Tag: Bible Studies

Heartfelt Prayer Against Spirit of Offense

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Hello Friends! As Christians, it is important for us to understand the meaning of “spirit of offense.”

This term refers to when we allow ourselves to become easily offended and hold onto that offense rather than letting go and forgiving.

If we look at the Greek root of offense via the Blue Letter Bible, we find the word skandalizō which means a stumbling block that can entice us to sin, cause us to fall away or judge others unfavorably!

So in short, the spirit of offense should not be taken lightly!

In this blog post, I will start off with scripture so that you understand what offense means, and then we will move over to the prayer.

Ready? Let’s go

Scripture anchors for the prayer against spirit of offense

In Mark 4:16-17 KJV, Jesus speaks about those who receive the Word with joy but have no root in themselves and endure only for a short time, as they are offended when tribulation or persecution arises. Verse 17 states, “When affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.” This shows us that allowing ourselves to be easily offended can hinder our spiritual growth and relationship with God.

In Matthew 24:10 KJV, Jesus also warns us about the dangers of offense, saying that many will be offended, betray, and hate one another in the last days. This is a warning for us to be on guard against the spirit of offense, as it can lead us down a destructive path.

Furthermore, in Luke 17:1-2, Jesus teaches us that it is impossible not to be offended in this world. But He also offers a solution in verse 3 – to forgive those who offend us and let go of our anger. This is because holding onto offense can prevent us from serving effectively, as it consumes our thoughts and emotions. It also leads to bitterness, which can poison our relationships and hinder our spiritual growth.

Moreover, holding onto offense gives the enemy a legal ground to block us from receiving God’s blessings in our lives. This is because when we refuse to forgive others, we are essentially blocking ourselves from receiving forgiveness from God (see Matthew 6:15). Therefore, it is crucial for us to pray for the strength and ability to forgive others, as well as ourselves, in order to break free from the spirit of offense.

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Made of Still

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Heartfelt Prayer Against Spirit of Offense

Accursed Objects

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Like many people, when I was a child, our family celebrated Halloween because we didn’t know that it was a Satanic holiday. Most people probably think of Halloween as a fun time to dress up and get candy, but we need to be aware that many witches and Satanists participate in demonic rituals and even animal or in some cases, human sacrifices during this time. And often, even Christians can give place to the enemy without realizing it. Deuteronomy chapter 7 gives us a warning about accursed objects:

You shall burn the carved images of their gods with fire; you shall not covet the silver or gold that is on them, nor take it for yourselves, lest you be snared by it; for it is an abomination to the Lord your God. Nor shall you bring an abomination into your house, lest you be doomed to destruction like it. You shall utterly detest it and utterly abhor it, for it is an accursed thing. Deuteronomy 7:25-26, NKJV

An accursed object can be an idol, carved images used for idol worship or any object that has had a curse or spell placed on it or been used in witchcraft or occultic practices. These objects are nothing in and of themselves, but a demonic spirit can attach itself to them.

Scary or horror movies can open the door to a spirit of fear, causing nightmares, etc. Also, Satanic music can open a door to demons. And even Halloween decorations that have to do with witchcraft, a spirit of fear, death, etc. can open the door for these types of spirits…

Continue Reading @ A Deeper Walk

Accursed Objects

Come As You Are

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Last week my husband and I was discussing a phrase many Christians throughout the world have heard which is the phrase, come as you are. I wanted to see what God’s Word had to say about this subject and was surprised to learn this exact phrase isn’t actually in the Bible. While it isn’t found in the Bible there are scriptures which are similar, such as;

Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and
learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.

Matthew 11:28,29

Although this particular scripture isn’t the exact wording, come as you are, it does offer similarities along with additional information. In this scripture Jesus is giving an invitation to sinners to come to Him, just as they are. But here’s where many churches go wrong, they tell the people to come as they are, to say a short repentance prayer, and now they’re saved. But that’s not what the rest of the scripture says.

Because in this scripture Jesus says we are to learn from Him. In other words, we are to emulate Christ, to do as He did, to follow His ways. This scripture also eludes to the person that is weary, tired, crushed, desperate, sad, weighed down, or broken. Which is another way of saying someone who is experiencing actual sorrow over their sin.

So, if one doesn’t feel this type of sorrow over their sin, if they don’t seek to learn from Him, to follow Him, then a self-evaluation is in order. Because those who “truly” belong to Christ are changed.

