Barking At Thunder

(Pastor Art Dunham sent this article on a mailing list today which I thought I would share with my faithful blog readers.)

With all the world's yelping about how God's Word is not true, and how they have found Jesus' bones, I thought this word from Spurgeon was appropriate...

Barking At Thunder by Charles H. Spurgeon

The first time our young dog heard the thunder it startled him. He leaped up, gazed around in anger, and then began to bark at the disturber of his peace. When the next crash came he grew furious, and flew round the room, seeking to tear in pieces the intruder who dared thus to defy him. It was an odd scene. The yelping of a dog pitted against the artillery of heaven! Poor foolish creature, to think that his bark could silence the thunder-clap, or intimidate the tempest! What was he like? His imitators are not far to seek. Among us at this particular juncture there are men of an exceedingly doggish breed who go about howling at their Maker. They endeavor to bark the Almighty out of existence, to silence the voice of his gospel, and to let him know that their rest is not to be disturbed by his warnings. We need not particularize; the creatures are often heard, and are very fond of public note, even when it takes an unfriendly form. Let them alone. They present a pitiful spectacle. We could smile at them if we did not feel much more compelled to weep. The elements of a tragedy are wrapt up in this comedy. To-day they defy their Maker, but to-morrow they may be crushed beneath his righteous indignation. At any rate, the idea of fearing them must never occur to us; their loudest noise is vocalized folly; their malice is impotent, their fury is mere fume. "He that sitteth in the heavens doth laugh: the Lord doth have them in derision."— C. H. S.

From the August 1883 Sword and Trowel

Sensible Soul Winning

(This is from our church visitation newsletter "Go Ye" which provides practical advice and helps regarding soul winning during our scheduled church-wide visitation. We usually have between 25 to 40 each Thursday night who goes out to share the Gospel in our community. A visitation night at church is good, but we need to remember to share the Gospel each day with those who God allows to cross our path or be a part of our life that day.)

1. Go two by two.
2. Go with a different partner each week.
3. Go determined.
4. Go believing.
5. Pray for a specific place to go.
6. Stop the first person you see on the way.
7. Stop everyone you see on the way.
8. Men stop men and ladies stop ladies.
9. Always be kind and courteous.
10. Before talking to a child, ask their parents for permission.
11. If you don't find anyone on the street, park the car, get out and start knocking on doors.
12. If all the lights are out in a house, don't knock on the door of that house.
13. When you find someone to talk to, introduce yourself and hand them a tract.
14. If they don't want to take a tract or they are not interested in hearing what you say, move on politely.
15. Tell them where you are from and what you are doing.
16. Don't surround the person you are talking to or back them up against a wall.
17. If they are interested, ask the question and present the plan of salvation.
18. Don't argue or debate your position. It's called confrontation soul winning, not combative soul winning.
19. If the Holy Spirit brings conviction and they get saved, take the time to give them assurance verses.
20. Always ask them to come to church with you and make arrangements to pick them up.
21. Keep following up on them until they come to church or they tell you not to come back.

My Old Bible

Though the covers be worn and the pages be torn,
And some places bear traces of tears
More precious than gold is this book worn and old,
That shatters and scatters my fears.

When I prayerfully look in this precious old book,
Much pleasure and treasure I see;
Many tokens of love from a Father above,
Who is nearest and dearest to me.

This book is my guide, a friend at my side,
It lightens and brightens my day;
Each promise I find soothes and
Gladdens my mind,
As I read it and heed it today.

To this book I will cling, of it's worth I will sing,
Though losses and crosses be mine.
For I cannot despair though surrounded by care,
While possessing this book so divine.

How To Avoid Improvement In Your Life

1. Always assume it is others who need to improve.
2. Maintain a "can't do" attitude.
3. Gossip about others regularly.
4. Find as many people who will agree with you about everything as you can.
5. Limit yourself to those tasks that you can do with ease.
6. Let everything "happen" to you. Do not make any real choices.
7. Complain about how everything "happens" to you.
8. Harbor envy.
9. Trash your spouse to your friends.
10. Assume that if another is successful, he must be crooked.
11. Always make excuses for why you failed.
12. Place "Murphy's Laws" on your wall at home of the office.
13. Never break out of your safety zone.
14. Never break out of your comfort zone.
15. Let criticism rule your life.
16. Believe the worst about others.
17. Believe most things are too difficult for you.
18. Don't read books.
19. Do watch lots of TV.
20. Do what you do for the money.
21. Do what you do for the approval.
22. Cheat when you can get away with it.
23. Avoid physical exercise.
24. Try to get by with the minimum effort.
25. Say, "That's not my job."
26. Believe you are special.
27. Believe others owe you something.
28. Accuse others of what you know, deep down in your heart, is true about your own self.
29. Do not ask God "What can I do for your glory?"
30. Do not ask others, "What can I do to help you?"
31. Believe that life it supposed to be easy.
32. Expect others to make your life easier.
33. Get angry when others fail to make your life easy.
34. Blame others with your own failures.
35. Make sure you get credit for everything you do.
36. Make others look bad when you can get away with it.
37. Be cynical because being cynical is "cool".
38. Be emotionally invested in other's failure.
39. Be a taker.
40. Whine a lot.
41. Reject your elders' counsel.
42. Believe your elders are stupid, ignorant, or un-hip.
43. Listen more to other losers than to winners.
44. Trust your own emotions.
45. Never apologize because you are never wrong.
46. Hold a grudge because you believe it will actually hurt the other person more than it hurts yourself.
47. Never become silent and submissive in the very presence of God.
48. Make excuses for why you can't do something
49. Blame God for your depression.
50. Believe that self promotion is a form of improvement.

