A Heart That Is Undefiled
As important as it is to give attention to physical cleanness, it is even more important to be concerned with moral and spiritual cleanness.
We come to this conclusion by recalling that the nation of Israel was rejected by Jehovah, not because they were physically unclean, but because they became morally and spiritually corrupt.
Through the prophet Isaiah, Jehovah told them that on account of their being a "sinful nation,the people heavy with error," their sacrifices, their observance of the new moon and sabbath, yes, even their prayers had become a burden to him.
What should they do to gain God's favor again? Jehovah said: "Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the badness of your dealings from in front of my eyes; cease to do bad." - Isaiah 1:4, 11-16.
To appreciate further the importance of moral and spiritual cleanness, consider what Jesus said when the Pharisees and scribes asserted that his disciples were unclean because they did not wash their hands before taking a meal. Jesus set matters straight by stating: " Not what enters into his mouth defiles a man." Jesus explained: "The things proceeding out of the mouth come out of the heart, and those things defile a man. For example, out of the heart come wicked reasonings, murders, adulteries, fornications, thievieries, false testimonies, blasphemies. These are the things defiling a man; but to take a meal with unwashed hands does not defile a man." - Matthew 15:11, 18-20.
What can we learn from Jesus' words? Jesus was pointing out that wicked, immoral and unclean acts are preceded by wicked , immoral and uncleand leanings in the heart. As the Disciple James put it, "each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire." (James 1:14,15)
Thus if we do not want to fall into grievous sins that Jesus described, we must root out and keep out of our heart any tendencies toward such things. That means we must be careful about what we read, watch and listen to.
Today, in the name of free speech and artistic license, the entertainment and advertising industries are turning out an endless barrage of sounds and images that cater to the cravings of the fallen flesh. We should be determined not to allow any such ideas to take root in our heart. The key point is that to be pleasing and acceptable to God, we must constantly be on guard so as to maintain a clean and undefiled heart. - Proverbs 4:23
Next time: Cleansed For Fine Works
4.13.2006
4.08.2006
Physical Cleanness Recommends Us
Is physical cleanness still an important element of true worship? While physical cleanness alone does not make one a true worshipper of God, it is certainly fitting that a true worshipper be physically clean as far as his circumstances permit.
Especially today, when many people pay a little attention to keeping themselves, their attire, or their surroundings clean, those who do, are often noticed by people around them.
This can lead to positive results. Just as Paul told the Corinthian Christians:" In no way are we giving any cause for stumbling, that our ministry might not be found fault with; but in every way we recommend ourselves as God's ministers." 2 Corinthians 6:3, 4.
Time and again, Jehovah's Witnesses have been commended by public officials for their clean, orderly and respectful conducty and habits, seen particularly at their large conventions.
For example, about a convention held in the province of Savona, Italy, the newspaper La Stampa commented: "What immediately stands out when one walks through the facilities is the cleanliness and orderliness of the people who use them."
Is physical cleanness still an important element of true worship? While physical cleanness alone does not make one a true worshipper of God, it is certainly fitting that a true worshipper be physically clean as far as his circumstances permit.
Especially today, when many people pay a little attention to keeping themselves, their attire, or their surroundings clean, those who do, are often noticed by people around them.
This can lead to positive results. Just as Paul told the Corinthian Christians:" In no way are we giving any cause for stumbling, that our ministry might not be found fault with; but in every way we recommend ourselves as God's ministers." 2 Corinthians 6:3, 4.
Time and again, Jehovah's Witnesses have been commended by public officials for their clean, orderly and respectful conducty and habits, seen particularly at their large conventions.
For example, about a convention held in the province of Savona, Italy, the newspaper La Stampa commented: "What immediately stands out when one walks through the facilities is the cleanliness and orderliness of the people who use them."
Continued: Physical Cleanness Recommends Us
If cleanness and orderliness in our place of worship can be a source of praise to the God we worship, certainly manifesting these qualities in our personal life is equally important. However, in the privacy of our home, we may feel that we have the right to let go and act as we wish. And as far as dress and grooming are concerned, surely we have the freedom to choose what we feel is comfortable and appealing! Yet, to a large degree, all of this is only relative. Recall that in discussing one's choices to eat certain foods, Paul cautioned his fellow Christians: "Keep watching that this authority of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to those who are weak." Then he stated a valuable principle: " All these things build up." (1 Corinthians 8:9; 10:23) How does Paul's counsel apply to us in the matter of cleanness?