This means that anyone who belongs
to Christ has become a new person.
The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

2 Corinthians 5:17

What this all means is if you’re a believer, a Christian, then you seek to follow the teachings of Jesus, to learn His ways and to live by them. It also means you no longer live a life that is self seeking because your old way of life is gone. You’ve been given a new Spirit and a new heart.

While the “Come as you are” phrase is biblical, what many pastors, teachers, evangelist, and churches fail to tell people is, you can’t stay as you are!

Are Your Kids Asking Demons For Guidance?

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As of October 2021, videos labeled #WitchTok have clocked up an impressive 18.7 billion views! Don’t assume your child hasn’t been exposed to it.

Did you know that if you consult a psychic for guidance, you are asking a demon for help? If you ask a Ouija Board questions, you are asking a demon for help. In fact, fortune-telling is just another word for divination. And divination is an abomination to God. It is sin.

The devil will entice God’s people to sin in any way he can. One of his favorite ways is to make the sin seem innocent. (It’s just for fun!) But divination is not innocent fun, and sin has consequences.

Christians should look to God for guidance, not demons. Paul clearly associates fortune-telling with demons in the Scripture below.

“Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling.  She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.”  She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.” Acts 16:16-18 NIV (emphasis mine)

When I was a teenager, I participated in a séance with friends. They said there would be someone there who really knew how to do it. I thought it sounded like fun, but that night

Real Christian Women

Are Your Kids Asking Demons For Guidance?
Green Pastures

Are You Biblically Following Christ?

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As a believer of Jesus the Bible teaches we are to follow Him and do as Christ taught. So for Christians it means we are to live our life as He did. But, have you asked yourself, how am I actively following Jesus? Because Jesus gives us an example of what following Him looks like, when He stated;

If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father, mother, wife, children,
brothers, sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. Whoever
does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

Luke 14:26,27

Of course, believers know Jesus isn’t advocating for us to “actually” hate their family members, but, He is saying those who follow Him must be willing to give up everything because they become His disciples. We must be totally committed to Him.

What is the definition of a disciple?

The very definition of a disciple means to follow a person. So when Jesus tells us we are to follow Him, it literally means we become His disciple. Many believe becoming a disciple only applies to men, but, look what the scriptures tell us;

Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated means Dorcas);
this woman was excelling in acts of kindness and charity which she did habitually.

Acts 9:36

See, as a follower of Christ we must be willing to examine ourselves and do an honest evaluation. Better yet, ask God to reveal if you’re “actually” following “His will” or your own. Because biblically speaking, a Christian is a disciple of Christ. Our faith is placed in the Lord Jesus, we’ve been given a new heart, give a new Spirit, and it’s that Spirit that actively changes us. It’s through this change and renewal we experience the love of Christ and what He’s done for us. And it’s also what propels us to spread the Good News Message so others can experience His salvation, His love and God’s amazing Grace.

So ask yourself, am I going into communities filled with lost souls and talking to them? Am I handing out Gospel Tracks? Am I writing blog post with content designed to bring the lost in to hear the Good News, or, am I posting content and scriptures specifically for other Christians? Because we’re are all called to encourage one another, but, we’re also all called to be disciples.

Coveting is Another Reason God’s Wrath is Coming

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One of the most difficult problems I see in the world today, at least, within in the United States is the issue of coveting. When we think of sin, coveting usually doesn’t enter our minds. But in reality people covet everything! And what’s so frightening is Christians don’t often recognize it when it appears.

What exactly is covetousness?

Basically, it means having a strong desire, longing, or wish for something material that will benefit us. In fact, Jesus tells us;

No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will
be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon
[money, possessions, fame, status, or whatever is valued more than the Lord].

Matthew 6:24 (AMP)

Coveting is simply a materialistic, world view in which we obtain everything we possibly can. This may mean more money, nicer cars, power and fame, designer clothes, designer handbags and shoes, a bigger house, a homestead, hoarding food, a big garden, more land, the dream job, climbing the corporate ladder, living in a certain zip code, being a member of an exclusive club, owning your own business, buying a vacation home, taking multiple vacations, or anything which takes time away from God.

You see, God wants us to be happy with what we have, what we’ve been given and if a change is desired by the Lord, he will provide the way. That’s why we should always look to Him for guidance instead of longing for the things we do not have. The Apostle Paul puts it this way;

For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it, either. If we
have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into
temptation and a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge people into ruin
and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for
it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

1 Timothy 6:6-10

And just like the Apostle Paul states, coveting is idolatry!

