Have you seen an angel?

Many people today are interested in angels. You can find many books about angels in the bookstores and they are a popular subject on TV. But have you ever wondered who they are and what they do? Are all angels good? Can you trust every angel? What does the Bible say about angels? Let us look and see.

If you look up the word angel in the concordance you can find many instances where the Bible speaks of angels. But what we find is that their are two kinds of angels.

The first type is what the Bible calls an angel of God. These are the ones that do God’s bidding. One of the first examples of these angels is found in Genesis 3:24 where God had an angel guard the gate into the Garden of Eden. Another example is in Genesis 19:1 where two of them were sent to Sodom to rescue Lot from the judgment to come upon that city. In Numbers 22:21-35 we find an angel of the Lord blocking Balaam from going where God told him not to go.

We are told that there are thousands of them (Psalm 68:17 & Rev. 5:11) and they are strong (Psalm 103:20) The Lord promises that they will be with those that fear God (Psalm 34:7).

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. Psalm 91:11

In the New Testament we find that angels came to announce Christ’s birth to the world (Matt. 1 & Luke 1). They were here to comfort him in his suffering (Luke 22:43) and to raise him from the dead (Matt. 28). An angel opened the prison gates and let Peter go free (Acts 12:6-10)

How does an angel of God respond to someone giving them homage or worshipping them?
And the angel of the Lord said unto Manoah, Though thou detain me, I will not eat of thy bread: and if thou wilt offer a burnt offering, thou must offer it unto the Lord. For Manoah knew not that he was an angel of the Lord. Judges 13:16

And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. Rev. 19:10-11

And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. Rev. 22:8-9

Another text on this subject is this:

Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, Col. 2:18

There is another type of angel that the Bible speaks of though. These are not Angels of God but are disobedient to God. In Isaiah 14:12 we can read about the history of these angels.

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! 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: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Isaiah 14:12-14

And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 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. Revelation 12:7-9

Other texts on this subject are these:

For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; 2 Peter 2:4

And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. Jude 1:6

Here is what the Bible says these fallen angels are like:

And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Matthew 4:9-10

And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: Rev. 9:20

What should be our response to an angel? Should we believe every supernatural manifestation that we see?

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 2 Cor. 11:14

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:8

Other words for these evil angels are things like devils, Satan, unclean spirit, demons. If we look at those words in the Bible we can find references like these:

And they shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils, after whom they have gone a whoring. This shall be a statute for ever unto them throughout their generations. Leviticus 17:7

They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not. Deut. 32:17

Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils, Psalm 106:37

And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them. Matthew 4:24

When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: Matthew 8:16

And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him. Luke 8:30

But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. 1 Cor. 10:20-21

Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. James 2:19

For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. Rev. 16:14

And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. Rev. 18:2

And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel. 1 Chron. 21:1

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them. And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Job 1:6-9

And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord. Job 1:12

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. And the Lord said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. And Satan answered the Lord, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. Job 2:1-4

And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life. So went Satan forth from the presence of the Lord, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. Job 2:6-7

And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. Zech. 3:1

But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. Matthew 16:23

And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. Mark 4:15

And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. Mark 4:15

Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. Luke 22:3

But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Acts 5:3

To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Acts 26:18

And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Romans 16:20

Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 2 Thes. 2:9

For some are already turned aside after Satan. 1 Tim. 5:15

I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Rev. 2:9

And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? Isaiah 8:19

And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out. Luke 4:36

Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. Luke 10:20

He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them. Psalm 78:49

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: Matthew 25:41

For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; 2 Peter 2:4

And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. Jude 1:6

We can see from this that there are two kinds of angels. The ones that are from the Lord and those that are fallen angels whose leader is Satan. So, how does one know if the angel they come in contact with is from God or a fallen angel? The ones from God will live in harmony with the commandments of God. They will be honest and will do those things that are of benefit to mankind. But we need to stand back and be very careful when dealing with the fallen angels---they may for a time do things that are good or will have an appearance of goodness but they will do that to deceive us. We should earnestly pray that God will give us understanding to know the difference. We should pray that God will show us what is right and ask Him to protect us from the evil angels. If we ask Him to do that He will protect us. Pray and read the Bible to better understand what the truth is and God will reveal it to you. One thing that a fallen angel will do is he will contradict the Bible. Remember this text and always compare what we hear and see with what is revealed in the Bible.

To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Isaiah 8:20

God promises:

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. Psalm 91:11

And keep this text in your memory too:

Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, Col. 2:18

Be aware ,friend; Not every angel that appears to you is of God. One thing that will distinguish a true angel is that Satan and his angels like to have you worship them. Like he did in the wilderness with Christ he will want you to worship him. He will try to pretend that he is Christ and will desire your worship but if he tells you something that doesn’t agree with the Bible be assured that it is not an angel of God.

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 1 Tim. 4:1

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephes. 6:12

For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. Matthew 24:5

For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. Mark 13:6

And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. Luke 21:8

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Matthew 24:24

And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. Luke 21:11

Knowing that We are Born Again

How can we know if we are "born again"?
Only the power of Christ alone can work the transformation in heart and mind that all must experience who would partake with Him of the new life in the kingdom of heaven. "Except a man be born again," the Saviour has said, "he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3. The religion that comes from God is the only religion that can lead to God. In order to serve Him aright, we must be born of the Divine Spirit. This will lead to watchfulness. It will purify the heart and renew the mind, and give us a new capacity for knowing and loving God. It will give us a willing obedience to all His requirements. This is true worship.

Here are the Bible Tests that will help us know our spiritual condidtion.

1. A sense of freedom -- peace in the soul.
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:" Romans 5:1.

When a person is at peace with God and his fellowman he cannot be made miserable. He will not display any of the works of the flesh: "Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings." Galatians 5:19-21. But will display the fruits of the spirit: Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: Galatians 5:22-23.

