Husbands Love Your Wives

As the scripture says, "Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them."
I suppose as a young Christian husband, there's a lot to learn in marriage. This is one of them.
With God being the center of it all there's other things to take into consideration along with this verse.

1 Peter 3:7  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. 

You honestly do not want your prayers hindered. Husbands, even good intentions can be wrong. If it happens, learn from it.

Be Not Wise in Thine Own Eyes

Greetings everyone, I know usually I don't usually post what I do or my personal experiences but sticking to the scriptures. However this won't stray from that but it's a little bit of a look at what is taking place in Jamaica, the country where I live.

Just putting this here:

Proverbs 3:7  Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. 

This week I viewed a few articles on the same event that, I found a bit disturbing but sad to say, I wasn't really surprised in the direction it took because I've seen it take place across the world (mainly in the USA).

Here in little Jamaica, a university professor (expert and director of Caribbean HIV/AIDS Regional Training) was fired from his position for speaking his entitled opinion on the issue of homosexuality and its increased risk of participants contracting the disease, taking place at a high-profile case in Belize.


Links to the  articles:
UWI Fires Professor Amid Gay Lobby Outrage.
UWI sacks professor .Bows to gay, human rights groups.
MAJ supports UWI professor, Dr Bain, who gay groups want fired.

At the bottom of the article (the first link) I posted my comments yesterday on the article just to add my voice in the direction our country seems to be taking. Using scriptures taken from:
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Romans 1:22-27  Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,  23  And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.  24  Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:  25  Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.  26  For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:  27  And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

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So this morning I was notified that I had a response, saying that I was only taking part of the scriptures out of context to bash a minority group. I commend the person replied for saying that it is a sin problem. However, I was surprised that he said I was out of context. I suppose I didn't plan to use the entire of Romans 1 but the part of the scriptures that spoke directly to the problem (using it in context of course).
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Hebrews 4:11-13  Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.  12  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  13  Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

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It's a case in which a judge has a criminal in court. The judge cannot sentence the man in all fairness if the man is not made aware of his wrong doing. If a man stole, tell him he broke the law by stealing. Don't just tell him he broke the law. How will he know he is guilty if he does not know the law.

I suppose the fact remains also for speaking to others about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Show them they are guilty of breaking God's law. Let them know they are guilty before the judge and that they have no way of saving themselves except they throw themselves at the mercy of the judge. Their salvation then is dependent on Jesus Christ. Jesus will have to save them for them to be saved.

Now, another thing that surprised me is that others who commented before me seemed to know the Word of God quite well. I don't who if they are also in Jamaica but it was an encouragement that the Word of God is known in context by others.

There is very important thing I really believe that everyone of us should know, and I believe God has shown this to me over the years.

• It is not impossible to deceived yourself into think that all is well:

Jeremiah 17:9-10  The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?  10  I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.Hebrews 3:12-13  Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.  13  But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

• Be EXTREMELY CAREFUL how you handle the Word of God

2 Corinthians 4:1-2  Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;  2  But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

 Romans 1:20-25  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:  21  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.  22  Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,  23  And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.  24  Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:  25  Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

• Be careful who you take heed to:

2 Peter 2:10-22  But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.  11  Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.  12  But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;  13  And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;  14  Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:  15  Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;  16  But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.  17  These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.  18  For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.  19  While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.  20  For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.  21  For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.  22  But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

God bless.

Is What You're Living For Worth Jesus Christ Dying For?

Dear Christians,

I have a thought I'd like to share and I want you to seriously consider it. You may hit the 'Like' button or you may 'Share' it but I really want you to LIVE IT.

I want you to consider the things that you post here on Facebook. I also want you to consider that there are other Christians here on Facebook. Some are stronger in the faith than you and may frown upon your actions for what you chose to 'Like' or 'Share' on Facebook. Some are weaker in the faith and you may be a stumbling-block to them.

In an idiomatic usage in the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, a stumbling block is a behavior or attitude that leads another to sin. (From: Wikipedia) 

At that present time you share your life with them.

You share what you enjoy, what you dislike, interesting webpages and news reports and all manner of things.

Do you consider that some of the things you share and like are ungodly?
Or do you discern that though they are funny, or an interesting series on TV or a movie or song that you so love, that they are sinful?

Would you invite your Pastor to do these things with you? How much more your Lord and Saviour who died for you so that you can live above sin (who is the source of holiness)?

IS WHAT YOU ARE LIVING FOR WORTH JESUS CHRIST DYING FOR?

I understand that we are flesh and prone to sin, but brethren come on now. We can't let that be our excuse.
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Galatians 5:13  For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

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I honestly believe that the devil has made life in such a way that sin seems so regular that it's not seen as sin anymore. 

"It's not like I'm really there, it's only on TV (or movie/music video/ internet)."
"I watch it because of the storyline."
"It's so full of suspense".

