David was lamenting and crying out to God for help in Psalm 77. He was so troubled, he could not speak (vs 4) and could not find comfort (vs 2). UNTIL he began to remember and think on the mighty things God had done in the past (vs 10-12). 

He gave himself a pep talk.... 

"I WILL REMEMBER the years of the right hand of the Most High."

"I WILL REMEMBER the works of the Lord."

"I WILL REMEMBER Thy wonders of old." 

"I WILL MEDITATE (think about) also of all Thy work"

"AND TALK of Thy doings."

Then David began to worship (vs 13-20)

In tough times, remember and think on all the things God has done in the past. 

Testify and talk about all He's done and is doing.   

Then begin to worship.  

See how the atmosphere changes. 

Feel the heaviness lift as we glorify God more than our problems.  

At times, we focus too much on the 

"woe is me" more than the "great is He!" 

We need to reverse that way of thinking. 

🎶 It is no secret what God can do. What He's done for others, He'll do for you.... 🎶

(Repost and a good reminder from 7-1-24)

Be Thou An Example

1 Timothy 4 (KJV)

¹² Let no man despise thy youth; but
BE THOU AN EXAMPLE
OF THE BELIEVERS,
IN WORD = what you say
IN CONVERSATION = how you behave
IN CHARITY = love toward others
IN SPIRIT = mental disposition, what you think on
IN FAITH = what you believe and stand for
IN PURITY = cleanliness inside, pure heart

¹³ Till I come,
GIVE ATTENDANCE (apply oneself) :
TO READING = read you Bible  DAILY
TO EXHORTATION = emphatically encourage others to live for God
TO DOCTRINE = holding to and teaching the ways of God

Will you hear Depart from Me or Enter in?

Will you hear Depart from Me or Enter in?

Matthew 25:1-13 KJV

1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:

4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

The foolish did not stay full of the Holy Ghost. They didn't stay prayed up, and their oil slowly diminished. They didn't realize it until it was too late. 

They wanted the wise to share what they had, but others can not give you what they have. You have to get it for yourself. Others can pray FOR you, but that will not fill your lamp with oil. You have to do your part and pray.  

You have to take the time to talk to Jesus and get your lamp filled with oil. It is your responsibility to get full of the Holy Ghost and stay full of the Holy Ghost. Don't let your prayer life lag and fizzle down. Don't be lulled to sleep and become numb spiritually lest you wake up one day to find it's too late.

Those foolish virgins awoke to realize they were no longer FULL of the Holy Ghost. While they went to find a Church and pray and see if they could shake their self and feel God's presence one more time just as Samson did, the Bridegroom came and took those who were ready and FULL of the Holy Ghost. 

It was too late! They desperately wanted to enter, but instead heard the dreaded words, "I know you not!"

Jesus issued a direct warning in Matthew 7:21-23

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

We must do God's will. What is God's will? Whatever command or instruction He's given us in His Word, the Bible. We will not know what that is if we don't read it from cover to cover.

Sin can not enter there. We must get all sin and iniquity our of our life...big and small. We're quick to notice the bigger sins in others, the noticeable sins, but what about the small ones we think no one sees? But God sees....haughtiness, pride, anger, hate, lust, rebellion against spiritual authority, gossip, slander, backbiting, little to no Bible reading and prayerlessness. Yes, those are sin as well, because you’re neglecting adequate time with Jesus.  

We do not want to hear those dreaded words spoken, "Depart from Me, ye that work iniquity!" 

My posts may not be the positive, encouraging klove stuff, but I have to share what God lays on my heart.. Because ALL Scripture is profitable.  

Our goal is to hear Him one day say, "Well done! Enter in." So, examine your heart. Repent and cleanse yourself from all sin. Pray more. Read your Bible more. Draw closer to Jesus.  

His return is getting closer. We want to be ready and hear Him say, "Well done! Enter in!"

Soul Winning

Soul winning

It is not just the preacher's job.

It is not just the outreach director's job.

It is not just the missionary's job.

It is the responsibility of 

Every.Single.Born.Again.Believer

God didn't save us to just warm a pew.

Reach for the lost while there is still time. 

Ask Jesus to make you to become a soulwinner.

Only What's Done For Christ

"Only one life, so soon it will pass. 

Only what's done for Christ will last."

My childhood pastor, Bro R Brown, came and preached at our church a few weeks ago upon Memorial weekend. He said this phrase was posted on the classroom wall when he was a kid.  

It is a stark reminder that our life will soon pass. It is only what is done for Christ that will last. It is the only thing that will matter when we stand before Jesus and give account for the deeds we've done, whether good or bad. 

This is the reason that the majority of my posts are Christ focused and Bible centered...

....not just the Promises in the Bible, but also the admonitions written within God's Word. 

Because many do not read the Bible. Or much of it, if they do. 

When Scriptures catch my attention,  I pay attention, soul search and ask God to help me to line up with what is written within His Word. 

Because ALL SCRIPTURE is given by inspiration of God and is PROFITABLE for doctrine, for reproof, for correction,  for instruction in righteousness (right living). (2 Tim 3:16)

Notice it says: DOCTRINE, REPROOF, CORRECTION,  INSTRUCTION.  

Those are serious things and the purpose for all that is written in the Bible.  

I want to live God's way, not mine.  

Knowing there is....

Only one life, so soon it will pass. 

Only what's done for Christ will last.

So, live for Jesus all your days.

Because it's the only life that pays.

When you recall you have but one life.

Knowing The Terror of the Lord, We Must Persuade Others

This Scripture stood out to me as I read the Bible this morning. Read it slow then re-read it again, grasping what it is saying to us....

For we must ALL APPEAR 

before the JUDGMENT seat of Christ; 

that EVERY ONE 

may receive the things done in his body, 

according to that he hath done, 

whether it be good or bad.

