People who don't love God don't seek to know His will or His commandments. As a result, when they are tempted, they give in to the devil's offers. We want to be firm in our faith and ready to do good for everyone, including the lost. May we learn from the Lord, so that we can enjoy the best that He has prepared for us. We are God's, and that's everything!

          In the sequence of messages on chapter 7 of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, we studied that the Lord values marriage and maintaining it. Unfortunately, the devil has managed to lead many to ask for a divorce, something that the heavenly Father rejects, as the Word says: For the LORD God of Israel says that He hates divorce, for it covers one’s garment with violence, says the LORD of hosts. Therefore take heed to your spirit that you do not deal treacherously (Malachi 2.16).

           In the Old Testament, repudiation could only be requested for the following reason: When a man takes a wife and marries her, and it happens, that she finds no favor in his eyes because he has found some uncleanness in her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce put it in her hand, and send her out of his house (Deuteronomy 24.1). There are Christians who, for whatever reason, hire the best lawyer to obtain a separation. Remember: the law is never made by those who fear the Most High.

           Let's take the example of a citizen who was no longer living well with his wife. One day, he was converted to Jesus, and the fights intensified in his home because of his new faith. So he didn't wait and filed for divorce, considering that, being a new creature, his wife would no longer accept him. Now, it would be better if he prayed for his half to also accept Christ as Savior and Lord; after all, the promise is for him and his entire household. When he gave himself to Christ, the mantle of salvation fell on his household too (Acts 16:31). Waiting on God is the right thing to do!

           Now, if a woman is an unbeliever, but consents to live with her husband, he should never ask to be put away. Imagine a woman who puts up with the bad mood of her spouse who doesn't know Jesus for a while. When she gets saved and becomes the best wife, she doesn't sin and even leads her husband to salvation, and that life is worth more than all the gold in the world. Trust in the Lord, he will guide your steps.    

           Another example: a divorced woman who marries another man, who then annoys her, gives her a letter of divorce and dies, cannot go back to her first husband: Then her former husband who divorced her must not take her back to be his wife after she has been defiled; for that is an abomination before the LORD, and you shall not bring sin on the land which the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance (Deuteronomy 24.4).

           What is the Lord's intention in saying this? We can only assume that it is for the sanctity and happiness of the couple. God can change any situation, making marriage a true blessing. Never let your spouse suffer for carnal reasons. Hold on to this promise: If you ask anything in My name, I will do it (John 14:14). Believe, pray and live!

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares

             In this message, it would be good for you to put your thoughts aside and stick to the Word of God, because it saves us and keeps us. Without it, we can do nothing. It is the Lord Himself in our lives: For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4.12).

           This verse that we are now studying is the continuation of the previous one, which says: Now to the married I command the married, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband (1 Corinthians 7:10). If the Lord's command is not followed, there will be a penalty. Virtually everyone who has separated has experienced sexual relations with new people, and that is adultery. No one can make of their bodies anything other than a temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19).

          We are commanded to guide our lives in the ways of the Word, so that evil will stay far away from us. Poor people who let themselves be carried away by hatred and resentment. A heart without the fear of God despises God's teachings and, as a result, cannot surrender to the Lord as it should, nor receive His guidance, living unprotected.

          Saul was chosen to look after God's people as a true shepherd, which is the king's job. However, he let jealousy get to him when he realized that the Most High liked David. Saul suspected that the young shepherd would become king of Israel. So, influenced by the evil one, he tried to take the life of the one whom the Lord's heart had chosen. However, as time went by, he discovered that the Philistines had never stopped pursuing him. Was it worth it?

           Saul became king by choice of the eternal God, but as he wanted this position for his son, he didn't mind trying to kill David. However, in one of the many battles he fought against his real enemies, Saul died along with his three sons (1 Samuel 31). Why didn't he adjust to Heaven's plan by training Jesse's son to replace him? He who despises the word will be destroyed, but he who fears the commandment will be rewarded (Proverbs 13.13). Love God!

