Biblical Christianity

Obey God Rather Than Authorities

By Michael Heilman | July 20, 2022 | Comments 0 Comment

Have you ever been in a situation where you had to choose if you should obey God rather than the authorities? On the one hand, the Word of God exhorts us to submit to the governing authorities (Romans 13:1). But on the other hand, we are told to obey God rather than the governing authorities that God has put in place.

So, where do we draw the line? In what instances can we commit civil disobedience?

Bible Verse: Acts 5:29

But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.”

The apostles obeyed God and trusted Him to take care of the consequences. They could not serve two masters and they had already declared whose side they were on. Had they been diplomats instead of ambassadors, they could have pleased everybody and escaped a beating. But they stood firmly for the Lord, and He honored their courage and faith.

Peter and John set a good example of boldness amidst intimidation and persecution. They did not stop preaching about the resurrection even after they were presented before the council of religious leaders, elders, and teachers. But they acted with respect and courtesy, even when they defied the law.

Doing What’s Right

Many times Christians imply that resisting authorities is always a sin and obedience at all costs. That is just not true. That is like saying Corrie Ten Boom should have let those Jews be killed by the Nazis or Rahab should not have hidden the two spies.

God does allow dictators to rule nations at different times in history. But that does not mean Christians must obey them. All of us need to follow Peter’s example and make our decisions based on “Is it right?” and not “Is it popular?” or “Is it safe?”

We must be sure, however, that we have the clear teaching of the Word on our side before we disobey the government. Peter knew what the Lord commanded the believers to do (Acts 1:8) and he was going to obey Him at any cost.

The situation of the apostles is not that different from what Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had to go through. We read in Daniel 3:1-30 how these three young Jewish men refused to bow down and worship the golden image of King Nebuchadnezzar. As a result, the king’s men cast them into the burning fiery furnace.

But because they did what is right before the Lord, the God of Israel rescued them from the furnace that was heated seven times more.

Civil Disobedience

The governing authorities during Peter’s time were doing the same thing that is happening today. Those authorities were trying to silence Peter and the apostles from speaking. Isn’t this what the authorities in Canada, Australia, China, and America are doing today?

They were trying to remove Peter’s God-given right to proclaim the gospel and whatever Peter wanted to say. The government in many countries is arresting those who are speaking against their mandates. This is a violation of their God-given right to free will and free speech! Are we willing to stand up with courage to resist this tyranny?

Two years ago, it was just a mask, then closing the churches and small businesses (a.k.a the livelihood of many people). Then it was about a vaccine, a booster shot, and a mandate.

When are all the Christians going to say, “We have had just enough of this tyranny being imposed upon us?” Where are the Peters of today who will stand up and say, “God has given us the right to refuse these vaccines?” Why are we not refusing these vaccine passports imposed by the ruling class and the government?

My Body, My Choice

We often hear people say, “My body, my choice,” when talking about abortion. But these same people who believe in “bodily autonomy” do not believe we have a choice as to what we inject into our bodies. If you are going to stand by this principle, at least try your best to be consistent!

Thank God for the first amendment that allows Americans to make their own choices. Our freedom is a gift from God and we should not allow anyone, even the government, to take it away from us.

1 Corinthians 6:19 says that we have the right to take care of our temple (our body) as we see fit. That is our choice. Since when did God give the government the right to dictate our choices to us? He didn’t. So, Christians, stand up for liberty.

Final Words

Yes, Christians should obey governmental authority (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17). But when government decrees are clearly contrary to God’s Word, we must obey God rather than men. See also Exodus 1:15-17 and Daniel 6:4-10.

In other words, we can respect authority and at the same time disobey the authorities. Remember the example of Daniel who tried to avoid getting his guard into trouble (Daniel 1:5-16). Also, the apostles used their arrests as opportunities to witness to the lost (Acts 5:26-42).

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission when you use any links on this page to make a purchase, but at no additional cost to you.

Recommended Resource: Radical Submission to God: The Awesome Life-Changing Secret to Peace, Power, & Permanent Victory by Philip A. Matthews

True and pure Christianity is God downloading heaven to earth!

That is not happening very often or in very many places. This explains why the world, especially Western society, is getting sick of and cynical about Christianity.

In today’s world, when people “have a problem with religion,” it is simply because they are not seeing heaven downloaded to earth!

This book will change your life! It is a must-read for the deeply wounded, the depressed, the forsaken, the disillusioned, the abused, the marginalized, and, in fact, anyone who has existential suffering of any kind.

But the message is also great for anyone who wants to go through the crazy changes of life and stay on top with peace, power, and perpetual victory!

In other words, the “abundant life” that Jesus promised His disciples, but which so many Christians today fail to experience. This book contains the secret-radical submission to God!

The Danger of Carnality

By Michael Heilman | July 10, 2022 | Comments 0 Comment

Can Christians be carnal? Some say no; there’s no such thing as carnal Christians. So, if you are practicing carnality, you are not and cannot be a Christian.

But others say there are carnal Christians among us. They are those who have heard the Good News but are struggling to follow God and obey His commandments.

What carnal Christians do not realize is the danger they are in. Let us not forget what happened to the Israelites in the wilderness as Moses led them out of Egypt.

Bible Verse: Hebrews 4:11

“Let us, therefore, be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.”

Moses and the Israelites in the Wilderness — Photo Credit: LinkedIn

The book of Hebrews was written to warn the NT believers of the consequences of disobedience. Hebrews 4:11 emphasizes the accountability which comes to those who have heard the Word of God.

It records the examples of those in the wilderness with Moses, and those who entered Canaan with Joshua They received the same opportunity but not all of them listened and obeyed.

Saying No to God

Some Christians say it is impossible to say no to God. But the above-mentioned verse says the opposite. I believe God inspired this verse as evidence that anyone can say no to God. After all, God has given all of us the free will to obey or disobey. The triune God did not create robots who cannot choose to be selfish and rebel against their Creator.

It started in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. God specifically commanded Adam to not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16-17). Adam failed as he chose to listen to his wife who gave him the fruit (Genesis 3:6).

Obviously, there are consequences to rebellion. As a result of their disobedience, Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden (Genesis 3:24). Indeed, it is possible to say no to God and it’s a choice to do so.

Do not be deceived and believe the lie that we can never say no to God. The Bible warns us in many places that unbelief in our actions as Christians is still possible.

Do You Really Believe?

The entire Bible is the Life Manual to Christians. This means the Book of Hebrews was written to Christians, not unbelievers, that could act according to unbelief.

Just because people say they believe in something does not mean they live as they believe. People say they believe the Bible, but do they act like they base their actions upon it? Most people don’t. What’s worse is that they twist what the Word of God says to support their views and justify their actions.

Every circumstance we could ever face has principles in Scripture. That is the reason why Romans 1:17 says, “The just shall live by faith.” This expression emphasizes that true faith will demonstrate itself in actions. And true faith is not a single event, but a way of life – it endures.

Simply put, God does not just want our words, He wants our actions as well. God wants obedience to His word as John 14:15 says.

Closing Words

We must believe and obey God’s Word, whether we find it convenient or not. Cherry-picking scriptures is not an option for Christians. Either the Bible is God’s inspired Word for our life, or not. In the end, it’s the Word that will judge the disobedient.

Carnality is a choice to not follow God’s Word. Christians find rest and peace in obeying God’s Word as a contrast to the unbelief that the children of Israel exhibited when they feared going into the promised land.

Do not be a carnal Christian. Instead, commit to living by faith, obey God and enjoy His rest.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission when you use any links on this page to make a purchase, but at no additional cost to you.

Recommended Resource:

Carnal Corinth: A Proof of the Existence of Carnal Christians by Marty A. Cauley

The denial of the very existence of carnal Christians is common among those who deny eternal security.

A primary reason Carnal Corinth was written was to defend the doctrine of eternal security by biblically demonstrating that the category known as carnal Christians is an exegetical certainty.

Particular focus is given to the Corinthian epistles in this study. Even carnal Corinthian believers have unconditional security soteriologically. Fallacious arguments by pseudo Lordship Salvationists against so-called carnal security are discussed and refuted.

Along the way, certain misunderstandings about the nature of carnality are discussed. A frequently misunderstood passage, even among the author’s fellow Free Grace Salvationists, is found in 2 Corinthians 5:20.

The common assumption is that all believers are ambassadors of God’s grace and are involved in urging unbelievers to be reconciled to God.

The common assumption is challenged at length in Carnal Corinth. Even some Lordship Salvationists who deny eternal security acknowledge, correctly, that in the passage Paul is urging the carnal believers in Corinth to be reconciled to him and his apostolic associates.

The discussion of this apostolic “we” in this passage and throughout the Corinthian epistles leads to a discussion of the apostolic “us” in the infamous 1 John 2:19, a passage frequently used in the conditional security camp to claim that all true believers will (and must) persevere in the faith.

Carnal Corinth counters and expands upon the Free Grace counter to demonstrate a plausible pervasive use of the apostolic circle citations in the NT epistles.

Collateral studies include the nature of blamelessness in 1 Corinthians 1:8 and the nature of the Gospel.

His Story Gives Everyone Hope

By Michael Heilman | June 30, 2022 | Comments 0 Comment

Everybody has a story to tell and can make some people hopeful. But not every story gives everyone hope; only His story does. If there is one story that made great history, it’s none other than what God has done.

The Bible tells us that God sent His only begotten Son as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45). Man was in a state of condemnation as a result of Adam’s rebellion. But God loved us so much that He did not want us to perish.

So, He sent His only begotten Son to die on the cross on our behalf (John 3:16). And the Son humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:8).

Indeed, His story is nothing like anybody else’s.

Bible Verse: Romans 15:4, NKJV

“For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”

Here, the apostle Paul was referring to the divinely revealed Old Testament as that which was written for our instruction.

It’s true; Christians live under the New Covenant and are not under the authority of the Old Covenant. But God’s moral law has not changed and all Scripture is of spiritual benefit. See 1 Corinthians 10:6, 10, 11, and 2 Peter 20-21.

Paul’s description of the benefits of Scripture certainly includes the NT but speaks primarily about the OT sacred writings. Without the clear and certain promises of the Word of God, believers have no basis for hope.

A World of Hopelessness

Hopelessness is at an all-time high. Between depression, anxiety, drug abuse, pain, sex abuse, etc, there is no doubt that many souls are looking for hope. The problem is hope cannot be found in this world.

Hebrews 11:1 says that hope can only be found in the unseen. Nothing that can be seen or touched or tasted is worth trusting in. Everything in this world will be burnt up and destroyed. They don’t have any eternal value.

So many people place their value and identity in things of this world. It’s because they do not realize that those things cannot give them what they are looking for. They are looking in all the wrong places.

Hope is Found in His Story

Romans 15:4 says that hope is found in His story. God’s story is written down in the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. He wrote down the literal history of how He is giving hope to humanity. God did this knowing that only some will receive it.

Even though we cannot see God, that does not mean He isn’t there. He is good at working behind the scene. Yet we can see the evidence of God working as John 3:8 says.

Although John 3:8 is referring to evidence of salvation, God also works in our everyday lives. The problem is with us because too many people doubt God is there and thus cannot work. We should trust God even if we do not see the works of His hands. God gives evidence after we believe, trust and hope in Him.

Closing Words

In this world full of chaos, everybody longs to have even the smallest glitter of hope. Hope keeps us going in life despite all the trials and difficulties. Without hope, we would all give up and let the enemy win without putting up a fight.

We all want to live a life full of hope and encouragement. But how do we achieve this?

Believing the Bible as God’s Word is the first step to a Hope-filled life, rather than a miserable existence. Life is hard for everyone, but that does not mean everyone is hopeless.

Life is difficult but God gives joy to those that learn from the past. This is the history found in the Bible so that we all can enjoy HOPE no matter the circumstances.

Do you have that kind of hope? Are you striving to share that HOPE with hopeless people?

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission when you use any links on this page to make a purchase, but at no additional cost to you.

Recommended Resource:

HOPE In Numbers – Holding Onto Promises Everywhere: How to be Reminded of God’s Word Everywhere You Go! by Gordon Wickert

In a world where hope seems lost and Christians seem to lose grip on their faith, there are numbers that tell a different story.

With Hope in Numbers, we can transform every number we see into a well-timed Bible verse and promise from God. There is nothing that can separate us from God’s Word.

In fact, the world has done all the work for us by placing numbers on every street corner, license plate, price tag, sports jersey, and time of day. Anywhere there is a number, that is where hope can be found.

Hold tightly to these truths found in God’s Word and see your life blessed in every situation. This is a rebellion to get God’s Word back into our schools, workplaces, and in the hearts of those in our communities.

HOPE stands for Hold Onto Promises Everywhere and in this book I will show you how you can be reminded of God’s Word everywhere you go. You will never see numbers the same way again!

What is the Golden Rule in Christianity?

How Christians Act Matters

By Michael Heilman | June 25, 2022 | Comments 0 Comment

Everybody is familiar with the Golden Rule, “Do to others as you would have them do to you,” even non-Christians. But little do many people know that our Lord Jesus Himself said this to His followers.

Bible Verse: Luke 6:31 (NKJV)

“And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.”

Do you know that versions of the Golden Rule existed before Christ? It was not invented by Jesus. The truth of the matter is, that it is found in rabbinic writings and even in Hinduism and Buddhism.

Interestingly, all of them cast the rule as a negative command, such as Rabbi Hillel’s version. “What is hateful to yourself, do not do to someone else.”

In contrast, Jesus made it a positive command, enriching its meaning. The Lord also put it in a way that summarizes the whole gist of the ethical principles contained in the Law and the Prophets.

Applying Jesus’ Command

The command to, “… do to them likewise” especially applies to Christian fellowship. Having experienced love from people who reached out to us, we must also love and reach out to others.

Are you, as a Christian applying what Jesus taught? Do you act differently than the world or there is no visible evidence that you’re a follower of Christ?

We must understand that the way Christians conduct themselves especially in public and among unbelievers makes all the difference. Simply put, how Christians act matters! When people in darkness see the light of Christ in us, we don’t even have to preach to them. This is where the saying, “Action speaks louder than words” applies.

Knowing the Needs of Others

Now that I am a parent, I am slowly learning the needs of my children. Everyone has needs. Sometimes people say what their needs are, other times they don’t. Many times children don’t even know what their needs are. Thus, it is the responsibility of the parents to know and provide what their kids need.

The same is true with our fellowmen. Let us be sensitive to their needs because this is one way of showing that we care for them. It doesn’t matter how many Bible verses have we memorized if we treat others like trash. Oftentimes, people just want to know that we care about them. As another saying goes, “People don’t care what you know (about God and the Bible) until they know you care.”

Christians should care about people enough to learn and know the needs of others. Jesus knew we had a sin problem 2,000 years before we ever knew we had a sin problem. Are we perceptive enough to know the needs of others around us?

In addition to perceiving needs, we need to care about everyone, including our enemies. The context of verse 31 is loving our enemies. It is contrary to our human nature to love our enemies.

The Christian Response

Everyone has been the recipient of sin or misdeeds. We have no control over what other people do to us, but we do have control over how we respond. This is especially true of parents of children. Children naturally disobey their parents.

But how does God want us to respond? Of course, there should be a correction for disobedience as Proverbs 3:12 says. But with the heart of love and the goal of reconciliation rather than just retribution or superiority.

