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“Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids (Pr. 6:25)
The heart is a hollow muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the blood vessels to various parts of the body by repeated and rhythmic contractions. It is found in all animals with a circulatory system, which includes the vertebrates. The average human heart, beating at 72 beats per minute, will beat approximately 2.5 billion times during an average 66 year lifespan, and pumps approximately 4.7-5.7 litres of blood per minute. It weighs approximately 250 to 300 grams (9 to 11 oz) in females and 300 to 350 grams (11 to 12 oz) in males.
In as much as the heart is the most important part of man—for out of it are the issues of life—it would be natural to expect that Satan, when he intended to do mischief to manhood, would be sure to make his strongest and most perpetual attacks upon the heart. The heart is very sensitive and processes information very fast therefore must be guided jealously.
The present generation seems to be groaning under the yoke of all kinds of iniquities. A man’s eyes see a woman’s beauty in a second. Thus far there is no sin. But three sinful stages follow that are a prelude to adultery or fornication. The eyes linger and move to fascination with the details of her beauty, the heart moves from nobly admiring to hungrily desiring her, and the soul becomes willing to the invitation of her eyes. Here are the three steps to hell!
The depraved heart of man is polygamous. It is never content. The other woman is always more desirable, just as the forbidden fruit in Eden exceeded all others in appeal. The unknown is always presumed superior to the familiar. Fallen man is vulnerable to a beautiful woman, as the pleasure she embodies exceeds any other in this life. Therefore, wise men must rule their eyes and heart to resist her dangerous beauty and wiles.
Solomon and his wife wanted to save their son from adultery (Pr 6:20-35). Here he gives rules, consequences, and warnings to protect his son from this heinous and horrible sin. Wise men will consider these things day and night (Pr 6:21-23), lest they destroy their estate, reputation, and soul by succumbing to her beauty and sinful ways (Pr 6:24-35).
Sin follows a simple course. Every man has lusts. When those lusts are given an object and allowed to consider it, they will powerfully entice the man. The lusts plan the sin, and the man executes it. Then the sin brings painful consequences and eventual death. These are the real facts of life that every young man should be taught (James 1:13-16).
The appeal of an attractive woman is incredibly powerful. It destroyed the sons of God and brought the Flood (Gen 6:2), and it took David down in seconds (II Sam 11:2). No woman can fully understand the instantaneous draw a beautiful woman has on the soul of a man through his eyes. It is an overpowering object of desire, unless he is walking in the Spirit and ruling his spirit. So Christian women must dress modestly (I Tim 2:9-10).
Man! When you see a beautiful woman, and you will, do not let your heart obey your lusts to fantasize about how much you want her and how happy she could make you. You must not think on her details in your heart. It is acceptable to say, “That is a beautiful woman,” like when viewing a house, car, or garden. But it is unacceptable to think, “I love those curves, and without clothes, she would give pleasure I have never had before.”
The eyes are windows of the soul; they can sometimes express more than words can tell. Solomon knew of their power (Song 4:9). Immodest women paint their faces to accent their eyes, as did Jezebel (II Kgs 9:30). Wanton eyes are the tools of whores (Is 3:16). When a woman uses her eyes to flatter a man and offer herself intimately to him, the most discreet and powerful enticement a man will ever face, the trap is complete. So, Christian women must maintain a look of shamefacedness and sobriety (I Tim 2:9-10).
What are the cures for her beauty and eyelids? Remember the three steps to hell, and provide a defense against each. There is much wisdom here. Solomon had 700 wives, princesses, and 300 concubines. Through wide experience, and exceptional understanding from God, he knew more about women and their dangers than you and your counselors.
First, avoid seeing a beautiful woman and moving to fascination with her by reducing your exposure to only the necessary. Take precautions against encountering beautiful women, especially acquaintances. This cure includes colleagues, neighbors, or church members. Jesus said you should be willing to cut off your right hand to avoid her (Matt 5:27-30; Rom 13:14). When you feel the rising heat due to a desirable woman, get away quickly while your visual impression is still noble admiration and virtuous appreciation.
Second, keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life, so it will not recall the images of her beauty and cause you to play with them by fantasy (Pr 4:23). Fill your heart with wisdom, righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come (Acts 14:25). Think about Jesus Christ, heaven, Scripture, and prayer (Phil 3:20; Col 3:2). Daily activities must include self-examination, repentance, and confession (Ps 139:23-24). Remind yourself of the terrible consequences of sexual sins (Pr 5:1-14). Renew the covenant with your eyes (Job 31:1).
Finally, to avoid her invitations, reject casual social interaction and eye-to-eye contact. The price is too high, the danger too great. Every man knows which women tempt him, and they cannot be his social companions or correspondents. And this warning includes both looks and conversations. Remember that phones, BBM, Facebook, email etc. can also carry seduction.
The man who has excited his lusts to a feverish pitch with pornography, unhindered fantasies, or other lascivious practices will not stand a chance. His body and mind craves the first opportunity. The rules of this proverb are too late; the burning desire for sexual satisfaction turns even average women into objects of lustful desire (II Pet 2:14). If they are weak or wanton, he will go down as certainly as sheep go down to the slaughter.
Christian woman, take heed to covering yourself and limit your casual conversation with men, especially if you are attractive. You will never understand the pain and trouble you cause by your physical presence and friendliness. Stay at home; love your husband; dress modestly, hide your eyes; talk to women; hold your children; be merciful and virtuous!
The warning here also applies to the whorish Church of Rome and her harlot daughters (Rev 17:1-6). They seductively adorn their exteriors to attract men, while covering the base deceit and fraud of their doctrine. They use their wiles to seduce the simple, without telling them of the hell to come. They appear attractive and are forward in their invitations, but they are the enemies of Christ. Come out of her, my people (Rev 18:4).
Dcn. Mike Ben
Thank you.
‘All have sinned and come short of the glory of God’. Romans 3:23. ‘The wages of sin is death’. Romans 6:23. In view of man’s inability to justify himself in the sight of God’s law, God made available a wonderful provision. ‘Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life’. Romans 5:18.
Of all the glorious works of our Saviour, Christ death on the cross in place of mankind is of supreme importance. In one singular act, Christ wiped out the handwriting (certificate of debt) of requirement that was against us which was contrary to us. Colossians 2:14-15
Salvation in its simplest definition or meaning is to be completely delivered from sin, saved for Christ and worthy of the kingdom of God. At the fall of man in the beginning, there was sort of depravity and lost of privileges as a result of sin committed.
How sadly man was marred by sin?
God demonstrated His desire to restore man to fellowship with Himself. ’ ……Yet doth He devise means, that His banished be not expelled from Him’. 2 Sam. 14:14. He made possible the restoration of mankind through His son. ‘For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16.
‘All the heathen religious teach men to work their way up to God; but the religion of Jesus Christ is God coming down to men to save them, and lift them up out of the pit of sin’ – D.L Moody
The Scripture gives four names to a Christian, taken from the four cardinal graces so essential to man’s salvation.
‘Grace is not simply a kindly feeling on the part of God, but a positive benefit conferred on man as an active force for illuminating the intellect, warming the heart, strengthening the will of redeemed humanity. And God gives grace in this world as a preparation for glory and glory in the other world as perfection of grace.
Therefore, each Christian is expected to bear all the names as well as manifesting these four cardinal graces:
Holiness: God demands holiness from every acclaimed Christian. Beside His perfect love and omnipotent power, other fundamental attributes of God are righteousness and holiness. ‘The Lord is righteous in all His ways and holy in all His works. Psalms 145:17. God therefore placed it as an absolute essential qualification to associate with Him. ‘Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:’ Hebrews 12:14.
God made promise of restoration to those who will respond to His plan of mercy. ‘Ye shall be holy; for I Lord your God am holy’ Leviticus 19:2 (See also 1 Peter 1:16)
NOTE: The condition of eternal life, under grace, are just what they were in Eden – perfect righteousness, harmony with God, perfect conformity to the principles of His law…… God has made provision that we may become like Him, and He will accomplish this for all who do not interpose a perverse will, and thus frustrate His grace – E.G. White in Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, page 116.
‘Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference’. Romans 3:22.
Faith: ‘But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that HE is a rewarder of them that diligently seek HIM. Hebrews 11:6.
