Friday, 21 October 2022

WOULD YOU LIKE A ‘TRICK OR A TREAT?

 



No one likes to be tricked! But did you know that there is someone who wants to trick you? The devil is a liar.

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it

John 8:44 KJV

 

He wants you to believe that you don't need to think about where you will go when you die. But the truth is that "It is appointed unto every man once to die and after the judgement. You never know when you’re going to face God. It could be this very day! Are you ready to meet Him?

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment Hebrews 9:27 KJV

 

The devil also wants you to believe that you will go to heaven as long as you are a good person. This is also a trick! The truth is that " There is none righteous"!

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

Romans 3:10 KJV

 

The Bible tells us that if we have broken even one of God's commandments, we are guilty of breaking all His laws.

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all

James 2:10 KJV

 

God's standard is perfection and no human has ever met up to that requirement. For all have sinned.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God

Romans 3:23 KJV

 

This is where the treat comes in! Even though God cannot allow sin in His presence and we can never measure up to His standard and He was willing to take the punishment that we deserved. For He (God) hath made (Jesus) to be sin for us.

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him

2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV

 

Jesus, God's perfect son, took your sins upon Himself. He allowed Himself to be crucified. God judged your sin through the death of His Son.

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.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved

John 3:16-17 KJV

 

Jesus died and three days later He rose again from the grave, proving that He is God and that He has the power to save from sin. He said, “I am the resurrection and the life.

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live

John 11:25 KJV

 

The Bible says:

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved Romans 10:9 KJV

 

Wouldn’t you rather reject the tricks the devil is trying to play on you and accept the free gift of eternal salvation that Jesus offers to you instead?

 

You simply need to:

1. Admit you are a sinner. Tell God that you have broken His commandments.

2. Believe that Jesus is the only way to heaven. He died to take the punishment of your sins and rose again to give you eternal life with Him.

3. Call on Jesus and ask Him to forgive your sins and give you the eternal life that He offers freely.

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Romans 10:13 KJV

 

With Blessing in Christ,

David & Gay

http://onewaytograce.com/

Saturday, 1 October 2022

WHY IS THERE SUFFERING?

 


Why is there suffering? is one of the questions that people ask. How could a good God allow suffering? Many people are victims of natural calamities (earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, droughts, famines), victims of wars, injustice, persecution, neglect, loss of loved ones, accidents, and debilitating illnesses, etc. Consider all those with cancer or people born with crippling diseases, mental and physical, incapable of feeding themselves. Our hearts and prayers have and will go out to them.

Sadly, many use the issue of suffering as an excuse to reject any thought of God, when its existence is the very reason, we should believe in Him. Suffering stands as terrible testimony to the truth of the explanation given by the Word of God.

But how can we know that the Bible is true? Simply by studying the prophecies of Matthew 24, 2 Timothy 3, and Luke 21, please take the time with an open heart to read as the Holy Bible is no ordinary book. It is the supernatural testament of our Creator about why there is suffering.

God created heaven and earth, saying over and over, "It was good" (Genesis 1). He made mankind (Adam and Eve) according to His image and likeness and placed them to dwell in His creation. God declared everything "very good."

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

And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. Genesis 1:31 KJV

God created humans perfectly and they lived in a perfect world without suffering. When Adam and Eve were deceived by the serpent and ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, they rebelled against God. Sin entered into the world and death by sin. God cursed the earth because they sinned and drove them out of the garden of Eden. When sin entered the world, death and misery came with it (Genesis 3).

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Romans 5:12 KJV

Some people suffer as a result of their sin, such as the man Jesus healed at the Bethesda pool (John 5:1–15). This man had an infirmity for thirty-eight years. The man who was physically healed, Jesus later found him in the temple and warned him to sin no more or else a worse thing could happen to him.

Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. 
John 5:14 KJV

Some people suffer for God’s glory, such as the man in the Bible who was born blind. This man’s blindness was not the result of his sins or his parents sins; rather that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. 
John 9:1-3 KJV

The greatest suffering of all happened when God gave His only begotten Son Jesus Christ, who was made to be sin for us who knew no sin. Jesus laid down His life willingly, betrayed, falsely accused, mocked, scourged, gambled over. He suffered tremendous beatings by Roman soldiers, humiliation, and the agony of crucifixion. He took the punishment we deserved by bearing our sins and the sins of the entire world, dying in our place, buried, resurrected after three days, many appearances, was seen by over 500 people at one time, conquered sin and death in order to provide the free gift of salvation. (Isaiah 53 and the four Gospels and 1 Corinthians 15).

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him Romans 5:8-9 KJV

We believe that God is sovereign! Omnipotent (all-powerful), Omniscient (all-knowing), Omnipresent (to be everywhere at once). We cannot know the mind of God, and He can use suffering to draw us closer to Him. In this world we suffer as Bible-believing, born-again Christians, but through God’s grace we have inner peace knowing He has overcome the world.

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 John 16:33 KJV


Trials and tribulations help us grow and are part of what it means to be human in a fallen world. We experienced God’s comfort through trials and tribulations. We are then able to comfort others.

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 
2 Corinthians 4:8-10 KJV

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 2 Corinthians 1:4 KJV

The Bible encourages us to look forward to the things to come. Present suffering is nothing compared to future glory.

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18 KJV


Some people will think and ask, "When will the suffering of this world end?" God is powerful enough to remove all the suffering in the world, but He would need to wipe out all of humanity. If God were to show up at 12:00 noon to get rid of all the suffering in the world, where would you be at 12:01? Heaven or Hell? It is only by God’s mercy that He delays His judgement. He is waiting to give people the opportunity to repent.

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. 2 Peter 3:9 KJV

To repent is to ask forgiveness from sin, to be sorry for who you are and what you are. To change your mind from the rejection of Jesus Christ to the faith of Jesus Christ. To believe and trust in Jesus Christ alone and the sacrifice made through His precious blood shed on the cross through His death, burial, and resurrection. God will forgive your sins and grant you everlasting life. God will give you a new nature (born-again) and He will walk with you through the Holy Spirit. Eternal life is a free gift. You can’t earn it by doing good works (Ephesians 2:8,9).

In heaven there will be no more suffering, no tears, no death, nor sorrow for the former things are passed away.

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Revelation 21:4 KJV

With Blessings in Christ,

David & Gay

https://onewaytograce.com/

Thursday, 15 September 2022

THE DECEPTION OF JEHOVAH WITNESSES

 


1.Christian belief of “Who is God”?

We believe there is one God, eternally existing in three persons, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

 

For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 1 John 5:7 KJV

 

Jehovah’s Witnesses belief of “Who is God”?

They reject the biblical concept of a triune God. God is known as “Jehovah”, the Almighty. Although He is eternal and omnipotent, He is not omnipresent. In addition, Jehovah’s Witnesses deny the deity of the Holy Spirit.

 

2. Christian’s belief of “Who is Jesus”?

We believe that Jesus is God and eternally exist.

 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:1KJV

 

Jesus became flesh which we can touch and dwelt among us.

 

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:14 KJV

 

Jesus is our God and Saviour.

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Titus 2:13 KJV

 

 

Jehovah’s Witnesses belief of “Who is Jesus”?

The Watchtower Society teaches that Jesus is not God incarnate but is just a created directly by Jehovah. Before Jesus came to earth He was Michael the archangel. He was later re-created on earth as a perfect man.

Jehovah’s Witnesses also deny the bodily resurrection of Christ. They believe that after Jesus was buried, God disposed of His physical body. Jesus was raised as a spirit creature and temporarily “materialized” different physical bodies to make Himself visible to His disciples. Now back in Heaven as a spirit, He is once again known as Michael the archangel.

 

3.Christian’s belief of Heaven and Hell.

The Bible speaks clearly of the existence of Heaven. It describes a place in which sadness, pain and death end.

 

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Revelation 21:4 KJV

 

Hell is also spoken in the Bible. It is a place of torment or misery an eternal punishment of the wicked after death and complete separation from God.

 

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 21:8 KJV

 

Jehovah’s Witnesses belief of Heaven and Hell.