This is another reason why abortion is wrong. That baby did not wrong you. If we apply this principle of love toward everyone, how could we ever murder an innocent person? It is a shame that average Americans have murdered 60 million babies over the last 50 years because of excuses and they could.

This is another reason why I believe that all people are sinners.

Final Thoughts

It is true that loving everyone is very difficult and sometimes very uncomfortable but God blesses that humility toward others. The perfect example of that is Jesus. He laid His life down for everyone and yet He is called King of kings in the book of Revelation.

Do we love others as we should? Or do we need God to sanctify us some more?

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission when you use any links on this page to make a purchase, but at no additional cost to you.

Recommended Resource: Life According to the Truth by Michael Heilman

Do you know what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? Did you know that God wants to prepare you during this life to live in heaven with Him? Does your purpose for life evade you?

In Life According to The Truth. Disciple of Jesus Christ, Michael Heilman honestly writes about the issues facing the church and how to live the victorious Christian life.

Michael expounds on biblical principles God has applied to Michael’s life and led to God’s blessing in many areas of his life.

With illustrations, humor, and most importantly scripture, he explains to any born-again believer who is spiritually wandering through life, how to be spiritually blessed by God as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

In this devotional Bible study, you will be enlightened in regards to:

Why God must be the key focus of your life
Loving God and others
Discerning God’s will for your life
Being confident with your identity in Jesus Christ

Life is difficult, but God can enable you to have abundant joy. If you are a born-again believer that needs encouragement, this book is for you.

Developing a Sympathetic Heart

By Michael Heilman | June 10, 2022 | Comments 0 Comment

In a world marred by sin and evil, everybody needs someone who truly understands what they’re going through. But we can only be that someone if we have a sympathetic heart.

What does it mean to have a sympathetic or understanding heart and how do we develop such?

Bible Verse: Hebrews 4:15

“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

Jesus, our High Priest, does not only know what we go through. More importantly, He feels it too. It means that He can “sympathize with our weaknesses.” The ancient Greek word translated sympathize means “to suffer along with.”

One who hears of a tragedy that happened in another city would feel a measure of grief. But it’s nothing like the pain we would feel if it were the city we grew up in. Jesus added humanity to His deity and lived among us. When you have been there, it makes all the difference.

In times when you think and feel that nobody understands your pain, always remember that Jesus does. He is kind, loving, and compassionate. If there’s someone who would know and understand exactly how we feel, it’s the Lord.

Do Not Be Insensitive

All people are indeed sinners and there is plenty of proof of that fact, but does that mean we should be insensitive. Just the fact that God is holy and people are sinners would be enough excuse to be insensitive to the plight of humanity.

God did not have to give us the opportunity for a relationship with Him. We chose to break His law. That was not His responsibility to resolve and yet, He became human and died and rose again to have a relationship with us. Jesus gave us the perfect model of how to build a relationship with other people.

Everyone needs relationships. Without relationships, people become bitter. Everyone needs someone to relate to them. Are you willing to relate to them?

Jesus did all the hardest work to save people. However, that does not mean Christians don’t need to put effort into understanding, relating, and caring about where people are coming from. Being insensitive towards others shows a lack of love.

It is easier to receive instruction or a challenge from someone that tries to relate to you. How well do we try to relate to others?

Always Act Without Prejudice

Many Christians say that the gospel is for everyone, yet many of those same people have no desire to relate to other people. Why?

In the book of Hebrews, just like Jesus is our High Priest, all Christians are also priests that can intercede for others. Yet we tend to be narrow-minded and insensitive toward those that are different from us. How is that Christ-like? The Lord was tempted just like every person and overcame every prejudice.

Why are Christians not able to overcome every prejudice as well? We need to remember that a very prejudiced Jew named Saul hated gentiles. But he got saved and God changed him so much that he became the Apostle to the Gentiles (Galatians 2:8).

“For God, who was at work in Peter as an apostle to the circumcised, was also at work in me as an apostle to the Gentiles.”

God gave His Son to suffer and die on the cross so that everyone who believes will receive eternal life (John 3:16). Whether male or female, Jew or Gentile, small or great, low or high, and whatever race you belong to, Jesus died for you.

As recipients of God’s amazing grace, let us sympathize with the lost and give them the gospel. Let us avoid prejudice at all costs and help them come into a saving relationship with the Lord.

Final Words

Being a born-again believer does not make us any better than others. Every Christian was a sinner saved by grace. If God is not patient and compassionate, we would still be wallowing in our sin and rebellion.

Do we believe that we can come up with an excuse to be indifferent, insensitive, or hateful toward anyone? How sympathetic are we?

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission when you use any links on this page to make a purchase, but at no additional cost to you.

Recommended Resource: Radical Compassion: Finding Christ in the Heart of the Poor by Gary Smith

For almost ten years, Gary Smith, S.J., lived and worked among the poor of Portland, Oregon.

With this memoir, he invites us to walk with him and meet some of the abandoned, overlooked, and forgotten members of our society with whom he has shared his life.

Just as Smith found a deeper, truer understanding of himself and the heart of God through his work, these people and their stories stand to transform us.

“Although its subject matter is bleak, the book is not. Smith has found love amid the despair. His book is touching, at times hopeful, and the kind of book that is hard to put down, that fascinates, horrifies, and rivets one’s attention.”