2. An experience of love for others.
"We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death." 1 John 3:14.

When the heart is renewed by divine grace, love is the ruling principle of action. It will modify the character, govern the impulses, control the passions and ennoble the affections. This love cherished in the soul will sweeten the life and shed a refining influence on all around. The unconsecrated heart cannot originate it or produce it. It is found only in the heart where Jesus reigns. 'We love Him, because He first loved us.'

3. A turning of mind and heart from the world.
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 1 John 2:15.

A converted person will have a change of feelings, motives and actions. It is a taking leave of worldly connections. A separation from their controlling power, influences, opinions and unholy atmosphere.

4. Victory where before was defeat.
"Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy," Jude 1:24.

In His name and in His merits, bad habits and practices may be overcome. It is impossible for man to overcome without God's strength, yet man is expected to exercise all the powers that God has given him so that he can be an overcomer. Divine power, combined with human effort, so that through Jesus Christ, man may stand a conqueror.

5. A frequent, instinctive desire to pray.
"As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God..." Psalms 42:1,2.

6. An interest in and turning to God's Word.
"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart..." Jeremiah 15:16.

The born again person, will enjoy reading the Word of God. It may have been dull and uninteresting before his conversion, but now is his best friend. It is his standard for living. He grasps its promises and they strengthen his soul. It is truly his life line.

7. A growing sensitivity to sin.

The closer we come to Jesus, the more closely we will see the purity of His character. Also, the closer we come to Him, the more we will see the terrible sinfulness of sin. The born again person will have new thoughts, feelings and motives. The mind will be changed and the conscience awakened.

8. An attitude of willing obedience to God.
"I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart." Psalms 40:8.

When we truly love God, our love to Him will be manifested by our obedience. It will be plain and distinct between those who love God and keep His commandments, and those who do not love Him and disregard His laws and precepts.

9. An impulse to witness to others.
"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me..." Acts 1:8.

When we are Christians, witnessing to others will be our delight. As soon as one is converted, there is born within him a desire to share and make known to others what a precious Friend he has found in Jesus. The saving and sanctifying truth cannot be kept silent, he will have to tell others what Jesus has done for him.

Are All Men Created Equal?

Some people seem to think that the Bible teaches that racism is an acceptable ideal for Christians. But is it? What does GOD say?

How did the races come about? Some say that it was because of Cain’s sin and the mark God placed on him. But if that were so then why so many different races? Why not just two? And wouldn’t his race be destroyed in the flood?

Remember there were only 8 people on the ark and Noah and his wife were the parents of three of the remaining 6 so where did all the races come from? I think if we study the Bible for the answer to this we can find it. Let us look at what happened just after the flood. After the flood is the first mention of there being nations. It reads as follows:

By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations. Genesis 10:5

These are the sons of Ham, after their families, after their tongues, in their countries, and in their nations. Genesis 10:20

These are the sons of Shem, after their families, after their tongues, in their lands, after their nations. These are the families of the sons of Noah, after their generations, in their nations: and by these were the nations divided in the earth after the flood. Genesis 10:31-32

This was just before the construction of the tower of Babel.

After they began building the tower, and God saw that they were not following His instructions about spreading out (Gen. 9:1&7) He changed their languages so they could not continue building and would separate as He had told them to. (Gen. 11:6-8). So here is where we see a division of people into languages. They all had the same ancestors, Noah, his wife and his sons and their wives. They were all equal except their languages were different.

One reason people believe that it is okay to be a racist is based on how God instructed the Israelites in dealing with the nations that they came into contact with in the Exodus travel from Egypt to Canaan. Let us look at what the Bible tells us about this subject and see if what is taught agrees with the Bible. First what did God say about his people as being special?

For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. Deut. 7:6

for thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth. Deut. 14:2

And because he loved thy fathers, therefore he chose their seed after them, and brought thee out in his sight with his mighty power out of Egypt; To drive out nations from before thee greater and mightier than thou art, to bring thee in, to give thee their land for an inheritance, as it is this day. Deut. 4:37-38

For the Lord thy God blesseth thee, as he promised thee: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow; and thou shalt reign over many nations,but they shall not reign over thee. Deut. 15:6

Why did God make promises to these people above the other nations? Were they better than the other nations? Were they a better race? They descended from Abraham so if we look back at what God originally promised Abraham we may be able to find some indication as to why they were so favored.

Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. Genesis 18:18-19

And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice. Genesis 22:18

So God saw that Abraham’s descendants would follow in their fathers footsteps of obeying Him. Was the choice because they were a majority? Or because they were better than anyone else?

For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the Lord loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the Lord brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; Deut. 7:6-9

God chose them because He is a promise keeper. Because He keeps His promises to those that are faithful to Him. He didn’t chose them because they were a majority but in answer to the prayer and faithfulness of Abraham.

God warned the people against the idea that they were better than the rest of the world in Deuteronomy:

Speak not thou in thine heart, after that the Lord thy God hath cast them out from before thee, saying, For my righteousness the Lord hath brought me in to possess this land: but for the wickedness of these nations the Lord doth drive them out from before thee. Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart, dost thou go to possess their land: but for the wickedness of these nations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee, and that he may perform the word which the Lord sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Understand therefore, that the Lord thy God giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness; for thou art a stiffnecked people. Deut. 9:4-6

It was because the nations that they replaced were wicked that the children of Israel were favored. But remember that not everyone that was a member of the other nations were destroyed. Remember that some Egyptians joined them when they left Egypt. (Ex. 12:38) and Rahab and her family were saved (Joshua 6:25). And if you read about the family of Moses you will find that his wife was a Midianite woman. (Ex. 2:15-21) and his adopted mother was an Egyptian princess (Ex. 2:1-10).

