Acts 1:2Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
Romans 16:13 Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
1 Corinthians 1:27-28 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
2 Corinthians 8:19And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:
Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
2 Timothy 2:4No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
YES, you have been Chosen by God! Are you serving?
We all remember when Donald Trump was shot in the ear during an assassination attempt at a campaign rally on July 13, 2024. He stood up and shouted “Fight, Fight, Fight”. Trump was speaking of a political battle (which he won). And the apostle Paul tells us of the spiritual battle all believers face. He explains how we are to prepare: Ephesians 6:10-18Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; The Paul reminds believers to fight: 1 Corinthians 9:26I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. He reminds Timothy (Believers) how to fight: 1 Timothy 6:11-12 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. When he realizes he will not be here for the rapture, he instructs Timothy what awaits him and all believers: 2 Timothy 4:6-8 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. Believers are to fight, fight, fight the spiritual battle until we are called home.
Why do we kneel to pray? Kneeling in prayer is an act of humility, reflecting obedience to what is best for us. Kneeling isn’t the easiest action. It takes effort and requires a surrendering of our selves. From the Psalmist: Psalm 95:6O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. Solomon worships the Lord God: 2 Chronicles 6:13For 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. Elijah worships the Lord God: 1 Kings 15:42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees, Ezra worships the Lord God: Ezra 9:5 And at the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the LORD my God, Daniel worships the Lord God: Daniel 6:10Now 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. The Lord God instructed Isaiah: Isaiah 45:23I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. The rich young man Mark 10:17And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? The Lord Jesus set the example: Luke 22:41And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Stephen Prayed: Acts 7:60And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Peter Prayed: Acts 9:40But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. Paul Prays: Acts 20:36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. Acts 21:5 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed. Paul instructs Believers: Philippians 2:9-11 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Paul quotes Isaiah 45:23: Romans 14:10-11But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. Is it necessary to always Kneel when we Pray? Ephesians 6:18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Colossians 1:3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Ephesians 5:20Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Colossians 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Colossians 3:17And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. Is it necessary to always Kneel when we Pray? When we can … YES! But when we can’t, we need to Pray and Thank God always for all things!! Remember, It’s not the position of the body … It’s the condition of the Heart!
…is a person who follows or adheres to Christianity.
It appears 3 times in Scripture. Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. Acts 26:28Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. 1 Peter 4:16Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
Acts 11:26 Refers to Jews who believed Christ Jesus was the Messiah. Acts 26:28 Agrippa was a Jew who served as King under the Romans. 1 Peter 4:16 Peter is writing to Jews who believed Christ Jesus was the Messiah.
In each of these verses it’s the Jew who believe the Lord Jesus is their Messiah who is called Christian. What did Paul call the Gentiles who believed in the Death, Burial and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus?
They are saved, and referred to as Believers, Saints.
1 Timothy 4:12Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Romans 1:7To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: There are 45 more times they are called Saints.
Many who are not saved call themselves Christian. I prefer to call myself a Believer (in the Death, Burial and Resurrection of the Lord) and Confess that He is God. (the requirements for salvation. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 10:9).
