Beware Another Gospel

 As taught at Bible Study 6_1_21

BEWARE ANOTHER GOSPEL

 

When this topic first came to me, I really questioned and sought God as to whether this was really the topic for me to teach.

I asked God if this is truly what He wanted me to teach on, then to give me confirmation – I was busy praying and doing things around the house but when I opened FB later, the first post I saw was this: 

          Enough of the sugarcoated false doctrines going around.
          We need to be sharing the Apostolic Truth!

Galatians 1:6-7
       I marvel that ye are so soon removed from Him that called you into the
             grace of Christ unto ANOTHER GOSPEL:
      Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would
            PERVERT THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST.

Pervert = corrupt/change (Strongs G3344)

 

There are many variations of the Christian religion in our world today.

          Baptist                   Methodist                     Church of God               Charismatic  
           Catholic                Jehovah Witness          Mormon                         Pentecostal
           And the list goes on
  

Some think it doesn’t matter which one you follow or where you go to Church as long as you go to Church.

Some think you don’t even have to go to Church….or maybe only occasionally

But if the teaching and views do not line up with what the Bible says, it can lead to a spirit of error.

Jesus admonished us in John 5:39

        SEARCH the Scriptures for in them you THINK you have eternal life.
        And they are they which testify of Me.

Search = to seek, to investigate (Strongs G2045)

It DOES matter what you believe and it DOES matter what the Bible says. 

That’s why it’s important to read your Bible and pray daily so you can know what God’s Word says.

When we stand before God one day, we will be without excuse. 
Jesus said SEARCH! STUDY! LEARN WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS!

Jesus told us to SEARCH the Scriptures for in them you THINK you have eternal life.

He said this because He knew there would be those who wanted to twist the Scriptures to create an easy route to Salvation.

Jesus knew there would be those who would teach others that all they have
                to do is just believe on Jesus and now they’re saved.  

Believing is only the first step.  Jesus said ‘He that believeth AND is
                baptized shall be saved.’ (Mark 16:16)

Jesus knew that there would be preachers who would teach that all you have to do is follow the Romans Road to Salvation….There is no romans road
                to salvation!  (Romans is written to the Christians in Rome = those
                already saved)

Jesus knew there would be those who would teach that those who sin can
                go confess their sins to a priest and pray to Mary and the other Apostles
               (which God’s Word teaches against).

Jesus knew there would come WOLVES in sheep’s clothing and FALSE
                PROPHETS……He warned us about them. 

That’s why He said to SEARCH the SCRIPTURES.

 

If a person is not STUDYING and SEARCHING the Scriptures, they will think these things are accurate and are the correct Way to Jesus. 

 

Biblically, we can see that these other religions are “Another Gospel.” 

What they teach, does not line up with the way the Bible says we need to follow to be saved.

Most everyone here understands this, but what many do not realize is that they also need to be cautious of Churches who claim to be Pentecostal yet are teaching ‘another Gospel’…..a corrupted and changed Gospel and not the unadulterated Word of God.

 

How do we recognize them?

Paul continued in his letter to the Galatians…

1:10 – For do I now persuade men, or God?
            Or do I seek to please men?
            For if I pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

1:11 – But I certify you, brethren, that the Gospel which was preached of me
            is NOT after men.

Paul was not preaching to impress people.  He was not sweetly tweaking his messages to be a crowd pleasing goose bump tingly feel good messages.   

Paul would not cower under the pressure to receive the praise and admiration of men. 

His goal was to get souls ready for heaven, not tickle the ears with pretty motivational speeches.

 

He warned Timothy in a letter….

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

4:4 – and they shall turn away their ears from the Truth,
      and shall be turned unto fables.

 

Unfortunately, we are seeing that happen.     Often.       Too much!

Most people today just want to hear how God is going to bless them – I see post after post shared about God blessing them and claiming it.
They don’t want to hear anything that makes them feel uncomfortable.  ITCHING EARS!

The post on the Church page on Holiness inside and out – some have been contentious.  They are following another voice, another Gospel.   ITCHING EARS!

I’ve had people who are supposed to be in Church come against my posts about holiness or separation from the world.  Demanding I just talk about the Love of God.    ITCHING EARS!

This was a strong warning post on FB posted by someone I know.  Most won’t heed this person because they’re not well known but if they are speaking Truth, we need to listen, take note, and examine ourselves….

“Many have left the old paths of holiness and are living lives without your power and anointing.  Yet they are still going to church every service and worshipping in Church.  Some of the women are prophesying and giving tongues and interpretation in the Church service, but they are cutting their hair and wearing makeup and wearing pants when they’re not at Church.

I weep at the altar for souls that are lost and going to hell in the world AND in the church!

Wake up lost and dying sinners in the world and lost and dying saints who once were full of the Holy Ghost and anointing but now you are dead men and women going to church every service and going through the motions to put on a show for everyone who sees you!!!

Many of the pastors have stopped preaching holiness because they say that the lost rich people just coming to the church and the old rich ones who have been in the church a long time tell them “If you don’t quit preaching holiness then I will quit coming to your church!!!”

These same pastors 15 years ago would preach a sermon on holiness.  Then at the end they would say that holiness is not a heaven or hell issue.  Then why preach it in the first place?!?!  They are hirelings!

Two years ago I was reading the Scripture where Jesus said ‘Depart from Me!  I never knew you!” I knew that meant those who never obeyed Acts 2:38.  But I asked Jesus ‘what did you mean when you said, “Depart from Me!  I know you not!”?

Jesus spoke to my spirit and said those are the ones who repented of their sins then went back to those sins like a hog wallowing in the mud after you wash them or a dog eating his vomit.  And those are the 5 foolish virgins who had let their oil run down in their lamps.  Yes, they were still going to Church every service and wearing dresses when they went to Church and going through their worship at Church.

But Jesus said “they have dropped their holiness standards and have forsaken Me. And I no longer know them or listen to their prayers or worship.”

****Scary place to be!

 

I was in a group having a Discussion concerning Changing Lights and Fog machines – I mentioned that I am adamantly against fog machines in a worship service because I have seen the True Glory Cloud manifest when pure worship was offered to our Savior.  A fog machine makes a person have to question and discern whether what they are seeing is the True manifestation or a cheap imitation.  A few mocked and scoffed when I referred to the Glory Cloud.  They’re following Another Gospel!

They have ITCHING EARS desiring entertainment and what appeases and pleases the senses rather than a Genuine move of God!  They’re trying to strum up a cheap imitation.  It’s STRANGE FIRE!

 

Everyone loved Jesus’ messages at first – as long as He was passing out loaves and fishes, healing the sick, and doing things FOR them – but the more He taught, the stronger His teachings became, and the crowd began to thin as they began to leave and forsake Him until they yelled CRUCIFY HIM and mocked as He hung writhing in agony of the Cross.

They didn’t kill Him because He preached “Love!”   They killed Him because He taught and preached Truth.  Think about it.

Paul said in Galatians 1:11

          But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me IS
           NOT OF MAN.

Paul was preaching an unchanged, uncorrupted Gospel that didn’t make a person feel good in their sin but convicted them of their sin.

It made some so mad that they stoned him – completely different from the Gospel being preached today.

 

Todd Starnes - - 43% of millennials stated they either don’t know, don’t care, or don’t believe God exists.  And this is a surprise? We turned our Churches into glorified nightclubs starring preachers who deliver self-help sermons and worship leaders who want to be the next ‘American idol’.

Some preachers label theirself as “motivational speakers” on FB - Avoid them!

          They’re hirelings and in it to make a name for self!

If they’re scared to preach, teach, speak, or post against sin because they might offend someone, then they fear people more than they fear God.

If the preacher is stepping on your toes, it’s because your feet are in the wrong place.

The way to heaven is a narrow way.  A rough rugged path with many obstacles to be overcome and narrow crevices to squeeze through.

The broad way where anything goes is the path that leads to destruction and hell.

The road to heaven calls for sacrifice and denying the flesh.
The broad way allows a person to feel good while sinning and convinces them they’re still saved because Jesus loves them.

Yes, He loves them but He loves them too much to leave them in their sin!

Every person who came in contact with Jesus were to be changed. 
He told the woman caught in adultery – GO AND SIN NO MORE! 

We must allow the Word of God to correct us the same way we allow it to encourage us!

Give me that Old time religion that had us weeping in the altar!

God is looking for prayer warriors to rise up and wage spiritual warfare, weeping between the porch and the Altar…the pew and the altar.

Beware of another gospel which is not another!
It is a corrupted and changed Gospel that is deceiving many, making them feel good and saved when they’re not.

Read the letters in Revelation to the 7 Churches of Asia.  He commended them for some things but then there were the “NEVERTHELESS” issued.

They were commanded to repent and change or their candlestick would be removed.

But Jesus loves me!?!?   Yes, He does, that’s why He warns us to get the sin our our lives!  It’s love that warns us to change or else eternity awaits.

