Category Archives: GRACE (CHRISTIAN) LIVING

GRACE (CHRISTIAN) LIVING, What is meant by “Love thy neighbour as thyself?”

What is meant by, “Love thy neighbour as thyself?”

WHAT IS MEANT BY, “LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR AS THYSELF?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

Thank you for this question. We will get right to answering it. The phrase appears seven times in the “New Testament” Scriptures (Matthew 5:43; Matthew 19:19; Matthew 22:39; Mark 12:31; Romans 13:9; Galatians 5:14; James 2:8). However, this was first instructed in the Law of Moses many centuries prior to the New Testament.

Leviticus 19:18 told Israel: “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.” That verse uses the negative to define “love thy neighbour as thyself.” Getting even with people when they do us wrong, holding grudges (bitterness) against people who have done us wrong, these are the opposite of “loving your neighbor as yourself.” Now, think the opposite of doing people wrong or getting even. To “love thy neighbour as thyself” simply means to seek the wellbeing of any and every person around you (whether a literal, next-door person, or some stranger you just happen to come across in your daily activities many miles from your home). Rather than seeking their harm (as in avenging or holding grudges), you are seeking their good. Just as we look out for ourselves (to make sure we are safe from bodily injury, to make sure we are not being swindled, et cetera), we should look out for others’ safety and benefit. If you remember the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Luke 10:27-37, Jesus gave a good illustration of what “love thy neighbour as thyself” really meant. The Samaritan took care of an injured man, a complete stranger, after that man was beaten and left for dead. The key word here is “compassion” (Luke 10:33)—we will come back to that later.

More specifically, “love thy neighbour as thyself” means that we should be willing to serve others because Jesus Christ selflessly served us at Calvary’s cross (Romans 15:1-3). This is grace living, or Christian living, in action. Note, for example, Galatians 5:13-14: “[13] For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. [14] For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” See, again, this is not selfish living (“How can I get even?,” “What can I get out of it?,” et cetera). This is “by love serving one another.” Love is seeking another person’s highest good. It is not so much an emotional feeling as much as a mental attitude or disposition. God values that person, so much so that He sent His only begotten Son to die for his or her sins. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). See, this is love. Jesus Christ did not seek to serve Himself. He sought to serve His Heavenly Father, and His Heavenly Father loved sinful mankind enough to seek their best interest. He wanted them to be in heaven with Him instead of them going to hell forever apart from Him. Likewise, we serve our Heavenly Father by faith. We seek others’ highest good as the Lord Jesus did for us nearly 2,000 years ago.

Galatians 5:13-14, which we quoted above, is how Jesus Christ lived His life on Earth. This is the life He wants to live in and through us if we let Him. Unfortunately, the Christians in Galatia were not living like this. Verse 15 says, “But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” They were bickering, fussing, fighting, mistreating each other, insulting one another, and so on (sounds like “Christianity” today, huh?). They were not “loving their neighbors as themselves.” Paul reminded them that we are to “by love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13). For specific examples of how we can serve each other (in marriage, in local assembly with other Christians, in family life with children, on the job, with lost people, and so on), you can see Romans chapter 12, Ephesians chapter 4, and Colossians chapter 3. We are to let God’s love toward us (at Calvary), work in us so that we in turn love others in a similar manner. It is really God’s love toward them that will work in us so that we treat others respectfully.

One more thing. God demanded the Israelites to love their neighbors as themselves, or they would be cursed of Him. They had to perform to get His blessings (see Deuteronomy chapter 28, for example). He did this to show them they were sinners, and were unable to please Him. Now, in this the Dispensation of Grace, God has blessed us in Jesus Christ. If we have trusted in the crosswork of Jesus Christ as sufficient payment for our sins, we have accepted God’s love toward us. Now, that love is to work in and through us, not for us to please God and receive His blessings, but because we already please God in Christ and we have already received His blessings (Romans 8:32; Ephesians 1:3; Colossians 2:10). Rather than being bitter against people who have done us wrong (especially Christians), rather than being rough and mean with others (especially Christians), we need to have “compassion.” Remember, as in the case of the Good Samaritan, as God sent Christ to save us because He had “compassion” on us when we were dead in our sins, we have similar “compassion” on others.

Note Ephesians 4:31-32, one of those passages I recommended for you to read earlier: “[31] Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: [32] And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” This summarizes the phrase “love thy neighbour as thyself.” Do good unto others because God did good unto you at Calvary. Rather than God punishing you for your sins, He punished Jesus Christ in your place. Likewise, He has now given you the capacity to do to others what He did for you. Forgive others for the wrongs they did to you, because God already forgave you of the (greater) wrongs you did against Him! Just as God loves them, you love them. As God was kind to you, His indwelling Holy Spirit can work in you (via the verses you read and believe) to cause you to be kind to others, especially Christians. You will “love your neighbor as yourself” when you simply take these grace doctrines in Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon, and read and believe them. Those verses describe our identity in Jesus Christ and we simply walk in the position God already gave us in Jesus Christ.

Also see:
» We are saved by faith, but are we blessed by works?
» What is God’s will for my Christian life?
» Should Christians support wars or should they be pacifists?

GRACE (CHRISTIAN) LIVING, HOLIDAYS, Should Christians celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day?, Should Christians celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day?

Should Christians celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day?

SHOULD CHRISTIANS CELEBRATE SAINT PATRICK’S DAY?

by Shawn Brasseaux

Thank you for that question. We will look at it from a historical standpoint and then use the Bible to provide an informed answer.

WHO WAS “SAINT PATRICK?”

“Saint Patrick” is a rather enigmatic individual because myth and legend have distorted the record of his life. Some of the dumbest, most superstitious, tales are attached to him. He was definitely a real man, having lived sometime during the A.D. 400s. Regrettably, ancient authoritative records on his life are scarce. Thus, historians are not even agreed concerning his birth year or death year. Some have suggested he has been confused with another “religious” man who lived contemporaneously. The possibility of these “blended” lives makes it very difficult to distinguish Patrick from the other man, and we must be careful to differentiate Patrick’s likely actions from outright fantasy.

Furthermore, church tradition has also clouded the matter. The Roman Catholic Church, attempting to bolster itself in Ireland, has “hijacked” Patrick and made him one of its “patron saints.” Personally, I am not convinced Patrick was ever a Roman Catholic. From what I have been able to ascertain through a variety of sources, Patrick was the first known Christian missionary to the pagans in Ireland. He was a Bible-believing Christian whom the Holy Spirit used to bring countless Irish souls out of dark heathenism (that would be a far cry from a Roman Catholic!). Born and raised in Great Britain, Patrick was kidnapped by Irish pirates and taken to Ireland around age 16. He returned to Britain years later, and after obtaining an education in theology, returned to Ireland as a Christian missionary, supposedly becoming a church leader late in his life. March 17 is commonly believed to be his death date—again, the precise year is debatable, but somewhere between 460 and 500.

On the religious calendar, March 17 is the Roman Catholic feast day for “Saint Patrick” (a parody of the previously-mentioned real, non-Catholic, Christian missionary to Ireland). Anglicans, Eastern Orthodox adherents, and Lutherans largely observe March 17 as well. For Roman Catholics in Ireland, March 17 is a “holy day of obligation.” Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations closely resemble Mardi Gras celebrations here in Roman Catholic southern Louisiana—alcoholic beverages and drunkenness, parades, dances, et cetera. (See our Mardi Gras study linked at the end of this article for more information.) Once a “religious” holiday, Saint Patrick’s Day is largely just another excuse to sin (carouse) in the name of “religion” and “holiness.” Still, some genuinely celebrate the day to commemorate Christianity’s arrival to Ireland. In a non-religious sense, March 17 is also a celebration of Irish culture and heritage in general.

THE PROTESTANT/ROMAN-CATHOLIC DEBATE

It is important to note that Ireland’s national flag is a tricolor, from left to right—green, white, and orange. Green represents Ireland’s Roman Catholic heritage, orange represents Ireland’s Protestant heritage, and white (in the middle) represents the “aspiring peace” between the groups that have fought against each other for centuries there. So, those who wear green on Saint Patrick’s Day are either (1) Roman Catholic, or (2) ignorant Protestant. Orange is the color that Protestants wear on March 17. Every March 17, keep an eye out for these two colors and see who draws attention to what color they are wearing!

As previously mentioned, the Roman Catholic Church claims “Saint Patrick” was a Roman Catholic. Catholic apologists reason that he could have not been a “Protestant” since the Protestant/Catholic split did not occur until some 1000 years after Patrick’s death. Of course, if Patrick was not Roman Catholic, and from what I have read, he was not Roman Catholic, then “Protestant” would be the opposite of “Roman Catholic,” no?

WHAT SHOULD THE CHRISTIAN DO?

If you are a Bible-believing Christian with Irish ancestry, and/or you are a Bible-believing Christian living in Ireland, and you just want to remember your relatives and your country of origin on March 17, I see no sin in that. (I have Irish ancestry on my maternal grandfather’s side of the family, but I have never actually celebrated Saint Patrick’s Day.) If you live in Ireland and you want to celebrate Christianity’s arrival to your country, you may do so. I see no sin in that. Still, and this is most important of all, in light of the information presented above, just remember that your participation in such a holiday may cause other Christians to stumble. Consider the verses I will share with you shortly, and use your judgment accordingly.

For example, a fellow Christian may approach you about Saint Patrick’s Day, saying, “Hey, is not this holiday something sinful, something of heathen origin? Why do you do it? Christians should not get involved with that! There is a lot of superstition, and drinking, and false religion!” At that point, you would need to address his or her concern, lest the Adversary get the advantage.

Any weaker Christians should definitely not engage in Saint Patrick’s Day activities at all (until they resolve in their minds that they can keep themselves spiritually pure, they will damage their spiritual health). A general rule of thumb for all life decisions, is the following: If there is doubt about doing it, then do not do it. “For whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Romans 14:23b). If you think you can keep yourself spiritually pure in Saint Patrick’s Day activities, it is not a sin. Just walk in charity, keeping others in mind. If you regard Saint Patrick’s Day as something to be avoided entirely, then it is your prerogative to avoid it. The Bible never outright says “yes” or “no.”

If you do want to engage in Saint Patrick’s Day, you are highly encouraged to read Romans 14:1-23, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, and 1 Corinthians 10:23-33. These passages are reminders of how we are to exercise our liberty in Christ without harming other Christians. A common conundrum among the Gentile believers of Paul’s day was, “Is it okay to eat meat (or, food in general) that was once sacrificed to pagan idols? Will that diet of heathen offerings give me a bad standing before God? Can that idol (false religious system) defile me by means of that food?”

The Bible says in Romans chapter 14: “[7] For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. [8] For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. [9] For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. [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. [14] I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. [15] But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. [16] Let not then your good be evil spoken of: [17] For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. [18] For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. [19] Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. [20] For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. [21] It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. [22] Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. [23] And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”

Notice that the Christians stronger in the faith (more mature in the Word of God)—such as the Apostle Paul—knew there was nothing wrong with that food that had been offered to idols. The idol was dead (unable to defile the food), the food was hence still good, and Paul had no problem eating it. He had a strong conscience about it. That was his liberty in Jesus Christ. Still, Paul would also walk “charitably,” seeking the good of those around him. If a weaker Christian (a Christian with a weak conscience, someone who was less mature in the Word of God) had a problem with Paul’s action, if the weaker Christian voiced concern that eating meat offered to idols was sinful, then Paul said he refrained from doing it for the brother or sister’s sake. The Apostle knew that it was better to do without something, than to have it and then use it to spiritually harm another believer. He did not want to do Satan’s work. He refused to be a stumblingblock to others when it came to this or any other action. Friends, grace living seeks the benefit of others; grace living is not selfish living but selfless living!

We read of this matter further in 1 Corinthians chapter 8: “[1] Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. [2] And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. [3] But if any man love God, the same is known of him. [4] As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. [5] For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) [6] But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. [7] Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. [8] But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. [9] But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. [10] For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; [11] And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? [12] But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. [13] Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.”

The Apostle continued in 1 Corinthians chapter 10: “[23] All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. [24] Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth. [25] Whatsoever is sold in the shambles [marketplace], that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: [26] For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof. [27] If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. [28] But if any man say unto you, this is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof: [29] Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience? [30] For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? [31] Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. [32] Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: [33] Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.”

