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Wheat For Thought's are monthly spiritual motivation in the form of an inspirational video and follow-up Bible study with quotes taken from Bible studies, sermons or Scripture to provoke and stimulate you to more love and good deeds each month in accordance with Hebrews 10:24. WHEAT FOR THOUGHT VO Watch the inspirational video then follow up with the Bible Study this Wheat For Thought came from: See Bible Study Wheat For Thought is spiritual motivation and a monthly light we shine for God in the darkness (2 Cor. 4:6). Illuminating special quotes or Scripture, from various Bible studies on this site, using music and video brings them to the forefront in a way that really provokes and inspires. We hope to stir up, by way of reminder, the truth we hold fast to and encouragement to press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call in Christ Jesus (2 Peter 1:13; 1 John 1:6; 2 Cor. 13:8; Phil. 3:14). To get an email alert, with poetic clues, to the latest WHEAT FOR THOUGHT subscribe here: SUBSCRIBE Wheat For Thought VO WANT MORE? WANT MORE? WANT MORE? WANT MORE? GO TO: vimeo.com/wholewheat

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Whole Wheat International has been teaching people how to study and apply the Bible in their every day lives for over 45 years. GET THE MESSAGE The truth is simple just simply not known Whole Wheat is here 24 hours a day, to encourage you with the truth from God’s word, His Scriptures and promises, that give hope. God will help us navigate all that is happening in our world (Matt. 6:33; 1 Pet. 1:5). He tells us, in John 14:27, not to let our hearts be troubled or fearful but that He gives peace, that the world does not give. God is our refuge and strength and He knows who are His (Ps. 46:1; Nahum 1:7). We can have faith and hope in this, as we put Him first and pursue righteousness (Prov. 21:21). He fulfills His promises for the righteous as we honor Him and we come under His protection when we are zealously living for Him (1 Pet. 3:13). As the world grows darker, we need to remember to continue to show love to our neighbor, use the power of prayer and put all that we know into practice, using God’s wisdom and discernment (James 2:8; James 5:13-18). He is a shield to those that walk in integrity (Prov. 2:6-7). As our founder used to say, 'We do our best and God does the rest.' Learn More MOST POPULAR FEATURES Bible Studies Podcasts Daily Grains How-to-Guide 10 Simple Ways Spiritual Boost Camp Names of God Walk in God's Promises Your Spiritual Health Meditate on Scripture Place of Peace Wheat For Thought The God of Answers Bible Q&A Spiritual Poetry Need Prayer... we're here. Teaching people how to study and apply the Bible in their daily lives for over 45 years. Learn More COMING TO WHOLE WHEAT... True disciples of God are referred to as wheat, who become whole wheat because they keep the Lord's Words and put them into action in their life . Learn More

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Spiritual Poetry for the Soul VO Soul Call Kickstart Your Day Return to Me Merciful God The World is Lost Friend of God Wonderful Counselor World's Apart Flying Free SPIRITUAL POETRY VO Soul Call VO Kickstart Your Day VO Return to Me VO Merciful God VO The World is Lost VO Friend of God VO Wonderful Counselor VO World's Apart VO Flying Free VO Ancient Hebrews wrote poetry in the form of psalms. This inspired us to bring you 'Spiritual Poetry for the Soul' with original poems, inspired by Scripture and the journey of living for God. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. - Psalm 95:2 - Poems property of © Whole Wheat International