Discerning Spiritual Relationships

(This devotional study is from the internet ministry of Pastor Paul Chappell of Lancaster Baptist Church in California, and president of West Coast Baptist College. If interested, you can find more information or sign up for the daily emails by visiting www.dailyintheword.org )

Psalm 1:1-2 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

Some parents will make a point of knowing who their children’s friends are. A friend can have a great affect on a child’s life. Yet, most of us have friends that influence our lives as well. Just as with young people, our friends can have a major impact on our lives. Whether a neighbor, coworker, or childhood companion, there is someone that each of us calls our friend, and that person could be influencing us in ways we never realized.

Christ wants us to have friends who are godly influences in our lives. Proverbs 22:24-25 says, “Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.” Christ knows that who we befriend will determine our actions and behaviors.

When making friendships, we must be sure to avoid the scorners. Proverbs 22:10 says, “Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.” A scorner is someone who does not encourage peace but promotes strife and fighting between people. This is not someone who would promote a godly attitude in us. We must be careful to decipher whether a person is a scorner or not when choosing our friends.

We also must avoid those who are pretenders. Second Timothy 3:5 says, “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” Some people only have a form of godliness and lack a true relationship with God. These people would not encourage a personal relationship with Christ but would only pretend to be spiritually-minded.

We should not make someone our close friend simply because they believe in God. James 2:19 says, “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” Many people believe in God but do not wish to live for Him. We must make sure those we choose to be our friends will encourage us to live for Christ.

We must also be wary of those who have a close relationship with this world. Romans 12:2 says, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” There are people who are so caught up with the cares of this world that they are not seeking to become more like Christ. God says that He wants us to be set apart from this world! We should not have such an avid interest in this world that it prevents us from living for Christ.

Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Friends are influential in our lives, yet sometimes we can make someone our close friend without stopping to make sure they are the right kind of friend. Take time now to evaluate your friendships. Are your friends drawing you closer to Christ or are they pulling you away from Him? Christ wants us to have friends that will encourage us to live for Him and to become more like Him each day.

Continual Attacks on Christianity and the Bible

The world continues to do all it can to disprove the existance of God, especially aiming to disprove His word, the Bible. Of course, we know that this is nothing new under the sun, since Satan continues to deceive man in today's world just as he always has been doing since his fall from Heaven. Usually it is easy to see the attacks on Christianity and the Bible almost daily if you pay any attention to the different media outlets.... something I don't recommend you spend a great time getting a large dose!!! Very few people today have knowledge of the Bible and the doctrines found there. Yet, they are gullible and believe what man says about the Bible and Christianity.

Take for example these two items which I discovered this week; of course most of the world and even many Christians are simply following the major news stories of the week (nope, it is not that Iran is defiant regarding the disregard of the UN nuclear resolution); Anna Nicole Smith and Brittney Spears!!!!!

1. Jesus’ burial site found - film claims (http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3368731,00.html) The cave in which Jesus Christ was buried has been found in Jerusalem, claim the makers of a new documentary film. If it proves true, the discovery, which will be revealed at a press conference in New York Monday, could shake up the Christian world as one of the most significant archeological finds in history. The coffins which, according to the filmmakers held the remains of Jesus of Nazareth, his mother Mary and Mary Magdalene will be displayed for the first time on Monday (February 26) in New York. The story starts in 1980 in Jerusalem’s Talpiyot neighborhood, with the discovery of a 2,000 year old cave containing ten coffins. Six of the ten coffins were carved with inscriptions reading the names: Jesua son of Joseph, Mary, Mary, Matthew, Jofa (Joseph, identified as Jesus’ brother), Judah son of Jesua (Jesus’ son - the filmmakers claim).
2. God's New Law (http://www.gay-bible.com/) This Free Bible Download contains all of the great text of the King James Version and a new book entitled God's New Law describing the prophecy that was declared in 2000. Free to download and distribute - printed at cost. New Additions: - Homosexuality and Fornication Forgiven - Gay Marriage in God's Kingdom.

The attacks will never cease.... man will continue to believe the scholars of the day. However, I plan to stand upon the truth of God's word and stay on the straight and narrow path while serving God!!! What about you??? Will you allow items such as these attack your faith????? Will this effect your walk with God????? Will you allow the scoffers to bring you discouragement???

We have a work to do while we are still breathing here on earth.... let's follow His commands and look forward to the words from His voice when we reach our final destination, Heaven; "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

What Are You Going To Do When Your World Falls Apart???

(I thought I would share a post from one of my friend's blog, OpenDoor News, which he posted on February 15. I like his list of things to do when evil days come your way, especially item #3; today, I have seen many do the opposite and drop out of church when things got tough; that is the time we need the Lord most in our lives!!!)

Eccl. 9:12 For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.

Eph. 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Evil Days

Part of human nature causes us to build our own little worlds. Some people spend their entire lives constructing their worlds, which revolve around themselves. We think we are in control of our lives, circumstances and events. We plan and think that things will turn out a certain way. We never take into consideration the uncertainties of life. We think everything will always be our definition of perfect.