They deny the existence of Hell as a place of everlasting punishment for the wicked. They believe in “soul sleep” that humans don’t have immortal souls, so when the body dies there is no longer conscience existence. They teach that Hell is simply the common grave of mankind. Those who are righteous will be resurrected and those who are ultimately condemned by God will be annihilated and cease to exist.

The Watchtower theology of Heaven teaches that only 144,000 anointed ones can only enter Heaven. So, for the vast majority of remaining Jehovah’s Witnesses they will never go to Heaven or see Jesus/Michael. Their only hope is to live in the Paradise established on earth.

 

4.Christian’s belief of Sin and Salvation.

We believe that sin is a transgression/violation against God’s Holy law. An act of rebellion against Him.

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

1 John 3:4 KJV


Salvation however, the Holy Bible says God is rich in mercy, and in His great kindness, He provided a Saviour, Jesus took the punishment for the sin of the world. He died on the cross, so that we could be forgiven, then He rose from the dead and defeated death.

 

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 KJV

 

Jehovah’s Witnesses belief of Sin and Salvation.

They believe that in the Fall, all mankind inherited “imperfection” from Adam and Eve and hence are sinners who are subject to death. But they believe sin was only partially atoned for by Christ. As a perfect man, Christ death paid the ransom that removed the effects of Adam’s sin, but individuals still have to work to earn forgiveness for their present and future sins. Salvation include baptism by immersion, repentance, active association with the Watchtower Society, righteous conduct and absolute loyalty to Jehovah. Even then, there is no assurance of Salvation, only hope for a resurrection. Those who fail to live up to these requirements, or who are disfellowshipped by the Watchtower Society, have no hope of Salvation.

 

Again, the Bible is clear that forgiveness of sins does not depend on our own efforts, but only on what Christ has accomplished for us on the cross. Eternal life is freely available to all who do what the Scriptures command.

Repent, believe and trust in Jesus Christ alone to be saved.

 

With Blessing in Christ,

David & Gay

https://onewaytograce.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Saturday, 10 September 2022

Jesus Christ ‘Saviour, with the power to forgive.’

 



Thank you, Lord God Almighty, for the life of Queen Elizabeth II.

We have all had the honour of living through her 70 years of dedication and service as monarch. An era has ended. A new one begins. Every year, during her Christmas message, she never failed to speak of her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Queen quotes:

"Although we are capable of great acts of kindness, history teaches us that we sometimes need saving from ourselves – from our recklessness or our greed. God sent into the world a unique person – neither a philosopher nor a general (important though they are) – but a Saviour, with the power to forgive."

"This is the time of year when we remember that God sent his only son ‘to serve, not to be served’. He restored love and service to the centre of our lives in the person of Jesus Christ."

Only the Lord God Almighty who knows if she is saved or not? If so, may this be her glorious moment to enter into the presence of the KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

Our prayers go to the family for the loss of their much-loved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. We also pray for the reign of King Charles lll that he would know, worship, and follow the true God—the King above all kings—whose kingdom will never end.

None of us are guaranteed tomorrow, to receive everlasting life as a free gift, repent, believe, and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ alone, to save you and you will pass from death to life (John 5:24)behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Thursday, 1 September 2022

OVERCOMING BY FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST

 


There are many examples of faith in God's word the Holy Bible, and many things Jesus and the apostles did by faith; healing the sick, blind to see, lame to walk, deaf to hear, raising the dead, casting out demons, etc. And there are also many other things which Jesus did which are not written (John 21:25)


And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

John 21:25 KJV

 

What is faith?

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen

Hebrews 11:1 KJV

 

What a Scripture “Believing without seeing"

Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

John 20:29 KJV

 

How can we believe without seeing?

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Romans 10:17 KJV

 

Can we see the wind?

No, but we can feel the wind and also see the effects of the wind. In the same way we can feel and experience the changes within ourselves, when we humble ourselves before God and repent. (A change of mind from rejection of Jesus Christ to faith in Jesus Christ) to be sorry for who you are and what you are, surrendering our lives into God's hands, believing and trusting Jesus as Lord and Saviour through the crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection. We are transformed by the Holy Spirit who teaches us all things through Gods word, and prayer. This is the start of our journey and new lives in Christ being born-again.


For we walk by faith, not by sight.

2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV

 

We 'Overcome Doubt' by Faith in Jesus!

 

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Hebrews 11:6 KJV

 

In our own walk with God, our faith can be tested like in the Book of Hebrews chapter 11, which is worth anyone reading as a great example to all. When times are hard and we feel sometimes that no one cares, it's then we must step up and exercise our faith in Jesus Christ alone.

 

Prayer – the greatest key of all! Seek God, pour your heart out sincerely, we have many times with tears running down our faces.

 

 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Matthew 7:7-8 KJV

 

Stay in God's word -'The Holy Bible' there's love, strength, comfort, hope, peace, joy, etc. Feed on God's word every day, you feed your belly with food and water, feed your soul also.

 

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Matthew 4:4 KJV

 

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

John 14:23 KJV

 

Keep Your Focus on JESUS!

 

With Blessing in Christ,

David & Gay

https://onewaytograce.com/

 

Monday, 15 August 2022

THE DECEPTION OF SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISM

 



Seventh Day Adventist was founded by William Miller, a false prophet who predicted Jesus would return in either 1843 or 1844. When Miller’s prediction of Christ second coming failed to come to pass, the Millerites disbanded in dismay. Miller’s followers claimed to have visions to account for the failed prophecy. (Instead of coming to earth, Jesus had entered the heavenly temple thus, Miller was right, after all they said except his prophecy have a spiritual fulfilment instead of a physical one). This is heretical doctrine.

One of the seers who covered for Miller was 17year old Ellen G. Harmon who married James White in 1846 an Adventist preacher. Seventh Day Adventist still consider Ellen G White to be a prophetess of God, even though many of her prophecies failed to come true. They became convinced that Jewish sabbath should be keep by all Christians.

Seventh Day Adventist believe that worship services should be conducted on the Seventh Day, the Jewish Sabbath (Saturday) must be kept by all Christians.

The Sabbath was given as a sign to Israel, nowhere is it given as a sign to the church. Thousands of years ago after the Commandment was given, we can still see the sign that separates Israel from the world, they continue to keep the Sabbath holy.

Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.

Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.

Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.

It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed Exodus 31:13-17 KJV

Jesus did keep the Sabbath (Luke 4:16). He had to keep the whole Law (613 precepts) to be the perfect sacrifice to fulfil the Law. The Bible makes it clear that the Law has been satisfied in Christ. The reason Paul went to the synagogue each Sabbath wasn’t to keep the Law, that would have been contrary to everything he taught about being saved by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8,9). It was so he could preach the gospel to the Jews as evident in the book of Acts.

Paul reasoned 3 Sabbaths with the scriptures explaining and demonstrating that Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead and that Jesus whom I preach unto you is Christ.

And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, 

Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ Acts 17:2,3 KJV

And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks Acts 18:4 KJV

Paul loved his people and had a burning passion to reach them with the gospel. He therefore went to synagogue to reason with the Jews about Jesus being the Christ.

Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved Romans 10:1 KJV

The apostles came together on the first day of the week to break bread which is Sunday. The collection was taken on the first day of the week.

And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight Acts 20:7 KJV

Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come

1 Corinthians 16:2 KJV

There’s isn’t even one command in the entire New Testament for Christians to keep the Sabbath holy. In fact, we are told not to let others judge us regarding Sabbath.

Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Colossians 2:16 KJV

Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment: Acts 15:24 KJV

Seventh Day Adventist believe in the soul sleep upon death. Hell is replaced with total annihilation. (The Great Controversy pages 477,478)

And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt Daniel 12:2 KJV

And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal Matthew 25:46 KJV

They believe their members should be vegetarians. (Ellen G White, page 17)

Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth 1 Timothy 4:3-5 KJV

Conclusion:

Ellen White just could not accept the fact that Christ did not return in 1843 or 1844 rather than admitting she was in error Ellen Hermon White claimed that God was the one who had made mistake. (Early Writing page 74). Ellen’s controversial vision forced the readjustment of many Adventist dates and doctrines. The pioneers did not believe or teach the doctrine of Trinity, they rejected it as Biblically unsound. A church that started not believing that Jesus is God. They do not believe in hell. Hell was replaced with total annihilation.

