This coming Thursday, we will be celebrating the Fourth of July, commemorating our nation\u2019s Declaration of Independence.\u00a0 Our colonial ancestors were fed up with having the British crown telling them what they could and couldn\u2019t do.\u00a0 And so, the American patriots opted to pursue their freedom.\u00a0 There were many Tories or \u201cloyalists\u201d in the colonies whose voices sang out in protest against the revolutionists.\u00a0 But, our forefathers didn\u2019t listen to those nay-sayers and chartered the course for the country we live in today.\u00a0 And, despite the best efforts of historical revisionists, the truth is that the leaders of the American Revolution, by and large, were men who were attuned to listening to the voice of Almighty God in shaping the destiny of this nation.[1]\u00a0 Of those 56 signatures on the Declaration of Independence, 54 of were penned by men of the Christian faith.[2]<\/p>\n
But, what was true in the past, does not necessarily apply in the present.\u00a0 Today, people seem to be wearing earplugs to block out God\u2019s voice.\u00a0 \u00a0Now, the voices of the world have taken centerstage in our society.\u00a0 Nowadays, it seems as though so many worldly voices are trying to tell us what to do.\u00a0 They are loud, and often obnoxious, voices from within our secular society that want to tell you what to think and how to live your life.\u00a0 The problem is these worldly voices often advocate things opposed to the One True Voice Christians are called to obey. \u00a0As was the case with our ancestors, we are called to heed the Voice of God.<\/p>\n
But, this isn\u2019t a problem that\u2019s unique to America today.\u00a0 It is something that has plagued God\u2019s people for a very long time.\u00a0 For example, we can see this in the words of Psalm 95.\u00a0 Before reading that psalm, let me give you a little background as to circumstances that existed at the time it was written. This may help in understanding the pressure that worldly voices can exert upon God\u2019s people.\u00a0 For many years, the people of Judah had been unfaithful to God and ignored the voices of His prophets to repent.\u00a0 Consequently, they were conquered by the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar.\u00a0 God\u2019s people were carted off to Babylon during the 6th century B.C. where, for a time, they would remain in captivity\u2014first under the Babylonians, then the Persians.[3] \u00a0While in exile, the Israelites were under tremendous pressure to abandon God\u2019s ways and, instead, bow down to pagan gods.\u00a0 There were so many voices shouting at them from all directions, urging them to renounce their faith in God and take up the ways of the world around them.\u00a0 But, those who were faithful resisted these seductive voices.\u00a0 They stuck with God and were faithful.\u00a0 And, as always, God was faithful to them as well.[4]\u00a0 And so, He opened the way for their return from exile by eventually influencing the Persian King, Cyrus, to issue a decree in 538 B.C. allowing the Jewish people to go back to Jerusalem.[5]<\/p>\n
Psalm 95 was likely written by these returning exiles to be sung as part of the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles once they reached Jerusalem.[6] \u00a0\u00a0Let\u2019s read a portion of that psalm and consider what it has to say about the VOICE OF GOD:<\/p>\n
1 \u00a0Come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. 2 \u00a0Let us come to Him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to Him. 3 \u00a0For the LORD is a great God, a great King above all gods. 4 \u00a0He holds in His hands the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains. 5 \u00a0The sea belongs to Him, for He made it. His hands formed the dry land, too. 6 \u00a0Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the LORD our maker, 7 \u00a0for He is our God. We are the people He watches over, the flock under His care. IF ONLY YOU WOULD LISTEN TO HIS VOICE TODAY! \u00a0Psalm 95:1-8 (NLT2) <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Notice that the psalmist was dismayed by what he saw God\u2019s people doing.\u00a0 Apparently, they were ignoring God\u2019s voice in the psalmist\u2019s day very much like the people in this country today. \u00a0\u00a0When we look around, it is evident that even some mainline Christian denominations aren\u2019t listening to God\u2019s voice anymore.\u00a0 \u00a0We are nearer to the End of Time than many would think because the failure to hear the voice of God is a prophetic sign that Jesus is coming again soon.\u00a0 For Paul tells us: \u00a0\u201c1 In the last days, it is going to be very difficult to be a Christian\u20263 \u00a0For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 \u00a0They will reject the truth and chase after myths.\u201d 2nd Timothy 3:1 (TLB), 4:3-4 (NLT2) \u00a0\u00a0When Paul speaks of \u201citching ears,\u201d he is not talking about ears that have a rash or have been exposed to poison ivy.\u00a0 No\u2014they are ears that have tuned into the poison voices of this world.\u00a0 Sadly, many have been deceived and led astray by such worldly voices. Those false philosophies can creep in without people realizing it.\u00a0 In this regard, the world is a very deceptive place.<\/p>\n
I would compare this to a recent Federal Trade Commission consumer alert.\u00a0 The F.T.C. gives us the following warning: \u00a0\u201cYou get a call [on your phone]. There\u2019s a panicked voice on the line. \u00a0It\u2019s your grandson. \u00a0He says he\u2019s in deep trouble\u2014he wrecked the car and landed in jail. \u00a0But, you can help by sending money. \u00a0You take a deep breath and think. \u00a0You\u2019ve heard about grandparent scams. \u00a0But [hey], it sounds just like him\u2014[no mistake about it, it was his voice]. \u00a0How could it be a scam?\u201d\u00a0 The F.T.C. goes on to explain how such a scam can appear so realistic to the person who is the target of the deceiving voice on the other end of the line:\u00a0 \u201cVoice cloning, that's how [this scam is pulled off]. \u00a0Artificial intelligence is no longer a far-fetched idea out of a sci-fi movie. \u00a0We\u2019re living with it, here and now. \u00a0A scammer could use AI to clone the voice of your loved one. \u00a0All he needs is a short audio clip of your family member\u2019s voice\u2014which he could get from content posted online\u2014and a voice-cloning program. \u00a0When the scammer calls you, he\u2019ll sound just like your loved one.\u201d[7]<\/p>\n
That\u2019s a chilling thought\u2014a voice that sounds so pleasing and familiar might be a false voice that will steal from you just as effectively as a robber with a gun to your head.\u00a0 Now, take that warning and apply it to those worldly voices that seek, not to steal your money, but to rob you of your very soul.\u00a0 You see, Satan doesn\u2019t need AI to make his words sound good.\u00a0 All he needs are his human minions who love the ways of the world and have nothing but distain for the voice of God. \u00a0Believe me, the F.T.C. offers no defense against such satanic, worldly deception.\u00a0 So, where can we turn to discern God\u2019s truth from the deceptive lies issued from those phony voices of the world?<\/p>\n
For the Christian, there is only one answer.\u00a0 We can hear God\u2019s voice by knowing His Son, Jesus Christ. \u00a0How do you come to know Him?\u00a0 The answer is: Through God\u2019s Word.\u00a0 The Word of God is truly unique because JESUS CHRIST IS THE WORD.\u00a0 John\u2019s Gospel is clear on this: 1 \u00a0\u201cIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 \u00a0He was in the beginning with God\u2026\u00a0 14 \u00a0And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth\u202617 \u00a0For the law was given through Moses; GRACE AND TRUTH came through Jesus Christ.\u201d John 1:1-2, 14-17 (ESV)<\/p>\n
So, if you want to HEAR GOD\u2019S VOICE, EXPERIENCE HIS GRACE and KNOW HIS TRUTH, THEN YOU MUST COME TO KNOW JESUS CHRIST.\u00a0 Through Jesus and the Holy Spirit, the truth about all things is revealed in the Bible\u2014which is Jesus Himself in the format of the written \u201cWord.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0That is why the Bible isn\u2019t just another book.\u00a0 You see, the Scriptures are \u201calive\u201d in Christ and the Spirit.\u00a0 As such, they speak with God\u2019s voice and have a vitality that is unmatched by any other form of communication.\u00a0 The Bible teaches its own absolute reliability and truth when proclaiming: \u00a0\u201cFor the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.\u201d Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)<\/p>\n
If you hear and follow any \u201cvoice\u201d that is inconsistent with God\u2019s Word, then you are on the wrong path.\u00a0 If you continue to follow such a worldly path, one day you will walk over a cliff to your own eternal destruction.\u00a0 But, if you will listen for God\u2019s voice, you can correct the errant life-course you are on and follow His path instead.\u00a0 When listening to the world\u2019s voice, it is so easy to pursue the wrong path.\u00a0 Jesus said: 13 \u00a0\u201cYou can enter God\u2019s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 \u00a0But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.\u201d Matthew 7:13-14 (NLT2)<\/p>\n
But, you can and will find it if you listen for God\u2019s voice in His Word and follow what it has to say. \u00a0Satan will do everything in his power to put you on the wrong path.\u00a0 His worldly voices scream so loudly and convincingly to drown out God\u2019s \u201cstill, small voice.\u201d[8]\u00a0 And yet, God\u2019s voice is available to everyone, if they\u2019d just sit still and listen.[9]\u00a0 So, how do you go about doing that?\u00a0 How can you discern what is truth and what is a lie above the noise of all those voices in your ears?\u00a0 Well, you have to put those voices and what they say to the test.\u00a0 The Bible teaches we must learn to be discerning.\u00a0 Paul puts it this way: \u201cPut all things to the test: keep what is good.\u201d 1st Thessalonians 5:21 (TEV)\u00a0 The litmus test is to compare whatever any \u201cvoice\u201d may say to what God\u2019s Word has to say.\u00a0 If it\u2019s contrary to what the Bible teaches, then reject it.\u00a0 Otherwise, as Paul advises, \u201ckeep what is good.\u201d\u00a0 That is why it is extremely important that we know and can recall God\u2019s Word to test the truthfulness of any worldly voice that may try to deceive us.\u00a0 Let me give you several examples of some popular and widely accepted worldly sayings and compare them to what God has to say in response to each of them.<\/p>\n
\tThe world\u2019s self-centered voice says: \u201cLook out for number one.\u201d
\n \tGod counters this by saying: \u201cLove your neighbor as yourself.\u201d Mark 12:31 (NLT2)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\tThe world arrogantly proclaims, in using the words of the late Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple computer: \u201cFollow your heart and intuition.\u201d [10]
\n \tBut, God\u2019s Word says: \u201cTrust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding\u201d Proverbs 3:5 (NLT2)\u2014for \u201cthe human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked.\u201d Jeremiah 17:9 (NLT2)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\tThe world would have you believe: \u201cI\u2019m O.K.; you\u2019re O.K.\u201d
\n \tBut, God knows otherwise and states the reality that: \u201cAll have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.\u201d Romans 3:23 (NIV)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\tThe world claims that God wants you to just be happy\u2014so, do whatever makes you feel good.
\n \tGod doesn\u2019t put it quite like that. Rather, He loves your obedience[11] and wants you to have joy through following His Word.\u00a0 For as the psalmist says:\u00a0 \u201cI delight to do your will, my God, for your law is written upon my heart!\u201d Psalm 40:8 (TLB)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\tThe world teaches: \u201cAll humans are basically \u2018good\u2019 and God loves us just the way we are.\u201d
\n \tBut, God states the ugly truth: \u201cAll have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.\u201d Romans 3:12 (NLT2)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\tThe world assures you that: \u201cAll religions are equally valid paths to God.\u201d
\n \tGod\u2019s Word quotes a different voice\u2014the voice of Jesus saying: \u201cI am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.\u201d John 14:6 (NIV)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\tThe world will tell you: \u201cYou have your truth, and I have my truth.\u201d
\n \tBut, God proclaims that: \u201c[His] word is truth.\u201d John 17:17 (NASB)\u00a0 And, Paul adds to that, saying: \u201c[Satan] will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them.\u201d 2nd Thessalonians 2:10 (NLT2)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\tThe world quotes the French, atheist philosopher, Albert Camus, and proclaims in despair: \u201cLife is meaningless.\u201d
\n \tThe voice of God corrects that lie and, instead, assures us: \u201c\u2018For I know the plans I have for you,\u2019 says the Lord. \u2018They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.\u2019\u201d Jeremiah 29:11 (TLB)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\tThe world urges you: \u201cIf revenge motivates you, go for it!\u201d[12]
\n \tBut, God\u2019s voice, as offered by His Son, says: \u201cIf anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.\u201d Matthew 5:39 (HCSB)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\tIn the words of a famous general, the world claims that, \u201cWar is the continuation of politics by other means.\u201d[13]
\n \tBut, the voice of Jesus says, \u201cBlessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.\u201d Matthew 5:9 (NIV)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\tThe voices of the world are quick to criticize.
\n \tBut, Jesus said: \u201cFirst get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend\u2019s eye.\u201d Matthew 7:5 (NLT2)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\tThe world says, \u201cWhat\u2019s mine is mine, and what\u2019s yours is yours\u2014but, I\u2019d really like to have what\u2019s yours as well.\u201d
\n \tJesus gives a different voice in saying: \u201cAs for the one who wants to sue you and take away your shirt, let him have your coat as well\u201d Matthew 5:40 (HCSB)\u2014to which God the Father adds: \u201cThou shalt not covet.\u201d Exodus 20:17 (KJV) \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\tThe world will assure you that the government is the solution to all our wants and needs.