I. God originated Marriage God’s plan for Marriage is ONE Man, ONE Woman Adam stated it Genesis 2:24That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. Christ affirmed it Matthew 19:5and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’ Paul restated it Ephesians 5:31For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. II. Different Marriage Customs Thru-out history many different customs The further away from God, the more obnoxious they became POLYGAMY – one husband, many wives POLYANDRY – one wife, many husbands MULTIPLE or GROUP MARRIGES III. God’s Plan, one husband, one wife Adam was alone, not only alone but lonely How many PETS would Adam have needed to fill this void? God chose for him, just the right mate, one who would be his equal, his help mate, one who could share his joy. IV. What Happened? Why are marriages failing? 1 out of 3. Those are the statics, and it even affects Christians. How many marriages are just dead, meaningless, unsuccessful. Attempts at just living together. V. Four major causes for marriage failures: (in alphabetical order) FINICIAL Not having a proper understanding concerning the handling of money Excessive installment buying, Extravagant spending Partners, everything above board Husband, Wife knowing everything about investments, expenses etc IN-LAWS Criticisms of and by In-Laws Living too close and often with them A mate comes first. Someone you want to spend time with, be with as much as possible a Pal Share secrets with SEXUAL Lack of Common courtesies No open expressions of love Love is a relationship, more than sex, but does include sex. Don’t let it be a dirty word in your marriage 1 Corinthians 7:3-5, Hebrews 13:4 It is not a tool to gain an advantage over one another SPIRITUAL No prayer life No attendance to worship services Lack of family devotions i.e. just praying at meal time. Put Christ first in all things He ordained marriage, not as a competitor but as one who will draw you closer It’s His will that your marriage succeeds.
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)
This is an intriguing promise, suggesting that believers can somehow inflict bruises on the devil, who is perpetually seeking to “devour” them (1 Peter 5:8). This promise is a clear allusion to the primeval assurance of Genesis 3:15, when God promised that the unique “seed” of “the woman” would eventually “bruise” (actually “crush”) the head of the old serpent, the devil. This prophecy will finally be fulfilled in Christ’s ultimate victory, when Satan first will be bound for a thousand years in the bottomless pit and then confined forever in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:2, 10).
In the meantime believers, who also in a sense are the woman’s spiritual “seed” (Revelation 12:17), can repeatedly achieve local and temporary victories over Satan and his wiles by resisting him “steadfast in the faith” (1 Peter 5:9). If we resist him as Jesus did with relevant Scripture, then God promises that he will “flee from you” (James 4:7). Such local victories can be obtained over these dangerous teachers whom Satan is using (note Romans 16:17-19, just preceding today’s text) “shortly” in this manner, but we need to be continually alert against his recurrent attacks. The ultimate victory over Satan, of course, will be won only by the Lord Jesus when He returns, and we must “be sober, be vigilant” (1 Peter 5:8) until that time.
Ephesians 6:11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Whether we are aware of it or not, we must perpetually “wrestle…against the rulers of the darkness of this world” (Ephesians 6:12), who will be casting “fiery darts” (v. 16) against each believer. Finally, with the sword of the Spirit that is the Word of God (v. 17), we can even by God’s grace inflict spiritual wounds on Satan himself!
Men – Boys, this is for you. A look at special commands for MALES! Women seem to be more interested in spiritual things than men. Men seem to be content in where they are, spiritually. ADAM vs EVE Genesis 3:5-6 Adam was content with his relationship with God. Eve apparently wanted more. Some directions for Men 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 Serve where you are, be content. Don’t try to be something you are not. Don’t think being a Christian entitles you to favors from this world. 1 Corinthians 11:3 Man is head of the house. 1 Timothy 2:13-14 Man was formed first. 1 Timothy 3:4-5 Rule over your house. Rules for Marriage 1 Corinthians 7:2-5 Every man has his own wife Husband, render due benevolence Marriage is a two way street, but each mate has their own responsibilities. HUSBANDS Ephesians 5:25,28-29, 30,33 Colossians 3:19 1 Peter 3:7 FATHERS – 2 commands Ephesians 6:4 Correct them, don’t punish them Teach them about God and godly things. Colossians 3:21 Build, don’t destroy SOME GUILD LINES 1 Corinthians 11:4-14 Hair styles 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 Support God’s work Titus 2:2 Aged Men Titus 2:6-8 Young Men 1 Timothy 2:8 Remember to Pray, always. O MAN OF GOD 1 Timothy 6:11-16But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
