THE PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS

LOVE IS THE NEW COMMANDMENT (32)/ MATTERS OF LOVING INDIFFERENCE (14)/ THE PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS

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 14:12-23; 8:28-39; 1 Cor 8:1-13;

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. 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 humanity. “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. “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (Jn15:13). 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! God the Father gave us His only begotten Son, to save us! God the Son gave up His Life to pay for our sins! There is no greater Love than that!!!

MATTERS OF LOVING INDIFFERENCE

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 the weak ones. The weak are commanded not to judge the spiritually strong. Lesson: Matters of indifference should never become central doctrines. We study these teachings so that we behave better, we love without quarreling or causing division in the Body. Selah!

These are some laws of agape Love:

1-NEVER BE A STUMBLING BLOCK TO ANYONE. DO NOT GRIEVE YOUR BROTHER.

2-DO NOT REJECT FOOD- PRAY! ALL FOOD IS CLEAN AND GOOD

3-NEVER DISCRIMINATE PEOPLE

4-DO NOT MISUSE YOUR FREEDOM TO DAMAGE YOUR GOOD TESTIMONY

5-DO NOT DAMAGE YOUR CONSCIENCE AND THE CONSCIENCE OF YOUR NEIGHBOUR

6-DO NOT LET YOUR GOOD BE SPOKEN OF AS EVIL

7-DO NOT LET BITTERNESS GROW IN YOU

8-LOVE CONTROLS AND LEADS KNOWLEDGE (THE SPIRIT LEADS THE SOUL)

THE PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS

“If your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died” (Rom 14:15). “But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? 11 And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble” (1Cor 8:9-13). “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud” (1 Cor 13:4; NIV).

The doctrine of the perseverance of the saints was initially defined by the Church Fathers, like Augustine, but came to light fully during the Reformation, thru the great theologian John Calvin. This doctrine brought division in the church. That is why we include it among the matters of indifference. It was greatly opposed by many Christians but brought greatest joy to other believers. Because of it, the Christian martyrs went to their death with joy. We shall study it now so that we have peace about the possibility that by own sins or mistakes, we may ‘destroy’ another and send him to hell.

In our relationships with the brethren, there is the danger of ‘destroying a brother’ because of our choice of food, or any item of the matters of indifference. The strong in the faith may insist on his freedom to speak or to do what he wants. But his liberty may turn into license and a stumbling block that makes the weak one fall into sin or backslide. For better or for worse, our words, attitude, and actions, influence others. You are not free to say or do just anything you want to do. That is not freedom. It is called License, and it is sin. The word ‘License’ comes from a Latin word meaning ‘freedom to act’. It means a formal permission to act given by a legal authority. For example, you need a driving license to drive a car. Doctors need medical license to practice medicine. But licentious behavior is sin. It is excessive freedom, abusive disregard for rules of personal conduct. It includes sexual sins. Both freedom and license express themselves as personal powers. They seem alike but there is difference between them. Love is the difference. Freedom is the power to do what is right, within the boundaries and responsibilities of Love. License is the power to do what you want, ignoring all boundaries and responsibilities of Love. Freedom builds character and loving relationships. License is totally selfish and destroys communities, families, and churches.

True freedom is always connected with love for others. You don’t want to say or do something that becomes a stumbling block for others, to make them fall or backslide. Careless words and actions cause hurt and confusion in relationships, even in the church. We must study the possibility that our words or deeds may make a weak brother fall into sin and ‘perish’. This is a serious warning! But the truth is that no man can make a Christian go to hell. From the beginning to the end, salvation is God’s work. But these words are a strong warning that we should behave responsibly in our relationships with others. We should not grieve a brother to the extent that he thinks about backsliding, especially because of these matters of loving indifference. Love should always be the primary motive in all our relationships, in church and outside the church. The strong in the faith should restore a backslider, not make one. For God judges all motives and actions. Selah!

Generally, Perseverance is defined as continuous effort to achieve success, in spite of tiredness, difficulty, discouragement, or delay. Simply said, perseverance means ‘not giving up’. In Latin, perseverance means ‘to abide by something strictly’. In other words, to achieve success or the fulfillment of your dreams, you need to stay focused and to be strict with yourself. For example, wining the marathon race requires perseverance, discipline, a sense of purpose, a desire to be a champion, and a hero. You must pay the price to achieve that success. You must develop good stubbornness, faith in yourself, moral strength, and courage. The greatest enemy of perseverance is discouragement and doubt. A double minded person will give up during hard times. He starts the race but will not finish it. Selah!

Spiritually, Perseverance is defined as the continuous activity of the Holy Spirit in the believer, by which the work of divine Grace that has begun in the heart will continue unto perfection. The believer cooperates with the Holy Spirit thru the process of sanctification. Despite trials and temptations, he matures spiritually. Without the internal work of the Holy Spirit, the believer will give up holding on Jesus. In that sense, the word Perseverance applies first to the Holy Spirit who helps the believer live by faith in Jesus until he enters heaven. God perseveres so that His child can persevere. This is the secret power that sustains each believer until he arrives in heaven. Glory!

Apostle Paul says: “I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return]” (Philip 1:6; AMP). Salvation is by Grace alone, and thru faith in Christ alone. It is King Grace that starts ‘the good work’ of faith in Jesus. It is King Grace that leads the believer until his faith becomes perfect and rewarded. Grace starts and Grace ends. Supported by God, the believer’s faith works in between. “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.14 Do all things without complaining and disputing,15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain” (Philip 2:12-16). Perseverance in the Christian race depends on total submission to the leading of the Holy Spirit and by ‘holding fast the Word of life’. Apostle Paul has total faith in God’s Grace, Power, and Love. This work of grace manifests as perseverance until ‘the day of Christ’, which is His second coming. But for the individual Christian, the work of grace ends at the moment of his death. The enemies of this perseverance are the sins of complaining and disputing. Complaining is a matter of the heart. The believer must obey God’s Word with joy and without doubts or grumbling. Disputing means arguments. It applies to our relationships with others. Lesson: Do not grumble! Do not quarrel! Do not become a stumbling block to others. Both inside your heart and among men, stay in the grace of God and persevere as you run your race towards heaven, to the glory of God!

The churches are divided concerning this doctrine. Some believe it and others reject it. It is easy to misinterpret this doctrine. Many oppose it. They refuse to preach it saying that if a believer is sure of ‘making heaven’ he will become spiritually careless, proud, and lazy. He will take the grace of God for granted. Apostle Paul addressed those who took God’s grace for granted. He said: “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” (Rom 6:1, 2).

Note that it is not necessary to believe this doctrine to become saved. Over the centuries, the Christians have argued about it. Their most anxious questions are these: ‘Can a true believer in Christ lose his salvation? Can a child of God miss heaven and end in hell?’ These are extremely important questions to consider. About half of all Christians believe that a child of God can lose his salvation and end in hell. The others believe that a Christian may backslide for a season, but God will restore him to the right path and will surely go to heaven.

There are two famous theologians who strongly and openly argued about this doctrine. Each one has many followers. The first is John Calvin (1509-1564). He was a French theologian, pastor, and reformer in Geneva during the Protestant Reformation. He believed in the doctrines of the sovereignty of God in election, the depravity of man, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints. He said that man is born spiritually dead. He cannot desire salvation. The only people who will be saved are the elect, those chosen by God before the foundation of the world. They alone respond to God’s effectual call who brings them to repentance and salvation. He said that salvation is only by grace and thru faith in Christ and the saints always persevere to the end. This is because God is working in them to will and to do of His good pleasure. He said that a child of God can never lose his salvation because it is the gift of God, and it is irrevocable.

The second famous theologian is a Dutch man called Jacobus Arminius (1560-1609). He argued bitterly against the teachings of Calvin. He believed that man has a free will to repent or not. He believed that election is conditional. The faith of the believer determines his stand with God. He believed that a man can be born again but thru sin, he can lose his salvation. He believed that all believers have full assurance of salvation with the condition that they ‘remain’ in Christ. Therefore, perseverance is conditional. He said that all believers are graciously empowered by Christ and The Holy Spirit to overcome temptations. He said that the security of salvation depends on the believers if they continue in the faith. As you can see, Calvin exalted the Grace of God, and Arminius the faith of man!

The term ‘Perseverance of the saints’ doesn’t appear in the Bible, but God’s Word clearly teaches this doctrine. The doctrine affirms that God protects and preserves the Christians, also called ‘His saints, or the holy ones’, for eternity. God causes their faith to persevere to the end of their lives when He calls them home to heaven. God safely preserves each Christian’s inheritance in heaven according to His almighty power, great mercy, and grace. All believers receive an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and will never fade away. Salvation is not by their own efforts or ability to live sin-free, but as a gift from their Savior. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1Pet 1:3-5). Such an inheritance can never be lost nor taken away. God secures it in heaven forever. Perseverance is not the work of man, but a gift given by God to His children to empower them to persevere in faithfulness to Christ to the end of their life. In other words, once you are saved, you are eternally saved. If you say that you were once saved but you’ve lost your salvation, it means that you were never saved. True Christians may fall badly and backslide for a long time, but they can never totally fall from grace and end in hell. Selah!