In Greek culture such as in Corinth, animals were offered as sacrifices in pagan temples and then the meat was sold in the marketplace. Some Christians just refused to eat any meat, fearing they would pollute themselves with that which came from a heathen temple. Other Christians, the more mature ones, knew the idols were nothing and the idols did not harm the food, so these Christians considered the meat clean to eat. Regardless of which type of Christian they were, Paul urged all Christians: “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” We should ultimately seek God’s praise and glory in all that we do, paying close attention that we build up other Christians with our actions instead of tearing them down.

CONCLUSION

Like many popular “religious” holidays—Christmas and Easter, primarily—Saint Patrick’s Day has become highly secularized. It is not even a decent “religious holiday.” There is a lot of nonsense and myth associated with it. Still, if you want to observe it in the privacy of your home, by all means, do it. If you want to celebrate your Irish heritage, fine. If you do not want to celebrate your Irish heritage, that too is fine. This is the liberty of grace—God did not make all the decisions for us! Rather, He gave us Bible verses and we make the best choices that we can based on them.

Personally, based on the verses given earlier, I believe that would it be a stumblingblock to other Christians if you engaged in any type of parade revelry, drinking alcoholic beverages for all to see and mock (these are common drinks during the celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day, remember). More than anything, I believe you should wear orange and celebrate your Protestant (Bible-believing) heritage on March 17. You are not a Roman Catholic, so it does not make sense for you to make a “big deal” about, “I am wearing green for Saint Patrick’s Day!” Wear orange, and when people ask you why you do not have the “traditional green,” explain why (or just tell them to Google “Ireland’s tricolor flag”). It may be a wonderful opportunity for you to share the Lord Jesus Christ and the soul salvation found in Him!

Using the above applications of grace living (excerpts from Romans and 1 Corinthians), we can better understand what we should do in regards to Saint Patrick’s Day. It is a personal decision. While eating meat offered to idols is not so much an issue today, the principles of charity remain the same. If we use our liberty in Christ and offend other Christians with our actions, it is best not to engage in those activities again in their presence. If you think it would be in your best interest and the best interest of others to engage in Saint Patrick’s Day, then you are free to do so. Just keep in mind that some activities are not profitable to others or ourselves. Certain activities are not sins but weaker Christians may see them as sins, and we have to keep these precious people in mind.

Saint, if you do not believe you should participate in Saint Patrick’s Day, do not do it. “For whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Romans 14:23b). Saint, if you want to participate in Saint Patrick’s Day, you are free to do so, just use your liberty in Christ with caution, exercising attentiveness to any Christians who may be offended, and exercising in grace accordingly!

Also see:
» Should Christians celebrate Mardi Gras?
» Should Christians observe Lent?
» Should Christians celebrate “Good Friday?”

BIBLE CONTRADICTIONS / CONFUSING VERSES SIMPLIFIED, GRACE (CHRISTIAN) LIVING, What does Romans 8:28 mean?, What does Romans 8:28 mean?

What does Romans 8:28 mean?

WHAT DOES ROMANS 8:28 MEAN?

by Shawn Brasseaux

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” It is undoubtedly in the list of “the top 10” most-quoted Bible verses—along with John 3:16, Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 10:9, and Hebrews 10:25. We hear and see Romans 8:28 very often in religious contexts, so much so that it is sickening. Despite its widespread usage, there is very little clarity as to what it actually teaches. Friends, if it is to be of faith, we must look at what the Holy Scriptures say. Otherwise, it is vain religion, useless in eternity. May we handle God’s Word with utmost respect, and let it say what it says in context.

I. ROMANS 8:28—ONE OF THE MOST WRESTED BIBLE VERSES

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Many good, well-meaning people have quoted, and still quote, this verse in a quick, careless manner. Let me be very honest with you, friend. Most have an extremely shallow grasp of the verse. We must guard against reading into the Bible text something that just is not there. Context is key to clarity. In other words, the context—surrounding verses, surrounding chapters, and/or surrounding books—is extremely critical to understanding the meaning of a particular verse. We should treat God’s eternal Word with utmost respect; remember we are dealing with people’s eternal souls!

The Apostle Peter spoke of false teachers who “wrested” (twisted, distorted) the Word of God, especially the Apostle Paul’s epistles, “unto their own destruction” (2 Peter 3:15-16). Also, Paul himself affirmed, “[We] have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God” (2 Corinthians 4:2). And, we might as well as look at this verse also: “For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:17).

Let us re-read Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” The common assumption is that this verse means that God manipulates our circumstances so that they turn out good. If someone was miraculously spared an automobile accident, survives a life-threatening illness, receives major financial relief, et cetera, Romans 8:28 is loosely quoted, “See, God works out all things in the end!” The following quote from a bygone commentator summarizes this view: “Thus, all that happens to us, if accepted and applied according to God’s Word, becomes beautiful, and ‘we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose’ (Romans 8:28).” Not long ago I read a book by another bygone Bible teacher who quoted Romans 8:28 several times in his book and used it in the same manner. It was like Romans 8:28 was the only verse the man knew to quote to comfort suffering people. He meant well, but his mishandling of the verse just made God’s Word more difficult to grasp.

Some will take a very extreme view of this verse. God allegedly works out every minute detail of our lives so that it fits into His prearranged plan for our lives. What specific foods He determined we were to eat at any given time, exactly what outfits we are to wear on what days, where we are to live and work and for how long, what unique problems we were to face for His glory, et cetera. These notions are borne out of Calvinism and the “sovereignty of God.” It is theology but not Bible. It is good religion but not good Bible. We contend that Romans 8:28 in no way supports the idea of a “pre-arranged life map” for each and every person.

Friend, you are free to believe whatever you like, but the best way to look at Romans 8:28 is to look at the previous and the succeeding verses. This is what the Bible student does instead of just inventing some meaning of the verse. It is better to let the Bible say what it says in context rather than making up an explanation so we do not appear foolish.

II. VERSES 1-13. THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES US VICTORY OVER SIN

After discussing his misery of attempting to live the Christian life in vain (Romans chapter 7), Paul opened chapter 8 with some excellent news. Rather than struggling under the performance-based acceptance system of Law-keeping (“do good so God can be happy with you and you can have victory over sin”), we learn with Paul how God has replaced that legalistic system with the good news of grace. The first 13 verses describe how God the Holy Spirit will use God’s written Word to work in us as we study and believe it (cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:13). For space and time’s sake, we will quote these verses without commenting. Suffice it to say that the victorious Christian life is the work of the Holy Spirit, not the futile attempts of the Christian in religion!

Romans 8:1-13: “[1] There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. [2] For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. [3] For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: [4] That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. [5] For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. [6] For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. [7] Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. [8] So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. [9] But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. [10] And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. [11] But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. [12] Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. [13] 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.”

III. VERSES 14-17. THE HOLY SPIRIT TESTIFIES THAT WE ARE GOD’S CHILDREN, HEIRS OF GOD AND JOINT-HEIRS WITH CHRIST

Let us keep reading in the chapter. Now, Romans 8:14-17: “[14] For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. [15] For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. [16] The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: [17] And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”

The Holy Spirit leads us, via sound Bible doctrine that we read, study, and believe, into God’s will. What lifestyle those Pauline epistles described, the Holy Spirit takes the verses and activates them in our lives, that the life of Jesus Christ be manifested in and through us. We can join Father God in doing what He is doing, just as a son would understand and delight in assisting his father in the family business. Just as a son would inherit everything his father owns, so we are “heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ.” As “we suffer with him,” “we may be also glorified together.” This glorification of Jesus Christ and us is explained in the following verses.

IV. VERSES 18-25. THE HOLY SPIRIT GUARANTEES OUR BODILY RESURRECTION AND GLORIFICATION

Proceeding onward in Roman chapter 8. Romans 8:18-25: “[18] For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. [19] For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. [20] For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, [21] Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. [22] For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. [23] And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. [24] For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? [25] But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.”

In verse 18, Paul wrote, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” The Holy Spirit through him proceeds to discuss the curse of sin placed on creation back in Genesis chapter 3. You can especially see that these verses, Romans 8:18-25, discussed our physical bodies being one day replaced with bodies that are “eternal in the heavens” (2 Corinthians 5:1). This is the “redemption of our body” (verse 23)—that is, the resurrection, the Rapture, our gathering together unto Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:1). You may also see 1 Corinthians 15:35-58. Beloved, we are not trapped forever in these bodies that are prone to weakness, illness, pain, and death! At the resurrection, when the Lord Jesus calls His Body home to heaven’s glory, our bodies will be fashioned like unto Jesus Christ’s resurrection body. We can compare that to Philippians 3:20-21: “[20] For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: [21] Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”

The Holy Spirit’s personal presence in us (Romans 8:23), His sealing of our inner man, guarantees us hope in that future resurrection. Reading Ephesians 4:30: “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” And Ephesians 1:13-14 to compare: “[13] In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, [14] Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”

V. VERSES 26-27. THE HOLY SPIRIT INTERCEDES FOR US IN OUR PRAYER LIFE

Another ministry of the Holy Spirit is that when we pray about God’s Word in light of our lives, He brings into our minds the applicable verses that we studied and believed. This is the meaning of Romans 8:26-27: “[26] Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. [27] And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” We will forgo any further comments in order to get to our main text quicker.

VI. VERSES 28-30. THE HOLY SPIRIT AND OUR VICTORY OVER ALL OPPOSITION

By the time we reach Romans 8:28, we have already read about how the Holy Spirit gives us daily victory over sin, how He bears witness that we are the children of God and heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ, how He gives us hope in a future resurrection and heavenly glorification, and how He gives us enlightenment concerning God’s Word to and God’s will for us. Now we can read Romans 8:28, with its two following verses: “[28] And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. [29] For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. [30] Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”

Friends, brethren, no matter what troubles we face in life, no matter what satanic opposition, no matter how we fail and give in to sin, no matter who accuses us, no matter who imprisons us or even kills us, Father God has a plan for us in Jesus Christ. Our destiny is fixed in Jesus Christ. Regardless of what happens to us in this life on earth, we can be sure that God has justified us (declared us righteous), and He will glorify us in heaven one day, that He glorify His Son Jesus Christ in and through us in those heavenly places. Our resurrection is sure, God’s will for us in eternity is certain.

Verses 31-39 (the rest of the chapter) explain how we should keep our minds focused on these Bible truths. Satan will use various tactics to discourage us, hinder us, that we forget God’s Word to us, thereby causing our Christian lives not to function properly. We must not let Satan distract us from the cross of Calvary and our identity in Jesus Christ (see 2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

VII. VERSES 31-39. THE HOLY SPIRIT ETERNALLY LINKS US TO THE LOVE OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD

We have now reached the last part of Romans chapter 8. Reading Romans 8:31-39: “[31] What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? [32] He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? [33] Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. [34] Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? [36] As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. [37] Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. [38] For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, [39] Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Whether troubles, distresses, persecutions, famines, nakedness, perils, or swords (wars), we can be sure that, no matter our circumstances, nothing can separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Satan will use our difficulties to cause us to think God has abandoned us or that God does not care about us. However, we go by God’s Word, the Holy Bible, not by our circumstances. We keep our eyes focused on the Scriptures and not on our situations. In God’s Word, we see that He does care for us and He still is with us. He still has great plans for us in eternity future, so no matter what Satan or man may do to us, our destiny is completely secure in Christ (Romans 8:28)!

VIII. CONCLUSION

What does Romans 8:28 mean? Once you read it with its two succeeding verses, it becomes clear. The Bible says in Romans 8:28-30: “[28] And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. [29] For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. [30] Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”

Romans 8:28 is very simple. No matter what happens to us in this life, regardless of the difficulties and heartaches, there is nothing but eternal glory waiting for us in Jesus Christ! As people who have trusted the Lord Jesus Christ exclusively, we will share in His glorification in eternity future. God the Father will use us to exalt His Son forever in the heavenly places. That is the whole purpose of the Church the Body of Christ, the group of believers God “foreknew” because He purposed to form it before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4; Titus 1:1-3). God has fixed our eternal destiny—we (as believers in Christ) will be “conformed to the image of his Son.” Notice our title in Romans 8:28. As members of the Body of Christ, we are “them that love God,” “them who are the called according to his purpose.” Our purpose is to glorify Jesus Christ in the heavenly places forever (Ephesians 1:20-23; Ephesians 2:6-7; Colossians 1:16-23; 2 Timothy 4:18).

Beloved, this explanation is so much more glorious, so much richer, than religion’s cheap, carefree, superstitious, and mindless interpretation of Romans 8:28: “Oh, God will manipulate your circumstances to give you a job to solve your unemployment problem. God will heal you of your terminal cancer so you can have a nice, sweet life. God will work it all out so you can get rid of all your problems and escape all your dilemmas in life. He will give you a wonderful day today if you just claim it in Jesus’ name!” What we need to know is that, even on our bad days, even in our sickness, even in our weakness, even in our difficulties, God has given us grace to endure those troubles (2 Corinthians 12:7-11). Ultimately, that same grace will carry us on into eternity to carry out His will in the heavenly places!

Also see:
» What about Romans 10:9-10?
» Do the last 10 words of Romans 8:1 belong in our King James Bible? (COMING SOON!)
» Should we “name and claim” Jeremiah 29:11?

Can we witness “too much” to family members?, GRACE (CHRISTIAN) LIVING

Can we witness “too much” to family members?

CAN WE WITNESS “TOO MUCH” TO FAMILY MEMBERS?

by Shawn Brasseaux

Once, a concerned grace believer, the wife of a grace-believing man, told me how she and her husband were never invited to most family functions. She explained that their family members would joke, “Uh oh, here comes [the man’s name], and all he is going to talk to us about is God and the Bible.” The family had evidently grown tired of his “sermons” and they just decided not to invite him and his wife to their get-togethers altogether. Furthermore, she told me that she would sometimes urge him not speak to them so much about the Bible. This way, they could spend more time with their families without all the estrangement and opposition. I shared some verses with her to better understand and better address their dilemma. There are many grace people who have experienced, or are currently experiencing, similar shunning. It would greatly help you, our readers, if we took an opportunity to provide counsel in that regard.

Unfortunately, there is very little moderation concerning Christian witnessing. On one extreme, there are Christians who do not witness at all. They so dread approaching people about the Bible. In fact, they do not know what to say if the occasion ever arose to speak up anyway. They just stay quiet, assuming it is their pastor’s job to share the Gospel. On the other extreme, there are Christians who force the Gospel down lost people’s throats. They talk excessively about the Gospel/Bible when their audience has exhibited great opposition to, or no interest in, what is being said. Dear friends, there must be a balance. We should not be ashamed to speak of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Yet, we must also understand free will and not waste our time with unconcerned people.

Friends, I must be completely honest with you. I will be honest in love. There comes a point in time when we must say nothing about the Bible to certain individuals. I know firsthand that this is especially tricky regarding family members and close friends. These people are very dear to us, but the Bible and Jesus Christ are also very dear to us, and we do not want to disrespect either party. We need to be particularly careful here. This cannot be stressed enough. I think it best to tell you about how I handle my ministry when it comes to family and friends, and you can use that counsel and your own judgment to form your reactions to your family and friends.

Permit me to tell you about my own dealings with family members and close friends. A good majority of them have heard something from me about the Bible. I have spent hours talking with some of them about Scripture. These all responded with varying degrees of interest. With others, I have only shared snippets of Bible concepts and a few basic verses. These precious people showed no interest in light Bible discussion and those few verses, so I do not mention the Bible in their presence anymore. I will not waste my breath, especially about deeper spiritual things. They have reached the point where I will not utter one precious word of God unless they ask me. They know where to come if they need help with understanding the Bible. I can do nothing more.

Let me tell you a little bit about how I dealt (and still deal) with high school and college classmates (some of whom are still my friends). Once, I had an online “religious” discussion with a high school classmate whom I had known for many years. As our conversation progressed, he began to get increasingly distant, so I ended it. Some time later, another classmate explained to me how he had told her, “Shawn tried to force his religion on me.” In actuality, if I were “forcing” my “religion” on him, why did he not leave the conversation sooner? That was almost 10 years ago. I have not spoken to him since. He avoids me every time he sees me in public and I never go out of my way to chase him down and greet him. If he wants to act like that, that is his prerogative. I have better things to do with my time than hunt down people. There are plenty more people I can interact with who are more worthy of my company.

Years ago, on a field trip, a college classmate who knew my stand on spiritual matters, asked me without me ever saying a word to him, “Is [a certain behavior] a sin?” That completely startled me because he seemed to be such a Bible skeptic or “religious person turned agnostic!” He had never asked me anything like that before, and has not asked me anything about the Bible since. Still, I certainly took advantage of that inquiry and answered him with Bible verses. Never once did I force anything on this man, and he knew exactly where to come if he sought Bible understanding. He still sees my posts on Facebook, and while I have not heard from him in a few years, my door is always open for him to enter and ask again!

A couple hundred of my high school and college classmates are friends with me on Facebook. They have been seeing thousands of my Bible posts for several years now—nine years, actually. The door is open to all of them, and I hear from a few on occasion! Some have been receptive to Scripture while others have been openly against. There are some who are saved unto eternal life, but very antagonistic to dispensational Bible study. Others are still lost and going to hell, content in their state. I have spoken with them in person in the past, and even online now that we have moved apart physically, but unless I hear from them, I do not engage in spiritual discussions with them. Some of these individuals have scientific backgrounds such as myself, and I have learned that intellectualism has gripped and polluted their minds. They know where I stand and I know where they stand. We get along by discussing things that we agree on. I never set aside Jesus Christ for anybody, but I will force Jesus Christ on nobody!

We have a dear Christian sister in the ministry whose late husband was a Bible teacher. She has passed on his wisdom to me, and I would be happy to pass it on to you now. This man, having been delivered Evolutionary Theory and a religious cult, he loved to talk to others about the Bible, especially creation science. While I was not present, I am sure that he practically drove some people “up the wall” with his Bible-verse quoting. One day, he came to realize that this was not ideal. So, he zipped his lips and said nothing about the Bible to anyone. It was not long after that that a man came along to ask him a Bible question. And, he began to share the Bible with this inquisitive man. I have adopted this late brother’s method. Once I have introduced the Bible to family and friends, and they did not show interest, I say nothing now unless they ask. They cannot accuse me of forcing anything, twisting their arms, making them angry with God’s Word, and so on.

We read a helpful verse in Proverbs chapter 22: “Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease” (verse 10). Those in your family who overtly mock the Bible, who refuse to hear anything about it, it is best to stay silent about Scripture in their presence. You will save yourself arguing and fighting, I can assure you. Or, Proverbs 15:2: “The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.” The wise and mature Christian will know when it is appropriate to say something to someone about the Bible, and when it is best to say nothing about the Bible. Remember, Proverbs 29:1: “He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” The more you share the Bible with someone who refuses to hear it, the harder he or she will get inside and the more resistant he or she will become (remember Pharaoh and Moses?). Please do not exhaust your connections with them unless it is about a Bible topic of prime importance (especially salvation and the Gospel of Grace). Finally, Proverbs 15:10: “Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.” There are people who do not want to hear the truth because they hate the truth and the ways of God. You need to let them stay with what they want to have—error and spiritual destruction! That is a harsh reality but the Bible says it and we obey it.

WHEN TO SAY AND WHEN QUIET TO STAY

Religious matters are very personal and there are great emotional attachments to personages, books, and ideas. If you have not already learned this firsthand, I will tell you right now. When you talk about Jesus Christ and His finished crosswork as the only way to heaven, you will get some people very angry. To say that their relatives died and went to hell, that “Mama and Daddy, Grandpa and Grandma, were wrong in their works-religion,” that is extremely disturbing to hear even though it is true.

When you talk about the King James Bible as the perfect and authoritative Bible version for English-speaking people, you will get some prideful rebuttals and hear and read some vicious remarks. “Oh, how could Pastor/Doctor So-and-So have been so wrong in recommending this Bible if it really is fallible and worthless?”

When you talk about Paul’s special ministry to us Gentiles, you are likely to get kicked out of your local church assembly and maybe even your family gatherings. “We follow Jesus not Paul. You make Paul out to be God!” You will be cursed out, yelled at, ridiculed for “believing and teaching heresy,” slandered for being a “cult member,” and so on. It is going to be especially painful when such opposition comes from your own family members and close friends. Brother or sister, you must prepare yourself for that opposition, and not get discouraged. I tell you this now so that you are not startled when it occurs. Keep on! Never give up!

Christian friend, you should attempt to reach every family member and every close friend at least once with the Gospel of Grace, the King James Bible, and Paul’s special ministry. (Not all of these topics at once, of course, but preferably in this order.) After you have introduced the Gospel and that individual rejects it, you need not proceed with King James Bible authority and Paul’s ministry. Unless the person is saved, you getting into the deeper things of God will quickly become futile. If ever that person resumes the conversation with you, try to start again with the Gospel of Grace and proceed to the King James Bible and Paul’s special ministry. If that person does not ask you, or does not mention these topics first, stay quiet! It may be days, weeks, months, years, or even decades that you have to stay silent about the Bible with them. However, please do it for their sakes. You can sense when they want to hear something from you and when they just want to argue with you. Again, do not exhaust your connections with them by hounding them with the Bible. Additionally, do not get into the deep things of the Bible if they are resistant to simple verses.

As time goes by, you are going to learn which family members want to hear and believe the Gospel of Grace. While they may receive that information, they are not necessarily going to receive the King James Bible and Paul’s special ministry. In time, you will have to avoid those topics when visiting with these Christian relatives. (Like I said, this is spoken from experience.)

POSSIBLE TOPICS AS ALTERNATIVES TO GOD AND THE BIBLE

So, what topics to discuss when dealing with lost relatives who have already told you they are not interested in the Bible? Talk about the weather. Talk about your job. Talk about how your day is going. Talk about a book you are reading or a quality television program you watched recently. Talk about your spouse and your children (if applicable). Ask them how they have been, ask them about their job, ask them what they have been doing lately, ask them about their spouse or their children (if applicable), et cetera. I always mention documentaries to people, or new electronic gadgets that I have purchased or read about. Because I am a scientist, I enjoy telling people about science, especially geology and astronomy, and also geography. Sometimes, I will mention news items to people. I tell them what I have been up to, what my plans or goals are, what books I have read in the past few days, and so on.

SOME FINAL WORDS

Yes, friend, we can witness “too much” to family members. When we see how Jesus Christ and His followers shared God’s Word with others, there came a point where they stopped talking to certain individuals. We need to mindful of reaching that limit. Try to reach as many loved ones with God’s Word as you can, but there will come a point when the vast majority will begin to “drift” from you. You will notice it, especially if you are a new Christian having just had a drastic life transformation. When you observe someone growing antagonistic against God’s Word, you have reached your limit, and it is time to move on! On future occasions with them, you need not say anything else about Scripture unless they say something first. For more advice on this topic, please see our related studies linked below.

Also see:
» How long should I keep witnessing to the same person?
» If God knows who will serve Him and who won’t, why witness?
» Why did Jesus forbid others from preaching that He was Christ?

GRACE (CHRISTIAN) LIVING, How can we support your ministry financially?

How can we support your ministry financially?

HOW CAN WE SUPPORT YOUR MINISTRY FINANCIALLY?

by Shawn Brasseaux

Grace and peace to our email subscribers, our blog followers, and our other readers of “For What Saith the Scriptures?” We use this brief Bible study as an opportunity to make an important ministry announcement.

We serve a variety of pastors, local churches, ministries, Bible teachers, and other Bible students. Some have recently and kindly inquired about how they could support us financially. After extensive planning, and various delays, we have now established a secure donation website via PayPal. Our ministry has grown much these last 10 years, but I have never mentioned donations until now. For over two years now, FWSS has been a free ministry/Bible service to you. It will continue to be free and will always be free (as long as I am living), but we are incurring some operating costs (bills). We have financial needs that must be met at this point. Friend, if you are benefiting from this ministry, we now allow you an opportunity to help us. Please prayerfully consider supporting us financially. Whatever amount and however often is irrelevant but greatly appreciated. What matters most is that, if you do give, give “cheerfully.” And, rest assured, your donations will certainly not go to waste.

During these last few years, ministry has taken up more and more of my time and energy. When we first began many years back, I wrote a handful of Bible studies a month. Currently, I produce—at minimum—40 written Bible studies a month, not including replies to our emails. As you can imagine, that is an extremely demanding schedule, crammed with prayer and Bible study. It now prevents me from having outside employment for the time being. The necessity for print materials (booklets, books, et cetera) has also arisen, particularly for those who want to use and distribute our material without internet access. In the future, we do plan on becoming a legally recognized (United States) non-profit organization, so that we may better serve you. That too will require some financial commitment. Again, friends, it will be up to you how far along we will get this year in the ministry. Thanks ever so much, and we look forward to serving you in the future. Now is your chance to show your gratitude! Praise our Lord Jesus Christ! 🙂

  • Philippians 4:17: “Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.”
  • 1 Timothy 5:18: “The labourer is worthy of his reward.”
  • 2 Corinthians 9:6-7: “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

You may give securely by visiting the following website:
https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux
(This “PayPal – Donate Now” link has also been added to our homepage.)

In Christ, Shawn Brasseaux (2 Corinthians 5:20)

BIBLE CONTRADICTIONS / CONFUSING VERSES SIMPLIFIED, GRACE (CHRISTIAN) LIVING, What does Romans 16:20 mean?, What does Romans 16:20 mean?

What does Romans 16:20 mean?

WHAT DOES ROMANS 16:20 MEAN?

by Shawn Brasseaux

“And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” What is Romans 16:20 talking about? Some suggest this verse is the fulfillment of Genesis 3:15, the promise of the seed of the woman bruising the serpent’s (or, Satan’s) head. Others say that Romans 16:20 is talking about us Christians bruising Satan. Still others suggest this is a reference to Christ’s Second Coming when He defeats Satan. None of these explanations seem likely. Let me show you some verses that adjusted my thinking concerning this “cryptic” verse. Perhaps they will shed light on this verse for you as well.

Genesis 3:15 was fulfilled at Calvary’s cross. The seed of the woman, Jesus Christ, triumphed over Satan’s policy of evil through His finished crosswork. We know this because Colossians 2:15 says: “[14] Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; [15] And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” When Paul wrote Romans, Calvary had already happened. Romans 16:20, however, is speaking of a future event. “And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.” Thus, Calvary is not the meaning of Romans 16:20.

Verse 19—but also verses 17 and 18—are the keys to interpreting and understanding Romans 16:20. We would do well to look briefly at all three preceding verses.

ROMANS 16:17-18

“[17] Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. [18] For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.”

Friends, these verses are straightforward. We have nothing to do with people who cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine that we have learned from the Apostle Paul. If they do not preach Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery, the Bible commands us to avoid them. Doctrine most definitely divides, and as one brother recently put it, doctrine divides truth from error—the Bible-believing Christians from the apostates and heretics. That is a harsh truth but it is the truth nonetheless.

Paul instructed Timothy in 1 Timothy chapter 6: “[3] If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; [4] He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, [5] Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.” (For more information on us separating unto truth, and not uniting in error with the religious system, please see our studies linked at the end of this article—“Did Paul quote 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1 out of context?” and our very lengthy study “Does doctrine really matter?”)

People who disagree with the Apostle Paul, his books of Romans through Philemon, these individuals are neither prophetic nor spiritual. That is, they are neither speaking on God’s behalf nor being led by God’s Spirit. Again, it is a harsh reality, but reality nonetheless. “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 14:37). People who do not acknowledge and preach Jesus Christ’s special ministry through Paul, the Bible says they are serving themselves and doing whatever they want to do. We need to be honest. They are not God’s servants. They are serving self, and that describes the vast majority of so-called “preachers” and “teachers” in “Christian” churches today. If we want to serve God, we had better not listen to their “good words” and “fair speeches,” sermons that dazzle and impress but are void of anything eternal.

ROMANS 16:19

“For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.”

Paul knew the testimony of these Roman believers had spread throughout the whole then-known world. Like the Thessalonians (cf. 1 Thessalonians 1:3-10), they were maturing in the doctrines of grace. They knew the Gospel of Grace, but they could still use some spiritual insight concerning practical daily Christian living. Every Christian has more room to grow, more progress to make in the Christian experience. Even Paul learned that about himself in Philippians chapter 3. There are times when we will fail. No Christian is perfect, sinless. Paul was concerned that the Romans stayed doing right, that they not slip off into error and sin. That is the purpose of the book of Romans.

Remember, Paul wrote an epistle to the Romans because he was physically hindered from visiting Rome. In some way or another, Satan was probably responsible (see 1 Thessalonians 2:18-19 for a possible explanation). So, Paul wrote to these believers in Rome instead. Romans 1:10-13 is Paul’s prayer and labor for these Roman Christians: “[10] Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. [11] For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; [12] That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. [13] Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.”

The doctrine contained in the book of Romans would enable these Roman believers—and, by extension, all believers in the Body of Christ, including us nearly two millennia later—to guard their hearts and minds from Satan’s policy of evil. Paul’s epistle of Romans allows us to have the same knowledge, faith, and understanding that Paul had. We will thus be “established” spiritually, firmly fixed, that the Adversary not cause us to be “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14). The Devil has information he uses to deceive us—especially religious tradition (see Galatians) and human philosophy (see 1 and 2 Corinthians)—but if we have the book of Romans, we have a good foundation for our Christian lives. The Galatians wound up in their spiritual mess because they had ignored the doctrine in Romans. The Corinthians wound up in their spiritual mess because they had also ignored the doctrine in Romans. Satan was defeating both the Galatians and the Corinthians. Brethren, we must be careful not to fall into the trap into which these Christians fell.

If we are grounded in the book of Romans, the most basic doctrinal book for this dispensation, Satan does not have a chance in distracting us. As long as Paul could not visit Rome in person, Satan was winning, and the Romans were not established. They were vulnerable to Satan’s wiles/tricks/schemes. But, now that that epistle to the Romans was being finished, and shortly going to Rome, Satan could no longer keep these Roman believers ignorant of God’s will for them. They would be “wise [knowledgeable] unto that which is good.” Moreover, they would be “simple [inexperienced] concerning evil.” The doctrine contained in Romans allows us to understand that we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, and He can give us this peaceful mentality when we study and believe His Word to us, especially the book of Romans. We can see how our Christian life started and how it functions on a daily basis.

CONCLUSION

Romans 16:20 is certainly not a reference to Calvary. Calvary had already occurred and Romans 16:20 speaks of something future. Us bruising Satan is also a wrong idea because the verse says, “the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.” God is doing the “bruising” here. Christ’s Second Coming can also be ruled out here because that event has yet to occur, and Paul wrote that God would “bruise Satan under [the Roman believers’] feet shortly.” God bruised Satan just after Romans was written by Paul and received in Rome by the Christians there.

Upon considering the book of Romans as a whole, we conclude that Romans 16:20 means that the bruising of Satan is something God will do in the Christian’s life if he or she will simply study, believe, and apply the book of Romans to life. All the more reason, brethren, to spend some time reading through Romans, over and over, over and over, over and over, et cetera. Do not get bogged down with trying to apply the Old Testament, the Four Gospels, and so on. Start in Romans! If you do grasp any other Bible book, please get Romans! Get Romans! Get Romans! Your Christian life will never be the same! 🙂

Also see:
» Should we use the book of John to evangelize lost people?
» What is the Lord’s will for my Christian life?
» How did Satan hinder Paul in 1 Thessalonians 2:18?

GRACE (CHRISTIAN) LIVING, How long should I keep witnessing to the same person?, How long should I keep witnessing to the same person?, SOUL SALVATION FROM SINS

How long should I keep witnessing to the same person?

HOW LONG SHOULD I KEEP WITNESSING TO THE SAME PERSON?

by Shawn Brasseaux

“How does one determine to be patient and to keep witnessing to someone, or to avoid him or her altogether?” What an excellent question! I am sure many have often wondered about the same matter, so we need to look and see God’s advice on the subject. We will see, “For what saith the Scriptures?”

The time you should spend witnessing to one person is not always a “clear-cut” issue. Many varying factors and cues are involved, and it would be best to keep them in mind; we will consider how to go about handling some of these issues. First, we need to look at Bible verses that show us how saints witnessed in the Bible. Then, we will look at some of my specific witnessing experiences for illustration.

1. LOOK FOR CUES THAT INDICATE THE OTHER PERSON’S INTEREST, INDIFFERENCE, OR INSOLENCE.

The following are indications that you are probably getting nowhere with the person to whom you are witnessing: overt mocking of the Bible; scornful laughs; numerous complex, trick, or trivial questions; angry demeanor; name-calling; extensive rambles/rants; harsh tone of voice (or shouting); tantrum-throwing and other immature behavior; silence; their repeated mentioning of the same erroneous teachings, as if you did not already address them with Scripture; hands put up as if refusal to listen; phrases uttered such as “Respect my beliefs,” “Leave me alone,” “Let us agree to disagree,” “You’ll never convince me,” et cetera.

Telecommunications conversations (emails, text/instant messages, online discussion boards, website forums, et cetera) are very tricky to evaluate. While you cannot discern tone of voice or facial expressions that further communicate the emotional and spiritual state of the other person, you can watch out for chief signs of fruitless discussions—sarcasm; numerous sidetracked comments (remarks unrelated to the topic at hand); continual focus on the same topics (asking the same question over and over, although rephrased, even after you answered the original question with verses); EXTENSIVE ALL CAPS; and numerous exclamation points. These are online versions of shouting and arguing, and that is not what we are here to do as Christians. Time to move on when you see a lot of these types of online behavior!

Concerning short-term. The more negative behavior that you observe in any single witnessing episode, the greater the need to politely end the conversation as soon as possible. The encounter may even escalate to physical contact at some point, so you want to try to avoid reaching that level. Many negative cues, especially in one particular day, is a clear sign that you are wasting your time with the individual. Time to move on!

Regarding long-term—a course of days, weeks, or months. You should tolerate occasional opposition from one particular person. But again, be reasonable. If after many instances of you discussing the Bible with them, and they are persistent in that type of behavior, that is a clue. You need to step back and refrain from having any further Bible discussions with them. Time to move on!

By the way, to determine whether patience or distance is needed, you need to also think about the entire situation, as well as any previous conversations with that individual. If you know them, consider their religious background (denomination or world religion), any religious higher education (seminary or Bible college), et cetera. If they are highly educated, they are less likely to listen than common people would listen. They believe they have “already figured everything out.” What I have discovered is that the average seminarian or Bible-college graduate has no intention of thinking outside of his or her “box of academia.” I have talked to them before, but I do not engage in prolonged discussions unless their attitude demonstrate they want to have intelligent Bible discussions.

Consider these Scriptural tips I always keep in mind when witnessing to others.

After the Lord Jesus preached to all of Israel for three years, the viciousness of the naysayers grew more intense. His own people became more and more opposed to Him. At the beginning of His earthly ministry, in His hometown of Nazareth, Jesus has just read some of the book of Isaiah in the synagogue service, and then He begins to reprimand them for their unbelief in Him. We read: “[28] And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, [29] And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. [30] But he passing through the midst of them went his way” (Luke 4:28-30). When the audience wanted to throw Him headfirst off of a cliff, it was His cue to leave. Jesus somehow sneaked away and avoided death! He did not provoke them any further but left the scene.

In Matthew 12:14, about halfway into His ministry, the Bible says the Pharisees held a council how they might destroy Jesus. In Matthew 13:24, they began to accuse Jesus of being possessed by the Devil! By studying Matthew 12:15-21, Matthew 16:20, Matthew 23:34-39, et cetera, we can see that Jesus Christ began to gradually withdraw from a national ministry. When He had preached to all of the cities of nation Israel, so that they would all be without excuse, He then began ministering to the few Jews who had heard and believed His words. He increasingly preached to and taught those who did want to receive His words. Jesus just gave the rest of Israel over to spiritual ignorance. He did this by introducing His parables, stories that would only confuse those who had refused to hear and believe God’s plain Word during the many months prior (Matthew 13:13-15). He gave only the believers the ability to understand what the parables meant.

In John chapter 8, toward the end of His ministry, Jesus delivered an extensive rebuke to the Pharisees. As He exposed more and more of their unbelief, they became more insulting toward Him. Finally, they became very belligerent. They began to pick up stones to throw at Him, “but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by” (verse 59). Jesus knew not to engage in further contact with them. It was time to move on and He did! He told them the truth, they got mad, and when He saw they were bent on behaving irrationally, He left!

Once Jesus recognized they would not hear Him, He moved on to those who did want to hear God’s truth. Our Lord was very wise. He knew that He had a lot to do and say and only three short years to get it all done! He could not dilly-dally addressing every single point posed by every single critic. We should learn from how He conducted His ministry. Like Jesus, we want have only a limited amount of time and energy to conduct our earthly ministry. We need to spend more time teaching God’s Word rightly divided and less time simply saying “no” to every false teaching and every Bible critic.

When commissioning Israel’s 12 apostles, Jesus said: “[11] And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. [12] And when ye come into an house, salute it. [13] And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. [14] And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. [15] Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city” (Matthew 10:11-15). If the apostles were not welcomed into a house or city, Jesus said they were to leave it. They were to speak what they needed to say, and then leave when opposition came. They were not to waste time forcing the household or city to listen to them.