Heaven or hell – the destination is our choice.   Sin can not enter there!

If someone is making you feel good about your sin and making you still feel saved when God’s Word condemns it, that’s ‘Another Gospel’

Remove not the ANCIENT LAND MARKS!  They were put there for a reason!

The cry is going out because Jesus is coming soon!  He wants His Bride to be ready – without spot or wrinkle!

Holiness Inside and Out

As Taught at Bible Study on 5_25_21

Holiness - Inside and Out

 

I grew up in a Pentecostal Church but when I was around 16 years of age, there was a church split.  It caused me to question what I believed.  Rather than just disregarding everything, I went straight to God at 16 years of age and began to ask Him to reveal HIS Truth to me.  I wanted to know what was REALLY Truth – whether it was the Baptist way, the Methodist way, the Church of God way or the Pentecostal way.  I wanted God to reveal it to me and show me which way truly was the right way, especially concerning Holiness. And He did. 

It didn’t come overnight but slowly, little by little, God began to open my understanding and reveal things to me – BECAUSE I went to Him seeking HIS way, not my own.

He began to open my understanding to Modesty and Holiness.
He began to deal with me concerning things I thought were innocent and harmless…movies, cartoons, books, clothing, even a watch that was more like a bracelet than a watch because it had gems and dangled loosely as it sparkled.  He dealt with me to get rid of it so I did.

He spoke to me when my children were young to “Cleanse your house CONTINUALLY, not just occasionally.”

I wish I could say I followed that at all times but little by little, things that God dealt with me to get rid of would slowly creep back into the house before I realized it.  Then God would deal with me again to get it out of our home!

Guard your heart, mind, and home that you don’t excuse the stuff away and bring it back in. If God dealt with you to get rid of it, there’s a reason!

Jesus is coming back soon and He’s dealing with His bride to get ready.

He’s coming for a bride without spot or wrinkle – sin can not enter there!

 

HOLINESS TO THE LORD

Exodus 28:36 – Thou shalt make a plate of pure gold and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet (signature ring) HOLINESS TO THE LORD.

Holiness = a sacred place or thing, consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing)

This wording was placed on blue lace then placed on Aaron’s forehead

          à Holiness covers and protects the mind!

 

Vs 40 – thou shalt make COATS (root word means ‘to cover’) and girdles (belts) and bonnets (a cap) And thou shalt make them for GLORY and for BEAUTY

Vs 41 – thou shalt put them upon Aaron and his sons and shalt ANOINT them, And CONSECRATE them, and SANCTIFY them to minister unto Me.       

Minister = mediate in religious services

This would be Ministry = singers, instruments, preaching, teaching, etc

 

Why we have platform requirements…

          When someone is placed in a leadership role even if it’s
                *singing or *playing an instrument on the platform or
                *teaching classes,  they are placed in a position for others to
                 follow their lead and example.

And whatever you allow on the platform or in a classroom is what will be in the pew. 

Those on the pew know the life that person is or is not living.

 

I watched a lady at another church become so confused seeing people in leadership positions who were not dressing or living right. 

She kept asking WHY they were place in those positions although we teach to live opposite of the way they were living, but she kept getting brushed off.

She finally gave up dressing holy and now dresses immodest and with so much makeup that it looks awful.   She regressed rather than progressed in her walk with God.

Teaching about HOLINESS inside and out IS important – so you understand and know WHY we believe what we believe.

Those who ministered in the Tabernacle had certain guidelines and rules they had to follow or they were removed from position – sometimes God killed them. Because holiness is serious to God.

They had to purify their self  INWARD and OUTWARD, removing all sin from their life.

Because God is a holy God.  We are to be holy as well.

Paul said follow me as I follow Christ. People are watching. Children are watching.

          They see our pictures on social media.
          They imitate those they admire.      
          What example are you displaying?

Exodus 28:42 – make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness from the loins (waist) even unto the thighs they shall reach.

            (Breeches <britches> were drawers under their priestly robe they wore to conceal their private parts)

Vs 43 – and they shall be upon Aaron and his sons when they come into the Tabernacle of the congregation or when they come near unto
            the altar to minister in the HOLY Place, that they bear not
            iniquity and die:
            it shall be a statute (a rule/ordinance) FOREVER.

 

Modesty and Holiness go hand in hand.

MODESTY WAS IMPORTANT TO GOD!  Even for the men.

 

We recently posted on the Church page a post on modesty – using the banana analogy   **1.5 k likes              8.8 k shares

We were not expecting it to go viral like it has but the majority have supported what was posted.

