Jesus said the second greatest of all the commandments is to love thy neighbor. He taught that we are to love even our enemies. Divine love, or charity, is greater than both hope and faith – Paul so taught. We can sometimes love our enemies better than we love our own spouse. Those whom ought to be the closest to us, those who promised and swore before God to love and cherish us, are sometimes the ones we love the least. Little children, such things ought not to be.

Hate springs quickly from the human heart. It doesn’t have to be taught. Whenever we are provoked, hatred rises up. But love isn’t that way. Love never springs up instantly. Nobody “falls” in love. Infatuation and lust are quick to appear, but not true love. Love is not an unbidden natural response. It is something that must be acquired. It must be pursued, sought for, and attained.

It is really sad when a wife says, “I don’t love you,” to her husband. It is just as sad when a husband tells his wife that he never did love her. Sometimes one will say that they made a mistake, and married the wrong person. Those statements are supposed to be offensive – inflicting hurt on the other party. But in truth, they are an admission of failure.

The person who says that is really admitting that he or she didn’t learn to love their spouse. The Christian thing to do is to learn to love people – even your enemies. If you haven’t acquired love for your spouse, then you haven’t acted as a Christian. Please let me state this without you being insulted: If you don’t love your spouse, you are admitting you have failed to live as a Christian.

There is a common misconception in society. It is not only common, but dangerous. Society thinks love is an emotion. It is not. It certainly has emotional contexts and connotations, but love is not an emotion. It is a decision. You decide to love someone. If you say to your wife, “I don’t love you;” you are saying you have decided not to love her. How does that statement compare with the truth of Scripture?

I John 4:20 asks, how can you love God, and not love your brother or sister? Can you love God and not love your spouse? Let’s look closer at some of the verses alluded to earlier. This is God’s Word, and it is for us to implement in our lives. We are to keep His Commandments.

In Matthew 22:34-40, Jesus was asked what was the greatest commandment. It was an interesting question. We already know the answer, so the question doesn’t stump us today. But it was a hot issue in Jesus’ time. Some said circumcision was the greatest commandment, because it set God’s people apart from the world. Others said the Sabbath, as no other people had a day of rest. Still others said the sacrifices and ceremonies of the law were the greatest, for they covered the sins of the people. The Jews were divided into camps, each declaring they knew what was the greatest commandment. They tempted Jesus to take sides in this debate.

Jesus said love was the greatest commandment. If Jesus had said one of the other commandments, He would have been rejected by those who held that their particular opinion was the right one. But He rose above the debate to give the true answer – one all sides had overlooked. My topic is marriage here. In the midst of debates and arguments in the home, somebody has to rise up above the din and implement the greatest commandment. Your spouse is your neighbor. Love your neighbor.

Jesus said to love God, and your neighbor. It is easy to love God. He is good all the time. He doesn’t get on our nerves. He doesn’t yell at us. He is always loveable. Loving your marriage partner, well that isn’t always easy. But he or she is your neighbor.

Think about it. How can we love God? He is so different from us. He is a Spirit; we are flesh. He is sinless; we are thoroughly infused with sin. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts, as far as the heaven is above the earth. He is eternal; and we are temporal. He is unlimited; we are beset with limitations. We are not much like God. How can we love Him? Yet we do.

If we can love God when we are so different from God, how much easier should it be to love another human being, the one you married? We have many more similarities with our spouse than we do with our God. We are both flesh and blood; we live side-by-side with them. They are much more like us than our God is. Can we decide to love them?

Matthew 5:43-44 is where Jesus told His followers that they cannot just love neighbors; He said to love your enemies. This again proves that love is not an emotion. Nobody naturally “feels” like loving an enemy. You have to decide to love them – despite what they have done or are doing to you. It is the Christian thing to do. If a child of God can decide to love their enemy, why can’t they decide to love their spouse? Is their spouse their enemy? It doesn’t matter whether they are or are not. Our only response to them is to love them. What if they don’t love me back? It doesn’t matter. Your enemies probably won’t love you back either, but you are still to love them. Remember, love is a decision.

Too many people are confused. They have been told that love is a many-splendored thing. They think they fall in love. They think love is over when the “spark” is gone. They feel love is some giddy, emotional attachment. They are wrong. Love can have wonderful emotions connected with it. But the decision to love is not an emotional decision. It is a choice. If you base your choice of who to love on emotions, you are going to have a lot of trouble in life. Base your decisions on higher things than emotions – duty, commitment, responsibility, service, and such noble criteria.

God’s Word commands in Colossians 3:19: husbands, love your wives. It teaches in Titus 2:4 that wives are to love their husbands. These are not biblical suggestions. This isn’t optional. This is the Word of God for your life. If you are married, decide to love your spouse. Decide right now. Whether you feel like it or not, choose to love the person you swore before God that you would cherish and honor in sickness and in health, till death.

There are many things I intend to cover in subsequent articles about Christian marriage. I remind you that the purpose behind it is to demonstrate the love of God for His people. Marriage is designed to make you holy; even more than it is designed to make you happy. I have biblical guidelines to present later in this series that will improve your marriage. But the number one step in this is to choose to love your spouse. That choice means it doesn’t matter what he or she does. It doesn’t matter whether they are nice to you. It doesn’t matter whether physical relations are good or absent. Love is constant and abiding. Love is deliberate. You are supposed to love your wife. You are supposed to love your husband.

Deuteronomy 24:5 is a very interesting scripture. A newlywed husband was to spend the first year of marriage working to cheer his wife. During that time, he could not even go to war. This command was given when the children of Israel were a warrior nation. They were about to conquer Canaan. For most of the Old Testament era, Israel needed soldiers to fight in real battles. But here was a commandment forbidding young soldiers from fighting for a year after getting married. Why? God was telling newlyweds to work on making each other happy. The marriage relationship needed to be started on a good foundation. Separation necessary for warfare was not good for building a life together. So no war for one year.

Since this is a commandment of God, it is reasonable to assume that making your marital partner happy pleases God. Our Lord cares whether you have a good marriage or not. He made provision in His law when able-bodied men were needed on the front lines of the battles. He is concerned that we have the opportunity to be happily married.

We don’t fight those kinds of physical wars in the body of Christ today. But the principle might still have validity. We are still to work at making our spouse happy. We may not have done it as well as we should have in the first year of marriage, but it isn’t too late. We can still dedicate time and effort, not to please ourselves, but to make our wife or husband happy. This requires daily sacrifice. To really live you must die. To receive, you must give. To be loved, you must love. It isn’t easy. We are mistaken if we think it should be easy. It is sometimes hard to love someone. But it is your Christian duty, and the commitment you have made. It pleases God when you love one of His children.

There are many more scriptures about love and loving others. The Bible is a book about love. We don’t have the time or space to cover them all. But let’s look again at one more. I John 4:20-21 says: “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.” So as a Christian you must love your brother – even if he is your husband. Again, this is not a suggestion; it is a biblical command.

Remember, marriage shows us that we are called to yield at times to another, to find joy, happiness and fulfillment in giving love to another person. The true beauty in Christianity is in learning how to love. Very few situations test our Christian faith as much as marriage. If we can decide to love in that circumstance, we are demonstrating true love. Loving your spouse is a highly-spiritual act.

Shortly after his inauguration, President Obama began to call for the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act – a law defining marriage as between one man and one woman. He immediately nominated pro-homosexual advocates to key government positions, and extended government benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees. He declared June to be “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month,” but refused to observe the National Day of Prayer.

In April 2009, in Ankara, Turkey, U.S. President Barak Obama said America is no longer a Christian nation, but “a nation of citizens who are bound by ideals and a set of values.” Sadly, he’s right. But when we divorce our values and ideals from the Word of God and the eternal principles of godliness, then they are based only on the whims of fallen, degenerate man. What we perceive in our own minds to be right and just, may be wrong and unjust when compared to the standard of the Bible. How does our society measure right and wrong when we compare it to no fixed standard? Homosexuality used to be wrong but not anymore. Gay marriage used to be abominable, but now is enshrined with legal sanction. Adultery formerly merited condemnation; now it is overlooked – in governors, even presidents. Divorce, and especially multiple divorces, was once considered a shame; now it is accepted as normal.

Our country was once tremendously blessed because our values were originally derived from biblical principles. Now our values are not fixed; they are flexible and are based only on human opinion. Yes, we are no longer a Christian nation. Our president spoke the truth in Turkey. An article in the April 10, 2009 issue of Human Events referred to a recent Newsweek public opinion poll which found that 62% of Americans do not think of America as a Christian nation. That is approaching a 2/3 majority. Yet Psalms 9:17 says that the nations that forget God will be turned into hell.

All you have to do is to look around. The moral fabric of our society is frayed. Most people do not realize it, but our society is not wholesome. It is not a good environment to raise children. Our young people are constantly bombarded with the message that non-marital sex is fun and healthy; that immoral lifestyles are not only acceptable, but equal to or better than biblical families; that material gain and pleasure are the only important goals in life.

Divorce, sex outside of marriage between a man and woman, excessive consumption of alcohol and drugs, uncontrolled spending and spiraling debt, and disregard for all forms of authority are rampant. Lazy and irresponsible children are growing up into lazy and irresponsible adults. The Apostle Paul in I Corinthians 13:11 said that when he became a man, he put away childish things. People aren’t doing that in our society. Adults spend money they cannot afford to buy themselves toys.

Rather than just go on a tirade about the moral breakdown of our society, I’d like to point out how we got here. There are numerous factors that led to the breakdown. Maybe if we understand them, we can be alert to prevent them from entering into our culture. American society is abandoning biblical morality at an ever-increasing speed. How did this happen? What factors led to this condition? There are several.

