You Must Be Holy, For I AM Holy!

He himself has said, "You must be holy, for I AM holy."  (1 Peter 1:16 TLB)

Also "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."  (Matthew 5:48)

You Shall Be Perfect

Holy Holy Holy!    (Hymn)

As a Christ-follower, when I consider the above two verses, I conclude that GOD has set a very high standard for me.  He doesn't lower his standard for a sinner such as I, that's the bad news.

However, there is good news, God has provided His Spirit which enables me to be able to rise up over time to approach His very high standard.

From this blog post I have prepared 3 e-books at the Kindle Store that readers might find very encouraging, and can be viewed at the link below-

Roger Staubus Author Page

It is very important that Christ-followers understand as much as possible about God's attributes.

The Attributes of God

How To Live A Holy Life in an Unholy World!

Worthy The Lamb!

I Bowed On My Knees and Sang Holy!

1 Peter 1               Expository Study of 1 Peter

Matthew 5

A Call to Holiness

Developing a Holy Lifestyle  Excerpt from this Link below-

A lot of Church going Americans "put on a good front when they know someone is watching, but the rest of the time they let down their standards.  There's not much difference between them and those in the world, except they go to church a little more.  The divorce rate among Christians is about the same as in society at large.  In fact, the third highest divorce rate occupationally, after doctors and police goes to pastors!  Christians watch the same TV shows and movies for the same number of hours weekly as anyone else.  Christian youths are involved in sexual immorality to the same extent as those not naming Christ as Savior.  Many Christian businessmen have a bad reputation. It would seem that our Christianity doesn't have much effect on the way we live."

"I know of no text that needs to be burned into the thinking of American Christians more than 1 Peter 1: 13-16."

Holiness! Online book by J.C. Ryle 

The Nature of True Practical Holiness (Chapter Excerpt)

The above book by J.C. Ryle is considered the best book on the Christian life that has EVER been written.

The Pursuit of God - A. W. Tozer

The God of Holiness and Hope   (Video Message)

Be Perfect -Andrew Murray         Other Works by Andrew Murray

The Reverent Fear of the Lord!

Living a Life That Pleases God!

Being Holy is Greatly Misunderstood

We Must Be Holy - J.C. Ryle

Godly Living

Seek GODLY Wisdom

Christ-Followers Pursue Holiness

Practice of Godliness

Straight Talk About Moral Purity (Video)

The 'Beattitudes'            The Character & Conduct of Kingdom Citizens

The Ten Commandments

The Sermon on the Mount PDF

Psalm 119

My prayer from Psalm 119-

I long for your salvation, LORD, and your law gives me delight.  Let me live that I may praise YOU, and may Your laws sustain me.  I have strayed like a lost sheep.  Seek your servant for I have not forgotten your commands.  O that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees.  I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. Praise be to you LORD; teach me your decrees.  I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.  Be good to your servant while I live, that I may obey your Word. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.  Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart.  Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands.  Father GOD, I ask these things in the name of Jesus.  Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer.

Praying The Psalms

18 Steps to Holiness

1. Make the Word of God your Rule    Psalm 119:9
2. Seek God with your whole Heart     Psaln 119:10
3. Realize your Weaknesses                 Psalm 119:25
4. Hide God's Word in your Heart                                  Psalm 119:11
5. Magnify God as your Source of Strength                 Psalm 119:12
6. Cry out for Instruction                                              Psalm 119:27
7. Tell Others what you have Learned                          Psalm 119:13
8. Consider God's Word as your Chief Joy in life        Psalm 119:14
9. Allow God's Word to rule your Thoughts                Psalm 119:15
10. Don't allow Anything of this World to crowd out The Word           Psalm 119:16
11. Plead for God's Enabling Grace                               Psalm 119:17
12. Pray for a Special Illumination of The Word           Psalm 119:18
13. Recognize your Status in This World as a Christian    Psalm 119:19
14. Hunger for More of God           Psalm 119:20
15. Stay Humble                              Psalm 119:21
16. Watch out for Accusations        Psalm 119:22
17. Recognize The Word as your only Counselor     Psalm 119:24
18. Surrender All to Jesus                                         Psalm 119:26

14 Ways We Are To Be Like Jesus Christ!

1. In Righteousness & Holiness                 John 15:10-14
2. In Freedom from This World                 James 4:4
3. In Self-Crucifixion                                Romans 6:1-23
4. In Walking in Newness of Life              Galatians 5:16-26
5. In Enduring Persecutions                      John 15:18-20
6. In Works                                               James 2:14-26
7. In the Fruit of The Spirit                       Galatians 5:22-23
8. In Total Setting Apart for God's Work  2 Corinthians 6:17-18
9. In Walking in The Light                       1 John 1:7
10. In Unity with God                                John 17:21-23
11. In Suffering for Others                        1 Peter 3:18-4:1
12. In Life & Conduct                               1 John 2:6
13. In Enduring Temptations                     James 1:12
14. Manifesting the Fullness of God         John 7:37-39

7 Habits For Living a Holy Life

1. Savior - You must devote your life to follow Christ
2. Scripture - You must Submit to the Authority of Scripture as a Daily Guide in your life
3. Supplication - You must Seek God Daily in Prayer
4. Spirit - You must Allow the Holy Spirit to Lead you Daily
5. Saints - You must be Accountable to God's House and His People
6. Sanctification - You Must be Obedient in Separating Yourself from The World
7. Service - You Must Seek to Serve The Body of Christ - Find Your Ministry!

Righteousness in The Family

• A Righteous Family teaches and learns Righteousness from the Scripture
• A Righteous Family lives on Solid Food Hebrews 5:13-14
• A Righteous Family is Good and passes that Goodness on to Others
• The Righteous are Pure in Heart
• The Righteous Family is Holy
• The Righteous Family is Set Apart (Sanctified) To Do The Work of The Lord

2 Peter 1                         2 Peter Bible Study

2 Peter: 20 Motivations For Holiness

The "Put-Off--"Put On" Dynamic

"Put-Off" - "Put On" List

Respectable Sins - In Our Society

Character Traits of Christ-Followers

Satan's Strategies & Lies

Be Transformed By Renewing The Mind

The Power of the Tongue

Absolute Surrender - A. Murray

Fruits of the Spirit

Matthew 7:14

The Narrow Gate

The Only Road to Heaven

Believer's who have accepted Christ as their Savior and placed their hope in Jesus as LORD, can look forward to-

A New Heaven and a New Earth

Because I am a member of Eastview Christian Church, where the God's Word is preached every week, the link below is for the sermon for the most recent week.

Mike Baker 10-16-2016 Sermon

A God-Centered Worldview

Free Online Christian Books for Believers

If the resources in this blog post have encouraged you to place a greater emphasis on "Being Holy" and "Perfect Before God" please email me, or leave a comment below.

Send me an email, and I can send you a copy of my "Be Holy"pdf ebook, as an attachment to my reply to your email request, or click on the link below..

Post Updated October 16, 2016

Gaither Music Video Favorites

I really like and enjoy the Gaither Vocal Band music videos, and a few of my favorites are linked below.

How Great Thou Art!

Jesus Paid It All!

Worthy The Lamb!

Great Is Thy Faithfulness!

Then Came The Morning!

Just A Closer Walk With Thee!

I Bowed On My Knees And Sang Holy!

Victory in Jesus!

I Need Thee Every Hour!

We Shall Behold Him!

Amazing Grace!

It Is Finished!

I could list another 50, but the above listed ones are excellent videos.

Updated 12/6/2016

Living a Life That Pleases God!

A pastor speaking in a Missouri church asked the congregation how many of them want to please God more than anything else.  There were 400 present and nearly every hand went up.  Then He asked, "How many of you think God is really pleased with you?" Out of 400 people, 2 hands went up.

"Very few believers actually believe that they are pleasing to God."   What Pleases God!

Hallelujah, Praise The Lord

How To Please a Holy God

Fifty Ways to Please God

Seven Ways to Please God

Thirteen Ways to Please God

How To Live a Life Pleasing Unto God

Pleasing The Lord

Leaning On The Everlasting Arms

Post dated September 30, 2016

Free Online Christian Books for Believers

I love to read christian books and am retired on a fixed-income budget, so it is important for me to be able to access christian books online where my cost is zero.  The links below will provide hundreds of books that can be read online.

A.W. Pink Chapel Library

Andrew Murray Works

The J. C. Ryle Collection

Free Classics Online

Christian Ebooks

Free Christian Ebooks

Theology PDF Ebooks

Massive List of Free Christian Ebooks

Early Christian Writings

The Evangelical Christian Library

The Church on the Threshold

Since I have been blogging for several years, in past years I have searched for christian books that can be read online for no cost.  However, the above links have many many more free books available than since I have last searched the Web for them.

Posted September 17, 2016

Bible Prophecy Videos on YouTube

Bible prophecy is difficult for many Christ-followers, so this post presents bible prophecy in video form using YouTube links to illustrate this important issue.