It is reasonable that people should expect a minister of God to be clean and orderly in his way of life. We should, therefore, be certain that the appearance of our home and its surroundings does not detract from what we profess to be, namely, ministers of God's Word. What kind of witness, or testimony, does our home give about us andour beliefs? Does it show that we genuinely long to live a clean and orderly new world of righteousness, which we so strongly recommend to others? (2Peter 3:13) Likewise, our personal appearance - whether during leisure time or in the ministry - can either enhance or diminish the appeal of the message we preach. For example, note this comment by a newspaper reporter in Mexico: "Truly, young people are a large part of the members of Jehovah's Witnesses, and what stand out are their haircuts, cleanliness, and proper dress." What a joy to have such young people in our midst!
Of course, making sure that our person, our belongings, and our home are always clean and orderly is easier said than done. What is needed is, not complicated and expensive equipment or gadgets, but good planning and consistent effort. Time must be set aside for cleani
If cleanness and orderliness in our place of worship can be a source of praise to the God we worship, certainly manifesting these qualities in our personal life is equally important. However, in the privacy of our home, we may feel that we have the right to let go and act as we wish. And as far as dress and grooming are concerned, surely we have the freedom to choose what we feel is comfortable and appealing! Yet, to a large degree, all of this is only relative. Recall that in discussing one's choices to eat certain foods, Paul cautioned his fellow Christians: "Keep watching that this authority of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to those who are weak." Then he stated a valuable principle: " All these things build up." (1 Corinthians 8:9; 10:23) How does Paul's counsel apply to us in the matter of cleanness?
It is reasonable that people should expect a minister of God to be clean and orderly in his way of life. We should, therefore, be certain that the appearance of our home and its surroundings does not detract from what we profess to be, namely, ministers of God's Word. What kind of witness, or testimony, does our home give about us andour beliefs? Does it show that we genuinely long to live a clean and orderly new world of righteousness, which we so strongly recommend to others? (2Peter 3:13) Likewise, our personal appearance - whether during leisure time or in the ministry - can either enhance or diminish the appeal of the message we preach. For example, note this comment by a newspaper reporter in Mexico: "Truly, young people are a large part of the members of Jehovah's Witnesses, and what stand out are their haircuts, cleanliness, and proper dress." What a joy to have such young people in our midst!
Of course, making sure that our person, our belongings, and our home are always clean and orderly is easier said than done. What is needed is, not complicated and expensive equipment or gadgets, but good planning and consistent effort. Time must be set aside for cleani
3.11.2006
Undoubtedly, these and other laws from Jehovah reflected medical and physiological concepts far ahead of their time, and the people benefited when they followed them. Yet, these laws were not given merely as a health code or to serve solely as medical guidelines. They were a part of true worship. The fact that they touched on people's daily life-eating, giving birth, marital relations, and so forth-simply emphasized the point that as their God, Jehovah had the right to determine for them what was proper and what was not proper in all aspects of their life, which had been exclusively dedicated to Jehovah. - Deuteronomy 7:6; Psalm 135:4.
The law covenant also protected the Israelites from the defiling practices of the nations around them. By faithfully keeping the law, including all the requirements for remaining clean in Jehovah's eyes, the Israelites would be fit to serve their God and to receive his blessing. In this regard, Jehovah told the nation: "If you will strictly obey my voice and will indeed keep my covenant, then you will certainly become my special property out of all other peoples, because the whole earth belongs to me. And you yourselves will become to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. - Exodus 1*9:5,6; Deuteronomy 26:19.
Since Jehovah set out such details in the law to instruct the Isrealites on how to become clean, ho ly and acceptable to him, does it not behoove Christians today to consider carefully how they measure up in this regard? Even though Christians aren't bound by the law, they must bear in mind that, as Paul explained, all the things set down in the law "are a shadow of the things to come, but the reality belongs to the Christ." (Colossians 2:17; Hebrews 10:1) If Jehovah God, who says "I have not changed," viewed being clean and undefiled as such an important factor in true worship back then, we today must take seriously the matter of being clean physically, morally and spiritually if we want his approval and blessing. - Malachi 3:6; Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11,31.