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wholewheatonline.com Search A Loving Father Any father who loves his sons or daughters will teach them how to respect and obey him. He will teach them not to lie or steal or swear. He will teach them how to control their tempers and how to share what they have with others. He will teach them good manners and how to practice moderation in all things. He will teach them to be thankful for what they have and how to take care of those things. A loving father will teach his children to respect the elderly, the lame and the blind, and how to serve them in love and respect whenever possible (Job 29:12-16). He will teach them not to think that they are better than others, but to help others in need (Matt. 25:33-40; Luke 14:13). He will teach them to live a good life by doing good and to live a pure life with a pure heart, always doing God’s Will (Psalm 125:4; 103:21; 106:3; James 2:14-26). Children, if brought up correctly, should live their lives to please their fathers. They will never bring reproach or disrespect on their parents as long as they live (Eph. 6:1-3). Our heavenly Father wants the same respect and honor from us (Mal. 1:6). He wants adults to practice these same godly principles. He wants us to repent from a life of doing wrong and sin, and come into a life of doing right by practicing righteousness (1 John 3:7, 10). This is what is expected of those who repent. This is how to repent! This is the repentant life a true disciple of Jesus Christ lives daily, glorifying God with good works (Matt. 5:16). This is the Way of righteousness that Jesus came to show us (Matt. 21:32; 2 Peter 2:20-22; Acts 18:25-26; 19:9, 23; 22:4). The Bible asks, "Those who teach others not to steal, do you steal?" We cannot teach our children to be decent unless we become decent adults first. We need to clean up our lives first by making up our minds not to practice things that do not please our heavenly Father. Then begin to diligently teach these godly principles to our children (Luke 1:17). God wishes to be worshiped in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24; Rom. 12:1). He expects us to practice the truth taught in His word in our daily lives (John 8:51; 3:21; James 1:22). In the near future, the Lord is going to punish the inhabitants of this earth with horrible chastisement (Jude 14-16; Is. 24:3-6). Now is the time to prepare so you will be ready to meet the Lord when He comes (Luke 1:17). Remember, without holiness, no one will see the Lord (Heb. 12:14, King James Version). Will you repent by living the rest of your life to please your heavenly Father in Christ’s name (Col. 3:17)? Will you repent by engaging in a life of continually doing good, as Christ gave you example to do (Titus 3:8)? If you do, the blood of Jesus Christ will be applied to you, and your sins - past, present and future - will not be held against you (1 John 1:6-7, 9; 1 Peter 1:2). This is the truth. PREV NEXT 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED All About the Bible PDF MORE BIBLE STUDIES PODCASTS HOME © 2025 Whole Wheat International

wholewheatonline.com Search The Law and the Prophets "Therefore, however you want people to treat you, so treat them, for this is the Law and the Prophets" (Matt. 7:12). The Law was the Ten Commandments, the statutes and the judgments. It did not include the sacrifices, which were added later (Jer. 7:22). The Ten Commandments and the statutes and judgments are like the Constitution of the United States. The Constitution forms the basis for all our statutes, laws and judgments, which then clarify and expound upon the Constitution. Now, if a person keeps the laws of the land begrudgingly, he is not as good a citizen as one who keeps them with a good attitude, an attitude of service to his country. If a person is loyal to his country and practices doing what is right, by obeying the laws with a right attitude from the heart, he will be in favor with God and man, as long as those laws are not contrary to God’s Ways. All governments exist only by the consent of God, and the leaders of the government are servants of God, whether they know it or not (Rom. 13:1-7). "The Law and the Prophets," then, is the method by which we are to keep the law - by practicing righteousness for God. We are to walk in the Law and put it into daily practice in our lives (Luke 8:21; 1 John 2:6, 29; 3:7; 2 John 4, 6). We are to continually practice living as God lives (Eph. 5:1; 1 Peter 4:11). This is what it means to do God’s Will on earth as it is done in heaven (Matt. 6:10). Why are so many blind to this truth (2 Cor. 4:3-4)? Find out for yourself what the message of the prophets was. Read Isaiah 1:16-20; Jeremiah 4:22; 5:1; 9:23-24; 22:15-16; Ezekiel 33:13-16; Zephaniah 2:3; and Zechariah 7:9-10. The prophets were stoned for telling the people how to walk righteously before God and keep His Ways. They were stoned because they told the people to practice righteousness one to another daily and be honest in all their dealings. They told people to glorify the God of heaven and earth in the way He wants to be glorified and worshiped - by doing good works daily for God (Matt. 5:16). This was the message of the Law and the Prophets. PREV NEXT 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED All About the Bible PDF MORE BIBLE STUDIES PODCASTS HOME © 2025 Whole Wheat International

