What is Truth?

Most people remain ignorant of what God says about the most important subject in life: Where am I going to spend eternity?

God wrote the Bible - His very own Word - so all of us would have a source of truth and answers to questions we might have pertaining to Him. God expects us to read and know what He tells us in the Bible. In it, He warns of a curse we bring on ourselves by trusting in "man" (Jeremiah 17:5) - as opposed to trusting in Him, which brings blessing (Jeremiah 17:7).

God's Bible talks a lot about truth. Many people claim to have the truth, only to find out later - sometimes too late - that what they had was, in fact, error. During the time of Christopher Columbus, man's "truth" asserted that the world was flat. God's truth, written over 2,000 years before, stated that the earth is round (Isaiah 40:22). John the apostle that the opposite of truth is error (1 John 4:6).

The Bible tells us that "every word of God proves true" (Proverbs 30:5). David asked God to lead him in His truth (Psalm 25:5) as he knew that God's Words are truth (2 Samuel 7:28). Jesus said that the words of God are not only true, but are, in fact, truth (john 17:17). John says that truth is realized only through Jesus Christ (John 1:17), who enlightens every man (John 1:9). Jesus also said that the truth will set you free (John 8:32).

John tells us that the true worshippers of God must worship in truth (John 4:23). Jesus said that He was the truth (John 14:6), and everyone who is of the truth listens to His voice (John 18:37). Pontius Pilate (John 18:38) did not recognize the truth and asked, "what is truth?"

The apostle Paul said that one must know (1 Timothy 2:4) and receive the love of the truth to be saved (2 Thessalonians 2:10). Paul even describes teaching that departs from the truth as doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1). He also tells how some will oppose the truth (2 Timothy 3:8), and exchange the truth of God for a lie (Romans 1:25). Peter the apostle warned how false teachers will lead people in heresy, causing the way of truth to be maligned (2 Peter 2:2).

Do you know the truth? Trust in God through Jesus Christ for salvation! Jesus is the only way to God, everything else leads to hell!

Keep pressing, keep praying, keep growing in the truth of God's Word!

Dick & Rick Hoyt

This dad's love for his son is the best Illustration of how Christ loves the Church. Be encouraged...I sure was. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. May we all find our strength in Christ.

Keep pressing, Keep praying!

The Danger and Tragedy of Unbelief

John 12:37-50

1. Beware of the tragic consequences of not believing in Jesus Christ! (vrs. 37-43)

A. The O.T. prophet Isaiah predicted this judicial hardening. (vrs. 37-41) (Isaiah 53:1, 6:10)

(This is also found in: Matt. 13:14-15, Mark 4:12, Luke 8:10, Acts 28:25-28, Romans 1:24,26,28; 11:8)

This "judicial blindness" does not dismiss human responsibility rather it is the consequence of the human choice of unbelief. God then "gives them over" to their sinful instincts. (Romans 1)

This is exactly what Jesus was warning about in John 12:35-36.

B. Some people secretly believe yet refuse to confess their faith in Christ because of the fear of social consequences. (vrs. 42-43) (See also: John 5:44-46, Luke 12:8-9)

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing." Matt 23:37

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9

It is a serious thing to treat God's truth lightly.

2. Weigh Jesus' words carefully! (vrs.44-50)

Why is Jesus worthy of your belief?

A. Because Jesus is God. (vrs. 41, 44, 45)

"The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word." Hebrews 1:3a (Read Hebrews 1:1-3)

B. Because Jesus' words are the very words pf God. (vrs. 49-50)

C. Because Jesus' words with either condemn you or liberate you based on your belief in them. (vrs. 47-48/ 46, 50)

"Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him." John 3:36

"But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death. (Hell)" Revelation 21:8

We only have one chance to believe upon our Lord Jesus Christ! Once death comes it is too late.

"Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him." Hebrews 9:27-28

Application:
1. Believe in Jesus Christ while you still have a chance!
2. Share the words of Jesus Christ with a sense of urgency!
3. Live as children of light! Ephesians 5:8-11, Matt. 5:16

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:14-15

The Danger of a Super-majority

Oct 20

The Danger of a Super-majority

There has been a great deal of concern over the possibility of Barack Obama winning the White House in the November 4th election. In the past few weeks, I’ve received dozens of emails from people frustrated over how one of the most liberal senators is getting a free ride to the White House.
There has been very little media coverage of what could prove to be a far more dangerous political development. Polls indicate that the Democrats have a good chance of expanding their congressional majorities past the point of having a filibuster-proof Senate.

“This would be one of the most profound political and ideological shifts in U.S. history. Liberals would dominate the entire government in a way they haven't since 1965, or 1933. In other words, the election would mark the restoration of the activist government that fell out of public favor in the 1970s. If the U.S. really is entering a period of unchecked left-wing ascendancy, Americans at least ought to understand what they will be getting, especially with the media cheering it all on” (Wall Street Journal, 17 Oct. 2008).

The founding fathers created a system of checks and balances to block an aspiring dictator from seizing total control of the government. No U.S. president has the power to reshape the laws of our nation. If someone like Adolf Hitler were elected to office, he couldn’t implement a fourth Reich alone. The president can propose a budget and legislation, but he cannot force Congress to accept them.

During both previous times when there was a super-majority, it was possible to rewrite the rules at will. Franklin Delano Roosevelt gave us the New Deal and Lyndon Johnson created the Great Society--just fancy words for socialism.

The Democratic party of today is far more liberal than it was during any previous super-majority. I can’t imagine FDR addressing the virtues of gay marriage in one of his radio chats. Mr. Obama has long supported gay unions. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is the representative of America ’s Sodom and Gomorrah: San Francisco. I doubt the gay lobby will have any trouble getting her support.

You can be certain that the Democrats have a very long list of liberal proposals that they would love to see become part of the law of the land. Here are just five of them:

- The fairness doctrine – Backers of the fairness doctrine argue that because the airwaves are a scarce resource, they should be policed by federal bureaucrats to ensure that all viewpoints are heard. Liberals point to conservatives' dominance of talk radio as the reason radio stations should be forced to give time to left-wing commentators. Liberals have already monopolized TV, newspapers, and Hollywood. A domination of media is a hallmark of any despot seeking dictatorial rule.

- Union supremacy – Unions have been in decline for several decades. One of the key reasons is that they have a negative impact on business productivity. In a highly competitive world, unionized firms tend to fall behind. Democrats love unions because they are a good way to control large blocks of people with promises of government incentives.

- Medicare for all – The U.S. is already facing a calamity from the future entitlements promised to the baby boom generation. That bill will amount to $44 trillion. The idea of expanding the scope of Medicare makes me wonder if the Democrats are part of a secret plan to bankrupt this nation.
- Homosexual rights – Gays already have equal rights. The next step in this moral slide would be to make this sin protected from rebuke. In many European nations, it is a hate crime to quote the Bible’s view of homosexuality.

- The green agenda – Any plan to protect the earth seems like a noble cause, but “you don’t have to dig very deep to discover the true beliefs of the influential leaders who are using genuine concerns about the environment to promote an agenda of fear and control” (http://green-agenda.com). A few years back, Al Gore narrowly missed getting a BTU tax on everything that used energy. If his democratic buddies gain control of the government, you can bet the Environmental Pope is going to be back.

One of the disadvantages of being close to the time of the rapture is that we may witness some rather shocking changes in our form of government. If liberals are swept into super-majority power, there will be nothing to bar them from enacting these proposals. We can take comfort in knowing we will soon be rescued by a special Someone who will stand solidly for liberty and righteousness.

-- Todd

Link to article is http://www.raptureready.com/rap16.html

Leaders Cannot Show The Way Until They Know The Way

OCTOBER 22

LEADERS CANNOT SHOW THE WAY
UNTIL THEY KNOW THE WAY

Blessed are the undefiled in the way, Who walk in the
law of the LORD! Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart! They
also do no iniquity; They walk in His ways.
Psalm 119:1-3

The longest chapter in the Bible is a song about the priority of the Word of God. For 176 verses, Psalm 119 holds high the words and wisdom of God and convinces us to treasure it more than anything else in life. Why is this so crucial for us? Leaders in our world face two realities:

1. Change happens faster then ever, so leaders must remain adaptable.
2. We need timeless values more than ever, so leaders must remain principle-driven.

Consider what Psalm 119 teaches about God's Word as our source for leadership principles. Our leadership will...

• be blessed
• be strengthened and revitalized
• enjoy liberty
• remain steady even when afflicted
• be enlightened, intuitive
• remain pure and ethical
• insightfully answer criticism
• gain wise counsel when needed
• display more insight than our teachers
• have a reliable guide

Keep pressing, keep praying!

Growth in godliness & freedom of sin

Christians should always be aware of the growth they are experiencing in Jesus Christ. The more you walk with the Lord, the more your growth in godliness should be noticeable to those around you, including yourself. A genuine disciple of Jesus Christ will abide in His Word's!

Jesus said: "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

You say, "free from what? What kind of freedom do genuine disciples experience?" First, true believers have freedom from the power of sin. If Jesus is setting you free because you are abiding in Him, then you are being freed from the power of sin. Sin is a powerful thing.Our inclination to do wrong is very strong. In and of yourself, you cannot overcome your tendency to do wrong. You can't. Some of you reading this booklet are not genuine disciples, and you are trying by the power of your own will to do what's right. You can't. I can't either. You can only do tight because of the power of Christ in your life. If He is setting you free, then He is setting you free from the power of sin. You can now do what is right.

Friend, the truth shall make you free. Certainly, genuine Christians do sin. They do struggle. But they persevere, and they see as the pattern of their lives an increasing growth in godliness. It's an ongoing precess. Here's a little tip:

IF...

...your heart fro God is the same as it was two years ago, five years ago, ten years ago;
...you're not more in love with Him;
...you're not a better husband or a better wife;
...you're not a more honest business person;
...you're not growing;
...you're not changing;

THEN you may not be a Christian, because He's not in the process of setting you free.

Jesus said it. "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." This is no game. The subject that we're discussing is your eternal destiny. Will you go to a real place called heaven, or will you go to a real place called hell? Are you a genuine follower of Christ?

Biblical Answers to Catholic Questions

I took this class at the SU Conference and it was awesome! Great tool for those that are wanting to witness to the Catholics. Here is a link if you would like to purchase the set. www.consideryourways.net/answers.htm

Biblical Answers to Catholic Questions examines what the Bible says about the most important questions you will face when comparing Christianity to Catholicism. The questions addressed in this life-changing study include:

• What about tradition versus the Bible?
• What about infant baptism?
• What about grace?
• What about salvation?
• Justification by works or by faith?
• What about assurance of salvation?
• What about Peter and the rock?
• What about Mary?
• What about purgatory?
• What about saints?
• What about priests?
• What about the pope?
• What about confession?
• What about the mass?
• What about communion?
• What about the sacraments?

William (Bill) Ciofani loves God's Word. Since he turned from his sin and embraced Christ by faith in 1990, he has passionately shared the good news of Jesus Christ with others. He serves as an Elder at Harvest Bible Chapel, leads a small group, and teaches Biblical Answers to Catholic Questions.

God has used this class to bring Catholics to a saving faith in Jesus, to equip new believers in how to share their faith with their Catholic friends, and to lead people from the error of religious doctrines to the simplicity of following the person of Jesus Christ.

Bill and his wife Susan make their home in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.

Keep pressing, keep praying, and keep sharing your faith that is in Jesus Christ!

How to handle worldliness in your life...

If you want to begin immediately to weaken the influence of worldliness in your life, take the sound advice from the great physician of the soul, John Owen:

When someone sets his affections upon the cross and the love of Christ, he crucifies the world as a dead and undesirable thing. The baits of sin lose their attraction and disappear. Fill your affections with the cross of Christ and you will find no room for sin.

Don't you want the world to lose its appeal? Then crowd out worldliness by filling your affections with the cross of Christ. Crucify the world as a dead and undesirable thing by meditating on the love of the Savior.

Where there is No future

Where There Is NO Future

After highlighting the godlessness of the things of the world, John then exposes their futility: "The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever" (1 John 2:17 NIV). The verse is clear: these things don't last. They pass away.

My friend, I don't want you to waste your life pursuing things that won't last. I don't want you to have what John Owens describes as "living affections to dying things."12

There's no future in worldliness. None. This world is temporary and superficial, and it doesn't satisfy. Oh, I know, the world sparkles, the world dazzles. I know because I've been there. I immersed myself in the world. I passionately pursued everything it had to offer. And what did I discover? It didn't deliver as advertised. It deceived me. What it did deliver were unadvertised consequences I wasn't informed of and didn't anticipate. For sin carries with it the seeds of dissatisfaction and destruction.

The things of this world - when compared to pleasing God and eternal life, when informed by an eternal perspective - will be exposed as being worthless. But there is a future in godliness, and for all who do the will of God. They, by contrast, will live forever.

What Matters Most

How about you? Which will you choose? Will you pursue the deceptive, temporary pleasures of worldliness? Or do the will of God, which contains the promise of eternal life?

Are you at war with God?

Worldliness is departing from God. It is a man-centred way of thinking; it proposes objectives which demand no radical breach with man's fallen nature; it judges the importance of things by the present and material results; it weighs success by numbers; it covets-human esteem and wants no unpopularity; it knows no truth for which it is worth suffering; it declines to be "a fool for Christ's sake". Worldliness is the mind-set of the unregenerate. It adopts idols and is at war with God.

The goal of worldly people

The goal of worldly people is to move forward rather than upward, to live horizontally rather than vertically. They seek after outward prosperity rather than holiness. They burst with selfish desires rather than heartfelt supplications. If they do not deny God, they ignore and forget Him, or else they use Him only for their selfish ends. Worldliness...is human nature without God.

23 Minutes in Hell

• One man's story about what he saw, heard, and felt in that place of torment.
  
  Written on the back of the book it states "My sincere hope is that This book is the closest you will ever come to experiencing hell for yourself."
  
  Bill Wiese saw the searing flames of hell, felt total isolation, and experienced the putrid and totting stench, deafening screams of agony, terrorizing demons, and finally, the strong hand of God lifting him out of the pit.
  
  "TELL THEM I AM COMING VERY, VERY SOON!"
  
  Wiese's visit to the devil's lair lasted just twenty-three minutes, but he returned with vivid details etched in his memory. Since this life-changing ordeal, he spent the last seven years studying the Scriptures to find answers and has listed more than 150 Bible verses referencing hell.
  
  Everyone is curious about the afterlife, and now Wiese shares his insights to commonly asked questions such as:
• Is hell a literal burning place?
• Where is hell?
• Do you have a body in hell?
• Are there degrees of punishment in hell?
• Are there children in hell?
• Can demons torment people in hell?
• Can "GOOD" people go to hell?

"Even if you don't believe my story, I hope you will believe the Scriptures and avoid hell just the same."

You can click this link to order the book - 23 Minutes in Hell

Don't be deceived!

Here are some sermon notes from the message James MacDonald preached on the 5th.

He preached from 1 John 2:18-27. The title of the message was "Don't be deceived!"

1A) Don't be deceived: we are in the last hour. v. 18-19
last hour: meaning the final period of time in human history. The time from when Christ finished the work on the cross, until the earth will pass away. We as Christians should be living as this was my last moment, my last breath.

v. 18 Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming,
Here are 4 things about the anitchrist.

1. The antichrist was predicted by Christ. Matthew 24:24 - a person who will rise up to deceive the nations.


2. Called by other names. (antichrist, man of lawlessness, the beast)


3. He will be promoted by a false prophet


4. This person will rule the world

Here is a list of 5 books that have messages that will deceive you. The end of these books is empty promises. If you own them I recommend you have a bonfire right now!

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

The assertion is made that Christ's deity was an invention of Constantine in the 4th century. Quoted in the book "Jesus establishment as the Son of God was officially proposed and voted on by the counsel of Nicaea, until that moment in history Jesus was viewed by His followers as a mortal man." Basically a great and powerful man but a man non the less. By endorsing Jesus as the Son of God Constantine turned Jesus into a deity or a God.

This message is basically telling us Jesus is not God. The Bible tells us in 1 John 5:20 that Jesus is the true God and eternal life.

The Third Jesus by Deepak Chopra

This message argues that we need to move beyond the historical Jesus of the Bible and we need to move beyond the Divine Jesus invented by Christian Theologians. Deepak says we need to get onto the third Jesus, the cosmic jesus who is for all humanity.

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

Quoted from pg. 164 "You are god in physical body, you are eternal life expressing itself as you, you are all power, you are all wisdom, you are all perfection.

Later Rhonda adds the earth turns in its orbits for you, the oceans Eben flow for you, the birds sing for you, the sun rises and sets for you. None of it can exist without you, no matter who you thought you were know the truth who you really are. You are the master of the universe.

That is straight up blasphemy against God.

The New Earth by Eckhart Tolle

Quoted from this book, Tolle says there is only one absolute truth and all others truths emanate from it. You are the truth. If you look for it elsewhere you'll be deceived every time. The very being that you are, is truth. Then horrifically, blasphemy Tolle tries to pull Jesus into his message. Saying Jesus tried to convey this when He said I am the truth. Jesus speaks of the inner most I am the essentials of identity of every man and woman and every life form when each person obtains this state of godhead. Tolle says the world will be transformed.

So this message is not denying the Deity of Christ, but His uniqueness.

The Shack by William P. Young

Quoted from pg. 110 Young writes all three members of the Godhead become incarnate not just the Son. In another place Young's Jesus says I am not the way, the truth, and the life. He quotes Jesus, he puts these words in our saviors mouth. In the book Jesus says I'm not the way, the truth, and the life, I'm just the best way.

Then he goes on to say..Those who love me from every system that exist weather Buddhist, Mormons, or baptists, Muslims, Democrats or Republicans, Americans or Iraqis, Jews or Palestine's, I have no desire to make them Christian. I just want them to join in the transformation into sons and daughters of my pappa.

This message is universalism. What it says is Jesus is a good way, Jesus is even the best way, but not that He is the only way. But Acts 4:12 says: Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.

2A) Don't be deceived: You can know the Gospel. v. 20-23. The truth is in God's Word. You can know the truth yourself. The message of the Bible is in the Bible. We all have insight into God's Word.

v. 22 Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist—he denies the Father and the Son.

People we are in the last hour. Maybe more like 10 minutes to the hour. Don't be deceived by false messages that lead you astray. It not a good time to be far from the cross of Christ!

Repent! Turn to Jesus! That is the only way for salvation!

Acts 3:19 says Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,

Heading off to Straight Up Conference

I'm very excited about this years trip! It's going to be a grand time in the Word! Our flight leaves at 9am, going to hang in downtown Chicago for the evening and have some Chicago pizza! I'm looking most forward to a HBC service that we are going to attend Sunday at 11am. Th conference kicks off Sunday night at 5pm. I've been reflecting the last couple of days since last years conference. I can really see how the Lord has been working on and in my heart. I have truly grown so much. It's going to be awesome to hang with my mentor. I'm expecting some great things this weekend. Just a few to list....

• a deeper hunger for God's Word
• a heart that longs to communicate with God more often, more deeper in prayer
• being a stronger spiritual leader for my family
• more boldness in sharing the Gospel
• just getting more fired up about Jesus Christ!

Keep pressing, keep praying & keep growing in the Lord!

I look forward to bringing back a good report!

Temporal Vs. Eternal

Meaning of Temporal: 1)pertaining to or concerned with the present life or this world; worldly: temporal joys. 2)enduring for a time only; temporary; transitory (opposed to eternal).

Temporal in greek is proskairos, which means "for a season" (pros, "for," kairos, "a season"), is rendered "temporal" in 2 Cor. 4:18.

Meaning of eternal: without beginning or end; lasting forever; always existing (opposed to temporal): eternal life.

Eternal in greek is aionios. The predominant meaning of aionios, that with which it is used everywhere in the NT, save the places noted above, may be seen in 2 Cor. 4:18, where it is set in contrast with proskairos, lit., "for a season," and in Philem. 15, where only in the NT it is used without a noun. Moreover it is used of persons and things which are in their nature endless, as e.g., of God, Rom. 16:26; of His power, 1 Tim. 6:16, and of His glory, 1 Pet. 5:10; of the Holy Spirit, Heb 9:14; of the redemption effected by Christ, Heb. 9:12, and of the consequent salvation of men, 5:9, as well as of His future rule, 2 Pet. 1:11, which is elsewhere declared to be without end, Luke 1:3; of the life received by those who believe in Christ, John 3:16, concerning whom of the resurrection body, 2 Cor. 5:1, elsewhere said to be "immortal," 1 Cor. 15:53, in which that life will be finally realized, Matt. 25:6; Titus 1:2.

Let me type out that last verse in Titus for you...Titus 1:2 in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began,(emphases mine)...do you understand that God cannot and will not lie, that would be outside of His Holy character! The Bible says the cross is foolishness to those who is perishing.

What the Bible says about Temporal things:

• 2 Cor. 4:18 ...For the things which are seen are temporary...
• Luke 21:33 Heaven and earth will pass away,...
• Psalm 39:5 You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath. (NLT)
• Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.
• 1 John 2:17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it;

What the Bible says about Eternal things:

• 1 John 2:17 ...but he who does the will of God abides forever.
• Luke 21:33 ...but My words will by no means pass away.
• Psalm 16:11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
• Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the LORD leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil.
• Hebrews 9:27-28 Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

I could go on and on about what the Bible says about Temporal and Eternal things. But here is my point...You have to decide what is best for you. The Bible says work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Salvation is found only in the Lord, everything else will lead you to hell.

As for me and my house we will choose to serve the Lord! Joshua 24:15 says; But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

Repent! For the kingdom of God is at hand!

Romans 6:23, For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Keep pressing, Keep praying, Keep planting seeds that God can grow!

The Fruit of Obedience

You shall observe My judgments and keep My ordinances, to walk in them: I am the Lord your God. You shall therefore keep my statutes and My judgments, which is a man does, he shall live by them. I am the Lord.
Leviticus 18:4-5

God calls His people to live at a standard higher then the unbelievers who surround them. In Leviticus chapters 18, 19 and 20, God reviews His higher standards regarding relationships, religion, and the rights and responsibilities of community members.

Why these higher standards? God intended Israel to be a light and a standard for the rest of the world, and Israel's leaders to be a light and a standard for the Jewish nation. God expects the same of leaders today. Why must we be faithful in keeping a higher standard the the rest of the world? To be like God. To make us qualified for ministry. To guarantee God's blessing on our life. And to receive God's reward for faithfulness.

And what characterizes those who choose to pursue life at God's higher standard?

• They adopt godly values.
• They care for the interests of others.
• They live with integrity.
• They keep their word.
• They develop their gifts and potential.
• They manage time and money well.
• They pass on to others what they have received.