What Is Your Soul Worth To You?

I wonder how many people are asked this question. It is indeed a most sobering one. This type of question pricks the heart and would no doubt give people pause. To ignore it is in the writer's opinion intellectual and spiritual suicide. This is when the emotional and mental gymnastics take center stage and the person(s) asked a soul searching question such as this changes the subject to avoid a discussion that is too fearful and painful for them to have. We who are fishers of mankind HAVE to make the attempt. Why? Because we have been commanded so by God. Also if you have real love for the lost like the Lord does, we are compelled to lead souls to Christ Jesus that He might save them.

No matter what you do in this world, we all must give an account for our lives when we die (Ecclesiates 12:13-14). Those that are rich and very successful tend to be the most difficult to reach because they have convinced themselves they have all they need; not realizing they cannot take their wealth with them. Paul said that we brought nothing into this world, and we will not take anything out of it (1 Timothy 6:7). Jesus said it is impossible for the rich to enter into the kingdom of God without the Lord (Matthew 19:24-26).

How can people be made aware of their need for soul salvation?

The gospel truth is the only answer. Man must realize his inability to save himself. Nothing we do or say can get us right with God on our own. Proverbs 14:12 and 16:25 wisely says, " There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." It does not get any more straight forward than that. What King Solomon is telling us is that man's works that proceed from an evil heart are dead. Why? Because he is dead - spiritually dead (Eph 2:1; Col 2:13). The natural man is disconnected from his Maker due to his sins. The main problem is that man allows his feelings to determine whether something is true or not. Feelings can never be a barometer for truth. Our feelings often deceive and can lead us astray. We must subordinate our feelings based on Biblical truth - alone.

To submit to the Word of God requires humility of one's whole being. Man must agree with God regarding his wretched sin condition, that he is deserving of God's wrath. Once the sinner does this, he is willing to repent of sins and trust in the substitutionary work of Jesus Christ on the cross for his sins. God grants the sinner faith to trust in Jesus to wash away his sins and give him a new heart (be filled with the Holy Spirit); one that is now willing to serve the Lord with joy. That is what scholars call the New Birth. The Bible describes it as being Born again to newness of life. This person's soul now belongs to God because it has been rescued and snatched from the fires of hell.

This person has exercised holy fear of God and thus have received soul salvation. They determinded their soul was worth saving and gave it over to Jesus keep it under lock and key.

The arrogant fool only wants to be put his wickedness on display. They are the ones that do not fear God. As a matter of fact, they mock and blaspheme the Lord! What I know is that they are laughing now but they won't be later when all their fears come against them like a Tsunami.

King Solomon provided this insight regarding what happens when man refuses the Lord's wisdom:

Wisdom calls aloud outside; she rasises her voice in the open squares. She cries out in the chief consourses, at the opening of the gates in the city. She speaks her words:

"How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? 

Turn at my rebuke; surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you. Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded, Because you disdained all my counsel, And would have none of my rebuke, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes, when your terror comes like a storm, and your destruction comes like a whirlwind, when your distress and anguish come upon you. 

Then they will call upon Me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently, but they will not find Me. Because they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord. They would have none of my counsel, and despised my every rebuke. Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled to the full with their own fancies. 

For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them;but whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil."

- Proverbs 1:20-33

These words of wisdom determines life or death for all who hear them. Will you be wise and receive them, or be a fool and reject them? The Lord lets us know the fate of each person.

At the end of the day, to save your soul you must be willing to abandon the world's "goods." The damned alternative is to gain the world and lose your soul. Jesus said it does not profit a man to gain the world and lose your soul. Why? Because your soul is priceless (Matthew 16:26). 

Give your life to Jesus today.

Here's a great song by the gospel group Commissioned regarding the soul. Released back in 1989:

There's no Excuse

Law vs Grace

Recently I had a discussion with a co-worker regarding the Sabbath. She believed she was required to keep it every Saturday. I asked her is she Seventh Day Adventist? She said no. Then I asked, Why do you believe you're required to keep the Sabbath? She replied, because of what I read in the Old Testament. No doubt she read Exodus 20:8-11 which says, "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work; you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it."

If we are required to keep the Sabbath which was part of the Mosaic law, then we are required to keep the entire law. That is a burden that is too heavy to bear (Acts 15:10). I explained to my co-worker that if we must observe the Sabbath, then we will need to offer animal sacrifices as well which was part of Israel's religious practices. If we offer aninal sacrifices today, we would be arrested for animal cruelty. Others would believe that we were part of a Luciferian cult where we are offering sacrifices to Satan as worship. And lastly, a truth I did not mention to her is that we if we are observing the Sabbath according to the law, that means we would have to work six instead of five days a week - we would have to work every Sunday.

James wisely said, "For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumbles in one point, he is guilty of all" (James 2:10). We are no longer under the law, but under grace. We are free when it comes to what days we observe.

Romans 14 provides this insight, "One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully persuaded in his own mind (emphasis added). He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat to the the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks" (Romans 14:5-7).

It is important that we understand elements of the law that were contemporaneous to the nation of Israel, and what parts of the law have universal application. For example, the Church is not subject to the dietary laws of the Hebrews. We are free to eat whatever we want. In 1 Timothy 4:4-5 we read, "For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer."

Now for many many Jews, they cannot due to conscience eat whatever they want. Because of the law they have practiced their entire lives, eating certain foods they believe would violate their bodies and conscience and put them under condemnation. So for them, to eat foods they consider to be unclean would be a sin because they cannot eat in faith (Romans 14:23).

Some laws that are uninversal are, you shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal, etc (Exodus 20:3,13-15). Moral laws are always in effect; they do not have a shelf life. Some cermonial laws and the sacrificial system of Israel are obsolete. When Jesus died and shed His blood for the sins of the world, the sacrificial system was abolished. 

The writer of Hebrews tell us that, "But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is not of this creation. Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption" (Hebrews 9:11-12).

In the final analysis, the law came through Moses. The law was inflexible but good because it provided a system of checks and balances for the Hebrews. Grace came through Jesus Christ who created a better covenant that abolished the old which gives us freedom. Jesus' yoke is indeed easy and His burden light (Matthew 11:28-30).

But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.

- Romans 7:6

Conservative vs Liberal Christians

Let’s define what I mean by conservative and liberal Christians. A conservative is one who often is  doctrinally-centric. They have a very high view of scripture which is good. They filter everything through a Bible lense. They try their best to “color within the lines.”

A liberal Christian wants to live out loud. They may not be as Bible focused. They tend to have a more social focus than doctrinal. They may emphasize being more community oriented. Some of them are pro abortion and may support LGBTQIA+ which many Christians who are conservative say is toxic empathy and sin. It may be hard to determine if they are truly saved because there is no visible good fruit. They attend churches with a progressive pastor who’s more democratic and social justice minded than theocratic. He or she is emotionally and performance driven rather than Theologically astute. These types of Christians are described as carnal. Both groups judge each other harshly. 

The model we must follow is our Lord Jesus. We MUST study His life and ask the Holy Spirit to give us the courage, strength, boldness, discernment, love, truth and grace to imitate Christ. This means we need to always read the gospels to see how Jesus related to the people of His day and transfer that to today's godless culture.

Unfortunately, too many Christians are trying to be so relatable to the world they compromise and become unequally yoked (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). Others are going over the top to separate from every non believer. We cannot do that for they are the harvest- the ones we must share the gospel with. We need to engage them without being corrupted by their evil ways. In other words, we stand for truth no matter what.

The Bible tells us although we are in the world, we can’t be of the world. We have been saved and we are new creations in Christ. We are commanded to be holy for our Lord is holy ( John 17:16; 2 Cor 5:17; 1 Peter 1:16).

It seems to me both groups could learn from one another. We have to remember that each person is different and develops at different levels. What is very concerning is when someone has been in the faith a long time and there is no growth at all. That person needs to be take inventory of their lives to find out why there is no developing fruit in their lives. Could it be they are not actually saved, just self deceived?

We need to make our calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10-11).

Problems facing both groups

The liberal Christian is on a slippery slope. Why do I say this? Because they are living their life so carefree, their light is not shining for anyone to see. No one can tell if they are a child of God or not. Nothing they do is spiritual. Many are ashamed of the gospel and are afraid to speak out for God when the opportunity is in front of them. They are not ready to give a defense for the gospel. This sorry posture will lead to doubting the salvation they claimed when they made an initial profession of faith. Its time for that person to humble themselves before the Lord, repent of their sins and start again. They have fallen - very hard, but they can get back up, dust themselves off and re-commit their lives to the Lord.

We must not use our liberty in Christ as a license to sin.

Now for the conversative, they are good at crossing the T's and dotting their I's. But for some, they are cold hearted, graceless and compassionless toward their fellow brothers and sisters that are not like them. Often times they are legalists. Oh! They will not verbalize it, but some of them believe they have cornered-the-market on how the Christian life is to be lived. Let's be honest. Even seasoned veterans in the faith struggle mightily in their desire to walk right. It is important that none of us get too smug in the fact that we may have a strong fidelity for the word, but are we loving our neighbor? Are we kind to strangers? More importantly, are we restoring those in the Church who have succumbed to sin realizing that same temptation may be crouching at our door ready to devour us (Galatians 6:1)?

We need to be very careful how we treat others in the body of Christ.

Judge yourself first before judging others

The matter of judging will always be a touchy subject because of the tension it brings. Can we as Christians judge one another? Should we judge one another? If so, in what way are we to do it? When we think of someone judging, we automatically think of someone condemning and casting sentence on us like a judge would in a court of law. No. That is not the way we are to judge each other. The way we are to judge each other is by discerning what problem(s) a person has and helping get them to get through it with the word of God. In other words, we are to examine the problem and or sin, counsel them (if they want it), love and pray for them so that they get right with God. In James 5:16 we read, “Confess your faults to one another and pray for another that you may be healed. The effective fervent prayer of the righteous avails much.” We all are guilty of judging each other without context, no evidence of why the person behaved the way they did. Most of the time it is simply what we see, rebellion. Many other times people see no harm in doing what they are doing, but other Christians see it and are repulsed by it. These pharisaical Christians I call the moral gatekeepers of the Church. They are often the hypocrites of the Church. They see a speck in their brother's eye, but will not get rid of the plank in their own eye (Matthew 7:3-5).

Jesus commanded that we do not judge based on apperance, but judge righteous judgement ( John 7:24).

The writer's advice in dealing with one another is to not be quick to judge another Christian's actions when you do not know what the back story is. Believers know when they are in sin, even those who are young in their faith. We have to be very concerned when we see a pathlogy of unbroken sinful behavior. That means something very serious is going on with that person, and intense prayer and intercession has to be administered -  spiritual holy war is going on. Satan is on the prowl and perhaps at that time the brother and/or sister is too weak to acknowledge the root cause of their rebellion - they need undergirding from the body of Christ. 

So lets take a godly approach. We can't ignore the sin for that is why the intervention has to take place. Speak the truth to them in love (Ephesians 4:15). Try to reason with them and find out what is going on. Be a listening ear, let them vent their frustrations, and then offer counsel that hopefully offer solutions to their problem and pray for them. Express to them the neccesity of repenting of their sins to the Lord to get back in right relationship with Him (1 John 1:9). Let them know you love them and you're here for them. That type of judging will always go much further than one acting like a  judge, jury and executioner in a court of law.

Remember, we are to judge righteously and lovingly without hyprocrisy. Never offer judgment if your sins are equal or greater than theirs. We are NEVER to condemn each other. Jesus Christ is the final judge (John 5:22).

P.S. - Take heed to yourself and your doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you

- 1 Timothy 4:16

Revelation 20 - Part 2

After the millennium, Satan is released from prison. In his last ditch effort he gathers all the armies of the earth to attack Jerusalem (the holy city). The Bible says fire comes down from heaven and destroys Satan's army. The devil is cast alive into the lake of fire. His global reign of terror on earth is over, forever (Revelation 20:7-10). He is where the Beast and false prophet are.

After this comes the Great White Throne Judgement. All people from the beginning of time up til that time will be resurrected to face Jesus Christ to be judged for everything they have ever done or thought. The writer believes this judgment is reserved for the unbeliever only. Why do I believe this? Because according to 1 Corinthians 3:13-15 believers will face a judgment called the Bema seat. A Bema is a raised platform like you see in today's Olympic games which was invented by the Greeks when athletes receive rewards. The Bema may occur after the rapture of the Church - when the saints of God are caught away to heaven. We are judged based on our faithfulness to the Lord and rewarded accordingly. Where we have not been faithful, we suffer loss, not of salvation, but of reward. 

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Wqc4vGgrOCg

So the Great White Throne Judgment is reserved for the wicked. They will understand why they are heaeded to the lake of fire where the devil, his angels, the beast and the false prophet are.

Jesus will say to those who died in their sins, "Depart from Me you cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matthew 25:41). In Matthew 7:22 Jesus declares to those who believe they have done His will but were imposters, "I NEVER knew you! Depart from Me you who practice lawnesses!" Revelation 20:15 tells us whoever name is not written in the Lamb's book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

The Bible describes the casting into the lake of fire as the second death (Revelation 20:6, 14).

The reality of the second death

Anyone that rejects Jesus Christ in their lifetime and dies in their sins is guaranteed this tragic second death. Several of you may have never heard the phrase before. I will explain what it is and how to avoid it.

In this life we have three scenarios that will occur to all humanity.

1. Some people die once
2. Some people die twice
3. Some people will never die

Realities two and three are not common knowledge so I will need to explain them in detail.

Those that die once are saved. They will only die physically but not spiritually. In other words, they are in Christ so when they die, the spirit immediately goes to heaven. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8).

Those that die twice are those who rejected Jesus' offer of salvation and the forgiveness of sins through repentance when hearing the gospel preached to them. They love their sin too much to recoginize their need for a Savior. These are the type of people that want heaven, but do not want to give their lives over to Jesus to get it. Without Jesus the Bible says that person does not have life (John 3:36), but the wrath of God abides on them. So, instead of God's mercy and grace at the cross, they will receive the Lord's justice. No Jesus, no heaven.

Those that never die are those who will be caught up in the rapture according 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. The Bible says they will be changed instantly, in the twinkling of an eye at the last trumpet. What is this change? They will be translated from mortal to immortality - meaing God will make them immortal, no longer subject to death. They will be able speak to death and say, "I defeated you death! My Lord has taken away your sting!"

If you want Biblical accounts of people that never died, read Genesis 5:24 where God takes Enoch to heaven after living 365 years. The other account is with the prophet Elijah in 2 Kings 2:11. God takes him alive into heaven by a chariot and horses of fire. Elisha, Elijah's successor was an eyewitness to this rapture.

  

Summing things up

This future seems unreal but it is not. All of us admittedly wonder what the future holds. The Bible gives us all the answers. Knowing what God has declared before it happens shows His love for mankind. He is warning us all to obey His commands and follow Jesus Christ so that we can return with Him in glory to the earth when He comes, defeats His enemies and takes His rightful place as King of kings and Lord of lords (Revealation 19:11-21).       

Please feel free to comment and ask questions.               

Revelation 20 - Part 1

This chapter is the only place where the devil is bound (vs 2). Notice an angel from heaven does it, not us. Humans have never been able to bind Satan and demons - although many claim they can through prayer. No prophet or apostle has ever had the power to bind the devil in scripture. I needed to bring that to the attention of those that claim they can - you cannot. Not even the archangel Michael rebuked the devil regarding the body of Moses but said to the devil, "The Lord rebuke you!" (Jude 9). God has reserved that authority for Himself.

