Am I my brother's keeper?, was the logical question from Cain when he was asked about his brother. When we look back at our spiritual journey, we realize that many who walked with us are not walking with the Lord. We may think that we are in better position, considering the pitiful state of those fallen away. We seldom realize that we have a ministry to restore our brothers and sisters, strayed away from Him. As a follower of Christ and a member in the body of Christ, we need to be concerned for those who are not in Christ and make efforts to bring them back to the Lord.
Backsliding happens when one stray away from the truth, when one fail to apply the truth, when one do not obey the truth. Backsliding leads to moral lapse and failure in conduct.
Paul's advise to the early church is, "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently" (Galatians 6:1).
James' recommendation is, "My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins" (James 5:19-20).
Definitely, we know many of our friends and acquaintances, who are not in the Lord, now.
Do we have any concern for the spiritual welfare of them?
Do we fail to realize our responsibility to bring them back to the Lord?
At least, We can list out their names and pray earnestly, for their spiritual recovery. We can also help them to get back, as the Spirit leads. Our desire and decision to pray for them and to reach out to them could be the starting point.
SIN OF PRAYERLESSNESS
- It is a sin not to pray because the Bible expressly calls it a sin. 1 Samuel 12:23
- It is a sin not to pray because it is right to pray. 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Ephesians 6:18.
- It is a sin not to pray because It is pure unbelief not to pray. Hebrews 11:6.
- It is a sin not to pray because of all the encouragements that are given to us to pray. The Bible urges us to pray.
- It is a sin not to pray because prayerlessness leaves the door open for all other sins (Matthew 6:13; 26:41; Luke 22:40).
- It is a sin not to pray because the root cause of all our deficiency and lack of spirituality is not praying.
WHAT DOES BIBLE SAY ABOUT HELL?
The Bible describes hell as a place of punishment for those who have rejected God and His ways.
ETERNAL PUNISHMENT:
The Bible teaches that hell is a place of eternal punishment. In Matthew 25:46, Jesus says, "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
SEPARATION FROM GOD:
Hell is described as a state of separation from God's presence. 2 Thessalonians 1:9 says, "They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might." Hell is a place where those who reject God's offer of salvation are eternally separated from His love, goodness, and fellowship.
FIRE AND TORMENT:
The Bible uses vivid imagery to depict hell as a place of fire and torment. Jesus describes it as "the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels" in Matthew 25:41. Revelation 20:15 speaks of the lake of fire, saying, "Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire." These descriptions convey the seriousness and intensity of the punishment in hell.
JUST PUNISHMENT:
Hell is presented as a just punishment for those who persistently reject God's offer of salvation and continue in rebellion against Him. 2 Peter 2:4-9 speaks of God's judgment on the ungodly, saying, "If this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment." The Bible teaches that God's justice demands that sin be punished, and hell is the consequence for those who refuse to turn to God.
While hell represents the severity of God's judgment, the Bible also emphasizes God's love and mercy. 2 Peter 3:9 states, "The Lord is not slow to fulfil his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." God's desire is for all people to be saved, and He extends His offer of salvation through Jesus Christ, providing a way to escape the judgment of hell.
The prosperity gospel is a theological belief and movement that emphasizes material wealth and prosperity as signs of God's favor and blessings.
DISTORTED VIEW OF THE GOSPEL:
The prosperity gospel tends to place a disproportionate emphasis on material wealth and prosperity as the primary focus of the Christian faith. It often reduces the message of the gospel to a formula for financial success, neglecting other essential aspects such as repentance, salvation, personal holiness, and the call to love and serve others.
MISINTERPRETATION OF SCRIPTURE:
Advocates of the prosperity gospel often cherry-pick Bible verses, taking them out of their broader context and distorting their meaning. They highlight passages that seem to support their emphasis on prosperity while ignoring or downplaying the biblical teachings on suffering, sacrifice, and the eternal nature of God's kingdom.
MANIPULATION AND EXPLOITATION:
The prosperity gospel can lead to the manipulation and exploitation of vulnerable individuals who are seeking hope, healing, and financial breakthroughs. Some prosperity preachers make extravagant promises of material blessings in exchange for financial contributions, often pressuring people into giving money as a demonstration of their faith. This can exploit people's desires and manipulate them for financial gain.
LACK OF BIBLICAL SUPPORT:
The core teachings of the prosperity gospel often lack solid biblical support. While there are instances of God blessing individuals with material wealth in the Bible, these examples are not presented as guarantees or formulas for all believers. In fact, the New Testament consistently highlights the importance of spiritual wealth, faithfulness in the midst of trials, and the eternal hope found in Christ.
The prosperity gospel tends to downplay or ignore the reality of suffering, trials, and the role of the cross in the Christian life. It promotes a theology of "victory" and "success" that does not adequately address the biblical teachings on the inevitability of suffering, persecution, and the call to take up one's cross and follow Jesus.
It is essential to approach the teachings of the prosperity gospel with discernment and to evaluate them in light of the entirety of Scripture. The true gospel emphasizes the transformative power of God's grace, the salvation found in Jesus Christ, and the call to live a life of obedience, love, and service to God and others, regardless of one's material circumstances.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT JEALOUSY?
The Bible addresses the topic of jealousy and provides guidance on how to handle it in a godly manner.
1. Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV): "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." This passage includes jealousy in a list of acts of the flesh, emphasizing that it is a negative attitude that goes against God's intended way of life.
2. Proverbs 14:30 (NIV): "A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." This proverb highlights the destructive nature of envy, which is closely related to jealousy. It suggests that jealousy can have a detrimental effect on a person's well-being and inner peace.
3. 1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV): "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." In the famous "love chapter," jealousy is contrasted with the characteristics of genuine love. Love, as described here, does not envy but instead seeks the well-being and happiness of others.
4. James 3:14-16 (NIV): "But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such 'wisdom' does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice." This passage warns against harboring envy and selfish ambition, emphasizing that they lead to disorder and negative consequences.
5. Proverbs 27:4 (NIV): "Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?" This proverb recognizes the destructive power of jealousy, suggesting that it can be overwhelming and challenging to overcome.
JEALOUSY VS. RIGHTEOUS ZEAL:
While jealousy is often portrayed negatively in the Bible, it's important to note that there is a distinction between sinful jealousy and righteous zeal. Sinful jealousy is rooted in selfishness, envy, and a desire to possess or harm what others have. On the other hand, righteous zeal is a passionate commitment to uphold truth, righteousness, and the glory of God. For example, God is described as a jealous God (Exodus 20:4-6), which means He passionately desires exclusive worship and loyalty from His people, as He knows that seeking fulfillment in anything else ultimately leads to destruction.
JEALOUSY AS A WARNING:
The Bible often warns about the destructive effects of jealousy. It can lead to strife, division, and harmful actions. The story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4 illustrates the consequences of jealousy when Cain's envy of his brother led him to commit the first murder. Jealousy can poison relationships, breed resentment, and hinder personal growth.
OVERCOMING JEALOUSY:
The Bible provides guidance on how to overcome jealousy. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating a heart of contentment, gratitude, and trust in God's provision. Philippians 4:11-12 (NIV) says, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation." Developing a deep understanding of God's love, faithfulness, and sovereignty helps combat jealousy by fostering trust in His plans and timing.
FOCUSSING ON THE BLESSINGS OF GOD:
Rather than dwelling on what others have or comparing ourselves to them, the Bible encourages believers to focus on the blessings and gifts God has given them. Romans 12:6-8 (NIV) teaches about the diversity of spiritual gifts within the body of Christ, emphasizing the importance of using our unique gifts for the benefit of others rather than being envious of the gifts bestowed upon others.
SEEKING TRANSFORMATION:
Overcoming jealousy requires a transformation of the heart through the power of the Holy Spirit. This transformation involves renewing the mind and aligning one's thoughts and desires with God's truth. Romans 12:2 (NIV) encourages believers to "not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." By seeking God's guidance, meditating on His Word, and relying on His strength, individuals can experience growth and freedom from the grip of jealousy.
The Bible teaches that jealousy is a destructive attitude that hinders our relationship with God and others. By seeking His guidance, relying on His grace, and cultivating a heart of contentment, gratitude, and love, we can overcome jealousy and experience the freedom and joy found in trusting God's plan for our lives.
The term "carnal Christian" refers to a person who claims to be a follower of Christ but consistently displays characteristics and behaviors that are worldly, driven by the fleshly desires, and contrary to the teachings and values of Christianity.
WORLDLY PRIORITIES:
A carnal Christian tends to prioritize worldly pursuits, such as material possessions, wealth, power, and pleasure, above their relationship with God. They may be preoccupied with pursuing personal ambitions and gratifying their own desires rather than seeking God's will and living according to His principles.
LACK OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH:
A carnal Christian often shows a lack of spiritual growth and maturity. They may have a superficial understanding of the Bible and little desire to deepen their knowledge of God's Word or engage in spiritual disciplines like prayer, worship, and studying Scripture. Their faith remains stagnant, showing little evidence of transformation.
CONTINUAL UNREPENTANT SIN:
While all Christians struggle with sin, a carnal Christian tends to persistently engage in sinful behaviors without genuine repentance or a desire to change. They may justify or downplay their sin, disregarding the conviction of the Holy Spirit and failing to seek forgiveness and restoration.
DIVISION AND STRIFE:
A carnal Christian may contribute to division, strife, and conflicts within the church or among fellow believers. They may harbor bitterness, envy, or pride, leading to gossip, criticism, and a lack of love and unity. Their actions and words undermine the body of Christ rather than building it up.
LACK OF FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT:
The fruit of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23, includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. A carnal Christian often displays a lack of these characteristics, exhibiting traits like anger, selfishness, impatience, and a lack of self-control in their thoughts, words, and actions.
RESISTANCE TO SPIRITUAL CORRECTION:
A carnal Christian tends to resist or reject spiritual correction or accountability. They may be defensive when confronted with their sinful behavior, refusing to listen to wise counsel or make necessary changes in their lives. Pride and a stubborn heart hinder their growth and willingness to submit to God's transforming work.
It is important to note that all Christians can struggle with areas of carnality at times, but the difference lies in the response to conviction and a desire to grow and mature in Christ. The goal for every believer is to continually surrender to the Holy Spirit's work, allowing Him to transform their hearts and align their lives with the teachings of Christ.
SUGGESTIONS FOR A REGULAR PRAYER LIFE
Prayer is a personal and intimate conversation with God. Prioritizing our relationship with God through regular prayer will help to experience His presence, guidance, and transformative work in your life. Some suggestions to cultivate a consistent prayer life are:
ESTABLISH A ROUTINE:Set aside specific times each day or week for prayer. Consistency and regularity are key. It can be helpful to choose a quiet and comfortable place where you can focus and minimize distractions.
SET REALISTIC GOALS:
Start with realistic goals for the length and frequency of your prayer sessions. It's better to have shorter, focused prayers than to feel overwhelmed and give up due to unrealistic expectations. As you develop the habit, you can gradually increase the duration and intensity of your prayer time.
USE A PRAYER GUIDE OR DEVOTIONAL:
Utilize prayer guides or devotionals to provide structure and inspiration for your prayer time. These resources can help you focus your thoughts, provide specific topics for prayer, and offer insights from Scripture.
PRAY WITH SCRIPTURE:
Incorporate the reading and meditation of Scripture into your prayer time. You can choose a passage of Scripture and pray through it, using its words and themes to guide your prayers. The Bible is a rich source of guidance and inspiration for prayer.
PRACTICE DIFFERENT TYPES OF PRAYER:
Explore various forms of prayer, such as adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication, intercession, and contemplation. Each type of prayer serves a different purpose and can deepen your connection with God.
KEEP A PRAYER JOURNAL:
Consider keeping a prayer journal to record your prayers, reflections, and answered prayers. This can help you track your spiritual journey, maintain focus, and remember specific prayer requests and God's faithfulness.
BE PERSISTENT AND FLEXIBLE:
Prayer is a lifelong journey, and there will be seasons when it is easier or more challenging to maintain consistency. Be persistent in your commitment to prayer, even when it feels difficult. Adapt your prayer routine to fit changing circumstances and seasons of life.