“For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame” (Heb 6:4-6). Some scriptures seem to say that a true believer can lose his salvation. But that is not true. It is possible for a sinner to become religious, to say he is a Christian, and still be lost. The Holy Spirit can touch a sinner for a season so he can experience ‘the powers of the age to come’ and still there is no conversion. For example, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, King Saul behaved as a prophet, but he was never converted (1Sam 10:9-11). It is possible that the eternal Holy Spirit can do ‘temporary work’ in the hearts of sinners. Pray for discernment!

But there are other scriptures that clearly teach that a true believer cannot lose his salvation. Jesus says: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30 I and My Father are one” (Jn 10:27-30). The words of Jesus are categorical. The sheep of Jesus are the born-again Christians. They belong to God the Father who gives them to God the Son. Jesus declares that no one can ‘snatch’ them out of His hand. He keeps them eternally safe. He gives them eternal life. These promises are not conditional on man’s godliness. He clearly says that the true believers ‘shall never perish’. He is the good Shepherd. He knows how weak the sheep are. Even if the sheep goes astray, she cannot be lost eternally. Thru the spiritual mystical union with Christ, all true believers are already in heaven. Heaven is sure for God’s children. “They, whom God has accepted in his Beloved [Jesus Christ, His only Son], effectually called, and sanctified by his Spirit, can neither totally nor finally, fall away from the state of grace; but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved” (Westminster Confession of Faith)

This is God’s Word: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified” (Rom 8:28-30). This is the so called ‘golden chain of redemption’. God “foreknew us, predestined us, called us, justified us and glorify us”. It is God’s purpose to save men thru Jesus Christ. All the verbs are in the past and not in the future. Not a single link in this chain can be missing or broken. According to God’s eternal purpose, He has ‘foreknown’ you to go to heaven.

Observe the power of Grace in salvation! “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Eph 2:8, 9). Salvation is not by works. It is not by our keeping the Law. It is not a reward we can earn or un-earn. It is not something we can gain or lose. It’s a gift given by God, by His grace. This revelation is the heart of the doctrine of the Perseverance of the saints. If there’s even one thing that we must do at any point to earn or keep our salvation, it ceases to be a gift and becomes an earned wage or reward. “Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt” (Rom 4:4). If it is possible to keep ourselves in the faith by our power, by doing good works, then we can boast about ‘making heaven’. We can say: “Look what I’ve done! I’ve kept myself saved.” But if our persevering in the faith is by God’s grace and power alone, from start to finish, we only have Christ to boast, as it should be. “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord” (1 Cor 1:31). The strength and faith to persevere to the end is not the means to enter heaven. It is the proof of God’s grace working in us, as we go to heaven, and it is for His glory alone!

Jesus Christ died on the Cross to save us. Now, in heaven, the Resurrected Christ is our eternal High Priest. His eternal intercession keeps us in the faith, helps us to persevere to the end. “But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them” (Heb 7:24, 25). Our salvation is ‘to the uttermost’, which means eternally. In His high priestly prayer, Jesus prayed to the Father: “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. 26 And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them” (Jn 17:24-26). Jesus asks the Father that all His sheep, the true believers, should be with Him in heaven, to behold His glory and to experience the Agape Love the Father gave Him. The Father can never refuse any prayer of Jesus. Amen!

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” 37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 8:35-39). In Greek, the word ‘separate’ is the same as divorce. Our Lord said about marriage: “6 So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matt 19:6). In other words, Christ will never divorce His Bride. That means you! Nothing can separate us from the eternal love of God in Christ Jesus!

BACKSLIDING

Backsliding is a fact. It happens when a child of God disobeys God’s Word and sins. He leaves the safe way of Grace and now tries to live by his power, by obeying the law. These are some facts about backsliders:

*All legalistic born-again Christians are backsliders. Many of those who are weak in the faith are actually backsliders.

*Every backslider is deceived about sin. The devil can only succeed thru deception. Be warned about religious deception!

*Every backslider is confused. When committing sin, he is happy and unhappy at the same time. A backslider may deceive himself by loving the world, but he cannot overcome the constant longing to go back to God, to the Bible, and to the church. That is why he is sad.

*A backslider can’t lose his salvation. Even when committing sin, he remains God’s child. When he dies, he goes to heaven. But he loses peace of mind, the joy of his salvation, the benefits of going to church, opportunities to do ministry and rewards on earth and heaven.

*Every backslider will eventually repent and come back to God, even if it is on his dying bed. If a backslider dies in open sin, totally rejecting Christ, even when face to face with death, it means he was never saved. He is not a backslider. He lived and died as a sinner.

In case you are worried… These are some signs that you are saved: you have a growing desire to read the Bible, to pray, have fellowship with other Christians. You hate sin and you do warfare against the devil. No Christian is perfect, but these fruits of the Holy Spirit prove that you are truly saved. “The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, But a good man will be satisfied from above” (PV14:14).

These are some examples of backsliders in the Bible. King David fell into serious sin. He committed adultery and murder. But the Holy Spirit convicted him of sin. He genuinely repented and came back to God. He could not stop the consequences of his sin, but his soul was saved with spiritual fruits to prove it. Prophet Jonah ran away from God. But God chased him until he repented and went back to God and to ministry. In the belly of the whale Jonah said: “When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord; And my prayer went up to You, Into Your holy temple. 8 “Those who regard worthless idols forsake their own Mercy. 9 But I will sacrifice to You with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay what I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord” (Jonah 2:7-9). In the New Testament, there is the story of the prodigal son. For the pleasures of sin, he left his father’s house and love. He suffered. He repented and came back to the Father (Lk 15:11-32). Apostle Peter rejected Christ, swearing that he never knew Him. This was a public betrayal of Jesus. When he was being warned of this eventuality, Peter said it would never happen. Jesus said, “Simon, Simon, Satan would have you and sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you, so that when you turn, strengthen the brothers” (Lk 22:31-32). Peter fell badly, but he returned. He was restored. His fall was for a season. Lesson: true Christians can have serious falls but never totally and finally fall from grace.

OUR TESTIMONY

As for us, we believe Calvin’s doctrines of Grace because they are more in line with the truth of the scriptures. We do not follow men blindly. Calvin’s doctrines are not some additions to the Gospel. They stand as pillars of revelation concerning our sure salvation. But we are not ‘Calvinists’. We are ‘Christians’. It is also important to say that you don’t need to know all the doctrines to be saved and go to heaven. But these doctrines help you to better understand God’s plan and purpose for your life, and to have greater understanding concerning your identity in Christ! By the Grace of God, convinced by the Word of God and the witness of the Holy Spirit, we believe that a Child of God is eternally saved and cannot lose his salvation. A Christian can commit sin, but he cannot become a sinner again. True change in conversion is too radical to be undone. Our confession, our faith, is not a matter or religious arguments. It is based on the personal revelation of God’s Word by the Holy Spirit. Truth may be hated but truth always wins! If you have questions, then humble yourself. Be encouraged as you study God’s Word for yourself! May God open the eyes of your understanding to see the truth and to be set free from religious constricting man-made doctrines! I declare that it is well with your soul! Worship the Lord!

A FINAL WARNING…

Dear Child of God, the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints should not make you careless with your soul. You need to pay the price for spiritual maturity. You need to study God’s Word, fast, pray, and attend a local church to have fellowship with the brethren. The devil is real, and he is your enemy. He cannot drag you to hell, but he will try to spoil your testimony as a servant of God. Now, this is a word of encouragement for the children of God who still struggle with doubts concerning their eternal salvation. As you can see, no man can convince you. Only God can give you peace of mind about your eternal salvation. Study God’s Word and pray for personal revelation. Think of this: For a child of God to lose his salvation and go to hell, God must deny His Word. God must do the following: He changes His eternal will, plan, and purpose for you! He stops loving you. His Grace will not be sufficient for your salvation. God has to say: “I am taking the imputed righteousness of My Son from you, and I give you back your sins!” This is the truth: If the life of Jesus is in you, you are married to Christ. What God has joined together let not man separate. For you to lose your salvation, the Father must separate you from Christ. He must remove the seal and the guarantee of the Holy Spirit given to you! He needs to break His promises to you. The Father will not do that! Perseverance does not mean I will not fall into sin. I fall and rise again! For you to lose your salvation Jesus must stop praying for you or the Father decides not to answer the prayers of Jesus. Both these two possibilities can never happen! Is this perseverance not the most wonderful, good news? Do you need more persuasion? Then pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit of hope! “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion, and power, Both now and forever. Amen!” (Jude 1:24,25). Worship the Lord!

THE SURGERY OF LOVE

Apr21 by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

LOVE IS THE NEW COMMANDMENT (31)/ MATTERS OF LOVING INDIFFERENCE (13)/ THE SURGERY OF LOVE

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. 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 humanity. “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. “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (Jn15:13). 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! God the Father gave us His only begotten Son, to save us! God the Son gave up His Life to pay for our sins! There is no greater Love than that!!!

MATTERS OF LOVING INDIFFERENCE

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.

These are some laws of agape Love:

1-NEVER BE A STUMBLING BLOCK TO ANYONE. DO NOT GRIEVE YOUR BROTHER.

