How Can Christians Face Anxiety?

Anxiety Defined 

Anxiety is defined as distress or uneasiness of mind caused by fear of danger or misfortune.[i] The Greek word used in the New Testament is often the word merimnao [ii], that has several connotations: 

One being divided, as in 1 Corinthians 12:25, “That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another” where the word schism is used; 

Another, care, as in Philippians 2:20, “For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state”. In other translations such as the NAS, the word care is replaced with concerned for or concerned about; or worrying as in Luke 12:25 “And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life’s span” (NAS), additionally Matthew 6:25, 27, 28, 31, and 34 (NAS). 

The NAS offers various translations for the Greek root word merimna such as anxious, care, concerned, have...care, worried, worry, and worrying.[iii] Relative to worrying, it is explained as feeling uneasy or being overly concerned about a situation or problem. 

With excessive worrying, your mind and body go into overdrive as you constantly focus on what might happen.[iv] Taken as a whole, anxiety is a human response to the unknown that follows fear and produces worry. 

Anxiety Causes Health Problems 

Anxiety, when it is prolonged or chronic can cause a host of health problems that are the result of the fight or flight response built-into all of us which releases stress hormones such as cortisol that can boost blood sugar levels and triglycerides.[v] 

The problem occurs when fight or flight is triggered daily by excessive worrying or anxiety. The fight or flight response causes the body’s sympathetic nervous system to release stress hormones such as cortisol. These hormones can boost blood sugar levels and triglycerides (blood fats) that can be used by the body for fuel. 

The hormones also cause physical reactions such as: dizziness, a fast heartbeat, fatigue, headaches, irritability, muscle tension, nervousness, rapid breathing, or shortness of breath and lead to more serious medical conditions including reduction in the effectiveness of the immune system, digestive disorders, short-term memory loss, premature coronary artery disease, and heart attack.[vi] Furthermore, stress can have wide ranging effects on emotions, mood and behavior.[vii] 

Modern psychology has identified several disorders associated with anxiety and or excessive worry: General Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Phobias, Social Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Separation Anxiety Disorder, that may be caused by environmental factors, medical factors, genetics, brain chemistry, substance abuse, or a combination of these [but] It is most commonly triggered by the stress in our lives.[viii] 

The Lord Cares about Our Physical Well-Being and Our Spiritual 

Anxiety poses a serious threat to our physical (including psychological) well-being. Contrary to what some may think, not only is the Lord concerned about our spiritual condition, the Lord is also concerned about our physical health as the apostle John commented: 

3 John 2, Beloved, I wish above all things that thou prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 

When Jesus fed five thousand men, the Bible tells us He was concerned for the people’s welfare stemming from their physical hunger: 

Matthew 9:36, But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 

Furthermore, in the Model Prayer of Matthew 6, the Lord, teaching His disciples how to pray, begins with our heavenly Father and His glory. “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name” (6:9), proceeds to the Father’s will: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (6:10), then, right after that, does not go into a spiritual request for ourselves, but rather gives the physical request of, “Give us this day our daily bread” (6:11) before going into the spiritual aspects of a disciple’s life (6:12-13). 

This gives the distinct impression that God cares about our physical needs and our earthly concerns. God’s concern for our earthly needs is magnified in Matthew 6 during Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, when the Lord teaches, nay commands us, not to worry, 

(27) Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 

(28) And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 

(29) And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 

(30) Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 

(31) Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 

(32) (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 

(33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 

(34) Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof (Matthew 6:27-34). 

Clearly, with such words as these that convey not only instruction, but a sense of concern for His creatures, we can be assured of the love of God for His creatures and His people. Anxiety is not something the Lord desires us to have: 

(v. 27) Which of you by worrying can make yourself grow? 

(v. 28-30) Why do you worry about clothing? God takes care of the flowers, why wouldn’t He take care of you? 

(v. 31-33) Don’t worry about food, drink, or clothes, your Heavenly Father is aware of your needs – follow me and these things will be given you; and 

(v. 34) Don’t worry about tomorrow, because it is tomorrow, keep your eyes on today. 

