Bible – Page 8 – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

The Loving Heart of Christ

“From one man He [Jesus] made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.” (Acts 17:26).

Sociology was one of my first academic classes required for my nursing degree. I can recall an assignment of openly confronting prejudice by exposing our inner feelings of “I dislike this group of people because…”

Being truthful required a spoken answer of identifying the individuals who we targeted our discrimination against, and giving the reasons for our prejudice.

As we listened to each other’s [mostly absurd] answers, we realized that learned behaviors [usually from parents and family members] produced unsubstantiated discrimination and prejudice against those who had never harmed us.

Shame and embarrassment permeated the atmosphere, yet there was an interesting twist when I verbalized my answer of, “I am not prejudiced,” which was met by a sharp rebuttal from our professor, “It is impossible for you not to be prejudiced!”

With confidence, I disclosed to my professor and classmates that I was raised by parents who taught us to love everyone.

From a young child, my mother taught us the magnitude of God’s love by singing this song, “Jesus loves the little children of the world. Whether red, or yellow, black, or white, they are precious in His sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world.”

“We love because He first loved us.”(1 John 4:19).

“So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” (1 John 4:19).

Possessing the Loving Heart of Christ

The Love Commandments: “And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” (Matthew 22:37-39, ESV).

“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (1 John 4:11).

The sign of a converted heart is one that is filled with God’s love. God is love. We were Created from Love, and Redeemed by Love.

“The Samaritan woman said to Him, ‘You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?’ (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)” (John 4:9, NIV).

Jesus demonstrated love in His ministry by speaking powerful messages of hope. He exhibited patience, compassion, and the healing of countless multitudes of people without regard to their backgrounds.

God’s love will permeate Heaven’s atmosphere. And only believers who love others freely in their earthly lives will receive the glorious reward of living forever in the Lovely New Heaven and New Earth.

Reflection: Are there any biases or prejudices hidden in your heart that would prevent you from receiving your reward of Eternal Life?

“Prejudice can stem from the perception that certain groups or ideas pose a threat to one’s own belief system or way of life.”

In the Scriptures, God reveals that either we love or hate. There is no middle of the road feeling of “dislike” identified in the Bible. Disliking others reveals that we do not have the loving heart of Christ.

Because the manner in which we were raised varies, our different experiences define our perception of love, and define our boundaries of inclusion. But once we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we embrace love as defined by God.

God gives us His characteristics of Agape love in 1 Corinthians 13.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5, NIV).

Love Your Enemies
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven…’ ” (Matthew 5:43-45).

“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.” (Proverbs 10:12).

God will never condone biases for any reason. If we focus on our differences then it is easy to target those who embrace unbelief in God, practice pagan worship, celebrate various cultural customs, and live alternative lifestyles.

Yes, God hates sin, but He loves humanity, including sinners. “Jesus was and is absolutely inclusive. There is no ‘them versus us’ at the foot of the cross; Jesus paid the highest price for each one of us.”

Love Is the Catalyst for the Spiritual Transformation of Our Hearts

Sanctification is the lifelong, daily, and gradual Spiritual transformation of our minds, characters, and personalities into the Righteousness of Christ’s Loving Character, performed daily by the Holy Spirit.

The Prerequisite of Sanctification: We must possess the Righteous Characteristics of Christ: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23, KJV).

Christians who have hearts filled with Christ’s love shine brightly. They will know we are Christians when our temperament is gentle, our smile is genuine, and our spoken words are positive and uplifting.

“Heaven will be more diverse than we can imagine, with every people, nation, color, tongue, and gender (Revelation 5:9). Father, grant us your grace, that as Christians we may display your inclusive outlook, here and now. In Jesus’ Loving Name, Amen!”

Prayer: King David’s prayer must be our prayer: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24, KJV). Yes and Amen.

Winning the War

Until we acknowledge that life consists of spiritual warfare, we will never utilize prayer as our most valuable weapon to win the Spiritual War between Good and Evil.

Sadly, without connecting to Christ every day through personal worship, we miss out on receiving Jesus’ strength and power to live as victorious overcomers.

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10).

Receiving Daily Bread Requires Us to Abide in Jesus Christ: Pray, Wait, Listen, Obey, and Persevere in Jesus’ Name. Yes and Amen!

“But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31).

Bible Study: 1 Kings 19 [Elijah’s Fear Overpowers His Faith in God].

Lord God, we thank you for Your abundant love. We also thank You for Your promises to renew our strength when we have become weary from self-reliance, and following our thoughts. Teach us how to redirect our faith and focus to You, so we can live victoriously through Your power. We ask this prayer in the Holy Name of Jesus, Amen.

The Greatest Love

Following Jesus is the best decision, we will ever make. Yes, life is filled with unexpected challenges, but Jesus promises to give us His strength, so we can move forward. Trust Jesus with your life. No love can come close to our Creator’s love for us. Pray, Obey, and Persevere! Peace and Blessings!

Jesus, we thank You for Your everlasting love. LORD, we dedicate ourselves to follow You with faithful obedience. Give us wisdom, strength, direction, correction, and protection from the spiritual warfare designed to separate us from You. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

© 2025 STEPS 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry

Be Faithful, Because Our God Is Always Faithful!

“Behold, I am Yahweh, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?”(Jeremiah 32:27, LSB).

When life is filled with the invasion of character assassination, job loss, financial hardships, change in health status, family dysfunction, and marital disruptions, and even the unexpected minor obstacles, which appear like weeds, remember the Faithful and Omnipotent God who is waiting for you to ask for His Divine Help.

The Plot Against Daniel

“So these governors and satraps thronged before the king, and said thus to him: ‘King Darius, live forever! All the governors of the kingdom, the administrators and satraps, the counselors and advisors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree, that whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions…’ “

“Now, O king, establish the decree and sign the writing, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter. Therefore King Darius signed the written decree.” (Daniel 6:6-9).

Daniel’s Immediate Response

“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.” (Daniel 6:10).

The Exposure of the Enemy’s Scheme

“So they answered and said before the king, ‘That Daniel, who is one of the captives from Judah, does not show due regard for you, O king, or for the decree that you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day.’ ” (Daniel 6:13).

King Darius’ Unexpected Response

“And the king, when he heard these words, was greatly displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he labored till the going down of the sun to deliver him…Now the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; and no musicians were brought before him. Also his sleep went from him.” (Daniel 6:14,18).

God Reveals His Amazing Love, Faithfulness, and Power!

“Then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions. And when he came to the den, he cried out with a lamenting voice to Daniel. The king spoke, saying to Daniel, ‘Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?’ “(Daniel 6:19-20).

“Daniel answered, ‘May the king live forever. My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in His sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.’ ” (Daniel 6:21-22, NIV).

“The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.” (Daniel 6:23, NIV).

“God is able to make anything bad that happens to you, work out for your good.”

“Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon him while He is near. (Isaiah 55:6).

Daily prayer and Bible study reveal that we are using our faith to trust God’s faithfulness, and His promises to deliver us from every dilemma.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6, NIV).

We form many habits that are counterproductive to our spiritual growth, but forming the habit of constant praying is the spiritual lifeline that connects us to Jesus, our Shepherd, and the Commander of Angel Armies. [Study Psalm 91].

Daily challenges can range from minor annoyances to life-changing adversity. Still, we must choose to respond like Daniel who immediately asked God for help. Yes, he remained courageous, even when facing the impossible situation of pending death.

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1-2).

Like King David, the Believers who depend on God by asking Him every day to intervene in their ordinary routines of life, reveal they have redirected their faith and trust from themselves to God.

Human thoughts and strategies are very limited, and will always produce unforeseen consequences. As followers of Christ, we should never be willing to play the Game of Chance with our lives.

Relying on Jesus Christ, our Heavenly Intercessor is the only way our faith can grow, and become steadfast. Only God can guarantee victorious outcomes that honor and glorify His Holy Name.

Always remain faithful to God. Live like Daniel, establish a faith-based life fueled by much prayer, and fear will never rise up and overpower your faith in God.

Our faith and trust in God’s power and promises are the catalysts to immediately seek God in prayer. Thankfully, we serve a Righteous and Dependable God whose promises are “Yes” to which we say, “Amen! [It is so!]”

Bible Study: Daniel 6

Lord God, we thank You for being a Never- changing God, and a Loving Father who invites us to come before the Throne of Grace to petition for Your help at anytime. Lord, we are in desperate need of Your Divine Intervention to resolve our battles of spiritual warfare. In faith, we thank You in advance for giving us the victory, and ask this prayer in the Righteous Name of Jesus, Amen.

“You Tried to Hurt Me But God Made Me Stronger – Sabbath Sermon – Pastor Dr. Wintley Phipps

Sabbath Peace and Blessings

“And He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27).

Lord God, we thank you for giving us the Seventh-Day Sabbath instituted in Creation week. We are blessed to have 24 hours to commune with You, to receive spiritual rest and renewal, and to reflect on your abundant Love, Grace, and Mercies. We look forward to the day when You come again, and we will worship together every Sabbath in the New Heaven and New Earth. As we consecrate ourselves on Your Holy Sabbath Day, we pray for a much-needed Spiritual blessing of wisdom and discernment. Teach us how to love. Jesus, we love You, and ask this prayer in Your Righteous Name, Amen.

The Past Cannot Be Changed! Do Not Regret Your Past Mistakes!

Saul before his conversion was responsible for the death and imprisonment of many Christians including the death of Stephen [Saul gave his approval and witnessed the stoning of Stephen, a faithful Christian].

With the exception of the Apostle John, Jesus’ disciples died as martyrs. If Christ did not restrain Satan’s enmity against Christians, he would attempt to eradicate believers. But Jesus always places limitations on Satan’s Warfare against the righteous.

While Saul was traveling on the road to Damascus to persecute more Christians, from Heaven, Jesus spoke to Saul.

Saul’s Conversion: “As he journeyed he [Saul] came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?…’ “

“And he said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ Then the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting…So he, trembling and astonished, said, ‘Lord, what do You want me to do?’ ” (Acts 9:3-6).

Not only did Christ completely transform Saul, who after his conversion used the name Paul, Jesus gave the persecutor of Christians the spiritual assignment of witnessing to the Gentiles, and starting the early Christian church.

“Although Paul had Roman citizenship, he was Hebrew by birth. Paul identified himself as both ‘Jewish’ and ‘Hebrew,’ most notably stating that he was ‘a Hebrew of the Hebrews.’ ” (Philippians 3:5).

“In the Apostle Paul’s time, paganism was the dominant religious landscape of the Greco-Roman world, characterized by polytheism and idol worship, which Paul’s ministry challenged by advocating for exclusive devotion to the one true God…”

Paul Proclaims His Mission of Witnessing to the Gentiles: “Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it! And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves.” (Acts 28:28-29).

The Gentiles were hated by the Jewish leaders and community because their lifestyles and pagan rituals had no boundaries. “Their pagan rituals included idol worship, sacrificing animals, food, and, in some cases, humans, and the practice of sexual immorality as part of worship to their deities.”

From fulfilling God’s mission to preach to the Gentiles, Paul was also rejected by the Jewish community. The Sanhedrin even attempted to coerce the Roman government into executing Paul.

But as a Roman citizen, Paul exercised his right to appeal to Caesar, which guaranteed a trial. But, the apostle remained a prisoner, and many years later was executed by Nero.

“The Apostle Paul was not executed for any specific legal charges, but rather fell victim to Emperor Nero’s persecution of Christians following the Great Fire of Rome in AD 64.”

During the time of his imprisonment, the Holy Spirit gave the apostle Paul, God’s spoken words that are documented in 14 books of the New Testament.

The conversion of Saul to Paul, the Apostle reveals that when we repent, God completely forgives us of every past decision, behaviors, and actions, including heinous crimes.

Repent: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9).

Like Paul, we repent, receive forgiveness, and move forward by fulfilling God’s spiritual goals for our lives. Christ has won the victory over sin, and through His redeeming power, and from striving to live holy, we are covered with His Righteousness.

The Story of Redemption

Jesus, the Sacrificial Lamb: “After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, ‘I thirst!’ So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.’ (John 19:28, 30).

God’s Forgiveness: “I, I am He who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.” (Isaiah 43:25).

“Justification is God’s legal act of declaring a sinner righteous, not based on the sinner’s merit, but by imputing the Righteousness of Jesus Christ through faith in us.”

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, CSB).

“Justification is the complete act of Grace that provides the sinner with complete forgiveness and reconciliation with God, providing a clean slate rather than changing their inherent character.”

Sanctification: God, the Holy Spirit performs the lifelong transformation of our minds characters and personalities into the likeness of Christ. Still, we must cooperate with the Holy Spirit through daily surrender, faithful obedience, renouncing sin, and striving to live holy.

The Fruit of the Spirit is Christ’s Righteous Character

Sanctification: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering [patience], gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23, KJV).

The Believer’s Responsibility: “And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:24-25).

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NLT).

Like the apostle Paul, God’s forgiveness includes becoming a new son or daughter in Christ Jesus. We ask God to reveal our spiritual assignment and in Jesus’ strength we fulfill God’s plans for our lives.

“You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.” (Micah 7:19, NIV).

Two of the most dangerous mindsets are harboring feelings of guilt and believing that God has not forgiven us when we repent of our past sins.

It is impossible to live righteously, or receive Eternal Life if we fail to use our faith to believe in The Plan of Redemption, which includes God’s Love, Grace, Mercies, and His promises to forgive us despite the nature of our past atrocities.

Fact: Satan will use people to remind us of our past. Separation is required from those who desire to confront us regarding our past lives. Neither can we have relationships with people who refuse to forgive us.

1. If it is possible to ask those who we have harmed to forgive us then God expects us to do so. Also remember, we cannot force others to forgive us.

2. If the person is deceased then it is impossible to ask them for forgiveness [“…the dead know nothing.” Ecclesiastes 9:5], we ask God to forgive us, and move forward.

3. If a legal restraining order exists, we pray, and ask the Holy Spirit to comfort the person or people we have injured. Resist the urge to intervene. Once we have asked God to send comfort, we step aside, and move forward.

There were many individuals who remembered Paul as Saul, the former Christian Killer. Even after his conversion, he was often feared, and hated by many who knew his past life.

If you are thinking, Wait, is it this easy to receive God’s forgiveness for my past? Yes, it is!

God’s Answer: “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. “(Isaiah 1:18).

To every believer, God knows our past, but, when we ask for forgiveness, God forgives us, and He expects us to move forward in the Power of His Might [Divine Strength]. With God, we will not be able to justify our decision of not “letting the past go.”

Paul tells us how to Redirect Our Spiritual Focus: “…dear brothers and sisters…I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead…” (Philippians 3:13).

Reminder: “Our past decisions and actions were determined by the knowledge, or the lack of knowledge that we possessed at that time.”

“Now, that we are converted believers and live according to God’s Holy Word, we would do things very differently, but there is no opportunity for that.”

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” (Revelation 22:12).

Pray and ask God to reveal His plans for your life, and like the Apostle Paul, move forward in the Power and Strength of Jesus Christ who is coming soon. Yes and Amen!

Bible Study: Acts 9

Prayer: Lord God, create in us a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit of righteousness within us. We ask You to give us the strength to move forward in our spiritual journey as we fulfill our spiritual assignments. Lord, give us the wisdom to live as one who is forgiven, and one who is cleansed from all unrighteousness by the precious blood of Jesus Christ whose Holy Name, we ask this prayer.

Make the Commitment to Spend More Time with Jesus Every Day

“Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.” (Luke 6:12).

Spending time with Jesus invites the Holy Spirit to perform the spiritual transformation of our minds, characters, and personalities into the Righteousness of Christ, only then can we reflect His perfect love to others.

One of the best benefits of intentional time with Jesus is when facing life’s overwhelming challenges, we are not anxious or worried because our first response is to humbly bow before the Throne of Grace asking for His help in our time of need.

And with confidence, we thank Him in the same prayer for giving us His perfect resolution, and a victorious outcome. Yes, we can always rely on Jesus’ promises to “never leave us or forsake us.”

Lord God, we thank You for loving us with a love so deep that we do not understand it, yet we are extremely grateful for Your Agape Love. We ask forgiveness for not spending enough time with You. In faith, we commit to daily personal worship. Teach us how to live and to live with grateful hearts. We ask this prayer in the Loving Name of Jesus, Amen.

Bible Study: Luke 6

Matthew’s Conversion: “Follow Me”

“As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow Me,’ He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him.” (Matthew 9:9, NIV).

As Matthew, the corrupt tax collector, sat outside at the tax table, day after day, he frequently overheard many individuals talking about Jesus’ Love, Compassion, messages of Salvation, and the countless miracles of healing He performed on the multitudes.

Although Matthew was despised by the Jewish leaders and community, his social circle included men who were as wealthy and diabolical as himself. Yes, Matthew had everything that Satan offers: wealth, pleasure, social status, and an easy life.

“So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:33, ESV).

Matthew gave up the sinful pleasures of life and a prestigious job to follow Jesus. The Roman government was Matthew’s employer, and to walk away from a once-in-a-lifetime job that guaranteed forever wealth would destroy any chance of rehire.

Matthew was not intimidated by the cost of following Christ; he trusted that Jesus was exactly who He said He was, “the One sent from God.” The wealthy tax collector who immediately got up [without hesitation and with silence] from the table demonstrated the giant leap of faith that boldly says, “I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back.”

The same leap of faith required to follow Christ is one that many of today’s believers are unwilling to take. We have been deceived by Satan into thinking that we can serve God and live as we please, but there is no reward for those who are not willing to be modern-day Matthews.

“But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.” (Jeremiah 17:10, NLT). Jesus discerned the Tax Collector’s heart, knowing that Matthew was ready to embrace righteousness; Jesus extended the invitation, “Follow Me.”

Matthew’s decision to follow Christ did not happen at the time he received Jesus’ invitation. From previously hearing about Christ, Matthew used his faith to believe, which invited the Holy Spirit to perform immediate Heart Conversion when Jesus said, “Follow Me.” [In Genesis chapter 1, the Scriptures mention that God, the Holy Spirit, was present with God, the Father, and God, Jesus, the Son.]

Despite the hardships of rejection and hardships that all followers of Christ must endure, Matthew was 100% committed to love and obey God, love others, renounce his former sinful habits and lifestyle, and remain loyal to Jesus Christ, the Messiah.

As one of the twelve apostles, Matthew traveled with Jesus for three years [the duration of Christ’s earthly ministry]. Spending time with Christ every day resulted in a complete spiritual transformation of his mind, character, and personality into the likeness of Christ.

The apostle Matthew proves that, despite our past, dedicating oneself to following Jesus results in a new heart overflowing with love, faith, obedience, and loyalty to Jesus Christ. Every day that we consecrate ourselves to faithfully follow and obey Jesus invites the Holy Spirit to perform the life-transforming spiritual process of Sanctification.

“The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” (Revelation 21:14, NIV).

Not only will eleven of the twelve men [Jesus’ original disciples], and Matthias who replaced Judas, receive Eternal Life when our Triumphant King comes again, they will also have their names inscribed on the foundations of the New Jerusalem.

Righteousness by Faith: Our greatest desire should be to follow Jesus with love, loyalty, and faithful obedience. We only have one opportunity to become faithful followers, and that is in our earthly lives. Only those who are willing to let go of every desire, pleasure, and material treasure to follow their Savior and Shepherd will receive the Crown of Life. Yes and Amen!

Bible Study: Matthew 9, Revelation 21-22

Prayer: Lord God, create in us a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within us. We ask You to turn our eyes away from worthless things, so like Matthew, we are willing to follow You wherever You lead us. We ask this prayer in the Powerful Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Good People Do Not Go to Heaven

“Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8).

Have you ever asked yourself, “Why is it so easy for us to choose sin instead of doing what is right?” Although our answers may vary, many Christians have embraced the false belief that “Good people go to Heaven.”

According to Jesus, good people do not go to heaven. Only the righteous will receive Eternal Life. Study Matthew 25:31-46 and Revelation 22.

“Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city” (Revelation 22:14).

The other false teaching that promotes sinful habits and behaviors is “The Commandments” were nailed to the Cross. But Jesus says, “Blessed are those who do His Commandments…”

“The Ten Commandments are God’s Moral Law. The law of God reveals God’s character, who He is. As God is Holy, Righteous, and Good, so also is His law. Paul confirms: ‘So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good’ (Rom. 7:12, ESV).”

“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15).

Without the Ten Commandments, Christian believers would not have boundaries, and we would practice the same sins that unbeliever’s embrace and commit everyday.

We are not saved by the Law, we are saved by faith through Jesus Christ. Still, the Law identifies sinfulness as defined by God.

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6).

The struggle with sin has intensified because we are attending church, but not studying the Holy Bible. So we rely on our perception of holiness, which is the foundation for disobedience to God.

“And He who sent Me is [always] with Me; He has not left Me alone, because I always do what pleases Him.” (John 8:29, Amplified Bible). Jesus instructs us on the importance of obedience to God.

Without obedience, we do not have the covering of Christ’s Righteousness, nor can the Holy Spirit dwell inside of the unclean mind and body who rebels against God.

Personal testimony: When I began studying the Bible every day, I was shocked to find out that over half of what I believed [and was taught in my former church] was not in the Holy Scriptures.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” (John 14:26).

I knew nothing about living a consecrated and obedient life. Thankfully, I prayed and the Holy Spirit led me to a Christ-centered, Faith-based church. Still, I study the Bible everyday, asking the Holy Spirit to give me much-needed wisdom and discernment.

“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12-13). “What does this mean? It means that every day you are to distrust your own human efforts and wisdom.” Relying on God’s Directives is our Spiritual Safety Net. (Study Proverbs 3:5-7).

We are commanded to work on our salvation which includes much prayer, and studying the Holy Scriptures. When we pray and ask God to give us understanding of His One and Only Truth, our prayers are answered immediately by the Holy Spirit who gives us a deeper understanding of God’s Truth.

Jesus paid our sin debt with His sacrificial death on Calvary’s Cross, and gave us The Bible, our Spiritual Guide Book, so we can search the Scriptures, obey, and live righteously. What more could Jesus have done for us?

“For it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am Holy.’ ” (1 Peter 1:16).

We must believe Jesus when He says we can do nothing without abiding in Him [John 15:5]. Because we inherited sinful hearts, we cannot judge ourselves, nor can we live holy, without being empowered by the Holy Spirit.

“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness, no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14, NIV).

Our Triumphant King is coming sooner than we think. It is time for us to take God seriously by using our time and faith to study, believe, and obey His Righteous commandments, and instructions in the Holy Scriptures.

We choose our destiny, which is reflected by our thoughts, decisions, and our lifestyles. Throughout the Bible, Jesus consistently reminds us that only the righteous [faithful and obedient] will see God. Yes and Amen.

but just as it is written [in Scripture], “THINGS WHICH THE EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND THE EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND WHICH HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, who obey Him, and who gratefully recognize the benefits that He has bestowed].” (1 Corinthians 2:9, Amplified Bible).

Lord Jesus, You promised that when we call on Your Name, and believe, study, and trust and obey the Scriptures that you will complete the work of Sanctification in us. Lord, we desperately need Your help to overcome sin. We ask for Your Divine guidance and strength to live righteously. Thank you, for Your Steadfast love, and great sacrifice on Calvary’s Cross. Give us wisdom and discernment, as we study Your Word. It is in faith that we ask this prayer in Your Holy Name, Amen.