These are probably the typical excuses we give ourselves not discerning that we have been bought with a price.
I'm not going to come out and say I'm sinless (far be it from me to make such a claim). But if I love you, I have to tell you the truth. It's discouraging to see:


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News Feed:

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9:29 pm Christian4EVAR#1: I can't believe it.Why she never kill him, cho #KMT #LameofBones

9:07 pm Christian4EVAR#1: Oh how I love Jesus because he first loved me :) #JesusSaves

9:00 pm Christian4EVAR#1: likes Lame of Bones
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Can you imaging how that must look. Consider what you're doing. If you are to truly walk in holiness and righteousness then not some, but all of this needs to stop.

I don't want you to go to church and sing "I want that kind of blessing" or "Search me O God" or "If You can use anything Lord, You can use me". 

Feeling blessed at the end of the day saying "Oh, it was good for us to here, I know I will never be the same."...

... and going home to do the same thing again... Is this your victory in Jesus, Your Saviour forever?

1 Thessalonians 5:22  Abstain from all appearance of evil.

I think that's as straightforward as it gets. 

Consider these words. God bless in the name of Jesus Christ.

Sin No More

John 5:14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: SIN NO MORE, lest a worse thing come unto thee.

John 8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and SIN NO MORE.

I truly wonder if we are going to strive to this point. Often I hear the excuse, "We sin and fail because we're human." or "Look past my faults and see my needs"

I don't want to live off the excuse that I'm human, I want to live on the fact that I am a new creature in Christ, old things are passed away, behold all things are new.
Amen that he's an advocate with the Father, but amen to the fact that Jesus Christ is coming back for a bride without spot, without wrinkle and without blemish.



He never said, "Go forth and sin less", He said "Go forth and SIN NO MORE."

May God give us the grace to seek His face and measure up to what He has called us to be.
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Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. 2 Timothy 2:19-21

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Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 1 John 3:2-9

Peace with the world or peace with God?

Matthew 10:32-39  Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.  33  But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.  34  Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.  35  For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.  36  And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.  37  He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.  38  And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.  39  He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

Mark 8:36-38  For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?  37  Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?  38  Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

 John 14:27  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

John 16:33  These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

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As much as I would love to have world peace, I know that this isn't, at this present age, what the gospel is given to us for. It's not to have peace in the world or a trouble free life. It's to have peace with God.

James 4:4  Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

Every Christian will go through some form of tribulation, trouble or trials. Not all things will go smooth sailing, maybe for some of us, we'll have a life full of trouble but if we have peace with God, then He gives us the strength to go through every single one of them.

So if someone preaches to you and tells you God wants you to have your best life now or a purpose driven life or how to have good self-esteem in our faith... that's not what the Gospel of Jesus Christ teaches.

It teaches that we may have our worst life now, maybe as you walk with God those around you may believe you have no relevant purpose to society, self-denial.

2 Timothy 3:10-12  But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,  11  Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.  12  Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

Holiness is what it's all about. Giving up on what we want to accomplish for us, and finding out what God wants to accomplish in us.

Some of us have tried so hard to follow God and maybe are discouraged. Maybe we feel like, "God why am I so sinful? Why did you save me? I'm not strong enough to endure... "

And the truth is not that we have gotten weaker, but in a sense we have come to realize just how weak we are without Jesus.
It shows a repentant heart. And from my experience feeling discouraged at times, it's better to have a heart that recognizes sins and weaknesses with a willingness to keep pushing, than to accept it as something we'll never get over and give in to it.

I encourage you, even if you have to fast and pray in the week, just get closer to God. We've all been so preoccupied with so many other things, so lets just run to Him, and unload the burdens we may have been to proud to admit even to ourselves. It may just be that God will have to break some of us to realize just how useless we are without Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 4:12-16  Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:  13  But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.  14  If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.  15  But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.  16  Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

Jesus went through hardships, the apostles went through hardships, the first time believers went through it too, so we really shouldn't be surprised when it happens to us.

So in your tough times, make sure you have peace with God. It's not about world peace. The world is passing away one day, you know?

1 John 2:15-17  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.  16  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  17  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Don't be afraid to encourage those around you, they very well may need it more than you know. Just like you may have need to read this. God bless!

Gold Tried By Fire

Hebrews 12:11-17  Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.  12  Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;  13  And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.  14  Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:  15  Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;  16  Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.  17  For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

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Perspective has a lot to do with how we think, and how we face our challenges in walk the of faith. Now, we could go through hard things in life and complain (like the children of Israel going through the wilderness) or we could look at it the way God sees it and declares it in His Word.

In a majority of Hebrew 12 it speaks of God disciplining his children. A good father will discipline His children, because he want's what is best for the child, else the child continues in foolishness.
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Proverbs 13:24  He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

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It's strange that contrary to the scriptures, it's now passed off that it is wrong to beat our children for the sake of discipline. Now it seems only necessary to "ground" them. But my observation of society tells me that method is not working, as effectively as what God shows here. Any righteous loving parent will do what it takes to set their child on the path of righteousness, even if some tears are shed.

