Crippled Feet: Evolution

Day 6

The strongest and hardest part about being part of a broken society is the want for no God. There is three points of view when it comes to this belief. The atheist, the Christian, and God's point of view. Each one is challenged greatly with the idea that no God exist and that evolution is how the world was really made.

An Atheist is a person who doesn't believe in a God at all. They are the strongest fighters for the Evolution Theory. Evolution is a theory of how the world was made without a God. The strongest part about this Theory is the idea of leaving most things to chance. The earth was created as a result of a big bang, and life began after certain conditions on earth allowed it to evolve. The problem most Evolutionist and Atheist have the toughest time explaining, is how did humans evolve emotions and the feeling of right and wrong. Most Christians explain this phenomenon by saying that humans were created in God's image. Read Genesis 1:27.

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."

From the Bible we know that God has emotions. God has anger, Read Psalm 2:12.

"Kiss the Son. lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him."

God forgives, He guides, and God is love. Read Jeremiah 33:8, Psalm 25:9, Psalm 145:17.

"(Jeremiah) I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me."

"(Psalm 25) He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way."

"(Psalm 145) The Lord is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made."

Most people who claim they don't believe that a God exist, do believe He exist but don't want to accept him. 

A Christian has difficulty when it comes to evolution, either they are totally against it, or they allow evolution to mingle with their faith, straying them from God. Although God is not at all related to evolution, He doesn't want us to focus all our time trying to force people into believing that they are wrong and we are right. We can show them what we believe and why we believe it, and allow God to do the rest. To leave someone who wants to fight over religion is always tough for a Christian to do. Read Romans 16:17.

"I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to teaching you have learned. Keep away from them."

The other thing that hurts Christian is allowing Evolution to come into their faith. Most Christians do, this in order to fit into society. Out of fear of not fitting in, Christians has allowed their bible, God's word, to get twisted. God warns us against allowing others to influence us in our decision. Read Matthew 7:15-16.

"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles."

The last but not least we will look at God's point of view. God is jealous for us, He wants to be the only thing we look to for help. The only thing we worship. Read Deuteronomy 4:24.

"For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God."

He wants us to remember that He was the one who created the world and breathed life into a human. God was here before the earth, He made the earth. Read Genesis 1:1.

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

He tells us through His creation that he is our God. Read Job 38: 1-41.

(Due to the fact that this is the longest verse I have put on here, I will just allow you to read it for yourself.)

Crippled Feet: Drugs and Alcohol

Day 5

When it comes to alcohol and drugs, you automatically think of the time you went to that drinking party. Or that time when your friend offered you some drugs to smoke. There are two thoughts that come to you when you remember this, either you thought it was terrible stuff and you never did it again, or you liked it so much you want to take it again and again.

The biggest problem with both drugs and alcohol, is that it becomes addicting. We think that to forget the pain we've been through, is to drink or smoke until we forget the pain. Instead of turning to God, we try to find comfort in these worldly things. The only problem with these worldly things, is that you often do not feel satisfied afterwards. God tries to show us this, tries to remind us of that constant thirst that is never ending. He tries to guard us against it many times. Read Proverbs 23:29-35.

"Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. Your eyes will see strange sights and your mind imagine confusing things. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging. 'They hit me' you will say, 'but I'm not hurt! They bet me, but I don't feel it! When I wake up so I can have another drink?'" 

God knows that alcohol not only harms you. Bit it also effects those around you who have to watch you go through the pain your putting your body and your soul through. Read 1 Corinthians 6: 19-20.

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."

Addiction is a hard thing to overcome, but with the help of God's word we will become strong again. When we feel weak, God will help us stay strong. Read Hebrews 11:34.

"Quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who become powerful in battle and routed foreign armies."

Another way we can hold true to God and depend less on alcohol and drugs, is to remember how important it is to have God in our lives. How by giving our life over to God, it is no longer our life, but God's. Read Jeremiah 10: 23.

"I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps."

Drinking can often lead to sin which leads us down from God's path. The sin not only harms us, but those we love. A lot of unborn babies die, or are born with severe FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) Because of the alcohol that the mother drinks. Although this causes much stress, the best way to help your journey to no alcohol, is to know you are forgiven. By God, Read Isaiah 44:22.

