Author: hillturnfs

I used to fear death but not anymore. I know I’m going to heaven one day, my real home. I know I’ll be with the Lord forever and it will be wonderful beyond my wildest imagination. However, I haven’t finished my race here on earth and I’m afraid. My greatest fear is disappointing God. I mean, I’ve wasted so much time! I’ve been such a sinner all my life and I’m an old man now.  I envy those people who were raised in a godly home and groomed at a young age to serve the Lord and have done so all their lives. I know what I must do but I’m late to the party in my estimation. I trust God completely. God doesn’t make mistakes. I’m where God wants me to be so I’ve started where I am and I’ll continue my personal walk with the Lord until I’m called home.

I’m comforted by the example of the Apostle Paul. Paul was the greatest enemy of Christianity until his conversion on the road to Damascus. Once Paul knew the truth he immediately started serving the Lord and his past sins were forgiven. Paul went on to become the greatest Christian to ever live.  Now that we know the truth we need to follow the example of Paul and serve God with conviction and passion.  What was Paul’s secret? Paul’s greatest fear was disappointing God and it drove him to do great things for the kingdom. The lesson here is start where you are and serve the Lord faithfully going forward. God will forget your past and see only the good going forward.

Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Psalm 19:7 – The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.

1 Corinthians 9:16 – Woe unto me if I preach not the gospel!

Romans 1:16 – For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile.

In Scripture it says you cannot please God without faith. I’ve got news for you, you also cannot please God if you don’t witness for Christ. It’s the main reason the Lord still leaves His saints on this earth after salvation is secure.  It won’t really help you much if you go to church regularly, are a deacon in your church, and give lots of money to the church if you don’t also share the gospel of Jesus with unbelievers. Witnessing for Christ is job number one for all Christians. Once you understand that you need to figure out how you can best accomplish that task.  Your works on this earth have eternal ramifications.

Jesus set aside His heavenly crown, emptied Himself, and came to earth for one reason. Jesus came to save sinners from hell and unceasing torment in the lake of fire, FOREVER.  The restoration of man’s fellowship with God was the main reason Jesus came and the thing closest to the heart of Jesus. We know this from references in just about every chapter in the Bible.  The final command of Jesus to His disciples, and all Christians through them, prior to His Ascent back to heaven was the Great Commission, to preach the gospel to all the world in order to save sinners. God told us how to save sinners and Jesus set the example for us to follow.

John 3:16 – For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Luke 19:10 – The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

1 Timothy 1:15 – Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.

Mark 2:17 – I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.

In the last 100 years scientists have confirmed three things about our universe:

1.  The universe had a beginning from a single point and the universe was made out of nothing. Since there was a beginning there had to be a “beginner”, and that would be God.

2.  The universe is expanding rapidly and accelerating. The universe is expanding at exactly the right speed to allow life to exist.

3.  The universe is fine-tuned for life. Everyone knows the first two things but few people are aware the universe was crafted so that man could live here. 

Scientists today know of over 200 known parameters necessary for a planet to support life; every single one of which must be perfectly met, or the whole thing we call life falls apart. If the ratio of nuclear and electromagnetic forces in the universe was off by even 1 X 10 to the 17th power no stars could form and therefore no planets. We exist by the thinnest of margins. Life exists on the edge of a knife blade and we keep trying to screw that up.

Isaiah 45:12 – I have made the earth, and created man on it. I – My hands – stretched out the heavens, and all their host I have commanded.

Psalm 119:89-91 – O Lord, your Word is established in heaven forever. Your faithfulness endures throughout every generation. You set the earth in place, and it continues to stand. All things continue to stand today because of your regulations, since they are all your servants.

Psalm 148:4-6 – Praise Him, you heaven of heavens, and you waters above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the Lord, for He commanded and they were created. He also established them forever and ever, He made a decree which shall not pass away.

Isaiah 42:5 – Thus says God the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it, and spirit to those who walk on it.

Jeremiah 10:12 – He has made the earth by His power, He has established the world by His wisdom, and had stretched out the heavens at His discretion.

If we can’t obey the original ten commandments God gave Moses in the Old Testament (plus the two Jesus added) then we can’t please God so lets be sure we comply with those commandments first. Everyone should memorize these 12 commandments and do them. Some commandments have no comments added.

1. You shall have no other Gods before me.
Jehovah is God and He is a jealous God not wishing to share His glory. All other Gods are false and are sponsored by Satan to lead man away from the truth of the gospel message. Satan also steals the gospel from the hearts of unbelievers before it takes root so that many who hear the gospel don’t recognize the truth.

2. You shall not make any graven image.
God is Spirit and must be worshiped is Spirit. God hates idol worship using images of wood, metal and stone as gods or as a representation of God.

3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

4. Remember the Sabbath, to keep it holy.                                                                                                        A designated day of worship and rest. Probably the commandment we disobey the most.

5. Honor your father and mother.
The only commandment where God promises a blessing to all who obey. God promises prosperity and long life.

6. You shall not kill.
All living things are made by God and we are not to kill without a good reason.

7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness.
10. You shall not covet.
11. You shall love the Lord with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
12. You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Some verses in the Bible have multiple commands from God and some commands fit in multiple categories. These lists are flexible and meant as general guidelines so we can get a sense of what God expects of us in different areas of our lives. Knowing God’s commands helps us pinpoint our areas of weakness and will help us track our progress as we attempt to be obedient to God.  I have a handful of commands left over that I’ve lumped together in a category I call resisting evil. I know I’ve covered several of these commands earlier. God addresses Satan and evil in at least 10 commands for the saints to follow. Here are some of them:

Jas 4:7 – Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Eph 5:11 – And have no fellowship with unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

1 Pet 2:1 – Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking.

Rom 6:12 – Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in lusts.

Rom 6:11 – Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Gal 5:25 – If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Mt 5:16 – Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

God tells us in His Word what we should avoid:

1 Tim 6:20 – Guard what has been entrusted to you (the gospel). Turn away from Godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge.

Titus 3:9 – But avoid foolish controversies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.

2 Thes 3:14 – And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.

On a positive note, God also tells us what we should be doing as believers in the body of Christ:

Mt 7:`12 – Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law of the Prophets.

2 Cor 6:17 – Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord.  Do not touch what is unclean and I will receive you.

1 Cor 10:32 –  Give no offense, either to the Jews, or the Greeks (Gentiles) or to the church of God (Christians).

1 Thes 5:14 – And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

2 Tim 2:24 – And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

Mt 10:16 – I am sending you out like sheep among wolves.  Therefore be shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

Jude 22-23 – And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.

1 Pet 5:8 – Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Obeying God’s commands concerning personal relationships may not eliminate all the strife and discord in your life but it’ll remove 90% of it. God has also promised to give us His peace which will allow us to live in harmony with everyone. The more commands we follow the more our lives emulate Christ, which is God’s will for us. This is what we call sanctification which is an ongoing process while we’re down here on earth. When we get to heaven God will complete our transformation (glorification) so that we cannot sin and we can fellowship with God forever.

God made us to live temporarily in this physical world but our citizenship is in heaven. God has also provided an owner’s manual for us to use, which we know as the Holy Bible. The problem is most of us don’t take the time to study our own owner’s manual. I see at least 23 commands in the Bible from God directly related to our human nature and personal relationships; what to do, what not to do, what to avoid, and how to treat other people.  A lot of strife and bloodshed might have been prevented if biblical principles had been followed. Let’s start with the seven things God commands us not to do. God tells us three times to avoid evil men so that’s a good place to start. If you’re dealing with someone and it dawns on you they could be an axe murderer it’s time to move on very quickly.

1 Cor 15:33 – Do not be deceived; evil company corrupts good habits.

Mt 10:17 – But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to the councils and scourge you in their synagogues.

Mt 7:15 – Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

2 Jn 10-11 – If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine (Christ coming in the flesh), do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.

Rom 12:2 – And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

2 Cor 6:12 – Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with foulness? And what communion has light with darkness?

Gal 5:26 – Let us not be conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Rom 14:13 – Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.

Lk 12:4 – And I say to you my friend, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

As believers God commands us not to grieve or quench our indwelt Holy Spirit, to have confidence in Him and to make good use of our brief time on earth.

1 Thes 5:19 – Do not quench the Holy Spirit.

Eph 4:30 – And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you are sealed for the day of redemption.

Heb 10:35 – Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.

Heb 12:1 – Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

We are told to fear God (look on Him with awe and reverence). We are told to expect attacks from Satan and urged to seek God’s protection.

1 Pet 5:6-7 – Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.

Jas 1:2 – My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.

Eph 6:11 – Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

1 Pet 5:8 – Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

1 Cor 11:26 – For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death til He comes.

There are 16 commands from God in the Bible that I consider instructions for walking with God through faith in Jesus. God has put us in this sin-filled world where Satan and his demons hold sway and seek our destruction continuously. I’m sure Satan would destroy all human beings very quickly were it not for God staying his hand.  We are God’s masterpiece of creation and beloved by the Father. That infuriates Satan. God would not put us here defenseless so He has given us His Word that we might be victorious against the forces of darkness. If you go to the back of the Book you’ll see we’ve already won but Satan doesn’t believe it. Strap on the armor of God and stand.

Heb 12:2 – Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Phil 2:16 – Holding fast the Word of life, so that I may rejoice in the Day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

Rom 12:1 – I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

Eph 5:18 – And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.

Eph 4:24 – And that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

Col 3:10 – And have put on the new man who is renewed in the knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.

Rom 12:2 – And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and perfect will of God.

Eph 5:16 – For when we were without strength, in due time, Christ died for the ungodly.

There are six commands in the Bible relating to personal relationships and working effectively together. God tells us to mark troublemakers and avoid them. We are to watch for backsliders and restore them. We are told not to judge other and to settle our differences internally.  I think of all the different Christian denominations that have sprung up because people couldn’t get along so they broke off to start a new church. We have to remember Satan hates God, hates the church, and hates us. Satan is always looking for ways to divide and conquer the faithful so be on guard.

Rom 16:17 – Now I urge you brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine you have learned, and avoid them.

Phil 3:17 – Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.

Gal 6:1 – Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

Mt 5:24 – First go and be reconciled to your brother, then come and offer your gift.

Rom 14:1 – Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things.

2 Pet 3:17 – You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked.