All posts by John (HFJ Director)

Can I Trust the Bible?, Discipline / Correction, Is the Old Testament Relevant Today?

Scripture is Inspired By God and Useful

Far too many people dismiss the value of scripture that God provides us. Even many who claim the label of Christian still reject His holy word in the Bible and instead listen to their own opinion or that of the news or popular culture.

[2 Timothy 3:16-17] All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

[2 Peter 1:20-21]  Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.

[Romans 15:4]  Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.

All scripture is inspired by God and useful. It is wrong to just pick and choose which scripture in the Bible we “like” and accept those and then decide which we “do not like” and reject those.

God provides scripture to help teach us what is true… to show us when we are wrong and show us what is right. It prepares us to serve Him, and gives us hope and encouragement while we wait for His promises to be fulfilled.

We should challenge ourselves to trust God’s word is true… all of it. If we do not understand part of it, instead of rejecting it, we should invest time to study it and learn more about God. There are amazing tools that make this much easier to do online than you might expect. We have included a collection of links to helpful Bible study resources in the Study The Word section of www.HearingFromJesus.org

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Anger (unrighteous anger), Holy Spirit / Ruach HaKodesh, How do I get started?

Do I Have “Right” To Be Angry?

When we let our sinful natures determine our response to events or people we often respond in anger. The world tells us we have a “right” to be angry based on these situations or words from others.

There are, in fact, situations where a righteous anger is an appropriate response… similar to when Jesus turned the tables of the money changers in the temple.  However, many times we are not responding in righteous anger and a response filled with patience and love would be more effective in managing the situation in a way that honors God.

[Proverbs 29:11] Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.

[Proverbs 15:1] A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

[Ephesians 4:26-27]  And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.”[a] Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

[Colossians 3:8]  But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.

When we accept Jesus Christ as lord and savior and learn to let the Holy Spirit guide our behaviors and our words we begin to transform ourselves to become more like Jesus. We respond less in anger and more in patience and love.

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Faith / Trusting God, Hearing from God, Obeying God

A Conversation With God

Abram has a personal conversation with God in Genesis 15 that gives wonderful insight into the character of God.

15 Some time later, the Lord spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him, “Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great.”

2 But Abram replied, “O Sovereign Lord, what good are all your blessings when I don’t even have a son? Since you’ve given me no children, Eliezer of Damascus, a servant in my household, will inherit all my wealth. 3 You have given me no descendants of my own, so one of my servants will be my heir.”

4 Then the Lord said to him, “No, your servant will not be your heir, for you will have a son of your own who will be your heir.” 5 Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!”

6 And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.

7 Then the Lord told him, “I am the Lord who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land as your possession.”

8 But Abram replied, “O Sovereign Lord, how can I be sure that I will actually possess it?”

9 The Lord told him, “Bring me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” 10 So Abram presented all these to him and killed them. Then he cut each animal down the middle and laid the halves side by side; he did not, however, cut the birds in half. 11 Some vultures swooped down to eat the carcasses, but Abram chased them away.

12 As the sun was going down, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a terrifying darkness came down over him. 13 Then the Lord said to Abram, “You can be sure that your descendants will be strangers in a foreign land, where they will be oppressed as slaves for 400 years. 14 But I will punish the nation that enslaves them, and in the end they will come away with great wealth. 15 (As for you, you will die in peace and be buried at a ripe old age.) 16 After four generations your descendants will return here to this land, for the sins of the Amorites do not yet warrant their destruction.”

17 After the sun went down and darkness fell, Abram saw a smoking firepot and a flaming torch pass between the halves of the carcasses. 18 So the Lord made a covenant with Abram that day and said, “I have given this land to your descendants, all the way from the border of Egypt[a] to the great Euphrates River— 19 the land now occupied by the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, 20 Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, 21 Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites, and Jebusites.”

What a wonderful God we serve that as His humble servants we can openly share our feelings and desires. Of course He already knows them, but it is very encouraging to read God’s response when Abram expresses his desire to have a son. Abram talks to God openly and honestly. God does not get mad. He knows Abram is His righteous servant.

God is not surprised by what Abram tells Him. Quite the opposite, without missing a beat God answers that Abram will have a son. In fact, when God tells Abram how many descendants he will have, Abram is counted righteous for his faith in believing God.

When God tells Abram about the land He will give to Abram, Abram is able to ask about it without reprimand. God instead gives him instructions and then later gives even more details to Abram about what will happen to his descendants.

How wonderful that we, as God’s servants, can still be counted righteous even when we have questions and doubts on some details of what may come our way. What a gracious God we serve.

Also important in this scripture, we get some insight into why God allowed His people to be bound as servants to the Egyptians for 400 years. God is gracious and slow to anger… the sins of the Amorites did not yet at that time warrant their destruction. God also mentions the fact that His people will come out of bondage to Egypt with great wealth.

A third benefit we recognize from reading later scripture is that the means by which God sets His people free from bondage in Egypt is dramatic and memorable… the 10 plagues and then the parting of the Red Sea and destruction of Pharaoh’s army that pursued. God brought His people out of Egypt in a dramatic way in which He showed His power and glory so memorably that we still talk about it thousands of years later and it continues to honor the name of God.

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Hearing from God, Prayer

Keep on Asking

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Matthew 7:7-11 is part of what we commonly refer to as the Sermon on the Mount, in which Jesus is addressing His disciples regarding what it means to live a righteous life.

7 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

9 “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? 10 Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! 11 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.

Jesus is deliberate in using the metaphor of a parent and a child to help put into context what He is teaching. Good parents want their children to come before them and express their desires… even if the parents are already aware of the situation. It shows respect, humility, and faith to ask for help. It reaffirms that you want their help and demonstrates you know you cannot do it yourself.

However, even when we listen… and love our children… we do not always give them specifically what they ask for. Instead we may give them what they need or something that better addresses their desires than even they can identify.

A few closing thoughts…

  • God loves us and wants to give us good things, even if they are different than that for which we ask.
  • The more time we spend with God in prayer and in His word, the better we will understand what to ask for that is most in line with God’s will and God’s character.
  • Jesus tells us to keep asking, seeking, and knocking. He does not say… “Stop asking me. I already heard you.” We may continue until we receive His answer.
  • Coming before Jesus with our requests also gives us an opportunity to spend time listening to what He may tell us. Prayer is more than a time just to make requests, but also a time to hear answers.

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Help us to share the good news of the gospel! Please visit our Support Us page at HearingFromJesus.org to find out more.

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How do I get started?, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Salvation

ABC’s of Salvation

On a recent trip through a store selling groceries and household items I was handed a blue card by someone as I walked by the aisles near the front of the store. After reading the card, I was delighted to see that it was a Christian outreach from a local church. I thought they captured a good overview of salvation in a few words and felt it would be good to share more broadly.

ABC’s of Salvation

Acknowledge – that we are born sinners into this world and that we can’t save ourselves.

Believe – that Jesus Christ died for your sins, and by accepting Him as Lord, you can become a born again Christian.

Confess – Romans 10:9 which says, “If you confess with your mouth the Lord jesus, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Prayer of Salvation is not about specific words but the heart. A prayer of salvation may sound something like this…

Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus Christ. I confess that Jesus is Lord. I believe in my heart that you raised Him from the dead. Come into my heart Jesus, and be Lord over my life. Thank you God for saving me.

I will add here that when you truly accept Jesus as Lord of your life, it is more than words or a one time profession of faith. It is more than going to church once a week and saying you are a Christian. Your behaviors and values change to be more like Jesus.  You want to study His word to learn more about His character, what He wants from His people, and how He interacts with His people.

Someone who accepts Jesus as lord of their life learns over time to be less concerned about the opinions of the world and more concerned about the truth of God’s word.  It is a wonderful experience that starts us on a journey of transformation to become more like Jesus Christ and less like our old sinful nature. People cannot help but notice true Christians living joyfully for God in their daily life, even during difficult times.

If you find yourself blending in with the world so much that nobody notices you are different as a Christian… you  should prayerfully consider if you are really living for Christ.

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Help us to share the good news of the gospel! Please visit our Support Us page at HearingFromJesus.org to find out more.

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Money / Finances / Wealth, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Righteousness / Serving God

Fight for God, Not Earthly Rewards

In Genesis 14:17-24 Abram returns from a significant military victory in which he saved his nephew Lot along with other captives and many possessions that were taken as plunder of war. He takes nothing of the plunder for himself. He gives a tithe to Melchizedek, identified as both king and priest, returns the captives and the plunder asking only for the food his troops already ate and a share of the goods recovered for his allies.

17 After Abram returned from his victory over Kedorlaomer and all his allies, the king of Sodom went out to meet him in the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).

18 And Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High,[d] brought Abram some bread and wine. 19 Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing:

“Blessed be Abram by God Most High,
    Creator of heaven and earth.
20 And blessed be God Most High,
    who has defeated your enemies for you.”

Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods he had recovered.

21 The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give back my people who were captured. But you may keep for yourself all the goods you have recovered.”

22 Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I solemnly swear to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, 23 that I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from what belongs to you. Otherwise you might say, ‘I am the one who made Abram rich.’ 24 I will accept only what my young warriors have already eaten, and I request that you give a fair share of the goods to my allies—Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre.”

Abram makes a point to show that he did not fight to get riches. He fought because it was right to do so. It was a righteous battle. He gives to God through the tithe to Melchizedek and asks for some of the goods for his allies. Melchizedek gives praise and honor to God for the victory.

God wants us to follow Abram’s example… to fight righteous battles not for personal gain but to live in accordance with God’s instruction. The battles we are called to fight are not always literal. Many times we are not called to raise sword or spear but rather to speak the truth and stand up for our faith and resist those who wish to silence Christians through fear or persecution. Sometimes it may be choosing those we do business with or vote into political office based on their public demonstration of faith and honoring God instead of someone who is selfish and greedy for power… and helping convince others to do the same.

For those who want a little more scripture for today… who is Melchizedek? It is reasonable to conclude from study of scripture that Melchizedek is a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ Himself. You can find more detail on this subject at www.gotquestions.org/Melchizedek and www.equip.org/broadcast/qa-melchizedek (audio of radio broadcast question and answer).

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Can I Trust the Bible?, Courage / Fear, Is the Old Testament Relevant Today?, Righteousness / Serving God, Suffering / Adversity

A Righteous Man in an Unrighteous World

Genesis 14:1-16 shows us how Abram responds when war breaks out nearby and his nephew, Lot, is captured. We continue to see evidence in the writing style (e.g. specific details provided about the kings, locations and the war) that the scriptures about Abram document details of historical events and not just parables or make-believe stories.  God graciously provides us evidence that we can trust the Bible as the true and inspired word of God.

There is much more to be gained from this scripture as we study Abram’s actions and see how a man of great faith and close relationship with God deals with this difficult situation.

14 About this time war broke out in the region. King Amraphel of Babylonia,[a] King Arioch of Ellasar, King Kedorlaomer of Elam, and King Tidal of Goiim 2 fought against King Bera of Sodom, King Birsha of Gomorrah, King Shinab of Admah, King Shemeber of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (also called Zoar).

3 This second group of kings joined forces in Siddim Valley (that is, the valley of the Dead Sea[b]). 4 For twelve years they had been subject to King Kedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled against him.

5 One year later Kedorlaomer and his allies arrived and defeated the Rephaites at Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzites at Ham, the Emites at Shaveh-kiriathaim, 6 and the Horites at Mount Seir, as far as El-paran at the edge of the wilderness. 7 Then they turned back and came to En-mishpat (now called Kadesh) and conquered all the territory of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites living in Hazazon-tamar.

8 Then the rebel kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela (also called Zoar) prepared for battle in the valley of the Dead Sea.[c] 9 They fought against King Kedorlaomer of Elam, King Tidal of Goiim, King Amraphel of Babylonia, and King Arioch of Ellasar—four kings against five. 10 As it happened, the valley of the Dead Sea was filled with tar pits. And as the army of the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some fell into the tar pits, while the rest escaped into the mountains. 11 The victorious invaders then plundered Sodom and Gomorrah and headed for home, taking with them all the spoils of war and the food supplies. 12 They also captured Lot—Abram’s nephew who lived in Sodom—and carried off everything he owned.

13 But one of Lot’s men escaped and reported everything to Abram the Hebrew, who was living near the oak grove belonging to Mamre the Amorite. Mamre and his relatives, Eshcol and Aner, were Abram’s allies.

14 When Abram heard that his nephew Lot had been captured, he mobilized the 318 trained men who had been born into his household. Then he pursued Kedorlaomer’s army until he caught up with them at Dan. 15 There he divided his men and attacked during the night. Kedorlaomer’s army fled, but Abram chased them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. 16 Abram recovered all the goods that had been taken, and he brought back his nephew Lot with his possessions and all the women and other captives.

The following are just a few observations from a quick study of the scripture.

  • In war and world events there is not always a righteous side. The scripture gives no evidence to suggest either side in the war honored God. The victors plundered the citizens and took many possessions and captives. Lots of people were hurt who really had no direct involvement in the war.
  •  Once he became aware of the situation, Abram did not hesitate. The scripture does not indicate that he stopped even to consult God.  He had an ongoing relationship with God and recognized immediately the need for action. He gathered a group of trained men in a selfless attempt to help others. Abram had nothing to gain and a lot to lose.
  • Abram could have been bitter with Lot because Lot had previously chosen the best land for himself when Abram and Lot separated earlier in Genesis. Abram was not bitter. He was content with what he had and trusted God. He loved Lot.
  • Abram used wise strategy to divide his forces and attack at night. Scripture does not say, but the opponent is described as an “army”. It is reasonable to assume they may have had more men than Abram.
  • Abram brought back Lot, the other captives, and all the possessions. As we will see in the next section of scripture, Abram refused to take any of the plunder for himself, even when it was offered to him.

As a righteous man, Abram showed courage and wisdom to confront a bad situation and took bold and selfless actions to address it. Jesus calls us as Christians to do the same in our daily lives.

Of course, we are not all called to go to war. Sometimes we have the opportunity to help individuals, churches, or local communities to address specific needs. Other times we may be called to help stop cruelty and murder in places we don’t expect… like helping to educate people on the brutality of abortion and leading them to reject it and to reject organizations that support it.

One thing we know  for sure… Jesus calls us to live differently from the world and to demonstrate God’s love and character through our actions and behaviors towards the situations around us. Abram demonstrates that beautifully in Genesis 14.

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Discerning / Judging, Parables, Share the Good News

Do Not Throw Your Pearls to Pigs

During the sermon on the mount, just after speaking to His disciples about judgment and reproof, Jesus provides important guidance in an interesting metaphor that is very easy to overlook or misunderstand if taken out of context.

Matthew 7:6

6 “Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy.[e] Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.

Jesus had just cautioned His disciples not to judge others and condemn them as sinners but rather to focus on addressing the sin in our own lives first and then to help others address the sin in their lives… to act in love to help sinners turn from sin and toward Christ. Now in verse 6, Jesus clarifies that we are certainly called to use discernment and wisdom in sharing the gospel and in our attempts to help others to come to know Jesus.

Jesus calls us to share the good news of the gospel with sinners as He did in His earthly ministry. However, some people will never accept or even respect the gospel or our efforts to share it. They will mock and persecute us as Christians… try to manipulate and trample the sacred scripture we share with them. The guidance in Matthew 7:6 is similar to the guidance God give in Matthew 10:14.

14 If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave.

Essentially what Jesus is addressing is the following:

  • We are called to share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ with sinners.
  • We have limited time and resources with which to share the gospel and unlimited number of people who need to be reached.
  • We must use our time effectively and efficiently. We use discernment and wisdom to understand the times, places, people, and type of communication that are most effective.
  • If we linger trying to force someone to accept the truth who wishes only to mock it and us as followers of Jesus, we will miss sharing the gospel with many others who may genuinely receive the word and turn to Jesus.

As always, we can come before God humbly in prayer and ask for wisdom and clarity in this area to help us know when and with whom we should share the gospel… and for how long before we shake the dust from our sandals and move on.

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Suffering / Adversity, Worry/Anxiety

Do Not Worry About Everyday Life

I felt led by the Holy Spirit to write about worry and anxiety. By our nature it is easy to get wrapped up in concerns about our day to day living. We sometimes get so concerned about the basic needs or wants in life that it consumes us. Jesus Christ came to set us free from sin… He does not then desire us to come into bondage to worry and anxiety.

There are many scriptures that speak to us on this subject, but I have included three in which I have found much comfort over the past few years. I hope they help you as they have me.

The words of Jesus in Matthew 6:25-34…

25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God[a] above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

The words of Paul in Philippians 4:4-14…

4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.[a]

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

10 How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ,[b] who gives me strength. 14 Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.

Psalm 46

1 God is our refuge and strength,
    always ready to help in times of trouble.
2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come
    and the mountains crumble into the sea.
3 Let the oceans roar and foam.
    Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Interlude

4 A river brings joy to the city of our God,
    the sacred home of the Most High.
5 God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed.
    From the very break of day, God will protect it.
6 The nations are in chaos,
    and their kingdoms crumble!
God’s voice thunders,
    and the earth melts!
7 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
    the God of Israel[b] is our fortress. Interlude

8 Come, see the glorious works of the Lord:
    See how he brings destruction upon the world.
9 He causes wars to end throughout the earth.
    He breaks the bow and snaps the spear;
    he burns the shields with fire.

10 “Be still, and know that I am God!
    I will be honored by every nation.
    I will be honored throughout the world.”

11 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
    the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude

As I write this devotional focused on worry and anxiety, I could find many things to be concerned about ranging from personal mistakes or concerns to the billions of peoples globally who reject God and embrace the world. Many persecute Christians.

God does call us to make wise decisions and obey His word in meeting our needs and the needs of His people around the world. However He also reminds us that worry cannot add a single moment to our life. God tells us as Christians to obey and live out His word in our lives and leave the worry behind.

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Addiction, Consequences of Sin, Holy Spirit / Ruach HaKodesh, Sin

Our Sin Nature Can Lead to Crippling Addictions

Our sinful nature can lead to many crippling addictive behaviors. We should remember that it is not God tempting or testing us… God never tempts people. In fact, God provides a helper in the Holy Spirit to dwell inside us and help guide us to choose what is right and reject the destructive path of temptation and sin.

Ultimately we must make a choice to get the help we need and reject the wrong behavior, no matter how strong the temptation or addiction. God wants us to be set free from sin and addiction. He will help us if we turn toward Him wholeheartedly.

James 1:12-15

12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong,[c] and he never tempts anyone else. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

Galatians 5:16-24

16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.

19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. 26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.

God is not the one tempting us, but rather He is offering to help.

  • Stop rationalizing the addiction or sin as acceptable.  Christ came to set us free from bondage to sin.
  • Reject the idea that you cannot overcome it.
  • If you have not already done so, accept Jesus as lord and savior.  It is more than words, but rather a matter of your heart.
  • Turn from the addiction with repentant heart and ask God’s forgiveness and help to overcome it.
  • Rely on the Holy Spirit and God’s word to guide you in overcoming addiction and living the way God intends.
  • Seek the help of other Christian believers. God does not intend for us as His children to live in isolation from one another.

Jesus Christ came to set us free from the bondage of sin and addiction. We must not submit to our sin nature in defeat, but rather overcome it through God’s help in the Holy Spirit.

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