Faith but not blind faith

 The Bible encourages faith, but not blind or unquestioning faith. It values seeking understanding and discerning truth, as seen in passages like 1 Thessalonians 5:21, which urges believers to "test everything, hold on to what is good". 

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Faith as Trust, Not Blind Acceptance:

The Bible emphasizes faith as trust in God based on His character and promises, not simply accepting something without question. 

Seeking Understanding:

The Bible encourages believers to seek knowledge and understanding of God's Word and ways. 

Testing and Discernment:

Passages like 1 Thessalonians 5:21 and 1 John 4:1 encourage believers to "test everything" and to discern between truth and falsehood. 

Examples in the Bible:

Thomas's Doubt: The story of Thomas, who initially doubted Jesus' resurrection, highlights the importance of seeking evidence and not blindly accepting everything. 

Paul's Defense: Paul, in 1 Peter 3:15, encourages believers to be prepared to defend their faith and explain the hope they have in Christ. 

Passages to Consider:

1 Thessalonians 5:21: "Test everything; hold on to what is good." 

1 John 4:1: "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world." 

Proverbs 3:13: "Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for it is better to seek wisdom than to seek silver, and to get understanding rather than gold."

what is in the heart comes out of the mouth

 The saying "what is in the heart comes out of the mouth" means that a person's words and actions reflect their true feelings and beliefs, often found in religious teachings like the Bible. 

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Biblical Context:

The phrase is rooted in biblical teachings, particularly in Matthew 12:34 and Matthew 15:18, where Jesus states that "the mouth speaks what the heart is full of" and "what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart". 

Reflection of Inner State:

The saying suggests that a person's words and actions are a manifestation of their inner thoughts, values, and character. 

Positive and Negative Implications:

If a person's heart is filled with good things like love, kindness, and compassion, their words and actions will likely reflect that. Conversely, if their heart is filled with negativity, their words and actions may reflect that as well. 

Practical Application:

This saying serves as a reminder to cultivate a positive and loving heart, as our words and actions can have a significant impact on others. 

Example:

If a person consistently speaks unkind or hurtful words, it may be an indication that their heart is not filled with love and compassion, but rather with negativity or anger.

Result of eternal seperation from God

 According to the Bible, dying in a state of sin, without repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, results in eternal separation from God, known as hell or eternal punishment. 

Here's a more detailed explanation:

The Wages of Sin is Death:

The Bible states that "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23), meaning that the consequence of sin is spiritual death and separation from God. 

Jesus's Role:

Jesus's death on the cross is presented as a sacrifice to atone for the sins of those who believe in him. 

Repentance and Faith:

To be forgiven of sins and have a relationship with God, the Bible teaches that people must repent of their sins and have faith in Jesus Christ as their savior. 

Eternal Consequences:

Those who die in a state of unrepentant sin are said to face eternal punishment, a place of judgment and separation from God, often referred to as hell or the lake of fire. 

Examples in the Bible:

John 8:24: "I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he, you will die in your sins." 

John 3:16-18: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God." 

Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." 

Hebrews 9:27: "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:"

Many will not enter the kingdome of God

 In Luke 13:24-28, Jesus emphasizes the urgency and difficulty of entering the kingdom of God, warning that many will strive to enter but fail, while some who seem unlikely will be welcomed, and those who are rejected will experience weeping and gnashing of teeth. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the key points:

"Strive to enter through the narrow door":

Jesus urges people to make every effort to enter the kingdom of God, implying that it requires a conscious and dedicated pursuit. 

"Many will seek to enter but will not be able":

This highlights the fact that simply trying to enter the kingdom will not guarantee success; a genuine and committed effort is necessary. 

"There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth":

This describes the lament and despair of those who are excluded from the kingdom, emphasizing the consequences of failing to enter. 

"You will see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out":

This underscores the possibility of those who seem unlikely to be saved entering the kingdom, while those who might have expected to be there are rejected. 

"They will come from east and west, north and south, and sit at the feast in the kingdom of God":

This suggests that the kingdom of God is open to people from all backgrounds and cultures, not just those who might be considered "deserving". 

