Friction and strife are always amazing. People expect other people to follow their line of reasoning and path in life. In the New Testament, Paul said, “Seeing that Jews ask for signs, and Greeks seek after wisdom” (1 Corinthians 1:22). Both schools of philosophy demanded that others follow their line of reasoning. Today, segments of our society are continually fighting for the survival of their philosophy, and willing to force others to follow it. The recent vote of a Texas school board to add an elective Bible class to its high school curriculum has created quite the stir with the ACLU, “saying its materials promote religion” (Associated Press). On the other hand, the ACLU is representing a Wiccan because she was “excluded from a list of religious leaders allowed to pray at Board of Supervisors meetings,” saying, “A bedrock principle of American religious freedom is that government will in no way, shape or form show preference for one religion over another” (AP, Simpson vs. Chesterfield County). Is that not exactly what is being done when opposition is raised concerning a study of the Bible in school? School curriculum includes Greek Mythology. Was not, and is not, Greek Mythology a religious study? Science classes teach the theory of evolution, as if it is a proven fact. They start with a theory and end up with a religion, i.e., “A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.” Religion is taught in school, and supported openly. In one report, a school in Byron, CA, required students “to attend an intensive, three-week course on Islam; a course in which students are mandated to learn the tenets of Islam, study the important figures of the faith, wear a robe, adopt a Muslim name and stage their own Jihad” (Allan Dobras, article “Islam in California public schools). “When Mrs. Lemings [7^th grade teacher] reportedly asked the principal of Intermediate-Excelsior School of Byron, Nancy Castro, if she could teach Christianity in the manner that Islam is taught and for the same length of time, Lemings was advised it would have to be after hours as a Christian club — and voluntary. Castro informed her that to do otherwise would be a violation of the separation of church and state.” Restricting “religious studies” is selective: the Judaeo-Christian culture cannot be taught, or even mentioned, but other faith based religions are not only taught, but required.

            Personally, I don’t believe the public schools are equipped to teach religion of any kind, except historically. Universities teach from the Bible under classes labeled “Western Civilizations” and it is a required course. But even under such a label, it is difficult for a teacher to refrain from injecting their faith into the curriculum. No matter what the society or the government may attempt to do, there will always be bickering about religion. Don’t get me wrong: In reference to man’s reconciliation to God, I believe that “in none other is there salvation: for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, wherein we must be saved” (Acts 4:12), and that name is Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Yet, recorded history (secular as well as divine) tells us that the forcing of religious beliefs, either for or against, will not stand. Religious devotion comes from the heart, not from the legislation of man. The Law of Moses hinged on two points: “The first is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God, the Lord is one: and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. The second is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:29-31). God gave man freewill, and that is something that God will not, and man cannot, force. Joshua told the children of Israel, “if it seem evil unto you to serve Jehovah, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah” (Joshua 24:15). I appreciate the fact that parents do not want their children indoctrinated with idolatry and have a responsibility to protect them from it. However, Christianity has nothing to fear from idolatry or perversions from the truth. The truth will always be the truth, and those that have a love for the truth will not be separated from it. No man, group, organization or government can stop the spread of religion, good or bad. Jesus said, “Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it (Matthew 7:13-14). He didn’t say force them to enter in. When the apostles of Jesus Christ taught the gospel, they didn’t call for government intervention to prohibit idolatrous practices. It was the idolaters that did so. The reason the ACLU and like organizations oppose Christianity is because it exposes the immoral, and godless lifestyles they have chosen. Anti-religious organizations have duped the American public into believing the constitution actually calls for the “separation of church and state.” The problem our society has is not constitutional, it’s moral. When Noah built the ark at God’s direction, “he condemned the world” (Hebrews 11:7). When Jesus of Nazareth exposed the error of the religious leaders of His day, he didn’t appeal to the government for relief. Those in error did because their beliefs were not strong enough to stand on their own. When Jesus of Nazareth exposed the error of the religious leaders of His day, he didn’t appeal to the government for their death. Those in error cried for the death of Jesus, because they couldn’t silence the truth of his message. Jesus said, “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his lord…If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more them of his household” (Matthew 10:24-25). You cannot force people to follow your path in life, nor can they force you to follow them. They may try to find fault in your life, undermine your faith, or cry to the government for your death, but they will not be able to stop the truth.

If you believe in God, and you believe the Bible is the word of God, then what the Bible says about Satan and sin will help prepare you to deal with sin. The Bible that reveals God, and tells us about Satan and his attempts to wage war against the people of God, is the only means through which Jehovah has chosen to reveal what sin is, and how to overcome it. As we consider the subjects of Satan and Sin, let us keep our conclusions within the bounds of God’s revelation, and not any previous conceived ideas we may have been taught or developed on our own.

            The scriptures describe Satan in numerous ways: Satan is referred to as Belial, i.e., worthlessness or hopelessness. When Jesus was tempted (Matthew 4:3), Satan was referred to as the devil, i.e., an accuser, slanderer: the enemy of God and man. Most people presume Satan is a fallen angel, however, God does not reveal the exact nature of his origin, but does warn us of his characteristics and desire to destroy the works of God. Having such information will help us understand our struggles and teach us how to overcome them.

            When dealing with the subject of Satan and Sin it is imperative that we understand what sin is and how Satan uses it to tempt us. Sin is “literally, a missing of the mark” (W.E. Vines). Missing the mark can been seen in a symbol of an archer. When the arrow strikes on either side of the bull’s eye, it’s a missing of the mark. As opposed to society’s attempt to make the mark (bulls eye) bigger, God is the one that establishes the mark and determines if we hit or miss. Sin can be the result of “omission or commission, in thought and feeling, or in speech and action” (Thayer’s). We either don’t do what we’re supposed to do, or do what we shouldn’t. The Bible defines sin as: a transgression of God’s law (1 John 3:4); all unrighteousness (1 John 5:17); failing to do good (James 4:17); conceived lust (James 1:15) and that which violates the conscience (Romans 14:23). Satan uses his devices to tempt man through three avenues (1 John 2:15-16): The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. When Satan tempted Eve, she saw the fruit was good for food, it was pleasant to the eyes, and it was desired to make one wise. When Satan tempted Jesus he also appealed to the lust of the flesh, “command that these stones become bread,” the pride of life, “If thou art the Son of God,” and the lust of the eyes, “All these things will I give thee” (Matthew 4:1-9). These same ploys are utilized today to get men and women to turn away from God, and serve Satan.

            The characteristics of Satan are exposed in God’s word. The scriptures tell us that Satan can quote scripture, appeals to human wisdom, takes advantage of man’s weaknesses, desires the souls of man, and does anything in his power to draw people away from God to worship and serve him.

            The consequences of sin are physically devastating. When we look to the scriptures we see how sin resulted in the death of the son of David and Bathsheba. The sin of Herod, when he took his brother Philips wife, resulted in the murder of John the Baptist, and ultimately the sin of Judas Iscariot, after he had betrayed Jesus, resulted in him committing suicide. As devastating as sin is physically, the far more significant devastation is spiritual. Sin separates man from his Creator. The scriptures tell us, “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Death is a separation. Physically: “the body apart from the spirit is dead” (James 2:26). Spiritually, “your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, so that he will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2).

            God is concerned about His creation. So concerned, that his Son “became flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14), and suffered death on our behalf that we might be reconciled to God through him (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). God also tells us that “in none other is there salvation: for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, wherein we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Satan would have us believe that any religion is fine, or that good moral living will suffice. God however requires two things: that we know him, and obey him. Paul referred to “the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with the angels of his power in flaming fire, rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus: who shall suffer punishment, even eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).

The next time you think about sin, remember that it was sin that caused the death of Jesus: our sins. It is sin that causes broken homes, crime, and war. And remember that Satan is the father of it all. Whom do you want to call Father.

Why does the gospel according to Matthew record the genealogy of Jesus of Nazareth? What does the genealogy tell us? When considering the Word of God, it is interesting to consider why God revealed what He did. Nothing was by accident or without purpose. Though we may not be aware of that purpose, we can rest assured that there is something about the information that God wanted us to know. In the gospel according to Matthew, the reader is immediately presented with the lineage of Jesus Christ from Abraham to "Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ" (1:2-16). There are several interesting aspects of this genealogy, in areas of what it says and what it doesn’t say and what it infers.

