Strangely, Not Far Enough - Matthew

[@amandarzarate]

Amen!!

[@servingjesussinnersavedbyg8456]

What an astute sermonette and great illustrations of the real point, band-aid ideas do not go far enough, especially when you may need a tourniquet. Well done, and well said. Jesus wants our whole heart, our whole commitment. Without it, we will only have "holes" to show instead of allowing Him to work in us, and making us "whole". It is something we cannot do in and of ourselves, only the Great Physician who is at work in the healing business of body, heart, soul, and mind. Praise be to His name.

[@biblequestionswithchristop8971]

Right on! Challenging and confusing verses should be pursued by understanding the context and interpreted through the rest of scripture.

[@servingjesussinnersavedbyg8456]

One of our elderly pastors says this best when confused about a text, KEEP ON READING, KEEP ON READING, KEEP ON READING for Scripture (in its own context) interprets Scripture.

[@DavidGuzikEnduringWord]

Context is incredibly important and sometimes overlooked. Thanks for writing.

[@stephen8433]

I am glad you reinforced the idea that self-mutilation was Not the thing to do.

[@servingjesussinnersavedbyg8456]

it is the devil's pleasure to lie, steal, destroy and kill.

[@janemwangi3011]

Thank you David I have really got this today. And just when I needed it. Can you tell me how to send bible questions that you deal with weekly?

[@DavidGuzikEnduringWord]

Hi Jane! I have a live Q&A every Thursday 12pm PST. You can send in your questions there in the live chat or email at [e-mail].

[@gaylynjeffers7677]

Do you think smoking cigarettes are a sin punishable unto hell- separation from father God, especially when He has asked you to quit, so you try- but you never accomplish cessation

[@gurivindaguntabhavana2483]

Ask God Big, not to manage the addiction but be addiction free, that you find No pleasure at all in smoking.. If Born again Lord works through HIS Spirit in you, keep taking communion.. By HIS Stripes Healing and Health is all Yours. Claim it to see the abundance of Life through Christ..

[@joycewilson3787]

Praying for you that our Heavenly Father will send you the right treatment. JESUS WILL WALK BESIDE YOU ON THIS ROAD !

[@servingjesussinnersavedbyg8456]

I like what a pastor once said, you may not go to hell for smoking, but it sure smells like you have been there. God is gracious and gives us a way of escape. It is in those moments we have to decide, do we love the (sin) we do more than we love God? If so, we remain in that sin. We relish it and swim in it, we love it. We have no intention of giving it up, but rather giving in to the temptation. That is not even a battle or fight. You have to ask yourself, if I know these things are making me sick, lung cancer, shortness of breath, 13 minutes each cigarette shortens the life I could have later lived w kids and grandkids, then what is the payoff, what is the reward I get in doing it? That said, when you replace a bad habit, you must (repent) and change it with a good habit. So like the others below say, ask God for the Holy Spirit to rule in your life, that He may strengthen and encourage you to not to or to just say no. It's not by our power, nor by our own spirit or strength, but by the power of the Lord in your life will you be able to vanquish this besetting sin forever. We will be praying for you. With God, all things are possible!

[@gaylynjeffers7677]

@@servingjesussinnersavedbyg8456 Thank you

[@gaylynjeffers7677]

@@joycewilson3787 Thank you