Alpha and Omega

Revelation Bible Study

The Coming Fourth Reich - John Hagee 2016

Earth's Final Emperor - John Hagee 2016

The Final Farewell - John Hagee 2016

The Antichrist is Here - John Hagee 2016

Revelation Chart

A Walk Through Revelation - Part 1

A Walk Through Revelation - Part 2

A Walk Through Revelation - Part 3

A Walk Through Revelation - Part 4

Daniel 11: God's Timeline

Church in the End Times - Chuck Missler Part 1

World Current Events Bible Prophecy - Chuck Missler

Primer of Bible Prophecy - Chuck Missler

The Book of Revelation (Full Movie)

Step by Step Through the Book of Revelation

Daniel: The Foundation & Key to Understanding Revelation

Book of Daniel Part 1 Chuck Missler

Book of Daniel Part 2 Chuck Missler

The Illuminati Cult - Chuck Missler

Updated September 13, 2016

What The Psalm's Can Teach Believers about Prayer

Praying the Psalms brings new life to one's prayers, and expands the areas of prayer for the Christ-follower.   Psalm 1

Why You Should Be Praying the Psalms

How To Pray Through The Psalms

5 Ways To Pray The Psalms

Meeting God in Psalm 119

Selected verses from Psalm 119-

• Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees. (5)
• Praise be to you, Lord; teach me your decrees. (12)
• Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. (18)
• I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws. (30)
• Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gains. (36)
• I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. (45)
• My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. (50)
• The earth is filled with your love, Lord; teach me your decrees. (64)
• Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust in your commands. (66)
• May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. (75)
• My soul faints in longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your Word. (81)
• Your Word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. (89)
• I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I may obey your Word. (101)
• Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. (105)
• You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your Word. (114)
• I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes. (125)
• Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name. (132)
• Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live. (144)
• I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your Word. (147)
• Look on my suffering and deliver me, for I have not forgotten your law. (153)
• Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws. (164)
• Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me. (175)

Psalm 119 Commentary

Psalm 119: The Priority of God's Word

Praying the Imprecatory Psalms

Six Aspects of Godly Prayer: Psalm 63

Psalm 86: A Lesson on Prayer

A Prayer From Psalm 34

Praying The 23rd Psalm

Song: The Law of the Lord is Perfect--Psalm 19:7-11

Posted August 27.

Prayers That Glorify GOD!

How Great Thou Art!

The Love of GOD!

I Need Thee Every Hour

Jesus' prayer in John 17 illustrates prayer that glorifies GOD.  John 17 (NIV)   In this prayer, Jesus said-

"Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him.  And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.  I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.  And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed."

John 17 - Jesus' Great Prayer

Prayer of Christ Sermon 8-21-2016

Prayer of Christ Sermon 8-28-2016

Prayer of Christ Sermon 9-4-2016

The Praying That Glorifies GOD

The Chief End of Prayer!

Glorifying GOD Outline

The pursuit of God's glory:  Christ-followers glorify God when we-

• Acknowledge Him as Creator
• Proclaim His marvelous works
• Acknowledge His supremacy
• Confess sin
• Repent of sin
• Confess Christ
• Worship Him
• Fear Him
• Sing His praises
• Pray
• Express thanks
• Live righreously
• Bear spiritual fruit
• Minister our spiritual gifts
• Minister to others
• Accept one another
• Maintain Christian unity
• Guard the weaker Christian brother or sister
• Support God's work financially
• Maintain sexual purity
• Die for Christ

Why You Should Be Praying The Psalms

Prayer: The Key To Christian Joy

Bible Verses About Glorifying GOD

222 Prayers of The Bible

Positive Prayers

Biblical New Testament Prayers

10 Ways To Pray Without Ceasing

Christian Fasting

Putting Prayer First

Alpha and Omega

Posted August 21, 2016

How To Practice Righteousness

Christ-followers believe that Jesus is our righteousness, not a righteousness that we have.  The Bible is clear that not one of us is righteous in the eyes of GOD.  Yet we must consider that righteousness and holiness are two sides of the same coin.  The links below examine how Christ-followers can practice righteousness in their daily lives.

How To Practice Righteousness

The Purpose of Practicing Righteousness

What We Need To Know About Righteousness

The ultimate definition of righteousness is: that which is in accord with the nature and will of GOD.

There are two kinds of righteousness:  A "faith" righteousness and a "works" righteousness.  Faith righteousness is believing in the faithfulness of Yesua, to save us completely.  Works righteousness is acting on the written Word of God, by the grace empowering us to become like Yesua, walking in his steps.

Righteousness and Holiness

No One Born of God Makes a Practice of Sinning

Practicing Our Righteousness

"Practicing Righteousness" Vs. "Practicing Sin"

Posted May 23, 2016

Daily Worship Guide

This post is my online daily worship guide that is organized and provides focus for my daily worship efforts.  My goal is to invest at least 60 to 90 minutes daily among the seven areas specified below.  I need the structure that this guide provides for me.

