Tag: God’s Word

HOW CAN WE KNOW THE TRUTH? PART 2

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HOW CAN WE KNOW THE TRUTH? PART 2

JOHN 8:32 …AND YOU WILL KNOW THE TRUTH AND THE TRUTH WILL MAKE YOU FREE.

How can we know the truth about the questions we may have?  How can we know what to believe when we hear and read so many different thoughts about a particular event or story? How can we know how we are to live in this current world?

Where should our truth come from? Man, or God?

We have a choice—-either we believe what the Bible says, or we do not. We can choose to believe all of the Bible, or we can choose to believe the parts we want to believe and ignore the parts we do not want to believe.

I was told of a sermon a preacher presented about believing in what the Bible says. He had an open Bible in his hand as he started preaching. He said some people say that is not in my Bible as he tore a page out of the Bible. Some people say that is not what God means, he tore a page out of the Bible. Some people say, I do not believe that God requires Baptism for salvation, he tore another page out of the Bible.

He went on to demonstrate how people ignore the word of God by saying I do not believe that God meant that, that God would do that, and on and on, because God is a loving God. So, in essences if we say and believe these things, we are tearing pages out of our Bible.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 Be careful of false teachers who may not teach all of the truth.  For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

Matthew 7:15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.

In Part 1 I started out talking about lying: Titus 1:1-3 Paul a bond servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness in the hope of eternal life which God who cannot lie promised but at the proper time manifested even His word…  

Hebrews 6:18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, …

So, if it is impossible for God to lie, the evident choice is to believe His word. The Bible. Everything in it, not just the parts we would like to believe. But the whole Bible. All of the parts-even the ones that are hard for us to swallow.

Jesus Himself said in John 14:6…. I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Enough said. If Jesus is the truth, then we need to go to Him to find out what is true. Man is of this world, and he is fallible. Jesus said, Woe to the world because of its stumbling blocks. For it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come; but woe to that man through whom the stumbling block comes! Matthew 18:7.

Is it enough to know the truth? Or, do we have to do more than just know what the truth is?  Jesus talked about the truth-knowing the truth-and what it does for us. He tells us what we must do. In John 8:31-32 Jesus is talking to the Jews who had believed in Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine, and you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.

What can the truth do for us?

It can set us free if we continue in His word. Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth and do not sell it. Where can we find this truth? In the world? From what man/woman tell us? NO—it can only be found in the Bible. This a vital truth.

What can this truth do for us?

We have to Hear:

Romans 10:17 So, faith comes from hearing and hearing by the word of Christ. The word is where we learn about faith. Luke 11:28 Blessed are those who hear the word of God. John 8:32…the truth will make you free. 1 Timothy 2:4…who desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.

We have to Obey:

1 Peter 1:22 Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, you have been born again…

1 John 2:4 The one who says I have come to know Him and does not keep His commandments is a liar and the truth is not in him.  Sincerity is not enough.

How can we know the truth? Where can we find the truth? We answered that by looking at the word of God when Jesus told us in John 14:6 I am the way, the truth, and the life. Again, in John 8:31-32 Jesus told us. If you abide in MY word (the Bible) …you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.

We learned in 1 Peter 1:22 that the truth can purify our souls, but we learned there is more for us to do. We must also obey. Or the truth is not in us as we see in 1 John 2:4 We can know that we have come to know Him is we keep His commandments as we read in 1 John 2:3

We must be doers of the word and not just hearers. James 1:22.

We must obey God rather than man as we read in Acts 5:29.

Do you know the truth of God? Do you believe the truth of God?

Have you obeyed the truth of God? (or did you obey a man’s truth).

Shelia Holmes

I would love to study the word of God with you. If you have any doubts, let’s dig into the word of God and help settle those doubts. Or you can go to: www.worldbiblschool.org

My Scripture for 2019

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For several years now this has been my scripture of the year. Ever since I truly paid attention to that scripture, I cannot get it out of my mind. Nor do I want to. I want to focus on it and put it into practice everyday.

The siting in Mark is not the first time we read that scripture in the Bible. We read in Deuteronomy 6:4-5 Moses says, “Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

In Mark 12:28-30 Jesus is being tested by the scribes who ask Him,  “What commandment is the formost of all? Jesus answers by quoting scripture from Deuteronomy. …”The foremost is, ‘HEAR, O ISRAEL! THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD; AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND AND WITH ALL YOUR STREGTH.’ Jesus adds ‘ The second is this, YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Why are these scriptures so meaningful to us today?  In previous scripture in Deuteronomy:

  • God Himself commanded Moses to tell this to Israel.
  • Moses warns them that they should listen and be careful to do what God says.
  • It is for our own good to listen to what God tells us in Deuteronomy.

However, when we hear it again in Matthew 22:36-39,  Mark 12:28-30 and Luke 10:25-26,  it comes straight out of Jesus’ mouth.

  • Seems to me if Jesus said it again, we need to stand up and take notice and put it into practice.

Dear Father,

Thank you Father that You are the LORD God that we should listen to. Thank you Father that You are the only God we should serve. Father please help us learn to love you with all our heart, mind, soul and strength.

Thank you for your word that is living and active and sharper than a two-edged sword. Most of all thank you for Jesus Christ and the saving grace we have if we are truly in Him. In Jesus name, Amen

All content is Copyrighted by Shelia Holmes 2019

All scripture comes from New American Standard Bible used with permission.

For a free Bible Study go to: www.worldbibleschool.org

What does the Bible say about being a Busybody(Nosey)?

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What does the Bible say about being a busybody/(Nosey)?

