When approaching an intersection, it’s essential to understand what the traffic lights mean. These rules are straightforward: green means go, yellow means slow down, and red means stop. 

Traffic signals are there to keep us safe on the road, and ignoring them can lead to serious consequences. You might break the law and face fines, but worse things can happen, as not paying attention can result in someone getting seriously injured, or even killed! 

Though such rules are easy to understand, the impact of following or disregarding them is profound.

Now, apply this illustration to some straightforward statements in the Bible. Although everyone needs salvation, and we all need the grace of God through Jesus Christ, people have different interpretations of how to access Jesus’ saving blood. 

But what does the Bible say about the forgiveness of sins and how we obtain it? Consider some of these most clearest of statements, and reflect on what you think they mean.

On the day of Pentecost: Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38, New King James Version)

What were the people told to do to obtain the remission of sins? “Repent, and let every one of you ___ __________ in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…”

Ananias told Paul: And now, why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord. (Acts 22:16)

What was Paul told to do for the washing away of his sins? “Arise, and __ __________, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”

The Apostle Peter wrote these words: There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him. (1 Peter 3:21-22)

What does Peter say that now saves us? “There is also an antitype which now saves us – __________ (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God)”

The Bible does not stutter. Just as traffic lights provide clear guidance for safe driving, Scripture offers clear instructions regarding baptism and the forgiveness of sins. And just as ignoring traffic signals can lead to serious consequences, neglecting biblical teaching on baptism can affect one’s salvation; whereas adhering to it is crucial for receiving God’s grace and achieving true forgiveness (See John 3:3-5; Luke 6:46).

Please reflect on the importance of baptism and forgiveness in your life, and if you have not been baptized “for the remission of sins,” consider taking steps to explore this important milestone in your spiritual journey. Read. Study. Obey God’s Word.

Have you ever met someone who genuinely seeks to follow God’s word in the Bible? It’s natural to reflect on our own commitment to the Scriptures and how closely we align with their teachings. With that in mind, let’s explore a few examples and consider whether truly adhering to God’s word is extreme or simply a sincere pursuit of faith.

The Profane Fire of Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-3)

The first example concerns the priests, Nadab and Abihu. God explicitly commanded that only specific incense and fire from the altar of burnt offering be used in Tabernacle worship. However, these sons of Aaron offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded. Consequently, fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them immediately, because they presumed to approach God in a manner of their own choosing rather than adhering to His instructions. 

A Futile Invasion Attempt (Numbers 14:39-45)

Another example is Israel’s presumptuous battle, described in Numbers 14:39-45. Due to their lack of faith in the report of the ten spies, God decreed that the generation of Israelites would not enter the Promised Land and would instead wander in the wilderness for 40 years. After hearing this, the Israelites felt remorse but chose to disobey God’s punishment by attacking the Canaanites anyway, presuming that God would help them because they had decided to go. Moses warned them not to go up, as the LORD was not among them. They ignored his warning and were severely defeated by the Amalekites, demonstrating that repentance for their consequences is not the same as obedience.

Uzzah Touching the Ark of the Covenant (2 Samuel 6:6-7)

Additionally, we should consider the matter of Uzzah touching the Ark of the Covenant, as described in 2 Samuel 6:6-7 and 2 Chronicles 13:9-10. The Ark was to be carried on the shoulders of the Levites using poles and should never have been touched directly by unauthorized people (Numbers 4:15). When the Israelites were moving the Ark on a new cart (imitating the Philistines), the oxen stumbled. Uzzah reached out to steady the Ark to prevent it from falling (acting on his own judgment rather than adhering to the prescribed method). As a result, God’s anger burned against him, and He struck him down for his irreverence. This demonstrates that good intentions do not justify violating clear commands. King David later pointed out that they had not consulted God in this matter, which led to their error in moving the Ark in the first place (1 Chronicles 15:13-15). Thus, there is a lesson in the need to consult the word of God before presuming to act, even with good intentions. 

The Bible provides numerous examples that underscore the peril of taking God’s grace for granted and expecting favorable outcomes, all while disregarding His clear commands. This behavior is often referred to as presumptuous sin (Psalm 19:13) or testing God (Matthew 4:5-7; See 1 Corinthians 10:9).

Individuals often seek to align their actions with God’s will and may question the necessity of demanding “book, chapter, and verse” for every practice. However, when in doubt, it is wise to reflect on examples like those mentioned above to foster reverence in our pursuit of not going beyond the boundaries outlined in God’s word. May we always show reverence to Him in our conduct, seeking New Testament authority for everything we say and do.

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17, New King James Version)

In John 11, we see that Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. But before doing so, He instructed others to remove the stone from the tomb’s entrance. Could Jesus not have removed the stone Himself? Of course, He could have. However, He commanded that the stone be removed. This raises the question: what would have happened if they had not removed the stone? Would Lazarus still have been raised? We do not know, but one thing is clear: Jesus expected them to move the stone!

Perhaps there is a lesson here about God’s expectation that we do what we can, while He takes care of what we cannot? 

There is much debate in religious circles about water baptism. Many discussions arise concerning what the Bible teaches on who should be baptized, the method, its theological significance, and whether it is essential for salvation. However, let me pose this question: Did Jesus command baptism? Yes, He did (See Matt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16; Jn. 3:3-5). Therefore, if Jesus commanded it, why aren’t we obeying (Lk. 6:46; Acts 22:16)? 

Going back to the story of Lazarus, could Jesus have removed the stone from the tomb Himself? Absolutely. But again, it is important to note that Jesus expected them to act by moving the stone.

38 Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 

39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.”

40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” 

41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.

42 And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.”  

43 Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!”  

44 And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.”

~ John 11:38-44, New King James Version

I have encountered people who have left worship services with a negative attitude, complaining about various aspects that did not suit their preferences. They may have thought the singing was not perfect or that the sermon delivery had shortcomings. Others might have felt that those leading the worship service—whether in prayer, communion, or announcements—were not flawless. For whatever reason, some individuals leave a worship service saying something to the effect of, “Well, I didn’t get anything out of that service.” This is an absolutely poor way of approaching worship. 

It’s Not About You

In the scriptures, we learn important truths about our attitude toward worship. Worship is not about us; it is to always be about the Almighty God, first and foremost (Matt. 4:10; John 4:24; Rev. 14:7). As we gather, we should focus on God as the object of our worship. It is Him that we aim to please, always (Rom. 15:1-3; 2 Cor. 5:9-11). When we pray together, we are praying to Him (Acts 2:42). When we sing together, we are offering Him the fruit of our lips in praise (Eph. 5:17-21; Col. 3:15-17; Heb. 13:15). When we observe the Lord’s Supper, we remember His sacrifice for our sins (John 3:16; Matt. 26:26-28; 1 Cor. 10:16-17; 11:23-29). When we give of our means, we are cheerfully offering back what He has already blessed us with (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 9:7; Phil. 4:17-20). When we engage in the apostles’ doctrine through the study and application of His word, we honor God by striving to divide and apply the scriptures to our lives rightly (John 8:31-32; Acts 2:42; 2 Tim. 3:14-17).

Worship Is About Giving, Not Getting

First and foremost, we must therefore understand that a worship service is about honoring God. It is not about what we can gain from it. Some might argue, “Yes, it is about God, but it is also about my edification.” However, we should be cautious here. Hebrews 10:24-25 instructs us to, “consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (New King James Version, emphasis mine).  

God is to be the object of our worship; we aim to please Him. And even after that, it should not be about my personal gain, but rather, about edifying our brothers and sisters in the assembly. I want to be the person I can be in the worship assembly, encouraging others toward love and good works. I should want my fellow believers to be built up and strengthened! 

Shift the Focus

Worship is about giving God glory—and extending encouragement—to others. It was never meant to be self-centered or focused solely on ourselves. My worship of God must be intended to please Him and positively influence my fellow man. By putting my all into such efforts, I will inevitably therefore benefit from worship. So, instead of focusing on how things were presented or how they fell short, we would all do better to glorify and honor God, and to improve the atmosphere to support our fellow worshippers (working from the inside out). 

In doing so, we shift our focus away from ourselves and our own attitudes and work outwardly to edify others. Worship is not “about me” and “what I get out of it;” rather, it is about God and what we put into it.

Warning: The following information may be “triggering” for some. I understand that I am in my late 40s, and the language of the younger generation is constantly evolving. However, specific terms have infiltrated religious circles, and they can dilute the truth while masking larger issues that genuinely exist. I intend to help, not hurt, so please consider my perspective. 

Understanding Some Terms

Rage-Baiting: This occurs when someone deliberately says or does offensive or emotionally charged things to provoke an angry or upset reaction from another. Their goal is often to gain attention or manipulate a situation, rather than genuinely resolve conflict(s). It’s akin to picking a fight, turning minor disagreements into much bigger ones, not only to gain a reaction but also to control interactions.

Gaslighting: In a personal context, gaslighting is a form of manipulation where one person causes another to question their own perceptions, memories, or reality itself. It is a pattern of behavior that leads the victim to doubt their own judgment, ultimately fostering insecurities and reliance on the perpetrator for discernment. 

Narcissism: In modern vernacular, narcissist can refer to one who is excessively preoccupied with themselves, their image, and their needs, often at the expense of others.  At the core lies a profound lack of empathy, a sense of entitlement, and constant need for admiration. Narcissists are said to exhibit these traits consistently, often creating toxic, one-sided relationships.

The Problem with the Use of Certain Terms in Religious Contexts

It seems to be very “in-vogue” for people to label others a narcissist. The problem I have with this is that narcissism is an actual clinical diagnosis — known as narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). It is a complex mental health condition, and Christians should certainly refrain from playing doctor by trying to psychoanalyze and diagnose others. Some are conflating terms, which may be inaccurate at best. Moreover, it can confuse, as many level-headed Christians who hear such terms immediately shut down and stop listening to the conversation because of the use of “in-vogue” terms. This is a significant concern, though I understand both sides of the issue. That is why I’m writing about this now.

I know individuals who have been sorely mistreated, and I also know of others who wish to combat these sinful behaviors that are ever-present within religious circles. Therefore, by all means, let’s try to educate ourselves and find common ground. 

Issues Getting Distorted, Neglected, and Unresolved

There are very real problems that must be addressed, and the challenges facing the world will inevitably affect Christians. The reality is, some people take absolute pleasure in provoking others and making them feel out of control. Moreover, bullies will continue to lie and manipulate those in their circles of influence. Furthermore, some are self-centered and only care about themselves (in the extreme)! They will disregard others’ feelings to get whatever they want, and I have personally suffered at the hands of individuals who engage in such SINFUL behavior (yes, even among Christians). It breaks my heart to hear of others seeking comfort and refuge among the Lord’s body, only to be mistreated by those in whom they place their trust. That is a special kind of heinousness! I’m with you in that.

While there are, indeed, those in religious circles who abuse their positions of influence, I prefer to call these behaviors by the names God gives them. The New Testament teaches against provoking one another, all forms of dishonesty, and prideful, controlling behavior. There are, too, those within the church who must be confronted and held accountable (2 Cor. 13:1-10; Tit. 3:10; 3 John 9-10). And that’s at the heart of this discussion. I want to stand with those who are struggling and mistreated, but I also want to exhort everyone to return to the Bible so that we can discuss these issues with better clarity.

Call It for What It Is: SIN

On social media, some who wield influence continue to use such in-vogue terms not found in the Bible. I recognize that words and their meanings can change over time, and that our culture may use terms unfamiliar to the aging population. However, when buzzwords arise in religious discussions, one may end up unnecessarily blunting the effect of their efforts to confront real issues. So, I implore those of you with sound reasoning skills to start calling these behaviors exactly what they are: sins that disrupt fellowship among believers, hinder their relationship with God, and rob them of much joy in the Lord. 

Let us not become conceited, provoking one another (Gal. 5:26). 

Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man (Col. 3:9).

God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (Jas. 4:6). 

Nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples (1 Pet. 5:3).

Let us work together, label things for what they are, and be a source of comfort to those who are hurting.

The phrase “grace, mercy, and peace to you from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ,” or slight variations of it, appears as a standard Apostolic greeting in several books of the New Testament (1 Tim. 1:2; 2 Tim. 1:2; 2 Jn. 1:3). While some scholars suggest that these salutations blend Greek greetings with the Hebrew concept of “Shalom,” it is worth examining the meanings of these words, because such expressions are not merely salutations in letters; they are WORDS OF INSPIRATION from the apostles themselves, to Christians. If words have meaning—and they do—it is worthwhile to consider the significance behind these expressions. 

Grace

For instance, the word “grace” means favor. No one can earn God’s favor through meritorious works. However, many passages teach us that the favor extended by God is indeed conditional (Jn. 3:16; Eph. 2:8-9). One must accept Jesus as both Savior and Lord, and only then may one have favor extended by God through the blood of Jesus Christ (Rom. 6:23; Acts 4:12). That said, this favor is, indeed, a gift from God!! Paul wrote to Titus, “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:4-7 New King James Version). Receiving that letter from the inspired apostle would be very encouraging, especially since the grace (favor) Paul speaks of comes from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior Himself (v. 1:4)! So then, these are not merely words on a page; they are intentions & extensions of goodwill, expressed by the Holy Spirit.

Mercy 

It has been said that grace IS RECEIVING that which one does NOT DESERVE, while mercy equates to NOT RECIEVING what one DOES DESERVE! The Bible clearly teaches that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and that the wages of sin are death. Yet, many passages in the New Testament also illustrate God’s overwhelming compassion and welcome for a repentant person, such as the parable of the prodigal son (Lk. 15:11-32). This powerful message of concern is reinforced in numerous passages! Paul spoke of how we were spiritually dead already, “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4-7). Through Jesus, we continue receiving that which we do not deserve (God’s favor), while not receiving what we actually do deserve (the wrath of God)!! Let us not dismiss such lofty thoughts through a mere exercising of linguistics (Eph. 1:2).

Peace

The thought of peace will not hold such significance if we do not recognize the turmoil that comes with its absence. Looking at the world, we see it torn apart by heartache, filled with the devastations of war, and the tragic losses of human life. People are often distraught, experiencing emotional upheaval and deep heartbreak as evil continually brings chaos into this sin-cursed world. When reflecting on these realities, we may also consider the impact that our own sins have, upon our own souls. With a tender conscience, upon hearing the gospel, you’ll thus understand the turmoil in your heart over your contributions to evil. There should be heartache because of the sins that have seperated us from God. But thanks be to God, that while we were once enemies, Christians have been reconciled to our Creator through the blood of Jesus (Rom. 5:6-9). Christians must ever acknowledge our desperate need for a Savior! And the peace we now enjoy is because of the spiritual restoration brought through God’s mercy AND grace! We long to share that message of reconcilliation with others so that they, too, can find peace with the Father. Only by realizing how shallow and empty life is without Christ, can we appreciate the true beauty of the peace that Jesus offers. “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” (Rom. 5:10-11)

More Than a Salutation

The terms “grace,” “mercy,” and “peace” appear frequently throughout the New Testament epistles. These may have (indeed) been standard greetings at the time they were written, but speaking as the Bible reads is a noble endeavor… And if words hold any meaning—which they certainly do—then we should recognize that these terms carry deep theological significance. Let us strive to appreciate the sentiments expressed in these words more fully. And may the fact that the apostles extend grace, mercy, and peace, “from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ,” prompt careful consideration on our part.

I don’t care how strong your relationship with God is; if you put yourself in situations where you’re tempted in an ungodly way, especially with the opposite sex, you are asking for trouble (Num. 25:1-9; 1 Cor. 10:8). Likewise, I don’t care how mentally strong you think you are. The strongest person who ever lived had a weakness concerning the opposite sex (Jdg. 14:1-3; 16:1, 4-21). Lastly, it doesn’t matter how wise or intellectual you believe you are in navigating temptation. Even the wisest man who ever lived, aside from Jesus, had a significant weakness in dealing with women (1 Ki. 11:1-13; Neh. 13:26). 

The reason I bring this up is that people often find excuses to place themselves in risky situations, which is unwise at best (Prov. 7:16-23). 

So, what does this look like? Consider the following examples: 

Social Media & Online Communication: Engaging in private conversations online, or via text, with someone other than your spouse can lead to temptation. The perceived secrecy and emotional intimacy created through texts, or specific apps, can quickly cross boundaries. If you are married and text someone of the opposite sex, it would be wise to include your spouse in the thread.

Social Activities: Even simple things done together without your spouse present can create situations where temptation is more likely to arise. When I hear people talk about how their “best friend” is a member of the opposite sex (yet they’re in a relationship, or married, to someone else), I cannot help but recoil—this sort of thing fools no one but yourself.

Workplace Interactions: Frequently meeting one-on-one with a coworker of the opposite sex in isolated or private settings, especially after work, inherently increases the likelihood of developing an inappropriate relationship. This is particularly true in roles that involve close collaboration or travel. To avoid such temptations, maintain clear professional boundaries, avoid those isolated one-on-ones, and focus strictly on work-related interactions.

In summary, rather than making excuses for knowingly putting yourself in dire situations, let’s follow God’s advice on fleeing temptation (Gen. 39:11-12; 1 Cor. 10:11-13). 

While there will be situations we cannot avoid and should respond to appropriately, we must also be wise enough to understand our own limitations and weaknesses. It doesn’t matter your covenant relationship with God, how strong you think you are, nor how wise you believe yourself to be. Recognize that Satan has always used the temptation of unlawful advances from the opposite sex to lead people into fracturing their relationship with God, and others. Pray and respond accordingly (1 Cor. 6:18-20).