WHAT TO DO NOW?

Salvation is simple. There's two things we MUST do to be saved. If you have done, followed, and continue to abide by these two things, then according to the Word of God, you are saved! These are the two things you must do to receive salvation: 1.) BELIEVE- Romans 10:9- "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Believe in Jesus and Jesus alone! Believe that Jesus came, died, rose, and is coming back again! You must believe that He is the ONLY way (John 14:6). However, we can not merely believe because James 2:19 says that even the demons believe. So if even the demons believe in Jesus, what makes us different? Read below... 2.) REPENT- Repentance simply means to turn from your sin and turn to Jesus. This does not mean you will not fail- for all fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We are not perfect. HOWEVER, 1 John 3:9 reads, "Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God." - As a CHILD of GOD/ BORN AGAIN/ SAVED, we will NOT make a practice of sinning. To "PRACTICE" sin is to do continuously or in a "cycle". Hebrews 10:26 also reads, "Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins." - Does this scripture mean that Jesus' sacrifice is no longer available to you? No. Sin separates you from God, so when you continuously and deliberately continue to live in that, you are placing a wall of separation between you and Jesus again. If this is the state that you are living in, then you do not have salvation. However, the solution is simple: turn from your sin and turn to Jesus- this is repentance. TRUE salvation is not saying a prayer. It’s not mere belief. It’s not going to church on a Sunday. It's not good works or being a "good" person. TRUE salvation is belief in Jesus and Jesus alone, along with repentance (to turn from sin and turn to Jesus).

There are two main reasons as to why bad things happen: 1. SIN- OUR FREE-WILL- OUR FALLEN WORLD In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth, He placed mankind in a garden called Eden. In the garden, was no pain, no suffering, no evil, etc. God is ALL things GOOD. He defines what good means! Mark 18:10- "'Why do you call me good?' Jesus asked. 'Only God is truly good.'" Genesis 1:31- "Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good! And evening passed and morning came, marking the sixth day." ALL that God created was good, therefore, evil, pain, suffering, etc. was NOT apart of His design. THEN, God created man, placed them in the garden, and gave them free-will. Why free-will?- Because God so desired to have relationship with His creation, and love can NOT be forced. Genesis 3:8 reads, "And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day.." The God of all creation came down and walked with mankind in the garden?! - Isn't that crazy? This is the real relationship God so desires with us! Also, with this free will, comes bad people to which we can't control. Some people do bad things upon their own free will that affects us. AND, with this free-will came a decision, in which Adam and Eve chose to go against God (SIN). Genesis 3:23 reads, "therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden..." Sin separates us from God, therefore, Adam and Eve could no longer be in perfection with God. From this decision, separation from the ONE that is good occurred, and evil entered the world. 2. SATAN 2 Corinthians 4:4 reads, "Satan, who is the god of this world..." When sin entered the world, satan become the "god of this world". This is because this world is full of evil. And satan's sole goal is: John 10:10 reads, "The thief does not come except to steal, to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." Satan's goal is to steal, kill, and destroy you, BUT GOD's is to give you life. 1 Peter 5:8 reads, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. " Satan desires to destroy you and harm you! Between, Satan, our sin, and our fallen world, these things all combine to results of pain, suffering, and evil. BUT here's the GOOD NEWS: Bad things weren’t God’s original intent. We see that in the perfection of the Garden of Eden. Evil isn’t God’s goal. Evil is not fitting with His Holy nature. In Revelation 21:4 reads, "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” In this passage of Revelation, God assures us that pain, suffering, and anything of evil nature will not be part of God’s final product where He will again establish perfection. The reality is today bad things and evil are part of our world. Although this is true, one day, evil will be destroyed from the Earth after all have heard and been given a chance to receive Jesus (Matthew 24:14). AND then, us born-again, Christians, will get to be in eternal perfection with Jesus.

Jesus assures us that as Christians, God's sheep, we WILL hear His voice. It's not a probability or chance, but Jesus says that we WILL hear His voice. John 10:27 states, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." Here are the best ways to open your ears to hear the voice of God in clarity: Read the Bible God's Word is the primary way He communicates with us! 2 Timothy 3:16 reads, "All Scripture is breathed out by God..."- Scripture is the very breath of God. It is HIS voice! As you read and meditate(Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:2) or study His Word, you'll get to know and become more familiar with His voice. Pray and spend time with Jesus! Prayer is a conversation with God, and not just one-sided, but He will talk back. Be still, rest with Him, and listen for His voice as you pray. Psalm 46:10- "Be still, and know that I am God." The more you spend time with someone, the more you are able to recognize their voice- even just a whisper! For example, let's say your mom calls you from an unknown number. When you answer the phone, as they speak you more than likely are going to recognize their voice without them having to say it's them calling because you have spent a lot of time with them and are familiar with the sound of their voice. In the same way, the more you spend time with Jesus, the more you will be able to recognize His voice- even as He speaks in a whisper! (1 Kings 19:12) Think about it this way, if someone were to speak in a whisper, you must be close to hear it. The closer you are to Jesus, the more likely you are to hear Him. Listen to Godly counsel Seek out Christians who are strong in their faith, wise, and mature. Seek out ones you can trust and ask them for their thoughts/advice. They should give you advice/opinions based upon the Word of God. Proverbs 11:14- "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." Peace Colossians 3:15, reads, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts.” Philippians 4:6-7 reads, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." You will especially know it is God speaking when everything in life points to you having anxiousness or uneasiness but instead you have peace. This is because the peace of God surpasses ALL understanding (Philippians 4:7). What does your heart say? This way does NOT always ring true. BECAUSE, Jeremiah 17:9 tells us that "The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?" If Jeremiah 17:9 is true, then why is this a way to hear the voice of God?- HERE'S WHY: Psalm 37:4 reads, "Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart." This does NOT mean the Lord will give you whatever you want. BUT, this means that when you are seeking the Lord, He will put His wants or desires into your heart. He will make His desires become your desires. Sometimes, the desire of your heart will randomly change for what seems to be no reason at all. This oftentimes is the Lord trying to speak to us! HOWEVER, always always always, pray into this more and ask God for confirmation and peace. These are just a few of MANY ways to discern when God speaks to you! NOW.... Test the word If you believe you have heard from God, ALWAYS make sure it lines up with Scripture! If it doesn't, it is NOT from God. 1 Thessalonians 5:21, "Test everything; hold fast what is good."

Friends are so important in your walk with Jesus, because they do affect your walk, whether that be in an uplifting way or in a degrading way. Find friends that love Jesus and walk according to His Word! - This does NOT mean to shun those that do not know Jesus. Jesus sat with sinners Himself (Matthew 9:10)! However, the ones He did life with and spent a majority of His time with was the disciples. There is a difference in "associates"- those you are friendly with, in comparison to "friends"- ones you 'yoke' your life to: 2 Corinthians 6:14- "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?" A yoke is a wooden bar or frame by which two animals (such as oxen) are joined at the head or necks in order to work together. A yoke connects and joins two things that are attempting to go in the same direction. If one ox attempts to go the opposite direction as the other ox, they are going to keep pulling each other the opposite way and get no where or go in circles. In the same way, we are NOT to be 'yoked' with unbelievers. We are to not connect our life with them in a way they deter our growth with Jesus or even deter us completely away from the path with Jesus. Look at what scripture has to say: Why you need Godly friends and should not isolate yourself: Proverbs 18:1- "A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment." Ecclesiastes 4:10- "But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up." Why you should NOT be around friends that do not walk with the Lord: Psalm 1:1-2 - "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful;..." 1 Corinthians 15:33- "Do not be deceived: 'Evil company corrupts good habits.'” Proverbs 13:20 - "...but the companion of fools will be destroyed." Why you should be around friends that walk with the Lord: Ecclesiastes 4:9- "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion..." Romans 1:12- "that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me." Proverbs 27:17 - "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." Proverbs 13:20- "He who walks with wise men will be wise..." There is a quote often recited that states, "Show me your friends and I'll show you your future." This statement, according to scripture, is so true- as we see that bad company corrupts good character, the companion of fools will be destroyed, and on the flip side he who walks with the wise will be wise. All in all, we are not to completely dissociate ourselves from unbelievers- for we are called to love them and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them (Matthew 22:39, 28:19-20)! However, Jesus commanded us not to yoke our lives with unbelievers and encourages us to be in fellowship with fellow believers (Hebrew 10:25).

This is a two-fold answer depending on the person and situation. Because the reality is, none of us are perfect. Jesus tells us that "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God"(Romans 3:23) and that "..we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body." (James 3:2) Therefore, if you encountered a person who claims to be Christian, but wasn't acting like it in the moment, then you may just have encountered that person on a bad day. However, Jesus gives us some insight on it: Matthew 7:16-23 reads, "You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them. Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' and then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'" Jesus tells us clearly that even those who do all these good things "in His name" does not mean they are from Him. ONLY those that bear "good fruit". So what is this fruit? Galatians 5:22-23 reads, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." The Bible also tells us that if we love the world, then we do not have the love of the Father in us! 1 John 2:15 reads, "Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you."- The love of this world means anything apart from Jesus- anything contradicting to His Word! Does this mean that Christians won't mess up or stumble? - No! We see that none are perfect and we all fail from time to time according to Romans 3:23 and James 3:2. However, Jesus tells us in 1 John 3:9 that "Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God." So what does this mean?- Those who have TRULY been born of God and are Christians, then they will not live in a "cycle" of sin- meaning although they fail from time to time, they will not consistently do so. However, if there are those who consistently act out of line with the Word of God, then, based on the scriptures above, they are NOT born of God- they are not saved/Christian. As we saw in Matthew 7, many will claim the title of "Christian" and to be doing things "in the name of God". To base Christianity upon people who give it a bad reputation could be considered the same as basing one Caucasian or African American or Arab, etc. to determine the whole race- that's not right, right? No, it's not. Therefore, do not base Jesus upon people, base Jesus upon what the Word says about who HE really is.

