This Sunday service Pastor (Mrs) Silvia Lia Leigh preached another sermon in the series titled ‘Love is The New Commandment’. Her main scriptures were taken from the books of Romans 14:1-13; 1 Kings 3:1-28.

THE AGAPE LOVE OF GOD

Love is the greatest word in the Bible. In Greek, there are three words for love. Eros refers to sexual love. Philio refers to friendly attachment. Agape means unconditional sacrificial love. In the New Testament, the word Love appears about 200 times, and it is always ‘agape’ love. This Love is not just a feeling. It is the highest, most pure form of love, born not out of natural attraction or obligation, but a willful choice and a command to be obeyed.  It is the unselfish, pure, powerful, and sacrificial love that desires the best in another person. This love is best expressed as the Fatherly Love of God for human beings. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (Jn 3:16). This is the Gospel: God the Father sent God the Son to become a Man and die on behalf of sinners. This agape Love of God ignites love in the heart of the believers. It also helps them to love their ‘neighbors’ as they love themselves. The unbelievers may be religious, but they do not know this agape love. It is a gift given only to the children of God, who are saved by grace and thru faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Agape love is a sacrificial love that saves, unites, and heals. It is the love of God that we see through the cross of Jesus Christ. This love saves and restores humanity in the face of sin and death. “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (Jn 15:13). Because we are born sinners, agape love does not come naturally to us. Agape love requires faithfulness, commitment, courage, strength, wisdom, faith, and sacrifice. When we love others, we do it expecting nothing in return from them. Love trusts God alone to respond and reward the sacrifice. It is the Spirit filled lives of the Christians, their love for God and for one another that is the magnet God uses to attract the world to Jesus! It was like that in the early church, during the time of the Reformation and it is the same during all the revivals in the history of the Church!

MATTERS OF INDIFFERENCE (Romans 14:1-13)

We shall now study The Book of Romans chapter 14 and 15. The Book of Romans is a masterpiece. It is considered the best Book in the Bible and the greatest piece of literature in the world. It is written by the great Apostle Paul. Many great men of God became born again by studying this Book. It contains the major doctrines of the Gospel. In the first 11 chapters, the Apostle writes about the doctrines of salvation. From chapter 12 to the end, he writes the application of these doctrines. The first two verses in chapter 12 are the basic scriptures on the application of doctrine. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Rom 12:1,2).  The Christian life is a life of sacrifice for the sake of Christ. By faith in the Word of God, our mind is renewed and transformed. From starting as babies in Christ, we become strong in the faith. Becoming spiritually mature is the aim of our Christian life. Agape Love is the engine of this transformation. The New Law of Love takes over obedience of the Law as found in the Old Testament. “Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law” (Rom 13:10). Amen!

In chapters 14 and 15 we find the practical application of the Gospel especially between the Christians. Theologians call these principles ‘matters of indifference’ or ‘grey areas’. The major doctrines of the Bible cannot be argued about. But there are some other teachings, important, but not foundational to our faith in Christ. These apply to the type of food Christians eat, the mode of dressing, the way of entertainment, the importance of days and how we celebrate our faith. As Christians, we all must agree on the major doctrines in the Bible, but we can disagree on these matters of indifference. Our disagreements should not make us quarrel or cause division in the Church. It is a pity that these matters are the major reasons why Christians tends to judge and gossip one another. It should not be so. We study them to understand how to behave better, how to love without quarreling and causing division in the Body.

Before we study the details, we should remember some important Biblical principles.

*The Church is not a human institution. It is the Body of Christ. It is One! The visible local church is a mixed multitude; some a believers and others are not. All the believers are born again by Grace, and thru faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. They are sinners who are now saints. They come from different cultures and backgrounds. They are of different ages and different levels of education. What keeps the together is the Holy Spirit. Before looking at the different types of believers, let us never forget the importance of the Church, the Body of Christ. Jesus shed His Blood not only to save us individually, but to give birth to this special holy institution called ‘the Church’. We should never forget that!

*Each believer is different. He starts as ‘a baby’ and then becomes spiritually mature. This gradual growth is called sanctification. It is not the same with all the Christians. It depends on the commitment of each believer to study and apply the Word of God, to pray, and to serve God in a local assembly. Each Christian must pay the price. All do not have the same commitment to pay the price for spiritual growth. Also, some are more intelligent, more dedicated than others. To become born again is the same for all. It is the work of the Holy Spirit. But from the moment you become saved, each Christian must cooperate with the Holy Spirit and pay the price for spiritual growth. Each Christian must be careful not to hurt his conscience. It is like a marathon race. Some runners are faster than others. In the Bible we see that there are baby Christians, spiritual men, strong men, and carnal Christians. Remember that the Book of Romans was written to the Christians and not to the unbelievers!

Why is there difference between them? It is possible to be born again, trusting the Christ, for salvation. But after that, it is also possible to make mistakes in applying God’s Word to practical things. You are justified by faith but later, you depend on your works to grow as a Christian. This was the situation with the believers in Galatia. “O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? 2 This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 “Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?” (Gal 3:1-3).

