Dating and Sex

Let us walk with decency, as in the daylight: not in carousing and drunkenness; not in sexual impurity and promiscuity; not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no plans to satisfy the fleshly desires. - Romans 13:13-14 HCSB

It seems that almost every commercial out there is selling sex. Every drink is sold by showing images of wild, loud parties filled with beautiful, scantily clad young men and women. Even the argument for buying a men’s deodorant is that women will not be able to keep their hands off of you. The loss of virginity is such a popular theme they’ve even made a movie about it! How in the world are the Ransomed to overcome this overwhelming message as they raise their children?

The Lord’s teaching on the matter is clear. We are to be a decent people, not characterized by carousing, drunkenness, sexual impurity, promiscuity, quarreling and jealousy. These are things I heard about every day but twice on Mondays when I worked “in the world.” Unfortunately, ministering in a church has not completely sheltered me from this lifestyle either. Sexuality in courtship has become so matter of fact that even the church has developed a laissez-faire attitude about it.

Ransomed dating should not include a sexual relationship.[1] Sexual sin is never right. Our bodies were not made for that, but for the Lord. That is why we should run from it. God says that more than any other sin, when you sin sexually, you sin against your own body.[2]

Our Master demonstrated His love for us by ransoming our sorry lives and adopting us into His family. We are Hashem’s children now and we are by His grace transforming into something new, something wonderful. While we don’t fully understand what the end product will be (because it is simply too beautiful for the human mind to conceive), we do know that when Christ appears we will be just like Him. Everyone who has this hope in the Lord will purify himself just as the Lord is pure. Purity is not about adhering to some arbitrary set or rules or a code of behavior. Remaining true and faithful to this hope is the motivating factor behind maintaining purity in our dating relationship.[3]

Just as in a marriage relationship, a Believer remains faithful to the Groom[4] by force of love. Faithfulness is motivated by a love relationship with Christ. This loyalty to God’s incarnate love will allow us to marry in holiness and honor – not in lustful passion as the heathen do in their ignorance of God and His ways.[5]

“Pastor,” you may cry out, “I’ve already gone too far physically. What should I do?” First, acknowledge your sin.[6] Ask forgiveness for it. God has promised you a second chance.[7] Then trust His forgiveness. Quit feeling guilty and start living the holy life God desires for you.[8]


[1] Ephesians 5:1-5
[2] 1 Corinthians 6:13, 18
[3] 1 John 3:1-6
[4] Matthew 19:15; 25:1, 5-6, 10; Mark 2:19-20; Luke 5:34-35; John 3:29; Ephesians 5:22-31
[5] 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
[6] Psalm 51:2-4
[7] Psalm 51:7-12
[8] Psalm 32:1-6

Choosing A Mate, 3 of 3

A man who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD. - Proverbs 18:22 HCSB

So generally, what specific characteristics should you be looking for?

A good mate should already be demonstrating the character and loyalty that is so vital to a successful marriage. If they have a roving eye now, do you actually think that a marriage license, a piece of paper, will make them faithful?

They should take marriage very seriously[1] and their commitment to it must be absolute. It takes a lot of character to resist the world’s temptations. A potential mate should be pure.[2] You must be cautious of marrying a person who has slept around or has been married many times. There might yet be lurking some serious character flaw that will cause them to be unfaithful to you too![3]

A good marriage will be characterized by mutual submission, trust and care.[4] Those are tough things to do and require a lot of character. Eliezer prayed and asked the Lord to point out a certain kind of young woman. He didn’t ask for some arbitrary sign but instead asked the Lord to bring to him a young woman whose actions would display a submissive, humble, hard-working servant attitude.[5] If a person does not already demonstrate those traits while dating, they are not likely to do so in marriage.

A good spouse also needs to be able to love you and spend time with you. They need to be able to not only physically, but also psychologically leave their parents in order to commit themselves to the new home.[6] If their idea of taking you out to dinner is to eat with their mom and dad, or their idea of a night out is sitting in front of their parent’s TV, you might want to reconsider!

Marriage is largely about interpersonal enjoyment. The mate you choose should be able to have fun with you. They should be able to simply play.[7] Are they uptight and persnickety? Can they laugh? Are they embarrassed or overly shy in public? Are they good losers? Are they gracious winners? These things reveal a lot about how you two will handle life’s ups and downs.

Their love (and yours) should be characterized by patience, kindness, understanding, humility, propriety, unselfishness, gentleness, forgiveness, righteousness, honesty, endurance, trust and hope. Above all, it must never think of quitting![8]

Most of all, you should try to BE the right mate. By inculcating these characteristics into your own life, you will make yourself more attractive to the kind of person you want to marry.[9]

While looking for the right mate, learn the secret of contentment, whether you get married or not.[10] Don’t give yourself away - “first come first serve.” Be selective. You are worth it.[11] Be patient. Whether young or old, God wants you to call on Him, walk close to Him, and wait on Him.[12]


[1] Hebrews 13:4
[2] Proverbs 5:15-23
[3] 1 Thessalonians 4:2-8
[4] Ephesians 5:21-33
[5] Genesis 24:13-14
[6] Genesis 2:24
[7] Ecclesiastes 9:9
[8] 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
[9] Matthew 7:3-5, 12
[10] Philippians 4:11-13
[11] Matthew 7:6
[12] Psalm 27:13-14; Isaiah 30:18

Choosing A Mate, 2 of 3

A man who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD. - Proverbs 18:22 HCSB

Finding a good spouse is truly a gift from the Lord.[1] Yahweh Yireh loves you and He wants what is best for you. Your spiritual health is central to His heart. If you will put God's desires first, He will make sure you get a great marriage partner. By wisely choosing to fear the Lord, and showing Him the reverence and honor that is due Him, you will be protected from potentially devastating decisions.[2]

You need to trust not only God’s ABILITY but His WILLINGNESS to bring you a wonderful spouse. Abraham expressed his trust in God's ability to lead Eliezer to the right woman for his son. This was not wishful thinking, but true faith that had grown out of a long-term intimate relationship with Hashem. Since Yahweh Ra’ah had provided for all his other needs, Abraham knew that the Lord could be trusted in this crucial choice for his son Isaac.[3]

So, spend much time in prayer asking the Lord for the mate He wants for you.[4] Be sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, while carefully discerning His guidance and your own inner urges.[5] Do not confuse the compulsions of your reproductive system for voice of the Spirit. Whatever you hear from the Spirit will never contradict the Scriptures.

The Word clearly teaches that you must not marry an unbeliever. [6] After all, it makes no sense for the Ransomed to marry unbelievers. Why would you start out a marriage with such a fundamental rift in place? A person who does this is simply asking for trouble.

Even though the apostles Paul and Peter spoke of the possibility of winning an unbelieving spouse to the Lord,[7] that does not mean we should go into marriage knowing we are spiritually incompatible.

That would be like saying, “I know that it is possible for a marriage to survive me having an affair; therefore, it is all right for me to practice that sin.” Or better yet, “I know it is possible that I might survive driving my car off a bridge; therefore, I’ll try.” That’s simply ignorant! Besides, God directly forbids it! So the real question here is, “Will you obey or not?”

Abraham understood that God’s ways were much better than human ways and lived the truth expressed by Solomon: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.[8]

Abraham’s faith apparently worked so well that others sought to imitate it. His servant, Eliezer, displayed the same kind of faith when he prayed.[9] Seeking God’s will must not be an esoteric, abstract concept in the minds of the Ransomed. It is a hard, practical thing that is intrinsic to every decision we make.

[1] Proverbs 18:22
[2] Psalm 37:4; 1:7; 2:1-11; Matthew 6:33
[3] Genesis 15:2-6; 24:2-4, 7
[4] Matthew 7:7-11
[5] Acts 8:29; 11:28; 13:2; 21:11; 1 Corinthians 7:12
[6] 2 Corinthians 6:14
[7] 1 Corinthians 7:12-16; 1 Peter 3:1-2
[8] Proverbs 3:5-6
[9] Genesis 24:12

Choosing A Mate, 1 of 3

A man who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD. - Proverbs 18:22 HCSB

We’ve probably all seen the sweet diamond commercial where the young couple walking through the park sees the elderly couple still holding hands after years of marriage. How do we find that special person to grow old with when we are surrounded by materialistic, shallow, worldly, narcissistic people? When looking into the eyes of another person, how do we know for a fact that this is the right kind of person, much less the very person we should marry?

The first question is not who you should marry, but whether you should marry at all. Some people are granted the gift of celibacy, the ability to live without a sexual relationship.[1] This is a very special gift because it allows the person who has it a unique opportunity to focus on ministry in a way that a married person cannot. A married person’s attention is split between the Lord’s work and his spouse. I have discovered that a married person is vulnerable in a way that a single person is not. Why do you think the military often selects single, unattached men for particularly dangerous missions?

However, most people are not gifted with celibacy. Most humans are not solitary but social creatures. It is generally not good for us to be alone and a good mate will provide help to not only survive but thrive in this world.[2]

If we must marry then, the first consideration must be our parents. If at all possible, we need to gain both sets of parents’ approval for the marriage. [3]

Isaac let his father choose a wife, and he lived happily ever after with her, never seeking another.[4] Samson took a wife over his parents' objections, and the result was disaster. His marriage lasted about a week.[5]

You say, “My parents are not Christians.” Or you say, “My parents do not look for my best interests.” As a pastor, I have found that even the most recalcitrant parent has a unique insight into his or her child. No one has known you longer than a parent. Even if they have not lived with you, they know the genetic predispositions you have! I’m not saying that you have to marry who they tell you to, but I am suggesting that you listen to their input! You need to also listen to your “person of interest’s” parents. You will not be marrying the parents, but you are certainly stuck with them! It would be best to start off on the right foot.

God’s will must be sought on the matter. It’s not enough to be physically attracted. Sex appeal will inevitably leave. It’s not enough to be financially well-off. Money has a habit of leaving too. A marriage that is grounded in the will of God – ah, now that’s forever![6]

[1] 1 Corinthians 7:28-35
[2] Genesis 2:18-23
[3] Exodus 20:12
[4] Genesis 24:1-4, 67
[5] Judges 14:1-3, 17-20
[6] Job 42:2; James 1:5

Abandoned by God, 2 of 2

They pleaded with Samuel, "Pray to the LORD your God for your servants, so we won't die! For we have added to all our sins the evil of requesting a king for ourselves." Samuel replied, "Don't be afraid. Even though you have committed all this evil, don't turn away from following the LORD. Instead, worship the LORD with all your heart. Don't turn away to follow worthless things that can't profit or deliver you; they are worthless. The LORD will not abandon His people, because of His great name and because He has determined to make you His own people. - 1 Samuel 12:19-22 HCSB

God had led the people of Israel out of Egypt, through the wilderness and to a beautiful land of their own. He clothed, fed, watered and protected them. No army was able to withstand them under His leadership. Yet they abandoned Hashem and demanded a human king.

None too gently, Samuel reminded them of their sin in the context of today’s passage and as an illustration of God’s supernatural authority over all things (whether humans yield to it or not), he ruined their harvest with thunder and rain. Yet even then, God had not abandoned them.

Even when we mess up big time, Yahweh is willing and able to forgive us if we confess our sins and repent of them.[1] He temporarily leaves us to teach us what life would be like without Him.

When we feel abandoned and in despair, it is then that we must exercise faith. We are not exercising faith when everything is going our way. We are not exercising faith when we understand all our circumstances and are at peace with them.[2]

Just because we feel abandoned or are suffering doesn’t necessarily mean that God has in fact left us. The people in Hebrews 11 are praised by God as having great faith in the midst of pain, sorrow, poverty and loss[3] and they have left us a phenomenal example to follow.

Sometimes it is the very greatness of God’s plans for us that cause others to become jealous and plot our demise. Didn’t Joseph spend years in slavery and prison? But when humans, even our own family, abandon us, we can trust God’s ability to get us through whatever lies ahead[4] as long as we are following God’s will.

We must spend time in prayer, fasting and meditation to verify that we are not living in rebellious sin, that we are obeying God in everything that we know; and that we are humbly listening for His call. Then, we should trust Hashem’s promise to not abandon us.[5]

Paul also learned this valuable lesson. God will allow tough times, even suffering in our lives. But it doesn’t mean that He has abandoned His children. He will use our circumstances to mold us into useful servants and then lead us safely through all the crises until we finally reach home.[6]

[1] 1 John 1:9
[2] Hebrews 11:1-2
[3] Hebrews 11:35-40
[4] Genesis 37:18-20
[5] Joshua 1:5
[6] 2 Timothy 4:16-18

Abandoned by God, 1 of 2

Do not hide Your face from me; do not turn Your servant away in anger. You have been my help; do not leave me or abandon me, God of my salvation. Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD cares for me. - Psalms 27:9-10 HCSB

It would have been easy for David to feel abandoned. He had done nothing wrong and yet he was a hunted man. His loyalty had been rewarded with treachery. His humility had run headlong into paranoid pride and apparently lost! Those of us who know “the rest of the story” know that he had not been abandoned, but we must not fail to empathize with what it must have been like for David during those dark days.

If we are feeling abandoned, we must first make sure that we are not forcing God’s hand.[1] God’s patience can end. If we insist on keeping to our sinful ways, God can give up on us and become our enemy.[2] The people of Israel kept insisting on their own way and reaped the worst consequence possible – abandonment by God.[3]

However, feelings of spiritual abandonment do not always reflect the truth of the situation. Moses spent 40 years in the desert as a shepherd, an occupation that his Egyptian upbringing would have taught him to despise. He could have felt that God had abandoned him, put him on a shelf. But the fact was Moses was the one who had gotten ahead of God and done things his own way. As a result, he was dealing with the consequences.[4]

Moses met a nice girl, settled down and had a family, but we get a glimpse of how he felt inside when we see what he named his son.[5] At first Moses felt abandoned by God, left to rot as a stranger in a foreign land, but the truth was that God was deeply concerned about the whole situation and had a plan.[6]

Jesus knows what it feels like to feel abandoned by His loved ones and even the Father. He experienced the same feelings when He came and lived among us.[7] Notice however that even in His extreme distress and when He felt abandoned by God, the Master still quoted Scripture. We cannot rely on our feelings. Feelings are fickle. Feelings do not always reflect the truth. We must depend entirely on the Word of God.

Because we have a high Priest who understands our feelings and empathizes with us, we should more boldly approach the Throne in prayer so that we might have the grace and strength we need to face our situation.[8]

At those times when we feel the most abandoned we should, by faith, turn to God in prayer. Even when we don’t know what to say; even when we are angry with Him; even when we don’t understand – we need to talk to Him. He has a plan. He knows what He’s doing.[9]

[1] Psalm 139:23-24
[2] Genesis 6:11-13; Romans 1:18-31
[3] Lamentations 1:1
[4] Exodus 2:11-15
[5] Exodus 2:21-22
[6] Exodus 2:23-24
[7] John 16:32; Psalms 22:1: Matthew 27:46
[8] Hebrews 4:15-16
[9] Romans 8:26-28

Afflictions

Man born of woman is short of days and full of trouble. He blossoms like a flower, then withers; he flees like a shadow and does not last. - Job 14:1-2 HCSB

I recently went through two years of agonizing pain and confinement to a wheelchair. I also permanently lost a lot of my hearing. Though I did not enjoy the experience, I can testify that I have grown tremendously through it.

Tribulation is a part of earthly experience[1] and comes from the hand of God. He may afflict in order to train us, in order to punish us, or He may allow the natural consequences of sin (whether our own, others’ or humanity’s) to oppress us. He actually considers chastisement a mark of His love![2]

We usually claim God’s sovereignty when things work out the way we like. However, we cannot claim that God is sovereign with one side of our mouth and then disavow His affliction with the other. He said, “I form light and create darkness, I make success and create disaster; I, the LORD, do all these things.”[3]

One way or the other, God is responsible. He allowed a famine and disease to take Naomi’s family.[4] He allowed Job to lose everything simply to prove a point to the devil and to Job.[5] He afflicted the nation of Israel when they disobeyed.[6] He punished the psalmist for sin.[7] He afflicted Ezekiel to get a message across to the people of Israel.[8] In fact, affliction could be considered one of the prerequisites of being one of His ministers![9]

However, not all afflictions are for specific sins. God often sends affliction to purify and strengthen our faith, for His glory.[10] The rabbis taught that “there is no death without sin, and there is no suffering without iniquity.” Their misconception had led them to the point that they were even capable of thinking that a child could sin in the womb or that its soul might have sinned in a preexistent state. They also held that terrible punishments came on certain people because of the sin of their parents but Jesus plainly contradicted these beliefs.[11]

The psalmist was thankful for affliction, because it taught him to keep God’s precepts.[12] Afflictions will sometimes go on for a long time[13] but true believers however will not give up under afflictions[14] because they understand that affliction can have a refining influence.[15]
No discipline is pleasant, but later on we enjoy its fruit[16]. We must neither make light of God’s discipline nor lose heart because of it.[17] Holding these views is an impossible task for a human. The fact that the Ransomed routinely go through horrific situations with grace is a testament to the wonderful strength of our Savior.[18]

We comfort ourselves in the knowledge that God is aware of our sufferings.[19] Hashem will never give us more than we can bear[20] but will always deliver us.[21]

[1] Job 14:1; Deuteronomy 4:30; Matthew 24:21; John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Romans 5:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:4; Revelation 2:9; 7:14
[2] Deuteronomy 8:5; Psalm 94:12; Proverbs 3:11-12; John 15:2; 1 Corinthians 11:32; Hebrews 12:5-6; Revelation 3:19
[3] Isaiah 45:7
[4] Ruth 1:21
[5] Job 16:7; 33:19
[6] Psalm 66:11; 90:7
[7] Psalm 102:9-10
[8] Ezekiel 24:16-17
[9] Ezekiel 24:18-20; 1 Corinthians 4:11-13; 2 Corinthians 6:4-10; 11:23-29; 12:7-9; 1 Thessalonians 3:3-4
[10] 1 Peter 1:6-7
[11] John 9:1-3
[12] Psalm 119:67-68; 71-72; 75-76
[13] Psalm 6:3; 13:1; 35:17; 79:5; 80:4; 89:46; 90:13; 94:3; Habakkuk 1:2; Zechariah 1:12; Revelation 6:9-11
[14] 2 Corinthians 4:1, 16; Ephesians 3:13; Hebrews 12:5; Revelation 2:3
[15] Job 23:10; Psalm 66:10; Isaiah 48:10; Malachi 3:3; 1 Peter 1:7; 4:12
[16] Hebrews 12:11
[17] Hebrews 12:5-6
[18] 2 Corinthians 4:7-9
[19] Exodus 3:7
[20] 1 Corinthians 10:13
[21] 2 Corinthians 1:10-11

God’s Plans

He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness; by His wounding you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but you have now returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls. – 1 Peter 2:24-25 HCSB

God has always guided His people. He has taught us wisdom’s ways and led us in straight paths, allowing us to run our race with certainty.[1]

In the Old Covenant, Hashem led His people by a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day. Every time the Tabernacle was set up, the cloud would cover it. Then from evening until morning. the cloud appeared as a pillar of fire. This was the regular pattern and when the cloud lifted from over the sacred tent, the people of Israel followed it. When the cloud stopped, so would they.[2]

Though we no longer have that visual cue, God’s Shepherd heart has not changed. Now, instead of the shekina glory, Hashem has given the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth. The Spirit will tell us what He has heard and direct us concerning the future.[3]

Yahweh Ra’ah is still our shepherd and He still longs to lead us in green pastures.[4] He will feed us while carrying the weakest among us close to his heart.[5] We may think that we have wandered too far; all human shepherds may have given up on us; but the Sovereign Lord says “I myself will search and find my sheep. I will rescue them from where they were scattered on a dark and cloudy day.”[6]

God told Jeremiah that His plans for our lives are good plans, filled with joy and peace.[7] Apparently, this joy and peace exists independently of the circumstances of our lives because the people of Israel were in Babylonian captivity at the time.

God’s plans for us are always for good.[8] Though we may not understand them and the thought of someone having unknown plans for our lives may leave us feeling out of control, rest assured that we can expect something marvelous from the Lover of our souls.[9]

He cares about what we do. He cares about the details of our lives[10] because they are a barometer of the condition of our hearts. The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord.[11] He wants to help us follow the path[12] that will be most pleasing to Him, not the path that may be most pleasing to us. However, when we follow Him, we’ll find that His path always turns out to be the best in the long run.[13]

God does not want His people to be uncertain about His will in any given matter.[14] Walking with God is not a guessing game. He wants us to know His will.[15] Trust that fact. Trust His heart. Trust His wisdom. Obediently trust the Lord and you will soon find your way.

[1] Proverbs 4:11-12
[2] Numbers 9:15-23
[3] John 14:26; 16:13
[4] Psalm 23:1-3; Matthew 9:36; John 10:14-16
[5] Isaiah 40:11
[6] Ezekiel 34:6, 11-12; 1 Peter 2:25
[7] Jeremiah 29:10b-14a
[8] Psalm 138:8
[9] 1 Corinthians 2:9
[10] Psalm 139:3
[11] Psalm 37:23; Proverbs 16:9; 20:24
[12] Psalm 32:8
[13] Genesis 24:27
[14] Isaiah 30:21
[15] Ephesians 5:17; Psalm 32:8

God’s Will Is a Highway

Should I give my firstborn for my transgression, the child of my body for my own sin? He has told you men what is good and what it is the LORD requires of you: Only to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God. – Micah 6:7b-8 HCSB

A young man knelt sobbing in front of the altar. His face was red and his eyes were swollen from the long time he’d been kneeling there. He was wringing his hands and crying out before God when an elder of the church happened into the sanctuary. Disturbed by the young man’s apparent pain, the elder approached and asked if he could help.

The young man fell into a sitting position with his head on his knees and his arms wrapped around his legs. He asked, “Sir! What is God’s will? How can I recognize it? I’m so confused by my own sinful drives that I’m afraid I’m missing God’s will.”

This poor young man had gotten into this sorry emotional state because he misunderstood God’s ways. He had developed a view of God’s will as being some nearly impossible thing to attain. Like many people, he believed that there are three circles on the target of God’s will. The truly spiritual hit the smaller “perfect” will while the others get the “good” and the “acceptable” will. However, the truth is that Hashem’s will is all three.[1]

God’s will is hardy. It is broad. It is a highway, not a tightrope. Peter told Ananias that his property was his to sell or not sell as he wished. Even after he had sold it, the money was still his to do with as he pleased.[2] Paul admonished those who felt they should not eat meat, to not go against their conscience. Those who felt compelled to eat higher on the food chain were told to do so without looking down their noses at their vegetarian brothers. The vegans were also cautioned to exercise some compassionate understanding toward their more carnivorous brothers.[3]

God does not tell us, “I want you to marry a five foot six, brunette with hazel eyes”, but “I want you to marry a Believer.” He does not tell us “eat peas and carrots tonight” but to take care of our bodies.

As long as we follow the broad rules, it is up to us which lane to drive in and how fast or slow to drive. We can choose to drive alone in a corvette or choose a partner to team drive an eighteen wheeler.

Over all, God’s will can be easily recognized in any given situation. Simply ask the following two questions: First, “Will this make me holy?” That is our purpose – to be holy and without fault.[4]

Second, “Will this make me happy?” God wants you to be happy.[5] However, we need to remember that our happiness is inextricably tied to our obedience.

[1] Romans 12:1-2
[2] Acts 5:3-4
[3] Romans 14:1-4
[4] Ephesians 1:4
[5] John 15:9-11

How to Make Good Decisions, 2 of 2

For this reason also, since the day we heard this, we haven't stopped praying for you. We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God. - Colossians 1:9-10 HCSB

A key but little understood factor in decision making is the ability to “check one’s peace.” The path of the upright leads away from evil; whoever follows that path is safe.[1] Therefore, a good decision, as it leads you toward spiritual safety, will engender a peaceful spirit. Your inner man will know that it is in line with God and thus, with the universe. You will experience a calm clarity that is unreachable by any other means. Even when the decision leads to martyrdom, you will be all right with that because you know that it is the right thing to do.[2]

Now you need to verify that what you’re feeling is peace and not comfort – an entirely different thing. Peace is not the absence of strife.[3] Peace comes in the midst of the storms of life. One of the most comforting passages in the Bible, the 23rd Psalm, talks of being in the valley of the shadow of death and of existing in the presence of enemies. What is it that comforts us most in those times? His rod and staff, elements of discipline and guidance.

As you are considering your options, you also need to consider the effect this decision will have on those who depend on you. Don’t think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others too and what they are doing.[4] Will this decision enable you to better care for your loved ones, contribute to the work of God, help the poor[5], or will it isolate you more from your responsibility to “love your neighbor as yourself”?

Take account of your gifts, talents and skills. God has hardwired you for certain types of work.[6] In His infinite wisdom, He has also granted each of us degrees of skill.[7] Make sure that you are not trying to use a hammer to do the job of a saw. Make sure that you are willing to step aside when a more gifted person comes along for the betterment of the group or team. Such humility will get you exalted in due time.[8]

All these factors mean that you will have to exercise your mind.[9] God gave you a mind and He expects you to use it! After the appropriate steps, go ahead and make a decision.[10] Hemming and hawing is just as bad as making the wrong decision. Trust God’s grace. Go for it and fix errors on the way. If you wait for the perfect opportunity, you’ll be waiting forever.[11]

[1] Proverbs 16:17
[2] Philippians 2:17-18
[3] Matthew 10:34-38
[4] Philippians 2:4
[5] 1 Timothy 5:8
[6] 1 Corinthians 12:7; Romans 12:6-8
[7] Matthew 25:15
[8] 1 Peter 5:6
[9] Proverbs 1:4-6
[10] James 1:22-25
[11] Joshua 24:15; 2 Corinthians 6:2; Colossians 4:5

How to Make Good Decisions, 1 of 2

For this reason also, since the day we heard this, we haven't stopped praying for you. We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God. - Colossians 1:9-10 HCSB

Where should I live? What church should I attend? Who should I marry? What should be my career? So many decisions! What guidance do God’s Precepts have for those who are faced with such critical choices?

First, you must be factual.[1] You need to make sure you have all the facts. Too many people jump at a new job thinking the grass will be greener there, only to discover that the cost of living in the new town is so high that they will actually have less to live on. Pay heed to your circumstances. What are your bills? What are the hidden costs of that new house? Allow God to open and shut doors for you by investigating the facts.

While investigating, be open to new ideas.[2] “To everything there is a season…”[3] A certain practice that might have been fine twenty years ago may now be obsolete. In making your decision, maintain flexibility in your thinking processes.

Pray. Fast. Meditate. Seek God’s guidance. You can be confident that Hashem will listen to you, especially when you are asking His will. When you are sincerely asking His will with a heart already prepared to obey no matter what, you will be answered.[4]

Seek the advice of trusted friends or wise counselors.[5] Only a fool thinks he doesn’t need advice.[6] Make sure you ask the wise. Don’t fall into the sin of asking and asking until you hear what you want. Don’t make the mistake of asking advice of failures. Don’t ask a drunk how to stay sober! Don’t ask a promiscuous person for marriage advice.

Attend church. First, it’s a command of God. Second, it’s a great source of information. Third, it’s the elders’ job to get you into the Word. Fourth, there will be others there who will encourage you to actually make the wise decision and act on it.[7]

Don’t contradict God. Make sure your decision is not based on values that contradict God’s Word. Search the Scriptures for examples or principles. Knowing the Scriptures and gleaning their wisdom give us more options in our decision making and provide us with the discernment we need to make healthy choices.[8]

A right decision is one that is consistent with God’s truthful principles. If only one of the options would please God, that is the right decision.[9] If there are several options that are consistent with His ways, then rather than the decision itself, the most important thing may be the process of trusting God to help you make the most of whatever path you choose.

[1] Proverbs 18:13
[2] Proverbs 18:15
[3] Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
[4] 1 John 5:14
[5] Proverbs 15:22; 27:6
[6] Proverbs 12:15
[7] Proverbs 15:22; 27:6; Isaiah 2:3; Hebrews 10:25; 13:17
[8] Psalm 119:98
[9] Psalm 25:4

The False Prophet

Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; he had two horns like a lamb, but he sounded like a dragon. He exercises all the authority of the first beast on his behalf and compels the earth and those who live on it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed. He also performs great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to earth before people. - Revelation 13:11-13 HCSB

In the last days, Babylon will follow a religion that emphasizes materialism and sexuality[1] focusing on the fertility god Tammuz[2]. However, there will be another power on the Earth at that time. A cunning military man will have forsaken all gods save one – a new one that no one will have heard of.[3]

This new god will be a god of fortresses and as such will apparently have the uncanny ability to understand and unlock enemy defenses for his one new convert.[4] Whether due to the vagaries of Murphy’s Law or deliberately, this god will allow his favored son to be struck down with a fatal blow but will then miraculously raise the Antichrist from his fatal wound to the wonder and awe of the Earth’s gathered crowds.

Another man will seize this opportunity to improve his own fortunes by preaching a new religion. This religion will begin by focusing on the power to heal but will soon go far beyond mere healing. The False Prophet will quickly proceed to the conjuring of signs and wonders and will very soon be able to actually call down fire from heaven in a twisted imitation of Elijah’s feat on Mount Carmel.[5] The significance of this identification with Elijah is that Malachi prophesied that the coming of the Messiah and the Day of the Lord would be preceded by the arrival of the spirit of Elijah.[6]

He will then be allowed to fabricate an image of the Antichrist and empowered to give that image life.[7] The image (whatever form it takes) will be able to speak and will be able kill those who refuse to worship it.

The Bible then says that “he” (whether the False Prophet or the Image, I am unsure), will instigate a new economic system that will entail everyone being tagged. I find the latest trends toward biometric identification to be interesting to say the least! Particularly when the number that is uniquely identified with the Antichrist, that is 666, routinely appears as those three pairs of long lines on either end and the middle of bar codes.

In the end, the False Prophet will get his due. He and his boss will both be taken prisoner by the Lord Jesus and will be thrown alive into the lake of fire.[8]

When those dark days come, dear children, do not be deceived. Any one who contradicts the clear teachings of the Scriptures or denies the deity of Jesus Christ is a false prophet[9] – and you know where he ends up!


[1] Revelation 17:2; 18:3, 11-19
[2] Ezekiel 8:14
[3] Daniel 11:36-38
[4] Daniel 11:39
[5] 1 Kings 18:37-38
[6] Malachi 4:5; cp John 1:21; Matthew 17:10-13
[7] Revelation 13:15
[8] Revelation 19:19-20
[9] 1 John 4:1-6

The Antichrist, 2 of 2

The beast I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like a bear's, and his mouth was like a lion's mouth. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. One of his heads appeared to be fatally wounded, but his fatal wound was healed. The whole earth was amazed and followed the beast. They worshiped the dragon because he gave authority to the beast. And they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to wage war against him?" - Revelation 13:2-4 HCSB

This powerful man will achieve tremendous military victories and will, by force, establish a seven-year peace treaty in the Middle East.[1] However, his underlying intent to achieve complete domination will be demonstrated first, by his betrayal of Babylon; secondly, by his betrayal of three of the ten “landless kings”; and third, by his breaking of the peace treaty with Israel.

According to Daniel,[2] a southern king and a northern king will attempt to catch the Beast in a pincher movement with the northern king attempting an attack from both land and sea. The Antichrist’s winning streak will not be quite over yet, and he will successfully invade various lands. He will overrun Israel, leaving Jordan alone.

He will continue down the coast into Egypt. Egypt’s mighty armies will fall and the Beast will proceed to loot that ancient land. Ethiopia and Lybia, seeing the writing on the wall, will simply submit to his authority.

Then bad news from the east and the north will arrive which will anger him. He will wheel his conquering armies around and hurry back up the coast, halting at a place famous for its tremendously historic battles between Jerusalem and the Mediterranean Sea – the valley of Armageddon.[3] There, at what will seem to him to be the peak of his power and glory, his time will suddenly run out, and there will be no one to help him.

He will face off with the remaining kings in an epic battle. As the last of the population of the world looks on, the battle will rage until the warring angel Michael[4] rises to his task. The slaughter will be the most awful the nations will have ever seen.[5] The people of Israel will despair as their country is ravaged[6] but this battle will coincide with our Master’s glorious return along with the hosts of heaven. At that time, many of the dead will rise, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting contempt.[7]

How ephemeral is even the most complete human power! All told, this entire horrifying affair will only last approximately 3 ½ years. From the time the Beast breaks his vow to Israel and establishes himself as god there will be 1,290 days. Blessed are those who wait and remain to the end of the 1,335 days![8]

[1] Daniel 9:27
[2] Daniel 11:40-45
[3] Revelation 16:13-16
[4] Daniel 12:1 cp 10:13
[5] Daniel 12:1 cp Jeremiah 30:7; Matthew 24:21; Revelation 16:18
[6] Daniel 8:24; Zechariah 14:1-2
[7] Daniel 12:2 cp John 5:24-30
[8] Daniel 12:11-12 After the Second Coming that ends the Tribulation period, seventy-five days will transpire before the Millennium begins. (Rev. 12:6 says the Great Tribulation will be 1, 260 days. Dan. 12:11-12 speaks of 1, 290 days – an extra thirty days – and 1, 335 days – forty five extra days – from the beginning of the Tribulation to a future point that can be seen as the beginning of the Millennium. Therefore we have seventy-five days between the Second Coming and the beginning of the Millennium. (Cf. Dan.12:7; Rev. 11:2). Perhaps this is where the rewarding of all the resurrected believers will take place (Lk. 14:14; 2 Cor. 5:10).

The Antichrist, 1 of 2

The beast I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like a bear's, and his mouth was like a lion's mouth. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. One of his heads appeared to be fatally wounded, but his fatal wound was healed. The whole earth was amazed and followed the beast. They worshiped the dragon because he gave authority to the beast. And they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to wage war against him?" - Revelation 13:2-4 HCSB

Of all the apocalyptic characters John described, none is more fascinating than the “Beast out of the water”, also known as the Antichrist. This is indicative of the manner in which he will mesmerize people in the end times.

The prophet Daniel gave us much insight into this twisted man. Daniel 11:35 ends a prediction of the destruction of Israel with a prediction of what would happen at “the time of the end” or the “appointed time still to come.”

Because the period immediately after the fall of Jerusalem does not pertain to the Jews, Daniel immediately skipped to the next thing that does. From there to the end of chapter 12, he describes the Antichrist. I believe that his description coincides with Paul’s and John’s description of the Beast.[1]

This man will be arrogant, exalting himself and claiming to be greater than any god.[2] For a while, it will almost seem like his boasts are true, due to his unstoppable victories[3] and miracles that are so potent, that if it were possible, would even fool the elect![4]

He will rise at the same time as the city state of Babylon which will be known for its erotic pursuits. She will proselytize the world, converting them to a religion of sex (represented by Tammuz, the Babylonian fertility god[5]).

His military prowess and political skills will enable him to do as he pleases, but unlike most dictators, he will not use his power to pursue the pleasures of sex. The Antichrist will actually despise Tammuz and will instead be fascinated by a new god – a formerly unknown god of fortresses.[6] With the help of this new god, he will attack and overcome even the strongest fortresses and will use the land he captures to buy the loyalty of powerful men who long to be true landed kings.[7]

Even though she will tap him to become one of her seven kings,[8] he will, with the aid of ten “landless kings” bring about Babylon’s downfall.[9] However, he will immediately turn on his associates, betraying and overpowering three of his ten allies.[10]

“All who take up a sword will perish by a sword”[11] as the seemingly invincible Beast will soon after discover. The remaining seven kings will quickly realize what kind of snake they have brought into their bosom and will rush to destroy him before he destroys them.

[1] 2 Thessalonians 2:4; Revelation 13:5-8
[2] Daniel 11:36
[3] Revelation 6:2
[4] Mark 13:22
[5] Ezekiel 8:14
[6] Daniel 11:36-38
[7] Daniel 11:39; Revelation 17:12-13
[8] Revelation 17:11
[9] Revelation 17:16-17; 18:8-10, 17, 21
[10] Deniel 7:8
[11] Matthew 26:52

The Doom of Babylon

As much as she (Babylon) glorified herself and lived luxuriously, give her that much torment and grief. Because she says in her heart, 'I sit as queen; I am not a widow, and I will never see grief,' therefore her plagues will come in one day--death, and grief, and famine. She will be burned up with fire, because the Lord God who judges her is mighty. - Revelation 18:5-8 HCSB

God apparently did not think that it was important to give us precise time cues as to the timing of His Son’s return.[1] It should be enough for us that He knows. Our responsibility is to be constantly ready, watching and working.[2]

Instead of dates and times, our Master gave us sign posts to look for. One that we discussed yesterday is the rise of a wealthy and wicked merchant city named Babylon. She will rise on the backs of seven landed kings and ten “landless kings” (perhaps corporate moguls). Like many cities before her, her allies will be her undoing.

Another sign will be when the Antichrist and the ten lesser kings rebel against[3] and destroy her.[4] This cabal will time her destruction carefully, taking advantage of a power vacuum. Of the seven kings, five will fall.[5] Whether from assassination, an internal purge or through an accident, we don’t know. The process of replacing those kings will begin and they will succeed in getting one back in the saddle. The Antichrist, a powerful world leader by this time, will be tapped to become one of those kings.[6] However, his ambition will lead him to create a temporary alliance with the Ten and use this opportunity to topple Babylon.

A plague that will result in death, grief and famine will strike Babylon in a single day. However, that plague will not actually be her final undoing, which will occur in a mere hour. A tremendous fire will take place and its source will cause the witnesses (which are described as sailors and shipmasters) to stand off at a distance in fear of her torment.[7]

This will instigate a chain reaction that will result in the collapse of the planet’s economy.[8] Worse, it seems to signal further destruction. A description of the series of catastrophes that God will rain upon recalcitrant Earth seems to coincide with this terrible catastrophe. In describing the horsemen, the sequence is white (the conquering of the Antichrist which gives him land to give to the Ten), red (describing internal revolution), black (describing famine as seen above), and then pale green (which represents the death of ¼ of all the earth through sword, famine and plague).

This would imply to me that the destruction of Babylon is represented by the Second Trumpet.[9] If that is the case, at that point four more will follow in quick succession. Very soon the Antichrist will take His place in the rebuilt Temple and soon afterward our Master will return.

[1] Matthew 24:36, 50; Acts 1:7
[2] Matthew 24:42, 44; 25:1-13; Mark 13:29, 33-36; Luke 12:36-40; Revelation 3:2-3
[3] Revelation 17:16-17
[4] Revelation 17:16; 18:1-8
[5] Revelation 17:10
[6] Revelation 17:11
[7] Revelation 18:8-10
[8] Revelation 18:9-24
[9] Revelation 8:5-10

The Rise of Babylon

On her forehead a cryptic name was written: BABYLON THE GREAT THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE VILE THINGS OF THE EARTH Then I saw that the woman was drunk on the blood of the saints and on the blood of the witnesses to Jesus. When I saw her, I was utterly astounded. - Revelation 17:5-6 HCSB

All my life I have heard multiple theories as to the nature of the “Whore of Babylon.” I have been told by good men that she is the Catholic Church and by other equally good men that she is New York City, Islam, the United Nations and the European Union.

I don’t know who she is. All I know is that she will be a wealthy city with a reputation for wickedness. She will rise and hold great influence over the population of the earth. She will be multinational in her reach and multicultural in her nature. She will be so powerful that she will hold sway over the kings of the earth and when she eventually dies, they will all mourn her passing.[1]

She will rule over an alliance of seven kings, each ruling a different “hill” or geo-political area as well as a group of ten other powers.[2] These ten powers are described as “landless kings” who receive their land as bribes from the Antichrist.[3]

Babylon will be the economic center of the world[4] and will build her empire primarily upon a merchant navy.[5] She will be a merchant city, drunk on the wine of sexual immorality that so often comes with success and power. Merchants will come from all over the planet in ships to trade and those who succeed will grow wealthy off of her excessive luxury.[6] In her markets, they will buy everything from precious metals and stones, to expensive woods, textiles, spices, cattle, and human slaves.

Her wealth will only be matched by her corruption. Her citizens will so debase themselves that their debauchery will be described as a form of drunkenness. She will be the “mother of prostitutes and vile things of the earth” and her sins will pile up to the heavens, [7] a phrase only used once before – for Sodom and Gomorrah. In fact, one of her greatest pleasures will be to persecute the saints to the point of death.[8]

In view of her tremendous power, wealth and influence, it will be easy for the saints of those days to feel as though there is no escaping her reach. It will be tremendously important for them to remember that her destruction will be sudden.[9] Apparently, she will be afflicted by plagues. Pestilence will begin her demise. Violent fires, the description of which resembles a nuclear strike, will end it. Her supposed friends will likely use her affliction as an excuse to destroy her and assume her place. [10]


[1] Revelation 17:1, 15, 18; 18:10, 16, 18-19
[2] Revelation 17:3-5, 18
[3] Revelation 17:12-13
[4] Revelation 17:18; 18:11, 19
[5] Revelation 18:17-19
[6] Revelation 18:3, 19
[7] Revelation 17:2, 4-5; 18:3-5, 9-19
[8] Revelation 17:6; 18:24
[9] Revelation 18:8, 10, 17-19
[10] Revelation 17:16; 18:8-10, 17, 21

The Worship of Another

Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; he had two horns like a lamb, but he sounded like a dragon. He exercises all the authority of the first beast on his behalf and compels the earth and those who live on it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed. He also performs great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to earth before people. - Revelation 13:11-13 HCSB

One of the most frightening trends I see in Christianity today is the tendency to emphasize the emotional and experiential aspects of religious awe. I find this terrifying because I believe it is one of the needed steps toward the worship of another – notably the Antichrist.

Wicked people, under evil spiritual influences, try to get humans to accept their teachings by appearing to adhere to the same beliefs their targets do. In the case of the False Prophet, he will look like a lamb but sound like a dragon. As our Master stated, “Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves.”[1] This is why we must not believe every spirit, but test them to determine if they are from God.[2] It’s not that I’m advocating a paranoid or suspicious attitude. We should eagerly welcome teaching on worship and prayer but examine the Scriptures daily to see if the things we are being taught are actually so.[3]

One of the teachings we hear a lot today is that since God is all around and in us, we should seek to “feel” His presence within as we pray. We are told that we should think of God, or visualize God either in us or in the room with us. We are urged to use our imagination in this manner so that we can more fully realize His presence. This will seem particularly comforting to some believers, especially when they are in a crisis but since when are our emotions the most reliable guide – especially in times of grief?

Here’s the problem. If you can localize God “within you” and worship Him, if you can localize God “within the room” and worship Him, what’s to stop you from localizing Him “within another” and worshipping Him? What’s to stop you from localizing Him in a certain building or tree for that matter?

The emotional appeal of this technique will be particularly difficult to resist as one watches another heal from a fatal wound only to perform great signs and cause fire to come down from heaven. In that moment, when we are asked by a False Prophet to worship a conquering hero, we must cling to the Scriptural teaching: will God indeed live on earth? Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain Him, much less any temple we may fashion.[4]


[1] Matthew 7:15
[2] 1 John 4:1-2
[3] Acts 17:11
[4] 1 Kings 8:27; 2 Chronicles 2:6; Acts 7:48-49

Signs and Wonders

Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; he had two horns like a lamb, but he sounded like a dragon. He exercises all the authority of the first beast on his behalf and compels the earth and those who live on it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed. He also performs great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to earth before people. - Revelation 13:11-13 HCSB

I have lived in many countries and thus, have been privileged to witness many cultures. Every one of them was religious. As a matter of fact, there is no such thing as an atheistic human culture. Whether we talk about Australian aborigines, Central African pygmies, European Catholics or American Bible-belters, every human culture, regardless of race, affluence or level of technology is fundamentally religious.

This intrinsic need to worship something, to seek out and experience awe, has been our undoing since the dawn of human history. Our problem is that unscrupulous people have always capitalized on this psychological “back door.” Eden’s serpent was the first and all the “Jims” (Jim Jones, Jim Bakker, Jimmy Swaggart) will certainly not be the last.

Jesus warned us that there will be many false christs and false prophets.[1] Just as we know that there will be one ultimate Antichrist preceded by many lesser antichrists[2], one supreme false prophet will also rise. I find it interesting to note that the Master’s prophetic chronology lists the Antichrist’s rise before the false prophet’s, matching John’s Revelation account.[3] This is just one of literally thousands of examples of the Scripture’s incredible unity.

Allow me to share another. Go back a couple thousand years further – all the way back to Moses. He warned us that if a prophet or a visionary arises and proclaims a sign or wonder to us, and even if that sign or wonder comes about but he says, “Let us follow other gods and worship them” that we are not to listen.[4] Natsar ‘Adam – Watcher of Mankind[5] will be testing us to know whether we love Him with all our heart and soul.

So what are we to do? How may we discern who to listen to when all around us are “falling away” into apostasy, swept up in the mass hysteria or religious ecstasy? Moses gave us the way of escape. “Follow the Lord your God and fear Him. Keep His commands and listen to His voice. Worship and remain faithful to Yahweh.”

In an age where many are already urging us to let our emotions be our guides,[6] this advice rings especially true. Anyone who watches Chris Angel on Mindfreak knows you cannot trust your senses. No, only the Scriptures are inspired and profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training so that we may be complete and equipped for every good work.[7]

Do not follow the crowd in wrong doing[8], even if you see fire come down from heaven.



[1] Matthew 24:4-5; 11
[2] 1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 1:7
[3] Revelation 13:1-2 cp 13:11-12
[4] Deuteronomy 13:1-5
[5] Job 7:20
[6] 2 Timothy 4:3
[7] 2 Timothy 3:16-17
[8] Exodus 23:2