When the Apostle Paul had preached Jesus Christ to the Jews in Damascus long enough, the unbelieving Jews plotted his murder—the Apostle’s ministry companions had enough sense to quietly sneak him out of town (Acts 9:20-25)! When the unbelieving Jews wanted to kill Paul and Barnabas by stoning, the Apostles quickly left the city (Acts 14:1-7)! In Acts 17:10, in Thessalonica, the unbelieving Jews were plotting against Paul and Silas—they had to leave town hurriedly here too! When the pagans in Athens laughed at Paul’s sermon, he left them alone in their ignorance (Acts 17:33)! When the unbelieving Jews refused to hear Paul preach Jesus Christ in the synagogue at Corinth, he left them in their spiritual ignorance and went minister to people next-door (Acts 18:1-7)! In Ephesus, Paul spent three months preaching in the synagogue (Acts 19:8). The Bible says in verse 9, “But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.” Once Paul recognized a persistent, defiant attitude in the Bible critics, it was time for him to move on! When they continued to “speak evil of that way,” Paul knew that he was wasting his time, and he began to teach believers. The point is that Paul, like Jesus Christ, used his time wisely. He travelled extensively throughout the then-known world, reaching as many people as he could, and eventually leaving those alone whose hearts had become increasingly hardened to God’s Word.

We find an interesting passage in this regard, 1 Timothy 1:18-20: “[18] This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; [19] Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: [20] Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.” These people—evidently Christians (!)—the Apostle Paul said he “delivered unto Satan” because they were blaspheming (in the context, embracing false doctrine and probably teaching it, too). Paul gave up these men to greater error! Again, we should not force people to do anything or believe anything. Free will! Free will! Free will!

One of the qualities of a bishop (church leader, elder) was, “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers” (Titus 1:9). A church leader—yes, every Christian—should confront the opposition, the unbelievers and the Bible critics. But, this should be done with wisdom and prudence. Friends, after an extended period of time, it is time to move on!

Let us look at various verses from Proverbs.

“Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge” (Proverbs 14:7). “The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with” (Proverbs 17:14). As soon as you recognize that someone enjoys the deception they are in, that they are openly resistant to the truth you are sharing, go from their presence. As soon as you see they are “contending” (arguing), you need to move on… and quick. If you stay, you just might find yourself in a physical brawl!

Now, Proverbs 22:10: “Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.” Those who want to mock, if you get away from them, contention (arguments, disagreements) will leave you. There will be no strife (fighting, trouble) and no reproach (criticism, rebuke). When you observe mocking, criticism, arguments, fighting, et cetera, it is time for you to move on, friend! Do not waste time with the person.

Next, Proverbs 23:9: “Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.” There comes a point in time when you recognize a fool. It is someone who has an objection to every Bible verse you quote and every Bible truth you share with them. Time is needed to recognize the pattern, but you eventually learn they are just willfully ignorant. They do not want God’s precious Word. They want their religious traditions, their scientific data, et cetera. Give them what they want. Quit talking and leave!

And Proverbs 29:9: “If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.” The “foolish man” here is the Bible rejecter, the one who refuses to listen to and believe God’s wisdom. Whether he grows angry or he laughs, neither action will cease. The Bible believer is to leave this person alone. Let them enjoy the spiritual ignorance they so joyfully embrace (Romans 1:18-32)!

When dealing with any anti-Bible person, whether denominationalist, or world religionist, or atheist/evolutionist, et cetera, the wise Christian soldier should always consider Proverbs 26:4-5: “[4] Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. [5] Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.” God is a God of freedom: never are we to take away anyone’s free will. Sometimes, we are to answer our critics; other times, we should not waste our breath. While most do not want to know God’s truth, let us be mindful of those few who are seeking it. May we be as polite and patient as possible when the conversation is conducive to learning (worthwhile questions). May we respectfully withdraw when intelligent discussions are deemed impossible (name-calling, sarcasm, tantrums, et cetera).

2. DO NOT “CLOSE THE DOOR ON THEM” COMPLETELY (UNLESS UNDER SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES).

As long as someone is not deliberately trying to confuse you and convert you to a cult, or has not threatened you with physical violence, you do not have to permanently cut off all contact with them. Remember, you are not trying to make enemies, but if they do see you as an enemy because of your stand on sound Bible doctrine, you can do nothing more about it. Pray for them and love them, but you will not convince them if they do not want to hear the verses. Do not force yourself onto them but do not completely isolate yourself from them, either. Friend, there must be a balance. In fact, with family members, coworkers, close friends, classmates, et cetera, avoiding them entirely is usually impossible. You can still visit them and talk with them, but do not discuss the Bible unless they ask. If it is an emergency like sick-beds or death-beds, you should speak up about the Scriptures, but do so in the spirit of love and meekness. Let me give you a few examples of how I approach such people.

A Christian relative cursed me out because of my stand on Bible doctrine, so I avoid that particular topic (Bible versions) with him now. In the years since he fussed me, he has approached me a few times for Bible understanding. Imagine my shock when he even asked me to write some Bible study notes so he could use to teach in his denominational church! With him, I make a few brief instances to Scripture in conversation, but nothing too deep. When he asks me about how my ministry is going, then I mention some Bible verses or themes. But, even to this day, I try to limit myself to a few minutes of Bible discussion with him. He is a saved man, which is a start, but it is up to him to grow in the Bible. He seems to be a little more open to sound doctrine (dispensational Bible study), so the more receptive he is (the less “no’s” I hear from him), the more I talk with him about Scripture the next time around. If nothing else, he can see the lifestyle I live, and it just may peak his interest one day to learn more about what I believe.

Over the years, at funerals or sick-beds, my parents and I have talked with lost relatives about the Gospel of the Grace of God. When my paternal grandmother died last year, I gave her eulogy, mainly to give a Gospel invitation to all of our unsaved relatives and family friends. It was a simple plan of salvation message, spoken with respect and solemnity, and no one could misunderstand unless they wanted to misunderstand it. While I could judge that the vast majority of my religious family was indifferent concerning the message (the room was deathly silent after I finished!), they nevertheless heard the Gospel of God’s Grace and are thus without excuse to this day. Not one person—including the angry Roman Catholic deacon officiating the service—left that funeral home without a knowledge of how to be saved from their sins through the finished crosswork of Jesus Christ. Whether they decided to trust Him or not, that is out of my hands. I have spoken to them since, but not much about the Bible and nothing about the Gospel. At this point, I would be forcing it on them. They need to come to me now if they want to talk. They see the Bible resources I post on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, et cetera, and it is their decision.

Now to pastors, seminarians, priests, Bible teachers, et cetera, with whom I have dealt these past several years. If they were largely argumentative, sarcastic, disrespectful, and showed me that they were not Bible believers but Bible doubters and scoffers, I no longer approach any of them or seek them out. They will have to come to me if they want to discuss the Scriptures. I have no reason to contact them. If any of them want to contact me, they know how to reach me. Depending on how much foolishness they displayed in the past, and the nature of their current discussion, I may consider replying. Otherwise, to keep the peace, I have left them alone and given them over to what they want. It keeps their flesh from being exploited and it keeps my flesh from being exploited. I treat them especially different than common church members because congregants and parishioners are often less prideful than church leaders.

Recently, I spoke with a religious woman no more than five minutes about the Bible. No matter what I said, she kept repeating the same errors and defending the same teaching she had heard all her life. When it became apparent to me that she was not going to change her mind, that she would not submit to Scriptural and historical facts, I left off the conversation. I told her that the discussion was fruitless and thus not worth continuing. I recognized that she was trying to convert me to her denomination. She did not want to hear the Gospel and be saved from her sins. She just wanted me to agree with her church tradition. I finally had to let her go. I did not give her any of my contact information. I have better things to do with my time than speak to someone who has no eye to see, no ear to hear, and no heart to believe God’s truth.

Some years ago, a professing Christian used to argue with me online about Bible truths. I simply disregarded him, and we broke off contact for a few years. A few years ago, and ever since, he has emailed me with Bible questions (especially asking me about some false teaching that he needed rescuing from!). While he certainly has other doctrinal hang-ups, he seems to be more “straightened out” doctrinally now, and open to being taught. I share Bible verses with him every chance I get. He has never argued since.

A man who was confused about legalism once emailed me, explaining how he was about to give up on Christianity. He was at his wits’ end with all of the perplexity! After I responded to his email, he was silent for four months. I wondered if I wasted my time with all those dozens of pages of studies I wrote just for him. Then, he emailed me again with more Bible questions about other topics. Evidently, he had not repudiated Christianity, so I still keep the communication lines open with him. More recently, I spent three hours answering his Bible questions on the telephone. The man was so willing to hear the truth, and I do not regret speaking to him.

Other Christians with whom I dealt, after sharing numerous verses with them, and after they replied in very negative ways, I broke off contact with them. The verses shared with them were very plain and simple, but they have denominational beliefs that they refused to give up. After I shared the verses with them, they stated the error once more as if I never quoted the verses. They wanted ignorance and I have no reason to force them to believe the verses.

But, again, every situation is different. Some people are so willing to hear the truth. Others are simply too unbearable. Unless absolutely necessary, we do not want to completely cut off contact with religious people. They may come to their senses, they may recover themselves out of the snare of the Devil, and they know to whom they can come for help in spiritual matters. Again, strike a balance—identify the genuine seekers and reach out to them, but stay away from the scoffers unless they reach out to you.

We need to give them the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps they have been in so many groups and read so many so-called “Christian” books that they need more time than others, to get set straight. Maybe they have emotional attachments to certain doctrines or books. Perhaps they have learning disabilities. Then again, maybe they are trying to trip you up, trying to waste your time, trying to “convert” you, or trying to mislead you. Throughout your dealings with them, you need to remember to pray for them, and you need to study your King James Bible so you can be ready for their comments or questions. I cannot stress it enough: you want to be kind, gentle, and as patient with them as possible, but, eventually, with some, you just have to let them go. You will see the above cues, and that is when you just need to find someone else to minister to, to teach, to evangelize, et cetera. You will have to assess the situation and determine what the best course of action is.

Above all, if they do not want to hear from you in regards to the Bible, they can at least see your godly testimony, the Holy Bible living in and through you. You may win them to Jesus Christ by way of your lifestyle. The Apostle Peter talked about believing wives converting their unbelieving husbands by means of the wives’ godly lifestyle. First Peter chapter 3: “[1] Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; [2] While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. [3] Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; [4] But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” Your lifestyle may peak their interest and they may come to you for spiritual insight and Bible understanding!

3. HOW TO BEGIN AGAIN WITH THEM.

We just need to be ready when our critics and opponents do want to hear and accept sound Bible answers. “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). And what did Paul tell Timothy? We read in 2 Timothy 4:1-2: “[1] I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; [2] Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”

We can prepare ourselves by studying and memorizing verses that would address their past doctrinal hang-ups (verses that they once misquoted, verses they used against us, verses they criticized, et cetera). I have learned that this technique has been very helpful in my own ministry. It certainly shocks them when you have those answers the next time around! They see you are not just some “nit-wit” who can quote shallow verses, but rather someone who not only believes the Bible but who actually studies it for himself or herself!

Once you share with them the truth the first time around, they know where to come for answers, so try to be as receptive of them if and when they come around. Some people will come back for answers, and that is fine. Other people will never again discuss the Bible with you, and that is fine, too. Once they hear about the exclusive nature of the Gospel of Grace, that salvation is only found in Jesus Christ (not a church, not in our works, et cetera), they may leave! Once they hear about the King James Bible, they may leave! Once they hear about Paul’s special apostleship, they may leave! Be prepared not to be disappointed. Friend, say the truth anyway and let God take care of the rest!

If they begin again to ask you about spiritual matters, a good starting point for you to say is, “If you want to look at what the Bible says, then I will discuss that topic with you.” This phraseology is useful in weeding out petty/fruitless discussions. I assure you that this approach can be quite a time-saver! When you immediately mention the Bible, it alerts the person that you are not going to “beat around the bush” with your opinions or their opinions, denominations, et cetera. You are showing them that you are serious about Bible doctrine and study, and if they are truly interested in learning God’s truth, they will agree to hear more. Those who want to waste your time will usually not proceed once you say, “If you want to look at what the Bible says….” They do not want to hear verses. Thus, they usually will not bother to continue the conversation. That is when we apply 1 Corinthians 14:38: “But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant!”

If they have questions that you cannot answer or of which you are unsure, you can always email me at arcministries@gmail.com. We have this Bible Q&A website designed just for that purpose: www.forwhatsaiththescriptures.wordpress.com. I would be more than eager to answer them as best as I can using the Scriptures. It is important to keep track of their questions so you can get a better understanding of their mindset.

SOME MORE BRIEF WORDS ABOUT CONDUCTING ONLINE MINISTRY

Sometime back, a brother in the grace ministry recently deactivated his Facebook account. Reading between the lines, and considering what had gone on before, contentious people forced him to leave for an extended period of time. This situation should cause us to stop and think. We need to reassess how we deal with willfully ignorant Christians. The dear brother, evidently, had not considered the counsel we just offered here. We need to adopt and enforce strict measures concerning people who want to waste our time, elevate our blood pressure, and parade their Bible ignorance with their never-ending “vain jangling.” They act very childishly, for they have no accountability hiding behind screen-names. They certainly would not act like that in person. Long before they drive us away, we need to send them packing! They, not we, should go! What do I mean?

In the eight years I have been on Facebook, I have learned to become quite familiar with the “unfriending,” “delete,” and “block” buttons. We grace Christian leaders on Facebook need to be especially mindful that these three buttons are to be used only as last resort, but they are to be used nevertheless. “If any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant” (1 Corinthians 14:38). This is talking about Christians especially!! If they persist in “vain jangling,” I have my three buttons one click away. I have used all three buttons many times before, and I have lowered my blood pressure and removed any “flesh-parade” traps others may have otherwise fallen into.

There is nothing wrong with Bible discussions, but as we know, they are unfruitful and foolishness when verses fall into the wrong hands. I have determined that these people are not going to drive me away. After two attempts to straighten them out, and they deliberately continue in the error, I let them go on their way (Titus 3:9-10). I will not deactivate or delete my accounts on any website. We need a strong grace presence on social media now more than ever. Paul went to the cities, so let us reach the clusters of people online.

You may do as you like, saints, but remember that deactivation or termination of online accounts removes all your posts/articles/tweets from view. I will not deactivate or terminate because I would remove thousands of my posts. At some point, please consider those three buttons rather than deactivation or termination. Warn people in love that if they do not start behaving properly, you are ready to remove them from your online presence. We are not doormats. Been there, done that, and never been more joyful! 🙂

SOME EXTRA TIPS

When witnessing, sometimes you need cycles of patience and distance. Patience and distance will require varying lengths of time. As you witness more and more, and as you mature spiritually, further experience will equip you to better discern a witnessing situation each time. This experience will be very useful because, as we all know, it can be very difficult sometimes to decide whether more patience is needed, or if more distance is needed in a witnessing situation (it is not always clear). Every witnessing situation is totally different from every other, even if it involves the same person and the same topic. Hence, personal experience is one of the best ways to answer the question at hand.

Saint, as you mature in the Word of God, you will be able to better assess the witnessing situation. You will recognize a pattern associated with each person. If you have tried to make the Word of God as plain as possible, and they are still asking the same fundamental questions, or even the same foolish questions, there is a problem… not with you but with them. Those who are persistently stuck on the same Bible topics need to be gently warned that they need to move on. There is more to the Bible than their repetitive questions. They need not waste time on profitless matters. You need not waste time on profitless matters. If they continue in that manner after being warned, that is a clear indication that they are set in their ways. So, you need to move on to someone who is open to reasoning from the Scriptures.

If you have sent various Gospel tracts or booklets to unsaved family members or friends, or if you have sent to denominational relatives or friends numerous booklets or books about dispensational Bible study, and you do not hear from them about that literature, then you have done everything your Lord Jesus Christ has expected. After repeated attempts, it is time to stay silent. You have no further obligation unless those people follow up. It is very tempting to get hung up over one person’s refusal (either for salvation or for Christian edification). I know the frustration, brethren, but do not despair. Unless they request a reply from you, no response is necessary. In fact, unwarranted further involvement might make people more opposed. Again, just move on to those who do want to listen to God’s Word (they are the people we really need to reach; Acts 13:45-52; Acts 18:5-6), and be ready to share it with anyone… even with those who once argued with you who are now returning to ask you for Bible clarity.

Of course, 2 Timothy 2:24-26 says: “[24] And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, [25] In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; [26] And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” We should teach them the Word of God patiently and meekly, but remember 1 Corinthians 14:37-38 says: “[37] If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. [38] But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.” Some people just will not get it because they do not want to get it! That is when you need to break off from the conversation.

The Bible is quite clear that if a Christian refuses to acknowledge Paul’s apostleship, the loving action to take is to let them stay in ignorance. Yes, we value free will as much as our Lord Jesus Christ does! Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Paul wrote that we are to expect Christians to be ignorant of his apostleship to us, and there are Christians who do not want to acknowledge his special apostleship either. Those who are saved and who oppose sound Bible study are definitely “opposing themselves,” and unfortunately they are not concerned. We have repeatedly attempted to alert them of their doctrinal error, but they consistently refuse reproof and correction. Dear brethren, its high time to apply 1 Corinthians 14:38. Let them have what they want—spiritual ignorance. They are not just people who do not know better; they have had many opportunities to know the truth, but seminary for many has become Bible cemetery, and that is what they desire. You will save yourself much frustration by not discussing Bible doctrine with those sorts of people unless they ask. Let them come to you.

The good news is that people know who to come to with any Bible questions, so just be on “standby.” God the Holy Spirit will use the Bible verses you did share with them, and He will bring them to their memory. It has been my experience and other Christians, to wait until the opposition has questions, and then they will approach us. For years, these Bible-rejecters may not want to discuss anything further about the Scriptures. Then, one day, here they come with questions, either about salvation or for Bible understanding. That is the result of God’s Word working in them, the verses we shared with them!

Remember the admonition in Ephesians 5:15-17: “[15] See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, [16] Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. [17] Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” Satan has stolen the time that should have been used for the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. We need to “redeem the time.” We need to buy it back by glorifying the Lord Jesus Christ. We need to share Christ’s finished crosswork with lost people, and we need to teach Christians His Word rightly divided. It is the Devil’s goal to distract us by using bullheaded people who want nothing more than to waste our time. Satan will use Bible critics and Bible scoffers to cause us to waste our time arguing with them, when we could be using our time more wisely. We would be foolish to continue trying to convince those who have no interest in getting set straight. Our time could be better spent on people who do want to hear the truth, than trying to twist arms of people who have thoroughly demonstrated that they do not want to hear it. They want to stay blind and in love we let them pursue what they want.

Whenever you witness to someone, remember this verse (one of my favorite verses): “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11). Also see Colossians 1:5-6: “For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:” Friend, you are not speaking men’s ideas. God’s Word will always accomplish His will. Let us be faithful in teaching and preaching it, to lost and saved alike. For we read in 1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

This article, although abbreviated, at least provides some insight to your question. There is no short answer as to the time that should be spent witnessing to one person. It is my hope and prayer that you will use this information to assess each and every witnessing situation in which you find yourself. I wish you the best, brother or sister!

Also see:
» What does John 3:16 really mean?
» Should we use the book of John in evangelism?
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ESCHATOLOGY (END TIMES) / PROPHECY, GRACE (CHRISTIAN) LIVING, Should Christians support wars or should they be pacifists?, Should Christians support wars or should they be pacifists?

Should Christians support wars or should they be pacifists?

SHOULD CHRISTIANS SUPPORT WARS OR SHOULD THEY BE PACIFISTS?

by Shawn Brasseaux

What a loaded question, dear friend, but I am more than happy to answer it from the Scriptures.

Just so we all know exactly what “pacifism” is, we consult The Oxford American English Dictionary: “the belief that any violence, including war, is unjustifiable under any circumstances, and that all disputes should be settled by peaceful means.” Its sub-definition is: “the refusal to participate in war or military service because of such a belief.” With “pacifism” now defined, we can see what the Holy Scriptures say about it.

Absolutely, we should try to live peaceably with all people, especially with other Christians. The Bible says, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). Yes, we agree with the pacifists in that all disputes should be settled by peaceful means. Unfortunately, that is not always feasible. We have to live in reality and not in a fantasyland. Not everyone wants to be our friend. Some nations/leaders/people are simply not interested in getting along with anyone, anywhere, anytime. They just want to bicker with, bully, conquer, and plunder others. Pacifism is of no use when the other party is bent on harming or killing you!

James 4:1 says that, because of sin, wars are inevitable: “From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?” Whether or not we have weapons, wars cannot be avoided! Weapons do not cause wars! Sin causes wars! Sin causes violence! Weapons do not cause violence! Sinners cause violence!

THE DIVINE ORDINANCE OF GOVERNMENT/NATIONALISM

The God of the Bible instituted government and national borders to protect life and property. Without defined borders and a strong military, any country could be invaded and robbed by another. In this sin-cursed world, God never intended pacifism. He wants distinct nations, borders that are clearly defined. Study Genesis chapter 10, when God separated Noah’s descendants to create the nations of the world. Acts 17:26 summarizes: “[God] hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation.” God gave all nations definable boundaries. When those boundaries are crossed, that is a breach of divine institution.

When commenting on human governments, the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul talks about the “sword” in Romans 13:4. This is the military power that God gave to human governments. Governments, as God intended, are to suppress Satan’s policy of evil. Evil cannot reign in a nation unless its government allows it—that is, provided the government itself is not corrupt, ignorant of God’s Word. To ensure sound Bible doctrine is upheld, the government should defend itself against those entities that want to overthrow the reign of righteousness. That includes guarding sound Bible doctrine from those outside the nation as well as those evil individuals within the nation. There is safety in nationalism, for nationalism ensures “pockets” of righteousness will flourish. True, nations are corrupt, but there is no one chief nation controlling them all. A dictator in one country has no sway over all nations. If one nation is corrupt, one may flee to another nation.

THE MOSAIC LAW AND THE PROTECTION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY

In the Mosaic Law, JEHOVAH God went to great lengths to ensure personal property was secure. One law that applies to our current discussion is, “If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him” (Exodus 22:2). That is to say, if a thief was “breaking and entering” and the owner of the house or property caught him or her in the act, and the owner in self-defense struck/injured the thief, even to the point of the thief dying, God Almighty said the owner was justified in taking the life of the intruder. Under these circumstances, the divine commandment was that personal property could be guarded, even to the point of the criminal’s death. Sometimes, matters cannot be settled with a rational discussion. In this case of personal property being wrongfully taken, God tolerated violence and killing.

Let us extend the above principle to the national level. If a terrorist group wants to come to our nation and take over it, we are justified in forcing them to retreat. We should not “pick” at them and make them angry. There must be an utter defeat of them, that they think twice about coming back again… if coming back at all! Whatever military hardware and equipment we have, we need to use it to defend ourselves and our property. There is nothing sinful about it. What is sinful is when personal property is not respected, and then the owner is wrongly blamed when he or she defends that property.

EXAMPLES OF ISRAEL’S WARS SANCTIONED BY GOD

Throughout the Old Testament, God encouraged Israel to war with her enemies. He would actually give them the victory when they obeyed Him. Even beyond our day, the God of the Bible will fight Israel’s battles for to deliver her from the nations and the Antichrist. (More on this later.)

Perhaps the chief example of God warring on Israel’s behalf is in Exodus chapter 14, when He destroyed Pharaoh and his armies who were trying to slaughter the Jews. Moses encourages fretting Israel in verse 14, “The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” In chapter 15, Israel sings the Song of Moses, part of it being, “The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name” (verse 3). What had the LORD Himself just done? Had He pled with Egypt to stop harassing His people? Had He settled the matter peacefully? Oh, not at all, friends! Earlier, Pharaoh had nearly a dozen opportunities to do right, and he failed to act right in all of them. JEHOVAH God was not going to play around with wicked Egypt anymore. He took Pharaoh’s mighty armies, skillfully drew them into the empty sea basin, and then He crushed them with mighty waves of water. As the Jews saw the dead soldiers’ bodies floating, they sang out in victory, “The LORD is a man of war!”

A few chapters later, Israel is (again) complaining for water to drink. God provides water for them by having Moses strike a rock. In that Middle Eastern desert, water is a rare commodity, so when the Amalekites see Israel enjoying it, they want to fight the Jews to get it. You can read all about in Exodus chapter 17. Suffice it to say that there is another war that God Himself supported! Moses tells Joshua to gather some Jewish warriors to fight the Amalekites, which he does. By the end of the chapter, God gives Israel victory over the Amalekites. That water was Israel’s, and Israel’s alone. God would not let some foreigners come in and take what He had provided for Israel.