The genealogy begins with Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation. God’s scheme of salvation hinges on the promise given to Abraham that stated, "I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and be thou a blessing: and I will bless them that bless thee, and him that curseth thee will I curse: and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed" (Genesis 12:3). The scriptures also tell us that this prophecy was to be fulfilled in one individual: "Now to Abraham were the promises spoken, and to his seed. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ" (Galatians 3:16). The genealogy of Christ is important on the one hand because it connects Jesus with Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation. Not only so, but the genealogy also connects Jesus with David, king of Israel. Connecting Jesus with David does two things: 1. It fulfills the prophecy of Jacob, that "The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until Shiloh come" (Genesis 49:10), and 2. It connects Jesus with the promise Jehovah made to David, when He said, "When thy days are fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, that shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever. I will be his father, and he shall be my son: if he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men; but my lovingkindness shall not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee. And thy house and thy kingdom shall be made sure for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever" (2 Samuel 7:12-16). In response to this promise, David said, "Who am I, O Lord Jehovah, and what is my house, that thou hast brought me thus far? And this was yet a small thing in thine eyes, O Lord Jehovah; but thou hast spoken also of thy servant’s house for a great while to come; and this too after the manner of men, O Lord Jehovah" (7:18-19). When Jesus asked the Pharisees, "What think ye of the Christ? Whose son is he? They say unto him, "The son of David" (Matthew 22:42). That the Christ was to be of the seed of Abraham, through the tribe of Judah and the lineage of David is well documented. Matthew’s reference to the lineage of Jesus gives him a legal right to the throne. The importance of establishing the Messiah’s legal right to the throne of David infers that if Jesus was not the Messiah, then there is to be no Messiah. Since the Messiah was to come through the lineage of David, it would be necessary to prove it. In 70 A. D., the Roman general, Titus, defeated the nation of Israel, burned their city, their temple, and their genealogical records along with them. From that time, no one in the nation of Israel could prove what tribe they came from, much less what family. The nation of Israel ceased to exist. Today, an individual may know they are of Hebrew descent and may know what tribe they came from, but they could not prove such in a court of law. Our own society requires proof of citizenship, residency and in some cases, age before certain offices can be occupied. And though the individual, the family, the community may know that the individual is a citizen, and resides in a certain geographical area, and is of the right age, without sufficient "proof" they will not be allowed certain privileges or offices. The records that verify such proof must be of a legal nature. The same would be true of the Messiah. Thus, it is adequately inferred that the Messiah has come into the world and Jesus of Nazareth has shown his credentials and "was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead" (Romans 1:4)

The Bible tells us, "The righteous shall live by faith" (Galatians 3:11), a principle echoed by the apostle Paul when he said, "for we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7). Faith is not a matter of believing something without evidence. The scriptures also reveal that "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). Many look at faith as something an individual follows blindly. Jehovah does not expect us to follow blindly in areas where the truth can be verified. In areas that cannot be verified, God gives us ample evidence of the reliability of His word. It is foolish to argue the subject of faith, because everyone applies it in life. Even the atheist that believes in the "Big Bang" theory accepts it by faith. Any belief that is not based upon empirical knowledge is based upon faith. A recent article was published that affirmed the "current theory holds that the universe began with the Big Bang, an event that caused space to expand in a fraction of a second from a tiny speck to an immensity bathed in heat and radiation. It took an estimated 300 million years for the universe to cool and for the first stars to form from hydrogen and helium" (Paul Recer, Associated Press Writer). The same astronomers that contrived their admitted "theory" would possibly laugh at someone who held the position "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). Yet, they cannot tell you where their "speck" came from nor what caused it to explode into "an immensity bathed in heat and radiation." Regardless of the position a person holds regarding creation, it requires "faith." This article isn’t intended to debate, nor address the skeptic. It is to affirm, out of faith (that comes by hearing the word of God), how God brought His Son into the world.

