Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)

The Bible is filled with instructions… but more importantly instructions for every level.

If you look at the passage as a whole, this isn’t a verse to place children under the burden of obedience, but rather a path to follow.

Fathers, Servants and Masters

Ephesians 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;

6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:

8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

If you are going to be a good parent, you will learn through examples as a child, to be a good parent. As you get older you will be under the authority of  master (employer) And hopefully you will use the knowledge of obedience to be a good servant.  A good master, if taking all that you learned so that you can be a good master. (employer or manager). All these you learn as a child.

As a child you will see examples of good and bad parents, servants and masters… these examples will help shape you as you grow and fulfil these roles.

The Motivation

A child, a Father, a Servant and a Master should execute the duties of their position, not to get a pat on the back, but rather because we are serving a higher authority.

Colossians 3:17 And 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.

At times rebellion comes into play. It is important that in order for the chain of command and progression of learning to work we must PLACE ourselves under the authority placed above us. 

Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Example:

As a child, I was under very specific rules. I grew up in a military home, learning the military way. I learned about a work ethic, responsibility, testimony, dignity and honor. These guidelines helped me to become a better servant.

As a servant I was able to place into practice the things I learned as a child. To obey those masters placed above me and to exceed expectations. This work ethic allowed me to stand out from my peers and see promotions and opportunities that others didn’t receive, often because they weren’t raised the same way I was. By learning to be a good servant I was able to understand what it meant to be a better master.

As someone who has led those in the military as a NCO, as a manager, as a Pastor; as well as one who has also been an employer, I have sought to be a master worthy of someone to follow. I never wanted to be someone who was just the boss because he was bossy. Every instruction or direction was to prepare others to be a good master. These are things I learned from a child from an example set by my father… every direction was designed to train. This prepared me to be a father.

From a child I learned these things, I have seen examples of both a servant and master by watching my parents. My parents worked for others… So I got to see what it meant to be a good servant. My dad was also an NCO, a leader of men into battle… I was able to see what a good leader was to be as well.

So the question is simply this: what is your final authority? Many look to so many things of the world to shape their opinions: TV, Radio, Sports figures, Hollywood, even friends. However, these sources are not designed to edify and educate the believers of Christ, the Bible is. As you will see in the topics covered, society definitely has a contradicting if not differing opinions on these topics; the biggest issue is that too many Christians listen to the sources of the world over the words of God.

This article will deal with some worldly practices such as tattoos, piercing and other practices that are more and more becoming accepted by “Christians” and even encouraged to participate in … FROM THE PULPIT. As this is a current practice we should examine what the Bible has to say about it rather than any opinion.

Ye are not your own…

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?

20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Romans 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Biblical separation is a fundamental and paramount teaching in the Word of God. If we are saved, we are new creatures, bought with a price; as such we should live as such. The “choices” we make about what we do with our bodies should be made with the understanding that the rightful owner, might want a say in it!

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.

Consider the mindset that your neighbor comes to your home, grabs the keys of your brand new car and takes it for a spin. Furthermore however, he takes it to a bodyshop and has it painted, has holes drilled in the trunk and installs a huge spoiler, swaps for 20 inch rims and tires, changed the suspension and lowered it 2 inches; then brings the car back to you. In this effort he paid thousands of dollars using top quality parts and materials; the best technicians and top paid professionals specializing in performance cars…

Despite all the reasons and the excuses that can be made to justify this neighbor’s generosity, the issue was simply this: it wasn’t his to do this to.

We are noting that those claiming to be Christians are doing the same. They may use the best artists in the industry, done with the safest of practices to paint, pierce and modify their bodies; however the conclusion is still the same… it’s not theirs to do so with. We have been bought with a price, we no more have the right to alter our bodies as Christians, as that neighbor did; no matter the motivation or good intention. I have spoken with many who will “justify” a tattoo because they places one of their children’s names, mother’s name or even the name of Jesus. When God speaks to these things (see below) He didn’t give a list of what is acceptable to mark on your body or what is acceptable to pierce your body with; in fact the opposite is true.