However, the Bible is still true, and the greatest source of information about life. The rain still falls on the just and the unjust. Whether we know it or not, whether we expect it or not, to everyone there comes an Evil Day. The Evil Day is one in which everything we hope for fails. It is when your world falls apart. It is when everything goes wrong, and we think that nothing good will ever happen.

Everyday, thousands experience Evil Days, most of the time the rest of us do not care, just as long as it is not happening to us. But, your Evil Day is coming, too. No amount of plotting, scheming or evading can prevent it from coming to you. It’s arrival is as certain as your death. You cannot avoid it. Most people will experience many Evil Days, some more than others.

What will you do???

Since you know that you will have Evil Days, you must ask yourself, what are you going to do when it comes? What will you do when your world falls apart? What will you do when life doesn’t turn out like you think it should? When your child becomes ill, or even dies. That’s your world falling apart. Your world falls apart when your parents become ill, and die. When a sibling becomes ill, you lose your job, your spouse dies, your spouse leaves you—all of these are examples of one’s world falling apart.

Do not think that it will never happen to you, because it could, and some of it will.

The Evil Day comes and shatters all of your hopes and dreams. It’s never wrong to have these goals, hopes and dreams, but what if something prevents them from becoming a reality? Will you go insane? Will you react foolishly?

What you can do

Here are some things that you can do to prepare for the Evil Day, and to take you through it.

1. Get in the Word of God. No other one thing will help you more than this. It will prepare you for it, and it will keep you on the right path when it does come.
2. Stand. Follow Ephesians 6:13, and stand for something. Stand up for what you believe in; stand up for what is right. Get involved in a cause that is bigger than you or I, and just stand!
3. Find a strong, Bible-believing church, and stay there. Don’t hop from place to place, find a good one and stay there. When trouble comes, don’t use it as excuse to quit on God, stay in church!
4. Listen to your pastor. God placed him in that position for a reason. He can help you, if nothing else, through the preaching of the Word of God.
5. Let God be real to you. Don’t make God some little fairy tale creature, that you only believe in when you are sick or in trouble. Have a real, daily relationship with Christ, and follow him.

The Two Sauls

Deut. 11:26 Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day: And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.

The two Sauls lived about one thousand years apart. One started out well and ended poorly, and the other started out poorly and ended well.

The first Saul got a kingdom and a crown; he had a lovely family (no father ever had a better son than Saul had in Jonathan); he had the friendship of Samuel, the best prophet there was on the face of the earth; and yet he lost the friendship of Samuel, lost his crown, his kingdom and his life, all through the act of disobedience.

Now take the Saul of the New Testament. When God called him, he was obedient to the heavenly vision, and he was given a heavenly kingdom.

One act of obedience, one act of disobedience. The act of obedience gained all; the act of disobedience lost everything.

I believe the wretchedness, misery and woe in this country come from disobedience to God. If people won't obey God as a nation, let us begin individually. Let us make up our minds that we will do it, cost us what it will; and we will have peace and joy.

D. L. Moody

The Greatest Lessons I Have Learned

Dr. Bob Kelly graduated to Heaven on October 28, 2006 after a brief illness and forty-three years of faithful and fruitful ministry. Although written to the pastor, there are many wise statements that should be implemented in the life of a Christian. This article is taken from The Sword of the Lord's February 9, 2007 issue.

The Greatest Lessons I Have Learned as a Preacher of the Gospel by Dr. Bob Kelly

1. Your best sermon is your family; love your wife and teach your children to stay close.
2. Empty wells produce dead cats and dry leaves - personal devotions are a must to prevent burn-out and keep a fresh presence of the Lord.
3. Love people as they are, tough edges and all, and never, ever give up on them.
4. You do not get what you want in life and ministry; you get what you are - character matters.
5. Never, ever lose your burden for souls.
6. Guard your tongue.
7. Learn to calculate what is worth making an issue over - learn the difference between convictions and preferences.
8. God called us to build people, not ministries or buildings.
9. Make good friends.
10. Have fun! Stay excited! Laugh! People ought to want your job.
11. Die to self, and don't be all day in doing it! Rise early and get going!
12. The best protection against falling into sin is to practice hating it.
13. Count your blessings - then record them. Don't rely on your memory to recall all of God's goodness.
14. Say "thank you" every time and every way you can. A thankful attitude covers a multitude of sins.
15. Exercise your faith. A faith that cannot be tested is a faith that cannot be trusted.
16. Keep your shoes shined; stay neat - first impressions matter.
17. Never forget the judgment seat of Christ.
18. Always remember - God can get along just fine without you!

Hell and The Soul-Winner

Here are some thoughts on the subject of Hell to motivate the soul-winner to keep on spreading the Gospel each and every day.

Rev. 20:11-15 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

1. Hell is a real place and it is inevitable for the lost man.
2. God will separate Himself from all who go to Hell and that is inescapable.
3. Hell was never made for man but for Satan and his angels.
4. God has never sent a person to Hell; man chooses to go to Hell.
5. Payment for sin is the reason men have to go to Hell.
6. God has provided the payment for all men to be saved through His son Jesus Christ.
7. God has instructed saved men to warn others who are lost.
8. Men can avoid eternity in Hell if you provide the opportunity of sharing the Gospel with them.
9. Many believers soon forget that there is a literal Hell and never warn anyone.
10. We (the local church) are to warn men about Hell until the rapture.
11. We (personally) are to warn men about Hell until the day we die.
12. You can make a difference in someone's eternal destination by sharing the Gospel with them.
13. You can make a difference in a family's eternal destination by sharing the Gospel with them.
14. Hell is avoidable but we must make it available.

Will you provide an opportunity for someone to miss Hell and make Heaven their eternal destination???

Ten Evidences That Someone's Been Born Again

(The following is excerpted from the book, "How Can I Except Some Man Should Guide Me? A Plan and Program for Bringing Children to Faith in Jesus Christ," Pastor Kerry James Allen, Copyright 1996, Fox River Baptist Church, Box 1094, Oswego, IL. 60543. This gives some good, solid evidences of a person who has been born again. Jesus said, "By their fruits shall ye know them." Examine yourself against these criteria.)

We are not saved by our works, but when we are saved, our life will certainly reflect that decision by our good works. ("Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone" James 2:17.) Do you have total 100% assurance that you possess eternal life, and if someone asked you to prove it to them from a Bible, could you do it?

DO YOU SHOW EVIDENCES OF SPIRITUAL LIFE?

Following are ten evidences the true believer in Jesus Christ possesses, all from the epistle of First John. These are what Jonathan Edwards called "holy affections." Please read these pages, and ask yourself how many of these are manifested in your life. If you don't have that kind of evidence and assurance, please seek someone out who can help you, or give us a call.

Heb. 6:9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.

1. SUBMISSIVE RESPECT - Do you respect God? Is your opinion just as important or even more relevant than His? Are God's pronouncements authoritative in your life? Is Jesus Christ your Lord? 1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
2. SCRIPTURE OBEDIENCE - Do you read the Bible daily? Do you read the Scriptures seeking to obey what you find? Are you in rebellion against God's Word or in submission to it? Do you love the Bible? 1 John 2:5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
3. SOCIETAL REJECTION - Do you love the world, your money, and your possessions? Do they mean more to you than Jesus Christ and His approval? Would you be willing to give up all for Christ? 1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
4. STEADFAST FAITHFULNESS - Are you faithful in regular fellowship with God's people in a local church? Are you able to be sparse in church attendance for weeks at a time without any real guilt about it? Do you long for fellowship with the saints in the assembly? 1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
5. SECOND COMING ANTICIPATION - Are you living in the daily awareness that Jesus Christ will return for His own? Are you eagerly looking forward to His coming for you? Does your daily life reflect the fact that He may come today? Are you ready to meet Him at any time? 1 John 3:2-3 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
6. SIN SENSITIVITY - Does your sin bother you? Do you wish you sinned less than you do? Are you sinning less now than when you first made a profession of faith in Christ? Do you enjoy your sin, or does it affect your happiness? Do you realize God sees all sin? 1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
7. SIBLING LOVE - Do you love other believers in Jesus Christ? Do you enjoy being in their company, or would you rather be with the people of the world? Are Christians your dearest friends? 1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
8. SUPPLICATIONS ANSWERED - Do you pray? Can you point to specific answers that could have come from no one but God? Do you find yourself conversing regularly with God as a trusted friend? 1 John 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
9. SHARP DISCERNMENT - Do you find it easy to sort out the claims of various religions? Do you see all religions as the same? Do you understand the doctrine of Christ? Do you believe Jesus Christ is God? 1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
10. SPIRIT AWARENESS - Do you have a conscious awareness that the Holy Spirit of God lives in you? Does He teach you things from the Scriptures on a regular basis? Does the Holy Spirit convict you when you sin, or can you sin with abandon? 1 John 4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

The Discerner

(This is taken from Days of Praise and is written by the late Dr. Henry Morris.)

Heb. 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

The word of God (both the written Word and the living Word, Jesus Christ) is "living and energizing" and is the double-edged sword of the Spirit, piercing into the deepest recesses of body, soul, and spirit, where it "discerns" even the very thought and intents of our heart.

This discernment, however, is more than just understanding or insight. Our English word "critic" is derived from the Greek word for "discerner" in the Bible, and this is an important dimension of its meaning. Its discernment is a critical, judging discernment-one which convicts and corrects, as well as one which understands.

It is paradoxical that men today presume to become critics of the Bible, when it should really be the other way around. There are textual critics who sort through the various ancient manuscripts of the Bible, trying to arrive at the original text [God already has promised in His word that He would preserve it for all generations]; there are the "higher critics" who critique vocabularies and concepts, trying to show that the traditional authors did not actually write the books attributed to them; and then there are many other purely destructive critics who criticize the Bible's miracles, morals, and everything else, hoping thereby to justify their rebellion against the word of God [allowing them to enjoy their sin since there is really no God in Heaven that will judge them in the future-Satan's great lie].

But the Bible still stands!!! It stands in judgment on our lives and our subconscious motives. It will have the final word; Rev. 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

It is far better to heed the constructive criticism of the word of God now, than to hear its condemnation later.

