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September 25, 2022Why Do We Have to Let Our "Yes Be Yes, and Our No Be No"?Michael Jakes | Pastor, writer 2022 23 Sep
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Love portrait and love the world
Honesty is the best policy. No doubt this is something that we have heard throughout our lives. No, it’s not a Scripture verse, but it does in fact, reflect biblical truth. Throughout the Word of God, we read of the value, necessity, and benefit of being honest. Honesty includes with it the idea of being both principled and reliable. Christ, in His Sermon on the Mount, speaks directly to this issue when He said:
“But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one” (Matthew 5:37).
Just what did Christ mean by this statement, and what are its far-reaching implications to every child of God?
Christ in essence is saying here, that not only are we to be people who mean what we say, we are also to be people who keep what we say. If we have to resort to an oath to uphold or reinforce our words, what does that say about us? Christ says that anything more than your simple yes, or your simple no, in normal everyday conversation, is of the devil. Those are powerful words.
What Is the Context of This Verse?
When we look at this verse in its context, we see that Christ was forbidding oaths. It has been said that if an oath is necessary, then integrity is lacking. I can vividly remember, when I was much younger and before I was born again, trying to impress others, or else prove the truthfulness of a statement I had made by adding – not the phrase, “I promise you that I’m telling the truth” – but a brazen, “I swear to God.” Not knowing God, it was easy; we all did it without even blinking. The fact is that sometimes I actually was telling the truth, but sometimes I wasn’t. Such is the mind and heart of the unsaved.
Those who were a part of this crowd that had gathered to hear Christ speak on the mount, understood what Jesus meant, but they also knew what the Law stated:
“Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord. But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black” (Matthew 5:33-36, emphasis mine).
Jesus in essence told those under the sound of His voice not to lie under any circumstances. The phrase, “to the Lord” in verse 33 could, for all intents and purposes, be used as a cover for a lie. What those listening understood was that any oath which was taken with God’s name in it was legally binding; but that an oath taken without God’s name in it was not legally binding.
Does This Verse Forbid Oaths of Any Kind?
What should be understood as we unpack Christ’s words is that His prohibition does not forbid solemn, official oaths, because we see several instances in Scripture where God Himself, and others swear. We cite several of those instances here:
“For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself” (Hebrews 6:13).
“The Lord has sworn And will not relent, You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek” (Psalm 110:4).
Twice in scripture, Paul the apostle invokes God as his witness:
“Moreover I call God as witness against my soul, that to spare you I came no more to Corinth” (2 Corinthians 1:23).
“For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers” (Romans 1:9).
Finally, we note that Christ Himself allowed Himself to be put under an oath — and we know that nothing that Christ did can ever be considered sin. Here is the event in its full context:
“Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward and said, ‘This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’ And the high priest arose and said to Him, ‘Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?’ But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, ‘I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven’” (Matthew 26:59-64).
Concerning this event, the fact is that the high priest did not know that he didn’t need to put Christ under an oath in order to get a confession of truth, but yet Christ responded to it — and not because He was being pushed or coerced into it.
Why Is Honesty So Important for Us?
Jesus’ words continue to have far-reaching implications as to how we live our lives. Personal integrity becomes an extremely important factor as we live before the world. It should be understood that whether or not we can maintain that integrity will have an impact on our witness to those in the world. Scripture makes this clear:
“Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us: Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men” (2 Corinthians 8:21, KJV).
“Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men (Roman 12:17, KJV).
Allowing our yes to be yes, and our no to be no reinforces who we are in Christ. Since we have identified ourselves with Him, it means that at all times we are to remember that our ultimate goal in this life is to be like Christ, and that dishonesty will serve to distort the world’s perception of Christ. Satan has already blinded their minds that they should not receive the glorious light of the gospel, and our behavior in the world should not be used to reinforce the Devil’s lies.
There is one remaining factor to keep in mind when speaking of personal integrity. The phrase “all men” in the previous verses is referring to those outside of Christ, but we are also to maintain honesty toward one another:
“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all” (Colossians 3:9-11, KJV).
Let us remember as we live out this life in Christ, that we are to walk and talk as He did, and that means being honest at every turn. -
September 24, 2022How Are “Wars and Rumors of Wars” Tied to the End Times?
Jesus Christ came to earth to die and provide a path of salvation for humanity. As He departed and returned to the Father, He promised His disciples a future return, where He would come in full power. It was something He addressed before at various points in His ministry as well – that there would be a return of the heir of David and an end of things as they are.
In the Mount Olivet Discourse, recorded in Gospel of Matthew, He outlines what the world will look like at the end of days – including signs to look for – and advises the church on how to conduct itself. One of the signs and rumblings that Jesus talks about at the beginning of the Mount Olivet Discourse is wars and rumors of wars. Some people interpret this to mean that wars and rumors of wars increasing is a sign that Jesus may return at any moment, while others dismiss that concern.
When examined in context, it is clear that wars and rumors of wars will increase as the return of Jesus approaches, but no one war is necessarily the herald of the end of days, since only the Father knows when that will happen.
What Does "Wars and Rumors of Wars" Mean?
When the Bible refers to wars and rumors of wars, it means large-scale conflicts between people groups and nation states. These are not minor, one-off skirmishes, which would be called battles.
The Bible tends to differentiate between one-time conflicts and small conflicts. In the Old Testament, Israel engages in small and large conflicts, and they are differentiated. For example, the Battle of Jericho was a one-time conflict, but the Israelites had a war against the Babylonians.
When Jesus said there would be wars and rumors of wars, He meant that people would engage in military conflicts and discuss military conflicts.
What Is the Context of This Verse?
The Book of Matthew contains the most complete copies of some of Jesus’ sermons from His earthly ministry. The two most notable are the Sermon on the Mount and the Mount Olivet Discourse. The latter is where Jesus taught His disciples about the Signs of the End of the Age. Jesus had just finished speaking to a crowd of people where He decried the sins of the Pharisees and the Scribes. He also laments over the rebellion of Jerusalem, and hinted at impending destruction. The disciples tried to engage him about the Temple, and He began to discuss the end times.
Jesus knew not long after His ascension back to the Father, Rome would sack Jerusalem and destroy the Second Temple – known as Herod’s Temple. When Jesus died, His blood covered the sins of all people, making a path for a relationship with God without needing to go through a priest, make sacrifices to atone for sins, or travel to Jerusalem. Because the works of man are insufficient for true sanctification, grace through faith became the way to a relationship with God because of Jesus’ sacrifice.
While He was getting ready to go to the cross, He wanted to prepare the disciples for His death, Resurrection, and the church. When they brought up the temple, Jesus took this moment as an opportunity to prepare them for the difficult days ahead.
The Temple of Solomon was destroyed by the Babylonians, and the Second Temple would be destroyed in 70 A.D. by the Romans, which Jesus prophesied, “here will not be left one stone upon another that will not be thrown down” (Matthew 24:2b). Between the Ascension and the Second Coming, the church would spread the good news, but it would also suffer greatly.
Because the heart of man is wicked and loves evil, and all men are born into sin, Jesus knew that His death and resurrection has the power to transform people, but some would not embrace it. He even tells the disciples, For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man” (Matthew 2437-39).
Time continues to march forward, and people live their lives as they please, and many will be unprepared when He comes again, just like people had been warned, but were unprepared, when the flood came during Noah’s lifetime.
Is This Verse Tied to the End Times?
Jesus certainly is speaking of the end of days during this sermon, but He assures His disciples not to panic or be worried about it. In fact, He says, “And Jesus answered them, ‘See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places’” (Matthew 24:4-7).
False messiahs, wars, earthquakes, famines, and other disasters will be a part of the cycle of destruction that will occur while the world awaits the return of the Lord. They will increase, just like birth pains, but are not necessarily the specific harbinger or herald of the return. More specific signs Jesus mentions during this sermon include the Abomination of the Desolation in verse 15, great tribulation in verse 29, the sun and the moon going dark and the stars falling in verse 29, and a loud trumpet call.
While wars are a sign, there are more specific calamities the Bible clarifies will occur before the Second Coming. What these signs and events will actually look like when they happen are a matter of great debate among theologians.
Are Wars Today a Sign of the End Times?
In a technical sense, the end times began when Jesus ascended to Heaven. When the Lord said there would be birth pains, He intentionally used the image of a woman’s labor while giving birth. Labor is an undetermined amount of time. Some births go faster than others, and some are more intense than others, so it is unpredictable about when exactly a baby will arrive. However, contractions get stronger and stronger.
Understanding the signs of the end times like labor, in a technical sense, every war and rumor of war is a sign of the end times. They are a reminder that this earth is groaning for Jesus’ return, that His return is inevitable, and that man’s wickedness will only increase without the Lord and to put hope and faith in Him – not in man. No one person can predict what war, disease, or event may set off the events that will trigger the return of the Lord. “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only” (Matthew 24:36).