KNOWING therefore 

the TERROR of the LORD, 

we PERSUADE men;

2 Corinthians 5:10-11

Persuade = to convince (by argument true or false). (Strong's G3982)

Knowing the terror of the Lord - that one day we will each stand before the Judgment seat of Christ - we must PERSUADE others (CONVINCE them of what is true and refuting what is false). 

Overcoming Sinfulness?

If you're not praying, you will be straying. 

A lie perpetrated by the devil and believed by many is that "God doesn't care if we sin. He knows we're human." 

And yet God's Word teaches in 1 John 3:3, 6-10 (kjv)....

[3]And every man that hath this hope in him 

PURIFIETH himself, 

even as He is pure.

[6]Whosoever ABIDETH IN HIM 

SINNETH NOT: 

whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, 

neither known Him.

[7]...LET NO MAN DECEIVE YOU: 

he that DOETH RIGHTEOUSNESS 

is righteous, 

even as He is righteous.

[8]HE THAT COMMITTETH SIN

IS OF THE DEVIL...

[9]Whosoever is born of God 

DOTH NOT COMMIT SIN; 

....and he cannot sin, 

because he is born of God.

[10]In this the children of God are manifest, 

and the children of the devil: 

whosoever doeth not righteousness 

is not of God, 

neither he that loveth not his brother.

Does not sin?

Cannot sin?

How is that possible?

✔️ It takes staying prayed up and FULL of the Holy Ghost.

✔️ You will need to cast down imaginations, 

and every high thing that exalteth itself 

against the knowledge of God, 

and bring into captivity every thought 

to the obedience of Christ; (2 Corinthians 10:5)

The more you pray, the less you'll stray.

The less you pray, the more you'll stray.

Prayer gives you power to overcome.  

Because He is Righteous

1 John 2:29

If ye know that He is righteous, 

ye know that every one 

that doeth righteousness 

is born of Him.

Righteousness = moral and spiritual uprightness, a condition of being in accordance with God's law and standards. 

In other words = right living (God's way, not ours)

He is righteous,  therefore we, too, must live and do what is right according to God's laws and standards.

The Use of AI in the Church?

I was discussing with my husband last night about a very concerning article I had read where a few churches were implementing an ai Jesus to interact with parishioners, give biblical advice and answer questions.

We may raise our eyebrows and be shocked at this, and yet many churches are implementing Chat GPT, which is also an AI.

You may think that's different or what's the big deal? Or perhaps you do not know what chat gpt is?  

Chat GPT is an artificial intelligence program that generates dialogue. Created by Open AI, this high-capable chatbot uses machine learning algorithms to process and analyze large amounts of data to generate responses to user inquiries.

Pastor's use it: to plot an entire sermon series or schedule the next few weeks/months of sermons.

Musicians use it: to get song suggestions for service or altar call.

Churches use it: 

- to enhance online worship services, 

- create Bible study material, 

- providing pastoral care for members by generating responses to common questions and concerns about faith, relationships, and other issues.

- generate social media content such as inspiring quotes, Bible verses, and interesting facts that can be shared on church-related social media pages.

- organize and promote events

- create educational materials for your Sunday school classes, Bible studies, and other church-related educational programs

- generate sermon ideas—and even entire sermons—based on specific scripture or themes. Input the passages and ask it to produce a description of the historical context or geographical location. You can also ask ChatGPT to generate a sermon outline according to a specific structure or topic

- create Christian literature such as devotionals, poetry, and short stories

MY CONCERN, that I discussed with my husband last night, is that too many are becoming too reliant on artificial intelligence to direct the service, rather than allowing the Holy Ghost to lead, guide, and direct the Message, the Music, the Service, the Outreach, the interaction with others and so on.

Some may disagree, but we need to stay with the old path of praying and allowing the Lord to lead and direct the songs to sing, the lessons to be taught, the messages to be preached, and the content to be shared.

Source for information on Chat GPT use in Churches:

https://missionalmarketing.com/10-ways-your-church-can-use-chatgpt-in-ministry/

Why is HOLINESS offensive to so many?

 Why is HOLINESS offensive to so many?

Why do discussions or posts about how the Bible says to live, dress, talk, etc anger some and are avoided by many (even Christians)?

God's Word warns: "HOLINESS, WITHOUT WHICH NO MAN SHALL SEE THE LORD." (Hebrews 12:14)

What does HOLINESS mean? 

One site defines HOLINESS as: "commonly defined as being separate or set apart. God is holy in that He is set apart from everything that is not God, and God's people must be holy by being set apart as well."

Focus on the Family defined HOLINESS this way: "Being holy means to live our lives in a way that reflects God's glory, rather than conforming to the ways of the world (Romans 12:1-2). It means that we need to abide by the rules that God laid down for us in the Bible. It takes discipline to do this, and is not always easy."

Romans 12:1-2 admonishes us...

[1]I beseech you therefore, brethren, 

by the mercies of God, 

that ye PRESENT YOUR BODIES 

a living sacrifice, 

HOLY, (physically pure, morally blameless)

ACCEPTABLE UNTO GOD, 

which is your reasonable service.

[2]And BE NOT CONFORMED 

TO THIS WORLD: 

(Fashion self according to this world)

but BE ye TRANSFORMED 

(Make a metamorphosis, a change)

by the renewing of your mind, 

that ye may PROVE (examine, discern)

WHAT IS that GOOD, 

and ACCEPTABLE, 

and PERFECT, WILL OF GOD.

HOLINESS Is about being approved by God, not this world. 

HE is the One we are seeking to please and gain the approval of. 

BECAUSE... WITHOUT HOLINESS NO MAN SHALL SEE THE LORD. (Hebrews 12:14)

I know it's Memorial Day, but this woke me out of my sleep.  Let us remember not only the sacrifices of our soldiers,  but never forget the ultimate sacrifice and price Jesus paid on Calvary tto purchase our salvation. 