Was God’s blessing to be unconditional to the children of Israel? Would they receive His blessing no matter what they did? He did say that it would be to a thousand generations.

As the nations which the Lord destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the Lord your God. Deut. 8:20

When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God. Deut. 18:9-13

And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: Deut. 28:1

That the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that were before you. Leviticus 18:28

But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee: Deut. 28:15

Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. Deut. 4:6

Else if ye do in any wise go back, and cleave unto the remnant of these nations, even these that remain among you, and shall make marriages with them, and go in unto them, and they to you: Know for a certainty that the Lord your God will no more drive out any of these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which the Lord your God hath given you. Joshua 23:12-13

Now with that last reference, what was wrong with marriages with the other nations? We see in Numbers 12:1 that Miriam and Aaron were punished by God for speaking against the mixed marriage of Moses. (Numbers 12:1) So apparently God approved of the marriage of Moses. Was it the color of their skin? Was it their inherent badness? The following texts should supply the answer:

Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold. Deut. 17:17

And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. 1 Kings 11:3-4

And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods. 1 Kings 11:8

So it would seem that the problem is the religious differences that come into the family. The wives would lead them away from God and into paganism. God knows the heart and he knew that Rahab and Zipporah were not going to turn people away from God.

So why did God say that the children of Israel should not intermarry with the heathen nations? Because the heathen spouse would lead them astray.

Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold. Deut. 17:17

And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites: And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons, and served their gods. Judges 3:5-6

Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go a whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and one call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice; And thou take of their daughters unto thy sons, and their daughters go a whoring after their gods, and make thy sons go a whoring after their gods. Exodus 34:15-16

But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; Of the nations concerning which the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father. 1 Kings 11:1-6

The problem is that when a Christian marries an unbeliever what usually happens is that the unbeliever leads the Christian astray rather than being converted to Christianity. It is not the race itself that is the problem but rather the false form of worship that is the problem. It is the lack of love for the true God that the person has that is a problem. Like Adam the Christian spouse finds themselves doing things they know are wrong because of their strong affections for the other person whom they have bound themselves to in marriage.

How did God instruct His people that they should treat the people of other nations?

And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the Lord, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof. One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you. Exodus 12:48-49

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: Exodus 20:10

Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. Exodus 22:21

Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. Exodus 23:9

Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed. Exodus 23:12

Therefore I said unto the children of Israel, No soul of you shall eat blood, neither shall any stranger that sojourneth among you eat blood. Leviticus 17:12

Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you: Leviticus 18:26

And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 19:10

And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him. But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 19:33-34

And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger: I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 23:22

And he that blasphemeth the name of the Lord, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the Lord, shall be put to death. Leviticus 24:16

Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 24:22

And the sabbath of the land shall be meat for you; for thee, and for thy servant, and for thy maid, and for thy hired servant, and for thy stranger that sojourneth with thee, Leviticus 25:6

And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee. Leviticus 25:35

And if a stranger sojourn with you, or whosoever be among you in your generations, and will offer an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord; as ye do, so he shall do. One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation, and also for the stranger that sojourneth with you, an ordinance for ever in your generations: as ye are, so shall the stranger be before the Lord. One law and one manner shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you. Numbers 15:14-16

And it shall be forgiven all the congregation of the children of Israel, and the stranger that sojourneth among them; seeing all the people were in ignorance. Numbers 15:26

Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them. But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the Lord; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Numbers 15:29-30

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, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou. Deut. 5:14

Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked. For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. Deut. 10:16-19

And thou shalt rejoice before the Lord thy God, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are among you, in the place which the Lord thy God hath chosen to place his name there. Deut. 16:11

Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite; for he is thy brother: thou shalt not abhor an Egyptian; because thou wast a stranger in his land. Deut. 23:7

Thou shalt not pervert the judgment of the stranger, nor of the fatherless; nor take a widow's raiment to pledge: Deut. 24:17

Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the Lord your God, and observe to do all the words of this law: Deut. 31:12

Now , think about this... If a nation was under the curse of God, and one person in that country were a good person and were living up to all they knew do you think God would save them? If God were going to destroy that nation would He show any special regard for one good person? Here are some texts that shed some light on that question:

And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the Lord: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent. Joshua 6:17

And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten's sake. Genesis 18:32

Now if God saved Rahab, one good person, shouldn’t we have the same regard for one good person in a wicked nation? Shouldn’t we try to reach them for the Lord? How do you think the people of Israel treated Rahab? How do you think they should have treated her based on what we have just read of God’s instructions to the people? They were to treat her as one of their own people.

So what was the problem with the other nations that God destroyed? Why did He destroy them?

Speak not thou in thine heart, after that the Lord thy God hath cast them out from before thee, saying, For my righteousness the Lord hath brought me in to possess this land: but for the wickedness of these nations the Lord doth drive them out from before thee. Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart, dost thou go to possess their land: but for the wickedness of these nations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee, and that he may perform the word which the Lord sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Deut. 9:4-5

Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: Leviticus 18:24

When the Lord thy God shall cut off the nations from before thee, whither thou goest to possess them, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their land; Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. Thou shalt not do so unto the Lord thy God: for every abomination to the Lord, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods. Deut. 12:29-31

He warned them not to follow the forms of worship of those nations. They were wicked nations. He didn’t destroy them because they were the wrong color or the wrong language.

"But" you may say, "didn’t God tell them to kill the people of the other nations? Yes He did but was that His original plan? No, God had a different plan.

And I will send hornets before thee, which shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite, from before thee. I will not drive them out from before thee in one year; lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee. By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land. And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee. Exodus 23:28-31

And I will send an angel before thee; and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite: Exodus 33:2

Observe thou that which I command thee this day: behold, I drive out before thee the Amorite, and the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite. Exodus 34:11

What more can we learn from the Bible about racism? The following may seem to some as though it were a change of subject but if you read this story as a whole, in context you will see that it is speaking of racism.

