In His Image Ministries

In His Image Ministries Lord, Help Me Remember that I am a Servant, Willing to Serve. [email protected]

I DO NOT USE MESSENGER

10/04/2026

Confusion: Political Idolatry Part 1

We live in a world where the culture around us has gone off its rocker. There is confusion about gender, and the various roles and identities associated with it. As confused as the culture around us maybe, there is just as much confusion in the Church today as is in the world. Before we can truly address the issues of the culture, we need to address our own issues first. Judgement begins at the House of God.

Our Text: Psalms 100:1-5 (KJV) 1. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. 2. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Long before one can preach God's Word to the culture around us, one must preach God's Word to the Church. Long before one can stand on the street corner and declare the indignation of the Lord against the Sinfulness that the culture has embraced, we must declare the indignation of the Lord against the Sinfulness that the Church has embraced. There is a verse here in our text that we need to bring to the forefront. (3. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.)

Somewhere along the way the church sought power and influence with men, and in exchange sacrificed Power and Influence with Heaven's God on the Altar of Politics. We've sought the affluence of the world, labeled it prosperity, while sacrificing the richness of Fellowship with a Holy God. We soon embraced the Universalism that Politics demanded, labeled it compassionate, while forsaking the Gospel of Jesus Christ and embraced the gospel of Religion and its Ritualistic forms and dammed millions to a Devil's Hell. Why? Because we were not content to be The Lord's Sheep in the Lord's Pasture. We embraced the idea that we needed something more, some greater explaination and we controlled our own destiny. Afterall many people today, within the church, are too educated to believe the Account of Creation, and the Lord God that Made us.

There is great confusion in the Church Pews today, because there is great confusion in the Pulpits of Modernism today. I guess I'm Old Fashioned enough to be perplexed by the Modernist's Rejection of the Infallibility of God's Word, It's Inspiration, Preservation, Sufficiency and being Magnified above His Name. The allure of Politics in the Modern Church is much like the allure of the forbidden fruit in the Garden. It promises power, position, prosperity, and influence in the affairs of men. But it's offerings are outside of the Promises ,Purpose and Plan of God.

Let me say this; while I Love America and seek God's Blessing upon it. I believe that we should be involved in bettering our government, but not be controlled by the political allures and their evils. My hope is not in Political Power, nor its solutions. My Hope is in the Shepherd. I will not be confused by the voice of the politician, speaking to soothe the itching ears of the masses. But I am committed to listen to the Shepherd, as he leads me beside the Still Waters.

More Tomorrow

In His Image Ministries

10/03/2026

Why is there so much Confusion?

I'm not sure just what brought about the conversation, but needless to say, I'm glad that it came up. I was just concluding the final posts on the Study of Romans and was praying for direction from the Lord. That's about the time a question was asked, and a conversation started that opened my eyes to the confusion that some people have. Confusion that we often ignore, just to be marked safe from the drama of unbelievers.

Our Text: 1 Corinthians 14:33 (KJV) For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

Of all the sources of the confusion that plagues many people, there is one source that can be ruled out: God. The Scripture speaks plainly on the subject, yet many ignore the Truth of the Word of God in order to embrace the confusion of this world. The cause of most of the confusion is found in one area alone. The sinful man unwilling to believe What God Hath Said.

From the very beginning mankind was tempted to Question the Source of Truth; the Author and Authority of Truth, and man's inability to discern between the Truth and the Serpent's Lie. (Genesis 3:1 (KJV) Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?) Since God is not the Author of Confusion, one must admit that their Confusion is rooted in unbelief.

Just like Eve, our Confusion is found in areas where we question the Authority or Sufficiency of God's Word. Eve no doubt was gathering food, at the time of the temptation. Satan's whisper was not to get Eve question of God's Authority over them, but rather God's Provision for them. Often we fall into the same trap, while we would never fall victim to question God's Authority, how often do we question or doubt God's Provision? Eve's response set herself up for her fall. We are no different. Many times we take upon ourselves the responsibility that God reserves for Himself. Confusion creeps in, much like water seeping into the void created by a hole in the ground. Confusion doesn't take over all of a sudden. It feeds upon our actions to fill up the voids of our doubts concerning what God Hath Said.