2-DO NOT REJECT FOOD- PRAY! ALL FOOD IS CLEAN AND GOOD

3-NEVER DISCRIMINATE PEOPLE

4-DO NOT MISUSE YOUR FREEDOM TO DAMAGE YOUR GOOD TESTIMONY

5-DO NOT DAMAGE YOUR CONSCIENCE AND THE CONSCIENCE OF YOUR NEIGHBOUR

6-DO NOT LET YOUR GOOD BE SPOKEN OF AS EVIL

7-DO NOT LET BITTERNESS GROW IN YOU

8-LOVE CONTROLS AND LEADS KNOWLEDGE (THE SPIRIT LEADS THE SOUL)

NEVER BE A STUMBLING-BLOCK TO ANYONE

In Greek, the word ‘stumbling-block’ is ‘skandalon’. It means an offence, a hidden snare, a trap-stick to catch animals in the bush. The animal is unaware of the trap because it is covered with leaves and grass. There is a bait hanging there. The animal makes one step towards the bait and touches a stick that moves the trap. The animal is caught alive in the snare. Except a man comes to free it, the animal will be killed and eaten by the hunter. Spiritually, by falling into such a snare, the weak in the faith goes astray or backslides. This Greek word is the origin of the English word ‘scandal’. The word ‘stumbling-block’ has two meanings: the first, is an obstacle on the way, like a tree that fell on the road, and blocking it. The second meaning is deception that leads you away from the road of faithfulness and truth. Both these meanings manifest as ‘verbal traps’ to lure someone in an argument that will end in defeat and destruction. For example, a Lawyer starts an argument with an illiterate man. The lawyer is setting a trap, building a stronghold in the man’s path. The lawyer has no love for the man! Another example of evil is when a pastor starts an argument with a baby Christian. He wins it! Selah!!!

Stumbling blocks always delay the progress of a believer. The strong in the faith is warned not to use his freedom in becoming a wicked hindrance towards the weak. Knowing that we shall all be judged by Christ, we should be careful that we do not offend others with our words and deeds. Do not discourage, intimidate, or manipulate the weak to act in doubt, fear, or against his conscience. Lesson: Do not think only of yourself. Think of others and the effect your words and deeds have on them. As they say, ‘no man is an island’. No man lives or dies to himself. We are all God’s property, and He will judge all we say and do! Selah!

LOVE CONTROLS AND LEADS KNOWLEDGE (THE SPIRIT LEADS THE SOUL)

“Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. 2 And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him. 4 Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. 5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live. 7 However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; for some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse. 9 But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? 11 And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble” (1 Cor 8:1-13).

In this letter, Apostle Paul discusses the different reactions of the Christians to eating or not eating food dedicated to idols. The first thing we learn is that food does not have a spiritual significance. To eat or not to eat is a matter of choice and of obeying your conscience. The strong in the faith have no problem with eating meat that may have been dedicated to idols. But the baby Christians, or the weak in the faith feel guilty when they eat it, when they imitate the spiritually strong and eat it, or when they are forced to eat it. In all these instances their consciences can be wounded, and the fellowship can be hurt. People with wounded spirits tend to withdraw and division manifests in the fellowship. Apostle Paul makes a point that we should pay the price to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the church. He also says that the motive of Love is greater than the motive of knowledge. The ‘heart’ is to lead ‘the mind’. In other words, the spirit should control the soul. Knowledge of the Bible is wonderful, but it tends to make us proud. Is it not true that when you listen to a Christian, or to a pastor, who does not know the doctrines of salvation as you do, you tend to criticize him in your mind. You feel proud of your knowledge. But Love is safer. Love does not become proud. Love is a builder and a helper. Love is humble and stronger than knowledge. Love leads!

Apostle Paul says: “Knowledge [alone] makes [people self-righteously] arrogant, but love [that unselfishly seeks the best for others] builds up and encourages others to grow [in wisdom]” (1Cor 8:1; AMP). He separates knowledge (theory) from the divine wisdom of Love that knows how to apply the knowledge. Knowledge alone without love for God and man is like a big balloon. It is impressive but it can explode anytime. There are many very intelligent people who cannot love anybody. They are geniuses in their field but bankrupt as husbands and fathers. Love keeps us humble and fruitful. The conscience warns us when we build empty balloons of pride and encourages us to love others and help them along the way. Lovers lead thinkers!

Concerning eating food dedicated to idols, Apostle Paul addresses especially the believers who are strong in the faith. They know God’s Word. They know their identity in Christ. They know that idols are nothing and all food is clean. They walk in strength, faith, and freedom. They are free from fear or doubts. Their consciences are free from condemnation or guilt. But there remains a danger: they may not walk in love. Lesson: It is easy to ignore love when your knowledge and faith are strong! You must be sensitive to the signals of both love and faith. Listen to both your mind and your heart! Faith connects with God. Love connects to both God and people. You may love God, but you may not love your neighbor as you love yourself. Be careful in your relationship with people, especially with the weak in the faith, who generally are the difficult brethren. Love for people should not be sacrificed on the altar of faith, knowledge, and success in life.

For better or for worse, our words, attitude, and actions, influence others. You are not free to say or do just anything you want to do. That is not freedom. It is called License, and it is sin. The word ‘License’ comes from a Latin word meaning ‘freedom to act’. It means a formal permission to act given by a legal authority. For example, you need a driving license to drive a car on the road. Bars need a license to serve alcohol. Doctors need a medical license to practice medicine. Licentious behavior is sin. It means excessive freedom, abusive disregard for rules of personal conduct. It includes sexual sins. Both freedom and license express themselves as personal powers. They seem alike but there is great difference between them. Freedom means the power to do what is right, within the boundaries and responsibilities of Love. License is the power to do what you want, ignoring the boundaries, and responsibilities of Love. Freedom builds character and loving relationships. License is totally selfish and destroys communities, families, and churches. True freedom is always connected with love for others. You don’t want to say or do something that becomes a stumbling block for others, to make them fall or backslide. Careless words and actions cause hurt and confusion in relationships and in the church.

By insisting on his freedom of action, the spiritually strong can wound the conscience of the weak. In Latin the word ‘conscience’ is made of two words: con (means together with) and science. In other words, conscience means ‘to know something together with God’. The conscience is a major component of the human spirit enabling us to know the difference between right and wrong, between God’s voice and the devil’s voice. An active healthy conscience influences the will. These are the three basic functions of the conscience:

*Telling us what to do at this present moment.

*Making us feel good (happy) when we do right.

*Making us feel guilty (anxious) when we do wrong.

*The Conscience separates truth (true doctrines) from lies (false doctrines).

*The Conscience convicts of religious sin and hypocrisy when you do not practically apply the truth that you know.

The strong in the faith know the truth: the so-called gods are fake. ‘The idol is nothing in the world and there is no other God but One’. For the Christians, there is only One God. He is the only Trinty God: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The Lord Jesus made all things, and we live in Him. The believers in Christ are free to eat meat offered to idols because the idols are nothing. They can’t influence the meat. But the weak in the faith are afraid to eat such meat. Their conscience is weak and defiled. They still live in a form of bondage concerning the things connected with idol worshipping. They are afraid that eating meat offered to idols may affect their health.

The spiritually mature have a good conscience, clean, free of offence or guilt. Apostle Paul said: “Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day… This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men” (Ac 23:1; 24:16). This should be our desire too! A good conscience is sensitive to truth and free to speak. It has perfect peace and confidence as a Christian. It is free from guilt, shame, anxiety, or inferiority complexes.

A guilty conscience manifests as fear, anxiety, depression, misdirected anger, suspicion, withdrawal, lack of appetite, sleep disturbance, bitterness, loneliness, or busyness. When the flesh is active, the conscience is suppressed and damaged. When the Holy Spirit fills the believer it produces spiritual fruits like Love, Joy, and Peace. These fruits set him free from any law against him (Gal 5:19-23). That is why the conscience is free, healthy, active, strong and at peace with God and self. These spiritual fruits are the only perfect protection against guilt, doubts, and fears. A believer who is Spirit filled is the only person that you can safely trust with the needs of your soul. He is gentle and wise, loving and patient to pray for you and to counsel you rightly. Be careful when choosing a life partner, friends, mentors, and pastors. Anyone who walks in the flesh is dangerous to others and to himself. Selah!

Let us take the example of eating meat that may have been dedicated to idols. The Jews had strict ceremonial and dietary laws. All their food, especially the meat, needed to be approved by the priests that it was lawful. In every city, the Jews had their own butcher and their own markets. They never went to the common market to buy meat or vegetables. But the Gentiles did not have such laws. They could eat any meat, including pork, but some feared the meat coming from the temples. When the Jews or the Gentiles became saved, they still carried these fears in their minds. The decision to eat or not to eat was not based on God’s Word, but on their fears and doubts.

The only way for the weak in the faith to be free, is to teach them God’s Word. Truth sets free. Also, remember that the conscience can be trained. It gets stronger and purer by God’s Word and prayer. The truth is that you can influence your conscience, either for good or for bad. Alcohol, illegal drugs, can weaken the conscience allowing the man to make decisions that he will later regret. These drugs affect the emotions, the memory, the mind, the way reality is perceived. Alcohol, drugs, reduce the feeling of guilt produced by the conscience. The man is emboldened to continue in sin, taking God’s grace for granted. These addictions are dangerous not only on the body, but they affect the mind and the spirit. These are spiritual laws: Respect your conscience and the conscience of your neighbor. Always listen to your conscience and obey it. Never argue or disobey it! Never force or manipulate your neighbor to act against his conscience. That is a spiritual crime. Never tell him to imitate you when you see that he still has fears and doubts. Do not argue with him. Be patient, gentle, and wise with those who are weak in the faith. Do not insist on your opinions, especially concerning these matters of indifference.

THE SURGERY OF LOVE

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell” (Matt 5:27-30). These are the eternal words spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ. He proves that the religious Pharisees are wrong in their interpretation of God’s command: “You shall not commit adultery” (Exo 20:14). They try to obey the letter of the Law but ignore the Spirit of the Law. That attitude is always wrong. Our Lord explains the right way to obey God’s command.

These scriptures refer to the sin of adultery. But we can glean wisdom to apply in all situations because we are all born sinners. Adultery stands for fake sinful ‘love’. It is the enemy of Agape Love. The Pharisees knew the Ten Commandants. They studied God’s Laws in the Old Testament. They were religious people. They tried their best to live a good life. What was their problem? They did not know the doctrine of sin. They were ignorant of the power, and the deception of sin in their own hearts. They treated sin as being only a matter of external deeds. They did not know that sin is deeply rooted in man’s heart. A sickness may manifest in different ways, but the sickness is deeper than all the symptoms. You can give medicine to stop the symptoms, but the sickness remains, and the man is not yet cured. The saints of old used these words: ‘The sinfulness of sin’. This is to describe the depth of ugliness and danger of sin in man’s heart.

In Greek, the word sin is ‘harmatia’. It means ‘to miss the mark’, to make mistakes, to go astray. A good definition of sin is this: falling short of God’s glorious standard of holiness and being far away from His saving presence. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23). To ‘fall short’ means to come too late, to be inferior in quality, to be unapproved by God. Sin separates man from God! “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear” (Is 59:2). God hates sin and always destroys it! These are some of the attributes of sin: Sin is Powerful! Sin is Deceptive! Sin can only be defeated and eradicated thru faith in the Gospel of Christ crucified and resurrected. As a child of God, you must hate sin. “You who love the LORD, hate evil!” (Ps 97:10). If you do not understand the doctrine of sin, you will not understand the reason why Jesus came and died for sinners. Minimizing sin the way the Pharisees did, makes you an unbeliever or a traitor to Jesus. Be careful!

Jesus said that if your right eye or right hand leads you to sin, pluck it or cut it off. To protect love, Doctor Jesus recommends radical surgery. Why did He say that? It is a reminder that sin is merciless, and a deadly poison. It spreads until it kills its victim. For example, if a patient has a gangrene on his hand, the doctor may need to amputate the hand to save his life. During the time of Jesus, men thought that the right hand is more powerful than the left one. They also believed that the right eye sees better than the left eye. Now, both hands and both eyes are gifts from God. Therefore, Jesus says that if a good gift from God leads you into sin, then remove it. Anything that makes you go away from Jesus, from truth, from the way of salvation, destroy it. Your soul is more important than your body. Anything that has the power to destroy your soul or your conscience, look at it as an enemy and separate from it. That includes loving family and friends. “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers, and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple” (Lk 14:26, 27). God has blessed us with families. We love our families. But the Agape Love for Jesus must be greater than the love for any man. The only way to fight for agape love is to bear your cross and follow Jesus. Refusing to die to sin and self, is the reason why Jesus cannot admit you into His school of the Spirit. He cannot teach you the truth. If you chose to keep your family, you will lose the Savior. Selah!

Jesus said that adultery is more than the physical sexual act. He said that adultery is connected with covetousness. The same God who said: you shall not commit adultery, also said that you should not covet your neighbor’s house and wife (Ex 20:14,17). Covetouness is defined as a strong desire to have the things that belong to another, especially wealth and pleasure. It is related to greed, jealousy, and sexual lust. The pharisees knew about the law against covetousness but they never applied it. Jesus exposes their shallow religion. They were proud that they did not commit adultery with their bodies, but their hearts were filled with wicked ugly imaginations. Apostle Paul said that he too did not know the power of the sin of Covetousness until the Holy Spirit exposed it to him thru God’s Law (Rom 7:7-12).

Jesus said that adultery, like bitterness, dwells in the heart. It is a secret sin. “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. 20 These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man” (Matt 15:19, 20). Sin resident in heart defiles a man. Sin makes him unloving, wicked, polluted, ugly, and dangerous. For example: people love to read on the internet about affairs, divorce, and other sexual stories. They love to gossip about famous people who live immoral lives. Why? It is because they love these stories. They find them entertaining. People hate some sins like murder, but they love sins like fornication. All sins are terrible. They kill and destroy. God hates all sin. We must hate them too. Selah!

God is Love and God is Jealous over His Love. This is His command: “you shall not worship any other god; for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous (impassioned) God [demanding what is rightfully and uniquely His]” (Ex 34:14; AMP). God is impassionate. This word means to be filled with very strong emotions, to be excited, passionate, and fiery. These emotions manifest thru words and actions. The opposite is to be indifferent, detached, cool. Many people tried to explain that God is not emotional with His creation. That He is not jealous. But we are told that His name if El Qanna, the Jealous God. Love is patient and tolerates many things but not idolatry. If God is indifferent to our worshipping idols, it means He does not care for us, He does not love us. But we are told that God loves us! That is why God is not cool when it comes to idols! Selah!

‘The Israelites are commanded to destroy every monument of idolatry, however curious or costly; to refuse all alliance, friendship, or marriage with idolaters, and all idolatrous feasts; they were reminded not to repeat the crime of making molten images. Jealously is called the rage of a man (Pr 6:34} but in God it is holy and just displeasure. Those cannot worship God aright, who do not worship him only’ (Matthew Henry commentary).

The only way to fight and defeat the power of sin is thru the greater power of Love. And that power comes only thru the Holy Spirit. You must be born again. You must confess your sins to God. Ask for mercy and forgiveness. God hears the prayer of a truly humble man who has faith in His Son. Salvation is by Grace alone, thru faith alone, in Christ alone. After salvation, the process of sanctification starts. By the power of the Holy Spirit, thru faith in God’s Word, fasting and prayer, you daily kill every sin in your heart. “Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Rom 8:12,13). Flesh is where sin dwells. Do not even think about satisfying the sinful desires of the flesh. “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts” (Rom 13:14). Do not supply the flesh with what she wants. You know your weaknesses.

For example, if you were involved in adultery, do not ‘witness’ to prostitutes. You must physically avoid some people and some places that are dangerous for your Christian life. Another example: You had a fleshly relationship with a boyfriend in the past. He has broken your heart. Since you became a Christian, you have made peace with him. He invites you to his wedding with another woman. It is better not to attend that wedding. It is hard not to remember the pain and not to judge him in your heart. God commands His children: “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.” 18 “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty” (2Cor 6:17). Love does not discriminate but love separates itself from sin.

This is an old story I read in a book. There was an African chief who was angry with one of his slaves. The slave stole some food. The chief ordered that the slave should be killed. An English missionary was told about the crisis. He ran to the chief and begged for mercy on behalf of the guilty slave. The chief refused to listen to his plea. Then the missionary offered money and gifts. The chief said that he can attack another tribe in the forest, kill the people, and take their money and gifts. He said that he wants to see ‘blood flowing’ before he can have peace. Then the chief ordered one of his guards to shoot an arrow in the slave’s heart. Suddenly, the missionary stretched his arm and covered the slave’s chest. The arrow entered his arm and blood gushed to the ground. The chief was satisfied. He then gave the slave to the missionary as a gift. The slave served his new master faithfully until he died. He became saved and went to heaven. Glory!

Do you want to go to heaven? Good! Think now like a heavenly citizen. You want to see God on His throne one day? Good! But to see God, your heart must be clean! “Blessed are the pure in heart. For they shall see God” (Matt 5:8). May we appreciate the grace of God more and more. Fight for your testimony. Be jealous over your name as a Christan, or as a pastor. Remember your soul. Do not sell your birthright for a plate of stew. Pay the price for spiritual maturity and Love. It is worth it! Worship the Lord!

ESAU I HAVE HATED

Apr14 by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

LOVE IS THE NEW COMMANDMENT (30)/ MATTERS OF LOVING INDIFFERENCE (12)/ ESAU I HAVE HATED

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” (Jn15:13). 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, to save us! God the Son gave up His Live, His Blood, to pay for our sins! There is no greater Love than that!!!

MATTERS OF LOVING INDIFFERENCE

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!

These are some laws of agape Love:

1-NEVER BE A STUMBLING BLOCK TO ANYONE. DO NOT GRIEVE YOUR BROTHER.

2-DO NOT REJECT FOOD- PRAY! ALL FOOD IS CLEAN AND GOOD

3-NEVER DISCRIMINATE PEOPLE

4-DO NOT MISUSE YOUR FREEDOM AND DAMAGE YOUR GOOD TESTIMONY

5-DO NOT DAMAGE YOUR CONSCIENCE AND THE CONSCIENCE OF YOUR NEIGHBOUR

DO NOT LET YOUR GOOD BE SPOKEN OF AS EVIL

“Therefore, do not let what is a good thing for you [because of your freedom to choose] be spoken of as evil [by someone else]… Don’t let your right to eat bring shame to Christ… Don’t you dare let a piece of God-blessed food become an occasion of soul-poisoning! (Rom 14:16; AMP, CEV, TM).