There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate, And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.

While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him. And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. Acts 10:1-48

Some try to say that this vision that Peter had was speaking of a change of dietary laws. But that is not how Peter saw it. He understood that God was repeating to him what he had already told the people in the books of Moses about how they ought to treat the stranger or the person of another race. God had not cursed the Gentiles that believed on Him. God had cleansed these honest souls by the blood of Christ. God knew their hearts.

(If this text were speaking of a change of the dietary laws then why did the New Testament writers say so much about not eating things that were strangled? -----"But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood". Acts 15:20
That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. Acts 15:29
As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication. Acts 21:25
The unclean meats were still unclean. God never did say that the things let down in the sheet were now clean, but He directed Peter to what He had already said was clean---other people of other nations that believe on Him, like Rahab. )

Here are other New Testament texts that support this idea.
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Romans 3:22-24

There 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. Galatians 3:28

I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. 1 Tim. 5:21

My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. James 2:1

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:23

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Romans 5:12

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:15-16

I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. John 12:46

To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. Acts 10:43

As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. Romans 9:33

For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. Romans 10:11

Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour. Leviticus 19:15

Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it. Deut. 1:17

Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous. Deut. 16:19

For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him. 2 Samuel 14:14

Wherefore now let the fear of the Lord be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts. 2 Chron. 19:7

Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off. Psalm 138:6

These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment. Proverbs 24:23

To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress. Proverbs 28:21

For there is no respect of persons with God. Romans 2:11

And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. Ephes. 6:9

But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. Col. 3:25

But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. James 2:9

Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 1 John 3:15

But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. Matthew 23:8

And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. Romans 15:11

And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. Rev. 19:5

Being in the world but not of the world doesn’t mean hating everyone in the world that isn’t like us but it means not sharing in those things that the world is doing. Keep yourself from the wickedness of the world and at the same time have love for those about you that are slaves of Satan. Love your neighbor as yourself as Christ said. Feed them, clothe them, care for them but don’t worship their gods. Rather teach them about the true God and lead them to Jesus our Saviour.

What was the example of Christ? He said to love your enemies. (Matt. 5:44) He healed the servant of a Roman centurion. (Matt. 8:5-12 & Luke 7) He cast devils out of the Gergesene & Gadarene men. (Matt. 8:28 & Luke 8:26-39) He said that his brothers and sisters were those that did his will. (Matt. 12:46-50) He healed the daughter of a Canaanite woman. (Matt. 15:21-28) He healed the daughter of a Syrophenician woman. (Mark 7:26) He asked a favor of the woman at the well who was despised by the Jews. (John 4) These are just a few of the many examples Christ gave of how we should treat others. If we call ourselves Christians then we should imitate Christ.

Where will God’s people come from that will be in heaven?

And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 8:11

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; Rev. 5:9

After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; Rev. 7:9

And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Rev. 14:6

Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations. Psalm 82:8

For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory. Isaiah 66:18

And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: Matthew 25:32

If what has been here presented is not sufficient evidence that we are not to practice racism than here are some more texts for the reader. And if these are not enough than there is nothing more that this writer can do for you but I pray that the Holy Spirit will impress upon your mind that Jesus died for everyone--whether they be Jew or Greek, bond or free.

Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations. 1 Chron. 16:24

That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations. Psalm 67:2

And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. Matthew 24:14

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Matthew 28:19

And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:47

And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; Acts 17:26

And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. Galatians 3:8

Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for: that all people of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as do thy people Israel; and that they may know that this house, which I have builded, is called by thy name. 1 Kings 8:43

Then hear thou from the heavens, even from thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for; that all people of the earth may know thy name, and fear thee, as doth thy people Israel, and may know that this house which I have built is called by thy name. 2 Chron. 6:33

Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. Psalm 96:3

Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people. Isaiah 56:7

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Luke 2:10

And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. John 12:32

Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. Acts 17:31

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Romans 12:18

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10

And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: 1 Thes. 3:12

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 1 Thes. 5:14-15

Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 1 Tim. 2:4

For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. 1 Tim. 4:10

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 2 Tim. 2:24

To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. Titus 3:2

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Hebrews 12:14

Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. 1 Peter 2:17

One of the first converts to the church in the book of Acts was an Ethiopian man. I understand that to be a people of dark skin. He was converted and baptized. We are told in the Bible that man looks on the outward appearance but God looks on the heart. We should love our neighbor as ourselves, what ever their color.

The Rock of the Church

One of the more troublesome texts for some Christians, especially Protestants is the verse found in Matthew 16:18 in which Christ says:

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18

If we were to take this verse by itself it would appear that Christ was indeed conferring a privilege upon Peter that was unique, and that Peter was to become the Head of the church. But if we compare verses of the whole Bible and view Gods entire Word we can see the true meaning of the verse.

First, let’s see who the Bible says is the Rock in the Old Testament. Here are a few verses to consider:

Because I will publish the name of the Lord: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. Deut. 32:3-4

There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:2

And he said, The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; 2 Samuel 22:2

For who is God, save the Lord? and who is a rock, save our God? 2 Samuel 22:32

The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Psalm 18:2

For who is God save the Lord? or who is a rock save our God? Psalm 18:31

To shew that the Lord is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him. Psalm 92:15

You can see clearly that our Lord is our Rock in these texts, can’t you?

The Lord says:

I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. Isaiah 42:8

For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another. Isaiah 48:11

For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. Malachi 3:6

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Hebrews 13:8

Would God give his glory to a faulty man like Peter? What was Peters condition when Christ said these words? To find out let’s look at what happened between Peter and Christ after that moment.