The person I was speaking with (from the introduction), was obviously confused about many things. They had many areas where they deemed God's Word as being insufficient to their liking, the Bible was not enough. The just like Eve in the garden, they had begun to consider things outside of the Bible, as sources for Truth. Then had become persuaded by these outside sources that God was witholding something that they needed. (Genesis 3:6 (KJV) And when the woman SAW THAT THE TREE WAS GOOD FOR FOOD, and THAT IT WAS PLEASANT TO THE EYES, and A TREE TO BE DESIRED TO MAKE ONE WISE, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.)

Confusion sets in the moment that we elevate any word, source, or supply as being equal to or superior to the Word of God. Over the next few days I want to explore the reason that there is so much confusion in the World, but also why there is so much confusion in the Church. I hope that you hang on tight, because it will get deeper than most people want to ever consider.

In His Image Ministries

10/02/2026

Paul's Conclusion Part 2

Today's post is the third benediction offered by Paul to the Romans. Let's dive right into the text.

Our Text:Romans 16:24-27 (KJV) 24. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. 25. Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26. But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: 27. To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

The meat of this benediction is lost upon the Modernist Crowd of today. After hearing about the worthiness of man, their efforts the Modernist Crowd would be offended by the Truth in this passage. Three words that put the focus of this benediction into context. NOW TO HIM. Paul's point, his purpose in this final benediction is to get the Believer to look up, not in.

God is the one that has the power to establish the Believer, in the Gospel. The problem is not about God's Ability, but most often our willingness to be established. We are established in our Fellowship with God through His Word. Through our understanding of the Gospel that He has revealed unto us by His Spirit. We are established through the Preaching of the Gospel, and preaching of Christ's Sufficiency. We are established by our understanding about the Mystery, revealed within the Gospel itself; Christ In You the Hope of Glory.

We are established in our Obedience of the Faith. Our Faith in action concerning what we have believed. Sadly many people only have mental assent to the facts of the Gospel, mental assent does not produce Faith, therefore it does not produce Transformation either. Other had the goosebump of emotionalism, but when the goosebump goes away so do they. Oh but the Believer in the Gospel, who puts their complete trust in the Completed Work of Jesus Christ is made alive by the Spirit of God. Their newfound Faith begins to draw them to walk in Obedience to the Faith, not to get Saved, but because they are Saved. Obedience is always a part of Sanctification in the one who placed his faith in Christ's Completed Work.

Paul summed up a sixteen chapter letter concerning the Doctrine of Christ, Our Call to Salvation, Surrender, our Conduct in the World, to other Believers, our conducts affect upon our witness, with a simple statement of Praise: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

In His Image Ministries

10/01/2026

Paul's Conclusion Part 1

As we conclude with this study of the Book of Romans we see the Grace of God at work in the lives that Paul's Ministry had touched. Paul naming these by name. But we will focus only upon the first of Two prayers today.

Our Text: Romans 16:17-20 (KJV) 17. Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
18. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. 19. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. 20. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Often I get asked about verse seventeen and it's Application in today's church. The common mistake that many people make is that they don't believe that Romans 16:17 applies for today. I guess they just redacted it from their Bible. But at the same time, there are those that seem to seek out others that they disagree with and make Application to these as well. Scripturally speaking we must consider the language of the text, before we attempt to apply the text in a broader sense that what Scripture intended. (17. Now I beseech you, brethren, MARK THEM WHICH CAUSE DIVISIONS AND OFFENCES CONTRARY TO THE DOCTRINE WHICH YE HAVE LEARNED; AND AVOID THEM.) This verse can only be applied by the Brethren in the Church, it is not a generic process, nor purpose. It applies not to Personal Preferences, Disagreements, and petty nonsense. But applies specifically to DIVISIONS and Offences contrary to the DOCTRINE WHICH YE HAVE LEARNED. Where did they learn Sound Doctrine? Chapters 1-11. These chapters dealt with Doctrine. Sound Doctrine must be Judged According to the Scriptures, not the opinions of men. Divisions were about Doctrine. Offences contrary to the Doctrine which ye have learned, deal with the Conduct of believers that are contrary to Sound Doctrine. These were covered in ( Chapter 12:9- Chapter 15:7) Again our Conduct is the best sign of our upholding Sound Doctrine.