There are many things that can affect the spiritual growth. Some believers attend churches where the Word of God is not properly preached. Because they are ignorant of the basic doctrines of salvation, they do not grow in the faith. Another factor is the environment. Different cultures have different ideas on what a Christian should behave. Some churches reject trousers, some hairstyles or makeup for women. Most Christians make the mistake of going too far into extremes. Many Christians battle between legalism and license. Legalism is defined as strict adherence to the law, to rules and regulations, obeying the letter of the law more than the spirit, ignoring the intentions or the particular circumstances of each case. Spiritually, legalism means trying to be justified, to attain righteousness with God by doing good works. License is defined as ignoring all laws, or excessive, undisciplined freedom. It is hard to stay in the middle, but that is where truth and love are to be found.

When we say ‘matters of indifference’ we refer to our attitude to things that are not prohibited in the Bible. If something is forbidden, then there is no need to discuss it. For example, the Bible says that fornication or adultery is sin. We cannot debate that. We are here studying things that are not clearly forbidden in God’s Word and our attitude to them. These are not essential to salvation. The reason why we study these things is because over the years, they have bought much confusion and division in the Body. The church is made of believers who are spiritually strong, and others are spiritually weak in the faith. The first lesson we learn is that the Body is One. The strong ones should not despise the weak ones. There is a tendency for the strong to gather in a group and look down on the weak ones. This should not be so. Any form of division and segregation based of Bible knowledge should be discouraged. Never forget: the Body is One!

“Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things…As for the one whose faith is weak, accept him [into your fellowship], but not for [the purpose of] quarreling over his opinions” (Rom 14:1 NKJ; AMP). This is God’s command: Receive one who is weak in the faith! This weak brother is born again. He is truly a Christian brother. We are also commanded ‘not to dispute over doubtful things.’ The weak brother’s faith is not yet established. He still struggles with doubts. He is still emotionally shaken. He listens to different voices and is confused. The strong Christian is commanded not to increase the weak believer’s doubt and confusion. The strong one is not to argue with the weak one about his fears, his doubts. That will hurt the weak believer making him to become worse. The strong one is not to raise the issue of doubts any time he meets the weak believer. Knowing his weakness, the strong one should not make fun of the weak one. By doing that, the weak one becomes more restless and more confused. Also, the strong one should not oppress the weak one, should not bully him by insisting that he own opinions are better. By doing that, the strong one proves that he lacks love. Apostle Paul does not say that we should never discuss these issues, that we should keep quiet always to avoid conflicts. He is concerned about the manner in which we bring them up. “Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies… But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church” (1 Cor 8:1, b; NKJ, NLT). Love us always the greatest way in all relationships.

DAYS OF CELEBRATION ARE A MATTER OF INDIFERENCE

“One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it” (Rom 14:5, 6).

Paul says that the Christians celebrate God in different ways and different days. For example, most Christians celebrate Christmas on the 25^th od December. Other Christians say that Jesus was not born in December and celebrate Christmas another day. Most Christians celebrate the Sabbath on Sunday, the first day of the weak. They celebrate the resurrection of Jesus when He entered His rest and His reign. In Christ, each time we gather on Sunday for fellowship, we too rest and reign in His name.

Whatever day you chose to celebrate Jesus, be sure that you ‘are fully convinced in your own mind’ (Rom 14:5). This means that according to your understanding of the Bible, and after you pray, you have complete peace, and your conscience in free from anxiety and guilt as you choose the way you serve God.

THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON (1Kg 3:1-28)

Solomon knew two things, God’s greatness, and his limitations. God gave him a blank check, to ask what he wants. He asked for ‘an understanding heart’ to judge God’s people. This means he wanted a heart that hears God’s voice and obeys it. God gave him that practical wisdom. He also gave him more than that. He gave him wealth and honor. Ask for spiritual things and God will add material things. This wisdom manifested as supernatural wisdom to judge who among the two mothers spoke the truth and who lied. Solomon is a type of Christ who judges all people at the last day. As Solomon used the sword to judge the women, so Christ uses the double-edged sword of the Word of God to judge all things. Nothing is hidden from him. Solomon gave audience to two prostitutes. They represent all sinners. One loved her child, spoke the truth, and was saved. The other hated, lied, and perished. They are a picture of the two robbers crucified alongside Jesus. One had faith and was saved. The other continued to insult and rejected Jesus and perished. Lesson: if God says to you: ask for anything from me, what will you ask? Worship the Lord!

This Sunday service Pastor (Mrs) Silvia Lia Leigh preached another sermon in the series titled ‘Love is The New Commandment’. Her main scriptures were taken from the books of Romans 14:1-13; John 8:2-12.

THE AGAPE LOVE OF GOD

Love is the greatest word in the Bible. In Greek, there are three words for love. Eros refers to sexual love. Philio refers to friendly attachment. Agape means unconditional sacrificial love. In the New Testament, the word Love appears about 200 times, and it is almost always ‘agape’ love. This Love is not just a feeling. It is the highest, most pure form of love, born not out of natural attraction or obligation, but a willful choice and a command to be obeyed.  It is the unselfish, pure, powerful, and sacrificial love that desires the best in another person. This love is best expressed as the Fatherly Love of God for human beings. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (Jn 3:16). This is the Gospel: God the Father sent God the Son to become a Man and die on behalf of sinners. The unbelievers may be religious, but they do not know this agape love. Love is a gift given only to the children of God, who are saved by grace and thru faith in Christ. This love saves and restores humanity in the face of sin and death. “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (Jn 15:13). Because we are born sinners, agape love does not come naturally to us. Agape love requires faithfulness, commitment, courage, strength, wisdom, faith, and sacrifice. Agape love is the magnet God uses to attract the world to Jesus! It was so in the early church, and during all the revivals in the history of the Church! To know the measure of Love you must know how much Love gives. Just think of this Love: God the Father gave us His only begotten Son, that we might be saved! God the Son gave up His Live, His Blood, to pay for our sins! There is no greater Love than that!!! “Let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds” (Heb 10:24; AMP). Halleluiah!

MATTERS OF LOVING INDIFFERENCE (Romans 14:1-13)

The Book of Romans is a masterpiece. It is considered the best Book in the Bible and the greatest piece of literature in the world. It is written by the great Apostle Paul. Many great men of God became born again by studying this Book. It contains the major doctrines of the Gospel. In the first 11 chapters, the Apostle writes about the doctrines of salvation. From chapter 12 to the end, he writes the application of these doctrines. The first two verses in chapter 12 are the basic scriptures on the application of doctrine. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Rom 12:1,2).  We see that the Christian life is a life of sacrifice for the sake of Christ, to give glory to God! By faith in God’s Word, our minds are renewed and transformed. From starting as ‘babies’ in Christ, we become strong in the faith. Becoming spiritually mature is the aim for every believer. Agape Love is the engine of this transformation. The New Law of Love takes over obedience of the Law as found in the Old Testament.

In chapters 14 and 15 we find the practical application of the Gospel especially in the relationships between believers. Theologians call these principles ‘matters of indifference’ or ‘grey areas’. These are important teachings, but they are not essential to our salvation. They apply to the type of food Christians eat, the mode of dressing, the type of entertainment, the types of baptism, the type of prophecies, the importance of days and how we celebrate our faith. The major doctrines of the Bible cannot be argued about.  As Christians, we all must agree on the major doctrines in the Bible, but we can lovingly disagree on these matters of indifference. If something is forbidden, it is sin. There is no need to discuss it. For example, the Bible says that adultery is sin. We cannot debate that. We now study things that are not clearly forbidden in God’s Word and our attitude to them. Over the years these things have bought much confusion, pain, and division in the Body. The church is made of many believers; some are spiritually strong, and others are spiritually weak in the faith. The first lesson we must learn is that the Body is One!!! The strong ones are commanded not to despise. Not to look down on the weak ones. The weak are commanded not to judge the spiritually strong. Lesson: Matters of indifference should never become central doctrines. Any form of division and segregation based on your Bible knowledge is wrong. We study these teachings so that we behave better, we love without quarreling or causing division in the Body. Selah!

SOME LESSONS ON HOW TO RELATE TO OTHERS CONCERNING MATTERS OF INDIFFERENCE

*The command to receive a weak brother applies only to the church setup. God gives His grace to welcome the weak in the faith only to the Body of the local church. This command does not apply to all other religious organizations, traditional gatherings, or family meetings.

*This command works only when applying the power of agape love. The power of the flesh and human sympathy will fail in this regard.

*The matters of loving indifference apply to both the weak and the strong’. Both despising and judging are wrong!

*The fact that we welcome a brother who is weak in the faith does not mean that automatically, the weak one becomes a leader in the church.

*All of us are sinners saved by grace. The same Blood of Jesus saved us all. Even the ones who are strong in the faith are not yet perfect. We all make mistakes. We all have to stay humble and be quick to repent when we fail the law of Love and pay the price to grow in the faith.

*Never allow your Bible knowledge to build pride in you! Each one is responsible to keep the unity of the Spirit in the Body. The strong is not to ‘to despise the weak’ and the weak is you and to lead you to quarrel. A spiritually mature Christian never quarrels. The world loves to argue, debate and quarrel. Any Christian who cannot control his emotions or his words, should not give his opinions in public about anything. Speaking in anger does great damage to your testimony and hurts others!

*Learn the difference between a dialogue and a debate. A dialogue brings two willing parties together. Love is the key. They both want to come to a common understanding of the problem and finding a common ground is the goal. Debate is oppositional. Hatred and anger are there. The two parties oppose one another, each trying to prove that the other one is wrong. In debate, wining is the goal. Debate does not care about other’s feelings, love, or the future of the relationship. Debate has no hope for the future. Christians should engage in dialogue and never in debate! This law applies to the marriage set up and to the church fellowship. Get a better understanding of the other’s position. Love demands that! All discussions should be done in a Christian manner. If you cannot behave as Christians with others, better keep quiet!

*Apply the rules of teaching in your relationships with people, especially with those weak in the faith. Teaching is a science and an art. These are some guidelines: First, a good teacher is a patient person. He is also humble and wise. He knows his subject, but he also knows and loves his students! He must be ready to face many challenges. He must learn to gain the trust of his students. A teacher will not be too fast and leave the weak ones struggling behind. A teacher is a balanced wise person. A loving attitude towards the students is the oil of success for any teacher. He teaches especially by being a living example. These rules about being a good teacher apply to parents, pastors, and leaders in the church.

*In all relationships, thru words and actions, we should always be conscious of the glory of God. We are vessels of honor pleasing to our Master.

*Watch yourself! There is always a danger to become impatient, to react angrily when meeting a Christian who is different than you. A wise man does not jump at conclusions. He listens to the facts, prays, and he ‘arrives’ at conclusions. We make mistakes because we are too fast in judging others. For example, it is shameful and even dangerous for a judge, or a lawyer to ‘jump’ at conclusions. “He who answers before he hears [the facts]— It is folly and shame to him” (PV 18:13; AMP). Nicodemus said to the Pharisees who judged Jesus: “Does our Law convict someone without first giving him a hearing and finding out what he is [accused of] doing?” (Jn 7:51; AMP). “Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]” (Jam 1:19; AMP).

