DAY 8 - DAILY QUESTION ABOUT GOD'S WORD (DO CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS WORSHIP THE SAME GOD?)

June 1

Question: "Do Christians and Muslims worship the same God?"

Answer:The Muslim and Christian views of God have some similarities. Christians believe in one eternal God Who created the universe, and Muslims apply these attributes to Allah. Both view God as all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-present.

A vital difference between the Islamic and Christian views of God is the biblical concept of the Trinity. In the Bible, God has revealed Himself as one God in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. While each Person of the Trinity is fully God, God is not three gods but three in one.

God’s Son came in the form of man, a truth called the incarnation (Luke 1:30-35;John 1:14;Colossians 2:9;1 John 4:1-3). The Lord Jesus Christ conquered the penalty and power of sin by dying on the cross (Romans 6:23). After rising from the dead, Jesus went back to heaven to be with His Father and sent the Holy Spirit to believers (Acts 1:8-11). One day, Christ will return to judge and rule (Acts 10:42,43). Those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus will live with Him, but those who refuse to follow Him must be separated in hell from the holy God.

“The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him” (John 3:35-36). Either Jesus bears the wrath of God for your sin on the cross or you bear the wrath of God for your sin in hell (1 Peter 2:24).

The Trinity is essential to the Christian faith. Without the Trinity, there would be no incarnation of God’s Son in the Person of Jesus Christ. Without Jesus Christ, there would be no salvation from sin. Without salvation, sin would condemn all to an eternal hell.

So, do Christians and Muslims worship the same God? A better question is, “Do Christians and Muslims both have a correct understanding of who God is?” To this question, the answer is definitely no. Because of crucial differences between the Christian and Muslim concepts of God, the two faiths cannot both be true. The biblical God alone addresses and solves the problem of sin by giving His Son.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son” (John 3:16-18).

Recommended Resource:Answering Islam: The Crescent in Light of the Cross by Norm Geisler

This page is also available in:Arabic,Indonesia,Melayu,Français,Jawi,Bulgarian,Farsi,Srpski,Shqip,Tagalog,Türkçe,Macedonian,Urdu,Bosanski,Russian,Sh-Punjabi,Nederlands,Kazakh,Pashto



While he is not the author of every article on GotQuestions.org, for citation purposes, you may reference our CEO, S. Michael Houdmann.

Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/same-God.html#ixzz2Uvdj7DGt

DAY 8- DAILY HISTORY - AMERICAN MINUTE FOR JUNE 1, 2013

June 1

American Minute for June 1st:

Download MP3


"Don't Give Up The Ship!" commanded 31-year-old Captain James Lawrence, as he lay wounded on the deck of the U.S.S. Chesapeake.

Captain Lawrence fought Muslim Barbary pirates in 1804, and when the War of 1812 began, he commanded the U.S.S. Hornet which captured the privateer Dolphin and the H.M.S. Peacock.

President Madison wrote May 25, 1813:

"The brilliant achievements of our infant Navy, a signal triumph has been gained by Captain Lawrence...in the Hornet sloop of war...

The contest in which the United States are engaged appeals...to the sacred obligation of transmitting...to future generations that...which is held...by the present from the goodness of Divine Providence."

On JUNE 1, 1813, Captain Lawrence sailed from Boston and was attacked by the British ship Shannon.

Within an hour, nearly every officer was killed.

Later, Captain Oliver Hazard Perry was inspired to name his flagship on Lake Erie "Lawrence."

Theodore Roosevelt wrote in Hero Tales from American History, 1895:

"Lawrence, dying with the words on his lips, 'Don't give up the ship' and Perry...with the same words blazoned on his banner...won glory in desperate conflicts and left a reputation hardly dimmed."

Show Endnotes

(Brought to you by AmericanMinute.com)

Add American Minute on your Website

How to use the American Minute RSS feed

Post to Facebook

Post to Twitter

DAY 7 - DAILY BIBLE VERSE (IDOLS) - MAY 31, 2013

May 31

1 Peter 4:3-6

3You have already wasted enough time living like those outsiders in the society around you: losing yourselves in sex, in addictions and desires, in drinking and lawless idolatry, in giving your time and allegiance to things that are not godly.4When you don’t play the same games they do, they notice that you are living by different rules. That’s why they say such terrible things about you. 5Someday they, too, will have to give an account of themselves to the One who judges the living and the dead. 6This is why the good news had to be brought to those who are dead so that although they are judged in the flesh, they might live in the spirit in the way that pleases God.)

DAY 7 - DAILY DEVOTION - MAY 31, 2013

May 31


“A Blessed Life Starts With Worship”
Posted on December 30, 2012 by katherine


Ladies, don’t you love a man who can cook? Or, maybe, you love a man who can work on cars or fix things around the house?

I love to see a Man in total surrender worshiping God whether people are around or not.. My perfect man is a Man who Worships God, with all his heart, mind, & soul- that catches my eye every time. And, I bet, it catches God’s eye too..

I want to encourage you whether male or female to Worship God, Pursue Him like there is no tomorrow.. As you Worship, that is when you find what you have been looking for… And, it’s all found in Him through your Worship!!

Worship makes you complete & Whole!! You will never feel alone or lacking for anything. Why? Because you were created to Worship!!

Worship brings closeness, a good fit, togetherness, and unity.. And, where there is Unity- It Commands A Blessing.. You want a Blessed Life? Start with Worship & see your life change forever!!





inShare


This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink.

DAY 7 - DAILY PRAYER (IDOLATRY) - MAY 301, 2013

May 31


Prayers Against Idols & Idolatry
Posted on 3 May 2011 by HKP-Admin

Original source: Apostle John Eckhardt’s book “Prayers that Rout Demons”

Let any idol in my life or nation be destroyed and burned with Your fire (1 Kings 15:13).

Lord, cut down all the idols in the land (2 Chronicles 34:7).

Let the familiar spirits, wizards, and idols be taken out of the land (2 Kings 23:24).

Let the idols be confounded and the images be broken in pieces (Jeremiah 50:2).

Let men throw away their idols and turn to You, O Lord (Isaiah 31:7).

I renounce all idolatry in my bloodline and break all curses of idolatry in the name of Jesus (2 Kings 21:21).

Lord, put the names of the idols out of the land (Zechariah 13:2).

I will keep myself from idols (1 John 5:21).

Abolish the idols in America and the nations (Isaiah 2:18).

Lord, expose all idols as lying vanities (Zechariah 10:2).

I renounce all covetousness; I will not serve the god of mammon (Colossians 3:5).

Let Babylon, the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth, fall in the name of Jesus (Revelation 17:5).

Lord, cleanse the pollution of idols from the land (Acts 15:20).

Sprinkle clean water upon me, and cleanse me from all filthiness, and cleanse me from all idols (Ezekiel 36:25).

Let me not go astray after any idol (Ezekiel 44:10).

Let all false gods and idols (including humans) be removed from my life in the name of Jesus.

I will put no other gods before You, Lord (Exodus 20:3).

DAY 7 - DAILY QUESTION ABOUT GOD'S WORD (WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT SEX BEFORE MARRIAGE)

May 31

Question: "What is the definition of idolatry?"

Answer:The definition of idolatry, according to Webster, is “the worship of idols or excessive devotion to, or reverence for some person or thing.” An idol is anything that replaces the one, true God. The most prevalent form of idolatry in Bible times was the worship of images that were thought to embody the various pagan deities.

From the beginning, God’s covenant with Israel was based on exclusive worship of Him alone (Exodus 20:3;Deuteronomy 5:7). The Israelites were not even to mention the names of false gods (Exodus 23:13) because to do so would acknowledge their existence and give credence to their power and influence over the people. Israel was forbidden to intermarry with other cultures who embraced false gods, because God knew this would lead to compromise. The book of Hosea uses the imagery of adultery to describe Israel’s continual chasing after other gods, like an unfaithful wife chases after other men. The history of Israel is a sad chronicle of idol worship, punishment, restoration and forgiveness, followed by a return to idolatry. The books of 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, and 1 & 2 Chronicles reveal this destructive pattern. The Old Testament prophets endlessly prophesied dire consequences for Israel if they continued in their idolatry. Mostly, they were ignored until it was too late and God’s wrath against idol-worship was poured out on the nation. But ours is a merciful God, and He never failed to forgive and restore them when they repented and sought His forgiveness.

In reality, idols are impotent blocks of stone or wood, and their power exists only in the minds of the worshipers. The idol of the god Dagon was twice knocked to the floor by God to show the Philistines just who was God and who wasn’t (1 Samuel 5:1-5). The “contest” between God and His prophet Elijah and the 450 prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel is a dramatic example of the power of the true God and the impotence of false gods (1 Kings 18:19-40). The testimony of Scripture is that God alone is worthy of worship. Idol worship robs God of the glory that is rightfully His, and that is something He will not tolerate (Isaiah 42:8).

Even today there are religions that bow before statues and icons, a practice forbidden by God’s Word. The significance God places upon it is reflected in the fact that the first of the Ten Commandments refers to idolatry: “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me” (Exodus 20:3-5).

Idolatry extends beyond the worship of idols and images and false gods. Our modern idols are many and varied. Even for those who do not bow physically before a statue, idolatry is a matter of the heart—pride, self-centeredness, greed, gluttony, a love for possessions and ultimately rebellion against God. Is it any wonder that God hates it?

Recommended Resources:Logos Bible SoftwareandBasic Theology by Charles Ryrie.



While he is not the author of every article on GotQuestions.org, for citation purposes, you may reference our CEO, S. Michael Houdmann.


Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/idolatry-definition.html#ixzz2UoIgV2uH

DAY 7- DAILY HISTORY - AMERICAN MINUTE FOR MAY 31, 2013

May 31


American Minute for May 31st:

Download MP3


On MAY 31, 1775, Harvard President Samuel Langdon addressed the Massachusetts Provincial Congress during the Revolutionary War:

"We have rebelled against God. We have lost the true spirit of Christianity, though we retain the outward profession and form of it. We have neglected and set light by the glorious Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and His holy commands and institutions.

The worship of many is but mere compliment to the Deity, while their hearts are far from Him. By many, the Gospel is corrupted into a superficial system of moral philosophy, little better than ancient Platonism...

My brethren, let us repent and implore the divine mercy. Let us amend our ways and our doings, reform everything that has been provoking the Most High, and thus endeavor to obtain the gracious interpositions of providence for our deliverance....

May the Lord hear us in this day of trouble...We will rejoice in His salvation, and in the name of our God, we will set up our banners!...

Wherefore is all this evil upon us? Is it not because we have forsaken the Lord? Can we say we are innocent of crimes against God? No, surely it becomes us to humble ourselves under His mighty hand, that He may exalt us in due time...

My brethren, let us repent and implore the divine mercy. Let us amend our ways and our doings, reform everything that has been provoking the Most High, and thus endeavor to obtain the gracious interpositions of Providence for our deliverance...

If God be for us, who can be against us? The enemy has reproached us for calling on His name and professing our trust in Him. They have made a mock of our solemn fasts and every appearance of serious Christianity in the land...

May our land be purged from all its sins! Then the Lord will be our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble, and we will have no reason to be afraid, though thousands of enemies set themselves against us round about.

May the Lord hear us in this day of trouble...We will rejoice in His salvation, and in the name of our God, we will set up our banners."

On MAY 31, 1923, President Calvin Coolidge said in his Memorial Day Address:

"Settlers came here from mixed motives...Generally defined, they were seeking a broader freedom. They were intent upon establishing a Christian commonwealth in accordance to the principle of self-government...It has been said that God sifted the nations that He might send choice grain into the wilderness."

Calvin Coolidge continued:

"They had a genius for organized society on the foundations of piety, righteousness, liberty, and obedience of the law...Who can fail to see in it the hand of destiny? Who can doubt that it has been guided by a Divine Providence?"

At the Memorial Day Ceremony, MAY 31, 1993, President Bill Clinton remarked:

"The inscription on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier says that he is 'Known only to God.' But that is only partly true. While the soldier's name is known only to God, we know a lot about him.

We know he served his country, honored his community, and died for the cause of freedom. And we know that no higher praise can be assigned to any human being than those simple words...

In the presence of those buried all around us, we ask the support of all Americans in the aid and blessing of God Almighty."


Show Endnotes


(Brought to you by AmericanMinute.com)
Add American Minute on your Website How to use the American Minute RSS feed Post to Facebook Post to Twitter

DAY 6 - DAILY BIBLE VERSE (SEXUAL DEFILEMENT) - MAY 30, 2013

May 30

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 (The Voice Bible)

3Now this is God’s will for you: set yourselves apart and live holy lives; avoid polluting yourselves with sexual defilement. 4Learn how to take charge over your own body, maintaining purity and honor. 5Don’t let the swells of lustful passion run your life as they do the outsiders who don’t know God.