The scriptures tell us, "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found with child of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 1:18). The scriptures say, concerning the Messiah, "Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body didst thou prepare for me" (Hebrews 10:5). When Jesus said, concerning the Messiah, "If David then calleth him Lord, how is he his Son" (Matthew 22:45), he established the fact that the Messiah pre-existed David. Matthew chapter one expresses how the body came to be that the Messiah would utilize to the glory of the Father, in the giving of himself for the salvation of mankind. The scriptures tell us how this came about. The apostle affirms that the statements of Isaiah, "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" (7:14), applied to the Messiah. The virgin birth of Christ is not something that can be proven by empirical knowledge. But prophecies necessitated that such was to be the case, and it should not seem impossible, even to the atheist that believes the universe grew from a speck to "an immensity bathed in heat and radiation" in "a fraction of a second," that a God, who is purported to have created the heavens and the earth in six days could cause a virgin to bring forth a child. Other prophecies related to the birth of Christ foretold where he was to be born. When Herod the king heard that the King of Jews had been born, he made inquiry of the scribes, and they directed him to the scripture, saying, "And thou Bethlehem, land of Judah, art in no wise least among the princes of Judah: for out of thee shall come forth a governor, who shall be shepherd of my people Israel" (Matthew 2:6; Micah 5:2). What brought Joseph and Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem was the enrollment: "And it came to pass in those days, there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled…And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David; to enrol himself with Mary, who was betrothed to him, being great with child. And it came to pass, while they were there, the days were fulfilled that she should be delivered" (Luke 2:1-6).

The particulars of the birth of Christ are not only interesting but also a matter of prophecy. The birth of Jesus was well-planned and well-executed by God, that He could bring about salvation for all mankind. Have you thought about your relationship with God, in connection with Jesus of Nazareth?

During the holiday season, there is much to do about goodwill toward man and an attitude of giving, rather than receiving. It is in this time of year that many retail stores will either flourish or fold. Holiday shoppers have been flooding the market place in an effort to find that perfect gift for the perfect person. The holiday has a religious base in the sense that it is called Christmas. Which actually comes to us from Catholicism and Christ’s festival or Christ’s Mass. It is defined as, "A Christian feast commemorating the birth of Jesus." When an individual goes to the sacred writings they will not find the term Christmas, or anything like it. Christmas is described as "an annual festival, held on December 25, to celebrate the Nativity, or birth of Christ. The origin of the festival is unknown. Scholars believe that it is derived in part from the pre-Christian rites of Germanic and Celtic tribesmen held in celebration of the winter solstice. Christmas festivals, generally observed by Christians since the 4^th century, include a number of heathen customs such as the use of holly, mistletoe, Yule logs, and wassail bowls. The use of Christmas trees probably originated among the Romans of pre-Christian times from whom it spread to the Germanic peoples and thence to the peoples of the British Isles. In later times Christmas celebrations acquired a wide secular and social significance, expressed in many countries in the exchange of presents, the sending of greeting cards, and the suspension of school and work. Early Dutch settlers brought to the New World the custom of celebrating St. Nicholas’ (Santa Claus’) day on Christmas Eve" (Universal Standard Encyclopedia). Historical evidence reveals that Christmas was not something practiced by Christians for three centuries following the death of Christ. Such being the case, what is it that the sacred writing has to say about how Christians are to remember Christ?

Jehovah established a number of memorials so man would not forget important events. The first festival given to the nation of Israel was the feast of the Passover and unleavened bread. When Jehovah delivered Israel from the Egyptian bondage, God slew all the first-born of Egypt but passed over the first-born of Israel. Throughout Israel’s biblical history, the Passover was kept in remembrance of that event. Jehovah told Israel, "this day shall be unto you for a memorial, and ye shall keep it a feast to Jehovah: throughout your generations ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever" (Exodus 12:14).

The Christian era is no different. The scriptures reveal, "For our passover also hath been sacrificed, even Christ" (1 Corinthians 5:7). But what is it that Jehovah has placed as a memorial, to be observed by those benefited by the Christ? Is it His birth? If it were, then the scriptures would have identified it as such. The very silence of such a memorial is evidence that God did not intend for His worshippers to observe the birth of Jesus as a memorial. When worship is offered unto God, it must be according to His will and His standard. Jesus said, "God is Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:24). In like manner, the apostle Paul, said, "Now these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes; that in us ye might learn not to go beyond the things which are written…" (1 Corinthians 4:6). If an individual is devoted to worship God in spirit and truth, they will abide by the commands of the Lord.

The memorial that God would have his followers to observe was instituted by Jesus, the night he was betrayed and the apostle Paul referred to it as the "Lord’s Supper" (1 Corinthians 11:20), when he said, "For I received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which he was betrayed took bread; and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, This is my body, which is for you: this do in remembrance of me. In like manner also the cup, after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood: this do, as often as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink the cup, ye proclaim the Lord’s death till he come" (1 Corinthians 11:23-25). This memorial is to be observed not once a year, or once a quarter, but once a week. The scriptures reveal, "And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight." (Acts 20:7). In connection with this, the apostle Paul, said, "If any man is hungry, let him eat at home; that your coming together be not unto judgment" (1 Corinthians 11:34). As important as the birth of Jesus was to the world, it does not compare to the value of his death, for it was not his birth that saves us, but his death upon the cross. Let us keep the memorial that God has given unto us to observe.