*Beware of the danger of tolerating a troublemaker: If after receiving one who is weak in the faith, you discover that he is proud, unteachable, quarrelsome, and rebellious, then you may have to tell him to leave the fellowship. He is not a true brother. He is a religious unbeliever, a troublemaker and faultfinder. He is taking advantage of your kindness trying to destroy the fellowship. He is a ‘divisive man’ who wants to break the church. “Avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. 10 Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned” (Tit 3:9-11).

*Matters of indifference refer to things that are not forbidden in the Bible but are important to study and obey. For example, when Apostle Paul talks about Christian behavior and issues of marriage, he makes clear that some of his recommendations are not directly from the Lord. These are his commands, given as a wise servant of God and having a clear conscience. “Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 6 But I say this as a concession, not as a commandment” (1 Cor 7:5,6). “Now concerning virgins: I have no commandment from the Lord; yet I give judgment as one whom the Lord in His mercy has made trustworthy” (1 Cor 7:25). These are examples of Biblical counsel that belongs to the matters of indifference. We should never make these things become the center of our salvation.

JUDGE NOT!

“Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you” (Matt 7:1,2).  This command is given by our Lord, and it is a part of the Sermon on the Mount. Many are confused concerning the application of this command. They say that you should never judge any matter or any person, for fear that you will be judged at the judgment seat of Christ. But that explanation cannot be true. The Bible commands us to be watchful, to test, and judge people, to know if they are true believers or not. We are also commanded to judge and reject wrong doctrines. We cannot do this if we are always spiritually passive and afraid to judge. “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 Jn 4:1). Our Lord tells us to judge spirits and people with a right judgment. He said: “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment” (Jn 7:24).

What then is the true meaning of this command? The Lord exposes a particular type of religious people, who are proud and self-righteous. They are over critical of other believers. They constantly look for faults in others. When they find the fault, they become happy. When they do not find faults in others, they are disappointed and become angry. These people have strong opinions in matters of indifference. They are very vocal even in matters that do not concern them. They are busybodies. They are quick to judge even when they don’t know all the facts. They are not kind or merciful. They think that they are God. They condemn others saying that they go to hell. For example, they say to a weak Christian: ‘You say that you are a Christian and you still drink beer. I don’t see you making heaven’.

Our Lord is concerned with this matter of condemning others in the final sense. Most of the time, the Lord had the Pharisees in mind. They were proud of their religion, of their good works, and of their prayers. They looked down on others who could not compete with them. A Pharisee and a Tax collector prayed side by side in the temple. “He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ 13 And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Lk 18:9-14). The Pharisee clearly believes he is better than the tax collector and that he goes to heaven. He judges and condemns him, being sure that the tax collector goes to hell. The Pharisees behaves like he is the owner of heaven. But this attitude of religious pride and condemning others is not limited to the Pharisees. This spirit is active even now. When some religious men brought the woman caught in adultery to Jesus, they have already condemned her to death in their hearts. But Jesus exposed their wickedness and sin of condemning others. He said: “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first” (Jn 8:7). Listen to the words of Jesus! They have the power to enter like a sword in all our hearts. We must search ourselves and try to find if we too are wicked hypocrites. This is the right thing to do: if you want to judge, then start with yourself! “For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged” (1Cor 11:31). May we humble ourselves before God. May we appreciate love and mercy more than all our opinions. Amen!

TITHES AND OFFERINGS

The term “tithe” is derived from an Old English word which means “tenth.” Biblically, tithing refers to the practice of giving the first 10% of your profit to God. Tithing has a rich history in the Bible and is found throughout the Old and New Testaments. The tithe reminds you that God must be first in your life, and He is the one that gives you the ability to make wealth. “But you shall remember [with profound respect] the LORD your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore (solemnly promised) to your fathers, as it is this day” (Deut 8:18; AMP). In the New Testament tithing is not compulsory. It is not a Law. The practice of paying tithes is an old church tradition and belongs to the domain of matters of indifference. Offering is giving a substantial amount of money to God, and it is separate from the tithe. God promised to bless those who give tithes and offerings. The money is used to increase the kingdom of God on earth, to take care of God’s house and His workers, and to help the needy.

The concept of tithing started when Abraham offered a tenth of his spoils of war to the priest and king Melchizedek, who is a type of Christ (Gen 14:18-20). This act is the forerunner type of formal tithing. Under the Mosaic Law, tithing became a standard practice. It was connected with the life in the Promised Land. The Israelites were instructed to give a tenth of their crops, livestock, and income as an offering to the Lord. The tithes supported the priests and the Levites, who were responsible for the religious duties of the community. “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s. It is holy to the Lord” (Lev 27:30). “You shall truly tithe all the increase of your grain that the field produces year by year” (Deut 14:22). God wants the first fruits of our harvest. “The first of the first fruits of your land you shall bring into the house of the LORD your God” (Ex23:19). Praise God!

Prophet Malachi speaking for God said that God will bless the tithers with supernatural prosperity. God will rebuke the devil and make the tithers to be an international blessing. God said that paying your tithe can be ‘tested or tried’. You’ll see for yourself if the promised blessings come true or not. “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. 11 “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” says the Lord of hosts; 12 “And all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land,” Says the Lord of hosts” (Mal 3:10-12). The Lord of Hosts is Jehovah Sabaoth, the God of heaven’s armies, who can never lose any battle! Tithers are always overcomers! Praise the Lord!

In the New Testament, tithe is not commanded directly. But believers are encouraged to give generously, faithfully, sacrificially, and cheerfully to God’s work. Like with all other commands, giving to God’s work is not legalistic. It is an overflow of a grateful heart of a child of God. Jesus was watching how people give offerings to God. He commended a widow for giving her two small coins, highlighting the importance of giving from the heart, regardless of the amount (Mk 12:41-44). Apostle Paul confirms that God blesses the generous and happy giver: “Now [remember] this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to others] will also reap generously [and be blessed]. 7 Let each one give [thoughtfully and with purpose] just as he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver [and delights in the one whose heart is in his gift]. 8 And God is able to make all grace [every favor and earthly blessing] come in abundance to you, so that you may always [under all circumstances, regardless of the need] have complete sufficiency in everything [being completely self-sufficient in Him] and have an abundance for every good work and act of charity. 9 As it is written and forever remains written, “He [the benevolent and generous person] scattered abroad, he gave to the poor, His righteousness endures forever!” 10 Now He who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your seed for sowing [that is, your resources] and increase the harvest of your righteousness [which shows itself in active goodness, kindness, and love]. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous, and this [generosity, administered] through us is producing thanksgiving to God [from those who benefit]. 12 For the ministry of this service (offering) is not only supplying the needs of the saints (God’s people) but is also overflowing through many expressions of thanksgiving to God” (2 Cor 9:6-12; AMP).

1-Some reasons why Tithing is not compulsory in the New Testament:

*In Christ, we are not under the Old Testament Law. We are under Grace.  “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace” (Rom 6:14).

*Abraham gave his tithe to king and priest Melchizedek only once. There is no record that he repeated this action.

*The tithe was given to the priests and the Levites to take care of the Temple. In Christ, we are all kings and priests. “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Pet 2:9).

*Jesus confirms the tithe, but it was before He died and rose again before the New Covenant is put into action. Jesus said: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone” (Matt 23:23). Jesus told the Jews about bringing gifts to the temple (Matt 5:23, 24). But that does not mean the Christians should bring gifts to the temple in Jerusalem. In Christ, these commands become spiritual and in all we do, we are led by the Holy Spirit.

2-Some reasons why the Christians should pay tithes and offerings:

It is true that we are not commanded to pay tithes. But the believers are encouraged to be generous and give to God’s work. That amount can be more or less than 10% of your profit. Many believers who argue against paying tithe are those who defend their greed. Those who say that they cannot afford to tithe, defend their unbelief. They refuse to ‘test’ God in this matter assuming that tithing is a waste. Please note this: Even if you do not want to tithe, all Christians are commanded to give generously the needy and to God’s servants who preach the Gospel. “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages” (1Tim 5:17, 18). “The one who is taught the word [of God] is to share all good things with his teacher [contributing to his spiritual and material support]” (Gal 6:6; AMP). As we enjoy the good life God has given to us, we are also commanded to be generous and help the needy. This is because wealth, if it is not shared with others, can quickly become an idol. “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Tim 6:17-19). Generosity prevents and defeats Mammon!

Tithing is a form of worship. It is proof of obedience and faith in God’s Word. Paying tithe is usually done to your local church or to any other ministry or person who spiritually invests in your destiny. The benefits of tithing cannot be discovered except you personally tithe having faith in God. Paying 10% of your profit is just a guideline. You can pay more than that if you are led by the Holy Spirit. Tithing can start as a duty but if practiced, it becomes a delight. I personally do not know of any person who is truly born again who had regrets about tithing to God’s work. Giving generously to God’s work is a treasure laid in heaven. Jesus says “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt 6:19-21). Treasure is connected to the heart. Your heart will be mastered either by the (temporary) treasures on earth or by the (eternal) treasure of heaven. Jesus is the Keeper of your treasure in heaven and the Rewarder with all good things in eternity. Amen!

LOVE IS THE NEW COMMANDMENT (20)

This Sunday service Pastor (Mrs) Silvia Lia Leigh preached another sermon in the series titled ‘Love is The New Commandment’. Her main scriptures were taken from the books of Romans 14:1-13; Matt 14:22-33.

THE AGAPE LOVE OF GOD

Love is the greatest word in the Bible. In Greek, there are three words for love. Eros refers to sexual love. Philio refers to friendly attachment. Agape means unconditional sacrificial love. In the New Testament, the word Love appears about 200 times, and it is almost always ‘agape’ love. This Love is not just a feeling. It is the highest, most pure form of love, born not out of natural attraction or obligation, but a willful choice and a command to be obeyed.  It is the unselfish, pure, powerful, and sacrificial love that desires the best in another person. This love is best expressed as the Fatherly Love of God for human beings. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (Jn 3:16). This is the Gospel: God the Father sent God the Son to become a Man and die on behalf of sinners. The unbelievers may be religious, but they do not know this agape love. Love is a gift given only to the children of God, who are saved by grace and thru faith in Christ. This love saves and restores humanity in the face of sin and death. “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (Jn 15:13). Because we are born sinners, agape love does not come naturally to us. Agape love requires faithfulness, commitment, courage, strength, wisdom, faith, and sacrifice. The agape love for God and for one another is the magnet God uses to attract the world to Jesus! It was so in the early church, and during all the revivals in the history of the Church! “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with LOVE” (1 Cor 16:13,14). To know the measure of Love you must know how much Love gives. Just think of this Love: God the Father gave us His only begotten Son, that we might be saved! God the Son gave us His Live, His Blood, to pay for our sins! There is no greater Love than that!!! Hallelujah! 