Rightly Dividing the Word of God

2 Tim. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

In seminary I learned about not bending the word of God. Bending the word of God is taking a verse of scripture out of its own context and using it wrongly. By bending the word of God it is possible to take a verse or passage of scripture out of the bible and use them to establish a doctrine that is not true. It is not only possible to create a false doctrine by bending scripture; it is common for people to pull a verse of scripture out of the bible to support what they want the bible to say. People who do this has most likely never read the Bible from cover to cover to understand its complete context, but have only read passages of scripture in isolation from the whole of the word of God. Bending scriptures is a shameful act, and those who bend the word of God should be ashamed of taking scripture out of context and using it to defend a wrong belief.

Bending the word of God to support a wrong belief also causes other scripture to seem to be in contradiction with itself. When this happens we make excuses for the conflicting passages of scripture. When addressing this issue with a person by pointing out his wrong beliefs I showed him a verse of scripture that was in disagreement with what he believed. He made the excuse that the Apostle Paul only wrote that particular passage of scripture to stress a point but he didn't really mean what he wrote. The word of God does not contradict itself and the Apostle Paul meant everything he wrote.

One of the ways we know that we are interpreting scripture is when we can back it up with other supporting scripture. When scripture appears to contradict itself then our interpretation is wrong. Instead of trying to defend our wrong beliefs by bending scripture and making excuses for contradicting verses, we must bend our beliefs to line up with the truth of the word of God.

The Apostle Paul says study to show yourself approved unto God. Don't just read a verse here or read a verse there. Don't just read passages of scripture in isolation from the whole of the word of God. Don't just listen to what others teach you about the Bible, but read it from the beginning to the end and read it over and over again. In studying the word of God we must clear our minds of our own ideas of what the Bible says and allow the word of God reveal its truths to us. If we go about studying the word of God with the intentions of using the scriptures to support our wrong beliefs, then we are not studying to show ourselves approved unto God. But if we clear our minds of our own beliefs, if we approach the word of God with a teachable spirit, then we will be able to study the word of God and be able to rightly divide the word of truth.

Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, Rightly Dividing the word of truth.

By Pastor Alan Northam in January 2004 from his Daily Devotions Email ministry.

The Word of God Dividing Churches???

We know that Satan deceived Eve in the Garden of Eden by twisting the word of God; this occurred early in God's word, and he has continued his attacks even unto this day. Today, many Christians believe those that are labeled King James Only are causing division in the church by their stand upon the inerrant, infallible, inspired, preserved, perfect word of God, the King James Bible. Upon reflecting on this thought, I guess the King James Bible is dividing churches today. Some things should be cause for division; if the word of God isn't worth division, what else could be??? What does Jesus and the Bible say about division???

Matt. 25:31-32 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:

Jesus speaking in Luke 12:51 says, "Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:" Speak the word God in the world today, and many will not be bothered. However, speak the word Jesus, and look at those who are offended or become angry even at the mention of His name. The name of Jesus divides people today.....

John 7:43 So there was a division among the people because of him. We find several times in the Bible after Jesus performed miracles or spoke to the gathered crowds, many believed, but many also rejected Him, especially the religious crowd and Bible scholars of that day!!! Read the verses prior to this one to get a good idea of this fact. Here are two more examples:

John 9:16 Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.

John 10:19 There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.

Thus, we can see that Jesus was a cause for division while He walked on earth; Jesus the Living Word caused division. So why wouldn't the written word of God, the Bible, cause the same division today??? Some believe and accept the word of God by faith; others believe it doesn't make a difference which bible we use today, they basically all say the same; besides, only the originals were perfect: there is no way we can have the true word of God today. Man has messed it up throughout the years!!!

Jesus was constantly dividing and creating division wherever He went. If we are worried about division in the church, maybe we should throw Him out also (of course, many churches today threw Him out long ago).

Rev. 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. This is written of the Laodicean church, which many believe is present today in this church age.

The word of God is foundational to the believer; doesn't it stand to reason that Satan will continue to twist and attack and create confusion when it comes to the word of God today???

What It Is To Be Lost!!!

Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Oh, that we would wake up to the thought of what it is to be lost! The world has been rocked to sleep by Satan, who is going up and down telling people that it doesn't mean anything.

I believe in the old-fashioned Heaven and Hell. Christ came down to save us from a terrible place, and any man who is cast down to Hell from here must go in the full blaze of the Gospel and over the mangled body of the Son of God.

We hear of a man who has lost his health. We sympathize with him, and we say it is very sad. Our hearts are drawn out to sympathy.

Here is another man who has lost his wealth, and we say, "That is very sad."

Here is another man who has lost his reputation, his standing among men. "That is sadder still," we say.

We know what it is to lose health and wealth and reputation, but what is the loss of all these things compared with the loss of the soul???

By D. L. Moody

Live To Some Purpose

We have only once to live, therefore, let us live to some purpose. The day that dawned this morning will never dawn again. The opportunities which it brought with it will never come again; and if we fail to fill it with the service it requires of us, there will be no possibility of returning into it to repair the mischief. The wheels of Time's chariot have rachets on them, and they move only forward.

By William M. Taylor

Acts 11:23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

Acts 26:16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Eccl. 3:17 I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.

Make Time For Prayer

(This article is taken from the 1/12/07 issue of The Sword of the Lord, written by the former editor, Dr. Curtis Hutson. The Christian's prayer life is often their biggest challenge; prayerfully this could be a help to all of us.)

Prayer is the one thing that Christians are commanded to do without ceasing. We are not told to sing without ceasing or to go to church without ceasing or the read the Bible without ceasing, but "pray without ceasing." (II Thess. 5:17)

The scripture also says in Luke 18:1, "men ought always to pray, and not to faint."

Dr. John R. Rice said, "All your failures are prayer failures;" then he quoted James 4:2, "ye have not, because ye ask not."

A. J. Gordon said, "There is more you can do after you pray, but there is nothing more you can do until you pray."

Prayer is God's appointed way of getting things. He said in Matthew 7:7, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."

Prayer is God's appointed way to fullness of joy. He said in John 16:24, "Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full."

Prayer is God's appointed way to obtain forgiveness and cleansing. I John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Prayer is God's appointed way to obtain victory over anxiety. Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Prayer is also God's appointed way of expressing praise and gratitude. II Corinthians 9:11 says, "Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. "

When we pray, God may not do everything we ask Him to do; but if we don't pray, we don't even give Him a chance. So pray about things that seem utterly imposssible; it may surprise you what God will do.

Remember the possibilities of prayer exceed your ability to ask or think. Ephesians 3:20 gives the assurance that God "is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think."

Whole Lotta Nothing Going On

(This was posted earlier this week on a mailing list which I thought I would share with my blog readers. There are many in this world looking to be busy with their lives, however, they are doing nothing concerning what really matters for eternity. Many Christians in our churches are there in body, but again, they are doing nothing for Jesus. Let's make sure we are all doing something for our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!!!)

The Wickedness of Nothingness by Joseph Harris

The English philosopher and politician Edmund Burke once said, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." This often used quote from the 18th century is still true today. Look at this spiritual parallel in a parable from Jesus found in Matthew 25:14-30, as I borrow, then expand upon a few thoughts from Harold Leytham and Danny Cresswell.

A master left different numbers of talents with three stewards, with expectations for all. The first two multiplied their talents, but the third steward buried his so he could return it to his master. Upon returning, the master was displeased, because he had expectations and they were not fulfilled. The point of the parable: it is wicked to do nothing when something can be done.

The word "wicked" can mean evil, lewd, malicious, or hurtful. Jesus did not use the word often and used it only three times when referring to individuals. Why was this servant wicked? Not because he lied. He was actually honest and admitted to burying the talent. Did he receive it dishonestly? No, it was given to him in good faith. Was he immoral with the talent, like the prodigal son? No. So why was he wicked? Because he did nothing with the talent. Doing nothing when something can be done is wicked, according to Jesus.

There is a high cost in nothingness. If anyone has gifts or talents and they do not use them, there will be a cost, "for it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful." How could it possibly be costly to do nothing? Consider these examples:

Physically, there is a cost in nothingness. If you sit in a wheelchair or stay in bed for six months and never get up and use your legs, it will cost. Your legs will become useless and you will have to learn to walk again. If you place a patch over one eye and stop using the eye, the eye will get weak and have to be exercised for use again. It will cost to do nothing.

Socially, there is a cost in nothingness. If you ever purpose in your heart to lose friends, there are two options. First, be mean and hurtful, curse and slander them and tell them to get lost. That would probably work. Or you could try option number two. Do nothing. Never visit with them, do not return their calls, ignore them, and eventually they will go away. Simply doing nothing can cost greatly. Many have been lost to nothingness.

In your family, there is a great cost in nothingness. If you as a reprobate wanted to corrupt your children so they would turn out rotten, you could teach them to do wrong, steal, give instruction in lying, etc. or you could do nothing. Just let them go and let depravity run its crooked little course. Never teach them standards, convictions or restraints. Let them do anything they want to do and let them watch anything they desire to watch on TV or video and they will move on from Sesame Street to MTV and graduate on to HBO. Just do nothing and they will corrupt in a natural progression of events.

Agriculturally, there is a cost in nothingness. After planting a garden, you could transplant Johnson grass, clover, briars and weeds, in order to choke out the vegetables and lose your crop. Or if you really want to lose your garden, just do nothing. Never fertilize, never irrigate, never cultivate, and I guarantee you will lose the garden. It will cost to do nothing.

For any church, there is a severe cost in nothingness. The pastor could run ads and pass out flyers advertising the closing of his church, followed by members passing along the closing by word of mouth. Or everyone could just do nothing. Don't win souls, don't tithe, don't attend, etc., and eventually the church will close. Just do nothing.

If you could donate blood to save a life and you did nothing, would you be guilty of a death? If you could call 911 and save a life and you did nothing, would you be guilty? Do you know what you need to do to go to an eternal lake of fire? You could sin like the devil, drink, dope, fornicate, lie, steal, or you could do nothing. Just never repent and accept Jesus as Savior and you will go to an eternal lake of fire of punishment as a member of Adam's fallen race.

Is nothingness wicked? Jesus said it was. Are you doing something or nothing?

Evidences They Had Been With Jesus

Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

The Christians in the early church made a tremendous impact upon the society in which they lived. There were some things that stood out about them and marked them as the saints of God in their day. What were the characteristics of them, that showed that they had been with Jesus, which should be true of both me and you today??? Time does not change what the Holy Spirit brings about in us when we are surrendered and dependent upon Him. We serve the same God today as those which we read about in His word. Since it is so important to have a life-changing influence upon others around us in this world, we should spend much time with Christ. Just as others notice us if we have the chicken-pox or measles, it should be evident to them that Jesus radiates from our lives. Let's consider what was in their lives which should be seen in our lives that we may give proof to the world that we have been with Jesus.

