Posted on July 15, 2021 by anthonyhopkins33

What is the truth?

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Sermon: Life Question 2 – What is Truth?

by Jerry Gifford on Wednesday, January 01, 2014 at 7:00 AM

Sermon series: Life Questions

Does God Exist? – Acts 17
What is Truth? – John 8, 18
Who Am I? – Psalm 8, Hebrews 2
Why Am I Here? – Ecclesiastes
What Happens When I Die? – 1 Corinthians 15
Are All Religions Equal? – Acts 17

Scriptures: John 8:32; 18:37-38

Introduction

During the trial of Jesus, Governor Pilate interrogated Jesus about His kingdom. In His response, Jesus affirmed the spiritual nature of His kingdom and told Pilate, “Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” To which Pilate cynically answered, “What is truth?” [John 18:37-8] And that same ambivalence pervades our culture today. It is even common today for some to flatly deny the truth exists. But the denial of truth never extinguishes truth.

“When England closed its Libyan Embassy, Muammar Qaddafi became so angry that he ordered England to be removed from all maps in Libya. If you buy a map in that country today, that area will be represented by a new arm of the North Sea bordered by Scotland and Wales.” [Stories for preachers and Teachers CD, V.1.01]

Today we will survey current thought about truth and conclude with the Biblical claims of truth. A study of truth presents several unique problems.

1. The problem of defining truth. A survey of common definitions reveals the commonly accepted variables of meaning. Consider the following definitions:

Dictionary.com -The actual state of matter in conformity with reality.

Wikipedia – To be in accord with fact or reality.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary – Fidelity, Constancy, fact, actuality.

For this study we will define truth as, “An understanding of the facts that corresponds to reality.”

2. The problem of inconsistency in the approach to determining truth in the physical realm as opposed to the meta-physical. Why do we demand concrete truth in the physical realm but deny absolute truth in the spiritual realm?

We want truth in the physical realm to be concrete and fixed. There is no room for broad-mindedness in the chemical laboratory. Water is composed of two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen. The slightest deviation from that formula is forbidden. The same holds true in biology, athletics, and mechanics.

But we want truth in the meta-physical realm to be fluid, non-factual, morally neutral, and open to interpretation. We hold this position because spiritual realities make moral judgments about right and wrong.

3. The problem of a lack of consensus on the basis of truth.

Much of this discussion is based on philosophical questions. What makes something true? How do we know what we know [epistemology]? Does this proposition satisfy the theory of correspondence [a statement or proposition is true if it coincides with reality]?

In contrast to those thoughts, we find one of the most quoted saying of Jesus. Our Lord said, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” [John 8:32]

Last week we examined the question, “Does God exist?” If we believe that God exists then we should ask, “Has He spoken?” While this message is just a survey of prevailing thought about the source of truth, we affirm that the Bible is God’s message of love to the world. The Bible doesn’t just contain truth, it is truth. Consider these views of truth.

I. The secular approach: Truth is perspective

Some have suggested that perspective is truth. The basis for their approach is personal opinion. We can all be like the men and women in a study about their weight.

“There is a vast difference between truth, and the perception of truth. In a survey of American health, it was learned that 40 percent of overweight men thought they looked fine and “felt they were at about the right weight.” In contrast, 29 percent of women who were not overweight “felt they needed to lose pounds to achieve a healthy body weight.” Both groups were operating under the perception of truth rather than truth itself. Such thinking leads to erroneous behavior. ” [Prevention, Oct. 1993, 54]

This approach is contingent on two variables.

A. Consensus

This is the idea that the majority opinion of a cultural group determines the truthfulness of something. Incidentally, this notion paved the way for Hitler. The majority can trample the minority even if something is not actually true.

B. Relativism and situational ethics

The idea of relativism has been summarized by the popular phrase, “Truth for me.” But what happens when “your truth” is in conflict with “my truth?” Those that embrace relativism lack an objective standard by which to determine the truth. Truth to them is simply an issue of expedience. In short, the secularist believes that truth changes. But I say, try this with your bank and see how broadminded they are!

It is this approach to truth that has led to the notion that every view, concept or idea should be tolerated and respected – even it is patently wrong. Beside that, the secularist attacks those that make exclusive claims like Christianity.

It is not uncommon to read of the attacks by secularists in the media. USA Today [10-19-09] recently published an article by Tom Krattenmaker about the dangers of Christianity invading the sports arena. He wrote:

“Jesus’ representatives in sports aren’t just practicing faith. This exclusiveness sometimes morphs into a form of chauvinism. Tim Tebow…should be seen…as one who promotes a form of belief that makes unwelcome judgments about everyone else’s religion.”

That evaluation is simply an uninformed perspective.

II. The spiritual approach: Truth is tradition

The basis for this approach is religious mysticism. Our world is full of religions. Each of them claims to possess the truth. And our so-called tolerant society tells us that they are all right. In short, the argument goes like this, “All religions are basically teaching the same thing.” But we need to ask if that statement is true.

Can we or should we challenge religious beliefs? Yes! For that matter, we, as Christians, welcome those challenges. When comparing the truthfulness of all religious claims, there are only two options:

Both claims are false.
One is truth and one is false.

Just consider the comparisons between any monotheistic system of belief [Judaism, Christianity, and Islam] and any polytheistic system of belief [Hinduism, Shintoism, Animalism]. They may both be false, but they can’t both be true.

III. The scientific approach: Truth is facts

The basis for this approach is verifiable empirical data. Many view science as an infallible god. Christians, in fact, fear questioning the findings of science less we be viewed as uninformed. But we must be careful here because science has some inherent weaknesses when it comes to declaring truth.

A. We must guard against assuming that the scientist is unbiased and neutral in dealing with the data. Scientists, despite their claim to the contrary, are equally influenced by professional biases, political correctness, atheistic and evolutionary worldviews, and blind spots in their thinking. This doesn’t make the scientist evil; it makes him/her human.

B. While the scientific approach can discover certain facts about our world, it cannot make any moral judgments in regard to those facts. Further, scientific “truth” does not necessarily affect human behavior. Have you ever heard a drug addict say, “I was reading a math book gave up my drugs?” Or, “I was reading a biology book and decided to stop lying.”

C. There are limits to the collection of data. Thus, science cannot know everything, especially regarding the meta-physical or spiritual arena.

For example consider today’s discussion of global warming. This is a theory that is accepted by the larger scientific community as fact. But what if the data moves away from the theory? What is a scientist to do with his/her truth/facts? The hottest year recorded was 1998. But the last eleven years in a row have been cooler than that year. So what should happen next for the scientist? He should re-evaluate this theory and adjust for any variance in the data.

IV. The Scriptural approach: Truth is a person

Ultimately, we are asking, “Has God spoken?” And, if so, what has He said?” As Christians, we believe that God has spoken and that He has revealed Himself through His word – the Bible.

Consider these biblical truth claims. Although this is not an exhaustive list of truth claims, it is foundational to our understanding the source of truth.

A. Objective truth exists – John 8:32

This is also called propositional truth. We believe that just as we can boldly assert mathematical truth, we can affirm spiritual truth. Further, this truth exists independent of one’s acceptance of it.

B. The absence of truth creates bondage – John 8:32

We might call this spiritual bondage.

C. The application of truth liberates – John 8:32

Truth only liberates if you believe it and apply it to your life.

D. God’s Word is truth – John 17:17

God has spoken.
God desires to communicate with us.
God’s communication is consistent with His nature.
God breathed is Word into existence – 2 Timothy 3:16

E. Jesus embodies truth – John 14:6

Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” – John 14:6 [See Hebrews 1:1-3]

Conclusion

“Lew Wallace, governor of New Mexico, was writing a book against Jesus Christ and in the process was converted to Christianity. He told a friend how it happened.”

“I had always been an agnostic and denied Christianity,” Wallace said. “Robert C. Ingersoll, a famous agnostic, was one of my most intimate friends. He once said, ‘See here, Wallace, you are a learned man and a thinker. Why don’t you gather material and write a book to prove the falsity concerning Jesus Christ, that no such man has ever lived, much less the author of the teachings found in the New Testament? Such a book would make you famous. It would be a masterpiece, and a way of putting an end to the foolishness about the so-called Christ.'”

“Wallace went home and told his wife about the project. She was a member of the Methodist Church and did not like the idea. But Wallace began to collect material from libraries all over the world that covered the period in which Jesus Christ should have lived. He did that for several years and then began writing. He was four chapters into the book, he says, when it became clear to him that Jesus Christ was just as real a personality as Socrates, Plato, or Caesar. “The conviction became a certainty. I knew that Jesus Christ had lived because of the facts connected with the period in which he lived.”

So he asked himself candidly, “If he was a real person, was he not then also the Son of God and the Savior of the world?” Gradually Wallace realized that since Jesus Christ was a real person, he probably was the one he claimed to be.”

“I fell on my knees to pray for the first time in my life, and I asked God to reveal himself to me, forgive my sins, and help me to become a follower of Christ. Toward morning the light broke into my soul. I went into my bedroom, woke my wife, and told her that I had received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.”

“‘O Lew,’ she said, ‘I have prayed for this ever since you told me of your purpose to write this book, that you would find him while you wrote it!’ “

“Wallace went on to write a famous book. Every time I watch the epic film Ben Hur, based on that book, I wonder at how it was written by a man who wanted to disprove that Jesus ever existed and instead became convinced that he was the greatest man who ever lived.” [David Holdaway, The Life of Jesus, Sovereign World Publishers, 1997]Jerry Gifford is senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Franklin, Kentucky. Jerry holds degrees from Western Kentucky University and Liberty Baptist Seminary. He and his wife, Tammie, have two sons, Daniel and David. He is passionate about his family, spiritual renewal, discipleship, preaching, basketball, and water sports.

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Posted on July 13, 2021 by anthonyhopkins33

Ephesians 2:8-9, and what it means to all People!!

Ephesians 2:8-9, and what it means to all people!! By Anthony Joseph Hopkins July 13, 2021.

Praise the Lord Saints!! Praise the Lord!! How are you doing today? Fine, I hope. Ephesians 2:8-9 says it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast. To be honest with all of you, God is giving us something that we do not deserve. What is the definition of the Word grace? Grace is when do honor or credit to someone or something by one’s presence.

Next, when it comes to the spiritual definition of the word grace. Grace is a spiritual gift that involves love and mercy given to others even when we feel that they don’t deserve it. The Biblical definition of the word grace is; In Western Christian theology, grace is the help given to us by God because God desires us to have it, not necessarily because of anything we have done to earn it. What is the definition of the word mercy?

Mercy is compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm.

What is the Biblical definition of the word mercy? So, to me, mercy is a “love that responds to human need in an unexpected or unmerited way.” At its core, mercy is forgiveness. The Bible speaks of God’s love for sinners – that is, for all of us. But the Bible also relates mercy to other qualities beyond love and forgiveness.

Other definitions of the word mercy consist of 1a: compassion or forbearance (see forbearance sense 1) shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one’s power also: lenient or compassionate treatment begged for mercy. b: imprisonment rather than death imposed as penalty for first-degree murder. Let us fall into the hand of the Lord, for his mercy is great; but let me not fall into the hand of man.” Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against him.

Finally, I know that I have done some things that were not pleasing to both God and man alike. I have grace because I have been saved. I know when it comes to my life personally, I have completely changed behaviorally since February 15, 2015. For six years right now, I am only a Work in Progress. I am saying this because I am not perfect.

God has a hold onto me right now. When it comes to my thoughts, we are supposed to bring every thought into obedience. We have a God who loves all of us. God is in control!! God gave authority to man over all of the earth. Do you know who this man is Adam. God gave the dominion over to man. We have the authority to make a choice. We have a choice to follow God or follow the world. We must give our attention to Jesus Christ concerning obedience to the doctrine. We must yield to the attention to the righteousness through Jesus Christ. If Jesus is righteous then I am righteous because through Jesus Christ. We are saved by grace because of what Jesus did for me. Under grace we are working for God.

Posted on July 12, 2021 by anthonyhopkins33

Ephesians 2:1-5, and what it means to all People!!

Ephesians 2:1-5. And What it means to all People!! By Anthony Joseph Hopkins July 12, 2021

1 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)…

Praise the Lord Saints!! Praise the Lord!! How are all of you doing today? Fine, I hope. Ephesians 2:1-5 says and you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.

Among them we too all formerly lived in the lust of the flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (By grace you have been saved). This means in spite of our transgressions and sins, we have been saved by God’s grace. It is really up to us as a people because Jesus Christ died for all of our sins and transgressions.

Ephesians 2:1-5. And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience– among whom we all once lived …

Next, I want to inform all of you that Jesus Christ died for all of my sins long before I was born into this world. I have a second chance through Him.

What is the definition of a transgression? A transgression is an act that goes against a law, rule, or code of conduct; an offense. The Biblical definition of the word transgression is What is the biblical definition of transgression?

Transgression means to intentionally disobey or to willfully trespass a command. David was referring to this kind of sin when he wrote, “Blessed is the one whose transgressions are. forgiven, whose sins are covered” (Psalm 32:1). Transgression is connected to a trespass, which is a willful violation of the law.

Further, what is the definition of the word iniquity? An iniquity is immoral or grossly unfair behavior. When it comes to the word iniquity, it has a lot to do with our grossly unfair behavior. This is something that intends to look bad on the person who committed this act or crime. According to Webster’s dictionary, the word iniquity means gross injustice, wickedness or sin. … The Bible says that through one man, Adam, sin entered the world.

Moreover, when it comes to a sin and an iniquity. A sin means you miss the mark. When a sin is repeated against the knowledge of God, it becomes a transgression. If it continues long enough, it eventually becomes iniquity which perverts the flesh. This is very serious!! God is watching all of us!! Finally, I want to end this essay by sharing my personal testimony. I learned how to use vulgarity from my parents. My parents literally cussed each other out all of the time. My grandmothers and grandfathers did not use any vulgarity in front of me as a child. My step-father used vulgarity like a Navy Sailor. I want to inform all of you that I am still a work in progress. I have not used any vulgarity in over 90 days now. This is simply because God is watching me and the billions of people who exist on earth. God is recording our progress.

Posted on July 7, 2021 by anthonyhopkins33

Colossians 3:12-17 and what it means to all People!!!

Colossians 3:12-17, and what it means to all People!! By Anthony Joseph Hopkins July 7, 2021

Praise the Lord Everyone!! Praise the Lord!! How are all of you doing today? Fine, I hope. I want everyone to know that we are supposed to forgive one another, as the Lord has forgiven you. We are supposed to bear each other and forgive whatever grievance we have toward each other. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Next, I want to inform all of you that we are God’s chosen people. We are supposed to be kind, gentle, understanding, and compassionate towards one another. The Lord has saved me from myself. The Lord has saved me spiritually. I am comfortable and gentle with other people. My name is Anthony Joseph Hopkins, and I am a 56-year-old man who has common sense. I am very intelligent, kind, understanding, compassionate, and humble. I am a person who has come a very long way in my personal life. I suffer from schizoid affective disorder. This is a mental illness that is caused by delusions, and people hearing things that other people do not. This also means that I see things that other people do not see.

Moreover, I also suffer from grand mal seizures. I have been suffering from seizures since Sunday July 25, 1982. I remember on that faithful day when I was at my grandmother’s house and I went upstairs to use the restroom.

All of a sudden, I woke up and I was in the hospital. I had told the doctor the truth that I was playing Pac-man arcade game; the electronic portable version that came out in 1982. I was 17 years old. I kept having seizures for the past 38 years now.

In Addition, I had accomplished a great deal in my personal life. I graduated from high school at the age of 20. I graduated from college from the University of Toledo. I graduated from college at the age of 28 years old. Two years later, I graduated with my Bachelors degree at the age of 30. God has brought me a very long way to prove to my family and friends that I am capable of success. My behavior has changed a whole lot since March 22, 2015. This is the day that I did not have to appear in court anymore for my behavior problems.

Currently, I am an Author at Author house Book Publishing Company. I have been an Author since 1996. I have been writing since I was 17 years old. Author-House is a Book Publishing Company out of Bloomington, Indiana. I have completed my first book called My Grace is Sufficient for Me. This is a book that consists of essays that I have written about God. This book belongs to God. The reason why I mentioned all of the details about my life is because I have only memories and writings about my personal life.

Posted on July 6, 2021 by anthonyhopkins33

Job 33:14-16; And What it means to all People!!

Job 33:14-16; And What it Means to all People!! By Anthony Joseph Hopkins July 6, 2021

Praise the Lord Everyone!! Praise the Lord!! I have a very important question to ask everyone. Could someone please tell me whether or not God speaks to all of us while we are sleeping? The only reason why I would like my question answered is simply because I want to know whether this is true! Does God speak to us while we are sleeping? The answer to this question is yes. God speaks to all of us while we are sleeping, and when we are awake.

I know for me personally, God speaks to me while I am really sleep. God opens our ears and he gives us our daily instructions. I know for me, this is the only way God speaks to me as well as through His word. God speaks to me through other people. I want to inform all of you that everything that God says inside of the Bible is true. God knows all about us. He knew us while we were inside our mother’s womb. God even knows exactly how long we are going to live on earth as a person.

Next, I want to say that God hears our prayers. God even knows when we are going to make a mistake. I know when I am sleeping at night, I have dreams and flashbacks about my past. I had a flashback the other night about getting into trouble. On June 21, 1985, I was a senior in high school when I came upon one of my friends. We both committed a crime of petty theft. However, I went ahead and pleaded guilty to committing 2 counts of petty theft. I was placed on one year of probation. I also had to perform 150 hours of community service at the Holy Name Center on Broadway Street in Dayton, Ohio.

Further, before I went to jail, I had a seizure on April 6, 1985. This was a day when I was playing my baby sister checkers. We both beat each other in checkers. All of a sudden, I remember having a seizure. My baby sister stated that I almost fell out of the window. I do recall smelling asphalt on the roof next door from my mother’s house. The smell was so bad that I ended up passing out. I stayed inside of the hospital for a couple of days for observation at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio.

Moreover, I had another flashback from getting chased by a Rottweiler Dog. This happen on Tuesday February 13, 1991. The dog chased me for over a mile. I also almost got hit by a bus in the Toledo, Ohio Area. Some of my dreams consisted of flashbacks from my past. I did have a dream that I won a Million Dollars during the VaxaMillion contest last month in the State of Ohio. That dream did not come true. I guess God was not ready for me to become a Millionaire. God already knows that I barely pay my tithes and offerings at church. I guess according to the eyes of God, I am a welsher. A welsher is a person who refuse to pay his debts.

Finally, I want to inform all of you that my dreams consist of events from my past. I want to inform all of you that I have been making mistakes all of my entire life. I want to inform everyone that I have made so many mistakes that God is ashamed of me. God loves me as a person. It is that, the mistakes outnumber the good things that I am supposed to do for God. I love all of you very much. I want to inform all of you that my most recent dreams consist of earning money. I end up blowing through the money. This means that I spend it on things that I do not need. May the Lord God continue to bless you.

Job 33:14-16; And What it Means to all People!! By Anthony Joseph Hopkins July 6, 2021

Posted on July 3, 2021 by anthonyhopkins33

Ephesians 4:32 And What it means to all People!!

Ephesians 4:32; And What it Means to all People!! By Anthony Joseph Hopkins July 3, 2021

Ephesians 4:32 says; And be ye kind to one another. Tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. This means that we must learn how to be kind one another, forgiving one another, even as Christ has forgiven you. I remember when I was growing up in Dayton, Ohio during the 1970s and 1980s. I used to get mistreated by everyone that I had come in contact with except my grandparents.

I know for me personally, I have forgiven everyone who used to beat me up all of the time. It seems like every time I forgive someone for the bad that they had treated me. These people used to constantly fight me for nothing. All of this has caused me to become angry at myself and others.
I want to say that anytime a person grows up being abused and mistreated, 9 out of 10 times, you might mistreat others yourself. I am going to be frank with everyone. I have been angry for so long that it has affected me, and the relationships that I have with other people. I used to get mistreated by my step-father all of the time. This is simply because he knew that I was not his son.

The only question that I have to ask everyone is how do you learn how to treat other people right? First, a person must have your mind made up. The love of God must be inside of our hearts. The Holy Spirit must be inside of you, and working inside of you. How do you learn how to forgive another person? It is more than saying I am sorry. It is a learned behavior that must be taught by our parents. I have learned how to forgive others by being around my mother, grandmothers, and grandfathers. I learned by attending church. I want to inform all of you that do not be deceived, evil company corrupts good character.

Therefore, my friends at the time were not good people to be around. They were gang members and people who did wrong all of the time. My friends smoked marijuana and drunk beer all the time. Some of my friends were very good to me as a person. There were friends who taught me how to drink alcohol and smoke marijuana. This is the reason why I felt skeptical because I was looking for something good from each person. When I saw my friends drinking alcohol, and smoking marijuana, I felt depressed. My good friends did not want to hang around me because I did not have any money. As soon as we got older, my friends were getting locked up inside of prison for years.

Finally, I want to inform all of you that it is not easy growing up inside of the inner city of Dayton, Ohio. The inner city is where all of the illegal activities were located. I prayed to God for help living in the inner city. I might have been a product of the inner city, but I have become successful. I do hang around people who attend church, and doing good in their personal lives. I read my Bible every single day of the week.

I pray all of the time. I ask God to follow me everywhere I go. I pray to God that I do not use any vulgarity. I pray to God that I do not smoke and drink alcohol and marijuana. I do not have sex before marriage anymore. I do not look at women as sex objects anymore. I respect women for who they are in their lives. I surround myself with positive things.

I attend Fort McKinley United Methodist Church in Dayton, Ohio. I am a child of God right now. I might make mistakes in my life. I read my Bible each day. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for saving me from myself. I remember when I attempted suicide on February 13, 2010. I had to stay inside of Miami Valley Hospital for six days. I have a suicide clause on my insurance policy. My sister saved my life by calling the ambulance because I had taken all of my medication at that time. I was surrounded by scammers and computer hackers. Right now, I have been suicide free for the past 11 years now. I do not deal with computer hackers and scammers anymore. Thank you for reading my essay.

Posted on July 2, 2021 by anthonyhopkins33

Luke 12:34 And What It Means to all People!!

Luke 12:34; And What It Means to All People? By Anthony Joseph Hopkins July 2, 2021

Luke 12:34 is a personal inventory of our lives. I want to say that Luke 12:34 says for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. This means that we should invest all of our time with God. I know for me, I have to get all of my priorities together. I remember when I did not know how to prioritize my life of God. I want to inform all of you that I used to take care of other things that were not of God. I know right now that I have to place emphasis on God. I have to give all of my personal time to God. I have to pay all of my tithes and offerings to God. I want to say that I had to learn how to put God first and foremost.

What this Bible verse mean is to give yourself to God. How do you give yourself to God? First, we must be willing to pray and to communicate with God on a daily basis. Second, we must be willing to stop using vulgarity. Our tongues are a consuming fire. There are times that we cannot control what we say, and what comes out of our mouths. Third, we must be willing to change our behavior for the better. We must be willing to live for God. This means that our lives do not belong to us in the first place. Fourth, I want to say that I have a life with Christ Jesus.

Next, I want to inform all of you that we have to write all of the positives and negatives in our lives. There are times that it takes another person who knows us very well, to determine what is important in our life. How do we become Christlike?

We must be willing to read God’s word every single day. We must pray in advance. We must be willing to control our mind and thoughts through the assistance of Jesus Christ. We must put God first. We must be willing to work with other people. God wants us to serve Him. He wants us to do His will. My heart used to be filled with fear because I was abused by my step-father. My step-father did not know how to raise children. He used to tell me that I will not progress in life. My step-father had children of his own. I did not have any children because I could not find anyone feasible to really get married.

Further, I was involved in a relationship that was very toxic. Frankly, my ex-wife and I were on drugs. My heart right now is pure. I do not use vulgarity anymore. I do not look at porn anymore. I have not had sex in 11 years. I do not commit fornication anymore. I have been reading the Bible and I have accepted Jesus Christ as my Personal Savior on February 15, 2015. I got baptized on that day. I have decided to follow Jesus Christ on that day. For six years, I might have had some ups and downs behaviorally.

Finally, I want to say that I have been clean and sober since May 2, 1990. I have not smoked any marijuana since January 21, 1990. I no longer deal with female prostitutes anymore. I am happy, joyous, and free. I no longer have any angry feelings. I help others willing fully.

Posted on June 28, 2021 by anthonyhopkins33

The Old Màn vs The Sinful Nature.

The Sinful Nature Vs the New Man

This is an essay concerning the Sinful Nature vs the New Man. Who do you think will win? The sinful nature consists of the Old Man Nature.

The reason why I brought this up as a topic is simply because there are some things that I am struggling with as a Christian. For Instance, I do not use any vulgarity, but I have a problem dealing with porn. I will admit that I am a lonely man right now. I am not involved in a relationship right now because I was doing things that did not make sense. By looking at porn, it had given me some sort of comfort. I know that I am not supposed to look at porn because it taints the Holy Spirit.
Next, I want to say that it is not easy for me to deal with this problem. I really need everyone to please keep me in your prayers. The New man is a man that is holy. The new man is very honest, truthful, considerate, respectful, and Christ-like. When it comes to the Old Man, it thrives on things that are not of God.

I know that this information does not pertain to the Old and New Man, but it is helpful when it comes to dealing with issues that I am dealing with right now. In Colossians 3:9-10 the apostle Paul mentions the “old self” and the “new self” as he writes “Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him.” He says that the old self has been put aside. Why would one want to put aside the old self, or old man? We are taught to put aside our old self because it is being corrupted.
“if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit,” (Ephesians 4:21-22). We can see that once we have been taught about Jesus Christ that we should want to do away with our old self that is full of sin, corrupted with the lusts and deceit of this world. We can further see that we can put off this old self by having it crucified with Jesus Christ. As he was crucified on the cross so that we may have forgiveness of sins, in like manner, our old self is nailed to that cross so that we will not walk in an unrighteous manner afterward. Paul says “knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, that our body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin” (Rom 6:6). We also put off this old self by regeneration in accordance with Galatians 3:26 and Ephesians 4:23-24. We have learned that the old man is one that is full of sin and worldliness. But what is the new man? The new man is the one that is full of the righteousness and holiness of God! "And put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth" (Ephesians 4:24). Also if you go back to the beginning of this article and read the text you'll notice that this new man is one that is renewed according to the image of God (Col 3:10). Once one has decided to put on the new man (and this can only be done through baptism (Gal 3:27), and put off the old, then there are things that must follow after doing so. One cannot expect to go to heaven by accepting Jesus Christ and then quit trying to live the Christian life. There are several things that the new Christian must strive to do every day to live a life for Jesus. It starts by speaking the truth about Jesus. We should feel so good about Him, that we would WANT to tell others about the wonderful happiness that we have found in Jesus. We should want to tell our neighbors about Him. "Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth, each one of you, with his neighbor, for we are members of one another" (Ephesians 4:25).

In the past we might have gotten angry and sinned, but now the new man understands the righteousness of God and when one gets angry they will “sin not” as it states in Ephesians 4:26. We would be moved to do good works accompanied with good speech, while at the same time striving daily to resist the devil and all his temptations (Ephesians 4:27-29). This will be a struggle for the new babe in Christ but it can be done. Remember, God will not allow you to be tempted greater than you can endure (1 Corinthians 10:13). A new man will be moved to practice kindness to others. “And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32).

Knowing that Christ died for us, forgiving us of all our sins, we should likewise be quick to forgive others in like-manner. When the old self has been put away, the new Christian will strive to have compassion on others (Col 3:12), and be long-suffering towards others (Col 3:13). The new man stands out because he has learned to put on love. “And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity”. (Col 3:14). There is a big difference between the old man of the world and the new man of God. Which are you? Have you put away that old man? If not, you need to get into Christ and enjoy the wonderful blessings of being a Christian! To me personally, the old and new man still exist because it is not I am not afraid of letting it go; it is that I am weak in this area. It is really hurting me; when it comes to my relationship with God. I would like for all of you to please pray for me because I am a very weak person, especially when it comes to dealing with this issue of porn. This is my story of the Old Man vs The New Man.

Posted on June 26, 2021 by anthonyhopkins33

There is an increase in crime as soon as the temperature goes up.

As soon as the temperature goes up, crime increase. Let’s examine this statement. As soon as the temperature goes up crime increase. Does the crime increase in the summer in the United States? According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, crime increase in certain areas in the United States. It varies according to city and State. I have a question for all of you does the weather cause an increase in crime? Please let me know.

Posted on June 25, 2021 by anthonyhopkins33

Romans 11:27: And What It means to all people??

Romans 11:27: And What it Means to all people. By Anthony Joseph Hopkins June 25, 2021

Romans 11:27 says; For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. This means that we are operating under a brand-new covenant. A covenant is an agreement between God and mankind. He shall take away their sins. Only God and Jesus Christ, the son who died for the sins of all mankind. Only God shall forgive all of our sins. I thank God for allowing me to see my 56^th Birthday yesterday.

Although I was sick earlier in this week, I thank God for allowing me to feel better from constipation. I also want to thank God for allowing my baby brother to live after suffering from a heart attack yesterday as well. I thank you Lord Jesus for saying the serenity prayer to a young lady, who was grieving over the death of her Uncle as well. I thank you Lord Jesus for allowing me to type this essay today.

Next, I want to thank you Lord Jesus and the Father God for being with me throughout my journey. I want to say that Jesus is the Mediator between God and man. I know that I pray every single day. I also attend Church as well. Lord Jesus, I need a miracle in my life right now. I am still sick from being constipated for the past 4 days. I am happy that you have saved me from my sickness. I also thank you for saving my little brother.

Moreover, to all of the stress that I had to deal with in my own family. I thank you for allowing me to cover my sins. Lord Jesus, when it comes to sin, only you are able to save the entire world. Lord Jesus, I love you very much. I thank you for loving me all of my entire life. I thank you Lord for being there for all of my family members, friends, and for those that I do not know. I want to thank you for saving me from myself, and protecting me from all harm. Dear Lord Jesus, please save the Cab Driver’s father right now. He is in a coma at Grandview Hospital in Dayton, Ohio.

Lord, please heal her and her family members. Lord Jesus, please save all of the residents of the Miami Florida Condominium. So far at least 4 people died yesterday into today after rescue efforts for the missing people.

Finally, I want to thank you Lord Jesus for saving me. I thank you for saving my brother yesterday from his heart attack. Lord Jesus, I thank you for allowing me to live 56 years on earth. I might not now who my father is right now, but I have a loving family and friends who love me for me. Lord Jesus, I want to thank you for saving all of us out of our slumber.

Lord Jesus, you are the mediator between God and mankind. I love you very much. I will not forget what you have done for me in my entire life. You also saved me from all of my enemies and from my own health problems. Thank you for keeping it real with me for 55 years of living.