MATTERS OF LOVING INDIFFERENCE (Romans 14:1-13)

The Book of Romans is a masterpiece. It is considered the best Book in the Bible and the greatest piece of literature in the world. It is written by the great Apostle Paul. Many great men of God became born again by studying this Book. It contains the major doctrines of the Gospel. In the first 11 chapters, the Apostle writes about the doctrines of salvation. From chapter 12 to the end, he writes the application of these doctrines. The first two verses in chapter 12 are the basic scriptures on the application of doctrine. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Rom 12:1,2).  We see that the Christian life is a life of sacrifice for the sake of Christ, to give glory to God! By faith in the Word of God, our minds are renewed and transformed. From starting as ‘babies’ in Christ, we become strong in the faith. Becoming spiritually mature is the aim for every believer. Agape Love is the engine of this transformation. The New Law of Love takes over obedience of the Law as found in the Old Testament. “Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law” (Rom 13:10). Amen!

In chapters 14 and 15 we find the practical application of the Gospel especially in the relationships between the Christians. Theologians call these principles ‘matters of indifference’ or ‘grey areas’. These are important teachings, but they are not essential to our salvation. They apply to the type of food Christians eat, the mode of dressing, the type of entertainment, the types of baptism, the type of prophecies, the importance of days and how we celebrate our faith. The major doctrines of the Bible cannot be argued about.  As Christians, we all must agree on the major doctrines in the Bible, but we can lovingly disagree on these matters of indifference. ‘Matters of indifference’ refer to our attitude to things that are not prohibited in the Bible. If something is forbidden, it is sin. There is no need to discuss it. For example, the Bible says that adultery is sin. We cannot debate that. We are here studying things that are not clearly forbidden in God’s Word and our attitude to them. We study these things because over the years they have bought much confusion, pain, and division in the Body. The church is made of many believers; some are spiritually strong, and others are spiritually weak in the faith. The first lesson we must learn is that the Body is One!!! The strong ones are commanded not despise the weak ones. There is a tendency for the strong to gather in groups to gossip, to look down on the weak ones. The weak ones are commanded not to judge the spiritually strong. Any form of division and segregation based on your Bible knowledge is wrong. We study these teachings to know how to behave better, how to love without quarreling and causing division in the Body. Selah!

SOME LESSONS ON HOW TO RELATE TO OTHERS CONCERNING MATTERS OF INDIFFERENCE

*The command to receive a weak brother applies only to the church setup. God gives His grace to welcome the weak in the faith only to the Body of the local church. This command does not apply to all other religious organizations, traditional gatherings, or family meetings.

*This command works only when applying the power of agape love. The power of the flesh and human sympathy will fail in this regard.

*The matters of loving indifference apply to both the weak and the strong in the faith. Each one is responsible to keep the unity of the Spirit in the Body. The strong is not to ‘to despise the weak’ and the weak is not ‘to judge the strong’. Both despising and judging are wrong!

*The fact that we welcome a brother who is weak in the faith does not mean that automatically, the weak one becomes a leader in the church. He is admitted ‘in the hospital’ of the Spirit. He does not join the Olympic team who has been training for long and learn to grow spiritually.

*All of us are sinners saved by grace. The same Blood of Jesus saved us all. Even the ones who are strong in the faith are not yet perfect. We all make mistakes. We all have to stay humble and be quick to repent when we fail the law of Love. Sanctification is a process that lasts until we go to heaven. We all must pay the price to grow in the faith.

*Never allow your Bible knowledge to build pride in you and to lead you to quarrel. A spiritually mature Christian who is strong in the faith never quarrels. Jesus rebuked His enemies but never hated them. “Love is never rude” (1 Cor 13:5). The world loves to argue, debate and quarrel. We should never argue about anything just for the pleasure of an argument, just to prove a point or just to defend ourselves. Only fools are quick to argue. “It is honorable for a man to stop striving, since any fool can start a quarrel” (PV 20:3). Love and self-control are both fruits of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22, 23). Any Christian who cannot control his emotions or his words, should not give his opinions in public about anything. Speaking in anger does great damage to your testimony and hurts others! The great preacher Charles Spurgeon warned his students about quarreling. He said: ‘Many Christians behave like angels in a prayer meeting and like devils in a church meeting’. Selah!

Learn the difference between a dialogue and a debate. A dialogue brings two willing parties together. Love is the key. They both want to come to a common understanding of the problem and try to find solutions together. In dialogue, finding a common ground is the goal. Each person listens to the other. Each person is willing to learn from the other and change his opinions in the process. Dialogue is creative and has room to grow. The parties agree to find a new solution that was not among the original solutions. In dialogue, each person submits and shows real love for the other party. Each one does not want to reject or offend the other. Dialogue remains open ended giving hope for the future. 

A debate is oppositional. Hatred and anger are there. The two parties oppose one another, each trying to prove that the other one is wrong. In debate, wining is the goal. Each one looks for the weaknesses in the other and attacks it. Debate assumes that only one party knows the truth rejecting all other positions and solutions. Debate is done with a closed mind. Debate does not care about other’s feelings, love, or the future of the relationship. Debate ends with a final conclusion and has no hope for the future. 

Christians should engage in dialogue and never in debate! This law applies to the marriage set up and to the church fellowship. Love is never selfish, and ‘does not seek its own’ (1Cor 13:5). Lesson: Never argue about the Bible just to display your ‘great’ knowledge. Try to get a better understanding of the other’s position. Love demands that! All discussions between brethren should be done in a spiritual Christian manner. If you cannot behave as Christians during a discussion with others, better keep quiet!

EATING DIFFERENT FOODS IS A MATTER OF INDIFFERENCE 

“Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. 2 For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. 3 Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. 4 Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand” (Rom 14:1-4).  In this passage, Apostle Paul says that the believers who are strong in the faith eat all types of food, both vegetables and meat. But the believers who are weak in the faith eat only vegetables. The strong in the faith tends to ‘despise’ the weak. The weak in the faith tends to ‘judge’ the strong. Apostle Paul refers to the fact that at that time, the pagans sacrificed animals to idols. Part of that meat was sold in the public market. Many Christians had problems with buying and eating such meat. The Jews had to obey ceremonial laws concerning the type of meat to eat. In the Book of Leviticus 11, God commanded the Jews not to eat and not even to touch ‘unclean’ things like pork, or fish without scales. Because of these ceremonial laws, some of the Jews who became born again but were still weak in the faith, refused to buy and even touch meat sold in the market. The Gentiles (the non-Jews), the pagans, who became born again but were weak in the faith, were also afraid to eat meat dedicated to idols, thinking that they will connect with past familiar spirits. All these groups of people decided to ‘play safe’ and eat only vegetables, so that they do not to defile themselves with ‘unclean’ meat. The weak in the faith became vegetarians by force and by choice.  Please note that Apostle Paul does not condemn the vegetarian diet. If you chose to be a vegetarian for health reasons, that is good. What the Apostle condemns is choosing to eat only vegetables for spiritual or religious reasons. There is a difference.   

But the Jewish and the Gentile believers who were strong in the faith, felt free to eat any type of meat. They knew that the idols are nothing and they cannot pollute the meat. They prayed over the food and had no fears or doubts concerning eating anything. Lesson: The weak believers are influenced by a spirit of fear. Fear makes them legalistic, complicated, and confused. But the strong in the faith had no fears or doubts. Their faith was 100%! They lived in the freedom Christ has provided for them. They have seen that the ceremonial law of the Old Testament has no effect anymore on a Christian because “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes” (Rom 10:4). Halleluiah! Amen!

VEGETARIANISM

Vegetarianism is the practice of abstaining from eating meat and animal products. There are many reasons why some people abstain from eating meat. Some are vegetarians because of their religious beliefs. They believe that animals have souls, that they have the right to live like any man. Others chose not to eat meat for health reasons. All vegetarians chose to eat only vegetables that grow from the earth.

*Most vegetarians live in India. They are religious Hindus. India is the country that has the least consumption of meat in the world. There are about 400 million vegetarians in India. Jainism is a type of Hinduism. It is one of the oldest religions in the world and it is practices mostly in India. There are about 5 million Jain believers. They believe that the universe was not created and will exist forever. It is independent, having no creator, governor, judge, or destroyer. Nonviolence is their highest religious duty. They totally forbid the killing of any living being, man or animal. They are strict vegetarians. They do not eat any root plants like potatoes, yam, carrot, onions, because they say that once you uproot these, you kill many little insects around the roots. They worship many deities in their temples.

*About 13% of all Jews living in Israel are vegetarians. The religious dietary restrictions guide regarding what can be consumed by practicing Jews is called kosher. Foods labeled kosher are prepared under strict guidelines to the entire supply chain, from harvest and slaughter to preparation, packaging, and food combinations. Pork and shellfish are famously not allowed. Religious holidays have additional restrictions.

*The Muslims do not drink alcohol and do not eat pork meat.

*The Rastafarians are a group of Afro-Jamaican people who believe in the God of the Bible whom they call Jah. This religious movement opposed the British Colonial Culture. They believe that the Africans are God’s chosen people and that they should go back to Africa, their Promised Land. They invented the reggae music which became popular all over the world. Many of them smoke marihuana and are vegetarians.

*In Africa, Ethiopia is the number one country that practices vegetarian diet. Orthodox Christians abstain from all animal products for around 200 days each year during their church fasting days. In Gabon and South Africa meat consumption is the highest in Africa. In Nigeria less than 0.2% of its population is vegetarian. In Lagos alone, an estimated 164 trailers come in daily with 6,000 to 8000 cows to be slaughtered for various purposes. Most Nigerians like eating meat and fish. They see the vegetarians as foolish, eating ‘grass’ like the oyinbo (the white people).

*The Seventh-day Adventist diet is a plan promoted by members of their Church. It’s a mostly plant-based diet and it is done for health reasons.

They apply God’s Word even in their diet. In the Garden of Eden God said: “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food” (Gen 1:29). These are some of their guidelines: Balance and moderation are the keys to good health. Too much of anything, even something good, can be harmful to your health. Pure water, fresh air and exercise are healthy. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, mind-altering drugs, and hot spices. A well-balanced vegetarian diet with vitamin 12 promotes health. You should not eat unclean foods listed in the Bible (especially pork meat). They eat beans, nuts, brown rice, fruits, and vegetables. They eat one cup of beans every day. They drink about 8 glasses of water daily. They eat a handful of nuts (wall nuts, ground nuts, cashew nuts) a day. They eat corn, and Popo fruit daily. They try to live a stress-free life. They go to church and rest and enjoy their fellowships every Sabbath day. They have low rates of heart dieses, diabetes, and cancers. The community of Seven-day Adventist who live in Loma Linda, CA is one of the five places on earth called Blue Zones. There are only 5 blue zones in the world (Ikaria, Greece, Sardinia, Italy, Okinawa Japan, Nicoya, Costa Rica, and Loma Linda, Ca). In all these places, the people live well above 100 years of age and stay physically and mentally strong.  

*Turmeric spice is said to be the best anti-cancer in the world. It comes from a plant related to Ginger growing in India. Turmeric is what gives curry its yellow color. It decreases inflammation and the aging process. It increases the immunity of the body, helps the brain cells, increases the attention and memory power. It reduces heart diseases and may prevent and fight cancer. It reduces rheumatism, arthritis, and depression.  

*Zobo, or hibiscus tea, is a well-known drink. After Sudan, Nigeria is the second leading global producer of Hibiscus. Elements found in zobo, such as fiber, carotene, Vitamin C, niacin, riboflavin, phosphorus, fat, thiamine, and many others, make it exceptional. It has antioxidant properties. It can be drunk hot or cold. Zobo has no caffeine and few calories. It is advised not to add sugar to reap its full health benefits. It regulates the appetite for food. By reducing the absorption of carbohydrates, zobo helps reduce weight. It lowers the blood pressure. It keeps the liver and the kidneys healthy. It prevents constipation and reduces the menstrual pains. It may help prevent and fight cancer cells. 

*Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin needed for proper functioning of the nervous system. Deficiency leads to weight and memory loss, anemia, and depression. Vitamin B12 is created by bacteria that can only be found naturally in animal products like meat, fish, milk, and eggs. It is now produced artificially as part of Multivitamin Tablets. The vegetarians need to take these tablets!

PETER WALKS ON THE WATER (Matt 14:22-33)

This is a wonderful story of faith. “Immediately, Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side”. The word ‘made’ here means to force, to urge, to compel. The disciples did not want to go. Jesus just did a miracle. He multiplied bread and fishes to feed 5000 people. They now wanted to make him king by force (Jn 6:15). Things were becoming exciting for the disciples. But Jesus knew that this excitement is of the flesh. Lesson: the devil uses the crowd to flatter Jesus so that He will become their king and provider and forget the Cross!

Jesus compelled them to enter their boat and go to the other side of the Sea. Lesson: when your flesh becomes too excited, go home, and do some physical work. Also, Jesus needed some time alone to pray to the Father. Here you see Jesus as Man (He needs to pray) and as God (He walks on the water, saves Peter, and calms the storm). Here we also see Jesus as the High Priest and Intercessor of all the believers. He prays to God, but He is aware of the needs of His children. Faith developed in the storm becomes strong faith. Some hours later, a storm started on the sea. The disciples saw Jesus who was walking on the sea towards them. They thought He is a ghost, and they will now die. Fear gripped their hearts. Jesus spoke to them: “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid”. It means ‘be bold and have good courage’. The words: “It is I” are the same as “I AM”. Jesus is Jehovah God! Peter answered Him saying: “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” Jesus simply said: “Come!” In the middle of the storm, Peter forgot his fears, and desiring only to obey Jesus’ command, came out from the boat and walked on the water towards Jesus. True mature faith needs only God’s Word to manifest! The wind was ‘contrary and boisterous’, meaning a strong wind coming from the opposite direction, attacking like an enemy. When Peter saw the wind, he became afraid and started sinking. He cried for help and Jesus caught him by His hand. Jesus said: “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. The disciples worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God”.

Jesus wanted the disciples to leave the crowd with all its excitement and learn a true lesson of faith in the storm. They just witnessed the miracle of multiplication of bread and fish that fed 5000 people. Now, in the storm, they forgot about the miracle. Why? Their hearts were still hardened ((Mk 6:52). Jesus sent them into the storm to purge them from this hardness of heart, from pride, doubts, and fears. They had to learn that Jesus uses different methods than the world to establish His kingdom. If men chose Jesus as their king, that would not make them to worship Him. But faith learned in the mist of trials, leads to worshipping Jesus! Jesus gave these commands: Have courage! Have faith! Fear not! Doubt not! Come to Me! Initially, Peter obeyed. He had courage, faith, rejected fear and doubt, and walked on the water. For as long as he looked unto Jesus, His commander, he experienced the miracle. The moment he became distracted by the circumstances, and he removed his eyes from Jesus, he started sinking. Jesus helped him even when he doubted. This is a great encouragement to us! Walking on water is a symbol of our Christianity! We need to walk by faith, and with courage. We must reject fear, doubt, and the temptation to look at the circumstances. Faith means taking one step at the time. Peter did well when he took the first step to come out of the boat. He started sinking when he looked at the wind and did not focus on the next step. Fear and doubt make you heavy and you will sink. You can choose to worry or to worship!

Jesus’ walking on the stormy sea was a picture of His complete authority over His creation and in the Church. “And He (God the Father) put all things under His (Jesus Christ) feet and gave Him to be head over all things to the church” (Eph 1:22). How did Jesus perform the miracle? Jesus did not stop the Law of Gravity. He exercised a greater power than the Law of Gravity. By His Will alone, He walked on the Sea. This is the power of resurrection, the same power manifested in Peter, and in all God’s Children. Worship the Lord!