1. A Massive Shift of Cultural, Personal, and Sexual Values.

An earthquake occurs when there is a shift in the tectonic plates beneath the earth’s surface. But modern dictionaries say that a secondary definition of earthquake is a disruptive event; an event that causes an upheaval in society, politics, or somebody’s life. Our society suffered a massive cultural earthquake beginning in the mid-1960s. A generation came on the scene that was very different from the preceding generations that grew up in the 1940s or the 1950s. This new generation felt they needed to challenge everything, to question authority, to glory in personal choice. Self-fulfillment became more important than sacrifice. In fact, society devalued self-sacrifice, restraint, authority figures, etc.

Examples abound, but I cannot take the time to list them. Our society fulfilled Isaiah 53:6; we have all turned after our own ways. In changing the mores and morals of our world, we have removed the ancient landmarks. See Proverbs 22:28. Some do that. See Job 24:2. Because we are living in the last days, it should be no surprise that Paul’s prophecy in II Timothy 3:2 has come to pass. People today are lovers of their own selves. But in the Body of Christ we don’t live that philosophy. Romans 15:1 teaches us that we ought not to please ourselves.

Perhaps one of the worst aspects of our society is the damnable attitude that exists. An attitude of rebellion is prevalent in our society. You see it in the very clothing and piercings and tattooing of the world. You see it in their approach to life. Rebellion against authority is prevalent in the present, evil world. Remember that your attitude is the determining factor in the blessings of God on your life – both now and in the coming millennial kingdom.

There are other wrong attitudes in society. First, there is the “I don’t care” attitude. This was Cain’s attitude about murder. When asked about his brother, he basically said “I don’t know and I don’t care.” He did know; but he didn’t care. This attitude is seen when people hear what the Bible says about how they should live their lives, how they should dress, how they should act, and they deliberately decide to ignore God’s Word. “I don’t care what the preacher says; this is what I am going to do!” Four times in Exodus, and three times in Deuteronomy, the Lord through Moses called the children of Israel “stiffnecked.” That is, they would not bow their heads to God. They did not acknowledge His lordship. They knew the commandments, but they chose not to obey. In II Chronicles 30:8, Hezekiah was told: don’t be stiffnecked, but yield.

Second, there is the “it’s just a matter of opinion” attitude. This denies that there is any real difference between truth and falsehood. Everything is relative. One man’s truth is another man’s error. “Maybe it is wrong for you, but I don’t see anything wrong in it for me.” “What is true for you might not be true for me.” “If I don’t feel bad, it must not be wrong.” But Christian truth is objective, never-changing and unshakeable. The Bible says that homosexual conduct is sin. That is not a matter of opinion. It is a matter of unchanging truth. Men should have short hair; women should have long hair. Men should dress in men’s apparel, and women should dress in women’s apparel. Those are not opinions. Your opinion or society’s opinion does not matter.

Malachi 3:6 states the eternal verity that God does not change. And in Deuteronomy 32:4, God is truth. Isaiah 65:16 twice calls Him a God of truth. Since God never changes, then truth never changes. Truth is not just a matter of opinion. And even if the issue is, somehow, a matter of opinion, you would still be better off if you submitted. If the pastor is wrong in preaching against lipstick, miniskirts or whatever, you would lose nothing by submitting. In fact, you would gain. Your meek and submissive spirit is something God will bless. It isn’t the end of the world if you don’t do something the pastor preaches against. Mere submission for the sake of crucifying your spirit is a good thing.

Finally, there is the “I’m too busy” attitude. This is when people think they are too busy to do right, to serve God, or to work for Him. We live in a very fast-paced, hectic world. But people always find time to do the things that are important to them. People who are too busy to come to church, or to work in the church departments, are really saying that these things are just not that important to them.

If you are too busy to spend time in prayer and meditation, if you are too busy to read your Bible daily, if you are too busy to help your brother or your sister, then you need to re-evaluate your life. How much time do you waste in front of a TV, or a computer, or with mindless games? If people would devote just half of that time to Bible reading and prayer, we’d have a greater church. The things you have to do always expand to fill all of your available time. Rare is the person who truly has disposable time on their hands. Most of us have to make time for the things that truly are necessary. Titus 3:14 proclaims we should be doing good works for necessary purposes. There are other rebellious attitudes that are wrong, but we need to move on.

2. The Development of Disposable Marriages

Our society has accepted polygamy. Men and women now can have multiple spouses – instead of several at once, we now have them one at a time. Divorce one spouse and marry another. It is serial polygamy. Divorce rates are now nearly 50% of all first-time marriages- higher for second, third, and fourth marriages. And born-again Christians have a divorce rate equal to or higher than the population at large.

People think nothing of divorce anymore. Yes, there are biblical grounds for divorce, but it is because of sin. Most divorces are not because of biblical grounds. Marriage is supposed to be a life-long covenant. People don’t see it that way anymore. They swear “till death do us part,” but they part whenever things don’t go well in the home. Since the mid-1960s, the divorce rate has more than doubled; out-of-wedlock births have skyrocketed from one in twenty to one in three; the percentage of single-parent homes has more than tripled; the number of couples cohabiting without marriage has increased more than elevenfold; and there is an increasing phenomenon of fathers deserting their wives and children without any negative consequences.

Divorce is a bad thing. In true abuse, or in a situation where there has been adultery, divorce may be the best option. But divorce just because you aren’t in love anymore is not biblical. Here are six reasons why I am against the concept of disposable marriages:

• A. God hates divorce. Malachi 2:16. That, my friends, is truth.
• B. You are breaking a solemn vow you made before God and human witnesses. The Bible forbids us breaking any vow – especially one made before God. Ecclesiastes 5:4.
• C. It doesn’t bring happiness. In general, people who divorce and remarry are no happier than they were in their first marriage. The divorce rate for second marriages is higher than for first marriages.
• D. Divorce is hard on both spouses; but especially hard on the wife. Almost all divorced women have a lower standard of living than they had while married.
• E. Most couples would be better off if they stayed married. Studies have shown that 86% of couples who decided to “stick it out” rather than divorce were happy that they did so after five years. Nearly 75% of them went from “very unhappy” to “very happy” with their marriage in the same time frame. Permanent marital unhappiness is very rare among couples who decide to stay together.
• F. Divorce is very hard on the children. In divorce, adults put their own needs and happiness above the needs of their minor children. No self-sacrifice for others. The immature children need a mom and a dad. Single parent homes are not better. Step-parents rarely are better parents than the natural parents.
  This generation, perhaps more than any other in history, has eyes full of adultery. II Peter 2:14. But Proverbs 5:15-18 says you can and should be satisfied with the spouse God gave you. Jesus told us in Matthew 19:6 that God has joined them together. The Apostle Paul commands in I Corinthians 7:10-11: don’t depart from your spouse.

3. Feminism and the Sexual Revolution

The feminist movement and the sexual revolution are a deliberate attack on the nuclear family. It is a satanic attempt to overthrow God’s order. God’s Word says in I Corinthians 11:3 that the husband is the head of the wife. Ephesians 5:23-25 describes a godly home. The feminist agenda has done some good, and provided some equality in areas where the disparity was unjust. But overall, the program has undermined God’s plan for the family home.

The sexual revolution has destroyed more marriages than any other movement in the history of mankind. Adultery and fornication are rampant in our society. The sanctity of marriage is flaunted. Television, fashion designers, advertising and other image-makers glorify sexuality. II Pet 2:14 (again). Perhaps more than any other society before ours, we have eyes full of adultery. Provocative clothing is designed to incite lusts. Women now actually dress in certain ways to display their bodies and cause men to lust after them. But Jesus taught in Matthew 5:28, if you look to lust, you have already committed adultery in your heart. Formerly, prostitutes dressed in a way that identified them. See Proverbs 7:10. But today, lust-inciting attire is no longer just worn by harlots.

Modern society has movies, magazines and websites designed to foster adultery in the heart. We live in a lust-driven world. Today, mankind can commit “virtual adultery.” A man and woman can commit adultery over the phone. Worse yet, a man can commit adultery over a digital image. It isn’t real, it is merely pixels of light, but a man lusts after that electronic image.

Not all adultery and fornication is confined to the hearts. This society is promiscuous. Adultery in the heart is not far from adultery in the flesh. The Decalogue says, thou shalt not commit adultery. Exodus 20:14. Sex outside of marriage is wrong and dangerous. Proverbs 6:24-29. We cannot allow this perverseness to enter the church. Pornography and adultery are sins, and are never right. You cannot ever justify such conduct. Don’t let the devil try to do so. The human mind has an amazing ability to convince itself that something is not wrong – when we know it really is. But there is never any justification for sin.

Sisters, please don’t dress in provocative ways. This includes clothes that cover enough, but are so tight as to leave little to the imagination. What does this say about you if you have a carnal desire to excite men, or if you are not smart enough to know that your attire does excite men.

4. Two-Wage Earner Families

In our affluent society, it is hard to get by without two incomes. Mom needs to work outside the home to pay for the second car, the frequent vacations, the fancy clothes, and the house that is more than Dad can afford on his own. Credit card debt is so high that if Mom didn’t work, bankruptcy would be the only option.

But it shouldn’t be this way. Mom should not be working outside the home when her children are small. Daycare, even babysitting by relatives, is not as good as having Mom there to love and care for her small children. I Timothy 5:14 says that young women are to marry, bear children and guide the home. It is not wrong to have more money; but it is wrong to be chasing more money at the cost of neglecting duties in the home. A woman who has her own career, her own income, her financial independence, oftentimes is tempted to be unsubmissive to her husband. After all, if the wife brings in half of the income, she feels she can control how it is spent. I don’t mean that wives are doormats and the husband is the dictator. But a wife who is the boss on the job is often tempted to be the boss at home. There are a host of temptations and problems resulting from the two-earner home.

The circumstances may be different for a couple with no children, although there was a time when the wife stayed home, even if she wasn’t a mom. She then had time to come over to church and clean, to pray, to keep the house, to volunteer in church or civic activities. But generally, there is nothing wrong with married wives with no small children at home to be working. The concern is the trend in society for moms with kids to be employed outside the home full time. This produces latch-key children, kids raised in day-care, and a lack of the close family unit that God intended.

Perhaps, if her children are in school, she could work “mother’s hours”, but she should be there in the home when the children are home. Years ago, parents began relying on the one-eyed babysitter – the TV. Today it has been supplemented by the internet, video games and cell phone – all to the detriment of the young minds that are in need of being molded into godliness.

Parents can give their children expensive gifts, and they do. Most modern children have so many toys that you can’t walk through their rooms. Were children any less happy and fulfilled years ago when they had only a few toys? But the most important thing a parent can give children is time. Time working together, talking together and playing together is far more valuable than expensive toys and gadgets. Too many children are left to themselves. Proverbs 29:15 warns that they will bring shame to their parents. Read Proverbs 31 if you want to see the ideal setting for the home.

5. Single-Parent Homes

Of course, a single parent home is sometimes unavoidable. Sometimes a spouse dies; other times there is a genuine biblical basis for a divorce. But this situation is never ideal. The rapidly increasing number of single parent homes has helped to undermine the moral foundation of our society. Beyond any reasonable question, it is better to have both mom and dad in the home.

Paul’s writings in Colossians 3:18-21 shows that a family includes mom, dad, and the children. Proverbs 1:8 demonstrates that children need instruction and discipline from both parents. Adam said in Genesis 2:24 that the husband is to cleave to the wife. The Hebrew word is dabaq, meaning to cling or adhere to each other.

In the last 35 years, the number of independent female households has increased by 65%. In the same time, the number of independent male households has increased by 120%. Many of these homes involve a mother trying to raise a family. She has to function as both parents because the father is not around, or only sees his children on scheduled visitations.

Sometimes it is a single dad, but most single parent homes do not have a father. Children grow up without a proper male role model. Children in those homes frequently have problems upon reaching adulthood. They don’t know how to love a spouse, because they haven’t seen their parent love a spouse. Divorce puts the children in the awkward position of pawns in a power play between parents who no longer love each other. Children of divorce often blame themselves for their parents’ failures. You can survive with one parent, just as you can survive with one leg or with one arm, but it is better to have both.

6. The Mass Media

The news agencies – newspapers, the network news, magazines, CNN, and so many others do not just report facts. They shape the consciousness of our society. Most news agencies have determined that conservative Christianity is a threat, that abortion is right, that homosexuality is acceptable, and they are working to inculcate that mindset into society. Movies, TV, blogsites and more are actually changing the views and values of the American society. The media have extraordinary power to alter attitudes and to shape moral sensibilities. Biased in favor of extreme liberal causes, the news and entertainment industry is re-forming this nation it its own image. In Numbers 13:32, reporters brought an evil report and influenced public opinion.

But I am not just talking about newspapers and CNN. I include the music industry here. I know every older generation has condemned the music of the younger generation – it has happened for decades. But nonetheless, the modern music industry promotes filthy language, advocates meaningless sex and violence, and contains counter-pulsating rhythms and beats that promote sensuality and nervous agitation.

The entertainment industry, those prolific producers of TV shows and movies, are re-shaping society. Cohabitation by unmarried couples is presented as normal and acceptable on the large and small screen. The playboy lifestyle is shown to be glamorous and desirable. Graphic violence, nudity, false realities and mind-numbing inane comedies are the daily fare of most Americans. Sure, everybody loves Raymond, but do we want our children growing up thinking Dad is a bumbling idiot, while Mom is the only sensible one in the family?

What effect are video games having? Yes, I know you can play non-violent games like golf and basketball. But how much exercise do you get? We are turning into a nation of couch potatoes with excellent range of motion in our thumbs. And many video games glorify violence, murder, mayhem, and fantasies that are far removed from real life.

7. Addictive Behaviors and Substances

People in today’s society are addicted to all kinds of substances: alcohol, drugs, porn, energy drinks, coffee, etc. Alcohol addiction was present throughout history. Noah got drunk after seeing the devastating effects of the Flood. Proverbs 20:1 says that wine is a mocker, and deceptive. When you are addicted to something, you are the slave and the habit is the master. It is that way with cigarettes, with alcohol, with pornography, with anything.

In I Corinthians 6:12, Paul said he refused to be brought under the power of anything. We are to be submitted slaves of God. No habit should be our master. We have a Master in heaven. No one can serve two masters.

8. The Blurring of the Distinction between the Sexes

From the beginning, God intended a separation between men and women. Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Modern society, however, is constantly blurring the distinction between the sexes – something that has never been done at any time in history. Now, women make up a very important part of our military. Historically, this was not the case. There are women professional wrestlers, etc. It is hard to think of any job that is a man’s job, or one that is a woman’s job.

Today there is little difference in the clothes of men and women. A woman’s pants look much like a man’s pants. Women might wear different colored pants, but the basic shape is the same. Today there is often very little difference in hairstyles. Many times you cannot tell if a person is a man or a woman just by the length of their hair. And you cannot always tell by their actions. There are effeminate men and masculine women. It has not been this way at any point in human history. And of course, for the first time in American history, several American states now recognize homosexual marriage.

What does the Bible say? Deuteronomy 22:5 requires a distinction between the sexes based upon apparel. I Corinthians 11:14-15 requires a distinction based upon hair length. And I Corinthians 6:9 requires a distinction based upon masculine/effeminate actions.

9. Godless Public Education

In the early 1960s, the U.S. Supreme Court outlawed prayer, and then Bible-reading in the public schools. Since that time, it seems that the public school system has become the cage of every unclean and hateful bird. Public morality has been undermined by the teaching of sex education, the promotion of homosexuality as an alternate lifestyle, the faith-destroying theory of evolution, and more. Public schools have been used to indoctrinate the children of America in godless attitudes, and the results have not been good.

Compare the attitudes, generally, of high school graduates from the 1950s and mid-1960s to those of today. Which group was more polite? Which was more respectful of the person and property of others? Which has more faith? Which has more drug problems, teenaged alcohol consumption, and unmarried sex? Public education has produced the type of generation that is soundly condemned in Proverbs 30:11-14.

The Christian school movement, and home schooling for those parents who can’t afford a Christian school, arose in response to the godlessness of public education. Children need a good education to survive in this society. Throughout history, schools were established to provide education. David wrote in Psalms 119 that he had more understanding than all his teachers. Paul wrote of tutors and governors. Jesus likely went to school at the synagogue in Nazareth. Churches established the first schools in America.

Public education started as a benefactor to parents over 100 years ago. The government taxed parents to pay for teachers and buildings. It all seemed so good at first, but the lamb-like system grew up to be a dragon. Now it devours children, and warps them into young adults who have been indoctrinated into pre-determined thought patterns.

10. An Extraordinarily Affluent Society

Our society has been affected by our extraordinary affluence. The poorest among us is profoundly rich by the standard of history. Kings of old could not imagine the luxury of electricity, running water, refrigerators, microwaves, full pantries, central heat and air conditioning, modern healthcare, and such. The possession of “things” is the modern panacea. Americans tend to believe that owning more goods and toys is the sure route to happiness. But there are dangers.

Deuteronomy 6:10-13 provides a warning of the danger of prosperity; you might forget God. See also Deuteronomy 8:7-14 and Proverbs 30:8-9. Our Savior taught that life does not consist of possessions. Luke 12:15. James 4:2-4 says, don’t seek things to consume in your fleshly desires.

Covetousness is a violation of the Tenth Commandment. But covetousness can creep into the church. I Timothy 6:5-6 declares that gain is not godliness. Ecclesiastes 4:6 establishes the truth that little, with peace, is better than lots, with trouble. “Things” will not satisfy. Ecclesiastes 5:10. Acquisitions, devices, gadgets, fine clothes, homes and cars will not give peace of mind. True peace only comes through your relationship with the Prince of Peace.

11. Narcissism

This is a “me” generation. Christians need to be reminded that life is not all about us; instead it is all about Jesus Christ. He is the Master; we are the servants. We are not to be the center of our own universe. But the perverseness of our society centers on pleasing ourselves.

In Greek mythology, Narcissus was the stunningly handsome son of a river goddess who fell hopelessly in love with his own beautiful face as he saw it reflected in a pool. As he gazed in fascination, unable to remove himself from his image, he gradually pined away until he starved to death. Since then, a person in love with himself has been called a Narcissist.

II Timothy 3:2 warns that in the last days, men shall be lovers of their own selves. They will be narcissists. This world is very narcissistic. It has undermined the moral fabric of society. Self-sacrifice is not considered a virtue. Everybody is out for themselves. No one sacrifices for the good of others. Even parents draw back from sacrificing for the good of their children. Spouses won’t sacrifice for the good of the marriage. “What’s in it for me” is the mantra of the modern generation. This is seen even in all the blogging, twitter, etc. People cannot stop talking about themselves. They want everyone to know all about them and their lives. I realize blogging and twitter can be used for noble purposes, and I am not condemning that. I am against the narcissistic idea that everybody needs to know what you are doing all the time.

There is so much idolatry in our world. That idea may seem strange, but modern society is full of idolatry. Maybe we don’t worship statues and pagan deities, but we might think we are cool, popular, or acceptable, if we wear certain designer labels on our clothes. Movie heroes, sports stars, and even dead saints like Michael Jackson are the idols of the current world. Colossians 3:5 says that self-centeredness is idolatry. This generation is probably the most self-centered society the world has ever seen. Such a focus on ourselves, not caring about others, is a form of idolatry.

Charity cares for others; self-love (narcissism) is all about gratifying our own desires. Our society’s massive personal debt is a testimony to self-obsession. We buy what we cannot afford, because we want it and we are unable to deny ourselves. The billions spent each year on cosmetics, designer clothing, entertainment, and other nonessentials is further proof of our self-obsessed age. We have become as self-obsessed as Nabal. See I Samuel 25:11.

Remember, it is not all about you; it is all about Him. If you approach life with a “what’s in it for me?” attitude, you will never find the peace and contentment you are looking for. Satan offered the crown without the cross to Jesus. Jesus wisely rejected the offer. Anyone who expects blessings without suffering is falling to the devil’s tactics. But if we suffer for Him, we will reign with Him. II Timothy 2:12. Our greatest blessings come through service. Peace is not found in things; but true contentment comes from being useful and helpful. Galatians 5:13 says, by love, serve one another.

12. Rebellious Independence/ Individualism

It seems that no one wants to “bend and blend” anymore. Especially among the younger generation, blending is not cool; standing out as an individual is much more cool. People are unwilling to compromise (which can be good or can be bad). They do not want to change. They are convinced that they are ok as they are, and refuse to believe they really need to make significant changes in their lives and their world-view. Like the evil people mentioned in Psalms 55:19, they have no changes.

For many years, adults have been worried that young Christians would stray from the straight and narrow path because of “peer pressure”. That’s not as big of an issue with the emergent generation (those under 30 years of age). They are relatively immune to peer pressure – for good or evil. Their psyche tells them its ok to be different. It’s cool to stand out. Nobody has the right to influence you to dress or to act in a certain way.

There is a certain obstinacy that has been embraced by society. We honor those who go against the norm, who march to the beat of a different drummer. People make an individualistic statement by their lifestyle – how they dress, how they act, etc. You see it in multiple tattoos and excessive body piercings. You see it in the Gothic dress and make-up of many young people, etc.

This individualism is not good. It goes too far. People are not willing to commit themselves to a goal, to build a dream, to further the work of the Lord. They aren’t even willing to commit to a marriage. The median age for a first marriage in 1970 was 21 years old for women and 23 years old for men. Today it is 26 for women and 28 for men – the highest it has been since the US Census Bureau was been keeping records.

People are already very individualistic and “set in their ways” by the time they get married. They promise till death do us part, but they aren’t committed. When trouble comes, as it always does in marriage, they cut and run. Space limitations forbid the quoting of many scriptures, but this attitude is damaging. We need to lose our independence because we are forming a body. Romans 10:12 says, in honor, preferring one another. And I Corinthians 12:12 speaks of many members; but only one body.

We are not to succumb to the evils of the society around us. Israel did during the time of the judges and kings. The devil paints the world in vivid, enticing colors. But it is all an allusion. In reality, the world is dull and drab, and wicked and cruel. We must focus on serving the Lord.

One of those positive outcomes has been that Americans are spending less and saving more. In fact, many economists are concerned that we may never return to the levels of consumer spending that we saw just a few years ago. However, I am not nearly as optimistic. America is a nation of consumers and it’s not likely that even the worst recession since the Great Depression will change our spending habits for long. However, it seems that at least in the short term we have shifted our focus from spending to saving.

The average personal savings rate has climbed from 1% at the beginning of 2008 to its current level of slightly more than 3%. That’s certainly an improvement on the negative savings rate that we saw in 2005, when the average American was spending more than they earned. However, that’s still a far cry from the recommended 10-20% savings rates.

Unfortunately, the lack of strong savings habits has further compounded the negative effects of the current recession. Over the past two years, many of the individuals who have lost their jobs or have seen their incomes reduced had minimal savings to fall back on. The failure to save a sufficient portion of their income during the years of prosperity has come back to haunt them as they try to survive this recession.

I believe that the words of Solomon, while uttered 3,000 years ago, are still relevant today, “there is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.” Proverbs 21:20.

So how much of your income should you be saving?

The traditional rule of thumb is to save at least 10% of your income. Obviously this will vary based on many factors, but it’s important to establish a pattern of savings while you are young and then as your income increases you can save even more.

Simply saving whatever is left over at the end of each month is never a good idea, because typically nothing is. A better way to save is to have a certain amount or percentage of your paycheck automatically deposited into a savings account on a regular basis. This way you won’t have to make a decision whether or not to save money each month, because it’s already being done for you.

In order to benefit from a regular savings program, it’s good to have a savings strategy.

Emergency Fund

The first step should be to create an emergency fund for the unplanned, true emergencies that you may encounter. This would typically be $1,000 – $2,000 set aside in a savings account that you can easily get to.

Cash Stash

No matter how much you plan and prepare, there are always expenses that arrive that you didn’t account for. These may not be true emergency items that you would tap your emergency fund for, but they are still expenses that you can’t ignore. Having cash in a savings account that you can draw on will allow you to handle these expenses without incurring the ridiculous interest rates that come from using credit cards.

Safety Net

The third step will be to build out a savings nest that would allow you to survive for 6-9 months in case of a job loss or other major catastrophe. Just a couple of years ago, it seemed like unemployment was a non-issue with the official unemployment rate at 4.4%. Now the unemployment rate has spiked to 10.2% and it’s taking an average of 6 ½ months for unemployed workers to find a new job. If this recession has taught us anything it’s that the prudent man should be prepared.

Retirement Fund

The fourth step in your saving plan should be to invest for your future. Almost everyone has dreams of retirement, but simply relying on Social Security probably won’t allow you to live the lifestyle that you envisioned. While very few companies offer pensions any more, many do offer 401k plans that you can take advantage of. Many of these plans offer company matches on the amount that you contribute. A typical plan includes a 50% company match up to a certain contribution level. This allows you to instantly earn a 50% return on your investment while increasing the total percentage of your income being saved.

In addition to taking advantage of your company’s 401k plan, you should also consider further savings options. Setting up an individual retirement account (IRA) allows you to have greater control over your investment options and further increases your savings rate.

These are simply some of the basics to help you develop an effective savings plan. From here, you could set up further savings options for a vacation fund, college fund, Christmas fund, etc. While many people will soon return to their free spending ways and neglect their savings, the wise individuals will learn from the experiences of this recession and will be better prepared for the next one.

We are a holiness people. There are many facets to holiness. In this series of articles we will be addressing holiness in marriage.

So many marriages are in trouble. Divorce rates are high, even among conservative Christians. God said in Malachi 2:16 that He hates divorce. His law makes provision for it, because of sin. But it is never ideal. It is a means out of a very wicked situation. Yet most divorces in this country are not biblical. People leave because they are not happy.

Yet marriages typically start out happy. The ceremony is joyous. The honeymoon phase is exciting. Newlyweds discover how wonderful it is to set up house, to share, to dream, to scrimp and save. But somewhere down the road, maybe 3 or 5 years, there are disappointments, disagreements, arguments, and such.

In the storybooks and the movies the couple lives happily ever after. But at some point, virtually every married couple discovers they really aren’t very happy. Now they face a crisis. They have been taught that marriage is supposed to be a happy state, but they are not happy. What should they do? Is happiness the goal? Are we supposed to be happy in our marriage? Every day? Most days? Some days? What if we are not happy? What if there are more days that we are not happy than days that are happy days in our marriage?

Our entire purpose and reason for living is to bring glory to God. Does anyone doubt the truth of that statement? We were born to serve the Lord. Let us fix that concept in our minds: we exist to glorify God. I Corinthians 6:20 says we are a bought slave; so we should glorify God in our body and spirit. In John 21:18-19, we learn that by our death to self, we glorify God.

So, if our lives are to bring glory to God, what is the ultimate aim of marriage? Is it procreation? Companionship? Sex? Happiness? What if the ultimate purpose for marriage is not happiness, but rather holiness? We speak of holy matrimony. Jesus said that what God has joined together, let not man part asunder. Matthew 19:6. Children of a godly marriage are holy children; Paul said so in I Corinthians 7:14. God instituted marriage in the Garden of Eden. It is something He gave to mankind. Why did He do it? What if God gave us marriage to make us holy, more than to make us happy?

Romantic love, the stuff of cheap novels and Hollywood movies, was unknown to most of history. There were exceptions, especially among God’s people, but romantic love developed late in the history of mankind. Marriages were for reasons other than love. Song of Solomon provides proof of real love between a husband and wife among the people of God, but that was the exception. Ancient Greeks, Babylonians, Egyptians, Hittites, Romans, barbarians, Goths, nor any other people, married for love. Yet modern Americans believe there can be no marriage without love.

I think it is possible to be deeply, passionately in love with your spouse. Just don’t make the mistake of confusing love with romance. Love can be constant; romance is temporary and fleeting. But if the vital ingredient of love is missing, the marriage is not necessarily over. Do not divorce because you aren’t in love. Let’s look deeply into the Word of God to see what our Lord and Master has to say about the holy estate of matrimony.

Marriage among Christians is supposed to reflect the glory of God. While marriage is very real, it is also highly symbolic. Holy matrimony is a very visible symbol of the relationship between God and His people. Before we can really address how to improve our marriages, we need to all understand the great symbolism our marriages are supposed to demonstrate. Whether we are married or single, we need to understand this point. The Apostle Paul was unmarried, but he understood this important symbol perfectly well.

Hosea 2:16 says, “And it shall be at that day, saith the LORD, that thou shalt call me Ishi; and shalt call me no more Baali.” The center column reference in most Bibles will say that “Ishi” means “my husband;” and that “Baali” means “my master.” Speaking to Israel, God said they would call Him their husband instead of their master. Verse 19 explains why: “I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies.”

There is a big difference between “husband” and “master.” The relationship between God and His people is not one based on fear, and force; but one based upon love, intimacy, trust, loyalty, etc. God wants a relationship like that of a husband and wife; and not like that of a master and slave. How do you view God – as master or as husband?

