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Should Christians smoke or vape is a frequently asked question. The answer to this question often varies based on personal opinions, culture or understanding of biblical teachings. However, the true answer to this question should not be based on human’s concept but on what the Scripture says is expected of followers of Christ.   What is smoking? Smoking is inhaling and exhaling smoke and sensations given by a lighted substance.  What is vaping? Vaping is the inhaling and exhaling of vapour which comes from a device.   What commonality is shared by both smoking and vaping? Both are damaging to the respiratory system and cardiovascular function of the body. If something that can be avoided is damaging to the body, shouldn’t we avoid it?   Although there are no direct Scriptures that contain the word smoking or vaping. The Scriptures speak against activities which damages the body and we ought to be guided by the following Scriptures. 1 Corinthians 10:31 -  Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 3:16 -  Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you ? God does not forcefully bind any human to Him. Every human is given the power of free choice. Therefore, everyone is free to do satisfy personal desires. Although we are free to make choices we should we be cautious before fulfilling carnal desires? No!!! We need to apply the brakes of: 1 Corinthians 6:12 -  All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's . 1 Corinthians 3:17  -  If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.   Are you a smoker or a vaper? Have you ever considered quitting? Have you tried to stop but the crave is so great that you continue? You can quit by allowing God to guide you. Be encouraged from these Scriptures. 1 Corinthians 10:13 -  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, Who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it . Colossians 3:17 -  And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him. Galatians 6:7-8 -  Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.    8  For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting In your struggle the prayer of your heart should be: Psalms 119:37 -  Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in Thy way. In humility and surrender ask the Lord to give you the willpower to quit. Bearing in mind Philippians 4:13  -  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me . It is the Holy Spirit which ministers to our needs as we seek the Lord and we ought to submit ourselves to its leading. Hebrews 10:26 -  For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins. Is the habit of smoking or vaping causing you hurt, are you regretting your action but feel helpless? Is it your way of relaxing? Is this habit a wedge between you and God? How does your habit affects your family? What about your health? How is your smoking habit affecting your finances? Are your problems getting you depressed and you take solace in smoking? Whatever the circumstances which propelled you in this unhealthy practice can be changed. God is able to make the change. The devil will always try to seduce you and block your path to renewal, 1 Peter 5:8 -   Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour The Scriptures, Holy Spirit and the testimonies of the fallen who have been raised up are the guide to renewal, Hebrews 12:1 -  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us Psalms 34:18 -  The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Sin  has marred our minds and our bodies. It has changed us from the perfect human God had created. In this present world we will not attain that perfection which Adam and Eve had before they sinned but we can live a godly life by the grace of God through Christ. We have hope when we confess our sins and accept Christ as our Saviour and Friend. Jesus is the Best Friend anyone can desire. He is a Comfort, a Protector, a Way Maker, a Healer, a Provider and a Guide. He can permanently satisfy our needs.   Without Christ there is a void, an emptiness which grows wider and deeper the longer we stay outside of God’s friendship. When we accept Christ into our lives, we are complete. Therefore, there is no need for us to seek any other form of ‘comfort.’ Moreover, there is nothing which can give us that completeness and satisfaction which Christ gives.   God intended humans to have a close relationship with Him because they were created in His image and likeness. He desires humans to keep their bodies clean so that His Holy Spirit can dwell within them. Romans 12:1-2 – I beseech you therefore brethren by the mercies of God that ye present your bodies as 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.    We often wonder why people use hard drugs, gamble, vape, smoke or consume alcohol. We are amazed that individuals will continue such destructive activities even when they recognize the ghastly effects. We need to understand that people continue on this destructive trend because they are being influenced negatively by Satan and his demons. Satan is working diligently to ensure that our bodies are not fit to be inhabited by the Holy Spirit. If our bodies cannot be inhabited by God it will be inhabited by demons.   Many religious persons say that smoking is not sinful. They debate that it is not written in the Bible. Nowhere in the Bible can you read ’do not smoke .’ however we must understand that many tenets of godliness are not plainly outlined in the Scriptures but they are there. 2 Peter 2:19 -  While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage . When we study God’s word, we are wise, we can make the right decision. Many persons who claim a lack of knowledge of right and wrong, acceptable and unacceptable need to study God’s word.    Jesus said in John 4:24 those who worship God must do so in spirit and in truth. Psalm 119:9 says wherewithal young man cleanse his way by taking heed thereto according to Thy word . It is the word of God which cleanses us and pinpoint sin. Psalm 119:105 tells us that the word of God is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path . The word of God teaches us how to identify right and wrong actions.   Psalm 119:129 tells us that the entrance of God’s word gives us light and give those who lack understanding knowledge .    If we defile God’s temple which is our bodies God will destroy us. 1st Corinthians 3:17 says, ‘ if any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.’ Yes, readers if you smoke you defile the temple of God and God is going to judge you and destroy you just as you destroy His Temple at Jerusalem because the people had not only defiled themselves but had also defiled the Temple.   You may wonder why smoking defiles you let us examine a few scientific facts. Smoking increases the rate of diabetes, asthma and other breathing problems Smoking damages unborn babies. If a pregnant mother is a smoker the baby’s brain may be damaged or the baby might not develop properly Smoking destroys your lungs, teeth and gums. Look into the mouth of a smoker and then look in that of a non-smoker and you will see vast differences. Smoking changes your breath. People usually stay far from a smoker. Moreover, they do not want to breathe in second hand smoke. Smoking add years to your face and it affects your appetite. Smoking causes mouth, lung, chest and other forms of cancers. Smoking generates strokes, heart attacks, blindness and impotence. Smoking causes your arteries to become narrow therefore your blood does not flow properly Smoking gives you emphysema   If you are a smoker here are some reasons why you should stop smoking. · Quit smoking and live longer. · Quit smoking and save money · Quit smoking and reduce your chance of having a heart attack or  stroke · Quit smoking and use your money to make live better for you and your family · Quit smoking and use your resources to build the Ministry of God and help the needy · Quit smoking and you will have fewer wrinkles · Quit smoking and you will cough less and breathe freer, You will have more energy. You will not get tired so easily ·  Quit smoking and your body will not emit the scent of nicotine and other used substances. Your breath, clothes and surroundings will be fresher and better smelling. Persons will not readily know when you enter or leave a place if they did not see you.   As you read you may desire to stop smoking but you need help as you struggle with this desire. God is your present help. Open your heart to Him and ask Him to help you fight against this devilish desire.   Keep away from smokers and those who will ridicule you, read the Bible, pray and engage in true worship. No matter how intense the need to smoke please remember that your body is the temple of God and if you defile it God is going to destroy you when He returns. Those who have resisted this destructive habit should assist and encourage other to break free. Romans 15:1-2 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2  Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification . An invitation is extended in - Revelation 3:21, ‘ To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame and am set down with My Father in His throne .   Rise above the habit. Be an overcomer. God be with you. Writer - A. E. Fisher  We welcome your questions and feedback.  You may contact us at   ofthelivinggodchurch@gmail.com   https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/

Daniel chapters 2 & 7 give us a glimpse of the four world kingdoms, Babylon, Media-Persia, Greece and Rome. in chapter two the kingdoms were shown as part of a human statue and in chapter seven animals which were symbolic of the character of the kingdom were used. Babylon (606B.C) was depicted as the head of gold and also as a lion with eagle's wings. Media Persia (538B.C) was depicted as breast and arms of silver and as a bear raised on its side with three ribs in its mouth. The three ribs were said to represent three major conquests namely:Lydia, Babylonia and Egypt. Greece (331B.C) was depicted as belly and thigh of brass and as a leopard with four heads and four wings like that of a fowl. Rome (168B.C) was depicted as leg of iron and feet which were part iron and part clay and as an an animal which was so destructive and terrible it could not be described or named. Under Nebuchadnezzar the second rulership, Babylon began subjugating Judah in 606B.C. and afterward became the world ruler. Years later the Medes and Persians united under Cyrus the Great defeated Babylon during the reign of Belshazzar in the year 538B.C. After this victory the Persians became great and mightier than the Medes and Cyrus the Great got absolute control and was king in the new Persian kingdom. He was the founder of the Achaemenid Empire.   God made profound statements about the selection of Cyrus as His servant. Isaiah 44 verse 28- T hat saith of Cyrus, he is my shepherd and shall perform all My pleasure even saying to Jerusalem thou shalt be built and to the Temple, thy foundation shall be laid. Isaiah 45 verse 4 - For Jacob’s My servant’s sake and Israel Mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known Me.   Throughout earth’s history, God has prophets who do His will although not all prophets are recorded in the Scriptures. There is a test for every prophet which is the fulfilment of predictions. Apart from God’s messengers there has not been one individual who had made clear and concise predictions years in advance and such have been fulfilled precisely.   This prediction about Cyrus was made exceeding one hundred and fifty years before its fulfilment. Only God could do this because only He knows our heart and and our future choices.    What promise was made to Cyrus before his birth? Isaiah 45:1- T hus saith the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will lose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut. Daniel 7:5 tells us that the Media-Persia Empire was likened to a bear which was raised on one side and had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. This animal was told to arise and devour much flesh. Flesh in this context is referring to the places which it will subdue for example Lydia, Babylonia and Egypt. The three ribs are symbolic of the three-fold state of the kingdom. The dominions were Babylonia, Media and Persia. At the conquest of Babylonia the Medes were the dominant force. The Persians were second to them, however years later God allowed the Persians to supersede the Medes.    What would God do to ensure that the Babylonian kingdom would topple? Isaiah 45:2-3 -   I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: 3  And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the Lord, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.   The gate was known as the Ishtar Gate; because it was dedicated to the Babylonian goddess Ishtar. Ishtar was a goddess of fertility, love, war, and sex. The gate was constructed by the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar the second. (There was a king named Nebuchadnezzar 1who had reigned centuries before Nebuchadnezzar 11) the gate of Ishtar was the main entrance into the city. The magnificence of the Ishtar Gate was so well known that it made the initial list of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The gate was originally a double gate, had a door and roof made of cedar and bronze.   Why was Cyrus specially selected by God? Isaiah 45:4   For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me. Apart from them knowing that He was God, why would God emphasise to Cyrus, Israel and others that He alone is God? Isaiah 45:5-6-   I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside Me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known Me: 6  That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside Me. I am the Lord, and there is none else.   There are two components ruling this world – evil and good. In Isaiah 45 verse 7 God made an astounding statement -  I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things . What is evil in this context? Is God saying that He created  murder, rape, incest, lying, sexual immoralities, stealing, ungratefulness, wrath, strife and all other atrocities and chaos happening globally? No!!!!    The word evil as used in this verse is a translation of the Hebrew word ra  which means calamity, adversity, displeasure, distress, hurt, harm, sorrow, trouble, grief, sad, wrong, wretchedness, affliction and bad. (The Strong Concordance) God did not make sin but He gave us the choice to do right or wrong. When we do wrong, we have committed sin. The consequences of our sin are afflictions, adversity, distress and all other emotional turmoil which are just recompenses for our sins.   What else did God create? Isaiah 45:8 -8 - Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the Lord have created it. Yes, God has made salvation available to us. It is the opportunity to obtained justification and redemption from our sins and the consequences.   During Cyrus’ reign he allowed the Jews to maintain their customs and religion. He also permitted them to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. Ezra 1:1-4-   Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, 2  Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The Lord God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and He hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. 3  Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel, (He is the God,) which is in Jerusalem. 4  And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.   Cyrus the Great not only made a decree for the restoration of the Temple; he gave what was needed for the restoration. Ezra 1:7-11- Also Cyrus the king brought forth the vessels of the house of the Lord which Nebuchadnezzar had brought forth out of Jerusalem and had put them in the house of his gods. Even those did Cyrus king of Persia bring forth by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer and numbered them unto Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah.    Cyrus the Great was a Gentile but he was a faithful servant of God, through him God’s plans for His people were fulfilled. Writer - A. E. Fisher  We welcome your questions and feedback.  You may contact us at   ofthelivinggodchurch@gmail.com   https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/

Four of the most common "omni" words used to describe God are  omnipotent, omniscient, omnibenevolent and omnipresent . These terms highlight God's nature and there is none in the physical or spiritual world that holds these capabilities. What about Jesus doesn’t He hold these capabilities. Let the Scriptures speak: Matthew 24:36 -   But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but My Father only . Even in His divinity there is still something that is withheld from Jesus. However, this does not diminish Jesus’ power and authority.   Omnipotent refers to God's unlimited power and ability to do anything. Omniscient refers to God’s complete and perfect knowledge, understanding all things past, present, and future. Nothing is hidden from God.  Omnipresent refers to God’s constant presence. He is present everywhere at all times and is not limited by space or location. He is accessible to everyone.  Omnibenevolent refers to God's infinite love, kindness, goodness, compassion, and mercy towards His creation.  In reference to the omnipresence of Almighty God, Psalm 22:27 says, All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before Thee . The following verses points clearly to God’s omnipresence. Proverbs 15:3 -  The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. Jeremiah 23:24 -  Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD. Job 34:21 -   For His eyes are upon the ways of man, and He seeth all his goings . Isaiah 43:2 -  When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee . Deuteronomy 31:6 -  Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.   Hebrews 4:13- Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight, but all are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him, Whom we have to do. Psalm 139:7–10 - Whither shall I go from Thy Spirit?   Or whither shall I flee from Thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, Thou art there!   If I make my bed in hell, behold Thou art there! If I take the wings of the morning    and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,even there shall Thy hand lead me   and Thy right hand shall hold me.   God is the most responsible Father. He is a great disciplinarian yet He is very compassionate. He rebukes His children yet He willingly forgives them when they repent of their follies. He does everything right and just. It is impossible for the human mind to fathom the omnipresence of God. Yet we can learn about the nature of God from the Scriptures.  Based on God’s omnipresence He can answer any question asked. What can we ask God and what is His response according to Isaiah 45:11?   Thus, saith the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask Me of things to come concerning My sons, and concerning the work of My hands command ye Me .   Israel lived in disobedience to God and He allowed their enemies to hold them in captivity in a foreign land yet the Lord knew what would be happening to them in the future. The Prophet Jeremiah predicted the future of Israel and here is a prediction. Jeremiah 31:9 - T hey shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is My firstborn.   Many refuse to acknowledge God or His creative powers and varied theories have been posited about the creation of this universe. How can you refute the theory of evolution? Isaiah 45:12 ;   I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even My hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded. Genesis 1:26 -   And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.   Genesis 2:1 - Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. Two pressing questions for those who do not believe that Almighty God created all things. (1) Living things come from either a seed or an egg. Which came first in evolution and how did it come? (2) If there was a big bang why has none occurred since the first?   In what context would you say ‘ God hides Himself ’? Isaiah 45:15 - Verily thou art a God that hidest Thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour. Can you give instances when God had hidden Himself from humans and their deeds? Why did He do so? Let us read what was written.  Jeremiah 33:5 -   They come to fight with the Chaldeans, but it is to fill them with the dead bodies of men, whom I have slain in mine anger and in My fury, and for all whose wickedness I have hid My face from this city . Deuteronomy 31:16-18   -   And the Lord said unto Moses, Behold, thou shalt sleep with thy fathers; and this people will rise up, and go a whoring after the gods of the strangers of the land, whither they go to be among them, and will forsake Me, and break My covenant which I have made with them. 17  Then My anger shall be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide My face from them, and they shall be devoured, and many evils and troubles shall befall them; so that they will say in that day, Are not these evils come upon us, because our God is not among us? 18  And I will surely hide My face in that day for all the evils which they shall have wrought, in that they are turned unto other gods. Isaiah 1:15   -   And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide Mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.   God will hide Himself from us because we have rebelliously turned against Him. When we have chosen to do evil instead of good, we lose favour with God. If we desire to remain constantly in God’s presence our hearts and actions must be in tune to His will. God does not mix with sin but He is eager to cleanse and relate to us when we repent.    What will be the outcome of those who did obey God and reject His precepts? Isaiah 45:16 - They shall be ashamed, and also confounded, all of them: they shall go to confusion together that are makers of idols.   How will Israel be rewarded when they turn to God? Isaiah 45:17-   But Israel shall be saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.  This promised is extended to every nation. The promises of our Great Omnipresent God know no national boundaries. All God requires from us is repentance in sincerity and live in obedience.    What do you gain from true repentance? 2 Corinthians 7:10   For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.     Writer - A. E. Fisher  We welcome your questions and feedback.  You may contact us at   ofthelivinggodchurch@gmail.com   https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/

https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/ Matthew 26:47-56 gives us an overview of the betrayal of Jesus. It reads -   And while He yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48  Now he that betrayed Him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is He: hold Him fast. 49  And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed Him. 50  And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus and took Him. 51  And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear. 52  Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. 53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to My Father, and he shall presently give Me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be? 55 In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take Me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on Me. 56 But all this was done, that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook Him, and fled.   Mark 14:21 pronounces a woe against the betrayer. It reads - The Son of Man indeed goeth, as it is written of Him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.     Judas sat at the Passover table with Jesus. He heard every word Jesus said, he saw the agony He felt, he ate with Jesus and allowed Him to wash his feet then he left and betrayed Him. What cruelty! What hardheartedness?   Who was Judas Iscariot? He was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. Matthew 10:2-4 -   Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother,   Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus, Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.   Judas Iscariot was given the same commission as was given to the others. (Matthew 10:5-42)   According to Matthew 11:1 when Jesus had made an end of commissioning His twelve disciples, He left and went to teach and to preach in their cities.    While the commission was given to all it is proven based on Scripture that Judas was not one of those who bonded closely with the Lord neither was very active in the Ministry. Based on the Scriptures we can justly evaluate Judas’ relationship to Christ. The records of Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:14-16 state that he was not only a disciple but was also a betrayer and a traitor.   When the disciples are listed - Peter, James and John are always listed first, this shows the close bond which they had with our Lord. Judas is always listed last, which may indicate a lack of personal relationship with Christ.   The following are the only records of communication between Jesus and Judas - when Jesus rebuked him for after his greed-motivated remark to Mary (John 12:1-8), Judas’ denial of betraying Christ (Matthew 26:25), and the kiss of betrayal (Luke 22:48).    How did Judas refer to Jesus? Matthew 26:25, 48-49 - Then Judas, which betrayed Him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, thou hast said.   Now he that betrayed Him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is He: hold Him fast. 49  And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed Him. All persons who are worthy of authority ascribed to them must be  careful of persons who refuse to properly acknowledge their authority. Judas travelled with Jesus for more than three years. He saw Him drive out demons, heal diverse forms of sicknesses, fed thousands with a few loaves of bread and fish, walked on water, stilled a stormy sea, raise the dead and made the blind see. Yet he decided that the best word to use was “ Rabbi. ”  Judas did not acknowledge Jesus as Lord of his life but he acknowledged Him as a mere teacher like any of those around him. It was a sign of his untrustworthiness.     Judas may have become a follower Jesus hoping to benefit from association with Him as the new reigning political power. Most persons including Judas expected the Messiah to overthrow the Roman government and assume rulership of the nation of Israel. Soon Judas would have realised that this was not the focus of Jesus’ Ministry so he began to doubt Jesus’ authority. This shows that Judas was not truly a follower but a tag along. Even today there are many tag-alongs; be careful of them.    What was one of Judas’ responsibilities? John 12:3-6 -  3  Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. 4  Then saith one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray Him, 5  Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? 6  This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. Based on his greed this may have been the responsibility that he enjoyed most.   Jesus had included Judas in His team. Was Jesus aware of the evil traits which Judas possessed? Yes, He did. John 2:25 tells us that Jesus had the spirit of discernment. He knew what Judas would have done yet He took him on  His team.  John 6:64,70-71, But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? 71  He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray Him, being one of the twelve. John 13:10 -   Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. Luke 12:2 -   For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.   What did Judas do and what was done to him before the betrayal? John 13:1-5 -  N ow before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that His hour was come that He should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end. 2  And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray Him; 3  Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He was come from God, and went to God; 4  He riseth from supper, and laid aside His garments; and took a towel, and girded Himself. 5  After that He poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith He was girded. Everyone operates by the power of choice. Even in situations of oppression you can make the right choices. Judas had a wicked heart and this caused Satan to influence him. It was his choices that influenced him. (John 13:21-30)   We should always be careful of the enemy that is inside; the one closest to you. Jesus knew that Judas was a deceiver but many of us lack the spirit of wisdom and discernment. How much did Judas charge for betraying the Lord and how did this money benefit him? Mark 14:10-11 -  And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray Him unto them. 11  And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray Him. Matthew 26:15 -   And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver Him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.   Matthew 27:3-10-   Then Judas, which had betrayed Him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4  Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. 5  And he cast down the pieces of silver in the Temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. 6  And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. 7  And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. 8  Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day. 9  Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value; 10  And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me.   Silver represents redemption but the amount paid is a sign of the disdain they held for Jesus. Exodus 21:32 -   If the ox shall push a manservant or a maidservant; he shall give unto their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.    What prophecies were fulfilled by Judas’ action?        Psalm 41:9 -   Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me .; Zechariah 11:12-13 -  Zechariah 11:12-13  - And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver. 13  And the Lord said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the Lord. After Jesus' resurrection to whom did He appear? Luke 24:33 -   And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them . He appeared to the eleven remaining disciples.    What does Acts 1:25 say about Judas and who replaced him?   Acts 1:25-26 -   That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. Due to his wickedness Judas lost the wonderful promises Christ had given to the twelve disciples.   Matthew 19:28 -   And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man shall sit in the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.   Luke 22:28-30 -   For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. 19  And He took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is My body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of Me. Learn from Judas and always keep these powerful words alive within you.  Proverbs 4:23 - Keep your heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life.    Remember: You are a result of your choices.   Writer - A. E. Fisher  We welcome your questions and feedback.  You may contact us at   ofthelivinggodchurch@gmail.com   https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/

https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/     Have you ever heard your phone ringing and refused to answer it? How many times have you done so? Do you know that it is not every call you can reject? Yes, there is a call that everyone must respond to? This call has to do with your lifespan. There is a thought that says, “ The clock  of life is wound but once, no one has the power to tell when the hand will stop.  Now is the time you own, live, love, toil with a will. Place no thought on tomorrow for the hand may then be still.”   Everyone would want to live forever, but the breath of life is given to man for a limited time. At first when God created humans, He did not put a limit on our lifespan. However, due to our sinful and rebellious nature God has given us a limited time on earth. Psalm 90:10 says “ The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” It is sad that a lifespan was put in place because we have moved our allegiance away from God the Creator and have decided to serve the creature. Romans 6:23 tells us, “ For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”   When our fore-parents disobeyed God, an entrance was opened. Although this breach was made each of us has the opportunity to make a choice to either live in obedience to God or disobey Him. Due to our carnal nature we struggle to do the right. Romans 7:19 says,  “ For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do”. Romans 8:6 tells us, “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace .” You maybe asking yourself, how can I become spiritually minded with all these worldly attractions which are grabbing my attention and satisfying my inner cravings? David was facing similar challenges and he penned these words in Psalm 16:8a, “ I have set the Lord always before me.”  If each of us put the Lord before us in all things we will find the strength to live in obedience to His will.   Humans were not placed on earth to live forever and all of us have an appointment with death: Hebrews 10:27 says, “ And it is appointed unto men once to die and after this the judgement.   What happens when one dies?   Ecclesiastes 11:3 likens being dead to a tree which is cut down. It reads, “ If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be .”  We also learn from Psalm 146:4 that when one dies his thoughts perish. The verse reads, “ His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish .  Genesis 2:7 tells us, “ And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. ”  It is the breath which God breathed into the nostrils of the first created human which made us living souls. We would be as a log without God’s breath.   When God takes the breath of life from us, we are dead, lifeless. At this point we would have come to the end of life’s journey in this present world. Ecclesiastes 9:56 says “ For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not anything, neither have they any more reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Also, their love and their hatred and their envy is now perished, neither have they any more a portion for ever in anything that is done under the sun.” Yes, the dead is unconscious and had no personal power. Therefore, it is impossible for the dead to repent so it is best that we serve God and obey His Commandments today. When you think about the grim reality of death and to know that when the breath leaves your body there is another episode to your life it should be enough for anyone to seek to develop a better relationship with God. We can make a plea as David made in Psalm 90:12, “So, teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”   Every non-Jew who has died after hearing and rejecting the Gospel of Truth has no more opportunity to accept Christ. Psalm 6:5 states, “For in death there is no remembrance of Thee: in the grave who shall give Thee thanks? ” Psalm 115:7 clearly points out that the dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down in silence . However, our God is a Just and Perfect Ruler, He would never condemn anyone for something which they had never known. Therefore, the Scriptures plainly tell us that a chance remains for those persons who did not know or hear about Jesus before they died. Such persons will be given the opportunity to choose or reject Him during the 1000 years reign of Christ which is a teaching period.     When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He declared to the onlookers, “ I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in Me though he were dead, yet shall he live .”  Yes,   through Adam we were all appointed to permanent death but Jesus shed His blood on calvary and we are justified through Him. We are given another opportunity to live. 1st Corinthians 15: 20-23 tells us by which authority Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. It reads,  “ But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.   For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.   But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at His coming. Yes, Christ was the first to be raised permanently from the grave. He died once and lives forever more.   Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection completed the promised life after death. How can one receive this new life? You can receive it when you repent of your sins and accept Christ as your Lord and Saviour. Jesus told His disciples that if a man keeps His sayings, he shall never see death. Death in this context is the eternal death. Because everyone passes through a form of dying, even the saints who will be alive when He comes. Yes, all faithful and obedient followers of God shall be restored to life with a glorious body and a lively hope. Psalm 49:15 tells us that God will redeem our soul from the power of the grave: for He shall receive us .   Yes, there shall be two resurrections and each resurrection will be a thousand years apart. Revelation 20:4-6, tells us,   And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.   Revelation 20:11-13 tells us about the final judgement which will happen after the 1000-year reign of Christ is over . 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.   At this time the Kingdom will be handed over to God. 2 nd  Corinthians 15: 24-28 tells us that Christ will hand the Kingdom over to the Father and then Almighty God will take full control because sin and death would have been wiped out and Christ’s mission as our Redeemer would have been completed . 2 nd  Corinthians 15: 24-28 reads, “ Then cometh the end, when He shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when He shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign, till He hath put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.   For He hath put all things under His feet. But when He saith all things are put under Him, it is manifest that He is excepted, which did put all things under Him. And when all things shall be subdued unto Him, then shall the Son also Himself be subject unto him that put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.    What about those who are too busy or too wise to accept the plan of salvation? They are labelled wicked. Yes, no matter how many good deeds they have done or how moral they were if they had not lived in obedience to the will of God they are wicked.  Proverbs 14:32 says “ The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.”    Are you a Child of God? If you are, even after dying you have a special privilege as we are told that the dead in Christ will rise first (1st Thess.4:16).  There is the promise that the hour is coming when all that are in the grave shall hear the voice of our Saviour. We will come forth and those who have done good unto the resurrection of life and those who did evil to the resurrection of damnation . (John5:28-29). It is good to live a life for God and receive the resurrection of life. This reward will only be to those who keep the Commandments of God and the Testimony of Jesus.   It is commonly believed that a person who dies goes to heaven but the Bible declares that “ No man hath ascended up to heaven, but He that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven …” John 3:13.  When one dies that person remains in the grave in an unconscious state until the day of judgement.   You are not without hope my friend, believe now on Jesus because He will ransom all who believe. There is atoning power in the blood of Jesus Christ. If you live in obedience to the will of God, if your purpose in this life is to be a light to bring others to God then you will gladly answer your final call. You will know that when the breath leaves your body you are only sleeping and you will be awakened by the sound of the trumpet when Jesus comes for the saints. 1st Thessalonians 4: 16-18 confirms,   For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.   Wherefore comfort one another with these words.    If you are alive at the time when Jesus comes, you will pass through a form of death when your physical body will be changed to a spiritual body. Then you will hear, Welldone, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.   Whenever the final call is made, you must answer. There is no way that you can avoid responding. You cannot shirk death or hide from it; you should not be afraid of death instead you should prepare for it because it is inevitable. When one refused to serve God such individual hopeless because there is no assurance of everlasting life. When one is living in obedience to the will of God that individual is dead to sin because the carnal nature is brought under subjection. Although this individual is dead to the world the individual is alive in Christ.   What is your spiritual state? If you are without Christ as your Friend, you are living yet you are dead. If you have Christ as your Friend, you are dead yet living. Wouldn’t you rather die with Christ rather than live without Him? As we individually await the call, I implore you to prepare to answer the call. Remember after you have passed through this world it is only with Christ that one can live again!!   Writer - A. E. Fisher  We welcome your questions and feedback.  You may contact us at   ofthelivinggodchurch@gmail.com   https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/

https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/   Aging is a process of change. Aging people undergo physical, mental and social changes. These changes also lead to psychological changes.   Younger persons must be sensitive and considerate to the needs of the elders. Lifestyle, family, friends and personal perspective affect the elder’s ability to adjust to being elderly. Many elderly persons are proud or afraid of losing their independence. Two emotional disorders prevalent among the elderly are anxiety and depression. These disorders may cause them to seem unreasonable and refuse help or become withdrawn. Please try to understand them.   When helping the elderly do not treat them in a patronising manner; do not let them feel as if they have become burden or unnecessary packages. Instead, be as helpful and encouraging as possible; cultivate and maintain within the elderly a sense of adequacy, self-esteem and positivity. Converse with them even when they erect barriers. Do their business honestly; do not add stress by stealing from them. Do not shout at them, call them names, give them sloppy or inadequate meals and do not let them hear you expressing your desire for them to move on into the next life. Do not in any way seek to hasten their exit.   It is sad that while many are rubbing their hands in glee and anxiously awaiting the time when they can obtain the wealth of their aging family, they have no intention of taking care of them. They will quickly package them off to any nursing home and seldom visit them. The worse alternative is leaving them on their own and not visiting or properly monitor them. Many of us fail to understand that one day we shall also become old.   There is a story of a child who could not be bothered with taking care of the aging parent so the parent was packed off to a nursing home. The parent did not want to go but the child was determined. While walking up the path to the nursing home the tired and distraught parent rested on a rock. Many years later, the child is now an aging parent and his child could not be bothered with him. The child was taking him to a nursing home and it was the same one that his father had taken his parent. The elderly was tired and he sat on the very stone that his father had rested on. He began to cry and to tell his son how he had maltreated his father. The son was shocked and afraid. He took up his aging father and returned home with him. He did not want his child to treat him as his father had treated his grandfather and as he had intended to treat his father. He did not want the trend to continue. If this is a trend it is one bad trend that you must end because you are up today but tomorrow you will be a dependent. Life is transient and the strength of our bodies fail as we age. Yes, there are different ways in which one may try to hold on to youthfulness but after a time the struggle is lost. Many persons often rush to the mirror to see what changes has been happening and they are saddened by the lines by wrinkles and grey hair. Individually and as a family we must accept the process of life. We ought to be grateful if we had become an elderly person before dying.   How will you be treated by others is a major concern as you get older. Sadly, many are happy to receive from you while you are mobile and agile but as you get slower many see you as an unnecessary burden. The most hurtful is when those closest to you, those whom you have sacrificed for, those who get the most from you, reject you when you need them.   Many elderly persons are broken, sick, dejected, lonely and sad. Sometimes their final condition is not a result of their previous actions and even if they had done wrong their family should not allow them to perish.   David was also concerned about growing old. He pleaded with God as stated in Psalm 71:9   Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth . Often their relationship with God is the only peace and comfort the elderly has. While it is great to be comforted by God, the family is to be a support to each other. Proverbs 16:31  -  The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. Whether or not the elderly person is godly he/she must be treated with respect. Elderly persons often suffer abuse of varying sort. Even their children and grandchildren disrespect them. When elders are abused, the abuser is going against godly principles. God gave a command in Leviticus 19:32 - Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head and honour the face of the old man and fear thy God. I am the LORD.   Why is it important to respect the elderly?   There is a great promise attached to treating our elderly well. However, they are not to be treated well only because we want to get a good reward from God. We need to treat them well because the love of Christ rests within us. Exodus 20:12  -  Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. In addition, in Deuteronomy 5:16 told Israel while they were going through the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land  - Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.   Many persons have unanswered prayers and broken dreams because they had lost the blessings of God. There are also those who seem to be prospering while maltreating the elders. Don’t be fooled; they are only achieving they are not prospering. No one can truly prosper unless that individual is living in accordance to the dictates of God.It is very important that the advice of the elderly be valued. We can agree that not all may exercise sound wisdom but they possess a reservoir of knowledge which can enhance our lives. Job 12:12  -  With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding. An African proverbs says that what the aged person on the ground can see, the young in the highest tree cannot see it. God’s love is constant; when humans fail to offer the proper love and attention God never fails . Isaiah 46:4  -  And even to your old age I am He; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you. Elders are to set the right example for their offspring because their behaviour can lead to their children being a blessing or fountains of sorrow.  Proverbs 17:6  -  Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.   While many embrace their grey hairs many are scared or turned off and will do all within their power to camouflage their greying hairs. The Bible does not support the rejection of grey hairs because we are told in Proverbs 20:29  - The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the grey head. Many children believe that they are more knowledgeable that their elders and will reject or ridicule them. They believe that the elders are prehistoric and cannot understand their era. They fail to realize that there is nothing new in this world. There are only improvements on what was already in place. A profound advice is given in  Proverbs 23:22  -  Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.   Many are ashamed of their aged family despite the sacrifices which they had made for them. They have forgotten that the aged family is the ladder on which they stood when they had attained their life goals.   As a social and spiritual body, the Church must take care of the elderly within their scope. While the Church family has a responsibility towards the elderly in the congregation the family has primary responsibility. The   Bible offers   guidance in  1 Timothy 5:4  -  But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. Proverbs 20:20  -  Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.   This should be enough to deter children from abusing their elders. You cannot truly enjoy a good life if you have made your elders miserable. The Mosaic Laws stated in Leviticus 20:9  -  For every one that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death: he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood shall be upon him. What else can you do to make the elderly more comfortable?   Do not change their environment without giving due consideration to their needs. Special care must be taken to ensure the safety of the elderly. Think about the floormats, handrails, types of seats, grab bars in the bathroom, the height of toilets and such. Yes, when accommodating your elders there has to be not only adjustment to your schedules but environmental adjustments.   What about their health care, medication and personal hygiene. They need assistance as their faculties and agility lessen, treat them as you desire to be treated. Whether they had used their years well, whether or not the family had benefitted materially from them and other such concerns are irrelevant in the time of crisis. What is important is the fact that they need help and they must be treated in the manner that you would desire to be treated when your turn comes. Many may say whatever anyone wants to do them at that time will not bother them. I put it to you that such statement is false. Even the most sadistic murderer is not elated when the death sentence is passed. Life your life in a way that if that life is packaged and returned to you it can be collected gladly. Writer - A. E. Fisher  We welcome your questions and feedback.  You may contact us at   ofthelivinggodchurch@gmail.com   https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/

REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY TO KEEP IT HOLY   In the beginning God created the Heaven and the earth Gen.1:1. The act of creation was completed in six days. On the sixth day, God created man in His own likeness and His image. God created man a little lower than the angels. (Psalm 8:5). Man was given dominion over the fish of the sea, fowl of the air and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. (Gen. 1:26). God desired man to worship Him so He placed in the mind of man the aptitude for worship.   Sabbath keeping originated in the Garden of Eden as stated in Gen. 2:1-3, ‘ Thus the heavens and the earth were finished and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had made. And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it: because that in it He had rested from all His work which God created and made.’   God rested from His six days of labour; not because He was tired but He wanted to institute His designated day of worship. When God wrote the Ten Commandments with His finger on the tables of stone, He included Sabbath keeping. He wanted us to know that He had given us the first six days to work and the seventh to focus on Him.   The Fourth Commandment says: Exodus 20:8-11 Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days the Lord made the heaven and earth, the sea and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.  This commandment has not been changed by God. It will endure throughout eternity. Jesus stated in Matt. 5:18,  ‘Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the Law, till all be fulfilled.’   The Beginning and Ending of the Sabbath   How can you know when a day begins or ends? Gen. 1:2,5 ‘ And the earth was without form and void: and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God called the light Day and the darkness He called Night.   The beginning of the night is evening; this also marks the beginning of a new day. The night or darkness precedes the light of the day. The beginning of the light part of day is the morning.  A day does not begin at midnight neither in the morning when it is bright a day begins at sunset each evening. A day is first darkness then light. According to the Scriptures the Lord’s Day is Sabbath. Mark 2:27-28 states, ‘ The Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore, the Son of Man is Lord also of the Sabbath. ’   Historians record that Pope Sylvester (314-337A.D) popularised Sunday worship by naming Sunday the Lord’s Day. Sunday cannot be the Lord’s Day because Jesus said He was Lord of the seventh day, which is the Sabbath . After naming Sunday the Lord’s Day, they enforced Sunday worship through persecution of Sabbath keepers. The persecution was terrible; many were burned alive, skinned alive, thrown into hot liquids, fed to wild animals, tortured, endured thirst, hunger and homeless, pregnant mothers were torn apart and the premature babies murdered. Despite these acts of wickedness, the believers remained faithful to God’ Holy Commandments. They had rather obeyed God than follow the dictates of man. How Should the Sabbath be Kept The Sabbath is to be kept from sunset Friday evening to sunset Saturday evening. Friday is Preparation Day for the weekly Sabbath, it begins at sunset Thursday evening. On this day all food must be prepared for Sabbath. And he said unto them, This is that which the Lord hath said, Tomorrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the Lord: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning .  (Exodus 16:23) All necessary preparations must be put in place because the Sabbath was not designated for accomplishing our own agenda. All chores such as house cleaning, gardening, cooking, business transactions or activities of pleasure must not be done on the Sabbath. The Sabbath is a day of reflection, meditation and for gathering spiritual strength. While the Israelites were wandering through the wilderness, God fed them daily with manna from heaven. No manna was sent on the seventh day, Sabbath; God instructed the Israelites to gather sufficient food for the sixth and seventh day. This was the only time that manna could be stored for more than one day. If manna was stored on any other day except on Sabbath it gathered worms and became stink.   JESUS, OUR EXAMPLE Jesus is a Sabbath keeper and the Apostles whom He had left to continue the Ministry were Sabbath keepers that was why John said I WAS IN THE SPIRIT ON THE LORD'S DAY. HE KNEW THAT THE SEVENTH DAY SABBATH IS THE LORD'S DAY . Here is proof that the Apostles continued to worship on the seventh day, Sabbath and taught others to do likewise. Acts chapter 16 verse 13- And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. Acts chapter 13 verses 14-16 - But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down. 15 And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on. 16 Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience. Acts chapter 13 verses 44-46 - And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. 45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. 46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles . Acts chapter 14 verse one - And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. Acts chapter 17 verse 2 - And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,” The Change of the Sabbath Daniel, the prophet, predicted that a powerful force would think to change times and laws.   And he shall speak great words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.  (Dan. 7:25) One way in which this satanic force tries to change God’s times and laws is by trying to change God’s day of worship from Sabbath to Sunday. The popular teaching that Jesus was resurrected on a Sunday morning has been used to cement Sunday worship. The Bible does not support a Sunday morning resurrection; it teaches us that Jesus was resurrected on a Sabbath evening. These misquoted Scriptures are used to deceive the world. Some texts which are used are: Matt. 28:1, Mark 16:1, 9; Luke 24:1; John 20: 1,19; Acts 20:7; 1st Cor. 16:1,2. These texts are used to explain that the sanctity of the Sabbath has been transferred to Sunday. This is not the true explanation for these Scriptures. These Scriptures do not confirm that God endorses Sunday worship. God showed Ezekiel how Israel had departed from His holiness and was engaged in idolatry. They were worshipping the sun. In Ezekiel chapter 8 verses 16-18   And he brought me into the inner court of the Lord's house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the Lord, between the porch and the altar, were about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the Lord, and their faces toward the east; and they worshipped the sun toward the east. 17 Then he said unto me, Hast thou seen this, O son of man? Is it a light thing to the house of Judah that they commit the abominations which they commit here? for they have filled the land with violence, and have returned to provoke me to anger: and, lo, they put the branch to their nose. 18 Therefore will I also deal in fury: mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, yet will I not hear them. During his reign king Josiah began destroying idolatry and sodomites out of the land. He sought to create an environment which promoted true worship . 2 Kings 23 verses 5 and 11- And he put down the idolatrous priests, whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah, and in the places round about Jerusalem; them also that burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven  And he took away the horses that the kings of Judah had given to the sun, at the entering in of the house of the Lord, by the chamber of Nathanmelech the chamberlain, which was in the suburbs, and burned the chariots of the sun with fire. Jeremiah chapter 8 verses 2-3 tell how God rewarded the disobedient people for their sins. At that time, saith the Lord, they shall bring out the bones of the kings of Judah, and the bones of his princes, and the bones of the priests, and the bones of the prophets, and the bones of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, out of their graves: And they shall spread them before the sun, and the moon, and all the host of heaven, whom they have loved, and whom they have served, and after whom they have walked, and whom they have sought, and whom they have worshipped: they shall not be gathered, nor be buried; they shall be for dung upon the face of the earth. It is no different today, God hates idolatry; He warned us not to worship any other god except Him. Why are we worshipping the sun-god? THERE ARE NO SCRIPTURES TO SUPPORT THIS WORSHIP ONLY TRADITIONS. In 321 A.D. Constantine passed the first Sunday law which stated, ‘ Let all the judges and town people, and the occupation of all trades rest on the venerable day of the sun. ’   Edict of March 7, 321 A.D. Corpus Juris Civilis Cod. Lib. 3. Tit. 12 Lex. 3 (taken from National Sunday Law, Marcussen 1999). This is supported by AI overview taken from www.google.com  on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 The Edict of March 7, 321 AD, also known as Constantine's Sunday Law, was a law that declared Sunday a day of rest in the Western Roman Empire. The law was enacted by Emperor Constantine the Great to honor the sun god, Sol Invictus.  A careful study of history reveals that the change of the seventh day to the first day of worship is a united effort of the Catholic Church and State.   During the fourth century the Council of Laodicea in Asia Minor forbade Sabbath observance and implemented Sunday observance. Canon 21, stated that Christians should not Judaize or be idle on the Sabbath but should work. However, on the Lord’s Day they should, if possible, do no work. If they are found working, they shall be anathema from Christ.   Charles Joseph Hefele. A History of the Councils of the Church vol. 2(1896 English ed.) p.316.   The Catholic Church reversed the Fourth Commandment by doing away with the Sabbath of God’s word and instituting Sunday as a holiday. ’ N. Summerbell. History of the Christian Church (1873) p.415 .  Under the Roman rulership it was unlawful to be a Christian until 313 A.D., and until approximately 400 A.D. Sunday was not an official day of worship. Satan’s plan to officially rival God’s Day led to severe persecution of the saints. The saints however were steadfast and to a great extend maintained the Gospel of Truth.   Even sections of America accepted Sunday as the designated day of worship. The first Sunday law was passed in Virginia, U.S.A. on May 25, 1610. This is referred to as the Sunday Blue Law. There were strict penalties attached to the breaking of the law. This was not new because Sabbath keepers were violently persecuted from 538 B.C –1798 a total of 1260 year. (Rev. 12:6) Written historical records tells us that Pope Innocent viii in 1487 while venting his anger against Sabbath keepers ordered that the malicious and abominable sects of malignant  if they refuse to abjure, is to be crushed like venomous snakes. This was a call to exterminate all those who refused to accept tradition instead of doctrine.   The significance of the Sabbath   The Catholic Church boasts, ‘ We observe Sunday instead of Sabbath because the Catholic Church at the Council of Laodocia transferred the solemnity from Saturday to Sunday. The Converts’ Catechism of Catholic Doctrine, 3rd Ed. P.50.   The Catholic Press reported, ‘ Sunday is a Catholic institution and its claim to observation can be defended only on Catholic principles…...From the beginning of the Scriptures there is not a single passage that warrants the transfer of the weekly public worship from the last day of the week to the first.’ adapted from National Sunday Law. Sunday is the mark of the Catholic’s authority to overrule God’s law. This is contrary to God’s plan.   God’s Seal A seal is used for legal and official purposes. It is a sign of authority. There are three components to a seal.  A) The name of the ruler B) The title which the ruler possesses C) The domain over which the ruler dominates   The ruler expects the citizens to be supportive of any document that bears the seal. The Lord expects all humans to be supportive and abide by His laws which is His seal. The seal of God is on the forehead. In the forehead can be found the portion of the brain which contains the mind or conscience. This part of the brain is called the frontal lobe. Hebrew 10:16 states, ‘ This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws in their hearts and in their minds will I write them.’   The Fourth Commandment tells us the NAME– THE LORD, HIS TITLE– THY GOD, HIS DOMAIN—THE HEAVEN AND EARTH, THE SEA AND ALL THAT IN THEM IS. Satan knows that the Fourth Commandments points to God’s authority so he desires to corrupt the truth and put in place his counterfeit. Ezekiel 20:12,20 tell us that the Sabbath is a sign between God and man . When we keep the Sabbath, it shows that there is a connection between us and God.   Some persons teach that the Sabbath is solely for the Jews. It is true that when God needed true worshippers He chose Abraham and his descendants to build a people who would propagate righteousness. The descendants of Abraham did not fulfill their calling but that did not stop God's plan for the redemption of the world. Jesus came and died for the world and the Gentiles who were idolaters were engrafted into the wonderful plan of salvation. (Romans 11)   Paul the Apostle to the Gentiles (Rom. 11:13) confirmed that Christ died for the world (Romans 5:8) Christ’s death broke down the middle wall of partition and gave us the right to call God, Father. Galatians 3: 28, tells us that t here is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.’   One day Jesus will put in His appearance and He will not judge us on man’s traditions. All who rejected the  Sabbath and any of the other nine Commandments shall be cast into damnation. Isaiah 66:23 states, ‘And it shall be that from one Sabbath to another shall all flesh come to worship before Me, saith the Lord .’  In the new earth and heaven, Sabbath keeping is a must. It is a continuation of what is practised now on earth. How can one obey then what they refuse to obey now? Those who refuse to follow the Commandments of God, speak lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a hot iron. (1st Tim. 4:2)   My friends, the explanation has been given; it is now your decision as to whom you will serve. The words of God stands sure and He changes not. Malachi 3:6 tells us, ‘For I am the Lord I change not.’   Here is a quote from Jesus, Matthew 5:17-19, ‘ Think not that I am come to destroy the Law, I am not come to destroy but to fulfil; For verily I say unto you: till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the Law till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of the least of these Commandments and shall teach men so shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.’   Take heed, let no one deceive you, as  long as you had heard you must obey or else you cannot enter the everlasting Kingdom of God. Study and ask God for understanding. It is your eternal destination that is in danger. Remember do the will of God not what is convenient to you. Please do it the Lord’s way.      Writer - A. E. Fisher    We welcome your questions and feedback.  You may contact us at ofthelivinggodchurch@gmail.com     https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/

https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/   Who is Lucifer and what do you know about him?   Lucifer carries many names inclusive of: Lucifer, Satan, Beelzebub, and Mephistopheles, Abaddon, Belial, Baal, Dragon, Serpent, Murderer, Leviathan, and Father of Lies.   In a portion of Ezekiel 28 Lucifer was compared to the prince of Tyre. Tyre was a rich commercial city which became an enemy of Israel and excelled in sinfulness. Due to its wealth the king was haughty and proud. He thought the city was impregnable due its wealth and its rocky territory. These traits could also be aligned to the well sculptured and talented angel who later fell because of pride.   In Ezekiel 28:1-10 God spoke about Tyre and its ruler and it bore similarities to Lucifer -   The word of the Lord came again unto me, saying, 2  Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus, saith the Lord God; Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God: 3 Behold, thou art wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that they can hide from thee: 4 With thy wisdom and with thine understanding thou hast gotten thee riches, and hast gotten gold and silver into thy treasures: 5 By thy great wisdom and by thy traffick hast thou increased thy riches, and thine heart is lifted up because of thy riches: 6 Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Because thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God; 7 Behold, therefore I will bring strangers upon thee, the terrible of the nations: and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of thy wisdom, and they shall defile thy brightness. 8 They shall bring thee down to the pit, and thou shalt die the deaths of them that are slain in the midst of the seas. 9 Wilt thou yet say before him that slayeth thee, I am God? but thou shalt be a man, and no God, in the hand of him that slayeth thee. 10 Thou shalt die the deaths of the uncircumcised by the hand of strangers: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord God.   The following verses are a portion of the prophecy which God gave Ezekiel about Lucifer. This prophecy tells us how much Lucifer had, how much he had lost and why he is still trying to get control of God’s creations and how heavily he will fall.   Ezekiel 28:11-19- Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 1 2 Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus, saith the Lord God; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. 13 Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. 14 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. 15 Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. 16 By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore, I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. 17 Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. 18 Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore, will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. 19 All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.   When Lucifer allowed pride to consume him, he became evil. He was able to convince one third of the heavenly angels to join in his coup. There was war in heaven and Lucifer and his allies were cast out of heaven. Revelation 12:7-10, And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now, is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the a ccuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God, day and night.   Jesus confirmed Lucifer’s downfall   from the third heaven,  - And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven . (Luke 10:18)   Jesus also said this about Satan and those who display behaviours similar to him in John 8:44 -   Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.   How did Lucifer come into Being?   Lucifer was created by God, the Creator of all things. Let us hear what Hebrews 1:2 says about God the Creator. -   Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds.   Jesus is the First Begotten Son of God. He is referred to as the Word. John 1:1-3, 14.    In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. Jesus is referred to as the Word. This means that He is the Spoken Word of God. This is a great mystery that we do not need to understand now. Being the Spoken Word is the divine aspect of Jesus. He is from the beginning of beginnings and He was God because He came from God and is the Word of God. You are whoever you are because you came from that family but each member of the family is unique. So is it with God, Jesus, the angels and us. We who are Children of God share the same lineage but we are different individually. We can only do what our Father allows us to do. Neither angel or humans can be the FATHER or like Jesus in His divinity. Jesus was not created but the angels and everything else were created?  Colossians 1:16 -    For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him. Yes, biblical records tell us that all things were created by Jesus as He worked with His Father. All things also belong to Him. He is before all because He was begotten before God put anything in place. As the Firstborn for the Father, He is Heir to all.   What should all God’s creations do?   Ps. 103:20,21 -   Bless the Lord, ye His angels, that excel in strength, that do His commandments, hearkening unto the voice of His word. 21 Bless ye the Lord, all ye His hosts; ye ministers of His, that do His pleasure. Psalm 104:30-31 -  Thou sendest forth Thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth.  The glory of the Lord shall endure for ever: the Lord shall rejoice in His works.   Psalm 104:4 tells us why did created Lucifer and the other angels-   He made them to be His spiritual ministers who carry a flaming fire.   After God completed creating the angels and everything else what was His conclusion? Genesis 1:31-   And God saw everything that He had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. When God said everything which He had created was “ very good ” the angels which a part of the creation were also “very good”   What did Job say about the foundation of the earth?   Job 38:4-7-   4  Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. 5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? 6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; 7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?   What other name do we find used for the angels?  Job 1:6 -   Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them. Job 2:1-   Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the Lord.   Jesus was higher than the angels so he has a power which is greater than Lucifer’s. Hebrews 1:4,5,7-   4  Being made so much better than the angels, as He hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. Jesus was closest to the Father and the angels were lower than Him. 5  For unto which of the angels said He at any time, Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to Me a Son?  Only Jesus is the Begotten Son of God. And of the angels He saith, Who maketh His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire. The angels are messengers and servants of God.   The following verses give clarity on how the angels served God -   A bove it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. Gen 3:24-     So He drove out the man; and He placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life. Ezekiel 10:8,21-   And there appeared in the cherubims the form of a man's hand under their wings Everyone had four faces apiece, and every one four wings; and the likeness of the hands of a man was under their wings.   The word Lucifer means “Day Star”. He is also linked to Venus in Roman mythology. How was he referred to in Isaiah 14:12? How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! Lucifer lost his exalted position due to pride. He wanted to be worshipped as God. Isaiah 14:13-14 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High . What beautiful example did Christ demonstrate in contrast to the one of Satan?   Philippian 2:5-8- 5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. There are many lessons to be learnt from the behaviour of Lucifer; the once exalted angel was driven out of heaven. He is now a fugitive and a destructive force on this earth.  When he was around the throne of God ministering to Him, he thought that he was invincible therefore he became proud. What can we learn from his behaviour? I Corinthians 10:12 -   Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. What should we do to avoid being disobedient to the will of God? Matthew 26:41-   Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. As we reflect on Lucifer’s rise and fall, we ought to learn from his disobedience. It is impossible to live holy without the anointing and leading of the Holy Spirit. We ought to make every effort to be humble and obey God.         Writer - A. E. Fisher  We welcome your questions and feedback.  You may contact us at ofthelivinggodchurch@gmail.com   https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/

https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/    We associate the Bible with ancient days but have we ever stopped to think that the happenings in the Bible occurred during a specific modern time. Therefore, let us examine a few youths who walked the old path in a modern world. Jacob: He knew the value of hard work and he knew what he wanted and he was deeply in love. He was so much in love that he worked fourteen years for the woman of his choice. Moses: He was born in Egypt and was reared in the midst of idolatry when he was adopted by Pharaoh's daughter. Despite his contaminated environment he was unspotted by their idolatry. He could do whatever he like but he rather suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. Joseph: His brothers coveted him yet he loved them. They sold him into slavery yet his heart was pure towards them. Potiphar’s wife wanted to commit adultery with him but he resisted. He said, ‘ how can I do this wicked thing and sin against my God .’ She accused him of rape and he was sent to prison. God released him from prison and used him to save the Egyptians and people from surrounding lands including his brothers from starving to death. He was elevated from being a prisoner to become one of the highest rank leader in Egypt. Miriam: She dutifully and loving kept watch over her brother while he was in a basket on the Nile River. She knew she could be punished if it was known that she was protecting a child which should have been killed but she faithfully carried out her duty. She was anointed by God as a Prophetess and was one of the leaders who took the Israelites out of Egypt. (Micah 6:4) Samson: He was specially called by God. He went where he should not have gone and entered into relationships which were forbidden by God. He suffered at the hands of the woman who enticed then deceived him. In his last hours he cried unto God and God gave him strength to kill his tormentors. He died with them. He single- handedly killed more men than any other persons. All whom he killed were idolaters. Read Judges 16 Samuel: When God need a man the little boy, Samuel, was available. He was God’s faithful and dedicated Prophet. While he was living in the temple, Eli’s sons were committing fornication and other forms of sin. He could have been swayed but he was true to God. He maintained his spiritual integrity. He became one of God’s foremost prophets. Jesus: He said that His meat was to do His Father’s will. From a tender age He began teaching God’s word to everyone within His reach. He suffered terrible abuse, many who do not suffer as much as He had have fallen into depression or develop low self-esteem but He did not because His confidence was in His Father. He is our Example of strength and righteousness. He is the epitome of obedience. Isaac: He knew that his father, Abraham, was going to sacrifice him yet he went willingly. God did not allow Abraham to sacrifice him but his obedience is a lesson to us. Today the Scriptures speak highly about him; he is a true example. Jephthah’s  daughter: Her father made a vow to God that if God gave him victory against the Ammonites he would sacrifice whatsoever met   him at his house door. He got the victory and when he was returning his only child met him at the door. She assisted her father in obeying God by willingly giving up a normal life for one which would be spent in spinsterhood. David: He trusted God. As an adolescent he killed Goliath. He wanted to build God’s house and when God told him no he began to accumulate the material so that Solomon would have an easier task when building God’s. house He was a man after God’s heart. He was a prolific writer and have left much to us in writing. Josiah: He became King of Israel at age eight. He inherited a kingdom that had gone away from God but his heart was set to lead the people back to God. In the midst of challenges he led the people in godliness. He was an agent of positive change and created a great reformation in Judah. The Little Maid: She was in slavery in a foreign land but she kept her faith; she remembered the God Israel. She told the Syrians about God’s healing power and encouraged them to go to Israel so that Naaman could be healed from leprosy. Jeremiah: God called him as a child. He became one of the most renown messengers of God. He suffered immensely but he remained a stalwart in holiness. The lad: He was there with the hungry multitude and he could have eaten his food alone but he chose to give it away. He had five loaves and two small fish and he willingly gave them away. Jesus used them to feed about five thousand persons and gathered twelve baskets of left over. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah: They made the Babylonians aware of the power of God. They were in slavery yet they refused to disobey God and obey their captors.   Now that you have learnt how these youths behaved in their adverse situation I am sure that you have realised that your situation is not unique. Whatever the situation you must be faithful to God.    Writer - A. E. Fisher  We welcome your questions and feedback.  You may contact us at ofthelivinggodchurch@gmail.com      https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/

https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/   Praise is giving honour and adoration to God; it means to be thankful for God’s blessings, and to declare our appreciation to God and to others. It can only be truly given when one has a thankful heart and is accepting of the awesome magnificence of God. Worship means to prostrate oneself, to bow down, to fall face down, to pay homage and to pay respect.” Sincere worship is the highest form of honour and respect that we can show towards God.   God has been faithful to us. As we reflect on God’s purpose for mankind we need to know that humans were made to worship God and God expects us to honour Him with our praises. When we praise God sincerely, we gain spiritual strength and victory in our circumstances.  Psalm 100 tells us to make a joyful noise unto the Lord and to serve the Lord with gladness and come before His presence with singing .  We should know that God is the True God and it is He that hath made us. Worship that is contrary to true worship and distorts godly worship is not a joyful noise. Only those who serve God sincerely can make a joyful noise. We must understand that offering praise is a sacrifice. We offer praise just as we would offer our tithes. When offered right, praise is orderly, spiritually enlightening and not confusing. Satan is covetous he does not like when we praise God. Therefore he places in the mind of man ideas which distort truth; especially regarding praise. When the Church of God fell into apostasy manmade rituals and dry ceremonies were introduced. Worship in those assemblies became dead, solemn, methodical, pious and stereotyped. Worship then become highly sophisticated and engineered by man. This type of worship lacks the presence and power of the Spirit of God. In worship centre where God is not truly honoured, evil thrives. Satan has to ensure that he has places where he can plant his agents which include those who are members of secret societies but are also assumed to be good religious leaders. That is why presently we have so many ungodly people occupying high positions in places of worship. Remember that the Scriptures warned us that we are fighting against spiritual wickedness therefore we should put on God’s armour. True worshippers should stand spiritual guard against the tricks of the devil. They must be on the lookout for false teachings because righteousness and falsehood cannot be unified. True worshippers cannot be concerned about popularity; our concern should be maintaining God’s truth amidst the present high level of falsehood and demonic worship which is infiltrating the minds of God’s creation and places of worship.  In an effort to turn people’s mind from Truth the devil had caused confusion to develop regarding the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul had to address the issue in 1st Corinthians 14 and until today the confusion still remains. Presently there are many teachings regarding the reception and manifestation of the Holy Spirit. However, I entreat you to study and sincerely ask the Lord to lead you into His Truth.   Before offering praise as a sacrifice to God, we must examine ourselves and ensure that our conscience is right and in tune with God. When David sinned, he did not take up a tambourine and dance and sing before God. Instead, he confessed his sins and pleaded for God’s mercy and forgiveness. Many of us take church going as a cloak for our sins. We act pious on the pulpit, in the choir and in the pew, our voices loudly proclaim God’s glory but our hearts are far away from Him. This is corrosive worship. It is unacceptable to God. This type of worship leads to demon infestation. Did you know that many individuals who in our human eyes and to our human ears are speaking in tongues and manifesting in the Spirit are in fact in the control of demons?  Be reminded that Jesus stated that those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. Psalm 15 advises us about those whom God accept. He accepts those who walk uprightly, work righteousness, speak truth in the heart, do not backbite, do no evil to their neighbour, do not condone with sin, honour God’s people, do not swear, don’t surcharge others nor oppress others. Worshippers must follow God’s Commandments and the Testimonies of Jesus Christ in this way we walk uprightly and work righteously. It is amazing how much time church goers find for gossiping and walking from place to place creating mischief. The word of God encourages us to spend our time in praise to God. Even our actions should be in praise God. Ephesians 5:19-20 tell us that we should speak to ourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in our hearts to the Lord. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ . If this advice is followed then mischief would be wiped out and there would be love, peace and unity within the Assemblies. As a result, the world would be a better place because Christ like behaviour would be exhibited by believers. Ephesians 4 further tells us how true worshippers should behave. Let me list a few behaviours which should not be present in the lives of believers: lying, stealing, anger, laziness, corrupt conversation, wrath, bitterness, unforgiveness, malice, covetousness, hard heartedness or any form of deceit.  Praise and worship is not about how many songs you know, how well you sing, how well you preach, what positions you hold in the congregation or how long you have been attending church. It is about the cleanness of your heart and your connection with God. Remember God is not mocked and whatsoever a man soweth that shall he reap. If you have sinned and you are unwilling to repent, I would ask you not be daring and go into the Lord’s house to offer an unacceptable praise offering it is best that you rebuke the devil and repent of your sins.   O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise Thy name; for Thou hast done wonderful things; Thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. Isaiah 25:1     Writer - A. E. Fisher        We welcome your questions and feedback.  You may contact us at     ofthelivinggodchurch@gmail.com  https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/

https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/ Which day is the Seventh Day Sabbath? God decreed the last day of the week to be a day of spiritual refreshment and rest from daily chores. Genesis chapter 2 verses 1 to 3 tell us, “ T hus the heavens and the earth were finished and all the host of them and on the seventh day God ended His work which He had made and they rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made and God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it because that in it He had rested from all His work which God created and made .” This is a confirmation that the creation week ended with a day of rest; this day of rest is the seventh day and it is named the Sabbath. Biblically there are several sabbaths. Leviticus chapter 23 and other Scriptures tell us about Feast Days which are followed by a Sabbath or ends with a Sabbath. These are the sabbaths that Paul mentioned in Colossians 2:16-17, “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. These Feast Days are related to Christ and His Ministry and were completed by Him as it pertains to the salvation of the Gentiles in this dispensation. We ought not to confuse these specific days of rest associated with the Feast Days with the seventh day, Sabbath.   How is time calculated biblically?  A day begins at sunset and ends at sunset. The Bible clearly proclaims this fact; it points to darkness being in place before light came. Genesis 1: 1-5-   In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. 3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. 5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. In addition, we look at Genesis 1:5,8,13,19,23 and 31; each verse states,  And the evening and the morning . Let us examine other Scriptures which point to a day beginning or ending with sunset: Nehemiah 13:19- And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the Sabbath , I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the Sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the Sabbath day. Nehemiah loved the Lord and knew that it was the disobedience of the nation of Israel that had caused them to go into captivity. Even though they had become subjects to ungodly rulers the descendants of Jacob did not repent they continued their sinful lifestyle. They engaged in and also allowed desecration of the Sabbath. Nehemiah put plans in place to stop the trading that was happening on the Sabbath at the Gate of Jerusalem and in the city.  Leviticus 23:32-     It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even , shall ye celebrate your sabbath. The following Scriptures tell us that those in need of healing and restoration were taken to Jesus when the Sabbath was ending. This was done because the Scribes and the Pharisees were vigilantly watching to see what Jesus was doing on the Sabbath and they were eager to falsely accuse Him.   Mark 1:32–   And at even, when the sun did set , they brought unto Him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils. Matthew 8:16- When the even was come , they brought unto Him many that were possessed with devils: and He cast out the spirits with His word, and healed all that were sick. Luke 4:40 -   Now when the sun was setting , all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them, and healed them. The Mosaic Law stated the duration of time one would be unclean and when cleansing can be done. Leviticus 22:6-7-     The soul which hath touched any such shall be unclean until even , and shall not eat of the holy things, unless he wash his flesh with water. 7  And when the sun is down , he shall be clean, and shall afterward eat of the holy things; because it is his food. Deuteronomy 23:11 - But it shall be, when evening cometh on , he shall wash himself with water: and when the sun is down , he shall come into the camp again Samson gave the Philistines a riddle which should be answered on the seventh day. This verse points to them meeting with him on the specific date. Judges 14:18 –   And the men of the city said unto him on the seventh day before the sun went down , What is sweeter than honey? And what is stronger than a lion? and he said unto them, If ye had not plowed with my heifer, ye had not found out my riddle. These verses pointed out the times when battles were being fought 2nd Samuel 3:35-   And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down . 2 Chronicles 18:34- And the battle increased that day: howbeit the king of Israel stayed himself up in his chariot against the Syrians until the even : and about   the time of the sun going down  he died . Joshua 8:29 -   And the king of Ai he hanged on a tree until eventide: and as soon as the sun was down , Joshua commanded that they should take his carcase down from the tree, and cast it at the entering of the gate of the city, and raise thereon a great heap of stones, that remaineth unto this day . Joshua 10:26-27 - And afterward Joshua smote them, and slew them, and hanged them on five trees: and they were hanging upon the trees until the evening. 27  And it came to pass at the time of the going down of the sun , that Joshua commanded, and they took them down off the trees, and cast them into the cave wherein they had been hid, and laid great stones in the cave's mouth, which remain until this very day. How we should treat each other? Deuteronomy 24:13,15-     In any case thou shalt deliver him the pledge again when the sun goeth down , that he may sleep in his own raiment, and bless thee: and it shall be righteousness unto thee before the Lord thy God. At his day thou shalt give him his hire, neither shall the sun go down   upon it ; for he is poor, and setteth his heart upon it: lest he cry against thee unto the Lord, and it be sin unto thee. How was time calculated in ancient times? The Bible teaches us that time was calculated by using sunset and sunrise. In addition, in ancient years hourglass, shadow stick, water and the sundial among other methods were used. None of these was accurate and during those years no one thought of calculating time as we do now. Since the beginning the 20th century we have the timepieces that can help us to correctly divide time into hours. Due to our present competence in measuring time there is confusion as to when Sabbath should begin. Some are wondering if we should begin at 6 o’clock in the evening or should it be at sunset. The question is asked what if one is living in areas with peculiar weather or climatic conditions for example Northern Norway, Svalbard, Iceland, Alaska, Finland, Sweden and Nunavut.   Persons living in these regions would understand and relate to the climate and continue their daily routine such as going to school or work thus it would not prevent them from knowing when the Sabbath begins. In summary how do you know when the Sabbath begins in this present time? How do we know when the Sabbath begins is a controversial issue for some especially for those who are unable to relate our present concept of time to ancient concept of time. As previously stated, Genesis chapter 1 gives a clear indication of time measurement put in place by God. There is no biblical proof that the Sabbath begins at 6:00 Friday evening but there is every biblical proof that Sabbath begins at sunset on the day that we call Friday.   Writer - A. E. Fisher  We welcome your questions and feedback.  You may contact us at   ofthelivinggodchurch@gmail.com   https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/

https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/   Job 14:1-2 - Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. Psalm 90:7-12 - 7 For we are consumed by Thine anger, and by Thy wrath are we troubled. 8 Thou hast set our iniquities before Thee, our secret sins in the light of Thy countenance. 9 For all our days are passed away in Thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told. 10 The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. 11 Who knoweth the power of Thine anger? even according to Thy fear, so is Thy wrath. 12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Job said that man would live for a few days and those days would be full of trouble. As you reflect on your life, I am sure that you can recall the many problems which you have encountered or is presently encountering.  In your moment of distress you may wonder where is God and you cry aloud to Him for help. You often wonder what you have done to deserve such heartache. You look on others and you wonder why they do not have the problems which you are bearing. Have you ever stopped to analyse situations and identify that your actions have generated most of these problems. Yes, most of our problems could have been avoided if we were obedient to God. We know that sin entered the Garden of Eden and spoilt the perfect world.  That is not what I am referring to now. I am talking about how we live our individual life, is it lived in a manner which is pleasing to God? Living for God does not mean that you will not have problems. You will have problems but your situation is different from the ungodly.   There are times when God allows His people to be tested but He stands right beside them in the fire. Job was tested but his faith remained constant. He said ‘ for I know that my Redeemer liveth and He will stand on the latter day on the earth. And though worms destroy my body yet in my flesh I shall see God . Job’s trial was a method of assessing his faithfulness to God. However, this is not so with the unfaithful. Their problems are often generated from their ungodly conduct.   I know that many excuses can be readily given by those who refuse to admit that sin is the cause of their grief. I am asking that you spare a listening ear while I remind you of Joshua’s warning to Israel as given in Joshua 24. In this Scripture Israel was reminded how God had given them victory over their enemies. Verse 10 says’ t ake heed therefore unto yourselves that ye love the Lord your God. This is saying that only by loving God can we be faithful to Him. Joshua was telling Israel that if the nation forsook God and became involved in idolatry then God will leave them in the hands of the enemies. God desires faithfulness from His people. We cannot behave hypocritically and expect that God will give us victory over our enemies.   Jesus triumphed over death because He was faithful. He is now sitting at His Father’s right hand interceding for us. The devil approached Him but He had to flee because Jesus used the Scriptures and His persistency in holiness to gain the victory. That is why it is essential that we study God’s words. Psalm 119:11states ‘ Thy words have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against Thee.  The entrance of God’s words in our minds gives us light and set our feet in an even place. The devil knows us by our actions. He recognizes the nominal church goers. To get them deeper into the fire he creates trouble. It is unacceptable to be a lukewarm worshipper. Such worship is distasteful. The Church at Laodicea was told,  I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.   (Revelation 3:15-16)    Sometimes God will rescue the disobedient but often He treats us as He treated Israel. He allows us to be held captive by our enemies and watch as we water our beds with our tears. The Israelites paid dearly for their iniquities. While in captivity they ate and drank many unhealthy things. This also happened when God sent famine on them. Even a donkey’s head was sold for a huge sum of money. History tells us how they suffered. It was then that they wanted God to help them. In their distress they called for God but He could not be found. Many of us do the same; we live as we like and die because we cannot avoid it.   There are many who scoff at others who teach that Children of God should not intermarry. However, this is supported in the Scriptures. God repeatedly told Israel that they should never marry outside of their faith. This practice has caused heartache to many and though some may pretend all is well, they are actually living unhappily because of this act of disobedience. This disobedience has led to an high increase in divorce. The result is that there are many persons who have more than one husbands or wives. This is adultery and many are guilty. The children from these unions often get lost in the squabble and some never recover but remain affected in many ways This is not the only act of disobedience there are many more.    A backslider is one who is sitting hypocritically in the Assembly and acting righteous or one who has openly departed from the faith. Backsliders know that their problems began the moment they left God. The question everyone must ask is ‘ can I fight my battles and win ?   I wish to ask you a few questions. Do you want to get rid of the problems which you have accumulated because of your disobedience. Do you want to conquer your enemies? Do you want a Being who can be a fortress, a guide or spiritual security? If you need the comfort of knowing that a Higher Power is in control of your life you must surrender to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. This complete protection cannot be found in oils, powders or any other paraphernalia. It can only be obtained by developing a close relationship with God.   David had problems. Listen to his words. O Lord rebuke me not in thy wrath nor chasten me in thy hot displeasure . David knew that when sin stands between us and God then God will pour out His wrath. Let us lessen our problems by being obedient to God. Obedience is better that sacrifice.     Writer - A. E. Fisher  We welcome your questions and feedback.  You may contact us at ofthelivinggodchurch@gmail.com      https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/