MEN – Are you WHAT God wants? Are you WHERE God wants you? ⇛ checkoutList of Topics
Most little girls dream of a handsome prince charming coming on his white steed and sweeping them off their feet and whisking them away to live happily ever. Either because of Cinderella or perhaps the story grew because of dreams. June has developed as the wedding month, why June? There are many legends and customs. Here is one: The goddess Juno (for whom June is named) was the protector of women in all aspects of life, but especially in marriage and childbearing. There are many customs connected with weddings. Even in the Bible, we see development of weddings. Genesis 2:23-25 ADAM and Eve First mention of WIFE Genesis 3:6 HUSBAND Genesis 24:57-67 … First Ceremony Genesis 27:21 … First wedding feast What exactly does WEDDING mean? And what does all the pomp and ceremony mean? Origin of Wedding … (as a word) … The WED was the purchase money (or equivalent) which the Groom gave to the Bride’s father, either before or after she became his wife. Three basic types of marriage: Marriage by capture (usually force) Marriage by purchase Marriage by Love Religion and Marriage never really came together until after the COUNCIL OF TRENT … a valid catholic wedding had to consist of two or three witness’s and be preformed by a priest. Prior to this time (around 1500) weddings consisted of two people deciding to live together. Usually, it was the decision of the man. SOME OF THE CUSTOMES THAT DEVELOPED AND STILL REMAIN: The ENGAGEMENT … the time between betrothal and the wedding, is not today what was. One ancient custom among common people was the breaking of a piece of gold or silver, one half to the girl and the other keep by the man, thus sealing their vow of marriage. In ancient Ireland, a man gave his girl a bracelet of woven human (his) hair (pity the poor bald man). The engagement ring can be traced back to 4 BC. Engraved in one found was the Greek word equivalent to HONEY. The WEDDING RING … also traced back to ancient Egypt, symbolizes a tie for eternity. It was made out of every conceivable type of material, varying in sizes, many times to large to be worn. (Hebrews did not wear ornamental jewelry). It symbolizes for the woman … subjugation. For the man … bondage. The very finger the ring is worn on has a lot of symbolism. The left hand symbolizes Subjection…The right hand symbolizes Power, Authority. The finger chosen is thought to have a nerve or vein that runs directly to the seat of love, the heart. It \was chosen because it is guarded on both sides by other fingers and it is the finger least used. The WEDDING SHOES … also a symbol of authority. The bride’s father gave the groom one of his shoes which meant the authority for the bride passed from father to husband. His first act was to tap his bride’s head. The shoe is illustrated in the story of Ruth. RICE AT WEDDINGS … symbol of fertility or productiveness. Fruit, Nuts, Wheat, Barly have also been used. Even cooked Rice (still wet) has been used. Among primitive tribes, throwing rice was done to ward off the demons … Rice was also offered to keep the soul of the Groom from leaving the Bride … The bride has also been beaned by rice cakes. The WEDDING CAKE … a carry over from eating of special foods and the wedding feast … it’s size and shape is traced back to Northern England where many small cakes were prepared and then stacked. The Groom was to try to kiss the bride over the stack and a successful completion (not knocking any part of the stack over) meant a long and happy life together … A French baker saw a problem and developed the idea of cementing the cakes together with frosting … Hence the wedding cake. The HONEYMOON … a remanent of the days when the Groom had to capture his wife and literally hid out with her to avoid her family or tribe. The word comes from Northern Europe where the young married couple drank a kind of wine made from honey for the firth month of their marriage … thus, the Honey Month became the Honeymoon. It symbolizes the period of sweetness and delight. For more about WEDDING PRACTICES AROUND THE WORLD Continue Some Day Part 2
How does one know they are a True Christian? The Scripture gives us signs: 1 A New Birth: John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 1 Peter 1:23Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 2 A Growth 2 Peter 3:18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 2 Peter 1:5-6 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 3 A New Garment Isaiah 61:10I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. Zechariah 3:4 And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment. Matthew 22:11And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: Luke 15:22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: Revelation 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. Revelation 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. Revelation 4:4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