DAY 6 - DAILY DEVOTION - MAY 30, 2013

May 30


“Demanding & Pursuing A Mate”
Posted on March 1, 2013 by katherine


If you would stop breaking your neck trying to check out every person that goes by, snooping on every social media site, or going to extreme measures to find someone and start pursuing God more, then God will bring the person He has for you. God sees your hearts desires. I encourage you to line them up with His Word. Psalm 37:4, says, Delight yourself in the Lord, not delight yourself in trying to scour every church, singles group, or latest fling.. Get so close to God, that others see His heart in you. A lover of His Presence is what’s attractive to men & women of God.

In 1 Samuel 8, the people demanded a King- they got a King, but it wasn’t “The One” God really had for them. They insisted on having it their way. Are you demanding a spouse? Let me remind you, this isn’t Burger King, and you can’t have it your way! Let God be God!

And, what about when God told Samuel to go to Jesse’s house in Bethlehem because God had chosen one of his sons to be the next king. When Samuel arrives, they brought all of Jesse’s sons except one son, David, who was way out in the field tending to the sheep. I have to believe that David was out in the field tending sheep and worshiping God. I bet that is when he started writing all those Heavenly songs that he played later on his harp. God didn’t forget David and He won’t forget you. God knows where you are- perhaps you are out in the field working like David, and you feel you have been overlooked. Why not worship while you wait, like David did? You are Not Forgotten!

And, I have to say, perhaps, you have been looking on the outward appearance, but God is looking inwardly. Just as God told Samuel, “don’t look at his appearance or how tall he is for I look at his heart.” God says, Trust me, I have your best interest at heart, so keep your heart in tune with me while you wait!

Or, maybe, you have been watering the animals like Rebekah- God brought Isaac to her. I’m sure she was doing her normal every day routine, and God saw her faithfulness. God didn’t forget her & He’s not going to forget you. He knows your name & number, and most importantly, He doesn’t need your help!

So, give all this hustling and bustling a rest & relax. Keep doing what God has called you to do. God’s got the person for you. He’s probably waiting for you to stop actively looking & say, “God, you know the person & the plans you have for me & they are good.. I rest in the peace that only you can give and in your timing. Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary for your glory, and to continue doing what you have called me to do, until you bring my mate.” Let’s push onward and upward in Him.

We live, move, and have our being because of Him. So, we can trust Him even more now knowing He’s got us in the palm of His hands!





inShare


This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink.

DAY 6 - DAILY PRAYER (SEXUAL RELATIONS) - MAY 30, 2013

May 30

Most Loving and Merciful Father,

We thank You for the price paid on the cross by Your one and only Son.  That through His death and resurrection, we might have our trespasses forgiven and the promise fulfilled of an eternal life with You.  Please hear our prayers today for repentance of our sins as a nation, and especially for the sin of adultery.  Father, we are an adulterous nation, and we repent now in Jesus' name!  The lusts of the flesh have been a major sin in this country since it's inception, even though it goes against Your commandments.  You have called each one of us to resist the temptations of the flesh, but so many of us have succumbed to the lies that satan feeds this world regarding sexuality and pleasure.  Many of us in this nation  have given into pre-marital pleasures, lewd thoughts, and everything else that defiles Your plans for us.  Forgive us as a nation for our sins of immorality, and our transgressions against Your laws.  Please forgive the early sins of our youth, and those of our adult years.  As we pass the responsibility for the purity of this nation onto the younger generation, we pray.  Lord, we ask today that You will guard the hearts and minds of our nations youth.  That the pressures of this world would not be too great for them to overcome.  Be ever present in this society and the daily relationships that form between boys and girls, men and women.  We ask also that You would guide the single and married adults of this nation into loving and true relationships that are pleasing to You.  Allow those who are lonely to find pleasing relationships that are in alignment with Your will, or at least help them to maintain a pure life of abstinence.   We pray against the schemes of satan to tempt us with suggestive advertising, sexually driven movies and images, and the host of other creative deceptions that he uses to ensnare the people of this great nation.  From our government to our households, may the laws of man begin to reflect Yours, limiting and closing the avenues to sexual immorality.  Equip the parents of this nation with a sense of morality, that they may guide their families in all righteousness.  Come against those that wish to pollute this nation with their wicked pursuit of sexual immorality, and guard us against their perverse idolitry.  And Father, we pray today that this nation will one day lead the world in transformation from an adulterous society, to one pleasing to You.

We ask all things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.  Amen!

Wally Ziolo
Founder - 40DAYPRAYER4USA
Lancaster, Ohio USA

DAY 6 - DAILY QUESTION ABOUT GOD'S WORD (WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT SEX BEFORE MARRIAGE)

May 30



Question: "What does the Bible say about sex before marriage?"

Answer:There is no Hebrew or Greek word used in the Bible that precisely refers to sex before marriage. The Bible undeniably condemns adultery and sexual immorality, but is sex before marriage considered sexually immoral? According to1 Corinthians 7:2, “yes” is the clear answer: “But since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband.” In this verse, Paul states that marriage is the “cure” for sexual immorality.First Corinthians 7:2is essentially saying that, because people cannot control themselves and so many are having immoral sex outside of marriage, people should get married. Then they can fulfill their passions in a moral way.

Since1 Corinthians 7:2clearly includes sex before marriage in the definition of sexual immorality, all of the Bible verses that condemn sexual immorality as being sinful also condemn sex before marriage as sinful. Sex before marriage is included in the biblical definition of sexual immorality. There are numerous Scriptures that declare sex before marriage to be a sin (Acts 15:20;1 Corinthians 5:1;6:13,18;10:8;2 Corinthians 12:21;Galatians 5:19;Ephesians 5:3;Colossians 3:5;1 Thessalonians 4:3;Jude 7). The Bible promotes complete abstinence before marriage. Sex between a husband and his wife is the only form of sexual relations of which God approves (Hebrews 13:4).

Far too often we focus on the “recreation” aspect of sex without recognizing that there is another aspect—procreation. Sex within marriage is pleasurable, and God designed it that way. God wants men and women to enjoy sexual activity within the confines of marriage. Song of Solomon and several other Bible passages (such asProverbs 5:19) clearly describe the pleasure of sex. However, the couple must understand that God’s intent for sex includes producing children. Thus, for a couple to engage in sex before marriage is doubly wrong—they are enjoying pleasures not intended for them, and they are taking a chance of creating a human life outside of the family structure God intended for every child.

While practicality does not determine right from wrong, if the Bible's message on sex before marriage were obeyed, there would be far fewer sexually transmitted diseases, far fewer abortions, far fewer unwed mothers and unwanted pregnancies, and far fewer children growing up without both parents in their lives. Abstinence is God’s only policy when it comes to sex before marriage. Abstinence saves lives, protects babies, gives sexual relations the proper value, and, most importantly, honors God.

