ARE YOU SURE ABOUT THAT?

 "I think God wants me to be happy"

The man left, leaving behind his marriage and his two children. A year later he found another woman who made him feel “alive”. Her first marriage had been a struggle from the start, and it had only gotten worse. He wasn't happy; neither did she. He had always seen divorce as wrong, but his situation was unique. When asked from a biblical perspective about his plans to remarry, he acknowledged that he had no rights but said, "I think God wants me to be happy."

The girl was only sixteen years old. She came from a family with separated parents. Her father had divorced her mother ten years earlier. Despite being popular at school, she still struggled with insecurity. She craved the attention the boys gave her. She knew fornication was wrong, but her situation was unique. She was alone and being with "him" made her feel happy and secure. When asked from a biblical perspective on her immoral intimacy, she acknowledged that she wasn't right, but said, "I think God wants me to be happy." She never imagined she would get pregnant after just once. She was scared. A baby would change all her plans for the future. She got depressed. She went to the clinic and poured out her heart to a counselor. She couldn't think about an abortion. God wouldn't like that. The counselor said, "I think God wants you to be happy."

The woman, divorced for sixteen years, had had a hard life. Her "ex" had remarried and was happy. Her eldest daughter had left home five years earlier; they hadn't spoken since the abortion. Her son had just graduated from high school. None of her children had ever obeyed the gospel. Bitterness and discouragement seized her heart. The church she was a part of was small and aging. She wasn't happy. Her friends from work invited her to their church. She went. She met people her age in the same circumstances as her. They became friends. The small, aging church was getting smaller and older. When the woman approached the woman about her trading God's truth for a lie, she acknowledged that her new church did some things she wasn't comfortable with, but said, "I think God wants me to be happy."

The phrase “I think God wants me to be happy” has been used by many to justify their immorality and backsliding. The logic is based on an egocentric definition of happiness and the assumption that God wants that kind of happiness for us. This logic ignores or is blind to all unhappiness in its path. The man divorces to be happy, but leaves behind an unhappy family. The girl commits fornication to be happy and increases her unhappiness. She aborts to be happy and deprives her child of life, freedom and happiness. The mother abandons her faith to be happy. All of this happens because people assume that God wants them to be happy.

Can you imagine? Eve notes the forbidden fruit's potential to make her happy and reasons: “I know what God said 'you shall not eat' but I think God wants me to be happy” (Genesis 3:6). We must consider that God's limits are set for our happiness.

Ahab couldn't be happy unless he had a certain vineyard. "I know God said 'Thou shalt not kill' but I think God wants me to be happy." Did Ahab and Jezebel consider Naboth's happiness (1 Kings 21:4-7)?

Demas may have reasoned, “I know I must stay and work with Paul, but I think God wants me to be happy” (2 Timothy 4:10). The same thought can affect us if our personal happiness is determined by events and circumstances in this present world. Many reason and excuse themselves from sacrificial spiritual service because deep down they think God wants them to be happy!

In our abundance we become obsessed with the importance of being happy. Solomon did it all and concluded that it is vanity (Ecclesiastes 2:1-11). George Bernard Shaw joked: "The secret to being miserable is having the free time to worry about whether you are happy or not." Certainly, for many, the search for “happiness” has only brought greater misery.

People are looking for happiness in all the wrong places. Most recall Solomon's conclusion: “Fear God and keep his commandments; for this is every man's duty" (Ecclesiastes 12:13), but he does not realize that this conclusion is also the key to true and lasting happiness. "Blessed are the people whose God is the LORD!" (Psalm 144:15) and whose hope is in him (Psalm 146:5). Fearing the Lord and walking in His ways brings happiness to everything from the food you eat to the family you share it with (Psalm 128:1-4). Blessing comes to those who honor, obey, and trust in the Lord God (Proverbs 16:20; 28:14; 29:18). It is not the pursuit of happiness that brings happiness but the pursuit of God's will.

Exemplary models of faith are not found seeking happiness. What kind of example would Job be if he had simply given up his faith to be happier? It is his resistance to extreme unhappiness that makes him remarkable (James 5:10-11). What if Mary had decided that she would be happier if she aborted her Son? In the end, Mary found her happiness in being able to serve God's will (Luke 1:38).

If Jesus had decided that he would be happier in heaven we would be lost! We are called to imitate Jesus' unselfish attitude (Philippians 2:5-8). When a man divorces his wife for personal happiness, he is not valuing others more than himself (verse 3). When a woman aborts her child to gain happiness, she is looking out for her own interests and not her baby's interests (verse 4). These attitudes do not reflect the mind of Christ.

God did not call us to happiness as we define happiness. Rather, we are called to suffer, if need be, for the cause of Christ (1 Peter 2:19-21). It is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil in a misguided effort to be happy (3:17). There is no value in suffering like an evildoer, yet if one suffers like a Christian there is no shame in it, but it is an occasion to rejoice and be content (4:12-16).

Does God want you to be happy? For sure! However, the scriptures that tell you that God wants your eternal happiness also say that he hates divorce (Malachi 2:16), that we should flee fornication (1 Corinthians 6:18), that this God hates the hands that shed innocent blood (Proverbs 6:17), that we must be faithful unto death (Revelation 2:10).

No part of God's word can be ignored or compromised to guarantee the happiness God offers. Yes, God wants us to be happy, which is why we must hate what he hates and love what he loves. Jesus said, “If ye know these things, blessed are ye if ye do them” (John 13:17). If you don't have the happiness that God offers, then you either don't know the things of God or you aren't doing them.

– by Andy Diestelkamp

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EACH OF US HAS A FIGHT TOO!

 EVEN FORGIVED, THERE ARE CONSEQUENCES BECAUSE OF SINS BEFORE COMMITTED...

It is noticeable in the life of the Apostle Paul, the consequences of sins previously committed in ignorance! He was forgiven but Jesus said to Ananias: I will show you how much it matters to you to suffer for my NAME! He was once a persecutor of the church, believing he was zealous for his parents' traditions and believing to serve and please the Creator God, when in fact he was working for Satan. However, the apostle Paul had already been set apart for the ministry of the Gentiles and would face afflictions, trials, tribulations, persecutions for the love of Jesus and His Word, as well as suffering as a result of the achieved faith that he tried to destroy before.

GALATIANS 1:12-24

12. because I did not receive it from any man, nor was it taught to me; but I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

13. For you have heard what was once my course of action in Judaism, how exceedingly persecuted the church of God and devastated it,

14. and in my nation I exceeded in Judaism many of my age, being extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.

15. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by her grace,

16. to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult flesh and blood,

17. Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to be with those who before me were apostles, but I left for Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.

18. Then, after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and stayed with him for fifteen days.

19. But I saw none other of the apostles, but James, brother of the Lord.

20. Now concerning what I write unto you, behold, I testify before God that I do not lie.

21. Then I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia.

22. Was not known by sight of the churches of Christ in Judea;

23. but had only heard it said: He who once persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once sought to destroy;

24. and glorified God concerning me.

Acts 9:1-22

1 And Saul, still breathing threats and death against the disciples of the Lord, addressed the high priest.

2 And he asked him for letters to Damascus, to the synagogues, that if he should find some of this Way, whether men or women, he would lead them in prison to Jerusalem.

3 And going in the way, it came to pass that, as he came near to Damascus, suddenly a blaze of light from heaven surrounded him.

4 And as he fell to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?

5 And he said, Who are you, Lord? And the Lord said: I am Jesus, whom you persecute. It is hard for you to kick against the stings.

6 And he, trembling and astonished, said, Lord, what do you want me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and there it shall be told thee what ought to do for thee.

7 And the men who were going with him stopped in amazement, hearing the voice, but seeing no one.

8 And Saul arose out of the ground, and, opening his eyes, he saw no one. And, guiding him by the hand, they led him to Damascus.

9 And he was three days without seeing, and neither ate nor drank.

10 And there was in Damascus a certain disciple named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision: Ananias! And he answered: Here am I, Lord.

11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, go to the street called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for a man of Tarsus named Saul; for behold, he is praying;

12 And in a vision he saw a man named Ananias coming in, and laying his hand upon him, that he might see again.

13 And Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard unto many concerning this man, how many evils he hath done to thy saints in Jerusalem;

14 And here has the power of the chief priests to arrest all that call upon your name.

15 But the LORD said unto him, Go, for this is a chosen vessel for me, to bear my name before the heathen, and kings, and the children of Israel.

16 And I will show you how much you must suffer for my name.

17 And Ananias went, and came into the house, and laying his hands on him, said, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you in the way by which you came, has sent me, that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.

18 And immediately there fell from his eyes like scales, and he regained his sight; and, rising up, he was baptized.

19 And having eaten, he was comforted. And Saul was with the disciples who were in Damascus for a few days.

20 And immediately in the synagogues he preached Christ, that this is the Son of God.

21 And all that heard him were astonished, and said, Is not this the one in Jerusalem who persecuted them that called on this name, and for this he came here, to take them captive to the chief priests?

22 But Saul tried much harder, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this was the Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:22-33

22. Are they Hebrews? me too; are they Israelis? me too; are Abraham's seed? me too;

23. are they ministers of Christ? I speak as outside of myself, I even more; in much more jobs; in prisons much more; in unmeasured lashes; in danger of death many times;

24. of the Jews five times I received forty lashes minus one.

25. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, one night and one day I spent in the abyss;

26. in voyages often, in danger from rivers, in danger from robbers, in danger from my race, in danger from the Gentiles, in danger in the city, in danger in the wilderness, in danger at sea, in danger among false brethren;

27. in toil and fatigue, in vigils often, in hunger and thirst, in fasting often, in cold and nakedness.

28. In addition to these outward things, there is what daily weighs on me, the care of all the churches.

29. Who weakens, may I not weaken? Who is scandalized that I don't open up?

30. If boasting is needed, I will boast about my weakness.

31. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is eternally blessed, knows that I do not lie.

32. In Damascus, the one who ruled under King Aretas guarded the city of the Damascenes, to arrest me;

33. but through a window they lowered me in a basket, down the wall; and so I escaped from their hands.

Paul's 10 worst sufferings that show that being a Christian is no joke

Jesus Christ repeatedly warned His disciples that God's way was a narrow way (Matthew 7:13-14). He also warned that the disciple should take up his cross and deny himself (Matthew 16:24), which showed that it would be a complex journey.

He also said that the evil world would rage against Christ's true disciples and they would be fiercely persecuted (Mark 13:9).

All of this that Jesus said was not a way to discourage His disciples, but to show them that they are not of this world, but that they would be in this world to enlighten it and that would bother the fallen world. The world, however, desires darkness, and struggles to extinguish any light that shines.

In this sense, the character who perhaps most reminds us of the reality of being Christians in an evil world is the apostle Paul. Paul's life teaches us that being a Christian is no joke.

But he also teaches us to look beyond pain, persecution, tribulations. He teaches us to depend on the God who leads us, on the God who has an inheritance for His faithful servants.

The 10 greatest sufferings of the apostle Paul:

1) Had to go down in a basket to escape from an arbitrary prison

In 2 Corinthians 11:32-33 we see that Paul had to suffer the humiliation of being hauled up through a window of a wall as if he were a fugitive criminal, in order to escape the ravenous appetite of unjust rulers who wanted his head.

2) he was driven out of Antioch by the city's mighty

In Acts 13:50-51 we see a conspiracy among the Jews, women and men of high standing in the city to expel Paul from the city for the simple reason that he is expounding the gospel in that place and there are conversions taking place.

3) he was stoned almost to death in Lystra

In Acts 14:19 we see that Paul was dragged by a mob out of the city and was stoned by that mob and probably fainted, a fact that made the mob think he was dead.

4) In Macedonia he was flogged, imprisoned and tied with his feet to a log

In Acts 16:23-24 we see that Paul was arrested because he expelled a demon from a young fortune-teller who gave a lot of profit to those who exploited her. So he was flogged, thrown in jail, and had his feet tied to a log.

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5) he was persecuted by the Jews of Thessalonica because he preached in Berea

In Acts 17: 13-14 we see that Paul suffers persecution from the Jews themselves just because he preaches in a synagogue in Berea. Because of that, once again, he had to flee from those Jews who wanted his death.

6) For preaching against other gods in Ephesus, he was left in the midst of a great confusion in the city

In Acts 19:23-26 some goldsmiths, fearing they would lose their profit by producing images of gods for worship, stirred up a great tumult against Paul and other disciples, which made Paul's stay in this city even more dangerous.

7) In Jerusalem he is unjustly accused of having taken a Greek to the temple and for that reason he is persecuted and almost killed

In Acts 21:27-31 once again the Jews make a great deal of confusion by deducing that Paul would have desecrated the temple by taking a Greek (Trophimus) there. They incite people and Paul is dragged out of the temple, beaten and nearly killed by the crowd.

8) Arrested and sent to Rome, he is shipwrecked in Miletus

In Acts 27:13-20 Paul, unjustly imprisoned, is taken by ship to Rome, where he will have a hearing about his unjust imprisonment. On the way, their ship is seriously wrecked due to a storm.

9) On the island of Malta is bitten by a venomous snake

In Acts 28:3 we see that, after recovering from the serious shipwreck, Paul is bitten by a poisonous snake that was hidden among the sticks he used to make a fire. He luckily didn't die.

10) he was beheaded by Nero in Rome

Although the Bible does not narrate this fact, the tradition about Paul's death says that he was beheaded by Nero, around AD 67 or 68, which is very likely, since the Emperor Nero was one of the most cruel rulers of Everytime.

Evidently, the sufferings that Paul went through were even greater than these 10 listed. He had to bear a thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7). He had to separate from dear friends because of the ministry (Acts 20:22-23). Etc.

SOURCE: https://www.esbocandoideias.com/2016/02/os-10-piores-sofrimentos-do-apostolo-paulo.html

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 ECUMENISM IS NOT BIBLICAL!

ECUMENISM IS A SOPHISM

soph·ist·ry

/ˈsäfəstrē/

Aprenda a pronunciar

noun

1. the use of fallacious arguments, especially with the intention of deceiving.

   "trying to argue that I had benefited in any way from the disaster was pure sophistry"

   • a fallacious argument.

     plural noun: sophistries

In which the god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, may not shine upon them.

For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus' sake.

Because God, who said that light should shine out of darkness, is the one who shined in our hearts, for the illumination of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:4-6

But even if we ourselves or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel to you than that which I have already preached to you, let him be accursed.

So, as we've already told you, now I'm telling you again. If anyone preaches to you any other gospel than what you have already received, let him be accursed.

Why, do I now persuade men or God? Or seek to please men? If I were still pleasing men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

But I let you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not according to men. Galatians 1:8-11

1. THE SCRIPTURES STATE THAT JESUS ​​CHRIST IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE. AND THAT NO ONE CAN REACH GOD BUT THROUGH HIM (JOHN 14:6)

In other words, this means to say that there is no possibility of anyone approaching God except through Christ. An ecumenical service opposes this truth, considering as mediator someone other than Christ (I Timothy 2:5). Therefore, calling into question the biblical statement that there is no salvation in any other name (Acts 4:12).

2. THERE IS NO SPIRITUAL UNITY BETWEEN THE TRUTH WHICH IS CHRIST AND OTHER DEITIES

Just as light and darkness cannot coexist in the same environment, it is not possible to worship with those who deny salvation solely by the grace of Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:1-10)

3. PARTICIPATION IN A WORSHIP IN A KIND OF COBELIGENERING COOPERATION IN FAVOR OF GOD, CONTRIBUTES TO THE NON-CHRISTIAN BELIEVE THAT EVERY RELIGION IS GOOD AND WHATEVER YOUR BELIEF, IN THE END OF END, WILL TAKE YOU TO THE PRESENCE OF GOD.

From a biblical point of view, this is a great fallacy, as the Scriptures teach us that the only possibility for man to be saved is through Christ (Acts 16:31).

To end this brief reflection, I say that, unfortunately, liberal theology and its relativist theologians have contributed to the doctrinal laxity of a large part of the Brazilian Church. Unfortunately, the number of evangelicals who have relativized the Holy Scriptures to the detriment of an extremely mistaken theology is multiplying visibly. Without a shadow of a doubt, liberal concepts have sickened and suffocated the Body of Christ, injecting into the hearts of Christians values ​​that contradict biblical teachings.

In difficult times like ours, we need to return to the Word of God, making it our only rule of faith, practice and behavior, because only then will we be able to correct the distortions caused by theological liberalism that have done so much harm to the Church of Christ.

Before me no god was formed, nor will there be any after me. I, myself, am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior. (Isaiah 43:10-11).

2 Corinthians 6:1-18

1 And we, co-operating with him also, exhort you not to receive the grace of God in vain

2 (For he says: I heard thee in an acceptable time, and I helped thee in the day of salvation; here is the acceptable time, here is now the day of salvation).

3 Not giving us a scandal in anything, that our ministry may not be reproached;

4 Rather, as ministers of God, making us commendable in everything; in a lot of patience, in afflictions, in needs, in anxieties,

5 In beatings, in prisons, in riots, in work, in vigils, in fasts,

6 In purity, in science, in long-suffering, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in unfeigned love,

7 In the word of truth, in the power of God, by the weapons of righteousness, on the right and on the left,

8 For honor and dishonor, for infamy and for a good name; as deceivers, and being true;

9 As unknown but being well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, not killed;

10 As sorrowful, but always rejoicing; as poor but making many rich; as having nothing, and possessing everything.

11 O Corinthians, our mouth is open to you, our heart is enlarged.

12 Ye are not narrowed in on us; but you are restricted in your own affections.

13 Now as a reward for this (I speak as to children) widen yourselves also.

14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers; because, what society has justice with injustice? And what fellowship does light have with darkness?

15 And what concord is there between Christ and Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

16 And what agreement does God's temple have with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God, as God said: In them I will dwell, and walk among them; and I will be their God and they will be my people.

17 Therefore come out from among them, and depart, saith the LORD; And touch nothing unclean, And I will receive you;

18 And I will be to you Father, And you shall be to me sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.

James 4:1-17

1 Where do wars and strife among you come from? Do they not come from this, namely, from your delights, which war in your members?

2 You covet, and you have nothing; you kill, and are envious, and cannot achieve anything; you fight and fighters, and you have nothing, because you do not ask.

3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask badly, to spend it on your delights.

4 Adulterers and adulteresses, do you not know that the friendship of the world is enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who wants to be a friend of the world is an enemy of God.

5 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, Is the Spirit that dwells in us jealous?

6 Rather, he gives greater grace. Therefore he says: God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

8 Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you. Clean your hands, sinners; and ye of double heart, purify your hearts.

9 Feel your miseries, and mourn and weep; let your laughter be converted into weeping, and your joy into sorrow.

10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

11 Brethren, do not speak ill of one another. Whoever speaks ill of a brother, and judges his brother, speaks ill of the law, and judges the law; and if you judge the law, you are no longer an observer of the law, but a judge.

12 There is only one lawgiver who can save and destroy. But you, who are you, who judge others?

13 Come now, you who say, Today, or tomorrow, we will go to that city, and spend a year there, and hire, and gain;

14 I tell you that you do not know what will happen tomorrow. Why, what is your life? It's a vapor that appears for a while, and then fades away.

15 Instead of what you should say, If the Lord wills, and if we live, we will do this or that.

16 But now you glory in your presumptions; all glory such as this is evil.

17 Therefore, he who knows how to do good and does not do it, commits sin.

Religious ecumenism is unbiblical.

Dress up as something good, always associated with peace, unity and respect between all the beliefs of all nations, but with very opposite purposes to these, because in reality it aims at the union of all world religions, which will convert to a single religion world, preparing the world for the antichrist, when according to the Word of God, there will be only one religion and only one "god", also called "the man of sin" and "son of perdition" - the antichrist (2 TS 2:3 -4).

Ecumenism is a big lie, which depends on the lie to exist and reach its ultimate goal. The world in chaos, ever more distant from God, calls for peace and love among peoples, and ecumenism aims to meet this need and offer everyone a (false) "savior". It is worth remembering here that all the main religions of the world are waiting for their messiah and this "savior" will arise and proclaim himself god.

"For when they say, There is peace and security, then sudden destruction will come upon them, like birth pangs to her that is pregnant, and they will by no means escape." 1 Thessalonians 5:3

The media, "celebrities", biased newspapers, and many other means used to form opinions and influence the masses are being used to introduce ecumenism and spread it around the world in subtle ways.

SOURCES:

https://pleno.news/opiniao/renato-vargens/3-razoes-fundamentalis-porque-nao-existe-base-biblica-para-cultos-ecumenicos.html

https://www.aluzdoevangelho.com/single-post/2016/04/04/ecumenismo-a-apostasia-silenciosa

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OFFERING: A CHRISTIAN DUTY!

MANY HAVE SAID THAT TITHING WAS Abolished... THEN I ASK YOU: WAS THE VOLUNTARY OFFER ALSO ABOLISHED? CERTAINLY NOT!

YOU CHRISTIAN MAY NOT WANT TO RETURN TITHING BUT THE NEW TESTAMENT SPEAKS OF OFFERS. JESUS ​​RECEIVED OFFERS...

READ THE VERSES BELOW 👇

     

Giving is an act of love. When we give an offering to God, we recognize that everything we have comes from him. Our trust is in God, not money. We can also offer to God: our life, our praise, our prayer.

The Bible also speaks of offerings to help others. "There is more joy in giving than receiving." Offering someone help, money, friendship, time is showing God's love. Offering is a way to put our faith into action.

Therefore, it was necessary to exhort these brethren, first to come to you, and prepare beforehand your blessing, which has already been announced, so that it may be ready as a blessing and not as a greed.

And I say this: That he who sows little will also reap little; and he who sows in abundance will reap in abundance.

Let each one contribute as he has purposed in his heart; not in sorrow, or out of necessity; because God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:5-7

     

honor the lord

with all its resources

and with the first fruits

of all his plantations; your barns

will be fully filled,

and its barrels will overflow with wine.

Proverbs 3:9-10

     

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that confess his name.

Hebrews 13:15

     

Therefore, brethren, I pray for the mercies of God that you offer yourselves a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God; this is your rational worship.

Romans 12:1

     

Jesus looked and saw the rich putting their contributions into the offering boxes. He also saw a poor widow put in two tiny copper coins. And she said, "I say this poor widow put in more than all the others. All these gave what was left of them; but she, out of her poverty, gave all she had to live on."

Luke 21:1-4

     

In everything I have done, I have shown you that through hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself, who said: 'There is greater happiness in giving than in receiving.'

Acts of the Apostles 20:35

     

When they entered the house, they saw the boy with Mary, his mother, and, falling down, they adored him. Then they opened their treasures and gave him gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Matthew 2:11

     

"Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. Take it from everyone whose heart compels you to give.

Exodus 25:2

     

Accept, Lord, the offer of praise

from my lips,

and teach me your ordinances.

Psalm 119:108

     

There are those who give generously,

and see his riches increase;

others retain what they should give,

and fall into poverty.

Proverbs 11:24

     

I received everything, and what I have is more than enough. I am amply supplied now that I have received from Epaphroditus the donations you have sent. They are a sweet-smelling offering, an acceptable sacrifice acceptable to God.

Philippians 4:18

     

The disciples, each according to their possibilities, decided to provide help for the brothers who lived in Judea. And they did so, sending their offerings to the elders at the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

Acts of the Apostles 11:29-30

     

Of the multitude of those who believed, one was the mind and one the heart. No one considered only their thing as anything they owned, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sale and placed it at the feet of the apostles, who distributed it according to the needs of each one.

Acts of the Apostles 4:32-35

     

Another angel, carrying a golden censer, approached and stood by the altar. He was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne. And from the hand of the angel rose up before God the smoke of incense with the prayers of the saints.

Revelation 8:3-4

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ALERT!!!

 BEFORE THE ETERNAL CREATOR AND JESUS, WOMAN AND MAN ARE LINKED TO THE SPOUSE UNTIL THE DEATH...

🚨🚨🚨⚠️

 

1 Corinthians 7:39 ►

A woman is linked to her husband as long as he lives. However, if her husband dies, she will be free to marry whomever she wishes, as long as he belongs to the Lord.

He replied, 👉"Whoever divorces his wife and marries another woman will be committing adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she will be committing adultery."👈 Mark 10 :11-12

"Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman is committing adultery, and a man who marries a divorced woman is committing adultery.

Luke 16:18

But I say that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality

(PORNEA OR PROSTITUTION), makes her become an adulteress, and whoever marries the divorced woman will be committing adultery.

Matthew 5:3

          

Now the works of the flesh are manifest: sexual immorality, impurity and wantonness; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies and the like. I warn you, as I have warned you before: Those who practice these things will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21

     

"Do not lie with your neighbor's wife, defiling yourself with her. Leviticus 18:20

For the lips of the immoral woman ooze honey,

her voice is softer than oil; but in the end it is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword. Her feet descend to death;

her steps lead directly

to the grave. She doesn't even realize she walks

along crooked paths and does not see the path of life. Now then, my son, hear me;

do not deviate from my words. Stay away from this woman;

don't go near the door of your house, lest you give it to others

your vigor

nor your life to some cruel man,

Proverbs 5:3-9

and they said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in an act of adultery. In the Law Moses commands us to stone such women. And what do you say?" They were using this question as a trap in order to have a basis to accuse him.

But Jesus bent down and began to write on the floor with his finger. As they continued to question him, he stood up and said to them, "If any of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at him." He bent over again and continued writing on the floor. Those who heard him left, one at a time, starting with the oldest. Jesus was left alone, with the woman standing before him. Then Jesus stood up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" "No one, Sir," she said.

She declared Jesus, "I don't condemn you either. Now go and forsake your life of sin."

John 8:4-11

Marriage must be honored by all; the conjugal bed, kept pure; for God will judge the immoral and the adulterer. Hebrews 13:4

    

Adulterers, don't you know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. James 4:4

    

For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony and slander. Matthew 15:19

 That is why I say: Live by the Spirit, and you will by no means satisfy the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit; the Spirit, which is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so you don't do what you want. Galatians 5:16-17

    I gave her time to regret her sexual immorality, but she doesn't want to regret it. So I will make her sick and bring great suffering to those who commit adultery with her, unless they repent of the works she does. Revelation 2:21-

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SEEK TREATMENT, ABANDON ALCOHOLISM...

 THE DANGER OF ALCOHOLISM

Most of the times when reference is made to alcoholic beverages in the Bible, wine is alluded to. There were other fermented drinks at the time - strong drink - but wine was the most popular drink.

Despite being part of food, we have several situations in which God asks his servants to abstain from wine - or any strong drink - as a way to consecrate themselves to Him for a while.

The risk of addiction is present in every alcoholic beverage. Despite being related to joy, the Bible shows us the sad consequences of a life that becomes dependent on alcohol and not on God.

See also theme: Strong drink

ALCOHOLIC OR FERMENTED BEVERAGE MAKES YOUR VICTIM SHAME AND HUMILIATION:

Noah, who was a farmer, was the first to plant a vineyard. He drank the wine, got drunk and got naked inside his tent. Genesis 9:20-21

ALCOHOLIC OR FERMENTED BEVERAGE CAUSES FIGHTS, CONTENT AND UNNECESSARY DISCUSSIONS:

wine is mocking

and the fermented drink provokes fights;

it is not wise to let yourself be dominated by them. Proverbs 20:1

ALCOHOLIC OR FERMENTED BEVERAGE LEADS TO LIBERTINATION:

Do not get drunk with wine, which leads to debauchery, but let yourself be filled with the Spirit,

Ephesians 5:18

ALCOHOLIC OR FERMENTED BEVERAGE MAKES ITS VICTIMS SLAVES OF ADDICTION IN ADDITION TO BRINGING SUFFERING, MOANING, PAIN, IT GENERATES INJURIES AND SERIOUS HEALTH CONSEQUENCES:

Whose are the woes?

Whose sorrows?

And whose fights are they?

What about unnecessary injuries?

Whose are the red eyes? Of those who linger drinking wine,

of the looking

of mixed drink. Proverbs 23:29-30

ALCOHOLIC OR FERMENTED BEVERAGE CERTAINLY BRINGS PROBLEMS THAT COULD BE AVOIDED:

Woe to those who get up early

to get drunk,

and warm up with the wine until night! Isaiah 5:11

ALCOHOLIC OR FERMENTED BEVERAGE BRINGS PAIN:

The new wine is gone,

and the withered vine;

all who had fun moan. Isaiah 24:7

THE VICTIM OF ALCOHOLISM ADDICTION TRZ SCANDAL:

Don't destroy God's work for the sake of food. All food is pure, but it is wrong to eat anything that causes others to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.

Romans 14:20-21

ALCOHOLIC OR FERMENTED BEVERAGE PROVIDES VIOLENCE. MAKES YOUR VICTIM A VIOLENT MAN OR A WOMAN:

This statement is trustworthy: If someone wants to be a bishop, he wants a noble office. It is necessary, therefore, that the bishop be blameless, the husband of one wife, moderate, sensible, respectable, hospitable, and able to teach; he should not be addicted to wine or violent, but gentle, peaceful and not attached to money.

1 Timothy 3:1-3

ALCOHOLIC OR FERMENTED BEVERAGE FAVORS GOSSIP AND SLAWS:

Similarly, let him teach older women to be reverent in their way of life, not to be slanderous or enslaved to too much wine, but to be able to teach what is good.

Titus 2:3

ALCOHOLIC OR FERMENTED BEVERAGE IS NOT A GOOD FRIEND:

Deacons likewise must be worthy, men of their word, not friends with too much wine or dishonest profits. 1 Timothy 3:8

ALCOHOLIC OR FERMENTED BEVERAGE TAKES SOBRIETY AND ATTENTION:

"You and your children must not drink wine or any other fermented drink before entering the Tent of Meeting, or you will die. It is a perpetual decree for your generations. Leviticus 10:9

ALCOHOLIC OR FERMENTED BEVERAGE IS NOT A GOOD ADVISOR, NOR A COMPANION:

don't walk with the ones

douse themselves with wine,

not even with what

gorge themselves on meat. Proverbs 23:20

ALCOHOLIC OR FERMENTED BEVERAGE DEVITES YOU FROM YOUR PURPOSE AND MISSION:

However, be careful, do not drink wine or other fermented beverages and do not eat anything unclean; and no razor will be put through the head of the child you are about to have, because the child will be a Nazirite, consecrated to God from birth; he will initiate the deliverance of Israel from the hand of the Philistines." Judges 13:4-5

ALCOHOLIC OR FERMENTED BEVERAGE MAKES YOU VULNERABLE TO ANY HAZARD:

Absalom commanded his men: "Listen! When Amnon is drunk with wine and I say, 'Kill Amnon!' you will kill him. Don't be afraid; I take responsibility. Be strong and brave!"

2 Samuel 13:28

ALCOHOLIC OR FERMENTED BEVERAGE IS DECEIVED AND BRINGS FALSE CONSOLE:

give fermented drink to

who are about to die,

wine to those who are in distress;

Proverbs 31:6

IF YOU ARE AN AUTHORITY YOU MUST SET THE EXAMPLE. AN ALCOHOLIC OR FERMENTED BEVERAGE WILL MAKE YOU IN DISCREDIT AND BE MADE UP AND DISBELIEF:

"It is not fit for kings, O Lemuel;

it is not for kings to drink wine,

it doesn't suit the rulers

wish fermented drink,

Proverbs 31:4

STRONG DRINK LEAVES YOU CHANGED NOT PURE:

Daniel, however, decided not to become impure with the king's food and wine, and asked the chief of officers for permission to abstain from them.

Daniel 1:8

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LESSIVENESS IS A SIN! AND IT HAS BEEN PART OF THE CHRISTIAN WORLD AND IN THE SOCIAL NETWORKS...

 What is the sin of lust?

What is lust and what the Bible says about this sin.

In the letter Paul wrote to the Galatians, he speaks of some of the most evident works of the flesh, which oppose the Spirit of God. Among them is lust (Gal 5.19, ARC). This sin is mentioned right after prostitution and uncleanness. And then, how to understand the meaning of lust?

First let's go to the Greek text, the language in which the New Testament was written. The Greek term for lust is alsegeia, which according to Strong's famous Concordance means "unbridled lust, excess, licentiousness, lewdness, wantonness, outrageousness, impudence, contempt, insolence."

The Beacon Bible Commentary, discussing the text of Galatians 5.19, sheds further light:

"It is reckless conduct, shameless mockery of standards of public decency or even self-respect without regard for the rights of others."

Lewdness, therefore, is the sin of excessive sensuality, of the excessive desire for sexual pleasure that manifests itself in the lack of modesty, whether in the way of speaking, dressing or behaving. It is the sin of sex not yet consummated, but already installed in the mind and heart.

Pornography is a form of lust, just as immoral jokes with sexual overtones are. Lewdness is one of the most committed sins today, especially on social networks, with the exacerbated exposure of the body in photos or videos.

The abuse of cleavage, short or tight-fitting clothes, outlining feminine curves or masculine muscles are manifestations of lack of modesty and moderation.

And it is sad to realize that not a few Christians are manifesting this carnal work on social networks (some even in church!), exposing their bodies without shame, decency and discretion, often with the clear intention of awakening the libido in those who are watching .

In the secular context, it is noted that electronic forró, university sertanejo and funk songs, with their successful hits, are saturated with lust, since vulgar, obscene, double meaning language is dominant, with an almost generalized focus on sexual practices.

Lewdness on social media

A final word, and I turn now to Christian men and women, is that subtitles with Bible verses or religious speeches do not cover the sin of lust committed in posts on social media.

It's no use posting that selfie showing the bust and then writing underneath: “God is my safe haven”, because definitely safety in God is not what your sexy photo means!

Posting a photo only in swim trunks on the beach or only in a bikini at the pool, often in provocative poses, with the caption "Those who trust in the Lord will never be shaken", does not serve to "bless" your sensual photo, because unshakable trust in God nothing it's about sensuality.

In fact, those who, having made a profession of faith in the Lord Jesus, and knowing the Word of God expose sensuality and nakedness and still use the Holy Bible for it, are sinning twice! We need to fear the Word and sanctify our heavenly Father's name! (Mt 6.9)

Let us watch, for our bodies are God's sanctuary! (1Co 6.19-20). Against the sin of lack of moderation in dealing with the body, there is the fruit of the Spirit which is "temperance" or "self-control" (Gal 5:22). God's Word commands us to dress with modesty and modesty (1 Tim. 2:9).

Let us have control over our minds and over our bodies, so that we do not sink into the mud of impurity and the precipice of prostitution; rather let us please God, keeping our spirit, soul and body pure (1 Thess. 5:23). God sees everything!

Source: https://www.gospelprime.com.br/o-que-significa-lascivia/

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