1 Corinthians 9:13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?

14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

If Christians in the service of God could wrap their heads around this we might cast aside the ridiculous reasoning that we give to justify our sins… Simply put: practice what we preach.

I have in my ministry always used this conclusory thought, if you truly want to know what is perceived as sin don’t ask a Christian… as a lost man. Ask someone who has lost it all from sin if what you want to do that is commonplace for the world to do, is right for a Christian to do…

Note: Trying to justify your sin by finding verses brought out of context to justify a sin or trying to explain it away, does not change the Word of God or God’s position on the matter. If we truly compare our actions and motives with the mindset, “would Jesus do that”… it might change what we do.

Colossians 3:17 And 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.

Tattoos, Printing, Cutting and Piercings

This has become such a hotbed topic over recent years becoming more and more popular both with the world and those professing to be Christians. This, like so many other things it seems; if you add the word “Christian” in front of it… that somehow makes it right. However, the Word of God is very clear on this topic.

Leviticus 19:28  Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.

If I heard this one, I’ve heard it a dozen times: saying “that’s Old Testament” or “we’re not under the law but grace”. Again, trying to explain away the Word of God to justify sin, in my opinion; is just as much sin as the sin itself. When you look at those things that came from Moses law verses God’s law you will see that quite simply, if God thought it was important then, why wouldn’t it be important now? Furthermore the statements in the scripture that are specifically accredited to the Lord.. such as: “I am the Lord” or “and the Lord God said”… these are items that have consistency in the scriptures except for those rare instances that God dispensationally ends it. The cuttings in your flesh and markings on your body.. have never been rescinded by God.

I might make note that we should abstain from all appearance of evil, such as temporary tattoos, or even taking an ink pen and writing on your flesh. While some might dismiss this as innocent, these are things a Christian should not do; or allow their children to do. 

Cutting of the Flesh

Leviticus 21:5  They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh.

Deuteronomy 14:1  Ye are the children of the LORD your God: ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead.

The cutting of the flesh has ALWAYS been associated with a satanic mindset and influence. Emotional instability has found the mutilation of the body as a characteristic that medical professionals and counselors are trained to look for. Additionally branding, burning and cutting of the lips, nose, ears, breasts, face, neck, vaginal tissue and piercing of the same has been observed in African, Asian, Hawaiian and other tribal customs, including tattoos and the stain or markings of the flesh. Those considered to be the most “Godless” or heathen, as the Bible calls them; for years has practiced this mutilation of the body in an attempt to appease a false god.

This fact alone confounds me the most. Why don’t Christians know this and reject it? Because the world has become louder than the preachers and teachers of God’s Word. So afraid to “offend”. I recall Dr. Phil Kidd once said “your churches, Pastors; will be filled with those things you don’t preach about.”

1 Kings 18:28  And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them.

This account in context brings about an account of Elijah had seen Israel begin to follow the satanic prophets of Baal and cast away the things of God… in direct rebellion. Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to bring down fire from Heaven to consume the sacrifice. As the account goes, the prophets called and called their false god… and nothing happens; then verse 28. Cutting of the flesh is always part of a satanic influence of the mutilation of the body. This includes piercings, branding and tattoos.

Earrings

Another societal practice is that of piecing of the ears. So many use this “acceptable” piercing as a platform to justify piercings in other parts of the body. However, the only time that this practice is identified is for an indentured servant.

Deuteronomy 15:17  Then thou shalt take an aul, and thrust it through his ear unto the door, and he shall be thy servant for ever. And also unto thy maidservant thou shalt do likewise.

Purity of the Body

These are those as mentioned that are quick to explain away verses saying that they are “old testament” or “ those are under the law, we are under grace”. It is important to note that the major difference of the Law verses Grace is where it is written down.

Hebrews 10:16  This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

If it was something that was important to God then, it should be important now. Furthermore, there are those things that God provided in the form of a command for specific people, for a specific time, for a specific reason; God is just as specific to identify them.

The following verses here are in the New Testament and by examination of the fundamental purpose, say or echo the same as the old testament referenced without having be a command or “a law”.

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

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

23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Note this observation: When you first start driving you learn that there is a speed limit and taught to obey it. However the experienced driver knows “why” those signs and laws are important. Same as the old testament and the new. Under the new covenant God wants us to have an understanding of why those things are important.

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?

20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

This verse is so important and so very much ignored in the modern church. Would you think it a crime if someone took your new car and repainted it? Drilled holes in it? Scratched it, marred it, dented it, burnt it? I would dare say that most people would say that they did not have the right to do those things… because they did not own it; you did.

How much more do we, that are Christians; feel that we have the right to damage something that God owns?

Romans 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

So often the modern Church is been so fooled and misled. Literally yielding themselves as instruments of unrighteousness being control by the hand of the world. Is it any wonder that the lost world look at Christians as a joke, hypocrites; by not practicing that which we preach. We slap the term “Christian” in front of a sinful act and it somehow makes it spiritual. You might feel good that you were able to find a verse or mindset that somehow you feel exonerates or justifies your sin, but that lost man looks at what you have to offer; and is left wanting.

Drinking Alcohol

The consumption of alcohol, the lifestyle that surrounds it and the draw that it has on Christians is certainly nothing new. Christians puff out with the “Jesus drank wine” claim as justification of drinking, or even the “all things done in moderation” to even a practical excuse of social drinking.

Proverbs 20:1  Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

Deception is the way of satan, not God. If God so plainly identifies the facts that a fermented alcoholic beverage that is called wine, is not something that God’s people should drink; why is it that those who seek to be called Christians work so hard to justify drinking it?

Isaiah 5:11  Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!

Leviticus 10:9 Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations:

10 And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean;

Allow me to pause here on verse 10. There is or SHOULD BE a clear difference between hooly and unholy, clean and unclean. There should never be a question from the lost world that God is clean and Holy and His children are clean and holy! When we were lost we knew drinking, smoking, tattoos, piercings, cuttings and branding were wrong; yet when we get saved we want to bring those things into our life and body?

Jesus Drank Wine

Lets tackle this with Bible.

Luke 1:15  For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.

John Chapter 2 gives an account where Jesus turned water into wine.. however:

John 2:9  When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,

It does NOT say that Jesus drank wine.

Matthew 11:18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.

19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.

Note: “but wisdom is justified of her children”, the context of this statement is a contrast to the statement of rather the false accusation that was made; simply… God’s people know better.

I can elaborate more to deal with “new wine vs fermented wine” but I will say it like this: God’s people should know better. There should be things of the world we stay away from, that we avoid for testimony’s sake if nothing else. But because there are those that like to run to verses to justify their action, lets deal with this one too:

1 Timothy 5:23  Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.

It is no secret that alcohol, taken properly, can be used in the production of; and use as a medicinal remedy. However, as a medicine is not the gateway or excuse to have a glass of wine with dinner at your favorite restaurant.

Is your testimony something that is important to you? Is your “liberty” more precious to you that a soul saved?

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.

Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Corrupt Communication

Ephesians 4:29  Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

One of the traps that Christians often fall into is the language of the world. Now too often this is identified as “cussing” but it goes so much further. What we say and how we say it can build up and tear down. It it the most direct way for us to identify ourselves as Christians, but also the fastest way to destroy that testimony.

Romans 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Psalms 39:1a  I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue:…

Proverbs 21:23  Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

Psalms 34:13  Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

Colossians 3:8  But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

Take a close look at Peter outside the hall where Jesus was on trial, 3 times Peter was challenged and 3 times he denied however; note what it took to get the people to believe that he was NOT with Jesus:

Mark 14:70 And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto.
71 But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak.

Social Media

So you might wonder how social media made it on the list of worldly sins. This is perhaps a topic that is not clearly understood in the relationship of tattoos, piercings, cuttings, alcoholism, homosexuality and corrupt communication. In today’s method of media this has been used as the medium that satan has used to change the messaging using short simplistic messages that removes the need or desire for thinking for ones self.

1 Corinthians 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

We are exposing ourselves to evil communications that cause us to think, hear and see things differently.

We are being bombarded by false information, misinformation, half truths and outright lies. The trouble is compounded when we see that this is all is being passed as normal.

We turn on the TV, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Facebook, Instagram, twitter, snapchat and more and we are exposing our minds to corrupt communication that we, turn around and tell each other; without even thinking about what we are saying.

HOW ARE WE to have a heart and mind prepared to receive God’s message if seconds before you open your bible (if you brought one) you were on Tik Toc watching corrupt communication, fornication, profanity, vanity, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, those that are disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, highminded and lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God? ALL OF THIS AND MORE IS WHAT SOCIAL MEDIA USES TO SUCCEED… and is directly identified in the scriptures. (2 Timothy 3) This medium can change the environment and method whereby we process information. This causes even Christians to corrupt good manners, corrupt and twist God’s law into suggestions.

Homosexuality

There is much that can be said about the sin of homosexuality. I must note, this is NOT a variant of God; this is a sin that society has embraced and seeks to justify. God has been CLEAR in this matter from the very beginning throughout to the end and there is no variableness.

James 1:17  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Hebrews 13:8  Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Romans 1:21 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.

It is important to look at the point that homosexuality is not the beginning of sin but a product of it. Romans chapter 1 as well as the preceding verses are clear that this sin is a result or eventuality of the depravity of sin:

1. Vain in imagination
2. Foolish heart was darkened
3. professing themselves to be wise
4. Changed image of God into animal
5. God gave them up to uncleaness
6. Dishonor their own bodies (tattoos and piercings, self mutilation)

THEN #7… God gave them into Vile Affections…

The rest is what is left after someone takes sin that far!

It is a clinical fact that those interviewed in rehab facilities that a large majority of those who came out as homosexual reported they were sexually assaulted as a child. Furthermore are those children who were introduced to sin early through movies and media including pornography. Additionally children in single parent homes where clear and identifiable roles were established.

There is no path identified where God should bow down or change to societal wills. The sin of homosexuality is a gateway for the world to push gender neutrality, transgenderism, pedophilia, bestiality and any other whim of the flesh to be validated and legislated. Now we see it being allowed in the Church and pushed by nearly all religions. In fact it is the ultimate corruption of the Word of God that brings together all the major sins identified in this article. 

Romans 1:20 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:

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.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Leviticus 18:22  Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.

Leviticus 20:13  If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

Deuteronomy 22:5  The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.

 

 

 

Why we do and why we don’t…

There are basic topics that every Christian should know and understand. These deal with the corporate as well as the individual when it comes to Christianity. These fundamentals of the faith are all things we will stand in account for. By that same token, as teachers we need to be sure that those under our charge have been taught these principles. Each one of these topics have dozens of verses and should be understood thoroughly. What is listed below is a sample for each with each easily becoming a lesson of its own. MOST false doctrines wrongfully divide the truth of the topics below… it is important that you understand them so that you are well grounded in the faith and able to expound them to your students.

Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

Getting Saved

Synonymous with salvation is being born again or getting saved. Often times we call it accepting Christ as your personal saviour. Any way you say it, salvation is where you recognize that your sins are against God, and you ask God to save you. This decision leads to a physical transformation that seals you until the day of redemption.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

John14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Baptism

Baptism is an outward demonstration of an inward change. It is not part of salvation as an event, but should follow salvation as an picture of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ; the event where he died for your sins.

Colossians 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

Acts 8:35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

The Church

The Church is a God ordained entity where His people gather to sacrifice and commune. The body fitly joined together allows for the needs of the body to be met by the several talents of its members.

Ephesians 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

1 Corinthians 12:18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

Coming to Church

Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Psalms 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.

Communion

This is an ordinance of the New Testament Church whereby we take time to Remember what Christ did for us as well as take time to examine ourselves.

1 Corinthians 11:24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.

Tithe

This ordinance of the Church is where you give back to God a portion of what He has given to you. This is what supports the Church, pays salaries, utilities and bills and the different ministries.

Malachi 3:7 Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?

8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.

10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

1 Corinthians 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.

2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

The Word of God

2 Timothy 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Psalms 12:6 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

John 21:24 This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.

25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

Psalms 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

1 Peter 1:25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

Church Roles

So that the Church can work together God placed offices with people called to those positions. These talents are specific to a task so that the Church can grow in faith and knowledge.

Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

These positions are not to be taken lightly. While they are positions of leadership and authority, they also carry with them an awesome burden:

Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Pastor or Bishop

The office of a pastor means to be “among the people”.

1 Timothy 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;

5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Deacon

1 Timothy 3:8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.

11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Teacher and Elder

To be honest, there are not a lot of good things said about teachers in the Scriptures. Of all the positions this one perhaps holds some of the greatest responsibility, and something not to be taken lightly. We can learn much from those who used the office of a teacher to corrupt. I can not stress this enough: you must learn to use God’s word to discern truth from lies and not follow false teachers.

Colossians 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

It could be said that the responsibility of those that hear are under just as much accountability for learning, as those who teach.

Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

2 Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Evangelist

This is a position through a local Church whereby you go out into the world to see people saved, and bring them into the body of the local Church. This person is well trained in doctrine and presentation of the Word of God.

Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

The Individual

Covering of head

1 Corinthians 11:4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.

5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.

6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.

7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.

Wearing Modest Clothes

1 Timothy 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

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?

20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Piercing, Tattoos & Cutting of the Flesh

Leviticus 19:28 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.

Leviticus 21:5 They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh.

Deuteronomy 14:1 Ye are the children of the LORD your God: ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead.

1 Kings 18:28 And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them.

Corrupt Communication

Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

1 Corinthians 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

Drinking Wine

Proverbs 20:1  Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

Isaiah 5:11  Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!

Leviticus 10:9 Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations:

10 And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean;

Ephesians 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Ministering

1 Corinthians 16:14 Let all your things be done with charity.

15 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)

16 That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.

Other Topics

Speaking in tongues

1 Corinthians 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

1 Corinthians 14:5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

Once Saved always Saved (Eternal Security)

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.

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,

Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

The Law and Today

Hebrews 10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.

3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.

4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

Romans 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

New Testament Sacrifices

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Music

Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Prayer

Matthew 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

James 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Homosexuality

Romans 1:20 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.

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.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Exodus 11:1 And the LORD said unto Moses, Yet will I bring one plague more upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence: when he shall let you go, he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether.

2 Speak now in the ears of the people, and let every man borrow of his neighbour, and every woman of her neighbour, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold.

3 And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants, and in the sight of the people.

4 And Moses said, Thus saith the LORD, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt:

5 And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts.

6 And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there was none like it, nor shall be like it any more.

7 But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.

There is or SHOULD BE a clear difference between holy and unholy, clean and unclean. There should never be a question from the lost world about the fact that God is clean and Holy and His children are also clean and holy! The lost world knows drinking, smoking, tattoos, piercings, cuttings and branding are wrong, but they don’t need to justify it. Yet it seems that those who call themselves Christian constantly seek to bring those things into our life and body and then search the scriptures to try and justify their actions.

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.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Moreover we see this account of the last plague as a clear picture of the condition of the world in sin and God’s people living under the bondage thereof. The shed blood and the passing over of God’s judgement is a great illustration of the blood of Jesus, the choice of obedience, and the rapture of the church.

The Passover

Exodus 12:7 And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.

8 And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.

9 Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof.

10 And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire.

11 And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD’S passover.

12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.

13 And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.

The Picture of Salvation

This account and many others paint a great picture of salvation.

First in that God always made a way… but just one.

• Adam – Don’t eat the tree
• Noah – Get on the boat
• Moses – Apply the blood to the door posts

All the way through to today:

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

• Jesus is the lamb that is pictured in the old testament:

John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

The Exodus

Exodus 12:29 And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.

30 And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead.

31 And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as ye have said.

32 Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be gone; and bless me also.

33 And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men.

Rapture

Exodus 12:11 And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD’S passover.

• We are to be ready to get our of Egypt (always a picture of the world)

Luke 12:39 And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.

40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

41 Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?

42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?

43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

1 Thessalonians 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.