Love is not a people pleaser, but it is sensitive to the feelings of others. Please remember that something you may consider good may be interpreted as bad by others. Be sensitive to your environment, to other cultures and ideas. For example, the missionaries are trained to understand the culture and habits of the people to whom they minister. Being carless in this area becomes a stronghold that hinders ministry. This is an example: an American evangelist said that he was preaching in Pakistan. There was no pulpit on the platform they built. After reading God’s Word, he put the Bible on the floor. The people became restless and stopped listening to his preaching. Why? Because in their culture, a holy book like the Bible or the Quran should not be on the floor where people can step on it even accidentally. The evangelist apologized and carried the Bible in his hand until they bought a pulpit. Another example: in Europe, if you invite someone to dinner you expect the visitor to keep to the time. More than 10 minutes late, is considered rude and apology is needed. I heard that in some countries in South America, lateness is part of the accepted culture. Even church’ services start late, and people think is normal. In Nigeria, if you give a gift to someone using the left hand, people get offended and sometimes openly correct you. It is not the same in Europe. Lesson: Love is sensitive to people’s feelings and cultures. We do everything to the glory of God and to save others. If our eating, manner of dressing, or speaking, does not give glory to God and does not spread love to others, so that they can be saved, then we are wrong. A thing can be right in itself and still be wrong in some situations. Love wins over our arguments of being right!

The Body of Christ is One! The Gospel is one! The Spirit is one! But believers are not all the same. Some are strong in the faith and others are weak. The strong in the faith have paid the price for spiritual maturity. He knows the difference between the major doctrines and matters of indifference. He knows the power of love and walks in it. The strong in the faith has more flexibility and room for humility. He can submit to some laws just for the sake of Christ and the Gospel. But the weak in the faith are more rigid and judgmental. It is the strong in the faith that has to first pay the price for love before the weak will follow. The strong in faith is willing to reduce his freedom to connect with another who is weak in the faith. Lesson: Don’t wait for the weak in the faith to understand or accept your freedom, especially in these matters of indifference. For example: if you visit a family of vegetarians, don’t eat fried chicken in their presence. Your appetite for food can be satisfied at home but not in public. Your appetite for food has blocked the way for you to minister Christ to them. Satisfying your stomach, you have damaged a good thing called ‘testimony’. The weak in the faith see you now as a fake Christian who does not love. You have gained a chicken and have ‘lost’ a soul. You have filled your belly with the food of your choice, but you have grieved a brother. You have lost more than you have gained. Lesson: always remember God! Spiritual things are more important than temporal things. Your testimony as a child of God is more important than your appetite for food. Even if it is your right to eat chicken, you are damaging your good testimony thru pride, or carelessness. It takes a long time to build a good name and a good testimony. Be jealous over these and protect them. Love says: to win souls has a greater value than to win an argument. “The fruit of the [consistently] righteous is a tree of life, And he who is wise captures and wins souls [for God—he gathers them for eternity]” (PV 11:30; AMP). Selah!

Penny-wise and Pound-foolish. Pounds and pennies are English currencies. A pound is made of 100 pennies. This popular saying means to be extremely careful or stingy with small amounts of money but careless or wasteful with large amounts. It describes something that is done to save a small amount of money now, but that will cost a large amount of money in the future. This attitude describes a foolish person. It means you lose more than you gain. You give too much attention to details, and you lose the bigger picture. Calculating the small profit of today, you miss open doors of opportunities ahead. It is a form of distraction that will cost you time and money. For example, a woman saves money when buying food for the children but goes to buy a very expensive dress; a man marries a humble hard-working economical woman but spends a lot of money on girlfriends. A businessman applies for a contract. There are other competitors. He should send his quote by FedEx, which is safer and faster. It is also more expensive. He decides to save money on transport and sends it by simple post office letter. At the end, his letter arrives too late. He has lost the contract. This is another example of foolishness: when building a house, you need a strong deep foundation. That is expensive. But the house is stronger and last longer. Building a big house on a shallow cheap foundation is foolishness and waste. Lesson: do not cheat yourself!

Do not allow your good to be spoken of as evil. Good can be your testimony, your marriage, your family, your ministry etc. Protect what you consider to be an asset to you, and the good name that you hold. Be careful how you choose your battles! Love yourself and others! It is possible to be very concerned about your life and totally ignorant on the effect you have on others. The strong willed and opinionated people get easily distracted and quarrel with others. They may win the argument but lose their reputation or their testimony. The husband and wife can quarrel over a minor issue. Each one wants to win the argument. But in this type of battle there are no winers. Only the devil wins at last. By quarreling they lose their peace of mind, their respect for each other, the joy of marriage and their testimonies as children of God. Trying to win an argument you can do much damage to yourself and to your family. Lesson: love is the standard and leader! Obey the voice of Love! “Follow the way of love… Let love be your highest goal… Love should be your guide” (1Cor 14:1; NIV, NLT, CEV).

THE ROOT OF BITTERNESS

“See to it that no one falls short of God’s grace; that no root of resentment springs up and causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; 16 and [see to it] that no one is immoral or godless like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. 17 For you know that later on, when he wanted [to regain title to] his inheritance of the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no opportunity for repentance [there was no way to repair what he had done, no chance to recall the choice he had made], even though he sought for it with [bitter] tears” (Heb 12:15-17; AMP). “Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled” (Heb 12:15; NKJ).

The story of Esau is a great warning to us. He was a fool. He was a bitter man that God hates, and man hates. We study his life to learn from his terrible mistakes. God, who is Love, said: “As it is written, “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated” (Rom 9:13). Question: what does Love hate? Esau was the older son of Isaac and the grandson of Abraham, who is the father of faith. His name means ‘red’ because he was born with reddish hair on his body. He was ‘a man of the field’, a skillful hunter. His twin younger brother Jacob ‘was a mild man, dwelling in the tents’. He was the son of a wealthy man. God blessed both Abraham and Isaac, spiritually and materially. After his father’s death, as the senior son, it was his right and privilege to inherit the wealth of his father and the spiritual leadership in the family. But he rejected that. This is the painful story of a very foolish son.

One day, coming from the field, tired and hungry, he found his brother Jacob cooking lentils stew (beans porridge). He told Jacob that he is hungry enough to die. Jacob suggested a deal. To pay for the food, Jacob asked Esau to give him his birthright. Without thinking about the consequences of his action, Esau agreed. He ate the stew and sold his birthright. He gained material blessings by selling his spiritual blessings. He gained little and he lost much. To understand the value of his loss, let us study the blessing of the birthright in that culture.

The birthright was a great spiritual blessing. It gave the elder son two thirds of the father’s wealth, the responsibility of spiritual leadership in the family, great privileges, and honors in the community. The senior son will be the priest and pastor of the home. For example, Abraham had Ishmael as his first son. But he was the son of his flesh. Isaac was the first and only son of promise. God rejected Ishmael to inherit the privilege of having the birthright. After Sarah died, old Abraham marries Keturah. He has other sons with her. But even before he dies, knowing of the danger of competition for the birthright, Abraham gives gifts to his sons and sends them away, far from the family land and Isaac. Abraham was told by God: “in Isaac your seed shall be called” (Gen 21:12). The birthright has the approval of God in the matter of family survival and destiny. The family line must be kept pure because the approved seed that the Savior will be born in it. Anyone who rejects faith in God and spiritual blessings, will be excluded from the privilege of inheriting the birthright.

Isaac was a wealthy man. As the elder son, Esau was entitled to the honor of being the family head after their father dies. He was also entitled to receive a double portion from his father’s property. For a bowl of stew, he sold all these blessings. Esau “despised his birthright” (Gen 25:34). The word ‘despise’ means to belittle, to show contempt, to scorn his privileges as a senior son. In other words, Esau had no interest in spiritual things. He loved the world! He loved material things! He rejected God and the spiritual blessings! Selah!

Look at the attitude of Esau on that fateful day when he sold his birthright. It is like nothing big happened. No big deal! He had to regret. The birthright to him was like a broken toy he does not need. “So, he (Esau) swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. 34 And Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank, arose, and went his way. Thus, Esau despised his birthright” (Gen 25:33,34).

He did not remember this incident until some time later, Jacob deceived him and took Isaac’s fatherly blessing. Isaac was old. He wanted to bless his sons. He loved Esau more because he brought him ‘bush meat’. Rebecah loved Jacob more. She remembered the word of prophecy from God that the older will serve the younger. Deceitfully, she helps Jacob receive the blessing of the father. When Esau comes with his meal prepared for Isaac, he discovered that he was too late. He was cheated. He wept bitterly. He accuses his brother Jacob of deceiving him two times. That was a lie. When he lost his birthright, Jacob did not deceive him. He sold it! Esau is a liar! “And Esau said to his father, “Have you only one blessing, my father? Bless me—me also, O my father!” And Esau lifted up his voice and wept” (Gen 27:38). He weeps because he was cheated not because he was truly repentant. He cries not to God but to his father. To him, his father is his god. Esau’s name is not associated with God in the book of Genesis. Isaac blessed him at last but does not use God’s name as he did when he blessed Jacob. Isaac has already pronounced the blessing of spiritual leadership upon Jacob. He declared that all his brothers, including Esau, shall submit and serve Jacob. Esau wept bitterly but could not change the decree! History proves this to be true. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the God of our Lord Jesus Christ. To the believers in Christ, He is God the Father. The Jews, and the Christians are the promised descendants of Abraham. The descendants of Esau were called the Edomites. They hated and fought the people of God. King Herod was an Edomite. After Jesus died, they disappeared as a people from the face of the earth.

