Sometimes there is a lack of desire to read God’s word, or obey it. Adam and Eve hid behind the bush when God came to them after their sin. The Israelites were given the ten commandments, then following that said “let not God speak with us.” (Exo 20:19) They didn’t want to hear anything else God had to say. But love changes everything. Some find the Bible to be very boring and can barely focus while reading it. But when a person comes to realize the great love God has for them, many times they can devour the book, they can’t stop reading it. What changes the perspective? Love.
Many feel that the Bible is boring, unappealing and even oppressive. But this all changes when you fall in love with the one speaking the word to you. Jesus the author of scripture.
- Who is the author of Scripture?
“The prophets have enquired and searched diligently… searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow” (1 Peter 1:10,11).
Answer: Virtually every book of the Bible refers to Jesus Christ—even the Old Testament books. Jesus created the world (John 1:1–3, 14; Colossians 1:13–17), wrote the Ten Commandments (Nehemiah 9:6, 13), was the God of the Israelites (1 Corinthians 10:1–4), and guided the writings of the prophets (1 Peter 1:10, 11). So, Jesus Christ is the author of Scripture.
- What is Jesus’ attitude toward the people of earth?
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
Answer: God loves us so much He was willing to give His only begotten son, it was a sacrifice for the Father to give Him. Jesus loves us all with an unfailing love that passes understanding.
- Why do we love Jesus?
“While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
“We love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
Answer: We love Him because He loved us enough to die for us—while we were yet His enemies.
- In what respects are a successful marriage and the Christian life similar?
“And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” (1 John 3:22)
Answer: In a good marriage certain things are imperative, such as faithfulness to one’s spouse. Other things may not seem major, but if they please a spouse they are necessary. If they displease, they should be discontinued. So it is with the Christian life. The commands of Jesus are imperative. But in Scripture Jesus has also outlined for us principles of conduct that please Him. As in a good marriage, Christians will find it a joy to do the things that make Jesus, the One we love, happy. We will also avoid things that displease Him.
- What does Jesus say are the results of doing the things that please Him?
“If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and [that] your joy might be full” (John 15:11).
Answer: The devil claims that to follow Christian principles is drab, dull, demeaning, and legalistic. But Jesus says it brings fullness of joy—and a more abundant life (John 10:10). Believing the devil’s lies brings heartache and deprives people of life that is “really living.”
- Why does Jesus give us specific principles for Christian living?
Answer: Because they:
A. Are “for our good always” (Deuteronomy 6:24). As good parents teach good principles to their children, so Jesus teaches good principles to His children.
B. Set for us a safeguard from sin (Psalm 119:11). Jesus’ principles protect us from entering the danger zones of Satan and sin.
C. Show us how to follow in Christ’s footsteps (1 Peter 2:21).
D. Bring us true joy (John 13:17).
E. Give us an opportunity to express our love for Him (John 15:10).
F. Help us be a good example to others (1 Corinthians 10:31–33; Matthew 5:16).
G. Give us good health (Pro 3:1-8, Exo 15:26)
- According to Jesus, how should Christians relate to the evil of the world and to worldliness? “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.” (1 John 2:15)
Answer: His commands and counsels are clear and specific:
A. Don’t love the world or the things of the world. This includes (1) the lust of the flesh, (2) the lust of the eyes, and (3) the pride of life (1 John 2:16). All sin falls into one or more of these three categories. Satan uses these avenues to lure us into the love of the world. When we begin to love the world, we become an enemy of God (1 John 2:15, 16; James 4:4).
B. We must keep ourselves unspotted from the world (James 1:27).
- What urgent warning does God give us regarding the world?
Answer: Jesus warns, “And be not conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2). The devil is not neutral. He presses every Christian constantly. Through Jesus (Philippians 4:13), we must firmly resist the devil’s suggestions, and he will flee from us (James 4:7). The minute we permit the “squeezing” of any other factor to influence our conduct, we, perhaps imperceptibly, begin slipping into apostasy. Christian behavior is not to be decided by feelings and the conduct of the majority, but by Jesus’ words.