1. Their Fullness of the Holy Spirit - Acts 4:8a Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost,... We read from the word of God that Peter was full of the Holy Ghost. All Christians should know the fullness of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Although the Holy Spirit lives within each saved person, one must yield their lives and allow the Holy Spirit to take full control of their thoughts and actions; it is not automatic for the new Christian. The old man still fights the new man, and whichever is fed the most, ends up winning!!! We must be filled with the Holy Spirit in order to have God's power upon our lives and evidenced in our actions towards those whom God has placed in our areas of influence.
2. Their Fearlessness - Peter stood preaching to some of those who more than likely had a part in crucifying the Lord Jesus Christ. His courage is seen as he stood against the organized religion of that day and announced to them that there is no salvation in any other but Jesus Christ. Their courage came from the word of God. They had great faith in what they had been taught by Jesus, and they knew their job was to go into the world and spread the gospel so that others may come to know Jesus Christ as their Saviour. We are not to fear man - Prov. 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. We are to fear God - Heb. 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
3. Their Faithfulness - When they were told to stop preaching, they paid no attention. They kept on declaring the truth of the Gospel. Acts 4:18-20 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
4. Their Singleness - Acts 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Their attention was sincere and undivided when it came to their Lord. They were devoted to the God of the Gospel and the Gospel of God.
5. Their Gladness - So many Christians today go around with a frown on their face; God help us to be glad!!! We should find pleasure, joy, and delight in the things of God. Persecution from the world should not be able to rob us of our gladness in the Lord Jesus. Psalm 31:7 I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;

Do You Love Your Lord???

When you love someone, it will show in your life. For the Christian, the same is true if you love the Lord Jesus Christ. Your actions as you walk through life will bring testimony to what you truly love.

If you love the Lord Jesus Christ.....

1. You enjoy hearing His words - John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. John 8:47 He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.
2. You enjoy His fellowship - 1 Cor. 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 John 1:6-7 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
3. You do not enjoy the fellowship of His enemies - 2 Cor. 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
4. You enjoy praising Him - Heb 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
5. You enjoy sacrificing for Him - Rom. 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 1 Pet. 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
6. You enjoy thinking of His return - Rev. 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

The Daily Christian Walk

Well, January of the New Year has already come and gone, and we are already four days into the month of February. God has already blessed our family here in 2007, but I am looking forward to what He has for us for the rest of the year.

Dr. Shelton Smith, editor of The Sword of the Lord, listed the following activities for each Christian to put into practice daily as they served the Lord entering the New Year. It doesn't matter what time of the year it is; anytime is a good time for the Christian to put these into daily practice.

1. Pray a lot!
2. Read your Bible daily, systematically, and devotionally.
3. Witness every day and try to win the ones to whom you witness. You can win souls if you work at it.
4. Make church the hub of your life. Be there Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night. Have your family there and let nothing and nobody discourage you from doing so.
5. Give the Lord His portion of your income! You cannot outgive Him, so be obedient in your stewardship.
6. Believe God about everything. Have faith in Him, trust Him.
7. Keep a good spirit in you. Rejoice! Let the joy of the Lord dominate your countenance.
8. Serve! Find a place to plug yourself into the Lord's work. Do something in which you invest yourself in the Lord's work.
9. Keep short accounts with God. Stay in good relationship with Him. Use I John 1:7-10 as often as necessary, but keep things right.
10. Build strong relationships with strong Christians. Run with the right crowd and learn from them. Don't imitate weakness, let strength be your model.
11. Find a mentor. I'm not talking about hero worship, but a mentor of stature whose track record is well established, clean, and obviously faithful.
12. Keep looking expectantly to the sky! Maranatha, indeed, the Lord is coming-when we do not know, but it could be sometime soon! With both hands on the plow at work, keep one eye glancing upward in anticipation of His promised coming!

Baptist Churches Hosting Super Bowl Services

(I hope you read my post yesterday about being a fanatic. Today I thought I would share a post from yesterday's Friday Church News Notes published by David Cloud and the Way of Life ministry.)

BAPTIST CHURCHES HOSTING SUPER BOWL SERVICES (Friday Church News Notes, February 2, 2007, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - Many Baptist congregations are turning their churches over to football, one of America's real Gods, on Super Bowl Sunday, February 4. Pastor Luis Acosta of Pines Baptist Church, Pembroke Pines, Florida, says, "It's a way of showing people we're regular Joes like they are" ("Churches Gear Up for Super Bowl Sabbath," Christian Post, Jan. 27, 2007). Believers are not supposed to be regular Joes; they are supposed to be "a peculiar people, zealous of good works" (Titus 2:14). Acosta says there won't be as much as a prayer at the Super Bowl Sunday event at Pines Baptist because he doesn't like the "heavy handed approach" to evangelism. I wonder what the bold apostle Paul would think of this? At Carrollwood Baptist Church in Tampa, Florida, some attendees bring their recliners from home to the Super Bowl gathering. Jim Waters, associate pastor at First Baptist Church in Milton, Florida, says they have the choice of hosting a Super Bowl event or holding church, but if they do the latter, "no one's going to come." That's a fearful reflection on the worldliness and nominalism of this congregation. Instead of hosting a Super Bowl event this church should be on its knees confessing its sin and seeking revival. William Baker, who has written books about sports and religion, says sports, religion, and patriotism form the "American trinity." He says that a visitor from Mars on Super Bowl Sunday would say, "These people believe, MAYBE in God ... BUT MOST SURELY they believe in sports." The Lord Jesus Christ did not exalt sports, but He did exalt the church, saying, "I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18). James 4:4-5 says God is jealous over the affections of His people and calls "friendship of the world" spiritual adultery. It is carnal folly to think that God would be pleased with a church that replaces or supplements the preaching and worship of Jesus Christ with the carnality and hero worship that surrounds a Super Bowl football game. "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him" (Matthew 17:5). "Little children, keep yourselves from idols" (1 John 5:21).