An Awesome Presence

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Where was God? King Nebuchadnezzar absorbed the children of Israel into his idolatrous nation, giving them new names, and teaching them the ways of his kingdom. He destroyed their city, robbing them of any hope of returning to Jerusalem, anytime soon.

Ezekiel’s visions included the departure of the Lord’s glory from the temple, from Jerusalem. Had he left them alone with no hope? Ezekiel’s last words promised the return of the Lord’s presence.

“It was round about *eighteen thousand measures:

and the name of the city from that day shall be,

The LORD is there.”

Ezekiel 48: 35, KJV (*6 miles)

In captivity, Israel learned to live in a foreign country with its many gods and immoral living. Some adapted well to the lifestyle. 

Meeting Jesus With Donna Stearns

An Awesome Presence

In Times of Persecution

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Religious freedom is a central issue nowadays. Western Christians are used to being free to do whatever they want, and honestly, as many are very involved in politics, they are used to being in control. The changing times make them worried and they want to do everything they can to make sure they stay free and their rights will be protected. How biblical is this attitude? 

Persecution is not fun. We are humans and we desire to be safe, loved, valued. It’s hard to live with constant fear, not knowing whether you will lose your job or freedom or life because of what you believe. It’s natural to want to avoid this, but unfortunately this is impossible and we have to understand this. Jesus said that His disciples will share His fate, and the disciples also wrote that persecution is something to be expected. You should not seek it, don’t provoke people.

Stranger in this world

https://strangerinthisworld12.wordpress.com/2023/09/04/in-times-of-persecution/

Jesus, The Bread of Life

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There are many scriptures I’ve had difficulty understanding, that is, until I read the passage in different Bible translations. One of those scriptures is when Jesus is speaking to the Jewish people about being the bread of life. Jesus tells them if they want eternal life, they must eat His flesh. I admit, the first time I read this I was wondering, what did He just say? And, what does that mean? Because at the time, I didn’t get it, it just didn’t connect for me. I have a carnal mind so I couldn’t get past the eating flesh part, which when you think about it, is probably the same thing the Jewish people had difficulty with. The scripture I’m referring to reads;

So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh and drink the blood of the
Son of Man, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life
and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is real food and My blood is real drink.
John 6:53-55(BSB)

Ever since I had the dream about feeding on Jesus, I knew I wanted to talk about the Bread of Life passage. After several translations I felt it was time to discuss what Jesus was referring to. Jesus was saying, if you “truly” believe in Him, the one whom the Father sent, those people would be given eternal life.

You see, the bread Christ speaks of represents His body that is being sacrificed on the cross. His blood represents the New Covenant between God and His people as an atonement poured out for the forgiveness of sin. So when Jesus speaks of eating the Bread of Life and drinking His Blood it’s like He’s saying, God’s giving you a second chance to experience eternal life, to experience a relationship with the creator. Since Jesus sacrifice is a binding covenant with God through His blood if we believe in Him as the one the Father sent, we will have eternal life.

Remember, we were all under a death sentence, but, through the sacrifice Jesus made, we all have an opportunity to receive eternal life if we believe in Him and live a life that is reflective of that New Covenant.

How AMAZING is that?!!!!!

Understanding Anger Through a Biblical Lens

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Let’s face it: we all get angry sometimes. And unfortunately, the church hasn’t always been a source of clarity or wisdom when it comes to expressing our anger in a healthy way. The pendulum can swing from complete opposers to anger, claiming even the emotion itself is a sin, to others saying it’s completely justified to be angry and bitter all the time. There are many false beliefs about anger that I’ve grown up with and have had to unlearn as an adult. 

The Will to Wake Up

https://storiesfromanenneagramnine.wordpress.com/2023/08/28/understanding-anger-through-a-biblical-lens/

Worship in Spirit

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Reading the Bible is a must for anyone who longs to learn about God Almighty, about Christ Jesus, about Truth, about the Kingdom, and what is expected from a believer. When I first started reading the Bible there were many scriptures that puzzled me, one of those reads;

God is Spirit and those who worship Him must worship in Spirit and Truth.
John 4:24

As I reflected on this, my first question was, how do I worship God in Spirit?

Worshipping in truth I felt would come in time as I continued reading the Bible, but, worshipping God in Spirit, well, I had no clue. So I did an enormous amount of reading, studying and researching. Unfortunately, I didn’t find what I was looking for until I turned to the Strong’s Concordance then it all came together.

Spirit is interchangeable with the words wind or breath and depending on it’s context will determine the actual usage. But, what I found extremely fascinating is how the words wind and breath can be used together to represent worshipping in the Spirit.

