Of God and Mankind

 Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (AMPC) “All has been heard; the end of the matter is: Fear God [revere and worship Him, knowing that He is] and keep His commandments, for this is the whole of man [the full, original purpose of His creation, the object of God's providence, the root of character, the foundation of all happiness, the adjustment to all inharmonious circumstances and conditions under the sun] and the whole [duty] for every man. 14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it is good or evil. [Matt. 12:36; Acts 17:30, 31; Rom. 2:16; I Cor. 4:5.]” Dear people of God, at times, we have some ignorant Christians who speak of the superiority of their church denomination over others. There are also some pastors with dishonourable motives who set up a church denomination not with intention to preach the true gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ but with intention to defraud the congregation spiritually and financially. Such preachers were not called by Go...

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (AMPC) “Now also we beseech you, brethren, get to know those who labor among you [recognize them for what they are, acknowledge and appreciate and respect them all]–your leaders who are over you in the Lord and those who warn and kindly reprove and exhort you.   13 And hold them in very high and most affectionate esteem in [intelligent and sympathetic] appreciation of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.”   Dear people of God, in our lead Holy Bible text for today, Christians are commanded to show respect for their spiritual or religious leaders and to hold them in very high and most affectionate esteem in appreciation of their work.   I am referring here to all spiritual leaders – pastors, teachers, prophets, apostles, evangelists, etc.   Now, if you take time again to look at 1 Thessalonians 5:12 above, God’s Word gives detailed description of the attributes of the spiritual leaders we are to hold in high esteem – those w...

1 Timothy 3:1-7 (AMPC)   “ THE SAYING is true and irrefutable: If any man [eagerly] seeks the office of bishop (superintendent, overseer), he desires an excellent task (work).   2 Now a bishop (superintendent, overseer) must give no grounds for accusation but must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, circumspect and temperate and self-controlled; [he must be] sensible and well behaved and dignified and lead an orderly (disciplined) life; [he must be] hospitable [showing love for and being a friend to the believers, especially strangers or foreigners, and be] a capable and qualified teacher,   3 Not given to wine, not combative but gentle and considerate, not quarrelsome but forbearing and peaceable, and not a lover of money [insatiable for wealth and ready to obtain it by questionable means].   4 He must rule his own household well, keeping his children under control, with true dignity, commandin...