Next time: Physical Cleanness Recommends Us
The law covenant also protected the Israelites from the defiling practices of the nations around them. By faithfully keeping the law, including all the requirements for remaining clean in Jehovah's eyes, the Israelites would be fit to serve their God and to receive his blessing. In this regard, Jehovah told the nation: "If you will strictly obey my voice and will indeed keep my covenant, then you will certainly become my special property out of all other peoples, because the whole earth belongs to me. And you yourselves will become to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. - Exodus 1*9:5,6; Deuteronomy 26:19.
Since Jehovah set out such details in the law to instruct the Isrealites on how to become clean, ho ly and acceptable to him, does it not behoove Christians today to consider carefully how they measure up in this regard? Even though Christians aren't bound by the law, they must bear in mind that, as Paul explained, all the things set down in the law "are a shadow of the things to come, but the reality belongs to the Christ." (Colossians 2:17; Hebrews 10:1) If Jehovah God, who says "I have not changed," viewed being clean and undefiled as such an important factor in true worship back then, we today must take seriously the matter of being clean physically, morally and spiritually if we want his approval and blessing. - Malachi 3:6; Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11,31.
Next time: Physical Cleanness Recommends Us
2.04.2006
Clean For True Worship
To most people, being clean simply means to be free from dirt or contamination. In the Bible, however, the idea of being clean is denoted by a number of Hebrew and Greek words that describe cleaness not just in the physical sense but more often in the moral and spiritual sense. Thus, one Bible encyclopedia states: " ' clean' and 'unclean' are terms seldom related to mere questions of hygene, but are mainly religious concepts. As such the principle of 'cleaness' affects almost every aspect of life."
Indeed, the Mosaic Law included rules and regulations on practically every aspect of the Israelite's life, outlining what was clean and acceptable and what was not. For example, in Leviticus chapters 11 to 15, we find detailed instructions relative to cleaness and uncleaness. Certain animals were unclean and the Israelites were not to eat them. Childbirth would cause a woman to be unclean for a specified period of time. Certain skin diseases, particularly leprosy, and discharges of the male and female organs would likewise cause a person to be unclean. The Law also specified what should be done in situations involving uncleaness. For example, at Numbers 5:2, we read: " Command the sons of Israel that they send out of the camp every leprous person and everyone having a running discharge and everyone unclean by a deceased soul."
Next time: Contination of this subject.
To most people, being clean simply means to be free from dirt or contamination. In the Bible, however, the idea of being clean is denoted by a number of Hebrew and Greek words that describe cleaness not just in the physical sense but more often in the moral and spiritual sense. Thus, one Bible encyclopedia states: " ' clean' and 'unclean' are terms seldom related to mere questions of hygene, but are mainly religious concepts. As such the principle of 'cleaness' affects almost every aspect of life."
Indeed, the Mosaic Law included rules and regulations on practically every aspect of the Israelite's life, outlining what was clean and acceptable and what was not. For example, in Leviticus chapters 11 to 15, we find detailed instructions relative to cleaness and uncleaness. Certain animals were unclean and the Israelites were not to eat them. Childbirth would cause a woman to be unclean for a specified period of time. Certain skin diseases, particularly leprosy, and discharges of the male and female organs would likewise cause a person to be unclean. The Law also specified what should be done in situations involving uncleaness. For example, at Numbers 5:2, we read: " Command the sons of Israel that they send out of the camp every leprous person and everyone having a running discharge and everyone unclean by a deceased soul."
Next time: Contination of this subject.
Clean For True Worship
To most people, being clean simply means to be free from dirt or contamination. In the Bible, however, the idea of being clean is denoted by a number of Hebrew and Greek words that describe cleaness not just in the physical sense but more often in the moral and spiritual sense. Thus, one Bible encyclopedia states: " ' clean' and 'unclean' are terms seldom related to mere questions of hygene, but are mainly religious concepts. As such the principle of 'cleaness' affects almost every aspect of life."