Isaiah 62:5 tells us that God rejoices over His people like a husband over a bride. In Matthew 9:15, Jesus is described as a bridegroom. I know the bride of Christ is a limited company of 144,000 overcomers, but in some respects, the entire body of Christ is like a bride. This is seen in Revelation 12:1, where the church is a woman, a married woman who is pregnant. In Isaiah 54:1, the church is the married wife.

At one time, God was the spiritual husband of Israel. But in Jeremiah 3:8, we see that God divorced Israel because of her spiritual adultery. When speaking to backslidden Israel in Mark 8:38, Jesus deliberately used “adulterous” to describe them – not because of sexual adultery; but spiritual adultery. The Lord expected a relationship of fidelity and trust between Himself and Israel. But the natural Jews played the harlot spiritually, and He divorced her. He is now married to the church, at least in a symbolic sense.

Why is this important? Because our marriage as members of the church is supposed to demonstrate the relationship between Christ and the church. This is why Paul said after writing about marriage in Ephesians 5:32: “This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” Paul’s writing in Ephesians 5:22-33 demonstrates this relationship between marriage, and Christ and His church.

This is not just an interesting analogy. If you really want to understand how your marriage, or any marriage, is to bring glory to God, you must comprehend this point. God did not create marriage just to give us a pleasant way to populate the earth. Marriage is to point to the loving, caring and close relationship that God wants to have with His own chosen people.

So, does every marriage in this church showcase the loving relationship between Jesus Christ and His own ransomed church? Sadly, no. But our marriages, in the body of Christ, should.

In this and the next few issues of this Newsletter, we will explore marriage, not as just a license for sexual relations, not as just a means to produce offspring, and not as just a vehicle for romance; but as it teaches the world about the love of God. We can either explore God through marriage, or we can emphasize where our spouses are falling short. I’d rather focus on the important principle God wants to be seen in Christian marriage. Let’s not miss the important lessons about our God and His love that we can learn through the divine institution of marriage.

According to II Corinthians 5:9, our goal in everything is to please Him. This concept is unique to true Christians. If you asked 100 random people on the street what their goal in life is, you’d get an amazing array of answers. But for a child of God, the only clear answer is an overwhelming, passionate, driving desire to please God. It wasn’t just Paul’s consuming ambition; he said “we.” It is to be all of our ambitions to please God.

Since this overriding principle applies in every aspect of our lives, then the number one purpose or goal of our marriage is to please God. That is more important than our own happiness, or fulfillment, or sexual pleasure, or raising a family. Some people make their children the central focus of their life; but it isn’t. Pleasing God is. Some make their career or profession the central theme of their life; but it isn’t. Pleasing God is.

The Bible teaches that we don’t live for ourselves; we live for God. “And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.” II Corinthians 5:15. Verses 18-20 state that the ultimate purpose of Christ, and us, is reconciliation between God and man.

That is an amazing concept. Jesus Christ died to reconcile us to God. But He has given to us the ministry of reconciliation. What does that mean, and how does that relate to our marriage? The message of reconciliation is the good news of peace and goodwill. We can’t portray that message in our lives if our marriages are a mess. A godly marriage displays the love and reconciliation that is available through the Gospel.

Mankind has the wrong concept of marriage. They feel they should stay together as long as they are happy, and their comforts, desires and expectations are met. If those things are absent, they feel they can separate and divorce, so they can seek those things outside of their marriage. True Christians stay in a marriage because it brings glory to God and points the world toward a reconciling Savior.

Our marriage cannot contradict our message. We are living epistles. We are witnesses of the reconciling power of God. Staying in a marriage through good times and bad times helps to burnish our witness. If my marriage fails, then I have failed to bring glory to God, and to enhance my testimony to the world. A godly marriage is a dramatic display of the reconciling power of God. If Jesus Christ can bring together sinners and a sinless God, surely Christian marriage can bring together two people of different makeup and backgrounds.

What is our message if we tell the world by divorce and separation that we have decided to stop loving someone? We stopped loving them because, by our standard, they are bad, and not measuring up to our expectations. Would Jesus do that to His church? What is the message when we refuse to serve another person as our spouse? What is our message if we break the solemn vows we made before God at a wedding altar? How can we tell others that God’s promises are secure, when our own promises to love and cherish till death are no good? How can we be the heralds of a coming age of peace, love and tranquility when our personal lives reflect enmity, anger, strife, and separation?

The Word says in Malachi 2:16 that God hates divorce. See verses 14-15. There are true biblical grounds for divorce in limited cases, but we are not dealing with those exceptions to the rule here. We are just presenting the general rule now. There will be another time to present true biblical grounds that apply in rare cases and justify one party seeking to divorce the other – but remember, that is because of sin. Divorce means that one party, and maybe both, have chosen not to live up to the Gospel, and have succumbed to sin. Nothing in a divorce brings glory to God.

Spouses keep their marriage intact for many reasons. One good reason is because staying together will make them happy. That is true in the overwhelming majority of cases. Couples who stick it out for the long haul typically end up happy that they did so after the passing of the years. Statistics show that more than three-fourths of the couples who were very unhappy moved to happy after five years of sticking together. So that is a good reason to stay in a marriage. But it isn’t the best or the most important reason.

Divorce is particularly hard on the children. Children of a stable, two-parent home are far better off than those shuttled back and forth in a custody arrangement, or who are with a single parent, or who are thrust into a situation involving step-parents. So keeping a marriage intact in order to provide a good stable environment for the children is a good reason. But it isn’t the best or the most important reason.

Some spouses keep their marriage intact because they don’t want to force their spouse to have to start over. Women, especially, take an economic hit in divorce. That is a good reason. But it isn’t the best or the most important reason. You can probably think of other reasons.

By far the best, and clearly the most important reason to stay in a marriage is because that is your Christian duty. If you live to glorify God, if your life is a testimony to the grace of God, if you see every aspect of your life as a means to proclaim the message, then you cannot divorce your spouse. Marriages based on this sacred principle are stronger than those based on happiness. Happiness will come, but it isn’t there all the time. If the success of your marriage is based on whether you are happy or not, then there will be many times when you are tempted to destroy that marriage. But if it is based on commitment, and living in a way that brings glory to God, then your marriage is strong enough to withstand almost any storm.

The recent massive rate cuts and economic stimulus package indicates that the government thinks the economy is in worse shape than many had originally expected. While these actions may indeed boost the economy and financial markets in the short-term, over the long-run they may lead to an even worse recession in the future.

One of the primary issues with the current economy is that the average consumer is very highly leveraged. They have taken out home equity loans and racked up high credit card balances to support a lifestyle they couldn’t afford. The sub-prime loan crisis was in large part caused by individuals’ sense of entitlement to houses they couldn’t afford.

The motivation behind the Fed’s recent rate cuts is to make money cheaper by enticing consumers and businesses with lower interest rates. Unfortunately, giving highly-leveraged consumers access to cheaper money may hurt the economy in the long-term as they use cheap debt to continue to fuel a lifestyle they can’t afford.

Greed and indiscretion has led us to this point. Government handouts and cheaper debt won’t correct the situation.

And it goes much deeper than just the housing market. Household spending, consumer debt, financial sector profits – all need a correction to get back to sustainable levels. That’s bad news for investors and the global economy, which still depends heavily on U.S. consumption for growth.

So how can you navigate the current market volatility without losing both your money and your mind? Well, maybe the most important advice is to take a step back and remember that it’s just money. Money should serve you, rather than you serving money. That being said, there are some specific investment strategies you can take to benefit from the current market conditions.

Bear Funds – There are several mutual funds out there which hold “bear” portfolios. These are funds that sell short, buy put options, use leverage, or employ other strategies to increase in value as stocks decrease in value.

Bonds – When the stock market begins to decline, investors often run to the safety of bonds. This ends up driving their prices up and their yields down. Also, the recent Fed rate cuts have also hurt bond yields. A 10-year government bond currently yields around 3.5% while a high-quality corporate bond yields around 5%. So while bonds tend to be much safer than stocks, don’t expect them to deliver spectacular returns.

Defensive Stocks – Defensive stocks are those companies which tend to perform well regardless of whether the economy is good or not. These are consumer staples companies – providing products that consumers need regardless of the economic situation. Food and utility stocks are perfect examples, as consumers will still need to eat and warm their houses regardless of what the overall economy does.

Precious Metals – When the stock markets fall, investors tend to flee to the safety of precious metals. Already gold prices have topped $900 and most expect it to top $1,000 before the year is over. It’s possible to capitalize on these rising prices by either investing in individual mining stocks or precious metal funds.

Value Investing – It’s easy to get depressed when you see the stock market dropping and all you hear is gloomy news about the economy, but maybe you are taking the wrong point of view. When people go to the mall and find a spectacular sale – they are generally quite excited. The same can be true in this current market. Lots of good quality companies suddenly find their values greatly depressed by the current economic misery. Buying these companies can end up being the smartest investment decision you make. For example, after the dot-com bubble burst, Corning (GLW) saw its stock price drop to under $2 per share in late 2002. However, just four years later the stock price was back over $20. Individuals who were able to invest in a pessimistic marketplace ended up with phenomenal returns. Those types of returns are only made possible by the excessive negativism that prevails during a bear market.

Finally, it’s important to remember that even the worst economic recessions don’t last forever. The U.S. economy is extremely resilient. Over the last 63 years, there have been 10 recessions. The average length of these downturns has only been about 10 months. In fact, there have only been 2 recessions in the last 25 years (early 1990’s and 2000-2001) and both have been relatively brief.

So while the economy will certainly recover from its current recessionary woes, the prudent man still should foresee the evil that could come over the next few months or even years. Unemployment always rises in periods of economic recession. So now would be a good time to make sure you have an adequate Emergency Fund in case the worse should happen. It is recommended to have at least enough money set aside to cover 3-6 months worth of living expenses. This money should be kept in a safe and highly liquid savings or money-market account.

It is also a great time to focus on any outstanding debt that you do have. Recent Fed rate cuts have lowered mortgage rates to their lowest level in years. So it may be wise to consider refinancing your home if you have a higher interest rate. Also, any credit card debt you have should be attacked immediately. Living a financially-responsible lifestyle will enable you to weather any type of economic conditions.

We have had many messages on the earmarks of the body of Christ. We have studied the body, and talked a lot about what distinguishes the body of Christ from Babylon. I would like to review the characteristics of the body, but only as a prelude to looking into the identifying characteristics of Babylon.

We can say that some characteristics identify the body and everything else is Babylon, but that may not be totally accurate. Some churches and fellowships are not Mystery Babylon, not one of her harlot daughters, and yet not the beloved of the Lord. They are one of the virgins without number. See Song of Solomon 6:8.

What makes Babylon Babylon? First, what makes the body of Christ the body of Christ? It is vital that we know what the body of Christ is, and how it is distinguished from Babylon. When Bro. Lloyd Goodwin first came to Africa in 1978, he said he was the first true man of God in the body of Christ to come to Africa in 2000 years. Pastors who had come to listen to him rose up with challenges. They asked him what he thought they had been doing for years. Brother Goodwin told them they were in Babylon. There is a difference between Babylon and the body of Christ.

St. Paul's Cathedral in London, UK

There are at least five distinct characteristics that are earmarks, or identifying marks of the body of Christ. Let’s just review those in summary form:

1. A different message. This fellowship goes deeper into the Word of God than any other people. We don’t just have a few professional scholars, but the average layperson has a deep love for, and an understanding of, the Bible. The ministry of the Word is our prime focus.

• The importance of doctrine. We value truth. We constantly seek to correct erroneous understandings of the Bible. We want the message that the early church preached.
• Foundational truths. There are at least six foundational truths that distinguish this people from all other groups. These are: the godhead; the mortality of the soul; hell; the limited body of Christ; the separate bride of Christ; and understanding the beast and Babylon.

2. A different spirit. The attitude of the people is one of charity; the divine love of God of I Corinthians 13.

3. A different purpose. The mission of this body is not just to save the lost at any cost; it is not even just to prepare people to inherit eternal life – our purpose is to give the world one final witness and to prepare the rulers of the world to come.

4. A different order. To the fullest extent possible, we seek to follow New Testament order in our services. The pattern of worship is different. The lack of a pre-planned agenda for each service, the openness of each service, etc. are all different than most church organizations.

5. A different organizational structure. We are not a denomination. Our churches are not organized into a man-made organization. We don’t have membership rolls, a ministerial hierarchy or an earthly headquarters.

It would be tempting to say that anything that does not meet these essential points is Babylon; but that may not be true. What, then, are some of the identifying marks of Mystery Babylon? Remember that it was the apostasy of the early church that created Christian Babylon. What was once pure and holy became contaminated and profane. Isaiah 1:21-23 prophetically proclaims that the faithful city (the true work of God on the earth) did become a harlot. In fact, the early church was corrupted by apostasy until it became the mother of harlots.

How can we identify the subtle trends that lead a church which was once part of the body into Babylon? Every true church in the first century eventually had the candlestick removed. What must we avoid to prevent that from happening to us? What makes Babylon, Babylon?

I offer the following partial list of the earmarks of Babylon.

1. Traditions which void the Scriptures

It is tempting to say that traditions which are not found in the Bible are a characteristic of Babylon. And they are; but not every tradition is Babylonish. Our local church has a tradition of praying at the close of each worship service, but that does not violate the Bible. Some traditions are good, godly and appropriate.

But Jesus strongly condemned the traditions of the Jews in Mark 7:1-13. Those traditions were wrong because they transgressed the commandments of God. When a people attach a deep religious significance to a tradition; when they enforce traditions on the people without biblical sanction; when they inflict punishment on those who do not conform to traditions, they are Babylonish.

And whenever traditions are in conflict with the mandates of the Bible, those traditions are wrong, and even sinful. We should constantly re-evaluate any traditions that creep into our worship. There are things about African culture that we cannot have in our church services. There are things about American culture that we cannot allow to be a part of our church operations. We want the culture of the Bible.

2.A man-made organizational structure

The spirit of Babylon is a spirit of a man-made organization. In II Samuel 6, King David attempted to bring the ark of God to Jerusalem. They placed it upon a new oxcart. But the Lord was displeased, and there was a breach. In I Chronicles 15:2, it is reported that David understood that the ark could not be carried on a man-made cart, but had to be borne on the shoulders of the men of God.

Even so, the body of Christ cannot have a written constitution, bylaws, supervisory directives, and an earthly headquarters. Our headquarters, our home office, is in heaven. But an earmark of Babylon is the development of an organizational framework.

Voting, caucusing, politicking, and lobbying in state, regional and national legislative bodies are foreign to the operation of the body of Christ. Just as there is no earthly executive branch providing government over men called of God, so there is no legislative branch adopting rules, regulations and laws to govern men of God.

A very important principle to us in this fellowship is found in I Corinthians 11:3-4. Bro. William Sowders taught us that the head of a man of God is Christ. Any God-called man ministering with an earthly covering dishonors Christ. An organization is an earthly covering. Credentials to preach, issued by a religious organization, are an earmark of Babylon.

3. Regional bishops / Ministerial hierarchy

The concepts of regional bishops and a ministerial hierarchy crept into the early church. Popular pastors developed greater authority – all with the best of intentions. As pastors sent out other men into the ministry, those men naturally looked back to their pastors for advice, guidance and direction. Others became influential, leading men, because of their intelligence, great gifts from God, or influential churches. Others naturally deferred to them.

Initially, many of these men were honorable men, just trying to be a benefit to the general church. But power continued to flow to them, and power can corrupt. When there were vacancies in churches, the powerful, the influential preachers in the region were called upon to send out, and ordain, other pastors. Instead of calling a group of local elders “bishops,” that title began to be reserved for the leading, influential men.

This was a part of the falling away of the early church. Like Diotrephes, some men loved to have preeminence. III John 9. They accumulated influence and power. There is something in the nature of men to seek positions of authority. But there is also something corrupting about such power.

Jesus was against men seeking offices of authority. Matthew 23:6-12. We should be very careful that we do not set up a ministerial hierarchy. To do so would be a step toward apostasy and Babylon.

4. A strange spirit

The spirit that characterized the worship services of Babylonish churches is strange. We are not referring to the Holy Spirit of God, but to the mannerisms, the sounds, the types of music sang and played, and everything that goes into religious worship. Maybe it doesn’t seem strange to the religious world, but it is to the Lord and to His people.

When Moses and Joshua returned to the camp of Israel from Mount Sinai in Exodus 32, they heard a strange sound. Verse 17. Joshua was alarmed at the sound. The people had made a golden calf and were worshipping around it in a strange manner. The spirit around the golden calf was noticeably different than the spirit when the children of Israel were rejoicing after the parting of the Red Sea and the defeat of Pharaoh. It was different than the spirit that would characterize the worship at the tabernacle Moses was going to have constructed.

In Leviticus 10:1-2, two priests of the Lord, Nadab and Abihu, offered strange fire on the altar of God. Whatever was strange about the fire these two priests offered, God did not recognize it as true worship. He judged them for offering it. See Numbers 3:4. These were sons of Aaron; they had functioned as priests to the people. Exodus 24:1, 9-11. But they started some strange worship.

An earmark of Babylon is a strange style of worship. There is an order in the body of Christ, one that the Lord recognizes and honors. We cannot substitute something strange in our music, in our preaching, in our spiritual activities, lest we become Babylonish.

5. A ritual-based order

Jesus warned in Matthew 15:9 that people could worship Him in vain. In Matthew 7:21-23, He said He would reject people who claimed to prophesy in His name, cast out evil spirits, and do many wonderful works. Some religious worship, even worship of Jesus, is in vain. In Matthew 6:7, Jesus said that vain repetitions are not true worship. Yet Babylon’s standard worship rituals are nothing more than vain repetitions.

Worship in Old Testament Israel was very ritualistic. Holy days, offerings, temple ceremonies, etc., were all teaching tools to point Israel to their Redeemer. But the New Testament church is not ritualistic. The congregation is not to be passive while observing a professional priesthood perform sacred rituals. Worship is not that way in the body of Christ. Even the rituals we have, communion and water baptism, require participation by the saints.

Rituals, of course, demand professional priests. New Testament order did not make use of the Levitical priesthood. There are five offices in the ministry: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. There is no office of priest. Only Jesus Christ is a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. In the church, we are all a royal priesthood. I Peter 2:9.

Babylon does not have Spirit-led services; their worship services are pre-planned and pre-programmed. Sermons can be announced at least a week in advance, every song is determined before the service begins, who will speak, how long they will speak, and other such items are in a pre-set agenda.

It was not so in the early church. Acts 13:2 was a Spirit-led service. While they were ministering, or serving, the Holy Ghost spoke – likely in tongues and interpretation – saying to send out Barnabas and Saul for a work the Lord had for them. “How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.” I Corinthians 14:26.

We believe in being led by the Spirit. The spirit of Babylon does not give room for the Holy Ghost to operate.

6. False doctrine/ smooth things

Babylon started as false religion – teaching things that were not the truth. An earmark of Babylon has always been a turning away from truth to fables, errors, and messages that only tickle ears, but don’t change hearts. A rebellious people will not listen to truth; instead Isaiah 30:9-10 says they will ask the prophets to prophesy smooth things. They want their messages to be easy to swallow. The preachers are not to make any demands on the people. Do not ask them to sacrifice, or to change their lives.

In II Timothy 4:3-4, Paul wrote against preachers who just tickle the ears of the saints. The Gospel is supposed to challenge the people to change for the better; it is not to flatter their vanity. The early church transformed into Babylon because the preachers did not stand firm on the order and truth given to them by Jesus and His apostles.

Jeremiah 50:6 says that it is the shepherds who caused the sheep to wander. But the saints are willing accomplices in this. Jeremiah 5:31 says that when the prophets prophesy falsely, the people love to have it so. At least most of them do.

The problem with this, of course, is that it leads to corruption of the purity of the church. It is not body order. It facilitates apostasy. When preachers stop preaching against worldliness, and when the church forgets that it has been called out of the world, it becomes Babylon.

Paul warned in II Timothy 3:1 that in the last days of the early church the people would be turned away from truth. That is because false teachers would prophesy smooth things. Those became the popular preachers. Those “hard” preachers, who condemned worldliness and demanded discipleship, were not so popular.

Where did these false preachers and false teachings come from? Jude 4 says that those who were leading the church into error crept in unawares. They did not come in from outside the fellowship. They were raised up in the fellowship, but to the surprise of many, they corrupted the truth. Paul wasn’t as worried about outsiders corrupting the Ephesian church; he said that men would arise from the inside, speaking perverse things, to draw away their own disciples. Acts 20:30.

The Apostle Peter wrote in II Peter 2:1-3 that there would be false teachers in the church. They would not come in from outside; they would be among the people. They would “privily” bring in “damnable heresies.” Respected preachers would err from the truth, and stealthily corrupt the work of the Lord. When truth is overwhelmed by error, that is Babylon. We may not have all the truth, but we are coming out of error, and not going into error. That is an important distinction. The body of Christ may not have every truth right; but we are not moving into apostasy.

That was nearly thirty years ago. Some may decide to leave that foundation. They might not tell you they are doing so, but if they preach something different, and conduct their services after a different order, then they have moved off the foundational teachings of this body. Yet the foundation of the Lord standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth those who are His. II Timothy 2:19. For the body of Christ to continue to operate, and to grow, we must continue to build upon the right foundation. Paul said in I Corinthians 3:11, “No other foundation can be laid.” And truly, no other foundation can build the true body of Christ, than the foundation laid in this continent nearly 30 years ago. Ephesians 2:20 says that the true work of God is to be built on the foundation of apostles, prophets, and Jesus Christ.

Now, 30 years down the road, a new gospel has been brought to this continent. It did not originate in the body of Christ, and we do not want it to contaminate the body of Christ. It is a prosperity gospel preached by a fast-growing Pentecostal movement.

In fact, prosperity-tinged Pentecostalism is the fasting growing religion in Africa, growing even faster than Islam. Of the 890 million people in Africa, 147 million are now what they call “renewalists.” That figure is from a 2006 study from the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life. The term, “renewalist,” includes both Pentecostals and charismatics. Renewalists make up more than one-fourth of Nigeria’s population, more than one-third of South Africa’s population and an amazing 56% of Kenya’s population. This growth of religion is nothing short of astounding.

The news is good, but it is not all good. The renewalists move beyond traditional Pentecostal practices of speaking in tongues, prophesying, and healing, to a new-found belief that God will provide houses, money, cars, and even spouses in response to the believer’s faith. God supposedly supplies these things almost immediately in response to faith.

In that 2006 survey, the Pew Foundation asked if the people believed God would “grant material prosperity to all believers who have enough faith.” 85% of Kenyan Pentecostals said yes. 90% of South African Pentecostals and 95% of Nigerian Pentecostals also said yes. Nearly 90% of those surveyed in those three countries said that religious faith was “very important to material success.”

Let me say here and now that I believe God will supply all our needs. He has promised that in the Scriptures. But I do not believe God is under any obligation to supply opulence. He does not give vast riches and great wealth to everyone who believes. David said in Psalms 37:25 that he had never seen the righteous forsaken, nor His seed begging bread. Philippians 4:19 promises that God will supply your need; but not necessarily your wants.

Faith is not a guaranteed ticket to health and wealth. But I understand why people grasp at straws. 315 million people in sub-Sahara Africa live on less than one dollar a day. The average life expectancy throughout the continent is 41 years. One in three Africans suffer from malnutrition. So preaching about the cross, suffering, and denying yourself is not too appealing.

But the truth is the truth. It does not change according to our economic situation. Discipleship is still the truth. We are to take up our cross and follow our Lord. He was Lord of all, and deserved all the wealth of the world, but lived and died in relative poverty. His Father supplied all His needs, but never gave Him earthly wealth.

In Philippians 3:19, Paul condemned those whose god is their belly. Another apostle told the people of the Lord in James 4:3 not to ask for things to consume on your own lusts. The Bible pronounced curses on the rich. James 5:1-5 teaches that riches are a snare to the righteous. Psalms 37:16 says that the little that the righteous have is better than the riches of the wicked. Note that the righteous are poor, the wicked are rich. Psalms 62:10 warns: Don’t set your heart on riches.

Proverbs 11:4 shows that righteousness is more important than riches. See also verse 28. Proverbs 23:4 tells the disciples of the Lord not to labor to be rich. Proverbs 30:8 says to pray that God neither gives riches nor poverty. Deuteronomy 8:11-14 is a dire warning about the danger of prosperity.

More than two centuries ago, John Wesley said: “I fear, wherever riches have increased, the essence of religion has decreased in the same proportion. Therefore, I do not see how it is possible . . . for any revival of true religion to continue long. For religion, almost necessarily, produces both industry and frugality, and these cannot but produce riches. But as riches increase, so will pride, anger, and love of the world in all its branches.”

The 18th chapter of Revelation is a prophecy of God’s judgment on the economic and commercial aspects of Babylon. We can be free from religious Babylon, but still entangled in commercial Babylon. The cry, “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues,” applies to all three parts of Babylon; and is issued in the chapter that deals with the wealth of commercial Babylon.

Someone may say that if we don’t preach prosperity, we will not have large churches. So what? Building large churches is not necessarily our goal. Are we counting heads or changing hearts? Is it somehow better to reach large numbers of people with a cursory religiousity, than to reach a few very deeply and effectively?

Numerical growth is a good thing – if the new members are becoming disciples. Unless we see transformational changes in the lives of the believers, we are just entertaining an audience. That is not what the body of Christ has been called to do.

My prosperity gospel is the same one that the Apostle John preached to the true church 2000 years ago. In III John 2, the apostles said that it is good to have health and prosperity; but it is more important to have prosperity in your soul. Lay up treasure in heaven. God has promised us an opulent kingdom – a better and eternal life. The promise of Revelation 21:4 is a better world with no tears, no death, no sorrow, and no crying or pain.

An understanding of the plan of God, as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, is what Jesus called “true riches.” See Luke 16:11; 12:21. James said to be rich in faith. James 2:5. Paul wrote to the Colossians about “the riches of full assurance of understanding” and “the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:2-3.

Don’t fall into the error of believing a “prosperity gospel.” Instead, hold out for the message of truth that is found in the body of Christ. Lay up treasure in heaven. Serve God in whatever circumstance He gives you. He is sovereign, and in control of all things. He can bless you, but remember that the only true riches are found in a knowledge of the truth.

If you weren’t able to make the meeting or even if you were and would like to recapture the moments from each service this photo album is an excellent way to remember the meeting. To order click the link below.

The 2009 May M…

Des Moines, IA Gosp…

By Daniel Goodwin

Life is full of choices.  The choices we make shape our future, and in turn affect those who come in contact with us.  As Christians, our decisions must be based on God-given direction through the Word of God and by the leading of the Holy Spirit.

I am sure we all have been through situations that call for important decisions to be made.  We do not set out to make bad decisions.   At times, it is difficult to make the right decision.  Making hard decisions easy requires determination, perseverance and self-discipline.

In the twenty-six years of being a minister’s wife and a mother, I can remember having to make many decisions, which were not always easy.  Through my experiences, and reading good Christian literature, I have found that we can make hard decisions easy.

As Christians, through the revealed will of God, we know what is right and what is not, so it is easy to make a decision in those areas.  But when I am faced with making a decision that isn’t put down in black or white in the Scriptures, what we term as “the gray areas,” there are certain questions that I ask myself which help me make the right decision.

1. Will it profit me?

The day begins with “decision making” – the time when you hear the alarm clock ringing.  You have the choice to “snooze and lose” or “rise and shine.”   Will the few minutes of extra sleep profit me, or will it set me back and get me in a rush?  The decision I make this time of the morning will have major ef-fects on the rest of the day.  So, let us choose wisely.

2. Will it cultivate godliness and help improve my spiritual life?

Once I am up, another decision I, as a Christian woman, am faced with is, what do I wear today?  The answer and the decision I make determine if my spiritual life is being enhanced and if godliness is being cultivated.

Look quality, think quality, and talk quality.  I would rather dare to be different than blend in with the rest of the world with their tattoos, piercing and indecent apparel.  If I dress as the world, I become part of the world and it will hurt me spiritually.  My “chaste” attire will open doors of opportunity to witness to those who can see something different in me.

3. Will it add to my life things that will increase my physical and spiritual stability, strength and maturity?  Will it build me up?

Once I have decided what to wear, the next important decision is, what do I eat?  What I decide to eat should build me up physically and spiritually.   Quality decisions must be made if I am to take charge of my body, which is the temple of the Living God.  If I decide to eat right, I will have better health to carry out the different activities during the day.  Self-discipline and determination will help me make the right decision.

4. Will the decision I make slow me down in the race?

As soon as I leave the house in the morning, I am in a race.  There are times when I have the hard decision to make – to say the things that come to mind, or to be silent.  Thinking before speaking is a decision I have to make myself.  I have learned to value my words.  Talk quality.  There are some things in life that I do need to restrict for no other reason but that they slow me down in the race.  The decision to speak words that will encourage will help make this race easier for me to run. I do represent Christ through my “good conversation.”

5. Will I help others by my example and will what I do lead others to Christ?

As the day goes on, I am faced with circumstances that I have not planned and determined.  They just happen.  God chooses what I will go through; I choose how I will go through it.  The right attitude will help me rise above the situation.  We are always being watched – at home, in school, at work.  I can be a good example by deciding to have the right attitude in difficult times. God gives grace to overcome every situation.

We come in contact with many people during the day; the grocer, the bank teller, the postman, and a neighbor – touching their lives, influencing them for Jesus.   It pays to have the right attitude; therefore I choose to have the right attitude, because the only Bible some may ever read is what they will read in me.

Choose to be happy and grateful.  I can be happy because happiness is a product of gratefulness.  A grateful heart is what will keep me out of depression.  (A merry heart doeth good like a medicine  – Proverbs 17:22)

One smile will make a big difference.  A smile is a crooked line that makes everything straight – smile more often!

6. Will it glorify God?

I must never forget the fact that I must bring glory to God in every action.  There will be times when people will hurt me.  I can drag that hurt around with me all day long and maybe the next day, too.  Or, I can choose to have a forgiving spirit, which will glorify God.  Forgiveness is a gift, which means more to the giver than the one who is being forgiven.  Forgiveness is about us.  It is a decision, not an emotion.  Abraham Lincoln said, “Forgiveness has value only when it is given away.”

In closing, I would like to encourage you to lean heavily on the leading of the Holy Spirit.  Pray your way through.  God bless you.

In Philippians 2:12, Paul wrote: “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”

The word, “wherefore” in that verse, means that the statement links to what has gone before. Paul was exhorting the Philippians, beginning at the end of the first chapter, to live a Christian life. In Philippians 1:27, he was saying to let your manner of life be becoming to Christ. Or, let your life be lived in a manner that brings praise to the Lord. Stand fast, and strive for the faith of the gospel. Is there anything else that is a greater test of faith than to be asked to live our lives according to the Scriptures?

The gospel is “good news.” It proclaims the thrilling message of salvation. The gospel offers so much; but it also calls on Christians to live a certain way. The Word of God gives us much – peace, hope, comfort, wisdom, and more; but that same Word demands something from us. It directs us to live the way our Lord wants us to live. Philippians 2:3 forbids all strife or vainglory. Christian disciples are to be living without bickering, arguing, or seeking our own glory. The next verses tell us to look to Christ as our example.

Then Paul comes to verses 12-13. He did not want them to live right because of his presence. We live right for the Lord, and not for a pastor. Some people who were in this assembly years ago lived right for Lloyd Goodwin; but they did not continue to obey the gospel in his absence. They went worldly, and decided for themselves how they were going to live. We cannot do that. The Gospel tells us how to live. We aren’t really deciding for ourselves how to live; we are deciding whether to obey God or not.

As you work out your salvation with fear and trembling, remember it was not Paul, you Philippians; it was not Lloyd Goodwin, or Glenn Goodwin, ye Des Moines­ians; or insert your pastor’s name and your assembly; it is God who works in you to will and to do of His good pleasure. It is sad to see Christian witnesses collapse when the teacher is gone. I guess it is probably worse to see the Christian witness collapse when there is a teacher still there.

Preachers and teachers are helps, but living a consistent Christian life is something that you are to decide to do. You can do it through the grace of God. They preach the Gospel; but you are to live that Gospel. Remember, you are responsible. Paul says it is “your own salvation” that you are working out with fear and trembling.

Notice that Paul is not saying to produce your own salvation, or to attain it; he says to work out the salvation you already possess. He did not mean that if you work hard, you will be rewarded with salvation. God forbid! Salvation is by grace alone, not by works. Ephesians 2:8-9. This is where many people misunderstand this verse. You cannot work hard enough to earn your salvation. But you are to work hard in the salvation you have been freely given.

Paul had already told the Philippians, in the first chapter, that salvation was a gift. See Philippians 1:6. His theological position is not that they will someday be saved; but rather that they are saved, already. They were not going to be a Christian someday; they were Christians now. Because of that, they were to live like a Christian. That is, they were to “work out” – like exercise is a workout – the Christian virtues of life. The apostle was saying, “Because you have started as a Christian; now continue to live like one.”

Salvation in the New Testament encompasses justification, sanctification and ultimate glorification. What Paul was saying here is that because you have been justified by the blood of Jesus, now you should be working out your sanctification. You should be becoming more Christ-like. You should be overcoming sin.  We are to work this out. That is, we are active participants in this process.

The seed of full salvation has been planted in us. Now, we are to encourage this to grow and develop into full maturity and perfection. To work out our salvation means to bring to conclusion something which has already been commenced. The Lord has done so much for us, we should desire to please Him and walk worthy of Him in all things.

The New Testament repeatedly admonishes the disciples of Jesus, the redeemed of the Lord, to live like a child of God should live. Ephesians 4:1 says to walk worthy of the vocation to which you are called. We have been called to be a Christian; it is our vocation, our profession. Don’t be sloppy and amateurish; be a professional Christian. Colossians 1:10 encourages us to walk worthy of the Lord. Paul in I Thessalonians 2:12 said to walk worthy of God.

This is how we respond to the grace of God. When God gives us grace, we are to walk worthy – or try to balance the scale – by working out the sanctification process in our lives. There is work involved. Becoming like Christ in our thoughts and appearance and entire life is not done in a one-time experience at the altar, or when we first receive the Holy Ghost. We are to go on to perfection. Hebrews 6:1. But this involves working out.

But even the response to grace – is grace. We could not work out our sanctification if it were not for God, which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. This is grace, for grace. John 1:16 states that we have all received of the fullness of Jesus Christ; and also received grace for grace. This is first grace that you are saved; and then it is the grace of God that you are striving to overcome sin. In I Corinthians 15:10, Paul said that it was by grace that he was saved, and it was also the grace of God that he was able to labor more than others.

There is no contradiction between verses 12 and 13 of Philippians 2. Work out your own salvation, but it is God who enables you to do that. You cannot earn your salvation; it is the grace of God that you are saved. You cannot go on to per-fection in yourself; that, too, is the result of grace. It is grace for grace, or grace in addition to grace.

The statement Paul made to the Philippians is that it is God who is working IN you. It is not something external; it is an on-going work on the inside. God is actually working to transform you – to change your thought patterns, your desires, your tastes, your mindset. Romans 12:2 speaks of a transformation through a new mind.

This is an astounding and important principle: God is actually working deep inside you, through His Holy Ghost, to change your nature. Now you want to serve God; because He put that “want to” in your heart.  If the “want to” isn’t there, you had better pray that He gives it to you. He is the One who puts the want to in you.

You were saved by grace, and now you are receiving more grace to desire to serve God. God is giving you the grace to respond worthily to the grace that saved you. The Lord motivates your very desires. The Bible tells us in Psalm 37:4 that God will put the right desires in our hearts. And yet you and I are told to work out our salvation. This is not a contradiction. God does not force our will. He does something more wonderful, and more gracious: He plants the desires in our hearts that our will responds to.

The book of Philippians assures us that God does this of his own good pleasure. That means that He has done this in spite of our sins and innate unworthiness. Even though we were sinners, deserving the punishment of death, God’s grace began the work in our lives, and is continuing that work. There is no spark of good in us. We have nothing to boast about. If we are ultimately glorified, we will have to give God all the glory.

And God is doing this – both to will and to do. This means that not only is God inspiring our will, He is also giving us the power and ability to overcome sin. The Lord is giving us the to do. You may say you are weak; that is alright. It is not your power that matters. God is not weak. God will give you the desire and the power to walk with Him in the path of holiness. God gives us both the “want to” and the to do.
Do you feel Him working in you? The chorus says, “There’s something within me, that’s holding the reins. . .” Is there? This is one of the ways we know the Lord loves us, and has saved us. He is the One who graciously caused us to feel the condemnation of sin, to seek Him. And, beyond initial salvation experiences, He plants a desire in us to change, to be true disciples, to become more like our Lord.

Paul also used the phrase: with fear and trembling when he said to work out your own salvation. Our Christian walk is not in brashness and arrogance, but in true humility. Fear, in Philippians 2:12, does not mean to be cowering and frightened. Hebrews 4:1 warns God’s people to fear that we might somehow come short of what is promised to us. This fear is a healthy fear. Many times, the Bible uses the word “fear” in a different way than modern language. In Isaiah 66:2, the word does not mean to be shaking in paralyzing fear, but to be trembling in respect and honor.

Philippians 2:14 tells Christians to do all things without murmurings and disputings.  Paul not only stated the positive – work out your own salvation with fear and trembling – he also helped out by pointing out things not to do. Do not murmur and dispute. That is, we are not to sit in the seat of the scornful. Psalm 1:1. We are walking with the Lord on a journey to a wonderful kingdom, just as the children of Israel were walking through the wilderness to the Promised Land. But they murmured. See I Corinthians 10:10.

God is giving you the will and the “do” in your salvation process. What are you complaining about? The Lord has designed the experiences you are to go through. Grumbling and griping are rebellion. Arguing with God, with His Word, with His ministry, with His plan; all of these are scornful statements and foolish statements for a Christian to make.

Philippians 2:15-16: “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life.”  We are to be blameless (not necessarily sinless) in our personal conduct. And, that conduct is to do no harm to others. Remember, we are God’s sons. Like Father; like son. Our society is crooked and perverse. But we are to be lights.

We are not just to hold fast the word of life; we are to hold forth that Word. We are to be living examples of righteousness, shining out among the darkness of our society like the moon and stars shine out in the darkness of the nighttime sky. This is the working out of our salvation.