           If a saved woman who wants to live in Heaven separates herself from her husband, she must remain unmarried. If this is not possible, she must reconcile with him. However, be warned: if she wants another man in her life, she needs to know that this is adultery, and this sin will prevent her from entering the Lord's Kingdom (1 Corinthians 6:9,10). Be careful not to disqualify yourself!

           The Bible says: Whoever prevaricates and does not continue in the doctrine of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son (2 John 1.9). The act of prevaricating is making an agreement for which you were not authorized. To disregard the command of the Most High is to reject the doctrine of Christ, proving that you love neither the Father nor the Son.

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares

        The issue of marital separation is so broad that the Lord instructs the wife not to separate from her husband. The same applies to man, created in the image and likeness of God, from whom the Lord formed the woman. The Most High knows better than anyone how much human beings depend on each other (Genesis 2.18-25). When a wife divorces from her husband, or vice versa, everyone around them suffers, and the reactions and consequences are disastrous.

         We have seen cases where a man becomes violent because his wife refuses to stay by his side. Women have the ability to stir up men's emotions, unlike when it is the man who ends the marriage. However frustrated and sad she may feel, she is unlikely to resort to violence.

           Let's consider again the order of the Almighty, the omniscient Being. He knows what can happen when a marriage breaks down abruptly, especially if it is for futile reasons. Not everyone manages to be meek and submissive like Moses: Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth (Numbers 12:3). To be meek means to bow before the sovereignty of the Most High. However, when Moses saw an Egyptian attacking an Israelite, he tried to defend him and killed the attacker (Exodus 2.11,12). God says: Cease from anger and forsake wrath; do not fret – it only causes harm (Psalm 37.8).

           Far be it from me to defend machismo; I'm just talking about what the Creator teaches us. In criminology, we are taught that men have virility, which does not mean sexual potency but an instinct to go on the attack when challenged. However, if many act insanely, they may regret it and cry. Sometimes the rational reaction comes too late for them because they can't bear to listen to a provocation.

           Often, when a tragedy or abandonment occurs, it is discovered that one of the spouses demanded something in exchange for intimacy. I once told a woman that she would lose her husband because she had gone on strike for over a month to get him to give her something she wanted. And the divorce came. Sometime later, she regretted being replaced for another woman.

           Let's forget any human thoughts, because what matters is living well before God and obeying His will. The Lord commanded that a wife should not separate from her husband, and vice versa, for He abhors divorce: Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth. For the LORD, the God of Israel says that He hates divorce, for it covers one’s garment with violence, says the LORD of hosts. Therefore take heed to your spirit that you do not deal treacherously (Malachi 2.15b,16).

           For marriages that are sick and stumbling, I remind you that, just as the power of God heals the sick body and frees the oppressed, it also heals wounded hearts, resolving any marital issue.

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares

           When the opinion is personal, it doesn't come as a commandment. That's why no one should feel compelled to do it, because God knows our nature. Now, if the command comes from the throne of the Most High, everyone who hears it feels that it is God speaking. Today, our impression is that society has gone mad, so we have to make the right distinction between something coming from man and the commandment of Heaven. Examine yourself and obey the Lord!

           Remember: everyone has the gift of discernment about their own life. If someone is told not to get married, they won't feel the need to find a spouse. The Bible guarantees clarity for such a decision: For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints (1 Corinthians 14:33). The Lord would never force any of His children to take a course of action contrary to His purpose. The heavenly Father will always be faithful!

           It is said that the apostle Paul was probably married, but he never mentioned it. However, the fact that he was a member of the Sanhedrin hints at this, because you had to be married to be part of this group. Some imagine that when he converted to the gospel, his wife didn't accept the change of religion and left him, leading him to say that he would like us to be like him, without a spouse. His opinion does not mean that we should act like him, because, as we have seen, not everyone has this gift!

           The cases must be dealt with separately, examining what happened to the person who was saddened by the marriage breakdown and other factors. The Bible says that we will be held accountable for our actions. In the case of the apostle, it will be the fact that, if he was married, he no longer had a family. As for the separation of a couple, it should only happen if there is adultery (Matthew 19:9). The best decision for resolving family issues comes from respect for the Word.

