by P. Hulsey | Dec 31, 2014 | A, blog, TOPICS
ANGER
DEFINITION: Anger is an emotional reaction to what you perceive to be a displeasing situation or event, one where you have been offended, wronged, denied, or been a victim of an injustice.
FACTS ABOUT ANGER:
Anger can be positive. Anger is not always wrong. Some anger is good. Positive anger is motivated by unselfishness and is directed against an injustice or wrong behavior. Jesus demonstrated righteous anger in cleansing the temple (Mark 11:15 and 17) and in His response to the Pharisees and their attitudes towards the healing of an infirm man (Mark 3:5).
Improper anger is sin. Improper anger results in aggressive acts of violence, rage, fury, and wrath. Improper anger is sin.
You need help with your anger when you are so angry that you are out of control; when you suppress anger and redirect it against others or yourself; or when anger results in bitterness, resentment, and hostility.
Mistaken assumptions often lead to anger. You may be angry about something that really didn’t happen the way you think or were told it did. You may also make false assumptions about a person’s motivation for doing something.
Anger comes from within. You cannot blame your anger on someone else because “..out of the overflow of the heart, his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). While you cannot control another´s actions, you do have a choice in your own emotional responses
Anger opens the door to other negative attitudes. Anger opens the door for the enemy to come in with other negative emotions and attitudes. “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:26-28). A foothold is “a firm or secure position that provides a base for further advancement” (American Heritage Dictionary). If you don´t deal with anger in a timely manner, it opens the door to Satan and leads to other negative emotions like resentment, bitterness, and hated. Uncontrolled anger gives birth to more anger.
Anger can kill. Anger affects respiration, blood pressure, the heart, nervous system, and the muscular system. Anger can kill you or cause you to lose control and kill or injure someone else. Anger is not only an emotional and health issue, it is also a spiritual issue.
DEALING WITH ANGER:
Confess anger as sin. Confess improper anger as sin and ask God to forgive you. Take personal responsibility. Do not try to make other people responsible for your anger, ie, “I have Uncle Harry’s temper.”
Spend time praying regarding your anger. Make your anger a matter of serious prayer, asking God to help you at the start of each new day. Surrender your emotions to the Holy Spirit. Ask God to remove the roots of anger that are growing inside you. Be on guard, “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled” (Hebrews 12:15). Ask God to change your heart because “..out of the overflow of the heart, his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45).
Analyze the root cause of your anger. What circumstances tend to set you off? Why are you so angry? Is it a learned pattern of response? Destroy the root and kill the fruit.
Practice forgiveness. Unforgiveness is often a root cause anger. Ask God to forgive you, forgive yourself, and then forgive others who have wronged you. As long as you harbor unforgiveness, the person you are angry with is controlling you. Matthew 6:14‑15 states: AFor if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.@ You may need to confront the person you are angry with by using the steps given in Matthew 18:15-17. Whether the other party repents of wrong or not, you will benefit by knowing you did the right thing
Redirect your anger. Positive directed anger can be a useful tool–for example, anger which motivates a person to strive toward good, like getting laws changed to stop child abuse. Positive anger finds ways to correct wrongs for the good of society. The organization MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) is an example of what can be done with positive anger that is focused on a purpose. If you find yourself becoming angry, ask God to show you ways that your anger can be channeled for good.
Learn how to communicate. Research has proven that when a person is shouted at, he usually shouts back. With patience and practice, you can calm an angry person with your tone of voice. When someone upsets you, calmly talk to them about how you feel. Learn to express yourself better. Don’t react before you think. Before speaking, ask yourself if what you are going to say will help or hinder. Ask God to help you remain calm. Expend energy to deal with the problem, not to fuel an emotional response.
Walk away. Remove yourself from the situation or problem until you can respond without anger. Choose to walk away: ADo not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way@ (Proverbs 4:14‑15).
Do not maintain friendships with angry people. “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared” (Proverbs 22:24-25).
Fix your mind on God. Fix your mind on God instead of what is causing your anger: “You–God–will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (Isaiah 26:3‑4). Much that you are angry about is temporal with no eternal ramifications.
Think about situations that have caused you anger or that might arouse your anger in the future and pray about how these should be handled.
Immerse yourself in the Word of God. Memorize scriptures concerning anger.
WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS ABOUT ANGER:
In your anger do not sin. (Psalm 4:4)
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath. (Psalm 37:8)
A quick-tempered man does foolish things. (Proverbs 14:17)
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly. (Proverbs 14:29)
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)
A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel. (Proverbs 15:18)
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared. (Proverbs 22:24-25)
Wise men turn away anger…A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. (Proverbs 29:8 and 11)
An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins. (Proverbs 29:22)
For as churning the milk produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife. (Proverbs 30:33)
Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. (Ecclesiastes 7:9)
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment…(Matthew 5:22)
In your anger, do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry and do not give the devil a foothold. (Ephesians 4:26-27)
You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.(Colossians 3:-8)
I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing. (1 Timothy 2:8)
Make every effort to live in peace with all men. (Hebrews 12:14)
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. (James 1:19-20)
(See also “Emotions” and “Vengeance” in this database.)
by P. Hulsey | Dec 31, 2014 | A, blog, TOPICS
ALCOHOLISM
DEFINITION: An alcoholic is one who is unable to control drinking alcoholic substances, a person who is controlled by the desire, abuse, and misuse of alcohol. Their drinking is compulsive and out of control. Habitual use results in uncontrolled addiction.
FACTS ABOUT ALCOHOLISM:
Alcohol can be addictive. Alcohol in the form of dinner wine is accepted in some cultures and is also used for medicinal purposes, but when used improperly it can become an addiction. When used in cooking, the alcoholic content is destroyed.
Wine in the Bible. The word “wine” in the Bible can mean either unfermented or fermented fruit of the vine. Priests were forbidden to drink wine (Leviticus 10:9) and kings were counseled not to drink it (Proverbs 31:4)–and we are called kings and priests unto God (Revelation 1:6). Jesus refused wine for medicinal purposes while on the cross (Mark 15:23), but drank of the cup at the Last Supper. The water that Jesus turned to wine could have been fermented or unfermented–we are not told. Personal conviction should be exercised in this area when wine is not an addictive issue.
You are not doomed for life. There is a slogan that says “once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic“ This statement is not true about a born-again believer who is a new creature in Christ. It does not mean that you cannot be delivered from alcoholism, but it does mean this is an area of temptation where you must continually be on guard. If you are or have been an alcoholic, you cannot drink ever again. Not even one drink!
Alcoholism can be passed down through families. Children of alcoholics tend to become alcoholics themselves–perhaps through learned behavior and/or generational spirits. This does not mean you can blame your alcoholism on your parents, however. You must take responsibility for your own addiction and deal with it so that you will not pass on this tendency to your own children.
Alcoholism is not a disease, it is a choice. If alcoholism is a disease it is the only one contracted by an act of the will; the only disease that is habit-forming; the only disease that promotes crime and brutality; and the only disease that is sold in a bottle in a store, and in some places, taxed by the government.
You are not alone. The temptation you are battling in regards to alcohol is common, but God has made a way of escape from it (1 Corinthians 10:13).
DEALING WITH ALCOHOLISM:
Recognize that alcohol abuse is a work of the flesh. It is listed among the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21). It is not a sickness. The Holy Spirit can and will produce the self-control needed to overcome this and other addictions as you allow the Fruit of the Spirit to be manifested in your life (Galatians 5:22-23).
Analyze why you need alcohol. Why do you need it? Are you trying to mask emotional pain? Do you rely on it to enable social interaction with others? If you determine why you drink, then you can deal with the root cause of your problem instead of turning to alcohol.
Admit that you need help. Proverbs 28:13 declares: “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” 1 John 1:8-9 gives both a warning and a promise: “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Ask God for deliverance. Pray not only about your alcoholism, but the root cause behind it–the loneliness, hurt, pain, inferiority, etc., that drives you to drink. Rebuke any generational spirits that would foster a desire for alcohol. Bind the spirit of alcoholism from operating in your life (Matthew 18:18).
Change your life-style. Do not attend events where drinking occurs and do not hang out with friends who drink. Do not watch television programs that promote drinking through either the screenplay or advertising. Do not return again to the bondage of alcoholism (Galatians 5:1).
