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Thursday, June 30, 2011

Bible Questions Answered: Church-Attendance

Bible Questions Answered:
I'm christian, I do not think it is necessary to go to church. My wife always yes, but I don't think so, so how big a deal about this?
Estevan/ Pelotas, Brazil South America

Bible Answer:

Many have fallen off of church going, it is a sign of a cold and sinful day.
We are living in the spiritual, Laodicean age.

Revelation 3:13-22 KJV
13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of My mouth.
17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
18 I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.
21 To him that over cometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne.
22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Why Christians should be a part of the church.

The church is the body of Christ

I Corinthians 12:27 KJV
Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

The Church is the house of salvation, a place where we come, and where we bring our friends.

Acts 2:47 KJV
Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Acts 5:14 KJV
And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.

As God's people, we need: sanctifying (an ongoing process), and the cleansing of the word, in our lives, that we may be without spot or wrinkle, a holy people, without blemish.

Ephesians 5:25-27 KJV
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it;
26 That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

The Church alone, is the house of truth.

I Timothy 3:15 KJV
"... the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth."

The Church, is a fellowship of believers.

I John 1:7 KJV
But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.

The Church, is a place of comfort and encouragement.

Hebrews 10:25 NLT
And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near.

I John 3:16 KJV
Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

The Church is a place of prayer, for our own needs, and the needs of others.
And praise, in worship to the Living God.

Matthew 21:13 KJV
"And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer..."

Going to the temple, was the custom of our Lord, and should be, without doubt ours as well.

Luke 4:16 KJV
And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up: and, as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.

The church, is the bride of Christ.

Revelation 22:17 KJV
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Bible Questions Answered: Saviour-Sinless

Bible Questions Answered:
I need a reason or reasons why a person should take Christ, and not some other religion.
Henrietta/ Toronto, Canada (Ontario)

Bible Answer:

Our world over the millennia has had it's leaders, prophets and sages, but be that as it may, only one, ever claimed to be sinless, and the very Son of God, and who was resurrected from the dead, and that one is the precious Lord Jesus Christ.

II Corinthians 5:21 NLT
For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

Hebrews 4:15 KJV
For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Hebrews 7:26 KJV
For such an High Priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

I Peter 1:18,19 KJV
18 For as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot:

I Peter 2:21,22 KJV
21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps:
22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth:

I Peter 3:18 KJV
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

What does the word, say concerning men of earth?

I Kings 18:46 KJV (Solomon)
If they sin against thee, (for there is no man that sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captives unto the land of the enemy, far or near;

Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV
For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

Psalm 14:3 KJV
They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

Psalm 53:1-3 KJV
1 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.
2 God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.
3 Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

Proverbs 20:9 KJV
Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?

Isaiah 53:6 KJV
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah 64:6 KJV
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Micah 7:2 KJV
The good man is perished out of the earth: and there is none upright among men..."

Romans 3:23 KJV
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Romans 5:12 KJV
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Galatians 3:22 KJV
But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

I John 1:8-10;19 KJV
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and his word is not in us.
19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

Our Saviour was holy:

I Peter 1:15, 16 KJV
15 But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

Our call.

II Corinthians 6:17 KJV
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Bible Questions Answered: Uplook

Bible Questions Answered:
“Flooding, tornados, war how can a person help but be depressed these days?'
Deanna/ St. Louis, Missouri U.S.A.

Bible Answer:

A Christian must not look back or give up hope.
Genesis 19:26 KJV
But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.

Lot's wife, looked back, wanting to go back, but she was only met with judgment.

Peter, looked at earthly shaking events and....
Matthew 14:29,30 KJV
29 And He said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

Our Lord once said these words...
Luke 9:62 KJV
“...No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

An old saying “When the out look, looks bleak, try the up look!”

As Christian people, our answer, our hope, is not in or from this world!
OK, read that again.

As Christian people, our answer, our hope comes from above, hence, let us “look up.”

Psalm 5:3 KJV (Prayer an essential key to victory!)
My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

Psalm 34:5 KJV
They looked unto Him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.

Psalm 63:2 KJV
To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.

Psalm 98:3 KJV
"...all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God."

Isaiah 9:2 KJV
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

Mark 8:25 KJV
After that He put His hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.

Luke 2:30 KJV
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

Luke 21:28 KJV
And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Romans 1:20 KJV
For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead;

II Corinthians 4:18 KJV
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Hebrews 11:10,13 KJV (Apostle Paul, speaking of Abraham.)
10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

Hebrews 12:2 KJV
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;"

I Peter 1:8 KJV
Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

I John 1:1-3 KJV
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of Life;
2 (For the Life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that Eternal Life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.

Dwight L. Moody's favorite Bible verse.

Psalm 56:3 KJV
What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Bible Questions Answered: World Condition Before The Rapture.

Bible Questions Answered:
We've seen some flooding and the good thing was how people come together to help one another, isn't this a sign of good to come?
Hagen/ Brisbane Australia

Bible Answer:

Ecclesiastes 7:29 KJV
Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.

How refreshing it is to see the good actions of some! One must also recall under such events that there was much looting.

Is mankind becoming successfully more enlightened and moral?

Here is the word of the Lord.

Luke 18:7,8 KJV (Jesus speaks about God answering prayer.)
7 And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them?
8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of Man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?

This statement by Jesus, was not some glowing accolade, but rather a stinging inditement as to the sinful nature of men, taking course.

A world filled with ritual and self righteousness, yes, but not of true faith, which is faith in the finished work of salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, man's “only” Saviour.

Matthew 7:13-23 KJV
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21 Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.

Good religious church people, seemingly charismatic, and full of wonderful works, and yet Jesus said of them,“ I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.”

Though they confessed Him, He did not “own,” them!

Verse 21
“ Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

Well why not?

Last half of …
Verse 21
“...but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven.”

All the rituals, traditions of men, beautiful music, religious pomp and circumstance, did not mean at all, that these were “living in holiness unto the Lord of Glory!”

Church, to them, was a place to placate their consciences, for the evil life styles they so fondly pursued.
But mankind does not fool God!

Isaiah 29:13 KJV
Wherefore the Lord said, For as much as this people draw near Me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor Me, but have removed their heart far from Me, and their fear toward Me is taught by the precept of men:

Matthew 15:9 KJV
But in vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Matthew 23:28 KJV
Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

Titus 1:16 KJV
They profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

Proverbs 14:12 KJV
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Proverbs 17:3 KJV
The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.

Jeremiah 17:9 KJV
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Are men becoming more righteous?

Mark 13:22 KJV
For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.

I Timothy 4:1-3 KJV
1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

II Timothy 3:1-5,13 KJV
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

II Timothy 4:3,4 KJV
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

II Peter 3:3 KJV
Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

I John 5:19 KJV
And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

II Thessalonians 2:1-12 NLT (Events prior to the Lord’s Second Coming)
1 Now, dear brothers and sisters, let us clarify some things about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and how we will be gathered to meet Him.
2 Don’t be so easily shaken or alarmed by those who say that the day of the Lord has already begun. Don’t believe them, even if they claim to have had a spiritual vision, a revelation, or a letter supposedly from us.
3 Don’t be fooled by what they say. For that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is revealed—the one who brings destruction.
4 He will exalt himself and defy everything that people call god and every object of worship. He will even sit in the temple of God, claiming that he himself is God.
5 Don’t you remember that I told you about all this when I was with you?
6 And you know what is holding him back, for he can be revealed only when his time comes. 7 For this lawlessness is already at work secretly, and it will remain secret until the one who is holding it back steps out of the way.
8 Then the man of lawlessness will be revealed, but the Lord Jesus will kill him with the breath of His mouth and destroy him by the splendor of His coming.
9 This man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles.
10 He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them.
11 So God will cause them to be greatly deceived, and they will believe these lies.
12 Then they will be condemned for enjoying evil rather than believing the truth.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Bible Lesson: Miracles Of Jesus: Jesus Raises Lazarus To Life.

Bible Lesson: Miracles Of Jesus: Jesus Raises Lazarus To Life.

Bible Location: Bethany.

