In day and time that we live, it seems like the eyes of the church have dimmed and its resolve has ebbed. It seems like we have dropped our guard, slid down the slope, and lowered our standards to the point that they’re already met. We’ve laid down our truth, our history, and the thousands of years of strong, steadfast, examples in favor of one shot, quick flash, celebrities and watery pastors. All of this in the name of “hope” and “reaching out” to the lost.

The scriptures talk about things like this happening in the last days:

“Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. (Matthew 7:15)

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. (Matthew 10:16)

I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. (Acts 20:29-30)

There are some important things to notice here…First, Jesus and Paul tell us to beware of false prophets and wolves. If you look at what Paul says in Acts 20, he says that the wolves will come in among us and not spare the flock. Not only that, wolves will arise from among your own selves. They warned us that wolves will be around us and among us and that we should be alert becuase these wolves look like sheep! While I know that this is not necessary strong hermeneutically, Jesus said that the way to hell is broad. There are many, many more wolves than there are sheep.

These wolves in sheeps’ clothing speak lies and perverse things drawing disciples away after them. Is anyone aware? Is anyone paying attention? Or, is everyone too busy sliding down the slippery slope to dig in their heels and stand up. To turn away from the things that don’t glorify God and speak out against those things that have no business in the body of Christ. It seems that not only is the church sliding down the slope but they seem to be opening the doors to these wolves! What will it take for men and women of fire and boldness for the things of God to stand up and speak out against the things that are false and paper thin? We are told in scripture that the way is narrow for those who go to heaven, but the implication is that there are some still walking that path! Are there any left in America? Are there any who are turning their eyes from the filth that permeates everything we see and hear? Americans seem to be extremely quick to jump on anything that names something Biblical or scriptural and no longer seem to be concerned with whether or not those things are scriptural. Where are the Bereans? Where are the Christians who are checking everything said and heard against the scripture and throwing out everything that doesn’t line up with what scripture says? We are quick to lift up anyone who names the name of Christ without actually checking to see if they are truly saved or whether or not what they do or how they live is actually in line with sound Christian doctrine?

What am I talking about? Here are just a few examples. The Book of Eli is a new movie that was recently released. It features Denzel Washington as the lead character and has been touted as a Christian themed movie because the Bible is part of the main plot. Eli is carrying the Bible across the US to the west coast and the villan is trying to get it from him to use it for evil purposes. Many supporters of the movie talk about how Eli mentions “the Book”, prays for himself and others, and even quotes scriptures. They seem to forget that the movie also contains a lot of gore, some vague nudity, profanity and blasphemy, and even rape situations. Is this something that Christians should be supporting just because it uses the Bible? Should we overlook all of the fornication, prostitution, rape, gore, and blasphemy because scripture is quoted? I don’t think so. Is there nothing else that we can support that is actually something uplifting and God-glorifying? Can someone actually show me how the movie glorifies God? Have we fallen this far that we would actually consider a movie like this something that correctly portrays Christianity? Some will say, “It’s just a movie and there are other Christian movies with blood and gore”. You’re right, it’s just a movie. But there are numerous times where the scriptures tell us to be careful what we put into our eyes, ears, and hearts. You’re right, there are many other Christian movies that show blood and gore. The Passion of the Christ contains a lot of blood and gore but the context is a scriptural one. It is horrible to watch, but it is a portrayal of what happened.

Where do we draw the line? We are the line drawers. Where do we draw it? When will we draw it? Can Christians not find other things to do with their time and money?

The other example that comes to mind is the recent Hope for Haiti telethon. This telethon was held to raise money for the relief effort down in Haiti. Why is this an example? The telethon featured some of the hottest secular music and movie celebrities. Many of these men and women have spent much of their time, money, and life promoting lifestyles that are clearly opposed to the Christianity, if not outright attacking it and the Saviour it offers for their sins. Then, all of a sudden they all found religion and sing about God in order to get people to send money to help Haiti. I wonder if these people realize that Christians are the first to go and give, the last to leave, and are the only ones that can offer something of substance to the Haitians. But, for the telethon, you had Justin Timberlake talking about the only thing on his tongue being “Hallelujah”. This is a far cry from the lyrics for “SexyBack”(not suitable for kids) or “Take Me Now” (not suitable for kids either). You had Christina Aguilera singing about being lifted up (I can only imagine that she meant God because she really didn’t say) but it’s a 180 degree turn from lyrics like “Dirrty” and “Nasty Naughty Boy”, not to mention the way that she dresses… This is par for the course from the remaining “artists” who performed. Jay-Z, Bono, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder (who sang that song about Barack Obama…), Madonna (SHE SANG ”LIKE A PRAYER” !),  and a cast of thousands who showed up. The amazing thing is, not one of these people are considered a Christian artist. Does this mean that they’re not Christians? Nope. But for many of them (not all) their seemingly overnight conversion coincidentally happened about the time they were called on to help raise money for Haiti. What will we see in the weeks and months from these artists who so recently sang about “their” God? Will it be a truly changed life and direction for their music? I hope so, but I don’t have a lot of faith in that.

