“And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And immediately the spirit driveth him into the wilderness.” (Mark 1:11-12)
Are you in the middle of a difficult situation? Of course you are. Life is full of them. It would be a challenge to find someone who isn’t going through something that feels overwhelming, and unfair.
The enemy would have us think that we’re the only one struggling. The only one suffering. The only one with heartache. The only one with questions. The only one who doesn’t have it all together. Of course, this is the furthest from the truth. If you put all of humanity in a bag, shook it up, and poured it out, we’re all going through similar situations.
So, back to the question. If God loves me, why am I going through this? When Jesus was baptized by John, it was a glorious experience. When He came up out of the water, the heavens opened, the Spirit descended upon Him like a dove and a voice from Heaven declared, Thou art my beloved son in whom I am well pleased.
Wow! That sounds like amazing favor. Surely Jesus’ life would be marked only by good and pleasant circumstances from then on. If we read the very next verse, however, we see this was not the case. Scripture says the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness immediately after His baptism where He was tempted of satan for forty days.
How can this be right? How can this be fair? The truth is Jesus had a great call on His life. A great ministry to fulfill. Before He could begin His public ministry, and fulfill His calling, some things had to be settled. He was God robed in flesh. That flesh, the man, had to go through a time of testing just as we all do.
If Jesus had given in to satan’s tempting at any point, and He could have, He would not have been ready to begin the ministry He came to the earth to accomplish. The offering of Himself as humanity’s sinless sacrifice. His flesh had to be strong enough to resist every temptation the enemy put before Him.
But He was God, so was it really a temptation? Absolutely. He was fully God, AND fully man. He did feel tempted, but He didn’t give in to the feelings of temptation. Instead, He turned to the Word of God, and stood on what He knew, not what He felt.
Forty days in the wilderness was no picnic. Hunger. Thirst. Blazing hot days. Frigid nights. Wild beasts. The enemy mocking Him every moment. Still, when Jesus came out of the wilderness, out of the time of testing, He came out in the power of the Holy Ghost, ready to begin His public ministry, and fulfill His calling.
So why are you going through your season of temptation? Life is full of variables. You could be in your situation because of previous bad choices. You could be going through hard times due to others’ choices, as well. You might be going through the same challenges because you continue to give in to the temptations of the enemy.
Many people get locked into a pattern of suffering the same types of situations over and over because they never respond correctly with the Word of God, prayer and faith. Instead, they continue to react to difficulty with their emotions, and feelings will lead you wrong much of the time.
Is it possible that you have a great calling on your life? Is it possible that God has a ministry planned for you that will help many people? Is it possible that God has been allowing the enemy limited access to your life in order to test your level of faith? Is it possible that God is working to mature you, so that you can com out of your wilderness experience in the power of the Holy Ghost?
I pray you begin to view your situation through the lens of Truth, and learn to respond to the enemy’s temptations with the Word of God, and faith. Your ministry may be just on the other side of this wilderness.
“My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” (Psalm 5:3)
How we start our day most often dictates the pattern for the remainder of it. Perhaps not the actual circumstances of the day, but certainly our mindset as we navigate through them. Beginning our day peacefully focused on God allows us to respond, rather than react, to events through the day. It also empowers us to walk through our days with purpose as ambassadors of Christ, and with compassion as laborers in His harvest field.
Here are four morning habits that I have cultivated in my own life through the years. I try to accomplish them before interacting with other humans for mine, as well as their sakes:)
1. BIBLE STUDY
I begin my mornings with coffee and the Word. I am continually reading the Bible through, having completed it 30+ times since beginning my Christian walk. Reading from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22 is not the ideal way to study the bible, but it has become my morning routine to pick up where I left off the day before. If I have to get moving unexpectedly, and can’t get my reading in, I feel the loss throughout the day.
I also listen to the scriptures as I read along. I find the more ways you can get the Word into your spirit, the more likely it is to take root. Decades ago, I purchased an mp3 player, preloaded with the KJV Bible for an astronomical amount of money. The guy who sold it to me was probably laughing at his good fortune, and at how gullible I was, but what great investment it has proven to be! That little electronic device has traveled around the world several times, faithfully piping God’s Word into my ears in many different countries.
I’m sure someone might notice that I’ve listed Bible study before prayer, and is shaking their head ever so slightly in disapproval. I find for myself that beginning with the Word, opens my heart to the avenue of prayer I need to pursue.
2. PRAYER
It can only benefit us to invite the Lord into our day. Together, we can walk and talk as we go along, and nothing is too hard with Him as our companion. I find that as I’m reading the Word, I realize the things I need to cover in prayer for the day. There are always a multitude of needs. Family members, friends, health, finances, direction, ministries, local, national and world events. The list is endless.
Before all the needs, however, which God already knows we have, why not simply spend time with Him in sweet communion? Not only to get the benefits of His hand, but to also feel the beat of His heart.
Prayer isn’t only about talking to God. It’s also about listening. In the silent waiting, He speaks comfort, direction, wisdom and even secrets if we learn to listen for His still, small voice.
If you are born again, evidenced by speaking in tongues, pray in the Spirit. When you don’t know what else to say, what else to pray for, or when you are overwhelmed by the needs, pray in the Holy Ghost.
3. READING
I always have a book within reach that I’m working through. Not a fiction book for pleasure reading. I reserve those books for the evening when I need to unwind. Early in the day, I reach for books on bible topics, spiritual disciplines or Christian principles that will instruct, strengthen and mature me in my walk with God.
I’m a firm believer that everything we put into our minds, stays there. Our miraculously created brains are the original super computers. We may not be able to pull everything we’ve ever read to the forefront when we choose, but it’s filed away for God to bring to remembrance when it’s needed. We can’t recall what we haven’t put in. This is also why we should be very careful to not put negative material into our brains. It never goes away.
4. JOURNALING
The last habit I’ll mention is journaling, or writing in some fashion. When we read God’s Word, pray, and consume beneficial material, a natural god-given creativity will manifest. Thoughts, ideas, questions, dreams, visions, and plans will begin to churn in our minds, and need an outlet.
I keep a spiral-bound notebook for this purpose. I’ve gone through seasons of journaling 500 words a day, but most often the pages have a thought and a date. I’ve gone back and constructed blogposts, articles, Bible studies and lessons from these bits of data. This is a great time to work on writing projects such as that pesky book idea that won’t leave you alone.
At the least, it’s a blessing to be able to go back through the years, and see where we were, and how much progress we’ve made. When we realize how far God has lead us, and all He has brought us through, our faith is magnified exponentially.
IN SUMMARY
How did your morning go? Was it frantic and rushed? Did you leave the house already frustrated and overwhelmed? Why not start tomorrow differently with Bible study, prayer, instructional reading and creative journaling? Set your alarm an hour earlier. It’ll be worth it.
“For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:“ (1 Corinthians 12:8-10)
When a person receives the baptism of the Holy Ghost, evidenced by speaking in tongues, they also receive Gifts of the Spirit. There are nine of these gifts, and they are given to every member of the body, scripture says, “severally as he will.” (1 Corinthians 12:11) God chooses which gifts each person receives according to His omniscience, how the body of Christ will be benefited and likely by each person’s desire to be used.
Some bible topics we can speak on because we have studied the topic, and this of course is needful. Other topics, we can speak more fluently on because we have not only studied, but know from experience. Such is the case with the Gifts of Tongues & Interpretation. I am familiar with these two of the nine gifts of the Spirit because I have operated in both.
Between 35-40 years ago, my husband and I were sitting around the kitchen table with a minister in our local church. We were talking about the Gifts of the Spirit. Brother Pennington was asking us which gifts we would want if we had the choice. I immediately said I would want the gifts of tongues and interpretation. When he asked me why, I said because the thought of receiving a fresh Word for the congregation, straight from the throne of God, for that moment would be such an honor. He looked me straight in the eyes across the table, and simply said, “It’s yours.”
I didn’t feel any different in that moment, but the gifts of Tongues & Interpretation were stirred up, and began to grow in my spirit from that time. Over the next few years, the Lord took me through several seasons of learning. The first time I ever gave a message in tongues was at an Alabama district service. I gave both the message and the interpretation. I don’t remember what the interpretation consisted of, but I do remember the experience was life-altering for me. It was both terrifying and elating. The weight of giving a message from God to a gathered congregation was, and continues to be both a sobering, and overwhelming privilege.
Here are 16 things you need to know about giving a message or interpretation of tongues:
1. Speaking in tongues when you receive the Holy Ghost for the first time, and the Gift of Tongues are not the same thing. Everyone speaks in tongues as the initial sign of receiving the Holy Ghost, but not everyone who has received the Holy Ghost, evidenced by speaking in tongues, has the Gift of Tongues. As with all nine of the Gifts of the Spirit, a person must be filled with the Holy Ghost/Spirit to operate in any of them.
2. The Gifts of Tongues & Interpretation of Tongues are two gifts that work together. A person may have one or both. I operate in both, meaning when I give a message in tongues, the Lord also gives me the interpretation.
3. Tongues & Interpretation of Tongues bring a fresh Word of encouragement from God to a gathered group of believers. It may be a colosseum full, or where two or three are gathered in His name.
4. Immediately before a message in tongues is to go forth, there will usually be a quiet that settles over the congregation. It is a holy hush that precedes, and quietly heralds the Lord’s intention to speak a fresh Word. For this process to work properly, it takes the congregation, musicians and the minister to be sensitive to the Spirit. From personal experience, I will tell you that it’s a very uncomfortable feeling to have a message in tongues, but never have the opening in a service to give it.
5. A message in tongues with no interpretation brings confusion. If a message in tongues goes forth two or three times with no interpretation being spoken, the service should be allowed to move forward. Either it was not a true message in tongues; the person was simply worshipping the Lord in a demonstrative manner, or someone wasn’t being sensitive enough to receive the interpretation. A third option is that the person who should have given the interpretation was in the learning stage, and was either unsure, or too afraid to speak it forth.
6. A person who has any of the Gifts of the Spirit must learn how to operate in their gifting. This is a process, and people must be given the opportunity to learn, grow and mature in their gifting. Making mistakes, and getting it wrong occasionally is expected. If you feel like you have the Gifts of Tongues and/or Interpretion of tongues, you must learn the pattern of how God is unctioning you.
When I am supposed to give a message in tongues, I will feel a physical heaviness in my chest similar to my blood pressure elevating, and my heart will begin to pump harder and harder. This feeling will be followed by an overwhelming urge to speak out in tongues. The longer I wait to speak the message, the more pronounced (and uncomfortable) the physical symptoms become. This will have been preceded by the holy hush we mentioned, which is another level of confirmation that the time is right. *Hopefully, you can imagine and appreciate the level of discomfort a person might endure when the leaders of the service are not sensitive enough to allow for the quieting.
7. The interpretation of a message in tongues is not a translation. The bible is translated from one language to another in written form. A message in tongues is interpreted in a spoken form, filtering the overall meaning of the message through humanity. The length of the interpretation may not correspond to the length of the message.
8. An anointed message in tongues will never contradict the written Word of God. Never.
9. A person giving a message in tongues will usually speak out very forcefully. This message, as well as the interpretation, are backed by the unction of the Spirit. It is a flowing from the God of all glory, and as such, will be noticeably powerful. This is an added confirmation to those listening. Many times, they realize the person giving the message or interpretation would never speak out so forcefully on their own.
10. As for giving an interpretation of a message in tongues, I can only speak from my experience. I never receive the whole interpretation until I begin speaking the message in tongues. As I’m speaking the message in tongues, the Lord will drop a phrase into my mind. After the message in tongues, I will begin speaking that phrase in English so that everyone can hear and understand what I’m saying. I will not receive any more of the interpretation until I am speaking the initial phrase. This is an incredible test of faith that a person must press through, and trust that God will drop the remainder of the interpretation into their mind as they continue speaking. This is the pattern that God uses to flow through me in these two gifts.
11. Giving a message in tongues, or interpreting a message in tongues is not the gift of prophecy. Prophecy foretells the future. Tongues and Interpretation is for an immediate edification and comfort. It is the Spirit of the Lord drawing the congregation close in an intimate, Spirit-breathed embrace.
12. Following the message and/or interpretation of tongues, the speaker will experience a release that is simultaneously spiritual, emotional and physical. Spiritual because you have allowed the Holy Spirit of God to flow through you. Emotional because of the anointed word that was spoken, and physical because a human body can only handle this degree of Spirit flow for so long. After giving a message and interpretation of tongues, it is very common to praise demonstratively, cry openly, and even tremble and shake as your body reacclimates to a more normal flow of the Spirit.
13. A person does not have to hold any kind of office or position in the church to have, and operate in these giftings.
14. As with all nine of the Gifts of the Spirit, Tongues & Interpretation must be handled with care, and flowed in with order. There should be a level of trust and respect within a congregation for its members to be used in the Gifts, as well as an allowance for the learning process which is sometimes messy. Just because a person stumbles or hesitates when giving a message or interpretation, doesn’t mean they’re wrong, or not anointed. It usually means they are simply learning how to flow in the gifting.
15. Scripture tells us to covet (desire) the “best gifts.” This doesn’t mean that some gifts are lesser in value. It is an instruction to desire to operate in the gifting that will bring the most edification, and build up the body of believers at that time.
The following passage asks whether all speak in tongues, and whether all interpret. It is referring specifically to the Gifts of Tongues & the Interpretation of Tongues. It is NOT referring to the initial filling of the Holy Ghost, evidenced by speaking in tongues. 1 Corinthians 12 is focused on teaching the nine Gifts of the Spirit, not the baptism of the Holy Ghost, which anyone operating in these gifts would have previously received.
After receiving the infilling of the Holy Ghost, we are to desire to operate in the “best” of the nine Gifts of the Spirit. The best gifts are the ones that will benefit the congregation the most at that time.If you have the Gift of Tongues, desire to also have the Gift of Interpretation of Tongues, so that both gifts may have free course to flow and edify.
“Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.“ (1 Corinthians 12:29-31)
16. Keeping order is very important when operating in the Gifts of the Spirit. When you give a message in tongues, assuming you do not have the interpretation, you are to speak the message two, or three times at the most, and then be silent if there is not interpretation forthcoming. Continuing to give the message with no interpretation will cause confusion. You may continue to worship and pray in tongues quietly.
If you have the interpretation, give it immediately after the message in tongues goes forth. Waiting to give the message causes undue stress on your counterpart, and confusion in the congregation.
If another person begins to give either a message or an interpretation at the same time as you, one of you must submit to the other. Be the one who submits. The Gifts are not for show, or to bring attention to any one person other than the Spirit of God. Again, from experience, I can tell you that to pull back, and allow someone else to give the message or interpretation while the anointing is upon you is extremely difficult. However, proper order and submission is more important than having our voice heard.
IN SUMMARY
If you have received the Holy Ghost, evidenced by speaking in tongues, you are a candidate to flow in the Gifts of the Spirit. Perhaps you have been in a church service, recognized the holy hush, and felt that weight in your chest. Maybe you have felt other telltale signs, unfamiliar to me, that you suspect are drawing you to give a message or interpretation of tongues.
I realize it can be extremely frightening to step out in faith, and probably even out of character, to speak boldly in a church service. Remember that the Gifts of the Spirit are for the edifying of the body. This is a God-ordained process, and it is a privilege to participate in it. You can do hard things. Bring your flesh, and mind, under subjection to the Spirit. God will literally be right there, flowing through you to bless the church family.
Traditionally, on Good Friday we remember the day Jesus willingly suffered and died by crucifixion as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.
However, I wanted to correct a misinterpretation of scripture concerning the day of the Lord’s crucifixion.
I wanted to do this today because, Good Friday should be called Good Wednesday!
Jesus Crucified on Wednesday
Jesus wasn’t crucified on a Friday; the scripture provides the proof:
John 19:31, “The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.”
So, Jesus was crucified on preparation day—Wednesday—the day before the sabbath. Which means it had to be Friday. Right?
Remember, it says that Sabbath day was an high day. That’s the difference.
During the Jewish Passover, the day of the Passover is a special sabbath called an high day. This results in two Sabbaths occurring in the same week. The first sabbath started on Wednesday evening. The second sabbath was the regular sabbath, which occurred on Saturday.
Jesus was crucified and buried on Wednesday before the first sabbath began and rose early on Sunday morning. He was in the grave Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Wait a minute. That’s not traditional.
No, but it is scriptural.
John 19:31 provides definitive proof of when Jesus died.
And other scriptures show us when He was resurrected.
Jesus Himself said several times that His time in the tomb would be three days and three nights, just as the prophet Jonah had spent three days and nights in the fish’s belly.
Matthew 12:40, “For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
This rule out a Friday crucifixion-Sunday resurrection because there is no way to cram three days and three nights between sunset on Friday and sunrise on Sunday.
If Jesus rose exactly three days and three nights after His burial, the only candidate for His resurrection is the very end of the Sabbath at sunset. Counting back three full days, then, Jesus must have died on the previous Wednesday, which would have been the day of the Passover.
Jesus rose from the dead three days later, on Sunday morning,
Mark 16:9, “Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week…”
He rose exactly three days and three nights from His burial (a full 72 hours) at sunset as the weekly Sabbath ended.
Matthew 16:1-2, “And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.”
Verse 9, “Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week…”
All of these verses prove there were two Sabbaths—a high day on Wednesday, and a weekly Sabbath on Saturday—during the week of Jesus’ crucifixion—not one.
Let’s recap:
Jesus was not crucified on Friday. From Friday evening to Sunday morning is not three days and nights, as scripture defines the time Jesus spent in the grave.
What is the answer then? Jesus was crucified on Wednesday. The Jewish day begins in the evening. Jesus was buried just before Thursday began. He then was in the grave Thursday, Friday and Saturday. He rose from the dead before sunrise on Sunday, the first day of the week.
The source of confusion stems from the scriptures stating that the day after His crucifixion was the Sabbath. People don’t realize that many times during special feast days the Jewish people have two Sabbaths in one week. When these special Sabbaths occur, they are called “high days”. That’s what occurred during the week of Jesus’ crucifixion. The Passover was on Thursday that week. The Passover is always a special Sabbath or a “high day”.
Jesus wasn’t crucified on a Friday; the scripture tells us how we can know:
Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. (John 19:31)
What is the “high-day Sabbath” mentioned in this verse? Is it the same as a weekly Sabbath? The answer is no. A high day is technically an annual holy day, or annual Sabbath, as commanded in Leviticus 23. Certainly, the weekly Sabbath is a day to keep holy, but these annual holy days take precedence if they occur on the seventh-day Sabbath.
The annual Sabbaths are seven: the first and seventh days of Unleavened Bread, Pentecost, Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah in Hebrew), Atonement (Yom Kippur), the first day of Tabernacles (Succoth), and the Last Great Day. The first three occur in the spring, and the last four in the fall. Thus, the high day of which John was speaking was one of the three spring holy days, and since Jesus crucifixion took place on the day of Passover (Nisan 14 on the Hebrew calendar), the high day of which he speaks must be the first day of Unleavened Bread, which falls the day after the Passover (Nisan 15).
This verse also provides some very interesting and definitive proof of when Jesus died, and thus when He was resurrected. Jesus Himself said several times that His time in the tomb would be three days and three nights, just as the prophet Jonah had spent three days and nights in the fish’s belly (see Matthew 12:38-40; 27:63; Mark 8:31; John 2:18-22). This rule out a Friday crucifixion-Sunday resurrection because there is no way to cram three days and three nights between sunset on Friday and sunrise on Sunday.
If Jesus rose exactly three days and three nights after His burial (just before sunset; see Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34), the only candidate for His resurrection is the very end of the Sabbath at sunset. Counting back three full days, then, Jesus must have died on the previous Wednesday, which would have been the day of the Passover (Jesus and His disciples had observed the Passover the evening before). The first day of Unleavened Bread began just minutes after Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus sealed His tomb.
The gospel account says that, after this, His disciples and the women kept the holy day on Thursday (Mark 16:1). On Friday, the preparation day for the weekly Sabbath, the women prepared spices for His embalming (this was a normal workday; see Luke 23:56), then kept the weekly Sabbath. When they came to the tomb early Sunday morning, He had already risen some time before. He rose exactly three days and three nights from His interment (a full 72 hours) at sunset as the weekly Sabbath ended. This shows that there were two Sabbaths—a high day and a weekly Sabbath—during the time of His burial, not one!
Summary:
Jesus was not crucified on Friday. From Friday evening to Sunday morning is not three days and nights, as scripture defines the time Jesus spent in the grave. What is the answer then? Jesus was crucified on Wednesday. The Jewish day begins in the evening. Jesus was buried just before Thursday began. He then was in the grave Thursday, Friday and Saturday. He rose from the dead before sunrise on Sunday. The source of confusion stems from the scriptures stating that the day after His crucifixion was the Sabbath. People don’t realize that many times during special feast days the Jewish people have two Sabbaths in one week. When these special Sabbaths occur, they are called “high days”. That’s what occurred during the week of Jesus’ crucifixion. The Passover was on Thursday that week. The Passover is always a special Sabbath or a “high day”.
Key Points:
• Crucified and buried: Wednesday (Passover / Preparation Day)
• High-day Sabbath: Thursday
• Weekly Sabbath: Saturday
• Resurrected early Sunday the first day of the week
This timeline is fully consistent with all relevant Scriptures.
***Dave Robbins leads Endtime Ministries, is editor of Endtime Magazine, and hosts The Endtime Show.
“And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.” (Luke 15:20-24)
Dear Prodigal,
I’ve been thinking about you. That’s actually an understatement. The truth is my heart is longing for you. I remember the precious times we had together worshipping the Lord, and just enjoying each other’s company.
I want to apologize for being distant. Our lives gravitated in different directions, and I didn’t know how to stay connected in a meaningful way.
I’d love to sit down, and have heart talks again. You’re probably afraid I would bombard you with scriptures, and warnings to get right with God. Even though that is needful, I’ve matured a bit through the years. I’ve learned the value of relationship. That’s what I miss the most. Our relationship.
I want you to know I’ve never stopped loving you, and praying for you. I’ve called your name before the throne of God countless times. I realize I have failed you, but He never has. Perhaps you were hurt by people in the church. It may not be the last time. We’re just people, and we can be a mess sometimes. I’m asking you to forgive us.
I can’t really be sure what your state of mind is, although I’d love to know. Maybe you’re happy with your choices, and are enjoying living your own life separate from church life, and the people of God. I truly hope not.
Maybe you’re concerned you’d have to give up, or change too much to come back. I’m not exactly sure what all that might be, but remember the first time you came to Him, how He opened His arms, and took you just the way you were? It’ll be the same this time. As for whatever needs changing, we’ll leave that for you and Him to work out. We’re not expecting you to look or act a certain way. We just want you.
Is it that you think you’ve gone too far, or done too much that God won’t forgive you? That’s not the God I know. Lying, stealing, drugs, alcohol, sexual sins, murder? People in the Bible have done it all, and been forgiven…Most of us have, as well. Or is it the “unpardonable sin” you’re afraid you’ve committed? Trust me…if you’re feeling sorrowful, and even remotely thinking of asking God to forgive you, that is His Spirit drawing you to repentance. He will absolutely honor that. He’s so merciful, and faithful.
Maybe you’ve just drifted further and further away over time, and don’t know how to make your way back. The enemy wants you to believe it’s harder than it is. It’s just one decision. One turning around. One step in the right direction, followed by another, and another. One step.
Do you fill fulfilled using your talents for the world? I wonder. You were given unique gifts by the Holy Ghost for the purpose of building up His Kingdom. However you’re choosing to use them, I know you’re being a blessing, and success. I want you to know how valuable you are to the family of God, though. You have talents, and giftings that are unique to you. Other people can try to fill your place, but we do it with a measure of sorrow, always imagining what it would be like if you were fulfilling your calling.
I worry for you. Sometimes my heart is so heavily burdened, the only thing I can do to find peace is to bring you before His throne, yet again, knowing He loves you even more than I do. I have to remind myself He’s drawing you by His Spirit even if it’s not evident to me.
The last thing I want you to know is that we’re all waiting for you. Not with judgement, or bitterness, or resentment, but with great anticipation of being reunited in sweet fellowship. We need you. I need you. Please come home.
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” (1 John 2:15-17)
APPETITE VS LUST
Appetite is a God-given function of our bodies. It isn’t wrong to eat when you’re hungry, have an intimate relationship with your spouse, or to take a much needed vacation to relax and refocus. An appetite that has been allowed to run amuck with no discipline, however, morphs into a ravenous thing called LUST.
To lust after something is to crave it to the point of doing whatever is necessary to get it, regardless of the cost or consequences to yourself or others. Lust is uncontrolled appetite, and it is not of God. Those who live in the world are driven by their lusts. The church, however, is called to live moderately in all areas.
From 1 John 2:15-17, we see that everything we lust after can be put into one of three categories:
The lust of the flesh
The lust of the eyes
The pride of life
The things people lust after are too numerous to count. Here are a few areas in each category:
LUST OF THE FLESH
FOOD
Food addiction plagues our society. Most of us live on the SAD (Standard American Diet) of three huge carb-laden meals, mostly fast food, three snacks in between, and a continuous flow of liquid sugar drinks in every twenty-four hour period.
One thing that makes getting our food cravings under control so difficult is the fact that we have to eat. A person who is addicted to nicotine can stop smoking cold turkey. The same can be said for alcohol or drug addiction. That’s not to say it isn’t extremely difficult, and often takes a neutral party to facilitate the detox process. Still, it can be done. Our appetite for food, however, must be personally managed and modified throughout our lives.
God created our bodies to require food, and so we must eat. It’s up to us, however, to learn what our bodies need to be healthy, and choose to consume only that most of the time. Fasting is the tool that God has given us to keep our lust for food under control.
SEXUAL RELATIONS
Having an intimate relationship with our spouse is a holy act. It was created by God. Sexual relationships outside of marriage are sin. Unfortunately, flesh that is not kept under subjection to the Holy Ghost only wants more. It is up to us, to learn what is acceptable in God’s eyes, and discipline ourselves to desire only that.
THRILL SEEKING
I’ve ridden a roller coaster or two, and even zip lined while on vacation. There’s nothing wrong with a bit of blood pumping fun on occasion There are people, however, who live from adrenaline rush to adrenaline rush. Many times, people who can’t seem to enjoy the blessings of a normal day are those who are running from God. They will seek after anything to distract them from hearing that still small voice calling to them.
ENTERTAINMENT
Again, there’s nothing wrong with fun activities to unwind from the pressures of life. When you can’t focus on needful things without your mind drifting to the next movie, ballgame, social media post or other form of entertainment, it’s time to pull away from it all, and refocus on what’s truly important. Too much entertainment keeps you from being beneficial to your family, employer, community, church and the Kingdom of God.
SLEEP
This one might come as a surprise. We think of lust as doing something. Sometimes, however, it’s doing nothing. Don’t get me wrong…I’m an unapologetic napper. Some people, however, live only to go back to sleep, either physically or spiritually. Lethargy is a very effective tactic of the enemy. How many ministries have been forfeited for a few more hours of sleep?
“How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.” (Proverbs 6:9-11)
LUST OF THE EYES
POSSESSIONS
When the rich young ruler asked what he needed to do to be saved, Jesus told him to sell all that he had, give to the poor, and come follow him. The young man went away sorrowfully. Does that mean we are all called to sell everything, and live without? This young man was controlled by his desire for possessions and wealth. How much stuff do we really need? When your stuff keeps you from fully living for God, it’s time to let it go. Here is a great website to help you get started: becoming minimalist
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE
Everyone wants to look their best, Looking your best, and obsessing over what people think are two different things. I don’t wear makeup, but I’ve heard that some ladies who do won’t go to bed without “their face” because they don’t want their spouse to see them without it…This is insane.
My husband and I ride a trike. I remember for the first year or so after we purchased it, I stressed over wearing a helmet. Everywhere we went, I had “helmet hair.” This obsession with my appearance kept me from enjoying our riding experience. The Lord convicted me of my pride, and one day I just bought some colorful beanies to pull on every time we got off the bike. Since then, I’ve added a small collection of baseball caps, as well.
The quest for a perfect body has led many people to destroy the one God gave them, as well as their peace.
PRIDE OF LIFE
POPULARITY
Everyone’s personality is different. Some people are naturally the life of the party, and others are more of a wall flower. I’m the latter. To be in the spotlight was always excruciating. This is one area where God really had a lot of work to do when He called me into the ministry. I learned that excessive shyness was a form of pride, and had to get over my “self.”
Other people not only thrive on being in the spotlight, they crave it. They would rather have followers than eat. Being popular gives them validation and affirmation that should only come from God. Be right with God, and get comfortable with who He has called you to be.
POSITIONS
Some people are driven by achieving position and power. That’s really what the pursuit of position is -the quest for power and control. God does use people, and He does place people in positions as He sees fit. If God has allowed you to be in a position of power, use it to do good, and bring Him glory. But be honest with yourself as to whether you are attempting to glorify Him, or yourself. Flesh likes to be glorified, but God deserves all of it.
Many a business person has forfeited their god-given families and ministries in order to pursue another rung on the company ladder.
SELFRELIANCE
When a two year old smacks your hand away from helping them, and screams, “I do by self,” we think it’s cute. If an adult did the same thing, we would be shocked, and frustrated. Yet, people who consistently refuse the help of the body of Christ are effectively doing the same thing. It’s as if giving in, and allowing someone to help them makes them feel inferior. This goes on in the business world, and sadly in the church. Sometimes we forget Who our source of strength is. We are called the Body of Christ for a reason. No member is more important than another, and each one needs every one.
IN SUMMARY
These are just a few areas where lust gets control in our lives. The answer is moderation taught by implementing spiritual disciplines such as fasting, prayer, bible study and giving. When a child, no matter how cute, is not disciplined, selfish manners rule, and the child becomes uncontrollable. The same thing happens with our appetites. They must be harnessed and disciplined so they don’t grow up to be big, ugly, wild lustful things.
“Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” ((Philippians 4:5)
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
The amazing thing about the grace of God is that no one deserves it, yet He offers it. Since Adam and Eve first sinned in the garden, every human has been born with a sinful nature. Every single human has sinned, and deserves death as punishment. Not just physical death, but spiritual death, separated from the Spirit of God for eternity.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23)
What Is Grace?
The gift of grace is the undeserved invitation to have faith in Jesus Christ, and the opportunity to be obedient to His gospel unto salvation. Without God’s grace, there is no way to experience salvation.
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:1-2)
What Grace Is Not
Grace is not a license to continue in sinful lifestyles. God doesn’t offer grace, and turn away from our sin. He looks at us with eyes wide open, acknowledging our sin, but with a heart of compassion that offers us a path to repent, and obey the gospel.
“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1-2)
Obedience Is Required
Many people think of grace as an invisible blanket that cloaks their sins, with no obligation to make any changes. This couldn’t be further from the truth. When we claim God’s grace, we are required to follow through with obedience. This includes repentance of our sins, turning away from future sinful choices, being baptized in Jesus’ name for the remission of sins, and allowing God to fill us with His Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in other tongues, and living a life of holiness.
“Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:37-38)
“But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?” (Romans 10:16)
What Are Works?
Many people think nothing is required on their part to be saved. It’s true that we are not saved by our works. Repentance, submitting to baptism and seeking to be filled with God’s Spirit are not works. They are obedience.
Christians are called to good works, even though they aren’t the source of their salvation. We are called to live as emissaries of His goodness in the earth. Volunteering, community service, and being a help whenever we can is a needful part of our new life in Christ.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.“ (Ephesians 2:10)
In Summary
-All have sinned, and deserve death.
-God, in His mercy offers us grace.
-Grace is an undeserved opportunity to have faith in, and obey the gospel.
-Obedience to the gospel is not works.
-Repentance, baptism in Jesus name, and being filled with the Holy Ghost is required for salvation.
We’ve just come through the Jewish holiday of Purim. Most Christians give no thought to Jewish holidays, which is sad because many of them are days of rememberance which tell the history of God’s chosen people.
Purim is the celebration of the Persian Jews’ deliverance from the wicked Haman. He had devised a plan to destroy all the Jews out of the land on a certain day. He had a gallows built which he planned to hang Esther’s adopted father, Mordecai, on because he refused to bow to him, but only to God. When Mordecai learned of the plan, he sent word to Queen Esther in the palace, and instructed her to go before the king. After some persuasion, and a period of prayer and fasting, Esther dared to go before King Ahasuerus without being summoned to plead for the lives of her people.
“Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.“ (Esther 4:15-16)
Esther won the king’s favor, and the Jews across Persia were given authority to fight back on the day Haman had chosen to wipe them out. For good measure, the king granted a second day to be certain they were avenged of their adversaries.
There was great celebration throughout the land. Oh, and Haman? He was hung on the gallows he had built to hang Mordecai on.
“So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king’s wrath pacified.” (Esther 7:10)
Present Day
Every year for over 2,500 years, the Jewish people all over the world celebrate Purim, remembering their deliverance from the wicked Persian Haman’s plan of destruction.This year’s Purim celebrations on March 2nd through 3rd were a bit extra.
As it turns out, the same demonic prince of Persia who influenced Haman all those years ago has been planning the destruction of the Jewish people once again. Persia is modern day Iran, and the government of Iran has worked tirelessly to destroy the Jewish people for decades. For almost fifty years they have been very vocal and unapologetic in calling America the big satan, and Israel the little satan. Vowing time and again to wipe both nations off the face of the map.
The Iranian government has not ceased in its attacks of the Jewish people, and has continually used terrorists proxy groups to do their bidding, creating what is known as the “Ring of Fire” surrounding the nation. I will point out here that Israel is a very small country, and without God’s protection, would indeed be wiped out.
Purim 2026
Regardless of whether we agree or disagree with the Israeli and American joint military action against Iran, it is very interesting to note that it was actively being carried out on Purim 2026. On the exact dates that Jewish people around the world were celebrating Purim, their government was fighting with the same geopolitical government from those 2,500 years ago. It is said that history repeats itself, and it does seem so in this respect.
I also find the following scriptures interesting as they seem to prophecy the downfall of the Iranian government, and the captivity of Elam (modern day Iran) being turned back to God. We know there are underground Christians works in Iran, who will hopefully be able to worship the One True Living God publicly soon.
The word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah the prophet against Elam in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, saying,
Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might.
And upon Elam will I bring the four winds from the four quarters of heaven, and will scatter them toward all those winds; and there shall be no nation whither the outcasts of Elam shall not come.
For I will cause Elam to be dismayed before their enemies, and before them that seek their life: and I will bring evil upon them, even my fierce anger, saith the Lord; and I will send the sword after them, till I have consumed them:
And I will set my throne in Elam, and will destroy from thence the king and the princes, saith the Lord.
But it shall come to pass in the latter days, that I will bring again the captivity of Elam, saith the Lord.“ (Jeremiah 49:34-39)
Hope The Future
The terrorist regime that has controlled Iran for almost fifty years has greatly oppressed and tortured the wonderful people of this nation. I pray a new government will come into power that will allow these precious people to thrive -living, working, and worshipping in the Light of Truth.
Sadly, we know that at some point satan will once again reign over Iran because it (biblical Persia) is listed as one of the nations that will come against Israel at the Battle of Armageddon. Until then, however, we pray for the protection and peace of the citizens of Iran, and for many souls to come to know the Lord.
”And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.” (Revelation 11:3)
Scripture speaks of two witnesses who will appear on the end time scene, and preach during the last three and one half years before Jesus returns. Throughout history, God has tasked men and women to preach and prophecy to the nation of Israel, warning them to turn to God with their whole hearts in order to avoid impending judgment. These two men will operate in the same fashion as prophets of old.
The Time Period
The number of days that these witnesses will preach is 1,360 days. This coincides with the final three and one half years before Jesus returns called the Great Tribulation. In the near future, there will be a 7 year covenant (peace agreement) signed which will allow for the building of the third Jewish Temple on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Both Jews and Muslims will worship on this holy site, which can hardly be comprehended, knowing the violent history of these two groups. From the time the covenant is signed, there will be seven final years before Jesus returns.
There will be “peace” for the first three and one half years of this final seven year period. At the midpoint of these seven years, however, the two witnesses’ ministry will be launched when an event we call the abomination of desolation takes place. This event is when the antichrist will step into the newly built Jewish Temple, stop the daily animal sacrifices, and proclaim himself to be God, or the anointed one, messiah for all peoples. This event will trigger the three and one half year Great Tribulation, and God’s two witnesses will begin their final ministry of preaching to the Jewish people in Jerusalem, encouraging them to turn to God with their whole hearts, and be born again according to Acts 2:38.
What Will They Preach?
Unlike prophets of the Old Testament who didn’t live under the New Covenant, these two men will no doubt be Born Again of water and Spirit. They will preach Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection, of course. They will be witnesses of the New Birth message of Jesus Christ, patterned in the Book of Acts. It is the only true salvation message of the New Testament.
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38)
A Powerful Ministry
Their ministry will be power packed with signs, wonders and miracles. This is God’s final attempt to get the attention of the Jewish people, and whosoever will come to him in this last harvest. The two witnesses will have His supernatural protection until their ministry is accomplished.
“And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.
These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.” (Revelation 11:5-6)
Elijah, Enoch Or Moses?
Perhaps we should approach the identity of the two witnesses by talking about who they cannot be. Many people think the two witnesses will be either Elijah and Enoch, or Elijah and Moses. There are several reasons for this line of thinking.
ELIJAH?
“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.” (Malachi 4:5-6)
Since Elijah is most often mentioned as a candidate for one of the two witnesses, let’s begin with him. As you can see from the above scripture, there is good reason to suspect the fiery prophet to be one of the two witnesses, except for these two things.
1. Jesus explained to His disciples that this prophecy referred to John the Baptist, and that he had already come. The prophecy was fulfilled when John came in the spirit of Elijah. John carried the same anointing as the Old Testament prophet Elijah.
“But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.” (Matthew 17:12-13)
Jesus does precede this statement by pointing to a future time when Elijah will come. This could mean that one or both of the two witnesses will come in the spiritual anointing of Elijah just as John the Baptist did according to the precedent that had already been set.
And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.“ (Matthew 17:10-11)
2. Elijah was taken up into Heaven in a fiery chariot. People refer to this to say that Elijah never actually died, so he can come back as one of the two witnesses. I would point out that no unregenerate flesh will enter into Heaven. The only way people go to Heaven is in their new, sinless bodies. Knowing this, Elijah must have experienced the same change from mortality to immortality that we will experience at the time of the rapture. That being said, Elijah is already in his immortal body, and since the two witnesses are killed at the end of their three and one half year ministry, Elijah is removed from the candidate list.
ENOCH?
The argument for Enoch being one of the two witnesses is the same as for Elijah. He pleased God so much that God took him on to Heaven without experiencing death. Again, I would point out that even though Enoch didn’t experience death as we know it, he must have experienced the change from mortality to immortality in order to be taken into the heavenly realm. He cannot put back on mortality as if it’s a garment to be one of the two witnesses.
“And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.“ (Genesis 5:24)
MOSES?
The argument for Moses being one of the two witnesses is that when Moses died, God Himself buried him. Later, it is recorded that satan apparently wanted the body of Moses, and the archangel Gabriel withstood him.
The deceased body of this mighty prophet and deliverer was a hot commodity to both God and satan. Why would that be? God loved this man dearly. He spoke to Moses face to face as with a friend. He took care to not let his body fall into the hands of those who would misuse it. If the Israelites had his body, they would likely build a shrine and idolize it. If satan had his body, he would likely possess it to be worshipped. God made sure neither of these options were possible.
“So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.” (Deuteronomy 34:5-6)
“Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.“ (Jude 9)
MOSES & ELIJAH?
The last combination I’ll mention is that of Moses & Elijah being the two witnesses. When Jesus was transformed in the presence of his disciples on the mountain, Moses and Elijah appeared with Him. The disciples noted that these two great prophets of old were conversing with Jesus, and spoke specifically of his coming death. This is so incredibly interesting.
God raised these two faithful men up for a short time, and interacted with them. As for why Moses was allowed this time with Jesus, it can be assumed that because he wasn’t allowed to go into the Promise Land during his life, Jesus allowed him stand and see it in his spirit body.
I’ll point out here that These two men were in their immortal bodies. They had both experienced the change from mortality to immortality. While God did raise them up for a short while, presumably a few minutes of conversation, they cannot die again. Therefore, they cannot be the two witnesses of the end time.
“And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.” (Matthew 17:1-3)
So Who Are They???
Why is it easier to believe that God will raise someone from the dead to fulfill this ministry in the last days, rather than to believe He will use two men of God who are alive right now? Every minister is called to their own generation. The end time church is made up of One God, Apostolic, Jesus Name, Holy Ghost Filled, Tongue Talking, Holiness individuals. The two witnesses of the book of Revelation will be two of those people.
They will walk the streets of Jerusalem proclaiming the New Testament plan of salvation. Acknowledge Jesus Christ as your Messiah. Repent. Be baptized in Jesus name for the remission of your sins. Receive the Holy Ghost evidenced by speaking in other tongues. Turn to God with all your hearts. Live holy.
This is the message of the New Testament End Time Church. This will be the message of God’s two witnesses during those final three and one half years.
Killed, Resurrected & Raptured
And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.” (Revelation 11:7-8)
And after three days and an half the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.“ (Revelation 11:11-12)
When they have finished their ministry, they will be killed, and will lay in the streets of Jerusalem for three and one half days. But after this, God will bring life back into their bodies, and they will be caught up into Heaven.
…This sounds familiar…
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.“ (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
This is the Rapture, or Catching Away of the Church. The resurrection and ascension of the two witnesses is not an isolated event. They are resurrected and caught up to be with Jesus at the same time as the saints of all the ages. Now we also know the timing of the Rapture of the Church.
In Summary
The two witnesses are not ethereal spirit beings or Old Testament prophets risen from the dead. They will be born again saints in the modern New Testament Church, preaching the same message that has been preached since the Day of Pentecost in Acts chapter two.
Are they alive today? I’d say it’s likely.
Do they realize who they are? I’d say it’s beginning to dawn on them.
How can we help them? Begin praying for them daily even though you don’t know their names.
End Time Revival
The two witnesses’ ministry will be in Jerusalem, but there will be great harvest of souls from all around the world in the last days. The whole Church will be involved in this great revival. I pray that you are born again, sold out to Truth, and willing to be His witness during this last great push for souls before Jesus returns to set up His earthly Kingdom.
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,
Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” Revelation 7:10-14)
We’ve all heard this phrase. It’s almost always spoken concerning sports teams. I’m personally not a big sports fan. However, my children did play sports in school, and they enjoyed the process. Although I never developed a love for sports, I did learn to appreciate seeing my kids do what they had trained for on the court. Neither of them pursued sports after graduation, and I wasn’t sad about that.
BENEFITS OF BEING PART OF A TEAM
I’ve paid attention to the many compelling arguments for being part of a team. Here are the benefits I’ve heard the most:
-Character Building.
-Boosts Confidence
-Learning To Work Together
-Teaches Leadership
-Teaches Accountability
-Promotes Working Toward a Common Goal
-Learn To Trust, and Be Trustworthy
-Finishing What You Start
-Being Part Of Something Bigger Than Yourself
THE GREATEST TEAM
“And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” (1 Corinthians 12:26-27)
These are worthy lessons, for sure, and describe exactly what the greatest team of all teaches. What is The Greatest Team? I’m glad you asked. The greatest team of all is The Church, of course!
That’s right. The majority of benefits promoted as reasons to join a sports team are actually the very ideals taught by the Church. Sadly, many quit the Church in order to pursue team sports.
BENEFITS OF BEING PART OF THE CHURCH
Let’s break down each one of the above lessons, and see how they pertain to church life.
-Character Building
And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.“ (2 Peter 1:5-8)
-Boosts Confidence
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)
-Learning To Work Together
”Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.“ (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
-Teaches Leadership
”Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)
-Teaches Accountability
“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” (Hebrews 13:17)
-Promotes Working Toward a Common Goal
“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3)
-Learn To Trust, and Be Trustworthy
“Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:1-2)
-Finishing What You Start
”And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9)
-Being Part Of Something Bigger Than Yourself
”But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)
DON’T BE A QUITTER!
The Church of the Living God is the best thing going. Actually, it’s the only thing going…to Heaven. Sports may be entertaining, and offer a measure of benefits on this side of eternity. However, if it causes you to quit the greatest team of all time, how is it truly beneficial?
”Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25)
“For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” (John 12:43)