\n \tBut, the Word of God teaches: \u201cThe LORD is my Shepherd, I shall not want.\u201d Psalm 23:1 (NASB)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\tThe world whispers seductively, \u201cLove the one you\u2019re with.\u201d
\n \tThe voice of God warns: \u201cThou shalt not commit adultery.\u201d Exodus 20:14 (KJV)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\tThe world elevates climate change as the number one global problem.
\n \tWhile God\u2019s Word also stresses that we must be good stewards of the environment,[14] the Bible teaches that the most important global issue relates to the change that is needed in the human heart.[15]<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\tThe world insists that, in all circumstances, a woman has the right to terminate her pregnancy.
\n \tGod\u2019s Word gives a voice to the unborn which says:\u201cYou made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother\u2019s womb\u201d Psalm 139:13 (NLT2)\u2014to which God further adds in addressing the pro-choice advocates: \u00a0\u201cYou must not murder.\u201d Exodus 20:13 (NLT2)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\tThe voice of Facebook speaks for the world by informing us that there are over 50 different human genders classifications.
\n \tGod\u2019s Word counters this insanity by simply stating: \u201cHe created them male and female, and He blessed them and called them \u2018human.\u2019\u201d Genesis 5:2 (NLT2)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\tThe world voices support for same-sex relationships and same-sex marriage.
\n \tBut, God\u2019s voice has something very different to say about such things, telling us:. \u201cDo not practice homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman. It is a detestable sin.\u201d Leviticus 18:22 (NLT2) And, for clarification purposes, this same detestable conduct between two women was identified as sin by Paul in Romans 1:26.[16]<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\tAnd, in a related matter, all during this month of June, the world has celebrated \u201cPride Month.\u201d
\n \tBut, the voice of God warns that, \u201cPride goes. . . before a fall,\u201d Proverbs 16:18 (NLT2) and \u201cpride leads to disgrace\u2026\u201d Proverbs 11:2 (NLT2)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\tAnd finally, the world\u2019s voices sing out: \u201cAll you need is love.\u201d
\n \tGod\u2019s Word would agree, as long as the \u201clove\u201d they sing about is God\u2014for the Bible teaches, \u201cGod is love.\u201d 1st John 4:8 (NLT2)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
My point is this:\u00a0 The world\u2019s mindset and beliefs are so often in stark conflict with that \u201cstill, small voice\u201d of God.\u201d \u00a0God\u2019s voice is not \u201cstill\u201d and \u201csmall\u201d because He does care if you hear Him or not.\u00a0 Rather, God wants you to listen to Him closely.\u00a0 In doing so, He wants you to do two things: First, filter out the noise of the world through the truth of God\u2019s Word and the discernment given by the Holy Spirit.\u00a0 Second, offer to God your full devotion and complete obedience to His commands.\u00a0 There is no way to follow these two things without knowing God\u2019s Word.\u00a0 Biblical illiteracy among Christians is far higher than it should be.\u00a0 If you are going to be successful in discerning the difference between the lying voices of this world and the truth offered by God, then you must be able to quickly remember what the Bible has to say about a variety of topics.\u00a0 If you are unable to do that, you can\u2019t effectively witness to others.\u00a0 Nor can you live a life of Christian integrity that God calls you to live.<\/p>\n
Those scammers who cleverly use AI to fool people into paying them money over the phone are mere amateurs when compared to Satan.\u00a0 The Federal Trade Commission offers no defense against him. Rather, the only thing that can save you from Satan\u2019s deceptive voice is an infinitely more powerful \u201cF.T.C.\u201d But, that acronym of \u201cF.T.C.\u201d doesn\u2019t stand for the \u201cFederal Trade Commission.\u201d\u00a0 The \u201cF. T. C.\u201d you need stands for:\u00a0 FAITH and TRUST in CHRIST. \u00a0In 1776, our forefathers declared their independence from the tyranny of political oppression. \u00a0For Christians today, a far more dangerous tyranny exists.\u00a0 It is the tyranny of sin that is strongly supported by the voices of this world.\u00a0 \u00a0But, you need the only Voice that always speaks the Truth.\u00a0 You need, Jesus Christ\u2014the Word of God made flesh.\u00a0 If you know God\u2019s Word and allow Jesus to change your heart, then you will no longer be a slave to sin.[17]\u00a0 You will no longer be susceptible to those worldly voices seeking to scam and rob you of eternal life in God\u2019s Kingdom.\u00a0 Jesus promises all who repent and have faith in Him will be set free from their sin.\u00a0 So, rather than declaring your independence, do exactly the opposite:\u00a0 Declare your DEPENDENCE UPON JESUS CHRIST TODAY! \u00a0For, \u201cif the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.\u201d John 8:36 (NIV)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Darvin Satterwhite, Pastor<\/p>\n
Forest Hill Baptist Church<\/p>\n
June 30, 2024<\/p>\n
\u00a92024 All Rights Reserved as follows:<\/p>\n
Anyone is at liberty to use this sermon or any portions thereof for educational or religious purposes, with or without credit. The pastor believes the material presented herein to be true to the teaching of Scripture, and desires to further, not restrict, its potential use as an aid in the study of God\u2019s Word. The publication of this material is a grace ministry of Forest Hill Baptist Church in Louisa, Virginia.<\/p>\n
Visit us on our Face Book page at https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/4409sspotswoodrdgordonsvilleva.<\/p>\n
[1] Toby Mac and Michael Tait, with WallBuilders, compiled by Leanna Willis. Under God. (Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2004). p. 9.<\/p>\n
[2]\u00a0 James L. Lambert.\u00a0 16 Amazing Stories of Divine Intervention.\u00a0 (U.S.A.: Xulon Press, 2011), p. 37.<\/p>\n
[3] Gary Hardin, Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, ed. Chad Brand, Charles Draper, Archie England (Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003), s.v. \u201cEXILE,\u201d WORDsearch CROSS e-book.<\/p>\n
[4] 1st Corinthians 1:9 \u00a0\u201cGod is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.\u201d (ESV)<\/p>\n
[5] Gary Hardin, Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, ed. Chad Brand, Charles Draper, Archie England (Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003), s.v. \u201cEXILE,\u201d WORDsearch CROSS e-book.<\/p>\n
[6] Warren Wiersbe, Be Exultant (Psalms 90-150), (Colorado Springs, CO: Victor, 2003), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 263.<\/p>\n
[7] Alvaro Puig, Consumer Education Specialist \u201cScammers use AI to enhance their family emergency schemes,\u201d Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Alert,
\nhttps:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts\/2023\/03\/scammers-use-ai-enhance-their-family-emergency-schemes, (March 20, 2023).<\/p>\n
[8] 1st Kings 19:11-12\u00a0 11 \u00a0\u201cThen [God said to Elijah], \u2018Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD.\u2019 And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; 12 \u00a0and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a STILL SMALL VOICE.\u201d (NKJV) <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
[9] Psalm 46:10 \u00a0\u201cBe still, and know that I am God!\u201d (NLT2) <\/p>\n
[10] \u201cFull Transcript of Steve Jobs\u2019 Most Famous Speech at Stanford University. \u201cHave the courage to follow your heart and intuition. Stay Hungry. Stay\u00a0Foolish,\u201dRobren Library, https:\/\/robertchaen.com\/2021\/04\/15\/71987\/.<\/p>\n
[11] 1st Peter 1:14-16 14 \u00a0\u201cAs obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 \u00a0But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 \u00a0for it is written: \u2018Be holy, because I am holy.\u2019\u201d (NIV) <\/p>\n
[12]\u00a0 Viswanathan Anand, AZ Quotes, https:\/\/www.azquotes.com\/quote\/326017.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
[13] \u201cKarl Von Clausewitz: \u2018War is the continuation of politics by other means.\u2019\u201d Socratic-Method.com,<\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.socratic-method.com\/quote-meanings-interpretations\/karl-von-clausewitz-war-is-the-continuation-of-politics-by-other-means.<\/p>\n
[14] Genesis 2:15\u00a0 \u201cThe LORD God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it.\u201d (NLT2)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
[15] Ezekiel 36:25-27 25 \u00a0\u201cThen I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols. 26 \u00a0And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. 27 \u00a0And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.\u201d (NLT2) <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
[16] Romans 1:26 \u00a0\u201cThat is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other.\u201d (NLT2)<\/p>\n
[17] John 8:34 \u00a0[Jesus said:] \u201cI tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin\u2026\u201d (NIV)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
This coming Thursday, we will be celebrating the Fourth of July, commemorating our nation\u2019s Declaration of Independence.\u00a0 Our colonial ancestors were fed up with having the British crown telling them what they could and couldn\u2019t do.\u00a0 And so, the American patriots opted to pursue their freedom.\u00a0 There were many Tories … Continue reading