord? Andrew was a trusted problem solver. When people came to him with a problem he pointed them toward Christ and took the problem to Jesus. If people come to you for advice do you always point them toward Christ with your advice or do you try to help them in your own power? In all areas of Andrew’s life, Christ had the preeminence. Is Jesus preeminent in all areas of your life? (Colossians 1:18 – And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.)

IN CONCLUSION: Statistically about 2% of believers were first reached through a Gospel tract or advertising, 6% through a pastoral visit, 6% through a visitation contact and 85% were first reached through a family or friend contact. You see the importance of the example Andrew set for us with bringing others to Christ (John 1:41-42a – He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus). We need to be bringing people to Christ. We need to be reaching unsaved loved ones for Christ. We need to be bringing friends to Christ. We need to be doing the work of The Great Commission as found in Matthew 28:18-20 – “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Andrew demonstrated with his life the priority in evangelizing others for Christ. In Acts 1:8 Jesus tells us “ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” For Andrew, Peter was his Jerusalem, the lad at the multitude was his Judaea, the Grecian’s were his Samaria and he personally fulfilled the “uttermost part of the earth” by his later ministry. We need to model Andrew and be seeking ways to bring others to Christ, to always point others to Christ and to make Christ the priority in our life.

HOMOSEXUALITY: A Moral Issue Confronting Christians

Posted on February 8, 2017 by Keith M. Seiber

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Homosexuality: A Moral Issue Confronting Christians (Romans 1:24-27)

Romans 1:26-27 “For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.”

Idolatry to immorality is just one short step. Take God out the equation and man can justify any sin or action. For God and His Word is the only absolute truth that exists in this world; if man no longer accepts that fact, or pretends that fact does not exist, then man has no ultimate moral guide or compass and can then do whatever is right in his own eyes. By exchanging the truth of God for a lie, man has removed God’s authority in his life and has made himself his own god. So man will naturally seek to please his new god, which is himself.

INTRODUCTION: Homosexuality and the acceptance of this lifestyle have become more prevalent in our society. So called “equal rights” are being granted to practice and promote this lifestyle. There are now, and I hate to even use this terminology, “gay churches”, and “gay priests and ministers” in some mainstream denominations. How they can reconcile those things and the Word of God together is beyond me. There are cities in our country and around the world that cater to this lifestyle. There are vacation resorts and a certain “magical kingdom” that have days set aside to cater to and celebrate this anti-God and anti-Bible lifestyle.

This is a moral issue that seems to be confronting churches and Christians today more and more. As Christians, we need to be educated and prepared concerning this issue (I Peter 3:15). Some Christians behave wrongly and hatefully to this lifestyle. Some even question if it is wrong, again this I do not understand, the Bible is very clear on its teachings on this issue. But as with any moral issue, we must look to the Word of God for our guidance and for the truth about this issue confronting so many Christians and churches today.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT THIS ISSUE?

IN THE PATRIARCHAL AGE…

Homosexuality is what led to the fall of Sodom and Gomorrah. (Genesis 18:20 – And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;) – The men of the city young and old were involved in this sin. They are later described in Jude verse seven as “giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.”
Some will question based on what Ezekiel 16:49 says as to why Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed. (Ezekiel 16:49 – Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.)
But this is an invalid and unresearched questioning of the destruction of Sodom. The Sodom referred to in this verse is Ammon and Moab, offshoots from Sodom.
It could not have been the original Sodom, for that Sodom had been destroyed by God about 1500 years earlier.
The sin of homosexuality was a grave sin in the days of the patriarchs and it was dealt with harshly by God.

IN THE MOSIAC AGE…

The Law of Moses made it a capital crime. It was an abomination listed together with bestiality. (Leviticus 18:22-23 – Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion.)
This sin was a reason other nations were driven out of the land. (Leviticus 18:24-25)
It was a sin punishable by death. (Leviticus 20:13 – If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.)
Some may say this is the law and when Jesus came he said nothing about homosexuality. But remember Jesus lived under the law; He was the fulfillment of the law. He is the only person that ever kept all the law. The law was enforce and did not end until His death on the cross (Colossians 2:14). While alive, Jesus taught strict observance of the law (Matthew 5:17-19). By this we can easily infer and clearly understand that Jesus approved of what the law taught about homosexuality. (Matthew 5:17-19 – Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.)

IN THE CHRISTIAN AGE…

We find in Romans 1:24-17, that Lesbianism and Homosexuality is described as “vile affections” and “against nature” and “unseemly”. Also is says “receiving in themselves that recompence of their error” – could this be a reference to AIDS or other diseases possibly?
The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church regarding this issue in I Corinthians 6:9-10 “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” The sin of homosexuality was included in a list of sins that could prevent one from inheriting the Kingdom of God.
The Apostle Paul wrote again of this sin to Timothy in I Timothy 1:9-11 “Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.” This time the sin of homosexuality is included in a list of sins that are “contrary to sound doctrine.”
Homosexuality is indeed contrary to the sound doctrine of the Word of God. The Bible is clear on this subject over and over again. Yet, there are some that believe that God made them that way. Is this true? Would a righteous, sinless, perfect God make someone this way?

WHAT CAUSES HOMOSEXUALITY?

NATURE OR NURTURE? – Is homosexuality the result of one’s genetics, and were they born that way? There has been no definitive scientific study documenting or proving that homosexuality is genetic. There was one that came out in the 1990’s saying this, that it was genetic; but it later came out that the data in this study had been heavily faked and a lot of it just made up to fit a narrative. If God made someone a male or a female He made them that way on purpose. He also intended them to live out their life that way and also to be fruitful and multiply according to the way they were designed and made by Him and not contrary to that design.

There was a study conducted at Northwestern University by a Dr. Michael Bailey examining 110 sets of identical twins. He found no genetic link or cause of homosexuality. If it were genetic one would surmise that if one identical twin was homosexual the other would have to be also; but this study demonstrated that was not the case at all.
Note that identical twins are exactly alike genetically. If homosexuality were genetic then both would have the same sexual preference or desire. This study showed that was not the case and demonstrated no genetic linkage to homosexuality.

IF NOT NATURE, THEN NURTURE? – Nurture may not fully explain the issue either. Many believe nurture has an impact on this issue; but it is not the sole cause either. The consensus opinion is it is a combination of possibly nurture and possible exposure to sinful behavior of a sexual nature at a young age, but this opinion must be qualified by noting it is an opinion surmised from study’s trying to figure out what causes homosexuality. This opinion is not definitive or exclusive in nature.

Documented environmental factors that have been linked to the development of homosexual tendencies include:
A lack of healthy parental relationships.
A missing father.
An overbearing or smothering mother.
Early exposure to improper sexual activities.
Sexual abuse at a young age.
It must be noted that sinful behavior does not always have a simple explanation. There is no simple explanation to sin, especially once one becomes enslaved to that sin. (John 8:34 – Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.)
As Christians, we need to understand the power that sin can hold over someone; and in turn we need to have a sympathetic response to those that are currently enslaved to some sin in their life, whether that sin is homosexuality or something else. Our attitude towards those suffering in the bondage of sin needs to be one of sympathy; and desiring to help in some way and not one of judging and condemning or making fun of.

SO WHAT SHOULD A CHRISTIANS RESPONSE BE?

WE ARE TO SHARE THE GOSPEL OF TRUTH AND FREEDOM FROM SIN.

We must hold fast to the gospel of truth that is in Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 4:20-24 – But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.)
We must continue to teach sound doctrine and truth to those affected by this sin. It may not be popular, it may not be well received sometimes, it definitely will not be politically correct; but we need to not compromise God’s truth, not compromise on what the Word of God says and we must continue to hold fast to the life changing, sin liberating truths and promises as found in the Word of God! (I Timothy 1:8-11 – But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.)

WE ARE TO DISPLAY THE LOVE OF THE GOSPEL TO THOSE AFFECTED BY THIS SIN.

We have a duty to speak the truth in love, notice not just speak the truth as many do; but we are to speak the truth in a loving way to those affected by this sin. (Ephesians 4:15 – But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:)
We must have the right kind of attitude when we seek to minister to those living in this sin. We must have a meek, patient, gentle, and loving attitude seeking to avoid the argument about the issue and instead seeking to minister to and share the gospel with. (II Timothy 2:24-26 – And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.) As the saying goes, and I have recently heard this saying criticized, but this saying falls in line with how Christ conducted Himself and with the teachings of the New Testament “You must hate the sin; but love the sinner”.

WE MUST OFFER THE HOPE OF THE GOSPEL TO THOSE INVOLVED IN THIS SIN.

The Bible teaches that cleansing, sanctification and justification is available to all that will receive it. (I Corinthians 6:9-11 – Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.)
No matter what form the perversions of sin take, the Gospel of Christ is the solution to them. The Gospel is the provider of deliverance from them. The Gospel of Christ is the source of hope to work through them on the way to victory from them. Faith in Christ and His Word is the source of victory in our life! Faith is the victory! (I John 5:4 – For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.)

IN CONCLUSION: Homosexuality is a volatile issue today. It is a very politically charged issue today. Having opposition to it is often depicted as being hateful, narrow minded and, a new word that has become part of our vernacular, homophobic. But let me remind you being true to God’s Word, standing on your convictions based on the Word of God, speaking the truth of God’s Word to a lost and sinful world is never any of those words just mentioned above. Using a much used comparison, if a man walked by someone’s house and saw it on fire, he would not encourage the man to stay in the fire and say how supportive he is of the man for following his heart and staying in the fire. No! The man walking by would do everything he could to save the man in the fire and do everything he could to warn others, whose homes were nearby, to stand guard lest the fire spreads to their houses too!

And so should we as Christians not back down or shy away from sounding the alarm and spreading the Truth of the Gospel about this issue to those affected by it and to the world in general. We as Christians must, and I repeat must, remain faithful to the Scriptures on this subject; but we must also be faithful to the example of our Savior Jesus Christ, in how He reached out to all sinners with love and promises of forgiveness and hope of transformation. (Mark 2:15-17 – And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him. And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.)

Obedient Faith

Posted on January 4, 2017 by Keith M. Seiber

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“But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:” – Romans 16:26

“A praying faith keeps the commandments of God and does those things which are well pleasing in His sight.” – E.M. Bounds

Faith is obedient. It does what is commanded, as did the nobleman who came to Jesus, whose son was very sick. Faith also acts. Like the man born blind, it goes and washes in the pool of Siloam when told to. Faith obeys instantly, and without question or doubt, like Peter casting the net where Jesus commanded. Faith takes the stone away from the grave of Lazarus promptly when told to do so. To do God’s will is essential to true faith and faith is essential to true obedience to God.

“Obedience helps faith, and faith, in turn, helps obedience” – E.M. Bounds

Faith filled Prayer

Posted on January 3, 2017 by Keith M. Seiber

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“The Faith which creates powerful praying is the faith which centers itself on a powerful person. Faith in Christ’s ability to do and to do greatly, is the faith which prays greatly.” – E.M. Bounds

“And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.” – Matthew 9:28-29

We need to have a lively faith in the almighty grace of Christ. We also need to have a fervent and incessant cry and prayer for the demonstration of His grace into our life. “because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” – Luke 11:8b-10

Why Drinking Alcohol is wrong for a Christian

Posted on December 31, 2016 by Keith M. Seiber

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DRINKING ALCOHOL FOR A CHRISTIAN IS WRONG

Proverbs 20:1 – “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”

Wine and alcohol not only lead to foolish behavior, but they have led even good men (such as Noah and Lot) into folly and sin; since wine and strong drink darken the reason and bring the soul under the control of excitement and passion, and by that control prepare it for foolishness and wickedness of every kind, no wise man will ever give himself up to the influence of them.

Drunkenness is foolishness epitomized. The Bible tells us that wine is a mocker and strong drink is raging. To those that decide to take of it, it will mock you, it will make a fool of you, and it will promise you satisfaction which it can never deliver. It will smile upon you at first, but at the last it bites. It is raging in the body, damages your health. Wine will mock a man, make him look like a fool or rage like a madman. Drunkenness, which pretends to be a sociable thing, makes men unfit for society, it makes them abusive with their tongues and can make them physically abusive to those around them. It makes men act outrageous and act out sinful passions. (Proverbs 23:29-30 – Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.)

Thomas Haweis speaking on this topic said “Drunkenness is a vice most odious; exposes a man to be the jest and sport of others; brings him into broils: disorders his body with feverish heat; and though the liquor at first seems to exhilarate his spirits, he is deceived thereby; it drowns his reason and his conscience together, and tends to ruin of body and soul both here and hereafter.”

***I am a Christian and I don’t drink. I am a Youth Director and the son of an alcoholic and the nephew of alcoholics. I need to make that disclaimer right up front. Although it makes me a little biased on the subject, it also gives me real world experience to draw on when teaching on this matter. In other words I know what I am talking about in the statements I make. ***

Some of the worst “shudder moments” of my life have been watching men I love while under the influence of alcohol. I have witnessed extreme self destructing moments in the lives of men in my family because of alcohol. You will never be able tell me it’s God’s best for a Christian to drink, or it’s OK for a Christian to drink socially. I repeat, you will never be able to tell me that or convince me of that. Common sense tells you it is wrong, and the Bible teaches that it is wrong.

We are living in a church age where drinking has become the in thing to do for some. Christian young adults post pictures of their signature drink on Facebook, or they talk about what a great night they don’t remember on social media. Middle-aged Christian’s may name drop their favorite brand of this alcoholic drink or that one to impress their worldly minded friends. I have even recently heard of some pastors that drank. Then I later heard of one of those pastors losing his ministry and family over his alcoholism.

This lesson is not only a biblical defense on the topic of Christians and why they should not drink alcohol, but it is a heartfelt plea. I humbly ask you to put aside any knee jerk, pro the right to drink alcohol arguments that you may have ever heard, or made, and prayerfully consider what the Bible says on the topic and what just plain common sense teaches us on the topic.

FIRST LETS LOOK AT 25 COMMON SENSE REASONS NOT TO DRINK

Alcohol is a depressant. Anything that depresses should be avoided at all costs.
Alcohol skews judgment.
Alcohol leaves people worse, not better.
What I do in moderation, my children will do in excess.
Even the unsaved know Christians shouldn’t drink. Bible in one hand, beer in the other—any lost person could point this out as a confusing contradiction.
Alcohol doesn’t bring us closer to the Lord when we drink, but further away.
Show me a family for whom alcohol has made a positive difference in their lives. You won’t be able to.
I have never heard anyone say, “Wow, that gin and tonic made me feel so Christ like!”
Alcohol makes it much harder for someone to practice self-control.
Alcohol is a legal mind-altering drug.
Alcohol is addictive.
Many regrets are associated with alcohol.
No one has ever said, “If only I had taken a drink, things wouldn’t have gotten out of control.”
Alcohol causes people to act in ways they normally wouldn’t.
Alcohol kills brain cells.
Alcohol is a counterfeit and provides a false peace.
Alcohol is a waster of: money, gifts, talents, futures and so on.
Alcohol leads to really bad behavior. It is a factor in 50 percent of violent crimes.
Alcohol has ruined many, many marriages.
If you don’t start drinking, you’ll never have to stop.
Alcohol lowers your resolve to resist temptation.
Alcohol = Brokenness (broken lives, health, dreams, etc.)
When the world sees a Christian drinking, it sends the message that Jesus isn’t enough.
Social drinking? How about social pornography or social heroin use or social lying or social adultery?
Alcohol fills your mind with impure thoughts.

NEXT LETS LOOK AT 25 BIBLICAL EXAMPLES & TEACHINGS ON WHY CHRISTIANS SHOULD NOT DRINK ALCOHOL OF ANY KIND – One has only to examine the Bible to find abundant references condemning and demonstrating drinking as evil. Below is a summary of Scriptures about this topic:

Genesis 19:30-38– In this instance drinking resulted in Lot’s debauchery of his own daughters.
Leviticus 10:9 “Do not drink wine nor strong drink…” here is an express command not to drink.
Deuteronomy 21:20 – Drinking leads to stubbornness, rebellion, and gluttony by young men; and brings dishonor to parents.
Deuteronomy 29:2-6 – Abstinence assures better knowledge of God.
1 Samuel 1:14-15 – Hannah, an example of all honored motherhood, practiced total abstinence.
II Samuel 13:28-29 – Amnon, while in a drunken brawl, was murdered by his brother Absalom.
II Samuel 11:13 – Only by strong drink could David lead Uriah into a trap.
Proverbs 4:17 – Through drinking the wicked become violent. They are bad enough at best, but drink leads them to violence.
Proverbs 20:1 – No wise man will take wine or liquor.
Proverbs 23:21 – Strong drink leads to poverty.
Proverbs 23:29-30 – Strong drink produces woe, sorrow, contentions, babbling, wounds without cause, redness of eyes.
Proverbs 23:31-32 “Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.” – We are urged not to even look upon intoxicating beverages, let alone drink them.
Proverbs 23:33 – It fills men’s minds with adulterous and impure thoughts.
Proverbs 23:34 – It brings on insecurity.
Proverbs 23:35 – It is habit-forming; one drink always calls for another.
Isaiah 22:13 – Drinking and carnal behavior go together.
Isaiah 28:7 – Drinking brings on spiritual blindness.
Daniel 1:5, 8, 16; 10:3 – God honored Daniel because he abstained from the king’s wine.
Amos 6:6 – Drinkers tend not to be concerned about God, nor about the welfare of other people.
Hosea 4:11 – Strong drink and immorality go hand in hand.
Luke 1:15 – Greatness of John the Baptist linked with his total abstinence.
I Corinthians 6:10 – No drunkard shall inherit the Kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:21 – Revelers in drunkenness shall not inherit the Kingdom of God.
Ephesians 5:18 “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;” – Here is a direct command not to become drunk.
I Thessalonians 5:6-8 – Sobriety, as opposed to drunkenness, is celebrated and encouraged upon the Thessalonians.

THE TEMPTATION OF ALCOHOL – Lots of people you may know consume alcohol of some variety. I have seen it consumed by several different family members in my life and I have seen lots of destructive behavior and lots of destruction because of it. Alcohol is a strong temptation and once it has its hooks in you it is one of the hardest things to get away from. First, never take the first sip. Never try it. But if you are tempted by it remember what the Bible says about temptation in I Corinthians 10:13 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

The demands of life may tempt you to seek gratification in alcohol and other things. We must be on high alert for this temptation. The enemy uses “opportune times” to draw us away from God (see Luke 4:13). The line is so thin that it is often hard to determine when we cross over. I believe that total abstinence from alcohol should be practiced by all Christians, especially if they have members of their immediate family that drink often and in excess; they could be more at risk for alcoholism. The Bible teaches a principle of the sins of the fathers being visited onto the 3^rd and 4^th The influence of the lifestyle lived by fathers onto their prodigy has been scientifically proven to exist (it is called epigenetics) and it is passed on and extends to the 3^rd and 4^th generations just like the Bible said. (Exodus 34:7b – visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.) So if you had a father, a grandfather or even a great grandfather that was an alcoholic you could be more susceptible to becoming one too if you were to ever take that first sip.

Social media influences people on a broad scale. In Jesus’ day, society was much more isolated—no Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc. We have no idea how many people are affected or tempted by social media posts. We can foster temptation by the things we post and we can be tempted into making life altering decisions by viewing others posts. We need to call on the Lord to help us resist all temptations no matter the form they take or the avenue they use to get to us. (Matthew 26:41 – Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.) We need to be vigilant about resisting temptations like alcohol consumption.

“In Christ alone there is deliverance from man’s tortured thoughts and freedom from the sordid habits which are destroying so many people. Why does the Bible so clearly denounce drunkenness? – Because it is an enemy of human life. Anything that is against a person’s welfare, God is against.” – Rev. Billy Graham

THE DESTRUCTIVENESS OF ALCOHOL – In August of 2016 Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte was flying high, just winning a gold medal, but then news broke that he was robbed at gunpoint. We soon learned this report was not true, what we now know to have happened is he was under the influence of alcohol and vandalized a gas station and then while still under the influence of alcohol talked to a reporter and made up the story of being robbed at gunpoint. He was made out to be a liar, he caused a bit of an international incident, he disgraced himself, he embarrassed his teammates and his country, and he ruined his reputation, all because of the influence that alcohol had on him that one evening in Rio de Janeiro. This brings us back to our opening verse Proverbs 20:1 “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”

Alcohol is destructive. God is never for anything that could destroy Alcohol, unfortunately, is also promoted and elevated as a normal/sophisticated activity in society today; even among some Christians this statement is true. It is also expensive, addictive and enslaving. People get hooked by America’s number one legal drug. And just like all illegal drugs, alcohol finds its way into the body, the bloodstream and the brain of the user/abuser.
I had two uncles whose lives were damaged by alcohol. The exception you say? Hardly. Alcohol damaging or ruining lives is the norm where it is concerned. It is not what they wanted when they dreamed of their futures when they were in their 20s. But praise God, they were wonderfully delivered in their 60s when the grace of God became real to them. My one uncle, especially, his salvation testimony was amazing, and can you imagine what a strange coincidence they both had, they both became total abstainers from alcohol and got their lives back by the power and direction of the Holy Spirit! – Alcohol has no place in the life of a Christian who is right with God!

IN CONCLUSION: Matthew Henry said this about the use of alcohol “It seems hard to believe that men of the greatest abilities, as well as the ignorant, should render themselves fools and madmen, merely for the taste or excitement produced by strong liquors.” Drunkenness is foolishness epitomized. The Bible tells us that wine is a mocker and strong drink is raging. To those that decide to take of it, it will mock you, it will make a fool of you, and it will promise you satisfaction which it cannot deliver. Alcohol is a strong temptation and once it has its hooks in you it is one of the hardest things to get away from. First, never take the first sip. Never try it. But if you are tempted by it remember what the Bible says about temptation in I Corinthians 10:13. Plain common sense teaches us to abstain from all alcohol, and the Bible clearly teaches us to abstain from it. It is destructive, it ruins live, it ruins reputations, it ruins relationships, it destroys your health and it can kill innocent victims on the road. Stay away from Satan’s beverage and make it a conviction you will never waver from, that you will NEVER drink any alcoholic beverage in your life; but if you have already, God is the God of forgiveness and the God of the second chance. Seek out his forgiveness and deliverance now, and set your conviction that from now on you will never partake of alcohol again. (I John 1:9 -If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.)

Do you have a passion for the Word of God?

Posted on December 8, 2016 by Keith M. Seiber

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Ezra 7:10 – “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments”

Ezra’s reigning desire had been to study the divine law, its principles, institutions, privileges, and requirements; and now from love and zeal, he devoted himself, as the business of his life, to the work of instructing, reforming, and edifying others.

The order of things in this verse is very observable; first he prepares his heart to understand God’s law and Word, and that not for curiosities sake, but in order to practice it in his life; he then earnestly desires and labors to instruct others, that they also might know and do it. Ezra had prepared his heart to seek, do and teach the law of the Lord; he had set his mind and affections upon it, and made it his chief design and business. We need to all get the passion that Ezra had about the Word of God in our life and make it our life’s business to learn it, to observe its teachings and to instruct others in the same.

Ezra was intent upon the statement laid out in Ezra 7:10. He had his heart set on it, bending his thoughts and studies to it. The Hebrew word “cun” (which we translate prepare) signifies, to establish, to confirm, and to make things fixed and immoveable. Ezra set himself to “seek the law of the Lord,” that is, to inquire into it, and search after the will of God therein contained, that he might understand it himself; and then he set his heart “to do” what God commanded, and put in practice what he knew to be his duty, so that he was the better qualified “to teach” others what he knew and did himself.

Ezra was God’s man who led His people from captivity in Babylon back to the land which God had promised to their fathers. God’s judgment had resulted in the armies of Nebuchadnezzar obliterating Jerusalem, tearing down the walls surrounding the city, destroying the Temple and deporting the most influential people as slaves to serve in the pagan land of Babylon. Israel was completely embarrassed by defeat, made totally vulnerable by loss of status and reputation, plus they felt abandoned by God because their worship and spiritual identity had been completely lost. One word described Israel for 70 years, DEFEATED.

When God made a way for His people to return to their homes and renew their place as the people of God, He called Ezra to lead the way. Here is a description of Ezra’s qualifications: “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.” Ezra 7:10. Ezra was a scribe who gave himself to the recording and maintenance of God’s Word. He loved the Word of God, protected it and provided for its preservation from generation to generation. He was a man of the Bible.

How about you? Do you love the word of God? Do you read it? Do you try to memorize important verses? Your attitude toward, and devotion to the Word of God will make a difference in the way God uses you in His service. Your love for the Bible will make a difference in the way people respond to your influence. King Artaxerxes, the king of Persia, said this about Ezra, “Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time. Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done for the house of the God of heaven: for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?” Ezra 7:12, 23. It could be that one reason today’s culture lacks respect for what God says is because we have lost our passion for the Word of God. Do you have a passion for the Word of God? – If not you should!

Someone recently submitted an interesting question to an online blog, “If someone from the 1950s suddenly appeared today, what would be the most difficult thing to explain to them about life today?”

One person responded, “I possess a device, in my pocket that is capable of accessing the entirety of information known to man. … Yet, I use it to look at pictures of cats and get in arguments with strangers.” – That is a sad commentary on the state of society today.

Do you spend more time online looking at pictures of cats and getting into arguments than you do reading the Bible and meditating on the Word of God? It may be when God asks us to explain why we watched our world slip into an obsession over cats and arguments with strangers we will be forced to admit our lack of passion for His holy Word. Renew your passion and love for the Bible. Your passion for the Word of God will make a difference in today’s society.

Modesty Matters

Posted on December 1, 2016 by Keith M. Seiber

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I Timothy 2:9-10 – “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.”

INTRODUCTION: The Bible establishes guidelines and principals for us to live by when it comes to how we are to dress. There are different circumstances and different styles of appropriate dress for each occasion. While the Bible may not give certain specifics about dress standards for some things, it does give us clear standards and instruction in the area of modesty, and purity in our standards of dress.

Modesty is not anti-fashionable. Modesty does not mean you have to dress like an old maid. Modesty does not mean you have to make sure even your ankles are covered. I know a lot of people seem to think like that when they hear someone start to speak on modesty and dress standards. These verses in I Timothy actually mean quite the opposite of dressing down to be modest. The word “adorn” in this verse speaks of a bride beautifying herself for her husband (Revelation 21:2). It is a term that has the meaning of being well-kept, put in order, neat, ornamented. You can be modest and be stylish at the same time.

In Ephesus the cultural well to do were known for their gaudy and extravagant immodest wardrobes, expensive clothing and hairstyles that were meant to communicate wealth and in today’s terminology “coolness”. Paul was saying you don’t have to mimic this type of dress but you still can be dressed sharp, stylish and modestly all at the same time to the glory of God. In this lesson we are first going to examine how we should dress for God’s house and then we will examine the issue of modesty.

DEFINING MODESTY – modesty does not mean unfashionable, modesty suggests pureness, modesty shows respect for God and others, modesty is about freedom not enslavement. Modesty is motivated by a hatred of sin and a desire to not draw attention to one’s self but to draw attention to God.

PURITY NEEDS TO BE PART OF OUR STANDARDS OF DRESS. (II Corinthians 6:14-17 – Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,)

To be pure means to be clean and unspotted. Is the way you are dressing projecting purity to those around you? Christians need to be separated apart from the world on our standards of purity on dress. There should be no doubt we are a Christian when it comes to our manner of dress.

“Separate” in this passage means to be distinguished from or to be different. As a Christian is your manner of dress easily distinguishable from that of the world? If you were accused of being a Christian based on your manner of dress… would there be enough evidence to convict you?

CHRISTIANS SHOULD DRESS IN A MODEST AND DECENT WAY SHOWING RESPECT FOR GOD, THEMSELVES AND OTHERS. (I Timothy2:9-10 – In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.)

Paul uses the Greek terms “kosmios & aidos” which mean “well ordered” & “decent” to describe the appropriate dress of a Christian lady.
A Christian lady is to dress in a well ordered and decent way that does not cause shame or embarrassment to themselves, God or others.
A lady can also violate this principle by drawing attention to herself by her manner of dress. It may be modest in that it covers what needs to be covered, but it does it in such a way as to draw attention to a certain area.
A Christian lady should act as if the eye of Heaven is upon her, because it is.
To dress modestly and decently means to provide sufficient covering for the body so that others are not embarrassed or tempted by the manner of your dress.
The Bible in no uncertain terms condemns the lusting after a woman by a man. (Matthew 5:28 – But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.)
But by dressing immodestly the lady can contribute to the sin of the man by affording him the opportunity to sin that would otherwise not have been if she would have dressed in a modest fashion.
It is sin to tempt others and be the cause of others to fall into sin. (Romans 14:13 – Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.)
God calls us to dress modestly not only to prevent sin but to preserve intimacy. Because if the man can see all he wants to see prior to a marriage union, the intimacy or specialness of the marriage bed is tarnished. (Hebrews 13:4 – Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.)
Dressing modestly shows respect for yourself and others and it shows a sensitivity to sin. “With shamefacedness” in our text has the connotation to it of bashfulness and “shame”; and the word implies the idea of grief over sin that is in the world. Knowing that sin is offensive to God a lady should never dress in a way that could provoke others to sin.

MODESTY IS ABOUT HAVING FREEDOM NOT REPRESSION. (Romans 6:12 – Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.)

A lot of people see modesty standards as repressive and restricting a woman’s freedom; but modesty standards is the exact opposite of that. True Biblical modesty standards represent freedom, freedom from the chains of the world and its sins of lust, desire and temptation.
A woman can be enslaved by her desire to attract a man by her manner of dress. She’s enslaved to wanting to project a certain image to men. She may dress immodestly to do so and think she is free; but she really is not free, she is truly enslaved by that sin and letting that sin reign in her life. There is no freedom in that attitude only enslavement to her own desires and to getting the lustful responses from men she encounters.
Paul on the other hand, taught instead of a lady being enslaved by worldly fashion, instead of being enslaved by what she desires to get out of her manner of dress, instead of being enslaved by the lustful responses of men, Paul taught that true Biblical modesty is freedom from all of this. It is freedom from what the world says is beauty and freedom to express your outward and inner beauty on your own terms not on what the world dictates.

IN CONCLUSION: The whole world is under the sway of the wicked one. (I John 5:19 – And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.) We can find in God’s Word clear instruction and principles on how to govern our manner of dress; whether it is our manner of dress when we are in service to Him or whether it comes to determining to dress pure and modest for our Lord. We are by God’s direction in this world but it should be clear we are not of this world by our dress standards. We have dress standards and those dress standards come from the Bible. We need to honor God’s Word on the subject. He knows best in all things. Our wisdom on this subject is foolishness compared to His (I Corinthians 3:19a – For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God). We looked at how we need to have a standard of purity in our dress. We looked at how we need to have a standard of modesty in our dress. We need to have a God fearing, God honoring, and submissive attitude about the standards and principles of dress set forth for us by God is His Word.

Are you Preparing?

Posted on November 26, 2016 by Keith M. Seiber

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Are you preparing your heart to seek the Lord? We have a responsibility, as the people of God, to seek out the Lord, to seek to serve Him; to be continually preparing our heart to seek the Lord. Notice in the verse below: what was the evil that was done?

II Chronicles 12:14 “And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD.”

How did he do evil? – “because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD.”

How about you? Are you daily preparing your heart to seek the Lord that day? What are some ways we could do this preparing on a daily basis? Psalm 5:3 helps us with the answer “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” – We need to start off everyday with prayer and Bible reading. This is a key way in which we prepare to seek the Lord out each day.

Ezra 7:10 is the antidote to II Chronicles 12:14. We need to take Ezra 7:10 as a verse we seek to live out every day. Don’t let II Chronicles 12:14 be able to be spoken about your life; instead seek to be an Ezra 7:10 Christian every day!

Ezra 7:10 “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it,…” – Every morning of every day prepare your heart for that day to seek the Lord out and His will. Be a prepared Christian everyday. Be prepared because your enemy is always prepared to bring you down and ruin your testimony. Prepare your heart every morning to seek the Lord every day.