Forbidden Fruit (The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil)

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Examination:

“And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, ‘You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.’ ”
(Genesis 2:16-17) -ESV

Prosecution:

There exists four common objections to this specific Scripture:

1. If GOD is truly omnipresent (everywhere at all times) and omniscient (all-knowing), then why would GOD put the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the garden if He knew Adam and Eve would sin while He was not around?
2. Even if GOD is truly omniscient and omnipresent, GOD cannot be truly omnibenevolent (all-good) because GOD didn’t care enough to prevent the serpent from tempting Adam and Eve and thus prevent them from falling into sin. If GOD is a good Father, He would protect His children, not banish them out of the garden for something He caused out from His own negligence.
3. Even if GOD is truly omnipresent, omniscient and omnibenevolent, GOD cannot be omnipotent (all-powerful) because GOD did not prevent the serpent from causing Adam and Eve to sin.
4. Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit and did not die as Scripture promised. That’s an obvious contradiction!

Cross-examination:

“The first to speak in court sounds right—until the cross-examination begins.”
(Proverbs 18:17) -NLT

Defense:

The skeptic is right to first call attention to the nature of GOD. For unless we understand who GOD is, we will never understand the reasoning behind anything in the Bible. Knowing that GOD’s thoughts and ways are far higher than our own (Isaiah 55:8-9), it is reasonable to expect that we will not understand everything. If your 3-pound, 15-centimeter brain could contain all knowledge about a god, then that god would be too small to be the real GOD. As it is, we don’t even possess all knowledge about the ocean within our own planet, much less the entire universe where our infinitesimal planet swirls about within our galaxy. So, do you truly expect to know everything about the one true GOD who created the entire universe? In the future, on the New Earth under the new heavens, when we meet Him face-to-face, I believe we will be given the wisdom to understand all that happened in the past; however, I do not believe we can presently know absolutely everything there is to know about GOD in this limited lifetime of learning during our process of sanctification. For this reason, it is written in 1Corinthians 13:12, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.”

But with that said, GOD has given us information from revelation in the form of GOD’s Word to provide us with answers to difficult questions. Granted, the skeptics will not trust the information from the Bible unless the Bible can be shown to be reliable and accurate. The investigation will reveal that the Bible is actually not full of contradictions, only apparent contradictions that require explanations. But even when the Bible can be acknowledged as reliable and accurate, one still needs to know if the Bible should be taken literally. Only after coming to the conclusion that the Bible is not only reliable and accurate but that the Bible is also inspired by GOD, the revelation can be trusted and then understood with the help from the Holy Spirit who speaks Truth and reveals Truth (John 14:26; 15:26; 1Corinthians 2:10).

So, it is first important to understand who we are talking about – the Creator GOD and the Source of all that exists. Second, we need to understand what we are talking about – GOD’s perfect plan! GOD has not chosen to reveal every detail of His plan to us all at once (Exodus 6:2-3; Matthew 24:36; 25:13; Mark 4:41; John 16:12; Acts 1:7; 1Corinthians 13:12). We can only know what He chooses to reveal. And, since we are part of that plan, we are responsible to it, even if we do not fully understand it or agree with it at times. However, there are some things GOD has revealed to us:

1. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil was not a bad tree. Everything that GOD made – including the tree – was “good” (Genesis 1:4,10,12,18,21,25). In fact, after creating Adam and Eve, creation was declared to be “very good” (Genesis 1:31). The origin of sin in this story came from the serpent, Adam, and Eve; the tree did not sin; the tree was good for the specific purpose for which it had been created.
   
2. Adam and Eve had every reason to trust GOD. The Creator did a good job creating them, and He placed them in a beautiful location where they had everything they needed. GOD was trustworthy, but Adam and Eve chose not to trust GOD.
3. Adam and Eve were created with freedom in mind. GOD places high value on our choice to obey Him, and He created Adam and Eve with freedom so that obedience would be possible. Life without freedom is not really life at all. GOD wisely gave them freedom, but Adam and Eve abused that freedom.
4. Adam and Eve were not ignorant of GOD’s boundaries. Just as wise teachers test their students on what they’ve learned and parents test their children with new responsibilities, GOD tested Adam and Eve in their obedience. However, GOD didn’t test them on what they didn’t know. They knew which tree was off limits, and they knew the consequences if they ate from it. The rules were plain, but they violated the rules anyway.
5. GOD provided for Adam and Eve. Before GOD told them not to eat of the tree, He told them they were “free to eat” of every other tree in the garden (Genesis 2:16). They were not in danger of starving, nor were they deprived of variety. They had an all-you-can-eat buffet in the garden, but Adam and Eve chose to place their focus on what they did not have rather than on what they did have.
6. The decision to sin opened the eyes of both Adam and Eve to the reality of evil. For the first time, they knew what it was to do evil, to feel shame, and to want to hide from GOD. Their sin of disobeying GOD brought corruption into their lives and into the world. Eating the fruit, as an act of disobedience against GOD, was what gave Adam and Eve the knowledge of evil – and the knowledge of their nakedness (Genesis 3:7-13).
7. Adam and Eve did die just as Scripture promised. The Fall was a separation which led to an eventual physical death of Adam and Eve. The physical death wasn’t immediate though the spiritual death was immediate. For the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).
8. GOD’s perfect plan is much bigger than the original garden of Eden. His plan for His creation and His people did not end when Adam and Eve sinned. In fact, GOD’s plan from the very beginning was to redeem His people and His creation. The drama of the Fall and redemption could never have happened if the tree had not been in the garden. Indeed, GOD did know that Adam and Eve would sin and fall, but GOD’s plan was bigger than their sin.

Reasonable Response:

But why did GOD allow the sin? How could the permitting of the Fall be in alignment with the nature of the all-good, loving, and perfectly Holy GOD? From the first half of Romans 6:23, we know that the wages of sin is death; however, the other half of that verse provides the key to understanding why GOD permitted the Fall: “the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The response to the perceived problem of the forbidden fruit is as follows:

• GOD is love (1John 4:8,16)
• GOD created humans in His own image (Genesis 1:26-27) and thus created us out from love for the purpose to love (Matthew 22:36-40).
• GOD desires for us to know Him and for us to have a loving relationship with Him (Matthew 6:33).
• For a mutual loving relationship to exist, free will is absolutely necessary.
• From GOD’s omniscience, He knew that free will would be absolutely necessary; therefore, He gave us the great gift of free will.
• Because GOD is omnibenevolent, He gives us free will and permits the consequences that come from created beings who possess free will.
• Through GOD’s omnipresence and omnipotence, He created miracles in order to release the Israelites from slavery, set them up as a free people, and instituted the commandments and sacrificial system in order to reveal the standards of Holy perfection that are impossible to keep through a fallen and sinful people.
• GOD set up the sacrificial system so that He could become the willing ultimate sacrifice on our behalf to atone for our sins, doing what we could never do on our own. For this reason, it is written in John 3:16-17, “¹⁶ For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.”
  

Closing Statement:

Understanding that GOD is wisdom enables us to put everything into proper perspective in order to help us see that GOD foresaw the Fall from free will. The Father’s wise, good plan included sending the Son into the world that Adam and Eve ruined. Think about it: from eternity past, GOD ordained that Jesus would become the victim of His own plan (Revelation 5). For this reason, it is written in John 10:17-18, “¹⁷ For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again. ¹⁸ No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father.”

The Good News (the Gospel) is that He guaranteed our redemption by His sacrificial crucifixion and miraculous resurrection. GOD foresaw the separation and created in advance the relentless rescue operation to build the bridge of salvation for our redemption. That’s how much GOD loves us. GOD did for us what we could never do by our own efforts. GOD loves us so much that He allowed us the freedom to choose wrong so that He can help us to see what is right. GOD has allowed us to experience the Fall, evil, and pain and suffering so that we can be grateful for the life that is to come. This limited lifetime of learning through our process of sanctification will become our comparison for completeness in Christ. And when we’re finally with Him, Adam and Eve will probably be the first ones to tell you that GOD’s commands are for our good, not to restrict us. On this present earth, which is destined for destruction by fire (Psalm 97:3-5; Isaiah 64:1-2; Amos 9:5; Micah 1:4; Nahum 1:5-6; 2Peter 3:7,10,12), GOD is showing us that the best humans can have apart from Him is pain and suffering. We ruin everything and that’s why we need Him. And that should be more than enough reason to trust in GOD on the New Earth under the new heavens where only righteousness dwells (2Peter 3:13; Revelation 20:15; 21:3-8,27). Death is merely graduation into the real life. Where we end up will be our choice. And that’s why Hell is justified. GOD loves you so much that He is going to allow you to choose where you end up: Heaven or Hell. So, what will you choose? GOD’s desire is that you will choose blessing over curse, life over death, good over evil, and that you will repent and live (Deuteronomy 11:26-28; 30:15-20; Ezekiel 18; Matthew 11:20; 12:41; Mark 1:15; 6:12; Luke 5:32; 13:3,5; Acts 2:38; 17:30).

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’ ”
(John 14:6) -ESV

GOD desires for all people to be saved (1Timothy 2:4; 2Peter 3:9; John 3:16-17). However, do you need to be saved?

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Superhero: Armor of GOD: Belt of Truth

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This is Part 15 of my Superhero series. In the introduction of this series, I provided the argument that heroes are real and then I distinguished between heroes and superheroes. I also provided a list of what defines a superhero. In Part 1, we learned that superheroes recognize the absolute standard of Good and realize that evil is a mere privation of what is good. In Part 2, we learned that superheroes recognize the absolute moral standard and realize that what is wrong can only be known by the standard of what is right. In Part 3, I defined and expounded upon love because all superheroes are full of love and are compelled to act out from love. In Part 4, I explained that superheroes desire to save people from all forms of danger and/or death and this desire comes from love. In Part 5, we learned that superheroes are solution seekers. In Part 6, we saw that solution seekers are willing to sacrifice if necessary. In Part 7, we saw that sacrificial love steps forward and offers service. In Part 8, we saw that superheroes go above and beyond the call of duty. In Part 9, we saw that superheroes never give up! In Part 10, we saw that superheroes don’t need recognition – they are motivated only by love! In Part 11, we saw that relationships matter and teamwork works! In Part 12, we saw that the struggle is real; however, Jesus is the real solution to our real problems. In Part 13, we saw that despite problems, superheroes are more than conquerors! In Part 14, we saw that true superheroes do not have identity crises – they know who they are even if others don’t!

In this message (Part 15), we will see that superheroes are always ready to fight against evil with the belt of Truth.

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This Is War:

When you receive your calling, you have been drafted into the army of GOD. But no soldier goes out onto the battlefield without first putting on his/her armor. Marvel’s Avengers had an Infinity War with Thanos. What we [Christians] face is real life and this is the real infinity war; the outcome of this war determines eternal destinations. Superheroes are fighting in a war against evil. Are you ready for battle? Suit up!

Armor of GOD:

^“10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; ¹⁷ and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, ¹⁸ praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, ¹⁹ and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”
(Ephesians 6:10-20) -ESV

We are commanded to be strong in the Lord. GOD gave the Israelites a similar charge before they engaged in battle with the inhabitants of the promised land (Deuteronomy 31:23; Joshua 1:6). However, Paul wanted us to distinguish between demons and doctrine, sin and sinners, problems and people. Humans are not the enemies; rather, hostile supernatural entities are the enemies; the devil and his demons are the enemies. Our fellow humans are victims of Satan’s lies and are in need of being saved because the devil prowls around like a lion, seeking to devour, steal, kill, and destroy (1Peter 5:8; John 10:10). The devil fights with lies, and sometimes his lies sound like truth, but they are lies because there is no truth in him and he is the father of lies (John 8:44). Paul instructed us to put on the whole armor of GOD so that we can resist the devil’s schemes. The phrase “whole armor” is taken from the word panoplia and pictures a Roman soldier who is fully dressed in his armor from head to toe. Also, Paul’s use of the Greek word methodeia suggests that the devil is cunning and he uses deception to advance his evil purposes (2Corinthians 11:3). Satan is, after all, the master manipulator (2Corinthians 11:14). But because of Christ’s victory over the evil powers, believers have courage and strength to resist the devil and his demons (Romans 8:9-11; Ephesians 1:19-21; 3:10; Colossians 2:15; James 4:7).

It’s important to take notice that we are instructed to be strong in the Lord and put on the armor of GOD. The phrase “of GOD” is taken from the Greek phrase tou theo, and it is written in the genitive case. Simply put, this means our supernatural and spiritual armor comes directly from GOD. The Lord Himself is the Source of origin for our armor. And because this armor comes from GOD, it is vital for us to remain in relationship with the Lord in order for us to continually enjoy the benefits of our spiritual armor. Just like any of our appliances, if we ‘unplug’ from the Source of Power, the power no longer empowers us. Do not disengage in fellowship with the Lord. 

It is interesting to note that GOD has given us three offensive weapons, three defensive weapons, and one neutral weapon. As I will later explain, the breastplate, shield, and helmet are all defensive weapons. The three offensive weapons are the shoes, sword, and prayer. The neutral weapon is the belt of Truth.

Belt of Truth:

The first item Paul instructs us to put on is the belt of Truth. What is the purpose of the belt? In our present time, the belt is to prevent our pants from falling down. However, in ancient Roman times when Paul wrote to his intended audience, the belt around a soldier’s waist held the breastplate in place, provided an attachment for the sword, provided a resting place for the shield. Without Truth, there’s no protection of the heart nor can anyone possess the defense or weapon necessary to overcome the adversary, which is the shield and the sword. The belt of Truth is central and essential. Without it, it’s easy to fall apart. The belt of Truth holds everything together. 

What Is Truth?

“Then Pilate said to him, ‘So you are a king?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.’ Pilate said to him, ‘What is truth?’ After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, ‘I find no guilt in him.’ ”
(John 18:37-38) -ESV

How can we wear the belt of Truth if we do not know the answer to Pilate’s question: “What is Truth?” It was the great subject of inquiry in all the schools of the Greeks. Different sects of philosophers had held different opinions; however, Pilate did not ask the question to receive an answer. Even though Pilate asked the question, he never pursued the answer; instead, he walked outside to the crowd. For Pilate, truth was relative. To many government officials in ancient Roman times, truth was whatever the majority of people agreed with or whatever helped advance their own personal power and political goals. When there is no standard or acknowledgment of absolute Truth, there is no basis for moral right and wrong. Justice becomes whatever works or whatever helps those in power. In essence, relative truth is “whatever floats your boat.” However, we know that Truth is absolutely never relative because it is absolute. We also know that moral relativism is absolutely absurd. In Jesus and His Word, we have the standard for Truth and for our moral behavior. The Lord is not a liar; Christ is our compass. 

GOD is Truth; Jesus is GOD:

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
(John 14:6) -ESV

Jesus is the way because He is both fully GOD and fully human. When Jesus was conceived, GOD became a man; however, Jesus was not half and half as if a diluted deity; He was completely human and also completely divine (Colossians 2:9). Jesus is the way because Jesus is Truth. By uniting our lives with Him, we are united with GOD.

The Word is Truth:

“God has breathed life into all of Scripture. It is useful for teaching us what is true. It is useful for correcting our mistakes. It is useful for making our lives whole again. It is useful for training us to do what is right. By using Scripture, a man of God can be completely prepared to do every good thing.”
(2Timothy 3: 16-17) –NIRV

“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’ ”
(John 8:31-32) -ESV

“The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.”
(Psalm 119:160) -ESV

Jesus is the Word:

“¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God. ³ All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. ⁴ In him was life, and the life was the light of men…. ¹⁴ And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
(John 1:1-4,14) -ESV

It is important to point out that there are two kinds of words from GOD: logos (written Word) and rhema (revelation). The Word (Greek: Logos) was a term used by theologians and philosophers, both Jews and Greeks, in many different ways. In Hebrew Scripture, the Word was an agent of creation (Psalm 33:6), the source of GOD’s message to His people through the prophets (Hosea 4:1), and GOD’s Law, His standard of holiness (Psalm 119:11). In Greek philosophy, the Word was the ‘reason’ behind everything, the principle of reason that governed the world, or the thought still in the mind. In Hebrew thought, the Word was another expression for GOD. Jesus, therefore, is the Creator of the universe and all life (Genesis 1:3,6,9,11,14,20,24), the ultimate revelation of GOD, the living picture of GOD’s holiness (Colossians 1:15), the One who “holds all creation together (Colossians 1:17). The Word became human. In John 1:14, when Scripture tells us that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, it means that GOD “tabernacled” in flesh (Jesus). As is evident in the book of Exodus, the Tabernacle was GOD’s “home” on Earth. But this “home” was only a temporary tent, which foreshadowed the more permanent Temple (building), which foreshadowed the more personal temple (body), which foreshadows the personal and permanent presence of our immortal resurrected bodies that will dwell with GOD’s presence for eternity (1Corinthians 15:53). GOD started out small with one tent, expanded to a more permanent building, and then dwelt in the body of Jesus. And because GOD tabernacled in flesh, Jesus became:

1. the perfect teacher — in Jesus’ life we see how GOD thinks and therefore how we should think (Philippians 2:5-11);
2. the perfect example — as a model of who we are to become, He shows us how to live and gives us the power to live that way (1Peter 2:21);
3. the perfect sacrifice — Jesus came as a sacrifice for all sins, and His death satisfied GOD’s requirements for the removal of sin (Colossians 1:15-22).

But no longer do people have to travel to one specific place to seek GOD’s presence. Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit; the Holy Spirit dwells within all children of GOD (John 7:37-39; 14:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 3:2; 2Corinthians 1:22). Jesus is the Word and the Word is eternal Truth (Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 5:18; Revelation 19:13). Jesus never changes (Hebrews 13:8); Truth never changes (Proverbs 12:19). Truth is always timely; it applies today and in the future. Because it is connected with GOD’s changeless character, it is also changeless. Think about it: how many centuries have passed since the Word has existed? Consider the countless hours that have been spent carefully studying every sentence and every word of Scripture. The Bible has withstood the test of time and is reliable and accurate. GOD is Spirit (John 4:24); Spirit is Truth (John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13; 1John 5:6); Jesus is Truth (John 14:6; 18:37); thus, Jesus is GOD. Jesus is the Son; however, He and the Father are One and Jesus has always existed (John 1:1; 8:58; 10:30). Jesus was One person of two natures, always in relationship with the Spirit. This is the doctrine of the Trinity. And because GOD is Truth and the Word is GOD’s Truth, you can trust the inspired Word to guide you. In fact, apostle Paul declares that this belt of Truth is so powerful and crucial, it can take the average individual and cause him/her to be complete and equipped for every good work (2Timothy 3:16-17). The word translated as “equipped” or “furnished” is taken from the Greek word exartidzo, which means to completely outfit or to fully supply. It was used to depict wagons or ships that were completely outfitted with gear. 

The loinbelt covered the Roman soldier’s loins. One of the obvious reasons for this was because he wanted to protect his ability to reproduce. Likewise, the belt of Truth shows us that our ability to produce for GOD is directly correlated with our relationship with the Word of GOD. We will become spiritually sterile if we do not have GOD’s Word actively operating centrally in our lives. When a person first gets saved, it is written in 1John 3:9-10 that GOD’s seed abides in him/her and that person will practice a life of righteousness. The word “seed” is taken from the Greek word spermata. It is where we derive the word “sperm.” Once that seed is placed into us, that divine seed then immediately begins to produce the life and character of Jesus within us. This divine seed is the reason we cannot go on living the way we once did before we encountered the Lord. The life, character, nature, and attributes of GOD are in that seed; consequently, the Holy Father passes a holy ‘DNA’ to us in a way similar to a father’s DNA passing on to a son/daughter. And for this reason, we are new creations in Christ (2Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:4; Ephesians 4:20-24; Colossians 3:1-10)! And unlike all other perishable seeds, this spermata from GOD is imperishable and incorruptible (1Peter 1:22-23)!

Life Application:

“Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.”
(Psalm 86:11) -ESV

It is not enough to merely know the Truth (James 2:19); we must live the Truth out in our lives. Knowing the Truth should launch us into action (Romans 2:13; James 1:22-25; 1John 2:4). It is not enough to merely recognize the belt of Truth as being the belt of Truth — we must put it on! Batman can stare at his utility belt and recognize it as his own, but if he never puts it on, it will never help him while he battles against evil villains. A belt of Truth that is merely on display will not help anyone in any way.

GOD is Spirit; Spirit is Truth; Jesus is Truth; Jesus is GOD; Jesus is the Word; Jesus is Truth. Therefore, the belt of Truth is the Word of GOD. This belt of Truth holds the breastplate in place; Jesus holds everything together!

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”
(Proverbs 9:10) -ESV

Wisdom begins with knowing GOD. He gives insight into living because He created life. To know GOD you must not just know the facts about Him; you must have a personal relationship with Him. But how can you know GOD unless you know GOD’s Word? Do you possess GOD’s Word within you? Again, a belt of Truth that is merely on display will not help anyone in any way; likewise, a Bible that is merely on display will not help anyone in any way. You must not only possess the belt of Truth, but you must also use it; likewise, you must not only possess GOD’s Word, but you must also use it. How can you use your utility belt of Truth if you don’t know what’s in it? And even if you know what’s in it, it won’t help you unless you apply it to your life.

Think of the belt of Truth like Batman’s utility belt. When we put on the belt of Truth, “we use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity” (2Corinthians 10:5-6) -MSG.

“We can demolish every deceptive fantasy that opposes God and break through every arrogant attitude that is raised up in defiance of the true knowledge of God. We capture, like prisoners of war, every thought and insist that it bow in obedience to the Anointed One.”
(2Corinthians 10:5) -TPT

And for this reason, apologetics is important. The term apologetics derives from a Greek term, apologia, and was used for a defense. Essentially, it is the ability to explain why we believe what we believe. Apologetics is important because we’re all apologists anyway, it strengthens believers, and helps believers fulfill the great commission. But most importantly, Bible study is imperative in our walk with the Lord. Have you ever been asked difficult questions about the Bible you weren’t prepared to answer?

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
(1Peter 3:15) -NIV

As Peter indicates, we are all called to be ready with answers. The best way to identify a lie is to know the Truth. And when we know the Truth, we must follow the example of Jesus and be full of both grace and truth (John 1:14), speaking Truth out from love (Ephesians 4:15). Know the Truth and the Truth will set you free (John 8:32)!

Who Cares?

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Not long ago, I posted an article about Christians and the use of marijuana. In response to my article, I received one comment in particular that disturbed me and left me disheartened. A man by the name of Russell claimed to be a Christian and essentially told me he didn’t like my article. I’m not bothered by the fact that someone didn’t like my message – many people are going to reject the message I bring. In fact, GOD’s Word tells us that we will be rejected and possibly persecuted on His behalf just as He had been (Matthew 24:9-13; Philippians 1:20-21,29-30; 1Thessalonians 3:3-4). What upset me was that this man claimed to be a Christian yet opposed my Christian message. I will first share his comment regarding my article so his argument can be known in his own words and then I will respond to that comment.

“Let me give you a better Christian perspective… Who cares? Let’s focus on loving our neighbors and spreading the good word. Marijuana is a very non-essential issue and I respect that you said that, even though I disagree with your prospective. I am a Christian and I do not see any difference between marijuana and alcohol. We obviously know there is nothing unbiblical about alcohol since Jesus drank wine at virtually every meal he partook in and turned water into wine. It is very hypocritical to not apply the same rules to marijuana. The key to both is moderation and both can be used in moderation. Here is an example, 2 puffs is like 1 glass of wine, 5 puffs is like 2 glasses of wine, etc. That is not a perfect example since the effects of marijuana are not nearly as strong as alcohol, but it illustrates how both can be used in controlled moderation. And there is a large % of people that can use alcohol and marijuana responsibly. Last, you are way over exaggerating the effects of marijuana. It is not mind altering like your portraying. A few puffs simply gives a relaxing feeling for 15-20min similar to the way drinking a Red Bull gives you a jolt for 15-20. I still have never heard a good argument that responsible use of alcohol or marijuana is any more unbiblical then going to an ice cream parlor and devouring a brownie sundae or going to Starbucks and downing a double espresso latte.”

I want to respond to that comment, but I don’t want to confine this response to Russell alone. Though this response is specifically for Russell, this response is also for all Christians in general.

First and foremost, I’d like to thank you for watching my video, “Christians + Marijuana = ?” (assuming that you watched the entire video and didn’t comment without first watching the entire video). Second, though your comment left me disheartened, I do appreciate the fact that you took the time to write a comment to me. 

Now, you claim that you are a Christian and so I must take you at your word on the matter. However, if you feel led to challenge your own claim and see if you are in fact in alignment with your claim of being a Christ-follower, see my other article, “What Does It Mean To Be A Christian.”

Before I reply to specific points of your comment, I’d like to remind you that anger and argument amongst Christian brothers will not destroy the Gospel, but it can destroy each individual’s testimony and effectiveness in sharing it. With that said, may it be known that I am going to do my best to speak Truth in love (just as we are instructed to do in Ephesians 4:15) and I hope that if you respond to this, you will also do the same.

If I am doing GOD’s will, why would you – as a Christian – oppose my work? However, if I am not doing GOD’s will, then by all means rebuke me and then correct me. Rebuking and correcting another Christian for false teaching is biblical and right (Matthew 18:15-17; Galatians 6:1-2). However, unless you are rebuking me for false teaching, then you’re wasting time and effort to oppose another Christian. In fact, because you have made the claim that you are a Christian and opposed my message on a public platform via social media, I am now compelled to defend what it means to be a Christian on this public platform. I now have to use my valuable time in order to clear up the confusion your comment may cause for unbelievers. I now have to redirect your misguided missile of ‘meh’ that can be seen by the masses. If your comment to me was an attempt to rebuke and correct me, then consider this response your rebuke and my defense as to why your rebuke is without warrant. Had you not made your comment public, I would not have needed to post my response for the public. If you would have written to me privately, I could have responded privately. But as it is, I now must post a public response just in case someone is confused by your comment. 

You stated that a “better Christian perspective” is “who cares?” Who cares?! I now need to rebuke you for that careless comment that is often the center of complacency. Perhaps it is because you do not care that you do not understand the importance of this message. We – Christians – are to live by example (Titus 2:6-8). You stated correctly that Christians are to love others and share the Gospel. However, I exhort you to watch my other video, “Superhero: What Is Love?“, which clearly explains that we are to never cause anyone else to stumble.

Like it or not, believe it or not, small things tend to build up and become bigger issues. And because the small things matter, even this seemingly insignificant topic of marijuana matters. Everything matters! You also stated that there is no difference between marijuana and alcohol because they’re both acceptable in moderation. As I explained in my other article, “Should Christians Drink Alcohol?“, the key is not moderation; rather, the key is love for others and an unwillingness to ever cause someone else to stumble.

I’m not saying that marijuana and alcohol is literally sin being consumed; rather, I’m saying that a loving Christian should be willing to let go of worldly desires (that we won’t need in Heaven anyway) in order to direct others to healthier lifestyles here on Earth, but more importantly, to their eternal salvation in Christ.

Please correct me if I’m wrong, but by the context clues of your comment, it seems evident that you are simply unwilling to let go of worldly desires that bring you mere moments of pleasure. Are you willing to let go of your worldly desires in order to ensure that you will never cause someone to stumble? Or are you more concerned with pleasure than purpose, for self-satisfaction than others’ salvation? Are you a slave to your desires? I challenge you to see my other article, “Break Every Chain” and test yourself to see if you are a slave to your desires.

If you are a Christian, I admonish you to get rid of your “who cares” attitude and start caring more than you currently do. Again, you were correct to say that we need to love others and share the Gospel, but we need to care more for others than for self if we are to be an accurate reflection of the love of Christ. I also challenge you to see my other article, “Reflection And Direction“ – what we reflect determines our projected path. You need to take into consideration that our actions determine how others perceive Christians and Christianity and how our actions play a vital role as to whether or not unbelievers will receive the Gospel we are called to share. What do unbelievers think when they see Christians acting just like everyone else in the world? There is an absolute moral standard and Christians are called to be set apart to live righteous lives.

Now, a common substitute for true righteousness is self-righteousness. And I can understand how one might perceive that I am being self-righteous. I get it. But that’s simply not the case. Hear me out… Self-righteousness is the opposite of what GOD desires. Self-righteousness makes a list of rules and checks them off, and then congratulates self on how ‘good’ he/she is doing compared to others. That’s pride, not righteousness. The Pharisees were masters of self-righteousness, but Jesus had harsh words for them:

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”
(Matthew 23:27–28) -ESV

To pursue righteousness means we must recognize that we cannot please GOD in our sinful state (Romans 8:8). We turn from trying to justify ourselves by our good deeds and instead seek the mercy of GOD. We desire that He transform our minds (Romans 12:2) and conform us “to the image of His Son” (Romans 8:29). In the Old Testament, men were declared righteous when they believed GOD and acted on it (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3; Galatians 3:6; James 2:23). Before Pentecost (Acts 2:1–4), people pursued righteousness by keeping GOD’s Law, seeking holiness, and “walking humbly with GOD” (Micah 6:8). No one was justified by rule-keeping but by the faith that enabled them to obey GOD (Romans 3:20; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8-9).

Likewise, today we are justified by the faith that leads us to Jesus (Romans 3:27-28; 5:1; 10:10). Those who are in Christ continue seeking GOD in order to please Him (Colossians 3:1-17). When we come to faith in Christ, He gives us the Holy Spirit who empowers us to pursue righteousness for its own sake (Acts 2:38). He commands us to “walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16, 25). Walking in the Spirit means we live a lifestyle of total surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. We cultivate the ability to hear GOD and the habit of obeying His voice in everything.

We pursue righteousness when we pursue the character of Christ and desire holiness more than fleshly indulgence. We avoid the temptation to become self-righteous when we understand that true righteousness begins with godly humility (Psalm 25:9). We remember that Jesus said, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). When we spend time in the presence of the Holy and perfect GOD, we become more aware of our own sin and shortcomings. Teeth can be perceived to be white, but a white-strip test comparison will soon reveal the discoloration and impurities that are present and we will see that we’re not so perfect. Pride and self-righteousness cannot remain in the presence of a holy GOD. Pursuing righteousness begins when a humble heart seeks the continual presence of GOD (James 4:10; 1Peter 5:6). The humble and believing heart leads to a lifestyle of righteous action acceptable to GOD (Psalm 51:10). It all boils down to this one question: Are you willing to put others before yourself? In other words, are you willing to let go of your pursuit for pleasure in order to pursue purpose?

I challenge you to set aside time right now to read Romans 14 and 1Corinthians 8. Make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in another person’s way. You possess free will and you have freedom in Christ. However, with that freedom, comes responsibility to do right by others. 

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
(Galatians 5:13) -NIV

In order to serve others in love, sacrifice will be required. Sometimes we must let go of things that we want so that others may get what they need. 

Conclusion:

I rebuke you for your careless comment, “who cares?” I care! And if you’re upset because I care, you need to ask yourself if you care enough. What does that say about you? You care that I care because you don’t want to care yet you care enough not to care to come at me because I care. Do you see me wearing a shirt that says, “Come at me, bruh!”? No. I’m not the enemy, bro. He who receives me receives the One who sent me. You may not care about the small things, but I care about everything that possesses the potential to affect everyone. I had once lived on the other side and dwelled in darkness, but I came out of the cave of darkness as a more-than conquerer in Christ. As someone who used to be a darkness dweller, I am able to tell you from experience that Satan is subtle; evil is deliberate. All the small things matter because everything matters. Satan doesn’t care about the majority of your collective decisions throughout your lifespan; Satan only cares about the final deciding moment that will determine your eternity. But many people end up sliding down the slippery slope into Hell because compromise slowly led them beyond the boundary of righteousness to the point of no return. But the closer we grow and come to Christ, the farther away we will be from Satan’s slide. Satan always sells his slide as a fun ride. Understand this: ‘fun’ is subjective and needs to be placed in proper perspective. The danger in disregarding the small things is that subtle shifts can create a big gap over time. And if you happen to be on the wrong side of the great chasm that is fixed for all eternity, you will be like the rich man of Luke 16:19-31.

You told me it is “very hypocritical” not to apply the same rules to marijuana as we do for alcohol. I agree. I do, however, apply the same standards – I abstain. I don’t do this because I believe I’m better than everyone else. I do this because if I am able, I should also be available. What I find to be hypocritical is when those who claim to be Christians proclaim they love people and want others to be saved yet they are unwilling to die daily to themselves, take up their crosses, set aside their desires, and willingly sacrifice for those they claim they love (Matthew 16:24-25; Luke 14:27; Galatians 2:20; 5:24). Too many people attempt to justify their selfish decisions because they don’t want to let go of mere moments of pleasure that will soon pass and never satisfy the soul. Understand this: we do not live righteous lives in order to show off how ‘good’ we are and glorify ourselves; rather, we strive to be righteous through love and obedience to GOD and out of love for others. I know who I am because I know who GOD is.  I do what I do because it is our call of duty. Who cares? GOD cares. I care. And you should too. Christians should care; in fact, Christians should care more than those in the secular society. In my mission as a messenger of GOD, I refuse to willingly place a stumbling block in front of those who are lost in the darkness yet seeking the Light. And that should be your mission as well. We should be doing everything possible to help the lost enter by the narrow gate:

“Someone asked him, ‘Lord, will only a few be saved?’ He replied, ^‘Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail. When the master of the house has locked the door, it will be too late. You will stand outside knocking and pleading, “Lord, open the door for us!” But he will reply, “I don’t know you or where you come from.” Then you will say, “But we ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.” And he will reply, “I tell you, I don’t know you or where you come from. Get away from me, all you who do evil.” There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, for you will see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God, but you will be thrown out. And people will come from all over the world—from east and west, north and south—to take their places in the Kingdom of God. And note this: Some who seem least important now will be the greatest then, and some who are the greatest now will be least important then.’ ”
(Luke 13:23-30; see also Matthew 7:13-14) -NLT

You have free will. If, by your free will, you place a stumbling block in front of others and they live a life of sin because of your actions, you’ll be held accountable. We’re all going to be accountable to GOD. I’m going to be held accountable for my sins. But I do not ever want to hear that I caused someone to live a life of sin because I made sin seem satisfying and somehow acceptable. I’m not even going to gamble with money, let alone with peoples’ lives or eternities. The entrance is narrow. What are you willing to risk for the sake of mere moments of pleasure? This is all about love for others. I implore you to seek GOD and to stay in alignment with His will. 

The Seven C’s of Christmas

For many people, Christmas is a time of joy and celebration; however, for some people, Christmas is a time of stress, frustration, anxiety, sadness, or depression. If you have either lost the Christmas joy or have never had Christmas joy, this message is for you.

I want to give you The Seven C’s to overcoming the grinch and obtaining Christmas joy:

1. Comparison
2. Confinement
3. Conviction
4. Christ
5. Contentment
6. Contribution
7. Camaraderie

In “How The Grinch Stole Christmas,” the Grinch is depicted as a grouchy creature, secluded in a cave. The Grinch lives on a cliff overlooking the cheerful, optimistic community of Whoville. The Grinch hates Christmas and the festivities celebrated during the season; he is irritated by the happiness of others and derives pleasure from spoiling other people’s enjoyment. Maybe you are a grinch. Perhaps someone else in your life is a grinch. Either way, joy can be obtained and retained. From the story of the grinch, there are seven (7) biblical principles we can learn and apply to our lives:

(1) Comparison 

The first thing mentioned in the story of the Grinch is that every Who liked Christmas a lot, but the Grinch did not. The Grinch stood on a cliff, looking down on the Whos; his focus was on who they were, what they did, and what they had. Comparison creates the “I can’t” moments. The Grinch compared himself with every Who in Whoville – he compared himself with every Who’s smile, joy, laughter, and celebration. The comparison led him to realize that he did not possess what they had. And because he did not have what they had, he allowed himself to become miserable. Comparison produces envy and envy produces hatred. That hatred will either be directed toward the person being compared or the very person doing the comparison. The Grinch had pride; therefore, his hatred was directed toward every Who in Whoville. (Because the problem couldn’t possibly reside within himself, right?) …Are you comparing your life by others’ blessings? Comparing yourself to others will negatively affect how you view yourself; consequently, how you view yourself will determine your attitude and then your actions. GOD created you to be unique. Embrace your own blessings and stop concerning yourself with what others have.

“Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.”
(Galatians 6:4-5) -NLT

“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
(Proverbs 14:30) -NIV

“Do you think I care about the approval of men or about the approval of God? Do you think I am on a mission to please people? If I am still spinning my wheels trying to please men, then there is no way I can be a servant of the Anointed One, the Liberating King.”
(Galatians 1:10) -Voice

(2) Confinement

The Grinch lived in a cave by himself. He isolated himself. He had confined himself to his loneliness. Is it any wonder why others’ joy irritated him so much? The joy of others only revealed and amplified his own misery. The sound of their laughter seemed to be directed toward his insecurities. The others’ joy called attention to the very thing he was lacking. When you isolate yourself, you are an easy target for Satan. Evil will invade your isolated and unguarded mind and infiltrate your thoughts. Remember: the lion seeks to attack the one who gets separated from the herd.

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
(1Peter 5:8) -ESV

“Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.”
(Proverbs 18:1) -ESV

“In the same way that iron sharpens iron, a person sharpens the character of his friend.”
(Proverbs 27:17) -Voice

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”
(Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) -NLT

(3) Conviction

Examine the definition of the word, “grinch.”
Grinch: an unpleasant person who spoils other people’s fun or enjoyment or dampens the pleasure of others.

 “I was brushing my teeth on the morning of the 26th of last December when I noticed a very Grinch-ish countenance in the mirror. It was Seuss! So I wrote about my sour friend, the Grinch, to see if I could rediscover something about Christmas that obviously I’d lost.”
(~Theodore “Dr. Seuss” Geisel; December 1957 edition of Redbook)

Are you placing your focus on the negative aspects surrounding this Christmas season? Are you placing the focus on yourself and your problems? Is it possible that you need to rediscover something about Christmas you have obviously lost (or never found)? We are all familiar with the Grinch who stole Christmas, but we often neglect to see ourselves as the Grinch. Are you being a grinch without realizing it? The Grinch originated from a moment when Dr. Seuss confronted himself with the truth he saw in the mirror. Are you willing to confront yourself with the truth? We often discover truth and enlightenment when we face and conquer our own demons. Are you ready to admit your shortcomings? If you have unrighteousness within you, are you ready to repent? Allow the Holy Spirit within you and He will bring Truth; with Truth comes conviction and that is why Truth sets people free (see John 8:32).

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
(Proverbs 1:7) -ESV

“My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.”
(Proverbs 3:11-12) -NLT

“If you love learning, you love the discipline that goes with it—how shortsighted to refuse correction!”
(Proverbs 12:1) -MSG

(4) Christ

Sincere repentance and acceptance of Christ as our Lord and Savior is prerequisite for salvation. After we confront our own demons, we need to make Jesus the focus. Jesus is the center, the core. We don’t have CHRISTmas without Christ. Jesus came to be the sacrifice who would save us from ourselves. We simply couldn’t live up to the perfect standard of holiness that is required for us to dwell with the perfect and holy GOD, but Jesus came to be the Bridge that would forever reunite us with GOD. This season is for our Savior. We celebrate the fact that GOD loves us so much that GOD became human in order to willingly sacrifice Himself for us (John 10:17-18) — He died so that we may live! We celebrate that Jesus was born into this world from a virgin in order to be the sinless sacrifice who would save us from ourselves. Because we could not reach GOD by our works, GOD came to us out of His grace and mercy.

“As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. ‘Joseph, son of David,’ the angel said, ‘do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ ”
(Matthew 1:20-21) -NLT

(5) Contentment

Once Jesus is the focus, we will no longer have the focus on others or ourselves. If we truly realize how bad many people in this world have it in life, it should be easy to be content in any circumstance we find ourselves. This is the opposite side of comparison or envy. This is how you battle those thoughts of comparing yourself with others. The moment you start to compare yourself with others to see how they might have it better than you, you also have an opportunity to see how you have it better than others. There are, in fact, prisoners in the United States who live in greater comfort than those who are considered to be free in third world countries, who are skin and bone, starving to death. The truth is that you are blessed and your life could always be worse than it is right now. The truth is that you are exactly where you need to be right now for GOD to take you to where He wants you to go so that He may bless you. Our focus is not to be on the world and its ways. In fact, this world is going to come to an abrupt end and we will live in eternity on a new earth under new heavens (Matthew 24:36-44; Revelation 21). Neither the Christmas season nor Christmas Day itself is about receiving gifts or possessing anything of monetary value – it is about celebrating salvation through our Savior! To find contentment, you need only to change your perspective. To find contentment, you need only to focus on Christ.

“Brothers and sisters, in light of all I have shared with you about God’s mercies, I urge you to offer your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice to God, a sacred offering that brings Him pleasure; this is your reasonable, essential worship. Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image. Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind. As a result, you will be able to discern what God wills and whatever God finds good, pleasing, and complete.”
(Romans 12: 1-2) -Voice

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”
(Philippians 4:8-9) -NLT

“For I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
(Philippians 4:11-13) -NLT

(6) Contribution

The Grinch stole all of the Who’s material possessions – everything of monetary value! And as the Grinch stood on the cliff, waiting to hear mourning and crying from Whoville, he heard joyful singing instead. After hours of pondering and self-examination, the Grinch finally realized that material items don’t bring joy; in fact, he discovered that the joy had already been within them. That’s when the Grinch decided to return to them all of their gifts. Like Scripture tells us, it is better to give than to receive. The Grinch discovered joy in the act of giving. Why? Because to love others is to put them before yourself. What can you give? Your time? Love? Financial support? Maybe you’re good at cooking meals and can feed someone? Maybe you’re a gifted musician and you can play music for someone? Maybe you’re an excellent artist and you can draw a picture for someone? Perhaps you can simply be there for someone and provide a listening ear. There is always something you can do; there is always a way to give.

“I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes. You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
(Acts 20:33-35) -NLT

“Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, doesn’t have a swelled head, doesn’t force itself on others, isn’t always ‘me first,’ doesn’t fly off the handle, doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, doesn’t revel when others grovel, takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end. Love never dies.”
(1Corinthians 13: 4-8) –MSG

(7) Camaraderie

After giving the [stolen] gifts back to everyone in Whoville, the Grinch joined the Whos for a feast. Understand this: GOD did not design us to do life alone.

I admit that I chose the word, “camaraderie” only because it started with the letter “c” and allowed alliteration. But the actual word I should use is “fellowship.” Our English word, “fellowship” is the translation of the Greek word, “koinonia.” This Greek word is derived from the root, “koinos,” which was a prefix in ancient Greek. If you were to add this prefix to words meaning “living,” “owning a purse,” “a dispute,” and “mother,” you would get words meaning “living in community together,” “owning a purse in common,” “a public dispute,” and “having a mother in common.” So, we see that the root of the word, “fellowship,” means “to hold something in common.” The Greek word, “koinonia,” was used to describe corporations, labor guilds, partners in a law firm, and the most intimate of marriage relationships. From the usage of the word, we can conclude that fellowship is a word denoting a relationship that is dependent on more than one individual. It is an interdependent relationship. Koinonia is used nineteen times in the New Testament and in addition to being translated as “fellowship” it is also translated by the words, “contribution,” “sharing,” and “participation.” A close study of the usage of this word shows that action is always included in its meaning. Fellowship, you see, is not just being together, it is doing together! Fellowship is a relationship of inner unity among believers that expresses itself in outer co-participation with Christ and one another in accomplishing GOD’s will on Earth.

By now, you should realize that you are already blessed. So, who can you bless today? Blessing others will bring you joy. Do you want to experience true Christmas joy? Then bless others. Remember what Christ told us:

“Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
(Matthew 22:37-40) -NLT

“Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
(Matthew 9:13) -ESV

“But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don’t take yourself too seriously—take God seriously.”
(Micah 6:8) -MSG

I challenge you to go bless others this Christmas and create the joy you seek to attain for yourself. Spread Christmas cheer and do it openly and loudly for all the hear. And if we love with a lasting impression, perhaps those who do not believe will catch a glimpse of Christ that will remain with them until that seed grows into understanding. Go. Create joy. Bless others and praise GOD as you go.

[ To read why I am a Christian, read my other article, “Why I Am A Christian” ]