           In marriage, there must be respect for the determinations of Scripture in order to live godly before the Most High. The Bible gives advice to those who submit to God's lordship, stating: For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives. But If the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband (Romans 7.2). If Paul was married and his wife left him, she will answer for that.

           One of the important aspects of the marital relationship dealt with by the apostle in his letter to the church in Ephesus is that the husband is the head of the wife. This doesn't mean that he should impose orders on his wife to obey; after all, the husband's treatment should be the same as Christ's treatment of His Church: For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body (Ephesians 5.23).

           As for the treatment of husband and wife, the Word teaches: Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband (Ephesians 5.33). The Lord shows the duty and fidelity we owe Him, which will result in living with a clear conscience and in peace with everyone. In this way, the couple will be happy and their children will be joyful!

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares

         It's beautiful to see that God made every human being with different characteristics but endowed with the capacity to love Him. Some people, dissatisfied with the work that has made them unique in the human race, indulge in a spirit of rebellion, which does them great harm. Even if they deny the existence of the Creator, they know that they will stand before the judgment seat of eternity to give an account for what they have done with their bodies, good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:10).

           The devil has succeeded in making these rebels act contrary to Heaven's plan. However, if they return to God and confess their mistakes, they will be forgiven, they will have divine love, and they will be fulfilled, because, after all, they were created for this. The example of the fallen angels should be avoided: For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for the judgment (2 Peter 2.4).

           Among the saved, there are those who are in rebellion, putting their desires before God's plans, and for this reason they do not obtain victory. However, they need to learn that they are under divine grace, which does not remind them of their sins but calls them to repentance (Romans 2:4). The Lord will receive them at any moment in their life; otherwise, they will not enter the Land of Promise, the world of endless happiness created for us!

           Seeing the rebellion of the Israelites in His days on Earth, when He was not received by His own, even though the prophets had warned of His coming, giving unmistakable details, Jesus lamented their decision like this: O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! (Matthew 23.37). There is still time to reach God!

           The Master ended by saying: See! Your house is left to you desolate (Matthew 23:38). Their house has been deserted since the day Christ lamented their attitude, and the suffering they faced was indescribable. It has been almost two thousand years without the Lord's presence and protection from Satan's wrath. No doubt the sincere will agree that it's no good having the promises without divine power. Look for both, and you will find them!

           They missed the age of grace in which we are forgiven, sanctified, and anointed to do the Father's will without hindrance. But Jesus had warned them: “For I tell you, from now on you will see me no more, until you say: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matthew 23.39). The day is coming when the veil used by Moses to keep the Hebrews from seeing the glory of God will be taken away, and then they will be converted (2 Corinthians 3:13-16). Hallelujah!

           Understand the divine gift for your life and honor it. The Lord didn't make anything crooked and created it for Him to be glorified in your life. There is nothing better than honoring the Most High's plan for you. The devil will tempt everyone, but those who are faithful to God will escape the trap of Hell. Remember: your choice here will have repercussions forever. Exalt the Lord!

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares

            Every precept created by the Lord for the good of His children is found in the Scriptures. There's no chance of anyone coming up with anything like it. What comes from the devil makes us angry just to hear it, and it's no use to anyone. The evil one uses people who haven't had an encounter with God and so, like madmen, they create various doctrines. In today's case, Paul says that part of his teaching on marriage came to him by permission and not by commandment. The apostle was faithful!

           We can never go beyond the permission given by the Most High; after all, we are not in a position to guide anyone on our own. Only what God has established in His Word is complete (2 Timothy 3:16,17). If we understand something new in the Bible, it is wise, before spreading the “revelation”, to seek out those who are wiser in the Word. Once we have verified the veracity of the instruction, we can pass it on to the people.

           Paul and Silas preached the Gospel in Thessalonica, but the Jews resented seeing them lead the people to Christ and persecuted them. So they went to Berea, where they were well received. The Jews in that city were nobler than those in Thessalonica: These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so (Acts 17:11). Watching, praying and believing are God's commands!

           It doesn't matter who brings you a doctrine. If you can't find the basis for it in the Bible, never accept it, even if the messenger is known to be someone capable. Any genuine revelation will never conflict with any part of Scripture. The Lord's declarations don't come from His lips by chance, but it is Truth proven and ready to go into action. The servant of the Most High must not put his faith in statements contrary to the Holy Book!

