How to Pray& Study God's words with other helpful tips

How to Pray in spending ones time in the Lord Jesus Christ in having such a more deeper relationship in Him in our own personal lives in having a daily encounter in the Lordas we do thiss we share with Him what is within us that goes on within us as His child. and in praying for all of those others whom are in dire need of our prayers. It's a fullfiling life in all accounts when we are seated in His glory that abounds in our life. That only comes from knowing Him, Trusting, as He shows us His way that only changes us as human being in that knowing where our future home will be with Him forever.
Our Spiritual Condition: Totally Depraved?

The first truth is rather personal. One look in the mirror of Scripture, and our human condition becomes painfully clear:

As it is written,

"There is none righteous, not even one;
There is none who understands,
There is none who seeks for God;
All have turned aside, together they have become useless;
There is none who does good,
There is not even one."

Romans 3:10-12

We are sinners through and through---totally depraved. Now that doesn't mean we've committed every atrocity known to humankind. We're not as bad as we can be, just as bad off as we can be. Sin colors all our thoughts, motives, words, and actions.

Don't believe it? Look around. Everything around us bears the smudge marks of our sinful nature. Despite our best efforts to create a perfect world, crime statistics continue to soar, divorce rates keep climbing, and families keep crumbling.

Something has gone terribly wrong in our society and in ourselves, something deadly. For, contrary to how the world would repackage it, "me first" living does not equal rugged individuality and freedom; it equals death. As Paul says in his letter to the Romans, "The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23)---our emotional and physical death through sin's destructiveness, and our spiritual death from God's righteous judgment of our sin. This brings us to the second marker: God's character

Introduction

Prayer. The word draws a variety of mental images. A man with a shawl draped over his head hums Hebrew prayers from a tattered book. A minister in a tailored suit raises his arms and shouts his prayers before the congregation. A small child kneels beside her bed, reciting a nighttime prayer. Whatever your perception of prayer, one common element remains true. Prayer is talking with God. Sounds simple, doesn't it? However, prayer doesn't always come that naturally to us. We can feel awkward talking to someone we can't see or hear. How do we address God? What do we say? And what's the point, anyway? Does prayer really accomplish anything? These are important questions. To answer them, let's first take a deeper look at the nature of prayer

What is Prayer?

Prayer is making deliberate contact with God in word or thought. It is the voice of faith, whose whisper can be felt across the street or across the world. It is what pries us from our seats as spectators and places us as active participants with God. Prayer expresses itself in many ways: an outpouring of praise a confession of wrong a request for help a declaration of need a statement of thanks intercession for others

Why Is Prayer Important?

First, prayer is important because it refocuses our perspective. Without prayer, we see only the visible; with prayer, God shows us the hidden dimensions of life. Second, it quiets our fears and calms our nerves. We may come to prayer fearful and anxious, but when we give our worries to the Lord, we come away calmed and assured (Philippians 4:6-7). Third, prayer transfers our burdens. It takes the big load we've been carrying and shifts it to the shoulders that can handle its weight (Matthew 11:28-29; 1 Peter 5:7). Fourth prayer upholds others who are in need. It is the way we help bear one another's burdens and lift them to the One who knows best

How Do I Pray?

It follows that Jesus, who is our spiritual guide, is the master of prayer. "Lord, teach us to pray," the disciples asked Him once when He returned from His prayers (Luke 11:1). Jesus taught them by using a model prayer . . . the Lord's Prayer, it has been called. Actually, it could be called The Disciple's Prayer, because it was meant as a teaching tool for learners like us. Pray to the Heavenly Father. And He said to them, "When you pray, say: 'Father . . . .'" (v. 2). Jesus doesn't tell us to call God, "Friend," as though we are equal with Him. Or "King," as though we were one of the masses. Our relationship is that of child to parent. Pray with a Reverent Attitude. "'Father, hallowed be Thy name'" (v. 2). When we approach our heavenly Father, we are approaching a hallowed Person. We must keep in mind whom we're talking to-the Father, yes, but also the holy Sovereign of the universe, who has a glorious plan for His creation. Pray with a Submissive Heart. "'Thy kingdom come'" (v. 2). Here we acknowledge that His plan for the world and for our lives surpasses our own plans. We come glorying His name and submitting ourselves to His agenda, not demanding our own. Pray for Daily Needs. "'Give us each day our daily bread'" (v. 3). Jesus gives us permission to be practical. He invites us to pray for our physical necessities-food, clothing, shelter. The Father wants us to depend on Him each day for life's essentials. Pray for Spiritual Cleansing. "'And forgive us our sins'" (v. 3). What food is to the body, forgiveness is to the soul. To receive cleansing of sins, simply ask. Pray for Purity. "'Lead us not into temptation'" (v. 4). Jesus isn't implying that God tempts us. This is a prayer for God's protection from Satan's insidious traps. Each day, Jesus is saying, pray that the Lord will remind you of your vulnerable areas, guard your eyes, guide your thoughts, and keep you pure.

Does Prayer Work?