- Why do we need to guard our thoughts?
“As he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7).
Answer: We must guard our thoughts because thoughts dictate our behavior. God wants to help us bring “every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). But Satan desperately wants to bring “the world” into our thoughts. He can do this only through our five senses—especially sight and hearing. He presses his sights and sounds upon us and, unless we consistently refuse what he offers, he will direct us into the broad way that leads to destruction. The Bible is clear: We become like the things we repeatedly see and hear (2 Corinthians 3:18).
- What are some principles for Christian living?
“Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
Answer: Christians must separate themselves from all things that are not true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. They will avoid:
A. Dishonesty of every kind—cheating, lying, stealing, being unfair, intent to deceive, slander, and betrayal.
B. Impurity of every kind—fornication, adultery, incest, homosexuality, pornography, profanity, filthy conversation, off-color jokes, degenerate songs, music, dance, and most of what is shown on television and in movie theaters.
C. Places where we would never invite Jesus to accompany us, such as nightclubs, taverns, casinos, racetracks, etc.
Let’s take a few minutes to understand the dangers of popular music and dancing, television, and the theater.
Music and Song
Many types of secular music (rap, country, pop, rock, heavy metal, and dance music) have been largely captured by Satan. The lyrics often glorify vice and destroy a desire for spiritual things. Researchers have discovered some interesting facts regarding the power of music—
(1) It enters the brain through the emotions, thus bypassing reasoning powers;
(2) It affects every function of the body;
(3) It alters pulse, breath rates, and reflexes without the listeners realizing it;
(4) Syncopated rhythms alter moods and create a type of hypnosis in the listener.
Even without lyrics, music has power to debase a person’s feelings, desires, and thoughts. The most popular rock stars openly admit this. Rolling Stones leader Mick Jagger said: “You can feel the adrenaline going through your body. It’s sort of sexual.” Newsweek, ” (Mick Jagger and the Future of Rock”, Jan. 4, 1971, p. 47.) John Oates of Hall and Oates fame stated that “Rock ‘n’ Roll is 99% sex.” (Circus magazine, Jan. 31, 1976, p. 39). Would such music please Jesus? Converted pagans from overseas tell us that our modern secular music is the same kind they used in witchcraft and devil worship! Ask yourself: “If Jesus came to visit me, what music would I be comfortable asking Him to listen to with me?” Any music you aren’t sure about should be abandoned. When we fall in love with Jesus, He changes our musical desires. “And he hath put a new song in my mouth, [even] praise unto our God: many shall see [it], and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.” (Psalms 40:3). God has provided for His people plenty of good music that inspires, refreshes, elevates, and strengthens the Christian experience. Those who accept the devil’s degrading music as a substitute are missing one of life’s greatest blessings.
Worldly Dancing
Worldly, sexually suggestive dancing inevitably leads us away from Jesus and true spirituality. When the Israelites danced around the golden calf, it was idol worship because they had forgotten God (Exodus 32:17–24). When the daughter of Herodias danced before a drunken King Herod, John the Baptist was beheaded (Matthew 14:6–10).
TV, Videos, and the Theater
Do the things you watch on TV, in theaters, and on the Internet appeal to your lower or higher nature? Do they lead you to a greater love for Jesus—or for the world? Do they glorify Jesus—or satanic vices? (Matt 6:24) Even non-Christians speak out against many TV and film productions. Satan has captured the eyes and ears of billions and, as a result, is rapidly turning the world into a cesspool of immorality, crime, and hopelessness. One study said that without TV “there would be 10,000 fewer murders per year in the United States, 70,000 fewer rapes, and 700,000 fewer assaults.” (Newsweek, “Violence, Reel to Reel”, Dec. 11, 1995, p. 47) Jesus, who loves you, asks you to take your eyes off Satan’s thought-controllers and put them on Him. “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else” (Isaiah 45:22).
A safe guideline for viewing anything is to ask, “Would I feel comfortable inviting Jesus to watch the program with me?”
- What list does Jesus give us that we could use as a guide for watching television?