Father GOD I pray that you will grant me Godly wisdom for today, and that your SPIRIT will enable me to pursue holiness, godliness, and to pray without ceasing today.  Open the eyes of my heart that I will see spiritual truths from your WORD, and create a clean heart in me. Thank you for loving me and for sending your only SON to take the punishment for my sins and for the SPIRIT of life that has set me free from the law of sin and death.  What GOD Is Like

Walking By The Holy Spirit

The Love of Christ Compels Us!

Christ-followers in the US live in a secular culture that seems to increasingly turn away from God and the principles upon which this country was founded.  Given this environment, believers need to have a firm grasp of biblical worldview truths, and the two links below spell out biblical truths in a brief, but substantially complete way.

101 Biblical Worldview Truths

Biblical Worldview Truths - With Scriptures

How To Live Your Life Free From Sin

The Key To Overcoming for the Christ-follower

Spiritual Blessings in Christ Jesus

Even though as believers we are not under the Law but under Grace, we still have the effects of our old life under the Law imprinted in our minds---A Law mindset is an old way of thinking that causes us to rely on our performance to make things happen.

Heaven Is Beyond Your Wildest Expectations

The Spiritual Discipline of Prayer

Nine Characteristics of Biblical Prayer

Conditions to Answered Prayer

Right Now Media

Attacks on Christians in US Double in 3 Years

Jihad Watch

Few Extremists in Islam--That's a Myth!

144000 American Muslims Not Peaceful:Franklin Graham

Forget Too Big To Fail--The Government Is Too Big To Work

Americans, Your Government Is At War With You!

The Illusion of Freedom in America

I:  Songs of Praise

I am not gifted with music, but I love good music, and the songs below speak to me and move me closer to God, my heavenly Father.  As you will notice below, The Gaither Vocal Band is my style for gospel music.

• I Need Thee Every Hour
• How Great Thou Art!
• Jesus Paid It All!
• Holy Spirit, Thou Art Welcome In This Place
• Great Is Thy Faithfulness
• The Blood of Jesus
• We Shall Behold HIM
• Then Came The Morning!
• The Love of GOD
• Loving GOD Loving Each Other
• I Have Decided To Follow Jesus!
• The Hallelujah Side
• Lord I Need You
• You Raise Me Up!
• In The Garden
• I'd Rather Have Jesus
• Just A Closer Walk With Thee
• I Surrender All!
• Victory in Jesus!
• My GOD is Real!
• Love is Like a River!
• Heaven's Joy Awaits
• Jesus, the Light of the World
• Amazing Grace
• I'm Gonna Sing!
• Sweet Holy Spirit
• The Old Rugged Cross Made The Difference
• It Is Well With My Soul
• Greatly Blessed, Highly Favored...
• No Other Name But Jesus
• I'm Free
• Bigger Than Any Mountain
• What A Friend We Have In Jesus!
• The Old Rugged Cross
• Worthy The Lamb
• Through It All!
• Because He Lives
• It Is Finished!
• He Touched Me
• My God Is Real!
• Jesus I Come
• The Only Real Peace
• You Are My All In All
• Majesty
• Lead Me To That Rock
• I Do Believe!
• Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
• Peace In The Valley
• Stepping In The Light
• Hallelujah, Praise The Lord
• Give Them All To Jesus
• Knowing You'll Be There
• Sheltered In The Arms of God
• Look For Me
• 'Home'
• Pass Me Not
• Take My Hand Precious Lord
• The Anchor Will Hold
• Shall We Gather At The River
• Alpha and Omega
• Love Lifted Me
• One Day At A Time

II:  Psalms of Praise & Favorite Proverbs

Praising God using the Psalms is very helpful, and the prayer Psalms come right from the hearts of men.

• Psalm 1
• Psalm 4
• Psalm 5
• Psalm 16
• Psalm 19
• Psalm 23
• Psalm 63
• Psalm 86
• Psalm 91
• Psalm 103
• Psalm 139
• Proverbs 2:1-11
• Proverbs 8:1-17

III:  Bible Readings and Study

I need to feast on God's word for the food for my spirit, just as my body needs food to live.  For too long I have ignored my need for spiritual food.

• ESV Online Study Bible
• NIV Audio Bible
• Bible Study Tools
• Study Light - Online Bible Study Tools
• Commandments of Christ
• Gospel of John Bible Study
• Romans Bible Study
• Philippians Bible Study
• Revelation Bible Study
• Colossians Bible Study

IV:  Renewing My Mind

I need to be transformed by the renewing my mind with God's truth and wisdom to minimize my reliance on the wisdom of this world.

• Renewing Your Mind Bible Verses
• Renewing the Mind
• The Renewing of Your Mind
• The Spirit-Filled Life - Part 1
• The Spirit-Filled Life - Part 2
• Put Off - Put On Chart
• Walking in The Spirit - Charles Stanley Video

V: Prayer

Prayer is my communications link with God, where I can praise Him, and bring my needs to Him.

Daily Fellowship With GOD

Father God, I pray that You will once again equip me with the full armor of God so that when evil comes, I may be able to stand my ground (v. 13).

Equip me, Lord:

• With the belt of truth (v. 14). May Your truth rule in my heart and be in my mind and on my lips today.

• With the breastplate of righteousness (v. 14). Apart from You there is no righteousness, but through Jesus I have been “born again” and made righteous in Your sight. May I live as a righteous person.

• With feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of peace (v. 15). May I reflect the Gospel in my words and actions, that through me, with my every encounter, others may be drawn one step closer to You.

• With the shield of faith (v.16). May I take You at Your word concerning promises about the present and future—promises of everlasting love, abundant life, and so much more.

• With the helmet of salvation (v. 17). Remind me that nothing can separate me from Your love and that by grace I’ve been saved. In Your grace, help me to say “no” to all ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live a self-controlled, upright, and godly life (Titus 2:12,13).

• And with the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God (v. 17). May Your Holy Spirit reign in my life and bring to my mind just the right Bible verses to be in my heart and on my lips. May I be “filled with the Spirit” and ready with Scripture as You were, Jesus, when the devil tempted You.

• Finally, keep me in an attitude of prayer (v. 18). Remind me to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions.” Cause me to be alert and always praying for the saints; to be joyful and to give thanks in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Thank You that You hear the prayers of Your people, and that I am Your child. Help me to be Your person in this world to-day—salt and light, moment by moment.daily

The New Testament teaches us that we are to pray:

• With faith:  "All things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." (Mt. 21:22)
• According to God's will:  "This is the confidence we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." (I John 5:14-15)
• In the Holy Spirit:  "But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit."  (Jude 20)
• With devotion:  "rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer"  (Rom. 12:12)
• With thanksgiving:  "Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving."  (Col. 4:2)
• Ernestly:  "As we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and may complete what is lacking in your faith" (I Thess 3:10)
• Being on the alert for all the saints:  "With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints"  (Ephes. 6:18)

The prayer links below are very helpful.

• Prayer: A Study Outline
• Studies on Prayer
• Bible Study About Prayer
• Learning the Discipline of Prayer
• What To Pray For - John Piper
• The Prayer-Filled Life - Part 1
• The Prayer-Filled Life - Part 2
• Jesus' Prayer Life
• All The Prayers Of The Bible

VI:  Meditation and Bible Verse Memorization

Meditating on God's Word helps to transform my thinking to conform to God's will.  It is easier for me to meditate than it is to memorize God's Word.

• How to Meditate on God's Word
• Meditating on God's Word
• Biblical Meditation
• Experiencing God Through Meditation
• Memorizing and Meditating on God's Word
• Bible Verse Meditation - By Topics
• Bible Verses for Meditation
  

VII:  Christian eBooks for Edification and Encouragement

The books below are ones that I have read numerous times, and will continue to reread, because they reveal the nature of God, and help me to grow spiritually.

• The Attributes of God
• The Beatitudes
• The Holy Spirit
• The Pursuit of God
• The New Life
• The Deeper Christian Life
• Man: The Dwelling Place of God
• Absolute Surrender
• E-Books by Andrew Murray

The Call to Pray

What I need is an unapologetic attempt to motivate...ME!  Yes, me.  Because if anybody needs help in getting motivated to pray, it's yours truly.  I know prayer is important.  There's enough of it in the Bible, and one can find tons of books on prayer.

Well, let me be honest.  Sometimes (often?) prayer is hard and even confusing to me.  As Tim Downs asks, "Is it hard to pray to an unseen, infinite, omniscient being?  You bet!"

Seven Reasons To Pray

• It builds our relationship with Jesus
• Helps us overcome temptation
• Helps us determine God's will
• Prayer accomplishes God's work
• A weapon of Spiritual warfare
• A requisite to Spiritual awakening
• Prayer is valuable to God

Link to above article.

The Prayer of Jesus - Kevin Jackson

5 Reasons Real Prayer is Hard

Nine Characteristics of Biblical Prayer

Conditions To Answered Prayer

How To Develop a Dynamic Prayer Life

Hard To Pray

Why Is It So Hard For Christians To Pray?

How To Talk To GOD

Talking to God and Hearing God Talk to You

Posted February 22, 2016

GOD Hates 'Religion'

"A survey of the Scriptures reveals that there is one category that God hates above all others.  God hates religion!  Many will be confused, if not offended by such a statement, for they have identified God with religion.  Religion, therefore, needs to be defined and differentiated from the Christian gospel."