Esau sold his birthright and the position of leadership in the family. He forsook the privilege to have the Messiah coming from his lineage. The prophecy given to their mother Rebekah came to pass: ‘The older shall serve the younger’ (Gen25:23). Easu was truly sorry for his mistake, but it was not a godly sorrow that leads to repentance and to salvation. His worldly sorrow led to anger and bitterness against Jacob. He now made plans to kill his younger brother like Cain killed Abel. “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. 11 For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter” (2 Cor 7:10, 11). Lesson:Repentance is done unto God and in the name of Jesus. There is no regret in it. It brings peace. Like Judas, Esau only had remorse. He regretted his action but did not care about grieving God. Jesus said: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mk 8:36).

Esau is the first man in the Bible who rejects the grace of God. Esau had no character, no love for God. To have the privilege of the birthright was a matter of faith. Esau had no faith in God. He sold his birthright for food. Lesson: it is possible to gain temporary pleasures and lose eternal rewards. This is the warning of God’s Word! In the Book of Hebrews, Esau is called a fornicator and a godless man. He was a polygamist. He married two pagan women who brought ‘grief of mind to Isaac and Rebekah’. Trying to repair his mistake, Esau then married Mahalath, the daughter of Ismael, adding her to his former wives (Gen 26:34, 35; 28:9). Esau had no interest in God and spiritual things. To be a fornicator and godless man, it means that he was a spiritually adulterous man. He worshipped idols. He possibly worshipped his father, Isaac, who loved him more than Jacob. He also worshipped himself and his achievements as a skillful hunter. He was a man of the world. Lesson: Godless people do not fear God. They ignore or hate spiritual things, and anything about faith in God.

Esau is called a bitter root, a troublemaker, who defiles many. Esau became jealous on Jacob and hated him all his life. Bitter people do not forgive. The saddest person in the Bible after Judas may be Esau. Bitterness is a deep spiritual sinful stronghold. Bitterness spreads and affects families and churches. “The heart knows its own bitterness, And a stranger does not share its joy” (PV 14:10). Bitterness is hidden in the heart. The battle starts at an intimate deep and place. It stays hidden for a long time. None can help us win the battle but God. Often, we are not ready to confess and repent of it.

Bitterness is ungrateful. Bitter people do not appreciate God’s grace and spiritual blessings. They always want more, especially material things. Bitterness comes when people are not satisfied with God’s provision and look for idols. God hates bitterness and warns against it. “You saw their abominations and their idols which were among them—wood and stone and silver and gold); 18 so that there may not be among you man or woman or family or tribe, whose heart turns away today from the Lord our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations, and that there may not be among you a root bearing bitterness or wormwood; 19 and so it may not happen, when he hears the words of this curse, that he blesses himself in his heart, saying, ‘I shall have peace, even though I follow the dictates of my heart’—as though the drunkard could be included with the sober” (Deut 29:17-19). Bitterness is unresolved anger. happens when we despise the chastisement of God. Bitterness happens when we replace faith and love with stubborn unbelief. God uses discipline to build godly character in us. Unbelief produces the poison of bitterness. Bitter people are liars and the father of liars.

“By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come” (Heb 11:20). Esau lost his birthright not his sonship in the family. Later, Esau and Jacob reconciled. God blessed Esau financially but not spiritually. Lesson: you can be the son (daughter) in a godly family and still not be blessed by God. Seek spiritual blessings not just a place in the family. Esau despised his birthright. He showed contempt for that which his fathers loved. He did not see the birthright as a blessing but as a hindrance to fulfill his fleshly desires. That is why he sold it. Esau is an example of using the things of God to accomplish the things of man. Esau realized his mistake only later. But it was too late to retrieve it. He now has entered the list of men who refused to accomplish the will of God and fulfill destiny.

Spiritually, Faith is ‘handed down’ to us as our birthright (Jude 1:3). The Word of God is our blessed birthright. Some appreciate faith and surrender to Christ. They become children of God and leaders in the Body of Christ. Others, like Esau, reject this faith and live worldly to their last breath. It is possible to call yourself a Christian, but you sell your faith in Christ. You betray the true Gospel of Christ crucified and resurrected and preach other ‘gospels.’ Lesson: be careful with your spiritual inheritance, with your faith in Christ. Be jealous over your testimony as a Christian. Value and appreciate the testimony of other Christians. Never help anyone to backslide or to compromise his faith. Esau wept for his wrong choice, but he did not repent. The lust of the flesh is extremely strong. The flesh is impatient. It wants satisfaction now. It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that we can deny the flesh. Lack of self-control hinders God from blessing you! Learn how to say no to the flesh. Learn to die to the flesh, so that you can please God and be blessed by Him. Repentance is a gift of grace from God. Thank God if you are able to repent of sin.

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there” (Jam 3:13-16).

Bitterness makes you a liar. It builds a stronghold of envy, selfishness, confusion, pride, and foolishness. Bitterness spreads like a virus. What do you know about your bitterness? People can hurt one another. This happens in marriages, families and even in the churches. Bitter people end in divorce. Many people leave the church because they are bitter. God’s discipline is a sign of love. Rejecting the pain of discipline, you reject His love and end in bitterness. Anytime you say that if I don’t have this pleasure I will die, you follow Esau’s path.

SIGNS OF BITTERNESS

*Bitter people are moody, angry, hold grudges, are ungrateful, have depression.

*They lie and gossip. They try to play the victim to attract attention so that people care for them.

*They speak about God but do not trust God. They worship idols (men, money…)

*They are jealous on others and angry when others are happy. They are selfish, hurt others with words and are easily offended.

*They are sick with chronic often incurable diseases.

*They hate the Christians, Church, Bible, and God.

In Hebrews 12:15, the root of bitterness springs up. In Greek is describes a little plant just coming up from a seed. Lesson: Bitterness starts little, and it develops. The earlier you detect it and repent of it, the better. Be careful with little grudges, or little jealousy. Selah!

JESUS’ WARNING OF LOVE

“I have told you these things so that you will not stumble or be caught off guard and fall away… I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]” (Jn 16:1, 33; AMP).

Just before the Cross, Jesus told His disciples that His words are a warning for them, not to be ignorant, trapped and fall away from the faith. This is the same word in Greek ‘scandalizo’. It means a stumbling block. He just told them two things: the world will hate them because it hates Him and the Holy Spirit will come to fill them, to witness against the world, so that they know the truth and be encouraged. He also told them that His words will bring them perfect peace. The world cannot give peace and cannot take it away from them. He has defeated the world. We share in His abiding victory. The hatred of the world cannot conquer the agape love in our hearts, the peace and joy from the Holy Spirit. The only protection we have as believers against the world’s hatred and deception is God’s Word, God’s Spirit, and the authority in the name of Jesus! No man protects us. God’s grace is enough!

Do not reject God’s good plan for your life! Be grateful and receive it! Esau sold his birthright because of hunger of just few hours. Jesus fasted 40 days and 40 nights to defeat the devil who is the author of all anger and bitterness. He said: “But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matt 4:4). Worship the Lord!

LOVE DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE

Apr7 by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

LOVE IS THE NEW COMMANDMENT (29)/ MATTERS OF LOVING INDIFFERENCE (11)/ LOVE DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE!

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” (Jn15:13). 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, to save us! God the Son gave up His Live, His Blood, to pay for our sins! There is no greater Love than that!!!

“You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you” (Jn 15:3). Faith in God’s Word cleanses your soul! Selah!

MATTERS OF LOVING INDIFFERENCE (Romans 14:1-23)

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!

These are three laws of agape Love:

1-NEVER BE A STUMBLING BLOCK TO ANYONE

2-NEVER REJECT FOOD- ALL FOOD IS CLEAN AND GOOD

3-NEVER DISCRIMINATE PEOPLE

1- LAW OF LOVE- NEVER BE A STMUMBLING BLOCK TO ANYONE

2. LAW OF LOVE – NEVER REJECT FOOD -ALL FOOD IS CLEAN AND GOOD

“I know and am convinced [as one] in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean [ritually defiled, and unholy] in itself; but [nonetheless] it is unclean to anyone who thinks it is unclean” (Rom 14:14; AMP).

In the Old Testament, God told Moses that some animals are unholy or unclean. God forbade His people to eat them. These ceremonial Laws were given to the Jews, to keep them separated from the rest of the world. Since Abraham, the Jews have experienced many trials and tragedies. It is a miracle that they survived as a people. Most of them kept these ceremonial laws as a form of national survival. The present state of Israel is truly a miracle. But, when Christ died on the Cross, the veil of separation between Jew and Gentile was removed. All nations are now invited to come to Christ. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:28). “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Cor 5:17). In Greek, the word ‘new’ means unused, virgin. The Church, the Body of Christ, is the new, ‘spiritual Israel’. The old ceremonial laws are no longer necessary to keep the Christians separate from other nations and cultures. If the nation of Israel is a miracle, then the birth and power of the Church is even a greater miracle! Glory to God!