"And some who are here will be last, and some who are last will be first":

This highlights the paradoxical nature of God's kingdom, where the lowly can be exalted and the proud can be humbled.

No there way to heaven

 The statement "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23) is a foundational concept in Christianity, emphasizing that everyone is in need of God's grace and forgiveness, and that death is the consequence of sin, not a barrier to heaven, but rather a path to it through faith in Jesus Christ. 

Here's a more detailed

 explanation: 

Universal Sinfulness:

The verse in Romans 3:23, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," highlights the universal nature of sin, meaning that no one is inherently righteous or perfect in God's eyes.

Need for Forgiveness:

This understanding underscores the need for forgiveness and redemption, as everyone has fallen short of God's standard of holiness.

God's Grace:

The following verse (Romans 3:24) introduces the concept of justification by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, offering a path to reconciliation with God.

Death and Eternal Life:

While death is the consequence of sin (Romans 6:23), the Christian faith offers the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, who died to atone for the sins of humanity.

Salvation:

Salvation is not earned through good deeds or following rules, but is a free gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ.

Not a Barrier to Heaven:

The death of a believer, therefore, is not a barrier to heaven, but a transition into the presence of God.

The Importance of Faith:

The Bible emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation and eternal life.

No there way to heaven 🙏

Five Clever Ways Demons Can Hear You and pick up Your Thoughts to work against you

 Demons can exploit weaknesses in your life by listening/watching to your thoughts and behaviors,

such as negative self-talk,

unhealthy habits, and

emotional triggers.

They use this knowledge to manipulate your mind and spirit.

 Understanding their tactics is crucial for fighting back and reclaiming peace. Protecting yourself from hidden spiritual attacks is essential.

1. Evil spirits work based on your words and behavior: -

Words have the power to shape our reality, shaping our thoughts, emotions, and spiritual well-being. The Bible teaches that our words eflect our deepest hearts, and when they align with negativity or bitterness, they give the enemy an open door to influence our life. Inner dialogue, which is often a reflection of how we perceive ourselves in our circumstances, can also be a battleground for demons.

When we align our thoughts with God's promises, we fortify our mind against spiritual attacks. Demons thrive in environments of doubt, insecurity, and self-defeat, and our words act as an invitation to them. By speaking positively affirmations based on God's truth, we strengthen our defense against demonic attacks and create a protective barrier around our spirit.

The power of words goes beyond personal battles; they also shape the world around us. If we frequently speak negatively about others or spread gossip, we allow negativity to consume our minds and create an opening for division, distrust, and strife. On the other hand, words that encourage build-up and inspire have the power to create unity and healing.

To change the way we speak, we must renew our minds and immerse ourselves in God's word. By speaking God's truth and love, we can close doors to demonic influence and open doors to blessings for ourselves and those around us. By choosing to speak life, truth, and watch how our reality shifts, we can make our words count and transform our world.

2. Daily habits that expose your spiritual vulnerabilities to the invisible forces around you:-

Daily habits reveal spiritual vulnerabilities to the unseen forces around us. Demons are not as overt as we might imagine, but they closely observe our everyday routines looking for cracks in our spiritual armor. These seemingly insignificant actions can open doors for demonic influence, as demons are patient and wait for small missteps to form habits that weaken our spiritual defenses.

Small repeated actions, such as procrastination, excessive worry, or indulging in toxic media, send signals that demons are watching ready to exploit our weaknesses. Procrastination fuels frustration, self-doubt, and feelings of inadequacy, leading to a cycle of negativity. Negative self-talk, for example, aligns us with defeat and makes it harder for us to trust God's promises.

The content we consume, whether it's toxic media gossip or casual negative conversations, shapes our mind and demons know this. They use these patterns as entry points for their influence. For example, constantly scrolling through social media comparing our lives to others can lead to a cycle of comparison and satisfaction, which demons exploit.

To build spiritual strength and close the doors to demonic influence, it's crucial to be mindful of what we allow into our heart and mind. By replacing procrastination with action, negativity with gratitude, and neglect with intentional time spent in prayer, we can take away the foothold demons have in our lives over time. By making small but intentional changes, we can strengthen our spiritual defenses, become more aware of the enemy's tactics, and stand firm in God's truth.

