Some things are very black and white. Personally, I like that. When things are clearly black or white I don’t ever have to wrestle with how much is too much, or how far is too far. As believers, we usually don’t go around asking how much murder, stealing or adultery we can get away with before it’s sin. That doesn’t mean that we don’t ever have to wrestle with the sin itself, just not whether or not something falls into that category.

The Bible is very clear on most matters of sin. It spells out lots of do’s and don’t’s. For example: murder is wrong, prayer is right. It is never right to murder (note: murder, not kill) and it is never wrong to pray. But there also seems to be topics that don’t fit easily or neatly into either the right or wrong category. Unfortunately, these are usually hotly debated topics that tend to cause a lot of division within the body of Christ.

How are we to reach a conclusion on things not specifically mentioned in the Bible? How do we maintain a balance between extreme legalism and using our liberty as a license to sin?

The following questions can serve as a concise checklist. Consider them prayerfully and answer them honestly. By the time you have answered them it should be pretty clear.

Will it edify?
The first thing to ask is will it edify. Is it profitable? Will it build me up? Will it build up the body of Christ? There is a lot said in the New Testament about edification. First Corinthians 10:23 is a great summary verse when considering edification: All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify.

Other verses site specifics as to how we can edify one another. Romans 14, especially verse 19, covers eating and drinking. Speech is covered in Ephesians 4:29. First Corinthians 14:12 and 26 proclaim that fellowship, worship, teaching and spiritual gifts are all to be done for edification.

Can this become an unhealthy addiction in your life?
First 1 Corinthians 6:12 says, All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.

Not only should it be edifying, but it should not be enslaving. You should never allow a non-moral thing—not even a “good” thing to become your master. For example going to the gym may be a good thing, but an addiction to working out at the expense of time with God, family and friends is not. So ask yourself whether or not the thing your are considering will bring you into bondage? Does it have the potential to make you its slave? Is it addictive? If so, watch out.

Will it be an encumbrance and weigh you down?
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1.

The encumbrance in Hebrews 12:1 that we are to lay aside is different than sin. The word is onkos (ong’-kos). It simply means “bulk”. There’s lots of forms of bulk: legalism, ceremonialism, things that just waste our time and energy. It is anything that weighs us down, diverts our priorities, or dampens our enthusiasm for the things of God. Sometimes “good” things can be an encumbrance for God things. Life is hard enough without needless encumbrances weighing us down.

Runners use weights when training and swimmers often train with old loose-fitting swimsuits to create drag. They add these encumbrances when they train so they will perform better at the actual event. As believers, we are not training to live the Christian life, we are living it now! Can you imagine a sprinter showing up with a backpack full of weights strapped to him as he approaches the starting line at the Olympics. Unfortunately, we often run the race of our lives with all sorts of encumbrances strapped to us.

Will it usurp the Lordship of Christ in your life?
The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin. Romans 14:22–23

If you choose to do something, it must fit within what you believe is the will of Christ in your life. Basically, if you feel convicted about doing something don’t do it. To continue doing it will only sear your conscience.

Will it cause you to be a stumbling block to other Christians?
But take care lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 1 Corinthians 8:9

Would you want weaker Christians to follow your pattern? Could they interpret what you are doing in a wrong way? Could they use your example as an excuse for their sin? Our love for one another should be such that the thought of causing a fellow believer to somehow stumble should cause us to be very particular with regards to the things in which we participate.

Will it lead others to Christ?
Do all things without grumbling or disputing; that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, Philippians 2:14-15

Your love toward one another may be the greatest testimony that you have in evangelism.

Will it be Christ-like?
The one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. 1 John 2:6

You have probably seen items with WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) on them. Don’t let the meaning of those words pass like some fad. Think about it. Would Jesus do this? Will doing this move you toward Christ-likeness?

Will it glorify God?
Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. –1 Corinthians 10:31

Will this exalt God? Will He be glorified and honored and praised as a result of this? How do you represent God in what you do? Much of Jesus’ earthly ministry was bringing glory to the Father.

After considering these questions, I have noticed that in my own life the gray, questionable areas seem to vanish. Sometimes there may be greater liberty. Sometimes there may be a need for greater restraint. All times require obedience to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I pray that this has been helpful.

Do you own a fire extinguisher? What motivated you to get a fire extinguisher? Was it fear? Do you have a phobia of fire? Was it peace of mind? Does having a fire extinguisher make you feel safer? Do you sleep better at night having one? Was it a past experience? Have you ever been burned in a fire? Have you ever lost property to a fire? Was it a matter of fulfilling laws or regulations? Certain businesses and establishments are required by law to have one. They have to be inspected and be visible.

Now think back to the moment when you got your fire extinguisher. Were you excited? Did you call all of you friends and neighbors? Did you put an announcement in your local paper? Did you celebrate, dance and sing praises to your fire extinguisher?

O.K. What about those of you who have gotten past that initial feeling of awe when you bought your fire extinguisher? What about now? How much attention do you give your fire extinguisher? Do you ever give it an occasional inspection? Do you polish it weekly? Do you practice using it regularly? Do you look forward to using your fire extinguisher?

Reality Check. For the most part, that fire extinguisher will hang on the wall, sit in closet or be stowed away in the trunk of your car and collect dust. It is usually not first and foremost on your mind. It is not fun. It is not exciting. It is there “just in case.”

Now don’t start feeling sorry for the neglected fire extinguisher. That’s all it was ever meant to be.

The sad thing is for many people becoming a “Christian” is not unlike having a fire extinguisher. For some Christianity is only a part of their life just in case. It may be something they “became” out of fear. Perhaps someone told them they would go to hell and burn in a lake of fire if they did not become one—true, but that leaves out the greater blessing of a relationship with God. Even with all the unquenchable fire and torment, that is not the worst part of hell. It is the eternal separation from God. And, Heaven is more than the absence of pain and torment; it is full and complete presence of God.

Others may have become a “Christian” for a peace of mind. They feel complete in being active in a church. It is a social club. “It makes me a better person,” they will say. They see being involved in church as a civic duty, but have never sought out or known a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Many people will flock to churches and take on the name “Christian” as the result of a past experience. Unfortunately, this happens often at youth camps, revivals and other large events. In the parable of the sower and the seed, this is the seed that fell upon a rock. They are those who have heard, received the word with joy, but have no roots. They will sing, praise and shout hallelujah, but don’t bother them with studying the Word of God. There is no depth. There is no well from which to draw. They will believe for a while, but then fall away. They are the epitome of the seeds that fell on the rocks. Jesus said in Luke 8:13, “But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.”

Still others may be “Christian” because of laws and regulations, whether perceived or real. It was forced upon them. They grudgingly attend a church somewhere, struggle to remain awake during the service and bolt out the door as soon as the preacher says “amen.” To them it is a chore or religious duty or some kind of penance. Just as there were times in history when people were persecuted for professing Christ, there have also been times when people have been persecuted for not confessing Him. Jesus himself while on earth did not condemn those who rejected him, therefore, who is one man to condemn another. There will be a judgment for rejecting Christ, but it is not by man’s hands. Convert or die (physical death) was never a method of evangelism condoned by Jesus.

John 12:47–48
47 “And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.

Those who treat Christianity as a fire extinguisher often do so because they have only an intellectual knowledge of Jesus Christ. To know about Him is not the same as to know Him. Those that do not know Him lack the heart knowledge and the love for Jesus that causes one to confess Him before all men.

Matthew 10:32–33
32 “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. 33 “But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.

An example of such head knowledge can be found in John 12:42–43

John 12:42–43
42 Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

The chief rulers were members of the Sanhedrin, the ruling body and court of justice over the Jews. This absence of confession was partly out of their lack of commitment. It was not even for a fear a losing one’s life but rather a fear of man; fear of losing the praise of the people and their fellow man. Perhaps one of the most tragic facts of these verses is that they chose the praise of men over the praise of God. The way verse 43 is written indicates they knew that by their confession of Christ, they would receive the praise of God. They knowingly chose the temporal over the eternal. They had a head knowledge of Christ and who He was, but that knowledge had not yet taken root in their heart. They chose pleasing man instead of pleasing God. They were as the seeds that fell among the thorns, choked by the fear of man and the thought of losing their prized reputations.

Luke 8:14
14 “Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. 15 “But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.

Among the Sanhedrin there were some whose hearts were good ground. Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, both came forward at Christ’s death. Joseph came forward to claim the body of Christ and Nicodemus came to prepare it properly for burial. Since the first meeting with Jesus in the night (which some speculate may have been out of fear), when Jesus told him he had to be born again, Nicodemus had come face to face with the reality of who Jesus was and believed. In fact, he confessed Christ before the Sanhedrin when questioned in John 7:47–51.

John 7:47–51
47 Then the Pharisees answered them, “Are you also deceived? 48 “Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? 49 “But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.” 50 Nicodemus (he who came to Jesus by night, being one of them) said to them, 51 “Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?”

John 19:38–39
38 After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus. 39 And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds.

Nicodemus, being a ruler, had a lot to lose. He was well off. He had status and power. Nevertheless, he chose to publicly make a stand for Christ. He took Christ off the shelf. And put Him in the forefront of his mind. He made a choice to put the praise of God before the praise of man. He had a boldness, more than many Christians today, and without the benefit of the Holy Spirit. How much bolder should we be? Paul, once a Pharisee, wrote in Philippians his choice of seeking the praise of God over the praise of man.

Phillipians 3:7–11
7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

I heard a story of regarding the fire hose and sprinkler system of a large hospital in a major metropolitan area. It seems that about three decades after its construction, it failed a basic fire safety test. It was not that the employees did not know what to do during a fire drill. They knew the drill and had practiced it many times. It was not that fire extinguishers were not clearly marked. They were all conspicuously labeled with bright red signs. It was not old hoses or outdated equipment. Everything looked in great condition. Doctors, nurses and employees went about their business as usual and patients had complete confidence in the hospital staff and equipment—for three decades everything seemed well!

What inspectors found, however, was horrifying. The main sprinkler water supply pipe had never been connected to the city’s water supply. All of the sprinklers and fire hoses that were there just in case were completely incapable of delivering a single drop of water.

Many profess to be Christians. They know the drill. They practice. They may know the manual, the Bible, inside and out. They may go to church. They may a silver fish on their car. They may be in the choir. They may be on the deacon’s or elder’s board. They may even be behind the pulpit. And, while everything seems well, they have never been connected to the heavenly water supply. They have never tasted of the Living Water, Jesus, who gives everlasting life. While all of these things may be well and good, none are capable, in and of themselves, of delivering one drop of Living Water.

There is a day coming for each and every one of us. A day when we must be found connected to the One who is the source of Living Water, or there will be no hope of escaping the eternal torments of hell, and being eternally disconnected from the Lord God Almighty.

Christianity is not a just-in-case religion. It is an all-for-Him relationship. It is not something to do or some place to go on Sundays. It is a walk through each week, day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute—connected to God, through Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit to guide you. It is a commitment where Jesus Christ is Lord of all. For if He is not Lord of all, you have not really acknowledged Him as Lord at all. Far too many have been playing church for far too long. We must realize that there is no such thing as fire insurance faith.

My prayer for all who have either heard or read this message is that you would examine yourself and be found true. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 13:5, Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? (NIV)

How is it the there can be so many denominations and so many different beliefs among Christians who all say that they believe and follow the same Bible? How can so many well-meaning pastors, teachers and Christians arrive at such a variety of beliefs? For some, I would say it could be a lack of study all together. Others, while they may study intensely, interpret the Bible through their own presuppositions and experiences and impose their beliefs on the Bible. Some even have differing opinions of the Bible itself.

There are others, however, that humbly approach the Word of God, and allow it to unfold the truth for us, regardless of our own opinions. This is most dificult at times, especially when what we find contradicts our preconceived ideas and traditions. It causes us to wrestle with the truth. It points out our shortcomings and reminds of God’s grace.

Before you study the Bible you should size up what you believe about the Bible itself. Most churches and denominations have some sort of statement regarding their view of scriptures. Beware of any claiming that they have revelation equal to or greater than the Bible, or that you can only understand the Bible through them, or they say the Bible changes with the times.

The following is Article One of the Baptist Faith and Message of the Southern Baptist Convention along with references to the verses that support it.

I. The Scriptures

The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God’s revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. It reveals the principles by which God judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation.

Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 4:1-2; 17:19; Joshua 8:34; Psalms 19:7-10; 119:11,89,105,140; Isaiah 34:16; 40:8; Jeremiah 15:16; 36:1-32; Matthew 5:17-18; 22:29; Luke 21:33; 24:44-46; John 5:39; 16:13-15; 17:17; Acts 2:16ff.; 17:11; Romans 15:4; 16:25-26; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21.

This statement, or one similar to it, is vitally important to any study of the Bible. Without an absolute adherence to the fact that the Bible is the inspired, infallible and inerrant Word of God, there is room for anyone to make the Bible mean virtually anything, and there are many who do. If Christians don’t agree on that, then they certainly won’t agree on other matters of faith and practice.

In searching the scriptures one should use the principles of the Literal Grammatical Historical approach. Not only does it sound scholarly, but—more importantly—it also allows the Bible to speak for itself without our opinions getting in the way. Bible study should be inductive, not deductive. In other words do not impose a meaning on a passage, but seek a meaning from the passage.

The Literal Grammatical Historical approach is as follows:

• It is Literal in that the words mean what they say in the normal or plain sense. The literal method does allow for symbolism, parables, poetry, similes, metaphor, figurative language, etc. where indicated.
• It is Grammatical in that we follow the rules of literature and language, especially in the original languages (e.g. Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic). While the full working knowledge of Biblical languages would certainly aid in this area, most correct interpretations can be arrived at by using language commentaries, study aids and perhaps a few good English translations.
• It is Historical in that we determine the historical background and context before rendering an interpretation. To whom, where and when was it written?

Other principles to follow:

• Interpret according to context within passages, books and the entire Bible. A text without a context is a pretext.
• Compare scripture with scripture. Let scripture interpret scripture. God’s Word will not contradict itself. If one particular passage is unclear, compare it to one that is clear on that subject. If a contradiction remains, then you have not yet arrived at the truth. This is not to say we will know or understand everything in scripture, but that it will not contradict itself.

In studying a passage, begin with observation. Ask the who, what, why, when, and where questions. What is the main idea of the passage? Sometimes it is a good practice to ignore chapters and verses when searching for main ideas and the context. Chapter and verse markings were not part of the original text and were added between the 11^th and 16^th centuries. Sometimes ideas in scriptures are divided in chapter and/or verses. For this first part, wear your detective hat and look for all the clues you can find.

The next step is interpretation. Following the literal grammatical historical approach, determine the original intended meaning of the verse. There is only one correct interpretation for a particular passage, however there may be many applications.

The final and perhaps the most fulfilling step is application. Application answers the question “What do I do?” It transforms a Bible study from an academic exercise to a life-changing challenge. When going through this process ask yourself the following questions:

• Is there an example to follow?
• Is there an action to take?
• Is there an action to avoid?
• Is there a challenge to accept?
• Is there an attitude to change?

As you study the Bible, either by yourself or in a group, you are presented with truth. That truth may be in line with what you already believe, do or don’t do. In which case, your beliefs and/or actions are affirmed and you should continue in them with even more fervency and confidence. However, the truth revealed in scripture may also be contradictory to what you may already believe, do or don’t do. Sometimes God’s Word will conflict with our experiences. It may conflict with what is taught by one who exhibits signs and wonders. It may conflict with lifelong traditions. In these cases, we must repent and follow the truths and teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as revealed in scripture. It is His Word that endures forever.

2 Thessalonians 2:9–12
9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

One last thing, discovering Biblical truth is like coming to a fork in the road. When you come to it you must take one of two paths, remaining still is not an option. Following one path makes you more of a disciple. Following the other makes you a deserter. This desertion is exactly what happended in John 6:66:

John 6:60 & 66
60 Many therefore of His disciples, when they heard this said, “This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?” 66 As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew, and were not walking with Him anymore.

My prayer for you is that as you study God’s Word, may you always leave changed and made into more of a disciple of Christ.

Now grab your Bible, but don’t open it. Just hold it there in your hands. Nothing in all of literary history, whether secular or religious, has had such an impact on mankind. Nothing else even comes close in comparison. The Bible was written over a 1500-year span. It was written by 40 generations, by over 40 human authors from every walk of life including kings, peasants, philosophers, fishermen, poets, statesmen, and scholars. It was written in different places, including in the wilderness, in palaces, in prisons, while traveling, and on lonely islands. It was written at different times—times of peace, and times of war. It was written from the mountaintops of joy as well as from the valleys of sorrow. It was written in three continents: Asia, Africa, and Europe. It was written in three languages—Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Its subject matter includes controversial topics. Yet, throughout the entire sixty-six books of the Bible—from Genesis to Revelation—there is one unfolding story of the redemption of man through Jesus Christ.

Throughout history, the Bible has evoked extreme reactions. There have been those who have hated it and those have been hated for it; those who have denied it and those who have denied themselves for it; those who have banned it and those who have been banned for it; those who have burned it and those who have been burned for it; those who have torn it to pieces and those who have been torn to pieces for it.

In 600 B.C. King Jehoiakim is seen cutting up the Word of the Lord, page by page with a scribe’s knife and throwing it into the fire. He also imprisoned all the prophets and priests. In 90 A.D., John is banished to the Isle of Patmos. In the early 1380s, John Wycliffe instigated two English translations of the Bible, at that time everyone who was found with a copy in English was killed by the Roman Catholic church. As these martyrs in England were burned, they held the scriptures close to their chest. Over 40 years later, in 1428, the Catholic Church is still so upset with John Wycliffe that they declared him a heretic and dug up and removed his remains from sacred ground. In 1536, William Tyndale, who has again translated the New Testament, is strangled and burned at the stake. Thousands of people who have either written, translated, or distributed the Bible have suffered persecution or died horrible deaths for doing so. In spite of persecution and death the Word of God still stands.

In the late 1700s, a French atheist traveled the world speaking against the Bible. He predicted that 100 years after his death, the Bible would no longer be in existence. He died in 1778. Fifty years after his death, the Geneva Bible Society bought his home. The Geneva Bible Society then used the same printing presses that he used to produce his atheistic propaganda, to produce Bibles and has been doing so ever since. Few remember his name—it was Voltaire—but despite criticism, the Word of God still stands.

In America, we are now facing one of the greatest attacks on the Bible. I am not referring to the criticism and persecution done by those outside of the church, but rather the apathy that is present within the church and those that claim to be Christians. Chuck Colson, in one of his books, mentioned the fact that so many of us have Bibles, yet the Bible doesn’t seem to change us as it should. Out of 1382 people that were surveyed, 81% of the people surveyed in a recent poll said that they were evangelical. However, only 42% of them knew that Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount and only 48% of them could name the first four books of the New Testament. Even more tragic, less than 1% of them said that their lives were directed and truly changed by what the Word of God said. In other words, many people read it; but it doesn’t always change them.

Although these statistics are bleak, I do not fear the collapse of Christianity—not because of any faith I might have in mankind, but because of the faith I have in God. You see, when Jesus says in Matthew 24:35, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words shall not pass away.” I believe it. And when I read in Isaiah 40:8, “The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.” I believe it. The question is not will the Word of God stand, the question is will you stand with it?

1 Corinthians 16:19
The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

Colossians 4:15
Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

Philemon 1:2
And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house.

Today, there are many local churches that meet in homes. These believers also hold each other mutually accountable for living the Christian life. Within the home setting there is a strong sense of family, as well as an opportunity for people to share their testimony, their joy, their sorrows and even their needs. It’s a safe place where you can open up and reveal your true self. It’s here that you’ll find a special kind of Christian fellowship that many have never known. This smaller, more intimate setting promotes active participation on each person’s part, encouraging all to use their God-given gifts for the edification of the body (Ephesians 4:11-16, 1 Corinthians 14). It transforms spectators into participants, and hearers into doers.

James 1:22
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Anyone who has been in a healthy home church can attest to the intimacy there and the closeness one feels to God and other believers. This is no small matter, because it is often difficult for those of us who were brought up with American traditions that are steeped in rugged individualism, independence and pride to think of ourselves as a mere parts of a corporate body (1 Corinthians 12:14-27). To admit dependence on someone other than one’s own self and resources is often viewed as a sign of weakness through the world’s eyes.

Please understand, and this can’t be stressed enough, this is not to say that large churches with buildings are wrong or somehow out of touch with God, but simply that that was not the way it was at the beginning of the Church. We believe that the Body of Christ is made up of believers in churches with a variety of shapes and sizes, that are as diverse as the individual believers that are in them. God wants unity, not uniformity (1 Corinthians 12:4-6).

Not having a building, along with the mortgage, rent and/or maintenance that goes with it, can actually been a blessing—both to the church and to the ministries and people supported by it. This also means we have no minimum membership requirement other than the “two or three and Jesus”. Imagine a handful of people and Jesus—that’s something to get out bed for on Sunday morning.

Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst.”

Home churches, as well as small (or cell) groups can provide the ideal setting to:

• Bear one another’s burdens. (Galations 6:2)
• Teach and admonish one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. (Colossians 3:16)
• Encourage and edify one another. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
• Warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. (1 Thessalonians 5:14)
• Stimulate one another to love and good deeds. (Hebrews 10:24)
• Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. (James 5:16)

We hear these kinds of stories all the time. Companies merge, people are laid off, and the newly formed company leapfrogs ahead of competitors. This is the way of the business world. Unfortunately, it seems that it has—in too many circumstances—become the way of the church as well.

Churches are often vying for new member from other churches. Members of other churches are enticed by bigger and better programs, different styles of worship, and the like. Membership letters are swapped and the members merge into their new church, at least until something bigger and better comes along. Eventually the smaller church may go under and the remnant is then absorbed into other churches. Because of this, one church may appear to grow, but it is at the expense of others and the kingdom of God is not advanced.

When Hewlett-Packard and Compaq merge, no new customers were created immediately. They have instead consolidated their customer base. This strategy in business may eventually lead to some real growth, but at first it is only the appearance of growth.

This strategy used in churches may also lead to the appearance of growth, but this is not God’s plan for church growth. You see, the Church of Jesus Christ is not to swap Christians as if they are shares in a company. We are to make disciples. Our guide should be the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, not the bottom line whether financial or total attendance. We need to remember that it is God Himself who builds the church and adds to it. Programs, outreach events, special guests, advertising, and any other methods are fine as long as the purpose is to mature the believer and reach the lost and not simply entice Christians from one church to another.

May God bless your church and may He add to it such as should be saved. (Acts 2:47)

There was once a nomad, traveling across the dessert in the Middle East. He woke up in the middle of the night hungry. Remembering that he had some dried figs, he lit a lamp and grabbed a fig. After taking a bite, and to his disgust, he noticed a worm in it. Without hesitation he threw it outside his tent and reached for another fig and took a bite. Shocked and disgusted he saw another worm after biting into it. This fig, too, quickly found its way out of the tent. Now realizing that at his rate, he would soon be out of figs and still be hungry, he did what most of us would do in that situation, he extinguished the lamp and continued to eat the figs.

Now on to our text.

Matthew 5
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 “Nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Now I don’t know about you, but when someone calls me something I usually like to know what it means. When Jesus calls me something in relation to the world, I definitely want to know what it means. The Greek word used here for light if phos. Phos is the light of the sun or of the day as opposed to the light of the moon or other luminaries of the night. (footnote) Phos is never kindled and therefore can never be quenched. This contrasts another word for light, luchnos, which is kindled by the hand of another.

The light we are to be is not our own. This light is not something that we can create, whether by our actions, our abilities, or our appearance.

2 Corinthians
6 For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves;

Because we did not create it, we can not quench it. The light that is in us is unquenchable. However, we can put it under a basket. Notice that putting it under a basket would conceal the light, but not extinguish it. We can however cover and dim that light by either our actions or our own timidity.