"The English word 'religion' is etymologically derived from the Latin word religo, meaning to 'bind up'.  Religion binds people up in rules and regulations or ritualistic patterns of devotion."

God Hates Religion!

God Hates Religion - You Tube Video

The 'Seven' Woes of Matthew 23

Why Christianity Is Not A Religion

9 Reasons God Hates Religion (and why you should too)

Why I Hate People Hating Religion!

Someone may be thinking 'I thought God invented religion!'  Sorry, but God created man, and man invented religion.

Yes, God Hates Religion!

Christianity, on the other hand, was never meant to be a religion.  Christianity is the dynamic spiritual life of the risen Lord Jesus indwelling the spirit of man so as to create functional behavior to the glory of God.

I Have Decided To Follow Jesus!

Posted February 21, 2016

Christ-followers Seek Godly Wisdom

In the Biblical sense, wisdom is the "ability to judge correctly and to follow the best course of action, based on knowledge and understanding."  James 3:17

Eight Characteristics of Godly Wisdom

How Do Christians Acquire Godly Wisdom

Ecclesiastes, Chapter 7

Commentary - Ecclesiastes Chapter 7

Proverbs Chapter 8

Commentary - Proverbs Chapter 8

Jesus and Wisdom

Discerning Wisdom From Above - You Tube

The Wisdom of God and the Wisdom of Man

Godly Wisdom versus Human Knowledge

Six Steps to Godly Wisdom

The Wisdom of God Solves Problems

Godly Wisdom for Living Well in Marriage and Relationships

The Nature and Source of Godly Wisdom

The Wisdom of the Christian Message

The 7 Pillars of Wisdom

Updated September 21, 2016

Understanding the Book of Revelation

This is the only book in the Bible that promises a blessing for reading it.  It is a difficult book to understand for many Christ-followers.  The links in this post will help one understand in a deeper way what this book is communicating to believers.

No Other Name But Jesus!

Revelation Song

The Hallelujah Side

ESV Study Bible

Since Revelation is "The Revelation of Jesus Christ" it demonstrates His glory, wisdom and power and portrays His authority over the church and His power and right to judge the world.  But as the revelation of Christ, it is loaded with descriptive titles. It describes Jesus Christ as-

• The faithful witness (1:5)
• The firstborn from the dead (1:5)
• The ruler over the kings of the earth (1:5)
• The Son of Man (1:13)
• The first and the last (1:17)
• The living One (1:18)
• The Son of God (2:18)
• He who is holy, who is true (3:17)
• The Amen (3:14)
• The Beginning of the creation of God (3:14)
• The Lion that is from the tribe of Judah (5:5)
• The Root of David (19:13)
• A Lamb (5:6)
• The Word of God (19:13)
• King of Kings and Lord of Lords (19:16)
• The Alpha and the Omega (22:13)
• The beginning and the end (22:13)
• The bright morning Star (22:16)
• The Lord Jesus (22:12)

An Introduction to the Book of Revelation

Outline of the Book of Revelation

The Bible and The End Times

The Seven Churches of Revelation

Overview of the Book of Revelation

Summary of the book of Revelation - You Tube Video

How Should We Understand the Book of Revelation

What Is The Book of Revelation About?

Number Seven in the Book of Revelation

The Seven Blessings in the Book of Revelation

The Seven Spirits of GOD!

Revelation Bible Prophecy

Economic Babylon of Revelation 18 May Be America

Step By Step Through The Book of Revelation - You Tube Video

The Verse-by-Verse Commentary on Revelation

Book of Revelation - Each Chapter Explained in Detail

Understanding Revelation

Revelation The End --- And a New Beginning

Answers to the Unsolved Mysteries of Prophecy

The End of America May Be At Hand

Posted February 14, 2016

The Seven Laws of Love

This post reviews an excellent book, which I highly recommend, entitled "The Seven Laws Of Love" written by Dave Willis.  The link to purchase this book at Amazon is listed below.

The Seven Laws Of Love

Dave is a pastor and enjoys teaching the Bible, marrying couples and helping people discover the beautiful life Jesus makes possible.  I also want to link this post to the love chapter of the Bible.  First Corinthians Chapter 13  Verses 4-8 of this chapter gives the following-

• Love is patient
• Love is kind
• It does not envy
• It does not boast
• It is not proud
• It does not dishonor others
• It is not self-seeking
• It is not easily angered
• It keeps no record of wrongs
• Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth
• It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres
• Love never fails

I just purchased this book today to read on my Kindle Fire and was so inspired just a short way into the book, I had to buy three more paperbacks, one each for my wife Linda, and for Kevin and Angie my two adult children married with families of their own, raising my five precious grandchildren.