In the Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, the word wind is a movement of air (gentle) blast. Breath is of the nostrils or mouth. So when we combine these two together we speaks words from our mouth which causes a gentle constant flow of words.

But there’s one last element to worshipping in the Spirit, and that’s the heart. You see I can create a constant flow of words but if those words aren’t reflective of what’s in my heart, they mean nothing. Because, Yehovah, God Almighty, wants us to speak words from the heart, words of praise, words of thankfulness, words of blessings and words of love.

At least, this is how it appears to me.

The Importance of Hebrews 4

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My journey through the scriptures has taught me it’s extremely important to read the Bible, to study it and to listen to those who are acknowledgeable without bringing in man’s doctrines or rules. Hebrew 4 speaks of entering God’s rest.

Let’s read the scriptures to see what it says

Hebrews 4:1-3 ~ Therefore, while the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be deemed to have fallen short of it. For we also received the good news just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, since they did not share the faith of those who comprehended it. Now we who have believed enter that rest. As for the others, it is just as God has said:

“So I swore an oath in My anger,
‘They shall never enter My rest.’ ”

And yet His works have been finished since the foundation of the world.

From the very beginning as you read these scriptures, it makes the remark that “entering His rest still stands”. But the only way to enter His rest is by believing in the good news. However, the scriptures provide more information, it states for we also received the good news just as they did but because of their unbelief, their lack of faith, they would not enter God’s rest. So in God’s anger He swore an oath they would NEVER enter His rest.

Who is the Apostle Paul referring to when He says “they” and why did He quote GOD?

For who, having heard, rebelled? Indeed, was it not all who came out of Egypt, 
led by Moses? Now with whom was He angry forty years? Was it not with
those who sinned, whose corpses fell in the wilderness? And to whom did
He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? 
So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

Hebrews 3:16-19

Again, we see the Apostle Paul is referring to the Jewish people of the Old Testament who was led by Moses out of Egypt. From these scriptures GOD became angry with them because they rebelled, they did NOT obey. What did they NOT obey? Let’s read from Jeremiah in the Old Testament, which says;

Thus says the Lord: “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths,
where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls.
But they said, ‘we will not walk in it’.

Jeremiah 6:16

What was the old paths that lead to the good way? It was God’s Law along with His statues and ordinances. And it’s the very reason Isaiah says;

This is what the LORD says: “Maintain justice and do what is right, for My salvation
is coming soon, and My righteousness will be revealed. Blessed is the man who
does this, and the son of man who holds it fast, and who keeps the Sabbath without profaning it and keeps His hand from doing any evil.

Isaiah 56:1,2

But Jesus came to fulfill the Law and the prophecies, but, how?

When we accept Jesus as our Lord and savior, we walk in His path and the Holy Spirit is there to help guide, to teach, to lead and to keep us from sinning among many other spiritual jobs. But, we can still sin if we ignore the Holy Spirit and live according to the flesh. But to provide further information, Jesus says this;

Matthew 11:28,29 (NASB) – Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Now let’s re-read from another Biblical version.

Matthew 11:28,29 (AMP) – “Come to Me, all who are heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST (renewal, blessed quiet) FOR YOUR SOULS.

What is the message of this scripture?

Come to Me, Follow Me as My disciple, learn from Me, do as I do and I will give you REST! The REST Jesus speaks of is our SALVATION! But we must EMULATE CHRIST, to pick up our cross and follow Him. And even Jesus says in Revelation,

Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.

Revelation 14:12,13

When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, when we believe in Him we’re given the Holy Spirit as a pledge, as a guarantee. And it’s the Holy Spirit which guides, teaches, convicts, prays for us, gives spiritual gifts, comforts, and leads us so we can walk in God’s ways. But faith comes by believing in Christ. Because when we believe, we receive forgiveness of sin, our hearts are purified, we are justified, we are sanctified, we receive God’s peace, our faith grows, we receive salvation, the fruit of the spirit works within us, and we enter God’s rest.

Because we walk by FAITH not by SIGHT

Abram and Lot Separate

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Lot, Abram’s (#Abraham) nephew, also accompanied Abram to Egypt along with all of his possessions, flocks, herds and tents. Between the two of them they owned so much livestock and possessions that the land wasn’t able to sustain them both. Plus, when you had quarreling into the mix between their herdsmen, Abram knew eventually things would take a turn for the worse. To avoid any further dissension Abram made a suggestion.

Abram (Abraham) spoke to Lot and basically told him, we’re brothers so let’s not have any strife between us. This is when Abram suggested to Lot they should separate to avoid any further issues. Abram told Lot to choose which way he wanted to go, right or left and Abram would go in the opposite direction. Lot liked how the plain of Jordan looked since it was well watered, so, he decided on the plain of Jordan and began his journey toward the east. This left Abram in the land of Canaan and Lot living in various cities of the plain till he pitched his tent at Sodom.

Lot had no way of knowing just how wicked and sinful the men of Sodom were against the Lord. But, as my momma used to say, you’ve made your bed, now, you got to lay it in. In other words, for those who don’t understand Southern idioms, you made your choice now you’ve got to live with the consequences.

After Lot left, the Lord spoke to Abram.

Basically, The Lord tells Abram to look all around him to the North, South, East and West because this is the land He’s giving to him, along with his descendants, forever. The Lord also tells Abram that He would make his descendants as the dust of the earth; so that if a man could number the dust of the earth, then Abrams descendants also could be numbered.

The Lord tells Abram to get up and walk in the land and inspect it since it was what the Lord had given him. Abram decides to move his tent and dwell by the terebinth trees of Mamre, located in Hebron, and he built an altar there to the Lord.

Considerations
While it appeared Abram and Lot wanted to live close to one another, it just wasn’t feasible. Because all the possessions between them was too much for the land to bare so they separated themselves. But maybe there’s more to it than that, after all, the Lord had set His eyes on Abram to receive a great blessing. I also noticed Lot eyed the land which appeared to be more lush, well watered, and green while Abram humbled himself and took the less desirable area. I guess it didn’t matter to Abram because after Lot left, the Lord Himself told him he would make his descendants as the dust of the earth. I don’t think anything could compare to that!

Next, Abraham Rescues Lot

Jesus On Murder and Anger

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Usually when one commits murder we view it as someone with deep seeded anger issues. Generally, these people may wear a façade so we’re unable to see what is hidden deep within them, causing many to miss important warning flags. And just like the story found in Genesis when Cain killed Abel, there was anger involved.

Cain and Abel both brought offerings to the Lord, but, the offering given by Abel was respected and the one given by Cain was not. This lead Cain to becoming annoyed, hostile and angry with his brother. But the Lord spoke to Cain about his offering and said;

If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not well, sin crouches
at your door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.

Genesis 4:7

Basically the Lord is saying by believing Him, doing what is acceptable and pleasing to Him Cain’s offering would be accepted, but, if he ignored the Lord’s instruction then sin would be there waiting for him. Unfortunately, Cain murdered his brother Abel out of jealousy, rage and anger which meant, he wasn’t able to overcome his anger.

I used the story of Cain and Abel as an illustration to complement what Jesus taught regarding murder and anger with your brother. Because Jesus said;

You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You Shall Not Murder,’
and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment. But I
say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be
in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’
shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’
shall be in danger of hell fire.

Matthew 5:21,22

Since the Lord sees our heart, He knows everything about us. Our thoughts, our desires, and even our stumbling blocks. So, it shouldn’t be a surprise that Jesus, is teaching that we need to change how we interact with one another. Instead of allowing anger to consume us and fester within, we need to be proactive, seek that person out and make things right. Talk it out, apologize, do whatever it takes to keep the peace, because, sin is always waiting at the door! And remember what Jesus said;

But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from
the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart
comes evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality,
theft, false testimony, slander.

Matthew 15:18,19

When we listen and follow the Lord’s instruction, we’re accepted, but, if we choose to resist Him, sin will be there waiting…

How We View Adultery

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What would you say if I made the remark that almost every man and woman has committed adultery at least once in their life time. Would you agree or disagree? Seriously, if you’re being totally honest with yourself and God, how would you answer?

First, you would probably think, I’ve never committed adultery, so, why would you say such a thing? But, according to Jesus (Yehoshua/Yeshua), the way mankind defines adultery is totally different than the way He views it. You see, Jesus tells us;

You heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’
But I say to you that everyone looking at a woman to lust
for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Matthew 5:27,28

You see, in our limited thinking we only view adultery as a ‘physical’ act, and, we believe it all starts in the mind, because, that’s where our thoughts come from. But Jesus, who knew the very essence of man didn’t teach it started in the mind, instead, He taught adultery starts in the heart! Jesus also stated;

But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from
the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart
comes evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality,
theft, false testimony, slander.

Matthew 15:18,19

See what I mean….