2 Chron 16:29 – worship the LORD in the beauty of Holiness

2 Chron 20:21 – appointed singers unto the LORD that they should
             PRAISE the BEAUTY of Holiness (H6944) as they went before
             the army
             (H1984 Halal = to shine, to make a show, to boast, to rave,   
                                           to celebrate)
             (Beauty = decoration, honor)

**The singers led the way into Battle!
             What would happen if they had sin in their life?
             They would cost the army the war just as Achan’s sin did.
              That’s one of the reasons why we have platform requirements

 

Holiness is not just for those in ministry positions…

2 Chron 31:18 – they ALL, self (ministry), wives, sons, daughters, and
         through ALL the congregation sanctified themselves in holiness.

 

Psalm 29:2 – worship the Lord in the beauty of Holiness

Psalm 96:9 - worship the Lord in the beauty of Holiness, FEAR before Him, all the earth.

Not enough people fear God anymore – the main focus is on love and mercy.

Yes, God is a God of love and mercy but He is also a God of judgment and requires Holiness from His people.

Sin cannot enter into Heaven….

Isaiah 35:8 – An highway shall be there, and a WAY, and it shall be called THE WAY OF HOLINESS, the unclean shall not pass over it.

 

Jeremiah 2:3 - God’s people were to be HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD

 

There are some who believe that Holiness shouldn’t be taught unless they ask?

God didn’t wait for people to ask – He told them what he required.
Paul and other Apostles didn’t wait for people to ask – they wrote Epistles, letters of instructions on how to live holy in this present world.

 

Titus 2:12 – teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly (with sound mind/moderately), righteously, and godly in this present world.

 

Because we were once servants to sinful ways…..

Romans 6:19 – For as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness, and inquity unto iniquity, even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto HOLINESS.

Yield = submit your will

 

Romans 6:22 – but now being made free from sin and become servants to God, ye have your FRUIT UNTO HOLINESS and the end
        everlasting life.

2 Cor 7:1 – Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us
        CLEANSE OURSELVES from ALL FILTHINESS of the FLESH and spirit, PERFECTING HOLINESS in the fear of God.

spirit is what is going on inside  -   flesh is what is going on the outside.

 

Eph 4:24 – Put on the NEW MAN which after God is created in
           RIGHTEOUSNESS and TRUE Holiness. 

1 Thess 3:13 – to the end He may stablish your hearts unblameable in
          HOLINESS before God.

1 Thess 4:7 – For God hath not called us unto uncleanness but unto
         Holiness

Heb 12:14 – Follow peace with all men, and HOLINESS, without which no man shall see the LORD

 

Lev 11:44, 45 + 19:2 + 20:7, 26 + 21:8 - Be holy for I AM Holy

God is a holy God and requires us to be holy INSIDE and OUT!

It is not something to be despised.
Holiness is for our good – it is putting away of the filth of the flesh

 

Generally: Women battle vanity and pride. 
                    While Men battle lust and anger.

1 Tim 2:9 – tells the women to adorn themselves in MODEST apparel with Shamefacedness – not attention seeking
           and Sobriety – soundness of mind, self control
           not with broided hair – ungodly hairdos motivated by the spirit              of the world
          or with gold or pearls – which draw undue attention to self
               (there is a spirit attached – watch how a person acts and moves around the gem they are wearing whether it’s a ring or necklace)
           or with costly array – all lead to pride and vanity (which are
               works of the flesh)

Men are told in 1 Tim 2:8 – to pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath or doubting (disputing)

 It can be reversed as we see in this mixed up world we’re living in. 

Even the men are needing to be taught about Modesty nowadays.

After Jesus died, Peter and the other disciples went back to fishing.  While on the boat, Peter stripped off his fisherman’s coat to make it easier to work. The Bible records he was naked, but by today’s terms, we would just label him perhaps a little immodest.  Bible commentators record that he did have on another garment under his fisherman’s coat but it was considered immodest back then to reveal that garment alone. 

As they’re working, a man appears on the shore and asks if they caught any fish.  They responded despondently that they have worked all night but hadn’t caught anything.  The man on the shore responded, “Cast your net on the other side.”  They did and the net became so full it was near the breaking point. One of the other Apostles realized that man was Jesus.

