The Runaway Bride. A Biblical Look at the Apostate Church. The Simple Truth.

*Disclaimer: For the moment I am going to take a minor detour from the subject matter of Christian single women to focus on issues that are relevant to the Body of Christ in general. This blog post is a reflection of such a detour. 

We live in a society today where you can find a church just about on every corner. In some neighborhoods, you find the church just down the street from the liquor store. There are new churches being planted annually by various organizations throughout our country and even the world. With so many churches it goes without saying that it should be easy to find a Biblically based church that teaches God’s Word unashamed. Now I underlined the word “unashamed” as there are many churches that will teach whatever you desire to hear; but very few churches are willing to preach the Word of God unashamed. I often talk to brothers and sisters in Christ who share their frustration with trying to find a Bible teaching church. So my question is, “Don’t you have a church in your neighborhood?” Although I know the answer to that question, I’m just trying to make some light conversation…and possibly add some of my humor to the subject matter. Notwithstanding there are many churches but few that teach the uncompromised Word of God. Why? Because many have gathered to themselves their own kinds of teachers. (Reference 2 Timothy 4:3-4)  The other issue is that today’s modernized “Christian” has no desire to hear the Truth. They can’t handle the Truth. They want to be motivated to serve God. This is why we find Apostate churches so prevalent today. And let me tell you, it is best that you get a full understanding of what an Apostate Church looks like so as to avoid it at all cost. 

The word apostasy means to remove, abandon, to become renegade. When I talk about the Apostate church I am referring to churches that are far removed from the counsel of God, His Holy Word. The Apostate Church refers to any church were God’s Word has been exchanged for that which appeals to emotionalism, sensationalism, and often times idolatry. In essence these Apostate churches have exchanged the Truth for a lie, plain and simple. (Reference Romans 1:25)

Romans 1:25 – “because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.” (ESV)

Here are a few things you may find in an Apostate Church: 

*seeker-friendly worldly methods used to build church membership instead of allowing God to bring the people to the church. (Reference Acts 9:31; Acts 12:24)

*a business model that has been employed to build church membership so as to add numbers to the business, not necessarily to add numbers to the Kingdom of God.

*a focus on building worldly programs: i.e. classes that teach on empowerment, self-esteem, so on and so forth…you get my point here.

*sin is rampant within the church and is not being addressed from the pulpit.

*the preaching on sin, repentance, grace, humility, and the Cross of Christ have been exchanged for a lighter message which appeals to the emotions and senses.

Let us take a look at a few Scriptures.

Ephesians 5: 26-27 “that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that He might present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” (ESV).  

So as to keep with the context of this Scriptural passage, it is safe to state that this passage is in conjunction of speaking about the marriage relationship between husbands and wives. This particular passage comes just after the Apostle Paul provides instructions for husbands as how they are to love their wives. So let us take a look at this passage again in its context. 

Ephesians 5:25-27 “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that He might present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” (ESV).  Now do you see it? Just look at the way Christ loves the Church, His true Body. This is why I wanted to include this passage here. Jesus Christ loves the Church so much that He desires to present the church without spot or wrinkle so that she (the Church) might be holy and without blemish. 

What we have today are “churches” that have ran far away from Christ’s cleansing power. These runaway brides have no delight in Christ washing them clean so that they can be presented without spot or wrinkle. These “churches” have exchanged the glory of God for a lie. Because of this, God has given them over to the lusts of their own desires. Romans chapter one talks about God’s wrath being revealed against all unrighteousness. (Ref. Romans 1:18-32)

Romans 1:18-19 “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them, for God hath shewed it unto them.” (KJV)

Add water and stir: This indeed is the concept of the Apostate Church. The true Gospel has been so watered down that it isn’t the Gospel at all. God’s Word has been kicked out and traded for what will bring in more people, satisfy the masses, and make one feel good. These same “churches” that are teaching the feel-good message are teaching the doctrine of demons. Here are some Scriptures that further emphasize the point. 

1 Timothy 4: 1 “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” (KJV) 

2 Peter 2:1-2 “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.” (KJV)

2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 “The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” (ESV)

A hatred for God:  Now we see the true heart of an Apostate Church, a hatred for God and His Word. This is the only logical explanation as to why there is such a detour away from that which is holy and pure to that which is worldly. The Apostate Church has set itself as an enemy (enmity) of God.  (Ref. James 4:4)   Therefore the things that are worldly are seen as more desirable; that which is holy is frowned upon. You may be tempted to say that “hatred” is a strong word. Yes, I would agree with you wholeheartedly. Nonetheless, it is a truthful statement. We are to hate what God hates and love what God loves. Now that’s not popular is it? 

The runaway church as it seems is a church that has turned aside from proclaiming God’s Word and have closed their ears to what is righteous, what is true, what is Holy. They are a rebellious church, a rebellious people. 

Isaiah 30:9-11 “For they are rebellious people, lying children, children unwilling to hear the instruction of the Lord; who say to the seers, ‘Do not see,’ and to the prophets, ‘Do not prophesy to us what is right; speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions, leave the way, turn aside from the path, let us hear no more about the Holy One of Israel.’” (ESV)

Here is the Simple Truth: The Apostate Church exists because some who profess Christianity do not want to hear the TRUTH! The Truth is too offensive for those who enjoy the Sunday morning emotionalism that is prevalent throughout many pulpits. The sensationalism that occurs in these “churches” on Sunday is a shame to the Cross of Jesus Christ. This isn’t “Church for Dummies”. This is a flagrant disregard for anything that resembles the Bible. Let me share something with you. For those who attend such churches there is a disregard for studying, reading, and meditating on the Word of God. There is a dismissal of researching and applying Scripture in these Apostate churches. 

In conclusion, any message that makes one feel good should be checked through the lenses of the Bible. What often remains is a motivational message that you probably can get from the self-help section of any book store. 

What is God’s mandate for us where the Apostate Church is concerned? 

1.      To be sober-minded. 1 Peter 1: 13; 1 Peter 5:8

2.      To be steadfast in prayer. Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Ephesians 6:18; Luke 18:1

3.      To snatch some from the fire, if they are willing to go peacefully and leave these false churches. Jude 23

4.      To speak the truth in love to those who are in these false-teaching churches. Ephesians 4:15, 25

5.      To hand such a one over to Satan. 1 Corinthians 5: 4-5; 1 Timothy 1:20

Further reading: Matthew 7:15-23; 24:11-28

References:

The Holy Bible (ESV and KJV)

Handed Over to Satan? (1 Corinthians 5 Bible Q&A with John MacArthur http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2Tplkvc-Ac

To Judge or Not to Judge (1 Corinthians 5 Bible Q&A with John MacArthur http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=_uOPRMq8vFI

Now here’s where you come in. I would love to hear your comments, questions, or stories of how this relates to you or someone you may know. Have you ever been a part of an Apostate church? Please feel free to place your comments below. May the grace of God be upon you.

Modesty Matters: Bringing your dress code under the authority of Jesus Christ. The Simple Truth.

I will never forget the day when I had a little bit of extra money in my hands as a college student.  I went to the Fashion Bug department store in Dyersburg, Tennessee and purchased a skort set.  Well you may be tempted to ask “What is a skort set?”.  Skorts were very popular back in the early to mid 90’s.  These sets were made to look like a short skirt in the front, all the while it was actually a pair of shorts.  My desire was to be with the latest fashions and “what not”.  So, I purchased this outfit and brought it home.    Being the teenager that I was and sure that since I was legally declared an adult, my mother wouldn’t have any issues with my new fashion purchase.  I should have known better.  I mean… I was raised by Momma V, as she is so popularly known now.  So in the small moment in which I lost my mind to even purchase this stuff, I decided to wear it outside while my mother was gone away from the home. Well, when she returned she didn’t hold back her thoughts on my latest fashion mishap.  Momma would later say, “This mess is TOO short”.  Well, she was right.  And of course since I was still living at home, I dare not argue with her… after all, she is my beloved Mother.  All I could remember was “You’re not wearing that… not in my house”.  Enough said.  Well, the skort set ended up in the garbage… along with my sister’s My Buddy Doll… but that’s another story.

You may be wondering why modesty is so important.  Why do a blog on how women dress?  Is it really important?  Before I answer those questions, let us look at the definition of the word modest.  According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, modest is defined as “having a moderate estimate of oneself; observing the proprieties of dress and behavior”.

Being modest in your dress means dressing in such a way so as not to bring shame to the glory of God, to your husband (if you are married), and to the body of Christ as a believer in Jesus.  In this modesty, we as women are to dress in such a way as not to bring attention to ourselves by what we wear.  So this explains why I can’t go to the salon and ask for blue, green, and yellow weave.  NO!  First of all, I’m not joining a circus; secondly, it would bring too much attention to self, which is ungodly to say the least.  Everything that we do, including what we wear, should glorify God. 

1 Corinthians 10:31 states “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” (KJV)

Why is dressing modestly so important?  Ladies, we all need a checkup from the foot up every now and then.  We need to examine our wardrobe to see if what we are wearing is glorifying the King.  We need to examine ourselves to see if we are indeed in the faith, and our dress wear as women of God is a big part of this.

2 Corinthians 13:5 says, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (KJV)

Are you a reprobate? If not, then do not dress like one. As women who belong to Christ Jesus, our conduct should represent Him in every way. 

1 Peter 1:14-17  “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as He who called you is Holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’” (ESV)

Romans 12:1-2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (KJV)

The issue of lust and pornography:  Okay ladies, let us get serious for a moment and admit that we have caused a lot of men to fall all because of what we were wearing.  Yes, I place some of that blame directly on our shoulders… and rightfully so.  Have you been to the local market lately and seen how some women dress?  This is not just limited to the local market.  Women we are often undressed where it relates to worship on Sundays as well.  Ouch! 

Matthew 5:28 “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” (KJV)

For the sake of debate, I am not referring to us ladies wearing skirts that reach down to our toenails.  Nor am I referring to wearing long sleeve shirts when it is 100 degrees outside.  Let us be sensible for a moment.  What I am referring to is the deliberate use of our bodies in causing others to look upon us in a lustful manner.  Ladies, we are beautiful.  No doubt about that.  But in our beauty, has it ever occurred to us that our dress wear, short skirts, low cut blouses, and cleavage showing, may be causing some of our beloved brothers in the faith to stumble and fall? 

The evil one desires to have us “show off” our body:  Isn’t this what the evil one desires most?  We see it everywhere: Five easy tips to get a bigger butt; Twelve steps to having sexy breasts; Six ways to achieve sexier legs.  This trash is everywhere.  So no marvel that Satan is behind all of this self-promotion.  And no, I’m not against us looking presentable at all.  However, we’ve bought into a lie and a trick of the devil, to make us think that we are to show off our figures, our bodies.  We forgot that we do not belong to ourselves in the first place (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We forgot that beauty is ever fading. 

Proverbs 31:30 “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised”. (ESV)

Here is the Simple Truth:  Our love for the Father and our love for one another should manifest itself in how we dress.  We are not auditioning for The Next Top Model.  This is not “Let’s make a deal.”  We should care less about what the world is doing or how they dress; for the world is dying every day.  But we…we are living to please our Heavenly Father.  We live to bring Him glory.  It is for Him that we are even alive at this very moment.  After all, the very air we breathe belongs to Him. 

So with regards to being fashionable, be fashionable.  Be lovely.  Be elegant.  Be sophisticated.  But don’t forget to be holy.  That is our mandate as women of God first and foremost. 

1 Peter 3:3-4 states “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” (KJV) 

Although these passages of Scriptures here are in the context of marriage, there is a lesson here that should not be overlooked by us single ladies. And that lesson is: we should not be interested so much in having others notice us for what we are wearing externally. We should be more concerned with the hidden man of the heart. Our outward bodies are decaying away but our inner man is being renewed every day (2 Corinthians 4:16).

Lastly, if you are a non-believer, then this post is not for you.  This post is for women who call upon the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to call us back to holiness, purity, and modesty in how we dress and what we wear.  So after stating all of that, if you are a Christian and you are offended by this post, REPENT!  …as I’m offended by it myself… and I wrote it.

So what’s a girl to do? Some practical solutions to it all:

 Ladies, go throughout your closet.  If you have an outfit that does not glorify God (and only you can determine that with the help of the Holy Spirit), then throw it out.  Do NOT give it away.  Why cause another sister to offend someone by what she wears.  Throw it in the garbage.  Side note: should there be some married ladies who happen upon this post, I have no instructions at all for you.  In this case, you should ask your husbands.  This particular post is for single ladies; although, I pray that it may be a blessing to married women as well.

 

 Ladies, should you have a blouse that shows cleavage, to the point where you can clearly see the formation of your breasts, throw it out… or perhaps you can use it to dust around the house. 

Lastly ladies, let us pray for one another.  The issue of modesty is an issue we all are dealing with, including me.  Like I stated earlier, this post offends me… and I’m the writer.  So don’t be discouraged.  I’m not here to give you five tips on showcasing your beauty.  I’m not here to bring you under legalism or bondage for that matter either.  I’m here to help us all to glorify God in how we dress and in what we wear.  So to that end, we need to pray for one another ( James 5:16; Colossians 1:9-13).  But also in prayer, let us remember that faith without works is dead (James 2:26).  Therefore, we need to be the women God is calling us to be.  Thus, we will live holy and acceptable unto the Lord, our God.  Ladies, are you ready to pray?

In Christ, our Helper forever:  Heavenly Father, I come to You to first humble myself and to ask You for Your forgiveness of my sins.  Father God, I ask for Your forgiveness of dressing in a way that does not please You nor bring glory to Your Name.  Please forgive me for every time that I caused a man to lust over me in what I wore.  Forgive me for using Your temple, this body, in a manner that did not please You.  I am Your child.  I live to bring You praise.  Please be my Helper and show me how to bring honor to You in how I dress and in what I wear.  Let me know the importance of being modest in all things as unto You, my Heavenly Father.  Help me to display Christ to a lost and dying world, even if it means displaying Christ in how I dress.  To all things be done for Your glory forever, in Jesus Christ Name.  Amen.  

Additional Scriptures to ponder:  
Proverbs 11:22; 1 Timothy 2:8-10; Matthew 18:6-7; John 7:24

It Is Okay To Wait…Really It Is: The Simple Truth

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)

As the Lord blessed me to celebrate my recent birthday, I began to ask myself some thought-provoking questions. You see, I have taken the past several weeks, if not months, to evaluate myself in light of Scriptures, to reflect on the goodness of God, to meditate on His precepts, and also to ponder. Over the past several years, I have seen single women make some poor choices in choosing a mate all because they did not wait on the Lord to give them His best in a mate. And of course by the time a woman reaches a certain age, there are undoubtedly many questions as to why marriage hasn’t come yet. It almost reminds me of that old saying: Are we there yet? Well…not yet my friends. But this is not a lesson on cultural society’s expectations for marriage. This perhaps may be a lesson on the sovereignty of our faithful Lord. So if you are single, as I am, you may be tempted to ask some similar questions as to why you remain single. To be honest, I stopped asking that question years ago. Why? Because God has shown me through His Word the importance of waiting on Him. Besides in this life we will have to wait, whether we like it or not. So why not wait on God’s choice for a mate? To be honest, part of my desire to wait has been based on seeing so many people, even those whom I dearly love, make choices based on their emotions rather than choosing a spouse based on God’s Word.

Psalm 27:14 – “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” (KJV)

Psalm 84:11 – “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.” (ESV)

No good thing:  Marriage is a beautiful blessing from the Lord: a God-given covenant between a man to a woman only; meant to last until death separates. This explains why no one should enter into a marriage lightly. If you believe like I do, then you believe that God will not withhold any good thing from those who walk uprightly. We are His children. We seek to please Him in every way. Even when we sin and fall short of the glory of God, we repent and continue to follow Christ on this journey. We do not short-change God in anything, including our singleness. 

Here is the Simple Truth:  Sometimes we as single women can tend to focus too much on why we are not married. When we should ask ourselves, what can we do to prepare for marriage, if marriage is the Lord’s will for us? How can we as single women best serve the Lord during this time of singleness? Should the Lord tarry, here are some things we as single women need to remember:

1.       It is God’s will to give to those a husband as He desires. Genesis 2:18 states “And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” (KJV). God is holy and He is sovereign. Job 42:2 states “I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.” (ESV).  Our Heavenly Father knows when the time is right to introduce you to your future mate. So let us be still. You never know who you may meet while in the frozen foods section of Wal-Mart. God is the BEST Matchmaker. EVER!!!

2.       Be NOT idle! Do not waste this time wishing you were married. Spend this time doing the Lord’s work wherever you find your hands to do. 1 Corinthians 10:31 states “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (ESV).

3.       Do not despise your married friends. It only lends to covetousness of which the Lord has already given us His Word on that subject. (Reference Exodus 20:17).

4.       Prepare yourself. Now I’m sure you all have heard this one before. Read the Bible. If you desire marriage, pull out those Scriptures that pertain to the role of a wife towards her husband. This is even beneficial for those single ladies who do not have the desire for marriage. Also find a good Biblically based book on the subject of preparation for marriage. This will come in handy as you prepare. Seek the advice of other Godly women who are married. Ask them some questions as to how their spouses went through the courtship process with them. Gather as much information as possible.

5.       Seek out accountability beforehand. I am aware that there are some Christians who are with the mindset that accountability is not biblical or that perhaps they do not want others in their business. Well…that’s not my view. I invite certain Godly people into my business. Why? Because of the issue of sexual purity, and my desire to maintain my sexual purity when I am in this courtship process. I need accountability and you do to. We do not need to think of ourselves so highly and super-spiritually minded as to think that we are not prone to sexual immorality. If this wasn’t so, then the Apostle Paul would not have written 1 Corinthians chapter 7 to address such issues. (Reference 1 Corinthians 7). Proverbs 27:17 – “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” (ESV).

6.       Pray for your future husband. This one requires no further explanation. The following website is from Revive Our Hearts Ministry of Nancy Leigh DeMoss which includes 31 prayers wives can pray for their husbands. I am convinced that as single women, we can at least pull a couple of these prayers to pray over our future husbands.

http://www.reviveourhearts.com/articles/31-days-of-praying-for-your-husband/

7.       Rest in His hope. We do not know everything. We have not all the answers. But one thing I can say with surety is that our God is faithful. He hears our prayers and His timing is certainly perfect. Let us rest in the hope that our faithful Father in Heaven will perform His will in our lives, whether that is to remain single or whether that is to marry one of His children. Psalm 138:8 – “The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.” (KJV).

Our Lord, our Savior:  Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for those reading this blog that You will fill them to overflowing with Your Word in their lives. May they be able to understand what is the hope of Your calling, what Your will is for them in every situation, struggle, and trial. May we not grow weary in well doing for in due season, Your Word states that we will reap, if we do not faint. We pray now that You will make us into excellent women and wives for Your glory alone, in Jesus Almighty Name. Amen.

Books I recommend:

The Bible (English Standard Version or King James Version or both) SMILE!

Choosing God’s Best: Wisdom for lifelong romance by Dr. Don Raunikar

The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace

Becoming the Titus 2 Woman by Martha Peace

Feminine Appeal: Seven virtues of a godly wife and mother by Carolyn Mahaney

Videos I highly recommend watching:

Biblical Manhood by Dr. Voddie Baucham (Full sermon link listed below and available on youtube)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fx86u7o1k-Q&feature=share

Biblical Womanhood by Dr. Voddie Baucham (Full sermon link listed below and available on youtube)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbvkphJO6sU&feature=share

Cotton Candy Christianity: When The Culture Infiltrates the Church. The Simple Truth

Disclaimer: This post will offend you IF you attend a church that does NOT teach the teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Be warned. 

For those of you who know me…and know me well, then you know that I like dessert. Cakes, cookies, pies, you name it…as long as it has sugar in it, then I’m a fan. Only until recently after several visits to the doctor and having spent entirely too much money on insurance copays, did I decide that it isn’t that important after all. I’ve come to understand that in life, there are far more important things other than my lust for dessert. And yes, I call my passion for dessert a lust. So please, don’t stop me…at least let me rebuke myself. The important things in life should be to glorify God, spend time connecting with others, and building lasting friendships with His children. Now that’s living! 

As much as I do like dessert, it often makes me think of what would happen if a person only ate junk foods. Could a person survive on a diet that only consisted of what is considered as junk food: cakes, donuts, cotton candy, sugary snacks…you get my point here? Right?  What if that person ate but the meal was often watered down and not nutritious? What if the meal itself was tainted? Would you still eat it? What if the meal had no real nutritional value at all? 

So it is for many Christians on the Lord’s Day every Sunday morning. You see, as much as I am actually happy about giving up my desserts, I’m also sadden that many Christians choose to have what I call dessert on the Lord’s Day far too often. What am I talking about? Well, it is what our culture has come to accept on Sunday mornings, attending churches where expository teaching and true Biblical theology are often forgotten and exchanged for messages that focus on how we’re supposed to be happy, have more $$$$$, chase success…and a host of other foolish ideas that I can’t even go into right now. My sincere question is “Where is the Bible”? 

Now here is the simple truth: Many churches in today’s culture are giving what I’d like to term as “cotton-candy type theology” which isn’t Biblical theology at all. And although I didn’t come up with the phrase, it is worthy to repeat. Why are so many settling for cotton-candy Christianity? What am I trying to say here? Well let’s see, you have churches that are giving parishioners partial truth. And let me say this humbly, partial truth really isn’t Truth at all. Instead of giving people the Truth that if they die in their sins, they WILL go to hell, what some so called churches are telling people is that God accepts everyone, whether they are currently practicing sin or not. Really? Where’s that in the Bible? You see, we can’t just pick and choose what we desire to believe in the Scriptures? The Bible states: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV). We are living in a day where few want to hear the Truth.

1 Timothy 4:1-2 “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared.” (ESV).

Now I’m sure you’re wondering how in the world this pertains to women, particular single women. We women are more prone to make decisions based on our emotions, which is what the evil one desires most. We are the ones who are most prone to being gullible (might I remind you of who was tricked in the Garden of Eden, Reference: Genesis 3:1-6. And unfortunately we as women can tend to be silly. (Please see my disclaimer). Now of course that is not always the case, but we must be careful. Reference: 2 Timothy 3:6-7.

This brings me back to my opening comments about desserts. Here’s my question to you: Would you attend a church where Christ has been exchanged for a message that makes you feel good?

***Some things to consider when choosing a church:***

1.       Does the Pastor live a life worthy of the calling according to Scripture? See also 1 Timothy 3; Titus 1.

2.       Are the messages Biblical? Or is this just Psychology and motivational speaking 101 for the spiritually blind? (Sorry, got to add that in there.  Please see my disclaimer at the top). 

3.       Are the church ministries Christ-centered? Now this one here can be somewhat tricky. If you attend a church were most everything is focused on your Pastor and not Christ, don’t walk……….RUN! Get out of there...and don’t trip leaving. 

4.       Are the messages more new aged teaching with very little to no mention of Jesus Christ? Are the messages focused on something you’re supposed to do such as getting rich, being happy, not cutting people off in traffic…that sort of thing? For example, does the Pastor teach on messages that lend to your emotional side? Let me break it down Tennessee style, do you find your Bible closed for the majority of the service? Now there’s your biggest clue. 

5.       Lastly, check out the church website, their belief statements. Does it align with Scriptures and the teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? If not, then keep it moving! Search for a church somewhere else. (And let me add here that you will not know what a Bible church is unless you read the Bible…and I’m not trying to be sarcastic in making that statement. I am being sincere with that statement.)

Now before I get any dirty comments or emails or scud missiles at my front door, let me say that it is not my intentions to offend anyone. Those of you who know me well also know that in years past, I attended what I call a church lost: where Jesus was exchanged for a more self-centered focus. It is my heart’s desire to warn women everywhere and of course single women, to beware of these types of churches with its seductive spirits and cotton candy theology/Christianity which is so prevalent in our society today.

Lastly, I am currently reading a book by author Mark Dever called “What Is A Healthy Church?” You may wish to consider this book as you search for the meaning of a healthy, Christ-centered, God-honoring church.

In Him our Only Hope: Heavenly Father, we humble ourselves to ask You to forgive us of our sins. Father God we ask for You to cleanse us through and through. Help those who may read this blog to clearly hear Your voice in where they are to worship on Sunday mornings. May they cease from following emotionalism and sensationalism that has become so prevalent in Sunday morning worship. Lord let us seek You and nothing else. May we take up our Cross and follow You, in Jesus Name, Amen.

The Dangers of Gossiping: Are We Talking Too Much? The Simple Truth.

Disclaimer: The following is a fictitious scene that takes place on a Friday afternoon in a coffee shop, in a city near you.

Becky: “Oh my goodness! Did you hear what happened to Josh and Marisa?”

Lynn: “What do you mean? Are they getting a divorce? Girl, tell me the whole scoop.”

Becky: “I overheard this morning at the hair salon that Josh is cheating on Marisa. You know, he’s been shady for a while now…the so called bishop. Bishop my foot! I have more anointing in my toenail than he has in his whole body.”

Lynn: “You know what? I did hear that. I saw him meeting with some young girl in the parking lot of IKEA and she looked a hot mess.”

Becky: “Yeah…ole cheater. And Marisa’s getting a divorce. I saw it for myself. I passed her going into the district court. She didn’t see me though. Good for her!”

Jennifer: “Hey ladies. Sorry I’m late for our coffee break. I’ve been helping the Martin’s with their new business. They are opening up a new business and Josh had to meet their daughter at IKEA to get the office supplies. Well, I had to take Marisa to the district court so that they can register the business. God is so good. I’m so happy for them. So what y’all chatting about?”

(Both Becky and Lynn look at each other in shock.)

Haven’t we all been there? On the receiving end of some juicy gossip that has nothing to do with nothing, a possible misunderstanding perhaps. If we are honest with ourselves and honest with the Lord, we all have partaken in having loose lips, both on the giving and receiving end of gossip. Let us be honest with one another…gossip hurts! And once its poison has filled a space, it is difficult to retrieve back the words that have been spoken. But there remains a question that should be asked: Why do we gossip in the first place? What is the purpose for gossiping? 

Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (ESV)

The Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary defines gossip as the following: “a person who habitually reveals personal or sensational facts about others; a rumor or report of an intimate nature; a chatty talk.” This definition is being placed here, not to condemn anyone but so that we will know the truth. (Reference: John 8:32; Ephesians 4:15). This definition refers to someone who makes it a habit of telling the personal business of others…and unfortunately we all know those who easily fit into this category all too well. We all need to be reminded of what gossip is and why it is dangerous. 

So let’s tackle the questions I posed earlier: Why do we gossip in the first place and what is the purpose for gossiping? Let us look at the last question first. The purpose of gossip is to: defame the character of another, to tear down someone, to make someone look unfavorable, to cast doubt on someone, and to also make the gossiper look as if he or she has some inside information that perhaps no one else has…in other words to glorify self. Lastly, why do we gossip? I believe the best response I can provide comes from James 3: 5-10 “So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” (ESV).

Here is the Simple Truth: “2 Corinthians 12: 20-21 “For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. I fear that when I come again my God may humble me before you, and I may have to mourn over many of those who sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality that they have practiced.” (ESV)   My fellow sisters in the faith, let gossip not be named amongst us as children of the Most High God. Let us repent for speaking ill and gossiping about others. May our speech be seasoned with only communication that glorifies our Father in Heaven.  Please listen to the words of Paul as he writes “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11: 1 (ESV).  Lastly, “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.” James 1:21 (KJV)

In Him, our only Hope: Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ. We humbly ask for Your forgiveness for those times when we used our lips to speak ill of others, to gossip about others, to hear gossip about our brothers and sisters in Christ. Father God, we ask for Your forgiveness. Help us to be the Light that shines bright for all the world to see. May we live to give You glory in our lives and in our speech. In Jesus Christ Name we pray. Amen.