The Seven Laws in the book are listed below-

• Love requires commitment
• Love selflessly sacrifices
• Love speaks truth
• Love conquers fear
• Love offers grace
• Love brings healing
• Love lives forever

The above laws are covered in the first part of the book.  Part two, also seven chapters, covers love in action.

7 Things God Wants You To Know About Yourself

A quote early in the book by Dave Willis is one I have to share with everyone.

"After studying all that the Bible has to teach us about love, I've boiled down hundreds of love-related passages of Scripture into the following definition-

"Love is an unconditional commitment to selflessly serve, truthfully communicate, fearlessly protect, gracefully forgive, compassionately heal, and enduringly remain in relationship with and for the sake of another."

"The Seven Laws of Love are wrapped up in this single definition."

12 Causes of Stress in Marriage

Additional quotes from Dave's book can be accessed here.

Some quotes by Shaunti Feldahn in the forward are below-

"You don't have to trust someone in order to forgive, but you have to forgive someone in order to make trust possible again.'

"Your character should always be stronger than your circumstances."

"A husband and wife must operate like two wings on the same bird; if they don't work together in full partnership, the marriage will never get off the ground.'

"Time is the currency of relationships, so consistently invest time in your marriage."

"Being nice to people isn't a personality trait, it's a choice."

"When you step from this life into eternity, love will be all that matters."

The Love of God

Loving God, Loving Each Other

Love is Like a River!

Posted on February 13, 2016

The Truth About "Hell"

Is Hell Real?  Do Christians really believe in Hell?  Why would a loving GOD send people to Hell forever?

Theology Dictionary: Definition of Hell

Is Hell Real? Focus On The Family

Sin Is Real and Hell Is Real!

24 Reasons Why Hell is Real

Is Hell Real? People Who Went There Say Yes

The Truth About Hell

What Happens When We Die

Posted February 12, 2016

The 'Beatitudes'

The word "beatitude" comes from the Latin beatitudo, meaning "blessedness."  The Phrase "blessed are" in each of the beatitudes implies a current state of happiness or well-being.  The expression held powerful meaning of "divine joy and perfect happiness" to the people of the day.  In other words, Jesus was saying "divinely happy and fortunate are" those who possess these inward qualities.

Matthew 5:3-12 - The Beatitudes

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Each one is a proverb-like saying packed with meaning and worthy of thorough study.  Still most Bible scholars would agree that the beatitudes give us a clear picture of the true disciple of God.

The Sermon on the Mount

A Different View of the Beatitudes

The Eight Beatitudes of Jesus

The Beatitudes - Bible.Org

The Beatitudes: A Path to a New Life

The Beatitudes in Revelation

The Beatitudes by A.W. Pink

Study Guide for The Sermon on the Mount

The Lord is Your Shepherd

At The Cross!

Grace is GOD's Favor and ...

Grace is GOD's favor and enabling power

And GOD is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.  2 Cor. 9:8

Amazing Grace

Abiding In The Powerful Grace of God

The Grace of God Part 1 by Bob Deffinbaugh

The Grace of God Part 2

The Grace of God Part 3

Grace: The Power To Change Part 1 (You Tube Video)

Grace: The Power To Change Part 2 (You Tube Video)

Grace: The Power To Change Part 3 (You Tube Video)

A good book, Grace "The Power To Change", available on Amazon by Dr. James B. Richards, is one that I can recommend.  Some quotes are presented below.

"Probably the greatest frustration among serious believers is the inability to change."

 "Unfortunately, when people get saved, they are rarely given the truth that will set them free.  They are given the truth that will get them to heaven, but they are seldom given the truth that will set them free from the power of sin."

"Receiving and continuing in grace is the only biblical assurance we have of victory over sin."

"It is, therefore, this issue of grace that determines whether the Christian life will be one of joy, peace, rest, and victory, or one of difficulty, frustration, and defeat."

Book Review by Escape To Reality Blog

Parables of Jesus

Parables are stories that fulfill a specific function in a specific way.  Parables are extended analogies. In other words, parables are extended comparisons between two objects.  This comparison seeks to identify similarities or highlight differences to explain or clarify something about one of the objects.

What Is A Parable?

Characteristics of Jesus' Parables

• Brief
• Simple and repetitive
• Composed of items, examples, or experiences from his audience's daily experience
• Meant to have major and minor points
• Engaging listeners at different levels
• Shocking, surprising, challenging, appealing, and relevant
• Often connected to the Old Testament and the kingdom of God

Parables are stories that demand a response.  More than simply instructing, Jesus seeks from his audience a response to the coming of the kingdom. To do that, the parables are designed to provoke emotions, reactions, repentance, and recognition of who Jesus is and what the coming of the kingdom means.

Why Did Jesus Teach in Parables?

It has been said that a parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.  The Lord Jesus frequently used parables as a means of illustrating profound, divine truths.  Stories such as these are easily remembered, the characters bold, and the symbolism rich in meaning.  Parables were a common form of teaching in Judaism.

A Study Guide of The Parables of Jesus

10 Tips For Understanding Jesus' Parables

40 Parables of Jesus

Bible Reference - The Parables of Jesus

Interpreting Jesus' Parables

The Parables of Jesus

What Jesus' Parables Reveal

Bible Study Guide of The Parables of Jesus

Sanctification Process of a Believer

Sanctification is a process, whereby GOD wants to change us into the image of His Son Jesus Christ.

I Have Decided To Follow Jesus!

How Trials Shape Us Into a Better Person

Potter and the Clay

Leading a Righteous Life

Pride Before a Fall

In the World - But Not of It

Power of the Tongue

God is No Respecter of Persons

Be Slow to Anger

You Are What You Think

Servant to All

Renewing Your Mind

Godliness With Contentment

Sanctification Summary Article

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A Short Study on Sanctification

The Doctrine of Sanctification

The Sanctification Process Video

America's Spiritual Decline

America's spiritual decline is accelerating at a rapid pace, and a Spirit-led revival that will sweep across our nation is the only thing that can reverse this rapid decline.

America's Spiritual Decline

SCOTUS Gay Marriage Is Illegal (In Their Own Words)

SELF-EXAMINATION: Are You To Blame for America's Demise?

FACING RADICAL ISLAM: What's the Problem?

Five Consequences of America's Moral Collapse

The Mystery of the Shemitah - You Tube

The Sad State of Society
Joe Wright's prayer before the Kansas State Legislature.

"Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask Your forgiveness and to seek Your direction and guidance.

"We know Your word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and inverted our values.

"We confess that we have ridiculed the absolute truth of Your word in the name of moral pluralism.

"We have worshiped other gods and called it 'multiculturalism.'

"We have endorsed perversion and called it 'an alternative lifestyle.'

"We have exploited the poor and called it 'a lottery.'

"We have neglected the needy and called it 'self-preservation.'

"We have rewarded laziness and called it 'welfare.'

"In the name of 'choice,' we have killed our unborn.

"In the name of 'right to life,' we have killed abortionists.

"We have neglected to discipline our children and called it 'building esteem.'

"We have abused power and called it 'political savvy.'

"We've coveted our neighbors' possessions and called it 'taxes.'

"We've polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it 'freedom of expression.'

"We've ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it 'enlightenment.'

"Search us, oh God, and know our hearts today. Try us, and show us any wicked in us. Cleanse us from every sin, and set us free.

"Guide and bless these men and women who have been sent here by the people of Kansas and who have been ordained by You to govern this great state.

"Grant them Your wisdom to rule, and may their decisions direct us to the center of Your will.

"I ask it in the name of your son, the living savior, Jesus Christ. Amen."

The Spiritual Decline in America

The Spiritual State of America

The State of the Church in America

Unseen Spiritual Law: God's Law of Life

What is God Saying to America: Words of the Prophets

The Sad State of America

How To Change the Course of America's Decline

34 Signs that America is in Decline

That American is in a steep spiritual decline can be verified by the above links.  One link describes the economic decline, but it needs to be recognized that the spiritual decline has preceded the economic problems facing our country.

God Have Mercy on America

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and heal their land." - 2 Chronicles 7:14

Walking in The Spirit

Holy Spirit Thou Art Welcome in This Place

In his Book, Ken Berding, provides a seven Step process for Walking In The Spirit, a book I recommend.
They are-

1. Walk In The Spirit
2. Set Your Minds on the Things of the Spirit
3. Put to Death the Deeds of the body by the Spirit
4. Be Led by the Spirit
5. Know the Fatherhood of God by the Spirit
6. Hope in the Spirit
7. Pray in the Spirit

7 Steps

What It Means to Walk in the Spirit

What Does the Bible Say About Walking In The Spirit?

The Third Condition of True Spirituality

Walking In The Spirit

Have Your Mind Set on What The Spirit Desires

How You Can Walk In The Spirit

Walk In The Spirit

The Riches of Christ!

The Blood of Jesus!

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order to know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people.  Ephesians 1:18

The Riches of Grace in Christ Jesus

The Believer's Unfathomable Riches in Christ

Our Riches In Christ  Free online book by Ray Steadman

Our Riches In Christ - From A To Z

John Piper You Tube Message on the Unsearchable Riches of Christ

The Believer's Position in Christ

33 Divine Accomplishments in and for the Sinner Upon Believing on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus Paid It ALL!