Form a support network. Form a personal support network of people who have successfully recovered from alcoholism. Celebrate Recovery, Salvation Army, and Teen Challenge provide excellent Christian support network for addictions.
Remember that you never fail until you quit trying. If you start drinking again, don’t give up in defeat. Ask God to forgive you and strengthen you to take control over your addiction through the power of the Holy Spirit. Then simply begin again. Rather than condemning yourself, think about ways you can escape the next time you are tempted. Understand that as a recovered alcoholic, you cannot take even one drink.
WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS ABOUT ALCOHOLISM:
Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise. (Proverbs 20:1)
He who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich. (Proverbs 21:17)
Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. Your eyes will see strange sights and your mind imagine confusing things. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas,
lying on top of the rigging. “They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt! They beat me, but I don’t feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?” (Proverbs 23:29-35
Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks, who stay up late at night till they are inflamed with wine. (Isaiah 5:11)
Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine and champions at mixing drinks. (Isaiah 5:22)
Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbors, pouring it from the wineskin till they are drunk, so that he can gaze on their naked bodies. You will be filled with shame instead of glory. (Habakkuk 2:15-16)
Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. (Luke 21:34)
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage … For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. (Galatians 5:1,13)
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of a sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. (Galatians 5:16-17)
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18)
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:15-16)
(See also “Addictions” and “Habits” in this database.)
by P. Hulsey | Dec 31, 2014 | A, blog, Uncategorized
ADULTERY
DEFINITION: Adultery is sexual intercourse with someone other than your lawful spouse. It is sin and a flagrant violation of the covenant of marriage.
FACTS ABOUT ADULTERY:
Adultery has many negative consequences. Broken homes, unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, and negative emotions like guilt, fear, shame, and anxiety.
Adultery is sin. According to the Bible, adultery is sin and stems from your own selfish desires. It is not a “weakness”. It is not an “affair”. It is sin, because God says it is sin. The very thought of it by lusting is sin (Matthew 5:27-28).
God’s plan is one man and one woman for life. “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate”(Matthew 19:4-6).
DEALING WITH ADULTERY:
Reject lustful thoughts. Lusting after someone is considered the same as adultery (Matthew 5:27-28). Adultery begins in the mind.
Avoid temptation. Avoid compromising situations that put you in a place of temptation, alone with a handsome man or a beautiful woman. If you are never alone with someone of the opposite sex who is not your spouse, adultery will probably not become an issue.
Confess adultery as sin. “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).
Break ungodly relationships. Break the relationship with your adulterous partner. Make a total break: No more communication in any form. “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty” (2 Corinthians6:17-18).
Seek forgiveness from those you have wronged. This would include your spouse and your adulterous partner.
Ask God to restore your marriage. If both parties are willing–with the help of God–your marriage can be restored. If you are the offender, you must realize that your spouse may opt not to take you back. You must be prepared to face this possibility and graciously accept it if it happens.
WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS ABOUT ADULTERY:
Do not have sexual relations with your neighbor’s wife and defile yourself with her. (Leviticus 18:20)
You shall not commit adultery. (Deuteronomy 5:18)
The eye of the adulterer watches for dusk; he thinks, “No eye will see me,” and he keeps his face concealed. (Job 24:15)
The lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter gall, sharp as a double-edged sword.. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave. (Proverbs 5:3 and 5)
Keep to a path far from her, do not go near the door of her house, lest you give your best strength to others and your years to one who is cruel, lest strangers feast on your wealth and your toil enrich another man’s house. (Proverbs 5:8-10)
Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress? Why embrace the bosom of another man’s wife? For a man’s ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all his paths. The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast. (Proverbs 5:20-22)
Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched? So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished…A man who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself. (Proverbs 6:27-29 and 32)
Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your kinsman; they will keep you from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words. (Proverbs 7:4-5)
The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; he who is under the Lord’s wrath will fall into it. (Proverbs 22:14)
This is the way of an adulteress: She eats and wipes her mouth and says, “I’ve done nothing wrong.” (Proverbs 30:20)
I supplied all their needs, yet they committed adultery and thronged to the houses of prostitutes. (Jeremiah 5:7)
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Mathew 5:27-28)
“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator made them male and female, and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” (Matthew 19:4-6)
Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.(1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. (1 Corinthians 6:18-20)
Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. (Hebrews 13:4)
With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed an accursed brood! (2 Peter 2:14)
(See also “Promiscuity” in this data base.)
by P. Hulsey | Dec 31, 2014 | A, blog, D, G, S, Uncategorized
ADDICTIONS
(Drug, Alcohol, Gambling, Sexual)
DEFINITION: People with addictions have lost control over what they think, what they do, or what they ingest into their bodies. The term “addiction” can be applied to harmful substances such as drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes. It can also be applied to harmful behaviors such as compulsive gambling, sex, or mutilating your own body. People can also develop addictions to things that in themselves are not harmful–such as food, hobbies, sports, etc.–but that are addictions when used in uncontrolled excesses.
FACTS ABOUT ADDICTION:
So you think you aren’t addicted? If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you need help:
-Are you using drugs other than those required and prescribed for medical reasons?
-Can you get through the week without using alcohol or drugs?
-Has your drug/alcohol abuse interfered with relationships with your parents, children, spouse,relatives, or friends?
-Has your drug/alcohol use caused you to miss days at work or school?
-Have you been dismissed from school, a job, school, or other positions due to drug/alcohol use?
-Have you had a fight when under the influence of alcohol or a drug?
-Have you done anything illegal in order to obtain alcohol or drugs?
-Have you been arrested for possession of illegal drugs?
-Have you been arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
-Have you had medical problems (like memory loss, hepatitis, convulsions, blackouts, flashbacksetc.) as a result of using drugs or alcohol?
-Do you feel sick when you try to stop using drugs or alcohol?
You are a slave to whatever controls you. “A man is a slave to whatever has mastered him” (2 Peter 2:19).
You cannot please God if you are controlled by addictions. “Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you” (Romans 8:8-9).
Anything that harms your body spiritually, mentally, or physically is sin. The Bible declares: “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple” (1 Corinthians 3:16-17) . Your body is a temple and you should treat it as a sanctuary.
Addictions cause you to lose control. When you are under the influence of an addiction, you lose control of your will, your body, and your mental processes. If you are not in control and God is not in control, guess who is? Your enemy, Satan.
Drugs are related to sorcery. Revelation 18:23 speaks of the “sorceries” of evil men. The Greek word for sorceries is “pharmakeia”, meaning “enchantment with drugs”. Revelation 9:21 indicates that those that do not repent of their “sorceries” (enchantment with drugs) cannot enter the Kingdom of God.
Legitimate drugs, when not abused, are not sinful. Every good gift comes from God, and legitimate medications are gifts that help restore health and alleviate pain.
There are many kinds of addictions. A person can be addicted to food, drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, or pornography. One may also be addicted to an activity that in itself is not wrong, but because of overindulgence in it becomes wrong.
God wants you free from all addictions. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1).
DEALING WITH ADDICTION:
Admit that your addiction is sin. As long as you refuse to admit your addiction, you will be unable to deal with it. “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).
Cut the root, kill the fruit. Addiction is a surface manifestation of a deeper need or problem in your life. Think about why you take drugs, drink, smoke, gamble, etc.? Do you feel better about yourself when you do it? Do you do it to try to escape heartache and difficulties in your life? Whether it be heartache, difficulties, or negative emotions, etc., cut the root that is supporting your habit and you will kill the fruit–the addiction itself.
Ask God for deliverance. Pray not only about your addiction, but the root causes behind it–your hurt, pain, rejection issues, etc. Rebuke any generational spirits that would foster addictions. Bind the spirit of addiction from operating in your life: “I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 18:18). Renew your mind by the Word, prayer, and meditation.
Seek biblical rehabilitation. If you need assistance in dealing with your addiction, find a biblical rehabilitation center or program. The Salvation Army, Teen Challenge, Dream Centers, and Celebrate Recovery are excellent biblically-based programs.
Resist the devil. “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you…” (James 4:7-8a). You resist the devil and his temptations by prayer and the Word of God which enables you to draw near to God. You are not resisting the devil when you have cigarettes or drugs in your pocket just “in case it doesn’t work” and you need them. Use your access to God to secure help in time of need (Hebrews 4:15-16).
Change your lifestyle. Do not hang out with people who use drugs or alcohol. Do not frequent parties or places where drugs or alcohol are used or gambling is done. Do not watch television programs that promote drugs, alcohol, gambling, etc. through either the screenplay or advertising. Do not return again to the bondage of addiction (Galatians 5:1).
Form a support network. Form a personal support network of people who have successfully recovered from addictions and can help you do the same. Celebrate Recovery and Teen Challenge provide excellent Christian support networks for addictions.
Know that you will be tempted. Temptation is common when overcoming an addiction, but you can overcome it in the power of the Lord. When you are tempted by the enemy to engage in your habit again remember that… “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). There is always a way out. Take it!
Remember that you never fail until you quit trying. If you return to your addiction, do not give up in defeat. Ask God to forgive you and strengthen you to take control over the addiction, then begin again. Rather than condemning yourself, think about ways you can respond better next time you are tempted.
WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS ABOUT ADDICTION:
I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. (John 8:34-35)
For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. (Romans 7:18)
For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do–this I keep doing…What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:19 and 24-25)
Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. (Romans 8:8-9)
For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. (Romans 8:13-14)
Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. (Romans 13:14)
Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple. (1 Corinthians 3:16-17)
Everything is permissible for me-but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me-but I will not be mastered by anything. (1 Corinthians 6:12)
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
For we are the temple of the living God. (2 Corinthians 6:16)
Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. (2 Corinthians 7:1)
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage … For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. (Galatians 5:1,13)
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of a sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. (Galatians 5:16-17)
And be not drunk with wine (or high on other drugs), wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18)
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.(Colossians 3:1-5)
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:15-16)
A man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. (2 Peter 2:19)
(See also “Alcoholism” and “Habits” in this database.)
by P. Hulsey | Dec 31, 2014 | A, blog, C, D, S, Uncategorized
ABUSE
(Domestic, Child, Sexual)
DEFINITION: Abuse is mistreatment of another person. It includes child abuse, spousal abuse, physical, emotional, mental, and sexual abuse. The term also applies to the misuse of legitimate authority, for example a government official or religious leader who abuses their power.
FACTS ABOUT ABUSE:
Abuse takes many forms. It may be domestic abuse, child abuse, sexual abuse, or physical, emotional, and mental abuse.
Abuse is not tolerated in God’s Kingdom. Certain types of abuse–such as domestic abuse–is permitted in some countries, but we are not citizens of the nation in which we live. We are citizens of the Kingdom of God, and we are governed by God’s laws that prohibit any kind of abuse.
Abuse is against the law in the US and many other nations. See God’s mandates regarding believers abiding by the law in Romans 13:1-3; 1 Peter 2:13-14; and Luke 17:2.
Abuse is against God’s law. One of the two greatest commandments is to love others (Matthew 22:37-39). Abuse is not love.
Abuse can be learned behavior–for example, a person sees their Dad abuse their Mom and models similar abuse in their own relationships.
Causes of abuse. The root cause behind abuse is often uncontrolled anger. It also stems from a low self-image which makes a person abuse others to try to elevate their own status.
Abusers tend to justify their behavior. They blame others for making them so angry that they are forced to respond in this manner.
DEALING WITH ABUSE:
If you are being abused, remove yourself from the situation. Remaining in an abusive situation may cost your life or that of your child. In many nations, you are legally responsible for removing a child from an abusive environment. Move in with a relative or friend or seek help from a Christian shelter. If you are being abused by an employer, seek a new job. If you are experiencing abuse by a spiritual leader, find a new church.
If you are the abuser, admit your problem. As long as you are in denial, you cannot change.
Ask God for forgiveness if you have abused someone. Abuse in any form is a sin and violates God’s law of loving others (Matthew 22:37-39).
Ask forgiveness of those you have abused. God requires it. Your own gifts, prayers, and worship won’t be accepted until you do this: “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23-24).
If you tend to be abusive, ask God to develop the Fruit of the Spirit in your life. Love, patience, and self control will replace your abusive behavior.
If you have suffered abuse, the first step towards healing is to acknowledge that the abuse happened. Maybe your abuser warned you not to tell anyone, or maybe your family didn’t believe you when you told them what happened. Healing starts when you admit the truth about the abuse, whether or not others believe you. As you admit the abuse, you may experience feelings of confusion, hurt, blame, and shame. You might be tempted to drown those feelings with alcohol, drugs, food, anger or sexual addictions. Instead, replace these negative thoughts with the truth of God’s Word. God made you in His image (Genesis 1:27). He loves you so much that He sent His only Son to die for you (John 3:16). He has a plan to give you a future and a hope. Admit that what was done to you was wrong, sinful acts committed by sinful people, Whether or not you are able to confront your abuser, you must forgive them. When anger or shameful thoughts over past abuse try to return to your mind, reject these immediately. You will never have a future as long as you are living in the past.
WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS ABOUT ABUSE:
Abuse in general.
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself .'” (Matthew 22:37-39)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23a)
Sexual abuse.
No one is to approach any close relative to have sexual relations. (Leviticus 18:6)
Do not have sexual relations with your son’s daughter or your daughter’s daughter; that would dishonor you. (Leviticus 18:10)
Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.(1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
Child abuse.
See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. (Matthew 18:10)
Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. (Luke 17:1-2)
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)
Spousal Abuse.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church–for we are members of his body. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery–but I am talking about Christ and the chWives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. (Colossians 3:18-20)urch. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. (Ephesians 5:25-32)
Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. (Colossians 3:18-20)
by P. Hulsey | Dec 31, 2014 | A, blog, TOPICS
ABORTION
DEFINITION: Abortion is the termination of the life of an unborn baby.
FACTS ABOUT ABORTION:
Abortion is sin. The Bible says “You shall not kill” (Deuteronomy 5:17). It is wrong to take the life of an unborn child because the child is a living soul from the moment of conception. The only exception would be in order to save the life of the mother. Despite this exclusion, many have opted to trust God for the lives of both mother and child instead of aborting.
The fetus is a living being. God knows a child in the womb (Jeremiah 1:5). God creates every part of the unborn child (Psalm 139:13-16). What right do you have to terminate God’s workmanship? Who are you to say that even a deformed child cannot live and/or even be healed by God? A heart is detectible in a fetus at 18 days, brain waves at 43 days, and all systems are formed by eight weeks and functioning at eleven weeks. Except for size, by 20 weeks a child is fully developed.
A child in the womb is capable of emotional responses. John the Baptist leaped with joy in his mother’s womb when he heard Mary’s voice, the mother of the Messiah to come (Luke 1:41,44).
You do not have a right over your own body. Pro-abortionists claim a woman has a right over her own body. God’s Word says “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). If you want to control your body, exercise self-control over your passions so you do not get pregnant if you do not want a child.
There is an alternative to abortion. Adoption would bless a couple who are incapable of having a child. Choose a Christian adoption agency to assist with this option.
DEALING WITH ABORTION:
Seek forgiveness from God. When you abort a child, your are consenting to its death. The Apostle Paul (Saul) consented to the death of Stephen, yet God forgave him and called him to a tremendous ministry. If you have aborted a baby, confess your sin and ask forgiveness from God.
Know that abortion is no greater than any other sin. God views any transgression as sin whether it be gossip or murder! If you confess your sin, God forgives you (1 John 1:9) and forgets your iniquities (Jeremiah 31:34).
Forgive yourself. Your sin is forgiven. Jesus bore your sin on the cross, and He also bore the shame of your sin (Hebrews 12:2). Do not live under the shame and condemnation of abortion.
Consider adoption if you are pregnant with an unwanted child or one for whom you cannot provide. You will be greatly blessing a childless couple.
WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS ABOUT ABORTION:
You shall not murder. (Exodus 20:13)
From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God. (Psalm 22:10)
Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even at my mother’s breast. (Psalm 22:19)
From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you. (Psalm 71:6)
Your hands made me and formed me. (Psalm 119:73)
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body (Psalm 139:13-16)
This is what the Lord says–he who made you, who formed you in the womb. (Isaiah 44:2)
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart. (Jeremiah 1:5)
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. (Luke 1:41)
