The DO's and DON'Ts of BELIEVERs In CHRIST

The Torah has 613 Laws and Regulations for the Jews. There are 127 New Testament commands for the Believer, as compiled by Dr Harold Willmington (Willmington's Guide to the Bible, pp 878-879).

The Jews of old were under the 613 Mosaic Laws (the Torah), which represented an ethical code given by GOD to Israel to govern the nation until the coming of Messiah YESHUA. ALL Believers IN CHRIST today (whether Jews or Gentiles) are under GRACE...AMAZING GRACE...the UNearned, UNdeserved, UNmerited Favor of GOD.

JESUS said, Come to Me, ALL you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you REST. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I AM gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find REST for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

JESUS summed up ALL the Law and Prophets, even the 127 Do's and Don'ts of Believers -- 'You shall LOVE The LORD your GOD with ALL your Heart, with ALL your Soul, with ALL your Strength, and with ALL your mind,' and 'your Neighbor as yourSELF.' (Luke 10:27)

The 127 DO's and DON'Ts of Believers IN CHRIST JESUS:

1. Abstain from all appearances of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:22)

2. Abstain from all fleshly lusts. (1 Peter 2:11)

3. Avoid troublemakers. (Romans 16:17)

4. Avoid profane and vain babblings. (1 Timothy 6:20)

5. Avoid false science. (1 Timothy 6:20)

6. Avoid foolish questions. (Titus 3:9)

7. Avoid arguments about the law (Titus 3:9)

8. Be reconciled to a brother. (Matthew 5:24)

9. Be wise as serpents. (Matthew 10:16)

10. Be harmless as doves. (Matthew 10:16)

11. Be thankful. (Colossians 3:15)

12. Be patient toward all men. (1 Thess 5:14; 2 Timothy 2:24)

13. Be ready to give an answer of the hope that is in you.

(1 Peter 3:15)

14. Be transformed. (Romans 12:2)

15. Be patient in tribulation. (Romans 12:12)

16. Be children in (avoiding) malice. (1 Corinthians 14:20)

17. Be men in understanding. (1 Corinthians 14:20)

18. Be steadfast. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

19. Be unmovable. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

20. Be always abounding in GOD's work. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

21. Be of one mind. (Romans 12:16)

22. Be separate from the unclean. (2 Corinthians 6:17)

23. Be angry and sin not. (Ephesians 4:26)

24. Be filled with The SPIRIT. (Ephesians 5:18)

25. Be anxious for NOthing. (Philippians 4:6)

26. Be an example to other believers. (1 Timothy 4:12)

27. Be gentle to all men. (2 Timothy 2:24)

28. Be ready to teach. (2 Timothy 2:24)

29. Be content with what you have. (Hebrews 13:5)

30. Be vigilant. (1 Peters 5:8)

31. Do not be like the hypocrites in prayer. (Matthew 6:5)

32. Do not be afraid of men. (Luke 12:4)

33. Do not be conformed to this world. (Romans 12:2)

34. Do not be children in understanding. (1 Corinthians 14:20)

35. Do not be deceived by evil companions. (1 Corinthians 15:33)

36. Do not be unequally yoked by unbelievers. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)

37. Do not be drunk with wine. (Ephesians 5:18)

38. Do not be weary in well-doing. (2 Thessalonians 3:13)

39. Do not be slothful. (Hebrews 6:12)

40. Do not be influenced by strange doctrines. (Hebrews 13:9)

41. Beware of false prophets. (Matthew 7:15; Philippians 3:2)

42. Beware of evil men. (Matthew 10:17)

43. Beware of covetousness. (Luke 12:15)

44. Beware of backsliding. (2 Peter 3:17)

45. Do not bid false teachers GODspeed. (2 John 10, 11)

46. Bring up children in the LORD. (Ephesians 6:4)

47. Cast your cares upon GOD. (1 Peter 5:7)

48. Have confidence IN GOD. (Hebrews 10:35)

49. Come out from among the world. (2 Corinthians 6:17)

50. Count it JOY when you are tempted (tested). (James 1:2)

51. Treat others as you expect to be treated. (Matthew 7:12)

52. Desire the milk of the Word. (1 Peter 2:2)

53. DO ALL for GOD's GLORY. (1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17, 23)

54. Do all things without murmuring or disputing. (Philippians 2:14)

55. Earnestly contend for the faith. (Jude 3)

56. Give no place to satan. (Ephesians 4:27)

57. Give thanks. (Ephesians 5:20; Philippians 4:6)

58. Give time to reading. (1 Timothy 4:13)

59. Give no offence. (1 Corinthians 10:32)

60. Give freely. (2 Corinthians 9:6, 7)

61. Give as GOD has prospered. (1 Corinthians 16:2)

62. Give willingly. (2 Corinthians 8:12)

63. Give purposely. (2 Corinthians 9:7)

64. Do not grieve the Holy SPIRIT. (Ephesians 4:30)

65. Grow in GRACE. (2 Peter 3:18)

66. Have no fellowship in darkness. (Ephesians 5:11)

67. Have compassion. (Jude 23)

68. Have a good conscience. (1 Peter 3:16)

69. Hold forth the WORD of Life. (Philippians 2:16)

70. Hold fast sound words. (2 Timothy 1:13)

71. Honor fathers. (Ephesians 6:2)

72. Honor mothers. (Matthew 19:19)

73. Honor widows. (1 Timothy 5:3)

74. Honor rulers. (1 Peter 2:17)

75. Lay aside all envy. (1 Peter 2:1)

76. Lay aside all evil speaking. (1 Peter 2:1)

77. Do not lay up treasures on earth. (Matthew 6:19)

78. Let your light shine. (Matthew 5:16)

79. Let everyone deny himself. (Matthew 16:24)

80. Let him share with the needy. (Luke 3:11)

81. Let everyone obey civil laws. (Romans 13:1)

82. Let no man deceive himself. (1 Corinthians 3:18)

83. Let everyone examine himself at communion. (1 Cor 11:28)

84. Let your requests be made known to GOD. (Philippians 4:6)

85. Let your speech be with grace. (Colossians 4:6)

86. Do all things in decent order.

87. Let those who are taught support the teacher. (Galatians 6:6)

88. Let wives submit to their husbands. (Eph 5:22; Colossians 3:18)

89. Let husbands love their wives. (Ephesians 5:25)

90. Let wives reverence their husbands. (Ephesians 5:33)

91. Let everyone be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. (James 1:19)

92. Let the afflicted pray. (James 5:13)

93. Let the adorning of women be more inward than outward.

(1 Peter 3:3, 4)

94. Don't let the left hand know what the right hand is doing. (Matthew 6:3)

95. Do not let sin reign in the body. (Romans 6:12)

96. Do not let the sun go down on your wrath. (Ephesians 4:26)

97. Follow things that edify. (Romans 14:19)

98. Walk in The SPIRIT. (Galatians 5:25)

99. Do not provoke one another. (Galatians 5:26)

100. Do not be weary in well doing. (Galatians 6:9)

101. Come boldly to the throne of grace. (Hebrew 4:16; 10:19-23)

102. Do not forsake assembling together in worship. (Hebrews 10:25)

103. Exhort one another. (Hebrews 10:25)

104. Lay aside every weight. (Hebrews 12:1)

105. Run with patience the race before us. (Hebrews 12:1)

106. LOOK to JESUS. (Hebrews 12:2)

107. Offer the sacrifice of praise to GOD continually. (Hebrews 13:15)

108. Do not judge one another in doubtful things. (Romans 14:1)

109. Do not cause others to stumble. (Romans 14:13)

110. Mark troublemakers. (Romans 16:17; Philippians 3:17)

111. PRAY for your Persecutors. (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:28)

112. Pray for laborers. (Matthew 9:38; Luke 10:2)

113. Present your body to GOD. (Romans 12:1)

114. Put on the NEW man. (Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10)

115. Put on the whole armor of GOD. (Ephesians 6:11, 13)

116. Do not quench the SPIRIT. (1 Thessalonians 5:19)

117. Consider yourself DEAD to SIN. (Romans 6:11)

118. Redeem the time. (Ephesians 5:16)

119. Resist the devil. (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:9)

120. Restore backsliders in meekness. (Galatians 6:1)

121. Strengthen feeble knees. (Hebrews 12:12)

122. Study to show yourself approved to GOD. (2 Timothy 2:15)

123. Take no anxious thought of tomorrow. (Matthew 6:34)

124. Take the LORD's supper. (1 Corinthians 11:24-26)

125. Be careful not to despise little ones. (Matthew 18:10)

126. Be aware of yourself and your doctrine. (1 Timothy 4:16)

127. Withdraw from disorderly people. (2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14)

Those not IN CHRIST, though they examine these sayings as written in the Bible, will not truly understand the depth, yet utter simplicity, of these teachings. One must have the INdwelling Presence of the SPIRIT of GOD in his Heart, for HE teaches the believer into ALL TRUTH regarding The WORD of GOD.

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)

If you've just read this and feel the SPIRIT of GOD speaking to your conscience -- stop and listen, for our FATHER in Heaven is drawing you to Himself, to His SON. JESUS CHRIST, even NOW, is knocking at the door of your Heart. THROUGH JESUS, you may have forgiveness of ALL your SINs and PEACE between you and GOD. By receiving CHRIST as LORD and Savior of your life, you are given the Holy SPIRIT, Who then imparts to you the RIGHTEOUSNESS and TRUTH of JESUS and emPOWERS you to do the above, one day at a time.

Then the priceless Wisdom of The WORD of GOD, the Bible, will be unlocked for you. JESUS Himself is the Key -- for HE is the TRUE Way to the Knowledge of GOD, to REGENERATION, and to the Door to ETERNAL Life!

Location, Location, LOCATION! WHERE is your ETERNAL Real Estate?

EVERY LIFE conceived will follow its natural cycle. EVERY PERSON BORN WILL DIE. As soon as a LIFE -- a human BEing -- is formed in the mother's womb, the process of Life to Death begins. (Though there are those countless millions of lives that were terminated through Abortion -- LEGALIZED MURDER -- their right to live out that natural process violated... their choice to live nullified. They were the silent ones -- lambs to the slaughter.)

"In the Bible, there are TWO kinds of DEATH and both can be defined by a single word. The word is SEPARATION. The two kinds of death are PHYSICAL and SPIRITUAL. When a person dies physically, his soul is separated from his body. The soul-less body is put in the ground (or cremated, as Jazmyn was -- and placed in this painted box), but the SOUL lives on. It can NEVER die. The more serious kind of death, however, is spiritual death. This will occur when the UNsaved sinner will someday be forEVER separated from GOD. This is called the SECOND DEATH." (Dr. Harold L. Willmington - Willmington's Guide to the Bible, page 23)

i saw the dead, both great and small, standing before GOD's throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the DEAD were JUDGED according to the things written in the books, according to what they had done. The sea gave up the dead in it, and death and the grave gave up the dead in them. They were ALL JUDGED according to their DEEDS. (Revelation 20:12-13)

And death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the SECOND death -- the lake of fire. And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:14-15)

EVERY person will live on in Eternity, for ALL human beings have a SOUL, which NEVER dies. The body dies physically, but the soul will be assigned his (or her) ETERNAL real estate -- HEAVEN or HELL.

Either blissful and priceless, or horrific and fearsome, is that LOCATION where EACH person will spend his (or her) ETERNITY.

In HEAVEN -- He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever. (Revelation 21:4)

In HELL -- In that location, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 24:51b)

In HEAVEN -- is the very Presence of GOD, with CHRIST JESUS! The home of GOD is now among His people! He will live with them, and they will be His people. GOD Himself will be with them. (Revelation 21:3) When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with Me where I AM. (John 14:3)

In HELL -- is the outer darkness, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 22:13)

In HEAVEN -- is the believer's personal home, created for the follower by our LORD Himself.

There are many rooms in My Father's home, and I AM going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly. (John 14:2)

In HELL -- is `where the worm never dies and the fire never goes out.' (Mark 9:48)

In HEAVEN -- is where all BELIEVERS in CHRIST will gather for the marriage feast of the Lamb, where we will unite with our SAVED loved ones, and all the saints, prophets and apostles -- Abraham, Moses, Paul, John, David, Peter, Daniel, Joseph, Isaiah, Job, Rahab, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Noah, Jacob, Nehemiah, Jonah... all the Marys... mother Theresa... the boy with the five loaves of bread and two fish... ALL the SAVED -- great and small, rich and poor, Jew and Gentile, men and women.

For IF we BELIEVE that JESUS died and rose again, even so GOD will bring with Him those who sleep in JESUS. (I Thessalonians 4:14)

In HELL -- will reside the unforgiven, the unrepentant, those who rejected GOD's WORD... His SON... those who willfully rejected the calling of the Holy SPIRIT to GOD's plan of Salvation -- CHRIST JESUS... GOD from Heaven clothed in human flesh.

Outside the city are the dogs -- the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idol worshipers, and all who love to live a lie. (Revelation 22:15)

Location, location, LOCATION! In the real estate market, LOCATION is the key to the value of the property. For all those who have put their TRUST in CHRIST JESUS, their guaranteed ETERNAL Real Estate is the Kingdom of GOD in heaven... face to face with JESUS in all His Glory.

A person can't buy into that priceless eternal REAL estate -- it's FREE -- because it cost the Father SO infinitely! It cost GOD the Father His SON's LIFE -- but to ALL sinners (and we are ALL sinners... NO one, NOT one is good -- only GOD is truly good) who truly REPENT and ask for forgiveness and receive GOD's Gift of Redemption -- he is FREELY given the most valuable piece of REAL estate -- an INdescribable, INcomprehensible, UNimaginable Garden of Eden... TRUE Paradise.

Location, Location, LOCATION! Where have you invested your ETERNAL tomorrow? For TOday may be your last breath. CHOOSE -- this very moment, where you will live your ETERNAL LIFE -- with GOD in His ETERNAL Heaven with His loving Presence...

Or in Hell -- TOTALLY SEPARATED from GOD's MERCY and GRACE and LOVE, totally devoid of the Presence of GOD...and without GOD's Presence is total darkness, total depravity, total evil... unimaginable suffering to the nth degree.

Location...Location...LOCATION...prime Reality is through The WAY, The TRUTH and The LIFE -- The WORD Himself -- JESUS, The CHRIST...the Messiah. The LORD JESUS Himself has declared: "NO ONE comes to The FATHER except THROUGH Me." (John 14:6b)

Which Holy Book is GOD's TRUTH?

From the Evidence Bible -- Irrefutable evidence for the thinking mind, compiled by Ray Comfort, i read what Richard M. Fales, Ph.D., wrote about how

Archaeology and history attest to the reliability of the Bible.

Manuscript Evidence: Aristotle’s Ode to Poetics was written between 384 and 322 B.C. The earliest copy of this work dates A.D. 1100, and there are only forty-nine extant manuscripts. The gap between the original writing and the earliest copy is 1,400 years. There are only seven extant manuscripts of Plato’s Tetralogies, written 427–347 B.C. The earliest copy is A.D. 900—a gap of over 1,200 years.
What about the New Testament? JESUS was crucified in A.D. 30. The New Testament was written between A.D. 48 and 95. The oldest manuscripts date to the last quarter of the first century, and the second oldest A.D. 125. This gives us a narrow gap of thirty-five to forty years from the originals written by the apostles. From the early centuries, we have some 5,300 Greek manuscripts of the New Testament. Altogether, including Syriac, Latin, Coptic, and Aramaic, we have a whopping 24,633 texts of the ancient New Testament to confirm the wording of the Scriptures.

With the great body of manuscript evidence, it can be proved, beyond a doubt, that the New Testament says exactly the same things today as it originally did nearly 2,000 years ago.
Corroborative Writings: Critics also charge that there are no ancient writings about JESUS outside the New Testament. This is another ridiculous claim. Writings confirming His birth, ministry, death, and resurrection include Flavius Josephus (A.D. 93), the Babylonian Talmud (A.D. 70–200), Pliny the Younger’s letter to the Emperor Trajan (approx. A.D. 100), the Annals of Tacitus (A.D. 115–117), Mara Bar Serapion (sometime after A.D. 73), and Suetonius’ Life of Claudius and Life of Nero (A.D. 120).
Fulfilled Prophecies: Prophecies from the Old and New Testaments that have been fulfilled also add credibility to the Bible. The Scriptures predicted the rise and fall of great empires like Greece and Rome (Daniel 2:39, 40), and foretold the destruction of cities like Tyre and Sidon (Isaiah 23)...with the arrival of Alexander the Great. In the seven-month siege, he fulfilled the remainder of the prophecies (Zechariah 9:4; Ezekiel 26:12) concerning the city at sea by completely destroying Tyre, killing 8,000 of its inhabitants and selling 30,000 of its population into slavery.
Alexander’s death and the murder of his two sons was also foretold in the Scripture. Another startling prophecy was Jesus’ detailed prediction of Jerusalem’s destruction, and the further spreading of the Jewish diaspora throughout the world, which is recorded in Luke 21. In A.D. 70, not only was Jerusalem destroyed by Titus, the future emperor of Rome, but another prediction of JESUS CHRIST in Matthew 24:1,2 came to pass—the complete destruction of the temple of GOD.
Messianic Prophecies: In the Book of Daniel, the Bible prophesied the coming of the one and only Jewish Messiah prior to the temple’s demise. The Old Testament prophets declared He would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) to a virgin (Isaiah 7:14), be betrayed for thirty pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12,13), die by crucifixion (Psalm 22), and be buried in a rich man’s tomb (Isaiah 53:9). There was only one person who fits all of the messianic prophecies of the Old Testament who lived before A.D. 70: JESUS of Nazareth, the Son of Mary.

As a born again follower of CHRIST, not only do i put my faith in GOD's promises as written in His Word, the Holy Bible -- i put my faith on Rock solid ground -- on factual reality, on proven historical evidence. Though my faith in JESUS as my Lord and personal Savior is fervently zealous and deeply heart-felt, it is not blind faith. GOD's earthly creation, my own body (attesting to the fact that i am fearfully and wonderfully made), the Hubble telescope pictures of breathtaking stars and innumerable galaxies (giving irrefutable proof of GOD's astronomical, indescribable creativity) are enough evidence to convince me of GOD's Presence as Creator of all that exist. i've accepted the Holy Scriptures, the Bible, in its entirety, as the Truth -- GOD's infallible Word -- based on all the intelligent facts which bombard us from every direction since the dawn of history.

Which "holy book" will you believe -- by which "holy scripture" will you stake your whole life, your whole existence -- For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. (Proverbs 23:7)

Will you put all your eggs in the One's basket Who holds the Truth of the Reality of GOD, the Creator of every thing you see, and even every thing that you can't see, but exist? Will you even believe the Truth when you see it? The Word of GOD, the Holy Bible, is Truth -- it conforms with fact...with the reality of GOD's Reality.

Will you put your faith, your belief system, in the Qur'an, the Book of Mormons, the Watchtower Bible, the Four Noble Truths, or the New Age queen of CHRIST-less spirituality -- Oprah Winfrey?

Pontius Pilate, asked JESUS, "Quid est veritas?" -- "What is truth?" What "truth" rules you? Is it Truth?
In the beginning, GOD created... (Genesis 1:1)

Your belief or disbelief of these words determines your world view and philosophy, including your view of truth, of marriage, of children, or morality, of science, of human nature, of GOD, of the Bible, of spirituality, of the soul and eternity, and of purpose, value, and sacredness of life itself. (John T. Yates, Faith Bible Institute)
GOD's Word, the Holy Bible, is completely unlike any of the books of all the other faiths mentioned above. The Holy Scriptures is a collection of 66 books inspired by GOD. Though He supernaturally used mortals as His instruments, He, the almighty GOD, is the true Author of the Bible -- which explains its unity, indestructibility, and universal influence. It is historically, scientifically and prophetically accurate. The greatest single proof of the supernatural nature of the Bible is its marvelous life-transforming power. (Dr. Harold L. Willmington, Willmington's Guide to the Bible, page xv -- paraphrased)
Whose WORD do you believe in today? Is it Truth?
Do you really believe that what you believe is really real? Will it get you into Heaven?

my CHURCH

In one of my Bible studies (this one with Faith Bible Institute, and John Yates as via-satellite instructor), during the study of The Book of Revelation -- on the chapters about the seven churches, i was convicted to look at my own "church" -- the church that i am today.

The Church is the body of CHRIST, which He is the Head and Owner, and i (and all born again believers -- no matter the denomination, nationality or country) as His follower, is a member of the whole body. The Holy SPIRIT Who abides within, in His still small voice, asked me: rln, how is your "church"? Are you SPIRIT filled? Are you a beacon of light to those around you, to the community in which you live? Are you zealous for CHRIST as He was (and is) for the Father? Does His SPIRIT control you...does His Presence enliven your "church"?

In Revelation, chapters 2 and 3, there were seven churches with certain characteristics which i could apply to my own "church" today -- a checklist, so to speak, to gauge my own inner spiritual condition. Which of these churches describe the inner me today?

The church at Ephesus -- the loveless church.

JESUS commended this church as hard working (evangelistic), patient (longsuffering and enduring all for Him without quitting), separated from the world (discerning of the truth, not tolerating evil people or wickedness, agreeing with Him in repudiating the deeds of the immoral Nicolaitans), persistent in their faith though persecuted. Yet He condemned this church for leaving its first love -- love for CHRIST Himself and fellow believers. This church had many good works, yet it neglected its first love -- communion with GOD and fellowship with His family. His counsel -- repent!

The church at Smyrna -- the persecuted church.

JESUS commended this church for suffering persecution (and slander from the synagogue of satan) and poverty for His sake (GOD saw this church as spiritually rich). He had no condemnation for this church. His counsel -- be fearless, remain faithful -- even when facing death, for those who are victorious will receive the crown of life and will not be hurt by the second death.

The church at Pergamos -- the compromising church.

JESUS commended this church for holding fast to their faith in Him amidst satanic influence (the city's populace worshipped many idols and objects) and martyrdom. He condemned this church because some members practiced the doctrine of Balaam (sexual immorality and idolatry); and some practiced the doctrine of the Nicolaitans (sexual immorality, perversions, self-indulgence). His counsel -- repent!

The church at Thyatira -- the corrupt church.

JESUS commended this church for their good works -- their constant improvement in love, service, faithfulness, patience and endurance. Yet He condemned them for allowing Jezebel to corrupt the church, to teach and seduce the members to commit sexual immorality, heresy and idolatry. His counsel to those who remained undefiled by Jezebel's corruption -- hold fast to their faith in Him until His return.

The church at Sardis -- the dead church.

JESUS commended this church for having a few who were not defiled, who were still a GODly remnant of the true faith in CHRIST. He condemned this church for being dead though it had a reputation for being alive -- for going through the motions like a walking zombie, but actually spiritually dead, for their deeds were far from right in the sight of GOD. His counsel -- watch, strengthen (that which remains and is about to die); remember what they have received (salvation, the Gospel), hold fast and repent!

The church at Philadelphia -- the faithful church.

JESUS commended this church that though it had little strength, it obeyed His Word and not denied His name...it obeyed His command to persevere. This church openly confessed to the inspiration of the Word of GOD, and openly confessed to the incarnation of JESUS, the Son of GOD. He had no condemnation for this church. His counsel -- hold fast to what they have so that no one may take their crown.

The church at Laodicea -- the lukewarm church.

JESUS had no commendations for this church! He had nothing good to say whatsoever. He condemned this church for its arrogance and pride -- for saying, "I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing." He condemned them for their ignorance of their true state -- "wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked." His counsel -- replace their material riches (wealth derived from the city's commercial industries -- banking, wool, medicine...eye salve, in particular) with the true spiritual riches which lead to genuine salvation: faith (gold purified by fire), works blessed by GOD (white raiment for their nakedness), forgiveness (spiritual eye salve, that they may see).

His counsel -- repent! Be diligent and turn from indifference. He is at the door, knocking -- calling (the Son of GOD asking to be allowed in!!!)...open the door of your heart.

(The above are basically from John Yates' commentary of the seven churches, as derived from Willmington's Guide to the Bible.)

So which church do i most resemble today? What will JESUS commend me for, and what will He find in me to rebuke? Do i do good works for self-aggrandisement rather than simply out of love for Him? Do i compromise His Word by not standing firm to His Truth? Do i obey GOD's commands or do i still conform myself to the world? Do i worship Him by rote rather than with passionate gratefulness? Do i still value the riches of this world rather than setting my sights on the true riches of His heavenly Kingdom? What is the condition of my inner church today?

Here's another guide which helped me in gauging my walk in CHRIST:

According to Pastor Charles Stanley, a church is healthy and effective when it is founded on these eight doctrines:

The Bible -- as the inerrant Word of GOD.

The Deity of CHRIST -- that JESUS CHRIST is not only the Son of GOD, but that He is GOD.

The Virgin Birth of JESUS CHRIST -- that the Holy SPIRIT supernaturally placed Him in the womb of the virgin Mary.

The Bodily Resurrection of CHRIST -- JESUS fully conquered death and rose on the third day.

The Second Coming -- that JESUS is going to return.

The Judgment -- that there is a time for each person to stand before almighty GOD and give an account.

Heaven and Hell -- that CHRIST's judgment will result in different eternal destinations for people.

Salvation -- that JESUS CHRIST went to the cross and died a sacrificial, atoning death, and that His sacrifice is the only way to be saved.

Okay, so far so good...i believe all the above and live intentionally (as enabled by the Holy SPIRIT), according to these foundational beliefs in CHRIST. (Midway Church teaches the above as well.)

Pastor Stanley states further that a healthy and effective church "builds faith and disciples... strengthens a believer's relationship with GOD, and helps him/her understand the Bible and scriptural principles for living... also provides avenues through which to serve... concerned about people around the world who have never heard the gospel... and should make an impact in its community, as well as globally."

How is my "church" -- my own inner spiritual process as a fully devoted follower of CHRIST? Am i applying GODly principles in my life? Am i walking the Life of JESUS by serving, by sharing the gospel? Am i impacting my family, my community...wherever GOD may choose to place me, even globally?

This i can say, with firm conviction --i am a saint being sanctified, one day at a time... that CHRIST has made me a new creature altogether, that i am His workmanship, that He is the author and finisher of rln, and that He is Faithful and True and will not leave any part of me undone!

All things i can do through CHRIST who strengthens me... without Him, i can do nothing... and without His Love, i am nothing -- nothing at all.