Bible Text: John 11:1-46 KJV
1 Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.
2 (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)
3 Therefore his sisters sent unto Him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
4 When Jesus heard that, He said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
6 When he had heard therefore that he was sick, He abode two days still in the same place where He was.
7 Then after that saith He to His disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.
8 His disciples say unto Him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?
9 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.
10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.
11 These things said He: and after that He saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.
12 Then said His disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.
13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that He had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.
14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.
16 Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with Him.
17 Then when Jesus came, He found that he had lain in the grave four days already.
18 Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:
19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.
20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him: but Mary sat still in the house.
21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.
23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.
24 Martha saith unto Him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die. Believest thou this?
27 She saith unto Him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
28 And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.
29 As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto Him.
30 Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met Him.
31 The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.
32 Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying unto Him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
33 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, He groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.
34 And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto Him, Lord, come and see.
35 Jesus wept.
36 Then said the Jews, Behold how He loved him!
37 And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?
38 Jesus therefore again groaning in Himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.
39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.
40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up His eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard Me.
42 And I knew that thou hearest Me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent Me.
43 And when He thus had spoken, He cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave clothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on Him.
46 But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.


John 11:1-6 KJV
1 Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.
2 (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)
3 Therefore his sisters sent unto Him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
4 When Jesus heard that, He said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
6 When he had heard therefore that he was sick, He abode two days still in the same place where He was.

Jesus was at Perea, located on the east side of Jordan. Bethany was a small village two miles south east of Jerusalem. The home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus, our Lord's dear friends, a home to which He often resorted.

When Lazarus became deathly sick, his sisters immediately sent word to Jesus to come, and they did that because they had full faith in what Jesus could do.

Jesus having received their communication replied “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.” (Verse 4)

Even though Lazarus lay, in death throws, the Lord, made no attempt to leave, to be with them.
Did Jesus know that Lazarus indeed was dying?
Would Jesus allow someone He deeply loved, to be in pain, and die?
Would Jesus allow loved ones to be in deep grief and sorrow?

Yes.

So many times “we,” think that “we,” know better than God!
But the simple ego destroying truth is, “we do not!”

Again some might make the charge that our God is at best a stoic* God, and so He works.
*Stoicism: Indifference to pleasure or pain; impassivity.
(New World Dictionary)

But noting could be further from the truth!
An old saying and true, “God's delays are not necessarily His denials.”
And how true.

Isaiah 46:9,10 KJV
9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like Me,
10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure:

Isaiah 55:8,9 KJV
8 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the LORD.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.

Romans 11:33,34 KJV
33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!
34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been His counselor?

Do these verses apply to 21st century man, yes, beyond any doubt.

Proverbs 16:18 KJV
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Does God, care?
Our Saviour, entered creation as a man to experience our life, and to show that He would be faithful to the Father.

Hebrews 4:15 NLT
This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin.

I Peter 5:7 KJV
Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.

Our God's silence:
Is “not,” His inability to hear.
Is “not,” His inability to help.
Is “not,” His inability to be concerned for you.
Is “not,” His inability to answer.

In prayers, that are asked in accordance with God's word, we realize that God's answer may be, yes, no, or wait. And in the case of Mary and Martha, it was the latter.

Friends, you who for some time have read the BPL, and who have faithfully read the books this pastor has written, to you, there is a Bible verse in the front of your Bibles, turn to it every day. This is the most easy verse to memorize, and yet at times the hardest verse to realize.

Psalm 145:17 KJV
The LORD is righteous in all His ways, and holy in all His works.

The dear soul who has resigned himself in faith, to this belief, will “never,” be disappointed.

John 11:7-10 KJV
7 Then after that saith He to His disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.
8 His disciples say unto Him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?
9 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.
10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.

After two days had passed, of of our Lord's receiving Mary and Martha's message, He told His disciples “Let us go into Judaea again.” But Lord's disciples were quick to remind Him, that they had tried to stone Him there before (John 8:59/ 10:31).

Jesus replied in a brief parable, which by interpretation meant. While He was in the Fathers light, He would do the Father's work. His hour of sacrifice was not yet, and so He would go on.

A wonderful thought for every saint of God.
Matthew 8:26 KJV
And He saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?
Then He arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

Psalm 31:15 NLT
"My future is in your hands..."

John 11:11-16 KJV
11 These things said He: and after that He saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.
12 Then said His disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.
13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that He had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.
14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.
16 Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with Him.

Jesus plainly told His disciples, that Lazarus was dead.
What a beautiful picture of death, given by our Lord “Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. (Verse 11)

In this regard the Apostle Paul, admonished the Corinthians, and Thessalonian believers …

I Corinthians 15:51-58 KJV
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
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.

I Thessalonians 4:13-18 KJV
13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him.
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

The early church believed that saints who had died, their souls were at rest in paradise, and that their dead bodies were resting till the resurrection call.

How like humanity, Thomas' words “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.” All they could think of, was their own personal safety.

John 11:17-22 KJV
17 Then when Jesus came, He found that he had lain in the grave four days already.
18 Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:
19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.
20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him: but Mary sat still in the house.
21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.

After two days journey, Jesus came to the house of Mary and Martha, where a large crowd of mourners had gathered.

There was no doubt by anyone, Lazarus was dead, and in his tomb.
The many mourners gathered, spoke well of the fact of their love for Lazarus, Mary and Martha.

Martha knew in her heart, that if Jesus had come sooner, her brother would not have died.

John 11:23-27 KJV
23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.
24 Martha saith unto Him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die. Believest thou this?
27 She saith unto Him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

How many a faint heart has been given reassurance at the time of death of a loved one, from these precious words of the Lord Jesus.
I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.
And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die. (Verses 25,26)

What was it Job of old said?
Job 19:26 KJV
And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:

As Christians, we believe in the resurrection.

John 11:28-32 KJV
28 And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.
29 As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto Him.
30 Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met Him.
31 The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.
32 Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying unto Him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

Mary, quickly went to the Lord.
It is the Lord, who can always help us!

Psalm 124:8 KJV
Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

Mary and Martha, had faith in the Lord.

Genesis 18:14 KJV (The Lord told Abraham.)
Is any thing too hard for the LORD?..."

Though they believed, yet their faith was limited to that of healing, while Lazarus had been alive.

John 11:33-37 KJV
33 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, He groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.
34 And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto Him, Lord, come and see.
35 Jesus wept.
36 Then said the Jews, Behold how He loved him!
37 And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?

Why did Jesus weep?

He wept because of the sorrow the King of Terrors had inflicted upon Mary and Martha and their friends by the enemy, death.

He wept because they did not after all this time, recognize that He, as He had told Martha was... “.. the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die.”

He wept because of the spiritual blindness of His enemies, who were out to condemn Him, who would soon be lost forever.

Some believed that Jesus could have healed Lazarus when he was ill, but now of course, it was too late.

John 11:38-42 KJV
38 Jesus therefore again groaning in Himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.
39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.
40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up His eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard Me.
42 And I knew that thou hearest Me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent Me.

As was the custom of Jesus, He went to His Father in prayer.

John 5:19 KJV
Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do: for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.

41...And Jesus lifted up His eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard Me.
42 And I knew that thou hearest Me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent Me. (Verses 41,42)


John 11:43-46 KJV
43 And when He thus had spoken, He cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave clothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on Him.
46 But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.

Jesus had told His disciples... “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.” (Verse 4)

Our Lord, has power over the enemy death!

1 Corinthians 15:26 KJV
The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

Revelation 1:18 KJV
I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

As Christians, we have a lively hope.

II Corinthians 5:8 KJV
We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

I Peter 1:3,4 KJV
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

I Corinthians 15:20-22 KJV
20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
21 For since by man came death, by Man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Bible Questions Answered: Church Fund Raising.

Bible Questions Answered:
Our church recently got permission to sell lottery tickets to raise money.
Is this good, or is this not good for the church?
Lynn/ Louisiana, New Orleans U.S.A.

Bible Answer:

Today, it is not unusual to see churches sanctuaries turned into gambling halls, as you mention, rummage sales, restaurants, books, tapes, cds, dvds and knick-knack merchandise marts.
All to the anger of Almighty God.
The Sanctuary of the church, with its altar, is the dwelling place of God in the church.

Matthew 21:12,13 KJV
12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

John 2:13-16 KJV
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.

Well how is a church to raise funds for it's existence?