Indeed, the Mosaic Law included rules and regulations on practically every aspect of the Israelite's life, outlining what was clean and acceptable and what was not. For example, in Leviticus chapters 11 to 15, we find detailed instructions relative to cleaness and uncleaness. Certain animals were unclean and the Israelites were not to eat them. Childbirth would cause a woman to be unclean for a specified period of time. Certain skin diseases, particularly leprosy, and discharges of the male and female organs would likewise cause a person to be unclean. The Law also specified what should be done in situations involving uncleaness. For example, at Numbers 5:2, we read: " Command the sons of Israel that they send out of the camp every leprous person and everyone having a running discharge and everyone unclean by a deceased soul."
Next time: Contination of this subject.
To most people, being clean simply means to be free from dirt or contamination. In the Bible, however, the idea of being clean is denoted by a number of Hebrew and Greek words that describe cleaness not just in the physical sense but more often in the moral and spiritual sense. Thus, one Bible encyclopedia states: " ' clean' and 'unclean' are terms seldom related to mere questions of hygene, but are mainly religious concepts. As such the principle of 'cleaness' affects almost every aspect of life."
Indeed, the Mosaic Law included rules and regulations on practically every aspect of the Israelite's life, outlining what was clean and acceptable and what was not. For example, in Leviticus chapters 11 to 15, we find detailed instructions relative to cleaness and uncleaness. Certain animals were unclean and the Israelites were not to eat them. Childbirth would cause a woman to be unclean for a specified period of time. Certain skin diseases, particularly leprosy, and discharges of the male and female organs would likewise cause a person to be unclean. The Law also specified what should be done in situations involving uncleaness. For example, at Numbers 5:2, we read: " Command the sons of Israel that they send out of the camp every leprous person and everyone having a running discharge and everyone unclean by a deceased soul."
Next time: Contination of this subject.
1.28.2006
Cleansed As A People For Fine Works
"Who may ascend into the mountain of Jehovah, and who may rise up in his holy place?" King David of ancient Israel raised that question regarding worship that is acceptable to Jehovah. He then provided the answer: "Anyone innocent in his hands and clean in heart, who has not carried My soul to sheer worthlessness, nor taken an oath deceitfully." (Psalm 24:3, 4) To be acceptable to Jehovah, who is the very embodiment of holiness, one must be clean and holy. Earlier, Jehovah reminded the congregation of Israel: "You must sanctify yourselves and you must prove yourselves holy, because I am holy." -Leviticus 11:44, 45: 19:2.
Centuries later, the apostle Paul wrote to fellow Christians in the decandent city of Corinth: " Since we have these promises, beloved ones, let us cleanse ourselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in God's fear." (2Corinthians 7:1) This once again makes the point that to have a relationship with God and to receive his promised blessings, one must be clean and free from physical and spiritual defilement and corruption. Likewise, in writing about worship that is acceptable to God, the disciple James stated: " The form of worship that is clean and undelfiled from the standpoint of our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation, and to keep oneself without spot from the world." -James 1:27.
Since being clean, holy and undefiled are such important factors in true worship, anyone desiring to gain God's approval should be seriously concerned with measuring up in this area. Because People today have widely differing standards and concepts regarding cleanness, however, we need to understand and abide by what Jehovah considers clean and acceptable. We need to find out what God requires of his worshippers in this regard and what he has done to help them to become and remain clean and accceptable to him. - Psalm 119:9; Daniel 12:10.
"Who may ascend into the mountain of Jehovah, and who may rise up in his holy place?" King David of ancient Israel raised that question regarding worship that is acceptable to Jehovah. He then provided the answer: "Anyone innocent in his hands and clean in heart, who has not carried My soul to sheer worthlessness, nor taken an oath deceitfully." (Psalm 24:3, 4) To be acceptable to Jehovah, who is the very embodiment of holiness, one must be clean and holy. Earlier, Jehovah reminded the congregation of Israel: "You must sanctify yourselves and you must prove yourselves holy, because I am holy." -Leviticus 11:44, 45: 19:2.
Centuries later, the apostle Paul wrote to fellow Christians in the decandent city of Corinth: " Since we have these promises, beloved ones, let us cleanse ourselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in God's fear." (2Corinthians 7:1) This once again makes the point that to have a relationship with God and to receive his promised blessings, one must be clean and free from physical and spiritual defilement and corruption. Likewise, in writing about worship that is acceptable to God, the disciple James stated: " The form of worship that is clean and undelfiled from the standpoint of our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation, and to keep oneself without spot from the world." -James 1:27.
Since being clean, holy and undefiled are such important factors in true worship, anyone desiring to gain God's approval should be seriously concerned with measuring up in this area. Because People today have widely differing standards and concepts regarding cleanness, however, we need to understand and abide by what Jehovah considers clean and acceptable. We need to find out what God requires of his worshippers in this regard and what he has done to help them to become and remain clean and accceptable to him. - Psalm 119:9; Daniel 12:10.
1.21.2006
We Are Responsible
Trying to pin the entire blame for our misconduct on our genes simply does not work. Rather than helping us to solve or overcome our problems notes Psychology Today, doing so "may be teaching us a helpesness that is at the root of many of our problems. Instead of reducing the incidence of these problems, this seems to have fueled their growth."
It is true that we must contend with major adverse forces, including our own sinful tendencies and Satan's efforts to distract us in one way or another. But we are surely not helpless. True Christgians have powerful allies-Jehovah, Jesus Christ, God's holy spirit, his Word the Bible, and the Christian congregation.- 1Timothy 6:11,12; 1John 2:1.
Before the nation of Israel entered the Promised Land, Moses reminded the people of their responsibility before God, saying: "I have put life and death before you, the blessing and the malediction; and you must choose life in order that you may keep alive, you and your offspring, by loving Jehovah your God, by listening to his voice and by sticking to him." (Deuteronomy 30:19, Likewise today, each responsible individual is obliged to make a personal decision about serving God and meeting his requirements . The choice is yours. - Galatians 6:7,8.
Trying to pin the entire blame for our misconduct on our genes simply does not work. Rather than helping us to solve or overcome our problems notes Psychology Today, doing so "may be teaching us a helpesness that is at the root of many of our problems. Instead of reducing the incidence of these problems, this seems to have fueled their growth."
It is true that we must contend with major adverse forces, including our own sinful tendencies and Satan's efforts to distract us in one way or another. But we are surely not helpless. True Christgians have powerful allies-Jehovah, Jesus Christ, God's holy spirit, his Word the Bible, and the Christian congregation.- 1Timothy 6:11,12; 1John 2:1.
Before the nation of Israel entered the Promised Land, Moses reminded the people of their responsibility before God, saying: "I have put life and death before you, the blessing and the malediction; and you must choose life in order that you may keep alive, you and your offspring, by loving Jehovah your God, by listening to his voice and by sticking to him." (Deuteronomy 30:19, Likewise today, each responsible individual is obliged to make a personal decision about serving God and meeting his requirements . The choice is yours. - Galatians 6:7,8.
12.31.2005
An Encouraging Experience
"When I was a young boy in boarding school, I got involved in homosexual practices, although I never thought of myself as being homosexual. My parents were divorced and I craved the parental affection that I never received. After finishing school, I did compulsory military service. There was a group of homosexuals in the barracks next to mine. I became envious of their life-style, so I started associating with them. After associating with them for a year, I began to think of myself as a homosexual. 'This is the way I am,' I reasoned, 'and I can do nothing about it.'
"I started learning the lingo and going to gay clubs, where drugs and alcohol were freely available. Although outwardly it all seemed very exciting and appealing,it was actually sickening. Deep down I sensed that this kind of relationship was unnatural and had no future.
"In a small town, I came across a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses while the meeting was on. I went in and listened to the talk, which dealt with the future Paradise conditions. Afterward I met some of the Witnesses and was invited to an assembly. I went, and that was a revelation to me-seeing happy families worshipping together. I started to study the Bible with the Witnesses.
"Although it was a struggle for me, I started to apply what I was learning from the Bible. I was able to break free from all my unclean practices. After studying for 14 months, I dedicated my life to Jehovah and was baptized. For the first time in my life, I had real friends. I have been able to help others learn the truth from the Bible, and now I serve as a ministerial servant in the Christian congregation. Jehovah has truly blesssed me.
Next time: We Are Responsible
"When I was a young boy in boarding school, I got involved in homosexual practices, although I never thought of myself as being homosexual. My parents were divorced and I craved the parental affection that I never received. After finishing school, I did compulsory military service. There was a group of homosexuals in the barracks next to mine. I became envious of their life-style, so I started associating with them. After associating with them for a year, I began to think of myself as a homosexual. 'This is the way I am,' I reasoned, 'and I can do nothing about it.'
"I started learning the lingo and going to gay clubs, where drugs and alcohol were freely available. Although outwardly it all seemed very exciting and appealing,it was actually sickening. Deep down I sensed that this kind of relationship was unnatural and had no future.
"In a small town, I came across a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses while the meeting was on. I went in and listened to the talk, which dealt with the future Paradise conditions. Afterward I met some of the Witnesses and was invited to an assembly. I went, and that was a revelation to me-seeing happy families worshipping together. I started to study the Bible with the Witnesses.
"Although it was a struggle for me, I started to apply what I was learning from the Bible. I was able to break free from all my unclean practices. After studying for 14 months, I dedicated my life to Jehovah and was baptized. For the first time in my life, I had real friends. I have been able to help others learn the truth from the Bible, and now I serve as a ministerial servant in the Christian congregation. Jehovah has truly blesssed me.
Next time: We Are Responsible
12.10.2005
The Root Of Mankind's Trouble
As we have already seen, mankind's problems started when the first human pair sinned. The result? While generations of Adam's offspring are not responsible for Adam's sin, they nonetheless are all born with sin, imperfection, and death as their inherited lot in life. The Bible explains: " That is why, just as through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned." - Romans 5:12.
Man's imperfection puts him at a decided disadvantage. But that does not absolve him of all moral responsibility. The Bible shows that those who put faith in Jehovah's provision for life and conform their lives to God's standards will have his approval. Out of his loving-kindness, Jehovah made a merciful provision to redeem mankind, to buy back, as it were, what Adam had lost. That provision is the ransom sacrifice of his perfect Son, Jesus Christ, who said: " God loved the world so much that he gave his only begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life." - John 3:16; 1Corinthians 15:21, 22.
The apostle Paul expressed his deep appreciation for this provision. He exclaimed: " Miserable man that I am! Who will rescue me from the body undergoing this death? Thanks to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:24, 25) Paul new that if he succumbed to sin out of weakness, he could ask God's forgiveness on the basis of the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
As in the first century, today many who formerly led very bad lives or whose situation seemed hopeless have come to an accurate knowledge of Bible truth, made the necessary changes, and come in line for God's blessing. The changes they had to make were not easy, and many still have to contend with harmful tendencies. But with God's help, they are able to maintain integrity and find joy in serving him. (Philippians 4:13) Consider, just one example of someone who made drastic changes in order to please God.
Next time: An Encouraging Experience
As we have already seen, mankind's problems started when the first human pair sinned. The result? While generations of Adam's offspring are not responsible for Adam's sin, they nonetheless are all born with sin, imperfection, and death as their inherited lot in life. The Bible explains: " That is why, just as through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned." - Romans 5:12.
Man's imperfection puts him at a decided disadvantage. But that does not absolve him of all moral responsibility. The Bible shows that those who put faith in Jehovah's provision for life and conform their lives to God's standards will have his approval. Out of his loving-kindness, Jehovah made a merciful provision to redeem mankind, to buy back, as it were, what Adam had lost. That provision is the ransom sacrifice of his perfect Son, Jesus Christ, who said: " God loved the world so much that he gave his only begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life." - John 3:16; 1Corinthians 15:21, 22.
The apostle Paul expressed his deep appreciation for this provision. He exclaimed: " Miserable man that I am! Who will rescue me from the body undergoing this death? Thanks to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:24, 25) Paul new that if he succumbed to sin out of weakness, he could ask God's forgiveness on the basis of the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
As in the first century, today many who formerly led very bad lives or whose situation seemed hopeless have come to an accurate knowledge of Bible truth, made the necessary changes, and come in line for God's blessing. The changes they had to make were not easy, and many still have to contend with harmful tendencies. But with God's help, they are able to maintain integrity and find joy in serving him. (Philippians 4:13) Consider, just one example of someone who made drastic changes in order to please God.
Next time: An Encouraging Experience
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