Tag Archives: Religion

1 Thessalonians 3- Return of Christ

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For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. 1 Thessalonians 3:9-11

The Apostle Paul asks a good question here “For what thanks can we render to God again”? How can we possibly thank God adequately or properly for everything God has done for us? The honest answer is we can’t , and that’s why Gods grace is so amazing, it’s a gift we can never repay or earn, its a gift that is many times beyond our comprehension, however when we understand the immense love God demonstrated to us on the cross, our relationship with God grows stronger and deeper

Night and day the Church prayed exceedingly for Timothy and the other Christians, are we following that same pattern? Are we praying night and day for our brothers and sisters in Christ? If you want to see a powerful Church, there needs to be alot of praying! We don’t do anything on our own, we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength (Phil 4:13) we need to abide in Christ, and Christ will abide in us

How do we know what to do or how to respond? Paul says “May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way” Are we doing the will of God or are we doing our own will? We need to be in unceasing prayer, we need to strengthen our relationship with God through our Lord Jesus Christ

And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13

Paul speaks a blessing over the Church, this should be an important part of the Pastor. First Paul wishes the Church would abound in love towards one another, wouldn’t this be a good message for all Christians? As Christians continue to divide and argue with one another over man-made doctrines, the true Christian should be more concerned with actually loving his brothers and sisters, a simple concept that doesn’t seem to be practiced anymore

Secondly Paul wishes the Church establishes their hearts and unblameable in holiness before God, Paul is praying for true Born Again believers of the Church and not false converts Only God truly knows our hearts, whether they have been transformed or not, however we can pray for the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of our fellow believers

Lastly, notice Paul talks about the Second coming of Christ, “the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints” We as the Church need to get ready for the return of Christ, we need to make sure were Born Again and have our lamps full of the Holy Spirit , Amen

1 Thessalonians 3- Stand Fast in Jesus

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Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain. 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5

We as Christians, as the Church, are the hands and feet of Christ, we are the light of the world and the salt of the Earth (Matthew 5) I say these reminders because sometimes we forget, sometimes when we pray for God to send a miracle, we forget that God is working through and in us. We can be the miracle for others, we can do the work of Christ.

This is a good example here, the Church was under heavy persecution and was looking for a miracle, God sent Timothy to “establish and comfort you concerning your faith” The Holy Spirit was working through Timothy to be the Shepherd of this Church, during its darkest times. Just as God could be using you to help others in their darkest times also. This is what makes the true Church powerful and unstoppable, it’s a living and breathing entity, now just an organization

Notice what Paul says again “The tempter have tempted you and labor you in vain” We know the tempter is Satan, again this Church under attack by demonic forces. Just as we are under attack from Satan on a daily basis also, this is why we need the “Armor of God” (Ephesian 6) Unless the Church abides in Christ and is filled with the Holy Spirit, we will not stand

But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 3:6-8

Timothy reported to Paul the great faith of the Church of Thessalonica, even though the Church was being heavily persecuted, the Church never lost their faith in Jesus Christ. If someone was going to report your faith, what would they say? Paul said he “they were comforted by their faith” As Jesus said “Dont fear the one who can kill the body, fear the one who can destroy both body and soul in Hell (Matthew 10:28) The Church understood this, they didn’t fear Satan or the world, they put their faith in Jesus Christ!

Paul said “For now we live, if you stand fast in The Lord” Eternal life is only through Jesus Christ, stand fast in the persecutions of Satan, stand fast in the afflictions of this world, stand fast in The Lord Jesus Christ, Amen!

1 Thessalonians 2- The Persecuted Church

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For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost. 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16

Even though the Church of Thessalonica was full of the Holy Spirit and a true Church, they were facing severe persecution, as Paul says “You have also suffered and persecuted us”  As true Christians, we are going to be persecuted for our faith and might even suffer. This typically means you are doing something right, and Satan is trying to shut you down! As this was the case with this Church, as they we were “forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles” Satan was trying to stop the gospel from being shared

In fact, if your Church is not being persecuted, you might have to ask yourself “Are we fulfilling the Great Commision “? (Matthew 28:19) Satan is ok if you sit back and take it easy, he wants you to just remain silent and distracted. However when you start doing The Lord’s work, then the attacks will start coming. Satan won’t attack the Lukewarm Christians (Revelation 3:16) or the false Church, in fact he’s probably controlling them. Only when the Holy Spirit is present, do the demonic forces get worried, because they know they have been already defeated by Christ! (John 19:30)

Another thing to point out, religion won’t save anyone, only Jesus Christ can (John 14:6) The Jews were very religious and zealous , however they were blinded by Satan, and as Paul stated “They killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets” Even still today, many religious Jews reject Jesus as the Messiah, why? Because they love their religion more than they love God. Religion won’t save you, you must be Born Again through Christ (John 3:3)

But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy. 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

Notice what Paul says here “But Satan hindered us” The Church was continually under attack by Satan and his demonic forces. The Church is not fighting against flesh and blood, the Church is fighting against the principalities of darkness (Ephesians 6) So with all this suffering, what is the hope for the Church? It’s the return of Jesus Christ!

The Lord has already Risen, defeating Sin , Death, and Satan! The foundational hope of the Christian is knowing we are already victorious through Christ! (John 16:33)Amen!

1 Thessalonians 2- Walk Worthy of God

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For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. 1 Thessalonians 2:9-12

Another thing that was very commendable about Paul’s ministry, is it was self funded. As Paul says here “For laboring night and day, because we would not be chargeable or a burden to any of you” Paul actually worked as a tentmaker (Acts 18:3) , this is actually how he found Aquila and Priscilla, who were also tentmakers. The point is Paul didn’t go around begging people for money to support his ministry, he actually worked side jobs to accomplish this. Now with that said, many Christians did support Paul financially as they were led in their hearts by the Holy Spirit, but Paul never demanded any money from anyone to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ

Paul goes on to say that they treated everyone as a Father would treat their children. Paul loved Christ, but he is loved the souls he was trying to share the gospel with. Today we see alot of YouTube street preachers just condemning everyone for their sins, how is this loving? Treat people as if their were your child, try to relate to them, try to have a real conversation with them, of course teach them the true gospel of Christ. As Paul said “You are all witnesses and God, how we behaved” These Christians behaved in a way that they were respectable and honorable. They were not just stirring the pot to get attention, they actually cared about these peoples souls, as a Father cares for their children

Here is a statement I love what Paul says “Walk worthy of God, who has called you unto his Kingdom and Glory” We need to walk in a manner that is honoring Christ. If we act immoral or unfruitful, then this actually brings dishonor to God. To be called by Christ is the greatest calling you can receive , live your life as a servant to Christ, a life that would be worthy to be called a Christian

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:13

But lets remember that all the work we do is filthy rags, and the only one who can save people is God himself. Thats why Paul is saying “Be thankful for the elect, who heard the gospel and were able to receive it” Why do some people receive the gospel and some reject it? Only God knows the minds and hearts of people, we are just his vessels to spread the seed, the Word of God, and let the Holy Spirit work on their hearts

In your daily life, in your ministry, at your Church, at your job, walk worthy of your calling by God. People should be able to identify you as a Christian, just by your conduct and your fruits, because being a disciple of Christ is the highest calling a person can ever receive Amen!

1 Thessalonians 2- Gospel of God

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For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2:1-4

 What is the greatest career you can have in your life? Some would say a doctor or a lawyer, others would say a professional athlete or a rock star, however the greatest calling you can have in your life is to be a preacher of the gospel. This is a calling that has no career path, there is no money, there is no bragging rights, there is no retirement plan or benefits, however its a calling that has the highest honor and privilege than any other occupation in the world, because its to please our God and has eternal results

As Paul mentions, they have suffered and have been shamefully treated, however they still preach the boldness of the gospel. Being a real  preacher of Christ  is not an easy job, its not prestigious, its not glamorous, however notice what Paul says “We were allowed of God to be put in trust of the gospel” The honor and privilege is God trusts you enough to faithfully and honestly preach the gospel, that’s an amazing calling

But notice Paul calls it “Gospel of God”, for those who believe Paul didn’t see Christ as God, scripture once again rebukes you. We know the gospel is about Christ, and Paul refers to Christ as God. As Paul says “Not pleasing men but God” Doesn’t matter if modern day society doesn’t like the true Gospel, we are to please God not people. The Church can’t be compromising the gospel to be more accepted by the world, this is a fall into heresy

For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. 1 Thessalonians 2:5-8

Again we see the Apostle Paul use the term “Gospel of God” , he didn’t misspeak and it wasn’t an error, Paul was referring to Jesus Christ as God in the flesh (John 1:14, Isaiah 9:6) Paul mentions they didn’t water down the gospel to please people, they didn’t use flattering words, they preached the gospel the same way it was revealed to them by Christ himself

But Paul also says “We were gentle among you” The early Church wasn’t looking for a fight, like many Christians today on social media, the early Church was stern about the gospel and still treated people with respect. If someone rejects the gospel, then we need to shake the dust off our feet as Jesus said (Matthew 10:14) Remember to preach the gospel of God to everyone and everywhere, Amen!

1 Thessalonians 1- Example for Christ

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We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:  1 Thessalonians 1:2-6

The Apostle Paul opens up his letter to the Church of Thessalonica , telling and reminding them, he is praying for them always. This should be the model for all of us and the Church, we should be praying for one another continually, especially the Pastor. If the Shepherd of the Church is not praying individually for every person under their watch, they should step down as the Pastor. And as fellow Brothers and Sisters in Christ, we should be praying for one another without ceasing

The next thing Paul mentions is the Churches, work of faith and labor of love. This means the Church was actively busy fulfilling the Great Commision (Matthew 28:19) being the hands and feet of Christ , helping the poor, administering to the sick, sharing the gospel of Christ. The Church is not dead, just sitting on their couch waiting for the Rapture to come. They are the light of the world and the salt of the Earth (Mathew 5)

Also Paul reminds the Church, you are here because you are the elect of God. These believers not only heard the gospel, but were baptized by the Holy Spirit (John 3) They were Christians because they answered the call from the Great Shepherd Jesus Christ (John 10) Even though the Church is being persecuted and afflicted, they had the joy of the Holy Spirit inside them, because they are Born Again

So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. 1 Thessalonians 7-10

Paul gives the Church of Thessalonica a great compliment, he says “You have become an example to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia”  The other Christians around the Asia Minor noticed the Church of Thessalonica, they were not fake Christians, they not only talked the talk but they walked the walk. Other people could see the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5) in the Christians of Thessalonica.

We as Christians need to be a good example for others around us also, whether you realize it or not, others are watching you including non-believers. When you declare yourself a Christian, the microscope is on your life. Jesus said “You will be known by the fruit you produces” (Matthew 7:16) So how do you become fruitful? You need to become Born Again in Christ through the Holy Spirit (John 3) A dead Church is often indicator of the Holy Spirit is missing. Just like the Church of Thessalonica, we need to be good examples to the world, the body of Christ, Amen!

Ephesians 6- Pray Always

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Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.  Ephesians 6:18-20

What is Pauls advice here to the Church? Pray, pray, and pray some more! Prayer should be an essential part of our lives, just as oxygen to breath. Prayer should never be an afterthought or an act of a emergency, prayer should be a daily routine. Can you have a relationship with your spouse or anyone without communication? Of course not, then how do you expect to have a personal relationship with God, if you don’t have a strong prayer life?

The late Leornard Ravenhill once said this ““No man is greater than his prayer life. The pastor who is not praying is playing; the people who are not praying are straying. We have many organizers, but few agonizers; many players and payers, few pray-ers; many singers, few clingers; lots of pastors, few wrestlers; many fears, few tears; much fashion, little passion; many interferers, few intercessors; many writers, but few fighters. Failing here, we fail everywhere.

Ravenhill always had a way with words, however his point is clear, someone who doesn’t have a strong spiritual life, probably has a weak prayer life. As the Apostle Paul says here “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit” We need the Holy Spirit also, we can’t expect to understand God or want a relationship with him unless we are Born Again.  The natural man doesn’t understand the things of God (1 Corinthians 2:14)

Paul also insisted on praying for the saint (Christians) and hoping they would pray for him also. We should be actively praying for one another daily, praying for your family, praying for your children, praying for your Church, praying for your Pastor, there should never be no enough people to pray for. Pray for your community and neighbors, that the Holy Spirit will work in their lives and unhardens their hearts to hear the gospel. Instead of Christians arguing and fighting with each other, pray for one another, allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us during our daily walk

When we examine Jesus’ ministry on Earth, prayer was an essential part of his life. Often The Lord would get alone and spend time praying with our Heavenly Father. This should be the model of our lives. No matter how busy our lives become, we always need to find time alone with God. We need to pour out our hearts to The Lord so God will pour out the Holy Spirit on us, Amen!

Ephesians 6- Armor of God

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Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:10-13

The Armor of God is one of Pauls classic teachings that almost everyone remembers from Sunday School. Paul is introducing the spiritual warfare we will face as Christians on a daily basis. This is more practical spiritual advice that we all can take and apply it to our daily lives and walk with Christ. If we don’t put on the Armor of God, we are really opening ourselves up for demonic attacks, which is what you really see in society today

“Put on the Armor of God, so you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” Notice without the Armor of God, you won’t be able to stand against the demons. Without the Word of God as your sword, without the Holy Spirit living inside of you, you are opening yourself up for demonic attacks and schemes that will destroy your life and eventually your soul

“We don’t wrestle with flesh and bone, but against the principalities and powers of darkness” We are all fighting a spiritual warfare, you are not just fighting against your enemies or maybe your health problems, you are fighting against demonic forces that have orchestrated this attack on you. You need to realize, you will not win this fight on your own, the only way to victory is Jesus Christ, the Lord over all things including Satan and demons. 

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:  Ephesians 6:14-17

What are some things we can learn from Paul’s analogies? You need the shield of faith, meaning you need to have strong faith in Christ so when the demonic attacks come, you will be able to withstand them. Without faith, when the arrows of Satan come after you, you will fall away and be devoured. Put your faith in Christ, your rock and foundation, then you will be able to stand against anything in this world

Secondly , you need your swordy, the Word of God. You can never go to battle without being equipped with your spiritual sword, the Bible. Without your sword you will be quickly destroyed by the lies and deception of Satan. However when you have your sword of truth, the Word of God, you can stand against any form of evilness and rebuke them in Jesus name!

Don’t go anywhere without your Armor of God, build your faith, pray without ceasing, study the Word of God and be filled with the Holy Spirit, Amen!

Ephesians 6- Slaves and Masters

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Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. Ephesians 6:5-9

Today we look at passages that are considered controversial today, mainly because it’s a misunderstanding from the Greek to English language and a lack of understanding of the context of the scriptures. Many Atheists and skeptics will jump on these scriptures to say “Aha, the Bible is racist” or insist Paul is promoting slavery as we known it from a Western culture. However taking a deeper look and doing a little bit of research, you will find that its not the case here at all

The original Greek word here is “Doulos” this word can be translated as slave but also translated a “bondservant” which is the way the NKJV translated it “Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ;” (Ephesians 6:5 (NKJV) When translated to bondservant , it gives the context a total different meaning to this teaching.

In Roman times, the term bondservant or slave could refer to someone who voluntarily served others (gotquestions.org)  A bondservant was someone who voluntarily served others, much like an employment agreement we have today. In today’s world , a company recruits you for work, you agree to their terms, and you have an agreement to be their employee.Technically you then have a master/servant relationship.  This was the same relationship with a bondservant and a master in the first century. Paul is not talking about slavery as we know it from a Western cultural perspective

Now to understand the principle Paul is teaching here “Serve with good will, as to The Lord and not man” (v7) Whatever we do in life, we should do it for the glory of God. If you are working a job, you should do your best with honesty and integrity, as to represent Christ. Maybe you have a bad boss, or maybe you hate your job, you should still do your best as if you are working for The Lord Jesus Christ himself

This goes the same for “Masters” or employers/businesses. If you are a business owner or manager, you should treat your employees with the love of Christ. You should operate and conduct your business with integrity as Jesus Christ is your Lord. While these scriptures are usually taken out of context in today’s society, there are great principles here that we can apply to our daily lives Amen!

Ephesians 6- Foundation of The Family Part 3

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Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Ephesians 6:1-4

Previously we looked at the roles of the wife and the husband, in the covenant of God. Today we look at the role of the children, now it may seem obvious or common sense that children should obey their parents, however we are living in the last days and I’ll explain in more detail later.

Now just as we talked about, if a Husband is a man of God and actually loves his wife as Christ loves the Church, then it would probably be easier for a wife to respect her husband. However as we see many Godless marriages and many men who have failed their roles as Husband and Father, we see alot of broken homes and marriages.

This is the same with the Children, kids are more likely to obey their parents if they truly love and respect them. However most parents raised their children in a Godless and broken home, therefore the love and respect is non existent. We can’t expect Children to have morals if the parents don’t lay down the moral foundation first. How do the parents lay down a moral foundation? The foundation for a marriage and a family needs to be built on Christ

Jesus said “Whoever hears my words and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24) The family who builds their marriage on Christ is building it on the rock, a solid foundation. However a husband and wife who are building their life without Christ, is building a foundation on sand, and when the storms of life come in, their entire house will collapse. It all starts with the covenant of Marriage being built on Christ

1But know this, that in the last days [a]perilous times will come: 2For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3unloving, [b]unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 3:1-7)

Notice what Paul says here, in the last days we will see an increase in children being disobedient to parents, unthankful, unloving, without self control, unholy, ect. Doesn’t this describe most households today? We are living probably in the most Godless generation in history, the foundation of the family has been cracked and crumbling, because the Men of God have abandoned their positions with Christ

The only way to fix our families is to fix ourselves first. We must all come to Christ, repent and become Born Again! Build the foundation of your marriage and family on Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, Amen!