1 Corinthians 6:20

[20]For ye are bought with a price: 

therefore GLORIFY GOD 

IN YOUR BODY, 

and IN YOUR SPIRIT, 

WHICH ARE GOD'S.

They Think We're Strange

They Think We're Strange

[3]For the time past of our life 

may suffice us 

to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, 

(Meaning: past life of living ungodly)

when we walked in:

LASCIVIOUSNESS, (meaning: filled with or showing sexual desire: lewd, lustful)

LUSTS, (very strong sexual desire)

EXCESS OF WINE, (drunkenness)

REVELLINGS, (Carousel, letting loose)

BANQUETINGS, (assembling together for the purpose of drinking)

and ABOMINABLE IDOLATRIES: (that which is exceptionally loathsome, sinful, wicked, or vile) 

[4]Wherein THEY THINK IT STRANGE 

that ye run not with them 

to the same excess of RIOT, (unsavedness)

SPEAKING EVIL OF YOU:

1 Peter 4:3-4

The more like Jesus you become, 

The less like the world you'll be.

The more you strive to be like Jesus  - the more you strive to be holy and godly - the more the world and even family or friends will think you're strange. and even speak against you. 

Live for Jesus anyway. 

Live holy and godly and upright anyway. 

The life you live reveals whether you're striving to be like Jesus. Or like the world.

What is our life saying to others?

REAL STRUGGLES OF VARIOUS WOMEN IN THE BIBLE - MOTHER’S DAY 2025

REAL STRUGGLES OF VARIOUS WOMEN IN THE BIBLE - MOTHER’S DAY 2025

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms - whether you are a birth mother, a step mother, a grandmother, or perhaps a mom figure in someone’s life.

Mother’s Day can be a joyous day for many. For others, it is painful and a struggle for various reasons. 

As I thought about you ladies here at our Church, I thought about your various struggles, your joys, and your heartaches. Then my mind began to think about the various women in the Bible who shared similar heartaches and struggles as well. 

Sometimes, we overlook that they were real women with real struggles the same as you and I. 

WRONG CHOICES OF CHILDREN....

Let’s start with the very first mother that ever lived - Eve. Life was perfect. She had a loving husband. They lived in a beautiful garden UNTIL Eve messed up. She questioned God’s Word. She willingly disobeyed and did what God had instructed not to do.

I do believe Eve was sorry for her sins. She realized she did wrong. But there were still consequences. The consequences affected not only her, but also her husband, and then her children

The Bible does not really say much about Cain and Abel’s raising, but it appears that they tried to raise their boys to serve God. One tried to live and do what was right; the other chose to do wrong. Eventually, Cain’s jealous heart caused him to murder his own brother, hide the body, then act like he didn’t know where Abel was. 

I can only imagine the excruciating pain that mother’s heart felt when she learned the truth. She lost both sons that day because Cain was sentenced to wander the earth. We do not know if she saw him very much or maybe never again after that. That’s difficult for a mother.

Eve eventually had another son whom she named Seth, saying, “God hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel whom Cain slew.” She did her best to raise Seth to be godly. And eventually Seth grew and had a son whom he named Enos, whom he also raised to be godly. We know this because Genesis 4:26 says that after Enos was born, men began to call upon the name of the Lord.

As moms, it is painful when our children make wrong choices and go the wrong direction. And sometimes, we struggle blaming ourselves. “It must be my fault. I must have done something wrong. Maybe if I had done this differently. Maybe it wouldn’t be like this if only I had....” Moms, don’t blame yourself for the choices they make. Cain could not blame Eve for his decision to murder his brother. The choice was his alone although the consequence were felt by everyone, unfortunately.

 

CHILDLESS WOMEN....

Some women struggle with the pain of never having had a child of their own. Some women choose not to have any children while others are unable to. In Biblical times, a woman was looked down upon if she didn’t. Thankfully, that stigma is gone.

I thought about Sarah and Abraham. I have to wonder if Sarah prayed many times for a child and thought God was saying ‘No.’ She may have finally given up hope when she grew too old and past the childbearing age. She didn’t understand that God was not saying ‘No.’ He was saying ‘not yet.’ The timing wasn’t right.

Sarah was well up in age before God promised they would have a child. She couldn’t believe what she heard. To be her age and have a child was impossible. She laughed at the thought, understandably so. But, God scolded her for laughing. Her laugh was because she didn’t believe. God is not a God who can lie. He works in the impossible, and if He said it, He WILL bring it to pass.

She was 90 years old before Isaac was born. That was a miracle! Everyone knew it had this child was given by God. With man it was impossible, but not with God. I don’t know that I would be excited to have a child at 90 years of age. Yet, God had a purpose and plan for Isaac and his descendants. It is through Isaac and his descendants that we have the nation of Israel. It is through Isaac and his descendants that Jesus came and then died to purchase our Redemption on Calvary.

 

And there was also Hannah who struggled, desperately wanting a child. Her prayers were so desperate that Eli, the priest, thought she was drunk. Perhaps, God was waiting for Hannah to get so desperate that she was willing to pray, “God, if You will give me a child, I will give him back to You all the days of his life.”

When Hannah came to the place where she was willing to give up her child and let God have complete control of his life, then God gave her a child whom she named Samuel. I don’t know what dad thought. He didn’t seem to have any say in the matter.

That had to be difficult as a mother to hand her child over to Eli, the priest, when he was approximately 4 or 5 years old, knowing she would probably only see him once a year. But she kept her promise to God and Samuel became a prophet used mightily by God.

God blessed Hannah with many more children after Samuel, but Samuel is the only one that the Bible records God using and raising up to be a prophet.

Samuel was the prophet who anointed Saul to become king over Israel and then anointed David to become king over Israel. There are 2 books in the Bible dedicated to Samuel, the prophet, because of Hannah’s desperate prayer and promise.

 

ADOPTIVE MOMS....

Did you know there are adoptive moms mentioned in the Bible?

Leah stepped in to raise her nephews, Joseph and Benjamin, after her sister, Rachel, passed away in childbirth. There were contentions between the two of them at times, but they loved each other. I’m sure Leah missed Rachel often.

This is only speculation on my part, but I can see her looking at Joseph as he would smile a certain way reminding her of Rachel’s smile. Or baby Benjamin’s eyes would gleam with excitement reminding her of the gleam she used to see in Rachel’s eyes. Leah was their aunt, but she also became a mother figure to those 2 boys.

There was another aunt who stepped up to raise her nephews after her sister passed that many do not think or know about.

King Saul promised David that he would marry his oldest daughter, Merab. But then, for some reason, when it came time for David to marry Merab, Saul married her off to a man named Adriel. (1 Samuel 18:19)

King Saul did not want David as a son-in-law. He was jealous of him. When he found out his daughter, Michal, loved David, he sent David on a sure-death mission, but God was with David and helped him to conquer the Philistines. Saul was backed into a corner and had to keep his word to allow David to marry Michal.

Eventually Saul was killed and David became King, making Michal the queen. But Michal despised David’s worship and mocked him for it. God heard and closed her womb. She had no children until the day she died. (2 Sam 6:23)

However, 2 Samuel 21:8, tells us that Michal raised the 5 sons of her sister, Merab, for her brother-in-law, Adriel, indicating that her sister had passed away at some point so she stepped in to raise her nephews. Michal was their aunt, but she also became a mother figure to those 5 boys. Unfortunately, it does not appear she was a godly figure to them nor did she raise them to be godly.

 

MOTHERS, TEACH YOUR CHILDREN DILIGENTLY....

I think about Jochebed and what the heartache she must have felt as a mother. She and her family were in slavery in Egypt. She already had two children named Miriam and Aaron. Then, she found out she was expecting another child. 

She may have anticipated the child’s arrival with a mixture of joy and fear - not knowing what the future held for her soon coming little one and because they were all mistreated daily. Then, terror gripped her heart as news spread that Pharoah ordered all the male children to be killed as soon as they were born. She didn’t know if she was having a boy or girl, but she knew didn’t want to lose her baby.

Time came for the baby’s arrival, and she may have cried with fear as the midwives announced, “it’s a boy!” But the fear of God was in the hearts of those midwives and they did not kill the child. Jochebed did her best to hide him for 3 months until she couldn’t hide him any longer.

In her desperation, she made an ark out of bulrushes and sealed it with slime and with pitch, then laid her precious baby boy inside and laid it in the edge of the water. (Ex 2:3) Perhaps, she was hoping the rocking of the ark in the water would soothe and rock her baby to sleep so no one would know he was there while she went back to work.

That was not an easy task for that mother’s heart. She had to trust him into the Lord’s care. God had preserved him this far. This is speculation on my part, but I believe Jochebed prayed for God to continue to protect and watch over her baby.

Big sister, Miriam, stood a little ways off, keeping watch over him. She watched anxiously as Pharoah’s daughter approached the water’s edge where her baby brother was hidden. Then her heart sunk as Pharoah’s daughter noticed the ark with her baby brother inside.

Pharoah’s daughter opened the ark and saw the baby inside. She immediately recognized that it was a Hebrew baby, but had compassion when she heard him crying. Miriam came quickly out of hiding and asked Pharoah’s daughter if she wanted her to find someone to take care of the baby for her. Pharoah’s daughter said yes so guess who Miriam went to find? Her and her baby brother’s mother.

I would imagine Jochebed felt fear as she approached Pharoah’s daughter. But her fear quickly turned to relief and joy when Pharoah’s daughter handed the baby over to her and told her she would PAY her to take care of the baby until he was old enough to be brought back to her home.

Jochebed was able to care for and raise her baby until he was approximately 4 or 5 years old. She did not spend those few precious years haphazardly. She DILIGENTLY taught him about the ONE TRUE GOD. She instilled godly values into his heart and mind. She knew she only had a few short years to teach him that there is only ONE GOD and HIM ONLY shall we serve.

Then, time came where she had to hand him back over to Pharoah’s daughter. Oh, that had to be a struggle and so painfully hard for that mom. She had to trust that she had taught him enough to keep him from serving the false gods and idols that the Egyptians served. She had to place him in God’s hands as she placed him into Pharoah’s daughter’s care.

He would be well taken care of financially, but if he gains the whole kingdom yet loses his soul, he has lost everything.

The Bible does not say he was given a name until then when she called him ‘Moses’ because she drew him out of the water. What Jochebed taught and intilled in Moses stayed with him as he grew. Once he became an adult, he made the decision to serve the One True God and stand with the Hebrews rather than to continue to be called the son of Pharoah’s daughter. God used Moses to deliver the Hebrews out of Egyptian slavery.

Moms/Grandmas/anyone who can be a godly influence in these children’s lives, we only have a few short years with these children before they go off into the world. And the world is pulling hard at their hearts and minds through the things they see, things they hear, and what they are being taught in schools and in colleges. TEACH THEM DILIGENTLY THE WAYS OF THE LORD every chance you get. Read the Bible to them daily. Talk about God and His Word often.

The Bible instructs us in Deuteronomy 6 to TEACH THEM DILIGENTLY, to talk about the things that are written in God’s Word as you’re sitting in your house, as you’re walking by the way (driving down the road), when they first get up in the morning and as they lay down to go to sleep at night.

Get God’s word in their heart so that when they see things on tiktok or some other social media, they will know and be able to discern between what lines up with God’s truth and what is a lie from the devil. And so that they will CHOOSE TRUTH and reject false doctrine as Moses did.

The most important thing that we can invest into our children is the eternal. Invest into them the things of God, because if they become successful in this life yet lose their soul, they have succeeded in nothing. Because where they spend eternity is what matters most.

 

SINGLE MOMS AND WIDOWS....

There was a mother named, Naomi. Many know of her. She had a husband named Elimelech and two sons named Malon and Chilion. Mahlon means ‘sick’ which seems to indicate that he was born with some health issues. It is thought that Chilion had health issues as well.

As a mom, I’m sure Naomi did all that she could to help her boys be as healthy as she possibly could. Then a famine afflicted the land and food was scarce so Elimelech moved their family to the land of Moab which was not affected by the famine.

They were in a strange land amongst strangers when Naomi’s husband died. She was now a widow and a single mom raising 2 teenage boys....alone in a foreign place without friends or family near to help. Still, she did the best she could under the circumstances.

The boys grew up and married. I’m sure Naomi’s heart was torn as she watched the boys she raised to love and serve God both choose to marry women who did not know or love the God they served. Still, she loved Orpah and Ruth, her new daughter-in-laws, and I’m sure she tried to be a godly influence on both of them. 

They were settled in and adjusting to life in Moab. Ten years had now passed, and I have to wonder if Naomi pondered as to why she did not have any grandchildren running around her feet yet.

Then, tragedy struck again. The Bible does not say what happened, but both Mahlon and Chilion passed away. Naomi had lost her husband and now her boys. There were no grandchildren and Naomi saw no reason to stay in a strange land with no family or friends nearby.

She packed up her things and told Orpah and Ruth to go back to their fathers’ houses. Orpah cried at the thought of leaving Naomi, but returned back to her home. She missed her old life and went back to the ways of the world and back to serving the same false gods that she once served. (Ruth 1:15)

 

While Ruth made the decision to stick with Naomi no matter where they went or what may happen. She saw something in Naomi that she wanted more of. 

She told Naomi, “Whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.” Ruth made the decision to continue serving the same God that Naomi served. 

Everyone back home was so excited to see Naomi return. Naomi was glad to be back home yet her heart hurt as memories flooded her mind of a happier time in her life when she walked those roads with her husband and two boys.

When she left, she had her family. Now, she felt so empty. She felt alone. She felt God was against her. She felt BITTER as she told those who greeted her, “Call me not Naomi, call me MARA (meaning BITTER) for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.”

Life can deal some bitter blows that zap all joy out of us. That’s how Naomi felt.

Ruth tried to stick close and help her as best she could. Ruth offered to go into the fields and glean ears of corn so they would have something to eat. Naomi, told her she could go. 

Ruth was a stranger in a strange land that considered her a pagan ungodly woman, yet she wanted to learn to serve the God they served and become more like them. God saw not who she was, but who she would become as He led her to the field of Boaz, a relative of her deceased father-in-law. 

Boaz recognized there was a stranger in his field and inquired who she was. The servant told him she is a Moabite who returned with Naomi. Boaz had compassion as he told her she would not need to worry or search for any other field to glean in. He let her know she would be safe there and no one would mistreat her. He even instructed the reapers to leave handfuls of extra on purpose.

Ruth was so grateful for his kindness. When she came home with an abundant amount of food, Naomi was overwhelmed as she saw it and realized that God had not forsaken her.

It wasn’t long before Boaz married Ruth.

Naomi’s bitterness turned to joy as God blessed her with a grandson named Obed. Obed, grew and eventually had a son named Jesse. Jesse grew and eventually had a son named David, who became King of Israel.

Ruth, who was once considered an outcast, became the great grandmother of David, the King of Israel; is in the bloodline of Jesus, the Messiah; and has a book in the Bible dedicated to her story.

Naomi no longer wanted to be called Mara (bitter); she wanted to be called by her name Naomi (which means pleasant).

We can learn from Naomi that even in the bitter times, God has not left nor forsaken us. Keep your eyes on Him. Naomi could not see how the bitter things she went through would eventually be for not only her good but for all of our good.

If she had not went to Moab and went through all that she went through, she would not have brought Ruth back to Israel. If she had not brought Ruth back to Israel to meet Boaz, King David would not have eventually been born and the bloodline through which our Messiah and Redeemer came.

It’s difficult to see the sun shining beyond the clouds due to the rain of tears, but it’s still shining.

 

JOB’S WIFE...

Job’s wife gets a bad wrap. Every time she is mentioned, it is with a negative connotation. Her name is not ever mentioned, but think about what she went through....

She was married to a succesful, wealthy man, whom many esteemed, therefore, she, too was esteemed. It is said of Job that he was the greatest of all the men in the east. (Job 1:3) They had an abundance of livestock, servants, a very great household - they kinda needed that having 10 kids.

When Job lost everything, she lost everything, too! It is one thing to lose your wealth and cattle, but she also lost her babies - all 10 of them at once. That is a very painful difficult blow for a mother. The reports of their loss were back to back - she didn’t even have time to process everything before they received another and another and another report that this was gone, that was gone, everything was GONE!

Job handled it better than his wife. After all reports had come in, Job fell down and WORSHIPPED the Lord. (Job 1:20) People began to look at them as if they had sinned and angered God. She was grieving. She was confused. She may have even done some soul searching trying to understand why all this came upon them - and all at once. 

Then, her husband becomes afflicted with gross ooozing sours. Now, everyone thinks for sure they have sinned. Even Job’s comforters were not comforting. They were accusing. Job’s wife heard all this.

Those who once greeted her with honor, most likely avoided her now. She could see them whispering as they glanced over at her with upturned noses.

I truly believe Lot’s wife battled bitterness. She didn’t understand why God had allowed these calamaties to come upon them. Those she needed comfort from now scorned her. Her husband is sick so she has extra work trying to care for him. Most of the servants were killed so she has no help and they lost everything so they couldn’t afford to pay them anyway.

She was in the gall of bitterness. It appears she was suffering possibly because of her husband’s secret sin since he was now covered in sores. Finally, she had enough as she frustratedly told her husband, “Dost thou retain thine integrity? Curse God and die.”

No, her heart was not right. No, she shouldn’t have said that. But think about all she was going through. Her heart was broken. Her mind was reeling. She was in the pit of despair and it caused bitterness to spew out of her. 

Eventually, God restored back to Job and to his wife everything they had lost plus more. God was merciful and forgiving to Job’s wife and blessed them with 10 more children. They didn’t take the place of the ones they had lost, but it helped comfort that mother’s heart. All of a sudden, everyone who forsook and condemned them, returned and showered them with gifts.

There are so many lessons to be learned from each of these women.

Eve - we cannot be blamed for our children’s actions.

Sarah and Hannah - God has a purpose in the waiting. Trust Him!

Leah and Michal - Women who stepped up to help raise someone else’s children. One was a godly influence; the other was not. We need to be a godly influence. Children are watching and learning from each of us...good or bad.

Jochebed - when we’ve done everything we can to teach our children God’s ways, we have to then trust them into God’s hands.

Naomi - life’s bitter blows may bend us low, but God will bring joy from the pain one day if we keep our eyes on Him.

Ruth - a person’s past does not define their future.

Job’s wife - We focus on what Job was going through but I never hear anyone discuss what Job’s wife must have been going through. His trial affected her. Just because someone is going through the worst trial of their life and it looks to man’s eyes like God is against them, doesn’t mean that He is.

Everyone talks about mental health - Job’s wife was not in a good state mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. She needed someone to be there for her and walk with her through her trial. She needed an encourager and a shoulder to cry on. She needed a friend. I think God understands women and our emotions more than we do. He made us and He cares - thank God that He does!

 

There were so many more women in the Bible and what they went through that I could have mentioned, but time wouldn’t allow. Perhaps you can relate to one of these women mentioned...or several. Perhaps you thought of how it relates to someone else as you listened to each of these women’s stories.

God knows and He understands us.

We need each other and need to pray for each other more than ever before. I am praying for each and every lady (not just moms).

 

Have You Received the Holy Ghost SINCE You Believed?

 Have You Received the Holy Ghost Since You Believed?

There are varying views and beliefs concerning the Holy Ghost…whether it’s necessary for salvation or merely optional to receive it; whether a person receives it as soon as they believe on Jesus or do they need to seek for it; what is the sign that a person has been filled with the Holy Ghost. 

Despite varying views and thoughts, there is only one that matters and that is God and what His Word reveals. So, as we open our Bibles we need to open our hearts and pray that God gives us a mind to understand His Word and what it says concerning the Holy Ghost.

WHAT DID JESUS TEACH?

Jesus taught in John 3:5-7…

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee,
Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit,
he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; (natural birth)
and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (spiritual birth)
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye MUST BE BORN AGAIN.

 

Jesus taught we must be born again of water (which is baptism in His Name) and of the Spirit (which is the infilling of the Holy Ghost). Without it, we cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. We MUST be born again just as Jesus said.

Jesus also taught in Mark 16:16...

He that believeth AND is baptized shall be saved.

So, would that mean the Holy Ghost is unnecessary?

No, because Jesus continued teaching in the next two verses (17-18) that there are SIGNS that are to FOLLOW every BELIEVER....

And these signs SHALL FOLLOW them that BELIEVE;
In My Name shall they cast out devils;
THEY SHALL SPEAK WITH NEW TONGUES;

They shall take up serpents;
and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them;
they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

WHAT DID THE APOSTLES TEACH?

Paul said in Romans 8:9,15-16…

9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit,
if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.
Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.

10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin;
but the Spirit is life because of righteousness

11 But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you,
He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies
by His Spirit that dwelleth in you.

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God.

15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit,
that we are the children of God.

Paul taught that we need the Spirit of Christ dwelling in us. According to Scripture, if you do not have the Spirit of Christ dwelling within you, you don’t belong to Him. Without His Spirit, we do not belong to Christ. We are not a part of His family/His church/His bride. So receiving the Holy Ghost is necessary!

When we receive the Holy Ghost, Scripture tells us we receive the Spirit of adoption that allows us to now call God our Father. The Holy Ghost is a witness that we are now the Children of God.

Paul taught in Ephesians 1:13-14….

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,

Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption
of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory.

Sealed means ‘to stamp with a signet or private mark.’ When a person receives that Holy Ghost, that is the private mark that God places on those who receive His Spirit, showing that we now belong to Him. It is like a downpayment from God, a pledge that Jesus will come to take us home to be with Him

Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:19....

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure,
HAVING THIS SEAL,
THE LORD KNOWETH THEM THAT ARE HIS.
And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
(meaning: if you call yourself a Christian, quit sinning) 

“HAVING THIS SEAL, THE LORD KNOWETH THEM THAT ARE HIS.”  The Holy Ghost reveals to God who truly belongs to Him.

Paul wrote to the church in Corinth in 1 Corinthians 3:16, explaining what the Holy Ghost is...

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God,
and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

The Holy Ghost is God’s spirit coming to dwell in us. When He does, we become His temple.

The Scriptures tell us in Acts 7:48 and again in Acts 17:24...

Howbeit the Most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands.

God now dwells in temples that were made by Him which is those that receive the Holy Ghost.

Since we are the temple where God now resides, He wants a clean house - He wants us to be clean and holy inside and out. 1 Cor 3:17 instructs.....

If any man defile the temple of God,
him shall God destroy;
for the temple of God is holy,
which temple ye are.

On the Day of Pentecost, when the Holy Ghost was first poured out, Apostle Peter preached a convicting message to those who gathered after hearing the sound and wondering what was going on. Peter explained who Jesus is and that they had just killed their Messiah.

Some of those gathered became convicted and asked, “What shall we do?” Peter told them exactly what they need to do in Acts 2:38-39…

Then Peter said unto them, Repent,
and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ
for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For the Promise is unto you, and to your children,
and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” 

First, we must repent of all sins. Turn away from everything that displeases God.
Next, we must wash away those sins through baptism in His name.

Repentance grants us forgiveness of sin.              

Baptism washes them away.

And God promised we can receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost. 

So, does that mean that we receive the Holy Ghost as soon as we repent and are baptized? How do we know we received it?

Most denominations believe in receiving the Holy Ghost, but many believe you receive it when you confess Jesus as your personal Savior and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

But, remember that Jesus taught us in Mark 16:17 that there are SIGNS that are to FOLLOW everyone who BELIEVES....one of which is that THEY SHALL SPEAK WITH NEW TONGUES. 

We’re going to look at more Sciptures to see what God’s Word defines as the evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost.

WHAT IS THE EVIDENCE OF RECEIVING THE HOLY GHOST?

The Holy Ghost was first poured out on the Day of Pentecost. Before that time, everyone was still depending upon the Old Testament law of sacrifices to make atonement for their sins.

John 7:39 explains that the Holy Ghost was not yet given before Jesus was crucified and resurrected BECAUSE Jesus was not yet glorified.

Jesus was the final sacrificial Lamb making atonement for our sins. (1 Jn 2:2)

After Jesus rose from the dead and just before He went up to heaven, Jesus instructed His disciples to go and wait in Jerusalem UNTIL they receive power from on high (referring to the Holy Ghost). (Lk 24:49)

Read Acts 2:1-4

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come,

they were all with one accord in one place.

And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind,

And it filled all the house where they were sitting.

And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire,

And it sat upon each of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost,

And began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

 

In reading this we see as the Holy Ghost came on the Day of Pentecost that…

1. There was a sound as of a rushing mighty wind which filled the house

2. There appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire that sat upon each of them

3. They were all filled with the Holy Ghost and

4. Began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

So, what is the evidence of the Holy Ghost? How do we know if someone has truly received the gift of the Holy Ghost?

Read Acts 2:5-12

And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men,

out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad,

the multitude came together and were confounded,

because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another,

Behold, are not these which speak Galileans?

And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and dwellers in Mesopotamia,

and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia,

in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome,

Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians,

We do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another,

What meaneth this?

After the Holy Ghost was poured out, a crowd began to gather.

              *The crowd was comprised of those who lived in Jerusalem or had made
the Pilgrimage from other parts of the world to celebrate the Harvest.

              *They were amazed because they heard those who were in the Upper
Room (the ones who received the Holy Ghost and were speaking in a
language other than their native language) speak the wonderful works of
God in a language they did not and should not be able to speak in.

The word Galilean was used as a name of contempt – when they called them that, they were speaking in a derogatory way against them.

*Refers to the Jews and Gentiles who inhabited the region of Palestine

*Majority were lower class tenant farmers & laborers (herders or fishermen)
*They were thought of as backward and unsophisticated

And yet, they were all speaking in languages that they should not have been able to speak.

 

In Acts 4:13 – Peter and John were looked upon as ignorant and unlearned which caused the priests in the Temple to marvel at their teachings.

This is why they were amazed to hear them praising God in their native tongue. They were considered to be too uneducated to be able to speak their language.

 

But does that prove that’s the evidence of the Holy Ghost?

Some believe “Joy” is the evidence of the Holy Ghost.

              You can have joy when a new baby is born, but that’s not the Holy Ghost

              You can have joy when you get a new car or new house, but that’s not the
Holy Ghost.

You can have joy because of many things, but that’s not the Holy Ghost.

Acts 13:52 says “and the disciples were filled with joy AND with the Holy Ghost” showing there is a difference.

Old Testament prophesy foretold the Holy Ghost in Isaiah 28:11-12....

“For with stammering lips and another tongue

will He speak to this people.

To whom He said,

This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest;

and this is the refreshing: ….”

Read Acts 8:5-19
Vs 5-8 ….Phillip was evangelized the city of Samaria. Many mighty miracles
took place and people were converted because of it.
Vs 9-13 ….Everyone was baptized after they believed.
Even Simon the scorcerer believed what Phillip was preaching and was
baptized as well.

Vs 14-18 …..Peter and John came to Samaria after they heard the people
were receiving and obeying the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

They then prayed for them to receive the Holy Ghost. The people already:

                            Believed

                            Were Baptized

                            But they hadn’t received the Holy Ghost yet (vs 16)

They did not receive the Holy Ghost UNTIL the Apostles laid their hands on them and prayed (17)

We know Simon saw some tangible, undeniable evidence that proved to him they received the Holy Ghost (vs 18-19) – when he saw that people were receiving the Holy Ghost, he thought they were performing a magic trick and offered to pay them for them to reveal to him how they made that to happen. While that particular passage does not say they spoke with new tongues, we know he saw something that peaked his interest. Scripture supports Scripture as we’ll continue looking at what that evidence was that Simon saw…..           

Read Acts 10:44-48 – Peter came and preached the Gospel to Cornelius/household

{44} While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

{45} And they of the circumcision (Jews) which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

{46} For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

{47} Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

{48} And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

In this passage we find….

              The Gentiles received the Holy Ghost just as the Jews received in (Acts 2:4)

              The Jews were astonished…how did they know they received the Holy Ghost?

              Vs 46…for they HEARD them SPEAK WITH TONGUES

              Vs 47…Peter confirmed they received the same Holy Ghost as those present
with him had received on the Day of Pentecost – they spoke with tongues
Vs 48…commanded them to be baptized in the Name of the Lord.

 

Read Acts 19:1-6

Paul, in his missionary travels, came across disciples during his travels. He was excited to find that they believed on Jesus. His first question to them was, “Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?” They responded that they hadn’t even heard about the Holy Ghost yet. 

Next, he asked how they were baptized. Finding that they had only been baptized by John the Baptist, he began to expound the scriptures to them and explain that John’s baptism was just preparation for Jesus’ baptism. Notice what he does next....he baptizes them correctly in the name of the Lord Jesus. Afterward, he laid hands on them and as he began to pray, they were filled with the Holy Ghost evidenced by speaking with other tongues.

 Act 19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

Act 19:2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

Act 19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.

Act 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

Act 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Act 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

 

*** Notice Paul did not ask, “have you received the Holy Ghost since you were saved?” He asked, “have you received....since you believed.”

Believing is just the first step for he that comes to God must believe that He is (Heb 11:6). Remeber Jesus said in Mark 16:16 states, “he that believeth AND is baptized shall be saved.” Believing is important, but that’s not all there is. We will look at many more Scriptures that explain and show us that receiving the Holy Ghost evidenced by speaking in other tongues is not to be left out or considered optional.

*** If it does not matter how you are baptized or whether or not you receive the Holy Ghost, Paul would not have taken the time to correct their error, re-baptize them, then pray for them to receive the infilling of the Holy Ghost.

Consistently throughout the Book of Acts, we find where those who received the Holy Ghost SPOKE in OTHER TONGUES.

1 Cor 14:18, Paul said…. I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all;

In 1 Cor 14:39, He also instructed that no one is to forbid anyone from speaking in tongues.

Tongues is the evidence of the Holy Ghost. When a person instructs another that they don’t need to speak in tongues, they are forbidding the Holy Ghost. (**A pastor may do that on a rare occasion when they discern that it is not of God. The devil will mimic tongues**)

Some think speaking in tongues is just an additional and optional GIFT OF THE SPIRIT:

When you receive the Holy Ghost and speak in tongues for the first time, it is evidence that God now has control of your tongue and has bridled your tongue.

(Keeping the tongue bridled afterward takes work on the part of the Believer – it takes staying prayed up and full of the Holy Ghost and self-control.)

There is a difference between the Tongues given when a person first receives the Holy Ghost and the Gift of Divers Kinds of Tongues (a Gift of the Spirit)

Many believe they are one and the same but the Bible reveals differently.

If we want to know HOW to be saved, we look to the Book of Acts 

– that is where the birth of the Church is recorded and we can find evidence of how the first believers came to be saved = They believed, repented, were baptized in Jesus Name, and were filled with the Holy Ghost evidenced by speaking in other tongues.

Then to grow as a Believer in Christ and learn how to be a Christian and what we need to continue to do AFTER we’re saved, we look to Romans through Jude 

- This is where we find instruction, correction, admonition, and inspiration. It is there that we learn how to operate in the Spirit and the 5 fold ministry that God has ordained for His Church.

 

The gift of divers kinds of tongues is an additional gift AFTER receiving the Holy Ghost given to some to be used for the edification of the Church body. (1 Cor 12:4-11) 

Speaking in tongues as the evidence of the Holy Ghost can often be understood by a person of another nation. But the Divers kinds of tongues can be a prayer tongue of intercession speaking mysteries that only God understands.

1 Cor 14:2

For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the Spirit he speaking mysteries.

1 Cor 12:28

And God hath set some in the Church,

First apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers,

After that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments,

diversities of tongues.

When Paul continued on in Vs 30 to ask, “do all speak with tongues?” he was not saying that not every believer would speak in tongues, otherwise, he would be contradicting the very words and teaching of Jesus in Mark 16:17-18 where He said that speaking in new tongues is a sign that SHALL follow a believer. And it would be contradicting his very teachings while traveling and evangelizing when he prayed for people to receive the Holy Ghost (example: Acts 19).

 

Paul is teaching those who have already received the Holy Ghost that there is a gift called ‘divers kinds of tongues’ which will be dispersed for the edification of the Church as God decides and wills. 

He encouraged the Believers to covet the best gifts (1 Cor 12:31) and to desire spiritual gifts that follow after salvations (1 Cor 14:1)

 

One of the greatest deceptions the devil has perpetrated on mankind is that:

1. they either do not need the Holy Ghost to get to Heaven

2. or that they receive it at the moment they receive Jesus as their Savior without any evidence that Jesus has come into their heart.

 

He gets people to question, “Does God’s Word really say….?” “Do I really need to?”

Why? Because he knows that the Holy Ghost gives us power over him and gives us power to overcome sin.

 

Colossians 1:26-27 - …which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

The Holy Ghost is Jesus Christ residing in us. Why would anyone not want to receive it?

The Promise is for you, and for your children, and for all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. (Acts 2:39) 

Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?

 

[27]...Christ in you, the hope of glory:

[28]Whom we PREACH, 

WARNING every man, 

and TEACHING every man in all wisdom; 

that we may PRESENT every man 

PERFECT in Christ Jesus:

Colossians 1:27-28

Paul and the other Apostles 

PREACHED, 

and WARNED, 

and TAUGHT 

what we need to do and how we need to live so 

(the Epistles are letters of instructions to the Church concerninghow we are to live)

that we may be presented to Christ PERFECT (meaning: of full age, grown in mental and moral character - Strong's G5046)

Thank God for Preachers and Pastors who still do the same.  They preach what we need to hear, rather than what we want to hear, for the sake of our souls. They care where we will spend eternity.