I’m truly concerned about what the church has openly allowed into its doors (if not having gone out and dragged it in). The examples above are on top of all of the unbiblical, unscriptural “preaching” and “teaching” that is taking place every Sunday at churches across the US. It doens’t include people like Rob Bell, Brian McLaren, and other emergents. It is in addition to Jesse Duplantis, Ken Copeland, Creflo Dollar and other prosperity preachers. It leaves out Rick Warren, Bill Hybels, and others who hype the “social gospel”. These are dangerous times and we are sleeping…We are letting in the wolves and they are taking the opportunity to turn away so many from the true faith. They are not sparing the flock and the number of those who are being taken continues to grow as we allow more and more to seep in to the chruch. Will we stand and fight for the faith or will we continue to hold the door open as the wolves stream in and continue to thin the flock?

According to the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book (the A.A. “bible”), “We found that God does not make too hard terms with those who seek Him. To us, the Realm of the Spirit is broad, roomy, all inclusive; never exclusive or forbidding to those who earnestly seek. It is open, we believe, to all men. When, therefore, we speak to you of God, we mean your own conception of God.”[1] (Bold mine)

 Well, that sounds very loving and reasonable. Yet Christ Himself warns us against such a thing. Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no man comes to the Father but through me. (John 14:6)

The Lord, in fact, specifically warns against the broad way. “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is BROAD that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.” (Matthew 7:13)

It is no coincidence that the AA Big Book again makes a direct reference to this spiritual Broad Highway: “If our testimony helps sweep away prejudice, enables you to think honestly, encourages you to search diligently within yourself, then, if you wish, you can join us on the Broad Highway. With this attitude you cannot fail. The consciousness of your belief is sure to come to you.”[2] (Bold mine)

In 2 Corinthians 6:14-17, we are told to separate ourselves. In Galatians 1:6-9, Paul says that he who brings another gospel is “accursed.” The Alcoholics Anonymous theology, wherein Christ is seen as one higher power among many, is most certainly another gospel.

If Christians were to base involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous on the Word of God—Sola Scriptura—we would not be at the meetings at all.

Why, then, are so many of us part of it? Most Christians believe AA and the 12 Steps have a Biblical beginning. Therefore, the reasoning goes, we can either “take back” the 12 Steps (Celebrate Recovery etc.), or attend AA with Jesus as our “higher power.”

 http://www.worldviewtimes.com/article.php/articleid-4875/Brannon-Howse/John-Lanagan

The saints at DEFCON know Scripture. This makes for an interesting give and take between Bible believers and advocates of 12 Step spirituality. LINK: http://defendingcontending.com/2009/11/07/exposing-the-12-step-cult/#comment-15698

Sometimes I get responses to posts suggesting I am judging.  This morning, in my inbox, I received this response:  

to this post:  http://christianlady.wordpress.com/2009/07/27/bill-hybelsbob-buford-and-twisting-scripture/

I am not judging Bill Hybels here, I am pointing out errors he is making.  The Bereans were commended for searching scriptures to see if teachers are speaking the truth, and we are specifically called to test the spirits.  The response is a misuse of the word “judge.”  I do not decide where Hybels spends eternity, and I am not saying he is unsaved…I do not know him personally and cannot judge him by his fruits on a daily basis.  But, his public fruit stinks in certain areas.  I can judge him by his fruits, meaning I look at the fruit and decide if what he is saying jibes with scripture.  If it does not I can point it out.  Not judging in terms of saying he is evil and going to hell, but judging in terms of saying he is in error in his teaching.

There are also times when we do judge the actions and can determine that someone is unsaved at this time.  Sometimes it’s very clear.  I do not again think that we are judging the person as condemned so much as looking at the fruit and knowing the tree is rotting.  There are times for pointing this out, for warning Christians of the dangers.  It’s not that we’re saying we’re better than this person or that, just that their actions show they are not following Christ.  

I began a crusade for myself this month to go through Scripture with fresh eyes, looking only at what it says and ignoring what I’ve been taught about it to the best of my ability… interpreting the Word through the lens of the Word. I plan to continue this and read through the Bible a few times. It’s kind of insane. It’s writing itself on my heart, though.

I highly recommend it.

Foreword 

The article appended hereunder originally entitled ‘Assumptions, Traditions and a Biblical Filter’  by pastor John Samson was posted yesterday at Reformation Theology (RT) website (click here).  I realize that not everyone may be able to get the chance to read the article through my RT’s RSS feed at the right sidebar of my webpage, so I posted it here for everyone’s perusal. Pelagianism has made inroads into the preaching of many pulpits in various degrees and I hope the issue addressed below will assist Christian readers to discern ideas that are based on assumptions and traditions compared to biblical facts.

John is an ordained Christian minister and also the founder and president of Reformation Study Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” – Acts 17:10-11

 *     *     *     *     *

Assumptions, Traditions and a Biblical Filter by John Samson  

I recently succumbed to the internet phenomenon of Facebook and became a member of the online community. It has been fun to find people I knew from 20 years ago and more, even on the other side of the world. There’s a feature of facebook that allows you to become a “fan” of a person or organization and what it means is that when they post something, it appears on your “wall” and you can see it and read it automatically, without having to go to their site to see it. Well, I have signed up with a number of ministries I enjoy and its been great to read their insights as they post them. However, I signed up to become a “fan” of a certain evangelist who shall be nameless (his name is not important for the sake of this article). The reason for signing up was that he is regularly stirring up the Body of Christ to get the Gospel out to people and I appreciate this so much and look forward to his comments in this regard. Today though, he shifted focus and talked about faith. Now I love the subject of faith and was interested in what he had to say. I read his words but realized quickly that we would not be seeing eye to eye when it came to this theme. That is because he assumes man’s ability to believe the Gospel outside of regeneration. I think the best way to explain this is to quote his words below in italics and then add my own comments.

The elementary fact is that faith is in-built. We are born believers.

hmmm.. Isn’t this an assumption rather than something Scripture teaches? Does not Scripture teach that we are born spiritually dead and need resurrection (Romans 5; Eph 2, 1 Cor 15)? 

Certainly unregenerate man believes many things.. it is impossible NOT to believe something… but faith in Christ is impossible for natural man outside of God’s activity. Jesus said, “NO ONE CAN COME TO ME UNLESS the Father who sent Me draws him and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:44)

If you think you have no faith – try it! Try not believing in anything or anybody – your wife, husband, doctor, bank, boss, baker, or chef.

There are no guarantees, but we put our lives into the hands of surgeons and trust drivers of trains, cars, and planes without thinking of faith. But that is what it is. Faith is a kind of immune system filtering out fears that otherwise would paralyze all activity. When it fails we develop all kinds of phobias and compulsions. It is a nervous breakdown. Jesus said not to have phobia but faith (Luke 8:50).

This is true concerning natural faith, but again, not true of the supernatural faith that is God’s gift to His elect people.

Stop using this faculty of faith and you would never get out of bed in the morning or step outside. You might think that the sky could fall down. In this world a million cobra troubles are coiled to strike, but we carry on, usually quite regardless and confident.

True concerning natural faith… the faith everyone operates in to function in this world.

The Bible says that God has dealt to each one a measure of faith (Romans 12:3). Christ said, “Only believe” (Mark 5:36), because we can.

This is where tradition is the foundation of all that follows. This is simply an assumption. Historically, this is Pelagianism personified – something dismissed as heresy by the Church. The assumption is that the command implies ability (outside of grace) – that because God commands us to do something, we must in fact have the ability to do it.. and in fact God would be unjust to command us to do something we could not do. But this is not the case. God commands us to do things that are impossible outside of grace. He commands men to be perfect even as His Father is perfect.. Man is responsible to believe.. but cannot do so, not because he has no faculty to believe, but because his heart is at enmity with God until the stony heart is removed. The Romans 12:3 scripture verse is a verse written to the church (not everyone in the world). This is made clear by reading the entire verse. Romans 12: 3 states, “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” Specifically in the context of the faith needed to fulfill our ministries in the Body of Christ, Paul writes not to everyone in the world but to “everyone among you.” The faith he speaks of is a faith given to those in the Church – God’s elect people.

There is no mystique about faith. Perhaps little children are the biggest believers. Many a time I have lifted a child in my arms, but not one ever screamed for fear of falling. Jesus Himself carried a child as an illustrated sermon. He said that the child carried a passport to the Kingdom of God.

This is the kind of faith we need, certainly.. no doubt about it. But it is not something inherent within natural man. “The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God and NEITHER CAN HE DO SO because they are spiritually discerned..” 1 Cor 2:14

It is so important to test our traditions. Each of us have them and those most blind to them are those who do not believe they have any. Lets always use a biblical filter when we read or listen to anyone out there, including me, checking the context for verses quoted and not just assuming that because God is using an individual, all he says is true. Lets be like the Bereans, who, as Acts 17 records, “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”

You finally get fed up with going to a church that just appeals to the masses, and doesn’t disciple, or preach repentance.

So you look on the internet for a church that teaches from the Bible. You listen to sermons, some seem like clones of the church that you are already in, others seem interesting, and some seem too legalistic and formal. So you check out a few churches.

Then someone gives you a tract, “a sign from God?” that maybe you should check out this church.

Finally you find a church that teaches from the Bible, but is a casual dress church. Great! The preacher is dymamic, and is bold in defending the faith.

The people are very friendly. They hug you, and you never get ignored. When you walk in, immediately you hear people talking about discipleship. You never heard talk like that in your other church. It’s too good to be true.

You immediately find your niche, and feel needed, because the church is new. So you get involved in any activity that they have, and your skills are used. You are single, and there are some potential marriage partners there, the previous church was all married couples, with a few un-happy singles.

Little do you know, you are walking into the perfect cult.

We have succeeded in fellowshipping with our neighbor church Berean Seventh-day Adventist. In my personal opinion it was unprepared but hopefully it will just be a foot in the door for future meetings.  Praise Almighty GOD for allowing us to feel the joy of coming together as one Christian family.  I am excited and definitely pray that we can combine our man power to bring glory to GOD more often.  Even though it was a very hot day and an unfamiliar territory because we usually go to skidrow; the Holy Spirit was in action.

I have resisted having my own blog for quite some time now…mainly because I already have enough online “presence” via facebook, Twitter, and myspace. But, my wife created this account and so I am left with “Why not?” as the thought. Here we go!

Isaiah 35:8

“And a highway will be there, a roadway, And it will be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean will not travel on it, But it will be for him who walks that way, And fools will not wander on it.“

The Apostle Paul reflects this passage of scripture in Romans 8:18, where he says, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”  God’s people will suffer while the world is corrupted by sin, by those who are hell bent on oppressing the righteous in Christ.

Advocate (1 John 2:1)

Almighty (Revelation 1:8)

Alpha and Omega (Revelation 22:13)

Amen (Revelation 3:14)

Angel of his presence (Isaiah 63:9)

Apostle (Hebrews 3:1)

Arm of the Lord (Isaiah 51:9-10)

Atoning sacrifice (1 John 2:2)

Author of life (Acts 3:15)

Author of salvation (Hebrews 2:10)

Author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2)

Beginning and End (Revelation 22:13)

Blessed and only Ruler (1 Timothy 6:15)

Bread of life (John 6:48)

Bridegroom (Matthew 9:15)

Bright Morning Star (Revelation 22:16)

Carpenter (Mark 6:3)

Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4)

Chosen one (Isaiah 42:1)

Chosen and precious cornerstone (1 Peter 2:6)

Christ (Matthew 1:16)

The Christ (Matthew 16:20; Mark 14:61, 62; Luke 9:20)

Christ Jesus (Romans 3:24; 8:1; 1 Corinthians 1:2, 30)

Christ Jesus our Lord (1 Timothy 1:12; Romans 8:39)

Christ of God (Luke 9:20)

Christ of God, the Chosen One (Luke 23:35)

Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11)

Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24)

Christ, the Son of God (John 11:27)

Christ, the Son of the Blessed One (Mk 14:61)

Commander (Isaiah 55:4)

Commander of the LORD’s army (Joshua 5:14)

Consolation of Israel (Luke 2:25)

Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20)

Counsellor (Isaiah 9:6)

Covenant for the people (Isaiah 42:6)

Deliverer (Romans 11:26)

Eternal life (1 John 5:20)

Everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6)

Exact representation of God’s being (Hebrews 1:3)

Faithful and True (Revelation 19:11)

Faithful witness (Revelation 1:5)

Faithful and true witness (Revelation 3:14)

The First and the Last (Revelation 1:17; 2:8; 22:13)

Firstborn (Hebrews 1:6)

Foundation (Isaiah 28:16)

Friend of tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 11:19)

Gate (John 10:7)

Gift of God (John 4:10)

Glorious Lord Jesus Christ (James 2:1)

Glory of Israel (Luke 2:32)

God (John 20:28)

God and Saviour of Israel (Isaiah 45:15)

God of all the earth (Isaiah 54:5)

God over all, forever praised (Romans 9:5)

God the One and Only (John 1:18)

God with us (Matthew 1:23)

Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14)

Good Teacher (Mark 10:17)

Great God and Saviour (Titus 2:13)

Great high priest (Hebrews 4:14)

Great Shepherd of the sheep (Hebrews 13:20)

Guarantee (Hebrews 7:22)

Head of every man (1 Corinthians 11:3)

Head of the body, the church (Colossians 1:18)

Head of the church (Ephesians 5:23)

Heir of all things (Hebrews 1:2)

High priest (Hebrews 4:15)

Holiness (1 Corinthians 1:30)

Holy One (Psalm 16:10)

Holy One of God (Mark 1:24)

Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 41:14; 54:5)

Holy and Righteous One (Acts 3:14)

Holy servant Jesus (Acts 4:30)

Our Hope (1Timothy 1:1)

Horn of salvation (Luke 1:69)

I am (John 8:58)

Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23)

Indescribable gift (2 Corinthians 9:15)

Innocent man (Matthew 27:19)

Israel (Isaiah 49:3)

Jesus (Matthew 1:21)

Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1; John 1:17; 17:3; Acts 2:38; 4:10; 9:34; 10:36; 16:18; Romans 1:6; 2:16; 5:15, 17; 1 Corinthians 2:2; 2 Corinthians 1:19; 4:5; Galatians 2:16; Philippians 1:11; 2:11; 2 Timothy 2:8; Hebrews 13:8; 1 John 1:3; 2:1)

Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 5:21; 7:25; 1 Corinthians 1:9; Jude 25)

Jesus Christ our Saviour (Titus 3:6)

Jesus of Nazareth (Mark 1:24; Luke 24:19)

Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews (John 19:19)

Jesus, the King of the Jews (Matthew 27:37)

Jesus the Son of God (Hebrews 4:14)

Jesus, the Son of Joseph (John 6:42)

Judge (Acts 10:42)

King (Matthew 21:5)

King of Israel (John 1:49)

King of kings (1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14)

King of glory (Psalm 24:7-10)

King of the ages (Revelation 15:3)

King of the Jews (Matthew 2:2)

King over the whole earth (Zechariah 14:9)

Lamb (Revelation 5:6, 8; 6:16; 7:9-10, 17; 12:11; 13:8; 14:1, 4; 15:3; 17:14; 19:7, 9; 21:9, 14, 22-23, 27)

Lamb of God (John 1:29)

Lawgiver (Isaiah 33:22)

Leader (Isa 55:4)

Life (John 14:6)

Light, everlasting (Isaiah 60:20)

Light of the world (John 8:12)

Light for the Gentiles (Isaiah 42:6)

Light, true (John 1:9)

Living bread (John 6:51)

Living Stone (1Peter 2:4)

Lion of the tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5)

Lord (John 20:28)

Lord Almighty (James 5:4)

Lord of all (Acts 10:36; Romans 10:12)

Lord of lords (Revelation 17:14; 19:16)

LORD Our Righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6)

Lord God Almighty (Revelation 15:3)

Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:11; 3:18)

Lord Christ (Colossians 3:24)

Lord Jesus (Acts 7:59; Colossians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 4:2)

Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 11:17; 15:26; 28:31; Romans 5:1, 11; 13:14)

LORD mighty in battle (Psalm 24:8)

Lord of the dead and the living (Romans 14:9)

Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2:28)

Lord’s Christ (Luke 2:26)

LORD, your holy one (Isaiah 43:15)

LORD, your redeemer (Isaiah 43:14)

Man Christ Jesus (1Titus 2:5)

Man of sorrows (Isaiah 53:3)

Man who is close to me [the LORD] (Zechariah 13:7)

Master (Matthew 23:8)

Mediator (1Timothy 2:5)

Messenger of the covenant (Malachi 3:1)

Messiah (John 1:41)

Mighty God (Isaiah 9:6)

Mighty One of Israel (Isaiah 1:24)

Mighty one of Jacob (Isaiah 49:26)

Mighty to save (Isaiah 63:1)

Morning star (2 Peter 1:19; Revelation 22:16)

Nazarene (Matthew 2:23)

Offspring of David (Revelation 22:16)

Offspring of the woman (Genesis 3:15)

The One and Only (John 1:14)

One and only Son (John 3:16, 18)

One he [the Father] loves (Ephesians 1:6)

Only God our Saviour (Jude 25)

Overseer (1 Peter 2:25)

Passover lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7)

Perfecter of faith (Hebrews 12:2)

Power of God (1 Corinthians 1:24)

Physician (Luke 4:23)

Precious cornerstone (Isaiah 28:16)

Priest (Hebrews 7:17)

Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)

Prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15, 18; Matthew 21:11; Luke 24:19)

Rabbi (John 1:49)

Radiance of God’s glory (Hebrews 1:3)

Ransom (1 Timothy 2:6)

Redeemer (Isaiah 59:20)

Resurrection and life (John 11:25)

Redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30)

Righteous Branch (Jeremiah 23:5)

Righteous Judge (2 Timothy 4:8)

Righteous One (Acts 7:52; 22:14)

Righteous servant (Isaiah 53:11)

Righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30)

Rising sun (Luke 1:78)

Rock (1 Corinthians 10:4)

Rock that makes them fall (1 Peter 2:8)

Root of David (Revelation 5:5; 22:16)

Root of Jesse (Isaiah 11:10)

Rose of Sharon (Song of Solomon 2:1)

Ruler (Matthew 2:6; 1 Timothy 6:15)

Ruler of God’s creation (Revelation 3:14)

Ruler of the kings of the earth (Revelation 1:5)

Ruler over Israel (Micah 5:2)

Sacrifice (1 John 2:2)

Salvation (Luke 2:30)

Sanctuary (Isaiah 8:14)

Saviour (Luke 2:11)

Saviour, Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 1:10)

Saviour Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13; 2 Peter 1:1)

Saviour of the body (Ephesians 5:23)

Saviour of the world (1 John 4:14)

Scepter (Numbers 24:17)

Second man from heaven (1 Corinthians 15:47)

Seed of Abraham (Galatians 3:16)

Servant (Isaiah 42:1)

Servant of rulers (Isaiah 49:7)

Shepherd (Mark 14:27)

Shepherd and Overseer of souls (1 Peter 2:25)

Shepherd, Chief (1 Peter 5:4)

Shepherd, good (John 10:11)

Shepherd, great (Hebrews 13:20)

Shepherd of Israel (Psalm 80:1)

Shiloh (Genesis 49:10, footnotes)

Son he [God] loves (Colossians 1:13)

Son of Abraham (Matthew 1:1)

Son of David (Matthew 9:27)

Son of the Father (2 John 3)

Son of the Blessed One (Mark 14:61)

Son of the Most High (Luke 1:32)

Star (Numbers 24:17)

Stone (Matthew 21:42)

Stone that causes men to stumble (1 Peter 2:8)

Sun of righteousness (Malachi 4:2)

Sure foundation (Isaiah 28:16)

Teacher (John 3:2)

Tested stone (Isaiah 28:16)

True God (1 John 5:20)

True vine (John 15:1)

Truth (John 14:6)

Unspeakable Gift (2 Corinthians 9:15)

Vine (John 15:1)

Way (John 14:6)

Who is, who was, and who is to come (Revelation 1:4)

Wisdom (Proverbs 8:12)

Wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24)

Witness (Isaiah 55:4; Revelation 1:5)

Wonderful Counsellor (Isaiah 9:6)

Word (John 1:1)

Word of God (Revelation 19:13)

Word of life (1 John 1:1)

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will drawn all men unto me.” John 12:32

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. ” Proverbs 3:5-6

A teachable heart is a heart that has surrendered to God, a soft tender heart, yielded to receive, in humility, the truth of His word.   A person who is humble in heart is someone who is always seeking the wisdom of God and is dependent on the Holy Spirit. Trusting in God, through the Holy Spirit, who will lead and guide us in all His truth.

“However, when He, the Spirit of Truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth. For He shall not speak of Himself, but whatever He hears, He shall speak. And He will announce to you things to come.” (John 16:13)

A tender heart, yielded to, and trusting in, almighty God, through Jesus Christ His Son, with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Soli Deo gloria