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wholewheatonline.com Search The Message of the Apostles The apostles told people to repent as soon as they heard the true message of the kingdom of God, so they would not harden their hearts (Matt. 3:2; 4:17; Heb. 3:7-8). What is this kingdom of God the apostles were telling people to enter? This kingdom of God is within your heart (Luke 17:21, KJV). God will give you a brand new heart so that you will want to obey Him, but you must be willing to change and allow Him to change you (Heb. 8:10). You must maintain a child-like attitude to enter this kingdom (Matt. 18:3). You must have a "yes, Father, Your Will be done and not mine" attitude (Matt. 6:10). Instead of continuing to practice lawlessness, which simply means living the way that seems right to you, you agree to practice righteousness for God (Rom. 6:19; Prov. 14:12; 1 John 3:4, 7, 10). You agree to use the members of your body as instruments of righteousness (Rom. 6:13, 18-19). Jesus died for your sins that you might live to righteousness (1 Peter 2:24). You live to righteousness by practicing righteousness, with the help of His Spirit, which He gives only to those who obey Him daily (1 John 2:29; Acts 5:32). You keep His sayings and do what He has commanded (Matt. 7:24; Luke 8:21; 11:28; John 8:51; 15:14). You glorify God by doing good works, which is your spiritual service of worship and what you were created in Christ Jesus to do (Rom. 12:1-2; Eph. 2:10). Satan, who is the enemy of all righteousness, hates those who practice righteousness for God (Acts 13:10). Satan is against good works done for God's glory because he knows this is how his nature in you is crushed by God (Matt. 5:16; Rom. 16:20). God's Will is righteousness (Heb. 13:21). Once you know the Will of God, you know the Way into the kingdom, which is true conversion (Matt. 7:21). You must be zealous and persevere as you overcome evil by doing good deeds for God (1 Peter 3:13; Luke 21:19; Rom. 12:21). You will be doing Jesus Christ's deeds as you strive to enter the narrow Way leading to the kingdom of God, which very few find (Rev. 2:26; Luke 13:24; 16:16; Matt. 7:14). God's Ways are all good and you are to walk in them daily. Imitate the Way God lives and talks (Eph. 5:1; 1 Peter 4:11). Study God's word every day to find those things you can think, do and say to be pleasing in God's sight. The Lord will take notice and answer your prayers because you are living to please Him (1 John 3:22; John 9:31). Once you start, you must endure (Heb. 10:36). Don't look back, but fight the good fight of faith (Luke 17:31-32; 9:62; 1 Tim. 6:12). It's easy (Matt. 11:30)! It's worth it! It is the very purpose of this life (Acts 5:20). PREV NEXT 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED All About the Bible PDF MORE BIBLE STUDIES PODCASTS HOME © 2025 Whole Wheat International