‘Thou believest that there is one God: thou doest well: the devils also believe and tremble’. James 2:19. A mere intellectual believe in God is not faith. It is not merely belief in, but associated confidence in and complete reliance upon God. Faith is not our righteousness. It is accounted to us for righteousness. Faith comes through hearing the word of God and testimonies of others. Romans 10:17.
Love: Love is the Alpha and Omega of redemption. Beginning from the journey of the mediator from heaven to earth, His pilgrimage on earth and how He was shamefully nailed to the cross, the reason is LOVE. The moment a man’s heart touches the heart of Christ in living faith, he becomes (whether he knows it or not) the brother of every other, in heaven or on earth who has come into the same relationship with Christ. Whoever is united to Christ is brother or sister to every else that is united to HIM.
A new commandment I give unto you. That ye love one another: as I have loved you. That ye also love one another. John 13:34.
He whose heart is not filled with love for God and his fellowmen is not a true disciple of Christ.
Knowledge: ‘But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witness unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth’. Acts 1:8. All who are ordained unto the life of Christ are ordained to work for the salvation of their fellowmen. Of the missionary zeal of the early Christians we are told, every congregation was a missionary inflamed by the love of Christ to convert his fellow men. Mark 16:15.
‘The only knowledge which is of any avail to eternity is a personal, intimate knowledge of God. Christianity is not merely belief in certain facts about a person, it is rather knowledge of that person; only this can transform lives and solve the problem of humanity’.
‘Christianity is not a philosophy, but a life; not knowledge of abstract principles, but a personal knowledge of faith and love of God in Christ’.
Conclusion: Obedience is the test of discipleship. It is the keeping of the commandment that proves the sincerity of your profession of Love; When the doctrine we accept (by Faith) kills sin in the heart, purifies the soul from defilement, bear fruits unto holiness, we may know that it is the truth of God. – E.G. White in The Mount of Blessing, page 210.
Deacon Wole Bodunde
The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways, and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways.” Proverbs 14:14
The concluding part of last week edition was the antidote to a backsliding heart. Five points were mentioned namely: Identity your current condition, Meditate on Christ and His Work, Pray to God for the grace you need, Repent of all known sins and Return to Christ in fresh dependency.
You will agree with me that backsliding is a gradual process which if not tackled could lead to Apostasy. Apostasy means to fall away from the truth. Therefore, an apostate is someone who has once believed and then rejected the truth of God. To avoid this, below are the practical steps to stay away from backsliding.
Practical Stepladder to Avoid Backsliding
Tips
Finally, the following are what you require:
God bless you real good.
Deacon Mike Ben
Registration for Workers-in-Training and Baptismal Class is in progress.
Please, endeavour to register with Brother David Adeyemi and Deacon Akinyemi Akindele
The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways, and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways.” Proverbs 14:14
Continued from last week.
It may be, dear Christian, that you have drifted somewhat but have never noticed it. You may be like Samson who “wist not that the Lord was departed from him” (Judges 16:20). We need to search our hearts and we need to watch and pray lest sin creep up on us.
What Does Backsliding Look Like?
1. When prayer ceases to be a vital part of a professing Christian’s life, backsliding is present.
2. When the quest for biblical truth ceases and one grows content with the knowledge of eternal things already acquired, there can be no mistaking the presence of backsliding.
3. When the biblical knowledge possessed or acquired is treated as external fact and not applied inwardly, backsliding is present.
4. When earnest thoughts about eternal things cease to be regular and gripping, it should be like a warning light to the backslider.
5. When the services of the church lose their delights, a backslidden condition probably exists.
6. When pointed spiritual discussions are an embarrassment; that is certain evidence of backsliding.
7. When sports, recreation and entertainment are a large and necessary part of your lifestyle, you may assume backsliding is in force.
8. When sins of the body and of the mind can be indulged in without an uproar in your conscience, your backslidden condition is certain.
9. When aspirations for Christ-like holiness cease to be dominant in your life and thinking, backsliding is there.
10. When the acquisition of money and goods becomes a dominant part of your thinking, you have clear confirmation of backsliding.
11. When you can mouth religious songs and words without heart, be sure backsliding is present.
12. When you can hear the Lord’s name taken in vain, spiritual concerns mocked and eternal issues flippantly treated, and not be moved to indignation and action, you are backslidden.
13. When you can watch degrading movies and television and read morally debilitating literature, you can be sure you are backslidden.
14. When breaches of peace in the brotherhood are of no concern to you; that is proof of backsliding.
15. When the slightest excuse seems sufficient to keep you from spiritual duty and opportunity, you are backslidden.
16. When you become content with your lack of spiritual power and no longer seek repeated enduements of power from on high, you are backslidden.
17. When you pardon your own sin and sloth by saying the Lord understands and remembers that we are dust, you have revealed your backslidden condition.
18. When there is no music in your soul and no song in your heart, the silence testifies to your backsliding.
19. When you adjust happily to the worlds’ lifestyle, your own mirror will tell the truth of your backsliding.
20. When injustice and human misery exist around you and you do little or nothing to relieve the suffering, be sure you are backslidden.
21. When your church has fallen into spiritual declension and the Word of God is no longer preached there with power and you are still content, you are in a backslidden condition.
22. When the spiritual condition of the world declines around you and you cannot perceive it; that is testimony of your backslidden stance.
23. When you are willing to cheat your employer, backsliding is apparent.
24. When you find yourself rich in grace and mercy and marvel at your own godliness, then you have fallen far in your backsliding.
25. When your tears are dried up and the hard, cold spiritual facts of your existence cannot unleash them, see this as an awful testimony both of the hardness of your heart and the depth of your backsliding. (Taken from Revival, Richard Owen Roberts)
You may want to take issue with a few of the “evidences” listed above, but before you do that consider them carefully lest you miss identifying a real problem in your life. And what if you find some of these things true of yourself?
The Cure for Backsliding
You cannot return if you do not know you have lost your way. “Remember therefore from where you have fallen.” (Rev. 2:5);
If we are to be captured by the glory of Jesus, led to worship Him for all He is and has done for sinners, then we must see these things again and again. There is never a returning to Jesus apart from the word of God. When we respond to Him we are responding to his word. We find ourselves in a backslidden state because, in part, we lost sight of the glory of Christ. So we must see it again. “Seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:1-2)
That we can return is grace. That we will return is a promise made by God! Are you aware of your condition? Do you want to be revived? Perhaps you’re so cold you don’t even know if you really want it. Pray that God will do what He has promised, that He will heal your backsliding. “I will heal their apostasy; I will love them freely, for my anger has turned from them. …They shall return and dwell beneath my shadow; they shall flourish like the grain; they shall blossom like the vine.” (Hos. 14:4-7)
The backslider is one who has forgotten the grace of repentance. His heart has become insensitive to his sin, and he has lost sight of his desperate and immediate need for Jesus. Returning to Jesus necessitates the painful awareness of and the turning from our sin. “Repent, and do the works you did at first.” (Rev. 2:5)
Those who know Jesus know a trustworthy Savior. Those who have wandered from communion with Him have lost a sense of dependency on Him for sustaining grace. We have lost sight of just how needy we are of grace; grace to come to Christ, grace to keep us with Christ, grace to return to Christ. It is as we recognize our current condition, see the glories of Jesus, seek the Lord for grace, and repent of our sin that we return to our first love. “Return to me, says the Lord of hosts, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts.” (Zech. 1:3)
Next week we shall look at Practical Stepladder to Avoid Backsliding.
God bless you real good
Parish members who have not gone through the School of Disciples training should quickly register, for 2013 School of Disciples training, with Brother David Adeyemi
There will be no service in the morning on Christmas day, 25th December 2013.
JACOB Service will still hold at 6.00pm on Christmas day. See details in Events menu.
The General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) will be visiting RCCG Region 11 Headquarters in Lekki on Boxing Day, Thursday, 26th December 2013.
Thereafter, the Church Elders will visit the Lets-Go-a-Fishing venue in Lekki
Let Go a Fishing commenced on Saturday, 21st December 2013, and will end on Thursday, 26th December 2013.
On Sunday, 22nd December 2013, the Church bus will depart the Church premises at 12 noon for Lekki.
On Monday, 23rd December 2013, there will be film show at the Go-a-Fishing venue in Lekki.
On Boxing day, Thursday, 26th December 2013, the Church bus will leave by 8.00am for Go-a-Fishing in Lekki.