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Answer: A busybody is a person who meddles in the affairs of others. Sometimes this meddling is under the guise of “helping,” but usually the “help” is unwelcome and uninvited. Busybodies are often people who are dissatisfied with the level of drama in their own lives and gain satisfaction by becoming involved in the problems of other people. Gossip is usually a staple of every busybody, but it is usually camouflaged as a “prayer request” or given under the pretense of asking for advice.

The Bible has strong words for busybodies (2 Thessalonians 3:11; 1 Timothy 5:13). First Peter 4:15 warns us, “Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler.” It is noteworthy that Peter lists meddling as prohibited right along with murder and theft. Busybodies within the church often camouflage their nosey meddling as compassionate concern. The difference between meddling and concern, however, is whether or not the intrusion is beneficial or productive in the lives of others.

Some people have difficulty recognizing themselves as busybodies, so a few questions can aid in determining whether or not attempts to “help” are in fact meddling. A potential busybody should ask him/herself the following questions:

1. Is this any of my business? (1 Timothy 5:13)
2. Has God given me this assignment? (Ephesians 6:19)
3. Am I qualified to involve myself with this? (Romans 14:10)
4. Is my true motivation to bring help, or do I only want to feel needed? (1 Corinthians 13:1)
5. How much of my “discussion” about the situation could be classified as gossip? (Proverbs 11:13)
6. What was the result the last time I intruded in a situation that was not my problem? (Proverbs 26: 11)
7. Has my opinion been sought by those involved? (Proverbs 27:2)
8. Am I motivated by love for this person or by a sense of my own importance? (1 Corinthians 16:14)
9. Am I basing my “help” on Scripture or on my own opinion? (Proverbs 16:25)
10. Do I respond with anger when my “advice” is not accepted or found to be flawed? (Proverbs 17:10)

The answers to these questions can help us determine whether our involvement in the affairs of others is, in fact, meddling. If we recognize that our real motivation is the enjoyment of being in the center of other people’s issues, it may be time to let God deal with that insecurity. It is important to remember that busybodies rarely think of themselves as insecure. If we find ourselves often embroiled in the secrets of others, it may be wise to seek the oversight of a trusted friend or pastor. An objective person can help clarify our motivations and keep us from becoming a busybody.

What does it mean to be a busy body?
A busybody is a nosy, meddling person, who’s very interested in what other people say and do. If you’re a busybody, you can’t help offering advice to friends, whether they want it or not. Busybodies are known for trying to help with situations in which they’re not necessarily welcome or needed

What is the meaning of a gossiper?
A gossiper is someone who talks eagerly and casually about other people. If you like to spread rumors and hear the latest news about your friends, you might be a gossiper. When you gossip, you talk enthusiastically about other people’s news or business. To do this regularly is to be a gossiper.

If you have been guilty of this now is the time to repent. If you want to study the Bible please go to this free Bible study: www.worldbibleschool.org

http://www.gotquestions.org

 

When We Feel Like a Failure.

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It May Seem Like We Have Failed but God Has Not.

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Anyone ever feel like you do not always understand why things do not work out the way you planned? I wish God would speak directly to us today to tell us exactly what He wants us to do. I wish He would say yes this is what I want you to do, or no don’t do that. Do you think we would really listen to Him or just argue with Him and tell Him what we want? Maybe I do not know what I am wishing for. There might be stricter consequences if He did that. We know He speaks directly to us through His Word and that is good enough because that is His plan.

I may fail God but He will never fail me. God will not fail us or forsake us. Hebrews 13:5 Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU.

Joseph’s brothers did evil to him but God used it for His glory and good. Genesis 50: 19 But Joseph said to them, Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring this present result, to preserve many people alive.

But sometimes I am a little confused on exactly what He wants me to do at a particular time in my life. I feel like the Israelites wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, not knowing what is going to happen next. I feel like Moses when he did not get to cross the Jordon into the promise land.  God spoke through Moses for 40 years.  Then in the end when he could not enter the promise land but he showed great faith when he spoke to the Israelites.  I cannot imagine how broken hearted Moses was but I can empathize with him. This seems more real to me than ever now. BUT Moses kept his faith and he gave God the glory and credit.  God was the one who crossed the Jordon ahead of them. Not Moses.  Deuteronomy 31: 3 It is the Lord your God who will cross ahead of you; …. Moses tells them in Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you.

What seems like failure to us may very well be glory and success for God.  We do not know God’s ways and that’s the way He planned it. He has revealed everything we need to know to us. Romans 11:33-36   Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For Who HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR? Or WHO HAS FIRST GIVEN TO HIM THAT IT MIGHT BE PAID BACK TO HIM AGAIN? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.

God does not need us at all. Acts 17: 24 The God who made the world and all the things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each of us; for in Him we live and move and exist, …For we also are His children.

He does not need us, YET, He desires us. James 4:5 Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us”?  8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double minded.  10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord and He will exalt you. He desires us to be in His presence so much that.

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He gave His Only Son for our sacrifice. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

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Galatians 3:27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 1 Corinthians 12: 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. One thing I do know for sure:  The greatest commandment is found in Deuteronomy 6: 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. Matthew 22: 36-37 Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law? And He said to him, YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it. YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.

Without faith, we would be so lost we would die. We would not know which way to turn.  We truly stepped out on faith when we moved to Zambia and we continue to live our life on faith in God and all He says in His word is true. We do not fully understand what has happened or why and we may never know in this lifetime. But we believe Romans 8:28 is true and God will cause this all to work for His good and His glory. Romans 8:35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ: Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril or sword?

My charge to you is to keep the faith and keep on keeping on.

Romans 8: 37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.  1 Peter 4:11 Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

We have been afforded the opportunity of a lifetime to live in Chipata Zambia for six months.  However, our greatest opportunity is to serve God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength where ever we are.

If you want to find this faith go to: http://www.worldbibleschool.org