Recommended Resources:Logos Bible SoftwareandWhy True Love Waits by Josh McDowell.
Men -Every Young Man's Battle : Strategies for Victory in the Real World of Sexual Temptation by Stephen Arterburn.
Women -Every Young Woman's Battle: Guarding Your Mind, Heart, and Body in a Sex-Saturated World by Shannon Ethridge.

This page is also available in:Chinese,Arabic,Română,Hebrew,Indonesia,Korean,Deutsch,Russian,Slovenčina,Ukrainian,Español,Français,Greek,Srpski,Magyar,Bulgarian,Italiano,Cesky,Hrvatski,Polski,Hindi,Trad-Chinese,Thai,Latviešu,Belarusian,Bosanski,Dansk,Shqip,Macedonian,Việt,Svenska,Jawi,Slovenščina,Nederlands,Português,Türkçe,Afrikaans,Tagalog,Farsi,Urdu,Suomi,Sh-Punjabi,eesti,Azerbaijani,Japanese,Armenian,Lietuvių,Kiswahili,Sesotho,Pashto,Kazakh,Mongolian,Malayalam,Sindhi,Sinhala,Yorùbá,íslenska,Melayu,O’zbek,Samoan,Nepali,Hausa,Myanmar,Amharic,Oromo,Telugu,Bengali,Norsk,Georgian



While he is not the author of every article on GotQuestions.org, for citation purposes, you may reference our CEO, S. Michael Houdmann.



Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/sex-before-marriage.html#ixzz2UlkqH5ID

DAY 6 - DAILY HISTORY - AMERICAN MINUTE FOR MAY 30, 2013

May 30

American Minute for May 30th:

Download MP3

Southern women scattered spring flowers on the graves of both the Northern and Southern soldiers who died during the Civil War.

This was the origin of Memorial Day, which in 1868 was set on MAY 30.

In 1968, it was moved to the last Monday in May.

From the Spanish-American War, to World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, War against Islamic Terror, up through the present, all who gave their lives to preserve America's freedom are honored on Memorial Day.

Beginning in 1921, the tradition has been for Presidents to lay a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The number 21 being the highest salute, the sentry takes 21 steps, faces the tomb for 21 seconds, turns and pauses 21 seconds, then retraces his steps.

Inscribed on the Tomb is the phrase:

"HERE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY AN AMERICAN SOLDIER KNOWN BUT TO GOD."

In his 1923 Memorial Address, President Calvin Coolidge stated:

"There can be no peace with the forces of evil. Peace comes only through the establishment of the supremacy of the forces of good.

That way lies through sacrifice...'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.'"

Show Endnotes

(Brought to you by AmericanMinute.com)
Add American Minute on your Website

How to use the American Minute RSS feed

Post to Facebook

Post to Twitter

DAY 5 - DAILY BIBLE VERSE (PRAY FOR THOSE IN AUTHORITY) - MAY 29, 2013

May 29


1 Timothy 2:1-2 (The Voice Bible)

1 So, first and foremost, I urge God’s people to pray. They should make their requests, petitions, and thanksgivings on behalf of all humanity. 2 Teach them to pray for kings (or anyone in high places for that matter) so that we can lead quiet, peaceful lives—reverent, godly, and holy—

http://hearthevoice.com/

https://www.facebook.com/TheVoiceBible

DAY 5 - DAILY DEVOTION - MAY 29, 2013

May 29


What Are You Hiding?
Posted on March 25, 2013 by katherine


When I started dating the wonderful man God brought into my life, I didn’t want him to “know everything” if you know what I mean, not that there was really anything seriously wrong, but in reality, anything hidden needs to come to the light, don’t you think?

I didn’t want him to know that when I get afraid I push back & resort to running & hiding like a little child.

God began to show me, I needed to confess and expose all the fears that were holding me captive, so that I may be healed as it says in James 5:16.

Once I did, God took my hidden things, healed it, and gave me a love that could only come from Him. Not only was I free from bondage that held me, but now, I was whole and complete: mind, body, soul, and spirit. What a Great God we serve, to take something hidden that is really harming us, and turn it around for our good!

I urge you- don’t allow the devil to tempt you into keeping your deepest darkest secret a secret any longer. Confess and Expose, so you may be healed!

We expose it for what it is.. Sin! Don’t be embarrassed, get rid of it now, no matter what it may be: failure of any kind, fear, loneliness, lust, pornography, sexual addictions, depression, oppression, suicidal thoughts, drug addictions, or maybe it’s something that I haven’t even mentioned, God knows, so let it go.

Now, “Pleasures are by my side forevermore” and pleasures can be by your side too, if you will expose and confess, so you may be healed.

inShare








This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink.

DAY 5 - DAILY PRAYER (PRAY FOR OUR PRESIDENT) - MAY 29, 2013

May 29


Prayer For Our President

Most High God, Blessed and Wonderful Savior, Ever-present Holy Spirit, Precious Lord, our Governor, Whose glory is in all the world, We commend this nation to your compassionate and merciful care
As we are guided by you providence, may we dwell secure in your peace. Grant to the President of the United States, your wisdom and strength to know and to do your will. Fill the President with the love of truth and righteousness. Make him ever mindful of his call to serve this people in your fear.
In the name of the Wonderful Father, Most Beloved And Precious Son, and Ever-present Holy Spirit upon whom we can rely.

Amen

http://www.findthepower.com/PageOne/SiteStartPrayerForOurPresident.htm

DAY 5 - DAILY QUESTION ABOUT GOD'S WORD (WHY GOVERNMENT IS NOT THE ANSWER)

May 29


Why Government is Not the Answer
By S. Michael Houdmann, Got Questions Ministries

John Adams, the second President of the United States, said, "We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry, would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."

Did you catch that? "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people." That is the reason the United States and many other countries in the world are in such terrible shape. Our world is becoming increasingly godless. While the vast majority of people in the world believe in the existence of God, an increasing majority live their lives as if God does not exist. While the same principles apply to other nations, for the rest of this article, we will be discussing the United States specifically.

I have no desire to ever run for political office. There are many ancillary reasons, but at the core I firmly believe that government is not the answer. There is no perfect government, because every government is filled with imperfect people. And while I believe the United States has (or had) the best government in the history of the world, it is failing due to precisely what John Adams declared. Our government is wholly inadequate to govern immoral, ungodly, and selfish people.

None of the political parties understand this. None of them seem to understand the Christian worldview of just how wretchedly sinful humanity is without Christ (Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 1:18-32; 3:10-23). Is there a more apt description of modern non-Christian society than Genesis 6:5? "The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time."