“Plan of Salvation?”! God had a plan to save mankind from the consequences of sin? Yes, He did. The religious world is as much divided on God’s plan of salvation as it is on any religious question. Such being the case, it would behoove anyone to make inquiry into the word of God relative to this important subject.

            It is the writer’s belief that religious division is the result of man’s tampering with the divine. Believing that the Bible, a collection of books containing the writings of the prophets, is the inerrant word of God, it follows that what it reveals is true. And, what the Bible reveals is that “Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness. That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Bible affirms that it is “the” source in furnishing “completely” the man of God. Therefore, in determining God’s plan to save man, it must have a scriptural basis in order to be “good.” So, what does the Bible have to say about God’s plan of salvation?

            A general principle in life is to investigate the success of any given action, based upon the success “stories” of those involved. The same principle can be utilized in determining God’s plan to save mankind. In order to find out what that plan consisted of, we simply need only to look at how individuals in the beginning of the gospel were added to the kingdom of God. One such success story involved the Romans. The apostle Paul wrote to the Romans and related to them how the “gospel” of Christ is God’s power to save (Romans 1:16-17), indicating that it was and is through the gospel message that the lost can be reconciled to the Father through the sacrifice of Christ. What this gospel message contained is revealed in the Roman letter. The Roman letter tells us five basic principles of the gospel: 1) That faith, (believing that God is and that he is a rewarder of them that seek him, Hebrews 11:1,6) comes from the hearing of the word of God, (Romans 10:17). Thus, no one can come to God without the hearing of the gospel message. 2) That those who hear the message must believe what they hear. The scriptures say, “if thou shalt…believe in thy heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9). Jesus also affirmed the necessity of belief, when he said, “for except ye believe that I am he, ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:24). One of the basic necessities of salvation is the ability to hear a message and believe it. 3) Those who believe the message must respond to it. It is possible for someone to hear the message, believe it, and yet not respond appropriately to it, i.e., “Nevertheless even of the rulers many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, lest they should be put out of the synagogue” (John 12:42). A belief in anything that is lacking an appropriate response is vain. This is not only self-evident, but was also stated by the apostle Paul, when he said, “because if thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus as Lord…thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9). 4) Salvation also requires repentance. Repentance is a turning away from one thing, and turning to another. Paul stated the importance of repentance, when he said, “knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance” (Romans 2:4). The repentance of the Romans was expressed by the apostle Paul, when he said, “But thanks be to God, that, whereas ye were servants of sin, ye became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto ye were delivered; and being made free from sin, ye became servants of righteousness” (Romans 6:17-18). 5) Paul also identified that all of the Romans (who had fulfilled the first four requirements) “were baptized into Christ Jesus”; they were “baptized into his death” (Romans 6:3). Paul further says, those who “become united with him in the likeness of his death…shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection” (Romans 6:5). Paul affirmed that when an individual is baptized into Christ they “put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27). This “putting on” Christ makes them “sons of God, through faith” (Galatians 3:26). Every conversion in the book of Acts involved these necessary elements. In each case you will find these elements either alluded to or specifically mentioned (in every case you will find the statement or necessary inference that baptism came before salvation was granted).

            Following man’s revised plan of (God’s) salvation will not provide what God has promised, because man’s revised plan is different from what those in the first century did to receive the blessings and promises of God. Today, man will say, “receive Jesus as your personal saviour and say the sinner’s prayer, and you will be saved.” One of the problems with man’s plan is that you will not find that plan expressed anywhere in the Bible: there is no “sinner’s prayer” in all of the scriptures.

            Where will you place your faith? Is your faith in God’s plan, or in man’s distortion of God’s plan. Paul said, “But though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach unto you any gospel other than that which we preached unto you, let him be anathema” (Galatians 1:8).

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The living are curious about what happens after death. Each of us have had loved ones who have died, and know that we, too, will soon follow. Many speculate concerning what happens after death, but such speculation is vain since there is no physical evidence to support speculations. Such being the case, man’s only means of understanding is contained in the divinely revealed message of the scriptures.

            The term death denotes a separation. Physical death is a separation of the body and the spirit (James 2:26). Spiritual death is a separation of fellowship between man and God. When God commanded Adam not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, He said, “for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Genesis 2:17). The day Adam and Eve transgressed the law of God, they died. There was a separation that took place, and “Jehovah God sent him forth from the garden of Eden” (Genesis 3:23).

            The scriptures describe four possible conditions that exist after the death of the physical body. Two of these conditions deal with what immediately awaits an individual, after death, and the other two deal with post-judgment (we will direct our attention first to the condition of the spirit immediately following death). When Jesus dealt with the issue he spoke of two men: Lazarus and the rich man. Jesus said, “And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and that he was carried away by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: and the rich man also died, and was buried. And in Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom” (Luke 16:22-23). The term Hades is described as “"the region of departed spirits of the lost" (but including the blessed dead in periods preceding the ascension of Christ)” (W.E. Vines Expository Dict.), or “that which is out of sight, a Greek word used to denote the state or place of the dead” (Easton’s Bible Dict.). So, simply put, Hades is the abode of disembodied spirits awaiting the resurrection of the dead. Two conditions exist in the Hadean realm: Paradise, or Abraham’s bosom, and Tartarus, or Torments. Of these two conditions, Abraham told the rich man, “between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, that they that would pass from hence to you may not be able, and that none may cross over from thence to us” (Luke 16:26). Of this realm, Jesus revealed that all those who abide therein will be brought before God, in judgment: “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat upon it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne; and books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead that were in it; and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death, even the lake of fire. And if any was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:11-15).

            The “lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8), corresponds to a third condition, that occurs to some after death. This condition is described by the Greek term Gehenna. The word itself comes from a Hebrew term denoting the “Valley of Hinnom.” The Valley of Hinnom was a place of worship to the pagan god Moloch. King Josiah had destroyed the worship, broken down the altars, and placed the remains of the dead upon them. As a result Gehenna became a dumping ground, a place that received the refuse of Jerusalem. In order to dispose of the refuse, fire burned continual: sulphur was also used to further accomplish the disposal of the refuse. Jesus described this condition, saying “And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.” (Mark 9:43-48). The final condition is referred to by the apostle Peter, when he said, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy begat us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4). This is the place of “the abode of God and of the hosts of angels” (International Standard Bible Ency.). This is the abode awaiting those who “wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, who delivereth us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:10). Are you ready for that day?

A well baby check up is a common practice in our society. Parents like to know that their new arrival is in top shape and growing according to schedule. Parents recognize the need to keep up with their child’s progress in life: mentally, physically, socially and spiritually. This physical truth is also a spiritual one. The scriptures tell us that spiritual growth is to be taken seriously. The apostle Peter addressed this issue in a number of scriptures. He said, “as newborn babes, long for the spiritual milk which is without guile, that ye may grow thereby unto salvation” (1 Peter 2:2); as well as, “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). Just as growth is essential in life, so is spiritual growth.

            As physical requirements are essential to physical growth, we understand that certain requirements are essential to spiritual growth. These requirements involve basic principles. Before life, a birth must of necessity take place, this is axiomatic. When Jesus spoke with Nicodemus, he said, “Except one be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). Once this new birth has taken place the child of God must keep itself from sin. Satan’s tools consist of “the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vainglory of life” (1 John 2:16). The flesh seeks to be gratified, the eyes see and covet, and the desire to be someone special has resulted in the fall of many. In order to keep ourselves pure we must develop an attitude of self denial: proper spiritual priorities must be established. Jesus said, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever would save his life shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what shall a man be profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? or what shall a man give in exchange for his life?” (Matthew 16:24-26). The apostle Paul said, “denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world” (Titus 2:12). Denying oneself will keep the child of God free from sin. Just as disease will destroy the physical body, so also will sin destroy the spiritual: James said, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been approved, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God; for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempteth no man: but each man is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed. Then the lust, when it hath conceived, beareth sin: and the sin, when it is fullgrown, bringeth forth death” (James 1:12-15). Another facet of spiritual growth involves a balanced diet, of spiritual food. Jesus said, “Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness” (Matthew 5:6): the spiritual man needs spiritual food. But food alone is insufficient to the obtaining of proper growth: man also needs exercise. The Hebrew writer said, “But solid food is for fullgrown men, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14). Another prerequisite of growth is a healthy environment. Paul warned Christians that “Evil companionships corrupt good morals” (1 Corinthians 15:33). If the child of God does not endeavor to control their environment, they are in danger of corruption. All of these factors are necessary to the achieving of spiritual growth. All of which, takes time. The Hebrew writer rebuked his reader, when he said, “For when by reason of the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need again that some one teach you” (Hebrews 5:12). Physical and spiritual growth requires diligence.