Here is where the argument generally arises. But they preach the Truth, they Go Soul Winning. They have not said anything that is contrary to Sound Doctrine. The problem isn't with their words but rather their conduct, when their mouth is not moving. If the Holy Ghost speaking through Paul had only stopped at verse seventeen, one might argue that their words matter more than conduct, but we don't judge them by their words but by their conduct concerning what they believe. Look at verse eighteen. (18. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.) The they that are such; are those that Cause Divisions and Offences contrary to the Doctrine which ye have learned.

When I took on this Study, I had never seen nor heard anyone separating the text in the division of Doctrine and Conduct concerning the Doctrine which we believe. To be honest with you my toes have been stepped on by the Holy Ghost speaking through the Word. This passage must be approached within the realm of Church Discipline. It is applied to the living, as those that are dead, if they were saved they answered at the Judgement Seat of Christ. One may learn from their mistakes, gain wisdom, determine to help others Avoid similar problems. Because we can not fulfill the requirements of verse seventeen to not just MARK THEM, but we seem to forget AVOID THEM. Church Discipline is only effective concerning the Living.

I will finish with this truth today. There is wisdom in avoiding the errors of the past. Previous generations had no problems with MARKING and AVOIDING concerning Sound Doctrine. Yet they often swept under the rug the area concerning the Conduct that comes from believing and applying Sound Doctrine. That error allowed many people to be injured by the known unbiblical conduct of men and allowed others to follow in their footsteps, tarnishing the Testimony of the Church and hindering the cause of Christ.

In His Image Ministries

09/30/2026

A Ministry Report and a Benediction

I often recieve ministry report letters from missionaries from all over the world. Yet I've never received a report that comes close to this one. Let's begin.

Our Text:Romans 15: 19-33
19. Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. 29. Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation: 21. But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.
22. For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you. 23. But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; 24. Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. 25. But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. 26. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. 27. It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. 28. When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain. 29. And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. 30. Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; 31. That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; 32. That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. 33. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

As Paul undertakes this missions report to a church that he has not visited, but intended to for years, he recounts the depth of his travels for Christ. From Jerusalem to Illyricum, as the crow flies is roughly one thousand miles. We must understand that this was not a straight journey but there were many towns in between Jerusalem and this mountainous region of Macedonia. Yet as mind blown as we can be over the scope of the distance between these two points, neither Jerusalem nor Illyricum were Paul's purpose in his travels. Paul's purpose was not to escape the daily routine, he was not on a vacation touring the countryside wondering from town to town. Paul's purpose was to Preach the gospel, regardless of the point on the map where he might find himself. Note the last phrase of of this opening verse: (19.19. Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I HAVE FULLY PREACHED THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST.)
Paul said that He strove to Preach where Christ was not name, or where others had not yet preached. We might say where the Gospel had not yet been heard.

This was the hallmark of Paul's Ministry, as he wrote an account under the Inspiration of the Holy Ghost in (1 Corinthians 15:10- 11. 10. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 11. Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.) We see that Paul's Ministry had a work ethic that was second to none. Note this statement: (23. But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; ) We often here this as: I've been run out of town, so I'm planning to come to you. But in context it's more like: I've run out of places that haven't heard, so I'm planning another missionary journey. Scriptures back this idea, more than the former, as Paul mentions his desire to stop by as he travels to Spain. When is the last time you've read such a report? Never.

Then Paul concludes the Missions Report with four Prayer Requests. (V 30. Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; 31. THAT I MAY BE DELIVERED FROM THEM THAT DO NOT BELIEVE IN JUDAEA; and that MY SERVICE WHICH I HAVE FOR JERUSALEM MAY BE ACCEPTED OF THE SAINTS; 32. THAT I MAY COME UNTO YOU WITH JOY by the will of God, and MAY WITH YOU BE REFRESHED. )
If we were to go back to Acts we would understand that this was written prior to Paul's arrest in Jerusalem, as he went to deliver the offerings of the Gentiles to relieve the Saints in Jerusalem. Paul ends with the Benediction (33. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.)

In His Image Ministries

09/29/2026

Clarification not a Retraction

As we approach the benediction to the Romans, Paul under the Inspiration of the Holy Ghost, clarifies his Boldness to the Romans and speaks of a deeper implication.

Our Text: Romans 15:15-18
15. Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,
16. That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. 17. I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. 18. For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,

One difference between the Preaching and teaching of Paul when compared to the preaching of the Modernist Crowd of today; is Holy Boldness. If Paul were to be invited to Preach in most churches today, by Sunday afternoon there would be in many places a crowd gathered to issue a Public Retraction. Doctrinal Statements would be clarified and a New Bible Version promoted to oppose the Bold application of the Received Text. Unfortunately this is closer to being the unadulterated truth in many places. The writings of Paul under the Inspiration of the Holy Ghost were not meant to tickle ears, but to change hearts. As I have stated multiple times in the past several days, we can hold Biblical Doctrine, yet if our Conduct does not reflect our Doctrine, our Doctrine is empty and void.

Here the statement is made concerning the offering up of the Gentiles. It is the same offering up of the Jews referenced in (Romans 12: 1-2. 1. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.) The Gentiles were not exempt from the offering upon the Altar of Surrender. Their offering was the fruit, the proof of Paul's Ministry and calling to the Gentiles. It was not an offering that Paul made of them, but one that they voluntarily made of themselves. This offering like that of our own, comes as we are Sanctified by the Holy Ghost. Therefore we are dealing with the context of this offering as part of our Sanctification, not for Salvation.

As we move into the benediction we are reflecting upon the fruit of Paul's Ministry, in that it continues to this day. It is the Obedience of every believer to the Word of God, that the Holy Ghost recorded using Paul to hthe pen.

More Tomorrow.

In His Image Ministries

09/28/2026

Our Conduct: Is the Testimony of Our Doctrine

Of the many takeaways throughout Romans, the last five chapters, especially chapters twelve through fifteen dealing with Christian Conduct have a broader implication, than the first eleven dealing with Doctrine. As Paul under the Inspiration of the Holy Ghost begins to wind down the letter to the Romans. The focus of Conduct reflects its own purpose, the Testimony that results from the Conduct of the Believer.

Our Text: Romans 15: 1-14
1. We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. 3. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. 4. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. 5. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6. That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. 8. Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: 9. And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. 10. And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. 11. And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. 12. And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. 13. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. 14. And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

Our Conduct is to be modeled after the Conduct of Jesus Christ. While we may think we understand this, we realize just how much of the old man is still kicking, when it comes to our Conduct. The opening verse sums up chapter fourteen before causing us to see how short we fall in its application. (1. We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.) How? By following the Saviour. (2. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. 3. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.) Here's where the rubber hits the road. My reproaches fell on Christ as well, yours too. But in application, when a weaker brother has an infirmity, a weakness, we who are strong are to bear it, in order to Edify the weaker brother. Our Conduct is not just about our behavior, but rather is the outward Testimony of the Doctrine that we say we believe. Let's go a bit deeper. We can not say that we have Sound Doctrine and our Conduct be in misalignment with the Scriptures. Nor should we give men who proclaim that they have Sound Doctrine a pass on poor Conduct. Paul didn't give Peter a pass on his poor Conduct.