Take the financial collapse of 2008 as an example. Of course the cause was multi-faceted, but it was essentially caused by banks taking exorbitant risks on loans. The source of it all, ultimately, was greed. The Democratic solution is to add hundreds of new regulations. The Republican solution is to tweak the existing regulations. The Libertarian solution is to get rid of virtually all regulations. None of those solutions are truly solutions to anything. The problem is greed. It does not matter how many laws you create. Evil and greedy people will find ways around the laws or find lawyers to rescue them after they break the laws. Creating laws, tweaking laws, or removing laws will never solve the problem of greed. Greed is a result of all of us being infected with sin (Matthew 6:19-24; Luke 12:15; Ephesians 5:5; 1 Timothy 6:9-10; Hebrews 13:5). Government cannot cure it. Only Jesus Christ can deliver us from it!

I do not need a government to tell me that murder is wrong, that stealing is wrong, or that lying is wrong. I know these things are wrong because God has written His Law on my heart. Sure, governmental punishment is a deterrent, but ultimately I strive to avoid sin because I love God and want to live my life in a way that is pleasing to Him. That is the only biblically-valid deterrent to sin—not fines or prison sentences, but a desire to please God. That is what our society is lacking. And that explains why our country is floundering.

I am not saying that all of the early Americans or even all of the founding fathers were Christians. But at least they all had a biblically-informed view of the world and a Christian sense of morality. The Constitution is arguably the best piece of governmental legislation in the history of the world. But it is inadequate, for it does not function completely in a country that is increasingly filled with people who desire only evil all the time.

True change is only available through Jesus Christ (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). The only reform that will truly impact our society is the reformation of people becoming new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17) and having our minds transformed (Romans 12:1-2). You can shout "give me liberty or give me death" all day long, but unless that liberty is the liberation from sin through Jesus, everything in this world leads to death (Romans 3:23; 6:23). Whether you built it, or didn't build it, you must ask this: is it built on sinking sand (Matthew 7:26) or on the rock (Matthew 7:24), Jesus Christ, the Chief Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20)?

Governing a godless, selfish, and greedy people is like trying to restrain the wind or grasp oil in your hand (Proverbs 27:16). Or, as John Adams so aptly put it, it is like trying to restrain a whale with a net. Our nets have improved significantly since John Adams' day, but due to the ever-increasing wickedness (Romans 6:19) of our society, the whale has become exponentially larger and more dangerous. Can you say leviathan?

"If you lay a hand on it, you will remember the struggle and never do it again! Any hope of subduing it is false; the mere sight of it is overpowering. No one is fierce enough to rouse it. " (Job 41:8-10)

DAY 5- DAILY HISTORY - AMERICAN MINUTE FOR MAY 29, 2013

May 29



American Minute for May 29th:

Download MP3


Awarded the Navy's medal of heroism during World War II and the Pulitzer Prize for his book Profiles in Courage, he was the youngest elected President, serving just over 1,000 days before being shot.

This was John F. Kennedy, born MAY 29, 1917.

Kennedy stated in his Inaugural, January 20, 1961:

"I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forbears prescribed nearly a century and three quarters ago. The world is very different now.

For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life."

John F. Kennedy continued:

"Yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe - The belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God."

Writing to Brazil's President, Janio da Silva Quadros, January 31, 1961, John F. Kennedy stated:

"Once in every 20 years presidential inaugurations in your country and mine occur within days of each other.

This year of 1961 is signalized by the happy coincidence.

At this time, each of us assumes challenging duties...

To each of us is entrusted the heavy responsibility of guiding the affairs of a democratic nation founded on Christian ideals."

Show Endnotes

(Brought to you by AmericanMinute.com)

Add American Minute on your Website
How to use the American Minute RSS feed
Post to Facebook
Post to Twitter

DAY 4 - DAILY BIBLE VERSE (PRAYER) - MAY 28, 2013

May 28


Matthew 21: 22 (The Voice Bible)
22 If you believe, whatever you ask for in prayer will be granted.

http://hearthevoice.com/

DAY 4 - DAILY DEVOTION - MAY 28, 2013

May 28


Stripped Away
Posted on May 17, 2013 by katherine


“when the music fades & all is stripped away,” what happens to you? I pray that you always have a heart of worship & bring him something that is of worth..
You can go to Him now with your heart & offer Him all of you.. He’s waiting for you!
I’m coming back to a heart of worship!! It’s all about you Lord, nothing else matters..

inShare

http://dailyliveworship.com/blog/stripped-away/

This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink.

DAY 4 - DAILY PRAYER (PRAY, EVEN IN PUBLIC)

May 28

All present and knowing Father,

We commit to you today our prayers of thanksgiving and praise. That through your word we are not only encouraged to pray, but we are commanded to pray. Give us a fresh heart to bring our prayers and petitions before you throughout each new day, and help us to seek Your face in thanksgiving and praise. Let us publicly seek you without fear, as your one and only son showed us in His acts of calling upon You. May we also be encouraged to seek you in private, as you have instructed us in Your word. Thank You for allowing us to bring our concerns and daily needs before Your throne, as we know that You are attentive to our desires and needs. Help our nation to once again come to You in humble prayer and petition, as You alone are our great source of hope in this dying world. We lift up this day to You, and commit as Your people to increase our time in prayer to You from this time forward!

We pray in Jesus' precious name. Amen!

Wally Ziolo

Founder - 40DAYPRAYER4USA

Lancaster, Ohio USA

DAY 4 - DAILY QUESTION ABOUT GOD'S WORD (IS PUBLIC PRAYER BIBLICAL)

May 28



Question: "Is public prayer biblical? Is it okay to pray in public?"

Answer:Public prayer is an issue that many Christians struggle with. Since many believers were known to pray in public in the Bible, as did Jesus Himself, there is nothing wrong with public prayer. Many Old Testament leaders prayed publicly for the nation. Solomon prayed in front of the entire nation for them and for himself. There is nothing to indicate that this prayer was not acceptable to the Lord (1 Kings 8:22-23). After the return of the Israelites from the Babylonian captivity, Ezra was so overwhelmed by the knowledge that the Israelites had left the worship of the true God that he prayed and wept bitterly before the house of the Lord. So fervent was his prayer that it prompted “a very large assembly of men, women, and children” to gather with him and weep bitterly (Ezra 10:1).

However, the examples ofHannahandDanielillustrate that it is possible to be misunderstood or even persecuted for praying publicly. As with all prayer, public prayer should be offered with the correct attitude and motive. From several scriptural examples comes a clear picture of acceptable and God-honoring public prayer.

Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel, was childless for years, enduring the shame and persecution that childlessness brought to women in Bible times (1 Samuel 1:1-6). She went regularly to the Temple to beseech God to provide her with a child, praying fervently out of “great anguish and grief.” So heartfelt was her prayer that Eli, the priest, perceived her as being drunk (1 Samuel 1:10-16).

Here is an example of public prayer being misinterpreted. Hannah’s prayer was righteous, and her heart was in the right place. She was not trying to draw attention to herself, but was simply distraught and overwhelmed with the need to pray. Eli thought she was drunk, but that was his mistake, not her sin.

Daniel’s public prayer was an occasion for his enemies to persecute him and attempt to have him killed. Daniel excelled in his duties as one of the administrators under King Darius to such a degree that the king was contemplating making him head over all the kingdom (Daniel 6:1-3). This infuriated the other administrators and they looked for a way to discredit or destroy Daniel. They encouraged Darius to issue a decree forbidding his subjects from praying to anyone other than the king for the next thirty days. The penalty for disobeying was to be thrown into a den of lions. Daniel, however, continued to pray so openly to God that he could be seen at his bedroom window doing so. Daniel prayed in a way that not only was visible to others, but exposed him to his enemies. However, he clearly knew that God was honored by his prayer, so he didn’t give up his custom. He didn’t put the opinions and even the threats of men above his desire to obey the Lord.

InMatthew 6:5-7, Jesus gives two ways to ensure that our prayers are righteous. First, prayers should not be for the purpose of being seen by others as righteous or “spiritual.” Second, prayers should be authentic, as from the heart, and not just vain repetition or “empty phrases.” However, when compared with other Scriptures that show people praying in public, we know that this is not an exhortation to always pray alone. The issue is to avoid sin. Those who struggle with the desire to be seen as righteous and who notice that temptation creeping in during public prayer would do well to heed Jesus’ prescription to get alone and pray just to the Father who will reward in secret. Jesus knew that the Pharisees’ desire was to be seen by men as righteous, not really to talk to God. This statement about prayer was meant to convict and is instructive for all Christians, but it does not mean that all prayer must be secret.

Public prayer should be God-honoring, selfless, and based in a true desire to speak to God and not to men. If we can pray publicly without violating these principles, we do well to pray publicly. If, however, our conscience forbids it, there is nothing less effective about a prayer offered in secret.

Recommended Resources:Logos Bible SoftwareandPrayer, The Great Adventure by David Jeremiah.



While he is not the author of every article on GotQuestions.org, for citation purposes, you may reference our CEO, S. Michael Houdmann.
Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/public-prayer.html#ixzz2UakbPI1s

DAY 4 - DAILY HISTORY - AMERICAN MINUTE FOR MAY 28, 2013

May 28



American Minute for May 28th:

Download MP3


He left Yale for four years to fight in the Revolutionary War.

After graduation, he became a lawyer and taught school in New York.

Dissatisfied with the children's spelling books, he wrote the famous Blue-Backed Speller, which sold over one hundred million copies.

After twenty-six years of work, he published the first American Dictionary of the English Language.

His name was Noah Webster, and he died MAY 28, 1843.

In his 1788 essay, "On the Education of Youth in America," printed in Webster's American Magazine, Noah Webster wrote:

"Select passages of Scripture...may be read in schools, to great advantage. In some countries the common people are not permitted to read the Bible at all. In ours, it is as common as a newspaper and in schools is read with nearly the same degree of respect."

Noah Webster continued:

"My wish is not to see the Bible excluded from schools but to see it used as a system of religion and morality."

In his History of the United States, 1832, Noah Webster wrote:

"The brief exposition of the Constitution of the United States, will unfold to young persons the principles of republican government...

The genuine source of correct republican principles is the Bible, particularly the New Testament or the Christian religion."

Noah Webster continued in The History of the United States, 1832:

"All the miseries and evils which men suffer from vice, crime, ambition, injustice, oppression, slavery and war, proceed from their despising or neglecting the precepts contained in the Bible."



Show Endnotes





(Brought to you by AmericanMinute.com)





Add American Minute on your Website 

How to use the American Minute RSS feed

Post to Facebook

Post to Twitter

DAY 3 - DAILY BIBLE VERSE (GIVE YOUR LIFE) - MAY 27, 2013

May 27


John: 15-13 (The Voice Bible)

13 There is no greater way to love than to give your life for your friends.

http://hearthevoice.com/search-bible

DAY 3 - DAILY DEVOTION - MAY 27, 2013

May 27 

Serving
Posted on January 30, 2012 by katherine


“The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28

Bryan had a God given ability and talent for playing piano, singing, and worshiping. He could hear something & then play it beautifully. What you may not know is Bryan was also brilliant with technical things. He could figure out anything in the studio or with the computer. He was so smart. Everyone would always call him because Bryan just always knew the answer, no matter what it was. I smile at all the times he was on the phone counseling someone or trying to help figure out their technical problems. If he didn’t know the answer he would find out. No, was not in Bryan’s vocabulary. I remember one company wanted to hire him because he had figured out some technical stuff that no one else on the team had figured out.

Although Bryan could do all these wonderful things, he was a servant. He wanted to serve others in any way possible. The saying of JOY- Jesus Others You was his motto. Bryan’s life was so full and rich from serving.

Our Savior came to serve and give his life a ransom. He paid the ultimate price for us, first by serving then by dying in our place.

Is your motto - dying to serve?

Let’s re-evaluate our priorities, and stop trying to climb the corporate ladder and start on the first step- serving others.

http://dailyliveworship.com/blog/serving/

DAY 3 - DAILY PRAYER (MEMORIAL DAY)

May 27



A Memorial Day Prayer for Our Military and Military Families – 

Heavenly Father, Today is yours. We thank you for giving us this beautiful opportunity to honor the men and women who so bravely served this country in the past as well as in the present. Father we ask you to bless and strengthen those brave souls who selflessly give of themselves without asking anything in return. We ask you to heal our wounded warriors who returned home in pain after they gave their all for this great land. Bless them. Restore their souls. Heal their bodies. Bring salvation to the lost. Father we ask you to bless the families of our military who stay behind while their loved one goes into battle. Keep them safe and provide for their needs according to your abundance. Lord, we pray for a special blessing upon the families whose loved one gave his or her life to this country. Keep them safe and comfort their hearts. Lord, we ask you to anoint our Chaplains and others who bring the Word to our military. Bless their ministry and bring a great harvest of souls from their efforts. Father, we ask you to forgive the sins of this nation as well as the sins of the leaders who have forgotten how to pray. Have mercy on all Americans and bring us to a state of repentance in these difficult times. We ask you to forgive our pride as a nation and deliver us from the evil that has come upon us. You alone are righteous and holy. You alone are worthy of praise. We thank you for hearing our prayer! In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen



From HubPages

DAY 3 - DAILY QUESTION ABOUT GOD'S WORD (WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT SERVING IN THE MILITARY)

May 27

Question: "What does the Bible say about a Christian serving in the military?"

Answer: The Bible contains plenty of information about serving in the military. While many of the Bible’s references to the military are only analogies, several verses directly relate to this question. The Bible does not specifically state whether or not someone should serve in the military. At the same time, Christians can rest assured that being a soldier is highly respected throughout the Scriptures and know that such service is consistent with a biblical worldview.

The first example of military service is found in the Old Testament (Genesis 14), when Abraham's nephew Lot was kidnapped by Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, and his allies. Abraham rallied to Lot's aid by gathering 318 trained men of his household and defeating the Elamites. Here we see armed forces engaged in a noble task—rescuing and protecting the innocent.

Late in its history, the nation of Israel developed a standing army. The sense that God was the Divine Warrior and would protect His people regardless of their military strength may have been a reason why Israel was slow to develop an army. The development of a regular standing army in Israel came only after a strong, centralized political system had been developed by Saul, David, and Solomon. Saul was the first to form a permanent army (1 Samuel 13:2;24:2;26:2).

What Saul began, David continued. He increased the army, brought in hired troops from other regions who were loyal to him alone (2 Samuel 15:19-22) and turned over the direct leadership of his armies to a commander-in-chief, Joab. Under David, Israel also became more aggressive in its offensive military policies, absorbing neighboring states like Ammon (2 Samuel 11:1;1 Chronicles 20:1-3). David established a system of rotating troops with twelve groups of 24,000 men serving one month of the year (1 Chronicles 27). Although Solomon's reign was peaceful, he further expanded the army, adding chariots and horsemen (1 Kings 10:26). The standing army continued (though divided along with the kingdom after the death of Solomon) until 586 B.C., when Israel (Judah) ceased to exist as a political entity.

In the New Testament, Jesus marveled when a Roman centurion (an officer in charge of one hundred soldiers) approached Him. The centurion’s response to Jesus indicated his clear understanding of authority, as well as his faith in Jesus (Matthew 8:5-13). Jesus did not denounce his career. Many centurions mentioned in the New Testament are praised as Christians, God-fearers, and men of good character (Matthew 8:5;27:54;Mark 15:39-45;Luke 7:2;23:47;Acts 10:1;21:32;28:16).

The places and the titles may have changed, but our armed forces should be just as valued as the centurions of the Bible. The position of soldier was highly respected. For example, Paul describes Epaphroditus, a fellow Christian, as a “fellow soldier” (Philippians 2:25). The Bible also uses military terms to describe being strong in the Lord by putting on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20), including the tools of the soldier—helmet, shield, and sword.

Yes, the Bible does address serving in the military, directly and indirectly. The Christian men and women who serve their country with character, dignity, and honor can rest assured that the civic duty they perform is condoned and respected by our sovereign God. Those who honorably serve in the military deserve our respect and gratitude.

Recommended Resources:Logos Bible SoftwareandBible Answers for Almost all Your Questions by Elmer Towns.

This page is also available in:Chinese,Indonesia,Hebrew,Español,Português,Polski,Korean,Russian,Thai,Nederlands,Hrvatski,Français,Italiano,Srpski,Română,Greek,Bulgarian,Japanese,Melayu,Slovenčina,Arabic,Sinhala,Trad-Chinese,Farsi,Ukrainian,Magyar,Suomi,Deutsch,Mongolian,Cesky,Afrikaans,Türkçe,Norsk,Kiswahili,Bosanski,Latviešu,Dansk

While he is not the author of every article on GotQuestions.org, for citation purposes, you may reference our CEO, S. Michael Houdmann.

Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/military-Christian.html#ixzz2USg9duPB

DAY 3 - DAILY HISTORY - AMERICAN MINUTE FOR MAY 27, 2013

May 27

Memorial Day

Southern women scattered spring flowers on the graves of both the Northern and Southern soldiers who died during the Civil War.

This was the origin of Memorial Day, which in 1868 was set on MAY 30.

In 1968, it was moved to the last Monday in May.

From the Spanish-American War, to World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, War against Islamic Terror, up through the present, all who gave their lives to preserve America's freedom are honored on Memorial Day.

Beginning in 1921, the tradition has been for Presidents to lay a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The number 21 being the highest salute, the sentry takes 21 steps, faces the tomb for 21 seconds, turns and pauses 21 seconds, then retraces his steps.

Inscribed on the Tomb is the phrase:

"HERE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY AN AMERICAN SOLDIER KNOWN BUT TO GOD."

In his 1923 Memorial Address, President Calvin Coolidge stated:

"There can be no peace with the forces of evil. Peace comes only through the establishment of the supremacy of the forces of good.

That way lies through sacrifice...'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.'"

Show Endnotes

(Brought to you by AmericanMinute.com)

Add American Minute on your Website

How to use the American Minute RSS feed

Post to Facebook

Post to Twitter

DAY 2 - DAILY BIBLE VERSE (CHILDREN) - MAY 26, 2013

May 26


Psalm: Chapter 127:5 (The Voice Bible)

5 Happy is the man who has
his quiver full, for they will help and protect him when he is old.
He will not be humiliated when he is accused at the gate,
for his sons will stand with him against his enemies.

http://hearthevoice.com/search-bible

DAY 2 - DAILY DEVOTION - MAY 26, 2013

May 26


Kicking & Screaming
Posted on February 20, 2013 by katherine


As I drop off my girls to school every morning, it breaks my heart to see this little kindergarten boy kicking & screaming throwing his arms all around not wanting his Daddy to leave. It takes 2-3 staff members to restrain him from running after his daddy. And, this happens every single day!


I wonder if we ever get like that when we haven’t been with our Heavenly Father. Do we kick & scream until we get a chance to have that private time with him? Does everything inside of us yearn to be with God? Just as that little boy tries so hard to reach out for his Dad as he leaves, are we reaching out to Father God wanting so desperately to reach Him and be with Him?


I encourage you not to let anything hinder you from reaching Him each and everyday. He wants to be with you. Lord, give us a desire to spend more quality time with you.