            How does an individual know if they are spiritually healthy? What type of questions do we need to ask ourselves to determine our spiritual health? Here are just a few: “Belief cometh of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17), Have you grown in the knowledge of God’s word? “That we may be no longer children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14), Do you behave as an adult, or as a child? “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23), Are you producing godly fruit?

            Spiritual growth will not happen by accident, nor is it something that happens overnight. Spiritual growth requires diligence and perseverance, and it requires action. How’s your health maintenance check?

The freedoms we enjoy in the nation are great. We’re allowed to come and go as we please, worship whom, what, why, when and where as we please without the fear of the government. Freedom as we understand it isn’t free. Lives were sacrificed in order to defeat the oppressors who would put others in bondage. Freedom also involves the accepting of responsibility: individuals talk about their right to do this or that, but seldom vocalize their responsibility to society. The freedoms we possess secularly and religiously are often abused to satisfy the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the vainglory of life.

            In the secular realm we often mistake freedom for the ability to do as we please: speaking evil of our government officials, or violating the boundaries defined by law as if it’s no big deal. This concept is often seen in the religious world as well. There is a misconception in the religious world that a child of God cannot sin in such a way as to lose their salvation. The idea that an individual who is saved cannot “fall from grace” is all too prevalent.

            Though there are numerous religious organizations, there are but two concepts that separate them all: doctrine and practice (what we believe and what we do). The doctrine of “once saved, always saved” stands in direct contradiction to the inspired word of God. The apostle Paul issued a warning to Christians, when he said, “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12), as well as, “Ye are severed from Christ, ye who would be justified by the law; ye are fallen away from grace” (Galatians 5:4). There are numerous scriptures that deal with the danger facing the child of God, to give credibility to a concept of “once saved, always saved.”

            Christianity requires that the child of God maintains a condition of spiritual stability. Spiritual stability can only be maintained as it relates to the inspired word of God. The fleshly minded man says, “I don’t see anything wrong with it;” “It seems good to me;” or “It doesn’t say I can’t.” Mankind comes up with all sorts of reasons for doing as we please. Paul instructed the young evangelist, Timothy, and said, “Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness: that the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). This passage not only affirms that the scriptures contain God’s plan for man, but also that the scriptures contain “every good work” that God intends for man to do. When doctrines are established, or works are introduced that God did not authorize, the child of God falls from grace. The history of the children of Israel speaks volumes in this area. When the sons of Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, “took each of them his censer, and put fire therein and laid incense thereon, and offered strange fire before Jehovah, which he had not commanded them. And there came forth fire from before Jehovah, and devoured them, and they died before Jehovah” (Leviticus 10:1-2). What Nadab and Abihu did was introduce something into the worship that God had not authorized. There was no discussion of the matter, there were no excuses that would have sufficed: the fact is, when they “offered strange fire before Jehovah, which he had not commanded them” they failed to sanctify God before the people. As a result of this event, Moses said to Aaron, “This is it that Jehovah spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified” (Leviticus 10:3). When the children of God fail to adhere to the scriptures, and introduce works that God has not commanded they fail to sanctify, they fail to glorify God. When they do so there is a death, a separation that takes place, they “fall from grace” as assuredly as Nadab and Abihu. Jehovah told Israel, “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish from it, that ye may keep the commandments of Jehovah your God which I command you” (Deuteronomy 4:2). Jehovah also told Israel, “What thing soever I command you, that shall ye observe to do: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it” (Deuteronomy 12:32). The same God that warned Israel not to diminish, nor add to what had been delivered, also said, “I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto them, God shall add unto him the plagues which are written in this book: and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, which are written in this book”(Revelation 22:18-19). When John wrote this letter, he was writing it to Christians. These Christians were warned that “God shall take away his part from the tree of life.” It’s obvious that you can’t take from someone what they never possessed: The child of God can sin, so as to be lost. The danger is not imaginary: maintaining spiritual stability is a duty to which every child of God must attain.