Anyone who comes forward claiming that he or she can predict the day is a liar and deceiver. The Father has chosen to keep that knowledge secret. Today’s wars are part of the heralding of the end of days, though the Second Coming may be far off in time, or it may be today.
The Bible encourages believers to be ready, and challenges unbelievers to prepare themselves and try to pursue a relationship with Jesus Christ, because He will return. The Second Coming and the Judgment Day, though some theologians may disagree about when they will happen, are going to happen. One day Jesus will return in His full power and glory, and it is the job of the Christian to serve Him and pursue a relationship with Him, and tell the world about the gift of salvation, so that everyone has an opportunity to know God and have faith.
Rather than getting caught up obsessing about the End of Days, arguing about whose interpretation of the end times events is correct, or ignoring it altogether, Christians should remember daily their Savior could return at any moment, rejoice, and evangelize.
“But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:43-44).
Sources
Gibbs, Jeffrey. Jerusalem and Parousia Jesus’ Eschatological Discourse in Matthews’ Gospel. St. Louis: Concordia Academic Press, 2000.
Sproul, R.C. The Last Days According to Jesus When DId Jesus Say He Would Return? Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1998.
Walvoord, John. Matthew Thy Kingdom Come. Chicago: Moody Press, 1974. -
September 23, 20225 Prayers for Guidance as You Make Big DecisionshBethany Verrett 2021 20 OctOften, we need prayers for guidance. Navigating life is a series of rough roads, barely-visible forest paths, and choppy waters with periods of calm. Like a long road trip, the importance of making the right decision to go in the right direction with one’s morals, choices, and circumstances can lead to a godly life, one that will lead to the declaration from Jesus Christ, “Well done good and faithful servant.”
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/PeopleImages
Because humans live in time, experiencing it linearly, unable to change the past or see the future, making certain decisions can feel like everything rides on making the appropriate call. Of course, no one needs to consult the Bible or pray about what kind of sandwich to eat for lunch or what sweater to wear. Typically, seeking godly counsel from the Holy Spirit can help with big choices like moving, witnessing to a neighbor who may not be saved, or making other big life changes. Going to the Lord should be a Christian’s primary source for guidance, complemented by Scripture, and consulting godly brothers and sisters in the faith.
The Word is full of encouragement to the believer that God will guide those who ask Him. He gave Solomon wisdom when he asked for it. Paul encouraged the believers at the Church in Philippi, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). Christians can seek guidance about anything.
Here are 5 prayers for guidance:
1. Prayers for Guidance about A Difficult Work Situation
Holy Father,
Thank you for your wisdom in all circumstances. Thank you for caring about us so much that you provided a job so I can work and pay my bills. Lord, right now I have difficulties in the office, and I need your help. I want to do the right thing, to glorify You with my words and my deeds in the workplace, especially for the sake of my coworkers who do not know You as their Lord and Savior. Help me know what to do to handle this situation appropriately, and in a way that does not compromise my walk and my witness.
Lord, I call to You as the Psalmist did, at an acceptable time in the abundance of your steadfast love, answer me in your saving faithfulness. Help me to know if I should stay or go, how to address the problem, and I ask that you resolve this issue to Your glory.
In the name of Your Son Jesus Christ,
Amen.
2. Prayer for Guidance in a Relationship (Romantic or Friendship)
Holy Father,
Thank you for creating me. Thank you for giving me a heart that connects with other people, that needs others and can help others. Lord, right now, I need your guidance in this relationship in my life. Lord, I know I need to act in love with everyone, but sometimes I cannot communicate with someone, especially when their personality is different than mine. Lord, please give me ears to hear this person and a heart to understand them.
Help me to see them the way You do, to love them as You do, so that I can successfully navigate this situation and glorify Your Name through this relationship. I know it says in the Bible that we should attempt to live in peace with all men whenever possible, and I know it is particularly important for people You brought into my life. Help me to grow in this situation, to know how I should move forward, and what Your will is for this relationship.
In Jesus’ Name I pray,
Amen.
3. Prayers for Guidance about Picking a Church
Holy Father,
Thank you for sending Your Son Jesus to die so that I can have salvation and everlasting life. Thank you for the other believers in the world who can come alongside me for fellowship, discipleship, and accountability.
Lord, right now I need to find a body of believers. Help me to find the right church, with a good pastor who teaches sound doctrine, healthy worship, and wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ. Guide me to a Sunday School for growth, to a place to serve, and a community. Help me to find a place where they spur one another toward love and good deeds, do not give up on meeting one another, and encourage each other, like it says a healthy church should do in the Bible. I ask that You guide me to a church where I can be sanctified.
In Jesus’ Name, I pray,
Amen.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Wavebreakmedia
4. Prayer for Guidance about Moving
Holy Father,
Thank you for guiding my steps, for knowing every detail of my life, and not failing me, even if I don’t always follow the path You have for me. Lord, I feel You may be leading me to relocate to another place to serve You and to spend a period of my life somewhere new to me. Help me to know if this really is Your will.
Your Word says we make plans, but You direct our steps. It also says that many are a man’s plans, but that Your will prevails. I want to be obedient to Your will and Your plans in all things, including where I live. If it is Your will for me to stay, I ask that You would give me peace. Or if it is Your will for me to move, that You would make the path straight.
In Your Name, I pray,
Amen.
5. Prayer for Guidance about a Call to Ministry
Holy Father,
Thank you for the love You have for each of Your children, that You have a plan for each of us, and that nobody is too small for Your notice. I also thank you that You call some to serve You with their life in ministry. Lord, I am wrestling with feelings that I may want to go into ministry, to serve in music, with preaching, or with a mission board. I want to take this possibility seriously, to love and obey You, and to serve You well.
Lord, send me peace and guidance about going into ministry. Am I one of the ones You called to be an apostle, a missionary, a pastor, or a teacher? If I am called, help me to walk in such a manner that I will not cause others to stumble, and equip me for the mission of my life. I pray that my life will be a testament to You.
In the name of Jesus, I pray,
Amen.
It is a comfort to know that no matter what situation is going on in someone’s life, the Holy Spirit is always present for the believer to give guidance, and Christians always have access to God through prayer. Take encouragement from Scripture, knowing the Lord will always guide those who seek Him.
“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left” (Isaiah 30:21).
Prayer is a direct call to the captain of the ship, the Bible is the map, and the Spirit the compass, providing perfect guidance.
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September 22, 202214 Things to Know about Attending a House Church
When you think of a church, you might think of a special place you go to gather with other Christians to worship, pray, and learn about God. In fact, “church” is typically defined as a building that is used for public worship.
But it might be interesting to understand that’s not entirely true. From a biblical perspective, “church” is not a building but a people – more specifically the body of Christ in the form of His disciples who follow His way and do His will. While today’s church usually meets in a building, the building itself is not the true church. And some Christians today are increasingly not meeting in a separate public building, but in a house.
Known as a “house church,” these are typically smaller gatherings of believers who assemble regularly to worship, pray, and learn about God in someone’s residential home.
Here are 14 things to know about a house church.
What Is a House Church?
A house church is a term used to describe a group of people who regularly gather for worship in a private home, whether a house, apartment, or other living space.
Sometimes house churches meet at the same home week after week, and other times they rotate among members’ homes.
House churches might be connected to or associated with a larger church or denomination that meets in a public space, but for whatever reason have chosen to meet separately for a more intimate and personal setting. Other times, they are groups of people who have broken away from another church or denomination and started their own private gathering space, or they are people who are not associated with a church at all and have simply decided to begin regularly meeting together in a home to worship the Lord.
A house church is not just a group of people who gather to do Bible study or have a fellowship meal at someone’s house. These are actual worship experiences, often with prayers, hymns, sermons, and other aspects of a typical Christian worship service. Sometimes sacraments such as Holy Communion are offered, as well.
Sometimes people meet in a house church because their numbers are small and they have not yet raised funds (or have not yet gathered enough people) to establish a larger worship space outside the home.
Other times, people choose a house church because they desire a smaller, more family-like feel when it comes to worship.
In some nations, where Christianity is outlawed, people meet in house churches secretly, so they can freely worship God and practice other elements of their faith without public discovery and repercussion, such as persecution.
Is a House Church Biblical?
A house church is most definitely biblical. In fact, the first Christian churches met in houses. Acts 1:13 describes the first house church as the “upper room” of a house where Jesus’s disciples gathered privately. Later, Christians — known as “followers of The Way” — alternated between homes and larger spaces.
Paul talks about the church meeting in the house of Priscilla and Aquila in 1 Corinthians 16:19 and in Romans 16:5. Other Scriptures that talk about house churches are Colossians 4:15 and Philemon 2:2.
As time passed and the number of Christian believers