If we read beyond in the book of Matthew here is what we find:
But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. Matthew 16:23

And if we read Luke where he is writing about the period just before the crucifixion we find:

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Luke 22:31-32

What a pitiful state we find Peter in. He was not even converted at that late date in Christ’s’ ministry. And yet some would have you believe that Christ had made him the head of His church.

If we look at the original words that Christ spoke we find that Peter like so many other names in those days meant something. The Strong’s Concordance says that his name means: "A piece of rock" and that the word rock meant, "A mass of rock". So what he was doing is making a play on words. In essence he was saying something like this, "You are a pebble but I will build my church on this rock."

So what did Christ mean when he spoke those words? Who was He referring to? Who else but the Lord of our Salvation, Himself. It is Christ on whom our faith is built. Not a fellow mortal.

How to Love the Unlovely / To Be Wise as Serpents and Harmless as Doves

How can we love someone who brings strife, contention, hatefulness,... and all manner of sinfulness into our lives? Prayerfully consider GOD's message to you in the scriptures below. I am interested to know what GOD says to you.

Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:16

Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:18

But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 19:34

Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. Deut. 10:19

The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things: Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us? Psalm 12:3-4

Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. Psalm 37:8

They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause. For my love they are my adversaries: but I give myself unto prayer. Psalm 109:3-4

Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. Psalm 119:165

Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee. Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm. Proverbs 3:29-30

Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins. Proverbs 10:12

An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered. Proverbs 11:9

He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. Proverbs 11:12

Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom. Proverbs 13:10

He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he. Proverbs 14:21

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. Proverbs 15:1

A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. Proverbs 15:18

Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife. Proverbs 17:1

The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with. Proverbs 17:14

He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction. Proverbs 17:19

A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes. A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul. The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. Proverbs 18:6-8

A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle. Proverbs 18:19

It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling. Proverbs 20:3

Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease. Proverbs 22:10

Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: Proverbs 25:9

If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee. Proverbs 25:21-22

He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears. Proverbs 26:17

Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. Proverbs 26:20

As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife. Proverbs 26:21

He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat. Proverbs 28:25

An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression. Proverbs 29:22

Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord? Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?

Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. Isaiah 58:4-11

But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. Matthew 5:37

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:44-48

Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. Matthew 7:1-5

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12

And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:14-16

Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Matthew 18:15-18

But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Matthew 20:25-28

But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. Matthew 23:11-12

And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death. Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands, Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee? Matthew 26:62-68

And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest. And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly. Matthew 27:11-14

But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Luke 6:27-28

And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth. Luke 22:24-27

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Romans 12:10

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:18-21

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Galatians 5:19-24

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philip. 2:3-8

See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 1 Thes. 5:15

If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Tim. 6:3-6

But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. James 3:14-17

Now after reading those what should we do? Do we go out and argue with those not of our faith that disagree with us? No, we are not to force our beliefs on another person. In Zechariah 4:6 we are told that it is "not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." Some say that we are to "contend for the faith" but was Jude talking about being contentious? I don’t think so, not with the weight of evidence here given from the rest of the Bible. But some seem to think that that is the only way to deal with people not of their faith. In Acts 9 we find how Saul treated people that didn’t believe the way he thought they should. But in verses 4-5 we find what Christ said to him:

And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. Acts 9:4-5

Christ before his death and resurrection had said this:

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Matthew 25:40

But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise. Luke 10:29-37

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. Philip. 4:8

Thank GOD that You have Received HIS Blessings

How often do you have genuine , heart felt thankfulness for the things GOD has done for you?

For what were all things created?
"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." Rev. 4:11.

Does man in his natural condition carry out the design of God?
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Rom. 3:23.

While in this state, what did the Lord do for us?
"But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Rom. 5:8.

Through what is man permitted to come to repentance?
"Or despisest thou the riches of H is goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" Rom. 2:4.

What does Christ become to those who accept Him?
"To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Col. 1:27.

When this grace is received, what will it cause one to do?
"By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." Rom. 5:2.

On what condition are we to remain members of Christ's household?
"But Christ as a son over His own house: whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end." Heb. 3:6.

How often, and for how much, should we render thanks to God?
"Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Eph. 5:20.

The "all things" of the last text, includes our trials and disappointments. Why should we give thanks for them?
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God." Rom. 8:28.

What did Paul and Silas do when put in prison for their faith?
"And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them." Acts 16:25.

How did the Lord show His pleasure at their course?
"And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bands were loosed." Acts 16:26.

After being imprisoned, and then beaten by order of the Jewish Sanhedrin, what
did Peter and John do?
"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." Ps. 42:11.

When properly offered, what does praise to God become?
"Whoso offereth praise glorifieth Me; and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I show the salvation of God." Ps. 50:23.

Should our praise to God be confined to our secret devotions?
"My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear Him." Ps. 22:25.

Why ought we thus to praise God?
"My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. " Ps. 34:2. "And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, which were come against Judah: and
they were smitten." 2 Chron. 20:22.

How should one approach God in prayer?
"Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Phil, 4:6 (Col. 4:2),

What is the will of God in this matter concerning us?
"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thess. 5:18.

What has our Saviour taught us to pray?
"Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." Matt. 6:10.

What does David exhort all to do?
"O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together." Ps. 34:3.

What good example did he set which is worthy of imitation by us when with our
brethren?
"Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what He hath done for my soul." Ps. 66:16.

What became of those, anciently, who were not thankful?
"Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened." Rom. 1:21.

What signal deliverance was once wrought for God's people when they offered
praise to Him?
NOTE. - Read 2 Chronicles 20:1-30. It is a most thrilling account of deliverance from the
enemies of God and His people.

The Joy of the LORD is Your Strength

Let us pray and converse with our LORD as we wander through each day together with HIM. Think of HIM walking along side you, sitting in the seat next to you, or sitting at the table with you. How would you talk to him then? Let each of us practice the presence of JESUS. Tell the LORD about everything, yes HE already knows, but HE loves for you to talk to HIM as you would to a dear friend. May our hearts be full of joy and praise for our LORD. Think on these things:

"The joy of the LORD is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10).

"Ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace" (Isaiah 55:12).

"Let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice" (Psalm 68:3).

"Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased" (Psalm 4:7).

"The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory" (Psalm 64:10).

"My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips" (Psalm 63:5).

"Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart" (Isaiah 65:14).

"The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous" (Psalm 118:15).

"Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart" (Psalm 97:11).

"Then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God" (Job 22:26).

"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him" (Psalm 126:5, 6).

"Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance. In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted" (Psalm 89:15, 16).

"or confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them. I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God" (Isaiah 61:7, 10).

"[We] rejoice in hope of the glory of God" (Romans 5:2).

"Thou shalt rejoice in the LORD, and shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel" (Isaiah 41:16).

"Our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name" (Psalm 33:21).

"We will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine" (Song of Solomon 1:4).

"I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you" (John 16:22).

"They joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil" (Isaiah 9:3).

"Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory" (1Peter 1:8).

"The redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away" (Isaiah 51:11).

"I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation" (Habakkuk 3:18).

"These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full" (John 15:11)

Keep on Praying as He Taught Us to Pray

What does the Bible say about prayer?
How should a Christian pray?
There are some new ideas circulating about how one should pray but do those agree with what the Bible says about prayer?

As we look at the Bible we can find many examples of prayers. I would like to begin by looking at the prayer that Christ gave us as an example:

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13

And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. Luke 11:2-4

Now, let us take a closer look at this prayer and see what is being said here.

Notice that He says, "After this manner...". In other words this is a basic guideline for our prayers. It is not so much these exact words that we should say but we should include the subjects thus contained. So what are the basic ingredients?

1) The first element that should be contained in our prayer is an acknowledgment of who we are speaking to. This is similar to what we would do if we were writing a letter. We are addressing the Creator. This is to be a prayer to the one who made us and not a prayer to the god of this world (2 Cor. 4:3-4) We address him as our Father in heaven.

2) Second, we show reverence for who he is and the sacredness of His name and position. He should be acknowledged as more that "the man upstairs".

3) Third, we should be looking forward to His glorious return, His second coming and invite Him into our hearts.

4) Forth, we let Him decide what is best for us. Like Christ in the garden before his trial we should be willing to accept His will. "Thy will be done" Though we can make known our desires we cannot see the future and as a child trusts its parent we should trust our Heavenly Father that what He gives us is for our best interest.

5) Fifth, we ask him for our necessities. It is important to show gratitude to Him for what He has given us and trust that He will provide for our needs. Like the Leper that was healed (Luke 17) we should show our thanks to God.

6) Sixth, ask Him to forgive us of our sins.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (see also: Matt. 7:7-8, Acts 3:19 & Rom. 4:7)

Some people today treat lightly the importance of asking forgiveness of our sins, but Christ said that it should be included in our prayers. Matt. 6:14-15 reveals the importance of asking forgiveness of God:

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14-15

And look at this in Matthew 18:

Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. Matthew 18:21-35

7) Point seven, "lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil". This is a request that God protect us from those things in the world that will lead us astray. We are to ask Him to help us avoid those things that will hurt us. This world is full of evil and we need His help in discerning those things that are used by Satan against us.

In closing our prayer we are to again acknowledge God as all powerful and the King in our lives.

Notice here what is NOT in this prayer.
There is not instruction on journaling or breathing a certain way or emptying your mind. He does not tell them to chant a phrase or to imagine anything or anybody. He does not tell them to use any tools like beads or wheels. He doesn’t tell them to all pray at the same time each day. He doesn’t tell them to pray to anyone other than our heavenly Father.

What other instruction did Christ give concerning prayer?
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Matthew 6:5-7

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; Matthew 5:44

Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Luke 6:28

And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. Luke 18:9-14

Christ also said not to pray like the heathen:

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Matthew 6:7

God is all knowing and He knows what we need before we ask so to be constantly repeating the same prayer over and over to God is vain and pointless. Some people think that they can bully God or wear Him down but how foolish to think that the Creator of the whole world would allow Himself to be pushed around by His created beings. He is a merciful God and is always there to forgive and care for us but he isn’t a man or an animal that can be guided and manipulated. We are to be used of Him not the other way around. God can see the future and He knows if it is in our best interest to grant us our request. Again, we should pray as Christ prayed, "Thy will be done." Leaving it in the hands of One who loved us so much that He sent His only son to die for us.

Here are some examples of prayers found in the Old Testament:

Thus I fell down before the Lord forty days and forty nights, as I fell down at the first; because the Lord had said he would destroy you. I prayed therefore unto the Lord, and said, O Lord God, destroy not thy people and thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed through thy greatness, which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand. Remember thy servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; look not unto the stubbornness of this people, nor to their wickedness, nor to their sin: Lest the land whence thou broughtest us out say, Because the Lord was not able to bring them into the land which he promised them, and because he hated them, he hath brought them out to slay them in the wilderness. Yet they are thy people and thine inheritance, which thou broughtest out by thy mighty power and by thy stretched out arm. Deut. 9:25-29

And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. 2 Kings 6:17

And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the Lord, and spread it before the Lord. And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord, and said, O Lord God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: thou hast made heaven and earth. Lord, bow down thine ear, and hear: open, Lord, thine eyes, and see: and hear the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent him to reproach the living God. Of a truth, Lord, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands, And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them. Now therefore, O Lord our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the Lord God, even thou only. 2 Kings 19:14-19