Children are God’s Blessings

By Michael Heilman | May 30, 2022 | Comments 0 Comment

The Bible tells us that children are God’s blessings. So, when a couple builds a home, they’re building it for their children; for their family. At the same time, having kids carries a lot of responsibility for the parents.

King Solomon knew this and that’s why he considered the wisdom of trusting God in building a house (Psalm 127:1). He understood that a home is built with more than just bricks and wood.

Bible Verses: Psalm 127:3-5b

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed.”

We all acknowledge that the family is the basic unit and most important element of society. A family consists not just of the husband and the wife but of children as well. Thus, we secure our home to secure our family. I’d say no parent would not do anything and everything to keep their children safe.

Staring into the Face of Evil

It’s beyond unimaginable that someone would want to hurt innocent and defenseless children. Yet, recently, there was a terrible mass shooting in an elementary school that killed 21 people, including 18 children. How and why did this happen? This is just pure evil!

People can theorize why the shooter chose a location with so many innocent people to kill. One of the many possible reasons is America has a culture of hate toward children. We can say that this is a result of public schools teaching that all people are just evolved animals. There is no reason to value any life if that was true.

Murdering Defenseless Babies

Liberals and democrats love to talk about protecting democracy. But they never want to address the issue of unrestricted abortion. Did you know that 60 million babies have been murdered for convenience in America alone over the last 50 years?

In 2019 alone, a total of 629,898 abortions were reported to CDC from 49 reporting areas. Women in their 20s accounted for more than half of abortions (56.9%). Those aged 20–24 and 25–29 years accounted for the highest percentages of abortions (27.6% and 29.3%, respectively). They had the highest abortion rates (19.0 and 18.6 abortions per 1,000 women aged 20–24 and 25–29 years, respectively).

How did we get here?

Sustaining Society

The average number of children per family is less than 2, which can’t even sustain the population of any nation. My wife once received a snide condescending comment from a Christian for having 3 children. If that comment reflects the beliefs of average Christians regarding the number of children in a family, that is a shame.

We can protect society by maintaining a family sufficient to sustain society. But how can we do this if most Americans refuse to have more kids? We do not have a one-child policy like other countries do. Yet, we act as if it’s a crime to have more than 1 or 2 children.

The most successful husband and wives are those that have a quiver full of well-trained children as Psalm 127:5 and Proverbs 22:6a says.

By far well-trained children are the most useful instrument of change as Psalm 127:4 says. Wouldn’t we want a quiver full of them?

Final Thoughts

Children indeed mirror the flaws of their parents, but that is not a bad thing. Any humble parent would use that opportunity to grow in maturity rather than being a hypocrite.

Having children is a blessing because they are God’s blessings and a reward. Jesus welcomed the children to come to Him (Matthew 19:14; Mark 10:14).

Do we love children enough to have a quiver full?

Get a copy of my book, “Life According to the Truth.”

In this devotional Bible study, you will be enlightened in regards to:

Why God must be the key focus of your life
Loving God and others
Discerning God’s will for your life
Being confident with your identity in Jesus Christ

Life is difficult, but God can enable you to have abundant joy. If you are a born-again believer that needs encouragement, this book is for you.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission when you use any links on this page to make a purchase, but at no additional cost to you.

Appointed to Die Once

By Michael Heilman | May 15, 2022 | Comments 2 comments

One reality that nobody could escape is death. The Bible says we are all appointed to die once and after that the judgment. There comes a time when Christians and non-Christians alike will give an account to God on how they lived.

Bible Verse: Hebrews 9:27

“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.”

I used to hear people ask, “What is something you know but at the same time you do not know.”

Tricky question, isn’t it? Think about it; you know for certain it will happen but you don’t know exactly when.

Death and Judgment

To die once is a general rule for all mankind. There have been very rare exceptions. For instance, Lazarus died twice (John 11:43-44). Those, like Lazarus, who was raised from the dead by a miraculous act, died a second time.

Another exception will be those who don’t die even once, but who will be caught up at the Rapture (1Thessalonians 4:17). Then there’s Enoch (Genesis 5:24) and Elijah (2 Kings 2:11) who did not die but were taken up alive.

The word judgment is a general term encompassing the judgment of all people; believers and unbelievers. Those who are in Christ will be judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10). Unbelievers, on the other hand, will face God at the Great White Throne (Revelation 20:11-15).

The Uncertainty of Life

How many people know when they will die? Some die in an accident. Others die from a long-drawn-out illness. Still, others have their life taken from them.

Nobody knows how long we will live on this earth, hence the reason why life is uncertain. We do not know what a day will bring.

In James 4:14, the Lord’s brother exposes the presumptuous folly of the practical atheists he condemned. These people thought they knew what the future holds for them. But it’s God alone who knows what will happen tomorrow or the day after.

When James said, “life is like a vapor,” he is referring to either a puff of smoke or one’s breath that appears for a moment in cold air. It stresses the transitory nature of life. See James 1:10; Job 7:6-7; 9:25-26; 14:1-2; Psalm 39:5, 11; 62:9; 89:47; 90:5-6, 10.

Preparing for Eternity

Are you prepared for eternity? How many people are prepared to meet God?

Since there is nothing more sure than death and taxes, how are you preparing for eternity? Or are you just wasting your time?

Every person has a finite amount of time. So, use it wisely. Don’t use your time to glorify yourself. Rather, use it to glorify God. God wants His creation to glorify Him. Sadly, most people in this world want to do their own thing.

Hence, the consequence of disobeying God is found in Hebrew 9:27.

No two people indeed disobey God the same way, but that does not mean anyone is good compared to God. Jesus said in Matthew 19:17 that none is inherently good except God. We are all sinners before God, hence the reason why we all face judgment after we die.

Have you taken care of that sin debt before God by repenting and asking for forgiveness through the finished payment of Jesus Christ? If not, why not now?

Closing Words

For those of us that are saved, are you spreading this glorious news that Jesus came to save sinners? Are we using our finite amount of time to glorify ourselves or God?

Jesus is coming. Can you honestly say that you are prepared to meet Him? Romans 12:1-2 says we are to sacrifice our will to do God’s will; are doing just that?

Too many Christians look at salvation as fire insurance rather than a lifestyle change. When we glorify ourselves over glorifying God, we are acting just like unbelievers.

Do you believe that is what God wants for us? Absolutely not! Jesus died to make us new as 2 Corinthians 5:17 says. Are we living like that is true?

Recommended Resource:

Preparing for Heaven: What Dallas Willard Taught Me About Living, Dying, and Eternal Life by Gary Black Jr.

In his acclaimed books, renowned writer, speaker, and philosophy professor Dallas Willard explored the nature of Christian life in God’s Kingdom.

Yet one topic remained undisclosed: Willard’s understanding of heaven and eternal life. In the months before his death, Willard engaged in moving and insightful conversations about the meaning of life and the life to come with close friend and theologian Gary Black Jr.

These inspiring dialogues were steeped in biblical theology as well as practical wisdom grounded in the here-and-now.

In, Preparing for Heaven, Black reveals not only Willard’s profound and liberating vision of life after death, but he also deftly unpacks the implications these realities hold for our lives today.

Black shows how Willard understood our mortal lives as preparation for what comes next—that death is not the end of one life and the beginning of another, but rather a transition through which we continue the transformational work begun on Earth.

Informative, challenging, and poignant, Willard and Black’s conversations and insights challenge us to reconsider our beliefs—that perhaps the line separating the afterlife from this life is not as absolute as we think, and that there is work to be done both now and in the glorious life to come.

As a result, we will find that our faith is more vibrant—and eternal—than we have dared to imagine.

What is Biblical Marriage?

By Michael Heilman | May 5, 2022 | Comments 0 Comment

Marriage as God instituted it is falling apart. The state has abandoned biblical marriage and redefined it to mean almost anything. Divorce and adultery are rampant.

Men objectify women by using women for sex. Women objectify themselves. Human trafficking and pornography are ruining relationships and the heart attitude of pride is just in the way.

So few people believe they have personal problems that are affecting their marriages.

Now, more than ever, we need to go back to the biblical definition of marriage.

Bible Passage: Ephesians 5:25-33 (NKJV)

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.

For we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones. For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.

This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”

The Husband Must Love His Wife

Although the husband is the head of the wife (Ephesians 5:23), it is his responsibility to love his wife. He must love her with the same unreserved, selfless, and sacrificial love that Christ has for His church.

Christ gave everything He had, including His own life, for the sake of His bride, the church. This is the standard of sacrifice for a husband’s love for His wife (Colossians 3:19).

Also, the husband must love his wife as his own body. This is one of the most poignant and compelling descriptions of the oneness that should characterize Christian marriage.

The believing husband is to care for his wife with the same devotion that he naturally manifests as he cares for himself. And even more so, since his self-sacrificing love causes him to put her first.

In the end, a husband who loves his wife in these ways brings great blessing to himself from her and the Lord.

A Perfect Marriage?

Since all people are sinners, nobody can have a perfect marriage. That does not mean we should not try. God instituted marriage at the beginning of time because man should not be alone (Genesis 2:18).

In the process of making women from men, God made an institution as a picture of the relationship He wants to have with His children.

God is willing to take the responsibility to save, sanctify and glorify anyone, but only if God’s children desire intimacy with Jesus Christ.

This picture of marriage is only a blurry illustration of the relationship God wants to have with humanity. It is about communion with God through Jesus Christ. Only Jesus can bring us to God as Jesus said in John 14:6.

He was also implying that communion and intimacy with God were only possible through Him as well.

Oneness in Marriage

In Ephesians 5:31, Paul quotes from Genesis 2:24 to reinforce God’s divine plan for marriage that He instituted at creation. By doing so, the apostle emphasized its permanence and unity.

The union of marriage is intimate and unbreakable. The word “joined” is used to express having been glued or cemented together. It emphasizes the permanence of the union (Malachi 2:16; Matthew 19:5-9).

Thus, in marriage, the husband’s life is so intimately joined to the wife’s that they are one.

Notice that Ephesians 5:32 uses the word “mystery” to describe the union between the married couple. When used in the NT, mystery identifies some reality hidden in the past and revealed in the NT Scripture.

Marriage is a sacred reflection of the magnificent and beautiful mystery of the union between the Messiah and His church. This was completely unknown until the New Testament (Matthew 13:11; 1 Corinthians 2:7).

Here’s a beautiful Christian wedding song.

Intimacy in Marriage

Sex is the highest form of intimacy by two becoming one (Ephesians 5:31), which results in reproduction/fruit. The same is true during intimacy with Jesus.

Please remember that intimacy in marriage and communion with God is wonderful for everyone involved.

Communion with Jesus results in the fruits of the Spirit that are listed in Galatians 5:22-23. Jesus reproduces His character by the work of the Holy Spirit unto sanctification and holiness as Ephesians 5:26-27 says.

Once again, the problem is that too many people and Christians enjoy their sin and don’t want to live like Christ in their life. For many Christians, the Christ-like lifestyle is too difficult. What they don’t realize is that God enables us to live the sanctified, holy life (Philippians 4:13).

Only God can enable holy living. Unlike the many women that make excuses to not be intimate with their husbands, are we willing to sacrifice our will and be intimate and commune with Jesus, so that we may become more and more Christ-like in every area of our lives????

What a Biblical Marriage is Not

There are a bunch of common occurrences that should never occur in a God-ordained marriage.

Popular counselors say that men need to shut up so they can stay married. Women control their husbands by withholding sex and dictating when the dad can see his children. That is narcissistic!

In some families, the husband is a narcissistic dictator and the wife and daughters are doormats. Men are opting out of marriage because there is too much risk and cost associated with it. Quite often, men are illiterate and have no idea how to spiritually lead a home.

Because many women are not interested in sex, they will use any number of excuses to say no. All of these different cases are extremely unbiblical as the above verses say.

Growing to be Christ-Like

As we become more and more Christ-like, we are growing in oneness with Jesus. Are we growing in Christlikeness or growing stagnant? Are the Fruit of the Spirit growing in our lives?

If Jesus was willing to die and rise again, to save, sanctify and glorify us, why are we not willing to sacrifice our will for His? If your husband is willing to unconditionally love your sinful heart, why are you not willing to sacrifice your pride and excuses?

Recommended Resource: Your Marriage God’s Way: A Biblical Guide to a Christ-Centered Relationship by Scott LaPierre

Celebrate the Marriage God Made for You

Your most important earthly connection is with your spouse, and when you honor the person you married, you’re also honoring God. He created marriage to be one of life’s greatest gifts, and the instruction manual you need for a joyful, lasting union is found in His Word.

In Your Marriage God’s Way, author and pastor, Scott LaPierre, takes a close look at the principles for building a biblical marriage—one in which your relationship with Christ brings guidance and blessing into your relationship with your spouse. You’ll gain the tools to…

understand the unique roles and responsibilities of husbands and wives
recognize and resolve the conflicts you face with a heart of hope and compassion
follow God’s worthy command to love and cherish your spouse unconditionally

Whether you’re at the beginning of your journey or you’ve been on the road together for years, Your Marriage God’s Way will provide the helpful and encouraging insights you need to experience marriage as God intends it.

Words Are Not Cheap

By Michael Heilman | April 20, 2022 | Comments 0 Comment

For years, I have thought that words are cheap because they rarely change anything or are just plain lies. We devalue our words when our words are not based on truth or are just hypocritical. It’s because they bring death to those that listen to them.

Bible Verse: Proverbs 18:21

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.”

The Word of God is clear. The greatest good and the greatest harm are in the power of the tongue. It’s no wonder that James said, “the tongue is a fire” (James 3:6).

Like fire, the tongue’s sinful words can spread destruction rapidly. Or as its accompanying smoke, those words can permeate and ruin everything around it.

Words of Affirmation

Recently I have been thinking about how people have different love languages. One of which is words of affirmation.

Everyone needs words of affirmation to one degree or another. It is true that some need affirmation more than others, but everyone needs at least some affirmation.

I can’t think of a better illustration than a woman in a relationship. We all know that men are not “big on words.” Unlike most women who tend to be vocal about how they feel, men, in general, are reserved. They do not always tell their women how important they are to them.

It’s true that “Actions speak louder than words.” But women want their men to verbalize their thoughts and emotions. This is what some men are finding hard to understand. When the wife asks her husband if he loves her, her husband might say, “I married you, didn’t I?”

This is not the answer women want to hear from their significant other. Men should realize that women are different. They want assurance that their partner loves and values them, not just with action but also with words.

Choose Your Words Carefully

How we use our tongue can either build up or tear down others. And we must never forget that once we say something hurtful, we can’t take it back. Oftentimes, we hurt someone more than we intended to. That’s why we need to take a deep breath and think before we speak.

Many relationships were ruined because of hurtful words that the two parties threw at each other. This is another reason why we need to choose our words carefully.

This does not mean we cannot criticize others. However, truth be told it is very easy to be critical of others for many different reasons.

Are we known for being critical or affirming others? Is there room for improvement in how we use our tongue?

Affirming Others

Some might ask how should we affirm others? That is a good question. Colossians 4:6 answers that question.

“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”

To speak with grace is to speak what is spiritual, wholesome, fitting, kind, sensitive, purposeful, complimentary, gentle, thoughtful, loving, and truthful.

And just as salt not only flavors but prevents corruption, the believer’s speech should not only be a blessing to others. It should also be a purifying influence within the decaying society of the world.

The keyword in the verse is always. We should always be truthful while maintaining a gracious attitude toward others, so that we may speak with grace. How gracious are we?

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Closing Words

Jesus frequently used words to encourage and guide His disciples. We should learn how to use our speech to build up others rather than tear them down.

Let’s conclude with James 3:2.

“For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.”

We all continually fail to do what is right; no one is exempt. James is saying that anyone who can perfectly control his tongue is a perfect man. But of course, no one is immune from sinning with his tongue.

More likely, “perfect” describes those who are spiritually mature and thus able to control their tongues.

Let us then allow the Lord to teach and mold us to be more like Him. As we mature in our spiritual lives, we will learn to control our tongues. And then we will know how to choose our words carefully.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission when you use any links on this page to make a purchase, but at no additional cost to you.

Recommended Resource: Life According to the Truth by Michael Heilman

Trauma and the Gospel

By Michael Heilman | April 5, 2022 | Comments 0 Comment

Over the last few years, I have realized that trauma happens a lot in our sin-cursed world. It is nearly impossible to avoid being affected by traumatic events. Sometimes they are caused by someone else and sometimes we cause the trauma.

Paul, the author of 2 Corinthians, before his name changed, experienced trauma when he was an accomplice to the murder of Stephen in Acts 7:58. Despite his trauma, Paul still wrote that broken sinners can be made new in 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Bible Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:17

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

What it Means to be “In Christ”

The words, “in Christ” comprise a brief but most profound statement of the inexhaustible significance of the believer’s redemption. This includes the following:

The believer’s security in Christ who bore in His body God’s judgment against sin.
The believer’s acceptance in Him with whom God alone is well pleased.
The believer’s future assurance in Him who is the resurrection to eternal life and the sole guarantor of the believer’s inheritance in heaven.
The believer’s participation in the divine nature of Christ the everlasting Word.

If you have repented of your sins and received God’s gift of salvation, then you are “in Christ.” Thus, you get to enjoy the above-mentioned benefits of redemption.

Becoming a New Creation

A creation or creature is something that is created at a qualitatively new level of excellence. Nothing can come from nothing. It doesn’t matter how many times you hear atheists say that “something can come from nothing.”

The fact remains that something has to be created to exist and there has to be a creator.

In 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NASB), the word creature refers to regeneration or the new birth. See John 3:3; Ephesians 2:1-3; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:23; 1 John 2:29, 3:9, 5:4.

This expression encompasses the believer’s forgiveness of sins paid for in Christ’s substitutionary death (Galatians 6:15; Ephesians 4:24).

Saul had an encounter with God and became born again by the power of God through the finished work of Jesus Christ.

If you surrendered your life to Christ, you are a new creation.

Old Things Passed Away

After a person gets born again, his old value systems, priorities, beliefs, loves, and plans are gone. Evil and sin are still present, but the regenerated Christian sees them from a new perspective and they no longer control him.

The change in the renewed Christian’s life is not always automatic. It may take days, months, or even years. But change is most visible for those who were living notoriously before encountering the Lord.

As one Christian said, “Change is inevitable for those who are in Christ.”

Things Have Become New

The grammar used indicates that this newness is a continuing condition of fact. The Christian’s new spiritual perception of everything is a constant reality for him. He then now lives for eternity, not temporal things.

James, the brother of our Lord, identifies this transformation as the faith that produces works (James 2:14-25).

It’s not always easy to give up the “old man” and its “old ways” but every believer must strive to live a sanctified life.

God’s Gift of Eternal Life

Jesus indeed came to earth to save all, but not all will receive it.

Saul did not have that free gift at one point in his life, then received it later and became Paul. Do you know for sure, that you have received that free gift of redemption from the trauma of sin? If not, why not get it settled now?

Now for those that have experienced that free gift of redemption, how should we respond to those that are broken and traumatized? If we are born again by the power of Jesus Christ, shouldn’t we live as Jesus lived? Mark 6:34 says Jesus had compassion on all the broken and traumatized.

Concluding Words

Jesus died to save all broken sinners; the embodiment of the Gospel.

Our Lord lived it out by coming to earth from heaven, living a perfect life, and dying a traumatic death even though He was innocent. He rose again and ascended back to heaven where He is showing compassion to all the broken today.

How well are we showing compassion to the broken and traumatized today?

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission when you use any links on this page to make a purchase, but at no additional cost to you.

Recommended Resource:

Life According to the Truth by Michael Heilman

Publisher’s Description

Do you know what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? Did you know that God wants to prepare you during this life to live in heaven with Him? Does your purpose for life evade you?

In Life According to The Truth. Disciple of Jesus Christ, Michael Heilman honestly writes about the issues facing the church and how to live the victorious Christian life.

Michael expounds on biblical principles God has applied to Michael’s life and led to God’s blessing in many areas of his life. With illustrations, humor, and most importantly scripture, he explains to any born-again believer who is spiritually wandering through life, how to be spiritually blessed by God as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

In this devotional Bible study, you will be enlightened in regards to:

Why God must be the key focus of your life
How to love God
How to love others
How to discern God’s will for your life
How to be confident with your identity in Jesus Christ

Life is difficult, but God can enable you to have abundant joy. If you are a born-again believer that needs encouragement, this book is for you.