"I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like a morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you."

By Friends, and also by Family. Read Luke 17: 3-4.

"So watch yourselves. ' If your brothers sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times, comes back to you and says 'I repent' forgive him."

Forgiveness is key to recovery. Not only do you need your friends and family to forgive you. Not even God, who has already forgiven you. But you must also forgive yourself. For you cannot continue in faith with God, with the guilt and shame of a sinner.

Crippled Feet: Money

Day 4

The biggest problem the American society has, is how to deal with money. Society has become so money driven that people feel that it is the most important thing to have.

Most of the time, when it comes to money, those who have too much, don't share it, and those who have too little don't save it. Christians struggle badly when it comes to money. Most rich Christians have a hard time with giving up their money. God makes it clear in the Bible that he knows this and does not like it. Read Luke 12:19 -21.

"And I'll say to myself, 'you have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; et drink and be merry.' But God said. ' You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself.' This is how it will be with anyone who stores up  things for himself but is not rich toward God."

But He does make it clear as to how we can control the feeling of greed. Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19.

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."

Being wealthy can also destroy you in the manner of how you want it more than you want God. Allowing it to become more worthy than God, can make your faith dwindle. Read Matthew 19:21-24.

"Jesus answered. ' if you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.' When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Then Jesus said to his disciples, ' I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

Now there are also those who are poor. More often, when a Christian is poor, they risk the challenges of discontentment. Most Christians think "if God is so good to those who love Him, then why does He allow Christians to be poor?" Poorness did not come from God, It came as a result of our choice on how we wanted spend the freedom God gave us. With the choices that we made, there is a consequence. Some people have a hard time learning that being poor does not limit you to a life without pleasure, but frees you from a life of slavery to money. Read Proverbs 15:16.

"Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil."

Read Philippians 4: 12-13

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

Read 1 Timothy 6: 7 - 10 

"For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap  and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."

Read Hebrews 13:5

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'" 

All of these verses Encourage us to be content with what has been given to us by God's mercy. God has blessed us in many ways, and it we try every day to remember those blessings. Then we will never be completely poor.

Crippled Feet: Popularity

Day 3

When it comes to the American society, the thing that seems to be highly valued is popularity.  Most Christians fear confessing and sharing with others about their faith because they will " los their cool." Some Christians leave Christianity because of the fact that it isn't a very popular belief. So how do we stay strong and keep on the path, when we desire to be popular?

We must be encouraged by one thing, some of the most popular people in the world, are Christians. just to mention a few;

• Elvis Presley
• Faith Hill
• Kathie Lee Gifford
• Billy Graham
• Chuck Norris
• Carrie Underwood
• Mr.T
• Olivia Newton-John
• Kirk Cameron

And many more. God wants us to think that in his eyes we are popular, one of a kind, His children. Read Luke 12:7

"Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered, Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

When we focus on how important we are to God, then the importance of humankind doesn't seem as important. Even than though, most of us struggle to make ourselves more important. We often wonder if it is bad to look good. The only way this could become something bad, is when looking beautiful on the outside is the only thing that concerns you. If it becomes something that you guard as more important then your relationship with God, it can become deadly. Read 1Samuel 16:7.

" But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

The best way to live life, is living is as yourself, honoring God and respecting others. One of the things that people seem to think is ok, is the idea that the popular person to be a bully.  It has been found in my opinion though, that those who are kind to others are more popular than those who are mean. Still, we think that we must be unkind to others who are different than us to become more popular. Sometimes we even deny old friendships to look more cool, hurting those who we care about the most just for the show of popularity.  With God, we must remember that to be a good friend is to be loyal, even though you may become less popular because of it. Read Proverbs 18:24.

"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

Read Proverbs 27:10.

"Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father, and do not go to your brother's house when disaster strikes you- better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away."

Finally Read Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up."

Crippled Feet; Relationships

Day 2

Talking about relationships is always hard. But the most important part is figuring what kind of relationship you have. You have your family relationship, marriage relationship, and dating relationship.

First, Family relationship. When it comes to this conversation Jesus focuses on telling us everyone who is part of the church is considered your family. They are your spiritual family. Read Mark 3:34-35

"Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said "here are my mother and brothers! Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."

When talking about our natural family, God wishes us to take great care not to block each other from learning about God. Read Romans 14: 12-13.

"So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgement on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way."

He does not want us to be the cause either, of one of our family members falling away from His divine plan. Read 1 Corinthians 8:12- 13. 

"When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will not eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall."

Second, we will talk about dating relationship. When it comes to this topic, the Bible doesn't have much on the concept of dating. God does make it clear, in his word, how he wants us to act in a dating relationship. With His simple rules, we could have a dating relationship that is within God's plan. Often times with our society, we feel like we have no other choice or fear missing out. That seems to make Christians think that they do not have a choice in their love interest. God wants us to have our own plans, but he also wants us to follow his law.

One of the things that God talks about is dating someone who is not Christian or is not of the Christian faith.  Read 1 Corinthians 6:14.

"Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?"

God wants us to keep ourselves pure for when we get married and have a husband or wife who will have to know everything about you eventually, we will be able to tell them we stayed pure. Read Hebrews 13:4

"Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous."

Crippled Feet

Our Walk with God

This first talk is called crippled feet because we are talking about our walk with God. Sometime when we are walking along God's path we are pulled away by worldly things. A few of these things are;

1. Friendship or relationships

2. Popularity or money

3. Drugs or alcohol

4. Evolution or even religion

We will discuss each one of these at a time over a couple of days. The first thing we are going to talk about is friendships and relationships. Even though it is good to have these things in our lives, there can be danger in it as well. The danger in friendships and relationships is always whether you are friends with them for the right reasons.

Day 1

When it comes to friends, we often wonder exactly is considered the wrong friend. We know from the Bible that Jesus himself was often publically seen hanging out with the people that most people thought ungodly and certainly not "clean" in the sins that they committed. Read Matthew 9: 10- 13. If you don't have a Bible, I will put the verse on here. (I do encourage, though, that if you do have a Bible, you open it and read it for yourself.)

" While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came  and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ' I desire mercy, not sacrifice' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

We know that Jesus encourages us to accept those who are non-Christians. This is because Jesus wants us to help those who are not Christians to come to Christ. But even though God wants us to be friends with non-Christians, He want us to be careful not to follow in their sins. Read Psalm 1:1.

"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of mockers."

He also doesn't want us to feel envy because you seem to be missing out on the fun they are apparently having without you. Read Proverbs 24: 1-2

"Do not envy wicked men, do not desire their company; for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble."

We want to care for ourselves with Christians who will help keep us focused on Christ, so that we do not get sidetracked by our non-Christian friends. Read 1 Corinthians 3:8-9

"The man who plants and the man who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's Building."

Whatever friends you make, don't allow it to become the thing that pulls you away from God.

Numbed Introduction

God has made it clear in his word that we are to separate ourselves from the worldview. Being a part of the world by sharing God's word with others, but not being of the world by allowing ourselves to fall into the sins our society encourages. This has always been a hard thing for Christians to do mainly because they feel that they cannot have fun as a Jesus follower.

God does not wish us to give up on having a good time, rather he wants us to define what a good time looks like as a Christian.

Is getting drunk and partying all night fun? Maybe for that night. But if you really think about it, you are usually sick the next day from all the alcohol you drank and will have to spend the rest of the day cleaning up the mess you made the night before. Often times you regret even thinking about having a party in the first place.

Eventually, though, you find yourself going numb to what was thought to be a sinful thing at first, is now something you do almost everyday. Soon, it no longer bothers you as wrong, and began to actually enjoy it.

The things that society offers us are often not the things that God wishes us to love. We become numb to the thought of those things being wrong and begin to allow ourselves to slip into society beyond God's plan. Allowing ourselves to break from the chosen path.

In this Bible study we will discuss the ways that society is taking over our body. We will start by talking about our walk with God and go through our entire bodies finding for ourselves what exactly is God's plan for our lives.