Mark 10:18 reads, "So Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God." There is not one that is "good" but God! Let's put your "goodness" to the test: How many lies do you think you've told in your life? Lots, probably, right? We all have- some more than others, but truth is that we all have told a lie. Scripture tells us that "lying lips are an abomination to the Lord."(Proverbs 12:22). Jesus said, "Whoever looks at a woman with lust has committed adultery with her in his heart." (Matthew 5:28). Have you ever done that? Have you ever taken the Lord's name in vain? Even just once? Have you ever dishonored your parents? Even Just once? I'd wager to guess that you've done at least one of those, if not more. We all have because none are perfect. You must face God on judgment day. If God judges you by the ten commandments, just like a few we just went through, will you be innocent or guilty? - We'd all be guilty. There's not one person that hasn't sinned, except Jesus. - Therefore, by the Ten Commandments, we all deserve hell. Think of it like this: Let's say this man murdered 3 men. He stands in front of the judge and says "Judge, I know that was wrong. But I served at the soup kitchen last Tuesday, helped an old lady cross the street yesterday, and bought a homeless man a meal last week." Then the judge releases them because they did all these "good deeds". We'd say that's not a very good judge, right? Right. They may be a "good person" in some ways and be sorry and change their ways after, but they still have to endure the punishment. - In the same way, we have sinned and must endure our punishment. Good works will never atone for our sins. Only Jesus can! Ephesians 2:8-9 reads, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." This is the bad news: We've all sinned and we all deserve the punishment for our sins, which is hell. So, can we get to heaven by being a "good person"? NO. HOWEVER, Jesus doesn't just leave us hopeless. Here's the good news: Jesus came and took our place! We stood in the court room awaiting our punishment and Jesus said "No, I'll take the punishment for them." HOWEVER, in order for Jesus to take our punishment, we must receive it. He is alive today offering us this FREE gift. . We receive this free gift, by: 1.) believing in Jesus alone (Romans 10:9) 2.) repenting, which means to simply turn from our sin and turn to Jesus (1 John 3:9).

The Bible clearly states that ALL people are God’s creation ("Everything was created through him and for him." -Colossians 1:16). The Bible also clearly reveals that God loves the ENTIRE world ("For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."- John 3:16) HOWEVER, only those who have received Jesus are children of God. John1:12 reads, "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name" So, what does it mean to receive Jesus? - It means to be saved. Now, what does it mean to be saved? - To believe (romans 10:9), but not only believe because even the demons believe (James 2:19), but also repent (turn from sin and turn to Jesus) (1 John 3:9). All who have received Jesus as their Lord and Savior and have repented of their sin are children of God! BUT all who have NOT turned from their sin and have not received Jesus are not children of God. - Does this mean they can't become children of God? No! Jesus wishes that none perish, but all would be saved (2 Peter 3:9). Jesus actually goes as far to say that those who are not children of God, are children of the devil. 1 John 3:10 reads, "So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God." So is everyone a child of God? No- Only as many as received Him! (John 1:12). However, does everyone have a chance to be a child of God? YES! He so loves us and desires that none should perish and all be saved (2 Peter 3:9) that He died for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). So what must you do to become a child of God?- RECEIVE JESUS: 1.) by believing in Jesus and Jesus alone (Romans10:9) 2.) by repenting of your sin (turning from sin and turning to Jesus) (1 John 3:9, 2 Tim. 2:19)

Firstly, we must understand that we will never be able to fully comprehend God. If we could describe God fully and every part of Him perfectly, would He really be God? Psalms 113:4-6 reads, "The Lord is high above all nations, His glory above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God, Who dwells on high, Who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in the heavens and in the earth?" Romans 11:33-34 reads, "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” Oftentimes, because some have trouble wrapping their minds around the complexity of the trinity, they write it off as untrue. The truth is, however, that just because something is difficult to understand, does NOT mean that it isn't true. The reality is, our human minds could never fully comprehend God as He is. However, here's what we do know: The term 'trinity' is actually no where expressed in the Bible, but is a term used to describe a doctrine that the Bible teaches- which is that the trinity is one God who eternally exist as three persons. Check out the diagram-> From this diagram, we can understand several things: There is ONE God. Deuteronomy 4:4-5 - “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength." Romans 3:30 - "since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith" Also can be found in: John 17:3, Isaiah 44:6, 1 Corinthians 8:4-6, etc. 3 DISTINCT persons. Scripture stating all three persons: Matthew 28:19-"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" Colossians 2:9- "For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily" 2 Corinthians 13:14- "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen." Passages showing all three persons present: Genesis 1:26 - "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness...'" Matthew 3:16-17 - "When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'" 1) Jesus being baptized ; 2) The Spirit descended upon Jesus ; 3) The Father spoke The Father is God. Isaiah 64:8- "But now, O Lord, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand." 1 Corinthians 8:6- "yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live." Also can be found in: Psalm 68:5, 2 Corinthians 6:16-18, 1 John 3:1, etc. The Son is God. Hebrews 1:8- "But to the Son He says: 'Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.'" Colossians 2:9- "For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily..." Also can be found in 1 Corinthians 8:6, 1 Peter 1:1, John 10:30, etc. The Holy Spirit is God. Acts 5:3-4- "But Peter said, 'Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.'" 2 Corinthians 3:17- "Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." The Holy Spirit is also made equal with God the Father and God the Son in several verses: Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14, Ephesians 4:4-6, etc. The Father is eternal. Psalm 93:2- "Your throne is established from of old; You are from everlasting." Isaiah 40:28- "Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary." Also can be found in: Psalm 103:17-18, John 10:28-30, etc. The Son is eternal. Hebrews 1:10-12- "And: 'You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; And they will all grow old like a garment; Like a cloak You will fold them up, and they will be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will not fail.'" Colossians 1:15-17- "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist." Also can be found in: John 8:58, John 1:1, 1 John 1:1, Hebrews 13:8, etc. The Holy Spirit is eternal. Hebrews 9:14- "how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" Genesis 1:2- "...And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters." - (He was there from the beginning!) Also can be found in: Job 33:4, Psalm 104:30, John 14:16, etc. The Father is NOT the Holy Spirit. John 14:26- "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you." The Holy Spirit is seen with God the Father and God the Son several times, distinguishing the Holy Spirit's separation from the Father: Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14, Ephesians 4:4-6, Genesis 1, Matthew 3:16-17, etc. Also can be found in: John 15:26, etc. The Holy Spirit is NOT the Son. Acts 10:38- "how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit..." Jesus speaking in John 16:13-14 - " However, when He, the Spirit of the truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take what is Mine and declare it to you." Also can be found in: Acts 1:4-5, John 16:7, John 14:16-17, etc. The Son is NOT the Father. John 6:38-39 - "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day." Galatians 4:4- "But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law," Also can be found in: John 8:16, John 8:38, John 17:5, etc. As we can see from the diagram and scriptures above, there is ONE God, but three distinct persons. There are a few analogies that attempt to describe the trinity so we may better understand. However, keep in mind that no analogy is perfect. God is indescribable and nothing can perfectly illustrate His divinity and complexity. But, look at a few of these analogies to attempt to better comprehend the Trinity: EGG: 1 individual food/object, yet 3 parts: shell, yoke, egg white WATER: 1 individual object, yet can be in 3 diff forms: solid (frozen), liquid (water), gas (vapor) LIGHT: Imagine a light switch in a room- God commands the light to be turned on, Jesus flips the switch, and the Holy Spirit is the electricity that manifests it. SUN: 1 individual object, yet 3 different parts/activities: God the Father is like the sun, Jesus is like the light that illuminates the sun and creation, and the Holy Spirit is like the sun's heat that warms and affects creation. Like I stated previously, these analogies don't even come close to fully explaining the trinity. We'll never fully comprehend it, because we are not God. God is ONE, yet exist eternally in THREE persons. - 3 in 1.