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:19-21)
Most a-list actors practice what is termed “Method Acting”. In this many of the actors empty themselves so that they can let the spirit of the character inhabit them. Many actors have said they even have become possessed by the spirit they are acting out.
Answer: Scripture is too clear to misunderstand. If a family should ban all TV programs that exhibit or condone any of the above sins, there would be very little to watch. If Jesus came to visit you, what TV shows would you feel comfortable asking Him to view with you?
- Many today feel capable of making spiritual decisions without input from anyone, including Jesus. What does Jesus say about such people?
Answer: Listen to Jesus’ unequivocal statements:
“Ye shall not do after all [the things] that we do here this day, every man whatsoever [is] right in his own eyes.” (Deuteronomy 12:8)
“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death” (Proverbs 16:25).
“The way of a fool [is] right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel [is] wise.” (Proverbs 12:15)
“He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool” (Proverbs 28:26).
- What solemn warnings does Jesus give about the example and influence of our lives?
“But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and [that] he were drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matthew 18:6).
“Let us not … put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother’s way.” (Romans 14:13)
“For none of us liveth to himself” (Romans 14:7).
Answer: We all expect leaders, people of influence, and celebrities to set a good example and use their influence wisely. But in today’s world, we are often disillusioned by the repugnant, irresponsible actions of these prominent individuals. Likewise, Jesus solemnly warns that Christians who disregard their own influence and example are in danger of leading people away from His kingdom!
- What are Jesus’ principles of conduct regarding clothing and jewelry? “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” (1 Timothy 2:9, 10)
Answer:
A. Dress modestly. Dress modestly. Remember that the world’s vices are brought into our lives through the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). Immodest dress involves all three and is off-limits for a Christian.
B. Lay ornaments and jewelry aside. Pride of life” is the issue here. Jesus’ followers should look different. Their appearance sends light to others (Matthew 5:16). Jewelry draws attention to and exalts self. In the Bible, it is often a symbol of backsliding and apostasy. For instance, when Jacob’s family rededicated their lives to God, they buried their jewelry (Genesis 35:1, 2, 4). Before the Israelites entered the Promised Land, the Lord commanded them to remove their ornaments (Exodus 33:5, 6). God says, in Isaiah chapter 3 that in wearing jewelry (bracelets, rings, earrings, etc., as listed in verses 19–23), His people were sinning (verse 9). In Hosea 2:13, the Lord says that when Israel forsook Him, they began to wear jewelry. In 1 Timothy 2:9, 10 and 1 Peter 3:3, the apostles Paul and Peter both share that God’s people will not adorn themselves with gold, pearls, and costly array. Please notice that Peter and Paul speak of the ornaments God wants His people to wear: “A meek and quiet spirit” (1 Peter 3:4) and “good works” (1 Timothy 2:10). Jesus sums it up by symbolizing His true church in Revelation 12:1 as a pure woman clothed with the sun (Jesus’ brightness and righteousness) and the apostate church as a harlot bedecked with gold, precious stones, and pearls (Revelation 17:3, 4). God asks His people to separate from Babylon (Revelation 18:2–4) and all it stands for—including jewels that draw attention to self—and instead clothe themselves with the righteousness of Jesus. When we love Jesus, it is a sheer joy and pleasure to live His lifestyle.
- How do conduct and obedience relate to salvation?
Answer: Christian obedience and conduct are the evidences that we have been saved by Jesus Christ (James 2:20–26). The fact is that unless one’s lifestyle changes, the conversion most likely was not genuine. Converted people will find their greatest joy in discovering Jesus’ will in everything and in joyously following where He leads.
Beware of Idolatry
The first epistle of John talks about Christian conduct. At its close (1 John 5:21), Jesus warns us through His servant John to keep ourselves from idols. The Master here is referring to anything that interferes with or lessens our love for Him—such as fashion, possessions, adornment, evil forms of entertainment, etc. The natural fruit, or result, of a true conversion is to follow Jesus happily and adopt His lifestyle.
People who have not fully given themselves to Jesus will never understand a Christian’s lifestyle, and we should not expect them to.
- Should we expect everyone to look with approval upon the Christian lifestyle? “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:14)
Answer: No. Jesus said that the things of God are foolishness to the world because people lack spiritual discernment (1 Corinthians 2:14). When Jesus refers to conduct, He is laying down principles for those who are seeking to be led by His Spirit. His people will be grateful and will joyously follow His counsel. Others may not understand or approve.
- How would a person who rejects Jesus’ standards for conduct view heaven?
Answer: Such people would be miserable in heaven. They would complain that there were no nightclubs, liquor, pornographic material, prostitutes, sensual music, profanity, nor gambling. Heaven would be “hell” for those who have not formed a true love relationship with Jesus. Christian standards simply make no sense to them (2 Corinthians 6:14–17).
- How can I follow these Bible guidelines without appearing judgmental or legalistic?
Answer: All that we do should be with one motivation: to express love for Jesus (1 John 3:22). When Jesus is exalted and revealed to people through our lives (John 12:32), many will be drawn to Him. Our one question should always be, “Will this [music, drink, TV show, movie, book, etc.] honor Jesus?” We must sense Jesus’ presence in every facet and activity of our lives. When we spend time with Him, we become like Him (2 Corinthians 3:18)—and the people we’re around will respond to us as they did to the disciples of old: “They marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). Christians who live like that will never become pharisaical, judgmental, or legalistic. In Old Testament days, God’s people were in almost constant apostasy because they chose to live as their heathen neighbors rather than follow the distinctive lifestyle God outlined for them (Deuteronomy 31:16; Judges 2:17; 1 Chronicles 5:25; Ezekiel 23:30). It is true today as well. No one can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). Those who cling to the world and its lifestyle will be slowly molded by Satan to adopt his desires and thus be programmed to reject heaven and be lost. In contrast, those who follow Jesus’ principles for conduct will be changed into His image and prepared for heaven. There is no middle ground.
- Do you want to love Christ so much that to follow His principles for Christian living will be a joy and delight?
Answer:
THOUGHT QUESTIONS
- I know what God would have me do concerning my lifestyle, but I don’t feel I’m ready to begin doing it. What do you suggest?
Begin doing it today! Never depend on feelings. God guides through the words of Scripture (Isaiah 8:20). Feelings often lead us astray. The Jewish leaders felt they should crucify Jesus, but they were wrong. Many will feel saved before Jesus’ second coming, but they will instead be lost (Matthew 7:21–23). The devil influences feelings. If we depend on our feelings, he will lead us to destruction.
- I want very much to do a certain thing. I realize, however, that because of its appearance, some might feel I am doing evil. What should I do?
The Bible says, “Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22) .And the apostle Paul said that if his eating of foods offered to idols offended somebody, he’d never touch those foods again (1 Corinthians 8:13). He also said that if he ignored the offended person’s feelings and continued eating flesh foods, he would be sinning. This principle applies to anything that might offend a sister or brother. We need to be careful with our lives.
- It seems to me that churches list too many things I must do and too many things I must not do. It drives me up the wall. Isn’t following Jesus what really matters?
Yes—following Jesus is what matters. However, following Jesus means one thing to one person and something quite different to another. The only safe way to know what following Jesus means is to discover what Jesus says in the Bible on any question. Those who lovingly follow Jesus’ commands will one day soon enter His kingdom (Revelation 22:14). Those who follow man-made rules could be led away from His kingdom (Matthew 15:3–9).
- A few of God’s requirements seem unreasonable and unnecessary. Why are they so important?
Children often feel that some of their parents’ requirements (e.g. ,“Don’t play in the street”) are unreasonable. But in later years, the child will thank the parents for the requirement! We are “children” in dealing with God, because His thoughts are as high above ours as the heavens are above the earth (Isaiah 55:8, 9). We need to trust our loving heavenly Father in the few areas we might not understand and stop “playing in the street” if He so requires. He will never withhold anything good from us (Psalm 84:11). When we truly love Jesus, we will give Him the benefit of the doubt and do His will even if we do not always understand why. The new birth is the key. The Bible says when we are born again, overcoming the world will not be a problem because a converted person will have the trust to happily follow Jesus in everything (1 John 5:4). Refusing to follow Him because we are not clear on His reasons displays a lack of trust in our Savior.
- Will I benefit from Jesus’ loving principles, laws, and commands?
Absolutely! Every principle, rule, law, or command of Jesus provides unbelievable blessings. The biggest lottery win in history pales into insignificance when compared to God’s rich blessings to His obedient children. Here are just a few benefits that come from following Jesus’ rules:
1. Jesus as a personal friend
2. Jesus as a partner in business
3. Freedom from guilt
4. Peace of mind
5. Freedom from fear
6. Indescribable joy
7. Longer life
8. Assurance of a home in heaven
9. Better health
10. No hangoversTalk about riches! The true Christian receives benefits from his heavenly Father that even the richest people on earth can never purchase.
- In regard to standards and lifestyle, do I have a responsibility to convict other people about them?
The best rule for us to follow is to be concerned about our own lifestyle. “Examine yourselves,” the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 13:5. When our lifestyle is as it should be, our example serves as a silent witness and we don’t need to lecture anyone. Of course, parents do have a special responsibility to help their children understand how to follow Jesus.
- What are some of the greatest dangers for Christians today?
Among the greatest dangers are divided loyalties. Many Christians have two loves that divide the heart: a love for Jesus and a love for the world and its sinful practices. Many wish to see how closely they can follow the world and still be considered Christians. It won’t work. Jesus warned that no one “can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24).
- But isn’t it legalism to follow these rules of conduct?
Not unless a person is doing it in order to be saved. Salvation comes only as a miraculous, free gift from Jesus. Salvation by works (or conduct) is no salvation at all. However, following Jesus’ standards of conduct because we have been saved and love Him is never legalism.
- Are Christian standards involved with Jesus’ command to let our lights shine?
Definitely! Jesus said that a true Christian is a light (Matthew 5:14). He said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). You don’t hear a light; you see it! People will see a Christian shine by his or her conduct—dress, diet, conversation, attitude, sympathy, purity, kindness, and honesty—and will often inquire about such a lifestyle and may even be led to Christ.
- Aren’t Christian standards cultural? Shouldn’t they change with the times?
Customs may change, but Bible standards endure. “The word of our God shall stand forever” (Isaiah 40:8). Christ’s church must lead, not follow. It must not be programmed by culture, humanism, or the trends of the day. We are not to bring the church down to erring human standards, but rather, up to Jesus’ pure standards. When a church lives, speaks, looks, and behaves like the world, who would ever go to it for help? Jesus sends a clarion call to His people and church, saying, “Come out from among them and be separate. … And touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you” (2 Corinthians 6:17). Jesus’ church is not to imitate the world, but rather to overcome it. The “world” has ravaged billions of people. The church must not join in its mayhem. The church must stand tall and, with a gracious voice, call people to listen to Jesus and come up to His standards. When a hearer falls in love with Jesus and asks Him to control his life, the Savior will work the miracles needed to change him and safely escort him to God’s eternal kingdom. There is no other way to heaven.
- Surely not all dancing is evil. Didn’t David dance before the Lord?
True—not all dancing is evil. David leaped and danced before the Lord as an expression of praise for His blessings (2 Samuel 6:14, 15). He was also dancing by himself. David’s dance was similar to that of the crippled man who leaped for joy after being healed by Peter in Jesus’ name (Acts 3:8–10). Such dancing, or leaping, is encouraged by Jesus to those who are being persecuted (Luke 6:22, 23). Dancing with those of the opposite sex (which can lead to immorality and broken homes) and lewd dancing (such as strippers) are the kinds of dancing condemned by the Bible.
- What does the Bible say about people condemning and judging each other?
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged” (Matthew 7:1, 2). “Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest, for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things” (Romans 2:1). How could this be clearer? There is no excuse or justification for Christians to judge anyone. Jesus is the Judge (John 5:22). When we pass judgment on others, we usurp Christ’s role as judge and become a miniature antichrist (1 John 2:18)—a solemn thought, indeed!
However, Jesus continued and said that it is very important to “first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” (Matt 7:5) The Bible also says that in love a brother should help another brother with the mote. But it is important to not be a hypocrite if you do. “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1)
Ye which are not spiritual, it is best to be quiet. However, to not tell a brother what might condemn them is sin itself. (Isa 58:1) says “Show my people their sins”. Furthermore in Ezekiel we read that:
“When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.” (Ezekiel 3:18)
To not warn a brother is considered “murder”. Some would call it “judging” to warn your brother. They would also say it is not “love”. We must be careful how we read the word.
QUIZ QUESTIONS
- Jesus’ loving principles for conduct become a pleasure to follow when I fall in love with Him. (1)
_____ Yes.
_____ No. - Following Jesus’ standards of conduct because I have been saved and love Him is legalism. (1)
_____ Yes.
_____ No. - The real author of the Bible is Jesus. (1)
_____ Yes.
_____ No. - “Do not love the world” means that we shouldn’t love (1)
_____ Our country.
_____ The world as our planet.
_____ The sinful, wicked, and ungodly ways and things of this world. - Why does Jesus give us specific commands, laws, and rules? (5)
_____ For our good always.
_____ So we will know how to set a good example for others.
_____ To take away our freedom.
_____ So we can follow in Christ’s footsteps.
_____ To safeguard us from sin.
_____ To keep us under His thumb.
_____ To bring us true joy. - Two good rules for deciding what is proper Christian conduct are as follows: (2)
_____ Discover what the Bible says.
_____ Watch to see what church members do.
_____ Consult a ouija board.
_____ Go by your feelings.
_____ Ask yourself what Jesus would do. - Satan has access to us only through our five senses. (1)
_____ Yes.
_____ No. - For which facets of Christian conduct listed below does Jesus provide some specific counsel and guidelines? (5)
_____ How we dress.
_____ Healthful living.
_____ Ornamenting the body.
_____ Olympic skiing.
_____ Eating and drinking.
_____ Flying a plane.
_____ Buying a house.
_____ Example and influence. - How do conduct and obedience relate to salvation? (1)
_____ We are saved by our conduct and obedience.
_____ A saved person can ignore conduct and obedience and still be ready for heaven.
_____ Conduct and obedience are the evidence that one has been converted, or born again. - If I refuse to forsake something Jesus asks me to forsake—such as jewelry, rock music, or watching evil TV shows—God considers that unforsaken thing an idol. (1)
_____ Yes.
_____ No. - A Christian life is like a good marriage in that success comes when our aim is to please the one we love. (1)
_____ Yes.
_____ No. - Satan leads people into sin by which three of the avenues listed below? (3)
_____ Hiding their Bibles from them.
_____ Pride of life.
_____ Writing messages in the sky.
_____ Lust of the flesh.
_____ Lust of the eyes. - Guarding our thoughts is crucial, because thoughts become actions. (1)
_____ Yes.
_____ No. - Some promised benefits of faithfully following Jesus are as follows: (7).
_____ You will live a longer life.
_____ You will enjoy indescribable happiness.
_____ You will have better health.
_____ Your hair will not turn gray.
_____ You will be a millionaire.
_____ You will be assured of a home in heaven.
_____ You will have freedom from fear.
_____ You will have Jesus as a personal friend.
_____ You will enjoy peace of mind. - If my conduct offends a Christian brother, what should I do? (1)
_____ Ignore it. No one can please everybody.
_____ Fight it out, one to one.
_____ Try to get the brother disfellowshipped.
_____ Tell everybody so church members can choose sides.
_____ Stop doing the offending thing - What does Jesus call a person who is determined to have his own way rather than listen to Bible counsel? (1)
_____ An independent thinker.
_____ A wise person.
_____ A fool. - A person who rejects Jesus’ standards for Christian living would (1)
_____ Suddenly begin to love spiritual things when he gets to heaven.
_____ Be repentant for his hardness of heart after a few days in the holy city.
_____ Be miserable in heaven. - I want to love Christ so much that to follow His principles for Christian living will be a joy and delight.
_____ Yes.
_____ No.
