“The prophets searched and searched ... to what and what time the Spirit of Christ, who was in them and testified beforehand to the sufferings that were to come upon Christ and the glory that would follow.” 1 Peter 1:10.11

Answer: The God of the Bible (including the Old Testament) is practically always Jesus Christ. Jesus created the world (John 1:1-3, 14; Colossians 1:13-17), he wrote the Ten Commandments (Nehemiah 9:6, 13), he was the God of the Israelites (1 Corinthians 10:1-4) and guided the prophets in their writings (1 Peter 1:10.11).

Jesus is therefore the author of the Holy Scriptures.

“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: Jesus loves us all with an indescribable, inexhaustible love that is beyond our comprehension.

“Let us love, because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19 “But God demonstrates his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

Answer: We should love him because he loved us so much that he died for us when we were still his enemies.

“...and whatever we ask, we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what is pleasing in his sight.” 1 John 3:22

Answer: In a happy marriage, some things are absolutely necessary, such as fidelity to your spouse. Other things may be of secondary importance, but if they bring joy to the partner, then they are necessary. What the partner dislikes should be given up. This is how it is in the Christian life. The commandments of Jesus are indispensable. In the Holy Scriptures, Jesus has also laid down principles for our behaviour that are pleasing to him. Just as in a happy marriage, it is pure joy for the Christian to do what makes Jesus, the One who loves us, happy and to avoid everything that displeases him.

“If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” John 15:10.11

Answer: The devil claims that following Christian principles is joyless, boring, pointless and legalistic. But Jesus says that this brings us perfect joy (John 15:10.11) and a fulfilled life (John 10:10). Believing the devil brings heartache and deprives people of what can truly be called life.

Answer: Because these:

A. are always for our good (Deuteronomy 6:24). Just as good parents teach their children good principles, Jesus also teaches his children good principles.

B. are a protection for us against sin (Psalms 119:11). The principles of Jesus protect us from entering Satan's danger zones and from sin.

C. Show us how to follow in the footsteps of Jesus (1 Peter 2:21).

D. bring us true happiness (John 13:17).

E. To give us the opportunity to express our love for him (John 15:10).

F. Enable us to be a good example for others (1 Corinthians 10:31-33; Matthew 5:16).

Answer: His commandments and advice are clear and unambiguous:

A. Love not the world, neither the things of this world. The things of this world that are not of God: (1) the lust of the flesh, (2) the lust of the eyes, and (3) prideful living (1 John 2:16). All sins fall into one or more of these three categories. Satan uses these three ways to entice us to love the world. When I begin to love the world, I become an enemy of God (1 John 2:15, 16 James 4:4).

B. I must keep myself unspotted from the world (James 1:27).

Answer: Jesus warns Christians: “...and do not be conformed to this world.” Romans 12:2 Another translation reads: “Do not be moulded by the world into its mould.” The devil is not neutral. He constantly tries to harass every Christian. Through Jesus, I must resist the devil's whisperings (Philippians 4:13), then he will flee from me (James 4:7). The moment I give in to the “urging” that wants to influence my behaviour negatively, I begin to fall away unnoticed. Christian behaviour is not based on feelings and not on the behaviour of the majority, but on Jesus' words from the Holy Scriptures.

“For out of the heart come evil thoughts...” Matthew 15:19

Answer: We must watch over our thoughts because they determine our behaviour. God wants to help us “bring all reasoning (thoughts) into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 However, Satan desperately tries to bring “the world” into our thoughts. He can only do this through our five senses - especially our eyes and ears. He imposes his images and sounds on all of us. If we do not resolutely refuse to look or listen to what he offers, he will lure us onto the wide road that leads to destruction. The Bible speaks a clear language. We will be transformed into what we constantly see and hear (2 Corinthians 3:18).

“Whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, whatever is of virtue, whatever is commendable - be careful about these things.” Philippians 4:8

Answer: Christians must separate themselves from everything that is not truthful, honourable, righteous, pure, lovely or pleasing to the ear. They become:

A. Avoid dishonesty of any kind - cheating, lying, stealing, dishonesty, intentional deception, slander and fraud.

B. Avoid impurity of any kind. This includes fornication, adultery, incest, homosexuality, any kind of perversion, pornography, any kind of profanity, filthy entertainment, indecent jokes, dancing, corrupting songs or music, plus most of what is shown on television and in the cinema.

C. Avoid places where Jesus could not accompany us, such as nightclubs, dens of iniquity, gambling dens, races, etc.

Let's dwell for a few minutes on the dangers of popular music, television, videos and cinema.

Music and song

Many types of secular music (rap, ry, pop, rock, heavy metal, contemporary music and dance music) are largely dominated by Satan. The lyrics mostly glorify vice and destroy the desire for spiritual things. Researchers have discovered some interesting things about the power of music:

(1) It enters the brain through the emotions, bypassing the powers of reason.

(2) It influences every function of the body.

(3) It can accelerate the pulse, breathing and reflexes without the person realising it.

(4) Syncopated dance rhythms change the mood and put the listener in a hypnotic state.

Even music without lyrics exerts a power that degrades people's feelings, desires and thoughts. Secular rock musicians openly admit this. Rolling Stones leader Mick Jagger said, “You can feel the adrenaline pulsing through your body. This is sensual. ”1 John Oates of Hall and Oates made the statement that “rock ‘n’ roll is 99% sex. ”2 Would Jesus like such music? Overseas proselytising pagans tell us that our modern secular band music is the equivalent of that used for sorcery and devil worship! Ask yourself the question: “What music could I invite Jesus to listen to if He were to visit me?” Any music about which you are in doubt should be given up. If we truly love Jesus with all our heart, He will change our desires in the area of music. “He has put a new song in my mouth to praise our God. Many will see it and fear and hope in the LORD.” Psalms 40:4 God has gifted his people with much good music that is inspiring, revitalising and uplifting and strengthens the Christian experience. To choose the devil's degrading music as a substitute is to lose one of life's most delicious blessings.

Dancing

Dancing inevitably draws us away from Jesus and the spiritual life. When the Israelites danced around the golden calf, they forgot God (Exodus 32:17-25). When the daughter of wicked Herodias danced before King Herod, John the Baptist was beheaded as a result (Matthew 14:2-12). Consider these shocking statistics: A Catholic priest in New York said that three-quarters of the girls who confessed adultery to him attributed it to dancing. Other priests remarked that this figure was too low. They put the percentage at nine-tenths. Remember, if Christ can participate in whatever you are doing, then go safely. If not, then stay away from it.

Television, videos and cinema

Do the things you see on TV or videos or in the cinema appeal to your lower or higher nature? Does it reinforce your love for Jesus or the world? Does it glorify Jesus or satanic vices? In our day, even non-Christians are speaking out against television and film productions. Satan has captured the eyes and ears of billions of people, quickly plunging the world into a cesspool of amorality, crime, terror and despair. One study says that without television in the United States, “there would be 10,000 fewer murders per year, 70,000 fewer rapes and 700,000 fewer assaults.” Jesus, who loves you, calls you to take your eyes off Satan's mind-controlling elements and put them on him. He says, “Turn to me and you will be saved...” Isaiah 45:22

“But the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: Fornication, uncleanness, debauchery, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, dissension, divisions, envy, drunkenness, gluttony and the like. Of these things I have foretold you, and foretell again, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21

Answer: Scripture speaks too clearly to be misunderstood. If a family were to block out all television programmes that glorify or trivialise any of the above-mentioned sins, there wouldn't be much left to watch. Which TV shows would you be able to invite Jesus to with a clear conscience if he were to visit you? Possibly all of them would be unsuitable for a Christian viewer.

Answer: Listen to Jesus“ unequivocal statement: ”Do not do as we are doing here today, each one according to his own judgement.“ Deuteronomy 12:8 ”To some a way seems right, but in the end it leads to death.“ Proverbs 16:25 ”A fool's way seems right to him, but he who listens to counsel is wise.“ Proverbs 12:15 ”He that trusteth in his own understanding is a fool..." Proverbs 28:26

“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to do evil, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were drowned in the depths of the sea.” Matthew 18:6 ”Therefore let us no longer judge one another, but rather let your minds be set on this, that no one cause offence or stumbling to his brother.“ Romans 14:13 ”For none of us lives to himself..." Romans 14:7

Answer: We all expect leaders, influential people, celebrated athletes and other prominent people to be good role models and use their influence wisely because they “owe it” to society, so to speak. But in today's world, we are all too often let down by the repulsive and irresponsible behaviour of celebrities. Jesus clearly states in Romans 1:14 that Christians who represent him and his kingdom do indeed owe others something. He says unequivocally that Christians who do not use their influence by example will mislead others and will not enter his kingdom.

Answer:

A. Clothing. See 1 Timothy 2:9 Remember that the world enters our lives through the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and through pride (1 John 2:16). Unseemly dress encompasses all three points and is unsuitable for a Christian.

B. Remove the jewellery. The big problem here is the “prideful life”. Jesus“ followers should be different from others in their outward appearance. Their appearance should be a testimony and a light to others (Matthew 5:16). Jewellery draws attention to the self and makes it great. In the Bible, jewellery is a symbol of apostasy. When Jacob and his family rededicated their lives to the Lord, they buried their jewellery in the ground (Genesis 35:1.2.4). When the Israelites stood at the border of the Promised Land, the Lord told them to take off their jewellery (Exodus 33:5.6). In Isaiah chapter 3, God clearly says that his people sinned (verse 9) by adorning themselves with jewellery (bracelets, rings, earrings, etc. as listed in verses 19-23). In Hosea 2:13 God says that Israel began to wear jewellery when they turned away from Him. In 1 Timothy 2:9 and 1 Peter 3:3, Paul and Peter instruct us that God's people should not adorn themselves with gold, pearls and costly jewellery. Please note what adornment God desires for his people: ”a gentle and quiet spirit“ (1 Peter 3:4) and ”good works" (1 Timothy 2:10). Jesus illustrates this by depicting his true church in Revelation 12:1 as a pure woman clothed with the sun (with his splendour and righteousness). In contrast, he describes the apostate church as a harlot clothed with gold, precious stones and pearls (Revelation 17:3.4). God calls his people to separate themselves from Babylon and all that belongs to it (Revelation 18:2-4) - including the jewellery that draws attention to the self. Instead, they are to clothe themselves with the righteousness of Jesus. When we love Jesus with all our hearts, it is true joy to align ourselves with his lifestyle.

Answer: Obedience and Christian behaviour prove that I have been saved by Jesus Christ (James 2:20-26). If a person's lifestyle does not change after conversion, it was probably not a true conversion. A converted person will find his greatest joy in recognising Jesus' will in all things and following him wherever he leads.

Beware of idolatry

The first epistle of John speaks of the Christian way of life. At the end (1 John 5:21), Jesus warns us through his servant John against idols. The Lord is referring to anything that diminishes my love for him or seeks to come between him and me - such as music, fashion, possessions, jewellery, immoral forms of entertainment, etc. The natural fruit, or result, of true conversion is joyful discipleship to Jesus and adoption of His lifestyle.

Answer: No. Jesus says that divine things are foolishness to the natural man because he lacks spiritual discernment (1 Corinthians 2:14). If Jesus is referring to the way of life, then the principles apply to those who want to be led by his Spirit. His people will gratefully and joyfully accept and follow his advice. Others may neither understand nor be enthusiastic about it.

Answer: Such a person would be unhappy in heaven. He would miss the nightclubs, the booze, the pornography, the prostitutes, the sensual music, the obscene books, the vices, the gambling. Heaven would be “hell” for those who have not cultivated a true love relationship with Jesus. That is why Christian standards mean nothing to them (2 Corinthians 6:14-17).

Answer: Whatever we do should be driven by one thought: to express love and appreciation for Jesus (1 John 3:22). When Jesus is lifted up and made visible to people (John 12:32), they will be drawn to him. The one question we should always ask ourselves is: “Would this honour Jesus? Could I hear this, sing this, do this, look at this, drink this, buy this, read this, say this or go there if Jesus were personally present?” Jesus is with you and with me (Matthew 28:20) and he sees everything we do. I need to feel Jesus“ presence in everything and everyone that affects my life. When I consciously spend time with him, I become more like him (2 Corinthians 3:18). Then the people around me will react as they did with the disciples: ”They were amazed and ... they realised that they were unlearned and simple people, and they also knew from them that they had been with Jesus." Acts 4:13 Christians who live such a life never become pharisaical, judgemental or legalistic.

In Old Testament times, God's people were almost always in a state of apostasy from God because they wanted to live like their pagan neighbours rather than according to the lifestyle God had ordained to set them apart from the rest (Deuteronomy 31:16, Judges 2:17.1, Chronicles 5:25, Ezekiel 23:30). This still applies today. No one can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). Those who cling to the world and its lifestyle are slowly transformed by Satan until they accept his feelings and desires and are thereby programmed to be lost. Those who follow the principles of Jesus will be transformed into his image and prepared for heaven. There is no middle way.

Answer:

Start implementing what you have recognised immediately! Never make yourself dependent on feelings. God leads through the word of the Holy Scriptures (Isaiah 8:20). Feelings often lead us astray. The Jewish leaders let their feelings lead them to crucify Jesus, but that was a big mistake. Many will believe themselves to be emotionally with the saved at Jesus' second coming, even though they are lost (Matthew 7:21-23). If I make myself dependent on my feelings, they will lead me to destruction.

The Bible speaks clearly. It says: “Avoid evil in every form.” 1 Thessalonians 5:22 And the apostle Paul said that if he offended someone by eating meat, he would never touch that food again (1 Corinthians 8:13). He also said that he would be sinning if he continued to eat meat regardless of the feelings of the offended person.

Yes, that is what it is all about. Nevertheless, following Jesus sometimes means something completely different to one person than it does to another. The only sure way to find out what following Jesus means is to recognise what Jesus says in the Bible about all questions of right behaviour. Those who obey Jesus' commandments out of love will one day be allowed to enter his kingdom (Revelation 22:14). Those who follow the commandments of men, on the other hand, will go astray and distance themselves from God's kingdom (Matthew 15:3-9).

Children often feel that certain demands from their parents (e.g. “You mustn't play in the street”) are unreasonable. But in later years, the child will be grateful to their parents for this. In our relationship with God, we are “children” because his thoughts are far superior to ours and his actions are often incomprehensible to us (Isaiah 55:8, 9). We must trust our loving heavenly Father in the few areas we do not understand and stop “playing in the streets” when He asks us to. He will never withhold anything good from us (Psalms 84:11). If I truly love Jesus with all my heart, I will trust Him and do His will, even if I don't always understand the reason why. Being born again is the key to this. The Bible says that if I am truly born again, overcoming the world will not be a problem for me because a converted person follows Jesus in faith and complete trust in all things (1 John 5:4). Not wanting to follow Him because I can't always understand everything shows a lack of trust in my Saviour.

Certainly! Every principle, directive or commandment of Jesus brings incredible, extraordinary blessings. The biggest lottery win in history pales in comparison to God's rich blessings bestowed upon His obedient children. Below are just a few of the benefits that follow heeding Jesus' instructions:

1. Jesus as a personal friend.

2. Jesus as a partner in business.

3. free from guilt.

4. peace of heart.

5. free from fear.

6. indescribable happiness.

7. longer life.

8. assurance of the heavenly home.

9. better health.

10. no catcalls. The true Christian receives so much good from his heavenly Father that even the richest people in the world can never buy.

The best thing to do is to take care of your own lifestyle. “Examine yourself,” says the Bible in 2 Corinthians 13:5. If our lifestyle is what it should be, our example serves as a silent witness so that we do not need to teach others. Parents, on the other hand, have a special responsibility to their children to teach them how to follow Jesus.

One of the greatest dangers is divided loyalties. Many Christians have a divided heart: love for Jesus and love for the world and its sinful practices and pleasures. It seems that too many are trying to see how far they can go with the world and still be considered Christians. This is not possible. Jesus clearly says that no one can “serve two masters”. Matthew 6:24

Certainly! Jesus says that a true Christian is a light (Matthew 5:14). He goes on to say: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 You cannot hear the light, but you can see it. People will see the light of a Christian in his behaviour, his dress, his diet, his way of speaking, his attitude, sympathy, purity, kindness and honesty (Jesus' standards). As a result, many will enquire about the reason for his lifestyle and be led to Christ.

Habits may be subject to change, but biblical principles are permanent. “The word of our God endures forever.” Isaiah 40:8 The church must lead and not follow trends. It must not be determined by culture, humanism or the trends of the day. We must not drag the church down to the level of human, flawed standards, but up to the principles of Jesus. If a church behaves like the world in its appearance and behaviour, who would turn to it when they need help? Jesus issues a clear call to his people and his church, saying: “Therefore »Come away from them and separate yourselves,« says the Lord, »and touch nothing unclean, and I will receive you.” 2 Corinthians 6:17 The church of Jesus must not imitate the world, but rather reject it. The “world” has been the undoing of billions of people. The church must have no part in its chaos. Rather, the church must stand up straight and, with a friendly but firm voice, call people to listen to Jesus and align themselves with his principles. When a listener begins to love Jesus and asks him to become Lord of his life, then the Saviour will work the necessary miracle of change and lead him safely into God's eternal kingdom. There is no other way to heaven.

It is true that not all dancing is indecent. David leapt and danced before the Lord as an expression of praise for his blessings (2 Samuel 6:14-16). However, he danced alone. David's dance was similar to that of the former paralytic who leapt for joy after Jesus healed him (Acts 3:8-10). According to Jesus, such dancing or leaping is reserved for those who are persecuted (Luke 6:22, 23). Dancing with the opposite sex (which leads to amorality and ruined marriages) and obscene dancing (striptease) are condemned by the Bible.

“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For as you judge, you will be judged; and with what measure you measure, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1.2 “Therefore, O man, you cannot excuse yourself, no matter who you are who judge. For in that you judge others, you condemn yourself, because you do the very thing you judge.” Romans 2:1 How could this be said more clearly? There is no excuse or justification for judging anyone but myself. Jesus is the judge (John 5:22). When I sit in judgement of others, I usurp Jesus' position as judge and thus become a miniature antichrist (1 John 2:18). A frightening thought!