When Peter realized it was Jesus standing on the shore, he quickly threw his fisherman’s coat around himself. He remembered his need for modesty.  Then, the really interesting part is this…. He jumped in the water and swam to shore WITH ALL HIS CLOTHES ON!  He didn’t remove his fisherman’s coat to make it easier to swim.  No, he kept his undergarment AND his out coat on while swimming to shore to get to Jesus.  Peter understood the need for modesty.

 

When Adam and Eve transgressed in the Garden, they sewed fig leaves together to try to cover their nakedness.  But those skimpy coverings were not adequate enough in God’s eyes, so He sewed them COATS (coverings) to cover and teach modesty now that their innocence was gone.   

Modesty is important.  Holiness is important.

We see many examples and Scriptures throughout the Bible that teach us the ways of modesty.
Because Holiness IS important – inside and out.     

In the Last Days, Perilous Times Shall Come

IN THE LAST DAYS 2 Timothy 3:1-2

Paul wrote Timothy a list of signs that would be evident that the last days were upon us....

*Perilous times = reducing of strength, it will wear a person out physically, mentally, and even wear on a person spiritually.

*Lovers of self = Look around and you will see evidence abounding of people who are so obsessed and in love with their own self. It is evident on social media with the often selfies (different from sharing an outing or event), the poses, the puckered lips, the self praise, etc seeking the approval and praise of others. The posts that are shared about 'needing to love yourself more' are not of God and anti Biblical.

*covetous = people are jealous and want what others have without working hard to achieve it. They think a person shouldn't have something better than they have not considering or caring how hard the other person has worked to achieve it. This is the core problem with socialism. It is covetousness.

*Boasters = love to brag on self, family, or anything that brings attention to self. (This spirit is different from posting an accomplishment of a family member or your own). Pride is the root of it. Sometimes the motive can be to get a "one up" on someone else.

*Proud = appearing above others. Considers self better or more spiritual than another. Looks or talks condescending toward others. Not humble. Won't receive correction or instruction from the pastor <pride and rebellion were the two things that caused satan's downfall ... guard your heart from it>

Part 2 of THE LAST DAYS

2 Timothy 3:2

Paul wrote Timothy a list of signs that would be evident that the last days were upon us....

Blasphemers - not afraid to speak against God. His Holy Name is only a cuss word to them.

* Disobedient to parents - We know that children are naturally going to test boundaries and disobey but we are living in a time like no other. Children today will blatantly disobey and (continue to disobey) no matter what consequences are placed on them. They will smart off and talk back to adults, they lack respect and feel that the world revolves around them. Disney promotes it with sitcoms that portray the parents as bumbling ifiots while the super intelligent minors have to step in and direct and correct their parents. It is a spirit of rebellion. Cover your children's hearts and minds with prayer and monitor closely what they watch.

*unthankful - the mindset of many today is that they are owed whatever is done for them. You don't hear 'thank you' very often. It is human nature to focus on the negative instead of the positive. To many focus on what they don't have instead of what they do have. Israel fell into the same negative trap inthe wilderness - instead of being thankful for the manna, they whined about missing the foods they enjoyed in Egypt; forgetting about the slavery and cruelty they endured. It brought God's wrath. We need to always remember to be thankful.

* unholy - wicked. We are seeing that spirit of lawlessness and ungodliness grow and spread throughout our country and world. Wickedness is abounding and is glorified and promoted through movies. Evil is called good and good is called evil. Pray to hear God's voice. Pray that you and your loved ones are not drawn into a spirit of strong delusion.

Part 3 of IN THE LAST DAYS

2 Timothy 3:3

Paul wrote Timothy a list of signs that would be evident that the last days were upon us.

People would be....

* without natural affection - hardhearted. The Bible warns that because iniquity (sin, wickedness) shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. <Mt 24:12> Sadly, we are seeing that today. People used to care about each other. Even had compassion on strangers. Now, no one really knows their neighbors. Random drive by shootings occur often. You can see and feel the hate coming from a stranger's eyes. There are parents who abuse the very children they are to nurture and love....no natural affection. Why? Because people no longer care about another person. Which stems back to prayerlessness, God's Word is no longer in the homes or read like it used to be, people spend more time watching entertainment than they do spending time with Jesus. When their love for Jesus grows cold so does their care for fellow humans. Jesus needs to become the center of our homes and nation once again.

* trucebreakers - do not keep their agreements or promises. "I know I originally said I would but...." or "that's not what I meant. I really was meaning...."