“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere…” Psalm 84:10


http://dailyliveworship.com/blog/kicking-screaming/

DAY 2 - DAILY PRAYER (FAMILY)

May 26

Abba Father,

We thank You for Your concept of 'family', as first established with Adam and Eve and their offspring.  We also thank You for free will, tempered with an indwelling of the Holy Spirit.  Although the first family made choices that were ultimately against Your will, we also see in Your word the complete plans that You wished for the family unit.  Today we celebrate the true calling that You have established for families...to love and to honor one another.  The very fact that the family is meant to be lead by a man and a woman confirms Your plans for oneness!  As a man is to leave his family and be united to his wife, the family is meant to become one unit as well.  

Father, we pray for the unity of families.  That our mortal flesh would not choose to separate what You have planned to be whole and united.  That we would not give into the devil's scheme to despise our family members, or hurt them in any way.  That the Holy Spirit would lead not only the parents in each family unit to follow Your will, but also the children who have been given as blessings.  In this world failing to drugs, abuse, divorce, murder, sexual perversion, adultery, and every plan of the enemy, we pray for strength against our weak flesh.  Guide us in Your word, so that we may live as righteous members of Your eternal family.  Protect the children born into this world from the many dangers that threaten their precious lives.  

Father, may You rend heaven to return to our schools, homes, and places of worship.  May the American family be lead to unite tighter than ever before, and may fathers and mothers lead as Christ would lead.

In Jesus' name we pray. Amen!

Wally Ziolo

Founder - 40DAYPRAYER4USA

Lancaster, Ohio USA

DAY 2 - DAILY QUESTION ABOUT GOD'S WORD (WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT FAMILY)

May 26

Question: "What does the Bible say about family?"

Answer:The concept of family is extremely important in the Bible, both in a physical sense and in a theological sense. The concept of family was introduced in the very beginning, as we see inGenesis 1:28, "God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.'" God's plan for creation was for men and women to marry and have children. A man and a woman would form a "one-flesh" union through marriage (Genesis 2:24), and they with their children become a family, the essential building block of human society.

We also see early on that family members were to look after and care for one another. When God asks Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?" Cain's response is the flippant "Am I my brother's keeper?" The implication is that, yes, Cain was expected to be Abel's keeper and vice versa. Not only was Cain's murder of his brother an offense against humanity in general, but it was especially egregious because it was the first recorded case of fratricide (murder of one's sibling).

The Bible has a more communal sense of people and family than is generally held in Western cultures today, where citizens are more individualized than people in the Middle East and definitely more so than the people of the ancient near East. When God saved Noah from the flood, it wasn't an individual case salvation, but a salvation for him, his wife, his sons and his sons’ wives. In other words, his family was saved (Genesis 6:18). When God called Abraham out of Haran, He called him and his family (Genesis 12:4-5). The sign of the Abrahamic covenant (circumcision) was to be applied to all males within one's household, whether they were born into the family or are part of the household servant staff (Genesis 17:12-13). In other words, God's covenant with Abraham was familial, not individual.

The importance of family can be seen in the provisions of the Mosaic covenant. For example, two of the Ten Commandments deal with maintaining the cohesiveness of the family. The fifth commandment regarding honoring parents is meant to preserve the authority of parents in family matters, and the seventh commandment prohibiting adultery protects the sanctity of marriage. From these two commandments flow all of the various other stipulations in the Mosaic Law which seek to protect marriage and the family. The health of the family was so important to God that it was codified in the national covenant of Israel.

This is not solely an Old Testament phenomenon. The New Testament makes many of the same commands and prohibitions. Jesus speaks on the sanctity of marriage and against frivolous divorce in Matthew 19. The Apostle Paul talks about what Christian homes should look like when he gives the twin commands of "children, obey your parents" and "parents, don't provoke your children" inEphesians 6:1-4andColossians 3:20-21. Furthermore, we see similar New Testament concepts regarding the importance of family in the process of salvation in the book of Acts when on two separate occasions during Paul's second missionary journey, entire households were baptized at the conversion of one individual (Acts 16:11-15,16:31-33). This is not to condone infant baptism or baptismal regeneration (i.e., that baptism confers salvation), but it is interesting to note that just as the Old Testament sign of the covenant (circumcision) was applied to whole families, so also the New Testament sign of the covenant (baptism) was applied to entire households. We can make an argument that when God saves an individual, His desire (from a moral/revealed-will perspective) is for the family to be saved. Clearly, God's desire isn't just to save isolated individuals, but entire households. In 1 Corinthians 7, the unbelieving spouse is sanctified through the believing spouse, meaning, among other things, that the unbelieving spouse is in a position to be saved through the witness of the believing spouse.

From a covenant perspective, membership in the covenant community is more communal than individualistic. In the case of Lydia and the Philippian jailer, their families/households were baptized and made part of the church community. Since we know that baptism doesn't confer salvation, which is only by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), we can assume that not all were saved, but all were included into the community of believers. Lydia’s and the jailer's salvation didn't break up their families. We know that salvation can be a strain on a family, but God's intent isn't to break up families over the issue of salvation. Lydia and the jailer weren't commanded to come out and be separate from their unbelieving families; rather, the sign of the covenant (baptism) was applied to all members in the household. The families were sanctified (set apart) and called into the community of believers.

Let's now turn our attention to the theological concept of family. During His three-year ministry, Jesus shattered some prevailing notions of what it meant to be part of a family: "While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, ‘Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.’ He replied to him, ‘Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?’ Pointing to his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother’” (Matthew 12:46-50). Now we must clear up some misconceptions with this passage. Jesus is not saying that biological family isn't important; He is not dismissing His mother and brothers. What He is doing is making the clear theological point that in the Kingdom of Heaven, the most important family connection is spiritual, not physical. This is a truth made explicitly clear in John's Gospel, when the evangelist says, "Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God" (John 1:12-13).

The parallels are quite clear. When we are born physically, we’re born into a physical family, but when we are "born again," we are born into a spiritual family. To use Pauline language, we are adopted into God's family (Romans 8:15). When we are adopted into God's spiritual family, the Church, God becomes our Father and Jesus our Brother. This spiritual family is not bound by ethnicity, gender or social standing. As Paul says, "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise" (Galatians 3:26-29).

So what does the Bible say about family? The physical family is the most important building block to human society, and as such, it should be nurtured and protected. But more important than that is the new creation that God is making in Christ, which is comprised of a spiritual family, the Church, made up of all people who call upon the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior. This is a family drawn "from every nation, tribe, people and language" (Revelation 7:9), and the defining characteristic of this spiritual family is love for one another: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:34-35).
Recommended Resources:Logos Bible SoftwareandYour Family God's Way by Wayne Mack.

While he is not the author of every article on GotQuestions.org, for citation purposes, you may reference our CEO, S. Michael Houdmann.

Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-family.html#ixzz2ULmJTCca