Does prayer really make a difference? If God is in control of all the events in the world, does it matter whether we pray? Scripture consistently teaches us that prayer works. "The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much," James writes (James 5:16b). Prayer does change things-it certainly changes us! Prayer is a tool that God uses to accomplish His will on earth. It has meaning because God gives it meaning-not because our efforts make it work. God does not need our prayers to accomplish His will. Yet He chooses to work through our prayers to accomplish His will, which begs the question: Why? Why would God, who has ultimate power over His creation, choose to work through our prayers? The ultimate reason for prayer is relationship. As we pray, we get to know God in a way that would not have been possible otherwise. Through prayer, we slip our hand into God's hand as He moves mountains. Of course, He could have moved those mountains without us, but He wants us to feel a sense of partnership with Him. And that "togetherness" with God through prayer will change your life! Further Suggestions. To get started, set aside a few minutes every day for focused prayer time. Record your prayers in a journal, where you can track God's answers. Meet with another believer regularly for prayer. And be sensitive to the prompting of God's Spirit. When He brings to mind someone in need, pray for that person. For further examples of prayer in Scripture, please read the passages below. And may God bless you in your desire to draw closer to Him in prayer. Worship Confession Dedication Intercession Spiritual Warfare Fasting Thanksgiving Healing Psalm 92:5 Psalm 51:1-4 2 Chronicles 6:40-42 1 Timothy 2:1-8 Ephesians 6:12, 18 Acts 14:23 Philippians 4:6 James 5:13-15 How to Know with Certainty that You’re Saved Believers sometimes struggle with doubts about their salvation. Have you ever questioned whether you are truly saved? Perhaps you’ve measured yourself against other Christians and come up short. You may doubt whether you truly believe or whether you have the right kind of faith. You may even fear that you’ll be surprised on Judgment Day and left out of God’s Kingdom—and this fear paralyzes your Christian walk. How can you know with certainty that you are saved? What does the Bible say about your eternal security. What It Takes to Be Saved According to John’s gospel, the requirement for salvation is belief in Jesus. But these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name. (John 20:31) What must you believe about Jesus? He is who He claims to be, the Son of God. He did what He came to do—die on the cross in order to satisfy God’s judgment against the sins of humanity. He will accomplish what He promised to accomplish—give eternal life to those who believe. Do you acknowledge your need for Christ? Do you believe that He died for your sins? Do you trust Him to give you eternal life? If so, then you are saved! Saying prayers, being baptized, doing good works, repenting of sin, living a moral life—these actions will flow out of your love for Christ after you are saved. Yet, salvation is by faith alone (see Romans 4:1–5). Salvation Is Forever Four word pictures in Scripture express the permanence of your salvation. First, salvation is a gift. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8–9) Christ’s blood bought your salvation. Now, as a Christian, you don’t have to pay off your salvation with good conduct, as if you had to somehow finish the work that Christ began. Your salvation is complete! You don’t deserve it, and you never will. Receiving what you don’t deserve is the essence of grace, and the same grace that saved you will keep you saved forever (see Jude 24). Second, salvation is spiritual birth. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12–13) Family relationships are permanent. You can anger your parents or even break off contact with them, but you can do nothing to stop them from being your parents. Through your faith in Christ, you are a child in God’s family. You are an heir of heaven along with His own Son (see Romans 8:16–17). Your position is permanent because God has made it so—and how much more certain is His Word than our own! Third, salvation is a pardon. Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. (Romans 8:1–2) The word condemnation implies not only the sentence of being condemned, but also the punishment following the sentence—separation from God forever. And this passage says that those in Christ are free from condemnation. You were on spiritual death row, but God pardoned you (see Colossians 2:13–14). He removed the sentence of death you had been given and allowed Christ to die in your place. As a result, you need have no fear of His condemnation. Fourth, salvation includes the seal of the Spirit. In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory. (Ephesians 1:13–14) In ancient times, a seal was a design cut into a ring or other marker that the owner pressed into soft material, such as clay or wax. The impression it left identified the owner of the property and protected the contents. Scholars tell us, “The seal is a guarantee against violation.” [1] The Holy Spirit, who indwells each believer, is God’s mark of ownership and His guarantee “against violation.” God’s property will remain His forever. Common Doubts and Fears You may know what the Bible says about your security in Christ, yet you still lack assurance. Your doubts and fears may be similar to these. “I don’t feel saved, so I must not be saved.” Underlying this doubt is the false assumption that whatever you perceive or feel must be true. However, thoughts and feelings can be wrong! You may feel that God has rejected you, but He hasn’t. In fact, the truth is just the opposite. He promises, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Countering your negative thoughts with God’s truth will help you win this battle against fear. “I’m not close to the Lord, so maybe His Spirit has left me.” Your sense of closeness to the Lord may vary, depending on how well you think you have obeyed Him. Scripture never lays out an expectation of how close a believer should feel to the Lord on any given day. In fact, the Psalms include many examples of believers who feel distant from God. Your feelings of closeness to God have no effect on whether you are saved. Your eternal security does not depend on your feelings of confidence but on the Lord’s promise. “My faith is too weak for me to be saved.” Scripture acknowledges that, at times, our faith is small (see Luke 17:6). The issue is never the strength of your faith, but the object of your faith—Jesus. If your answer to the question, “Who or what are you trusting to get you to Heaven?” is “Jesus,” then you can be certain you are saved. “I have committed an unforgivable sin, so I can’t be saved.” Some believers read about the unforgivable sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit and fear they’ve committed it (see Mark 3:29). However, this verse refers to the false teachers in Jesus’s day who said that Jesus’s power came from Satan. This specific judgment is on a specific people who had rejected Jesus. Your remorse for sin may actually be the Holy Spirit convicting you—which is evidence that you are saved! Christ’s blood covers even your worst sins (see 1 John 2:1–2). So confess your sin, accept God’s forgiveness, and tell others about His grace in your life (see Paul’s testimony in 1 Timothy 1:12–16). “I have been unfaithful to God, so maybe I was never truly saved.” Some believers question their salvation when their devotion to Christ wavers or if they struggle with habitual sin. So they “get saved” again and again, hoping their commitment sticks. If this has been your experience, keep in mind two reassuring thoughts. First, your salva tion depends entirely on Christ. You will never feel secure if the test of your salvation is your commitment. Second, Jesus keeps His promises even when we forsake ours. Paul says, “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:13). If Jesus abandoned you when you doubted or fell into sin, He would violate His own promise to give you eternal life. Instead of turning His back on you, He restores you through loving discipline (see Hebrews 12:5–11). Your Substitute Jesus is your substitute. He died in your place, declaring on the cross, “It is finished!” (John 19:30). God will never change his mind and decide that you must pay the penalty again. Indeed, once the Substitute has traded His life for yours, you are free. God has declared it so, and you need never fear that you will lose your salvation. Further Suggestions. You can strengthen your confidence in your salvation by memorizing these passages that teach eternal security in Christ. John 6:37 John 10:27–29 Hebrews 10:14 Romans 8:37–39 1 John 5:13 How to Study the Bible Introduction The Bible contains the very words and wisdom of God. What an incredible thought! His magnificent glory. His trustworthy character. His mighty deeds. All these aspects of God are described in His book. Here you’ll find the story of God’s redemption of humankind. And you’ll discover practical wisdom for daily living and hope for the life to come. But how do you uncover Scripture’s precious principles? Perhaps you've never studied the Bible before. Where do you begin? Inside the Bible When you open your Bible to the table of contents, the first thing you notice is that the Bible is a compilation of many books. There are sixty-six individual books divided into two main sections: Old Testament and New Testament. We can group the books of the Bible into categories by topic. Take a look at how the books are organized. Old Testament Legal (Genesis through Deuteronomy): These first five books describe the creation and fall of humanity, God’s plan to redeem the world through Abraham’s descendants, and the expression of His holy character, which is most clearly seen in the Mosaic Law. Historical (Joshua through Esther): The next twelve books trace the development, disobedience, downfall, and deliverance of God’s people, the nation of Israel. Poetical (Job through Song of Solomon): Beginning with the laments of Job, we move to the psalmists’ praise to the Solomon’s words of wisdom. Prophetical (Isaiah through Malachi): The prophets called God’s people to righteous living and foretold His judgment on those who turned their backs on Him. New Testament Biographical (Matthew through John): The four gospels, each written to a different audience, play out the life, death , and resurrection of our Savior. Historical (Acts): The book of Acts is a narrative of how the good news about Jesus spread to the world through the growing church. Doctrinal (Romans through Jude): These Epistles, or letters, are essays, in a sense, that apply the gospel to everyday life. Prophetical (Revelation): Through the holy vision of John, the book of Revelation transports us to the end times, when Christ will return to earth in glory, judgment, and power. Develop a Reading Plan The Bible’s soil is rich with spiritual truths, but it is not like any other book you’ve dug into. Without a plan, you may feel like you’re turning shovelfuls of empty dirt. You have to know where to dig, as well as what you're looking for. A good place to begin reading is the New Testament, perhaps the book of John. Then move through the history of the beginning of the church in the book of Acts. Spend some time in the doctrinal book of Romans to give a good foundation to your faith. Here's a tip: study Revelation after you have a grasp of the rest of Scripture. You might view Revelation as the last act of a stage play. To appreciate it, you need an understanding of all that came before. And don't forget the Old Testament! Here are the roots of the New Testament and the thematic foundations to the life of Christ. Follow the story of God's relationship with the Jewish nation from its beginnings in Genesis, to its pinnacle in 1 and 2 Samuel, and its downfall in 1 and 2 Kings. For balance sake, intersperse one of the poetical books, such as the Psalms, and include a prophetical book from time to time to feel heartbeat of God toward His chosen people and the world. Understanding and Applying the Bible Once you've decided where to dig, you need to know how to dig. Read through your passage prayerfully several times and ask yourself three questions about each verse. What does it say? This is observation. Be sure you understand the context of the words. Try to uncover the who, what, when, where, why, and how of the passage. Who are the author and audience? What are the subject and historical background? When was the book written? Where was the author at the time he wrote? Why did he write? And how did he express himself—in the form of a story, a parable, a narrative? What does it mean? This is interpretation. Go deeper into the author's thoughts and teaching. What did he intend to say to his original audience? How would they have understood his teaching in their world? What does it mean to me? This is application. By now, you should begin to see a principle emerging from your study. A principle is a statement of truth that can apply to all believers at all times. For example, David's victory over Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:41-49 teaches this principle: When we face an overwhelming problem, we can trust God to work through us. The main point leads to specific life applications. What are some specific giant-sized problems in your life? And how can you depend on God's power as you face them? Sharpening the Focus To sharpen the application, try using a simple Bible study method created by pastor and teacher Ray E. Baughman. He suggests putting on your spiritual SPECS when you study Scripture. The letters of the acrostic, SPECS, represent questions to guide your thoughts while reading Scripture. As you meditate on a passage, ask yourself, are there any Sins to forsake? Promises to claim? Examples to follow? Commands to obey? Stumbling blocks or errors to avoid? [ 1 ] These questions can open your eyes to the rich treasures of application in the verses. Be Consistent Try to make Bible study a daily activity, like eating. We don't load up our bodies with a huge meal then go for a week or two without food. It's not healthy. What is true for us physically is true spiritually. Regularity and consistency are crucial for good spiritual health. Here are some ideas that may help. Pick a time when you are least likely to be interrupted. Then, discipline yourself to keep the appointment. Study at the same place. This will help your mind shift into a Bible study mode more quickly. Keep everything you need right at hand. Bible, study books, devotionals, pen, and paper should be within reach. Ask God to give you understanding. The Holy Spirit is the ultimate teacher, and He will lead you to the treasures you seek (see Mathew 7:7; John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:9-16)! Helpful Bible Study Tools Further Suggestions. Archeologists keep detailed notebooks on their findings. In a similar way, you may wish to keep a notebook of your spiritual discoveries. As your notebook grows, so will your understanding and insight. You'll be amazed at your collection of biblical treasures . . . spiritual gems from the heart of God. Helpful Bible Study Tools 1. Study Bible Features Bible text with charts and notes 2. Concordance Lists words with verse references for word studies 3. Bible Dictionary Defines biblical concepts 4. Commentary Provides a Bible scholar’s interpretation of each verse How to Live in the Spirit During Jesus’s final hours before He bore our sins on the cross, He warned His trembling disciples that He would leave them soon, but comforted them by telling them that He would not leave them alone. “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.” (John 14:16–17) The completion of Jesus’s mission as Savior signaled the beginning of a new era of ministry for the Holy Spirit. While Jesus dwelled with His followers, the Holy Spirit would dwell withinthem. Today, He is within you as well, ministering to you as your helper, counselor, intercessor, and guide. The Holy Spirit and Your Salvation You can trace the beginning of the Holy Spirit’s ministry in your life to your pre-conversion days. Do you recall an ache in your heart at the thought of your sin? Did you yearn to shed your burden of guilt and to make things right with God? That desire was the Holy Spirit convicting you “concerning sin, and righteousness, and judgment” (John 16:8). You may also have sensed an inaudible voice, drawing you to the Savior. That, too, was the Spirit, calling you through the message of the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:13–14). Heeding His call, you placed your trust in Christ for your salvation. At that moment, Jesus baptized you in the Holy Spirit, just as John the Baptist had said He would (Mark 1:7–8). Even though you may not have felt anything, you received the Spirit as a gift from God (Acts 2:38). All believers have received this gift and have been “made to drink of one Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:13). This common experience links every Christian with an invisible bond and unifies us as a body of believers. At your spiritual baptism, the Holy Spirit also regenerated you, which means that He stirred in you new life (Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 3:18). Jesus called this experience being “born again” (John 3:3–6). As a finishing touch to your salvation, the Spirit sealed you “for the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30). The Holy Spirit became for you God’s pledge—His divine deposit—guaranteeing your inheritance in heaven (Ephesians 1:14). The Holy Spirit and Your Spiritual Growth Like a parent who pays close attention to his child’s growth, the Holy Spirit plays a vital role in your spiritual maturity. Take a look at just a few of the ways that the Spirit grows you up as God’s child. He sanctifies you, shaping you to be more like Christ in your thoughts and actions (1 Peter 1:2). He empowers you, giving you the strength to do God’s will (Acts 1:8; Ephesians 3:16). He intercedes on your behalf, saying the words for you when you don’t know how to pray (Romans 8:26–27). He illumines you, teaching you the Word, revealing Christ to you, and guiding you in the right path (John 14:26; 1 Corinthians 2:9–13) He gives spiritual gifts to you, equipping you to minister to others in ways that build up and unify the body (1 Corinthians 12:7–11). He leads you, showing you God’s direction for your life (Romans 8:14) He produces fruit in you—the winning character qualities of “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23). God indwells your body with His Spirit just as His glorious presence once filled Solomon’s temple. That’s a staggering thought! Not lofty stained-glass cathedrals, but your frail human shell is where God chooses to place His Spirit. His job is to mold you into Christ’s image, polish your rough edges, clean out your cluttered closets—for the purpose of making you a living house of worship where Christ is glorified. However, you are not a passive recipient of the Spirit’s ministry. Spiritual growth happens in a relationship between you and the Spirit working together. Relating to the Holy Spirit How do you relate to this powerful divine presence within you? Scripture offers some dos and don’ts in your relationship with the Holy Spirit. First, the don’ts. Don’t grieve the Spirit . Paul warns about this sin against the Spirit: Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30) What brings tears to the Spirit’s eyes? Paul lists some attitudes in the next verse: “bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander . . . along with all malice” (v. 31). The Spirit made us one with other believers, and when we pull apart the body by hurting one another, we break His heart. Don’t quench the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19). How might you splash water on the Spirit’s flame? Personally, you might quench the Spirit by resisting His leading, neglecting your spiritual gift, or acting in your strength rather than His. In the church, you might also quench the Spirit with a critical or divisive attitude. In contrast to the don’ts, Scripture describes behaviors we should do. Do walk by the Spirit . Paul appeals to you, “walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). The Spirit is at odds with your flesh—that powerful, sinful inner urge. To overcome this urge, you must stop going the way of sin and start walking the Spirit’s way. Walking implies a destination, a spiritual goal. It implies energy and forward momentum. To what spiritual goal might the Spirit be leading you? Get up and get going in His way and in His power, and your life will blossom with spiritual fruit (see Galatians 5:22–23). Do be filled with the Spirit . To explain this concept, Paul draws an interesting contrast: And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation , but be filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18) Being drunk is the opposite of being Spirit-filled. The mind of a drunkard is foggy and dull. But when you are Spirit-filled, you think clearly; you see all that Christ has done for you and all that He is doing. You feel more alive, and your words overflow with praise and joy even in the midst of a trial. Paul’s analogy includes two revealing points of comparison as well: thirst and control. Filling with the Spirit begins with a thirst not for sweet wine but for the sweetness of the Spirit. Crave His leading, His power, His guidance, and His righteousness. God promises that He will satisfy that thirst. He will fill you and fulfill you with the Spirit. Filling with the Spirit also implies surrender to the Spirit’s control. You become filled when you ask the Spirit to influence every decision, every thought, and every action. Paul’s command, “be filled,” does not imply that you need more of the Spirit. You already have all of Him; however, He may not have all of you. Invite the Spirit to permeate every part of your life, and release to Him control of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Further Suggestions . Try these ideas for living out your relationship with the Holy Spirit. Set your mind on the Spirit (Romans 8:1–17). Depressing, critical, hurtful, greedy, lustful thoughts are not from the Spirit. Instead, focus your mind on the things of the Spirit—thoughts that are positive, hopeful, truthful, loving, and God-honoring. Ask for His strength to keep your mind on track with Him. Pray in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18). When you pray, pause first to invite the Spirit to fill your mind with His thoughts. Ask Him to help you know what to pray and for whom. Your prayers will come alive! Enjoy the fellowship of the Spirit (Philippians 2:1–2). When you’re with other believers, invite the Spirit to draw you together in Christian love. You’ll experience better worship and closer unity when your relationships are Spirit-centered. Rely on the Spirit’s strength (Ephesians 3:16). Begin your day with a prayer of dependence on the Spirit for guidance and strength. Ask for His help when you share your faith, when a trial confronts you, and when temptation is near. When you minister to others, draw upon His power rather than your own, and watch Him bring results that you never could have done on your own. How to Resist Temptation Marc Antony was known as the silver-throated orator of Rome. He was a brilliant statesman, magnificent warrior, and a courageous, strong leader. He had all the qualities needed to become a ruler of the world. However, he also had the fatal flaw of moral weakness—so much so that his personal tutor shouted into his face on one occasion, “O Marcus, O colossal child, able to conquer the world but unable to resist a temptation.” We all face temptations—the desire to disobey God and do things our way. Temptation dangles the luscious fruit of pleasure, prestige, and power in front of our eyes and whispers in our ear that it is ours for the taking. Never mind the consequences. Never mind the high price of sin and the guilt and harm that always follow. How can you resist temptation when it appears? What insights does the Bible offer about temptation to arm you for the battle? Temptation is Inevitable Temptation is most dangerous when it takes you off-guard. So don’t be caught unaware. Remember that no one, not even the most mature Christian, is above temptation. The first principle is this: temptation is inevitable. James begins his advice on temptation with this statement of certainty: “Let no one say when he is tempted . . .” (James 1:13a, emphasis added). Notice that James doesn’t say “if,” but “when.” Temptation is Never from God The second insight has to do with the source of temptation. Let’s continue James’s thought in verse 13: Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt any one. (James 1:13) At the start of the Civil War, soldiers were often confused as opposing sides because both sides wore blue uniforms. Quickly, the Confederates made their uniforms more distinctive: they switched to gray so their soldiers might recognize friend and foe. Knowing who to fight is a prerequisite for any battle; otherwise you might accidentally shoot your friends. Your heavenly Father never tempts you. He might allow trials, but He never solicits you to do evil. Remember when you are tempted that the Lord is not the enemy. Temptation Follows a Consistent Pattern If the Lord is not the author of temptation, then who is? To find the answer, according to James, you need look no further than your own heart: But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. (James 1:14–15) Within your heart reside degenerate desires that, once stimulated, follow a consistent pattern. Awareness of the temptation-desire-sin-death cycle can help you stop it short before it’s too late. Bait is placed in front of you. Satan is a wily enemy. He knows you a bit too well for comfort. He knows your weaknesses and your secret (and sinful) desires. While Satan is no mind reader, he is a people reader. He’s had lots of practice. When you are tempted, you can count on Satan taking the best opportunity to lead you astray by offering you something you crave. Sinful desire kicks in. Sadly, Satan is not your only enemy. Since the Fall, all people have a fallen nature, one that is drawn towards evil. A part of your heart desires to sin. You enter the danger zone when you linger on the thought of sin, anticipating the pleasure you may receive from it. You give in to sin. In a battle, the enemy will attempt to mislead the opposing army. If the enemy is successful, the opposing commander will guide his troops right into a trap.You walk into a trap when you choose to pursue what you know to be wrong. Destruction follows. Just as the army that falls into an enemy’s trap is decimated, so also sin brings terrible consequences. Like the physical law of gravity, the spiritual law of sin and death is always in operation. Sin brings destruction in your life and in the lives of others. The consequences may be immediate, such as the impact of an affair on a marriage. Or they might be less immediate, such as job loss due to dishonesty. Guilt, anxiety, distance in your relationship from God, and even sickness at times can be results of your sin (see 1 Corinthians 11:23–30). Temptation Flees in the Face of Truth At the core of every temptation is a lie. You may recall Satan’s insidious lie to Eve when he tempted her to disobey God by eating the forbidden fruit. He said, “You surely will not die!” (Genesis 3:4). Tragically, she believed the lie and ate the fruit. Jesus, in contrast, fought back the tempatations of the devil with the truth. When Satan offered Him the world if only He would bow down, Jesus replied with the truth: “‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only’” (Matthew 4:10). The most effective weapon in your arsenal against temptation is God’s Word. When you hear the temptation whispering flasehoods in your ear, wield your sword of truth, and watch temptation retreat! Advice for Soldiers Effective soldiers are well-prepared for battle. Employ these reminders to help you prepare a good defense against temptation. Know your leader. Without a personal relationship with Christ, you have little chance of standing against temptation. His Holy Spirit warns you of sin and gives you strength to resist. Without Christ, you are a lone soldier, fighting with no weapons. Follow your leader. The necessary disciplines of quiet time, prayer, Bible study, and meditation strengthen and establish you in the faith. Those who are weak in the faith are easily entrapped by sin’s allurements. Soldiers do not march from their couch into battle; first, they must train. Your spiritual muscles must be in shape to withstand the attacks of the enemy. You must walk with the Lord closely every day, and this will arm you for battle. Rely on your fellow soldiers. Accountability to another person is a wonderful tactic to enable you to resist temptation. For many, that person is their spouse. Do you have an accountability partner—a mature man or woman who helps keep you focused on the battle and who asks you the hard questions about your life, thoughts, habits, and practices? If you know someone will ask you hard questions, it may deter you from engaging in a sinful practice. With others standing firm alongside you in this battle, you will see temptation’s power fade. Refuse to be taken in by the tricks of the enemy. When tempted, be wise. Do not be fooled by what seems like a “safe” sin. It’s true, you may not get caught. However, no one can hide from the eyes of the Lord. Do not be deceived by the persuasion of the flesh. Your enemy and your own desires will downplay sin as harmless. The truth is, sin is always full of destruction. Do not be gentle with your emotions. Refuse to indulge yourself by thinking that you “need” this thing, or that it won’t hurt to consider it. Reject those notions by turning back to God’s truth. Do not be confused by immediate results. Sin may taste sweet on the lips, but it eventually rots the bones. Conversely, doing the right thing may be distasteful at first. It may require you to refuse a lover, to say no to an opportunity, or to release a pleasure. Yet ultimately, the Lord always rewards obedience. Do not let immediate results deter you from your ultimate goal of pleasing your Father. Finally, do not linger around tempting situations. “Flee from youthful lusts,” Paul advises young Timothy (2 Timothy 2:22a). And the flip side of “flee” is pursue: “pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace” (v. 22b). Through a close walk with your Heavenly Father, an awareness of the tactics of the enemy, accountability in your life, and dedication to God’s truth, you can overcome temptation. Further Suggestions . Knowledge of God’s Word is one of the best ways to equip yourself against temptation. Take a look at these passages to learn more about what Scripture says on this topic. Genesis 3 Matthew 4:1–11 1 Corinthians 10:12–13 Galatians 6:1 Ephesians 6:10–18 1 Thessalonians 4:1–5 2 Timothy 2:22 Hebrews 2:14–18 _____________________ How to Share Your Faith Suppose you received an inheritance of millions of dollars. One of your first actions might be to share some of your newfound wealth with those you love. Out of your abundance, you want to give. When you became a Christian, God blessed you “in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3, niv). You are spiritually rich beyond your wildest dreams! Now, the Lord says, “Share your blessing!” The question is how. How can you help others receive the treasure of salvation? The Right Approach to Sharing Your Faith Jesus’s final words before He ascended into heaven included the command, “be My witnesses” (Acts 1:8). In Acts 8, we find the story of Philip, who by his example, shows us how to obey Jesus’s command. Six principles from his experience teach us the right approach to sharing our faith. Be Sensitive to God’s Leading An angel of the Lord told Philip to go to a certain road that leads from Jerusalem to Gaza, and “he got up and went” (v. 27). He didn’t question. He didn’t hesitate. He heard the Lord and obeyed. Through Scripture, circumstances, or inner promptings, the Holy Spirit may guide you to a certain place at a certain time to share your faith. Keep your spiritual ears open to His voice. Be Available for God to Use You Which person among the many travelers on the road did God want Philip to share his faith with? Philip saw an Ethiopian court official, and the angel said, “Go up and join this chariot” (v. 29). He’s the one, Philip! Philip knew that God was at work, and he was just the tool in God’s hand. See yourself as God’s instrument, available for use whenever needed. Take Initiative to Open the Conversation The Ethiopian official was reading Isaiah 53, and Philip asked, “‘Do you understand what you are reading?’” (v. 30). Philip observed the Ethiopian and engaged him in a conversation about something that interested him—the Scripture. When you share your faith, tune in to your friend’s interests. Pick up cues about their internal struggles. A simple question can unlock a person’s heart and open the door to a meaningful conversation. Be Tactful and Wait for an Opening The Ethiopian invited Philip into his chariot and asked for his help in understanding the passage from Isaiah 53 (vv. 31–34). Do you think the Ethiopian would have been so open if Philip had come across in an arrogant or pushy manner? Probably not. No one likes to be pressured into a discussion or told what to think. The Cross will cause offense because it reveals our sin and our need for a Savior, but we don’t need to add to the offense by being offensive. Be patient. Wait for the person to ask for your opinion before giving it. Avoid tug-of-war arguments. The goal is not to win a debate but to touch a person’s heart. Be Precise and Focused on Jesus In response to the Ethiopian’s question about Isaiah 53, “Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him” (v. 35). Notice that Philip transitioned from Isaiah to Jesus—who He was and what He did on the Cross. All roads in an evangelistic discussion should lead to Jesus. Be careful of wandering into issues, politics, people, or even religion. Stay on Christ. Acknowledge the person’s concerns but always steer the conversation back to Him. Bring the Person to the Point of Decision Hearing about Jesus, the Ethiopian wanted to be baptized immediately. Philip said that he could be baptized, but only “if you believe with all your heart” (v. 37). Becoming a Christian involves making a heart decision. We don’t need to pressure people as if we are trying to “close the deal.” But people should hear Jesus’s invitation to believe in Him. We lead people to the Cross, explain what Jesus did for them, then we present the choice to believe or reject. At that point, the decision is up to them. The Right Words When Sharing Your Faith You sense that the moment is right to share your faith with a friend, but the words don’t come easily. You can use this three-point outline to make the gospel clear. God offers you a personal relationship with Him that will last forever. According to the Bible, His plan can be summarized in three essential truths. First, each person is guilty of sin. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) We have broken God’s moral law. Our sins hurt ourselves and others. The worst part is that our sin separates us from God. The first step to having a relationship with God is admitting, “I am guilty.” Second, Jesus died as a sacrifice for your sin. He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross. (1 Peter 2:24 ) God placed the guilt for your sins on Jesus. When He died, He took the penalty that you deserve. Jesus’s death satisfied God’s judgment against your sin. Third, trust Jesus as your personal Savior. “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.” (John 3:16, niv) After Jesus died, He rose from the dead, and He lives today. He invites you to have a personal relationship with Him. He promises to give you eternal life with God. The gift of salvation is free, and you can receive it by faith. Simply put your trust in Jesus as the only One who can save you. If you’ve never told God that you trust in Jesus as your Savior, you can tell Him right now through a prayer like this: Dear God, I know that my sin has put a barrier between You and me. Thank You for sending Jesus to die in my place. I trust in Jesus alone to forgive my sins, and I accept His gift of eternal life. I ask Jesus to be my personal Savior and the Lord of my life. Thank You. In Jesus’s name, amen. Does this prayer say what’s on your heart? Would you like to trust Christ as your personal Savior right now? If so, you can tell God in your own words, or we can pray together. Final Thought Ask your friend whether he or she understands the points. You may invite your friend to repeat the points back to you. People often believe the message even before they voice the prayer of faith. Keep in mind: the salvation prayer doesn’t save people; Jesus saves them the moment they believe in Him. How to Recognize a Healthy Church Are you in the process of looking for a church? That can be a challenge, can’t it? Many of us tend to lean on four factors in making our choice: denomination, music style, size, and location. But these alone can’t tell you the most important thing: is the church healthy? How do you find a healthy church? This article will give you some ideas. But first—and most importantly—pray. Ask the Lord to lead you in your search. Then, as you follow His direction, stay sensitive to the following six essential qualities of a healthy church. God Gets the Glory Buildings can be beautiful, preachers can be gifted, and music can be wondrous, but what matters most is that your heart and mind are directed to the Lord. To glorify God means to magnify and elevate Him; to draw attention to His greatness, to His love, to His grace. The psalmist crystallizes this truth in his prayer to the Lord: Not to us, O Lord, not to us, But to Your name give glory Because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth. (Ps. 115:1) For whatever reason, it’s amazingly easy for us to draw attention to ourselves, isn’t it? We’ll magnify a pastor’s personality and exalt the brilliance of his sermon, and by doing so, we turn ourselves into an eager audience come to see its favorite star perform. Sadly, God becomes a background character in someone else’s performance. That’s not what His church is meant to be. The church is the place where people come to learn of God’s nature and His will, to be formed by Him into His people, and to deepen their love relationship with Him. So in a healthy church, God is the “star,” and the music and the preaching turn the spotlight on Him. God’s Son, Jesus Christ, Is Central Without Jesus Christ and His Gospel, there would be no church, because there would be no Christianity. Glorifying God also means glorifying His Son, Jesus Christ, who “is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature” (Heb. 1:3). A healthy church, then, is a Christ-centered church. The gospel of Jesus Christ will be preeminent—leading God’s people to rejoice in Christ’s salvation, rest in His forgiveness, follow His example, and obey His teaching. As the Father has “highly exalted” His Son, so should we (see Philippians 2:9-11). God Is Truly Worshipped Have you ever visited a church where the Scriptures were read, songs were sung, and a sermon was preached—but somehow worship was missing? It leaves you feeling kind of empty and disconnected from the Lord, doesn’t it? Worship cannot happen unless the heart is involved. A healthy church will worship from the heart, seeking to be sensitive to the Lord’s awesome presence (see Psalm 95). In a healthy church—one that gratefully recognizes itself as “the sheep of His hand”—you should be able to sense a reverence regarding the Lord’s Word, sincere praise in the music played and sung, and delight in the Lord and love for His people in the words of the sermon. In a healthy church, love for the Lord will be behind everything that’s done (see 1 Cor. 13), engaging people’s hearts so they can come before the Lord as a worshiping community. [ BACK TO TOP ] God's Word Is Not Only Taught, But Applied A thriving church is also marked by its devotion to learning and living God’s Word. What a privilege is ours to have the Bible—the Lord’s own “God-breathed” revelation of His nature, heart, actions, and will (see 2 Tim. 3:16 NIV). It’s exciting to enter His presence through His Word—or it should be. The psalmist’s prayer can do a lot to shape our expectations: “Open my eyes, that I may behold Wonderful things from Your law” (Ps. 119:18). It’s not enough, though, to gaze at His Word and keep it tucked tidily away in our minds. We must live it—obey it, have our lives shaped by it. Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of applying His teaching: “Everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.” (Matt. 7:24–25, emphasis added) The Lord has given us His Word to (1) teach us about Himself, (2) show us the way of salvation and life, (3) help us grow in wisdom and become mature, (4) stabilize our faith in times of testing, and (5) be able to detect and confront error, just to name a few things. So it’s crucial that a pastor’s teaching be rooted in Scripture—not in popular books or in his own opinions or pet peeves, be personal rather than theoretical, which could breed indifference, be relevant, showing how God’s truth is so timely for today, be balanced with humility, love, and grace, to avoid intolerance and pride, and be only the means to one end—knowing and worshiping its Author, not the Bible itself. God's Love Can Be Seen and Felt Compassionate . . . kind . . . humble . . . gentle . . . patient . . . forgiving . . . loving. These are the traits God wants His people to be known for—because these traits reflect who He is (see Colossians 3:12-14). Do you remember Jesus’ final talk with His disciples in the Upper Room? After humbly and gently washing their feet, Jesus told them, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you. . . . By this all men will know that you are My disciples” (John 13:34a, 35a). A healthy church, then, will be marked by its members’ care and empathy for each other. It will feel like family rather than a corporation. And it will exude a warm, welcoming spirit that readily shares the gift of God’s grace. God's Good News Will Be Shared with Others The Lord’s church is not an exclusive country club that basks in a private glow of glory, but it is “a city set on a hill” and “the light of the world” that calls people “out of darkness into His marvelous light” (Matt. 5:14; 1 Pet. 2:9). Just as Jesus came “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10), so it is our calling now to seek the lost and tell them of the Savior. How Do I Resist the Devil? Question: I have seen the influence of Satan and evil in the world. He destroys lives through his lies and temptations—in fact, I have a close friend who has been lured into sin by his subtle ways. How can I protect myself against the evil influences that pull me away from God? How do I resist the devil? Answer: Believers in Christ never have to think they are helpless before Satan and his demonic influences. Jesus Christ, not any magic formula or incantation, has authority over them. If you are His child because of your faith in Him, you share that authority. Whenever Satan and his demons afflict you, you should consider the attack your opportunity to glorify Jesus Christ by unleashing His power to make them flee. Let’s look at two basic truths about resisting Satan from the book of James: But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (James 4:6–8) First, James teaches us to submit to God. This is the most important factor in overcoming Satan. Submission begins by telling God that our only desire is to love and serve Him. Then, we ask Him to help us uncover any sin in our life that we need to confess. We draw near to God by cleansing and purifying our hearts, and God will allow us to enjoy intimacy without hindrance. By submitting fully to Him, our thoughts and feelings will be influenced by God rather than Satan. Second, James instructs us to resist the devil and he will flee from us. Our authority over Satan and his demons is a real and powerful authority because of Jesus Christ in us. We can express our resistance to Satan by telling him and all his demons that they have no right to torment us. If we discern their presence, we can command them to flee in the name of Jesus Christ. Notice that the term resist is used here and in two other key passages, Ephesians 6 and 1 Peter 5: Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. (Ephesians 6:13, emphasis added) Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. (1 Peter 5:8–9, emphasis added) Resist means to stand firmly in a position and not give any ground. One way to resist is to tell the devil, “Stop!” Another way, according to the Ephesians 6 passage, is to put on the Christian armor of truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, and faith. How do you put on this armor? Speak the truth from God’s Word, choose a path of right living, remind yourself of the grace of your salvation, and believe that God has won the victory over evil. All these are ways that you can resist the devil, and he will flee! So a healthy church will be actively concerned about the world outside its walls. It will pray for those who don’t know of or have turned away from God’s love. It will encourage and equip (not pressure) its people to share their faith—whether in their day-to-day work or in reaching out to the needy in their community. And it will teach them to treat nonbelievers with respect, upholding their dignity and allowing the Holy Spirit to work with them in His way and time. When you find a church with these six qualities, you are well on your way to finding a healthy church! For further scriptural guidance in your search, please read the passages below. And may God bless you on your quest to find a church home. Psalm 29 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 Psalm 105 Ephesians 1:22–23; 4:1–6, 11–16 Psalm 119:9–16, 97–104 Philippians 2:1–11 John 4:23—24 1 Thessalonians 2:3–13 Acts 2:43—47 Hebrews 13:15—17 Romans 12 Revelation 2–3 Could I Be Suffering from a Generational Curse? Question: My grandfather was an alcoholic and belonged to a cult, and my parents got messed up by drugs in the 1960s and were involved all kinds of weird satanic stuff. I have had trouble concentrating lately, and it seems like I just can’t get rid of certain ungodly thoughts. Could I be suffering from a generational curse, like maybe some judgment that has been passed on to me from my parents? Answer: We want to assure you that Scripture shows no evidence that believers must fear a “generational curse” in their families. Some Christians believe in such curses because of passages like Exodus 20:4–6, which states, You shall not make 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, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments. (NIV) At first glance, this passage seems to say that we will be punished for our parents’ sins—a “generational curse.” However, if we read closely, we find that the passage actually specifies that God will only punish those who hate Him. This is in line with what we find in the rest of Scripture—if we repent of our sins and turn to God, we are at peace with God and we are saved. If we reject Christ, we are in rebellion against God and remain under the judgment of sin. According to Ezekiel 18:10-20, each person is not answerable for the sins of his or her parents, but only for personal sins. According to 1 Timothy 2:3-4, God desires for all people to be saved—no matter the family lineage. The entire human race is under a curse due to sin. The curse of sin is death. Yet the good news is told in Galatians 3:13, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.” We are also told in Romans 8:1 that there is “no condemnation for those who are in Christ.” Jeremiah 17:5 and 7 sums this up perfectly: "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord . . . But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him." (NIV) People must answer for themselves whether they trust in the Lord and their sins are paid by Jesus Christ or whether they turn away from the Lord and must pay for their own sins. Jesus’s disciples themselves misunderstood how sin worked in families, and they thought that a man’s blindness was due to his parents’ sin. Jesus corrected them saying, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, . . . but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life” (John 9:3 NIV). We are aware of only one instance in which sins are sometimes passed down through families: a situation where people may learn their parents’ habits and weaknesses by watching them, and then practice the same bad habits. People may also inherit genetically transmitted diseases from their parents, but Scripture shows no evidence that an entire family is doomed because of a curse. We hope this might be able to ease your fear. Christian Be Possessed by a Demonic Spirit? Question: I remember getting really angry at God one time and cursing Him. Ever since that day, I have had troubles in my life. I’m afraid that I have opened my heart to Satan, and he has sent a demon to torture me. Is it possible that an evil spirit can possess a Christian, and if so, how do I get rid of it? Answer: Most people’s conception of evil spirits comes from books and horror movies. In the typical horror movie, an evil spirit invades the body of a victim, and the hero has to wrestle with the demon until it slinks away to terrorize some other unsuspecting person. According to Scripture, which is a much more reliable source of information about the spirit world, the power to overcome evil resides not in any person or incantation but in the Lord. "The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4 NIV). With just a word of truth spoken in Jesus’s name, you can make any evil spirit leave you alone. The best strategy against Satan comes from the book of James: Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:7 NASB) Some Christians confuse demonic influence with demonic possession. As a child of God, you are His possession, and He will not let anyone (including Satan and his demons) snatch you from His hand (see John 10:29 and Romans 8:31–39). The devil’s strength is in his ability to deceive you and make you afraid. There is nothing he can do to harm you if you don’t believe his lies. Jesus in you is far more powerful than Satan, and there is no safer place to be than in the care of our Lord Jesus. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one. (John 10:27–30 NIV) You can rest in the hands of Jesus and in the hands of the Father. That’s double protection! When you have a moment, read Ephesians 6:10–18. In this passage, you’ll discover that God has given you all the resources you need to overcome evil. Notice that the focus in these verses is not on Satan or his schemes but on God and His provisions. You can respond to Satan’s attacks the same way you live all of life: Put God in the center of your life. Fill your mind and heart with the truth of God’s Word. Run from impurity and pursue holiness. And remind yourself of who you are in Christ and that you belong to God. Another good passage is 2 Corinthians 10:3–5. In verse 5, the phrase “taking every thought captive” is a military term, referring to the taking of prisoners. When a thought comes to your mind which is contrary to godliness, capture it. Don’t let it go on a rampage in your mind, stirring up fears. Instead, capture it with a word of truth and lock it up so it doesn’t bother you. If you start thinking that God has rejected you, stop that thought in its tracks with a verse from Scripture, perhaps Hebrews 13:5: "God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you'"(NIV). Sinful activity may open a door to demonic influence through tempting circumstances that lead to ungodly thoughts and more sinful behavior. But this is never an irreversible situation. Confess your sin, and the Lord will forgive you—in fact, through Christ’s once-for-all atonement, He already has forgiven you! Even your sin of anger and cursing at God was forgiven by Christ when He died for you on the cross. Don’t look at your circumstances as evidence of your salvation, rather look to the Cross. Surrender yourself to the Lord, and think about doing His will rather than worrying about demons. And remember, Jesus took all of the punishment for your sins on the Cross. You don’t have to fret that God is punishing you if you focus your mind on how much He loves you (read 1 John 4:18). If you can’t get your mind off your fears, I encourage you to see a good Christian counselor who can help you take more control of your thoughts. You don’t have to live in fear of evil forces. Jesus defeated Satan and death on the cross so that you can live in spiritual freedom. The Dignity of Humanity and the Sanctity of Life After centuries of wrestling with the problem of human suffering, western society has largely agreed upon an answer, placing its trust in technology. Technology ultimately represents a false hope, for it cannot keep its promises, but we find ourselves increasingly enamored with the possibilities. If there is sickness, it can be cured; if there is pain, it can be relieved; if there is disease, it can be eradicated; if there are birth defects, they can be prevented. All of this is possible, we tell ourselves, if we grow in knowledge and in technological proficiency. But if those things ultimately fail us and suffering becomes unbearable, we may consider one last option: life can be gently terminated. Most Christians rightly respond to that possibility (and certain technological procedures like embryonic stem-cell research) by appealing to the sanctity of human life. Unfortunately, the idea that people have unique, inherent dignity regardless of their capacities is not widely embraced. For example, Helga Kuhse, who directs a center for bioethics in Australia, asked whether the sanctity of human life could really be defended. "Here we should note that I shall not, when speaking of the sanctity-of-life doctrine, be using the term 'sanctity' in a specifically religious sense. While the doctrine may well have its source in theology, I am not concerned with the question of whether or not the doctrine is true to some theological tradition or other, but rather with the question of whether it can be defended on non-theological grounds." In other words, can one argue that all human beings have inherent dignity and unique value without appealing to some sort of divine authority? I would suggest that from a biblical perspective, one cannot. People are unique not because they think differently than chimpanzees (though they probably do), and human lives are valuable not because they contribute to a better world (though they probably do that, too). People have inherent dignity and unique value because they have all been made in the image of God. Since every person has been created according to the divine image, every human life becomes sacred. Just as David would not lay a hand on Saul as God's anointed (1 Sam. 24:10), so we should not murder (or even curse) those who have been made in the image of God (Gen. 9:6; James 3:9-10). This becomes a very important point in bioethical discussions like those taking place between Kuhse and her peers. If one assumes a naturalistic philosophy, which regards humanity as unique only in the sense that we have reached a higher stage of evolutionary development, those who are less capable may easily be regarded as less valuable. On the other hand, if one believes that human dignity comes from God, one who seeks to honor God will honor those whom He has made in His image. The difference is especially apparent when considering those whom our society views as least valuable: the poor, the terminally ill, the elderly, the unborn, and the handicapped (Ps. 82:3-4; Prov. 14:31). Kuhse concluded that it would be right to kill patients painlessly, including handicapped infants, if their lives were not judged by others to be pleasant ones. This is not unlike a Newsweek essay, in which a woman argued that a severely handicapped man, Henry, should be put to sleep in the same manner as her suffering cat. In response to that article, I found myself in rare agreement with Derek Humphry of the Hemlock Society, who said that "to kill Henry, even out of mercy, would be murder in the worst degree." I should probably add that my feelings on this issue are colored not only by my theology, but also by my experience. Our oldest son, Steve, had open-heart surgery when he was just eight months old. Unfortunately, some countries, doctors, and even some parents would not have allowed him to have that operation, even though it was necessary to save his life. Steve has Down Syndrome, and too many people think that lives like his are not worth saving. My temptation as a proud dad has always been to talk about the things that Steve enjoys doing, how quickly he learned to read, or how sincerely he loves the Lord, to try to convince others that his very happy life was worth saving. On the other hand, my job as a theologian is to say simply this: His life was worth saving because he has inherent dignity as a human being in the image of God. The same is true of little boys who never will learn to read and those whose lives don't look happy at all. The treatment of the handicapped raises another important implication of the approach taken here toward the image of God. If the image of God consists simply of our rational, emotional, and volitional capacities, then certain severely handicapped persons (like anencephalic infants, for example) evidently lack God's image and may be judged less than human. People who lose those capabilities would lose something of their humanity, perhaps forfeiting inherent human rights. By contrast, I have argued that even our bodies have been formed in God's image as they have been made to reflect His glory. Since all persons still have the potential to be fully conformed to Christ's likeness and to act as vice-regents over creation, either in this life or the next, all human life is valuable. In the West dehumanizing technologies and a disproportionate emphasis on comfortable lifestyles continually challenge this basic affirmation of life. Elsewhere the obstacles are different, but the essential issues remain the same. Twice I have taken trips to India, where so many people crowd the streets of cities, that human life is too easily regarded as of little value. Cattle and cobras are often worshiped as gods, while many of God's vice-regents live in desperate poverty. When so many have "exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures" (Rom. 1:23 NASB), the results are devastating. Whether in India or America, the basic problem remains the same, as does the basic solution. Sin has prevented our world and the people in it from fulfilling the Genesis ideal, but if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation. Glory is restored to the common, dignity to the dishonored, and dominion to the oppressed, but only through the gospel of Christ, who is the image of God.catcmo2006