A definition of Saint: a person acknowledged as holy or virtuous and typically regarded as being in heaven after death.
Just how do you become a Saint? According to one group there is a 5 step procedure.
Step one: Wait five years – or don’t. The process to make someone a saint cannot normally start until at least five years after their death.
Step two: Become a ‘servant of God’.
Step three: Show proof of a life of ‘heroic virtue’.
Step four: Verified miracles.
Step five: Canonization.
But let’s see what the Bible has to say. Looking into the words recorded in ACTS; Jews who believed that Jesus was the Messiah, were called SAINTS.
ACTS 9:13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: ACTS 9:32 And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. ACTS 9:41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. ACTS 26:10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.
Then as the Apostle Paul went to the Gentiles and gave them the Gospel
(1 Corinthians 15:1-4) and when they believed (Romans 10:9-13) they became saints.
Be sure to read all scripture in context for further understanding.
John 3There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?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.That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
The Apostle Peter reminds his fellow Jews of this truth: 1 Peter 1:23 Being bornagain, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
The Apostle Paul also reminds the Jews of this: Hebrews 5:12-13 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
And he also writes to the Churches they are babes after salvation: Romans 2:20An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. 1 Corinthians 3:1-2And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
But we are NOT to remain babes, drinking milk. We are to grow, and eat the meat of the word. We are to become of full age.
Hebrews 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
1. Exodus 3:11And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?
2. 1 Samuel 18:18 And David said unto Saul, Who am I? and what is my life, or my father’s family in Israel, that I should be son in law to the king?
3. 2 Samuel 7:18 Then went king David in, and sat before the LORD, and he said, Who am I, O Lord GOD? and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?
4. 1 Chronicles 17:16 And David the king came and sat before the LORD, and said, Who am I, O LORD God, and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?
5. 1 Chronicles 29:14 But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.
6. 2 Chronicles 2:6 But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who am I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him?
PAUL SAID
1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Remember the TV Program or the Movie MISSION IMPOSSIBLE?
The agent would receive a secret tape, which would outline his assignment, should he accept it. The tape would tell him the responsibility he was undertaking and give him some instructions for the task .
He would then lay out his equipment and pick his team members. His success depended solely on his judgements. His accountability (if caught) would be denied.
And the only reward he would get was the fact that he had served well.
Well, God has a Mission for you BUT its: MISSION POSSIBLE
Mark 4:13 And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables? Mark 4:12-14 (in Context) Mark 4 (Whole Chapter) The Apostle Paul wants Believers to KNOW Bible Truth: Romans 6:3Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Romans 6:2-4 (in Context) Romans 6 (Whole Chapter) Romans 6:16Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? Romans 6:15-17 (in Context) Romans 6 (Whole Chapter) Romans 7:1Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? Romans 7:1-3 (in Context) Romans 7 (Whole Chapter) 1 Corinthians 3:16Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 1 Corinthians 3:15-17 (in Context) 1 Corinthians 3 (Whole Chapter) 1 Corinthians 5:6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? 1 Corinthians 5:5-7 (in Context) 1 Corinthians 5 (Whole Chapter) 1 Corinthians 6:3Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? 1 Corinthians 6:2-4 (in Context) 1 Corinthians 6 (Whole Chapter) 1 Corinthians 6:9Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 1 Corinthians 6:8-10 (in Context) 1 Corinthians 6 (Whole Chapter) 1 Corinthians 6:15Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. 1 Corinthians 6:14-16 (in Context) 1 Corinthians 6 (Whole Chapter) 1 Corinthians 6:16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. 1 Corinthians 6:15-17 (in Context) 1 Corinthians 6 (Whole Chapter) 1 Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 (in Context) 1 Corinthians 6 (Whole Chapter) 1 Corinthians 9:24Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 1 Corinthians 9:23-25 (in Context) 1 Corinthians 9 (Whole Chapter) 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 2 Corinthians 13:4-6 (in Context) 2 Corinthians 13 (Whole Chapter) And James warns fellow Jews: James 4:4Ye 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. James 4:3-5 (in Context) James 4 (Whole Chapter)
Romans 3:23 FOR ALL HAVE SINNED, AND COME SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD; Romans 5:12 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 6:23 FOR THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH; BUT THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD. ROMANS 1:18 FOR THE WRATH OF GOD IS REVEALED FROM HEAVEN AGAINST ALL UNGODLINESS AND UNRIGHTEOUSNESS OF MEN, WHO HOLD THE TRUTH IN UNRIGHTEOUSNESS; Romans 5:8 BUT GOD COMMENDETH HIS LOVE TOWARD US, IN THAT, WHILE WE WERE YET SINNERS, CHRIST DIED FOR US.
Romans 10:9-13 THAT IF THOU SHALT CONFESS WITH THY MOUTH THE LORD JESUS, AND SHALT BELIEVE IN THINE HEART THAT GOD HATH RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD, THOU SHALT BE SAVED. FOR WITH THE HEART MAN BELIEVETH UNTO RIGHTEOUSNESS; AND WITH THE MOUTH CONFESSION IS MADE UNTO SALVATION.FOR THE SCRIPTURE SAITH, WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH ON HIM SHALL NOT BE ASHAMED. FOR THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE JEW AND THE GREEK: FOR THE SAME LORD OVER ALL IS RICH UNTO ALL THAT CALL UPON HIM.FOR WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED.
… a person legally entitled to the property or rank of another on that person’s death.
The only time the word HEIR is used in the gospels is found in the Parable of The Certain Householder in Matthew 21:33-40, Mark 12:1-9, Luke 20:9-16. Matthew 21:38, Mark 12:7, Luke 20:14But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. The Apostles James and Peter understood that they, the Jews were HEIRS according to the (Old Testament) promise made to Abraham: James 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirsof the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? 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. And again, the Apostle Paul also writes to the Hebrews, (Jews) while proving that Christ was the Messiah, He was also Heir of all things: Hebrews 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? Hebrews 6:17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: And also, of Noah: Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. And also, of Abraham (and his descendants): Hebrews 11:9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirswith him of the same promise: (see Gen 17:4,5) And then to BELIEVERS Paul wrote: Romans 4:13-14 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. Galatians 3:29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 4:1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; Galatians 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heirof God through Christ. Galatians 4:30Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heirwith the son of the free woman. Titus 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Yes, we not only received Everlasting Life when we believed the Gospel(I Corinthians 15:1-4) and acted uponit (Romans 10:9-13). We also have the victory over the grave (1 Corinthians 15:51-57). And we are joint HEIRS with Christ for Eternity.
This is a tool, NOT a test! Husbands, answer these statements as they apply to YOU.
Marriage Test Husbands
I understand the Biblical definition of the husband’s role to be: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
My plan for my family’s spiritual growth includes: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I want my family to follow my
example: ___YES ___NO
I Teach spiritual principles to my family: __daily __weekly __monthly __never
Marriage Test Wives
This is a tool, NOT a test! Wives, answer these statements as they apply to YOU.
I understand the Biblical definition of the wife’s role to be: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
My plan for my family’s spiritual growth includes: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I want my family to follow my
example: ___YES ___NO
I teach spiritual principles to my family: __daily __weekly __monthly __never
Marriage is instituted by GOD Gen 2:18,24 Marriage is to be a monogamous relationship Gen 2:22 Marriage is to be a heterosexual relationship Gen 1:27,2:22 Marriage involves a formal and public leaving of one’s own parents in order to establish a new family. Gen 2:24 Marriage is a relationship which cleaves two people into a couple until death Mark 10:9; 1 Cor 7:39; Rom 7:2-3 Marriage involves the headship of the husband over the wife Eph 5:23; 1 Cor 4:3 Marriage involves role relationships. Gal 3:28; 1 Pet 3:7; Eph 5:22-28 Marriage is a divine vocation 1 Cor 7:7; 7:32-35 Marriage is an honorable estate. Hebrews 13:4
What JESUS said about Marriage: to the Jews Matthew 19:1-12 to the Gentiles Mark 10:1-10
Four arguments against DIVORCE:
1. In the beginning God created one male and one female. Gen 1:27; 5:2; Mark 10:6 Literal meaning: Male = Piercer Female = Pierced 2. Marriage is the strongest of human bonds. Gen 2:24; Mark 10:7 3. In marriage, two people become one flesh. Gen 2:24; Mark 10:8 4. God joins together these two people. Mark 10:9
Three basic elements of marriage found in Gen 2:24: A public act expressing the intent of the couple. A public act expressing the intent of the couple A permanent bonding of two lives into one life. A physical union consummating the relationship.
Summary: Marriage is God ordained and blessed and is a state recognized domestic institution. Gen 2:23-24; John 2:1-11 Divorce is the legal (state) dissolution, NOT recognized NOR instituted by God
Of note:Matt 5:32; 19:9 greek word porneia porneia = unchasity, immorality porne (noun) = to sell used especially for slaves and meant “a harlot for sale” porneia = unlawfurl sexual intercourse
Marriage … C.S. Lewis Many people have the mistaken idea that if you have married the right person, you may expect to go on “being in love” forever. As a result, when they find they are not, they think this proves they have made a mistake and are entitled to a change, not realizing that when they have changed, the glamour will presently go out of the new love just as it went out of the old one. In this department of life, as in every other, thrills come at the beginning and do not last. Let the thrill go. Let it die away. Go on through that period of death into the quieter interest and happiness that follow and you will find you are living in a world of new thrills all the time.
The best thing you can give you children is a solid marriage with both a father and a mother.
What makes a family: Parents are two separate people who have chosen each other and become ONE by the bonds of Marriage. Families become bonded together when they accept: The Bond of Blood: Tied together by blood, by genetics, by heritage. The Bond of Band Wagoning: No matter what, remember the family is one unit in God’s eyes. The Bond of Benevolence: Always be a loving and forgiving family. Never give up on a family member. Will not always agree with everyone and everything. We will do things differently. When we are hurt by another family member, remember it’s God’s opportunity for us to practice forgiveness. It is very puzzling to see a family member reach out to a stranger with a problem but ignore a family member with the same or similar problem. The Bond of Blessing: Share you faith with your family. How sad it will be to reach Heaven and not have all your family there.And sharing your faith, daily, will strengthen their’
What does it mean to be Holy? Adjective – dedicated or consecrated to God or a religious purpose; sacred.
Many of the times the Apostle Paul uses the word Holy he is referring to the Holy Ghost/Spirit, the third part of the GodHead. And a study of these references would prove to be very profitable. Romans 5:5And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Romans 9:1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. 1 Corinthians 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Corinthians 6:19What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 1 Corinthians 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. 2 Corinthians 6:6 By pureness, by knowledge, by long suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, 2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