*false accusers - slanderer. People kill a person's reputation with gossip and backbiting...on purpose with malice and the intent to cause others to look disgustedly at the person being slandered. You want a good study on the tongue? Read the book of James. There are strong warnings within that book. If a person appears to be religious but cannot Bridle their tongue (control what comes out of their mouth) James said that their religion is vain and they're only deceiving their self. (1:26) James 3:6 says the tongue defileth the whole body and is set on fire of hell. Pretty strong warning. Guard the tongue! If you've slipped, don't make excuses but instead repent and make things right. Jesus is coming soon! We want our hearts to be right so we can make it.

* incontinent - without self control. This is why we need to get a handle on children's outbursts and tantrums, teaching them a better way to express their frustrations so they do not grow to become adults who continue to throw tantrums, bullying others, and being violent as we've seen occurring in our country. Theseare works of the flesh. We need to have the fruit of the spirit.

*fierce - Strong's defines this word as savage. Intense raging anger.

*Despisers of those that are good - Isaiah 5:20 issues a warning to them that call evil good and good evil; that put Darkness for light and light for Darkness; that put bitter for sweet and Sweet for bitter. We are seeing this happening more and more. the Bible warns about a spirit of strong delusion that will come up on those who will not receive the truth but have pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thess 2:10-12) They will believe a lie and think it is truth and truth is a lie to them. Guard your hearts and Minds through prayer. And buy the Truth and sell it not!

"It takes more than just hoping you make it. Make your calling and election sure!"

 "It takes more than just hoping you make it. Make your calling and election sure!"

These words came to me clearly as I woke the morning of January 4, 2021. Too many are hoping they make it, but the Bible says to make sure.

Right after those words in 2 Peter 1:10, it reads "for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall." What are THESE THINGS that we're to do?

First of all - follow Peter's command in Acts 2:38 to Repent, Be baptized in the Name of Jesus for the remission of sins, and receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost (evidenced by speaking in other tongues as found throughout the Book of Acts as the Church was birthed).

Peter instructs the Church in 2 Peter 1:5 that the first thing we need is FAITH.

**FAITH - it is the moral conviction of religious Truth. It is what we believe in and hold to with strong conviction and can not be persuaded otherwise.

We are to add to our Faith - VIRTUE:

**we are to not only exhibit behavior showing high moral standards but also have great courage in the face of danger ( just as the Apostles and early Christians did)

And to Virtue, add KNOWLEDGE:

**We need to KNOW what the Bible says and teaches. Paul's letter to Timothy instructs every Believer that we are to STUDY God's Word. (2 Tim 2:15) Learn it. Know it.

And to Knowledge, add TEMPERANCE:

**As Christians, we are to exhibit self control in all areas...actions, words, thoughts, feelings, etc.

And to Temperance, add PATIENCE:

**Not an easy one but a necessary one whether it is with our family, on the job, in the public area, or our fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord.

And to Patience, add GODLINESS:

**Holiness (without which no one shall see the Lord. When 12:14) We are to be Holy because the Lord God we serve is Holy.

And to Godliness, add BROTHERLY KINDNESS:

**We are to do good, especially to those of the household of faith. (Gal 6:10)

And to Brotherly Kindness, add CHARITY:

**This word means Love. Jesus said people will know we are His Disciples if we have LOVE one toward another. (John 13:35)

Vs 8 - if these things be in us and ABOUND, they make us that we shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus.

Vs 9 - but he that lacketh these things is blind and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

Vs 10 - challenges us to develop these things in our lives because if we do THESE THINGS, we shall never fall.

Make your calling and election sure.

Put Thou My Tears Into Thy Bottle - Ps 56:8

 

SIPPING SAINTS - What Does the Bible Really Say About Alcohol?

 

Bible studies are intended to help us to dig a little deeper so we can gain an understanding of what God’s Word says and teaches.  Bible studies are to help us to become more Christlike and teach us how to live holy in an unholy world. 

Bible studies are not written to condemn the hearer but rather to admonish and teach us how to be more like Jesus.  The ways of the world are not the ways of God.  God has called us to separation and holiness. 

The Bible warns that there is a way that seems right to man but the end are the ways of destruction (Prov 14:12).  So keep an open heart and an open mind as we open God’s Word to learn what He is saying to His people. 

 

SIPPING SAINTS
What does the Bible really say about Alcohol?

 

The United States has become a sodden society where many are unable to cope with life without a drink or two to ‘get them through’.

PEOPLE TURN TO ALCOHOL to escape problems – but rather than escape problems, alcohol is a mocker and will actually cause a person to wallow in their problems even more than without it. 

Alcohol increases the risk of suicide in heavy drinkers because rather than drowning out their sorrow, it causes them to wallow and drown in their sorrow.

 

STATISTICS:

According to statistics from 2018, 14.4 million adults ages 18 and older have Alcohol Use Disorder. (9.2 million are men and 5.3 million are women)

The leading cause of preventable death in the United States each year is from tobacco related use.

480,000 deaths per year in the U.S. is from cigarette smoking.
41,000 of those deaths are from 2^nd hand smoke exposure ---- think of the kids!

The second leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. is from poor diet and lack of physical activity.

The third leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. each year is from alcohol-related causes.  Approximately 88,000 people (approximately 62,000 men and 26,000 women die from alcohol related causes annually, making alcohol the third leading preventable cause of death in the U.S.

Facts: 7.7% of deaths among men globally is alcohol attributable. 
And 2.6% of deaths among women globally are alcohol related.

CONSEQUENCES:

Affects on health - Destroyed livers, raised blood pressure, mood swings, mental, etc

Hangovers – passing out, vomiting

Loss of critical judgment and slow reactions

Birth defects in children of mothers who drink while pregnant.

We see an increase in underage drinking.  Kids will not do as you say as much as they will do what they see you do.  That’s why it is so important that we are a godly moral example to our children.

Nearly 10% of U.S. children live with a parent who has alcohol related problems. (study was from 2012 – percentage is higher now since covid hit and alcohol consumption has increased.  They knew that and is the reason they allowed liquor stores to be open yet tried to keep the doors to Churches closed tightly when that is the only place that people can find real hope!)

Children who grow up in a home where alcohol consumption is common are at a greater risk for emotional problems than children whose parents are not alcoholics. And they are 4 times more likely to become alcoholics themselves than other children. 

Most children of alcoholics have experienced some form of neglect or abuse in the home. Some suffer from the painful after effects of a parent dying from either alcohol related illness or suicide from increased alcohol consumption.

Bottom line: CHILDREN ARE THE INNOCENT VICTIMS WHO SUFFER THE MOST FROM ALCOHOL ABUSE!

~ ~ Is it any wonder the Bible warns against Alcohol consumption?! ~ ~

What does the Bible say about alcohol?

**Keep in mind: There are varying Hebrew words which were all translated to the English word ‘wine’ yet had different meanings. 

Things that meant one thing when originally translated do not have the same definition now as they did back then. 

Example: gay used to mean ‘happy’, now it describes something that is perverse

The ‘wine’ mentioned in the following verses will typically be the Hebrew word yah’-yin meaning ‘effervesce; wine as fermented, intoxication’ (H3196).

The ‘strong drink’ mentioned in the following verses will typically be the Hebrew word shay-kawr’ meaning ‘intoxicant, intensely alcoholic liquor’. (H7941)

 

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

Proverbs 31:4 – it is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink.

          Why? Because it affects their judgment!

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

Isaiah 5:22 – Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:

Isaiah 28:7 – They also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are wallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment.

God required separation from the world and Holiness!

Leviticus 10:9 – those who ministered before the Lord in the Tabernacle were not permitted to drink wine NOR strong drink.

God said if they did, they would die.  Intoxicating drinks affect their ministering. God wanted them to be holy and consecrated fully to Him, not altered or inhibited by the alcohol.

Nazarites took a vow which separated them unto God - they were not permitted to drink wine (fermented - H3196) nor strong drink (intensely alcoholic liquor – H7941) nor drink vinegar of wine nor from strong drinks (vinegar obtained from fermenting fruit juices or beer - H2558) nor were they permitted to drink any liquor of grapes nor were they permitted to eat grapes in any form (most likely to avoid any chance of alcoholic consumption) – Numbers 6:3-4 

John the Baptist’s mother was not permitted to drink wine nor strong drink while pregnant with him and John, the forerunner of Jesus who preached for everyone everywhere to repent, was not permitted to drink alcohol all his days – God didn’t want him to be influenced or inhibited against preaching the Truth of Righteousness and Holiness through the influence of alcoholic beverages.

As the Children of God, we should be separated completely and wholly from the world so that no one can accuse us of any unholy actions.

 

ALCOHOL AND ITS INFLUENCE
Have you ever seen someone under the influence of alcohol? They’ll say and do the craziest things that they are later embarrassed about.

è Have you ever stopped to think about why liquor stores have the word “spirits” connected to it? Drinking can put you under the influence of spirits that are not of God.  That’s why the Word of God and Pastors warn against it!

The most dangerous thing about alcohol is that a person cannot shut down a craving for it without the help of the Lord.  Alcohol enslaves, inflames, and renders powerless all who surrender to it.

But there is hope through Jesus Christ! By Him, we are made overcomers! James 4:7

          *Submit to God
          *Resist the devil
          *and he WILL FLEE from you

I’m sure we all have at least one family member who has been affected by alcohol addiction.

My great uncle drank himself to death.

My dad’s brother just passed in March 2020 from alcohol intoxication. So many times they found him in a drunken stuper face down in the snow suffering from frostbite – yet he still would return to the bottle after he was released from the hospital.

His daughter would post about how she was trying to drink her sorrow away, yet her posts revealed the alcohol was just taking her deeper into depression. The alcohol was not helping alleviate the sorrow.  Instead, it was intensifying it.

I deal with calls and texts often concerning my dad and his addiction to alcohol as well as calls concerning other family members.

Alcoholism doesn’t just affect the person who is drinking.  They don’t think or realize how it affects the ones who love them.

 

Biblical example…

Lot (nephew to Abraham) moved close to the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and eventually moved his family INTO the city. Those cities were so wicked and perverse in their ways and it began to affect his children and wife.

The wickedness was so great that God said He was going to destroy them.  Bur first, God sent angels to deliver Lot, his wife, and 2 daughters out of the cities before they were destroyed. 

They were told not to look back upon that sinful place but Lot’s wife did and she turned to a pillar of salt.  Lot and his daughters kept going and eventually found shelter in the mountains. 

The mountains were just a resting place, not a final destination but his daughters thought they would forever be without a husband and children.  So that night, his daughters, who had learned the wicked ways of those perverse cities, decided to get their father drunk. 

Lot was so drunk with alcohol and sorrow that he did not recognize that he was being promiscuous with his own daughters. That was considered wickedness before the Lord.

Those daughters each bore a son who became enemies that vexed the Israelites (Abraham’s descendants) – they were the Moabites and the Ammonites. 

Sin can have long lasting consequences. 

Some say:

BUT JESUS APPROVED OF DRINKING WINE….

Did He really?

People like to use the example of when Jesus turned water to wine at the wedding in Cana.

The wedding had been going on for 3 days. If they were drinking intoxicating drink, they would have been too drunk to know the difference once Jesus arrived. 

Keep in mind: not all wine is alcoholic any more than all cider is hard.  The word ‘wine’ did not mean back then what we take it to mean now.   It was the word used to describe the juice from the fruit. 

The intoxication came the longer the wine (juice) set and fermented into decayed wine. But this was new wine – new fruit juice.

The wine served at the wedding was a sweet fruit juice. How could Jesus and why would Jesus approve of serving something that His Word expressly speaks against?!  He didn’t!

Remember Jesus served His disciples ‘wine’ and bread at the last supper.  That ‘wine’ was symbolic of the Blood that He was about to shed for our sins.

There is no way that ‘wine’ was fermented and intoxicating because Jesus’ body never saw decay. Intoxicating wine is made from decaying and fermenting juice. 

It is revealed through Scripture that it was the ‘fruit of the vine’ that was in that cup. (Matt 26:27-29) supporting that it was not alcoholic wine.

Jesus is the Creator and Giver of Life, not of death.

Jesus exampled the refusal of taking intoxicating drink into the body even while in excruciating pain at the point of death when He refused to drink wine mingled with myrrh that was offered to Him to help numb the pain He was experiencing while on the Cross.

Jesus could not and would not partake of something that His Word warned against!  It would be contrary to His sinless character.

Some try to use the Scripture where Luke admonished Timothy to drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities. (1 Tim 5:23)

The point of Luke’s admonition is found within this verse.  It appears Timothy was having some trouble with his stomach and bowels.  Luke was a physician.  As a physician, he was not promoting consumption of alcoholic beverages.  He was prescribing a medical treatment for Timothy’s often infirmities. 

 

We can see not only is there Scripture after Scripture that warns against drinking alcoholic beverages but statistics as well as medical evidence reveal that intoxicating drinks are not healthy or wise to ingest.

God, by His direct act, does not make alcohol.  The laws of nature, if left to themselves, do not produce it. Grapes ripen, and if not eaten, they then rot and decompose but do not become wine. The manufacture of alcohol is wholly man’s device.  It is man who created intoxicating alcohol, not God.

God would not created intoxicating beverage and then warn time after time in His Word not to drink it. 

God’s Word will never contradict itself.  We have to follow what God says, not what man thinks on this subject.

God’s Word warns against it for our own good! And the good of our family!