Can you hold hands with God if you practise masturbation and did not repent?   What is Masturbation?   Cambridge Dictionary defines masturbation as the act of touching or rubbing your sexual organs in order to give yourself sexual pleasure. This means that masturbation brings about sexual orgasm which is produced by self-stimulation for self-sexual arousal and pleasure. This shows a marked difference between masturbation and love making which is a shared activity.   The sin of Masturbation   There are many who chant the benefits of masturbation but these are deceptive benefits. We must understand that it is just as sinful as any other sexual sins. Although persons tend to present it as normal and give many excuses for its practise we need to examine the topic from a godly perspective. In addition, there are no known medical reasons for one to practise masturbation.   God made us sexual beings but we have taken the good which was given to us and to a great extent turn it into depravity. Genesis 1:26-27 -   So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them. 28  And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. As we observe the far reaching sexual engagements of humans and the directions in which we are going sexually there ought to be great concern from those who know what God desires from us.   What are some of the sexual sins which are permeating the society? I will list a few: common law relationship (living together without marriage/shacking up), bestiality, lesbianism, homosexuality and masturbation. Yes, we are living in a world that is overtaken by sexual cravings and the irony is that some of us who say that we are believers in Christ, sit contentedly by or do not see anything wrong in what is happening. Despise the diversities in opinions true believers in Christ must arise and give glory to God by abstaining and speaking out against the evils in society.     Is Masturbation a Sin in Christianity?   Is it possible for one to experience sexual orgasm without a sexual image in the mind? No. Jesus expounded on the issue of the sexual sin of adultery in Matthew 5:28. He said, But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.  This means that previously the act would have to be committed for it to be adultery but today the thoughts become adulterous.   What is the difference between nocturnal emission and lusting? Nocturnal emission is a release which occurs naturally. It is a built-in mechanism for reducing sexual pressures. Your body was built with this mechanism. It is innocent and helpful. It is not brought about by lusting, yearning and depravity. While it is evident that God has made a connection between sexual orgasm and sexual thought in such a way that the force and pleasure of orgasm are dependent on the thought or images in our minds, He has tempered such in nocturnal emissions (wet dream).   If in your subconsciousness images are linked with sexual orgasm how much so when you are conscious. In order to masturbate, it is necessary to get vivid and exciting thoughts or images into the mind. This can be done by impacting imagination or by pictures or movies or stories or real persons. For this reason, many are hooked to pornography and for this cause also the sex industry is booming. The images of whatever sort are objects that arouse your sexuality. These objects can destroy the pureness of your mind and lead you into depravity. They are objects whether technological, physical or imaginary because only when you relate or respond to the opposite sex in real flesh and blood and soul can that individual be a subject. God did not create us to relate sexually to self or objects but to the opposite sex.   Masturbation is carnality. It begins in the mind and the Scriptures tell us, “ They that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh.”  “For to be carnally minded is death but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” “The carnal mind is enmity against God for it is not subject to the law of God; neither indeed can be.” So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.”  Romans 5:5-8. We are also admonished by Apostle Peter in 1 st  Peter 1:13, “ Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober.”     There are many reasons why masturbation is wrong.   Masturbation produces real and legitimate guilt and stands in the way of obedience. I know that there are many men and women who lack self-control and have raging hormones and are finding it difficult to remain pure spiritually. This is so because in every society, people are being bombarded with sexual content. I encourage you not to fall into the snare of sexual uncleanness because God has not forsaken us. He is the one who designed and made us; He is intimately familiar with what we are going through.   Hebrews 2:17-18 reminds us, “ Wherefore in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted.” Hebrews 4:15-16 tells us, “For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need”   Jesus faced every temptation yet He never sinned! He had females about Him yet He never lusted!!! He did not come to earth as a super human He came as a normal man who had an intention to obey God, His Father and live righteously. He lived in obedience to God and knew that everyone could do the same so He told us to follow His example. If He was a super human would he have asked us normal humans to follow His example or would we be condemned for not following His example. Matthew 5:48 tells us that Jesus said that we should be perfect even as our Father in Heaven is perfect . Yes, it is possible to live a clean and holy life without lusting and masturbation. The purpose of Christ’s life is to glorify His Father. Thus, I will pose a question which some may find difficult to answer but your understanding of the principles which guided Jesus will colour your response. Do you believe that Jesus practised masturbation?  Here is Jesus' statement in John 5:19, Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do: for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.”   According to this passage, Jesus did what He saw His Father do. Therefore, in order for Jesus to have masturbated, He must have first witnessed His Father masturbate! So, did Jesus see God the Father masturbate? Who could ever have conceived that God could have been engaged in such an action? Do you see how this whole subject is blasphemous? God the Father does not masturbate and neither did Jesus! He also said, " For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of him that sent Me.” (John 6:38).   Christians are followers of Jesus and as His followers we cannot act or speak differently? We ought to follow the example set by Christ because only by doing so can we become Children of God. How does Apostle Paul respond in 1   Corinthians 10:31? " Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."  Does masturbation bring God glory? No!!!! It does not. Masturbation gives a form of self-gratification and sends us farther from God and does not glorify God. It is a sin.   James 4:17 states, Therefore, to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin . Ponder these things and seek God earnestly in prayer and fasting if you are in the bondage of sexual immoralities or any other sins. God can cleanse and purify you if you repent and turn to Him.  Psalm 51:10- Create in me a clean heart, O Lord and renew a right spirit within me.   Do not listen to those who are telling you about benefits derived from the activity. The final benefit is that you will end up in the midst of hell fire with Satan and his demons due to your impure mind.   I know that some persons may be asking what about those persons whose partners are living in foreign countries what should they do? If a couple allows the Scriptures and the Spirit of God to guide them, they would not have been willingly separated from each other for such a long time that sexually frustrated sets in. When you allow your cravings for material things to supersede common sense you must bear the consequences with righteous dignity. Either go where the spouse is or the spouse comes to you. Think and act wisely. God bless you.   Writer - A. E. Fisher  We welcome your questions and feedback.  You may contact us at   ofthelivinggodchurch@gmail.com   https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/

JESUS IS NOT ALMIGHTY GOD; HE IS THE ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF ALMIGHTY GOD    There is much controversy about the sameness or differences between Almighty God and Jesus. Some claim that Jesus and Almighty God, the Father, are One. Before we can draw such conclusion let us hear what the Scriptures say.   Jesus is the First Begotten Son. He was not created. We do not know when He came into being or of what material was, He constructed .   Hebrews chapter one tells us that Almighty God brought His Begotten Son in existence and made angels as His ministering spirits. His Son had authority over the angels.    Hebrews 1:4-9 - Being made so much better than the angels, as He hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they .  Jesus is the Begotten Son of God. The angels were created being. Jesus is heir to the throne. The angels are messengers or ministering spirits.     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 ? God declared Jesus to be His Son. The angels are not given this honour. The Scriptures do not tell us that angels shall be heirs. Even when the earth is renewed, Humans shall be like angels and be heirs with Jesus.     6  And again, when He bringeth in the Firstbegotten into the world, He saith, and let all the angels of God worship Him. The angels were commanded to worship the Son. The angels were not told to accept worship. The angels were told to worship the Godhead. · If you are worshipping God aren’t you also worshipping Jesus. When you say thank you Lord, do you always define to Whom you are giving the honour? No. When we worship, we are lauding the Godhead-The Father and the Son. The angels do the same.   7  And of the angels He saith, Who maketh His angels spirits and His ministers a flame of fire. 8  But unto the Son, He saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Thy kingdom. This is the Father speaking to the Son and He referred to Him as God because the Son is a part of Him just as you are a part of your earthly parents? God was not saying that Jesus was Father and also Son and there is no Scripture that records Jesus as saying He is both Son and Father. A sceptre is a sign of rulership and authority. The rulership of the Son in unending and His kingdom is built on righteousness. God the Father referred to the Son as God because in actuality He is God but He is not Almighty God the Father.   9  Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even Thy God, hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows. Notice how the Father clearly states that He is the One who is God of His Son and He promotes and empowers Him because He maintains the holiness of the Father.   Before coming to live on the earth in human form Jesus in His divinity lived with His Father. He did not come to earth as a divine being but as human. His mission was not only to redeem us but to show us that in our human form we can choose to live righteously. Hebrews 2:16-18- For verily He took not on Him the nature of angels; but He took on Him the seed of Abraham. 17  Wherefore in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 18  For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted. I John 4:2-3-   Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3  And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.   When Jesus aligned Himself with God the Jews were angry at Him. They said He was an impersonator. Their disobedience to God caused them not to understand what Jesus was saying, they thought He was saying that He is God the Father. John 10:33-38 - T he Jews answered Him, saying, For a good work we stone Thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that Thou, being a man, makest Thyself God. Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If He called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the Scripture cannot be broken; Say ye of Him, Whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? If I do not the works of My Father, believe Me not. But if I do, though ye believe not Me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in Me, and I in Him. Careful reading of this Scripture will inform you that Jesus never claimed to be Almighty God, the Father. He said He was the Son and that He was doing the Father’s work. He also said that the Father is in Him.   No one can tell God’s timeline.  Psalm 93:2- Thy throne is established of old: Thou art from everlasting.  God is the Eternal King and Lord . There is none above Him. Almighty God is Sovereign. His sovereignty is to be seen in His omnipotence, omnipresence, omniscience and omnibenevolence. Here are a few verses which proclaim His Sovereignty.   Lamentations 3:37–39 - Who is he that saith and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not? Out of the mouth of the Most High proceedeth not evil and good? Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man, for the punishment of his sins?    1 st Chronicles 29:11-12 -  Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as Head above all.   Jeremiah 32:27   - Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for Me?   Isaiah 42:8 -   I am the Lord: that is My name: and My glory will I not give to another, neither My praise to graven images.   God outlines His authority over the created; there is none who can contest Him.   Jesus only knows and does what His Father allows Him to know and do.  When He spoke about His return this is what He said. Matthew 24:36- But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven but My Father only.   This is what He said about His capabilities. Matthew 5:19-   Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. John 9:4-     I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. John 4:34 -     Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work.       When Jesus said if the people saw Him, they see God or He and His Father are One, He was referring to the unity that exists between them both.    Before Jesus completed His mission on earth and left, He promised to send a power which will connect us to Him. He could not send this Power by Himself but He had the authority to ask the Father to send it to us. John 14:16 -   And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever . John 15:26-   But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of Truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of Me.    On the day of Pentecost Brother Peter said in Acts chapter 2.   22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: 32  This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33  Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. 34  For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on My right hand, 35  Until I make thy foes thy footstool. 36  Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ .   Jesus is the Kings of kings and Lord of the rulers that are below His status. We obtain salvation and redemption through Him but this grace comes from God through Him.     Ephesians 1:3-6  - 3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings     in heavenly places in Christ: 4  According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love: 5  Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6  To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the Beloved.   He is the Only Spiritual Being who got a human body and came on earth to do the will of the Unseen Unfathomable Immortal God.  His birth, life on earth, sufferings on the cross as He agonised in pain clearly indicated that Jesus had a human body. John 1:14-   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. He is so close to the Father that He is the only human who has behold the face of God and has ever stayed in His very presence. One day at a time appointed by the Father, Jesus shall be returning as a Judge to reward the inhabitants of the world. He shall destroy sin and death and hand over a pure Kingdom to His Father. He is the First Son and Heir and all who are engrafted into the Family of God will share the inheritance with Him.     Writer - A. E. Fisher  We welcome your questions and feedback.  You may contact us at   ofthelivinggodchurch@gmail.com   https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/

What is alcohol? Alcohol in our present time is a chemical substance like ethanol or ethyl alcohol. It is produced when yeast ferments the sugars in grains, fruits, or vegetables.    Alcohol may be used as a means of socializing with friends, getting you excited and have fun or to hide you for a brief moment from the pressures of life. It can also act as a depressant, slowing down the central nervous system and affecting thinking, feeling, and behaviour.    Our method of producing alcoholic beverages is chiefly by distillation and this method was not used in Bible time. Therefore, our high-quality alcohol was unknown in that era.   Vodka: Commonly 40-50% ABV, but can range from 40% to 95%.   Modern wine at its lowest has between 9-11% alcohol Brandy has between 15-20 % and 35% -60% alcohol Liquors usually have between 40-51 % alcohol Liqueurs usually have between 15% and 30% (This has lower alcohol content but added sugar) Some extra hard liquors can be 90 proof and higher Please know that proof in alcohol is double the alcohol content. A liquor that has 40% alcohol is 80% proof. These types of alcohol were unknown in Bible times.   The Bible speaks about wine and strong drink. What are those? Wine from the vine for example grape is the juice that is mixed with water. Strong drink is the unmixed juice which the Israelites would call a concentrate. Both types can lead to drunkenness if one over indulges. Both has medicinal values and you will find Scriptures which support their use. However, these texts are not to be taken out of context.   Does the Bible support drinking alcohol? Deuteronomy 29:6 – ye have not eaten bread, neither have ye drunk wine or strong drink, that ye might know that I am Jehovah your God .  When the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness, they did not drink wine and strong drink. They only drank water that God provided. It was through this experience that they learned more about God. God specifically told Aaron and his sons not to drink wine nor strong drink.   Leviticus 10:9 -  Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the Tabernacle of the Congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations. God commanded Samson’s mother to refrain from drinking wine or strong drink. Judges 13:4 – A nd now beware, I pray thee, and drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat nothing unclean.  Judges 13:7 – And he said to me, Behold, thou shalt conceive and bear a son; and now drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat not anything unclean; for the boy shall be a Nazarite of God from the womb to the day of his death.   Eli the High Priest thought that Hannah was intoxicated. What was her response to his query? 1 Samuel 1:15 –  And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before Jehovah.    It can cause you to behave insensibly. Proverbs 20:1 – Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging; and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. Rulers are not to indulge in it because it can affect their judgement. Proverbs 31:4 – It is not for kings, Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for rulers to say, Where is the strong drink ? The prophet Micah warned that those who were prophesying about prosperity were liars because soon the nation would be going into captivity. Micah 2:11 – If a man walking in wind and falsehood do lie, saying, I will prophesy unto thee of wine and of strong drink, he shall be the prophet of this people.  Damnation is pronounced against those who indulge. ·         Isaiah 5:11 -  Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them! ·         Isaiah 5:22 -  Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink :   Here the diluted juice is recommended for its medicinal values.1 Timothy 5:23  -  Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities . Deuteronomy 14 verse 26 can be a controversial text.   Bearing in mind God’s command to abstain from wine or strong drink do you believe that the Lord was encouraging the people to indulge in His presence? Wouldn’t that be a double standard? Moses did not state how they were to use the wine or strong drink however bearing in mind their value as medicine, disinfectant, and water purifier there are many ways in which those journeying for the festival could use them.  Deuteronomy 14:26  – And thou shalt give the money for whatever thy soul desireth, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatever thy soul asketh of thee; and thou shalt eat there before Jehovah thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thy house .   ·         Proverbs 23:29-35 points to how foolishly and sinfully one who is intoxicated behaves -  Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? ·         30  They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. 31  Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32  At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. 33  Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. 34  Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. 35  They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.   Who should be given alcoholic beverages? Proverbs 31:6 –  Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto the bitter of soul. Strong drink is not for those who need to keep a clear mind but for those who are seeking an escape from reality. Luke 1:15 – For he shall be great before the Lord, and he shall drink no wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.   This is the only New Testament passage which mentions “strong drink” and its use is forbidden. John the Baptist the forerunner of Christ was forbidden to drink it. After looking at these texts you might still be inclined to drink and may ask what is wrong with one drink now and again. What you may not understand is that one drink most times leads to another and before you know it you are caught in the cycle of addiction. Yes, you may become an Alcoholic!!!   Drinking of strong alcohol is a threat to you, your family, your associates and to our society. Hosea prophesied and said “ Wine and new wine take away the understanding”  (4:11).  How true!!! your wits and brains are at stake when you consumes alcohol.  Alcohol is an enemy of a clear head, a sound body, and a morally sensitive soul. Many acts of crime and immorality occur when one is drunk. Often when the drinker becomes sober, there is a lapse in memory and one cannot understand how the atrocious actions could have been done.    Medical research shows that alcohol affects human’s thinking. Drinking alcohol gives one a temporary good feeling. This ‘good feeling’ is often accompanied by a loose tongue, evil temper and a bragging spirit. Under its influence, one is capable of doing this which not be normally done.   Many of God’s Commandments are violated because alcohol has the ability to lower the level of moral alertness and causes people to do what they would not have done if they were not intoxicated. It alters judgement and rational decision making. Alcohol puts many consciences to sleep and many crimes are committed based on a lapse in judgement caused by its use.   Isaiah 5:33 states” Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine and men of strength to mingle strong drink” . The word woe means ‘shame upon.’ The prophet was pronouncing judgement or condemnation in the name of God upon those who indulge in heavy drinking. Anyone who indulges in drinking cannot be a part of God’s kingdom. 1st Corinthians 6:10 clearly state that drunkards shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Isaiah also pronounces another woe in chapter 5:11 where he said “ Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night until wine inflame them ! Solomon declared in Proverbs 20:1 - wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.    Yes, there is power in a drink of alcohol because one sip, leads to another and the body becomes pliant as each drink makes one more receptive to another. Joel told the drinkers of his time “ Awake, ye drunkards and weep and howl, all ye drinkers of wine, because of the new wine; for it is cut off from your mouth ” .    Those who love to drink will spend their money foolishly and often do not possess much materially. Proverbs 23:21,29 tells us that the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty and that the persons who have woe, sorrow, contentions, babbling and redness of eyes are those who drink wine for a long time and they that love to drink mixed alcohol .  Solomon also encourages us not to look into the vat when the wine is been fermented. Fermented alcohol will bite like a serpent and sting like an adder.  It is at this point that evil thoughts begin to stir within the mind. The things one would not normally do are conceived at this point. The Bible clearly shows that “ Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things (Proverbs 23:33).    Who is as mighty with words as a man who is inflamed by liquor. Liquor loosens the tongue therefore a drunkard is normally a chatterbox. By drinking one goes right on selling himself short and depriving himself of higher spiritual experiences. Jesus in Luke 21:34 said: “ Take heed to yourselves lest your heart be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness . It is the soul that suffers.   Proverbs 31:6-7 says “ G ive strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine to those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink to forget his poverty and remember his misery no more”.   Those who are in seat of judgement should not be drunkards because this person will not be able to make proper decisions and will alter the course of justice. We read in Proverbs 31:4-5 that kings or princes are not to be alcoholics because they will forget the law and pervert the judgement.   There is the practice of some to try to get a person intoxicated to perform immoral acts. In Habakkuk 2:15 the prophet says “ Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also that thou mayest look on their nakedness.   The book of Romans tells us that it is good for us not to drink wine because it has the ability to make a believer stumble, offend others and make others weak. Believers in Christ who have surrendered to Christ should not be drunkards nor find pleasure in drinking alcohol. Apostle Paul stated in 1st Corinthians 5:11 that no one should n ot keep company with any believer who is a drunkard ; as a matter of fact, you should not even sit and eat with this individual because this person may influence you to become a drunkard.   Through distillation alcohol is referred to as a spirit. There are different types of spirits. There is the Spirit of God, which is the power of Almighty God and there are spirits created by the devil. The Spirit of God is true and good but the spirits of the devil are evil and destructive. Alcohol generates the spirit of evil. God is unhappy with us when we indulge in alcohol and forget His precepts. The Spirit of God cannot unite with the spirit of alcohol.   Your responsibility is to understand what is the will of the Lord for your life. The Scriptures tell us that we ought not to be drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit of God.   Alcohol is very addictive, if you are bounded by the craving for alcohol, I am sure that Jesus can take this craving away. Do not allow peer pressure to keep you in the snare of alcoholism; you can break free by the power of God. Remember that Jesus died to free you from all evil yokes and bondages. Trust God and ask Him to forgive you of your sins and help you to overcome this evil habit. You can break free. Do not destroy yourself; come to Jesus.  Jesus told His disciples that they would drink the fruit of the vine with Him in His Father’s kingdom. However, the wine which Jesus drank and has promised to give us to drink is the pure unfermented grape juice. Let us follow His example.   SAY NO TO ALCOHOLIC SUBSTANCES  Writer - A. E. Fisher  We welcome your questions and feedback.  You may contact us at   ofthelivinggodchurch@gmail.com   https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/

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/