The time in history will occur after Jesus returns to earth to claim His throne not only in Jerusalem, but as King of kings and Lord of lords. This will be a time of literal global peace.

Jesus returns and destroys the armies of the earth (Read Revelation 19). Sin will still be among us, but with the devil bound in the abyss for one thousand years, sin will not be as dominant. One of the reasons sin will be diminised is over half of the global population would have been killed during the great tribulation. In Revelation 6:8; 1/4 of people will die, 9:15; another 1/3 will die. Based on a world population of 8 billion currently expect that over 5 billion will die - the greatest genocide in human history by far.

Understand this is God's endtime judgment and wrath on sinful mankind (Revelation 6:13-17). As tragic as this is, this is divine justice. People always complain about God because of all the evil in the world; that He is not doing anything about it.  Well, this is how He will rid the world of evil by getting rid of those who commit it. For one thousand years the devil is placed in prison. Scholars call this time the Millennium. It means one thousand. The word does not appear in the Bible, but it is a fitting description of this future time in history. 

Clearly the Lord is displaying His love mercy and grace during this period. I believe the gospel will go forth in power during this time so that sinners can repent, believe and be saved. Yes there will be those who are unredeemed that will survive the Tribulation along with those who will be born during the Millennium so the gospel will need to be preached. There will be no devil to tempt or lure them away to something ungodly because he will be locked up. 

This will be a unique time in history. Let me explain. The Church has returned to earth with Jesus according to Revelation 19:15. All the saints of God are immortal - meaning not subject to death any longer. Immortatlity also means they are perfect, unable to sin. They are just like Jesus (1 Cor 15:51; 2 Thess 4:13-18; 1 John 3:2). The rest of humanity on earth is still mortal which means they will die. The curse on the earth still exists, but with Jesus now on earth ruling from His throne in Jerusalem, He may (I cannot prove this) like He did in His first advent heal those who are sick and perform numerous signs and wonders - i.e. feed the multitudes, raise the dead, cast out demons because they (i.e. evil spirits) haven't been judged yet.

By virtue of the fact that He has returned is blessing enough as far as I am concerned. In the next article, I will discuss what happens when Satan is released from his prison.

Syncretism

Syncretism is when people blend different religions together for what they hope is a more fulfilling spiritual experience and satisfaction. There is a more common term for this practice - idolatry.

One of the most dangerous practices today is ancestor worship. Many cultures believe they can call on dead ancestors to help them in the here and now - give them support somehow. Perhaps divine the future for them. There are those that will call out their names as if the dead can hear them - have a seance to conjure their spirits so they can speak to them or even offer sacrifices to them. All of this is demonic and forbidden. Trying to relate to the dead is called necromancy. 

That is a door no one wants open. 

Leviticus 19:26b says, "You shall not interpret omens or tell fortunes."

Leviticus 19:31 says, "Do not turn to mediums or nercromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourself unclean by them. I am the Lord your God."

The worst kind of syncretism is combining Biblical Christianity with a bastardized counterfeit gospel such as: the social gospel, name-and-claim-it-positive-confession-prosperitygospel. Others will add black liberation theology or Catholicism. 

I guess they want to make sure they have all their bases covered.

So reader, tell me, since when is Jesus not enough? Why are so many involved in Satanic rituals? Moses said in Exodus 20:2-3, "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me."

In 1 Corinthians 10:20-22, we read, "Pagans do not sacrifice to God, but to demons. He (Paul) goes on to say, "I do not want you to be involved with demons. You cannot drink from the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?"

Being syncretistic is the most unholy thing a person can do. Do not ever mix Christianity with paganism. Jesus did not suffer and die so that we could live idolatrous lives!

The very reason the nation of Israel was destroyed back in antiquity is because they forsook God and began worshipping the gods of their wicked neighbors - first the Northern kingdom was taken captive by the Assyrians in ca 722 B.C., and the Southern kingdom by the Babylonians in ca 586 B.C. 

God had mercy on them and allowed them under King Cyrus to return to the Jerusalem ruins to rebuild their temple beginning in 538 B.C. (Ezra Chapter 1) only for the temple to be destroyed again by the Romans in 70 A.D. by Emperor Titus. Why? Because they rejected God Almighty in the flesh - Jesus Christ. This is what Jesus prophesied against the nation, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.'" (Matthew 23:37-39; Luke 19:41-44).

The Syncretist lacks faith

We as humans are impatient creatures. We live in a microwave society. We run through red lights and many will not stop at stop signs. We drive too fast on the streets and highways and most of us will not control our tongues. I want to offer some suggestions that will help us be more faithful to the Lord.

1. Pray more. The Bible commands us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Communicating with the Lord should never be a dry and boring ritual. You must realize that you are talking to Almighty God, the Creator of the Universe. He allows us to come to His throne and worship Him anytime we want (Hebrews 4:16). Do not neglect the privelege you have in Christ. The unbeliever does not have this blessing. God is not listening to those who are not His
2. Study the Bible. Psalm 119:105 says the word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. God's word is a treasure of wisdom and knowledge. What I have learned is that it only benefits those who take it seriously. You must realize the Christian will not be victorious without it. God's word is his self revelation. When we understand the revelation, that is illumination - wisdom and knowledge. God communicates to us through holy scripture. This is where we learn how to live the life of Christ. The 66 books of the Bible are eternal love letters to the world. Blessed are those who read them and do what they command. Spiritually speaking, when the believer knows who they are what they have in Christ, they will have ultimate confidence which produces joy and peace. They will never lack anything, ever!
3. Live your Christian life out loud. Understand when I say this, it does not mean we are obnoxious with our faith. But rather we defend the faith we have with vigor. The world has no problem selling lies and propoganda like a dealer selling dope on the streets, so we have to be sold out to the truth of the gospel. 1 Peter 3:15 commands us to, "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."

Living a life of faith and not syncretism is a choice. We must trust the Lord whole heartedly. No, its not always easy, but its rewarding. Children of God must be Biblically minded, always. If you're not, then you will be distracted by worldly things which will make you ineffective for the kingdom. We must have an eternal mindset - meaning we realize this material world will pass away (Matthew 24:35). As a matter of fact, this world is going to burn, literally (2 Peter 3:7-10).

Concluding, carefully examine your life long family traditions and what you have been told 1 Thessalonians 5:21 commands us to, "Test everything; hold fast to that which is good." Verse twenty two commands us to abstain from every form of evil. If your traditions  are unbiblical, abandon them immediately. Just because something is familiar and comfortable, it could be subtley pulling you away from the truth - deceiving you without  notice. 

Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of His day for their ungodly traditions. In Matthew 15:1-9:

Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, "Why do your disciples break the tradition (emphasis on word tradition) of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat." He answered them, "And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of  your tradition? For God commanded, "Honor your father and mother", and "Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.' But you say, "if anyone tells his father or his mother, "what you would have gained from me is given to God, " he need not honor his father.' So for the sake of your tradition you have made the void the word of God. You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of  you, when he said:

"'This people honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men'" (Isaiah 29:13).

Whoever has ears to hear let them hear.

Where Is Your Anger Leading You?

The Webster Dictionary defines anger as a feeling of displeasure usually of antagonism. The definition of antagonism means a strong feeling of dislike or hatred; a desire to oppose something [(I would also add someone(s)] you disagree with.  I have been here on earth for a little while now; far less than many, yet longer than some, and as I get older, I see people crash out over the simplest of issues. Some of this I see and read about on social media, and also in public places like the market,  retail stores, restuarants, parks and even cruise lines.

Almost all of what I read about and see is ridiculous. I expect small children to whine when they cannot get their way, but adolescents, teenagers and adults? They should be ashamed of themeselves but they are not. In fact, the person who yells the loudest, cusses and fights the most is deemed the biggest and toughest on the block. Their unruly behavior is a badge of honor to them. 

What their delinquent attitude reveals is that they are out of control and will not try to resolve their issues in a civil matter. These people also prove they have no peace and joy in their lives. If no one can sit a person like that down and try to reason with them, leave them alone - get far away from them! If they are unwilling to receive counsel from anyone, they will end up in an interrogation room or getting fired from the job very soon due to their angry out of control violent behavior.

How the Bible describes angry people

Proverbs 14:17 - A quick tempered man acts foolishly. and a man of wicked intentions is hated

Proverbs 22:24-25 - Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go, lest you learn his ways and get a snare for your soul

Proverbs 25:28 - Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls

Proverbs 26:24-25 - Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips and harbors deceit in his heart; when he speaks graciously, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart

Proverbs 29:11 - A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back

Proverbs 14:12 & Proverbs 16:25 - There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end  thereof are the ways of death

Proverbs 21:9 & Proverbs 25:4 - It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife

Clearly the godless angry person is a fool. He or she must be avoided at all times. They have no discretion or decorum. Their disposition is constipated. These people are from all walks of life; from the out house to the white house. The one thing all of them have in common, they are devoid of God's Spirit; they are children of their father the devil (John 8:44). 

Being children of Satan is never an excuse for bad behavior though. You know why? We all know when we have done or right or wrong. The conscience is a built in faculty and awareness system the Lord has placed in all of us to excuse us when we do what is right, or accuse us when we do wrong. No one has an excuse for their wickedness. 

The devil did not make you do it.

Believe it or not, God commands us in some situations to be angry. We are to be angry over sin and unrighteousness; not just other peoples sins, but our own as well.

An example of when we should be angry at sin is in 1 Corinthians 5.

Paul finds out that a man is having sexual relations with his father's wife, his step mother, in the church! Paul is appalled because he said this type of thing is not even happening upon the heathen. The Corinthians were promoting and celebrating incest. Paul told them you should be sorrowful over this but you are not (vs. 2). Paul commands them to put that immoral person out of the church assembly for they are corrupt and their sinful ways are contaminating the house of the Lord.

Read the entire chapter of 1 Corinthians 5 for full context.

Do we not see this every year in June during Gay Pride Month? The LGBTQIA+ community celebrate their perversions along with their supporters. The footage of these celebrations are modern day Sodom and Gommorah. These are the things we as believers should be sorrowful about but many are not because they love their sin and the sin of others. Some of their family members and friends are part of the community so they have a soft spot for the lifestyle. Society tells us it is not loving to not support those who want to express unnatural affection sexually. Because of this toxic empathy for sin, biological men - transgender women; sexual predators are playing in women's sports, going to women's bathrooms and dressing rooms with your daughters, sisters, mothers and wives. 

Why is there no outrage for this?

Because people love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil (John 3:19).

The basis of one's anger reveals their character. What is on the inside of us will eventually manifest itself through our actions. Jesus said out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34). This manifestation is both good and evil. 

If one has a pathology of uncontrolled rage over nothing, that person is immature and need to grow up. Accept the fact that everything will not go your way, and people will always say things you do not like. Often times many people make themselves victims of something they heard - that had nothing to do with them and their anger is manufactured and not real. They just want pity and to be pacified. 

Realize life is hard and can be merciless at times. Solomon provides this wisdom, "If you fall in the day of adversity your strength is small" (Proverbs 24:10). What that tells me is that we need to develop our strength so that we stand in the tough times. 

Anger is not evil if it is outrage against unrighteousness. It is holy and good if we are angry for the Lord's sake. The Bible commands us to be angry and not sin (Ephesians 4:26). Examine carefully what you are angry about and where it may lead you - to glory and praise from God, or to shame and disgrace.

Have I become your enemy because I tell you the truth?

- Galatians 4:16