For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven, And said, O Lord God of Israel, there is no God like thee in the heaven, nor in the earth; which keepest covenant, and shewest mercy unto thy servants, that walk before thee with all their hearts: Thou which hast kept with thy servant David my father that which thou hast promised him; and spakest with thy mouth, and hast fulfilled it with thine hand, as it is this day. Now therefore, O Lord God of Israel, keep with thy servant David my father that which thou hast promised him, saying, There shall not fail thee a man in my sight to sit upon the throne of Israel; yet so that thy children take heed to their way to walk in my law, as thou hast walked before me. Now then, O Lord God of Israel, let thy word be verified, which thou hast spoken unto thy servant David. But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built! Have respect therefore to the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O Lord my God, to hearken unto the cry and the prayer which thy servant prayeth before thee: That thine eyes may be open upon this house day and night, upon the place whereof thou hast said that thou wouldest put thy name there; to hearken unto the prayer which thy servant prayeth toward this place. Hearken therefore unto the supplications of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, which they shall make toward this place: hear thou from thy dwelling place, even from heaven; and when thou hearest, forgive.

If a man sin against his neighbour, and an oath be laid upon him to make him swear, and the oath come before thine altar in this house; Then hear thou from heaven, and do, and judge thy servants, by requiting the wicked, by recompensing his way upon his own head; and by justifying the righteous, by giving him according to his righteousness.

And if thy people Israel be put to the worse before the enemy, because they have sinned against thee; and shall return and confess thy name, and pray and make supplication before thee in this house; Then hear thou from the heavens, and forgive the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them again unto the land which thou gavest to them and to their fathers.

When the heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; yet if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou dost afflict them; Then hear thou from heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, when thou hast taught them the good way, wherein they should walk; and send rain upon thy land, which thou hast given unto thy people for an inheritance.

If there be dearth in the land, if there be pestilence, if there be blasting, or mildew, locusts, or caterpillers; if their enemies besiege them in the cities of their land; whatsoever sore or whatsoever sickness there be: Then what prayer or what supplication soever shall be made of any man, or of all thy people Israel, when every one shall know his own sore and his own grief, and shall spread forth his hands in this house: Then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men:) That they may fear thee, to walk in thy ways, so long as they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers.

Moreover concerning the stranger, which is not of thy people Israel, but is come from a far country for thy great name's sake, and thy mighty hand, and thy stretched out arm; if they come and pray in this house; Then hear thou from the heavens, even from thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for; that all people of the earth may know thy name, and fear thee, as doth thy people Israel, and may know that this house which I have built is called by thy name. If thy people go out to war against their enemies by the way that thou shalt send them, and they pray unto thee toward this city which thou hast chosen, and the house which I have built for thy name; Then hear thou from the heavens their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause. If they sin against thee, (for there is no man which sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them over before their enemies, and they carry them away captives unto a land far off or near; Yet if they bethink themselves in the land whither they are carried captive, and turn and pray unto thee in the land of their captivity, saying, We have sinned, we have done amiss, and have dealt wickedly; If they return to thee with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their captivity, whither they have carried them captives, and pray toward their land, which thou gavest unto their fathers, and toward the city which thou hast chosen, and toward the house which I have built for thy name: Then hear thou from the heavens, even from thy dwelling place, their prayer and their supplications, and maintain their cause, and forgive thy people which have sinned against thee. Now, my God, let, I beseech thee, thine eyes be open, and let thine ears be attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. Now therefore arise, O Lord God, into thy resting place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O Lord God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness. O Lord God, turn not away the face of thine anointed: remember the mercies of David thy servant. 2 Chron. 6:13-42

A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem. Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar. Psalm 51:1-19

In these prayers you can see many of the same elements that Christ included in his sample prayer. Acknowledgement of God as the God of Heaven, the Creator having power and glory. Asking for forgiveness of sin and asking Him for our needs. Trusting Him and giving Him the honor and glory. Asking that His kingdom be revealed.

Notice what is NOT here.
They are not asking for riches or honor for themselves. They are not journaling or using beads or wheels. They are not praying to someone other than the God of heaven. They are not repeating over and over their prayer. It is not a set format of words recited without thought. The prayers of the Bible are simple and from the heart. They are a souls petition to the Father in heaven. As a trusting child would talk to a loving parent.

See Ezra 9, Nehemiah 1:4-11, Job 42:10, Isaiah 38:1-8, Isaiah 37:15-20, Jeremiah 32:16-25 for some other examples of prayers offered to God.

How often should we pray?
Here are a couple of texts that should help answer that question.

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. Daniel 6:10

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thes. 5:17

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Ephes. 6:18

We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Col. 1:3

In the first verse above we read that Daniel had just found out that he was about to be persecuted for his faith. He knew that praying to God was now against the law. He needed to pray more than ever with this threat on his mind. Did he stop praying? No, he continued as before praying 3 times a day on his knees. Shouldn’t we do the same? Shouldn’t we pray always to our Father? We still have the freedom to pray to God but how many of us give God more than a minute of our time. How many of us as parents would want out children to spend only a minute or two of their time with us? If we are loving parents we want them to look to us when they need something.

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16

It doesn’t say, "the effectual fervent prayer of many righteous men availeth much." does it? And it doesn’t say, "the hundreds of prayers of the unrighteous availeth much." No it says "a righteous man". One righteous man will get answers to his prayer.

By this I’m not saying that that man is "perfect" or that he has never sinned for the Bible says that all have sinned but what I am saying is that the person has made wrongs right---they have asked Gods forgiveness of the sins they have committed and have turned from any known sins in their life. They have a humble and contrite spirit. The prayers of this kind of person is the kind that God hears.

There are many examples through out the whole Bible that show this to be true. Both in the Old Testament and the new. David prayed for the Lord to renew a right spirit within him. His son Solomon asked for wisdom with a humble heart. Even Christ in humility asked that he be spared the death on the cross with the submission that "thy will be done." Christ who was the King of kings who created the whole world left His request in the hands of His Father. We who are His subjects should do the same.