God does the same. Consider all that Job went through. He lost his property, servants, livestock, and children; even his health.
Was it because of sin? No but because God wanted to prove Job.

God will prove us too. He will discipline us so that we cease from evil, learn patience, bare the fruits of righteousness and be more dependent on Him.

Consider the trials you have been through, how, if you waited patiently and endured through it, you became stronger with faith in the power that Jesus Christ has to keep you. However if you didn't learn your lesson, you may have faced another problem quite similar.

If you fail a test you'll have to take it again. It is to test to see if you have learned to endure.
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James 5:7-11  Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.  8  Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.  9  Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.  10  Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.  11  Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

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Jesus came and also went through trials, even to death because our sins put Him on that tree.
I really want others who believe in the health, wealth and prosperity gospel to get this one thing:

Salvation isn't about having your best life now with all that the world can give you. It's about living for Jesus Christ in holiness whether in abundance or in lack. In John 15, before His betrayal, Jesus Christ said this to his disciples:
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John 15:7-11  If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.  8  Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.  9  As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.  10  If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.  11  These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

Christ said many things of the wickedness of this world and the trial and the temptation, the importance of abiding in Him and the blessings His Father has in store for those that love Him, so that their joy might be full. There is joy in serving Jesus Christ.

Patiently wait on the Lord. Consider what Christ had to go through for us, look at all the prophets of old who suffered for the sake of God and were willing.
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James 1:2-4  My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;  3  Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  4  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Romans 8:28-39  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  29  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.  30  Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.  31  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?  32  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?  33  Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.  34  Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.  35  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  36  As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.  37  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.  38  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,  39  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Job 13:15  Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.

God loves you. He knows what's best.

Without Blemish

Ephesians 5:26-27 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

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Imagine having a beautiful white robe and this is given to you as a free gift. Most of us know how hard it is to wash white clothes. The Christian walk has a great reward for those who do the will of God AND keeps himself pure and unspotted from the world. Just like clean whites, on spot, blemish or wrinkle can ruin the entire look.

James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

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It's not only doing all the good deeds but also avoiding the way the world walks. God has a standard and the common place "God understands" won't cut it. Can't have God and the world. Either Love God and reject worldliness or Love the world and reject godliness.

NO HALF WAY HOUSE!

1 John 2:15-17 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. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

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The scriptures do not say "the love of the Father is not fully in him", it says it's not there. How do you know you really know God?
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1 John 2:3-6 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

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A Christian walks like Jesus. Not a rapper, or a DJ or pop-culture, insurance broker, new age philospher. They walk how Christ walked. That's as simple as it gets. A Christian imitates Jesus. "What did Jesus do? I want to be just like him." 

It's not just about outward appearance either. What is in our hearts? Do we look Christian and do Christian around our peers. What about alone time? What do we take into our hearts and minds? Does it bring it closer to God or does it feed the flesh?

Philippians 4:8-9  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.  9  Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Unfortunately we've gotten to the point where to cater to membership or exuberant church sizes (God be praise where there is a church who rejects all worldliness, and maintains a large size. We rarely, if ever hear of these), we promote something that is not all Jesus... oh no, we add some materialism to it. Touch it up with some of the current trends and fashion and we get "Come just as you are... no need to change... too much..."

Reminds me of all the "AWESOME WONDERFUL MINISTRIES" that are out there. They give to the poor, they preach messages that reach millions, heal the sick and cast out devils ALL in the name of Jesus Christ.

It's amazing and wonderful, GLORY to GOD... But here's what Jesus said... and I want us to seriously ponder on it...

Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

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Picture the millions of self-proclaimed Christians in the world. Only a FEW will enter...

Matthew 7:13-20 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

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How do we know that the preachers in front of us are sheep or wolves? Observe their works... do they speak the truth? Are we convinced in our heart that they do? Or is the word of God our FINAL authority?
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You will NOT know a preacher speaks the truth unless he speaks the Word of God. 
How do you know he speaks the Word of God? You have to read it for yourself. Be a BEREAN. Examine the scripture daily to see if these things they preach are so. Don't take my word for it. Look into things yourself.

Do the messages they preach make you comfortable or do they help you to understand just how serious this walk is?

There is NO DOUBLE STANDARD when it comes to God. 

He loves us, He really does. But how will we respond to that love? Accept His ways or choose ours?
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Deuteronomy 30:19-20 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: 20 That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.

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If I remember correctly, the same God of grace and mercy now, is the same God of justice and truth then. God doesn't change. There is mercy to them that fear Him. He's still slow to wrath and plentious in mercy.
I know we're not perfect but He still has a standard. It's really by His mercies why we eat and breath everyday

But when He executes judgement on that final day... no man can stand up before Him and say it was unfair. God bless.