Notice how God encouraged Israel’s war with the Midianites before Moses died. Numbers 31:1-4 says: “[1] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, [2] Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people. [3] And Moses spake unto the people, saying, Arm some of yourselves unto the war, and let them go against the Midianites, and avenge the LORD of Midian. [4] Of every tribe a thousand, throughout all the tribes of Israel, shall ye send to the war.”

After Moses’ decease, Joshua led Israel into the Promised Land, fighting many battles to win it from the Gentiles. You can read about that in the book of Joshua, but suffice it to say that God gave Israel many military victories under Joshua’s command. Do you recall how once God destroyed Jericho’s walls in chapter 6, He let Israel go in and fight and take Jericho’s possessions? For another instance of divinely-sanctioned war, see Joshua 10:8: “And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thine hand; there shall not a man of them stand before thee.”

JEHOVAH God empowered shy Gideon to become a mighty warrior and, with an army of 300 (!), he defeated the Midianites that had oppressed Israel (Judges chapters 7 and 8). Under Samuel’s leadership, and through God’s power, Israel defeated the Philistines and they never again came to Israel’s land while Samuel was alive (1 Samuel chapter 7). We are probably all familiar with King David’s battles—God gave him those victories. For example, 2 Samuel 8:6: “…And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.”

We read an interesting tidbit in 2 Samuel 5:10: “And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him.” The LORD God of hosts with David in all of his battles. The qualifier “of hosts” is a military epithet of God, a title that denotes His role as leader/commander of armies (mighty angelic armies). Later on in that chapter, David could hear the LORD (and perhaps His angelic soldiers) rushing forth in the winds, enabling him to defeat the Philistines (see verses 22-25).

These are just some examples of JEHOVAH and wars in the Old Testament economy.

DOES THAT MEAN WE SHOULD BE AGGRESSIVE?

Now, please do not misunderstand. Just because we have the God-given right to defend ourselves and our property, that does not mean that we should go around picking fights with other nations or individuals. What it does mean is that if they threaten us or our property, we have the God-given means (personal weapons, government, and military/police) to protect ourselves and our property. On a day-to-day basis, we should be at peace with others, especially with government (1 Timothy 2:1-3). But, again, this is not always possible.

“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18). Again, there is no question that the Holy Spirit would have us get along with others. As Christians, we should be particularly careful to try to live peaceably with others. Remember, as Paul quoted Moses, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Galatians 5:14).

When someone tries to steal our possessions or kill us, God expects us to defend ourselves. Personal property and defending to keep it is a concept that God taught Israel throughout the Mosaic Law. The whole purpose of human government is to maintain order, and the military/police should protect citizens and their property, domestic and abroad.

DID JESUS TEACH AND PRACTICE PACIFISM?

Anti-war people enjoy citing how the Lord Jesus taught and practiced pacifism in His earthly ministry. They say we should follow Jesus and be peaceful. (What about following Jesus by faith in His crosswork? Oh no, that does not fit their agenda so they do not bother with that!) Supposedly, Jesus said to “turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5:39) when someone smites us. (Actually, Jesus said if someone struck us on the right cheek, turn the other to him!) “Love your enemies,” they remind of us Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:44. It seems like the pacifists only know the Bible verses that they agree with. They ignore the verses we looked at earlier, the ones that describe the LORD Himself (Jesus Christ before He became a Man) fighting for Israel and encouraging her to go to war with her pagan neighbors.

We find a most fascinating passage in John chapter 2, a passage that “Bible-quoting pacifists” obviously disregard: “[13] And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. [14] And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: [15] And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; [16] And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise. [17] And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.” What did “pacifistic” Jesus do? He braided a whip and literally ran the thieves out of the Temple! How is that for “peaceful means?”

Friend, do you know why Jesus was so “peaceful” in Matthew through John? Was it because war was wrong? Nay! Jesus was largely peaceful because it was not yet time for Him to pour out His wrath! He had to first submit to sinful man so He could die His death on Calvary. He would return later to judge sinful man in righteous war.

Luke chapter 9: “[51] And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, [52] And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. [53] And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. [54] And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? [55] But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. [56] For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.”

THE LORD’S FUTURE BATTLE

After our Dispensation of Grace ends, there will come a battle, the most awesome battle the world has ever known or will ever know. The God of the Bible will once again prove that there is such a thing as a justified war. The 2,000-year-long period of God’s “grace and peace” (present-day Dispensation of Grace) will terminate. God will be finished with trying to get along with sinful mankind. Now, it will be full-fledged war… and, friend, God is sure to be victorious!

Consider Joel 3:9-11, the LORD’S exhortation to the nations to prepare to meet Him in battle: “[9] Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up: [10] Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong. [11] Assemble yourselves, and come, all ye heathen, and gather yourselves together round about: thither cause thy mighty ones to come down, O LORD.”

Do you know what the Prophet Joel is talking about? When the Lord Jesus Christ literally, physically, and visibly comes to Earth to conclude the seven-year Tribulation, when He gathers and then wipes out Israel’s enemies! As the “LORD of hosts,” He calls down His angelic armies and they fight against Satan’s human and angelic troops gathered on Earth. Revelation 19:11: “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.” John the Apostle finished the chapter by talking about how the scavenger birds will come and devour the flesh of all the fallen soldiers of the Antichrist.

Zechariah the Prophet described this awesome Second Coming of Christ, in chapter 14: “[1] Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. [2] For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. [3] Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. [4] And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.”

Skipping the details, suffice it to say that this battle will make way for the Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ on Earth (see Revelation chapter 20).

WHEN TRUE PEACE REIGNS ON EARTH

Let us be honest. As long as sin reigns on Earth, peace will not reign on Earth. Again, we recall what James 4:1 says: “From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?” There is coming a day, however, when the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6), Jesus Christ, will return and establish His earthly kingdom, a benevolent monarchy of truth and righteousness. It is then that true peace will abound on planet Earth. On the night the Lord Jesus was born, this is why the angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14). Peace will come, true peace will come. Let us be patient.

Isaiah 2:2-4 says: “[2] And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. [3] And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. [4] And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more” (cf. Micah 4:1-3).

What a day that will be!

Also see:
» Should Christians support the death penalty?
» Who will accompany Jesus at His second coming?
» Why did Jesus Christ stand in Acts 7:55-56?

GRACE (CHRISTIAN) LIVING, What advice can be given to homosexual Christians?

What advice can be given to homosexual Christians?

WHAT ADVICE CAN BE GIVEN TO HOMOSEXUAL CHRISTIANS?

by Shawn Brasseaux

Not long ago, I received an email from a Christian who is struggling with homosexual thoughts and feelings. It is his hope and my hope that this Bible study will help many of the precious people who are caught between Christianity and homosexuality. Friend, there is hope, there is an answer, and here it is from God’s Word rightly divided!

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“I truly have placed my trust in ‘The Gospel’ that Paul taught. But I feel old feelings are still after me. I never married because I did not have an attraction to females and have always known how God feels—Romans. I will not act on my feelings but do give myself relief. I cannot find what God says about that. I think there are people out there that would have this question but too scared to ask. I love the Lord and pray he will take this unnatural feeling away and it makes me question my salvation. I believe in right division but too ashamed of the comments my brothers and sisters knew. In fact no one has ever known except the Lord. Looking forward to scripture that will address this. Love the site and great information. I have shared it with others.”

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Hello, —. I am glad to help you, brother. It makes it much easier that you are a Christian and not an unsaved person. You already know the doctrine, and now you need to reckon it as true in your own life. There needs to be a personal application by faith. I would be honored to instruct you in the Scriptures in this regard.

Firstly, let me begin by saying that you are not alone. All we believers struggle with certain types of sins. We all as individuals have tendencies toward particular sinful behaviors. It may be habitual lying, persistent pride, constant profanity, endless gossiping, incessant bad thoughts, et cetera. Your situation is not the actual behavior, but bad thoughts/feelings. Your thinking has to be corrected, so let us get to it.

You have to remember, friend, that our hearts are deceitful above all things and desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). That is true of both the saved man’s flesh and the lost man’s flesh. They are all connected to Adam. Our emotions deceive. Our feelings can deceive. While we who have trusted Christ are redeemed, we have not left these sinful bodies of flesh. We have to have our minds renewed by God’s Word rightly divided, the only objective standard we can trust. This Bible study must be done daily. Satan is always seeking to use our flesh to hinder God’s work, and the only way we can guard ourselves against these “wiles/tricks/schemes” is to arm ourselves with God’s Word rightly divided.

Romans 12:1-2: “[1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. [2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

You said that “old feelings” are still after you. That is exactly what they are—they are indeed “old.” They are not who you are anymore. They do not describe your life in Christ. As you said, they describe sinful behavior, the actions of the flesh, not sound doctrine (Romans 1:27; 1 Timothy 1:10). Those illicit feelings/thoughts describe your former life in Adam. You are a new creature in Christ. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). That old identity you had in Adam is no more. You need to think according to your new identity, the one you have in Christ.

Consider 1 Corinthians chapter 6: “[9] 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, [10] Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. [11] 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.”

Notice what kinds of people the Apostle Paul had preached to there in Corinth: “fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, effeminate [feminine men], abusers of themselves with mankind [homosexuals], thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers [evil speakers of others], extortioners [cheaters]… and such were some of you.” They had been those things, but once Paul had preached to them the Gospel of the Grace of God, and they had believed that message with all their heart, they positionally ceased to be those things. God did not see them as sinners anymore positionally. Yes, they still sinned in practice (1 Corinthians 5:1-5; 1 Corinthians 11:21; et cetera), but they were now saved in Christ; they were now saints, although they were saints who did not act like the people God made them in Jesus Christ. This is where you are. Positionally, you are in Christ. Practically, mentally, you are not aligning with the standing you have in Christ. Let us read the rest of the passage: “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.” You need to reckon this verse as true. “I am sanctified [set apart for God’s purposes].” “I am justified [declared righteous] in the name of the Lord Jesus.” “The Holy Spirit has sanctified me and justified me.” Believe these truths in your heart, and God’s Word will effectually work in you (1 Thessalonians 2:13). That will activate God’s Word and power in your life to make the changes that need to be made.

Your flesh, my flesh, everyone’s flesh, always works in tandem with Satan. It causes you/us to think a lie is reality. You are having these feelings/thoughts because you have not let God’s Word renew your mind. Because you are in Jesus Christ, you are a Christian. You are not a homosexual. You are a saint of the Most High God, my friend!!! Whatever thoughts and actions do not align with your identity in Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, throw them out. Be transformed by reading and believing Romans chapter 12, Galatians chapter 5, Ephesians chapter 4, and Colossians chapter 3. These are all excellent passages that touch on every major issue in life, and how to go about it as God Himself would.

Galatians 5:24-25 seem to be some of the best verses for your situation. You need to reckon them as true in your own life: “[24] And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. [25] If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”

The fact is that you are Jesus Christ’s. You belong to Him. You are not Satan’s. You do not belong to him. All those old feelings—the affections and the lusts (not just sexual but also greed, pride, coveting, all those desires we experience)—have been crucified with the flesh. When Jesus Christ died, we died too. Romans 6:6 says our old man was crucified with Him. A dead man has no power. Do not let your old lifestyle and your sin nature control your life now. You know what God says about your particular sin. You know the Holy Spirit would not lead you to have those homosexual feelings. The Holy Spirit will guide you in these Bible truths. You are “dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:11). Sin is not to have dominion over you. The Spirit of God is to have control of your life. You are “freed from sin”—not “free”—but “freed!” We still sin but we do not have to. A lost person has no ability to stop sin, but we in Jesus Christ have the ability to stop it. When we as Christians sin, it was because we thought like lost people. We thought that that was the only action we could take. We forgot that God’s power saved us from that sinful identity and now He can save us from that sinful behavior.

As you very well know, our culture is saturated with sex. Whether it is promiscuity, or scantily-dressed men and women, or pornography, or transgender issues, or the legalization of same-sex marriages, the media (television, radio, internet, newspapers, books, et cetera) constantly bombards us with garbage thinking. These are Satan’s methods of attacking Christians. We all have sexual thoughts and they are for the purpose of reproduction, but the media is more interested in perverting something good and emphasizing illicit sexual behaviors. If you saturate yourself with the media, you are sure to lose the battle against your particular sin. I would greatly distance myself from these news items, TV shows, et cetera, if you have not already done so. Friend, you would be better off reading your Bible than filling your head with all that worthless mass media. Satan is after your mind and you have to be sure not to let him have it!!! As long as your mind is controlled by God’s Word, Satan does not have a chance.

We read in 2 Corinthians chapter 10: “[3] For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: [4] (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) [5] Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”

Here is that battle between good and evil, of which we are all part. “Imaginations” are fantasies, concepts that we invent in our minds. They are not reality. They are literally “figments of our imagination.” Whatever does not agree with “the knowledge of God” (His Word rightly divided), throw it out. This helps you concerning your “feelings”/thoughts. You are to “bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” This is not you making your thoughts obedient to Jesus Christ. Rather, it is you taking your thoughts and seeing whether or not they agree with Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork (His obedience to Father God; Romans 5:19; Philippians 2:8; Hebrews 5:8). “Do my thoughts agree with my new identity in Christ?” (Yes/No) “Does this activity belong in my life?” (Yes/No) “Is this effectively communicating to others the doctrine of Calvary that I believe?” (Yes/No) “Is this a good work that the Spirit of God produced in and through me?” (Yes/No) Whenever you answer “no,” replace that bad thought/deed with a verse and its resulting action. Try using the verses I cited earlier, especially Galatians 5:24-25. If you need more, let me know.

Brother, while I am on the subject, let me also tell you that you have no reason to ever tell anyone about these feelings, including your siblings. That is like someone going around saying, “I like to steal, lie, cheat, et cetera.” That is your business what specific sins you are struggling with, and you seem to be trying to let God deal with the matter for you. It is not like you are content where you are in the sin. You have no reason to confess your sins to anyone. God already knows your sins and He already took care of them at Calvary! Think like that. “Jesus put away my sins by the sacrifice of Himself (Hebrews 9:26) and now I put away my sins by the sacrifice of Him, too. I have been raised again to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4).” All of Romans chapters 6 through 8 are great help.

No, the truth is that God will not take those unnatural feelings away, so do not set up yourself for disappointment by asking Him. We all have bad thoughts of some kind, and we will have to daily suppress them with verses until we get to heaven. But, there is good news. What God has done is provided a way for us/you to think on something else. We can think on His Word and what He has done for us on Calvary’s cross so long ago. The power of God over that sin is manifested when you overcome that sin by faith in Christ, not when that temptation is removed.

As 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “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.” Bear the temptation, brother! The Holy Spirit has equipped you to bear it! (If it helps, try procrastinating. Try putting off the temptation long enough, and it will go away for a time.)

What did Paul finally learn about his troubles in 2 Corinthians 12:9: “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” God’s grace is enough to get you through all temptations. His grace is the strength you receive by way of the Holy Spirit using verses you studied, to cause you not to grow weary or fall apart when you face trying times/difficulties/troubles.

Let me tell you right now so you will not misunderstand. You will have your downfalls. Brother, it will take some time before you can wrap your mind around these Bible truths. That is what spiritual growth is all about. There are times when those immoral thoughts will come back. That is when your mind is drifting away from reality. You just bring your thoughts back in line with what you know about the doctrines of grace. “That is not who I am anymore. That is the flesh. That is not sound doctrine and that does not belong in my life. I am a new creature in Christ. I am dead to sin and alive unto God. Those affections and lusts have been crucified with Christ. He died for that sin. He put it away and now I put it away. Christ liveth in me. I live by His faith, His faithfulness.”

It is so unfortunate that you question your salvation, brother. That must be quite miserable. Remember, the Corinthians were the most carnal (fleshly/worldly) Christians in the Bible. They were drunken, they sued one another, they abused spiritual gifts, they fought and argued, one believer was sexually involved with his stepmother, they questioned Paul’s apostleship, they were dabbling in false religion—certainly not the epitome of righteousness, huh?! Never once did Paul question their salvation. In fact, he wrote to them in 1 Corinthians 1:8-9: “[8] [God] Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. [9] God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.” The Corinthians were unfaithful, no question about it. They had so hindered the Holy Spirit from having any affect on them. They were such poor examples of Christian living, and yet Paul said that God would confirm them “blameless” until the day they would go to heaven! Jesus Christ had taken care of their blame at Calvary (same with you). God is “faithful.” We should be glad that our salvation unto eternal life is not dependent upon our faithfulness. We would never be saved! Father God is “faithful” and the fellowship Jesus Christ has with Father God, we have that relationship with Father God. It is all because of Jesus Christ and what He did, not because of what we do or do not do.

Paul even called these Corinthians “brethren” in 1 Corinthians 1:10. Paul never doubted their salvation. He knew the Corinthian believers were “the temple of God,” “that the Spirit of God [dwelt] in [them]” (1 Corinthians 3:16). He just asked them, “Know ye not…?” to cause them to remember something they had forgotten. Like the Corinthians, you have been distracted from your Christian identity. You are living inconsistent with who you are in Jesus Christ, and you are “beating yourself up” over it. You have a problem but Jesus Christ took care of it. Your performance never saved you and your performance will certainly never keep you saved. Let go of the burdens! Friend, enjoy God’s joy and peace in believing these simple truths (Romans 15:13)! God accepts you in the Beloved, His Son (Ephesians 1:6). You need not look for love or acceptance anywhere else.

I did not intend to go on this long, but perhaps I have given you enough to correct your situation. I will certainly keep you in prayer, and please do not hesitate if you need additional counsel. You can also see our study, “Does “once saved, always saved” entitle us to abuse God’s grace?” (This talks about how to correct “loss of salvation” feelings.)

Also see:
» Does “once saved, always saved” entitle us to abuse God’s grace?
» Must I maintain fellowship with God?
» What is the Lord’s will for my Christian life?

GRACE (CHRISTIAN) LIVING, Should Christians support the death penalty?

Should Christians support the death penalty?

SHOULD CHRISTIANS SUPPORT THE DEATH PENALTY?

by Shawn Brasseaux

“What is the biblical position that a believer should take in regards to capital punishment (the death sentence)?”

Thanks for contacting me, my friend. I am sure many, many people have the same question. The death sentence is a very sensitive topic, an extremely emotionally-charged issue, concerning both those for it and those against it. Hopefully, we can ignore the emotions that cloud our judgment. Emotions are deceptive. We need an objective standard, the written Word of God, on which to rest our faith/trust. Let us look at the plain testimony of the Holy Bible. After all, the Creator has already spoken quite expressly on the subject. We just need searching eyes, listening ears, and, most importantly, believing hearts.

“THOU SHALT NOT KILL?”

When people object to the death penalty, they quote one of the few verses they know. The sixth of the Ten Commandments, “Thou shalt not kill” (Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17). This verse, like all others, has a context. We do not grab a verse and run with it without analyzing the context. As it has been so aptly stated, “A verse without a context makes one a conman!”

“Thou shalt not kill” involves an individual taking another’s life (“thou” is first-person singular, as our “old, hard-to-read” King James so precisely uses it). Capital punishment, however, refers to a legal authority (government) taking a person’s life. If “thou shalt not kill” prohibited all taking of life, then why did the LORD God Himself tell Moses and Israel to stone to death the man who collected sticks on the Sabbath day (Numbers 15:32-36)?

See, beloved, the government taking the life of a guilty person is not infringing upon the Sixth Commandment. The Sixth Commandment is broken when one person takes the life of another without a decree from the local government (apart from self-defense, of course). Many times throughout the Mosaic Law we find the death penalty attached to certain offences (striking father or mother, Exodus 21:15; kidnapping, Exodus 21:16; witchcraft, Exodus 22:18; bestiality, Exodus 22:19; et cetera). These are not instances of murder; these are God’s direct instructions to Israel for her to take the lives of individuals who broke specific divine laws. There was no room for argument.

NOAH, HUMAN GOVERNMENT, AND THE “DEATH PENALTY”

Many, many, many centuries before the Ten Commandments were given to Moses, there lived Noah. On this side of the Great Flood, having just exited the Ark, Noah and his sons are instructed of God in Genesis chapter 9:

“[1] And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. [2] And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered. [3] Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. [4] But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat. [5] And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man. [6] Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.”

God told Noah, beginning in the new world, that anyone who took the life of another person, man (acting with governmental authority) was to take that murderer’s life. Note that this was not just anyone going out and taking vengeance on whomever he wanted. It is a governmental official issuing the decree and carrying it out. Please make sure that you understand that.

Remember, Cain killed his brother Abel in Genesis chapter 4. This was most definitely murder. Cain was evil and Abel was righteous. God allowed Cain to live (Genesis 4:13-15). Centuries later, just before the Great Flood, the opening verses of Genesis chapter 6 tell us that great evil and violence had covered the earth. In order to slow down Satan’s policy of evil, after the Flood, God instituted the death penalty with Noah. That death penalty for murderers is still with us today, as the Apostle Paul commented in the book of Romans. It is a direct ordinance of God, and nothing in the Bible ever rescinded this law. Even the dispensational change does not affect the death penalty.

As he was on trial before Judaean governor Festus, a Roman official, our Apostle Paul did not mind being executed if he were proven worthy of death in a Roman court of law: “For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar” (Acts 25:11). Paul clearly supported capital punishment—even if it meant applying it to himself!

When describing the grace believer’s relationship to his form of government, our Apostle Paul wrote in the thirteenth chapter of Romans: “[1] Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. [2] Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. [3] For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: [4] For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. [5] Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.”

Paul is commenting on Genesis chapter 9, what we read earlier. God’s design in government is to make criminals fearful. It is to hinder Satan’s policy of evil from reaching a crescendo. Those who are operating under Satan’s control, particularly murderers (“the evil” of verse 3), should be punished. Verse 4 says, “But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”

How does the government not bear the sword in vain? It has the sword for a reason. It will not only wield the sword but also use the sword! “The higher powers… a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” This “wrath” is a reference to capital punishment (decapitation/beheading). Remember, King Herod Antipas killed John the Baptist with the sword—a reference to beheading—in Mt. 14:10, Mk. 6:27, and Lk. 9:9. King Herod Agrippa I killed the Apostle James with the sword, also a reference to beheading (Acts 12:2). Without capital punishment, there is no deterrent for murderers. A government that cannot enforce its laws is useless. It must have military might to keep order in society. If we do not have order, mayhem will result, and we will mimic Cain and those of Noah’s day, those who caused great violence and bloodshed.

CONCLUSION

God Himself in the Bible told Noah and Israel to put people to death for certain infractions. Once they were proven in court to be guilty of particular crimes—especially murder—their lives were to be taken by governmental orders. God was very strict about it. Someone may say that that was the “Old Testament” and that has no relevance to us. Yet, when commenting about our Dispensation of Grace, the Apostle Paul carried over that principle of capital punishment. In Romans chapter 13 (cf. Acts 25:11), Paul wrote that the government does not bear the sword in vain. No doubt the death penalty—when carried out swiftly and without decades of appeals—is a sure deterrent to prevent other murderers from acting. That fact of capital punishment makes criminals afraid. Unfortunately, here in the United States and other countries, the death penalty is pushed aside due to emotions. We do not want to hurt people’s feelings, we do not want to be “inhumane,” we want to make sure the criminals are more comfortable than the victims’ families, and so on.

Someone may say, “Oh, but I cannot support the death penalty. What if we execute an innocent man or woman?” Beloved, remember, God knew this was a possibility, and yet, He still gave the commandment. If the murderer has been convicted beyond reasonable doubt, if there is enough evidence to support his or her guilt, then the Bible is clear that that person’s life should be taken. I would rather follow the Bible and make a mistake than make the mistake of ignoring the Bible!

If the possibility of killing an innocent person is our primary reason for rejecting the death penalty, we should not advocate prison sentences either because we might send an innocent person to prison for decades. Extending this logic, eventually, there will be no punishment whatsoever—every penalization will be considered “inhumane.” If we support prison terms, we should support the death penalty or capital punishment.

It is a very sad reality that that there is very little justice in this world, particularly involving a swift death sentence. There are many convicted murderers on our streets and sidewalks all around the world, and it is so unfortunate that government has failed the public in this regard. They can keep on taking innocent lives but no government is willing to take their guilty ones.

Nevertheless, dear readers, we can rest assured that the God of the Bible never sleeps. The guilty lost who escape the death penalty in this life, wake up to face “God’s eternal death penalty” in the next! Justice will be served eventually, with or without human legal intervention.

Also see:
» How can a loving God send people to hell forever?
» Should Christians support wars or should they be pacifists? (COMING SOON!)
» How did Satan hinder Paul in 1 Thessalonians 2:18?