Pope Praiz Ministries

11/03/2026

Significant measure of our Christian life is found simply in how we treat people and the quality of our relationships with them. Colossians 3:12.

spreading the good news

23/02/2026

The use of images and other material things as a focus or “help” to worship denies who God is (Spirit) and how we must worship Him (in spirit and truth). John 4:24, Deuteronomy 5:8

20/02/2026

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT HOLINESS?
In 1 Peter 1:13-16, Peter writes to believers, "Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'" Peter is quoting from Leviticus 11:44 and Leviticus 19:2.

First, let’s look at God’s holiness. What does it mean that God is holy? Passages like 1 Samuel 2:2 and Isaiah 6:3 are just two of many examples of passages about God’s holiness. Another way to say it is absolute perfection. God is unlike any other (see Hosea 11:9), and His holiness is the essence of that “otherness.” His very being is completely absent of even a trace of sin (James 1:13; Hebrews 6:18). He is high above any other, and no one can compare to Him (Psalm 40:5). God’s holiness pervades His entire being and shapes all His attributes. His love is a holy love, His mercy is holy mercy, and even His anger and wrath are holy anger and holy wrath. These concepts are difficult for humans to grasp, just as God is difficult for us to understand in His entirety.

Next, what does it mean for us to be holy? When God told Israel to be holy in Leviticus 11 and 19, He was instructing them to be distinct from the other nations by giving them specific regulations to govern their lives. Israel is God’s chosen nation and God has set them apart from all other people groups. They are His special people, and consequently they were given standards that God wanted them to live by so the world would know they belonged to Him. When Peter repeats the Lord’s words in 1 Peter 1:16, he is talking specifically to believers. As believers, we need to be "set apart" from the world unto the Lord. We need to be living by God’s standards, not the world’s. God isn’t calling us to be perfect, but to be distinct from the world. First Peter 2:9 describes believers as "a holy nation." It is a fact! We are separated from the world; we need to live out that reality in our day-to-day lives, which Peter tells us how to do in 1 Peter 1:13-16.

Finally, how can we become holy? Holiness only results from a right relationship with God by believing in Jesus Christ as Savior (accepting His gift of eternal life). If we have not placed our faith in God’s Son alone to save us from our sins, then our pursuit of holiness is in vain. So, we must first make sure we are born-again believers (see John 3). If we truly are believers, then we recognize that our position in Christ automatically sets us apart from the world (1 Peter 2:9). After all, we have a relationship with the living God! Then we must daily live a set-apart life, not trying to "blend in" with the world, but instead living according to God’s Word as we study the Bible and grow in it.

19/02/2026

Alcohol is not a sin
The Bible does not categorically condemn alcohol consumption, but it does provide guidance on its use. For example:

1. **Moderation**: Ephesians 5:18 advises against drunkenness, suggesting that while drinking is not a sin, excessive consumption is.

2. **Social Context**: Jesus drank wine and even turned water into wine at a wedding (John 2:1-11). However, the Bible also warns about the potential dangers of alcohol, such as leading to harmful behavior (Proverbs 20:1).

3. **Personal Conviction**: Romans 14 encourages individuals to act according to their own conscience. If consuming alcohol causes someone to stumble or goes against their beliefs, it may be wise to abstain.

In summary, moderate drinking is generally not considered a sin in many Christian teachings, but the emphasis is on responsible and mindful consumption.

19/02/2026

Can salvation be lost?
The question of whether salvation can be lost is a significant theological debate among Christians, and different traditions hold varying views. Here are the main perspectives:

# # # 1. **Eternal Security (Once Saved, Always Saved)**

- **Belief**: This view, commonly held in many Protestant denominations, asserts that once a person is genuinely saved, they cannot lose their salvation.
- **Supporting Scriptures**:
- John 10:28-29: Jesus states that no one can sn**ch His sheep out of His hand.
- Romans 8:38-39 emphasizes that nothing can separate us from the love of God.

# # # 2. **Conditional Security**

- **Belief**: This perspective maintains that salvation can be lost if a person turns away from faith or lives a life contrary to God's commands.
- **Supporting Scriptures**:
- Hebrews 6:4-6 warns about the difficulty of restoring those who have fallen away after having experienced God's grace.
- 2 Peter 2:20-22 speaks of those who, after knowing the way of righteousness, turn back to their former ways.

# # # 3. **Catholic Perspective**

- **Belief**: The Catholic Church teaches that salvation is a process involving faith and works. While initial salvation can occur through grace and faith, one can lose it through mortal sin.
- **Supporting Scriptures**:
- James 2:26 emphasizes that faith without works is dead, indicating an ongoing relationship with God is necessary.

# # # 4. **Arminian View**

- **Belief**: Arminian theology suggests that while salvation is a gift, individuals have the free will to accept or reject it, meaning they can fall away.
- **Supporting Scriptures**:
- Ezekiel 18:24 discusses the possibility of a righteous person turning from their righteousness and facing consequences.

# # # Conclusion

The debate on whether salvation can be lost is complex and often shaped by doctrinal beliefs and interpretations of Scripture. Individuals are encouraged to explore these views, study the Bible, and seek guidance through prayer and community to understand their beliefs regarding salvation.