I Corinthians 16:1,2 KJV
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

Leviticus 27:30 KJV
And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD's: it is holy unto the LORD.

Malachi 3:10 KJV
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, saith the LORD of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

Did Jesus say that one should tithe? Yes!

Matthew 23:23 NLT (Luke 11:42)
What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.

When we as Christians, are faithful in putting the Lord Jesus Christ first in our lives, there will be no need in the house of God.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Bible Questions Answered: Peter's Backsliding And Repentance.

Bible Questions Answered:
Was Peter converted more than one?
Davi / Brazil, South America

Bible Text:
Luke 22:32,32 KJV
31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted*, strengthen thy brethren.

*Converted-Greek-Epistrepho (Ep-ee-stref-o):To revert, come (go) again, convert, (re) turn (about, again.)
(Abingdon/Strong Concordance of the Bible)

In this case, means a returning to the Lord.

Bible Answer:
Was Peter converted, more than once? No.
He was converted (Taking the Lord as the Son of God/ Saviour) to the Lord Jesus only once, for his confession was...

Matthew 16:13-17 KJV
13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of Man am?
14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father which is in heaven.

But not much time later, after Jesus had been arrested by temple guards and taken to Caiaphas the high priest. Outside in the courtyard, he was asked if he too were not one of His disciples?

Matthew 26:69-75 KJV
69 Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.
70 But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.
71 And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.
72 And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.
73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.
74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.
75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny Me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

Peter denied his Lord, he backslid, because he feared of his own capture.
But that was not the end of the story for , “he went out, and wept bitterly.”

Luke 24:36;50-53 KJV
36 And as they thus spake, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
38 And He said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
39 Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I myself: handle Me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see Me have.
40 And when He had thus spoken, He shewed them His hands and His feet.
41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, He said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
42 And they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
43 And He took it, and did eat before them.
44 And He said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning Me.
45 Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
49 And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
50 And He led them out as far as to Bethany, and He lifted up His hands, and blessed them.
51 And it came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
52 And they worshipped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

Peter had sinned, but wept in repentance.
Christians are not perfect, they have and never will reach “perfect sanctification,” until they are united with their Lord.

I John 3:2 KJV
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.

When Christians make mistakes, and we repent (make about face) of our sins, God's grace keeps us.

Acts 15:11 KJV
But we believe that through the grace of the LORD Jesus Christ we shall be saved..."

Romans 3:23,24 KJV
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Romans 3:23-25 NLT
23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.
24 Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when He freed us from the penalty for our sins.
25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed His life, shedding His blood..."

I Peter 5:5-7 KJV
5 "...be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.

I John 1:9 KJV
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Do you know this forgiving, loving Saviour?

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Bible Questions Answered: My Father is greater than I.

Bible Questions Answered:
“...and you know plainly that the Christ says that his father is “greater,” than he is!”
Karey/ Austin, Texas U.S.A.

Bible Text:
John 14:28 KJV
Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved Me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for My Father is greater than I.

Bible answer:
Yes, it does, but what is its meaning?

First of all may it be well said with all truthfulness of the Word, The three in one, Eternal Living God, are co-equal with the others, i.e. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
And that they are not, in any example, in a state of competition with each other. That being said, its antithesis, may be applied. It is true, according to the Word, that God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are in state of chosen “submission,” to the Father.

And in this state, not one scintilla of less equality! When our Lord used the word “greater,” He was referring to His “submission” to His Father.

Christ was also submissive being in the flesh, and not in His former, heavenly glory, He had always shared with His Father.

Matthew 17:1-6 KJV
1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,
2 And was transfigured before them: and His face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light.
3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with Him.
4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him.
6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.

In our army (U.S.), we have the following ranks...

4 Star General
3 Star Lieutenant General
2 Star Major General

Now, are the Lieutenant, and Major, less men, less human than the 4 Star General?
Of course not, how ludicrous! Yet, they are different in their submission the one to the other, and in their measure of authority, but by all agreed upon measures of learning, earning and advancement.

Christ in submission to the will of the Father:

Philippians 2:5-11 NLT
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.
7 Instead, He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When He appeared in human form,
8 He humbled Himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
9 Therefore, God elevated Him to the place of highest honor and gave Him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The human body has some 200 bones. Is one more important than another? For their to be organization, and mobilization, God in His infinite wisdom in the creation of man, has so built upon a skeletal frame work.

I Corinthians 11:3 KJV (The Apostle Paul wrote...)
But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

Why has God said this?
Because to have order in the home there must be leadership. God never created two headed creatures.
Certainly this does not mean, one loved less than the another!

Galatians 3:28 KJV
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Christ's submission to His Father:

I Corinthians 15:20-28 NLT
20 But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died.
21 So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another Man.
22 Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life.
23 But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when He comes back.
24 After that the end will come, when He will turn the Kingdom over to God the Father, having destroyed every ruler and authority and power.
25 For Christ must reign until He humbles all His enemies beneath His feet.
26 And the last enemy to be destroyed is death.
27 For the Scriptures say, “God has put all things under His authority.” (Of course, when it says “all things are under His authority,” that does not include God Himself, who gave Christ His authority.)
28 Then, when all things are under His authority, the Son will put Himself under God’s authority, so that God, who gave His Son authority over all things, will be utterly supreme over everything everywhere.

Submission:

Matthew 6:10 KJV
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Matthew 26:39 KJV
And He went a little farther, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

Luke 1:38 KJV
And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Romans 6:13 KJV
Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

Hebrews 13:15-17 NLT
15 Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to His name.
16 And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.
17 Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.

James 4:7 KJV
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

I Peter 5:5,6 KJV
5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time:

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Bible Questions Answered: Antichrist.

Bible Questions Answered:
What do we know about the antichrist?
Rubi/ Sydney, Australia

Bible Answer:

Bible Texts:

I John 2:18,22 KJV
18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist*, that denieth the Father and the Son.

*Antichrist-Greek: Antichristos (An-tee-khris-tos): Opponent of the Messiah/antichrist.

I John 4:1-3 KJV
1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

II John 7 KJV
For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

Other descriptions:

(Man of sin/ Son of perdition)
II Thessalonians 2:3,4 KJV
3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

And in comparison:

Daniel 11:36-39 KJV
36 And the king shall
do according to his will; and
he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and
shall speak marvelous things against the God of gods, and
shall prosper
till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.
37 Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers,
nor the desire of women, (asexual or homosexual)
nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.
38 But in his estate shall he honor the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honor with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.
39 Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and
he shall cause them to rule over many, and
shall divide the land for gain.

---------------------------------------------------
(A beast)

Revelation 13:1-8 KJV (Read the whole chapter/666) (See also Revelation 17)
1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
4 And they worshiped the dragon (Lucifer) which gave power unto the beast (Antichrist): and they worshiped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

And in comparison:

Daniel 7:8,19,20 KJV (Little horn)
8 I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.
19 Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet;
20 And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows.

And again...

(King of fierce countenance)
Daniel 8:23-25 KJV
23 And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full,
a king of fierce countenance, and
understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.
24 And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.
25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and
he shall magnify himself in his heart, and
by peace shall destroy many:
he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but
he shall be broken without hand.

(Deceiver-Liar)
Daniel 9:27 KJV
And he (The Antichrist) shall confirm the covenant with many (Jews) for one week: and in the midst of the week (A week of 7 years.) he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

Matthew 24:15,16 KJV
15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place (Jerusalem temple), (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:

Our Saviour, warned of “false prophets,” and “false Christs.”
Antichrist's-False Teachers, denying Christ, and or His eternal deity (Isaiah 9:6/ Micah 5:2).

Matthew 24:5;23-26 KJV (Mark13:21-23)
5 For many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
25 Behold, I have told you before.
26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.

II Thessalonians 2:1-12 NLT
1 Now, dear brothers and sisters,let us clarify some things about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and how we will be gathered to meet Him.
2 Don’t be so easily shaken or alarmed by those who say that the day of the Lord has already begun. Don’t believe them, even if they claim to have had a spiritual vision, a revelation, or a letter supposedly from us.
3 Don’t be fooled by what they say. For that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness (The Antichrist) is revealed—the one who brings destruction.
4 He will exalt himself and defy everything that people call god and every object of worship. He will even sit in the temple of God (Jerusalem), claiming that he himself is God.
5 Don’t you remember that I told you about all this when I was with you?
6 And you know what (who) is holding him back, for he can be revealed only when his time comes.
7 For this lawlessness is already at work secretly, and it will remain secret until the one who is holding it back steps out of the way.
8 Then the man of lawlessness will be revealed, but the Lord Jesus will kill him with the breath of His mouth and destroy him by the splendor of His coming.
9 This man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles.
10 He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them.
11 So God will cause them to be greatly deceived, and they will believe these lies.
12 Then they will be condemned for enjoying evil rather than believing the truth.

I Timothy 4:1-3 KJV
1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

I Timothy 6:3-5 KJV
3 Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life.
4 Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions.
5 These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth...

II Timothy 4:3,4 KJV
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

II Peter 2:1-3 KJV (Whole chapter.)
1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

I John 2:22,23 KJV
22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.

I John 4:2,3 KJV
2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

II John 7 KJV
For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

Judgment of the Antichrist:

Revelation 19:20 KJV
And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Bible Questions Answered: False Prophets.

Bible Questions Answered:
There are tons of people making predictions about what is going to happen next, how can we tell what will happen?
Randy/ New York, New York U.S.A.

Bible Answer:

Many prophets, so little truth.
Test of prophets...

Deuteronomy 18:21,22 KJV
21 And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?
22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.

Jeremiah 14:14-15 KJV
14 Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in My name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.
15 Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in My name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed.

Jeremiah 23:16-23 KJV
16 Thus saith the LORD of Hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD.
17 They say still unto them that despise Me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.
18 For who hath stood in the counsel of the LORD, and hath perceived and heard His word? who hath marked His word, and heard it?
19 Behold, a whirlwind of the LORD is gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind: it shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked.
20 The anger of the LORD shall not return, until He have executed, and till He have performed the thoughts of His heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly.
21 I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.
22 But if they had stood in My counsel, and had caused My people to hear My words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.
23 Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off?

Micah 3:5-7 NLT
5 This is what the Lord says: “You false prophets are leading My people astray! You promise peace for those who give you food, but you declare war on those who refuse to feed you.
6 Now the night will close around you, cutting off all your visions. Darkness will cover you, putting an end to your predictions. The sun will set for you prophets, and your day will come to an end.
7 Then you seers will be put to shame, and you fortune-tellers will be disgraced. And you will cover your faces because there is no answer from God.”

Matthew 7:15-23 KJV
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21 Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.

Matthew 24:11 KJV
And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

Mark 13:22,23 KJV
22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.

II Corinthians 11:13-15 KJV
13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

II Peter 1:19-21 KJV
19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the Day Star arise in your hearts:
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

I John 4:1-3 KJV
1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

Divine Direction:

Psalm 25:4,5,9 KJV
4 Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.
5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
9 The meek will He guide in judgment: and the meek will He teach His way.

Psalm 119:105 KJV
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Psalm 143:10 KJV
Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy Spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

Isaiah 30:21 KJV
And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

John 16:13 KJV
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come.

Be sure to read these blogs....



Sunday, June 5, 2011

Bible Questions Answered: Discipleship.

Bible Questions Answered:
“...so who then is a disciple of Jesus?
Dottie/ Charlotte, Carolina U.S.A.

Bible Answer:

All Christians are called to be disciples of the Lord.

Luke 14:26-33 KJV
26 If any man come to Me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple*.
27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after Me, cannot be My disciple.
28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,
30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.
31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?
32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.
33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple.

*Disciple-Greek-Mathetes (Math-ay-tes): A learner, i.e. a pupil, disciple.
(Abingdon/Strong Concordance of the Bible.)


Marks Of Discipleship:

Self-Denial:

Luke 9:23,24 KJV
23 And He said to them all, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for My sake, the same shall save it.

“Others may...,” but as a Christian, our life is dedicated, separated unto the Lord.

Galatians 5:24,25 KJV
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.


Cross Bearing:

Romans 8:13 KJV
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.

*Mortify-Greek-Thanatoo-(Than-at-o-o): To Kill (Literal or figurative), become dead, (cause to be), put to death, kill, mortify.
(Abingdon/Strong Concordance of the Bible)

Matthew 10:37-39 KJV
37 He that loveth father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.
38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after Me, is not worthy of Me.
39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for My sake shall find it.

I Peter 2:21 KJV
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps:


A Life Of Service:

Matthew 11:30 KJV
For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.

A yoke speaks of service (shoulders to the harness).

There cannot be a Christian, who is not involved in the service of confession or labor for his Lord.

Romans 10:10 KJV
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Matthew 5:16 KJV
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

John 15:8 KJV
Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples.

John 12:26 KJV
If any man serve Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall also My servant be: if any man serve Me, him will My Father honor.


Followers Of The Lord.

John 8:31,32 KJV
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, If ye continue in My word, then are ye My disciples indeed;
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Matthew 4:19 KJV
And He saith unto them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.

Again, to be a disciple of the Lord Jesus is to be a witness of His life saving blood.

John 10:27-29 KJV
27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me:
28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.
29 My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father's hand.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Bible Questions Answered: Prayers-Hindered

Bible Questions Answered:
How is it God answers seems to answer than not?
Kari/ Oslo, Norway

Bible Answers:

Although there are spiritual forces that may hinder our prayers...

Daniel 10:5,6;12,13 KJV
5 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz:
6 His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in color to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.
12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.
13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.

Being that as it may, the thing that most hinders our prayers is, sin.


Sin that has “not,” be confessed and forsaken.

Psalm 66:18 KJV
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

Isaiah 59:1,2 KJV
1 Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear:
2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear.


Disregard for the Word of the Lord.

Proverbs 1:22-30 KJV
22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?
23 Turn you at My reproof: behold, I will pour out My Spirit unto you, I will make known My words unto you.
24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out My hand, and no man regarded;
25 But ye have set at nought all My counsel, and would none of My reproof:
26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;
27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.
28 Then shall they call upon Me, but I will not answer; they shall seek Me early, but they shall not find Me:
29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:
30 They would none of My counsel: they despised all My reproof.

Proverbs 28:9 KJV
He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

Zechariah 7:11-14 KJV
11 But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.
12 Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the LORD of Hosts hath sent in His Spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the LORD of Hosts.
13 Therefore it is come to pass, that as He cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the LORD of Hosts:
14 But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they knew not. Thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed through nor returned: for they laid the pleasant land desolate.


A heart of stone, towards those in need.

Proverbs 21:2-4,13 KJV
2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

I John 3:16-24 NLT
16 We know what real love is because Jesus gave up His life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.
17 If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?
18 Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.
19 Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God.
20 Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and He knows everything.
21 Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence.
22 And we will receive from Him whatever we ask because we obey Him and do the things that please Him.
23 And this is His commandment: We must believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us.
24 Those who obey God’s commandments remain in fellowship with Him, and He with them. And we know He lives in us because the Spirit He gave us lives in us.


Unfaithfulness in paying tithes.

Leviticus 27:30 KJV
And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD's: it is holy unto the LORD.

Malachi 3:8-11 KJV
8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed Me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed Me, even this whole nation.
10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove Me now herewith, saith the LORD of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.

Galatians 6:6 KJV
Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them.


Unforgiveness.

Matthew 5:23,24 KJV
23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

Matthew 6:12-15 KJV
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.


Prayers of hypocrisy.

Matthew 6:1-6 KJV
1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret Himself shall reward thee openly.
5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

Matthew 23:14;27,28 KJV
14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.
27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.


Prayers of arrogance.

Luke 18:10-14 KJV
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.


A heart of unbelief.

James 1:5-8 KJV
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.


Fleshly desires.

Isaiah 59:2 KJV
But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear.

I Corinthians 6:9,10 NLT
9 Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality,
10 or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.

James 4:3 KJV
Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.


Matrimonial relations.

I Peter 3:1-7 NLT
1 In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over
2 by observing your pure and reverent lives.
3 Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes.
4 You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.
5 This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They trusted God and accepted the authority of their husbands.
6 For instance, Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, and called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do.
7 In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.


Those who shed innocent blood.

Isaiah 1:15 KJV
When you lift up your hands in prayer, I will not look. Though you offer many prayers, I will not listen, for your hands are covered with the blood of innocent victims.