ABANDON worldly ways

 

1 John 2:15

King James Version

15 Love not the world, 

neither the things that are in the world. 

If any man love the world, 

the love of the Father is not in him.

Why are we to abandon the ways of the world?

What are the ways of the world?

We've written these the past days:

WORKS of the FLESH

SINS of the FLESH

On being CARNAL

Sin AWARENESS

Embracing the ways of the world causes us to sin.

It endangers our soul.

JESUS plainly told us the dangers:

Matthew 7:6

King James Version

6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, 

neither cast ye your pearls before swine, 

lest they trample them under their feet, 

and turn again and rend you.

Matthew 16:26

King James Version

26 For what is a man profited, 

if he shall gain the whole world, 

and lose his own soul? 

or what shall a man give 

in exchange for his soul?

Luke 16:15

King James Version

15 And he said unto them, 

Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; 

but God knoweth your hearts: 

for that which is highly esteemed among men 

is abomination in the sight of God.

John 7:7

King James Version

7 The world cannot hate you; 

but me it hateth, 

because I testify of it, 

that the works thereof are evil.

John 15:18-19

King James Version

18 If the world hate you, 

ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world, 

the world would love his own: 

but because ye are not of the world, 

but I have chosen you out of the world, 

therefore the world hateth you.

Scripture also warns us about the world:

Romans 12:2

King James Version

2 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.

2 Corinthians 4:18

King James Version

18 While we look not at the things which are seen, 

but at the things which are not seen: 

for the things which are seen are temporal; 

but the things which are not seen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 6:14-15

King James Version

14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers:

for what fellowship hath righteousness 

with unrighteousness? 

and what communion hath light with darkness?

15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial?

 or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

Ephesians 5:11-12

King James Version

11 And have no fellowship 

with the unfruitful works of darkness, 

but rather reprove them.

12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things 

which are done of them in secret.

Colossians 3:1-2

King James Version

3 If ye then be risen with Christ, 

seek those things which are above, 

where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

2 Set your affection on things above, 

not on things on the earth.

Titus 2:11-13

King James Version

11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation 

hath appeared to all men,

12 Teaching us that, 

denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, 

we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, 

in this present world;

13 Looking for that blessed hope, 

and the glorious appearing of the great God 

and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

James 4:4

King James Version

4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, 

know ye not that the friendship of the world 

is enmity with God? 

whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world 

is the enemy of God.

1 John 2:16-17

King James Version

16 For all that is in the world, 

the lust of the flesh, 

and the lust of the eyes, 

and the pride of life, 

is not of the Father, 

but is of the world.

17 And the world passeth away, 

and the lust thereof: 

but he that doeth the will of God 

abideth for ever.

Our peace, love, joy, and contentment, can only come from JESUS.

Mark 4:39-41

King James Version

39 And he arose, 

and rebuked the wind, 

and said unto the sea, 

Peace, be still. 

And the wind ceased, 

and there was a great calm.

40 And he said unto them, 

Why are ye so fearful? 

how is it that ye have no faith?

41 And they feared exceedingly, 

and said one to another, 

What manner of man is this, 

that even the wind and the sea obey him?

John 14:27

King James Version

27 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.

John 16:33

King James Version

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.

Related material:

The CHRISTIAN life

PEACE through JESUS

Sin AWARENESS

BORN AGAIN articles

Image: Pixabay

ADDICTION to tradition

 

GOD was clear about His first commandment:

Exodus 20:3

King James Version

3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Are we really aware the traditions we celebrate?

Such as Christmas?

Do we know the dangers we place ourselves in?

"Yeah, but we're celebrating the birth of Christ," you'd say.

Are we, really?

Was Christ born with pomp?

As born again, I can only look to JESUS, born in simplicity, even in poverty.

Luke 2:7

King James Version

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, 

and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, 

and laid him in a manger; 

because there was no room for them in the inn.

Look around you.

Aren't people going crazy about Christmas again?

Especially, materially?

People are going crazy buying gifts, putting up trees, decorating, planning parties, crowding stores, shops, and restaurants.

Children eager to receive gifts from Santa Claus.

Their fathers making sure they won't be detected on that day.

Children being taught Santa's going to ride his sleigh with reindeers, carrying a gift for each child.

ESPECIALLY if they're "nice", and not naughty.

Children expect that gift.

Everyone expects a gift.

And if no gift is given, from anyone, from anywhere, you turn sad.

All the while, we forget who Christmas is for.

As born again, I can only think CHRIST is in CHRISTmas.

That our LORD was born, in poverty.

Born in a manger, for the inn had no room for them.

One would think, even then, that the owner of the inn would take mercy upon a lady, about to have a child, in the midst of winter.

Why was Mary left out, in the cold, with Joseph by her side?

And the world knew not, that a SAVIOR would be born.

But that's all been prophesied:

Isaiah 9:6-7

King James Version

6 For unto us a child is born,

 unto us a son is given: 

and the government shall be upon his shoulder: 

and his name shall be called Wonderful, 

Counsellor, The mighty God,

 The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and peace 

there shall be no end, 

upon the throne of David, 

and upon his kingdom, 

to order it, 

and to establish it 

with judgment and with justice 

from henceforth even for ever. 

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

JESUS was sent to save us.

He is the CHRIST, the "Christ of God", the "Lord's Christ", the "Son of God", the "Messiah", the "Savior".

And we esteem Him not.

We are caught up in the ways of the world.

In the vain traditions of men.

Colossians 2:8

King James Version

8 Beware lest any man spoil you 

through philosophy and vain deceit, 

after the tradition of men, 

after the rudiments of the world, 

and not after Christ.

Mark 7:7-9

King James Version

7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, 

teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

8 For laying aside the commandment of God, 

ye hold the tradition of men, 

as the washing of pots and cups: 

and many other such like things ye do.

9 And he said unto them, 

Full well ye reject the commandment of God, 

that ye may keep your own tradition.

We celebrate European tradition of "Father Christmas", when there is only ONE FATHER -- the LORD GOD.

Isaiah 64:8

King James Version

8 But now, 

O Lord, 

thou art our father; 

we are the clay, 

and thou our potter; 

and we all are the work of thy hand.

On and on, GOD, sends us prophets to warn us of His wrath.

For man's sinfulness seems never-ending.

We are more attuned to the deceiver, than to JESUS.

This is what we have to overcome:

1 John 2:16

King James Version

16 For all that is in the world, 

the lust of the flesh, 

and the lust of the eyes, 

and the pride of life, 

is not of the Father, 

but is of the world.

CHRISTmas is not just on the 25th of December.

JESUS taught us how to love GOD, and each other.

Let that SPIRIT of CHRIST in us, be an everyday opportunity to love, and to return to GOD.

Not just on holidays, or vain traditions of men.

But always, for GOD's GLORY.

And in a manner that pleases GOD.

In all of CHRIST's humility.

Related material:

JESUS

SON of GOD

JESUS is CHRIST

Bible DISCOVERY 10: The LINEAGE of JESUS

Bible DISCOVERY 12: Tracing the Day JESUS was BORN

Bible DISCOVERY 14: The POWER of the NAME of JESUS

Bible DISCOVERY 15: The DESTINY of JESUS

The BATTLE

Idolatry

Video:

The Theology of Christmas (Philippians 2:5-11)

Image: Wallpaper Access

ADDICTION to youth

 Ecclesiastes 11:9-10

King James Version

9 Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; 

and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, 

and walk in the ways of thine heart, 

and in the sight of thine eyes: 

but know thou, that for all these things 

God will bring thee into judgment.

10 Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, 

and put away evil from thy flesh: 

for childhood and youth are vanity.

It's a botox world.

Everyone wants to be young.

Everyone wants to look good.

Everyone wants to be best-looking.

Is that at all possible?

Sure, for the moment.

Until someone outdoes you.

And you can't bear that.

So, you outdo them, too.

The medical world, and aesthetic world, have raked in the bucks, as people get  botoxed.

Or have plastic surgeries.

Nips, and tucks.

Augmentations.

The enemy knows man's weaknesses.

He's mapped it all out.

His influence is far, and wide.

Of course, surgeries, invasive and non-invasive, go wrong, too.

That's when corrections are made.

On, and on, these go.

Until such time the client is happy.

By then, he or she would have unrecognizable bodies, or faces.

One natural beauty influencer in England declared something to the effect that women who don't smile don't get wrinkles.

But where's the fun in not smiling?

Smiling causes wrinkles.

Frowning causes wrinkles.

Anger causes wrinkles.

Stress causes wrinkles

Illness causes wrinkles.

Sudden weight loss causes wrinkles.

Do wrinkles bother you?

Even new-born babies are called "wrinkly" people.

Why cover up wrinkles?

We all age.

We all grow old.

No one is above gravity.

EXCEPT for GOD.

Who created gravity, for a purpose.

You cannot fight gravity.

It's a given.

You cannot fight GOD.

He's the Creator.

You cannot be the most good-looking.

In a few minutes, another will be more beautiful.

I've noticed, especially in my own country, and city, that there are more beauty contests, after the initial covid crisis.

In certain cultures, older people go for very young people, that they may have youth.

Literally "feeding" upon the energy of the young.

How diabolic can that be?

There is that perpetual search for the fountain of youth.

The only fountain they don't search for is the FOUNTAIN of LIVING WATERS.

The enemy's having a heyday.

This preoccupation with self, is at an all-time high.

The methods vary.

But the neurosis doesn't.

We've all become beholden to vanity.

How pride rules this world.

Greed, too.

You want everything for yourself.

How idolatry has made this world fall.

You want to be idolized.

You want to be famous.

You want to be adored.

You want to be on top of the world.

Believers know there was someone like that, too.

Who fell hard, bringing a third of the angels with him.

The desires of man can never be satisfied.

The enemy makes sure it can never be.

And yet, when we grow old, the age shows.

It's inevitable.

The wrinkles show.

The body sags.

The body weakens.

And we look to the youth.

Jealousy steps in.

The enemy gloats.

Man is hooked.

Perpetually.

UNLESS GOD makes him born again.

All the foolishness stops.

Preserve not youth.

Preserve the soul, instead.

FOCUS on CHRIST.

He took on the humblest form.

Isaiah 53:2

King James Version

2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, 

and as a root out of a dry ground: 

he hath no form nor comeliness; 

and when we shall see him, 

there is no beauty that we should desire him.

All JESUS cared about is to save the lost.

Luke 19:10

King James Version

10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save 

that which was lost.

Many are lost.

The enemy feeds upon that.

It's time to return to JESUS now.

Related material:

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LIVING WATERS

JESUS and Satan

The devil's devices

BORN AGAIN articles

The Botox boom | 60 Minutes Australia

Gravitas Plus: The plastic surgery debate

Gravitas: The changing face of male beauty

Image: Unsplash

WHY do people get addicted?

 

James 3:17

King James Version

17 But the wisdom that is from above 

is first pure, 

then peaceable, 

gentle, 

and easy to be intreated, 

full of mercy and good fruits, 

without partiality, 

and without hypocrisy.

What causes addiction?

As born again, I can only think of one thing.

For SPIRIT made things pretty clear.

I honestly feel people get addicted because they don't have real fellowship with CHRIST.

Not all people are born again.

Not all born agains are TRUE born agains.

A true born again has fellowship with CHRIST.

He has committed himself to CHRIST alone.

He feels the love GOD has for him.

He is able to love others as GOD wants him to love.

His source of peace, love, joy, and comfort is JESUS.

There is no gap in his life that needs to be filled by addiction.

There is no room for the enemy, who only seeks to corrupt us.

The body is the temple of the HOLY SPIRIT.

It is sacred.

You would not want to defile it.

Having true fellowship with CHRIST means you keep your mind, body, and spirit pure.

Waiting for the day GOD will have us meet JESUS up in the air, and be with the LORD forever!

Having true fellowship with CHRIST means you are in His service.

GOD keeps you busy, for there's much to do.

Matthew 9:37

King James Version

37 Then saith he unto his disciples, 

The harvest truly is plenteous, 

but the labourers are few;

Having fellowship with CHRIST means you feel loved.

Romans 8:38-39

King James Version

38 For I am persuaded, 

that neither death, 

nor life, 

nor angels, 

nor principalities, 

nor powers, 

nor things present, 

nor things to come,

39 Nor height, 

nor depth, 

nor any other creature, 

shall be able to separate us from the love of God, 

which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

In turn, you want to love others, too.

There is joy in your relationships, for you are filled with SPIRIT.

Being born again is a true blessing.

For SPIRIT teaches you everything about JESUS.

There is no emptiness in your heart.

Only a fullness that JESUS brings.

When you have JESUS, you have everything.

What room would there be, for addiction?

In JESUS is peace.

John 14:27

King James Version

27 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.

Related material:

PEACE through JESUS

Making WISE choices

BORN AGAIN articles

HOLINESS

Image: Yuri Manei

ADDICTION is idolatry

 

1 Corinthians 10:21

King James Version

21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, 

and the cup of devils: 

ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, 

and of the table of devils.

Do you believe the body is the temple of the HOLY SPIRIT?

If you do, then you will treat it well.

Would you defile that body, that houses SPIRIT?

Would you abuse it?

Would you allow others to abuse it?

Would you over-indulge?

Would you fill it excessively with food, wine, drink, and mind-altering substances?

Would you defile it, with perversions?

Would these be your gods, the ones you serve?

Even as you think you are being served?

The enemy's deception is complete, when humans think they are being served.

When in truth, we have been bound to his devices.

We have become enslaved.

2 Peter 2:19

King James Version

19 While they promise them liberty, 

they themselves are the servants of corruption: 

for of whom a man is overcome, 

of the same is he brought in bondage.

With addiction comes destruction, depravity, even depression.

You will rise to the highest highs, and sink to the lowest lows.

Such earthly pleasures are fleeting.

That's why you get addicted.

On to the next high.

On to the next fix.

When will it end?

Where will it end?

How will it end?

Will your god lift you up, when you are down?

Or is that god responsible for keeping you down?

The GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob does no such thing.

He loves you SO much, that He gave up His ONLY SON.

John 3:16

King James Version

16 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.

He wants you to live.

He doesn't want you to perish.

2 Peter 3:9

King James Version

9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, 

as some men count slackness; 

but is longsuffering to us-ward, 

not willing that any should perish, 

but that all should come to repentance.

Drown not your sorrows, with wine.

Stifle not your depression, with food.

Fulfill not your desires, with perversion.

That would be a sinking boat.

There would be no end to it.

Psalm 16:4

King James Version

4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied 

that hasten after another god: 

their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, 

nor take up their names into my lips.

It's got to be a really evil mind, to do such things to others -- knowingly.

Supplying them with their insatiable needs.

Making sure they're hooked, for always.

And so, the cycle goes.

Let's not put a stumbling block before our brothers, and sisters.

Let us be the FIRST to clear the way for them.

Let us put our FAITH in the LORD JESUS.

The faithful shepherd always rushes to the rescue of His lost sheep.

Luke 19:10

King James Version

10 For the Son of man is come to seek 

and to save that which was lost.

Related material:

Cause NO ONE to FALL

On idolatry

Other FORMS of idolatry

AWARENESS of sin

The BATTLE

Image: Eva Bronzini

God's HOLY temple

 

1 Corinthians 6:19

King James Version

19 What? 

know ye not that your body 

is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, 

which ye have of God, 

and ye are not your own?

How sacred are our bodies?

Why must we care for our souls?

Why must we have no form of addiction?

Why must we respect ourselves, and others?

These reasons will make sense.

The SPIRIT of GOD lives in us.

Our bodies are the temple of His HOLY SPIRIT.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17

King James Version

16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, 

and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

We were "bought with a price".

1 Corinthians 6:20

King James Version

20 For ye are bought with a price: 

therefore glorify God in your body, 

and in your spirit, 

which are God's.

It cost GOD His only beloved SON.

It cost JESUS, His LIFE.

John 3:16

King James Version

16 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.

1 John 2:2

King James Version

2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: 

and not for ours only, 

but also for the sins of the whole world.

That's how precious we are in God's eyes.

That's why GOD never gives up on us.

No matter how we abuse ourselves, and others.

He doesn't want anyone to perish.

2 Peter 3:9

King James Version

9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, 

as some men count slackness; 

but is longsuffering to us-ward, 

not willing that any should perish, 

but that all should come to repentance.

Addictions definitely destroy the mind, body, and spirit.

How can we defile our temples so?

We need to be born again.

We need to believe in JESUS.

We need to love GOD.

We need to be taught by SPIRIT.

We need to read the Bible.

We need to live by the Bible.

We need to walk with SPIRIT.

Only then can we know how precious we all are.

And how sacred our bodies are.

Proper warning has been given, to those who DEFILE the TEMPLE of the HOLY SPIRIT:

1 Corinthians 3:17

King James Version

17 If any man defile the temple of God, 

him shall God destroy; 

for the temple of God is holy, 

which temple ye are.

Be aware what you do to self.

And others.

Have no form of addiction at all.

It's a real BATTLE we're up against.

Find STRENGTH, through JESUS.

These articles will tell you more:

The TEMPLE of the HOLY SPIRIT

What GOD Looks For

Who Shall DWELL in GOD's Holy Hill?

CITIZENSHIP in HEAVEN

MEDITATING upon a VERSE

Our VILE bodies

BODY of CLEARNESS

We Shall ALL Be CHANGED

CONQUERING the flesh

FAULTS of the flesh

Works of the flesh

Sins of society

Can you DISCIPLINE yourself?

The WAY of HOLINESS

FINDING our WAY BACK to GOD

The TRUE BORN AGAIN

A NEW HEART in YOU

How GOD is GLORIFIED in us

GOD's POWER over EVERYTHING

WALKING in the SPIRIT

It's ALL preparation NOW

BORN AGAIN articles

On sin

Image: Unsplash