We have a written record to go by concerning the Conduct of Christ and other Godly Men and Women. (4. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.) We should pray for us to be likeminded, not according to our ideas of like-mindedness, but according to Jesus Christ.(5. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:)

The reason for our to consider our conduct is because our conduct is the outward evidence of our Fellowship with Christ. Our Conduct can either amplify the Glory of God, or it amplifies the Hypocrisy of our heart. (6. That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.) Our Conduct can either help or hinder our testimony to others. (8. Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: 9. And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. )

The greatest question concerning the Conduct of the Believer is this: Does our Conduct exemplify Jesus Christ? Here's the truth, without the Power of the Spirit within, we have no hope of demonstrating to others the Transformative Grace that saved us from our sin. We find that Conduct is not just about our following the "expectations of men" but rather we should ask does my Conduct meet the expectations of God. (13. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. 14. And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.)

In His Image Ministries

09/27/2026

Due to a mistake on my end.. I am reposting a post from four years ago..

I am complete

There was a young man who had been going through a tough time with many areas in his life. He had started going to a Bible study and doing Religious things in hopes that he would feel better about himself. He saw me one day and told me that no matter what he did, he felt like there was an emptiness on the inside, that he was incomplete. I showed him this Scripture and soon afterwards he came to Christ.

Colossians 2:10
And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

The only place, the only person I have ever been complete in is Jesus Christ. A lost sinner will never feel complete in religious activities. This is why, we must tell them more about Christ, the real answer for Sin, than we do about our church, it's programs and it's list of activities. Joining a Church will not satisfy, getting involved in every project and program will not bring satisfaction. They will be busy, but still lost.

Let me add this right here as well; Carnal Christians try the same thing, the same process to make themselves feel less guilty over their sins. Activities and volunteering for every project that comes along; is no substitute for Repentance.

Our completeness is not about HOW WE FEEL. Our Completeness is not based upon our being busy, our activities. Completeness can never be obtained from religious rituals.

Our completeness is based solely upon our Relationship with Jesus Christ. We stand upon His Word, that teaches us that we are complete in Him. Any exercise, activity or ritual outside of Totally Surrendering to Jesus Christ, will always leave that nagging feeling.

In His Image Ministries

09/26/2026

Our Conduct Towards Other Believers (Part 2)

Let's go right into the text.

Our Text: Romans 14:10-23
10. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 12. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. 13. Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. 14. I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15. But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. 16. Let not then your good be evil spoken of: 17. For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 18. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. 19. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. 20. For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. 21. It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink w**e, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. 22. Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. 23. And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

Once again our Conduct towards our brothers in Christ is just as important as our Conduct with those outside of the church. The Scriptures here give us a reminder that the New Testament has its precedence founded upon the Old Testament. Verse eleven is a paraphrase quote from (Isaiah 45:23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.) This is a reference to the coming Judgement Seat of Christ for every Believer, not the Great White Throne Judgement which is for unbelievers. The implication of the text is that every single believer will give an account to Christ.

Because we will give an account we should not put a stumblingblock in the path of another Believer. Our Conduct is just as important as why we may hold to our preferences. I love bacon, but if I had a brother that would stumble because of his belief concerning bacon, I would not on purpose offer him a Bacon sandwich. The love of My preferences can not supercede my responsibility to love my brother in Christ.

There is a phrase in verse twenty-two that hits me between the eyes. In the cover of one of my older Bibles I wrote the phrase, I will never complain about the things that I allow. I can not complain about diabetes all the while stuffing a box of Little Debbie's in my mouth. I must decide to bring my body into subjection, it won't bring itself; believe me I've tried that, it doesn't work. This goes beyond food. This applies to everything that you allow to usurp authority over or to control your life. I've given you enough to ponder over.

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