The Lord created us, and understands our body systems, our neurological systems, or digestive systems, cardiovascular systems, and the like. He has known what medical science has only recently discovered within the past century or so: that over-anxiety, worry, fear, or stress is detrimental to our physical fitness. But, not only that, anxiety is a poor witness to the power of God in our lives. 

Anxiety Is Unbecoming to a Christian 

Anxiety is a response to outside forces that reflects negative self-talk which later develops into a habit of telling ourselves [that] the worst will happen.[ix] Worrying paralyzes you, making you too upset to accomplish anything productive.[x] However, 

The Christian has a God who has overcome the world: 

John 16:33, These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. 

The Christian has a God who tells us that we do not have to be afraid: 

Matthew 14:27, But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 

Psalm 56:3, What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. 

The Christian has a God who has given us a lasting joy: 

John 16:22, And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you. 

The Christian has a God who has given lasting and inexplicable peace: 

John 14:7, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

Philippians 4:6-7, Be careful [anxious] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

The Christian has a God who is always with us: 

Joshua 1:9, Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. 

Hebrews 13:5, Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 

If we truly believe these things, we may realize that anxiety is not becoming to a Christian or to His God. One writer puts it: if you worry, what kind of faith do you manifest?[xi] We, as believers can trust Christ for salvation from sin, death, and hell, to become righteous in the sight of God, trust that He lived, ministered, lived a perfect sinless life, gave His life on a cross to pay for our sins, and rose again for our justification and eternal life. 

Yet, we “[J]ust don't think He can get [us] through the next couple of days. That is pretty ridiculous, isn't it? That we can believe God for the greater gift and then stumble and not believe Him for the lesser one reveals an embarrassing lack of faith.”[xii] 

Of course, for those who do not know the Savior, worry and anxiety will be part of life,[xiii] but for the believer, it doesn’t have to be. 

So, How Can We Deal with Anxiety from A Scriptural Point of View? 

Christ told us not to worry as we read in Matthew chapter 6. The Lord does not leave us with removing the negative only, but shows us the positive to replace the negative, with rational actions that we can do for our spiritual well-being: 

1. Cast your cares upon Him and tell Him what concerns you. 

1 Peter 5:7, Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 

Do you have a care? Share your care with the Lord. The word cast here means to literally throw your cares to the Lord. The implication being that we are not to carry our cares but throw them at the Lord’s feet. Remember Hebrews 4:15-16: 

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. 

2. Pray about your worries. 

Philippians 4:6-7, Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

The Lord tells us to simply present our requests to Him, our cares and concerns included. “Take your burdens to the Lord and leave them there” as the old hymn goes. If we will bring them to God and leave them with Him to do with as He sees fit, according to His will, resting in His will, we need not worry about tomorrow, for the passage tells us, “and the peace of God which passes all understanding will keep [guard] our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”. 

3. Spread your cares before the Lord. 

Isaiah 37:14, And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up unto the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD. 

This is one of my favorite verses in the Bible on prayer. When you have something that concerns you, bring it before the Lord and spell it out, spill your guts, let it all out, and just talk to Him. Hezekiah did not give some lofty prayer when his kingdom was being threatened with annihilation, he took the message from the enemy and took it to the temple and shared it with God. Maybe we need to do more of that. 

4. Pray one for another. 

James 5:16, Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. 

Share your anxieties (faults) to a trusted brother or sister or spiritual leader and ask for prayer. It is amazing how much the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man can avail. 

5. Bear one another's burdens. 

Galatians 6:2, Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 

Bearing one another’s daily burdens is not the idea here. The idea is to share those burdens (including cares, worries, and fears) that you cannot bear, and ask brethren to help you bear them. This is part of being in the family of Christ. We look out for one another. 

But sadly, the opposite is true. When a church member has a heavy burden, they often keep quiet so as not to appear unspiritual to other believers. There is an attempt to maintain appearances with one another. 

Our pride, a worldly philosophy, or fear of shame prevent us from sharing our heavy burdens. However, that is not what God says. The Lord tells you and me to share that burden with another brother or sister to help us bear it. 

6. Trust God and keep following Him. 

Psalm 37:34, Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it. 

Amidst the cares and anxieties, keep following the Lord. Wait for Him to accomplish His will by waiting on His will. This means that we are to continue in our daily walk with Him and not forsake His word. We are to go about the business of our heavenly Father. 

Perhaps as we wait on the Lord and keep His way, our attention will shift from our worries to another’s. There are still unsaved people out there who need the Gospel, Bible studies to teach, visits to be made, quiet times and Bible reading to be had while you wait on the Lord. 

7. Take Christ's advice that we cannot change anything. 

Matthew 6:34, Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. 

Whenever I encounter high anxiety levels, this verse tends to come to mind. The Lord is so wise here. There really is nothing we can do about tomorrow. So, the Lord tells us to enjoy the day and tomorrow will take care of itself. 

Sometimes we squander the blessings and joys God has given us today on the worries of tomorrow that we have no power over. But, as Christians, we do know who has the power over tomorrow, and with God’s grace we may be able to learn to rest safely in His will for us. 

Conclusion 

Sometimes we bring problems upon ourselves. Perhaps we do or say things in haste, weakness, foolishness, anger, or pride and reap what we have sown (Galatian 6:7-8). But when we confess and forsake these things, we are walking in God’s will for us and can be restored (cf. 1 John 1:9, Proverbs 28:13, John 8:11). Even though there are consequences to bad things we do or say, if we return to the Lord, we are in His will and can walk with Him in confidence. 

I have written with caution and have even trembled a few times in writing this.

I do not wish to come across overly pious here. I have written with caution and have even trembled a few times in writing this. It is easy to say, and terrifying to live. However, by God’s grace, “through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come. It is grace that brought me safe this far, and grace will lead me home”. 

I can speak with a certain amount of experience on these matters and writing this was somewhat therapeutic for me as I have delved deeper into the effects of anxiety, the care which the Lord has for our physical well-being, the harm of being over-anxious, and the acts we can be involved in to reduce such anxiety. 

I pray that you, the reader, would also be blessed and learn that excessive anxiety and worry harm us, that God cares about our worries, that we can share them with God and brethren, and that they are unbecoming to a Christian and his God. Peace be with you. 

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By Jerry Smith

Feature Image: Photo by Ben White on Unsplash 

References: 

[i] Anxiety. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved May 30, 2016 from Dictionary.com website http://www.dictionary.com/browse/anxiety

[ii] 3309 Merimnao. (2011). Helps Word-Studies. Retrieved from http://biblehub.com/greek/3309.htm

[iii] Merimna. (1998). NAS Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible with Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek Dictionaries. Retrieved from http://biblehub.com/greek/3309.htm

[iv] Goldberg, J. (2015, August). Physical Effects of Worrying. WebMD.com. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/how-worrying-affects-your-body?page=3

[v] Goldberg, J. (2015, August). Physical Effects of Worrying. WebMD.com. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/how-worrying-affects-your-body?page=3

[vi] Goldberg, J. (2015, August). Physical Effects of Worrying. WebMD.com. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/how-worrying-affects-your-body?page=3

[vii] Stress Effects. (n.d.). The American Institute of Stress. Retrieved from http://www.stress.org/stress-effects/

[viii] Crosta, P. (2015, August). Anxiety: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment. Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/anxiety

[ix] Crosta, P. (2015, August). Anxiety: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment. Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/anxiety

[x] A Worried Christian. (n.d.). Grace To You. Retrieved from http://www.gty.org/resources/articles/A112/a-worried-christian 

[xi] A Worried Christian. (n.d.). Grace To You. Retrieved from http://www.gty.org/resources/articles/A112/a-worried-christian 

[xii] A Worried Christian. (n.d.). Grace To You. Retrieved from http://www.gty.org/resources/articles/A112/a-worried-christian 

[xiii] What does the Bible say about worry? (n.d.). GotQuestions.org. Retrieved from http://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-worry.html

What Is Wrong with Christianity?

There is nothing wrong with Christianity. It's the people professing to be Christians that have the shortcomings—not the faith.

"It's the people professing to be Christians that have the shortcomings—not the faith."

The Christian God teaches Christians to love those who hate them (Matthew 5:44). 

• He teaches Christians to love one another (John 13:34). 
• He teaches Christians to sacrifice for others (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). 
• He teaches Christians to put others before themselves (Philippians 2:3-5). 
• He commands His people to speak to others with grace and truth (Colossians 4:6). 
• He commands children honor their fathers and mothers (Ephesians 6:1-3). 
• He commands that husbands love their wives (Ephesians 5:28-29). 
• He commands that Christians do to others what they would appreciate themselves (Luke 6:31). 

And so much more... 

If Christians would follow the commands of God and His teaching in the Bible, there might be less animosity toward them from non-Christians (cf. Acts 2:47). 

"...they're walking in their own power instead of walking with God."

Sadly, many people claiming to be Christian do not practice these things because they're walking in their own power instead of walking with God. They trust their feelings more than they understand the word of God. This is not the fault of the faith or the Christian God but of the people practicing the faith. 

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By Jerry Smith

Feature image: Ben White on Unsplash 

Does God Tell Christians to Blindly Follow Him?

Christians may often hear comments that they're blindly following God. Or they may be asked why they blindly follow God. But when we study the Bible, we discover just the opposite. 

God doesn't want us to be ignorant.

Several times in the New Testament epistles we read not to be ignorant (cf. Romans 1:13, 11:25; 1 Corinthians 10:1, 12:1; 2 Corinthians 1:8, 2:11, 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 2 Peter 3:8). Ignorance means unenlightened or not knowing something—and God doesn't want that for His people.

He's given us His word to help us know what we need in this life. He's even told us what to expect in the future. The only blindness involved is our own failure to read and study the Bible. 

The only blindness involved is our own failure to read and study the Bible.

The Lord says, “search the Scriptures” (John 5:39).

Jesus told the Jews, many of which wanted kill Him, to search the Scriptures because, He said, the Scriptures speak of Him. 

The Lord wants us to search the Bible to know Him more. There's no suggestion of blindness here—we're invited to follow the Lord with understanding. 

In Isaiah 1:18, God invites us to reason with Him about our sinful state. That means He welcomes questions and is in the enlightening business.

God tells us to “study” (2 Timothy 2:15).

We're told to study to show ourselves approved of God, so we don't have to be ashamed and to learn how to rightly divide the word of truth. That doesn't sound like God asking His people to follow Him blindly. 

Jesus Christ came to reveal the Father to us (John 1:18, Matthew 11:27, Colossians 1:15, ...).

The most telling evidence against blindly following God is Jesus Christ Himself. 

The most telling evidence against blindly following God is Jesus Christ Himself. 

Jesus came to reveal God the Father to us so that we would not be left in the dark (Luke 4:18). That doesn't sound like God who wanting people to blindly follow Him.

He walked the earth, taught, healed people, suffered and died on a cross, then rose the third day—all so people could see the path to God through Him (John 14:6). 

Final Thoughts

There is no need for Christians to blindly follow God—He's revealed Himself to us through His word; revealed His plans and purposes, the future, and our condition. He even sent His Son to reveal Himself and reconcile us to God. 

God doesn't even mind if we ask questions—God encourages them, so we do not have to be in the dark. We may tend to forget that God is a big God and He can take it because in the end, all truth points to Him (cf. John 17:17, Titus 1:2).

Rather than follow God blindly, Christians are encouraged to ask questions, seek answers, study the Bible, and walk according to Proverbs 3:5 when things don't make sense.

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Written by Jerry Smith

Feature Image: https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/PhotosBazaar-India

Open Bible Image Source: Open source

Is Acts 1:8 A Command or Forthtelling?

Basing their actions on Matthew 28:19–20, many Christians and churches today are busy making disciples. While that may be implied from the passage, it doesn't say "make disciples" in the King James Bible. Jesus told the disciples to go, teach, baptize, and teach again.

Matthew 28:19–20

The idea conveyed here is to first be busy about the Father's business (go). Then tell people about God our Creator, our fallen condition, and about Jesus Christ—the Gospel (teach).

When someone has responded to the Gospel in saving faith, they're to be baptized (baptize). After a person is baptized, that brother or sister is to be built up in the faith (teaching them).

A person who has met the Savior will be ready to tell others about Christ. They'll witness to others about their personal encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Andrew is an example of this in John 1:40–42. Though his faith was not yet mature, he instinctively wanted to bring his brother, Peter, to see Jesus Christ.

Acts 1:8

Shortly before His ascension, Jesus told the disciples:

... ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8).

Eager Christians often see this as a second command to go and make disciples. But is that really what the Lord was saying here?

What did Jesus Say in Acts 1:8?

In Matthew, Jesus said, go. It was an imperative statement; an order that His disciples proceed forth and teach others the Gospel.

In Acts however, there's no imperative. There's only a declarative statement: "ye shall be witnesses." When examining the language of "shall be," the Greek word, esomai, we can see that it can mean, shall come to pass, but it is not an imperative statement.

The word witness comes from the Greek word, martus, a legal term that infers testifying in court (e.g. giving his testimony) or non-legal term for retelling a personal encounter (e.g. sharing his experience).

John bore witness about what he'd heard, seen, and touched during his experience with Jesus Christ (1 John 1:1–3). He declared Christ with the readers of 1 John.

Peter wrote similar words when he expressed his eye-witness account of what he'd seen and heard during his time with Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:6).

Paul witnessed of his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 22:6–9 and 26:12–15).

Command or Forthtelling?

The words Jesus spoke in Acts 1:8 have often been interpreted as a command to witness to the uttermost part of the earth, but that is not what we see here.

It appears that the Lord was forthtelling and foretelling—telling the disciples what would come to pass: they shall be witnesses (i.e. the word of God for the present: forthtelling), and as witnesses, they would flow from where they were then, to the uttermost part of the earth (i.e. the future: foretelling).

Do we have it backwards?

As Christians, we may have it all wrong. Could it be that we place more importance on Matthew 28:19–20 than Acts 1:8? From what we read in Scripture, it appears Acts 1:8 is the foundation for Matthew 28:19–20.

Perhaps one reason some people dislike Christians, or perhaps many unbelievers reject God and His Son Jesus Christ is that for so long, Christians have been overbearing and failing to demonstrate Christlike attitudes and behaviors—failing to live the Christian life which we speak of.

Could it be that we haven't nurtured our own relationships with the Lord and haven't shown simple sincerity in our witness to others? Don't people look for sincerity from an evangelist?

But if you look at how the Lord conducted Himself, he wasn't overbearing and He absolutely exhibited righteousness. He walked and talked the Gospel. He shared His relationship with the Father, and now He asks believers to share our relationship with Him, with others—ye shall be my witnesses.

Be ready to answer.

Peter wrote to persecuted Christians that they were to be ready:

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear (1 Peter 3:15).

Why were they to be ready to answer? Because as they lived their Christian lives before those who may have despised them, they'd draw some to them who would ask about their steadfast faith and continued good behavior (cf. 1 Peter 3:8–14).

These verses in 1 Peter 3 are not a mandate to debate unbelievers, but a command to be ready to answer questions about our real and living faith (cf. James 2:18).

In Revelation 2:4, the Lord rebuked the Church of Ephesus because they had lost their first love.

In John 17:3, the Lord, praying to the Father, spoke of knowing the Father and the Son as eternal life.

The Lord is interested in relationships.

Clearly, the Lord is interested in relationships with His people. He is referred to as our heavenly Father (e.g. Luke 11:2) and in an intimate way as Abba Father (e.g. Galatians 4:6). Believers are called sons (e.g. Romans 8:14) and that God deals with us as sons (Hebrews 12:7). He said to His people Israel that He walks among them and would be their God, and they His people (Leviticus 26:12, Deuteronomy 23:14).

Christians today are so caught up in making disciples that they neglect their relationships with the Lord (Revelation 2:4). Focus on ministry and soul-winning take the priority over fellowship, prayer, and personal times spent with the Lord.

God's word teaches us that . . .

We're to let our light shine that others may see it and glorify God (Matthew 5:16). What light do unbelievers see in us? It starts at home, then neighbors, then work, then branches out to the world (i.e. Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the earth).

We're to live peaceful lives (1 Thessalonians 4:11–12, Romans 12:18, Hebrews 12:14). How peaceful are our lives? Are we the rowdy ones on the block? Does our church make the most noise on Sundays? Are the soul-winners aggressive?

We're not to let evil be spoken of about us—nothing evil to say of us (Titus 2:8, 1 Peter 3:9,16; 2 Corinthians 8:21, 1 Thessalonians 5:15). How well do we fall into this description? What is our testimony to the world? 

We're to love God first (Matthew 22:37, Luke 10:27). Do unbelievers see the love we have for God? Not a touchy-feely love, but a love that seeks to follow God.

Do people see these things in our lives, do they see only Bible-thumpers, hear harsh words, and get gospel tracts shoved in their faces?

Do they hear the believer's testimony of what Jesus Christ has done for him or only mechanical Bible quotes?

Do people see genuine Christianity and want to know more about it? Before the Lord renewed me in the faith, I wanted to be a Christian because I could see there was something pure and good in them. Do others say that about us?

Soul-winning in Church?

These days, preachers and churches feel obligation to preach the Gospel in church services. But is that what we're supposed to be doing in church?

According to Ephesians 4 (4:11–15) and 1 Corinthians 14 (14:3–5,12,26) that's not what we're supposed to be doing. Believers are to be taught doctrine and God is to be praised in His church. If unsaved people come in, they'll see this and know that they're different, and as Paul says, will fall down and glorify God (1 Corinthians 14:24–25).

What were the early disciples doing when they were gathered?

They were . . .

- Continuing daily with one accord.
- Breaking bread from house to house.
- Enjoying fellowship.
- Praising God.
- Having favor with God and man (Acts 2:45–47).

And the result was . . . the Lord added to them such as would be saved (Acts 2:47).
 

Final Thoughts

There must be something different about Christians. People are drawn to the light and will ask about it. We should be using words of grace seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6)—no need to quote chapter and verse. We can just have speech sprinkled with the word of God.

In the end, there should be a balance between Matthew 28:19–20 (teaching) and Acts 1:8 (witnessing).

To know more about reviving your relationship with Jesus Christ or beginning one, purchase your copy of Where Is the Beauty That We May Desire Him: A Devotional on Isaiah 53 (e-book) on Google Books, Amazon Kindle, or paperback. Your purchases help keep this ministry going.
 
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Written by Jerry Smith
Image source: www.LumoProject.com on FreeBibleimages.org

Can Christ Be Hugged Today?

It seems a lot of people these days see God or Jesus Christ the Son of God; others are even hugging the triune God in their quiet times. Are they mistaken, or is it possible for us to touch God and Jesus Christ the Son of God? 

Christ's Earthly Ministry 

While Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, walked the earth, the disciples and many others touched Him, fell at His feet, hugged Him, and John even placed His head on Christ's bosom (chest). Jesus Christ is God in the flesh (John 1:14), so they did indeed touch God the Son. But because He was in human form, He could only be in one place at a time when this happened. 

After His resurrection, the risen Lord told Mary not to touch Him (John 20:17) but told Thomas to touch Him (John 20:27). He was telling Mary in essence not to hold on to Him or hug Him because instead of a long, drawn-out reunion hug, she needed to go tell the disciples of His resurrection. There were still things that needed to be done before He ascended to the Father. 

Christ's Heavenly Ministry 

Since His ascension, Christ sits at the right hand of God the Father making intercession for the saints (Romans 8:34, Colossians 3:1, Hebrews 10:12, Hebrews 12:2, 1 Peter 3:22). This is the physical location of Jesus Christ today.

Because Jesus is still in human form, He can't physically be in two places at the same time. He demonstrated that when He was on earth. To leave the right hand of God where He is making continual intercession for the saints (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25) to give someone a hug during their quiet time is inconsistent with what we read in the Bible. 

This is exactly why Jesus said it was expedient that He leave so that the Holy Spirit could indwell believers (John 16:7, John 14:16); meaning that the Spirit of Christ would be with us no matter where we go. So, instead of Christ being physically present, His Spirit makes us ambassadors of Christ wherever we are. And in that sense, we can say the touch of a Spirit-filled believer is the touch of Christ. But, to say Jesus, in the flesh, actually hugged you doesn't line up with Scripture. 

We Walk By Faith Not By Sight 

In 2 Corinthians 5:7, we read that we walk by faith not by sight. Hebrews 11:1 tells us that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. 

When we walk by faith, we don't need a physical hug from God because we trust from His word that our Abba Father is with us at all times. We trust that Christ is with us at all times—closer than any hug could bring us. A physical hug from God would defeat that purpose. 

God's plan is to mold us into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29)—our Example of the faith (1 Peter 2:21). Even when Christ was in the Garden of Gethsemane groaning and sweating drops of blood for His coming pain and suffering, we don't read of Christ getting a big hug from the Father. Giving us physical hugs while we're on earth is counterproductive to faith-building. 

The Apocalyptic Christ 

John the Apostle, the one who laid his head on the Lord's bosom (John 13:23), fell at the Apocalyptic Christ's feet (Revelation 1:17). He was perhaps the closest human to Christ, yet what he saw that day led him to drop to his knees. 

There may be times in certain locations that don't have access to the word of God where the Lord will give visions (cf. Acts 2:17) and deliver people from horrific circumstances. But any vision of Christ must be in-line with the Scriptures or it's a false vision that can deceive us. But we're talking abut hugs right now.

Hugging Christ, is a different story. God has given us His word, a more sure word of prophecy that we're to rely on in faith (2 Peter 1:19). And God's word tells us that Christ is presently at the right hand of God and will return to set foot on the earth once more when He sets up His Kingdom (cf. Zechariah 14:4, Zechariah 2:10,12; Revelation 19:15). When Christ does return to earth, for many, it will not be pretty. He'll take vengeance upon all those who reject the Gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:8). 

If someone has hugged Jesus today, it would be a miracle that he/she could have, because everyone else would be dropping on the ground to worship Him (Revelation 1:17) or fleeing and hiding from Him (Revelation 6:16). 

Conclusion 

What we do know from the Bible is that Jesus Christ has ascended, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and will return at the appointed time. The Father, no one has seen (John 1:18) or touched.  

Though our experiences may feel real, if they contradict the word of God, they're false. Those who claim to have seen God or Jesus Christ and hugged Him today are severely mistaken—their experiences are in conflict with the clear and plain teaching of the word of God (2 Peter 1:19). 

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By Jerry Smith 

Feature image source: freeimages.com 

What Does God Say About Same-Sex Marriage?

In today's American culture where gender is questioned and same-sex marriages are relatively accepted as a norm, seeds of doubt about marriage are being planted in Christian minds. Consequently, some Christians may be wondering if God really said that only a man and woman could get married. 

The serpent approached Eve in the Garden of Eden with a similar doubt-planting strategy (Genesis 3:1) saying: "Yea, hath God said," to get her to question if God really commanded Adam not to eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. 

The Devil's strategy hasn't changed. As Paul said in 2 Corinthians 2:11, "we are not ignorant of his [the devil's] devices." 

The continual coverage of same-sex marriages in the media and even certain churches blessing them creates a need for answers to this question. 

In response to the doubt-engendering, same-sex marriage culture of today, Christians can look to the word of God for answers. The Bible is very clear on this matter: only men and women are to be married—becoming husband and wife. 

1. God Created Man and Woman

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them (Genesis 1:27). 

Only two genders were created by God. The question involves only two types of people: male and female. From this, everything else flows. 

2. God Ordained Marriage Between Males and Females

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh (Genesis 2:24). 

God commanded that the male be joined to his wife (the female). Traditionally, this means in marriage. The joining between man and woman as husband and wife goes as far back as the beginning with Adam and Eve. It's God's design for mankind. 

3. It Is Reinforced in the New Testament

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it (Ephesians 5:25). 

In the New Testament, the joining of man and woman in marriage is further developed as being an image of Christ and the church, His bride. 

Christ wedding a male church is inconsistent with the clear and plain teaching of the Bible. Since we know Christ is male, He could not be female to marry another female (the church). The idea that same-sex marriages are approved by God just doesn't add up. 

Within the same chapter, the concepts of male and female, man and woman (Ephesians 5:28), and husband and wife (Ephesians 5:23), are quite clear in reference to marriage. 

Final Thoughts

There is no room for doubt. In the current trend of American culture, do not be deceived—God tells us that only men and women should be married. Anything else is in direct contradiction to the commands of God and flies in the face of the clear teaching of Scripture. 

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By Jerry Smith
Feature image source: James Bold on Unsplash
Man and woman no heads image source: Tom The Photographer on Unsplash

What Is the Difference Between the KJV and the NIV?

In a discussion of this topic, manuscript evidence only leads to endless debate (cf. 1 Timothy 1:4). But that's a smokescreen to keep believers from looking at the differences in doctrine between the two versions. 

Look at the differences and judge the doctrines for yourself: 

Proverbs 16:6 

(KJV) By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil. 

(NIV) Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil. 

"Mercy and truth" are external; "love and faithfulness" are things that we have or do. The NIV teaches that forgiveness is attained by working for it. I can use the NIV to cast doubt on salvation by grace. 

The KJV teaches that by something outside of ourselves we can find forgiveness—mercy and truth from the LORD. And that is what we understand to be true regarding salvation. The KJV supports the doctrine of salvation. 

Colossians 1:14 

(KJV) In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 

(NIV) ...in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 

Redemption means salvation from sin and its penalty. The blood of Christ is missing for redemption in the NIV. The doctrine of Christ's atoning blood is detracted from. 

In the KJV, the blood is an essential element (cf. Ephesians 2:13, 1 Peter 1:2, 1 Peter 1:19, 1 John 1:7). 

Luke 2:33 

(KJV) And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. 

(NIV) The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 

Joseph was Mary’s husband in the KJV but not the father of Jesus Christ. The deity of Jesus Christ cannot be attacked. 

The "child’s father" in the NIV supports the idea that Jesus Christ had a human father. The doctrine of the deity and sinless perfection of Christ can now be questioned. 

John 6:69 

(KJV) And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. 

(NIV) We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God. 

This was Peter's testimony of Jesus Christ the Anointed One, the Messiah. Where is Christ in the NIV? The doctrine of Christ loses efficacy in the NIV. 

Any religious man (such as the Pope) can be called the Holy One of God. I can use the NIV to cast doubt on the need for Christ to be saved. I could argue that the Bible says any holy person is the path to salvation. 

In the KJV, there is no doubt who Peter testified of. The doctrine of Christ is supported. 

Acts 16:31 

(KJV) And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 

(NIV) They replied, Believe in the LORD Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household. 

Do we believe on Jesus or Jesus Christ to be saved (2 Corinthians 11:4)? There is a HUGE difference. 

The NIV leaves the door open to salvation by believing in a historical Jesus, a good man, a good teacher. The KJB elevates salvation to believing on Jesus the Christ. 

There is soooo much more… 

In the end, it isn't the endless debates about the genealogies of manuscripts but what these versions teach. Again, the so-called "manuscript evidence" and "original manuscripts" debates are simply distractions. One version teaches the fundamentals of the faith, the other removes them. 

As a Christian, which do you feel more comfortable with? 

Which one is safer? 

Which one makes more sense? 

Which supports basic Christian doctrines?

And keep in mind, there can be only ONE magnified (Psalm 138:2), inspired (2 Timothy 3:16), preserved (Psalm 12:6-7), settled (Psalm 119:89), truth (John 17:17). 

With the differences in wording and (often) meaning, they can't all fulfill these criteria. 

So, which version is it? It’s pretty clear. 

What do you think? You're invited to share your comments.

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Written by Jerry Smith

Feature Image Source: https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/skhoward 

Open KJB: https://www.istockphoto.com/photos/crucifixion