Search

It is absurd that there is division and gossip between some of you. Did Jesus sow seeds of division? Did Jesus gossip? Why do some unfairly criticize other Christians, and in public no less? Wouldn’t Satan delight in this, because such actions reinforce the disdain some have for God and Christianity? Wouldn’t a person like that say, "You see, Christians themselves act like this, so why should I become Christian?" Shouldn’t we act the way we preach? Why do some Christians assume that others lack Godliness? No one knows the hearts of others, only God. If one has spent any time online in comment sections, you would have noticed the condemning nature of those who are supposedly Christian towards a popular Christian that has made a mistake. It’s important for those in the spotlight to avoid sinning and making mistakes because people are always watching them. And also, some people are watching them, waiting for them to fail, and proceed to provide the reaction, “You see, Christians aren’t all that and are just sanctimonious.” Christians are to be role models. It is imperative for Christians to always act in Christ in public. I won’t use names here, but let's talk about something I sadly come across all too much.   There has been the constant condemnation of Christians who rap. They are in the limelight, and everything they do is scrutinized, and even the genre of the music is targeted. It is essential that people not forget that all music is inherently not a sin. There is no one type of beat or one type of delivery of lyrics that is a sin. It is the lyrics themselves that make the song a sin or not. Speaking of lyrics, some Christians have implanted the idea in their consciousness that Christian music should have God said a number of times to their liking. A Christian song obviously can be Christian even without having God being said in the song at all. There is no sin that involves not saying God in a song. You will hear some saying that those songs aren’t entirely Godly because they don’t say God enough. Or that artist is not Christian; he/she doesn’t say God enough in their music. Remember, fellow Christians, not everything is about you. Do you think that music that is used to reach people should be so infused with advanced Godly principles and terminology? Would you have positively responded to such a song if you were an unbeliever? Some music is a tool to minister to unbelievers. The song in the genre of rap is used to garner the attention of those who listen to carnal rap music. The similarity in style and rhythm are the means of persuasion. Such songs sound like songs that they would normally listen to, but they will quickly realize that the lyrics are positive, uplifting, and even provide counsel showing them a better way through God. A litany of new believers have testimonials rooted in being saved after listening to a Christian song that is rapped. Some of the artists who are Christians tell a tale that God saved them from a life of misery, and they should have lost their lives a long time ago if it wasn’t for the grace of God.   Now every song isn’t the same. It goes without saying, but I will still say it: be careful of the wolf in sheep clothing. Use the Holy Spirit for discernment in order to ascertain which music is Godly and which is pretending to be Godly. Given all this, a question begs to be asked. Should the music be as ignorant as the ministry of some Christians who think telling unbelievers to repent or go to Hell is a fruitful endeavor? If so, then the music would achieve the same result that the ministry through ignorance would achieve, driving people further away from God and actually assisting Satan in his plan to get as many people as possible away from God.   It’s like some Christians are waiting for others to fail so that they can metaphorically come in riding on their white horse, casting shame upon the person who failed. Did Jesus delight in condemning people? So why do some Christians perk up when a situation presents itself for them to utter condemnation amongst others? Don’t you know that it is an action that you would think unbelievers would do, because they know not of God and His ways? Even many unbelievers have the wisdom to not condemn others, so why don’t some Christians have that wisdom too? Especially given the fact they have witnessed God in a more intimate way than an unbeliever, yet the unbeliever in this case is acting more like Jesus than a person who has chosen to be sanctified by the grace of God and the shed blood of Jesus Christ.   This passage below shows just how Jesus would act in a situation where many people would choose to condemn:   “The Adulterous Woman [1] But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. [2] Early in the morning He came back into the temple [court], and all the people were coming to Him. He sat down and began teaching them. [3] Now the scribes and Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery. They made her stand in the center of the court, [4] and they said to Him, ‘Teacher, this woman has been caught in the very act of adultery. [5] Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women [to death]. So what do You say [to do with her—what is Your sentence]?’ [Deut 22:22-24] [6] They said this to test Him, hoping that they would have grounds for accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down and began writing on the ground with His finger. [7] However, when they persisted in questioning Him, He straightened up and said, ‘He who is without [any] sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.’  [Deut 17:7] [8] Then He stooped down again and started writing on the ground. [9] They listened [to His reply], and they began to go out one by one, starting with the oldest ones, until He was left alone, with the woman [standing there before Him] in the center of the court. [10] Straightening up, Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?’  [11] She answered, ‘No one, Lord!’ And Jesus said, ‘I do not condemn you either. Go. From now on sin no more.’ ]” (John 8:1-11 AMP).   Jesus didn’t condemn the woman, but instead provided a teaching moment for her accusers. The passage also states that her accusers were preparing to accuse Jesus himself. Just think about that. Those people had so much of an accusatory heart that they were eagerly awaiting the moment to accuse Jesus. Jesus was perfect in nature, not giving them the opportunity to accuse him. But those who were anticipating accusing Jesus were not perfect and had imperfections and misgivings just like the woman who they wanted to condemn. If one wants to condemn anyone, condemn yourself. However, we should never condemn ourselves either, because God has bestowed upon us His grace.   1. John 8 | AMP Bible | YouVersion. (n.d.). In www.bible.com . https://www.bible.com/bible/1588/JHN.8.AMP .

Being Christian is like being a basketball player. There was once a child who had a dream to become a professional basketball player. The child knows some things about basketball and maybe knows the rules and the general aspect of how the game works. As the child matures and becomes more invested in the game of basketball, that child becomes a better basketball player. The child’s parents are motivating the player in every step along the way. Now training isn’t something that the child would undertake in the child’s early years. But as the child grows up, training becomes essential. As training becomes essential, setbacks become more prevalent as well.   That child becomes a teenager and gets on the high school team. That teenager then gets cut from the team. But the teenager doesn’t quit. The teenager actually works harder, seeking guidance from their parents and friends. Then next year the teen joins the team again, but this time becomes a better player and is able to be a significant part of the team. The teen never gave up and kept their eyes on the prize. The teen then gets recruited to a college team but quickly realizes college is harder than anything that they have ever faced. Before the season starts, the now young adult is made aware of the their role on the team. To the dismay of the young adult, the player was not selected to be a starter but is designated as a bench player and sees limited minutes. A year goes by, but the player’s situation is still the same. The young adult, as the player did in the past, sought counsel from their parents and friends for guidance through this setback. The young adult never ceases to practice hard and stays ready. The young adult looks back at the trials and tribulations in the past and sees just how much they had to overcome to get this spot. That even motivates the young adult to work harder.   Not until the young adult’s junior season that an opportunity was given to the player. Because the young adult was steadfast in training and practicing, the player was ready to make the best of the situation. The young adult shined in the moment and, as such, was propelled into the starting lineup. Soon, the young adult was playing as well as anybody else. In the player’s senior season, the young adult was able to be one of the best players in the league. The young adult wasn’t the best player but was still one of the better players. Graduation came and went, and it was soon time for the professional league draft.   Keeping in mind the desire to be the best player they could be, the young adult envisioned getting drafted by a professional team. Round one came and went. The young adult was not picked. Round two started, and with each pick, the dream of getting drafted faded little by little. The young adult’s expectation grew with each and every second leading up to the final pick, in hopes of getting drafted.   The commissioner walked up to the podium and stated, “And for the last pick of the draft, the team selects ...” The young adult was not picked.   The young adult was disheartened and angry. All the hard work and sacrifices the young adult made felt at that moment as being pointless and meaningless. All the work the player undertook seemed for naught. The player’s parents and friends consoled the young adult, reminding the young adult of all the things that the young adult overcame and the opportunity to accomplish even more in the future. The young adult eventually regained that internal fire that was so close to being extinguished by not being selected and seeing not being selected as a failure. The young adult realized that even being considered in the pool of possible draftees was a great accomplishment in itself. And not being picked is an opportunity to achieve growth and wisdom. The young adult kept on training and practicing for several professional teams.   Months went by, and when it seemed that the season would start without the young adult getting onto a team, the young adult was given a professional contract by a team. It wasn’t the team that the young adult envisioned, but it was a professional team. The young adult kept seeking the guidance of their parents and friends, even through the later years as a professional basketball player and after becoming an adult. The adult became a very good player, attaining awards and eventually being on championship teams. The adult looked back and realized that the team that the player placed on a pedal stool was not as advantageous as the player once thought. That team’s environment wouldn’t have allowed the player to accomplish all that the player had accomplished. The adult eventually reached retirement. The adult was continually getting counseling from the their parents and friends like the adult did as a child, through all the trials and tribulations. In fact, the adult kept on seeking counsel even at the point of the player’s retirement from ever playing the game of basketball.   If you didn’t get the metaphors, basketball is a metaphor of our pursuit in life; the child is a baby Christian; the teenager is a more mature Christian; the young adult is even a more mature Christian; the adult is at the most mature stage of Christianity but still learning from God; the retirement from the game of basketball is physical death; the training and practicing is reading the Word and praying; and most importantly, the parents and friends were a metaphor for God. We as Christians need to continually seek counsel from God as we face trial and tribulations during life. We must not give up and continue to press on. If we do, we will achieve His Will for our lives that God has set for all of us. We just need to seek God each and every day and place all our trust in Him.

“Once saved, always saved” is unequivocally false, evidenced by the sheer existence of the Devil. The Devil was cast out of Heaven by God because Satan led a rebellion against God. In doing so, he lost his salvation and gained an eternity of banishment into the pits of Hell with fire and brimstone. Logic alone will show that if a high ranking angel lost his salvation, thus we as mere humans can too lose our salvation by the choices we make. Scripture states that our behavior can prevent us from Heaven. This is in black and white in any Bible:   “[1] Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]; [2] and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance. [Ezek 20:41]   [3] But sexual immorality and all [moral] impurity [indecent, offensive behavior] or greed must not even be hinted at among you, as is proper among saints [for as believers our way of life, whether in public or in private, reflects the validity of our faith]. [4] Let there be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse [obscene or vulgar] joking, because such things are not appropriate [for believers]; but instead speak of your thankfulness [to God]. [5] For be sure of this: no immoral, impure, or greedy person—for that one is [in effect] an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God [for such a person places a higher value on something other than God].   [6] Let no one deceive you with empty arguments [that encourage you to sin], for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience [those who habitually sin]. [Lev 18:24, 25] [7] So do not participate or even associate with them [in the rebelliousness of sin]. [8] For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [live as those who are native-born to the Light] [9] (for the fruit [the effect, the result] of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), [10] trying to learn [by experience] what is pleasing to the Lord [and letting your lifestyles be examples of what is most acceptable to Him—your behavior expressing gratitude to God for your salvation]. [11] Do not participate in the worthless and unproductive deeds of darkness, but instead expose them [by exemplifying personal integrity, moral courage, and godly character]; [12] for it is disgraceful even to mention the things that such people practice in secret. [13] But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light [of God’s precepts], for it is light that makes everything visible. [14] For this reason He says,   ‘Awake, sleeper,   And arise from the dead,   And Christ will shine [as dawn] upon you and give you light.’ [Is 26:19; 51:17; 52:1; 60:1, 2]   [15] Therefore see that you walk carefully [living life with honor, purpose, and courage; shunning those who tolerate and enable evil], not as the unwise, but as wise [sensible, intelligent, discerning people], [16] making the very most of your time [on earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity and using it with wisdom and diligence], because the days are [filled with] evil. [17] Therefore do not be foolish and thoughtless, but understand and firmly grasp what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:1-17 AMP).   So the question goes beyond whether one believes in “once saved always saved.” The question is whether one believes in the Bible? A Christian always believes in the Bible. If one doesn’t, then you cannot be a Christian. The crux of the matter is just not regarding the spreading of false teachings, but in giving a green light to commit willful sin, which indeed will terminate your Christianity. Willful sin is knowing it is a sin and you have the ability to stop but refuse to do so. Many times it is because sin feels good or is convenient. Purposefully not abiding by God's rules is a slippery slope. When one can't distinguish you from an unbeliever due to your actions, there lies a big problem. If a person won't abide by God's Word, then it is like a soldier who refuses to listen to his commanding officer. What use is the soldier to the commanding officer on the battlefield? The soldier would surely deem the platoon to failure. The Bible is not mum on the consequences of disobedience to the laws of God.   Unforgiveness is a big topic in the Bible, and should never be let into anybody’s heart, let alone a Christian. If you can’t forgive your fellow brethrens, how can God forgive you of your sins, which is the basis of being saved in the first place through grace?  So a person who once emulates Jesus in all His ways then proceeds to later endear themselves in evil ways, will forever be saved? How can some one still be saved if they then later reject the person who saved them? Where is the logic in that? It makes no sense. This false teaching renders the 10 Commandments useless. Why have a list of laws to obey if it doesn’t matter whether you adhere to them or not? Why make such a law when it would be useless anyway?   This horrific line of thinking, “once saved, always saved,” is peddled by those who want to keep indulging in sin and still be Christian. Paul invalidated this thinking when he wrote his letter to the church in Corinth. “[9] I wrote you in my [previous] letter not to associate with [sexually] immoral people— [10] not meaning the immoral people of this world, or the greedy ones and swindlers, or idolaters, for then you would have to get out of the world and human society altogether! [11] But actually, I have written to you not to associate with any so-called [Christian] brother if he is sexually immoral or greedy, or is an idolater [devoted to anything that takes the place of God], or is a reviler [who insults or slanders or otherwise verbally abuses others], or is a drunkard or a swindler—you must not so much as eat with such a person. [2 Thess 3:6]” (1 Corinthians 5:9-11 AMP). They want to justify their sin and not feel bad about themselves sinning. They want to eat all their cake and still eat it later. This way of thinking will only breed damnation and nothing else. Therefore, bid no one your attention, who spews this wretched, vile, abominable ideology.     1. Ephesians 5 | AMP Bible | YouVersion. (n.d.). In www.bible.com . https://www.bible.com/bible/1588/EPH.5.AMP . 2. 1 Corinthians 5 | AMP Bible | YouVersion. (n.d.). In www.bible.com . https://www.bible.com/bible/1588/1CO.5.AMP .