God can work with just a little. Thank you for the reminder, Reagan.

Luke 21:1-3King James Version (KJV)

21 And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.

2 And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.

3 And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:

Luke 9:12-17King James Version (KJV)

12 And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.

13 But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people.

14 For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company.

15 And they did so, and made them all sit down.

16 Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.

17 And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.

Yesterday, I heard an amazing thing and God used it to reteach me something I knew years ago. 

I was listening to the radio station, K-LOVE. If you're not familiar with them, they are a Christian radio station based in California (I believe). They do not play commercials. Rather, they are 100% listener supported. They have 2 "sharathon's" a year to try and gain the support they need to carry on. If you can afford to give to support them, I highly recommend it.

Anyway, a 6 year old girl, named Reagan, kept bugging her mother. She wanted to give her entire savings in her piggy bank to help the radio station. Her mother kept telling her to keep it and she and her dad would help K-LOVE. Nevertheless, Reagan kept pushing. 

She finally convinced her mom. When they counted Reagan's piggy bank, she had $16.39. They called and pledged it all. When the station reported on it, it ignited a firestorm of pledges. Many folks called and pledged the same $16.39 (only per month) in honor of little Reagan. Others gave $163.90. Some gave $1, 639.00. One even made a matching challenge pledge of $16,390. It was amazing to listen to God working. 

And that's exactly what it was, God moving his sovereign hand to inspire his people- all through the unselfish gift of a 6 year old girl.

That's when the Lord reminded me of the widow's mite. In God's eyes she gave ALL- much more than the rich men had given to the temple treasury. 

And the five loaves and 2 fishes that were brought to the gathering, was used by Jesus to feed 5000 men PLUS women and children- and there were 12 baskets of leftovers!

You see, the enemy has a favorite trick. We see needs around us every day. Sometimes our hearts are stirred with compassion. But, the enemy shows us the enormity of their WHOLE need and whispers, "you can't afford to do all that, can you?" When we honestly answer, "No," he responds with, "Then why even bother? You can use that money for (x)."

Sadly, many times we submit to the devil's suggestion and the need goes unmet. 

What he doesn't tell us is that, if we give our little, God can use our little for much! He can inspire others through our selflessness and the person's whole need can be met. Not by us as individuals, but by the whole body of Christ. And we don't get the glory, God does. 

That's what we need to remember. We are a part of the whole. We are not the whole. If we each do our part, then God can accomplish what he needs to accomplish in the lives of people in need. 

James puts it this way:

James 2:14-17King James Version (KJV)

14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

If we truly have the faith of God in our lives, then our hearts will be stirred with compassion for the needs around us. Then, our question becomes, "Lord, I don't have much, but how do you want me to use it?" If we all lived this way, the needs of the body of Christ, and the needs of many unbelievers, would be met. 

It's not the governments job to help those in need, it's the job of the church.

Remember, the words of the Apostle Paul in Acts 20:35

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

So, thank you Jesus, and thank you, Reagan, for the reminder!

Have a proper prayer life outside of ministry: Another book excerpt from "So you think you're called."

Have a proper prayer life outside of ministry.

Just as it is tempting to study only to prepare for a sermon or a lesson, it is also tempting to pray either only right before (or during) church services.
Jesus prayed daily- usually many times a day.
Note to the ministry: Ministry happens anytime, anyplace. It is not just a “church meeting thing.”
Jesus understood this. He understood that the flesh can do nothing apart from God's empowerment. So, he prayed. Daily and, in fact, several times a day.
We are to pray, first and foremost, for a closer walk (a stronger relationship) with God. Ministry flows from our walk with God. Our walk with God does not flow from our ministry. As we pray and walk and talk with God, he can guide us to minister to others in unexpected ways. He can open the door for ministry in places we never dreamed of. If we stay prayed up, he will begin to lift us up (in him, I mean. I'm not advocating a prosperity doctrine.). Why? To lift up his name to a lost and dying world!
How often should we pray?
Short answer: 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without ceasing.”
The word “ceasing” here means “without intermission, incessantly, assiduously.”
Incessantly means “without stopping.” Without intermission means “without a break.” Assiduously means “showing great care, attention, and effort.”



By this definition, if we take it literally, we would all die soon after becoming a Christian. If we could never take a break, or stop praying, then we would never be able to eat, drink,sleep, potty, study the word, work for our living, etc. So, is he truly saying we must physically pray all day, every day?
I think not?
However, I do believe he is telling us not to neglect our prayer time with God. Always have an attitude of prayer. Always make prayer a priority. Do not let it get lost in the business of life or ministry. Make it a priority. Do it with “great care, attention, and effort.” Don't let it become a ritual of words. Don't reduce it to a short phrase or two. Do it with all we have!
David says in Psalms 63:1:
“O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; “
So, we should start our day, even if we must get up a little earlier, with concentrated and consistant prayer. Is that all?
Isaiah 26:9 seems to hint at night time prayer, in addition to morning prayer:
“With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness. “
Daniel prayed three times a day:

Daniel 6:10

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

And this he did, in spite of the kings order that no man should pray to any other god, besides the statue that he had just erected. Daniel knew he was risking his life by praying to God. But, he also knew that his time with God was the most important thing in his life. He might die from his choice, but at least he'd be right with God.
As far as I know, there is no limit on how many times a day we should pray- just as there is no prescribed time period we should pray for. Follow the leading of the spirit of God. Allow him to lead you. But, do not neglect prayer. Make it your top priority every day.

Without it, we become dry and hard. With it, we are watered with his spirit and pliable in his hands. Without it, we become a Pharisee. With it, we have his love to reach out with. 

Is it ever OK to cheat?

With the exception of the scripture involved, this is the essay I wrote for my college entrance exam. Any comments you have will be much appreciated:

 Exodus 20:13                   Thou shalt not kill

Exodus 20:14

Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Exodus 20:15

Thou shalt not steal.

Exodus 20:16

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

Exodus 20:17

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s ....

Society has changed much in my forty nine years. It used to be that honesty and dedication were qualities to be admired. Government, businesses, churches, entertainment, and education all tried to build these qualities into our young people. Now, it seems that "Do the right thing" has been replaced with, "The ends justify the means." But, is cheating ever justifiable?

   The sports world, of late, is riddled with it. Whether it's individuals using Performance enhancing drugs (PED's), or teams cheating with video tape (remember "Spygate" from the 2006-2007 NFL season?), the modern sports cast's are seemingly incomplete without a scandal.

   Most of the checkout stand headlines (and entertainment shows) are about the latest scandals of music and TV/movie stars sleeping around. I remember when Lionel Richie, the great love song singer/songwriter, was caught cheating on his wife in 1988. He lost millions of fans. The media blistered him for his infidelity. His career never really recovered. If that had been today? They probably would have patted him on the back and given him a reality TV show about "cheating singers."

   What of the political scandals that are talked about endlessly by the pundits on both sides of the aisle? Are they brought out from genuine outrage? Or, in the interest of trying to defeat opponents in an election? How has the cheating on either side of the aisle truly helped our country.

   What about less public cheating?

   How about two companies competing for a defense contract? One stands on it's record of quality and honesty while the other wines and dines the politicians on the committee that makes the decision. Who do you think gets the contract? What if the winner's product is not only inferior, but the design flaws will cost the lives of soldiers? This will effect our national security. What about the employees of the losing company who struggle to make ends meet because there's no raise- because they didn't "play the game?" Is cheating still OK?

   Consider the college student who pays others to do his work for him and spends his time partying. Say he graduates with an MBA and a fortune 500 company hires him to help manage their expanding overseas business. Because he cheated, he's neither qualified nor able to perform the job he was hired to do. The company loses millions. Many families suffer because of this loss. Was his cheating still worth it?

How about on more personal levels?

   Consider the soldier who is deployed for six months and returns to discover his wife is pregnant by another man. Or, how about the spouse who's longed for the return of their soldier who discovers they've been given an STD- by their spouse? How does this effect their children?

   What about the student athlete who is "helped" to graduate by their school- by fraudulent means? Does it truly matter how many games were won by the student's play if he can't read and write? And if he is injured along the way, as so often happens, and he's unable to become a pro, what then? The schools (High School and College) got their wins. But, the left behind athlete is stuck flipping burgers because he can't walk and can't function above the eighth grade level. Was there any real benefit gained from the cheating?

   Then there's the local mayor who owns an ice cream parlor. Because he's "connected," he's able to use his clout to prevent a competitor from opening up nearby. The consumers lose because they have less choice. The workers lose because there are less jobs to choose from. But, the mayor kept his local monopoly. Is this right?

   There are many scenarios we could go through, but you get the point. Cheating, on any level, is never justified. It always does much more harm than good.

   What we, as a society, must do is return to the principles that helped to found, shape, grow, and protect this country: Truth, Honor, Dedication, Honesty, Personal accountability, and elbow grease. Government programs and business initiatives will fail without truth and honesty. All the educational ideas in the world won't help without honor, dedication, and personal accountability. Nothing will work without elbow grease.

   Cheating destroys families. Cheating hurts businesses. Cheating cheapens and weakens our society. There is no excuse for cheating- ever.

Making it through the trials: A lesson from Psalms 42- enjoy the roller coaster.

1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you. 

Let's face it folks. We humans love the easy road. We, especially we in the "western world", love things to go smooth and  

gently. How else can we explain the proliferation of the false "prosperity doctrine" that we see and hear in our society. These "preachers" are not stupid. They line their pockets by telling folks that, if they will just get with "God's"- really their- program, then God will flatten every mountain, dry up every quagmire, heal every disease, as you live your lives "happily ever after" (as long as you send the "preachers" your check. 

Yet, they ignore verses like 1 Peter 4:12, and the like. 

The truth is, it takes intestinal fortitude and a made up mind to make heaven. 

The prosperity preachers scream that Jesus came to give us LIFE, and that more abundantly. Yet, life is a series of good times and hard times. Jesus said we were going to have even more- of both good times and bad times.

With this in mind, I believe there's a pattern that can be gleaned through reading Psalms 42. So, please, pull out your Bible and have a look. Here are some notes to help us understand it a little better. By the way, I only use the KJV. If my wordings don't match what you read there, then you are reading a different version.

Verses 1 and 2 deal with the fact that we must have a hunger and thirst for the Lord. David wasn't called "a man after God's own heart" because he was such a perfect man. He was called that because he spent his life in hot pursuit (ever going AFTER) God's heart. He knew when he messed up, where to go in repentance. We must have the same attitude. Try our best. But, when we fall, we must go to God in full repentance.  

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. But, just as a child with a godly father, there comes a point where the fear must turn to love. We stop doing good to avoid hell and start doing good to please the God who loves us. In other words, we must fall in love with him.

In verse 3, we see that in our hot pursuit of God, we run into some hard trials. This is not uncommon in scripture. Twice the disciples were in a boat going where Jesus told them to go (so they were in his perfect will) and they ran into terrible and life threatening storms. The prosperity preachers of our day, and even some hard liners, would say that, if you are having that much trouble in your life, then you are in sin- or at the very least, you have stepped out of God's perfect will. 1 Peter tells us to "think it not strange concerning the fiery trial" which is come to "try you." The word try in the Greek means test. Our trials are tests that we must pass to reach the next level in God. But, during this, our friends and enemies are all saying the same thing to us: "Where is thy God?"

"If you were right with God, you wouldn't be suffering like this, hurting like this, or be so broke, or (you fill in the blank)." Ever been told this by the "well meaning" believers in you life? Their "kindness" usually starts with some form of this phrase: "Brother (or sister), I want to tell you something in love." When someone starts a sentence like that, put on all your armor! You're about to get hit- hard. 

In verse 4 We must remember going to the house of God and pouring out our hearts to God with other worshipers. Check out the Greek meaning for "kept holyday." It's great!  It means, "song of thankfulness!" When we are going through, if we can just remember our God and our song, then we are beginning to see some light at the end of our trial. 

In verse 5, the words "cast down" mean "bow down." We need to shake ourselves. We must chide ourselves for submitting (bowing) to their interpretation of our trials. We must pick ourselves back up and begin to praise God. Notice the faith we must have: "I will YET praise him  for the help....," signifying that we must believe that in the future, this trial will be over (because we believe God is going to help us!) and we will praise him (afterwards) for the help he sends us. 

But, the meaning of "help" is really interesting. It means, in the Hebrew, "something saved, deliverance, aid, victory, prosperity." So, our deliverance comes when our faith and God's timing meet. Remember, there's a time for every purpose under heaven. God's purpose is to conform us to the image (representation) of the man Christ Jesus. So, he chisels away at our lives through the trials we go through. 

Our victory comes when our faith in God and his timing meet. Our prosperity comes when our faith and his timing meet. Please note: Prosperity does not necessarily mean wealth. It means the provision of what we need to accomplish his purposes in our lives. 

And why does our help come? Because we responded in faith (finally) and God's favorable countenance is turned on us! 

So, a) we go around in circles for a while in a pity party because we listen to the evil voices that chide us. b) Then, we shake ourselves and remember all God has done for us in the past. c) Then, our faith rises up and we believe this trial will end because God is going to send help. d) Finally, the trial ends and we receive from God salvation, deliverance, aid, victory, and prosperity. 

So, we can enjoy the mountain top- for a while- until the next valley. 

In verses 6-10, we enter another trial. This one is worse than the last one. (verse 10 says it is so severe an attack that we feel it in our bones!) Yet, in all this, our faith doesn't falter. Unlike the first attack and struggle, we don't lose our faith. We press through the attack. We are still holding onto our faith in God's help. 

In the midst of this trial (verse 7) God calls us by name! The word "calleth" here actually means "to call by name" in the Hebrew. Indeed, God uses this trial to change us. The words for "are gone over" mean, "transition, to cross over, cover." So the Lord changes us here (transition) and allows us to cross over into the promises he has given us in the past- and he provides us with a spiritual covering. So, now God has our back. 

But, the trial still goes on.

 The enemies are still yelling, "Where is your God?" We're still being tempted to give up. We almost do. But, in verse 11, we read the almost identical declaration as verse 5. We correct ourselves for doubting- though certainly not as much doubt as the first time. We place his focus squarely on God, pointing perhaps to the first trial(s) we went through to remind ourselves that God will bring us through again. We reach the point, again, where we say (in full faith of future deliverance), "I shall YET praise him..." 

But, this time, the outcome is different. Our HEALTH ("the health of MY countenance") is restored. Mental health? Physical health? Spiritual health? It's all under the broad term HEALTH. Our mental and physical health are made whole AND our relationship with God is made stronger than ever before (it says, "and my God.").

This, I believe is the true progression of a Christian's life. This is the true meaning of Romans 1:16-17:

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith."

Did you catch that? From faith TO faith.

The Christian life is a a God ordained progression of trials and triumphs, good times and bad times. Why? Because that progression builds our faith and relationship with him! Because each trial exposes some flaw in us that we can repent if. And each victory places in us godly fruit.   

If we will learn to trudge on through the trials of our life, holding on to faith in God, then a) our individual trials may not last as long, and b) we will grow up in God faster to become what he is intending the trials to make us to be in the first place.

God is the potter and we are the clay. The trials we go through are intended to change us into the vessel he needs us to be.

So, we need to stop complaining about the roller coaster (the ups and downs) and enjoy the ride. The end of the ride will certainly be worth it all.  

Do we have rights?

Judges 17:6

In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.

Matthew 24:14

And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in allthe world for a witness unto all nations; and then shallthe end come.

I enjoy politics, I guess. As a political conservative, I focus mainly on what the Constitution does and doesn't say. I love the Constitution, for it is a document that allows freedom and protects our citizens from the evils of big government.

On the other side of the political aisle are the progressives/liberals. These have spent the last 100 plus years chipping away at the Constitution in order to give the federal government more and more control of our individual lives. This is a very bad thing and I will fight it to my dying breath.

However, in the church world, we have the opposite problem. 

We spend a great deal of time "spreading the gospel" and trying to get people "saved." 

That's all well and good, except our focus is wrong. 

We teach lessons, sing songs, write books, etc the goal of which are to show people what God will do for them. I guess the theory is that, in order to reach the "me generation," we have to "get them saved" by explaining the benefits of becoming a Christian. After all, everybody needs Jesus as their savior, right?

That's true.

But, we do them a disservice because we are only showing them half (if that) of the picture.

Jesus didn't come just to seek and save that which was lost. He came to impose his kingdom and displace the devil's kingdom. 

Every step he took towards Calvary and beyond was in direct and open warfare with the devil's kingdom.  

For example, Jesus didn't heal everybody he met that were sick and injured. He could have. Why didn't he? 

Acts 10:38

how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

If he didn't heal someone, they were sick of natural, not supernatural, causes. 

Put simply, the kingdom of God had come to war with the kingdom of Satan. And Jesus won! 

But, there are some things that we must understand.

Jesus MUST be savior AND Lord (supreme controller) or he cannot be savior at all.

Human nature is that if we do not have an authority above us that we must follow and obey, we will do whatever we think is right.

The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). We must obey that gospel to enter into his kingdom and become a citizen (John 3:1-8, Acts 2:38, 1 Peter 4:27, 2 Thes. 1:8). 

But, when we enter the kingdom, we have been bought with a price and are no longer our own (1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23). We can no longer do anything we want. There's a higher authority that we must (and will) answer to.

The kingdom of God has a king. His name is Jesus. As king, he has the right to allow us to do something. He also has the right to tell us no. 

As citizens of his kingdom, we have the right to ask, and we have the responsibility to obey the ruling that the king gives on any given matter.

The reason the church cannot allow a homosexual teacher/preacher/singer in it's walls is not that God (and we) don't love them. It's because the king's decree (the Bible) forbids it.

The reason we must stand against all sin is because our king has decreed that sin will keep men out of his kingdom and condemn them to eternal punishment in hell. 

Politics involves compromise. In the kingdom of God there is no compromise. 

When you become a citizen of the kingdom of God, you willingly submit yourself to his rule over your life- in all areas. 

There is no middle ground. It's the kings way, or the devils way.

Do we have rights? Yes. The right to obey God in all things. Period. 

.

How gray is our God?

2 Corinthians 1:20

For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

Matthew 5:17-18Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)

17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

There is a song by Chris Tomlin called "How great is our God." Aside from some minor theological disagreement, I love the song. However, when I hear it sung, the singer in me cringes at the same time the preacher in me does. 

Why?

Basic singing instruction teaches us to enunciate clearly so that we can be clearly understood. Therefore, the word "great" ends in a "t" and that letter needs to be clearly pronounced when it is sung. 

Why does it matter?

Which version sounds like a true gospel song to you? How gray is our God? Or how great is our God? The "t" is extremely important! Without it, the whole message is changed. God is changed from great to gray! Not a good change.

Is this important enough for a blog? Yes...with a twist.

You see, the modern "church" is under the impression that God has completely done away with the old testament law through Calvary. Yet, Jesus said none of it would go away until all be fulfilled.

The "church" says, "Yes! That's what he did on Calvary."

I beg to differ. Jesus says here in verse 18 that the law would still be in force "until heaven and earth pass away." Jesus fulfilled the sacrificial and ceremonial parts of the law. However, the moral laws that show us what sin is, are still in force. 

The reason this is an important distinction is that the modern "church", because of a misunderstanding of Calvary and Grace, practices what many call, "greasy Grace." They believe that everything is already settled for them. They're saved. It's done. Now we can live, talk, act, dress, however we wish. It's party time! "I got a blank check!"

WRONG!!!!!

This is why there is so much despute over what is a sin and what ain't. If you do away with the Old Testament foundation, then anything goes. 

"Churches" can ordain homosexuals. Women can lead their home. "White lies" are OK as long as they accomplish something good. A drunk can die in their sins and "preachers" say they are "in a better place." 

Indeed, perhaps the way many sing Chris Tomlin's song (without proper diction) is symbolic of how most modern "Christians" see God: "How gray is our God."

Yet, the scriptures declare that the righteous will scarcely make it in (1 Peter 4:18). We give it all we have and, with the help of God, we will barely make it in. 

Perhaps we could all learn a lesson from king David. 

2 Samuel 24:18-25Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)

18 And Gad came that day to David, and said unto him, Go up, rear an altar unto theLord in the threshingfloor of Araunah the Jebusite. 19 And David, according to the saying of Gad, went up as the Lord commanded. 20 And Araunah looked, and saw the king and his servants coming on toward him: and Araunah went out, and bowed himself before the king on his face upon the ground. 21 And Araunah said, Wherefore is my lord the king come to his servant? And David said, To buy the threshingfloor of thee, to build an altar unto the Lord, that the plague may be stayed from the people. 22 And Araunah said unto David, Let my lord the king take and offer up what seemeth good unto him: behold, here be oxen for burnt sacrifice, and threshing instruments and otherinstruments of the oxen for wood. 23 All these things did Araunah, as a king, give unto the king. And Araunah said unto the king, The Lord thy God accept thee. 24 And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. 25 And David built there an altar unto the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So theLord was intreated for the land, and the plague was stayed from Israel.

How can we offer ourselves a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, and believe that it should cost us nothing? 

No, my friend, there are two crosses in Biblical Christianity. A) The cross of Jesus. Truly without his shed blood there would be no hope for us at all! B) Our cross! Jesus says for us to take up our cross and follow him. Paul said that to live is Christ and to die is gain. 

We must allow God to crucify our flesh. We MUST walk after his spirit and keep our flesh under subjection. Otherwise, we risk the same thing Paul was afraid of: becoming a castaway. 

So, which is it for you?

Do you want "How gray is our God?" Do you want to use "greasy grace" and slide into hell? 

Or, do you want the narrow road that tells us "How great is our God?" The way of the disciple. The way of submission, love, and obedience to our Lord (Supreme Controller) that will lead to hearing him say, "Well done." (Oops! I guess there are some things we must do to be his. Otherwise, he wouldn't say, "Well done." He'd say, "Well believed.")

Of course, James states: 

James 2:14-26Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)

14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; whatdoth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Do you want 50 shades of gray and an eternity in hell? Or do you want the true faith of Jesus? Choose you this day whom ye shall serve!