This is Paul’s revelation and doctrine: ‘nothing is unclean of itself’. The word ‘unclean’ means something common that is shared by all, profane, unholy, irreligious, showing no respect for God. Here, it refers to food, but it is a general the principle. In other words, to God, all things are clean. To be ‘unclean’ does not mean that the food is dirty or contaminated with microbes. This is a spiritual matter. The best example of an unclean animal is the pig (the swine). “The swine… is unclean to you. 8 Their flesh you shall not eat, and their carcasses you shall not touch. They are unclean to you” (Lev 11:7, 8). Another prohibition is against eating fish without scales (like the catfish). “Whatever in the water does not have fins or scales—that shall be an abomination to you” (Lev 11:12). For thousands of years, both Judaism and Islam prohibit eating pork. The refusal to eat pork possesses powerful cultural baggage for Jews. Israel has legislated two related laws: the Pork Law in 1962, that bans the rearing and slaughter of pigs across the country, and the Meat Law of 1994, prohibiting all imports of nonkosher meats into Israel. Few Israeli pork-eaters certainly exist but the force of the taboo still remains powerful.

Jesus did not only die for our sins. He died to free men from ceremonial laws. The Law was a teacher, a tutor. The Law had no mercy. The function of the Law was not to save us, but to bring to faith in Christ. “But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor” (Gal 3:12-25). “For Christ is the end of the law [it leads to Him and its purpose is fulfilled in Him], for [granting] righteousness to everyone who believes [in Him as Savior]” (Rom 10:4; AMP). Therefore, the Christians are free from ceremonial laws. The Christian can eat everything, including pork meat and fish without scales. This is freedom indeed! But the moral Law found in the Ten Commandments still stands. Jesus said: “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill” (Matt 5:17). To fulfill the Law, it means to obey it totally. Jesus did that on our behalf!

God is totally holy. “Your eyes are too pure to approve evil, And You cannot look favorably on wickedness” (Hab 1:13; AMP). In Christ, all things are made ‘new’. For the Christians, the law prohibiting eating pork meat is cancelled. In His sovereign will God declared the pig to be an unholy animal. God has the right to do so because He created all the animals. In the Garden of Eden, God set boundaries and told Adam not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of good and evil. There was nothing wrong with the tree or its fruit, but breaking God’s command is punished by death. The same God that in the past said that His people should not eat pork, He now says that we are free to eat it. It means that there is nothing bad about the pig itself but in His sovereign will, God separated this animal to be in the group called ‘unholy’. This law applied to the Jews in particular. The Jews who became saved were still afraid to eat pork meat. That is why, for a long time, they were weak in the faith. They needed to see for themselves the liberty we have in Christ. Paul says that none should force them to eat pork meat until they are convinced in their conscience that they are now free from that ceremonial law.

LESSONS ABOUT FOOD

To God, all food is clean. To believers, all food must be seen as clean. No food should be rejected for spiritual reasons. “To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled” (Tit 1:15). Unbelievers are slaves to sin. Their consciences are defiled. Their thoughts, imaginations, plans for the future, choices, all these are corrupted and unclean. Unbelievers are filled with guilt, fear, shame, and doubts. Even if they eat the best diet, they still feel anxious. Faith in Jesus is the only ‘soap’ that cleanses the soul. The problem is not with the food. The problem is with us. There is no food that is unclean, clean, holier, or better than another. Any food a Christian wants to eat, he prays over it, and it is good to him. He should not feel guilty about eating it. “If one of the unbelievers invites you [to a meal at his home] and you want to go, eat whatever is served to you without asking questions [about its source] for the sake of your conscience” (1Cor 10:27; AMP). Food should not bring you into bondage.

But all Christians are not the same. Some are strong and others are weak in the faith. That is why they see food differently. Eating different types of food is a matter of indifference. We must all agree about the vital doctrines of salvation. There is no argument about that. But we can lovingly disagree about these matters of indifference. For example, some Christians drink alcohol or smoke cigars. If after you read the Bible and you pray, you still choose to drink alcohol, then good for you. I will not judge you. I will not say that because of drinking wine, you will go to hell. But if you choose to stop drinking alcohol, better for you. Thank God! But be careful here! The motive for stopping alcohol is also important. It is wrong to say that you have a new revelation, that wine is an unclean evil thing. That is an error. Alcohol is made from fruits that God has created. Or, if you stop smoking cigars, do not say that you did because the cigar is evil. God made the leaves of tabaco that contain nicotine. Don’t call alcohol or cigars spiritually unclean, cursed, evil, or poisoned by a witch. The truth is that no witch can change the quality of food or of any other item. If you believe that a witch can poison you spiritually thru food, that becomes a stronghold to you. It will hinder your spiritual progress. It means that you believe a lie and you submit to the authority of the witch. That decision brings you into bondage and does more damage to you than eating the food itself. What is then the right thing to say? The correct thing to say is that you stopped drinking alcohol or smoking cigars because God’s Word convicted you of sin. You want to avoid being a stumbling-block to those who are weak in the faith, and you want to show them love. You also can say that you stopped drinking and smoking for health reasons and to give glory to God. Motives matter to God! Selah!

THE BODY AND SEX ARE CLEAN

“The Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4.For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; 5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer” (1Tim 4:1-5).

This is a great principle: Nothing is unclean in itself!!! Everything in this world is made by God, therefore it is clean! “God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good…” (Gen 1:31). This principle applies not only to food. It applies to all things. For example, God made the human body, and it was spiritually clean. Sin has done damage to the human body, but its reflexes and its desires are clean. For example, the appetite for food, the thirst for water, the desire for marriage and sex, these are part of the workings of the human body. God, and not the devil, placed them there. Some Christians regard all sexual activities as dirty, unclean, or sinful. That is why some Christians refuse to marry so that they will avoid sex. The Roman Catholic Church and other denominations, still think that living celibate is a higher form of sanctification. That is an error. It is a demonic deceiving doctrine claiming that the body is evil. God created sex. Now, the same God who created the body placed boundaries where sex should be practiced. According to God’s Law, sex is a gift given only to the married couples. Outside marriage, sex is sinful. Homosexual relationships are sinful. But sex on its own, is not sinful. The Christian husband and his wife do not need to feel ashamed about having sex. They should practice and enjoy sex, which is a unique expression of love to one another. In marriage, sex is clean. It is God’s gift to the couple. Give thanks to God for the gift of sex in your marriage! Amen!

PETER SEES HOW ALL ANIMALS ARE MADE CLEAN BY CHRIST (Ac 10:9-15)

Apostle Peter was told by the resurrected Christ to go to the house of Cornelius and preach the Gospel to him. At that time, no Jew could enter in the house of a Gentile. He sees all Gentiles as ‘unclean’. Peter was saved but he was still bound by Jewish laws. That is why he refused to obey Christ’ command. Peter saw a vision where unclean animals, according to the Old Testament, are all made clean by Christ. This vision changed Peter’s understanding of the Gospel forever. He now believed that Jesus Christ is Lord over all people. When Peter addressed Cornelius, he said to him: “You know that it is unlawful for a Jewish man to associate with or befriend a Gentile, or to visit him; and yet God has shown me that I am not to call anyone common or [ceremonially] unclean” (Ac10:28; AMP). Therefore, in Christ, the Blood of Jesus makes all believers spiritually clean. This is how Peter became known as the Apostle to the Gentiles. Peter understood that it was Christ who cleansed Cornelius by giving him faith in Him. Cornelius was very religious. But he became saved only after he believed the Gospel preached by Peter. He then got filled with the Holy Spirit. Lesson: being religious is not enough to go to heaven. God moves mountains and changes people, just to bring the Gospel to those who are the elect. This is Love! There are two types of ‘soaps’ that can cleanse the soul from sin: Faith in Christ and Love for Christ. These can be found only in God’s Word. Agape Love and Faith in Jesus purifies! Lesson: If God has commanded you to do a thing, do it! it cannot be wrong. It must be right! Fear not! Glory!

3. THE LAW OF LOVE – NEVER DISCRIMINATE PEOPLE

“The LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe” (Deu10:17). “God shows no partiality [no arbitrary favoritism; with Him one person is not more important than another]” (Ro2:11;AMP).

Peter said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him” (Ac 10:34,35). God told Samuel: “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1Sam 16:7).

“So, they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, that they might seize on His words, in order to deliver Him to the power and the authority of the governor. 21 Then they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, we know that You say and teach rightly, and You do not show personal favoritism, but teach the way of God in truth” (Lk 20:20,21). Even the enemies agreed that Jesus doesn’t discriminate.