wholewheatonline.com Search How to Obey Jesus Christ It sounds ridiculous, but millions of professing Christians do not know how to obey Jesus Christ. Many believe that being a good person means going to church and being faithful to your tithes, and that this is how to obey Christ. Is this true, or is obedience to Christ something entirely different? First Peter 1:2 says that we must obey Jesus Christ to have our sins forgiven and be sprinkled with His blood. So, we see that obedience precedes forgiveness. How, then, do you obey Christ? You obey Christ by keeping His words (John 8:51). You live the life that He came to show you how to live. If you say you believe in Jesus Christ, then you must obey Him and do what He says (Luke 6:46; Matt. 7:24). The very definition of believe means “obey.” The word of God says that Jesus overcame evil (Rev. 3:21). We do this now by keeping Christ’s works by living to please Him in all respects (Rev. 2:26; Col. 1:10). Obeying Christ, then, is doing what is right daily in His sight and being pleasing to Him in everything we do. Jesus explained to His disciples everything that was pleasing to the Father in heaven. That is why we are to keep Jesus’ words and sayings. They represent how God the Father lives in heaven. God’s Ways represent God’s works, and these are the works that Jesus did when He was on this earth. This is how Jesus overcame the world (John 16:33). Remember, Jesus was tempted by Satan, but He overcame worldliness by keeping the Father’s works or Ways. The Father’s works are all righteous, says God’s word in Psalm 145:17. We are to overcome evil also, like Jesus did, by keeping His works and endure keeping them so we can reign with Him when He returns (Rev. 2:26; John 14:12). Jesus’ works, then, are what we are to do daily to please the Father in heaven. This is how the Father in heaven is glorified. This is how the Father in heaven is worshiped, which is the definition of “glorify” in Matthew 5:16. This is our new spiritual service of worship—using our bodies as instruments of righteousness to God (Rom. 12:1; 6:13). This is how to do God’s Will on earth as it is being done in heaven by God (Matt. 6:10). Being wholly-committed to God, then, is being zealous for good works for God as Jesus was. He is our example of perfect righteousness. No wonder God’s word says: “And who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good [for doing good]?” (1 Peter 3:13). Jesus was zealous for good works and so were His apostles and all of Jesus’ true disciples, including Dorcas. She was continually doing deeds of kindness and charity (Acts 9:36). This is what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ. This is what it means to live the life of Christ in our bodies each day as we walk His holy, precious, righteous Way. All of this is done when we practice righteousness towards others continually. Jesus warned His followers to only live to do good with the right attitude by practicing righteousness. He told them not to do good to be noticed by others, but rather, to do good in secret to be noticed by God (Matt. 6:1; Eph. 6:6-7). So, obedience to the Lord is putting His words and His sayings into action in our daily life. This is how we worship God in heaven today. This is how we become a doer of God’s word (James 1:22). We do the practicing; God does the perfecting and causes the spiritual growth in us (1 Cor. 3:7). We are then taught by God to love one another from the heart—as He commanded us to do from the beginning (1 Thess. 4:9). This is the truth: •that will set you free from your old nature and your old ways that are not pleasing to God; •on how to live a spiritual life before God each day; •on how to keep God’s Ways; •on how to do God’s Will on earth as it is being done in heaven by God daily; •on how to obey Jesus Christ; The truth must be practiced if one is to understand God’s word (John 3:21)! Obeying Jesus Christ is the truth! PREV NEXT 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED All About the Bible PDF MORE BIBLE STUDIES PODCASTS HOME © 2025 Whole Wheat International

wholewheatonline.com Search Believe it or Not If you have been given ears to hear, and if you are being called of God, if you are being drawn by God’s Spirit, then there is indeed good news for you (Matt. 13:14-17; Acts 2:47; John 6:44, 65-66). Believe it or not, Jesus Christ came to bless you, by showing you how to turn from your wicked ways (Acts 3:26). The only reason you weren't living a blessed life before is your sins were withholding God’s blessings from you (Jer. 5:25). Jesus wants to make a change for the good in your life. He wants you to live the rest of your life to please Him and no longer do what is pleasing to yourself. He says if you will do this, He will bless you, answer your prayers, heal your sicknesses, forgive all your sins—even the sins of your father and grandfathers the sins you are paying for that go three or four generations back (Ex. 20:5; Num. 14:18). What a deal, and that’s not all. There is more. God will give you eternal life. He will resurrect you from the grave, should you die while living the good life, which is the God life. Yes, if you will but begin to imitate the Lord in your life and use His Spirit that He will give to you freely to live this wonderful life-changing Way, you’re on your way (Acts 5:32). God has even made a provision, when necessary, in the last days to bypass the need for a person to lay hands on you for His Spirit. All you need do is ask Him to give it to you (Luke 11:13). In regard to baptism, you can have a good friend baptize you by fully submersing you in a swimming pool, hot tub, lake, etc. (Matt. 28:19). God’s Spirit is a Spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23). All these qualities can be summed up in the word charity (Luke 11:41). This is what the Lord wants you to practice towards others until He has a chance to form His new nature in you (Gal. 4:19). The Lord wants you to learn to be a servant of others so that you can rule with Him in a few short years and teach the nations of this earth righteousness (Rev. 2:26-27; Is. 2:2-4; Micah 4:1-3). The Lord wants you to learn to be a servant of others, so that you can be an example to society and perhaps lead others to His Ways by doing so (Titus 2:7). But first we must discipline ourselves for the purpose of godliness daily (1 Tim. 4:7; 6:3; Titus 1:1) so that we might be found worthy to help God in the end (Rev. 19:14-15). If we are being called to be a kingdom of priests to reign on this earth, what are we waiting for (Rev. 5:10)? It is time to learn how to serve others and learn righteousness by doing so (Is. 1:16-20; Rom. 15:2-3; Matt. 20:26-28; Mark 9:35). This is how we will abide forever (Psalm 37:27; 1 Peter 3:10-11; Rom. 12:21; Rev. 2:26). What are you waiting for? Begin a life in service to God by: • Studying God’s word each and every day (Acts 17:11; 2 Tim. 2:15). • Learning to apply it in every way. • Praying for your needs and the needs of others (1 Thess. 5:17; Col. 4:2; James 5:16). Then, keep pleasing the Lord and He will answer your prayers (1 John 3:22; John 9:31; 8:51). PREV NEXT 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED All About the Bible PDF MORE BIBLE STUDIES PODCASTS HOME © 2025 Whole Wheat International

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RIGHTEOUSNESS VO Learn how righteousness is true repentance in this podcast His Righteousness PREV NEXT

I Am God of Peace VO ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Is There Only One Way? Is There Any Future For Me? How Do We Seek Peace & Pursue it? Finding Peace in This World Newsletter PREV NEXT

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wholewheatonline.com Search The Resistance Factor Jesus Christ couldn’t have been our Savior if He hadn’t resisted Satan’s temptations. Jesus was tempted in all things, but He resisted all temptations. Many people are unaware that godliness comes from resisting evil daily. Our natures put up resistance to everything we attempt to do for God. How many people resist their evil natures and discipline themselves to study God’s word on a regular basis? The central message of the Bible is how to discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness (Titus 1:1). The apostle Paul told Timothy to discipline himself for the purpose of godliness (1 Tim. 4:7). Paul said if any minister does not preach about the doctrine that conforms one to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing (1 Tim. 6:3-4). The benefits of bodily discipline, such as weight lifting and running, are temporary, but godliness is profitable for all because it holds a promise for this life as well as the life to come (1 Tim. 4:8). You discipline yourself spiritually by resisting evil thoughts, avoiding evil or dirty movies or television, dirty magazines, etc. You resist foul language, swearing, and using God’s name in vain (Psalm 34:13-14; 139:20). When you resist evil, or the devil, he will flee from you. Satan goes around seeking those he can devour by tempting them not to read their Bibles (1 Peter 5:8-9). He tempts you not to pray to God. He can make more excuses for you than you can imagine. Why can’t you do what you know you should do? Humans constantly give in to Satan instead of resisting him for the glory of God! Most Christians are unaware that the resistance inside them is Satan himself—our adversary—our resistor. Many Christians are unaware that the overcoming process is resistance to all evil. It is doing what they know they should do, even though they are tempted not to do it. In the Bible, Satan is compared to a snake. The more you resist him, forcing yourself to do what is right and pleasing to God, the weaker the snake or pull of Satan becomes. Eventually, if you continue to resist evil, and overcome daily by doing good, Jesus Christ will crush Satan’s hold on you (Rom. 12:21; 16:20). The easiest way to force yourself past the point of the resistance of your evil nature, is to set your mind. Are you going all the way, or not? Settle it within yourself. Whatever you set your hand to do, do it with all your might. Any job worth doing is worth doing right. It’s all in making up your mind. Once you make up your mind, you can quit smoking, lose weight, stop swearing and stop lusting. With God on your side supplying the strength, nothing will be impossible to you. So, continue to force yourself to study your Bible every day. Force yourself to continually pray for others. Force yourself to do all the things you know you should do to please God, and you will be victorious. You will overcome if you continue to discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness. Remember to resist. Resist! Resist! You must persist. Persist in doing good! By forcing yourself in this manner, you are entering the kingdom by force (Luke 16:16). PREV NEXT 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED All About the Bible PDF MORE BIBLE STUDIES PODCASTS HOME © 2025 Whole Wheat International

Understanding Revelation 20 Sermon PREV NEXT We recommend you follow along in your Bible being there is a lot of information to take in, and additional Scripture references given throughout, that you will want to make note of. In addition, to really immerse yourself, we suggest using headphones to listen to the narrarted version, to fully expereinece the cinematic style bringing the chapters to life.

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wholewheatonline.com Search Clean and Unclean God’s word reveals to man how to live, how to think and what he should do to be pleasing to God. He also revealed to man those things which He created to be edible for man (Lev. 11:46-47). These laws were established from the very beginning of the creation of man (Gen. 6:21; 7:8; 8:20). A list of clean and unclean animals can be found in Leviticus 11. God created certain animals for food. He knows what foods are healthful. Still, people object to God telling us what to do. Some say followers of Jesus Christ are free to eat anything; others do not. Let’s examine some Scriptures used to justify the eating of unclean foods and see what God says. The first mention of clean and unclean meats occurs well before Abraham received the old covenant. Hundreds of years earlier, Noah was commanded to take seven pairs of every clean animal onto the ark, but only two of every unclean animal (Gen. 7:2). Why? Certainly, God provided some of the clean animals for Noah to eat while on the ark. Since Noah would not be eating the unclean animals, only two would be required of each type. We can see then, the laws of clean and unclean foods existed before the Mosaic Law. Mark 7:19 is used to justify the consumption of unclean foods by some. In Mark 7, Jesus Christ was teaching His disciples that true worship of God is obeying God from the heart and not keeping useless religious traditions (James 1:27; Heb. 13:16; Is. 1:11-20). Jesus was telling the disciples that the inward, evil heart causes sin, not the eating of food. A Translator’s Handbook on the Gospel of Mark (by Robert G. Bratcher and Eugene A. Nida, United Bible Societies, 1961), notes that the phrase, “Thus He declared all foods clean,” is an addition to the Mark 7 text. The King James Version, which predates all new translations of the Bible, does not have this clause in Mark 7:19. It is a clause added by man (which is why it is italicized), in later versions to perpetuate man-made doctrine and does not agree with the rest of God’s word. Two Greek words are often translated as “unclean.” The first is “akathartos” which means unclean, impure. Akathartos is often used to describe unclean demons or spirits. The Bible verses that use the word akathartos are: Matthew 10:1; 12:43; Mark 1:23, 26-27; 3:11, 30; 5:2, 8, 13; 6:7; 7:25; 9:25; Luke 4:33, 36; 6:18; 8:29; 9:42; 11:24; Acts 5:16; 8:7; 10:14, 28; 11:8; 1 Corinthians 7:14; 2 Corinthians 6:17; Ephesians 5:5; Revelation 16:13; and 18:2. The other Greek word is “koinos.” This word means common, common property, impure, unclean, unholy. Bible verses in which koinos appears include: Mark 7:2; Acts 2:44; 4:32; 10:14, 28; 11:8; Romans 14:14; Titus 1:4; Hebrews 10:29; and Jude 3. Romans 14:14 says nothing is unclean in itself. In this verse, unclean means common or religiously defiled (koinos). Paul devotes all of Romans chapter 14 to one theme: Do not offend a brother or sister who is new in the faith. He points out that sacrificing meat to an idol does not make that meat defiled, but it is defiled or unclean to a person who is trying to come out of pagan beliefs. While reading Scripture, people commonly confuse the two definitions of unclean. In Acts 10:14, Peter said, “I have never eaten anything unholy (Greek: koinos) and unclean (Greek: akathartos).” Here unclean (akathartos) refers to the eating of unhealthful foods. Unholy (koinos) means here that Peter did not eat food that was religiously defiled or meat that had been sacrificed to pagan idols. Peter, who was taught by Jesus Christ, did not eat either religiously defiled or unclean food. What most people think refers to unclean meats does not, but instead refers to ceremonial uncleanness. The word which would include unclean meats (unclean because the meat is unhealthful) is ‘akathartos’. The bottom line on clean and unclean food comes from the Apostle Peter. In Acts 10:14, Peter (who was trained by the Lord for three years) states emphatically, “By no means, Lord, for I have never eaten anything unholy or unclean.” The Apostle Peter was shown a vision of unclean animals and he heard a voice come to him which said, “Arise, Peter, kill and eat” (Acts 10:13). It was a shock to Peter, for he knew it was not pleasing to God. He knew it was an abomination to eat things that God said are unclean (Lev. 11:46-47). This is why Peter was greatly perplexed as to what this vision should mean. He knew God was not making void His law of clean and unclean. After all, it was made for the nation of Israel because God was concerned for the health of His people. Finally, God revealed to Peter that he should no longer consider the Gentiles unclean, as God was opening the door of salvation to them (Acts 10:28). The vision did not even concern food. However, many people who do not know, and understand, God’s word still use Acts 10 to condone the eating of unclean foods when it had nothing to do with food. Is there a specific command in the New Testament that tells followers of Jesus Christ not to touch unclean (akathartos) things? Look what God says in 2 Corinthians 6:17. The “unclean” referred to there is not a man-made religious tradition, but it is unclean because God says it is unclean. God says that certain foods are unclean (akathartos), and that demons are also unclean (akathartos). Colossians 2:16 tells us to let no one judge us in regard to food or drink. This verse does not tell us we are free to eat everything, but instead tells us to let no one judge us. Some religions say you cannot eat meat on certain days. Some say disciples of Jesus Christ should not dance or drink alcoholic beverages. Others say people should eat fish on Friday. Paul is telling us here that true religion is obeying God from the heart, not following man-made religious traditions (Colossians 2:11; 3:5-17). First Timothy 4:1-5 warns Christians against following doctrines of demons. Paul warns of persons who abstain from eating foods that God created for human consumption. Did God create everything for consumption? No. (See Leviticus 11, Genesis 7:2, and Isaiah 66:17—which is referring to the near future). Would we be free to eat poison ivy or toadstool mushrooms? Certainly we would suffer the consequences of eating these poisonous foods! If you look to the Companion Bible, you will see the notation for Leviticus 11:4 states; not eat. These laws are not arbitrary. Food plays a chief part in health and sickness. It is our wisdom to obey these laws now, as far as possible. All are based on the preservation and health of the race. Some for sanitary reasons. First Timothy 4:3 describes certain doctrines held by various churches. First Timothy 4:5 and 1 Corinthians 10:27 give the follower of Jesus Christ instruction on what to do when eating a meal prepared by an unbeliever. Remember, love is the greatest of all attributes (1 Cor. 13:13). For example, if someone sets before you a pork roast and they do not know any better, it would be showing love to eat it, so as not to offend your neighbor. God says it will be sanctified or cleansed with prayer in order to show love to an unbeliever (Luke 10:8; 1 Cor. 10:27, 31-32; Rom.14:17). In the same way, there is a balance and wisdom we should use in our day-to-day life as well, meaning, we should abide by God’s food laws as much as possible and pray over all of our food to cleanse it, believing it is clean, being we may not know every little thing that is in it, nor is it always absolutely necessary to, being your food is sanctified through God in prayer (1 Tim. 4:4; Matt. 21:22). In 1 Corinthians 10:31-33 it says; Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God; just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved. We need to use godly wisdom when in public places that serve food and be considerate of others (1 Corinthians 10:25). We do our best and God does the rest (Jere. 17:10). However, you would be forcing a test on God if you purposely went to the market and bought a pork roast, because you would be preparing and eating food that you know God never made to be eaten (Matt. 4:7). This would be rebellion (1 Sam. 15:22-23). Jesus Christ does not change, Hebrews 13:8 says. The law will not be abolished until all is accomplished, says Matthew 5:17-19. We are to keep the law now in the spirit of love. Remember the prophecy in 2 Corinthians 6:17 where the Lord says, “Do not touch what is unclean and I will come to you.” God’s word is true and consistent. In the near future, God is coming to execute judgment by fire and those slain by the Lord will be many. Isaiah 66:15-17—For behold, the Lord will come in fire and His chariots like the whirlwind, to render His anger with fury, and His rebuke with flames of fire. For the Lord will execute judgment by fire and by His sword on all flesh, and those slain by the Lord will be many. “Those who eat swine’s flesh, detestable things, and mice, shall come to an end altogether,” declares the Lord. Consider this prophecy that has not yet been fulfilled. God does not lie nor does He change (Mal. 3:6). The wrath of God abides on those who refuse to obey God, but those who obey the Son of God shall receive eternal life (John 3:36). God knows what’s best for us, for He created us out of His love. 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Sometimes it gives strength and hope to know that others are praying with you. Send us your prayer request and we will pray with you. Need Prayer... We're Here As many times as we lift up our prayers to God, sometimes it can bring hope and strength to know others are praying with you. Send a prayer request and we will pray too. Click on the "please pray" or image below to submit your prayer request: Please pray... Use prayers from the Bible to help you pray Learn about the promise of answered prayer Learn how powerful prayer can be See how God will comfort you Listen to Scriptures about trusting in God Learn how God is ready to forgive you Learn how to discipline your mind for the purpose of godliness God is your helper and refuge See how God is your rock and strength Struggling with your emotions? Be encouraged by listening to God’s plan for you Learn more about the power of God Learn more about finding peace Learn more about spiritual growth and persevering Get more emotional support from God’s word More resources on prayer

Over 250 Bible studies by subject to help you learn about God's Ways and how the Bible tells us we should live to honor God. BIBLE STUDIES GETTING STARTED DAILY GRAINS NEWSLETTER INDEX OF ALL BIBLE STUDIES BIBLE STUDIES BY SUBJECT: LOTTERY OF A LIFETIME THE PURPOSE OF LIFE HOW-TO-GUIDE REPENTANCE STUDYING THE BIBLE BELIEF / FAITH / GRACE KINGDOM OF GOD MESSAGE RIGHTEOUSNESS GOD'S WILL PEACE EMOTIONAL SUPPORT WOMAN TO WOMAN WORLDY VS. GODLY MISCONCEPTIONS VS. TRUTH BOOK OF REVELATION THE LAST DAYS LOVE & CHARITY OVERCOMING / SIN ALL ABOUT JESUS CALLED AND CHOSEN GOOD DEEDS / GOOD WORKS SICKNESS & SUFFERING BAPTISM MARRIAGE GODLY ADVICE TO UNMARRIED PRAYER YOUNG ADULTS / BEGINNERS THE NAMES OF GOD GODLY CHARACTER CHECKLIST FOR BELIEVERS THE LORD'S SUPPER NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE ESPANOL

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THE SPIRIT The resources below correspond, in order, with the video to give further Scriptures and encouragement: Jesus’ Spirit The Resistance Factor Creator God’s Message to Mankind How Do We Walk in the Spirit? How to Enter God’s Rest Dying to Self Overcoming A New Creation All About God’s Nature Are you a Servant of God? Be Like Jesus Christ Belief and Faith Christ’s Simple Message Did Jesus Faith Have Good Works? Doing Good in Secret God’s Best Example God’s Righteousness Being Chosen By God Podcast Fruits of the Spirit How to Glorify God Practice Makes Perfect Promise of God’s Guidance Prayer of God’s Servant Spiritual Boost Camp Servant 10 Simple Ways to Start Living For God Today *This information is not meant to be medical advice but spiritual encouragement based on God’s word. PREV NEXT

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