The fear of God is a topic of confusion among many. "Fear" in the context of 'fear of God' does NOT mean to be scared of God. The fear of God is a reverential fear- one that causes awe, honor, and respect. In the Webster dictionary, the 'archaic' definition (meaning Old English/ Greek meaning) of fear is 'profound reverence or awe'. When Jesus teaches the disciples to pray and have relationship with God, He opens the prayer up in Matthew 6:9, with "Our Father who art in Heaven, HALLOWED be thy name". The word 'hallowed' in the Greek is the word 'hagiazō', which means to render or declare as sacred or holy. Jesus teaches us to enter in the presence of God with reverence and awe at the holiness of God. The fear of God is mentioned several times throughout the Bible, and there is always a theme. Often the fear of God is mentioned upon examining the greatness of God. Deuteronomy 10:20-22 - "You shall fear the Lord your God; you shall serve Him, and to Him you shall hold fast, and take oaths in His name. He is your praise, and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things which your eyes have seen. Your fathers went down to Egypt with seventy persons, and now the Lord your God has made you as the stars of heaven in multitude." 1 Samuel 12:24 - "Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you." Psalm 33:7-9 - "He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap; He lays up the deep in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast." Psalm 40:2-3 - "He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth— Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord." These are only a few of the many examples the Word gives us at how the fear of the Lord (reverence and awe) is in response to seeing the greatness of the Lord- whether that be at what He has done for you personally or at how mighty and awesome He is. The fear of the Lord is also a response to seeing how valued you are. Jesus teaches on this in Matthew 10:28-31, which states: "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. But the very hairs on your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." Jesus is differentiating between fear, as in terror, and the fear of the Lord. He tell us to fear God (reverence) , but not terror because He cares for you! See the value that you are to God. It's a reverence and awe of God. Revelation 19:16 reads, "And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. " See Jesus as the KING that He is. When we fear God, we.... 1.) Reverence Him (Isa. 8:12-13) 2.) Honor Him (Rev. 4:11) 3.) Walk in obedience/righteousness (Deut. 10:12-13, Acts 10:34-35, Col. 3:22-24, etc.) 4.) Hate what He hates(sin) and love what He loves (righteousness) (Prov. 23:17, Heb. 1:9) 5.) Endure (Psalm 103:17) 6.) Receive knowledge/wisdom (Prov. 9:10, Prov. 2:5, etc.) 7.) Have safety and assurance (Prov. 14:26, Prov. 19:23, etc.) 8.) Walk in humility (1 Peter 3:14-15) I love how the evangelist John Bevere states it- the fear of the Lord is to be terrified of being away from God! The fear of the Lord isn't hard to comprehend. The fear of God is simply a reverence, honor, awe, or respect for God.

When you receive salvation and Jesus into your life (by belief AND repentance (turning from sin)), then the person of the Holy Spirit comes to live within you. Ephesians 1:13-14- "In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory." The Holy Spirit is the guarantee/seal of your salvation. This is what the Bible says once the Holy Spirit lives within you: Romans 8:9- "But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His."- If you have the Holy Spirit, you are His! Galatians 5:18- "But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law."- If you have the Holy Spirit, you are not under the law. The Holy Spirit is God, and is therefore vast and broad topic that could be attempted to be explained for hours on end. We can NOT fully explain God as our limited human minds could never fully comprehend Him. However, according to scripture, here's what we do know: The Holy Spirit is God. Acts 5:3-4- "But Peter said, 'Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.'" 2 Corinthians 3:17- "Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." The Holy Spirit is also made equal with God the Father and God the Son in several verses: Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14, Ephesians 4:4-6, etc. The Holy Spirit is eternal. Hebrews 9:14- "how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" Genesis 1:2- "...And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters." - He was there from the beginning! The Holy Spirit is the third person of the trinity. Matthew 28:19- "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" 2 Corinthians 13:14- "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen." The Holy Spirit is not merely a "power" or "force" but is a person. He speaks- Hebrews 3:7- "Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: 'Today, if you will hear His voice..." Acts 21:11- " ....Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'" He is present (omnipresent)- Psalm 139:7 - "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?" We can have a relationship with Him. Philippians 2:1- "Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy"- We can have fellowship with Him! Hebrews 6:4- "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit"- We can partake of Him! The Holy Spirit is a person with feelings. He can be pleased or grieved, blasphemed against, and lied to. Isaiah 63:10- "But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit; So He turned Himself against them as an enemy, and He fought against them." Acts 5:3- "But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?" Ephesians 4:30- "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." Mark 3:29- "...but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit..." The Holy Spirit makes Jesus real to us. He reveals and helps us understand. 1 John 5:6- "This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth." 1 Corinthians 2:12- "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God." 1 Corinthians 2:10- "But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God." Ephesians 3:5- "which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets" Through the power of the Holy Spirit, He uses signs and wonders to point to Jesus. John 10:38- "but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him." 1 Corinthians 14:22- "Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe." The Holy Spirit is a giver. He gives the gift of the baptism of the Holy Spirit and His giftings- Acts 1:8- "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." 1 Corinthians 12:4- "There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit." 1Corinthians 12:7-11- "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills." Through the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, He gives us all these giftings to use for His glory but most importantly power to be a witness! He gives fruit. Galatians 5:22- "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."- He produces all these things in us! Ephesians 3:16- "that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man" - He gives us strength! 1 Thessalonians 1:6- "And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit"- He gives joy! In Him there is freedom! 2 Corinthians 3:17- "Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." The Holy Spirit is TRUTH. John 14:17- "the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you." 1 John 4:6- "We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error." The Holy Spirit sanctifies/cleanses. Romans 15:16- "that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit." 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 - "For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. 8Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit." The Holy Spirit guides and leads us. Galatians 5:16- "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." Romans 8:5- "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit." The Holy Spirit is our Advocate/Counselor/Helper/Teacher. John 14:26- "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you." 1 Corinthians 2:13- "These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual." The Holy Spirit gives us wisdom/revelation. Exodus 31:3- "And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship" Isaiah 11:2- "The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord." The Holy Spirit intercedes for us. Romans 8:26- "Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." The Holy Spirit is for ALL. 1 Corinthians 12:7- "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all"

"Can I lose my salvation?" is a multifaceted question that could be interpreted many ways and is often associated with the phrase "once saved always saved". Many interpret this phrase in one of three ways: Firstly, the phrase "once saved always saved" is often found used in line with the Calvinistic belief that God has appointed and selected to whom He would give salvation and whom He would send to destruction. This belief is called 'predestination' and essentially is the belief that God has an elect He chooses and we do not have free will to receive salvation. Let's look at what the Word of God says about this belief: Romans 5:8- "But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." - Christ died while we were still sinners. His love for all of mankind is unfathomable. Revelation 22:17- "The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come.' Let anyone who hears this say, 'Come.' Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life."- The invitation to receive Jesus is for ANYONE. 2 Peter 3:9- "The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent."- Jesus wishes that NONE perish/be destroyed. John 1:12- "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name"- He gave us free will to choose to receive Him! Colossians 1:23-" if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister." & Luke 8:13- "But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away." - We are urged as believers "to continue in the faith" so we may not "fall away". Ultimately in each of the scriptures states above, Jesus died for ALL of mankind and loves us way too much, to only choose some and not others. He died so that NONE would perish, and urges us to continue in the faith so we may not fall away. Additionally, the phrase, "once saved always saved" can be used as a blanket endorsement to do whatever one desires whether it is in line with the Word of God or not, because "there's grace for that" and "we're already saved". Jude 1:4- "I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ." 1 John 3:9- "Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God." Hebrews 10:26- "Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins." Colossians 1:23-" if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister." & Luke 8:13- "But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away." - We are urged as believers "to continue in the faith" so we may not "fall away". Ultimately, as seen in Scripture above, the grace of God can not be abused and as Children of God, we can not live in a practice of sin. This is why we, as believers and followers of Jesus must continue in the faith so that we may not fall away. Finally, the phrase "once saved always saved" can be used in this way: The belief that if someone is saved and truly experienced Jesus and has a relationship with Him, how could they ever walk away? And even if you see a 'believer' walk away, you could argue they were never saved in the first place. Let's look at what Scripture says about this: Colossians 1:23-" if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister." Luke 8:13- "But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away." - Matthew 24:13- "But he who endures to the end shall be saved." Hebrews 10:26- "For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins" 1 Timothy 4:1- "Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons" 2 Peter 2:20-21 - "For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them." As seen in the Scriptures stated above, it is possible to turn away from Jesus after knowing Him and receiving salvation. This is why we must "continue in the faith" so that we may not "fall away", "depart from the faith", and "turn from" Jesus. Ultimately, in any way that the "once saved always saved" can be interpreted, salvation can be lost. It's up to US to steward what Jesus has given us.

What are the gifts of the Spirit?- We see the gifts of the Spirit mentioned throughout the Bible. However, Paul lays them out in list order clearly within 1 Corinthians- 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11 - "There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills." Many make the argument that these gifts of the Spirit are not for the church today. But let's look at what scripture has to say: Oftentimes the scripture used to back up the argument that the gifts are not for today is 1 Corinthians 13:8-10, which reads, "Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away." Although without context the scripture seems like it is meaning that prophecies will fail and tongues will cease, let's look at the context. Paul begins 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 by stating, "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing." Paul is stating that without love, nothing else matters. And that is what he is attempting to explain by stating that tongues/prophecy will fail/cease. What he means is that in the end, when Jesus comes back or when we die and appear before the throne, Jesus will not say come in my good and faithful servant because you spoke in tongues or prophesied, but we enter in to heaven through a relationship with Jesus by belief (Romans 10:9) and repentance (1 John 3:9). We see this clearly revealed in Matthew 7:22-23, "On judgment day many will say to me, 'Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name, and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.' But I will reply, 'I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God's laws.'" This is what Paul is explaining! Paul is stating that although the gifts are for today, without love, it means nothing. In the end, spiritual gifts will profit nothing without love. All this to say, the spiritual gifts are for today! Why would God reveal them to us in His Word and then not allow us to experience His power in that way? Hebrews 13:8 - "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Malachi 3:6 - “I am the Lord, and I do not change." If the Lord does not change and is the same forever, then why would the gifts change? Acts 2:38-39 reads, "Then Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.'” Acts Ch. 2 is the first revealing of the Baptism/Gift of the Holy Spirit- which encompasses these gifts of the Holy Spirit! If this gift- the Gift of the Holy Spirit- is for ALL who afar off and to AS MANY as the Lord will call, then it is a promise for us today! Numbers 23:19 - "“God is not a man, that He should lie..."

Prayer is simple. It’s a conversation between you and Jesus. We talk to Him and He will talk back to us. By the finished work of the cross and resurrection, Jesus removed the separation of sin so that we can have a relationship with Him and talk with Him in this way (Ephesians 2:13)! Prayer is not merely about making requests (Philippians 4:6-7) but expressing your gratitude (Isaiah 12:4-5), confessing your sins (1 John 1:9), and communing and connecting with God (Matthew 6:6). So why is prayer important? - Because Jesus did it! - As Christians, we are to be disciples right (Luke 9:23)?- So what did the disciples do? -They walked with, talked with, sat with, and learned from the Rabbi (teacher). So, let’s look at the life of our teacher- Jesus. Mark 1:35 reads, “And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He departed and went out to a desolate place, and there He prayed.” It was not uncommon for Jesus to go away for uninterrupted time with the Father. If it was important for Jesus to spend time in prayer with the Father, how much more important is it for us? Prayer transforms you! - Think of it this way: the more you spend time with someone, the more you begin to act like them and talk like them. In the same way, time in prayer with Jesus will shape you into His image. Romans 8:29 reads, “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son…” After giving our hearts and lives ONLY to Jesus, He will begin to transform us into His likeness! He will give us a NEW heart (Ezekiel 36:26). As we spend time with Him in prayer and conversation, we will begin to look more like Him. We’ll never be perfect as He is, of course, but over time, He slowly transforms us into His likeness. Samuel M. Shoemaker says it like this, “Prayer may not change things, but it will for sure change you for things.” Because God hears your prayers! - 1 John 5:14-15 reads, “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” There is power in prayer! - James 5:16, “The effective prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” The Greek word used for ‘availeth’ means to have power. Our prayer has power! Matthew 17:20 reads, “So Jesus said to them, ‘Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.’”- Prayer + Faith= Power Because you love Him! - Matthew 6:6 reads, “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” Spend time with Him in prayer alone, not just in a corporate (church) setting. You spend time with those you love, right? Exactly! Spend time in conversation (prayer) with the One that loves you above all else!

Nowhere in the Bible does it say, “Thou shall pray for this long....” There is no specific amount of time that Jesus tells us to pray. Prayer does not have a secret formula. It is not about the amount of time you spend or the amount of words you use. Here's what we do know: Jesus shows His disciples how to pray in Matthew 6:9-13. Jesus prefaced these few verses with the words in Matthew 6:7 with, “And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.” It's here that Jesus shows that the quality of the prayer is much more important than the quantity or repetition. Just have a conversation with Jesus like you would your best friend! Jesus cares more about your heart than fancy words or a performance.

Prayer is simple. It’s a conversation between you and Jesus. Talk to Him and He will talk back. By the finished work of the cross and resurrection, Jesus removed the separation of sin so that we can have a relationship with Him and talk with Him in this way! (Ephesians 2:14, Revelation 3:20, John 17:3). Jesus teaches us to pray in Matthew 6:9-13. Let's go verse by verse and see what He says: 9- "In this manner, therefore pray: Our Father in heaven," - Acknowledge the relationship with God as our Father To commune/ have relationship with God, we must first recognize who God is and see Him as our Father. 2 Corinthians 6:18- "I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” Ephesians 1:3-6 - "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved." God is our Father and we GET to be His children. View Him and talk to Him as the loving Father that He is. 9- "- Hallowed be Your name." - Acknowledge the sovereignty of God 'Hallowed' means holy or sanctified. Praise God for who He is and recognize that He alone is the HOLY One. God is to be revered, meaning to show devoted honor. 10- "Your kingdom come." - Pray God's Kingdom (presence) to come and for the expansion of His kingdom. Pray His kingdom come. We are long awaiting for Jesus to return (Revelation 1:7). We have a partial fulfillment of this kingdom here on earth when Jesus came and when He sent the Holy Spirit to live within us! Pray He comes in greater measure while we are on earth while also anxiously awaiting His return. Also pray for the expansion of His kingdom- that more of the lost would be found! Luke 10:2 - "Then He said to them, 'The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.'" 10- "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." - Surrender to God's will. 2 Corinthians 5:15 reads, "and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again." Jesus died so we would live for Him. His first will is that we love Him (Matthew 22:37) and then love others (Matthew 22:39). But He also has called each of us (Romans 8:28) individually to which He directs our steps (Psalms 37:23) if we allow Him. Pray His will be done above all else- above your will or your family's or the president's- but that His would be done and that you would be obedient to it! Just as Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane to the Father (Luke 22:42). 11- "Give us this day our daily bread." - Trust God for your daily needs- physically and spiritually. "Man shall not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” -Deuteronomy 8:3 Jesus instructs us to pray for spiritual substance-. This nourishment comes from the Word of God and from communion with Christ, who is the “bread of life” that comes down from Heaven so that “whoever feeds on this bread will live forever” (John 6:51). Pray for your personal needs as well! Don't be afraid to ask things of God. He tells us to make our requests known to Him in Philippians 4:6, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God". 12- "And forgive us our debts" - Regularly examine your heart, confess sins, and ask for forgiveness Jesus says to confess our sins unto Him.- 1 John 1:9 reads, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 12- "as we forgive our debtors." - Extend Forgiveness Jesus also says that we must forgive.- Matthew 6:14-15 reads, "For if you forgive me their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Ask Jesus to help you forgive others! 13- "And do not lead us into temptation," - Seek God's guidance Temptation can cause us to sin, which separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2). We must acknowledge we have human weaknesses and the only way to overcome them is through Jesus! The Bible says in Matthew 26:41, "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." 13- "but deliver us from the evil one." - Seek God's protection Because the flesh is weak, we must pray to the Father that He helps us to see the way of escape that He provides. 1 Corinthians 10:13- "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." The enemy's one goal is to steal, kill, and destroy you. BUT, God is our protector! Pray for victory over the enemy. John 10:10- "The thief does not come except to steal, to kill, and to destroy." 2 Timothy 4:18- "And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom." 13- "For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. - Continuous Praise and Worship! End the prayer with praise and worship- acknowledging the sovereignty and worthiness of God and that ALL is for His glory! Colossians 3:23-24- "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ." Jesus shows us that prayer is not merely about making requests- although that is part of it and the Bible tells us to make our requests known to God (Philippians 4:6-7)! But, prayer is also about expressing your gratitude in praise/worship (Colossians 3:17), confessing your sins (1 John 1:9), and just simply spending time with Jesus (Matthew 6:6). Revelation 3:20 reads, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." Jesus simply wants to have relationship with us-"to come and dine with us". Just have a conversation with Jesus like you would your best friend! Jesus cares more about your heart than fancy words or a performance.

The Bible is an ESSENTIAL part of your growth with Jesus. It is not merely ink and pages but the VERY BREATH OF GOD. 2 Timothy 3:16 reads, “All Scripture is breathed out by God…” To fully understand the extent of the authority and life-giving power of the Word of God, we must understand God’s authority and sovereignty. Colossians 1:16-17 reads, “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.” John 1:1 reads, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” ALL things were created IN Him, THROUGH Him, and FOR Him. He IS the Word that was there from the beginning of all eternity. Truly sit and think about this. How crazy is that?! Think of it this way: When we breathe, the carbon dioxide inside of us that circulates through our blood stream comes out. In the same way when God breathes whatever is circulating inside of Him, comes out. His NATURE, His CHARACTER, His very BEING, and His LIFE comes out when He breathes. Thus, the words found within the Bible are God’s very nature, character, being, and life. When we understand this, we can then understand the authority and life-giving power of the Word of God. We can also understand the essential need of the Word of God. All because it is the VERY BREATH of God. The rest of 2 Timothy 1:16-17 reads, “...and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” The Bible is our road map of instruction for life- leading and guiding us! Psalm 119:105 reads, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” The Bible encourages us. Romans 15:4 reads, “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” The Bible cleanses us. Ephesians 5:25 reads, “He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word.” John17:17 reads, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” The Bible nourishes us. We are built up and strengthened by the Word of God. Matthew 4:4 reads, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” The Bible gives life. Jesus also says in John 6:63, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” The creator of the universe, God of all, in which ALL things consist, created you and me and gave US His very breath- the Word of God, to lead us, guide us, direct us, nourish us, strengthen us, encourage us, and train us in the way we should go!

God chose specific authors, time periods, and cultures to record His Word within, and it is our responsibility to honor that choice and familiarize ourselves with such cultural differences. This is important in order for us to acquire the fullness of God's intention in His Word. Check out the information below of the list of things to take note of as you read the Word of God: BACKGROUND/ CULTURE: Familiarizing yourself with the background and culture of a society is a MUST to better understand the reality and weight of the Scriptures- especially seeing how society's culture across the globe is much different than that of 3,000 years ago. For example, to better understand the weight and importance of the events that take place in Matthew 4:19-20, we must understand the background, context, and societal culture/history: Matthew 4:19-20 - "Then He said to them, 'Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.' They immediately left their nets and followed Him." Without background and familiarity of the culture, this verse would leave one to question- Why did Peter and Andrew 'immediately' leave everything and follow Jesus? Here's why: In Jewish culture, young boys were raised up learning the Torah inside and out. At around age 12 or 13, they would find a Rabbi (Teacher), and would have to ask to follow and learn from them. These boys would become the Rabbi's disciples- living with and learning from the Rabbi desiring to walk, talk, teach, and ultimately, be just like the Rabbi. If Jewish boys were not accepted by a Rabbi, upon asking to be their disciple, they took on a trade job, such as fishing like Peter and Andrew. By this we know that Peter and Andrew both were Jewish boys who were not accepted by a Rabbi. Therefore, when Jesus, a Rabbi, personally asked Peter and Andrew (instead of them having to ask Jesus), to follow Him, they were finally welcomed and accepted by a Rabbi, therefore they decided to leave all to follow Jesus. By knowing this aspect of their culture/background, we can also see the weight of what being a disciple really looks like and means! - Just as we see here in Jewish culture, ‘disciples’ were students of rabbis (teachers). They lived with the rabbi, and learned from Him, and their sole desire was to be just like them. In the same manner, Jesus has called us to be disciples, where we walk with Him, talk with Him, and begin to live and look like Him. CONTEXT: We MUST also understand the context of the passage in order to gather its full meaning. Read the entirety of the book, chapter, and before and after the verse in question. **Note: when Scripture was written, it was not in chapters or verses, but each book was written as a whole and all chapters/verses of each book align together. For instance, many Christians misuse Psalm 37:4, which reads, "Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart." Oftentimes, people tend to focus on the latter part of the verse, "and He shall give you the desires of your heart" but miss the first part: "Delight yourself also in the Lord". This then leads people to assume that whatever we want, ask and it will be given. This is not the context of the verse. It's as we delight in the Lord, our desires will begin to align with His. We even see more confirmation in previous verses... Psalm 37:3- "Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness." Psalm 37:5- "Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass." We see in the verses before AND after Psalm 37:4, it is all about doing the will of the Lord and walking in His ways. Showing that as we walk with Him, our desires begin to align with His and as they do He gives us the desires of our hearts. LANGUAGE: - Additionally, translation from different languages can sometimes not fully communicate the direct meaning of some words. This does NOT mean that the Scripture is not translated correctly as it is (Look at "Which translation of the Bible should I read?" to see more on the differences of translations and which to choose). However, looking at the original Hebrew/Greek translation will reveal an even deeper and more full revelation of the words found within Scripture. **Tip: A good tool to use is the Blue Letter Bible- that will give you the Hebrew/Greek translation of the Bible and their meanings! For instance, Ephesians 6:5 reads, "Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ" If one looks at the Greek translation of the word "sincerity" we see that it further means "singleness" or "simplicity"- telling us to be obedient to our master with a singleness and simplicity of heart, and of ONE priority of just Jesus. This translation further reveals the fuller meaning of the scripture! It does NOT change the meaning, but opens our eyes to a deeper revelation of this Scripture. - Language is also a big societal difference that changes from culture to culture and generation to generation. Let's take a look at societal differences in language that we see today(2024): differences of generations: Gen Z: bussin' vs other generations: to be really good or 'fire' Gen Z: rizz vs other generations: swag or charm different areas of the world: U.S.: Soccer vs other nations: Football U.S. : Biscuit vs U.K. : Cookie within America- different regions: South: Fixin' vs other regions: about to South: Buggy vs other regions: Shopping cart or carriage These types of differences in language requires a look at the time period, culture, and geographical location. - Other differences in language simply requires a look at background and/or context of the passage. Because, even just words in general can have different meanings- for example: "The man was not working" - This could mean one of three things: The man was unemployed The man was not engaged in activity at the moment or 'off work' The man was not functioning properly- sick or injured of some sort Some simple questions to ask each time you read the Word of God are: Who wrote it? To whom was it written? Why was it written? What is its purpose? Tips and Tools Blue Letter Bible- Translations of Hebrew/Greek, also has commentaries of Scripture explaining in greater depth the meaning Just use Google! - obviously we can not trust everything on the internet, so check for a reliable source and read with caution while applying and testing EVERYTHING to Scripture- if it does line up with the entirety of the Word of God, then it's wrong. Ask! - Ask a friend, mentor, or your pastor any questions that you may have Also fill out the card below the FAQ's with any questions you may have, and we will do our best to get back to you, via email, asap. Check out the "What are some practical methods to study the Bible?" (see the 3rd method listed) for a step by step method of studying the Bible in historical/cultural context. As one can see, in order to gather a fuller reality of God's intention and meaning within scripture, we MUST read the context, and familiarize ourselves with the language differences and the background/culture of the time/location that the Scriptures were written within.

The Bible is arguably the most reliable historical book we have to date. Check out why: The New Testament has more copies of the manuscript than any other writing in history. There are around 5,800 copies to be exact. AND the copies only range 275 years from the original. This is less time and even more copies than the great philosophers' writings that historians take as facts and we read today, such as Homer, Demosthenes, Tacitus, Ceaser, Sophocles, Plato, and Artistotle. Homer's Iliad- 643 copies, 400 yrs from orig. Demosthenes - 200 copies, 1,000 yrs from orig. Tacitus (Annals)- 20 copies, 1,000 yrs from orig. Ceaser (Gallic Wars)- 10 copied, 1,000 yrs from orig. Sophocles- 193 copies, 1,400 yrs from orig. Plato Tetrologies- 7 copies, 1,200 yrs from orig. Aristotle- 5 copies, 1,400 yrs from orig. ^^If we take these philosophers' writings as facts, and there are only a handful of copies, in comparison to the number of copies of the New Testament, of what they wrote, why don't we take the Bible as fact, when there are tremendously more copies and a significantly less gap of time between the writing of the orig. and the writing of the copies? Historical records that speak to Jesus' resurrection date back to only months after his resurrection, and all state that over 500 separate individuals saw Jesus alive after seeing His death on the cross. 9 ancient sources inside and outside the Bible confirmed that the disciples and others encountered Jesus after His death on the cross, confirming the resurrection. Including Saul of Tarsus, a man who lived to kill Christians. Yet, after seeing and encountering Jesus, Saul became Paul- the great apostle we hear about today! Medical science confirms His death.- that due to the brutality of the crucifixion that the Romans had, there was no possible way any man could survive. Records also show that Jesus was properly buried in the tomb and had Roman guards guarding it. There was no possibility that He never died or that His body was taken. Women discovered the tomb. We read about this in the four Gospels- Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John (Matt. 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20). In these times, women were considered "unreliable sources". So, if the resurrection was fake and each of the writers of each Gospel were writing "fake" accounts, why would they say women found the tomb empty? This would only damage their case if it was truly a fake story to try to promote Christianity. But it wasn't! Each writer's account support another and they write that women found the tomb empty because that's truly what happened! Jesus is alive! Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are all either written with or by DIRECT witnesses of Jesus' life. There are also over 300 prophecies fulfilled by Jesus throughout the Old Testament and verified in the New Testament and by other historical documents. The last book of the Old Testament was written 400 years prior to Jesus' birth. And Jesus fulfilled every single last one of the prophecies that spoke of the Messiah to come within the Old Test. How could the Old Testament and New Testament coincide with so many different authors and the time gap?- Only because it was divinely inspired by God. How could Jesus fulfill over 300 prophecies in the Old Testament? - Because He is the TRUE son of God and Messiah that came to seek and save the lost. Here are a few examples of prophecies fulfilled by Jesus hundreds of years after the Old Testament was written. Genesis 49:10 speaks of the rule not departing from the tribe of Judah & FULFILLED in---> Luke 3:33 speaks of Jesus being born from the line of the tribe of Judah Exodus 12:46 and Psalm 34:20 speaks to Jesus' bones not being broken at His death & FULFILLED in------> John 19:31 speaks how Jesus' bones were not broken on the cross Normally in Roman culture, during a crucifixion, they will break the criminal's legs to end their death quicker. This is because if their legs were broken, they could no longer push their body up to breathe, therefore they would die quicker as they suffocated. We see in the Gospels of the story of Jesus' crucifixion, that unlike normal crucifixion, they did not break Jesus' bones because Jesus' death was not prolonged as the normal crucifixion.

Jesus encourages us to read the Word daily but does not give us a set limit. Psalm 1:2 - “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.” Joshua 1:8 - "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." From a practical standpoint, read as much as you are able and as much as you can retain. Sometimes when we read quickly or too much at one time, we don't retain the information we read. So, read as much as you are able to retain. Jesus isn't going to harp on you for only reading one chapter- He just wants your time. Take your time so that you are able to retain what you are reading.

**Check out the chart above^^ The Old Testament of the Bible was originally written in mainly the Hebrew language, and some parts are in Aramaic. The New Testament of the Bible was written originally in Greek. Today, we have many translations of the Bible depending on three factors: Literal, dynamic equivalent, and free. Literal Translation: a word-for-word translation This translation is sometimes harder to understand, as the Hebrew/Greek/Aramaic does not directly translate to english equivalent. Free Translation: Paraphrase This translation was written to be easier to read and understand. However, paraphrases can sometimes change the original meaning too much. - Because of this, I would not recommend using this type of translation. If you do choose to use this type of translation, I would recommend using it alongside a more accurate translation- whether that be literal or dynamic equivalent. Dynamic Equivalent: A mix between literal and free It is a thought-for-thought translation, aiming to transfer the meaning of phrases or groups of words from the original to an English equivalent. I would recommend finding a translation that is dynamic equivalent- for accuracy, but also for easier comprehension. The most important thing is that you understand what you are reading. ***Personal opinion: The NLT is a good start- especially for a new believer! (it is easy to comprehend as well as more accurate than a free translation)***

Firstly, you must notice the difference between 'reading' and 'studying'. Many people read their Bibles similarly to reading any other book. They’re left with a story and a handful of interesting quotes. Some read their Bible by jumping around- on Monday they may read a verse/chapter from Galatians, Tuesday they find themselves in Exodus, etc. ^^This type of 'Reading' exposes the Christian to God’s word, but it doesn’t require them to actually understand what it means. To understand what God’s word means, we must study it. Study happens when we don’t just take the text at face value, but dig deeper into what the writer is saying, who they are saying it to, why they are saying it, and what chapters/verses before and after it says (READ CONTEXT!). We must meditate on the Word (Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:2), meaning to 'ponder'- to weigh, reflect. Before beginning to read, the first step to ANY method is to PRAY- John 14:26 - "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." The Holy Spirit is our teacher! 1 Corinthians 2:10 - "But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God." The Holy Spirit reveals revelation of God unto us! John 16:13-15 - "However, when He, the Spirit of the truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you." The Holy Spirit reveals to us truth! John 15:26- "But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me." The Holy Spirit reveals Jesus to us! Pray a simple prayer such as this: Thank you Jesus that Your Word is alive and active. I pray Holy Spirit that you would be my teacher. Reveal Jesus to me as I read Your Word. I pray the seed of Your Word would go deep into my heart and bear much fruit. Open my eyes to see and my ears to hear what You would have to say. There is no specific way to study the Bible-. There is not a wrong way or a right way. Choose what works for you! As long as you are getting into your Word- that's what is most important. Here are a couple simple and practical methods you can use: The S.O.A.P. method - Scripture Read a chapter of the Bible slowly If there are specific verses that stick out to you, you can write them down 1-2 times. Observation Take notes on what you observe, and answer questions such as: Who wrote the passage? Who was it written to? In what geographical location was it written? And when was it written? Why was it written? What is the purpose of the passage? You can also write down interesting facts or points that you observe. Application Consider how what you read applies to your life and how you can apply it going forward For example, you can ask yourself, "What will you do today because of what you read?" . Prayer Talk to God about what you just read, or anything else on your mind. You can write out your prayer or pray it out loud. Study a Book of the Bible: Select a book of the Bible to read through Each day read through however many chapters as you have time to. Then read through a second time while underlining keywords and phrases and writing down notes of observations. Write down what God is saying in each chapter and identify a theme. Identify the central theme of the book Write down key points you learned in the book- whether they are informative or applicable truths. As you work through the book of the Bible, you can even create an outline of it in its entirety. Topical: This method is great within a study, but I would encourage you not to use this method consistently or in replace of your daily reading. This is because we do not want to choose a topic then fit scripture into it. We want to use scripture to tell us about a topic and we always want to read within the context of the scripture and not twist it to mean what we want it to. However, this is method is great when you are curious about a particular subject. For instance, if I wanted to learn more about what the Word says about healing or about prayer, etc. You may use a physical or digital concordance to search what the Bible says about a particular topic. A concordance is a form that lists Biblical words in order to enable someone to find Scripture where a specific word occurs. There are online Biblical concordances that you can use! For example, when you look up the word courage in your concordance, you’ll find several references. To use this Topical method, follow these steps: Select a topic and look it up in a concordance Choose 10-20 verses on the subject. Read the verses. Write down observations- compare/contrast what each verse says about that particular topic Make a conclusion on what the central theme about the topic is Note how you can apply this to your life and share with others How to study the Bible culturally/historically: As you get deeper into the Word of God, I suggest studying into the historical/cultural context of the Word - Check out the question: "How do I study the Bible?" to see its importance! Studying the historical/cultural context of the Bible will allow you to take a deep dive into Scripture. This method examines a passage and its context to determine what it says, what it meant to the original audience, and what it means to us today Follow these steps: Start with observation. Approach the passage asking these questions: **More than likely this information is included in each book- if it is not, don't be afraid to use other reliable historical sources that may have that information- if you can't find the answer, just move on to the next question** Who wrote it? To whom was it written? In what time period was it written? In what geographical location was it written? Why was it written?- What is its purpose? As you read, note key words, contrasts, and comparisons- anything that points to biblical truth and may be repeated for emphasis. 2. Find the deeper meaning and ask questions such as: a. What is the cultural and/or historical context of this passage? b. What else do I know about the book, author, and broader context of the passage? c. What other Scripture may help me better interpret this one? d. Is there anything you have overlooked, and have you made any underlying assumptions that filter your interpretation? 3. Summarize what you see as the central theme (meaning) of the text. 4. Apply what you have learned a. What do the biblical truths you discovered mean to your life? These are just a few of many methods that work to study the Bible. Find what works best for you!

Do you need to go to church to be saved? This we do know: Church does NOT save anyone. Jesus saves! Salvation is through belief in Jesus and Jesus alone (Romans 10:9) and repentance (1 John 3:9). Therefore, the technical answer is no, you don't need to go to church to be saved. Look at it like this: Does a wife need to live in the same house her husband in order for them to be married? - No, but it definitely grows their marriage if they do. And, how likely is it that their marriage lasts without living together? In the same way, you don't need to go to church to be saved, but through church, you grow, are encouraged, taught, and strengthened. Look at what the Bible says about those who isolate themselves: Proverbs 18:1 - "A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; he rages against all wise judgment." Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 - "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up." Overall, the technical answer is "no" you do not need to go to church to be saved, but as a believer in Christ, who is in love with Jesus, why would you not? - There is safety, longevity, growth, and support found within the church and with a community of believers.

Why is church important? Read below about what the Bible says... You need the body of Christ - Hebrews 10:25 states, “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” We see in this scripture in Hebrews is one of the main reasons you should go to church: Because Jesus said to! Because Jesus did it- Jesus surrounded Himself with the twelve disciples, therefore we too need to be with other followers of Jesus. Encouragement- Paul says in Romans 1:12, “that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.” The fellowship with other believers encourages and exhorts. Growth - Proverbs 27:17 states, “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” In fellowship with another follower of Jesus, your faith will be sharpened and will produce growth. Teaching - Matthew 18:19-20 - "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;". - Jesus' last words before His ascension a command for Christians to multiply and make disciples. How are we made disciples? By "observing all things He has commanded"- by teaching. How are we to be taught? - Church To sum it up plainly, the church is needed for ANY follower of Jesus because: To get to know other followers of Jesus and build friendships that will encourage you in your faith. To grow deeper in your faith and learn- you will hear teaching from the Bible that will help you to understand your faith better and enable growth. To be in Jesus’ presence with others- as Jesus states in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” To serve- the church will give you opportunities to serve within in the church as well as in outreach outside of the church to be a blessing to your community because Jesus tells us in Matthew 25:35-40, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

Try to find a church where you can really belong. There are many different types of churches. Take your time to find the right one for you. The most important things to look for in the church you choose are: Churches that teach the FULL Word of God- ALL scripture Teach that Jesus is the ONLY way Teach repentance (turning from sin and turning to Jesus) Teach about the power of the Holy Spirit (Baptism/giftings- Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11) Churches that allow you and enable you to encounter God through the Word and through worship by the power of the Holy Spirit. Churches that have people who are friendly and encourage you to grow in your faith Also, simply pray for direction as to where the Lord desires you to go! He will make it clear to you. Once you find the right church: Once you find the right church that teaches the FULL word of God, where you are able to encounter Jesus’ presence, and where you feel at home, then begin to get plugged in! Meet new people and build relationships Get plugged into small groups and/or Bible studies Go to any events hosted by that church Once you feel rooted, begin to serve in any areas they need help in within the church and also in their outreach ministries

The topic of LGBTQ+ is a topic of controversy among some of the Christian church, and in reality, there is no reason as to why this should be debated. God makes it very clear for the church as to where to stand on the issue. Let's take a look at scripture: The truth is, just as adultery or being a drunkard or a thief is a sin, homosexuality is a sin. Homosexuality includes transgenderism or anything LGBTQ+ - as it goes against how God originally created us. God is very clear about it. Read below: Scripture on homosexuality - Leviticus 18:22 - "You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination." Romans 1:26-27 - "For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due." 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 - "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God." Scripture on how marriage is between MAN and WOMAN - Matthew 19:5 - "and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'." Colossians 3:18 - "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord." Scripture on transgenderism/multiple genders: Genesis 1:27 - "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." God created mankind as MALE and FEMALE - not anything in between. Deuteronomy 22:5 - "A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman’s garment, for all who do so are an abomination to the Lord your God." God intentionally designed and created you. Why would He be wrong? Why would He place you in the wrong body? Jeremiah 1:5 - "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you..." Psalm 139:13-14 - "For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made..." Many apart of the LGBTQ+ community like to argue that "they were born this way". The truth is, the Bible speaks exactly to that! - Psalm 51:5 - "Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me."- We were all born into sin. Ephesians 2:3 - "among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others." Romans 5:12 - "Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned." We were born into sin. That's why Jesus tells us that we need to be born again! John 3:3 - "Jesus answered and said to him, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'" The good news is that Jesus took our sin for us so we could be born again! 1 Peter 2:24 - "who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed." The truth is, homosexuality is a sin and should not be supported by the body of Christ. Does this mean to hate the LGBTQ+ community and not treat them with love? Absolutely not. Jude 1:22-23 reads, "And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh." This scripture reveals to us that we HATE the sin defiling the flesh, not the person. This means that as Christians, we do not HATE the LGBTQ+ person, we simply hate the sin they are in and committing. Because we know that sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2) and to be separated from God is a nightmare for all who truly know Him. TRUE LOVE and FREEDOM are in and with God. Romans 1:32 reads, "who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them." Romans plainly tells us that although we may not indulge in that specific sin, even approving of it is sin. Ephesians 4:15 tells us to speak the truth (which is the WORD of GOD), in love. That even tho it may be hard to tell our LGBTQ+ friend or family member that they are in sin and going down a wrong path, but that Jesus can deliver them from it, we must do so. Romans 8:32 - "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

The word 'abortion' is not found anywhere within the Bible. However, the word 'pedophilia' is not found within the Bible either. Just because one single word is not within the Bible does NOT mean it is condoned by the Bible. The Biblical principles found within Scripture clearly show right from wrong, including what us, as Christians', view on abortion should be. Consider these Scriptures: Leviticus 17:11- "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul." Deuteronomy 12:23- "Only be sure that you do not eat the blood, for the blood is the life; you may not eat the life with the meat." Clearly seen in the Scriptures above, life is in the blood. At only 22 days of development, scientists have observed that a baby's heart begins beating and pumping its own blood. If you only take this Scripture, life begins at 22 days. HOWEVER, the Bible refutes even abortion before 22 days. Read further below... Moreover, consider these Scriptures: Psalms 139:13-15- "For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth." Isaiah 44:2- "Thus says the Lord who made you and formed you from the womb..." Jeremiah 1:5- "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Clearly found in the Scriptures above, Jesus forms us and covers us in the womb. He knows us before we were even born! Therefore, it is shown that life does not only begin at birth, but even before being formed in the womb. Furthermore, consider the Scripture below: Luke 1:41- "And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit." Clearly seen in this Scripture it was the baby that leaped in Elizabeth's womb, not Elizabeth. The baby responded to the Holy Spirit, showing LIFE and the baby's own personal response to the Lord. Lastly, consider the Scripture below: Genesis 16:4, 11: " 4 So he went in to Hagar, and she conceived. And when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress became despised in her eyes. 11 And the Angel of the Lord said to her: 'Behold, you are with child, and you shall bear a son." Clearly seen within this Scripture, that directly after conception, the angel said "behold you are with child"- NOT with an embryo, but CHILD- showing life at conception. Not only is it just a sin to murder, but the Lord hates the murder of innocent humans. Read below... Exodus 23:7- "Keep yourself far from a false matter; do not kill the innocent and righteous. For I will not justify the wicked" Proverbs 6:16-17- "These six things the Lord hate, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood" Therefore, if we see that Scripture clearly proves God knew us even before forming us in the womb and that life begins at conception, then abortion would be considered the murder of a child. AND as any would guess, murder is sin, but even further so, the killing of the innocent is something the Lord hates and considers wicked. Therefore, abortion is murder which is therefore sin and is wrong.

For starters, no candidate is perfect and no party is prefect. HOWEVER, based on Scripture, Jesus gives us how to vote in reference to politics. The major issues to look at are stances on abortion, homosexuality, and Israel - Abortion- The Bible clearly shows that abortion is wrong. See the FAQ on abortion in this section for more depth on this topic and the Scripture to prove it. Homosexuality- The Bible clearly shows that homosexuality is wrong. See the FAQ on homosexuality in this section for more depth on this topic and the Scripture to prove it. Israel- We should stand with Israel. Israel is a land in which God says repeatedly in Scripture, “This is Mine”(i.e. Joel 1:6). Before salvation spread to the Gentiles, it was for the Jews- John 4:22 reads, "You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews". Jesus tells us that as Gentiles, we are grafted in with the Jews. - Romans 11:17 - "...and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree". Jesus was a Jew! Leviticus 25:23 - "The land shall not be sold permanently, for the land is Mine; for you are strangers and sojourners with Me." Therefore, stand with the side that is against abortion and homosexuality and that stands with Israel. Comparing the political parties of Democrat vs. Republican, the one that meets the appropriate stances on each of these issues is the Republican party.

Drinking is a controversial topic within the church. There are no Scripture that explicitly states to not drink alcohol. However, before you take and run with that, look at what the exactly Word of God has to say about it: DO NOT GET DRUNK Isaiah 5:11 - "Woe to those who rise early in the morning, that they may follow intoxicating drink; who continue until night, till wine inflames them!" Ephesians 5:18 - "And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit". Romans 13:13 - "Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy." Proverbs 23:21 - "For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe a man with rags." 1 Corinthians 6:12 - "nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God." Be SOBER-minded: Alcohol deters our thinking. You are not sober-minded with too much consumption of alcohol. And the Bible clearly states to keep a sober mind: 1 Peter 5:8 - "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 1:13 - "Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;". Additionally, even sober, social drinking has its boundaries. Because, Romans 14:21 reads, "It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak." Do nothing that may cause your brother to stumble. How are you to know if that is a struggle of one of your friends, family, or anyone else in the room? So, what does drinking alone benefit? **PERSONAL OPINION- How do you get drunk? By drinking right? Right. So, what's the best way to not get drunk? Just don't drink. FOR LEADERS: There are even more limitations as a leader within the body of Christ, as the Bible clearly teaches that leaders are held to a higher standard (Lev. 21:6, James 3:1). It teaches that elders can drink small amounts, but bishops should not drink at all. 1 Timothy 3:2-3 - "A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous;". Titus 2:2-3 - "that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things—". Titus 1:7-8 - "For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled".

The Bible very clearly reveals that sex outside of marriage is a sin. Check out what Scripture says: 1 Corinthians 6:18 - "Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body." 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7 - "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness." Colossians 3:5-7 - "Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them." The New Testament was originally written in Greek. In Greek, the word "sexual immorality" (1 Cor. 6:18 and 1 Thess. 4:3-7) and 'fornication' (Col. 3:5-7) are both, 'porneia', which means illicit sexual intercourse. Marriage is a covenant bond between a man and woman, sealed by the union of sexual intimacy (Gen. 2:24). Paul says “But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than burn with passion” (1Corinthians 7:9). Within this verse, Paul acknowledges that sexual passion belongs inside of a marriage and not outside of it. Hebrews 13:4 - "Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge." The New Testament was originally written in Greek. In Greek, the word "fornicator" is 'pornos', which means someone who indulges in unlawful sexual intercourse. God instructs us that in order to keep marriage as honorable as God designed it to be, the bed should be kept undefiled, meaning pure. It is kept pure by abstaining from sexual intimacy outside of the marriage covenant.

Tarot cards are seen as tools of fortune-telling, offering information about the present, past, and future. So the question is, as a Christian, should I believe/practice these things? The short answer is no. Why? - Worshipping anything rather than the one who created ALL things is out of order. Romans 1:24-25 reads, "Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen." People who practice such things are saying that they will believe upon tarot cards to determine their identity and destiny. Why, as Christians, would we look to anything or anyone other than the Lord for identity, direction, or guidance? Matthew 4:10 - "Then Jesus said to him, 'Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.'" - Look to ONLY Jesus. Genesis 1:26- "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness...'"- Our identity is found ONLY in Him. Proverbs 16:9- "A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."- He plans our steps and destiny, NOT the stars. The Bible speaks of divination apart from the Lord -> Isaiah 47:13-14 - "You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels; let now the astrologers, the stargazers, and the monthly prognosticators stand up and save you from what shall come upon you. Behold, they shall be as stubble, The fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame; It shall not be a coal to be warmed by, nor a fire to sit before!" **Prognosticators are ones who foretell future events- such as using astrology signs to foretell destiny.** Isaiah 47 directly points this out as evil and says that those who practice such things will fall! 2 Kings 21:6 - "Also he made his son pass through the fire, practiced soothsaying, used witchcraft, and consulted spiritists and mediums. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke Him to anger." - Manasseh consulted other things/spirits about his future/destiny rather than the Lord which as seen above God classifies as evil. 1 Corinthians 10:13-14, "So, Saul died for his unfaithfulness which he had committed against the Lord, because he did not keep the word of the Lord, and also because he consulted a medium for guidance. But he did not inquire of the Lord; therefore He killed him, and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse." Saul did not keep the Word and did NOT inquire of the Lord, but instead consulted other things/spirits which as seen in this Scripture, God saw as evil and unfaithful. Quite clearly does the Bible portray the wickedness of seeking divination from anything/anyone apart from the Lord. Seek Jesus and Jesus alone!

Horoscopes/zodiacs uses astrology and is believed to provide information about the present time, but also to predict the future. Each sign is a specific time of the year. The belief is that whatever sign your birthday falls under that sign will predict your personality, traits, tendencies and/or future events and destiny. The Zodiac system was developed by Ancient Babylonians, who were primary a polytheistic people worshipping many gods. So the question is, as a Christian, should I believe/practice these things? The short answer is no. Why? - Worshipping anything rather than the one who created ALL things is out of order. Romans 1:24-25 reads, "Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen." It was a belief began by a group of polytheistic people who worshipped many gods. This should be a major red flag. As a Christian, we worship God and God alone (Ex. 20:3). Additionally, people who practice such things are saying that they will believe upon astrology to determine their identity and destiny. Why, as Christians, would we look to anything or anyone other than the Lord for identity, direction, or guidance? Matthew 4:10 - "Then Jesus said to him, 'Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.'" - Look to ONLY Jesus. Genesis 1:26- "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness...'"- Our identity is found ONLY in Him. Proverbs 16:9- "A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."- He plans our steps and destiny, NOT the stars. The Bible speaks of astrologers, and not in a good way... Daniel 1:20 reads, "And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm." The Lord's people were the wisest in all the land- not magicians or astrologers, but those who were the Lord's! Why look to anyone or anything else other than the One who is above all (John 3:31). Isaiah 47:13-14 - "You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels; let now the astrologers, the stargazers, and the monthly prognosticators stand up and save you from what shall come upon you. Behold, they shall be as stubble, The fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame; It shall not be a coal to be warmed by, nor a fire to sit before!" **Prognosticators are ones who foretell future events- such as using astrology signs to foretell destiny.** Isaiah 47 directly points out astrology and horoscopes as evil and says that those who practice such things will fall! 2 Kings 21:6 - "Also he made his son pass through the fire, practiced soothsaying, used witchcraft, and consulted spiritists and mediums. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke Him to anger." - Manasseh consulted other things/spirits about his future/destiny rather than the Lord which as seen above God classifies as evil. 1 Corinthians 10:13-14, "So, Saul died for his unfaithfulness which he had committed against the Lord, because he did not keep the word of the Lord, and also because he consulted a medium for guidance. But he did not inquire of the Lord; therefore He killed him, and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse." Saul did not keep the Word and did NOT inquire of the Lord, but instead consulted other things/spirits which as seen in this Scripture, God saw as evil and unfaithful. Overall, as seen above, astrology is NOT of the Lord. We must look to Jesus and Jesus ALONE for our identity, destiny, and future.

Psychics are often consulted for counsel as it is believed that they are able to see the future and predict events. So, as a Christian, should I go to and/or encourage the use of psychics? - The short answer is no. Why? - Worshipping anything rather than the one who created ALL things is out of order. Romans 1:24-25 reads, "Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen." People who go to and/or encourage the use of psychics are saying that they will believe upon this person to determine their identity and destiny. Why, as Christians, would we look to anything or anyone other than the Lord for identity, direction, or guidance? Matthew 4:10 - "Then Jesus said to him, 'Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.'" - Look to ONLY Jesus. Genesis 1:26- "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness...'"- Our identity is found ONLY in Him. Proverbs 16:9- "A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."- He plans our steps and destiny, NOT the stars. The Bible speaks of divination apart from the Lord -> Isaiah 47:13-14 - "You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels; let now the astrologers, the stargazers, and the monthly prognosticators stand up and save you from what shall come upon you. Behold, they shall be as stubble, The fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame; It shall not be a coal to be warmed by, nor a fire to sit before!" **Prognosticators are ones who foretell future events- such as using astrology signs to foretell destiny.** Isaiah 47 directly points this out as evil and says that those who practice such things will fall! 2 Kings 21:6 - "Also he made his son pass through the fire, practiced soothsaying, used witchcraft, and consulted spiritists and mediums. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke Him to anger." - Manasseh consulted other things/spirits about his future/destiny rather than the Lord which as seen above God classifies as evil. 1 Corinthians 10:13-14, "So, Saul died for his unfaithfulness which he had committed against the Lord, because he did not keep the word of the Lord, and also because he consulted a medium for guidance. But he did not inquire of the Lord; therefore He killed him, and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse." Saul did not keep the Word and did NOT inquire of the Lord, but instead consulted other things/spirits, which as seen in this Scripture, God saw as evil and unfaithful. Quite clearly does the Bible portray the wickedness of seeking divination from anything/anyone apart from the Lord. Seek Jesus and Jesus alone!

Crystals are believed that have energy that connect you to "the balance of nature and align you with the higher vibrations of the Universe." The belief is that every each crystal is powerful, offering different things to help improve the user's life. So, as a Christian, should I go to and/or encourage the use of crystals? - The short answer is no. Why? - Worshipping anything rather than the one who created ALL things is out of order. Romans 1:24-25 reads, "Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen." People who go to and/or encourage the use of crystals are saying that they will trust upon this rock to determine their protection, moods, destinies, etc. Why, as Christians, would we look to anything or anyone other than the Lord for identity, direction, guidance, joy, peace, etc.? He provides all that we need!! We do not need Jesus and anything- just Him and Him alone!! Matthew 4:10 - "Then Jesus said to him, 'Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.'" - Look to ONLY Jesus. Genesis 1:26- "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness...'"- Our identity is found ONLY in Him. Proverbs 16:9- "A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."- He plans our steps and destiny, NOT the stars. Philippians 4:19- "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." - Look no where else. He supplies all we need!! John 15:11- "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy remain in you, and that your joy may be full." - He is our JOY. True joy, peace (Eph. 2:14), love (1 John 4:16), etc. can ONLY ever be found in Jesus. You will never be able to find that in a rock and to think you can is to dishonor Jesus. The Bible speaks of divination apart from the Lord -> Isaiah 47:13-14 - "13 You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels; let now the astrologers, the stargazers, and the monthly prognosticators stand up and save you from what shall come upon you. 14 Behold, they shall be as stubble, The fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame; It shall not be a coal to be warmed by, nor a fire to sit before!" **Prognosticators are ones who foretell future events- such as using astrology signs to foretell destiny.** Isaiah 47 directly points this out as evil and says that those who practice such things will fall! 2 Kings 21:6 - "Also he made his son pass through the fire, practiced soothsaying, used witchcraft, and consulted spiritists and mediums. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke Him to anger." - Manasseh consulted other things/spirits about his future/destiny rather than the Lord which as seen above God classifies as evil. 1 Corinthians 10:13-14, "13 So, Saul died for his unfaithfulness which he had committed against the Lord, because he did not keep the word of the Lord, and also because he consulted a medium for guidance. 14 But he did not inquire of the Lord; therefore He killed him, and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse." Saul did not keep the Word and did NOT inquire of the Lord, but instead consulted other things/spirits which as seen in this Scripture, God saw as evil and unfaithful. Quite clearly does the Bible portray the wickedness of seeking divination from anything/anyone apart from the Lord. Seek Jesus and Jesus alone!

The evil eye is a symbol and curse that is believed to be used to protect against negative energies, misfortune, and ill will. It originated from ancient Greek culture, who were primarily a polytheistic people worshipping many gods. So the question is, as a Christian, should I believe/practice the evil eye? The short answer is no. Why? - Worshipping anything rather than the one who created ALL things is out of order. Romans 1:24-25 reads, "Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen." It was a belief began by a group of polytheistic people who worshipped many gods. This should be a major red flag. As a Christian, we worship God and God alone (Ex. 20:3). Additionally, people who practice/believe the evil eye are saying that they will trust upon this symbol for protection. Why, as Christians, would we look to anything or anyone other than the Lord for protection? Is He not enough to keep us from evil?- He is MORE than enough. He is the one who reigns above all!! Matthew 4:10 - "Then Jesus said to him, 'Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.'" - Look to ONLY Jesus. Genesis 1:26- "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness...'"- Our identity is found ONLY in Him. Proverbs 16:9- "A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."- He plans our steps and destiny, NOT the stars. 2 Thessalonians 3:3- "But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one." - Jesus protects us! He is all that we need!! Ephesians 1:20-22 - "He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all." - There is NO ONE above Jesus. He reigns above ALL- therefore why look to anything or anyone else for protection? The Bible speaks of seeking divination apart from the Lord -> Daniel 1:20 reads, "And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm." The Lord's people were the wisest in all the land- not magicians or astrologers, but those who were the Lord's! Why look to anyone or anything else other than the One who is above all (John 3:31). Isaiah 47:13-14 - "You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels; let now the astrologers, the stargazers, and the monthly prognosticators stand up and save you from what shall come upon you. Behold, they shall be as stubble, The fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame; It shall not be a coal to be warmed by, nor a fire to sit before!" **Prognosticators are ones who foretell future events- such as using astrology signs to foretell destiny.** Isaiah 47 directly points out astrology and horoscopes as evil and says that those who practice such things will fall! 2 Kings 21:6 - "Also he made his son pass through the fire, practiced soothsaying, used witchcraft, and consulted spiritists and mediums. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke Him to anger." Manasseh consulted other things/spirits about his future/destiny rather than the Lord which as seen above God classifies as evil. 1 Corinthians 10:13-14, "So, Saul died for his unfaithfulness which he had committed against the Lord, because he did not keep the word of the Lord, and also because he consulted a medium for guidance. But he did not inquire of the Lord; therefore He killed him, and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse." Saul did not keep the Word and did NOT inquire of the Lord, but instead consulted other things/spirits which as seen in this Scripture, God saw as evil and unfaithful. Quite clearly does the Bible portray the wickedness of seeking divination from anything/anyone apart from the Lord. Seek Jesus and Jesus alone!