3. Emotions are powerful and can be a gateway for demonic attacks.

They reflect our thoughts, beliefs, and heart condition, and demons exploit these emotions to attack our mind and spirit. Fear, anger, and sadness are common emotional triggers that demons use to lead us down a path of doubt, bitterness, or despair.

Anger is another emotion that demons can manipulate, as it can lead to broken relationships, damaged trust, and a lack of peace. Envy, on the other hand, can make us feel inadequate or bitter, distorting our perception of God's blessings in our lives. This discontent can undermine joy and peace.

To guard against emotional manipulation, it is essential to recognize when your emotions are being hijacked by demons. Spiritual discernment and the Bible can help manage your emotional responses. Remembering God's faithfulness and the truth that God has a plan for your life can help counter negative emotional reactions.

By staying rooted in God's word, we can protect our hearts and minds from emotional attacks and stand firm in faith. By staying vigilant and discerning, we can overcome emotional manipulation and walk in the peace that God promises us. By staying rooted in God's word, we can stand firm in our faith and overcome the influence of emotions.

4. Demons study your words, actions, emotions, and habits to understand your vulnerabilities and can plant thoughts that feel like your own.

Demonic thoughts are subtle, subtle, and often unwitting distractions that can lead to negative emotions and insecurities. These thoughts can be planted in your mind and manipulated by demons, who are not omniscient but keen observers of your life. They study your words, actions, emotions, and habits to understand your vulnerabilities and can plant thoughts that feel like your own. These thoughts can be dismissed as passing worries or fleeting doubts, but demons exploit these moments to amplify them and strengthen the grip of fear, doubt, and insecurity.

Demons can also exploit feelings of inadequacy, such as feeling insecure about your career or comparing yourself to others. These negative thoughts can distort your sense of balance, contentment, and spiritual well-being. To reject demonic thoughts, recognize them for what they are and confront them.

The first step is to recognize that not all thoughts are your own. When a negative or intrusive thought enters your mind, evaluate it against God's truth to determine if it aligns with his promises or is designed to instill fear or doubt. If it contradicts God's word, reject it and take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ.

Second Corinthians 10:5 emphasizes the importance of confronting and confronting thoughts, especially those of fear or self-doubt. Speaking God's word out loud and aligning your mind with God's power and truth can help combat demonic thoughts. In Philippians 4:6-7, it is advised to pray and petition for discernment, as it is essential for staying grounded in truth. Surrounding oneself with positive influences, such as scripture, worship, or fellowship, can also help guard against demonic thoughts. Recognizing and rejecting these thoughts is crucial for protecting one's mind and spirit, ensuring a sanctuary for God's presence.

5. Build a fort by way of three powerful pillars: prayer, scripture, and accountability so that the enemy cannot breach.

Guarding your faith is like building a fortress that the enemy cannot breach. To do this, focus on three powerful pillars: prayer, scripture, and accountability. Prayer is the first line of defense, as it strengthens your direct connection to God. Inconsistent prayer can open doors for the enemy to sew seeds of doubt and confusion. Regular prayer makes it harder for demons to manipulate your thoughts and emotions.

Scripture is your weapon against spiritual attacks, as Jesus used the word of God in the wilderness to resist Satan's temptation. The Bible is not just a book of stories but the Living Word of God that provides guidance, protection, and strength. Being grounded in his word allows you to recognize lies and resist their influence.

Accountability is a powerful tool in protecting your faith. Having a community of like-minded believers helps keep you on track, encourage you, challenge you, and hold you accountable. Sharing your struggles and victories with others creates an environment where the enemy's influence is weakened.

Emotions are powerful and when left unchecked, they can open the door for the enemy to influence your thoughts. Meditation on God's promises anchors your emotions in his truth, and holding on to scriptures assures you that God is with you.

Strengthening your defenses is a daily commitment, but the rewards are lifechanging peace, joy, and victory in Christ. Remember, your victory is secure in Him.

Do some of our modern traditions actually contradict the teachings of scripture?

 Making the Word of God of No Effect by Our Traditions (Mark 7:1-16)

How do you apply Scripture? Here are few application questions:

 Is it okay for women to be elders in the local church?

 We will discuss those questions after we have considered Mark 7:1-16.There are many traditions in Christianity today that are deeply ingrained. Christians have been influenced by our churches, Christian authors and preachers, church history, culture, schools, press, and movies.

 How do we decide which traditions are good and which traditions are bad?

 The Commandment of Men: - 

Ceremonial Hand Washing (Mark 7:1-5). The religious leaders of Israel had a tradition that it was sin to eat without washing your hands “in a special way.” They did not say that it was a good idea. They said it was God’s commandment.

But there is no such commandment anywhere in the OT or NT, for that matter. This was something that the Jewish rabbis came up with over time. They studied the OT and came up with a list of hundreds of commandments that are not found in the OT. These were what they thought were reasonable applications of the OT.

But as this passage shows, we must take great care with applications. First, we must not elevate them to commandments. Second, we must take great care that our suggested applications do not actually contradict God’s commandments

Isaiah’s Prophecy about the Commandments of Men (Mark 7:6-8): -

Jesus does not directly address the actions of the disciples. He is clearly defending their actions. But His point is that it is the words and actions of the Pharisees and scribes that are wrong.

Isaiah rebuked the Jews of his generation for honoring God with their lips yet having hearts that were far from God. They did worship God. But their worship was “in vain.” Vain worship is empty worship. To take God’s name in vain is to use it in an empty way. To worship God with your words while your heart is a million miles away is vain worship.

Isaiah said that the reason their hearts were far from God and their worship was in vain was because of the traditions of men. The very issue that the Pharisees approached Jesus about, handwashing, was a contemporary example.

Jesus is saying that what Isaiah wrote 750 years before applies directly to the people confronting Him. How did the Pharisees “lay aside the commandment of God” (v 8)? The Lord goes on to give an example.

 Beware of Tradition Contradicting God’s Word (Mark 7:9-13):-

The Jews had come up with a tradition that said if you dedicated money to give to God, then you must pay it even if your aging parents need that money.

Jesus said that such a policy about Corban involves “making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down” (v 13).

The word Corban is merely the Greek letters put into English. Mark explains what it means when he writes, “that is, a gift to God.” In Jewish tradition, if you vowed to give so much money for the temple, then that pledged gift superseded all other obligations, including taking care of your elderly parents in need.

 Tradition can be bad. If a tradition contradicts the Word of God, then it is bad and should be rejected. Jesus Explains Why Handwashing Is Not a Religious Requirement (Mark 7:14-16).

 When Jesus speaks of defilement, he is talking not about physical disease, but of moral defilement. The Lord is not denying that we can get sick if we have a virus on our hands and we touch our nose or mouth or eyes. He is talking about moral defilement.

Jesus is saying that what we put into our mouths does not defile us morally, as the Pharisees believed. Instead, He was saying that what comes out of a man, what he says and what he does, is what defiles him morally. The Pharisees were defiled by their self-righteous words and actions. The disciples did nothing wrong by eating bread without ceremonially washing their hands first.

 Having women elders and pastors. Even some Bible churches have women elders. Many Evangelical churches have women preachers in the church service. But Scripture says that only older men are able to be elders (1 Tim 3:1-7). Women are not to exercise authority in the church, which means that they are not to be elders (1 Tim 2:12). In addition, women are to learn in silence during church (1 Tim 2:12), not to preach. This tradition of having women elders and preachers contradicts the commands of God.

  Conclusion:-

Can we recognize when our tradition leads us to violate the Word of God?  If I and/or any other author or speaker gives an application that seems to be contrary to the Word of God, then reject it unless you become convinced that it is consistent. We will each be evaluated by the Lord Jesus at the Judgment Seat of Christ for the ways in which we have applied the Word of God (2 Cor 5:9-10) which says :-  

 “Whether we are "at home" (in our earthly bodies) or "away" (in the afterlife), our aim should be to please God, as we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ to receive what is due for our actions in this body”.

 If we disobey Scripture due to faulty application, then that is on us.