Jahjahpickney

WHY DOES THE PREACHER CONCLUDE, "ALL IS VANITY" (Ecclesiastes 12:8)? In Ecclesiastes 1:2 and again in 12:8, we find this curious observation: “Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity” (ESV). Today, when we hear the word vanity, we think of pride, conceit, and an exaggerated opinion of and attention to oneself. But here in the book of Ecclesiastes, the word vanity is correctly understood as “meaningless,” as rendered by the New International Version: “‘Meaningless! Meaningless!’ says the Teacher. ‘Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.’” Vanity is a key word in the book of Ecclesiastes, appearing 34 times. The original Hebrew word means “breeze,” “breath,” or “vapor” and speaks of the fleeting nature of things. It is translated as “meaningless,” “futility,” and “pointless” in various Bible versions. How did this biblical preacher’s determined search to make sense of life lead him to conclude that there is no meaning or purpose to human existence? The author of the book of Ecclesiastes, who refers to himself as the “Preacher” (KJV, ESV) or “Teacher” (NIV, HCSB), is King David’s son Solomon. To understand Solomon’s ruling that “all is vanity,” we must study the phrase within its written context. Ecclesiastes is unique from any other book in the Bible. Written by Solomon in the later years of his life, its central theme is the pointlessness of human activity and human goals apart from God. During this season of his life, Solomon attempted to understand life using human reason and intellect. His exploration stemmed from a perspective of worldly wisdom based on available information from the physical realm. Solomon may have been out of fellowship with God when he wrote Ecclesiastes or thinking back on such a time. Like many worldly philosophers, separated from God and His divine revelation, Solomon concluded that nothing in life has significance. The human experience has no purpose. Solomon’s search proved futile based on one pivotal detail—his pursuit was limited to the finite span of life humans experience here on earth. Apart from God, His revelation of Himself, and His purposes, our lives are indeed vacant and void of meaning. Anything that lacks eternal value has no real value at all. Ecclesiastes speaks to those times when life seems empty or doesn’t make sense. Our human experiences are often bewildering and confusing. Wicked people succeed while the righteous suffer, and horrible injustices are all around (Ecclesiastes 3:16; 4:1–5). Ultimately, life and all of our human endeavors are pointless in themselves. Like Solomon, if we look for meaning and purpose apart from God, our quest will end in frustration. Only through a relationship with God in Jesus the Christ do we discover our true purpose and destiny. God exists outside these momentary years of mortal life on earth, and in Him our future extends far beyond this finite world: “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, NLT). We are made in the image and likeness of God to be His representatives on the earth (Genesis 1:26). In Him, we discover who we are and what we are made for: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10, NLT). In the eyes of God, every human life has tremendous value and significance. We are His most precious possessions and the center of His attention (Deuteronomy 32:10; Zechariah 2:8; Psalm 17:8). When God is present in our lives, He becomes our source and our treasure—the meaning and purpose of our lives. When we “think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth,” we discover “real life” that “is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:2–3, NLT). Just as many humans do, Solomon sought meaning in life outside of God’s will and apart from His presence. His search ended in vanity, or emptiness. But in Jesus the Christ, who is “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6), the believer’s search culminates in everything: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:33, NLT). In the Lord, our work has meaning: “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless” (1 Corinthians 15:58, NLT). Solomon closed Ecclesiastes in the same place he started. “All is vanity” bookends his journey, underscoring the emptiness and futility of life without God. When we focus only on this earthly life—“everything going on under the sun”—it does seem pointless, “like chasing the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14, NLT). But when we know God through a relationship with Jesus the Christ, we receive abundant life in His kingdom and a heavenly treasure worth far more than all the world’s silver and gold (Acts 3:6; Matthew 6:19–21; 1 John 5:11–13). Amen.🙏🏿😘