DISCRIMINATION IS SEEING SOME PEOPLE AS UNCLEAN

Discrimination is a difficult topic to discuss. Discrimination is an unfair, unequal treatment, or an action that treats a person or a group of people badly for reasons such as their race, nationality, tribe, religion, color of skin, age, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Discrimination manifests as behavior. It is different from racism for example, which is a matter of the heart. Discrimination affects social benefits, education, housing, employment, the mental health, and general happiness of the victims. In a recent survey in the US, one third of the African Americans and 20% of Asians and Hispanics, said they have been discriminated because of their race, when looking for a job, waiting for promotion, or finding accommodation. There are laws against discrimination but often, the people break the laws.

These are some forms of discrimination:

*Nationality, tribalism – discriminated because of country, or tribe of their origin. They are mocked for their accent or form of dressing.

*Religious discrimination manifests as being treated unfairly because of religion. For example, some companies refuse to give time off on Fridays to Muslims or force Christians to work of Sundays. The unbelievers generally mock those who are religious.

*Age discrimination against old or young people. Some say that older people are getting weak and cannot do the job well. They tend to be proud and stubborn and don’t want to learn new skills at their jobs. Younger people are not taken seriously. They are paid less than others and are easily fired. This form of discrimination affects promotion and happiness at the working place.

*Pregnant women are also discriminated. Many companies refuse to hire them. Pregnant women or mothers of young children need more time to take care of their families. Many organizations see young women as liabilities. They are easily fired once they get pregnant.

*Status as a parent. Single mothers (or fathers) are not promoted. Childless workers are expected to work longer hours.

*Disability discrimination: people who are chronically sick (diabetes, cancer, epilepsy etc), blind, deaf, and dumb, or using a wheelchair are rejected when looking for a job or when looking for an accommodation. These are seen as liabilities that hinder the progress.

*Sexual harassment – generally, a male boss harasses a female worker with words, touches, or written notes. He promises to raise the salary, rewards, or promotion for sexual favors. This type of discrimination makes it difficult and uncomfortable to work there.

What do you do? If you discriminate, repent and change! If you are the victim, pray for wisdom and favor. Ask for help from others.

THE ROYAL LAW OF LOVE – NO DISCRIMINATION! (James 2:1-10)

This is a simple story. Two men enter the church. One is dressed in expensive clothes. The other one is dressed in rags. The church is full. There is only one empty chair. The ushers tell the rich man to sit on the chair and the poor man to stand or sit on the floor. This is called Discrimination or Favoritism. Lesson: As Christians we remember that God created all men, the rich and the poor. Salvation is by God’s Grace and thru faith in Jesus. The ground at the foot of the Cross is the same for all. To show favoritism it means that you deny the Gospel you preach. Favoritism is purely the way of the world. The world insults and discriminates the poor and the needy. True Christianity helps the poor and the needy. The worldly attitude should never enter the church of Christ.

The sin of favoritism is one of the most subtle sins. If you are not a victim, it is difficult to detect it. James does not tell us to discriminate against the rich. What he says is that all people should be honored and treated with respect. The rich should not be treated in a special way just because they have money. In God’s Kingdom fine clothes, gold rings and ‘fat’ bank accounts have no value. Jesus said that we should not be worried about food or clothes. Don’t be over-impressed with expensive clothes. Don’t worship those who have them. Showing favoritism is sin and sin leads to death. “if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” Discrimination kills relationships. It leads to loneliness and depression. Love is the Key to overcome this sin. Loving with Christ’ love means looking at others eye to eye. You do not look down on them and you do not look up to them, to worship them. To keep this horizontal gaze of love towards all men is a great achievement for a Christian and a sign of perfect love that drives away all fears.

Discriminating the poor can manifest in indirect subtle ways: The religiously loud, the jokers, are respected. The shy, the quiet, the dull, are discriminated against. The well-educated are respected. Those who are mentally slow, less educated, or the stammerers, are discriminated against. The tall, fashionable, and beautiful are respected. The short, bald, fat, or the elderly, are discriminated against. Remember that the church is a family and not a club. The members of a family do not envy or discriminate one another but give proper respect and help to all. There is a great temptation to honor the rich because we expect some favor or money in return. James does not say that all poor people go to heaven and all rich people go to hell. He says that in general, the poor are more humble, and grace is given to them to be saved. He says that the rich may become proud and want you to worship them, but they will later forget you. Discrimination is harmful because it divides the church. The root of discrimination comes from a wrong concept of identity. People identify with a certain group and fight against anyone who is different than they. These are some reasons why we discriminate others: Inferiority complexes, ignorance of God’s will and weakness to stand for the truth.

In the Old Testament, God commanded His people to judge all cases fairly and in the fear of God. “You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty. In righteousness you shall judge your neighbor” (Lev 19:15). Jesus said: “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. 31 And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mk 12:29-31). God discriminate among men but not in a sinful way. God choses some men to save them but not based on their appearance or wealth. Abraham, Joseph, Job, Joseph of Arimathea were all rich, both spiritually and physically. Most Christians are not rich. They are poor or of average wealth. People are not saved because they are poor or are lost because they are rich.

DISCRIMINATION IN NIGERIA

In Nigeria, there is discrimination against non-indigenes, foreigners, the poor, the albinos, those who have kyphosis (hunchback) or the mentally ill. People are discriminated based on their tribes or religion. Some tribes punish or kill those who claim to be witches. The families of these ‘witches’ suffer social stigma. There are cases of rape against women who have mental illness. Some look down on people with disabilities thinking that they are sub-human and can be used as sacrifice for rituals, in order to bring wealth or good fortune.

In the Igbo culture the women are seen as inferior to men. Because the bride price is high the husband becomes oppressive and violent against his wife, considering her as his property. Even the Law is on the side of the husbands and permits domestic violence. Section 55 (1) of the Nigerian Penal Code, permits wife chastisement as long as it does not cause grievous bodily harm. In the Igbo culture, the widows suffer socially, physically, and emotionally. They are seen as the chief suspects in the death of their husbands. They have to shave their hair, sit on the floor, and weep loudly at intervals. They are not allowed to leave the house to do business or to take care of their children. Some are forced to drink the water used to bath the corpse of their deceased husbands. Others have to pass thru some fetish rituals to prove that they were not involved in the death of their husbands. All these traumatic rituals apply only to the women. The widowers do not have to pass thru such awful things. Some widows are forced to marry the brother of the late husband. This gives the impression that a wife is like property, a part of the inheritance in a family. When a man dies, his house and landed property cannot be inherited by the wife. It is only the children that can inherit those. The widow can live in the house with the permission of her in-laws but that is subject to good behavior. Boys are valued much higher than girls. They are trained to take over the family business. Until recently, the girls were not allowed to go to school. Their place was in the kitchen. The practice called Female Genital Mutilation is practiced in every state in Nigeria. It is a violent damage caused to the female outer sex organs. They claim that it reduces female promiscuity. This is a lie. It leads to infertility and emotional trauma. Many men are polygamous. Their wives suffer emotional and domestic abuse.

HIS BRANCHES RUN OVER THE WALL

“Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans” (Jn 4:9).

The woman was surprised when Jesus asked for water from her. He was dressed as a Jew. The woman knew that the Jews have no dealings, nothing in common with the Samaritans. It is true that Jesus was tired and thirsty but even then, the woman was surprised at His request because the Jews do not even use the same cups the Samaritan use to drink water.

“Joseph is a fruitful bough, A fruitful bough (vine) by a well; his branches run over the wall” (Gen 49:22).

The Jews discriminated the Gentiles. Jonah was ready to die than to preach to the Gentiles in the Nineveh. God told the Jews not to marry the Gentiles. But later the Jews married the Canaanites. They had to put them away.

Jesus is the fruitful vine by a well, whose branches run over the wall. When Jesus died, He abolished the wall of separation. Jesus goes over the wall to save you. After He saved you, He kicked the wall down! This is the new birth! Be born again!

FINALLY…

“For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence” (1Cor 1:26-29). Discrimination puts us in opposition to God! Real wealth is not in what we have but in who we are in Christ! If you love God, you will love all men, even the poor man who sits by you. In the local church, the royal law of love must apply. Who is my neighbor, some may ask? My neighbor is not just the one whose house is next to mine. He is the one who sits next to me in the church, the one the Holy Spirit brought to my attention. I cannot choose if my neighbor is poor or rich, educated or not, black, or white. Love does not discriminate. I must extend love to anyone that I classify as my neighbor. In the local church, we show respect to those who are in positions of leadership, or those who greatly contribute with time, effort, or wealth to God’s work. We honor the elderly. But there is no special treatment just because of wealth or social status. ‘He whose eye is filled with Christ does not see the type of coat a man puts on’ (C. Spurgeon). A local living Church should have all types of people, rich and poor, educated and those who are less educated. Let us not be known as dishonoring the poor. Worship the Lord!

	Silvia Lia Leigh, MD on BY HIS STRIPES WE ARE HEA…
	ronselwyn on BY HIS STRIPES WE ARE HEA…
	Majik on LOVE IS THE NEW COMMANDMENT (1…
	Silvia Lia Leigh, MD on LOVE IS THE NEW COMMANDMENT (1…

Green Pastures

PS 23:2 ~ He Makes Me To Lie Down In Green Pastures

Monthly Archives: April 2024

THE PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS

THE SURGERY OF LOVE

ESAU I HAVE HATED

LOVE DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE

Rate this:

Share this:

Rate this:

Share this:

Rate this:

Share this:

Rate this:

Share this: