Why Go to Heaven?

Why do you want to go to heaven? Is it to escape hell? If so, it is certainly understandable and not without merit. But frankly, all believers are going to do in heaven is worship the Lord, sing His praises, and glorify Him (e.g. Revelation 4:11, Revelation 5:12, Revelation ch. 21-22). 

So if you are bored with it here on earth, not interested in, or it does not seem appealing to you to...

Attend church meetings 

Read the Bible 

Talk to the Lord in prayer 

Fellowship with brethren 

Listen to the teaching and preaching of God's Word... 

Imagine an eternity doing that! 

Why do you not like those things? 

Christians would do well to ask themselves if they are truly interested in knowing and loving the Lord; in nurturing their relationships with Him through Jesus Christ (our primary purpose cf. Revelation 2:4-5); or if we are simply trying to avoid something (the secondary benefit of knowing the Lord) because knowing the Lord is eternal life (John 17:3): 

And this is eternal life, that they may know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thous hast sent. 

Conclusion 

If a Christian claims to be born again but does not prefer the very Lord who purchased him/her, the things of God, or His people, there is a grave conflict. 

By Jerry Smith 

Feature image: https://unsplash.com/@sam 

How to Recognize God's Voice

In 1 Kings 19:11-12 The Lord Speaks to Elijah at Horeb saying:

…And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

God does not always speak in the dynamic ways we may think. 

He spoke from a burning bush to Moses and from a whirlwind to Job and the nation of Israel, but, the Lord is no longer in the habit of speaking to us in an audible fashion such as in the OT and early NT times. 

Christians have the complete written word of God (1 Corinthians 13:10), and the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth (John 16:13). Christians are to walk by faith not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7); by sight meaning reliance upon the physical to guide us—in this case, audible voices.

We need to return to our first love.

Christ, in His message to the church in Ephesus rebuked them for losing their first love (Revelation 2:4). The believer's first love is Jesus Christ and the works of drawing close to God in spirit and truth, nurturing our relationship with Him in His word and in prayer, and sharing the Gospel (cf. John 4:23-24, John 14:21, Ephesians 4:1, Colossians 3:16, Acts 1:8). 

The more time you spend with the person you love, the more you are able to recognize their voice. The more time we spend with the Lord, the more that we are able to distinguish His will for us (cf. Ephesians 5:17).

We need a quiet place.

Elijah recognized the voice of God as the whisper—he got up to hear what the Lord would say. But, he was in a quiet place. 

And so do we—we need to be in a quiet place, away from distractions if we are going to hear a whisper.

We need to draw near to God (James 4:8)... 

We cannot be talking... 

We need to give God our full attention... 

We need to be ready to listen.

We need to be ready to listen so we can hear that whisper from what is written in the Bible when the Holy Spirit remembers it to us, or shows us something new from the Word of God (John 14:26). 

So we can hear that whisper in the honest words of a brother of sister in the Lord. 

So we can hear it through our circumstances. 

So we can hear it through the gentle promptings of our hearts (cf. Psalm 37:4). 

When we hear the voice of God, it can change our minds, it can direct us to a better place, it can correct us, and it can encourage us.

A word of caution

Any voice, whether one believes they have heard it audibly or believes the Lord is speaking to them in whispers mentioned above, is invalid if it does not conform to the will of God as outlined in His word (cf. 1 John 4:1). 

If you are not sure, ask a mature brother or sister; better yet, ask your pastor if it involves a major life decision.

By Jerry Smith 

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Image Source: Photo by Carolyn V on Unsplash

How Can Christians Learn to Respond Instead of React?

The Lord and His disciples provide excellent examples of the contrast between reacting and responding. In Luke 9:51-56 the disciples were angered about an insult to the Lord, but Jesus handled things differently. 

And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.

Jesus' time had come; Christ's earthly ministry had drawn to a close and He was now ready to be offered as a sheep to the slaughter (Isaiah 53:7). 

The people of Samaria did not like the Jews very much due to some problems between them in the past. Nevertheless, the Lord sent messengers to prepare a place for Him in the Samaritan village. 

However, when they learned that He was just passing through on the way to Jerusalem, that bothered them even more, so they refused His request for accommodation. 

How did the disciples behave toward the Samaritan insult? 

The disciples acted according to how they were treated—they wanted the Lord to call down fire and destroy them for this insult. They reacted to how they were treated. Reacting means to fight fire with fire; it is an act against or opposition to some perceived insult. 

The disciples reacted to the behavior of the Samaritans by wanting to harm them: bad for bad, tit-for-tat. The disciples were with the Lord for three years but forgot His teaching on mercy (Luke 6:36). 

But what did Jesus have to say about this attitude? He rebuked them, saying that they did not have a right spirit. 

How did the Lord behave toward the insult of the Samaritans? 

Jesus responded to the bad behavior of the Samaritans in meekness. Meekness means that the Lord had power to destroy them for their poor behavior but did not. He gave us an example to follow (Matthew 11:29, Titus 3:2, 2 Timothy 2:25). 

Jesus responded to the poor behavior of the Samaritans in mercy. Mercy means that the Lord had authority and the right to condemn the Samaritans for their poor behavior but He did not (Psalm 116:5). 

Instead of destroying the Samaritans, Jesus responded in love (Luke 6:27). 

God has shown us how to respond since the beginning. 

Far too often when in these situations, we forget how the Lord responded to US and all of our shortcomings, bad behaviors, and wickedness. 

In Genesis 3:6, Adam and Eve sinned. They disobeyed God’s command and should have been punished. But God made them coats of skins (Genesis 3:21) and promised them a Redeemer (Genesis 3:15). 

According to Romans 3:23, you and I sin. We daily disobey God’s commands and should be punished. But God sent us a Savior. The Lord responded to us rather than reacted by sending His only begotten Son : 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).

For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them (Luke 9:56).

If the Lord had reacted, we would all be in dire straits. 

And if you have not already, understand from the heart that you are a sinner. Confess your sinful self and turn from your sinful ways. Acknowledge that you need a Savior or you will perish. 

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and receive Him as your personal Lord and Savior. Trust Him and walk in newness of life. 

How about us—how do we behave when we feel wronged? 

When God doesn’t behave as we think He should, do we react and shake our fist at Him, or do we respond to Him in love? 

When others behave poorly toward us, do we fight fire with fire? Do we seek to call down fire upon them? Do we show meekness, mercy, and love? 

How can we learn to respond instead of react? 

Remember the Lord’s words...

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus...(Philippians 2:5). 

We need the mind of Christ. How can we have the mind of Christ? 

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly... (Colossians 3:16). 

Get into the Word of Christ—not just a little, but richly. Only then will we be able to know and follow His holy example (1 Peter 2:21). 

Conclusion 

We see from this passage in Matthew that the disciples were no different than us. When someone does wrong, often our first inclination is to retaliate, to react. But Jesus brought us a new and living way (Hebrews 10:20). 

When a person is in Christ, they have been given the power—the Holy Spirit—to respond rather than react. Only by getting into the word of God and yielding to it can we develop the same mind or attitudes as Christ by the Holy Spirit's leading. 

Christ suffered beyond measure at our hands, yet what did He say at the end, “Father forgive them…”  

May the Lord grant us grace to respond rather than react, so that our heavenly Father might be glorified by Christ in us. 

By Jerry Smith 

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Feature image: Photo by Sebastien Gabriel on Unsplash

Do You Need to Be a Scholar to Understand the Bible?

For Christians, absolutely not. 

The Bible was written for our learning and there is no private interpretation (2 Peter 1:20); meaning, that the Bible was written for everybody. 

The Holy Spirit indwelling every believer is able to teach us (e.g. John 14:26, 1 John 2:27). 

God has given pastor-teachers to the church to help members understand the Bible (Ephesians 4:11–15). 

Jesus said the things He showed the disciples were not for scholars but for babes (Matthew 11:25). 

Jesus said that if we walk in His word (drawing close to him), He will reveal more to us (John 14:21). 

James wrote that it is not so much what you know, but what you do with what you know (James 3:13).

You do not have to be a scholar to understand the Bible, but God expects us to walk right in what we do know (Philippians 3:16). 

By Jerry Smith

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Feature image: Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

10 Points a Christian Woman Should Look for in a Future Husband

What should a Christian woman be looking for in a Christian man that she is considering marrying? As a minimum, he should be demonstrating biblical qualities similar to what we read in Ephesians 5. 

Though many Christians focus on verses 21-33 in isolation when it comes to marriages, the entire chapter leads into the relationship. 

Ephesians 5 is an excellent checklist to go by when considering a husband or wife. The following are ten points that a woman can look for in a potential husband that would help confirm he is a good catch or raise a red flag that he is not. 

1. He should be a follower of God (Ephesians 5:1). 

A "follower" in New Testament language meant that you imitated who you were following. That means, the prospective man should be focused on the things of God, not on things of himself only. His walk with God will be his first priority. "As dear children" indicates a humility before God that should be readily seen in his walk. 

2. He should be walking in love (Ephesians 5:2).

Christ showed supreme love in dying for unlovable people—He understands the meaning of self-sacrifice and is our example. If your potential husband shows indications of a willingness to sacrifice—as opposed to having to be coerced to do something for others—he is demonstrating Christ-like qualities that are worth keeping. 

3. He is walking in the truth (Ephesians 5:3-6).

Based on verses 3-6, he should be avoiding certain behaviors, not because he is resisting temptation, but because he is rooted in right doctrine. 

There are a lot of doctrines out there which lead people away from the true God and into a more fleshly walk. This man will not be one of them. 

4. His life should be a testimony of light not darkness (Ephesians 5:8).

Very simply, to avoid being unequally yoked, he should have a clear testimony of how the Lord saved Him.

5. He should demonstrate cautiousness (Ephesians 5:15). 

The future Mr. should be someone who gives indications of walking not only wisely but also carefully. He should not run into things he is not sure about. 

There should be a propriety about him that comes out in his life. Watch for what the Bible calls a circumspect walk. If you have a hard time seeing it, you may want to think twice.

6. He should have an attitude of submissiveness in church (Ephesians 5:21). 

We are told to submit ourselves one to another. His behavior in church should demonstrate a submissiveness to the members. It does not mean he is a doormat, but he defers to others when appropriate. 

7. He should be self-sacrificing for you (Ephesians 5:25). 

As mentioned previously, Christ was our example of sacrifice. Husbands are commanded to show this same love to their wives. A future husband should show indications of love that reflect his willingness to give you what you want instead of taking only what he wants. He doesn't have to give his life for you, but he should be willing to die to his wants for you.

8. He should be guiding you in the word (Ephesians 5:26-27).

A future husband should be interested in studying the Bible with you. At the very least, sharing the word of God together can help develop each other. 

If he is interested in the word of God and sharing it with you for your benefit, it is another indicator that he is a keeper. 

9. He should be treating you with honor, care, and respect (Ephesians 5:25, 28).

As he treats himself with care (and he should be taking care of himself), so he should be looking out for your welfare. 

If a future husband is not taking care of himself, it is an indicator that he will not be taking care of you—possibly expecting you to take care of him, which is backwards. 

10. He should be interested in your spiritual well-being (Ephesians 5:28). 

This man should want to attend church with you, not sneak off into a dark alley. He will want to do things that avoid the appearance of evil because he wants to keep your honor. 

A man who shows signs of caring for your reputation is a good man to consider for marriage.

Conclusion

True, Ephesians 5 contains the target relationship between Christian husbands and wives, but there should be glimpses of these points from verse 1 to verse 33 in the life, attitudes, and behaviors of the future spouse. 

No believer on earth is perfect, but there should be hints of these points in his life.

By Jerry Smith

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Feature image: Photo by freestocks.org on Unsplash

Does God Tell Us to Follow Our Hearts?

We often hear people say, follow your heart. But is that a biblical mindset or is it a worldly philosophy? God gives us the answer in His word. 

On the surface, following your heart sounds good... 

But be careful; God warns us in Proverbs about trusting our hearts: 

He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered (Proverbs 28:26).

He says that it is better to walk wisely than to trust our own hearts. To walk wisely is to walk in the word of God (cf. 1 Kings 2:3, 1 Chronicles 22:12, Galatians 3:1). 

When a conflict arises between what our hearts tell us about something and what God says about it, the fool chooses his own heart rather than what the Bible says. 

God tells us about our heart problem... 

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it (Jeremiah 17:9)?

God says our hearts ought not be listened to because they lie to us and are desperately wicked; meaning, our hearts are mortally ill, in the ancient Hebrew language. 

We are fallen creatures with corrupt natures. As such, we cannot trust even our own selves. The heart is so wicked that it will deceive us into doing evil—we may believe we are doing the right thing in following our hearts, but in the end, we have been lied to. 

The LORD says no one knows their own heart, but only He can know the heart (Jeremiah 17:9-10). So it is much better to follow the Lord who knows your heart than to trust your own heart. 

We have to distinguish between what God tells us (which leads to life) and what the world tells us (which leads to nothing good).

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life" (John 6:63).

To follow our hearts is to follow our flesh which, as the Lord says, gains us nothing. It is better to listen to the Lord in His word and enjoy a much better life. 

If we are going to walk in Christ, we must always compare what the world tells us, with what the word of God tells us.

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth..." (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers" (Titus 1:9).

But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine... (Titus 2:1).

We are living in a time when people reject the word of God in favor of feelings, emotions, or experiences even when they conflict with the Bible. God warns us not to fall into that trap. 

So, if we do not follow our hearts, what do we follow? 

Rather than listening to the world's philosophy of following our hearts (Colossians 2:8), we can help avoid deception by walking in God's Word. 

If your heart is telling you something that conflicts with the teaching of God's word, trust God not your heart. The final determination must come from God's word than from our hearts. 

By Jerry Smith

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Feature image source: Photo by Daan Stevens on Unsplash

Are Seminaries Biblical?

There is zero support for seminaries in the New Testament.

There was an instance where Paul disputed daily in the school of Tyrannus for two years (Acts 19:810). But it was more or less evangelism.

The best place to learn, and the place ordained by God for teaching Christians is the local church.

In Ephesians 4:11–15 we are told that certain people are a gift to the church:

(11) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
(12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
(13) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
(14) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
(15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

A good pastor should be teaching and training members in right doctrine. There should be no reason members have to go to a seminary to learn what the pastor should be teaching everyone.

Some of the greatest biblical truths I have learned were when I was growing up in church sitting and listening to messages being preached. Many times, those messages were confirmations of what I had learned in quiet times reading the Bible and in prayer. 

By Jerry Smith

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