As born-again Bible believing Christians, we have great liberty in what we eat, what we drink, what day or days we esteem (Romans 14:5). We have no right to tell any Christians what he should eat, drink, wear, what music he should listen to or what day he should esteem that’s between him and God. We should never tell him that he must keep the Law, something the disciple said,

Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?Acts 15:10 KJV

The Law is used to show sinners their condition that they need the Saviour Jesus Christ, who has already paid the price for sins at the cross of Calvary and fulfilled the Law in doing so.

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith Galatians 3:24 KJV

Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin Romans 3:19,20 KJV

Seventh Day Adventist are legalistic organization (Old Testament) still living under the Law and expect their members to do so.

Instead of debating about which day is the Sabbath, God’s word says clearly Jesus Christ is our Sabbath rest Hebrews 4:1-11.

People’s salvation is more important, we should be active doing what Jesus came to do Luke 19:10.

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost

Luke 19:10 KJV

Inspire faith in the hearts of the lost and unbelieving as Jesus said:

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

John 3:3 KJV

Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

John 3:7 KJV

 

Blessings in Christ

David & Gay

https://onewaytograce.com

Monday, 1 August 2022

THE DANGER OF THE LOVE OF MONEY

 



There is nothing wrong with having money. However, when money begins to control us, that’s when the problem starts. It’s the love of money that is the root of all evil. The problem is our attitude toward money and the sickness and greed that it brings. Greed and the desire for riches are temptations that entice us into various sins and wickedness, a snare that brings destruction and perdition. We are warned about the danger of the love of money.

 

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

1 Timothy 6:9,10 KJV

 

When people have an abundance of wealth, they can still want more, which is called vanity. People that covet worldly things will not be satisfied. Some people are hurt by their riches, not only trying to satisfy themselves but oppressing others, which is evil and not dealing well with them.

 

He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.

There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.

Ecclesiastes 5:10,13 KJV

 

Jesus's words warned us to take heed and beware of covetousness.

 

And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

Luke 12:15 KJV

 

 Jesus said it is hard for a rich person to enter into the Kingdom of God (Mark 10:17-31) The rich young ruler asked Jesus what he must do to obtain eternal life? Jesus said thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. The young man tells Jesus all these have I observed from my youth. He was self-righteous as no one can keep the law (commandments) except Jesus Christ who came to fulfil the law (Matthew 5:17).

 

Jesus tests his ability to obey the first commandment (Exodus 20:3) by telling the rich young man to sell all his possessions and give to the poor and to follow him. The young man couldn’t do this; Jesus pointed out the young man’s problem: his love of money and his possessions was idolatry and interfered with his love to follow God.

 

Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

Mark 10:21-23 KJV

 

Whatever wealth is gotten in an unjust or unlawful way, either by thieving, extortion, money laundering, fraud, etc., is vanity, which shall be diminished.

 

Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.

Proverbs 13:11 KJV

 

In the Sermon of the Mount, Jesus told the people:

 

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

 

Matthew 6:19-21KJV

 

“We cannot serve two masters,” said Jesus. We cannot serve God and money.

 

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the

other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Matthew 6:24 KJV

 

Jesus spoke a parable about a rich man who had plenty (Luke 12:16-21). This rich man thought within himself I have much goods, I will pull down my barns and build greater so that I can keep all my goods and he said to his soul I have much goods laid up for many years; I will take it easy, eat, drink, and be merry.

 

But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

Luke 12:20,21 KJV

 

The Bible says:

 

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

1 Timothy 6:17KJV

 

But godliness with contentment is great gain.

For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

1 Timothy 6:6-8 KJV

 

 

Salvation is a free gift for all those who repent, believe, and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ's precious blood alone to save you and you will pass from death to life. Lean not on your own goodness and riches. Then read the Bible daily and ask God to help you obey what you read. There is nothing more important than your eternal destiny, Heaven or Hell.

 

Blessings in Christ

 

David & Gay

https://onewaytograce.com