Sports or God???

Jer. 5:19 And it shall come to pass, when ye shall say, Wherefore doeth the LORD our God all these things unto us? then shalt thou answer them, Like as ye have forsaken me, and served strange gods in your land, so shall ye serve strangers in a land that is not yours.

Matt. 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Is sports actually a religion? Some sports writers think so. One wrote, "Our passions, our obsessions, and our recreation have become counterfeit religions." Another writer wrote, "Sports is fast becoming America's newest folk religion."

Most sporting events are attended by people with "religious" regularity and devotion. For many people sports has become an addiction, especially with the trusty cable hook-up bringing to people every sport under the sun. Sports as such are not evil, but multitudes have been overcome by the vainglory, egotism, and idolatry that poison much of modern sports.

The original "Saints" didn't play in New Orleans, they prayed in Jerusalem. Their zeal for Christ made them known as fanatics, from which we get our word "fan." Our word "enthusiasm" comes from the extreme devotion of the early Christians and originally meant "God within." Their great champion, the Apostle Paul, often figuratively used the word arena and compared the Christian life to a great athletic endeavor.

A Christian should be a fan (fanatic) for Jesus. Every Sunday should be a Super Bowl for saints as they stand up to battle Satan with all the zeal of Christ and the first century church. Look at some of the characteristics of a "fan" and compare that with the Christian life.

1. Fans arrive early. They seldom wander in during the third inning or the second quarter. In church, some seem to straggle in and straggle out.
2. Fans don't care when they get home. They love extra innings and sudden death overtime. They're not pew warmers worried about pot roasts and beating other church goers to the local steak house or giant cafeteria.
3. Fans are vocal. They don't sit and spectate. They participate. In church, many won't even open their mouths to sing a congregational song or say "Hello" to a visitor, much less shout a mighty AMEN when the preacher presents a Bible truth.
4. Fans can endure anything. Football at below zero temperatures, baseball when it is hot enough to boil an egg. Sitting on concrete for hours watching cars go round and round in a circle. Some in church during the Sunday service are much like the farmer's pump; froze up in the winter, and dried up in the summer.
5. Fans want the best seat in the house. The closer to the action, the better; but at the house of God, it is a different story. The farther they are from the pulpit the better they like it.
6. Fans never miss a game. They'll see it in person, watch a replay on television, and then read about it in the next day's newspaper. And they can't wait to get to work to talk about it again with all their co-workers. Some in church arrive grudgingly, listen sparingly, and leave hurriedly. They never discuss what went on at church the next day at work. God knows they're not fans!
7. Fans know all the statistics. Listen to the radio talk shows and you'll find that fans know all the trivial statistics about hundreds of ball players and many teams. Some of God's people can't name three of the twelve disciples or even find the book of John in their Bible; that is if they even bring it with them to church.

Something is seriously wrong when you can get exited about a ball sailing over a fence, or a running back passing the goal line, but wish you could find an excuse to miss the next scheduled church service. If following Christ means less excitement than a field goal, you're not a fan. The world will never be reached with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ until some long standing members of our churches convert into real fans of God, the Bible, and His work.

What about you??? Where will your heart be this Sunday night during the Super Bowl???

The Bible Principle of Separation

The nation of Israel was separated (set apart) from heathen nations by unique requirements God gave specifically to them.

Lev. 11:7 And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you.

Lev. 11:10 And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination unto you:

Deut. 22:9 Thou shalt not sow thy vineyard with divers seeds: lest the fruit of thy seed which thou hast sown, and the fruit of thy vineyard, be defiled. Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together. Thou shalt not wear a garment of divers sorts, as of woollen and linen together.

The Bible gives us illustrations of those who did not practice the principle of separation and thus experienced tragedy in their lives.

1. Samson lost his power with God. He married an unsaved Philistine woman. Judges 13-16
2. Solomon's many heathen wives turned his heart away from God. Neh. 13:26 Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin.
3. The flood was ultimately caused because the sons of God (believers) intermarried with the daughters of men (unbelievers). Gen. 6:1-7 And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.
4. Peter stood by a fire in the company of wicked men. As a result he lost his courage and testimony and denied the Lord. John 18:15-18 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter. Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not. And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.

From what should we separate?

2 Cor. 6:14-17 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

How do we live out this principle of separation? Use these tests:

1. Will it glorify God? 1 Cor. 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
2. Is it doubtful? Rom. 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
3. Will it hurt my testimony? Rom. 14:16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
4. Will it disappoint those who have confidence in me? 1 Cor. 8:13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
5. Do I believe it is the will of God for my life? Rom. 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Gal. 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
6. Will it be a stumbling block for a weaker brother? 1 John 2:10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.