Remember what happened when Gideon’s army of three hundred men broke their pitchers and let their light shine? The whole Midianite army fled. Some were so distressed that they killed each other. Imagine what God would do through a group of believers who are not afraid nor ashamed to let their let shine before men. All those who stand against God would flee. Unfortunately, we have grown content to stay inside the four walls of the church. We have been intimidated by the world and have been told a lie that our faith should be a private matter, and, shamefully we have believed it.

Sometimes we justify keeping our faith, our light, hidden be claiming that we are undercover. There is no place for undercover or secret agent Christianity. We are to be as prominent as a city on a hill, as a candle on a lampstand, as a watchmen on a wall. And, we are to share the light with all those around us. As the world grows darker, our light should be even more evident.

I attended a Christian School from pre-kindergarten through to the eighth grade. I sat in classes with my peers for ten years. We were all in Bible classes together. We were all went to chapel together on Wednesdays. We all participated in the Christmas and Easter programs together. We all prayed together. With few exceptions, I cannot say absolutely, positively for sure how many were or are saved. I am sure there were many. But I do not know for sure who and how many. You see there was a lot of ambient light around in that Christian School. First, there were a lot of Christians, and second there was a Christian environment. It was difficult to distinguish between those who were truly saved and those who were going through the motions.

That changed when I went to a public high school. Certain people seemed different from others. That high school was a darker place and those who were lights could be seen more clearly amongst the darkness. I remember distinctly students, teachers, deans and principals who were Christians.

Now when I went to the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Christians were like halogen headlights on a car travelling on a cross-country highway in the middle of a moonless night.

Christians will stand out when they are in God’s will. Their countenance will be different. Their priorities will be different.

The world is asking, “What’s so different about Christians?” Now allow me to ask you a question. Are they asking about the cause and reason for the difference or are they asking, “Is there even a difference?” Have you given anybody a reason to ask what is different about you? Have you given anyone a reason to glorify your Father in heaven?

O.K. we’re light. Now, as light, what are we supposed to do? What does does light do?

Light Exposes Sin and Brings Conviction

Ephesians 5
7 Therefore do not be partakers with them; 8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), 10 trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 And do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; 12 for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. 14 For this reason it says, “Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.”

John 3
16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. 17 “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.18 “He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 “And this is the judgment, that the light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their deeds were evil. 20 “For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 “But he who practices the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.”

Conviction should result not solely from preaching, but from practicing what we preach. We need to live out the standard that Christ established. It is convicting to be around someone who lives a life set apart for God, especially if you are ensnared in sin. Have you ever noticed how you’re not always invited to the same social events as everybody else? Not that they don’t like you, but your being there would convict them. They know your convictions. People often sin socially. They want people around them who are going to conform to their ways and do the same things they do. There is a fallacy of (S)afety (I)n (N)umbers.

Why do you think that there are so many people who are trying to get rid of all traces of Christianity in public life? Whether it is “In God We Trust” on a coin, the Ten Commandments in a courtroom, prayer in public schools, a cross in a cemetery, or a nativity scene on public property. These things remind them of God, and ultimately of their own sin.

Convicting the world of sin doesn’t always mean going around and pointing your finger, hitting them over the head with your Bible and yelling “You’re going to hell you lo-down good-for-nothing heathen sinner. By the way God loves you!” But it does mean calling sin, “sin”, and not bowing to political correctness and social pressures. It does mean proclaiming the message of repentance and faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus’ harshest words were for the scribes and Pharisees and their self-righteous attitudes. Others who met Christ knew they were sinners by simply being in His presence.

After a miraculous catch of fish, Simon Peter was well aware of his condition. In fact, so aware of it that he fell down at Jesus’ feet, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” (Luke 5:8).

Later on in Luke, chapter 7, a sinful woman came to the house where Jesus was dining with a Pharisee. Jesus didn’t rebuke her or call out all her sins. She knew she was a sinner. She knew it so well that she brought an expensive vial of perfume, anointed His feet with it and then used hair own hair to wipe His feet as she kissed them. Jesus pointed out that it was the Pharisee whose attitude was wrong, not hers. How often have we been that Pharisee? Remember 1 Peter 5:5, God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. The more we are in His presence, the more we become acutely aware of just how much we need His grace. May we never be proud or haughty as we share with others what has been so graciously given to us.

There were also those who acknowledged their sinfulness and their neediness by hearing the gospel.

Acts 2
37 Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 10
13 for “WHOEVER WILL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.” 14 How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GLAD TIDINGS OF GOOD THINGS!” 16 However, they did not all heed the glad tidings; for Isaiah says, “LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

There’s not a person here who, if all their deeds were exposed, wouldn’t run down these aisles and repent of their sins before God and cry out for forgiveness through the atoning death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Conviction does not only apply to the unsaved but also to Christians as well.

Light Explains/Exemplifies the Truth (Christ) and Brings Clarity

John 1
9 There was the true light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.

Luke 2 (Simeon in the Temple)
27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, 28 then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 “Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant depart in peace, according to Your word; 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation, 31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel.”

Acts 8
26 But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip saying, “Arise and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is a desert road.) 27 And he arose and went; and behold, there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure; and he had come to Jerusalem to worship. 28 And he was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go up and join this chariot.” 30 And when Philip had run up, he heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of Scripture which he was reading was this: “HE WAS LED AS A SHEEP TO SLAUGHTER; AND AS A LAMB BEFORE ITS SHEARER IS SILENT, SO HE DOES NOT OPEN HIS MOUTH. 33 “IN HUMILIATION HIS JUDGMENT WAS TAKEN AWAY; WHO SHALL RELATE HIS GENERATION? FOR HIS LIFE IS REMOVED FROM THE EARTH.” 34 And the eunuch answered Philip and said, “Please tell me, of whom does the prophet say this? Of himself, or of someone else?” 35 And Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him.

Light Exalts God and Brings Commendation (Praise)

All that we do shall cause those around to glorify God.

Matthew 5:16
“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Luke 2:32
A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel.”

2 Corinthians 4:4
in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

How can we possibly be light?

This is a tall order. Jesus was identified as the Light of the world. And in Matthew 5:14, Jesus states that we are to be the light. 1 John 2:6 …the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.

John 20
21 Jesus therefore said to them again, “Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

John 16
7 “But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper shall not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. [Exposes and Convicts of sin] 8 “And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin, and righteousness, and judgment; 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you no longer behold Me; 11 and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged. [Explains and Clarifies the truth] 12 “I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. [Exalts Christ, or Commends, glorifies Christ] 14 “He shall glorify Me; for He shall take of Mine, and shall disclose it to you. 15 “All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said, that He takes of Mine, and will disclose it to you.

The Holy Spirit now convicts concerning righteousness because Christ, the Righteous One has gone to the Father. In the O.T. the Law was the standard of righteousness and brought conviction of sin. When Christ was on earth, He himself was the standard, having fulfilled the Law. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus says “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill.”

Remember the nomad in the tent. Notice that he didn’t run down to the supermarket and get a new bag of figs, he didn’t even try to wash the ones he had. He simply got rid of the light and continued to eat the figs, paying no attention at all to reality. What you don’t know can’t hurt you, right? Unfortunately, there are many who live their lives avoiding the light. Ignoring the problem of sin. Ignoring the truth of God’s word. They simply would rather not see sin and it’s consequences.

In 1 John chapter one, the disciple whom Jesus loved warns us against lying about sin.

1 John 1
5 And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; [lie to others, hypocrisy, no light] 7 but if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. [lie to self, duplicity, no truth] 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. [lie to God, apostasy, no word]

Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name.
‘Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.’

~Matthew 6:9–13

I refer to this as the “Model” Prayer because this was Jesus’ response when one of His disciples said, “Lord, teach us to pray,” (Luke 11:1). The Lord’s Prayer is actually found in it’s most complete form in John 17, when Jesus prayed just prior to going to the garden where He was arrested. In His prayer, He emphasized the Father’s glory and unity for all believers.

The Lord’s Model Prayer contains six basic petitions, divided into two major themes. The first three petitions focus on God, our Father, and His honor and praise through adoration and acknowledgment of who He is and His sovereignty. The last three petitions are an appeal for our needs, both physical and spiritual. Both of these themes imply action to be taken on our part.

Let’s take a look at this model prayer by petition.

I. Adoration & Acknowledgment

The Address: Our Father who art in heaven

Jesus and the apostles use the word Father 268 times in the New Testament referring to God. The term “Father” enables us to relate God in love, discipline, authority, honor, prayer, etc. Unfortunately Satan has done much to distort and destroy the image of this relationship by distorting and destroying the relationships people have with their earthly fathers. If we can’t relate well to our earthly father, who is visible before us, how can we relate to our heavenly Father, whom we cannot see.

Notice He is our Father, not my Father, not your Father. This eliminates the self-centeredness we often have in relationships. It also stresses the point of praying together with other believers. In fact, this entire prayer is first-person plural. Pray together with your family and your friends.

Matthew 18:18–20
“Truly I say to you, whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst.”

By contrast, the Jews considered it blasphemous to call God Father. The Jews would not even says God’s name for fear of using it in vain, thereby breaking the third commandment. In fact, when Masoretic (traditional) scribes (500—900 AD), developed vowel points for Hebrew, they did not develop a set of vowel points for YHWH, which was not supposed to be spoken aloud. Later, the vowel points for Adonai were combined with YHWH, and from that we get “Jehovah.” It was Jesus calling God His Father that outraged them the most as seen in the following verses:

John 5:17–18
But He answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working.” For this cause therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.

John 10:32–33
Jesus answered them, “I showed you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you stoning Me?” The Jews answered Him, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy; and because You, being a man, make Yourself out to be God.”

The phrase “Who art in heaven,” makes no mistakes regarding to whom we are to pray. Many of the Old Testament prophets would use “God in heaven,” “God of heaven,” “the living God,” “God Almighty” and other such descriptions, especially when Israel was worshipping other gods, when they where in exile or when they were addressing pagan nations. There is only one God in heaven. There is only one God who is ever-present, which is in contrast to many other religions in which their gods reside in nature or idols and the like.

It believe it is also a subtle reminder to us that God is still on the throne. No matter how bad things appear. No matter what we see. No one can ever overthrow Him—He is the eternal God of Heaven.

First Petition: Hallowed be Thy name

Hallowed means to sanctify, set apart, or make holy. God’s name is holy and we must treat it as such. The third commandment in Exodus 20:7, stresses the importance of keeping His name holy:

You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.

This sounds pretty serious doesn’t it? And yet, how often is our Lord’s name taken in vain in our society. There are those in our nation who want remove God’s name from virtually everything from our mottos to our currency. I am afraid that the biggest challenge that they will face will be to remove it from the lips of those who use it in vain.

The name of the Lord includes everything which the name covers, everything the thought or feeling of which is aroused in the mind by mentioning, hearing, remembering, the name of God. It is His reputation.

Second Petition: Thy kingdom come

Focus on His kingdom, not ours, and not this world. Are we working for His kingdom or our own? We must always remember that it is His kingdom, His church, His ministry, etc. When we set our sights on His kingdom and not ours we loose the competitiveness and strife often found between denominations, between churches, and sometimes between those in the same Sunday school class.

Matthew 6:33
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.

Third Petition: Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven

Praying for God’s will put us in submission to His will. It lines up our will with His, not His will with ours. Jesus gave us this example not only in the model prayer, but in His own prayers, including this one when He was in the garden of Gethsemane.

Luke 22:41–42
And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, saying, “Father, if Thou art willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Thine be done.”

At this point I believe it is beneficial for us to notice that these first three petitions are Thy, Thy and Thy—not my, my and my.

If you could listen to your prayers over the years, would you hear yourself saying Thy or my more often. Often our own concerns—while still valid—overshadow the concerns of God. Our focus is all to often on ourselves. Remember to put God first. Seek His kingdom and will in your life.

II. Appeal

Fourth Petition: Give us this day our daily bread

Notice that we are asking God to give us something. It is a gift, we don’t earn it, deserve it, borrow it, etc. Instead He gives it. How could we ever earn the blessings of God apart from Him?

God wants us to depend on Him daily. Give us this day—not this week, this month or this year. Never too little so that we are in need, but never so much that no longer depend on God.

Matthew 6:31–34
“Do not be anxious then, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘With what shall we clothe ourselves?’ “For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

Fifth Petition: And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors

This is the only part of the prayer that Jesus reemphasizes right after the prayer in the following verses. It is also the only conditional part of the prayer.

Matthew 6:14–15
“For if you forgive men for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. “But if you do not forgive men, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.

This clearly draws attention to the importance of forgiveness. When we pray this, we are asking for the same forgiveness, or lack thereof, that we extend to others. Honestly look into our own heart. Do you really want God to forgive you the same way you forgave that person that cut you off on the highway?

Matthew 7:1–2
“Do not judge lest you be judged. “For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.

Unforgiveness stems from pride and leads to bitterness. Unforgiveness hinders all other aspects of our lives, including praise, worship and sacrifice.

Matthew 5:22–24
“But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever shall say to his brother, ‘Raca,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever shall say, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. “If therefore you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar, and go your way; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.

Sixth Petition: And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil

We certainly do not need to be led into temptation—we seem to find our own way pretty well!

God sometimes allows us to go through temptations to make us stronger by leading us to rely on His strength and His sufficiency. When God leads us, He will never abandon us, He is with us and He will deliver us.

Psalm 23 (A Psalm of David)
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Thou hast anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Closing: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen

It ends, as it began, with adoration and acknowledgment. While scholars debate whether or not this closing was in the original manuscripts, it is clearly a Biblical concept as seen in:

1 Chronicles 29:10–11
So David blessed the LORD in the sight of all the assembly; and David said, “Blessed art Thou, O LORD God of Israel our father, forever and ever. “Thine, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Thine is the dominion, O LORD, and Thou dost exalt Thyself as head over all.

Amen literally means so it is, so be it, or may it be fulfilled. It was a custom, which came from the synagogues to the Christian churches, that whenever someone who read or discoursed, had offered up solemn prayer to God, the others responded “amen”, making the substance of what was spoken their own.

III. Action

A. Come to Him as Father. The only way to the Father is through that holy, that hallowed, name which is above every name. That name of Jesus, at which every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Without that relationship to Him as Father, all else is in vain.

John 14:6
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.

B. Put His kingdom first.

C. Submit your will to His will.

D. Trust Him for all your needs.

E. Ask for forgiveness, and forgive others.