So why are these people seeking our help in getting the answer to their prayers? Why do they need so many people praying for the same thing? Are they not getting the answer they want? Are they not right before God? Are their prayers wrong? Perhaps all these are the case on occasion.

What causes our prayers to go "unanswered"?

Sometimes the problem is that we think that unless God says yes to all our requests He simply didn’t answer our prayers but is this true? If a child asks their parent for a real gun with bullets and the parent says "no!" has the parent answered the child? Yes they have. They didn’t give the answer the child wanted to hear but the child got an answer.

What if the child asks for a car and the parent says, "Wait until you are older. When you are 18 I will give you one." Did the parent answer the child? Yes. The answer was to wait until the right time.

We are like children. We don’t see everything clearly. God is all wise and He knows the end from the beginning and if He says, no or wait, to our questions shouldn’t we be willing to do as He says?


Another reason God may not answer a prayer is found in this verse:

Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. James 4:3

Here is a subject that is not talked about in Christian circles much these days. The idea of asking and not getting the desired answer because our request is so that we can "consume it upon your lusts". What we think of today when we think of the word LUST we think of sexual desires. But the term lust has a much broader meaning then it does now. It means whatever we desire. It could be a strong desire for a car, money, fame, popularity, expensive clothes---all kinds of things. If our prayers are for God to make us rich we are asking amiss---we are asking the wrong question.

Like the illustration above where the child asks for a car the parent knows that if they got that car they would get seriously hurt if they had it. God knows that if we were rich it would not be in our best interest. You see, the saying really is true that money can’t buy happiness. Why would God willingly give you something that He knows will make you unhappy? So as you pray ask yourself why you are asking God for the thing you are praying for. If you are asking because you "just got to have it!" you are asking something that is not in accordance with Gods will and you are not in harmony with Him.

In first Peter we find that there is another way to hinder our prayers. It says:

Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. 1 Peter 3:7

We should treat each other kindly and with the kind of love we want from them. If we are harsh and mean to our family members our prayers will not reach beyond the roof. This text admonishes husbands to honour their wives. He goes on to say:

Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. 1 Peter 3:8-12

Christ says it this way:

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7

If we want mercy from God we need to treat others the way we would like to be treated. Would you want God to treat you the way you treat your spouse? I doubt it. Show kindness to other people and God will show kindness to you. (see also Matt. 21:33-41)



What about praying for someone that is dying? Should we pray that they be healed? What if they are not healed? What if they die in spite of our prayers?

In 2 Kings 20 we have a story about king Hezekiah who was going to die. He prayed that the Lord would let him live and God granted his request and gave him 15 more years to live. How did Hezekiah spend those 15 years? Did he spend them giving glory to God and doing Gods will? No, instead he became proud of his riches and showed his visitors all his wealth. Those 15 years were a curse to him, eternally speaking. He lost sight of God and what was of true worth. So perhaps when it is our time to die maybe it is because the Lord sees what would happen if we were to continue our lives. If we live in harmony with Gods will while we are alive it really doesn’t matter when we die because we will be ready for heaven and Satan can no longer tempt us.

Only God knows what would happen if our lives were to be prolonged and we should leave it in His loving hands. Like Christ we can say, "thy will be done" knowing that God loves us beyond our comprehension. We can safely ask that "if it is His will" that He might heal us. This is true faith.

A few years ago I heard about a woman who was on death row. She became a Christian while awaiting her death. As the time neared for her execution she didn’t ask for pardon and she calmly said that she was ready to receive her sentence. Do you think she was using her religion to avoid punishment? No she wasn’t. She showed a faith that went beyond this world. Her faith was in a God that will raise her up someday soon. She knew that this death was not the one to be feared. She was trusting God. I knew that her religion was real. By her death she showed the world true Christianity. She didn’t use her faith as a cloak to avoid punishment. But so many people today claim that the death penalty isn’t Christian. They want to save people in their sins instead of from their sins. They pray to be saved from the penalty of their sins but they don’t turn from the sins. If given a stay of their punishment and they are put back in the world they go back to the evil they were doing before. There was no change in the heart but a fear of judgment and punishment.

God alone knows the heart but the Bible says that "by their fruits ye shall know them". When there is true repentance and confession it is from a heart that is renewed by God and it no longer desires to continue in sin. That change is seen in the life of the person by those around him.

The prayer of this new person will be answered by God. That person is in the sight of God a righteous person and God loves to give them all the help they need. Their desires and hopes are in harmony with Gods desires and they won’t be asking for things that are not in their best interest.

Some may say that we should pray for riches because God wants us to be rich. They may use this text to support their claim:

But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. 1 Cor. 12:31

But is that a right understanding of the text? What are the best gifts? If you read the chapter that this verse comes from he explains what he is talking about. In chapter 13 he goes on to speak of love. Now there is no sin in coveting the ability to love others as we should. It is the Lords desire for us to love and He will give us that gift if we ask for it. We won’t be asking amiss if we ask for things like that.

Solomon when he became king asked for wisdom to rule the nation. God gave him wisdom and more. The Bible promises:

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. James 1:5

Christ said that we should seek the kingdom of God:

Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Matthew 6:30-34

But what is the kingdom of God? Is it the riches of this world? No, Christ says:

Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. John 18:36

So should we pray to be made rich? No, not if we are looking for the riches of this world. The riches God wants to give us are found in these texts:

A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked. Psalm 37:16

Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death. Proverbs 11:4

He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch. Proverbs 11:28

By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life. Proverbs 22:4

And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! Mark 10:23

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! Romans 11:33

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; Ephes. 3:16

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 1 Tim. 6:17

If we are praying that God would give us a pure heart and a righteous life then those riches He will give us. Those are the durable riches.