Jahjahpickney

3 weeks ago

WILL WE HAVE PHYSICAL BODIES IN HEAVEN? Although the Bible tells us little about what it will be like in heaven, it seems that we will most likely have a physical body, although not in the same sense of "physical" that we have now. First Corinthians 15:52 says that "the dead will be raised incorruptible" and that those who are alive at the time of Christ's return for His saints "shall be changed." Jesus Christ is "the first fruits" of those who have died (1 Corinthians 15:20, 23). This means that He set the example and leads the way. First Corinthians 15:42 says that our "body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption." In a precursor to the believers" resurrection, some were raised at the time of Christ's resurrection in Matthew 27:52 where it says that their "bodies...were raised." Thomas, in John 20:27, physically touched the body of Christ following His resurrection, so He obviously had a body that was solid. We can expect that all believers" resurrection will be like that of Christ's. What a wonderful truth! The Bible is not specific, but it seems that we will be able to eat. John, in Revelation 22:2, writes of his vision of the eternal state where he saw that "in the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month." This seems to be a reversal of the Genesis 3 punishment where Adam and Eve, and hence all of mankind, were banned from eating from this tree. As for hunger, it appears that there won't be any. Isaiah 49:10 says that there will be no hunger or thirst in the millennial kingdom. This is speaking of mortal men during that period, not of translated saints, but by extension it can be said that if mortals on earth during Christ's Kingdom do not hunger, then surely there will be no hunger in heaven (see also Revelation 7:14-16). Finally, Job wrote that he knew for sure that even after he dies and his skin is long gone, that "in my FLESH I shall SEE God" (Job 19:26 - all caps added for emphasis). So that means our bodies will consist of some kind of glorified flesh. Whatever form we have, we know that it will be perfect, sinless and flawless. AMEN.🙏🏿😘

Jahjahpickney

3 weeks ago

HOW IS ETERNITY IN HELL A FAIR PUNISHMENT FOR SIN? Many people are uncomfortable, to say the least, with the idea of an eternal hell. This discomfort, though, is often the result of an incomplete understanding of three things: the nature of God, the nature of man, and the nature of sin. Hell will never be an easy topic, but its fairness can be understood. As fallen, sinful human beings, we have difficulty grasping the nature of God. We tend to see God as a kind, merciful being whose love for us overrides and overshadows all His other attributes. Of course, God is loving, kind, and merciful, but He is also holy and righteous and just. His attributes exist together and cannot be separated from one another. In His holiness, He cannot tolerate sin (Proverbs 6:16–19). In His righteousness, He is angry with the wicked and disobedient (Isaiah 5:25; Hosea 8:5; Zechariah 10:3). In His justice, He must punish sin. If He failed to punish wrongdoing, God would be unjust. All sin is ultimately against God (Psalm 51:4). It is a transgression of His law (1 John 3:4). God is infinite in His nature, infinite in glory, and infinite in worthiness. This makes Him infinitely worthy of obedience, and crimes committed against Him warrant an infinite penalty—eternity in hell. Even under our human laws, the severity of a crime depends, in part, on the value of the target of the offense. If a man enters a junkyard at night and smashes the headlights of a derelict car, he will probably pay a small fine. But if that same man enters the showroom of a Porche dealer and whales away at the 911s, he will pay a much larger fine and probably serve some jail time. The difference is the value of the crime’s target. Punishment is proportionate to the worth of the thing damaged. God’s glory is the most valuable thing in existence—it is of infinite worth. If punishment is proportional, then crimes committed against God deserve an infinite penalty—eternity in hell. In Jesus’ story of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man goes to hell after he dies while Lazarus goes to paradise (Luke 16). The rich man in hell is “in torment” (verse 23), but he never asks, “How did I end up here?” Neither does he say, “I don’t deserve this” or “This is unfair.” He only asks that someone go to his brothers who are still alive and warn them against his fate. The man in hell seemed to accept that his punishment was deserved and that his brothers deserved similar fates. Like the rich man in Jesus’ story, every sinner in hell has a full realization that he deserves to be there. Each sinner has a fully informed, acutely aware conscience that, in hell, becomes a torment. The undeniable guilt will produce everlasting shame, misery, regret, and self-hatred. There will be no relief from the despair. The reality of eternal damnation is frightening. We are right to fear such a fate and be troubled by thoughts of it. But there is good news. God loves us to the extent that He sent His Son, Jesus, to provide the payment for our sin (John 3:16). When Jesus died on the cross, He took our punishment and satisfied God’s righteous demand for justice. Because of His intrinsic, infinite worth, Jesus was able to cover the infinite debt we owed. All that remains is for us to confess our sin and place our faith in Christ’s death and resurrection. Forgiveness of sin and salvation from eternal hell can be ours by grace, through faith. AMEN.🙏🏿😘

Jahjahpickney

3 weeks ago

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION? Note: We wholeheartedly believe that God’s people are called to be compassionate and merciful toward immigrants (Exodus 22:21; Leviticus 19:33–34; Matthew 25:35). We also believe that the United States should have a compassionate and merciful immigration policy. However, the question at hand concerns illegal immigration—and whether it is wrong to violate a nation’s borders and transgress its immigration laws. Romans 13:1–7 makes it clear that God expects us to obey the laws of the government. The only exception is when a law forces us to disobey a command of God (Acts 5:29). Illegal immigration breaks a government’s law. There is nothing in Scripture that contradicts the idea of a sovereign nation having immigration laws. Therefore, it is rebellion against God to unlawfully enter another country. Illegal immigration is a sin. Illegal immigration is a controversial issue in the United States and some other countries today. Some argue that the immigration laws are unfair, unjust, and even discriminatory—thus giving individuals justification to immigrate illegally. However, Romans 13:1–7 does not give permission to violate a law just because it is perceived as unjust. Again, the issue is not the fairness of a law. The only biblical reason to violate a government’s law is if that law violates God’s Word. When Paul wrote the book of Romans, he was under the authority of the Roman Empire, led by Emperor Nero. Under that reign, there were many laws that were unfair, unjust, or blatantly evil. Still, Paul instructed Christians to submit to the government. All developed countries have immigration laws, some more strict than those of the US and some less strict, but all countries have to deal with illegal immigration. There is nothing in the Bible to prohibit a country from having open borders or closed borders. The Bible does give government the authority to make laws and punish lawbreakers (Romans 13:1–7). Whether the punishment is imprisonment, deportation, or something more severe, a government has the right to enforce its laws. Illegal immigration is a complex issue. Most illegal immigrants in the United States have come for the purpose of seeking a better life, providing for their families, and escaping poverty. These are good goals and motivations. However, it is not biblical to violate a law to achieve a “good.” Caring for the poor, orphans, and widows is something the Bible commands us to do (Galatians 2:10; James 1:27; 2:2–15); however, that biblical mandate does not excuse lawbreaking. Supporting, enabling, or encouraging illegal immigration is a violation of God’s Word. Those seeking to emigrate to another country should always obey the immigration laws of that country. Yes, dealing with red tape may cause delays and frustrations, but it is better than acting illegally. A frustrating law is still a law. What is the biblical principle related to immigrating illegally? Simple—don’t do it; obey the laws of the land. Lawbreaking is not a biblical option, but citizens of the US have many rights under the law, including the right to change the law. If it is your conviction that an immigration law is unjust, do everything legally within your power to get the law changed: pray, petition, vote, peacefully protest, etc. As Christians, we should be the first to seek to change any law that is truly unjust. At the same time, we are to demonstrate our submission to God by obeying the government He has placed in authority over us. “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves” (1 Peter 2:13–16). AMEN.🙏🏿😘

Jahjahpickney

3 weeks ago

WHAT DOES IT MEAN THAT "THERE ARE NONE WHO DOES GOOD, NO NOT ONE." (PSALM 14:3; ROMANS 3:12)? One of the most often quoted and deeply treasured New Testament Bible verses is Romans 8:28: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28, NLT). Sometimes when life gets messy, when we struggle through hardship or suffering, we can start to feel spiritually adrift. We continue to deal with temptations, evil, calamities, pressures, and fears in this fallen world. For this reason, we must reinforce who we are and understand what’s happening to us. In Romans 8:18–30, the apostle Paul encourages believers to hold onto hope and the promises of God in these times. Remember that God is operating ceaselessly in the lives of those who love Him, sovereignly working out His redemptive plan. The Christian life is not a random, unintentional, haphazard existence. As God’s children, believers are beckoned to a new life of realizing His good purposes for them. The word translated here as “called” specifies a summoning in the original Greek. It identifies someone whose involvement or presence has been officially requested, especially a summoning to which refusal is not an option, as in a subpoena. Many Bible passages speak of the believer’s calling: “God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9; see also 1 Corinthians 7:17; Galatians 1:15; Ephesians 4:1, 4). Paul explains to Timothy that God “has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time” (2 Timothy 1:9). Even before He created the world, “God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure” (Ephesians 1:4–5, NLT). God has called us into a relationship with Jesus Christ for the purpose of being “conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29). God’s purpose in calling us is twofold: for our good and His glory (2 Thessalonians 2:13–14; 1 Peter 2:9). The noun purpose in Romans 8:28 means “intention; an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides planned actions.” In the Christian life, God’s purpose is the guiding force, the most critical reality. Sometimes God’s purpose includes suffering and frustration (Romans 8:17). Nevertheless, Paul assures that “it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13). We can rest assured that God is sovereign. He is acting in every circumstance of life. His will and purpose control everything in His eternal plan (Ephesians 1:11; 3:11). Those who love God and are called according to His purpose can know that not one thing in this life escapes Him. When we belong to Jesus, nothing can happen to us outside God’s plan for our good. God is continuously working in the hearts and lives of people who love Him and are called according to His purpose. The Lord is causing everything to fit together for our good and His glory. Standing on this solid truth reframes our difficulties. We can face them with confidence, trusting that every challenge is part of God’s ultimate plan to transform our old nature into what He has purposed for us to be: “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18; see also Ephesians 4:22–24; Colossians 3:9–10). AMEN.🙏🏿😘

Jahjahpickney

3 weeks ago

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE (ROMANS 8:28)? One of the most often quoted and deeply treasured New Testament Bible verses is Romans 8:28: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28, NLT). Sometimes when life gets messy, when we struggle through hardship or suffering, we can start to feel spiritually adrift. We continue to deal with temptations, evil, calamities, pressures, and fears in this fallen world. For this reason, we must reinforce who we are and understand what’s happening to us. In Romans 8:18–30, the apostle Paul encourages believers to hold onto hope and the promises of God in these times. Remember that God is operating ceaselessly in the lives of those who love Him, sovereignly working out His redemptive plan. The Christian life is not a random, unintentional, haphazard existence. As God’s children, believers are beckoned to a new life of realizing His good purposes for them. The word translated here as “called” specifies a summoning in the original Greek. It identifies someone whose involvement or presence has been officially requested, especially a summoning to which refusal is not an option, as in a subpoena. Many Bible passages speak of the believer’s calling: “God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9; see also 1 Corinthians 7:17; Galatians 1:15; Ephesians 4:1, 4). Paul explains to Timothy that God “has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time” (2 Timothy 1:9). Even before He created the world, “God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure” (Ephesians 1:4–5, NLT). God has called us into a relationship with Jesus Christ for the purpose of being “conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29). God’s purpose in calling us is twofold: for our good and His glory (2 Thessalonians 2:13–14; 1 Peter 2:9). The noun purpose in Romans 8:28 means “intention; an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides planned actions.” In the Christian life, God’s purpose is the guiding force, the most critical reality. Sometimes God’s purpose includes suffering and frustration (Romans 8:17). Nevertheless, Paul assures that “it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13). We can rest assured that God is sovereign. He is acting in every circumstance of life. His will and purpose control everything in His eternal plan (Ephesians 1:11; 3:11). Those who love God and are called according to His purpose can know that not one thing in this life escapes Him. When we belong to Jesus, nothing can happen to us outside God’s plan for our good. God is continuously working in the hearts and lives of people who love Him and are called according to His purpose. The Lord is causing everything to fit together for our good and His glory. Standing on this solid truth reframes our difficulties. We can face them with confidence, trusting that every challenge is part of God’s ultimate plan to transform our old nature into what He has purposed for us to be: “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18; see also Ephesians 4:22–24; Colossians 3:9–10). AMEN.🙏🏿😘

Jahjahpickney

1 month ago

WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF MARRIAGE? On June 26, 2015, the United States Supreme Court issued a ruling legalizing gay marriage. Across the Atlantic, in mid-July 2013, the Queen of England signed into law “The Marriage Bill,” which allows same-sex couples to marry legally. Around the world, at least fifteen other nations have legalized marriage between same-sex partners. Obviously, the societal definition of marriage is changing. But is it the right of a government to redefine marriage, or has the definition of marriage already been set by a higher authority? In Genesis chapter 2, God declares it is not good for Adam (the first man) to live alone. All the animals are there, but none of them are a suitable partner for Adam. God, therefore, in a special act of creation, makes a woman. Just a few verses later, the woman is called “his wife” (Genesis 2:25). Eden was the scene of the first marriage, ordained by God Himself. The author of Genesis then records the standard by which all future marriages are defined: “A man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). This passage of Scripture gives several points for understanding God’s design for marriage. First, marriage involves a man and a woman. The Hebrew word for “wife” is gender-specific; it cannot mean anything other than “a woman.” There is no passage in Scripture that mentions a marriage involving anything other than a man and a woman. It is impossible for a family to form or human reproduction to take place asexually. Since God ordained sex to only take place between a married couple, it follows that God’s design is for the family unit to be formed when a man and woman come together in a sexual relationship and have children. The second principle from Genesis 2 about God’s design for marriage is that marriage is intended to last for a lifetime. Verse 24 says the two become “one flesh.” Eve was taken from Adam’s side, and so she was literally one flesh with Adam. Her very substance was formed from Adam instead of from the ground. Every marriage thereafter is intended to reflect the unity shared by Adam and Eve. Because their bond was “in the flesh,” they were together forever. There was no escape clause written into the first marriage that allowed for the two to separate. That is to say that God designed marriage for life. When a man and a woman make a commitment to marry, they “become one flesh,” and that is why they say, “Till death do us part.” A third principle from this passage about God’s design for marriage is monogamy. The Hebrew words for “man” and “wife” are singular and do not allow for multiple wives. Even though some people in Scripture did have multiple wives, it is clear from the creation account that God’s design for marriage was one man and one woman. Jesus emphasized this principle when He appealed to the Genesis account to counter the idea of easy divorce (Matthew 19:4—6). It should come as no surprise that the world desires to change what God has instituted. “The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so” (Romans 8:7). Though the world is attempting to provide their own definitions for what they call “marriage,” the Bible still stands. The clear definition of marriage is the union of one man and one woman for life. AMEN. 🙏🏿🥰

Jahjahpickney

1 month ago

WHY DID JESUS SAY, "DO NOT FEAR; ONLY BELIEVE" TO THE RULER OF THE SYNAGOGUE (MARK 5:36)? Fear is a common human emotion or experience. Many fear the unknown. Many fear death. Yet God calls believers not to live in fear. Rather, we are to fear God (Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 19:23; Matthew 10:28). In Mark 5:36, Jesus responds to Jairus’ fear and says, “Do not fear; only believe” (NKJV). Jairus, a synagogue leader, had come to Jesus because his young daughter was dying (Mark 5:22). He pleaded that Jesus come to his house to heal her so she would live (verse 23). As they were walking, some people came from Jairus’ house to inform him that his daughter had died. Seeing no hope, they told Jairus, “Why bother the teacher anymore?” (verse 35). Jesus overhead them and told Jairus, “Do not fear; only believe” (Mark 5:46). They continued to Jairus’ home. There, Jesus took the girl by the hand and said to her, “‘Talitha koum!’ (which means ‘Little girl, I say to you, get up!’)” (verse 41). At that, she immediately stood up and began to walk around (verse 42). Jesus had raised the girl from the dead. Up until this point, Jesus had revealed His authority over disaster, demons, and disease. He had calmed a raging storm (Mark 4:35–41). He expelled a legion of demons (Mark 5:1–13), and He healed many people with diseases including a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years (Mark 5:25–29). With Jairus’ daughter, Jesus showed His power and authority over death. Jesus waited until the girl was identified as dead before telling Jairus, “Do not fear; only believe,” and before raising her from the dead. The Bible often says things like “Do not fear,” “Do not be afraid,” and “Fear not.” Jesus’ words “Do not fear; only believe” meant that Jairus was not to allow anxiety or worry to take root in his heart. Jesus’ command indicates that fear and faith cannot peaceably coexist. Believers do not need to live in fear because God has given us “a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV). We are to be people of faith, not fear. The command “Do not fear; only believe” does not contradict the command to fear God. In fact, it is in fearing God that we are able to believe in Him and live without fear. The one who fears God is able to say, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust” (Psalm 91:1–2). Those who trust in God can live fearlessly: “You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you” (Psalm 91:5–7). Jesus commands believers to fear the Lord, not our circumstances. Faith allows us to live out what Jesus instructed: “Do not fear; only believe.” To believe in God is to have assurance in who God is and what He has done. He who gave Himself for us (Titus 2:14) is trustworthy and worthy of our faith. Our faith does not have to be big (Matthew 17:20; Luke 17:6). It just needs to be placed in the right person (Hebrews 11:6), be persistent (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and have the right intent (James 4:2–3). Jairus trusted in Jesus and witnessed the miracle of Jesus bringing his daughter back to life. This does not mean that everything we pray for will be answered the way we want. When Jesus told Jairus, “Do not fear; only believe,” He did not promise Jairus that He would raise his daughter from the dead. He did not even tell Jairus whether the outcome would be favorable. When we pray, we must pray according to God’s will: we must be open to whatever time and whatever way the Lord chooses to answer our prayer. First John 5:14–15 tells us, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” In the case of Jairus, it was God’s will for Jesus to heal his daughter. Believers need not fear, only believe that God will work all things “for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). God is right, faithful, and true (Psalm 33:4), and we can trust in Him. We need not fear anything that comes our way, including death, because our hope ultimately rests in Him (1 Peter 1:3). AMEN. 🙏🏿🥰

Jahjahpickney

1 month ago

HOW CAN I KNOW IF I AM ONE OF THE ELECT? While there are numerous ideas of precisely what election means in regards to salvation, the fact that believers are elect is indisputable (Romans 8:29-30; Ephesians 1:4-5, 11; 1 Thessalonians 1:4). Simply put, the doctrine of election is that God chooses/determines/elects/predestines who will be saved. It is not within the scope of this article to determine how election works. Rather, the question is “How can I know if I am one of the elect?” The answer is exceedingly simple: believe! The Bible nowhere instructs us to be concerned regarding our status of elect vs. non-elect. Rather, God calls us to believe, to receive Jesus Christ as Savior, by grace through faith (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9). If a person truly trusts in Jesus alone for salvation, that person is one of the elect. Whether belief secures election, or election causes belief – that is another debate. But what is sure is that belief is evidence of election. No one can receive Jesus as Savior unless God draws him or her (John 6:44). God calls/draws those whom He has predestined/elected (Romans 8:29-30). Saving faith is not possible without divine election. Therefore, saving faith is evidence of election. The idea of a person wanting to be saved but being unable to, due to not being one of the elect, is absolutely foreign to the Bible. No one seeks after God’s plan of salvation on his own accord (Romans 3:10-18). Those without Christ are blind to their need for salvation (2 Corinthians 4:4). This only changes when God begins drawing a person to Himself. It is God who opens eyes and enlightens minds to the need for Jesus Christ as Savior. A person cannot repent (change the mind about sin and the need for salvation) unless God grants repentance (Acts 11:18). Therefore, if you understand God’s plan of salvation, recognize your need for it, and receive Jesus Christ as your Savior by faith, you are saved. If you have received Jesus Christ as your Savior, trusting Him alone for salvation, believing that His sacrifice is the full payment for your sins – you are one of the elect. AMEN. 🙏🏿🥰

Jahjahpickney

1 month ago

WHAT IS VIRTUE ETHICS? Virtue ethics is one of the main categories of normative ethics. It teaches that moral behavior is directly linked to a virtuous life. An act cannot be ethical if it is performed by a corrupt character, and a virtuous person will naturally perform virtuous acts. Unlike other secular schools of thought, virtue ethics explains exactly what is needed to perform a morally upright act. To be virtuous, a person will develop three specific characteristics, named using three Greek words. Arête is excellence in character that naturally exemplifies goodness, honesty, self-control, and other virtues. Phronesis is moral or practical wisdom that knows the right course to take in any circumstance. Eudaimonia is a bit different. It isn’t an internal characteristic, but a good, flourishing life. Virtue ethics teaches that, by careful living, a person can develop all three qualities, thus embodying a character that is naturally moral, although external forces may damage or destroy eudaimonia. The Bible certainly promotes the development of an excellent, virtuous character. We have the example of Noah, “a righteous man, blameless in his time” (Genesis 6:9). Job 1:1 describes Job as “blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil.” And Luke 1:6 says Zacharias and Elizabeth were “both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord.” But the Bible also teaches that no one is perfect. “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). And we cannot rely on ourselves to act properly, “for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). The entire book of Proverbs is dedicated to the acquiring of phronesis. Proverbs 8:11 says, “For wisdom is better than jewels; and all desirable things cannot compare with her.” However, wisdom is not something we can develop on our own. Wisdom is a gift from the Lord (Proverbs 2:6) and actually begins with reverence for the Lord (1:7). Secular theories of ethics place a great amount of importance on happiness. Not giddy joy, but well-being and a fulfilled life. The pursuit of eudaimonia implies that the good life is necessary for a virtuous character. The Bible says otherwise. Romans 5:3–5 says, “We also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” In other words, trials develop virtue. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33), and maybe that’s a good thing, if the hard times are what God uses to build our character. We can never be completely virtuous, and we cannot develop a virtuous character on our own (Hebrews 10:10). But virtue ethics is not far off when it says ethical behavior flows from a virtuous character. As Luke 6:43–45 says, For there is no good tree which produces bad fruit, nor, on the other hand, a bad tree which produces good fruit. For each tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they pick grapes from a briar bush. The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart. AMEN. 🙏🏿🥰