           A common mistake made by some preachers is to give an indirect message to a person. The congregation will lose confidence in them. If someone needs to be reprimanded or guided in some matter, the wisest thing to do is to invite them to the pastoral office. Normally, the pastor instructs on what the Lord has put in his heart, but dealing with personal issues from the pulpit is not part of the leader's job. Avoid touching on intimate subjects!

           Don't add to the Bible or take away from it. Even if your intention is to help, if you make such a mistake, you will pay a high price. God doesn't need help even to make someone convert. We are limited to the commands of Scripture, so it's always best to stick to what the Lord says (Revelation 22:18,19). Remember Uzzah: he died trying to support the Ark of the Testimony when he saw it hanging to one side (2 Samuel 6:6,7). Watch out!

           No one owns the Lord's pulpit, from where He speaks to the church. Anyone who uses this position to take advantage will be left by God, because they have acted deceitfully. Balaam, the prophet who taught Balak, the Moabite king, to put stumbling blocks in the way of the Israelites, received his reward: The children of Israel also killed with the sword Balaam the son of Beor, the soothsayer, among those who were killed by them (Joshua 13:22). Be holy, for God is holy!

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares

          In the sense of the biblical text, deprive means dismiss your half of the blessing of a satisfying married life. Understand: sexual abstinence in marriage can be one of the reasons why one of the spouses commits adultery or even falls into depression. When disappointment becomes acute, the offended person becomes vulnerable and often loses the sparkle of life and destroys himself. The saved person has the promise of never being confused or disappointed: Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense; and whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame (Romans 9:33).

           Marriage between children of God, practicing the good Word, is the best action of those who have the Most High as their Guardian, and this union will distinguish the Lord's servants from the wicked. God is the third fold mentioned in the Bible: Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4.12). The Christian's last option is divorce or death!

         When there seems to be no way out, the answer is to turn to God's commandments, which will instruct you to act as Jesus would if He were in your place. The author of the greatest Psalm said: Then I would not be ashamed, when I look into all Your commandments (Psalm 119.6). This attentiveness makes the Father's wisdom dwell in your heart, giving you the enlightenment you need to be victorious.

           The psalmist's prayer was directed by the Spirit of God and therefore serves those who don't want to be confused: Let my heart be blameless regarding Your statutes, that I may not be ashamed (Psalm 119.80). This direction from Heaven applies to God's children; if they don't follow it, they will be left without the blessing that enriches and frees those who come to the Father (Proverbs 10.22). In view of this, it is important to have an upright heart and obey the Lord's commands!

           When you feel that God is helping you, obey His instructions. Then you'll see how good He is and how much of a Friend He is. Isaiah said: For the Lord God will help Me, therefore I will not be disgraced; therefore I have set My face like a flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed (Isaiah 50:7). There is nothing sadder for those who trust in the Most High than to disregard His advice and let their lives become a real mess. Set your sights on Jesus.

           The reason the Most High instructs you to do His will is because of the direction you will receive in everything. Whoever believes in the Scriptures becomes a successful servant: For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame” (Romans 10:11). On the other hand, anyone who does not believe takes the road to error, but only realizes this after several years. We were saved to be wise children of God!

        Make Paul's words your philosophy of life: According to my earnest expectation and hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed; but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death (Philippians 1:20).

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares

           The verse in question deals with one of the aspects of a couple's relationship. Because many people have not yet accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord, they have not been properly taught to walk as children of the light, so they sin and lead their spouse to sin. The Bible gives the right direction: I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). Whoever follows this rule will never go wrong!

           Anyone who has been taught that everything is allowed between four walls needs to understand that this is not God's guidance. The Bible clearly states that in order to do God's will, we must observe the following exhortation: Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry (Colossians 3.5). Not only do some of these practices lead to debauchery, but they all induce idolatry (Revelation 21:8).

           With the new life acquired through conversion to Christ, everything must be done with the fear of God and not as those who serve other gods do, giving themselves over to the devil. The Holy Spirit says: that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles, who do not know God (1 Thessalonians 4:4,5). We know the Lord and we are known by Him, so watching and praying is good!

           Many have come out of spiritual cultures whose rituals do not please the Most High. However, with love and wisdom, through the Bible, we can show that everything we do here we do before the Lord. Therefore, that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness (1 Thessalonians 4.6,7). Pray and believe!

           According to the apostle Peter, the Lord revealed to us the way to get rid of this evil world and its unbridled desires, by declaring that the promises make us partakers of God's nature: By which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust (2 Peter 1.4). This method raises us up and makes us holy!

           In addition to the lust of the flesh, there is the lust of the eyes, and this is the devil's way of showing us his evil nature, which, combined with vanity, takes us away from the position we have won in Jesus. The devil's snares put us under his feet: For all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world (1 John 2:16). Why give way to what is no good?

           The secret is to know God's will, because it never passes away. We began to serve the Lord in the world and we will continue to serve Him forever: And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever (1 John 2.17). Be blessed!

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares

         Marriage is good and comes with a bill for both husband and wife to pay: to serve each other by mutual agreement. There are many commitments included in the marriage act, which give both of them the certainty that they will live well if there is mutual respect. The pastor must minister to the bride and groom, members of his church, in a frank and holy conversation about everything that involves marriage, because they have had different upbringings and therefore must adjust!

           When asked about divorce, Jesus spoke about the sanctity of marriage, saying that the spouses become one flesh. And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He Who made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?” (Matthew 19:4,5). God has already explained the conditions for this to happen!

           Many authorities, doctors, and even religious ministers will realize what they have said and done against the Word of God. In the beginning, the Creator made male and female, and this must continue for life. However, because of spiritual problems, many deny the nature or commitment of marriage and get divorced: So then, they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate (Matthew 19:6). Submit to the Lord's plan!

           The Pharisees cited Moses' permission: They said to him: Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away? He said to them, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, from the beginning it was not so” (Matthew 19:7,8). Then Jesus revealed the exception: And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery (Matthew 19.9).

           Here's what Christ's disciples said about this serious matter: His disciples said to him, “If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry” (Matthew 19.10). But He said to them: “All cannot accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given (Matthew 19.11). Spiritual matters are not to be trifled with, but to be understood.

           In the previous lesson, Paul stated that it would be good if men didn't seek women. But in verse 6, he said that his statement was a permission, not a commandment. Not least because, in the verse we're studying today, he reinforced that husband and wife have to pay each other due benevolence. This means that, as long as one is in need, the other should serve with joy.

           It is good when the couple serves the Lord, lives for each other, and both live for God. There are cases in which, due to a health problem, one of the spouses doesn't feel the need for intimate contact. In this case, they should wisely seek the help of the Most High in prayer, and if they are not well in faith, they can seek medical help.

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares

           People of all ages are the same when it comes to wanting to know about permitted and forbidden practices. They feel the need to understand how to act in order to please God and not disappoint Him. In this case, it's best for them to read the Bible, as this will clear up any doubts. If they know the Scriptures, they will do the right thing. The Lord will never give wrong advice.

           In this advice, Paul is referring to himself, because later on he says: For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that. But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am, but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion. Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband (1 Corinthians 7:7-10). It is clear from the Word that marriage is holy and everything that takes place in it should be holy. David declared: Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward (Psalm 127.3). If the saved don't marry or have children, we will never see their offspring.

           We live in a world where eroticism has been used in the media and even in the drafting of laws. Therefore, as the apostle said, every man should have his wife and vice versa, so that it will be more difficult for them to indulge in debauchery. The Word only allows the following: For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh (Ephesians 5.31). Holy union!

           With the strong appeal of sensuality, it is prudent to be married to avoid falling into sin. In addition to consummating an extramarital relationship, Jesus said that anyone who looks at a woman or a man and lusts after them is an adulterer and will be excluded from the Kingdom of God: But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart (Matthew 5.28). However, the Lord can deliver us from temptation!

           Those who don't know God's Word and can't control their desires, especially if they're not married, are prone to fornication. The letter to the Corinthians informs us of the harm done to adulterers (1 Corinthians 6:10). The apostle John declares that fornicators - single people or widows who engage in sexual relations - will taste the second death, eternal damnation (Revelation 21:8). If Jesus came back today, how many would be lost?

           Imagine those who don't understand God's plan and choose not to marry. Some, in a situation of sexual abstinence, because their minds are already perverted, go so far as to commit crimes of this nature. What will become of them? In the next lessons, referring to chapter 7 of the letter to the Corinthians, we will study more verses about this and conclude that it is better to choose marriage than to fight against God's purposes.

           I hope you'll follow the messages in which we'll address the importance of men and women coming together in marriage and being faithful. Remember: we will all appear before the Lord's judgment seat: For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:10). Get ready to live at the highest level!

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares

          Praying to God is an obligation for every Christian. If this guidance came from Heaven, it's because the Most High wanted us to know about this infallible method. Now, if your faith is weak, there will be no answer. However, with persistence, the Lord's yes will reach even the most discouraged. The good thing is to be aligned with the Word's direction regarding what we will receive from our Father. Pray, believe, and be grateful!

          Luke recorded a parable told by Jesus about the value of prayer: Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart (Luke 18.1). Read the summary in the following verses. The saved must act in a similar way: Then the Lord said, 'Hear what the unjust judge said. And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out to Him, day and night, though He bears long with them? (Luke 18.6,7). So what was to be done?

          Abijah had to fight against Samaria and he used the Holy Scripture to warn the Samaritans that they would not prosper against Judah: Now look, God Himself is with us as our head, and His priests with sounding trumpets, to sound the alarm against you. O children of Israel, do not fight against the LORD God of your fathers, for you shall not prosper (2 Chronicles 13.12). Abijah spoke, and the king of Samaria surrounded the Israelites, but they cried out to the Lord and received His help.

           Asa, king of Judah, surprised by the Ethiopians who had twice as many soldiers, prayed to God and was helped: And Asa cried out to the LORD his God, and said, 'LORD, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O LORD our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name we GO against this multitude. O LORD, you are our God, do not let man prevail against You (2 Chronicles 14.11). God loves to take care of His people! 

           Blind Bartimaeus cried out for the Master to have mercy on him. As his faith did not wane, the man cried out louder and louder and received healing: Then many warned him to be quiet, but he cried out all the more, 'Son of David, have mercy on me! SO Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him: Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you (Mark 10.48, 49). Bartimaeus was taken to Jesus and came back seeing. Whoever believes never gives up!

              Elijah rebuked King Ahab, but Ahab refused his words. The prophet had said that there would be no rain or dew in Israel, and this situation lasted three and a half years. Then the man of God proved that the Lord is the Almighty, he prayed again, and the drought ended: Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit (James 5:17,18). Prove that the Lord is God!

             Paul said that he wanted men to pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without anger or contention. We can never cry out to God with hands polluted by unbelief and without the necessary faith. Don't use any of man's considerations about God, but fill your chest with what the Father says in His Word, fighting as if in a physical war, and you will see the answer (2 Corinthians 10:4).

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares

          There is a Creator, and we know Him as God, the supreme Being, whose power is immeasurable. He formed the world by His Word, and so the universe of perfection works according to the design of His mind (Hebrews 11.3). He made us in His image and likeness; therefore, we are what we are (Genesis 1:26,27). In nature, nothing compares to us, with all our intellectual and creative capacity.

          When Adam sinned, the humanity that would descend from this man, the first, separated itself from the Most High and came under the command of the prince of the power of darkness, the devil. However, the Son of God was sent into the world by the Father and bought our redemption with His blood, freeing us from the clutches of the evil one, giving us the liberation we need to serve the Lord and worship Him in spirit and in truth. Christ, who delivered us from the clutches of the evil one, is the only Mediator between us and God. His Name has power (Philippians 2:9-11).

           The Lord is and always will be the only God. He loves us with all His heart, He has done what is necessary for our happiness and He has also sent us out into the world to proclaim His Word to the lost, teaching what Christ taught when He was on earth (Mark 16.15). Our mission is to minister the Good News to people so they obtain forgiveness for their sins, healing for their bodies and deliverance for their souls. God is good!

           The Almighty is the only Lord in the Universe, immutable and sovereign in His thoughts and deeds. He promises to be with whoever believes in His Name, saying: Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will uphold you, and help you, and uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness (Isaiah 41.10). With this guarantee, who wouldn't do or give what is necessary to obtain the heavenly Father's favor? God only requires our faith to act (Hebrews 11:6).

          Our Mediator directs us to make requests or order the destruction of things that harm us in His name, in order to act on our behalf: And whatever you ask in My name, I will do it, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son (John 14:13). To be answered, you must turn to the Scriptures to learn what belongs to you in Christ. Then send the problem away in the Name of Jesus!

           Once you have determined to destroy the evil, believe that the work has been done; after all, the Word of God does not fail, as Jesus said: Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it, and you will have it (Mk 11.24). The Lord is responsible for what he teaches; therefore, following the rule proposed by him will make you receive blessings. There is a God and a Mediator who speak the same language - the Truth!

         There is a revelation in the verse under study, which will greatly help our understanding in order to live better. Jesus and the Father are ONE. They have coexisted since the beginning, forming one God. The apostle Paul points out that the Mediator is Jesus Christ, a man. The same one who came into the world, accomplished the work of redemption, rose from the dead and sat down at the right hand of the Father. He is just like us!

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares

          The Holy Spirit used the apostle Paul to reveal to us two of God's desires, so that His children would not err in misrepresentations of the Truth, condemning people used by the devil to commit crimes of all degrees, including those that shock even the most inveterate sinners. With this revelation from the Holy Spirit, we won't have the courage to say that someone is irredeemable. Getting it right from now on pleases the Lord!

         The Almighty knew that Cain would kill his brother and warned him that sin lay at the door, but he paid no attention and continued with evil intent in his heart. In the same way, lovers of adultery feel that they shouldn't be provoking someone, but because they have given in to the devil, they want to possess someone who doesn't belong to them until they disqualify themselves from eternal life: Do not be deceived neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6. 9b -10). Listen to the voice of God!

           So do the other nine groups mentioned in the previous verse. To their shame, pain and detriment, they fall into the snares prepared by the enemy. After sinning, instead of repenting, some say that such transgressions are a thing of the past. They are able to defend wrong practices, and, even knowing the physical and emotional consequences, they want more people to act in the same way. Look what happened to Sodom (Genesis 19)!

           The devil is working desperately to corrupt humanity and is even getting supporters in the courts of Justice to try to shame the Lord. This can only come from someone who is a liar. God has no part in anyone's sin. Because He knows the fate of those who don't change, the Lord warns that He wants everyone to be saved.

            The evil one used Abraham's nephew, Lot, who, for a long time, fought with the people of Sodom and the surrounding towns to get them to turn from sin, but in the end, they gave him the answer:  And they said, “Stand back!” Then they said, “This one came in to stay here, and he keeps acting as a judge; now we will deal worse with you than with them.”  (Genesis 19:9a). The inveterate resist almost everything except the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:11). There is hope for the sincere!

         Our preaching must be open to all, because Jesus paid with His blood for the salvation and forgiveness of those who let themselves be taken in by the forces of evil. Because He is our Father, the Lord rejoices when a sinner repents (Luke 15.10), for He knows that this person will suffer forever if they do not turn to Him. God is ready to forgive those who have missed the target, sinning against their own eternal happiness.

        As well as saving sinners, God wants them to come to the full knowledge of the Truth, to enjoy the rights of God's children as participants in the abundant life brought by Jesus, the answers to prayers made in His Name and happiness in His Kingdom, where there will be no sin. Believe!

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares

          The prophecies, warnings and commandments of the Scriptures must be taken as direct orders from the throne of God, who created us to fulfill His plan. Nothing is more decorous and productive than doing the will of the One who is pure and true, for there will be a reward for those who do so (Psalm 1:1-3). However, anyone who forgets the Lord in any situation will shipwreck in their faith!

           Paul showed love to the young man who was placed by his side, so that he would learn to practice the Word and, at the end of his career, he would say that he had also fulfilled his mission, so the crown of righteousness would be given to him (2 Timothy 4:7,8). Like the apostle, we have to go all the way to be considered righteous. Furthermore, we must recognize the benefit of the Most High in keeping us and repay Him by helping others in the faith.

           We must never find ourselves tired, upset or defeated, because there will always be a new convert in need of our admonition, so that the work can continue to be done with love and purity. Before we condemn someone, who has acted wrongly, we should consider whether we are to blame for that action. The man who hints to a woman, or vice versa, that they could have an affair could be to blame for that person's sin!

           Bad examples are sometimes passed on with an “innocent smile”, with a word spoken in circumstances used by the devil to lead someone to sink in their faith. Condemning those who have transgressed is a common attitude when there are sins hidden in our hearts: So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them: “He who is without sin among you, let throw a stone at her first (John 8.7). The Lord is a great teacher!

             We have to keep a good conscience so that we don't neglect Christ's faith, because He gave us an example (John 13:15). If we don't learn from Him, regardless of where we've studied or who our teacher was, we're learning in the wrong way. Only Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life, and no one goes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). Everything that comes from Christ is pure and has the power to free us from any influence of the kingdom of darkness. Flee from the liar and the evil one (John 8.44).

          Rejecting the Lord's rebuke and denying that you have understood His message are extremely dangerous sins, because whoever does this closes themselves into the devil's hands. Once you are under the direction of the evil one, you will never get it right in life. A judge who becomes corrupted will never get his sentences right again, because the Spirit of God who protected him in his role will no longer be able to act on his behalf (1 Timothy 5:22). Walking uprightly is always the best choice!

         Faith has been given to us to walk through turbulent waters. If we let fear and the devil's hand trap us, even once, and don't repent, we will fail in every area of life and risk falling into the lake of brimstone and fire. Be wise and you will be saved!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares

        Paul wrote to Timothy, a young preacher whom he called his son, because he considered him special for having accepted Jesus and answered God's call to be a minister of the Gospel (Acts 16:1-3). Fortunate are the people who receive a ministerial call, come forward and set out to carry it out. Some have not yet awakened to take on the task they have received from the Lord, and this makes them live badly!

         There is nothing better than feeling at peace with the Almighty, doing what He has destined for you. Those who take part in the ministry of the church and strive to learn more about the Word of God will speak like Isaiah: Also I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I, send me” (Isaiah 6:8). Without a doubt, this person will be special in the Kingdom of Heaven!

           Paul was harsh with Timothy because he thought that, due to his youth, he would be prone to be enchanted by the world's offerings and despise God's work. Reflect on the decision to renounce so many things, prioritizing the call of the Most High. The Scriptures declare: God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son (John 3.16). He had no other Son to die crucified for us, so that we could be saved. God gave priority to the salvation of humanity!

           The Father calls some of His children to go out into the world to evangelize the lost. There are those who are called to shepherd the flock, to teach the Bible, to exercise prophetic ministry or as apostles. Others are occupied with developing minor gifts and functions offered in the work. However, many reject the invitation because they have to look after their family or want to pursue some personal project. Those who are approved say “yes” to the Lord!

           Paul speaks of prophecies, because all revelation from God comes in the form of prophecy and makes a difference. Some people, however, try to forget them. Now, if the Creator calls you to give the world the opportunity to hear the Gospel and get to know Jesus, why not present yourself to Him and say: “Here I am, to be sent wherever You wish”? Some still do like Jonah, who took the opposite route and went to the hold of the ship, running away from God (Jonah 1). Did he not see where he was going?

           When we read the Bible or listen to sermon on a subject, we are touched so intensely that we can't deny that the Lord has spoken to us. The cares of life, the allure of riches and the ambition to achieve other things prevent us from making the right decision (Luke 8.14). Those who love God, armed with guidance from their heavenly Father, set out to fulfill it. Now, what about those who run away from the Lord after being chosen to carry out a task?

           Always keep in mind all that the Most High has made you know about preparing to do His will and decide to obey Him. He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him (John 14:21). Don't play games with the mission you have received from the Lord. Do what He has destined for you and you will receive the blessings that await you for eternity!

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares