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Writer - A. E. Fisher        https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/ Youths sharing love with children in special homes. How many of us have admired the innocence and purity of a child. Children are pure in thoughts until they are corrupted by adults. They have confidence in their caregivers and is very loving even to those who are unkind to them. Children do not hold grudges nor malice.  Jesus drew our attention to their purity when He said if we do not act like little children, we cannot enter eternal life. Children give joy; they make life worth living. Psa. 127: 3-5 tells that they are heritage from God and happy is the man whose quiver is filled with them . Many have misinterpreted this text and believe that persons should just produce children without planning for them or being able to provide adequately for them. If you are honestly only capable of carrying a quiver with one, then your quiver is full while another man’s quiver can honestly carry fifteen, let him produce his fifteen. Each of us can only carry what we are  capable of managing as God designs us individually. Only then can we enjoy children as blessings which should be enjoyed, guided, loved and protected according to God’s instructions.   Parenting is a skill which we continuously learn. We learn from each other, from our mistakes and from our challenges. It is God’s desire that we be good parents therefore He is willing to guide us if we allow Him. Here are a few pointers which parents should practise. teach your child sound and godly values and principles Recognise your responsibility as a parent Praise your child and also constructively offer criticism and guidance Avoid damaging criticism Be assertive yet kind Control your temper; do not be abusive Instill discipline fairly Be consistent and enforce the rules you made for good Listen to your children; guide them as they struggle with youthful exuberance Encourage responsibility and diligence Spend quality time with your children Spend equal time with each child; avoid favouritism Be a role model; be a teacher by word and example.   Children need love and attention. They must be taught about the love of God. They should attend Church where they will be taught about God’s goodness and His marvelous plan of salvation. Children live what they learn therefore it is imperative that you give them a solid biblical foundation. How we treat our children influences what they become. It’s a fact that some children go contrary to their good upbringing while others are badly reared yet they develop into good outstanding adults. Although there are many factors which influence children’s behaviour- parents are the most influential. Parents should demonstrate the actions and values which they want their children to embrace. Values inclusive of: honesty, compassion, love, dedication, hard work and generosity. Surround your home and life with others who can serve as role models to your children. Keeping your children around people who are a good influence will help you be a better parent.   Some parents do not readily display emotions. As a parent you ought to share affection with your children. Let your children understand and appreciate the warmth and security that comes from touches, hugs, kisses and cuddles. Spend quality time listen to your children; listen even when they are not speaking. Daily you ought to grow in understanding your children; better communication always lead to better parenting. Help your children to develop and use their decision-making skills so that they can function in diverse situations. Parents ought not to compete against each other for their children affection. Instead, they should stand in solidarity and speak with one mind. Parents ought to love their children unconditionally and never compare them to others or make them into. Do not use your love for them as a weapon to get them to do as you desire. Express interest in your children and involve yourself in their lives. Create and maintain an atmosphere in which they can share their concerns with you. Guide them properly. Your children should be very familiar with the consequences of their actions. In addition, teach children how to be industrious and responsible by giving them duties; instill a sense of belonging in them. Give them security. Do not argue with your spouse in the presence of the children. Children may feel insecure and fearful when they hear parents bickering. In addition, children will learn to argue with each other the same way they hear their parents argue with each other. Show them that when people disagree, they can discuss their differences peacefully. Be a godly role model to your children.     Writer - A. E. Fisher  We welcome your questions and feedback.  You may contact us at ofthelivinggodchurch@gmail.com      https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/ Other Relevant Teachings Parenting in a changing world  Marriage is a spiritual and a civil contract Man- God's outstanding creation Woman-one of God's most precious creation Family according to God's plan Family under fire Taking care of the elderly

https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/   God is the Creator of all things; everything exists because of Him. When He made the animals, He made a male and a female and He also made Adam and Eve. Therefore, from the beginning a male and a female was authorised to start and head a family. Be reminded that the family is the foundation of the nations. God gave an injunction to Adam and Eve-‘ to be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth and subdue and have dominion over all living things ’ Genesis 1:28. Before Adam and Eve began the task of multiplying God made them husband and wife, He gave them the command in Genesis 2:24, “ therefore shall a man leave his father and mother and shall cleave unto his wife and they shall be one flesh .” God legalised their sexual activity before they engaged in it; knowing that sexual activity binds both body and soul. It is God’s desire that every couple be so bound in love and respect for each other that nothing can separate them.  Today we act as if we are confused about the composition of a family. I am not referring to our extended family. I refer to the one which we will create in our union. May I remind us that Children + a Wife+ a Husband= Family. This is the family which God intends us to create. A man and a woman should be married before they start a family. Children should be born in a secure and happy home. I know that some marriages are unhappy but that is no excuse for disobeying God’s words and starting a family contrary to God’s blue print. If we follow God’s command there would be no children born outside of marriage and none born outside while the parent is married to another. God is against this sinful cohabitation that is why He said in Deuteronomy 23:2 “ No bastard shall enter into the congregation of the Lord; even to his tenth generation shall he not enter into the congregation of the Lord . ”   Jesus told the parable of the foolish man who built his house on the sand and the wise man who built on the rock Matthew 6 24-27. Every family has a foundation and an upward structure. If inferior material is used for the building, then it will be unable to withstand the test of time. The roof of a building is symbolic to the love, security, warmth, friendship, respect, faithfulness, peace, happiness, comfort, care, provision and communication which covers a family. It is comical that we seek to make solid, safe physical buildings which are constructed to specification, yet we sloppily build a family. Have we stopped to understand the effect of poor family life on societies. The national and universal problems that we are now experiencing are results of poor family life. Seeds germinate; therefore, whatever we and our ancestors have planted will be reaped and is now being reaped. There was a time when grandparents were often elderly and wise; they could teach good moral values and lead their children in the right path. Today our grandparents are younger and sadly, ill-equipped to provide the necessary guidance to the younger generation. Therefore, our moral standard is decaying because our youths lack proper guidance.   We are brainwashed everyday through advertisements, music etc to believe that it is impossible for partners to be faithful to each other or that if you are faithful, you are stupid. Polygamy is not God’s standard. God gave Adam one Eve and gave one Adam to Eve. Having more than one partner is a recipe for disaster. God knows how complicated family life can be. He knows that no man or woman can adequately manage more than one partner and in extension more than one family. Prov. 6:27-28, 32 tell us that you cannot take fire into your bosom or walk on hot coals and not be burnt . We are also told that whoever commits adultery lacks understanding and is destroying his/her own soul. Prov. 9:17-18 say ‘ stolen waters  are sweet and bread eaten in secret is pleasant but the engaged in such does not realise that he/she is are marked for death.  The man/woman who has a spouse plus the “brawta” is in deep trouble; It does not matter if they act openly or secretly. They have rebelled against God’s command and have undermined the structure of their family. This puts strain on the relationship and can fuel a separation.   A family should be bonded in love, peace, unity, friendship, forgiveness, compassion, good values, security, comfort, moral principles and godliness. The best remedy for the high increase in criminal activities is a good family life. Whenever families begin to exercise godly principles and teach their offspring good moral values we will have a better world. Families need to get to the Bible and discover God’s plan for family life. Man can plan and execute all their ideas but unless man utilises the plans of God, family life will never be as God designed and we will continuously reap the bitter fruits of our error.   Every family should have a head. The head should be a spiritual leader, a provider, protector, a leader, a friend. God’s plan is that a man should fulfil these roles. Can you imagine how wonderful this world would be if we obey God’s words? Our example of the head of a family is God. He heads the family in heaven- Ephesians 3:14-15 “ For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named .” These verses tell us that God is the Father and He is the head of the family in heaven. I implore us to structure our family according to God’s standard. In this way our family structure will be solid and firmly grounded. I pray that God’s blessing be on us as we seek to follow God’s design of a family and build nations founded on good moral principles. It is not too late to begin restructuring our family life. It is better to be late than never.    Writer - A. E. Fisher  We welcome your questions and feedback.  You may contact us at ofthelivinggodchurch@gmail.com   https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/ Other Relevant Teachings Parenting in a changing world  Marriage is a spiritual and a civil contract Man- God's outstanding creation Woman-one of God's most precious creation Our children- our most valued possession Family under fire Taking care of the elderly

Honouring members and friends of the Church Women are child bearers; the world is populated because women have seriously tackled the task of bearing children. However, some have not done a good job of rearing their children, some did well and some have tried but could not successfully fight against the odds. Some may have never held a child which came from their womb, some may be regretting hasty decisions which have left them childless. On Mother’s Day many women are swamped with emotions. Some are excited, having a sense of fulfilment while others are despondent. Whatever state you may be in just remember that God is a Refuge, a Friend, a Guide and a Comfort. He will help you in your situation.    A good woman as stated in Proverbs 31:10 is a virtuous and priceless woman. She gets out of bed early and provides meals for her family. She is industrious, possesses inward beauty, spend wisely, is considerate, wise, kind, loving, respectful and is a blessing to everyone. God gave woman to man so that together they could complete His plan. Women represent God’s most substantial creation because they are influential. She has the power to make changes and so therefore she is very, very powerful. Women shape and mould characters; build individuals, build nations and create leaders. Therefore, women should know their value and use their God abilities to build and not to destroy. A woman may not produce a child but that does not prevent her from being a mother. Women were created with the instinct for motherhood therefore they extend their motherliness to all children. Women should put aside selfishness knowing that if they live in obedience to God the world would be a better place.    I desire to speak to women, as mothers as trendsetters, as God’s marvellous creation and encourage them to examine the world situation and identify where women have gone wrong and what women can do to make this world a better place. Mother, role as a parent is one of the most important jobs you will ever have. You are responsible for taking care of your children and making sure they have the tools they need to grow into successful and adjusted adults. You may feel as if you are a failure even though you are being a good parent but remember that even the best parents have room for improvement. If you have decided that you want to make some changes to improve your parenting style, there are many ways to make yourself a better parent. Improve parenting skills by developing a consistent method of parenting and finding support from biblical and godly resources.   Globally it seems as if common courtesies are getting outdated. Children are often dishonest, disrespectful, rarely greet others, say excuse, thank you, please, etc. and rarely value themselves and their integrity, especially their sexual integrity.  There is an urgent need for mothers to focus on teaching children these timeless values. We must dress our girls modestly and appropriately and we must also dress ourselves likewise. The present trend is that women dress immodestly. There is no need for the more mature females to compete in dressing with the youths. Women must respect themselves and be the persons God wants them to be. Let your children be proud of you; let them respect you.   Our life situation should never affect how we rear our children. Let us look to the Bible for guidance. In it we will see how mothers moulded their children even though they were going through trying times. Jochebed , had Moses while in slavery. Her child was slated’ to die but she executed a plan and saved him. Read Exodus chapters 1and 2. Although Pharaoh was trying to kill the boys, she reared her son and taught him to love God. He became one of the greatest leaders and he is even likened to Jesus. Jochebed not only reared Moses but also Miriam who became a prophetess and Aaron who became the first High Priest. Can you imagine that she was able to accomplish this while the children were under the threat of death and she could also be punished for disobeying the king.    Lois and Eunice: Lois was Timothy’s grandmother and Eunice was his mother. The Apostle Paul spoke about the unfeigned faith which was exercised by Lois and which she taught Eunice who also taught Timothy. (Read 2 Timothy1:5) Timothy became a good Evangelist. He was Paul’s faithful helper and he worked assiduously to build God’s ministry. Timothy’s father was a Gentile and his mother was a Jew. The Jews and the Gentiles should never mix therefore Timothy suffered psychologically because he would not be easily accepted by the Jews. His mother must have gone through uncomfortable situations; maybe she was rejected by her own people. This did not affect her unduly because she ensured that her child was taught about the one who would love him regardless of his father’s nationality. Gal. 3:28 tells us that there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, neither male nor female, for ye are all one in Christ Jesus .   Mary  was a virgin who was engaged to be married when she was told by the angel that she would be carrying Jesus in her womb. Can you imagine how confused she was? What would she tell others? Would they ostracise her? What will Joseph say? Although she was in this situation her desire was to do the Lord’s command. She knew that she would have challenges but she never wavered. She delivered her son and had to flee into Egypt for safety because Herod wanted to kill the child. Today we are happy that Mary had this child because He is the Saviour of the world. In His name we obtain salvation.   Hannah was barren but when she made her supplication to God, she received Samuel plus three other sons and two daughters. If you are in Hannah’s position then you should cry to God and if it is His desire, you will bear children. If you do not bear children, please remember that you are not less; you are still God’s precious creation. Hannah showed her thankfulness to God by dedicating Samuel to God’s Ministry. Whenever God bless our womb, we should dedicate our children to God.   Today I want to encourage women to arise and be a moral beacon for Almighty God. I am calling on women today to seek God in a meaningful way. At this time some of you might be sad because you are not being recognised but I want to remind you that Jesus Christ recognises you and If you are recognised by Jesus that is the best recognition you can get. Single mothers who are struggling with your children. You have your heartaches and your pain. I just want to encourage you to take life a day at a time. God will take care of your needs and will provide for you and your children just trust in Him. Don’t be discouraged and disheartened. Do not deter from the track of goodness because at the end of your journey, you shall smile when you have sown good seeds. You shall reap the benefits. So, I’m encouraging you my sisters keep your head above the water and all will be well.    Ensure that you and your children attend Church services and also have home worship. Be a fountain of loving care. Older women should teach the younger women how to behave themselves wisely and to conduct themselves well. Set a standard so that they can follow. Today as we focus on woman, on the reason for womanhood. I just want to remind us as women that we are the sunshine. You are the rain on the parched ground. You are the flower in the garden. You were specially ordained to be a beacon in this world. You are made to be a visionary a guide and a motivator. Remember you possess the hands that rock the cradle. So much is demanded of you and you often demand just a little.   In closing I wish to say that women in the true sense represents attributes of strength, love, caring, gentleness, companionship, patience, tenderness, intuitiveness, compassion, stability, intelligence and understanding. Women of substance are everywhere around us. I am asking these women to get up and really take on your God-given responsibility and make the world a better place. God bless you today as you reflect on your journey and role as a woman, or as a mother. Just remember that God made you very special You were given a part of the man therefore you are called woman. Women you must arise and glorify God and take your ordained place in society. Go forth and be agents of righteousness. Live your life so well that others will want to place their feet in your footsteps. Make a change. God bless you and have a God blessed life.    Writer - A. E. Fisher  We welcome your questions and feedback.  You may contact us at ofthelivinggodchurch@gmail.com      https://www.pillarandgro undofthetruth.online/   Other Relevant Teachings Parenting in a changing world  Marriage is a spiritual and a civil contract Man- God's outstanding creation Our children- our most valued possession Family according to God's plan Family under fire Taking care of the elderly

https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/ Proverbs 20:7- The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him. Proverbs 13:22 - A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children On Fathers’ Day many fathers will be feeling lonely and despondent. They will be wondering where they went wrong and what they could have done better. Many are fulfilling their roles well and God is pleased with them but somehow humans are dissatisfied with their work. They are frustrated because life is treating them unfairly. On the other hand, there are some men who are in denial; they tell themselves that they are doing well and are upset that they are not getting the accolade which they think they deserve. Some are uncaring and decides it does not matter what anyone thinks about them. We often beat upon men telling them where they have erred but how often have, we told them how precious they are and how much they are appreciated.   God made man after He created the non-human things. According to Psalm 33:9- He spoke and it was done He commanded and it stood fast . All things except humans were spoken into being but human was so special that God said to His Son, Jesus,   And God said, Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27 So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them . Notice that the Lord said let them but He only made one man. In Genesis 1:27 we learn that God made male and female in His own image. God knew that man needed a companion therefore He formed woman from a part of the man.   Although man in his true sense is loving, caring, compassionate, endearing, and kind, man is often misunderstood and life’s situation has often marginalized him. Man is expected to have a hard shell and to act unfeeling but man is the opposite therefore when hurt will become great pretenders. The world expects men to subdue their feeling but men are compassionate being and should be allowed to express their feelings.   How a father treats the mother of his child/children will influence the way in which the child will view his/ her own role on becoming parents and spouses. Those who have renegade on their responsibility have created a bad image of man . These men must ask the Lord for a change of heart and for the wisdom to be the man that God desires. We should all recognize that God created man specially and gave him guidelines to follow. God knew that when man stray from these guidelines the entire human lineage would suffer. Therefore, He desired obedience from man. Man is expected to fulfill a host of  roles and functions inclusive of :father, leader, teacher, husband, lover, friend, provider, protector and caregiver   Despite the challenges man is encouraged to stand up and stand strong. Many men are fathers and mothers and some are very supportive in the home. We thank God for men who provides for their families; men who refuse to add undue stress to their wives. Men who ensure that they are men in their homes. Men who are not slothful but work assiduously to put food in the cupboard, educate their children and adequately take care of their family needs. Men who lead spiritually and morally.   We salute men on whose shoulder the weary can lean, men who are friends to their partners and treat their spouses with respect. We salute men who are outstanding and obedient messengers of God knowing that a man who does not take care of his household cannot be a faithful ambassador for Christ. Much emphasis is placed on a man being a provider because God emphasized this role. The word of God tells us in 1 Timothy 5:8, ‘ but if any provide not for his household and especially for they of his own house, he hath denied the faith and is worse than an infidel. Every child has two parents and usually the man is less recognized although he may be doing an excellent job. I encourage you to do your best, be your child’s /children’s friend, but never let them forget you are their parent, not a collaborator. Remember that parenting does not stop when a child grows up; it is a life-long role. Fathers, please spend time with your children. Some fathers miss opportunities to spend quality time with their children because they have competing responsibilities or interests. However, once the opportunity has passed, it is gone and will not come back. Fathers, please establish an intimacy with your children when they are young because it is difficult to do so when they get older.do jot allow walls to be erected because you might not be able to break them down.   Be firm and decisive express yourself in a manly way. Remember that you are a [parent and the views are as important as the mother’s. Make parenting a partnership, be on the same page about how to discipline and reward your child. Be firm and consistent this will give your child a foundation of trust in you.  As an adult you would have passed through the pressures of life and will be capable of assisting your children through theirs. Help your child to assess, understand and realise their capabilities and limitations. Do not pressure them unduly but encourage them to be the best version of themselves.   Man you are a wonderful masterpiece. None can take your place. Remember Moses, Abraham and Joseph who was Jesus earthly father. They fulfilled their God given responsibilities. You are no less; You are awesome; you are special. The Lord is depending on you to move forward in the path that He has carved for you. Be strong, be a man of substance  Truly the world would not be such a wonderful place if you were absent. Remember that God is your example of a true Father. Have a wonderful life as a father and enjoy the role of fathering.  Writer - A. E. Fisher  We welcome your questions and feedback.  You may contact us at ofthelivinggodchurch@gmail.com      https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/      Other Relevant Teachings Parenting in a changing world  Marriage is a spiritual and a civil contract Woman-one of God's most precious creation Our children- our most valued possession Family according to God's plan Family under fire Taking care of the elderly

https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/ In this age of technology and creative inventions every instrument comes with its own manual. You would not expect the washing machine manual to tell you how to operate the stove. Yet it is funny how humans will coin their own subject definitions and by-pass biblical definitions. Have you ever thought about the technicalities of the term - family? Have you sought to learn how Almighty God outlined the concept of family? What is the real definition of a family? Today we have applied our definition of family just as we have applied our definitions to numerous terms and we are trying to use every other manual to operate a family except the one sent to us by God. To understand God’s family life plan, we look at the biblical record of God’s acts of creation. When He created non- human living things for example cattle, whales and birds, He created males and females. Yet when Adam was created his female companion was not made at the same time. Genesis 2:18 tells us that, God said, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him .” Verse 20 tells us that Adam named all the animals but there was not a help-meet for him.  God made a woman and gave her to Adam and he named her, Eve. Humans were designed differently from animals because they were made in the image and likeness of God and were made to worship God. Did you know that it was a descendant of Cain who corrupted the family pattern that God had put in place? Let us read Genesis 4:19 And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah . Lamech admitted that he was an evil man; let us read his comment in verses 23 and 24, and Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt. 24 If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold.   God has never consented to do with a marital relationship that does not constitute one biologically born man and a biologically born female. Many persons will try to refute the act of creation because they do not believe the Bible, however, we are going to present the Bible as a record of God's words. I believe it, because it was written by inspired men of God. The Bible is also called the word of God and Jesus is the Word. This points out the link between the written word and the Spiritual word.  When Adam saw Eve he said, “ this is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh and she shall be called woman because she was taken out of a man .  The Scriptures said that they were both naked and they were comfortable with each other and with God. This was the beginning of the sacred covenant called marriage. Yes, it was God who instituted marriage and performed the first marriage ceremony. After this ceremony these words were said, “ therefore shall a man leave his father and mother and shall cleave unto his wife and they shall be one flesh .” (Genesis chapter 2 verse 24) God also gave them a great command; he told them to be fruitful and to multiply. God was depending on them to populate the Earth that He had created for their enjoyment. God designed marriage and the family for His special purpose. The husband and wife are one flesh. What is the meaning of one flesh? One flesh means unity of purpose and no place for a second partner. The male and female couple were prepared by God for child bearing and child rearing. Adam and Eve were the first parents. They and their children were the first family.  Within the family the parents have full responsibility for their children’s education. As a parent you can decided what you want your children to learn. If you listen carefully to policy changes taking place in many countries you will know that parental rights are being removed out of the jurisdiction of parents and children are being given much autonomy which is leading them to destruction. In this present society where content contrary to godliness is being taught it is the parents’ responsibility to oversee their children’s education. However, daily it is becoming more evident that through laws, parents are being stripped of their authority and some are giving up this authority because they are ill-equipped for parenting. Based on what was said earlier we summarise a family as man, woman and children. However, as earth became more populated there are those who constituted an extended family; persons such as grandparents. The family is very important to God and that is why the devil and his agents are doing everything possible to destroy the family. A godly family reflects God’s character. The concept of family put in place at creation is the masterpiece of creation. The family members ought to be those who give honour and praise to the Most High God. God put children in families to be nurtured and reared in the will of God. Jesus, Himself was placed in a family here on earth. In this family He was guided and nurtured in righteousness. Let us briefly examine a few family issues written in the Scriptures; from these we will understand the value God had placed on maintaining a good family relationship.   Abram and Sarai were a childless couple and God had promised that they would be parents in their old age. Sarai was very doubtful because of her age so she decided to help the Lord. She persuaded her husband to have sexual relationship with her maid. In those days it was a cultural practice but it was not a godly practice. You might be wondering that since it was not a godly practice how did a couple such as Abram and Sarai get involved in such act. Although they had been called by God, they still held a little of what they were leaving behind. At the time that they had done this God had not yet given them their change of name. it was after this that they were renamed Abraham and Sarah. The woman whom Sarai had given to her husband was Hagar. When Hagar got pregnant, she began to despise Sarai who in turn complained to Abram. Sarai also dealt with Hagar in a manner that caused her to run away from home. The angel of the Lord met her and told her to return home and that she should subject herself to Sarai. Notice that she was not instructed to only return home but that she should return and submit to the mistress of the home; the woman who is the wife, the only one whom God recognised as Abram’s partner. The instruction given to Hagar was enough for her to know what is her true position and to drive out any idea that she could displace Sarai. Abraham had only one wife and if it had not been for his wife’s instruction, he would not have been involved with two women at one time. It was after the death of Sarah that he took Keturah. In total Abraham got eight sons but only the one borne by his wife, Sarah was recognised by God as the child of the covenant promise. Abraham took good care of his sons and provided for them but what belonged to Isaac could not be shared with any other child. God’s handling of the issue in Abram’s household showed how He emphasise the family holding together and not be destroyed by outsiders. When you think about Moses what comes to your mind? I am sure that there is even one thing that you will remember about him. Have you thought about his wife? When Moses ran away from Egypt, he went to Sudan which is referred to as Ethiopia in the Bible. It was there that he met his wife Zipporah who was the daughter of a Midian priest. The Midianites were offspring of Abraham and his second wife Keturah. When the Israelites were released from Egyptian bondage and were on their way to the Promised Land an altercation developed between Moses, Aaron and Miriam. The three of them were siblings and the bone of contention was Moses’ wife. It is sad that they had this disagreement because it is recorded in Micah 6 verse 4 that God said that He had sent Moses, Aaron and Miriam to take the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Numbers chapter 12 records the altercation and how God dealt with it. In the heat of their argument against Moses, Miriam and Aaron said, “ Hath God indeed spoken only to Moses? Hath He not spoken also by us ? This was enough to incite God’s anger against them because first they were trying to split up a family and secondly, they were showing evidence of covetousness and undermining Moses’ authority. How did God react to their wrongdoing?                                                            God defended Moses by telling everyone that He had authorised Moses and they ought to respect him. God was angry and He unleased His anger on the antagonists. It seems as if Miriam was the chief antagonist and her punishment was that she became a leper and had to remain in this state for seven days. You may be wondering what was Aaron’s punishment. God could not have afflicted Aaron with leprosy because he would have become unclean and be unable to minister before God on behalf of the people. Miriam did not have such responsibilities and so that was her payment for inciting mischief. In addition, she being older than her brothers died first. She never got the opportunity to enter Canaan. So, what happened to Aaron? Aaron did not enter Canaan; he died after Miriam. It is wrong for persons to try to sow discord in the marriage or family life of others. If you cannot offer encouraging words then it is best that you do not speak. Do not do anything to cause division. Remember that God places a high value on the family which follows His pattern. What happened to David when he interfered in Uriah’s family life? In his attempt to cover his sins he sent an innocent man to death. Due to his sins, he suffered much tribulations. His entire house collapsed around him. Within his house, brother raped sister, brother murdered brother and the icing on the cake was him running from his son, Absolom who wanted to kill him and take the throne. David suffered terribly because he had destroyed a family. He regretted his actions and fervently prayed and begged God to forgive him. God forgave him but he had to pay for his sins. Remember that no sin goes unpunished. It is not that your family has to be perfect before God will use you. Abraham, Moses, Noah and others were not perfect but God was able to use them for His purpose because they were available to Him. The family patterned by God ought to be a platform for God to reach others in the world. Do you know why societies are daily becoming more crime stricken? It is because families are failing. Instead of being strong in the Lord families are going farther and farther away from God; even those families which are Christian in word are becoming pagans in nature because of the doctrines which they adhere to. We can agree that most families today are not patterned after God’s blueprint. Many years ago, families began with marriage, today we do as we desire and most persons shun marriage. Many families might not have the proper foundation but if parents are willing to fulfil God’s purpose, it possible for the foundation to be rebuilt. Take a careful look at your family; how can you improve your family life? Have you been a good steward in this area? Whatever the shortcomings our God can repair all breaches as long as you present the broken pieces to Him. Remember God’s desire is that the home be a haven, a place that you can resort to when you need comfort. You should never allow an intruder to destroy the sanctity of your home. An intruder is any person who disrupts the stability of your home and plays with your emotions. Do you desire a loving and happy family - Let Jesus be at the centre of your home.       Writer - A. E. Fisher  We welcome your questions and feedback.  You may contact us at ofthelivinggodchurch@gmail.com  https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/     Other Relevant Teachings Parenting in a changing world  Marriage is a spiritual and a civil contract Man- God's outstanding creation Woman-one of God's most precious creation Our children- our most valued possession Family according to God's Taking care of the elderly

The Dangers of Spiritual Abuse I am addressing this topic from a biblical perspective because first and foremost I am a follower of Jesus Christ and I believe that the Scriptures are our guide to understanding the purpose God has for us. Have you considered how we, the people, created by God to serve Him are rejecting Him and the precepts He has laid for us to follow? . The word abuse seems to be the word most often used by any age group. As a matter of fact, we have several categories of abuse e.g. abuse of physical health, environmental, child abuse, discriminatory abuse, financial abuse or material abuse, modern slavery, neglect of a child, organizational or institutional abuse, psychological or emotional abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse and domestic violence. It seems as if the world in general is a very abusive place. What really causes abuse? Abuse stems from sin. What is sin? 1st John 3 verse 4 tells us, Whosoever, committeth sin transgresseth also the Law; for sin is the transgression of the Law . This Law is referring to the Laws of God not to the laws of man because mankind has formulated some of their laws from the Laws of God.  Let us now reason. Since abuse comes from sin and sin is wrong doing how can we stop abuse? The the only way we can get away from being abusive and from being an abuser is by moving away from sin and the turning to God. This is possible if we heed the warning given in 2nd Chronicles 7 verse14 , If My people which are called by My name, shall humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land.  This was what the God of Heaven told Solomon and the same message is applicable to us today. Proverbs 14 verse 34 tells us, righteousness shall exalt a nation but sin is a reproach to any people. The opposite of sin is righteousness therefore if any individual, community, nation or the entire world population turn away from sin then righteousness will replace sinfulness.    Is there a difference between being morally correct and being righteous? Being moral means following ethical standards and being a good person in the eyes of others. In our human eyes we believe that we can be morally correct or morally right and that equates to righteousness. Being morally correct and morally right cannot equate to righteousness. What is righteousness? It is living by action. It is doing right and living in accordance to the will of God. A moral person is not necessarily one whose life is in accordance to the will of God but can be acknowledged as an upright citizen. A righteous person obeys God in all things.   This brings me to the point of spiritual abuse. What exactly is spiritual abuse? I will answer according to the understanding I get from the Scriptures. God has a magnificent plan for our salvation; a plan for our transformation. He sent His Only Begotten Son to die for us so that we can be redeemed and justified and returned to the fold of God. Regrettably, many of us have refused God's offer we have carved out for ourselves cisterns which can hold no water. Jeremiah 2:12-13 says, “ Be   astonished o ye heavens, at this and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith the Lord. For My people have committed two evils; they have forsaken Me the Fountain of Living Waters and have hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns that can hold no water .” This verse is telling us that the created have placed themselves above the Creator. Isaiah 5 verse 20 warns, Woe to them that call evil good and good evil; that put darkness for light and light for darkness, that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Woe to them that are wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own sight.     Yes, we have departed from God and His word and have created for ourselves our own avenues of righteousness. It would be wonderful if we could all be evangelists like the woman at the well in Samaria. When she met Jesus, she was not upset that Jesus had pointed out her sins instead she ran excitedly and called out to everyone she met, “ come see a Man . ” How are we behaving today? We can agree that instead of running to say come see a Man, many are running away from the Man. It is sad but many are abusing the opportunity for salvation. Many are rejecting what God has given and are creating their own beliefs and standards.   Psalm 53 verse 1 tells us, “ The fool hath said in his heart there is no God, corrupt are they and have done abominable iniquity; there is none that doeth good . T his verse tells us clearly who is a fool. A fool is anyone who denies the existence of the One Supreme Being called Almighty God. The opposite of fool is wise, therefore everyone who recognises and bows to the supremacy of Almighty God is a wise person. You can be well educated and yet be a fool and you may be under-educated and yet be a wise person. Biblically it is not your academic level that determines your level of spiritual wisdom but your recognition of God and godly things.   It is surprising how many persons desire to enter God’s Kingdom yet refuse to acknowledge His laws, statutes and precepts. Many do not even believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died and was resurrected after three days and three nights and after remaining on the earth for forty days He ascended into heaven. Presently He is seated beside His Father as our Mediator. Many believe that there are other paths to everlasting life while the Scriptures tell us that there's no other name on the Heaven and Earth whereby man can be saved except the name of Jesus. Some do not even believe that there will be a resurrection and a judgement. Revelation 20 verse 8 tells us, For the fearful and unbelieving and the abominable and murderers and whoremongers and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.    Notice the groups listed: fearful – those who are afraid of everything but not afraid of the wrath of God, unbelieving – those who believe whatever suits or satisfies their carnal desires but refuse to accept the undiluted word of God, abominable -those who are committing abominations by going against everything that is holy this includes renouncing gender, changing your God given identity and corrupting the institution of marriage, murderers – when God said do not kill He was not speaking about unintentional killings. He was referring to intentional murders that people commit with the tongue, by actions and with tools. Today we murder the unborn and believe we have a right to make such decision. Whoremongers – refers to every form of sexual immorality, same sex relationships, sexual relationships outside of the sanctity of marriage, divorce and remarriage while the first partner is alive and every other forms of sexual sin. Sorcerers – this group is to be found in many places of worship. They are steadily moving out of obscurity and getting into plain sight. Like Jannes and Jambres the Egyptian magicians they are competing against God while claiming to be labouring for Him. Idolaters claim to be worshippers of the One True God but God does not know them. Liars – the father of lies is the devil so every liar is his child.   Why are we abusing our spiritual freedom by rejecting the blessings of salvation that God has extended to us? Why are we refusing to worship the God of Heaven? Worshipping Almighty God is steadily becoming a taboo. Yes, the act of devotion which is the act of worshipping God in reverence is being swiftly taken out of public gatherings especially schools. The institutions which have the responsibility of moulding the young are carrying out their responsibilities by using the philosophies and ideologies of sinful humans and have laid aside the perfect God given standards. Instead of having a devotion there is an invocation. What is the difference between devotion and invocation? The meaning of devotion is to be unwavering, enthusiastic and the observance of a godly lifestyle while the meaning of invocation is to invoke someone or something.   These two words are sufficient to open our eyes so that we can recognise how far we have wandered from the path of good. We have corrupted and are corrupting what God has set in place to bring us into union with Him. Isaiah 5:20 warns us, “ Woe to them that call evil good and good evil; that put darkness for light and light for darkness, that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter . By engaging in an invocation, we are opening ourselves to be inhabited by unclean spirits. Yes, it’s true because the Spirit of God cannot be invoked; only unclean spirits can be invoked. During a devotional exercise you can sing songs of worship and adoration such as Immortal invisible God only wise in lighting accessible it from His eyes Most Blessed most glorious the Ancient of Days Almighty Victorious His name we praise. In invocation your activities can vary because you are actually invoking a spirit or spirits so you may sit in silence; you may jump or whatever else is necessary but there is not that sanctity that is linked to the Most High God. There is much talk about abuse of children even by those who engage in child abuse. What exactly is abuse of children from a Biblical standpoint? The word of God tells us to train up a child in the way he should go and when he's old he will not depart from it. As a Christian nation how many children are been trained to worship the God of Heaven, read and understand the Bible and are trained in biblical principles. Those who are worldly wise will say that such is not necessary today because we are living in a modern world. I now ask you a question and please think carefully before answering. We are experiencing a high level of criminal activities globally; wouldn’t you say that the chief contributing factor is a lack of godliness; a rejection of God’s principles for the building of a nation and a family? We are closing down places of worship, building more prisons and trying to improve our judiciary systems. Isn’t this child abuse when a child who was allowed to do whatever he or she desires instead of being guided by knowledgeable adults who have a good understanding of their God given responsibilities is later penalized. I shudder to even think what will happen in the next ten years when these misguided children become adults. May God help us. Children are immature and often are incapable of making life changing decisions. It is child neglect and abuse to allow a child to make life changing decisions without proper guidance. Every parent is entrusted with the child that God has given and each must individually give an account of his/her stewardship. In an effort to make proper decisions parents should focus on Psalm 119 verses 11 and 105 which say, Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against Thee. Thy word is a lamp unto me feet and a light unto my path . We ought to study the word of God. Only by doing so can we understand what is the will of God. Psalm 135 and verse 5 says, For I know that the Lord is great and that our Lord is above all gods. I implore you not to abuse the great plan of salvation by not being a godly parent. It is unwise to be morally correct yet unrighteous. It is unwise to achieve much recognition in this world yet be told by Christ, depart from Me I know you not.  Accept Christ through repentance, confession of sins and the Holy Spirit will convert you. You may want to do so but are daunted by the circumstances of your life but the name of Jesus is a Strong Tower the righteous run into it and they are saved. Jesus is coming soon. Today we have access to true and free salvation. Praise the Lord.    Writer- A. E. Fisher https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/ We welcome your questions and feedback.  You may contact us at ofthelivinggodchurch@gmail.com  Other Relevant Teachings Parenting in a changing world  Marriage is a spiritual and a civil contract Man- God's outstanding creation Woman-one of God's most precious creation Our children- our most valued possession Family according to God's plan Family under fire Taking care of the elderly

First Lesson on Revelation Chapter 12   In Revelation chapter 12 we will learn about the devious plot which the dragon has engineered against God’s people. In it we shall observe the fulfillment of prophecy, the advancement of falsehood, identify false religious beliefs and use this knowledge to prepare ourselves for the onslaught from the devil. As believers in Christ, we must be aware that the spiritual battle is intensifying as we approach the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The Scriptures are our guide and through these words of God we can gain knowledge and become equipped to be victorious through Christ Jesus.   It is important that we study the Scriptures and understand that we are not in combat with a weak force but with one that is crafty and has years of expertise. However, if we trust God we are to be undaunted by the devil’s tactics because we have a Commander who is always victorious. 2nd Corinthians 10:4 tells us , For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds. Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every  thought to the obedience of Christ.   When God created this world, He gave us a pure Faith but today it is tainted by falsehood. Apostasy has gained traction as mankind exalt themselves above God and His Truth. Many have either placed themselves in the position of God or they have renounced God or godliness. This is due to the influence of evil. It is sad that humans rather serve the creature than the Creator. They rather to be vessels of dishonour than vessels of honour.   Today there are uncountable tenets of doctrines which man have adopted and which have driven them farther and farther away from our Loving Father. Often those who seek to walk in righteousness are labelled fanatics or may be ridiculed as ‘thinking within a box.’ They are often intimidated by persons who ridicule their stance for truth and often they become discouraged and adopt the worldly forward thinking unrighteous attitude. This was how the Devil and his agents got a foothold in the Church centuries ago. His strategies remain the same only that his targets are frequently renewed because humans die and others replace them.   Festivals and celebrations are two ways in which Christendom engage in ungodly worship practices and many persons are unknowingly involved in these celebrations. They are caught in the web of deceit because of the teachings given by those who have the responsibility of spiritual guidance. There are many such practices but a few popular ones are: Easter (Lent, Good Friday crucifixion, Sunday morning resurrection, early morning Easter services are all hinged to pagan rituals), Christmas, New Year and Trinity.   On December 25 persons can be heard saying Christ is the reason for the season or that we should put Christ back into Christmas. Using the Scriptures one cannot prove December 25 as the birthday of Jesus but using historical data it can be proven that around that time in Ancient Rome there were midwinter pagan celebrations and when Rome is said to have become a Christian nation the leaders tried to replace the pagan rituals with a Christian celebration which is not biblically authorized. The Bible does not give a specific date for the birth of Christ but using the Scriptures you will discover that the birth of Christ occurred weeks before December 25. Everything about Christmas is unbiblical.   Amos 3:3 asks us, ‘Can two walk together except they be agreed? Jesus said, you cannot serve God and mammon  (Matthew 6:24) Christmas was instituted by the Roman Church as they try to include their ancient pagan practices into Christianity. The Apostles or the Apostolic Church did not celebrate it.  It became a national celebrated event in Ancient Rome around 336A.D and on June 28, 1870 President Ulysses S. Grant passed a bill that recognized Christmas and New Year’s Day as federal holidays in the United States of America. Christmas cards became popular around 1843. There are many other facts about these holidays which will reveal the contrariness of their celebration.   The word deci which is a Roman word means ten. December is the tenth month of the year. January is a wintry month; would God begin a year in the midst of a time of slow or non-growth? Isn’t a new year a new beginning? January is named after Janus the Roman god of new beginnings. An additional error is the teaching that a day begins at twelve midnight. How can a day begin at midnight? The word of God tells us that a night is divided into four watches, a watch lasts for three hours. Watches are – 6-9, 9-12, 12-3, 3-6.   Christ was never and will never be in Christmas celebrations or January first as the beginning of a new year because the celebrations are not centred on gospel truth. God gave the time for the New Year. Exodus 12:1-2,   And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt saying, 2  T his month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you. Exodus 13:4 - This day came ye out in the month Abib . Deuteronomy 16:1 - Observe the month of Abib, and keep the Passover unto the Lord thy God: for in the month of Abib the Lord thy God brought thee forth out of Egypt by night. When is Abib? this month falls between the Roman months March and April. It is around the time of Spring starting with the new moon nearest to the vernal equinox; it is the time when things come to life. Also, it is important to know that according to Holy Writ a month always begin with a new moon. Isaiah 66:23 - And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before Me, saith the Lord . Psalm 81:3 - Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day . In the Old Testament era it was God's command that the new month be welcomed with set sacrifices and celebrations. Pertaining to day and night Genesis chapter 1 clearly tells us that night comes before daylight. A day inclusive of night and day begins at sunset. Rome has led us in the opposite thought by using the sun to calculate time, starting a day at twelve midnight and putting the night after daylight. We are in a confused state because of the Beast power which used its influence to change times and laws. It is also very important to know that when the New Year is calculated based on Scriptures there is no one settled date for the beginning of the Bible New Year. January 1 is not the beginning of the God given year and midnight is not the beginning of His day. We need to desist from engaging in pagan practices regardless of how enjoyable or profitable they are to us. It is sad that we give more honour to the creature than to our Almighty God. Truly God shall hold religious leaders accountable for leading souls away from His path.   This confusion about time is a result of changes made by Roman decrees as Daniel 7:24-25 tells us-   24   And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. 25  And he shall speak great words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. This is not a controversial text because history tells us about the rise of the Roman kingdom and how they and their allies subdued and wiped out the Arians. According to history the ten kingdoms were: Anglo-Saxons: Settled in England. Franks: Established modern France. Alemanni: Settled in Germany. Visigoths: Ruled parts of France and Spain. Burgundians: Established a kingdom in the area of modern Switzerland. Lombards: Dominated Italy after the fall of the Ostrogoths. Suevi: Settled in Portugal. Heruli: Conquered Rome in 476 AD and were later defeated. Vandals: Established a kingdom in North Africa and were later destroyed by the Pope's influence around 493 AD. Ostrogoths: Ruled Italy and were later overthrown by the Byzantine Empire in 538 AD.   The Arians were named after Doctor Arius, a man of God who would not agree with the apostasy that was creeping in through the door opened by the Roman Church. Therefore, Rome in conjunction with its allies conspired and overthrew the Heruli, Vandals and Ostrogoths which comprised the Arian kingdom. The destruction of these three kingdoms was vital to the rise of the Papacy to political power after the collapse of the Roman Empire. Their destruction paved the way for Catholicism to become the dominant religious and political power.  .  Even though God is capable of taking care, every true shepherd worries about the spiritual welfare of the sheep. Especially in these turbulent times, there are many causes for concern? 2Timothy 3:1,12,13 - This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13  But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. Apostles Paul and  Peter were also worried and repeatedly warned the Believers to be prayerful and watchful. We are warned in 2nd Timothy 2:15-16, 19, Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.   But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His. And, let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.   Many persecutions have passed but another most intense period of persecution is coming. A tree without strong and deep roots cannot withstand the hurricane. How deep is your root? Many persons are rejecting the Truth and are standing on another foundation. The only foundation which can withstand the onslaught is that which is laid in Christ; every other foundation is built from inferior material.    In this religious crisis, sin is accepted as good and those who seek to walk godly are often ridiculed and denounced. Are you willing to stand on the Sure Foundation? If you are, stay hopeful and courageous because our Leader is always victorious. Soon all this religious chaos will end but not before the Saints suffer intense persecution. 2nd Timothy 3:12 remind us that all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.  Luke 6: 22-23 records Jesus saying, Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. 23  Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.     Writer - A. E. Fisher  We welcome your questions and feedback.  You may contact us at   ofthelivinggodchurch@gmail.com   https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/       Additional related posts Revelation Chapter 12:3 Revelation Chapter 12:1 Revelation 13 part one (The amalgamated beast) Revelation 14:1-5

This is our third lesson   Our study will be centred on Revelation 12:3. It reads, “ And there appeared another wonder in heaven and behold a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns upon his heads.     This sight was a wonder to Apostle John which in normal life would have created a deep fear in him but because he was in the spiritual he only saw it as a wonder. He saw a red dragon. Red as a colour which signifies danger and the dragon typifies the devil. So, this in itself is a warning that something dramatic is about to happen.   The dragon has seven heads. Geologically heads mean mountains or hills, politically mountains signify major powers, governments and rulers.  Revelation 17:9 - And here is the mind which hath wisdom, the seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits . Prophetically woman means church and there are two women or two churches the apostate church of Revelation 17 and the Church of God of Revelation 12.    To have an understanding of Revelation 12:3 we must examine Revelation 17 and Daniel chapter 7 and we must also include history and geography. The woman who sits on the mountain is the papal church. The papal church is situated in Rome and the mountains of Rome are:  Esquiline, Aventine, Caelus, Palatine, Viminal, Capitoline and Quirinal. Esquiline was the largest of the Seven Hills of Rome. The Pope who is the head of this church sits as both a religious and a political leader. Politically the seven heads refer to the seven political rulers or seven powers. These are: Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome and the Future Revived Roman Empire.   All these political powers are mountain in the spiritual sense who laud themselves above God.  In Jeremiah 51:24-25 God expressed His displeasure against Babylon. It reads, And I will render unto Babylon and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they have done in Zion in your sight saith the Lord. Behold I am against thee o destroying mountain saith the Lord which destroyest all the earth and I will stretch out Mine hand upon thee and roll thee down from the rocks and will make thee a burnt mountain . When Ancient Babylon was world power they behaved as if they were the ultimate power. They were idolaters who deny the existence of the True and Living God and showed no mercy to God’s people. Therefore, God had to visit them in His wrath. In this same manner God will be visiting this present apostate Babylon church and her daughters.   Ancient Babylon is similar to our present apostate worship. When Pagan Rome claimed to have taken on Christianity it took with it many of its Ancient Pagan Babylonish practices. It took heathenish practices not only from Babylon but also from Egypt, Assyria, Medo Persia and Greece and combined all with its own paganism. Thus, there came forward a type of idolatry which cannot be described. God gave Daniel a vision of the kingdoms and this was how he described the fourth kingdom. Daniel 7:7-   After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.   In Revelation 13 it is displayed as the amalgamated beast. Revelation 13:1-2 - And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. 2  And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. All biblical and historical data point to one religious system -the Christian Rome of today is the same pagan Rome of yesterday. Leopards do not change their spots unless God gives them a new skin.   Regrettably the doctrine of error which Rome promotes is sent out with such deviousness that many are convinced that it is God’s will for mankind. Is it any wonder that the Book of Revelation is centred on how God will reward them for their evil practices? Yes, in the final day God will pour out His wrath on all the adherers to its falsehood.   On each of the political heads on the dragon is a crown.  A crown shows sovereignty. In this way the Devil is demonstrating that he is the god of this world. 2nd Corinthians 4:3-4 remind us, “ For if our gospel be hid. It is hid from to them who are lost. In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ who is the image of God should shine unto them.  This Scripture teaches us that God often acts democratically therefore He has given us the opportunity to choose either Him or the devil. The devil does not want any of us to inherit everlasting life therefore he erects blockages so that an individual will not accept God’s truth. One of his most effective strategy is false doctrines   The dragon also has ten horns. To understanding the prophetic meaning of horns, we search the Scriptures. According to Daniel 7:24 - And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise.  Revelation17:12 - And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings. Who are these ten kings to whom reference is made?    The ten kings are rulers who will rule concurrently as recorded in history. Historical data teaches us that in the past there were ten kings who ruled the world before Rome’s downfall. These kings and kingdoms were: Visigoths [Spain], Suevi [Portugal], Alemanni [Germany], Anglo-Saxons [Britain], Burgundians [Switzerland], Lombards [Italy] Franks [France], Vandals, Heruli, Ostrogoths. The Vandals, Heruli, and Ostrogoths were conquered and wiped out by Rome and its allies.   This is a prophecy given in Daniel 7:8 -   I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. 19  Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet; 20  And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows. 21  I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them;   Daniel 7 tells us about the plucking up of these horns by the little horn. The little horn has the eyes of a man and a mouth which speaks great things. This little horn is also ruthless because it made war or persecuted the people of God. This little horn is the papal system which came out of the horns on the head of the fourth beast. Rome did not begin as a papal system but as outlined in the Scriptures and history it became a papal system which ruthlessly destroyed God’s people who kept the Ten Commandments and follow the Testimony of Jesus Christ. It inculcated its Ancient Babylonish practices in Christianity and ruthlessly effected the changes. These changes are with us until today and will remain until Christ returns.   The papal system was a great political move to centralise power. The Roman church claim Apostle Peter as their first pope. This would be very ironic because in 64A.D. Simon Peter was crucified in Rome upside down on a cross. Simon Peter had nothing in common with the practices of the Roman church and it is unlikely for the leader not to have left any influence on the people he was leading. What about Apostle Paul where was he beheaded, wasn’t it in Rome? It is ironic that the people who claim to be founded on the apostolic precept are the very ones guilty of persecuting the believers of truth and withholding the Scriptures from the massive. Have we paid keen attention to Simon the sorcerer otherwise called Simon Magus who was baptised in the Apostolic Church not because he was converted but because he wanted power. When he realised that the Church of God would not accommodate him, Simon left the Church of God and started his own ministry. Historical records tell that Apostle Peter and Simon Magus were in Rome at the same time. Simon had a fall which led to his death. It is recorded that the The Roman church of Santa Francesca Romana in Rome is believed to have been built on the very spot where Simon fell.       In the future when Rome is fully revived the ten kingdoms will be revived. The kingdoms will not be given the same names but will follow the same agenda as ordered by the Beast. Presently the purpose of the European Union is to put reform and unite countries. Their action will be in line with Bible prophecies and must be fulfilled before the coming of our Saviour. The European Union building can be likened to the Tower of Babel and slogans associated with its unification. These two slogans -  Many Tongues One Voice and United in Diversity all speak to the past intent for the construction of Babel. Presently everything is only a refurbishing of the old agenda.   We need to be analytical and observant while resting our hope in the Lord. Do not become entangled with the minor things of this life; keep away from apostasy. The most important thing for you is the saving of your soul. Regardless of your situation and the obstacles in your way I remind you today that our Lord is greater than your challenges. Seek Him and allow Him to take the snags out of your life. He is a loving and a faithful High Priest. Let Him have the best of your life.     Writer - A. E. Fisher  We welcome your questions and feedback.  You may contact us at   ofthelivinggodchurch@gmail.com   https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/ Additional Relevant Teachings Revelation chapter 12 Revelation 12:1 Revelation 13 part one (The amalgamated beast) Revelation 14:1-5

A frequently asked question is: How do you guard your mind against negative thoughts   Within your body is a living working organ called the heart. It is a major player in the body’s circulatory system. This organ is different from the heart which is spoken of in the Bible. In the Bible, the heart and the mind are representing the core of a person's being and inner life, emotions, thoughts, purpose and will and both are interconnected. You cannot be connected to God unless your inner being which refers to both the heart and mind are fully submissive to God. God is the essence of everything that is good and goodness radiates positivity. We were created by God in His image and likeness and we are given the power of free choice. At the beginning of humans’ existence, we were solely positive but negativity came when Adam and Eve were deceived by the devil. Thus, negativity and positivity are results of human thoughts and actions. Your mind has a lot of power over how you live your life and your spiritual and physical health; a great example is the body's fight-or-flight response when you are faced with situations. For example, sometimes when you think about stressful things, your mind signals the body to prepare, resulting in an increased heart rate, headaches, panic, faster breathing and higher blood pressure and tightened muscles which can lead to cramps. Many are plagued by negative thinking and their mind seems to be taking them places that they do not want to go. Many struggle with mind problems and do not know how to bring their minds under control. The mind that is aggravated by a mental factor such as internal conflict or stress is psychosomatic. The effects of this condition can include: mental breakdown, lack of sleep, tiredness, illnesses of different sorts, headaches and poor appetite. Is the mind uncontrollable? No . however, it takes great effort and subjection to God to bring the mind under permanent control. Human philosophies and medical care cannot permanently give peace of mind or prevent a mind from being plagued with negativity. The mind is the centre of your well-being and must be guarded so that it does not lead to your destruction. One reason that allows evil forces to manipulate the mind is unconfessed sins. If you are holding on to behaviours that are unrighteous or you are unforgiving or bitter your mind is open for evil. You cannot ask the Lord for a clean heart when you have ungodly visitors sitting enthroned within. God can only help you to have a pure mind when your thoughts, ambitions, desires are open to Him. What does the Scripture say about the mind? Romans 8:5-6 -  For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6  For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. We have two components – physical and spiritual; Romans 8:5-6 speak to both aspects. If your mind is not centred on spiritual matters, you cannot act spiritually. If your thoughts are only carnal or worldly, your actions will lead not only to physical death but also spiritual death. Sin is the result of disobedience to the commands of God; it is the transgression of God’s Laws. It is a result of submitting to our carnal desires. In opposition, positive thoughts give you spiritual connection to the Lord and inner peace. Philippians 2:5 -  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus Jesus was tempted by Satan yet He did not sin. He did not allow ungodly thoughts to fester or be manifested in His life. Yes, He had needs and desires but He demonstrated temperance. The Scriptures teach about the characteristics and integrity of Christ; as you study the Scriptures and learn about Christ you ought to follow His example. By following His example your thoughts are focused on Him and your inner being becomes purer. Psalms 119:15  -  I will meditate in Thy precepts, and have respect unto Thy ways. This world consists of good and evil. While Jesus was on earth He related to those around Him yet He never allowed anyone to influence His thought processes. He submitted Himself to His Father and the Holy Spirit helped Him to keep focused. In an effort to keep your mind pure you must meditate on godly things. It is possible for one to be of a good moral standard yet not be godly. You may not steal, lie or participate in common sinful activities but that doesn’t make you righteous. While good moral habits are included in righteousness the habits by themselves do not make you righteous. Do you desire a pure mind? If you do, let your thoughts be centred on the Lord and give no room to evil. You centre your mind by studying and meditating on the word of God, obeying the word and fast and pray. 1 Peter 1:13: Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. What does it mean to gird the loins of your mind? It means that you ought to be careful of your thoughts. Your mind is a garden and you ought to be careful of the plants you allow to grow there. If you do not maintain your spiritual dignity the devil will plant evil things in your garden. You ought to heed the warning given in Ephesians 4:27 -   Neither give place to the devil . In Colossians 3:2 Apostle Paul encouraged us to Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.  This action calls for much sacrifice; it means that you deny yourself of the things which would appeal to your mind. Jesus admonished us in Matthew 6:24 - No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.  1John 2:15 records Apostle John saying, Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. Do not allow your lust for material things to corrupt your heart and separate you from Christ. Your friends have great influence on your thoughts and actions and you are warned in   Colossians 2:8 -  Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. If you run with wolves you learn how to howl so guard your inner being from invasion of impurities. By heeding 2 Corinthians 10:5 -  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ,  you can overcome your mind challenges. Remember this is not a battle that is won by your own power or intellect. You must seek Christ’s intervention and be willing to allow the Holy Spirit to strip you, wash you and polish you. Isaiah 26:3  -  Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in Thee . Do you want to have a less stressful life? Place your confidence in the Lord. Many problems arise because confidence was wrongly placed. Humans will deceive and you learn from Psalm 118:8- It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.  Your life will be less stressful if you trust God more.  Psalm 19:14- Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Keep your thoughts pure by focusing on good things, do not worry about real or perceived problems, let go of your burning desires which seem unattainable to you. Be contented and learn to praise God in every situation. The devil can influence your thoughts but cannot cause you to nourish those negative thoughts that he brings. Whatever you do is your choice. Remember God has given you the power of free choice. Use it wisely.  Psalm 139:23-24 - Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24  And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. As you struggle with mind attacks, please remember that God knows your thoughts and you can ask Him to remove every form of ungodliness from your thoughts and make you a better person. Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  It is a common belief that mind problems can be resolved by medication or human efforts that are not aligned to God Almighty. These practices cannot permanently absolve mind issues. Your mind can only be clear when you place your faith in God. Proverbs 4:23- Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Your heart in this context is referring to your seat of intelligence which is your mind. Be careful what you allow yourself to think about. You can poison yourself by your thoughts. Only you have control over your thoughts. Think positively. Proverbs 17:22- A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Are you worried about life situations? How thankful are you for the blessings of the Lord? Did you know that an ungrateful heart comes from a mind which harbours dissatisfaction? Be happy for the daily blessings and your inner being will be settled in peace and contentment. In closing I give you the best solution to a troubled mind. Ephesians 5:19-29 -   Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20  Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ  Philippians 4:8-     Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.   Writer - A. E. Fisher  We welcome your questions and feedback.  You may contact us at   ofthelivinggodchurch@gmail.com   https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/

Can you hold hands with God if you practise masturbation and did not repent?   What is Masturbation?   Cambridge Dictionary defines masturbation as the act of touching or rubbing your sexual organs in order to give yourself sexual pleasure. This means that masturbation brings about sexual orgasm which is produced by self-stimulation for self-sexual arousal and pleasure. This shows a marked difference between masturbation and love making which is a shared activity.   The sin of Masturbation   There are many who chant the benefits of masturbation but these are deceptive benefits. We must understand that it is just as sinful as any other sexual sins. Although persons tend to present it as normal and give many excuses for its practise we need to examine the topic from a godly perspective. In addition, there are no known medical reasons for one to practise masturbation.   God made us sexual beings but we have taken the good which was given to us and to a great extent turn it into depravity. Genesis 1:26-27 -   So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them. 28  And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. As we observe the far reaching sexual engagements of humans and the directions in which we are going sexually there ought to be great concern from those who know what God desires from us.   What are some of the sexual sins which are permeating the society? I will list a few: common law relationship (living together without marriage/shacking up), bestiality, lesbianism, homosexuality and masturbation. Yes, we are living in a world that is overtaken by sexual cravings and the irony is that some of us who say that we are believers in Christ, sit contentedly by or do not see anything wrong in what is happening. Despise the diversities in opinions true believers in Christ must arise and give glory to God by abstaining and speaking out against the evils in society.     Is Masturbation a Sin in Christianity?   Is it possible for one to experience sexual orgasm without a sexual image in the mind? No. Jesus expounded on the issue of the sexual sin of adultery in Matthew 5:28. He said, But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.  This means that previously the act would have to be committed for it to be adultery but today the thoughts become adulterous.   What is the difference between nocturnal emission and lusting? Nocturnal emission is a release which occurs naturally. It is a built-in mechanism for reducing sexual pressures. Your body was built with this mechanism. It is innocent and helpful. It is not brought about by lusting, yearning and depravity. While it is evident that God has made a connection between sexual orgasm and sexual thought in such a way that the force and pleasure of orgasm are dependent on the thought or images in our minds, He has tempered such in nocturnal emissions (wet dream).   If in your subconsciousness images are linked with sexual orgasm how much so when you are conscious. In order to masturbate, it is necessary to get vivid and exciting thoughts or images into the mind. This can be done by impacting imagination or by pictures or movies or stories or real persons. For this reason, many are hooked to pornography and for this cause also the sex industry is booming. The images of whatever sort are objects that arouse your sexuality. These objects can destroy the pureness of your mind and lead you into depravity. They are objects whether technological, physical or imaginary because only when you relate or respond to the opposite sex in real flesh and blood and soul can that individual be a subject. God did not create us to relate sexually to self or objects but to the opposite sex.   Masturbation is carnality. It begins in the mind and the Scriptures tell us, “ They that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh.”  “For to be carnally minded is death but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” “The carnal mind is enmity against God for it is not subject to the law of God; neither indeed can be.” So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.”  Romans 5:5-8. We are also admonished by Apostle Peter in 1 st  Peter 1:13, “ Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober.”     There are many reasons why masturbation is wrong.   Masturbation produces real and legitimate guilt and stands in the way of obedience. I know that there are many men and women who lack self-control and have raging hormones and are finding it difficult to remain pure spiritually. This is so because in every society, people are being bombarded with sexual content. I encourage you not to fall into the snare of sexual uncleanness because God has not forsaken us. He is the one who designed and made us; He is intimately familiar with what we are going through.   Hebrews 2:17-18 reminds us, “ Wherefore in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted.” Hebrews 4:15-16 tells us, “For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need”   Jesus faced every temptation yet He never sinned! He had females about Him yet He never lusted!!! He did not come to earth as a super human He came as a normal man who had an intention to obey God, His Father and live righteously. He lived in obedience to God and knew that everyone could do the same so He told us to follow His example. If He was a super human would he have asked us normal humans to follow His example or would we be condemned for not following His example. Matthew 5:48 tells us that Jesus said that we should be perfect even as our Father in Heaven is perfect . Yes, it is possible to live a clean and holy life without lusting and masturbation. The purpose of Christ’s life is to glorify His Father. Thus, I will pose a question which some may find difficult to answer but your understanding of the principles which guided Jesus will colour your response. Do you believe that Jesus practised masturbation?  Here is Jesus' statement in John 5:19, Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do: for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.”   According to this passage, Jesus did what He saw His Father do. Therefore, in order for Jesus to have masturbated, He must have first witnessed His Father masturbate! So, did Jesus see God the Father masturbate? Who could ever have conceived that God could have been engaged in such an action? Do you see how this whole subject is blasphemous? God the Father does not masturbate and neither did Jesus! He also said, " For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of him that sent Me.” (John 6:38).   Christians are followers of Jesus and as His followers we cannot act or speak differently? We ought to follow the example set by Christ because only by doing so can we become Children of God. How does Apostle Paul respond in 1   Corinthians 10:31? " Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."  Does masturbation bring God glory? No!!!! It does not. Masturbation gives a form of self-gratification and sends us farther from God and does not glorify God. It is a sin.   James 4:17 states, Therefore, to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin . Ponder these things and seek God earnestly in prayer and fasting if you are in the bondage of sexual immoralities or any other sins. God can cleanse and purify you if you repent and turn to Him.  Psalm 51:10- Create in me a clean heart, O Lord and renew a right spirit within me.   Do not listen to those who are telling you about benefits derived from the activity. The final benefit is that you will end up in the midst of hell fire with Satan and his demons due to your impure mind.   I know that some persons may be asking what about those persons whose partners are living in foreign countries what should they do? If a couple allows the Scriptures and the Spirit of God to guide them, they would not have been willingly separated from each other for such a long time that sexually frustrated sets in. When you allow your cravings for material things to supersede common sense you must bear the consequences with righteous dignity. Either go where the spouse is or the spouse comes to you. Think and act wisely. God bless you.   Writer - A. E. Fisher  We welcome your questions and feedback.  You may contact us at   ofthelivinggodchurch@gmail.com   https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/

JESUS IS NOT ALMIGHTY GOD; HE IS THE ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF ALMIGHTY GOD    There is much controversy about the sameness or differences between Almighty God and Jesus. Some claim that Jesus and Almighty God, the Father, are One. Before we can draw such conclusion let us hear what the Scriptures say.   Jesus is the First Begotten Son. He was not created. We do not know when He came into being or of what material was, He constructed .   Hebrews chapter one tells us that Almighty God brought His Begotten Son in existence and made angels as His ministering spirits. His Son had authority over the angels.    Hebrews 1:4-9 - Being made so much better than the angels, as He hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they .  Jesus is the Begotten Son of God. The angels were created being. Jesus is heir to the throne. The angels are messengers or ministering spirits.     5  For unto which of the angels said He at any time, thou art My Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to Me a Son ? God declared Jesus to be His Son. The angels are not given this honour. The Scriptures do not tell us that angels shall be heirs. Even when the earth is renewed, Humans shall be like angels and be heirs with Jesus.     6  And again, when He bringeth in the Firstbegotten into the world, He saith, and let all the angels of God worship Him. The angels were commanded to worship the Son. The angels were not told to accept worship. The angels were told to worship the Godhead. · If you are worshipping God aren’t you also worshipping Jesus. When you say thank you Lord, do you always define to Whom you are giving the honour? No. When we worship, we are lauding the Godhead-The Father and the Son. The angels do the same.   7  And of the angels He saith, Who maketh His angels spirits and His ministers a flame of fire. 8  But unto the Son, He saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Thy kingdom. This is the Father speaking to the Son and He referred to Him as God because the Son is a part of Him just as you are a part of your earthly parents? God was not saying that Jesus was Father and also Son and there is no Scripture that records Jesus as saying He is both Son and Father. A sceptre is a sign of rulership and authority. The rulership of the Son in unending and His kingdom is built on righteousness. God the Father referred to the Son as God because in actuality He is God but He is not Almighty God the Father.   9  Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even Thy God, hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows. Notice how the Father clearly states that He is the One who is God of His Son and He promotes and empowers Him because He maintains the holiness of the Father.   Before coming to live on the earth in human form Jesus in His divinity lived with His Father. He did not come to earth as a divine being but as human. His mission was not only to redeem us but to show us that in our human form we can choose to live righteously. Hebrews 2:16-18- For verily He took not on Him the nature of angels; but He took on Him the seed of Abraham. 17  Wherefore in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 18  For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted. I John 4:2-3-   Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3  And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.   When Jesus aligned Himself with God the Jews were angry at Him. They said He was an impersonator. Their disobedience to God caused them not to understand what Jesus was saying, they thought He was saying that He is God the Father. John 10:33-38 - T he Jews answered Him, saying, For a good work we stone Thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that Thou, being a man, makest Thyself God. Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If He called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the Scripture cannot be broken; Say ye of Him, Whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? If I do not the works of My Father, believe Me not. But if I do, though ye believe not Me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in Me, and I in Him. Careful reading of this Scripture will inform you that Jesus never claimed to be Almighty God, the Father. He said He was the Son and that He was doing the Father’s work. He also said that the Father is in Him.   No one can tell God’s timeline.  Psalm 93:2- Thy throne is established of old: Thou art from everlasting.  God is the Eternal King and Lord . There is none above Him. Almighty God is Sovereign. His sovereignty is to be seen in His omnipotence, omnipresence, omniscience and omnibenevolence. Here are a few verses which proclaim His Sovereignty.   Lamentations 3:37–39 - Who is he that saith and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not? Out of the mouth of the Most High proceedeth not evil and good? Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man, for the punishment of his sins?    1 st Chronicles 29:11-12 -  Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as Head above all.   Jeremiah 32:27   - Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for Me?   Isaiah 42:8 -   I am the Lord: that is My name: and My glory will I not give to another, neither My praise to graven images.   God outlines His authority over the created; there is none who can contest Him.   Jesus only knows and does what His Father allows Him to know and do.  When He spoke about His return this is what He said. Matthew 24:36- But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven but My Father only.   This is what He said about His capabilities. Matthew 5:19-   Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. John 9:4-     I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. John 4:34 -     Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work.       When Jesus said if the people saw Him, they see God or He and His Father are One, He was referring to the unity that exists between them both.    Before Jesus completed His mission on earth and left, He promised to send a power which will connect us to Him. He could not send this Power by Himself but He had the authority to ask the Father to send it to us. John 14:16 -   And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever . John 15:26-   But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of Truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of Me.    On the day of Pentecost Brother Peter said in Acts chapter 2.   22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: 32  This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33  Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. 34  For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on My right hand, 35  Until I make thy foes thy footstool. 36  Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ .   Jesus is the Kings of kings and Lord of the rulers that are below His status. We obtain salvation and redemption through Him but this grace comes from God through Him.     Ephesians 1:3-6  - 3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings     in heavenly places in Christ: 4  According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love: 5  Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6  To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the Beloved.   He is the Only Spiritual Being who got a human body and came on earth to do the will of the Unseen Unfathomable Immortal God.  His birth, life on earth, sufferings on the cross as He agonised in pain clearly indicated that Jesus had a human body. John 1:14-   And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. He is so close to the Father that He is the only human who has behold the face of God and has ever stayed in His very presence. One day at a time appointed by the Father, Jesus shall be returning as a Judge to reward the inhabitants of the world. He shall destroy sin and death and hand over a pure Kingdom to His Father. He is the First Son and Heir and all who are engrafted into the Family of God will share the inheritance with Him.     Writer - A. E. Fisher  We welcome your questions and feedback.  You may contact us at   ofthelivinggodchurch@gmail.com   https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/

What is alcohol? Alcohol in our present time is a chemical substance like ethanol or ethyl alcohol. It is produced when yeast ferments the sugars in grains, fruits, or vegetables.    Alcohol may be used as a means of socializing with friends, getting you excited and have fun or to hide you for a brief moment from the pressures of life. It can also act as a depressant, slowing down the central nervous system and affecting thinking, feeling, and behaviour.    Our method of producing alcoholic beverages is chiefly by distillation and this method was not used in Bible time. Therefore, our high-quality alcohol was unknown in that era.   Vodka: Commonly 40-50% ABV, but can range from 40% to 95%.   Modern wine at its lowest has between 9-11% alcohol Brandy has between 15-20 % and 35% -60% alcohol Liquors usually have between 40-51 % alcohol Liqueurs usually have between 15% and 30% (This has lower alcohol content but added sugar) Some extra hard liquors can be 90 proof and higher Please know that proof in alcohol is double the alcohol content. A liquor that has 40% alcohol is 80% proof. These types of alcohol were unknown in Bible times.   The Bible speaks about wine and strong drink. What are those? Wine from the vine for example grape is the juice that is mixed with water. Strong drink is the unmixed juice which the Israelites would call a concentrate. Both types can lead to drunkenness if one over indulges. Both has medicinal values and you will find Scriptures which support their use. However, these texts are not to be taken out of context.   Does the Bible support drinking alcohol? Deuteronomy 29:6 – ye have not eaten bread, neither have ye drunk wine or strong drink, that ye might know that I am Jehovah your God .  When the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness, they did not drink wine and strong drink. They only drank water that God provided. It was through this experience that they learned more about God. God specifically told Aaron and his sons not to drink wine nor strong drink.   Leviticus 10:9 -  Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the Tabernacle of the Congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations. God commanded Samson’s mother to refrain from drinking wine or strong drink. Judges 13:4 – A nd now beware, I pray thee, and drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat nothing unclean.  Judges 13:7 – And he said to me, Behold, thou shalt conceive and bear a son; and now drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat not anything unclean; for the boy shall be a Nazarite of God from the womb to the day of his death.   Eli the High Priest thought that Hannah was intoxicated. What was her response to his query? 1 Samuel 1:15 –  And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before Jehovah.    It can cause you to behave insensibly. Proverbs 20:1 – Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging; and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. Rulers are not to indulge in it because it can affect their judgement. Proverbs 31:4 – It is not for kings, Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for rulers to say, Where is the strong drink ? The prophet Micah warned that those who were prophesying about prosperity were liars because soon the nation would be going into captivity. Micah 2:11 – If a man walking in wind and falsehood do lie, saying, I will prophesy unto thee of wine and of strong drink, he shall be the prophet of this people.  Damnation is pronounced against those who indulge. ·         Isaiah 5:11 -  Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them! ·         Isaiah 5:22 -  Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink :   Here the diluted juice is recommended for its medicinal values.1 Timothy 5:23  -  Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities . Deuteronomy 14 verse 26 can be a controversial text.   Bearing in mind God’s command to abstain from wine or strong drink do you believe that the Lord was encouraging the people to indulge in His presence? Wouldn’t that be a double standard? Moses did not state how they were to use the wine or strong drink however bearing in mind their value as medicine, disinfectant, and water purifier there are many ways in which those journeying for the festival could use them.  Deuteronomy 14:26  – And thou shalt give the money for whatever thy soul desireth, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatever thy soul asketh of thee; and thou shalt eat there before Jehovah thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thy house .   ·         Proverbs 23:29-35 points to how foolishly and sinfully one who is intoxicated behaves -  Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? ·         30  They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. 31  Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32  At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. 33  Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. 34  Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. 35  They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.   Who should be given alcoholic beverages? Proverbs 31:6 –  Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto the bitter of soul. Strong drink is not for those who need to keep a clear mind but for those who are seeking an escape from reality. Luke 1:15 – For he shall be great before the Lord, and he shall drink no wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.   This is the only New Testament passage which mentions “strong drink” and its use is forbidden. John the Baptist the forerunner of Christ was forbidden to drink it. After looking at these texts you might still be inclined to drink and may ask what is wrong with one drink now and again. What you may not understand is that one drink most times leads to another and before you know it you are caught in the cycle of addiction. Yes, you may become an Alcoholic!!!   Drinking of strong alcohol is a threat to you, your family, your associates and to our society. Hosea prophesied and said “ Wine and new wine take away the understanding”  (4:11).  How true!!! your wits and brains are at stake when you consumes alcohol.  Alcohol is an enemy of a clear head, a sound body, and a morally sensitive soul. Many acts of crime and immorality occur when one is drunk. Often when the drinker becomes sober, there is a lapse in memory and one cannot understand how the atrocious actions could have been done.    Medical research shows that alcohol affects human’s thinking. Drinking alcohol gives one a temporary good feeling. This ‘good feeling’ is often accompanied by a loose tongue, evil temper and a bragging spirit. Under its influence, one is capable of doing this which not be normally done.   Many of God’s Commandments are violated because alcohol has the ability to lower the level of moral alertness and causes people to do what they would not have done if they were not intoxicated. It alters judgement and rational decision making. Alcohol puts many consciences to sleep and many crimes are committed based on a lapse in judgement caused by its use.   Isaiah 5:33 states” Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine and men of strength to mingle strong drink” . The word woe means ‘shame upon.’ The prophet was pronouncing judgement or condemnation in the name of God upon those who indulge in heavy drinking. Anyone who indulges in drinking cannot be a part of God’s kingdom. 1st Corinthians 6:10 clearly state that drunkards shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Isaiah also pronounces another woe in chapter 5:11 where he said “ Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night until wine inflame them ! Solomon declared in Proverbs 20:1 - wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.    Yes, there is power in a drink of alcohol because one sip, leads to another and the body becomes pliant as each drink makes one more receptive to another. Joel told the drinkers of his time “ Awake, ye drunkards and weep and howl, all ye drinkers of wine, because of the new wine; for it is cut off from your mouth ” .    Those who love to drink will spend their money foolishly and often do not possess much materially. Proverbs 23:21,29 tells us that the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty and that the persons who have woe, sorrow, contentions, babbling and redness of eyes are those who drink wine for a long time and they that love to drink mixed alcohol .  Solomon also encourages us not to look into the vat when the wine is been fermented. Fermented alcohol will bite like a serpent and sting like an adder.  It is at this point that evil thoughts begin to stir within the mind. The things one would not normally do are conceived at this point. The Bible clearly shows that “ Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things (Proverbs 23:33).    Who is as mighty with words as a man who is inflamed by liquor. Liquor loosens the tongue therefore a drunkard is normally a chatterbox. By drinking one goes right on selling himself short and depriving himself of higher spiritual experiences. Jesus in Luke 21:34 said: “ Take heed to yourselves lest your heart be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness . It is the soul that suffers.   Proverbs 31:6-7 says “ G ive strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine to those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink to forget his poverty and remember his misery no more”.   Those who are in seat of judgement should not be drunkards because this person will not be able to make proper decisions and will alter the course of justice. We read in Proverbs 31:4-5 that kings or princes are not to be alcoholics because they will forget the law and pervert the judgement.   There is the practice of some to try to get a person intoxicated to perform immoral acts. In Habakkuk 2:15 the prophet says “ Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also that thou mayest look on their nakedness.   The book of Romans tells us that it is good for us not to drink wine because it has the ability to make a believer stumble, offend others and make others weak. Believers in Christ who have surrendered to Christ should not be drunkards nor find pleasure in drinking alcohol. Apostle Paul stated in 1st Corinthians 5:11 that no one should n ot keep company with any believer who is a drunkard ; as a matter of fact, you should not even sit and eat with this individual because this person may influence you to become a drunkard.   Through distillation alcohol is referred to as a spirit. There are different types of spirits. There is the Spirit of God, which is the power of Almighty God and there are spirits created by the devil. The Spirit of God is true and good but the spirits of the devil are evil and destructive. Alcohol generates the spirit of evil. God is unhappy with us when we indulge in alcohol and forget His precepts. The Spirit of God cannot unite with the spirit of alcohol.   Your responsibility is to understand what is the will of the Lord for your life. The Scriptures tell us that we ought not to be drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit of God.   Alcohol is very addictive, if you are bounded by the craving for alcohol, I am sure that Jesus can take this craving away. Do not allow peer pressure to keep you in the snare of alcoholism; you can break free by the power of God. Remember that Jesus died to free you from all evil yokes and bondages. Trust God and ask Him to forgive you of your sins and help you to overcome this evil habit. You can break free. Do not destroy yourself; come to Jesus.  Jesus told His disciples that they would drink the fruit of the vine with Him in His Father’s kingdom. However, the wine which Jesus drank and has promised to give us to drink is the pure unfermented grape juice. Let us follow His example.   SAY NO TO ALCOHOLIC SUBSTANCES  Writer - A. E. Fisher  We welcome your questions and feedback.  You may contact us at   ofthelivinggodchurch@gmail.com   https://www.pillarandgroundofthetruth.online/