The Prison House Of The Offended

Become A Victorious Christian

Don't Get Offended By Anything Or Anyone

     Don't get offended by anything. Don't get offended by anyone. This is a blessed secret to having victory in your life. Proverbs 18:19 tells us what happens to offended people saying A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle. In other words, offended people sentence themselves to a self imposed imprisonment where nobody can approach or help them behind the bars of a castle. 

     Offended people isolate themselves behind a castle prison like the one pictured above. These castles are impenetrable that are surrounded by huge brick walls and moats of water for protection. Every night a drawbridge is pulled up by a chain so no one can enter the castle. Offended people always pull up their drawbridge with a chain and allow contentions to place bars on all the windows of their prison castle. These contentions are called pride where people for years remain stubborn and refuse to forgive anyone. Proverbs 13:10 calls these bars of contentions pride saying Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

     Let down your drawbridge and come out from your isolated castles; Obey Jesus and forgive everyone seven times seventy and always attend church, allowing people to bless you because you are friendly and humble. Proverbs 18:24 says A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother (named Jesus). Instead of being offended, decide to bless and be kind to everyone around you. Pray for offended people that they leave their castle prisons and allow people to approach and bless them.   

     Today make a decision to refuse to be offended by anyone or anything by daily reading and memorizing the Word of God. You can live a victorious life and never get offended by daily remembering the Word of God because Psalm 119:165 says Great peace have they which love thy law (the Word of God): and nothing shall offend them. In other words, you won't be offended and receive great peace if you daily read and memorize the Word of God. 

     And Matthew 5:12 says to rejoice and be exceeding glad instead of feeling offended when you are persecuted and reviled for believing our Lord Jesus. Jesus said at Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

     It's sad that most people remember one fault of anyone and forget the thousands of blessings they received from that person. People forget what they ought to remember and remember what they ought to forget. Most people read a bible verse and forget 3/4 of the verse in 3 minutes. But if they hear something bad about a preacher, they'll remember the bad gossip for 50 years. But Hallelujah Jesus never remembers our faults and the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin. Jesus said at Hebrews 10:17: And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

     Jesus told us in these last days at Matthew 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. This is true because today many people are so thin skinned and get easily offended; When you're around most people today, it's like walking on egg shells where you constantly have to be careful what you say to avoid offending anyone.

     Many people get offended at church when the pastor doesn't shake their hand or look at them. And some people get offended at church saying the pastor was staring at me. But the pastor has to look somewhere and most try to move their heads and look everywhere when they preach. Then people get offended when you don't visit them, call them on the phone, or talk to them at church. 

     Instead of always being offended and expecting people to bless you, become humble and see who you can pray for and help at your church and in your neighborhood. Say I'm going to church today to hear the Word of God and sing the blessed songs; I'm gonna bless everyone and I don't care if no one speaks to me. And if someone happens to say brother I'm praying for you, that's icing on the cake. 

     Don't try to find a perfect church; it doesn't exist. Only Jesus is perfect. Therefore, overlook people's faults in your church and keep attending church every week. If your pastor is preaching the KJV bible and praying for everyone, it is a blessed church. Don't let the minor faults of anyone at your church make you offended and place you into an isolated prison castle. Just go to church and be blessed. You receive ten times more power against the devil by always going to church with your fellow believers. One will chase 1000 devils, but two puts 10000 devils to flight. Deuteronomy 32:30 says How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their rock (the devil) had sold them (the enemies of the Lord forsaken unto death), and the Lord had shut them up? For their rock (the devil) is not as our Rock (Jesus stated at 1 Corinthians 10:4), even our enemies themselves being judges.  

     Ecclesiastes 4:9 says Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. 

Be Like Jesus And Keep Attending Church

Refusing To Be Offended By Anything Or Anyone

Jesus Always Attended Three Churches At

Nazareth, Capernaum, And Jerusalem

     Jesus refused to be offended by anything or anyone and kept attending church all His life. First, Jesus always attended a small synagogue that only seated 100 people every sabbath for 28 years at Nazareth. Jesus refused to be offended and was willing to die on the cross for the people at Nazareth who tried to throw him headlong off the edge of a brow cliff. No one could kill Jesus because Jesus is God and nothing could stop Him from dying on the cross to save lost sinners. 

     And then Jesus refused to be offended for three years and kept attending a medium sized synagogue church at Capernaum after many (and not few) of his 70 disciples went back and walked no more with him. These disciples left Jesus because He preached a hard saying that they did not want to follow. Wow, be like Jesus and keep going to church even when people persecute you and get offended by your preaching or testimony for the Lord Jesus.

     John 6:59 tells us how many abandoned Jesus and became offended at His preaching at Capernaum. It says These things said He (Jesus) in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum. Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; Who can hear it? When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples murmured at it, He said unto them, Doth this offend you? John 6:66 (666 being a number of rebellion) says From that time many (not few) of His disciples went back, and walked no more with Him.  

     Think about this: When we get to heaven we will meet many people that lived when Jesus walked on this earth. And we'll say wow what was that like? And they'll reply, To be honest with you, I got offended one day in the church of Capernaum when Jesus preached a hard saying and I quit and walked no more with Jesus. And we'll say; YOU DID WHAT?  and they'll say Yeah, we were in Capernaum and Jesus said a hard saying; Then we started debating and murmuring about these hard sayings and because Jesus' words hurt our feelings, we quit and walked with Him no more.

     Instead of being offended by preaching like many at Capernaum, allow Jesus to correct and chasten you from the Word of God preached by anointed ministers of God. It's a blessing to be corrected by the Word of  God and become a better christian. Hebrews 12:5 tells us And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children. My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth. 

      Instead of being offended by preaching, suffer (endure) the word of exhortation and rejoice when a preacher corrects our sinful flesh by the Word of God. Take heed to Paul's advice from Hebrews 13:22: And I beseech you, brethren, suffer (endure) the Word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words. And according to 1 Thessalonians 5:20 Despise not prophesyings. In other words, don't despise and become offended at blessed preachers that speak the true Word of God that corrects our sinful flesh. Get happy, rejoice, and endure sound preaching that will make us become better christians with more peace and strength. 

     Finally, Jesus refused to be offended and kept attending the synagogue church at Jerusalem. Jesus had to drive out of the huge temple at Jerusalem many moneychangers by tipping over their tables. Jesus told the people of Jerusalem at Matthew 21:13 My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. Note that Jesus could get angry at the moneychangers because Jesus is perfect without sin. Ephesians 4:26 says Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath. In other words you can get angry if you are not a sinner. Therefore people who are sinners should not be angry because Romans 3:23 says For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. But Jesus is perfect without sin and can get angry. Hebrews 4:15 says For we have not an high priest (Jesus) which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 

     Let's all take Paul's advice pictured above and refuse to be offended by God or anyone. In the name of Jesus let everyone reading this obey the blessed advice of Acts 24:16 saying And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men. In other words, I'm not gonna get offended by anyone or anything. I'm gonna rejoice and not get offended when I'm persecuted because I live for Jesus. 

     Don't get offended when preachers tell you to stop gambling, fornicating, drinking wine and beer, and preach against homosexuality and lesbianism. These preachers are trying to bless you and help you stop sinning. Remember the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through our Lord Jesus. Right now get saved, repent, decide to stop sinning, confess that Jesus is God, and believe the gospel that Jesus died for you on the cross, was buried, and rose again.  

     Instead of being offended, stay with Jesus and your brothers and sisters in the church. Like Peter, tell Jesus at John 6:68 Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. Remember, it is a blessing when the Word of God preached by a minister corrects a fault of our flesh making us a better christian with more peace and joy. Proverbs 27:5 says Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy (like a Judas kiss) are deceitful. 

     I pray in Jesus name that this bible study blesses multitudes everywhere with great joy, peace, and strength. Feel free to email Brother Bob anytime at rz9tlm@gmail.com or write to Brother Bob Malkin, 2233 Pinetree Lane, Apt. N., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. (614) 746-7071. Till we all meet again soon to lift up our Lord Jesus, everyone have a blessed day in Jesus name.     

Don't Put All Your Eggs Into One Basket

Don't Put All Your Eggs Into One Basket

1) Don't put all your love into one person

     Today let's learn about a blessed biblical principle; "Don't Put All Your Eggs Into One Basket". This is anointed advice because the Lord Jesus didn't put all His love into one person. Jesus didn't put all his eggs into one basket. John 3:16 says For God so loved the world (not just one person) that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

     Be like the Lord Jesus and love many people all around you instead of just loving a few people. If you just love one person (your wife, husband, or kids) and a few people on this earth, you'll get depressed when these few people leave you, God forbid die, or become enemies. Don't put all your eggs into one basket. Join a church and meet many people outside of your family in the community; love every brother and sister in your church and all people around you. Most people will not return any love, but you'll get some love returned from some people.

     The bible says that Jesus loved and healed ten lepers. Nine of the lepers did not return to Jesus and say thank you, we love you. But one of the lepers returned to thank Jesus for his healing and express his love and appreciation. Luke 17:15 says And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God. And he fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks, and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Like Jesus when you love everyone, most people won't return any love, but some people will return love like this Samaritan. 

     The bible tells us to follow Jesus' example and love many people around us in the world instead of putting all our love into a few people. 1 John 4:11 says Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. God didn't say forget the human race, I'm just gonna put all my love into Jesus Christ my Son; God so loved the world and didn't put all His eggs into one basket. Like Jesus, love everyone in the world around you instead of a few select people. 

     Like the Lord Jesus, married couples and everyone don't isolate yourselves from everyone and forget about your brothers and sisters in the church and lost souls all around you in the community. Mothers that only love their kids can get depressed when the kids grow up and leave the house. This is called Empty Nest Syndrome. Instead of being a mother that puts all her love only into her kids, get involved in a church and invest your love into many people. 

     I encourage husbands, wives, and children to join a church and bless their brothers and sisters around them. Don't put all your love into your family and forget to love the church and everyone around you. Don't become a widow or widower that becomes depressed and ceases to love because they only loved their deceased mate and forgot to love the church and lost sinners in the community. Because God so loved the world and not only Jesus, it's unscriptural to put all your love only into your husband, wife, or family.

     And don't just invest your love into one preacher, brother, or sister. We should invest our love into all christians and everyone around us. Divisions and confusion occurred when the people at Corinth put all their love into just one preacher. Don't put all your eggs into one basket. 1 Corinthians 1:11 says For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe that there are contentions (divisions) among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul, and I of Apollos, and I of Cephas, and I of Christ. And 1 Corinthians 3:4 tells us For while one saith, I am of Paul, and another I am of Apollos, are ye not carnal.

2) Don't put all your money into one investment on the earth

     Next, notice that the bible tells us don't put all your money into one investment on the earth and forget about investing in heaven. Matthew 6:19 says Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth where moth and rust doth corrupt and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal, for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

     Most people just invest in their house or car and forget about making investments for heaven. The bible says to get treasure in heaven we must give to the poor. Jesus said at Mark 10:21 One thing thou lackest; go thy way; sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor; and thou shalt have treasure in heaven and come take up the cross, and follow me. In other words, build treasure in heaven by giving free groceries to poor families with orphans, helping pay the rent for poor widows, and providing clothes to needy families. Don't be selfish and only invest in this fading earth; Remember the next heaven and the treasures you will receive for blessing the poor and winning souls to Jesus. 

     And be like the Phillipian church and support missionaires with financial gifts. The Philippian church sent gifts and money to Paul while he was on the misson field trying to win souls at Thessolonica. Paul said that the Philippians' financial gifts would be fruit (rewards) that would abound to their accounts and become treasure in heaven. Paul said at Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessolonica, ye sent once and again unto my necessity; Not because I desire a gift (money), but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. In other words, God is keeping an account or record of our giving to missionaries and will give us a reward in heaven for remembering missions all over this earth. 

     And when you give to missionaries, don't put all your eggs into one basket. Instead of giving to just one missionary; Give money to a general fund that distributes the fund to hundreds of missionaries. This way if one missionary fails and ten missionaries are successful where thousands of souls are won to Jesus, you won't lose your reward in heaven. If you give to missionaries, when you get to heaven, someone from a foreign country like Pakistan might tell you thank you for giving to the missions in Pakistan that saved my soul. Because of you, I'm in peace forevermore in heaven and have escaped the torments of hell. 

A STORY ABOUT A MAN WHO INVESTED ALL HIS MONEY IN ONE DIAMOND

Don't put all your eggs into one basket

     The following is a true story about a man who put all his eggs into one basket and lost everything. Don't put all your eggs into one basket. In 1859, a man was leaving England and coming to America on a ship. While he was on the deck of the ship and talking to his friend, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a large diamond. He explained that his entire life's investment was in the diamond. He sold everything he owned in England and bought the diamond. He said when I get to America, I'm gonna sell this diamond and I'm gonna live off the cash. 

     While he was talking, somehow the ship lurched and the diamond fell to the ground and in his haste to pick up the diamond, the man kicked the diamond with his foot overboard into the ocean and just heard a little "Clank"; In one moment, his entire investment on earth was gone. He thought he had a wise plan, something tangible; something he could hold on to; something he could protect; something he could see with his eyes; But he learned quickly to not put all his eggs into one basket. 

     Even lost sinners in this world don't put all their money into one investment. Financial advisors and experts tell people to diversify their portfolios and invest in ten stocks instead of only one stock. This way if one company's stock goes bankrupt, the person will still have nine good stock investments and not lose all his or her money. 

     3) Don't put all your expectations into this life on earth

Remember the little dash that appears on most gravestones

     Most people on this earth only think about making money, getting a house, having kids, and getting a boat in a garage. But they fail to realize that all of their hopes on this fading earth will soon be literally dashed. After they die and either go to heaven or hell, all that will be left on their granite gravestone on earth between the date of their birth and the date of their death will be a little dash. Their whole life on earth will be recorded for us in a hyphen. They failed to realize that their life on this earth is only remembered as a hyphen on a cold stone somewhere.

     Therefore, since most people's lives on this earth are only remembered by a little dash between their date of birth and date of death, let's all prepare for the next life in heaven by blessing the poor and winning souls. Colossians 3:2 tells us Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Only what you do for Jesus on this earth will last forever. It's better to have eternal rewards in heaven than the fading riches of this earth that will be burned up soon. 

     Be like Moses and Nehemiah and think more about rewards in heaven than the fading riches of this temporary earth. Moses chose to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. Moses valued heaven's reward or recompence for helping the poor Israelites more than the fading treasures of Egypt. Nehemiah also chose heaven's reward and helped the poor Israelites build the temple's wall instead of being the king's cupbearer living in a royal palace.  

     And think about what Paul said at Philippians 3:8. Yea, doubtless and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord; for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ. Brother Bob suffered the loss of all things when he left his entire Jewish family and their millions of dollars to get the prize Jesus. Brother Bob would rather have Jesus than all the treasures on this earth. Romans 8:18 says For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 2 Corinthians 4:17 says For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. What a joy to write this book for Jesus and see souls saved all over this earth for Jesus. 

     On earth, there are many stars in Hollywood that are famous on this earth. Eventually, these Hollywood stars will be forgotten when this earth burns up in fire. But if you win souls to our Lord Jesus, you will be a star forever in heaven. Daniel 12:3 proves this saying And they that be wise (He that winneth souls is wise) shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. Brother Bob chooses to be a star forever in heaven and tell anyone reading this get saved, repent, stop sinning, confess Jesus to be God, and believe the gospel that Jesus died for you on the cross, was buried, and rose again.

 Wise Sayings From A Blessed Martyr Named Jim Elliot

No man is a fool who gives what he can not keep

To gain what he can not lose

The life I want is inferior

To the life Jesus has for me in heaven

     In 1958, Jim Elliot decided to be a missionary and travel to live with the Indians of Ecuador. Jim learned the Indian's language and offered salvation to these Indians. Unfortunately, the Indians thought Jim Elliot was an enemy and killed him. After Jim's wife, Elisabeth Elliot learned about her husband's death, she found the Indian that killed her husband and won him to our Lord Jesus. Elisabeth lived with these Indians and truly loved her enemies. What an awesome woman of God who will be rewarded in heaven for winning many Indians in Ecuador to our Lord Jesus.

4) Don't put all your seed into one hole

     Learn a lesson from farmers about how to witness effectively for our Lord Jesus and win souls. Farmers don't just dig one hole and pour a whole bushel of seed into the one hole and cover it up. Farmers scatter seed everywhere across a field. Not all of the seed will grow, but some of the seed will grow and produce fruit.

     In other words, don't just focus on one person when you witness, making that person your life project. Witness Jesus to thousands of people all over this earth by offering salvation to multitudes over the internet through writings. You be the one to plant, let someone else water, and then God will give the increase and get the glory while multitudes become saved all over this earth. 

     Don't put all your eggs into one basket. Instead of witnessing to just one person; witness to thousands and if only ten get saved out of a thousand, at least it will be worth getting ten souls saved. It's better to go to heaven with ten souls than with zero souls where one person refuses to get saved. Be a soul winner and pass out tracts everywhere. Jesus promised at John 4:38 I sent you to reap that wherein ye bestowed no labour; other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours. 

     This is why Isaiah 32:20 says Blessed are ye that sow (the Word of God) beside all waters (not just one or some waters) that send forth thither the feet of the ox and the ass. And Ecclesiastes 11:1 promises Cast thy bread (the Word of God Jesus) upon the waters (write about Jesus on this internet so your words can travel across the waters to distant lands by satellite); for thou shalt find it after many days; Give a portion to seven and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth. 

5) Don't put all your knowledge into one subject

      Finally, don't put all your knowledge into one subject. Learn all you can about life. I disagree with Orville Redenbacher who said do one thing and do it well. That's OK if you've mastered popcorn. But not many people master one subject to create a business. There's so much wisdom and knowledge to learn about on this earth. Instead of mastering one subject, master everything. Learn about music, construction, sewing, cooking, mechanics, and woodworking. Learn all you can about the bible, prayer, and how to win souls. 

     Proverbs 16:21 says that you will receive a wellspring of life when you learn about many things on this earth instead of just one subject. The wise in heart shall be called prudent, and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning; Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it; but the instruction of fools is folly. 

     It's fascinating to learn about new things and appreciate how magnificent our Lord Jesus is. For example praise Jesus while you read how bees create just one pound of honey. After thousands of bees fly thousands of miles, when they return to their hive, they do a dance that alerts the other bees about a certain location where clover exists to make honey. This causes many bees to travel to the clover and collect pollen for the hive to make honey and beeswax. 

     And wow, it takes the bees a million trips to flowers with clover just to make one pound of honey. This wisdom from God causes me to just worship God for how awesome He is to create bees to work this much to make one pound of honey. And honey is the only food that never spoils. There is a jar of honey that is over 500 years old and remains fresh forever. Jesus preserves the honey forever because His Word is like honey; Heaven and earth will pass away, but His Word (sweeter than the honey in the honeycomb) will remain forever. 

     I pray in Jesus name that this little bible study blesses multitudes all over this earth with great joy, peace, and strength. Feel free to email Brother Bob anytime at rz9tlm@gmail.com or write to Brother Bob Malkin, 2233 Pinetree Lane, Apt. N., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. (614) 746-7071. Till we all meet again soon to lift up our Lord Jesus, everyone have a blessed day in Jesus name.       

Thirteen-Seven Or One Out Of Five

WHAT IS 13-7 OR 1 OUT OF 5

     According to statistics, 13-7 or 1 out of 5 says that if you introduce 100 people to any sin, 13 people will have a problem with that sin and 7 people will become addicted to that sin. 13 plus 7 equals 20 out of 100 people that will struggle with sin. Therefore, the odds say that 100/20 or 1 out of 5 people that are introduced to any sin will struggle with that sin for the rest of their life. The devil knows about these odds, and this is why christians should never introduce or cause anyone to sin.

     Let me illustrate the 13-7 or 1 out of 5 theory. If you give alcohol to 100 people, 13 will become problem drinkers and 7 will become alcoholics or drunkards. If you give drugs to 100 people, 13 will develop a chemical dependency for drugs and 7 will become drug addicts. If you show pornography to 100 people, 13 will become obsessed with pornography and 7 will become sex addicts. 

     Therefore, never introduce anyone to sin saying a couple of beers won't hurt or allow anyone to see you at a wedding sipping some wine during a toast. It might not hurt you; but it could cause your friend to become an alcoholic drunkard saying I can drink alcohol all the time because my pastor sips wine at weddings and says a couple of beers won't hurt. God will punish that pastor for causing his friend to sin unless the pastor repents. The bible says it is a sin to introduce or cause anyone to sin. And God punishes people for causing anyone to sin unless they repent. 

     When 100 people go into a casino for the first time, 13 will become problem gamblers and 7 will become gambling addicts. Don't introduce anyone to casinos and gambling saying let's have some fun today and see what the casino looks like because last year there was 34.1 billion dollars of losses at gambling casinos just in the USA. Wow, what a waste of money that leads to a dead end of lifelong poverty. Just get saved with Jesus and avoid losing money gambling at the casino. Right now get saved, repent, decide to stop sinning, confess that Jesus is God, and believe the gospel that Jesus died on the cross for you, was buried, and rose again.

      If you give cigarettes to 100 people, 13 will become problem smokers and 7 will become nicotene addicts. The cigarette companies know about this statistic and therefore try to get children to experiment with cigarettes. These cigarette companies know that they can make millions of dollars off the 13 problem smokers and 7 nicotene addicts. And why would anyone want to waste their money and pay $6 for a pack of cigarettes? Wow, what an expensive habit and a waste ($42 a week and $168 a month for anyone that smokes a pack of cigarettes a day). Just get saved with Jesus and don't smoke.   

     Statistics also say that when parents introduced TV to 100 kids, 13 had a problem turning off the TV and 7 had to constantly watch the TV all day long. It's not wise to give a kid under 12 a cellphone with access to the internet and a TV in their room. This can cause the child to sin because 25% of all websites on a cellphone are obscene. 

     Brother Bob put his TV in the trash 30 years ago and now every day I just listen to christian preaching every day on my computer at home. The devil told me I'd be bored without TV. But, hallelujah I'm not bored with listening to the Word of God daily because it's like a birthday present that is always new with blessed mysteries to learn daily. I recommend listening daily to Pastor Art Kohl of Faith Bible Baptist Church on the internet who has thousands of sermons available. Art has sermons on facebook, youtube, and his personal website. John 21:25 says if you wrote down everything Jesus did, the world couldn't contain the books that should be written. In other words Jesus and the Word of God is not boring with infinite knowledge to learn forevermore. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out.

     And advertisements mislead people saying cellphones are great because they bring the entire world into your hands. But, the last I heard, the bible says to be separate from the world. 1 John 2:15 says Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. When parents let a little kid have a cellphone or TV in their personal room, they are guilty of causing their kid to sin if he views sinful pictures on the cellphone or TV. Parents, just watch or listen with your kids to websites about Jesus on a computer.     

     Finally, note that the bible says that there will be certain people that cannot cease from sinning. 2 Peter 2:14 describes these people saying Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls; an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children. Therefore, never introduce or cause anyone to sin because they might be that person that cannot cease from sinning. Let us never be the cause of introducing a sin to anyone that causes them to constantly sin.

     I heard a story about a pastor who was introduced to his first joint from a church friend. At a carnival, the friend pulled out a joint and said have you ever seen one of these and lit up the joint. This triggered a three year downward spiral into sin and a backsliden carnal state for the pastor who left the church and stopped praying. Fortunately Jesus delivered this pastor and today he is drug free and a blessed preacher. 

Notice God's Punishment For Introducing 

Or Causing Anyone To Sin 

     Now let's look at what the Lord Jesus said about anyone that causes their brother or sister to sin. Jesus said at Luke 17:1 It is impossible but that offences (defined as temptations to sin) will come; but woe unto him through whom they come; It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend (defined as to cause to sin) one of these little ones.

     In other words, Jesus is warning everyone that He will punish anyone that offends or causes their brother or sister to sin unless they repent. Jesus is saying at Luke 17:1, if you offend anyone by introducing or causing them to sin,  it would be better to wear a millstone necklace and be cast into the sea than to experience Jesus' punishment for this sin. And since a millstone is a huge heavy rock, you would probably need a great chain to make this millstone necklace. Therefore, according to Jesus, it is a serious matter when anyone is introduced to sin. Jesus will punish people that cause others to sin, unless repentance occurs. Wow, What A Warning. Wow, What A Necklace. Don't ever be the one to introduce or cause anyone to sin.

     After reading this, let's never lead anyone into any sin. Abstain from all appearance of evil and be good examples of living holy for Jesus around all people. People are always watching the saints daily and christians are the only bible that lost sinners read daily. The bible says we are a gazingstock and spectacle seen daily by this world. 1 Corinthians 4:9 says For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. Wow, the world, angels, and men are watching us daily.  Therefore saints let's be good examples where people see us always reading our bibles; always going to church; always praying and witnessing Jesus to multitudes on this earth; and always loving and forgiving everyone (even the unloveable and our enemies).

  

     Watch what you say, text, and the pictures you post to facebook or any website on the internet. Make sure that your words and pictures don't cause anyone to sin. Romans 14:13 says Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

     Somebody might say there's nothing wrong with playing a scratch off and buying a lottery ticket. It's only a dollar and a dream; And I'm gonna give the money to the Lord if I win. I've never seen that happen. And I wouldn't want the money anyway because it's filthy lucre. People that buy lottery tickets are only thinking about getting money instead of looking to Jesus. Matthew 6:24 says No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (money).

     Somebody told Brother Bob there's a good buffet at the casino. I said I would go to the buffet if it was by the casino. After they told me I had to walk through the casino to get to the buffet, I said no way I'm not going into that place of idolatry called a casino. I didn't care that they said Brother Bob you're a religious nut that won't eat good food. People in the casino playing blackjack, poker, slot machines, and the roulette wheel don't want to hear sermons from Brother Bob. Idolatry is defined as covetousness (defined as the greed and lust for money) and therefore casinos are places of idolatry to avoid where people only think about money instead of Jesus. And I don't want people saying all over town that Brother Bob went into a casino causing people to become gambling addicts. I don't want a millstone necklace around my neck.

     Remember, how we act daily affects everyone around us. Romans 14:7 says For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. It would be a bad witness if Brother Bob drove his car with a cigarette in one hand and a bottle of beer in another hand blasting hard ungodly rock that shook the whole street. People seeing this would say that Brother Bob is a hypocrite and I don't want to hear him preach. Thank you Lord Jesus for saving and delivering Brother Bob from a former sinful life where he drank 10 bottles of beer a night with his hair down to his waist. Hallelujah, Brother Bob has not sipped one drop of alcohol for 36 years and is no longer an alcoholic. My sins are under the blood of Jesus and remembered no more. 

     Instead of being a bad witness introducing anyone to sin, introduce everyone to the bible and make bible addicts; Introduce everyone to prayer and get them addicted to prayer. Introduce anyone to church and get them addicted to going to church. Be like Stephanas and become a ministry addict that loves to attend church all the time. Wow, there is only one time that the word addiction appears in the bible where Stephanas was described as being addicted to the ministry. 1 Corinthians 16:15 says I beseech you, brethren (ye know the house of Stephanas that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints). Let's all be like Stephanas and get addicted to the ministry and work with our churches to tell everyone everywhere about the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

     And there is yet another scripture that tells us not to introduce or cause anyone to sin. 1 Corinthians 8:9 says But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols. And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish for whom Christ died. But when ye sin (notice Jesus says again that it is a sin to cause anyone to sin), against the brethren and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. 

     In other words, people during Paul's time could buy meat at a discount price from an idol's temple. But if anyone saw a saint buy the cheap meat, they would think it's OK to worship the idol and stop serving God. Therefore Paul warned the people at Romans 14:20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence (causing someone to stumble and fall by their actions). 

     And think about all the movie producers in Hollywood that need to repent for introducing millions of people to sin through filthy ungodly movies and television shows. I'd tell these Hollywood movie producers and actors you better repent for influencing millions to sin; It would be better for you to have a millstone around your neck and be cast into the sea than to be punished in judgment before the Lord Jesus for causing millions to sin. 

     The bible speaks about the witch Jezebel who caused her husband Ahab to sin and agree to killing an innocent man named Naboth to take possession of his vineyard. 1 Kings 21:25 says But there was none like unto Ahab which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the Lord, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up. The Lord Jesus punished Jezebel for causing Ahab to sin by having the dogs eat her leaving only her skull, feet, and palms of her hands. When Jehu saw Jezebel in a tower, he told some eunuchs, boys throw her down, and after the old bag, biddy, and hag hit the ground, Jehu rode over the witch with his chariot while the dogs ate up Jezebel. God gave Jezebel her payday punishment for causing Ahab to sin.

     And how can we forget Jeroboam who the bible says made many to sin. 1 Kings 14:16 says And He (God) shall give Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam, who did sin, and who made Israel to sin. Jeroboam made the people worship idols at Bethel and Dan instead of allowing them to worship God correctly at Jerusalem in Judah. Jeroboam and his false priest Amaziah persecuted the prophet Amos for warning them to allow the people to worship God at Jerusalem. The Lord Jesus punished Jeroboam for making many people in Israel sin by placing a curse on him and his family.  

     To close out this bible study, if you have ever been guilty of causing anyone to sin, ask Jesus to forgive you, and the blood of Jesus will cleanse you of all your sins. Now, let's all spend the rest of our lives encouraging others with prayers for blessings and peace. I pray in Jesus name we all obey Romans 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace and things wherewith one may edify another. And let us never introduce or cause anyone to sin. 

     I pray in Jesus name that this little bible study blesses multitudes everywhere. Feel free to email Brother Bob anytime at rz9tlm@gmail.com or write to Brother Bob Malkin, 2233 Pinetree Lane, Apt. N., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. (614) 746-7071. Till we all meet again soon, everyone have a blessed day in Jesus name.

Jesus Makes God's Way The Easy Way

     Let's see the different ways that King David moved the ark of God. At first David chose the easy way invented by the Philistines in the world to move the ark of God on a new cart pulled by some cows that caused Uzzah to die. Uzzah died when he steadied and touched the ark of God to prevent it from falling. This happened because David did not obey God's instructions for the movement of the ark. God's instructions required four Levites to carry the ark of God on four poles. Uzzah died because he was from the tribe of Benjamin and not a Levite allowed to carry the ark of God. It seemed harder for four men to carry the ark for forty miles to Jerusalem on four poles instead of allowing two cows to pull the ark on a new cart. But David learned that it is better to obey God's way than man's easy way in the world. 

What Is The Ark Of God Or The Ark Of The Covenant

     Pictured above we see that the ark of God was a very heavy rectangular box that was 2 feet wide, 4 feet long, and 2 feet high. The ark of God was constructed from acacia wood, a durable and decay resistant wood found abundantly in the Sinai wilderness. It was then overlaid with pure gold, both inside and out, and a golden decorative crown molding was placed around the top edge. 

     The gold lid on the top of the ark was called the mercy seat. Two angelic cherubims were facing inward toward the mercy seat lid with wings outstretched. The mercy seat was the place where God's presence was manifest and where the high priest would sprinkle the blood of bulls, goats, and calves on the Day of Atonement to provide for forgiveness of sins. Inside the ark were the tables of the covenant (the 10 commandments), Aaron's rod that budded, and the golden pot that had manna.

     After the Lord Jesus died on the cross of Calvary, the precious blood of Jesus Christ removes sins forever. It is no longer necessary for a high priest to sprinkle the blood of bulls, goats, and calves on the mercy seat of an earthly ark of God to remove sins. Hebrews 9:12 says Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He (the Lord Jesus) entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer (a red heifer) sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Get Saved And Allow The Blood Of Jesus To Remove Your Sins Forever

Get Saved, Repent, Decide To Stop Sinning

Confess That Jesus Is God, And Believe The Gospel

That Jesus Died On The Cross For You, Was Buried, And Rose Again

The Philistines Send Back The Ark Of God To Israel 

On A New Cart Pulled By A Couple Of Cows

     The Philistines of the world created an easy way to move the ark of God on a new cart pulled by a couple of cows. This was not God's prescribed way to move the ark on four poles by four Levites. After the Philistines stole the ark, they were cursed by the presence of the ark. Even their god Dagan was cursed by the presence of the ark. The Philistines said let's just get rid of this thing and send it back to the Israelites on a new cart pulled by a couple of cows to remove the curse on our people. 

     Pictured above we see the ark returning to Israel on a new cart pulled by a couple of cows. Eventually the ark came to the house of Abinidab and his sons Uzzah and Ahio of the tribe of Benjamin and not Levi. Then King David wanted to move the ark of God from the house of Abinidab to Jerusalem. David had to decide whether to move the ark the easy way invented by the world on a new cart pulled by some cows or God's way by four Levites carrying the heavy ark on four poles for forty miles.

Uzzah Died Because David Chose The Wrong Easy Way To Move The Ark

     After the Philistines returned the ark of God to Israel, King David went to Abinidab's house to move the ark to Jerusalem. David disobeyed God and decided to move the ark of God the Philistine's easy way on a new cart pulled by some cows. 2 Samuel 6:1 says Again, David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the Lord of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims. And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinidab that was at Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart. 

  

     David knew that God's Word said to move the ark on four poles by four Levites. But David thought it's a lot easier to move the ark on a new cart pulled by some cows. This way the Levites could rest while everyone rejoiced. But the easier way of the world is not always God's way.  And David is going to learn quickly by Uzzah's death that it's better to do things God's way instead of the world's invented new way. 

     The old ways and directions of the bible are blessed and better than the new ways invented by the world. If it's new it's not true. And it's not true if it's new. Read the KJV perfect infallible bible instead of any new translated erroneous bibles. Jeremiah 6:16 says Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, we will not walk therein. Proverbs 24:21 says My son, fear thou the Lord and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change. Just follow the road map of the old blessed KJV bible and you will live a blessed life.   

     Look what happened to Uzzah because David chose to follow the world's easy way instead of God's blessed way. 2 Samuel 6:6 says And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.

Why Did God Kill Uzzah Who Tried To Steady The Ark 

     Why did God kill Uzzah for just trying to steady the ark on a new cart after it tipped when the oxen pulling it hit a rock or pothole in the road? Uzzah was just trying to stabilize and steady the ark and do God a favor. But Uzzah's death was David's fault who knew God's directions on how to move the ark.

     Five hundred years earlier, God warned the tribes of Israel that they would die if they touched the ark. Only the Levites could carry the ark on four poles after it was covered. David's disobedience to God's law caused the death of Uzzah. God said that the Levites had to move the ark and not touch the ark by carrying it on four poles inserted into four rings on the ark. All the other tribes like Benjamin which Abinidab, Uzzah, and Ahio belonged to were told to walk 2000 cubits or 3000 yards (25 football fields) behind the ark and not to touch the ark. Abinadab, Uzzah, and Ahio were not Levites and shouldn't have been anywhere near the ark. 

     God's instructions for building the ark of God are listed at Exodus 25:10. And they shall make an ark of shittim (acacia) wood: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof. And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, within and without shalt thou overlay it, and shalt make upon it a crown of gold round about. And thou shalt cast four rings of gold for it, and put them in the four corners thereof; and two rings shall be in the one side of it, and two rings in the other side of it. And thou shalt make staves (poles) of shittim (acacia) wood, and overly them with gold. And thou shalt put the staves (poles) into the rings by the sides of the ark, that the ark may be borne with them. The staves shall be in the rings of the ark: they shall not be taken from it.

     God instructed the people of Israel not to touch the ark or they would die. Numbers 4:15 says And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath (Levites) shall come to bear it (on four poles inserted into four rings): but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of he sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.

     In other words before the ark was to be moved, Aaron and his sons went into the holy place first to cover the holy vessels (the brasen altar, the laver, the table of shewbread, the candlestick, the altar of incense, and the ark of God with the mercy seat). Only the Levites and not the people from the tribe of Benjamin in the city of Gibeah like Uzzah, could move the ark by carrying it on poles inserted into four rings. 

     The other tribes except the Levites were instructed to stay 2000 cubits (3000 yards or 25 football fields) behind the ark when it was moved by the Levites. Abinadab, Uzzah, and Ahio from Benjamin shouldn't have been near the ark when it was moving. Therefore Uzzah died because David disobeyed God's instructions for moving the ark. The easy way of the world turned out to be the wrong way. 

     The instructions for the tribes outside of Levi to stay behind the ark 25 football fields is found at Joshua 3:3 that says And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it. Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about 2000 cubits (3000 yards or 25 football fields) by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore; And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the Lord will do wonders among you. 

     David eventually repented and learned that Jesus makes God's way the easy way. He learned that God's way is always better than the world's easy way. David told God alright I'm going to move the ark the correct way by four Levites on four poles instead of on a new cart pulled by a couple of cows. David said at 1 Chronicles 15:2 None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the Lord chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto Him for ever. 

     David repented and realized his mistake caused the death of Uzzah. David told the people at 1 Chronicles 15:13 For because ye did it not at the first (mistakenly carried the ark on a new cart pulled by cows in disobedience), the Lord our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought Him not after the due order. So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel. And the children of the Levites bare the ark of God upon their shoulders with the staves thereon, as Moses commanded according to the Word of the Lord.

     Now I want you to notice that when David correctly had the Levites move the heavy ark on poles, God helped the Levites carry the ark and made God's way the easy way.  1 Chronicles 15:25 says So David, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the house of Obed Edom with joy. And it came to pass, when God helped the Levites that bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord (notice the unseen hand of God underneath the ark helping the four Levites carry the ark making it light as a feather), that they offered seven bullocks and seven rams. 

     Just picture these four Levites carrying the heavy ark on four poles while the Lord Jesus helped them, making God's way the easy way, by holding up the ark with His mighty unseen hand. One Levite in the back right corner said "Praise the Lord, this ark is really light." He thought that the other three Levites were doing all the work. Then the other three Levites started laughing and said "This ark is light as a feather." Therefore if you follow the road map and do things God's way according to the bible, the Lord Jesus will help you and make God's way the easy way.

     David successfully carried the ark of God to Jerusalem because he did it God's way and allowed four Levites to carry the ark on four poles. Like David, choose the easy yoke of the Lord Jesus (God's way) instead of the failed ways of the world and be blessed with rest and peace. Jesus said at Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. God's way with Jesus is always the best way. 

     I pray in Jesus name that this bible study blesses multitudes everywhere with great joy, peace, and strength. Feel free to email Brother Bob anytime at rz9tlm@gmail.com or write to Brother Bob Malkin, 2233 Pinetree Lane, Apt. N., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. (614) 746-7071. Till we all meet again soon to lift up our Lord Jesus, everyone have a blessed day in Jesus name.