Is the Church of Christ a Cult?

By Matthew R. Miller

It is not uncommon for Christians — defined here as those who follow the teachings of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Bible — to be accused of various evils. Verbal persecution of Christians has existed since the days of ancient Rome, and will continue to exist until the second coming. In fact, Christ himself was verbally persecuted (Matt. 11:19), and “a disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master” (Matt. 10:24). If Christ was accused of evil, so will be his disciples. Often, verbal persecution of Christians is little more than name-calling, but every once in a while very serious accusations are made which must be addressed and acquitted. One such charge is the claim that the church of Christ is a cult. The church of Christ is here defined as the group of all Christians.

The seriousness of the cult charge stems from the fact that cults are destructive, harmful, deceptive, and inherently false religions. Moreover, such a charge indicts not only the individual Christian on whom the accusation is thrown, but also all Christians everywhere. Therefore, it is essential that Christians be able to defend the truth that the church of Christ is not at all a cult.

A cult is generally defined as any religious group which has specific practices, beliefs, or organizational structures which control its members through dishonest, deceptive, extreme, or invasive methods. It is not the case that any group which contradicts traditional Roman Catholic or Protestant beliefs is inherently a cult, as this assumes Roman Catholicism or Protestantism to be the sources of all truth. As the definition indicates, cults are dangerous, harmful, and clearly not according to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Christ teaches, “love your enemies” (Matt. 5:44), not “control your neighbors through dishonest means.” Therefore, any group which is a cult is inherently false and to be avoided. If the church of Christ were a cult, then all members should leave it immediately. However, if it can be demonstrated that the church of Christ is not a cult, then those who make such an accusation are slanderers.

There are many traits which most cults have in common to some degree. These identifying characteristics are universal in cults and are all negative and contrary to the teachings of Christ. First, cults have a single, human leader to whom all devotion is pledged. Secondly, cults are isolationist to an extreme degree. Thirdly, cult proselytizing methods are dishonest, unfair, manipulative, deceptive, invasive, and are designed to prey upon people with weak psychological profiles. Fourthly, cults practice an extreme and invasive form of financial control over their members. Fifthly, cults exercise an extreme and invasive form of control over most other areas of their members’ lives, especially in the areas of dating, marriage, work, and social life. Sixthly, cults require members to accept and believe doctrines which are based not on evidence, reason, and open thought and discussion, but rather on the unfounded claims of a human being. Often, these doctrines are very bizarre. Seventhly, cults make it extremely difficult for members to leave the cult, even to the point of threatening violence and stalking. Eighthly, cults require excessive amounts of their members’ time, often invasively pervading every aspect of their members’ lives to the point that members cannot carry out basic human activities. Finally, cults use psychological, manipulative, mind-control tactics in their affairs, and psychologically intimidate their members in a negative manner. There may be other defining traits of cults which are not included in this list, but these will serve as a working definition.

According to Bob Larson in Larson’s New Book of Cults, some modern cults are Christian Science, Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Worldwide Church of God (Armstrongism). Some other extreme examples are the Branch Davidians, who, under David Koresh’s leadership, recently met their demise in a bloody standoff with U.S. federal agents; Heaven’s Gate, who recently committed mass suicide in the belief that a spaceship in the tail of the Hale-Bop comet would transport them to paradise; and the Moonies, who believe that their founder, Sun Yung Moon, and his wife, are the perfect human couple. The author of this article himself was even approached in Washington Square in New York City by two cult members who, along with their leader, proceeded to attempt conversion by extremely pervasive suggestion. Fortunately, the author recognized the methods and refused to attend a meeting.

Based then on the proper definition of cults, is the church of Christ a cult? There may be denominational religious groups which call themselves “The Church of Christ” or who use that phrase in their name, but the author is not part if any such group and will never be. The church of Christ refers to the group of Christ’s people, or Christians. A comparison of the church of Christ with the defining traits of cults will vindicate the church from the false charge of culthood (please refer to the nine-point list above).

The church of Christ has no single human leader. Rather, it follows Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who performed miracles and rose from the dead to prove that he was more than a human. In fact, human leaders are shunned in the church of Christ, except for the biblical concept of elders.

The church of Christ is not isolationist. Though the Bible teaches Christians to be separate from the world in the sense of not joining the world in sin (2 Cor. 6:17), it also teaches that Christians are to be shining lights to the world (Matt. 5:14). Christians cannot be shining lights if they isolate themselves and avoid social contact with non-Christians. Rather, they should befriend as many people as possible in the hopes of acting as good influences.

The church of Christ does not practice dishonest or manipulative preaching techniques. The author being an evangelist himself, it can be safely stated that preachers in the church of Christ insist on open, honest discussion, based on the Bible, and invite any and all to discuss any biblical topic freely, even if there is disagreement.

The church of Christ does not control its members’ finances. The only teaching of financial contribution to the church is that which is taught in the Bible: members are to freely, generously, and cheerfully give what they deem fit to God in the weekly collection (2 Cor. 9:7; 1 Cor. 16:1). Usually, no one knows how much a member gives except that member himself and God.

The church of Christ does not control every area of its members’ lives. Though the Bible teaches that Christians are to live godly and avoid sin (1 Pet. 4:1-6) and that it is certainly wiser for Christians to date and marry other Christians (2 Cor. 6:14), Christians do not act as spies and stalkers to one another. As long as his actions are godly and scriptural, a Christian may spend his time as he pleases.

The church of Christ does not create bizarre doctrines without evidence and then force members to believe them. Rather, gospel preachers reason soundly, based on textual, historical, logical, archaeological, scientific, and physical evidence that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. The author personally has a section of his library entirely devoted to such proofs.

The church of Christ does not harass, threaten, or stalk members who leave. Though the reprobate Christian is not right with God (Heb. 6:1-8) and is very much missed out of love, and though Christians try to encourage him to return and show him God’s love and grace, no one is ever physically or violently prevented from leaving. Members are free to quit the church, although there are spiritual consequences for such a decision.

The church of Christ does not take all of its members’ time and prevent them from doing anything else. Christians recognize that people have to work (1 Tim. 5:8), relax, spend time with their families, etc. Though the Bible teaches Christians to attend assemblies (Heb. 10:24, 25), and though the occasional gospel meeting will usually require attendance on a few week nights, no member is controlled and not allowed to carry out normal human activity. The true Christian should show his faith every day in everything that he does.

Finally, the church of Christ does not use negative, psychological manipulation and mind ­control to intimidate its members. The manner in which the author preaches, and the manner of all faithful evangelists, is this: the gospel is set forth very straightforwardly in love. A choice of action is biblically given, the spiritual consequences of both obedience and disobedience are stated, and the listener is invited to respond to God (Acts 2:1-38). If there are any gospel preachers who do otherwise, they are wrong, and need to change.

It has been amply demonstrated that, according to the standard definition of cults, the church of Christ is emphatically not a cult. Out of nine common defining characteristics of cults, the church of Christ does not even practice one. The church of Christ is not a manipulative, harmful, brainwashed, deceptive, man-made organization. Rather, it is a group of sincere Christians who are trying their best to serve God, to love their fellow man, and to go to heaven when this life is over. Anyone who charges otherwise is ignoring the evidence and committing slander.

“Who Wants to be a Millionaire?”

By Steve Willis

A few of us have been watching the ABC TV show named above. It can be fun to watch and to try to answer the questions posed to the contestants. Some of us may even wish that we could be on the show ourselves — alas, we can’t living in Canada. Instead, let us use the occasion of this show to consider some spiritual things.

This show tests knowledge of trivia. Did you know that “trivia” comes the Latin for “three roads”? People would discuss many things where three road came together. Isn’t it amazing how people know so much of so many topics! Don’t you find yourself answering along with the contestant — when you can? But what about Bible knowledge — I dare not call it “trivia.” Look how often people can cite sports statistics, words to popular songs, lists of provinces, states (and capitals). Yet when asked to remember a few dates related to Bible things, or a group of names, or even the books of the Bible, people draw a blank. What should we be seeking first?

Many shows have made trivia questions less trivial with large cash prizes. In November, a man won one million dollars! The week before that, on another show named “Greed,” three people split one million. We need to be careful that we don’t get greedy. Greed, or covetousness, is idolatry (Col. 3:5). Once again, what should we be seeking? “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you” (Matt. 6:33).

Then we come to that ubiquitous question, “Is that your final answer?” which is asked before revealing whether the contestant is right. We often sing the invitation song “What will your answer be?” God offers his kingdom and his righteousness. One must realize that each time he does not obey the gospel, he has chosen to say “No” to God. Maybe we can encourage you today to obey the gospel as you consider the oft-repeated question in the “Millionaire” show:

Is that your final answer?

What Are They Watching?

By Aaron Erhardt

The World Wrestling Federation (WWF) is the highest rated program on national television. A single episode of “Raw is War,” a two-hour program that airs every Monday night, has a rating of 5.9, attracting 4,537,000 viewers in the first hour, and 4,524,000 viewers in the second hour. The WWF also has other shows that attract large ratings as well!

What is it that makes wrestling so popular? Could it be the cussing? Could it be the immodest clothing? Could it be the total lack of respect for mankind? Yes, all of these sinful activities, as well as others, collide to make the WWF the top-rated program in America. As the owner of the WWF, Vincent McMahon, put it, “The World Wrestling Federation has become the recognized leader in sports-entertainment, attracting half a billion global viewers each week, in addition to enormous live event success.”

The WWF is certainly not suitable entertainment for a Christian to engage in. Let’s look at what the Bible says about the things previously mentioned:

Language: In Ephesians 4:29-30 we read, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” The same point is made in Colossians 3:8 when Paul wrote, “But now ye also put off all these, anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.” The WWF promotes what the Apostle Paul said “to put off!”

Clothing: In 1 Timothy 2:9 we read, “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shame facedness; and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or costly array.” (This concept can apply to both men and women.) The WWF wrestlers wear immodest apparel to say the least, and the women are not dressed any better!

Respect for Fellow Man?: In John 13:34 Jesus said, “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” Now I know that clean wholesome wrestling can be fun, but when men are hung on crosses and women get their clothing ripped off, then respect for the fellow man has been lost!

Professional wrestling has gone from “wholesome entertainment” to “sinful garbage!” In walking by a television that was tuned in to the WWF’s “Raw is War” program, I heard three curse words in about five seconds. I turned toward the television just in time to see one wrestler giving another wrestler an obscene gesture! A camera shot of the crowd showed young children making the same gesture! Those same children were wearing shirts that say AUSTIN 3:16, when they should be at home learning about John 3:16!

I was watching a special on the WWF one evening when the owner, Vincent McMahon, was interviewed. In that interview he openly admitted to making Satanic references and denied that he, or any other wrestler, were role models. I would have to disagree with that comment, and say, “Yes, Mr. McMahon you and your wrestlers are role models, and unfortunately this article cannot change that!”

I need to mention one more of the many sinful things that the WWF encourages, alcoholic drinking! I was saddened to see the most popular of all the wrestlers, Stone Cold Steve Austin, come on national television with a beer in each hand? It is my understanding that Austin drinks this alcohol on a regular basis. My friends, drinking is a sin, and your children must not be taught that it is cool or popular to do so!

I would like to close with this statement found in Philippians 4:8. The Apostle Paul says, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” So, what are your kids watching?

The Proper Content of Our Prayers

By Mark Mayberry

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus sets forth a model prayer (Matt. 6:9-13). Luke records that when Jesus had finished praying, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.” Again, he offered a model for prayer (Luke 11:1-4). These passages become a starting point as we consider the appropriate focus for our prayer. Significantly, Jesus shows that prayer should have a threefold focus. We should pray for the things of God. We should pray for the things of others. We should pray for the things of self.

We Should Pray For The 
Things Of God
1. Praise To His Name. Our prayers should express praise for God’s name. Jesus began the model prayer by saying, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name” (Matt. 6:9; Luke 11:2). Strong defines the Greek word hagiazo, which is translated “hallowed,” as “to make holy, i.e. (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate.” Normally it is used in Scripture to indicate that we must become holy, pure, and separate from sin. Here it indicates that God is holy, pure, and separate from sin. When Jesus ended the model prayer, he returned to the theme of praise: “For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen” (Matt. 6:13). We must give unto the Lord the glory that is due his name and worship him in holy array (1 Chron. 16:28-29; Pss. 29:1-2; 96:7-9). The importance of treating God as holy and giving him proper honor cannot be overstated (Lev. 10:1-3).

2. Furtherance Of His Kingdom. We should pray for the furtherance of God’s kingdom. Jesus prayed, “Your kingdom come” (Matt. 6:10; Luke 11:2). During Jesus’ earthly ministry, the kingdom of God was at hand (Matt. 4:17). However, he affirmed that the kingdom would soon be established (Mark 9:1). This occurred on the day of Pentecost (Acts 1:6-8; 2:1-4). Thereafter, as the gospel message was proclaimed, the kingdom of God was treated as a present reality (Acts 8:12; 14:21-22). Significantly, in writing to the Colossians, Paul affirmed that God had delivered us from the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son (Col. 1:13-14). The Hebrew writer said that his readers were in the process of receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken (Heb. 12:28). John also spoke of the kingdom as a present reality (Rev. 1:6, 9). Therefore, since this prayer of Jesus has already been fulfilled, what relevance does it have for today? Well, it is always appropriate for Christians to pray that the borders of God’s kingdom will be enlarged (2 Thess. 3:1-2).

3. God’s Will Be Done. We should pray that God’s will be done. Jesus prayed, “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6:10). The will of God should be practiced by society as a whole, and the local church in particular. However, we must not forget that it has application in our own private lives. Jesus manifested this attitude in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matt. 26:39, 42). Those who think otherwise have no hope of reaching heaven (Matt. 7:21-23). Only those who do the will of God will live forever (1 John 2:15-17).

4. Thanksgiving For His Blessings. When we pray, we should be thankful for God’s many blessings. The Psalmist said, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving. Give thanks to him. Bless his name” (Ps. 100:1-4). Christians should not act like spoiled brats in the toy section at Wal-Mart, saying, “Give me, give me, give me!” Rather, we should manifest a spirit of thanksgiving as we make our requests known to God (Phil. 4:6-7). In writing to the Colossians, Paul said, “Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving” (Col. 4:2). Addressing the disciples in Macedonia, he said, “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess. 5:16-18). 

We Should Pray 
For the Things of  Others
1. World Leaders. We should pray for world leaders. Paul urged Timothy to pray for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity (1 Tim. 2:1-2). Cyrus, king of Persia, issued a decree that the Jews could return home, rebuild the temple, re-institute sacrifice and offerings, and also pray for the king and his sons (Ezra 6:9-10). In one of the two Psalms attributed to his name, Solomon prayed that God would endow the king with wisdom and bless his sons with righteousness (Ps. 72:1-2). The importance of reverencing God and his word cannot be overstated, especially as in application to rulers (Prov. 8:13-16). The Lord establishes kings and removes kings (Dan. 2:21). The Most High still rules in the kingdoms of men (Dan. 5:21). Righteousness still exalts a nation, and sin is still a reproach and disgrace to any people (Prov. 14:34). The Lord will turn a fruitful land into a barren wasteland because of the wickedness of those who dwell in it (Ps. 107:33-34). Therefore, let us pray for leaders, that they will do what is right, and continue to permit us to do what is right.

2. Fellow Christians. We should pray for our fellow-Christians. Paul continually prayed for the disciples at Ephesus, that God would grant them a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him (Eph. 1:15-17). Concerning the Philippians, Paul prayed that their love would abound more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that they may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ (Phil. 1:8-11). Concerning Philemon, Paul was  thankful for his love and faith, and prayed that he would promote the knowledge of all that is good in Christ Jesus (Phile. 1:4-6). 

3. Ministers Of The Gospel. We should pray for ministers of the gospel. Paul commended the Corinthian disciples by saying, “You also joined in helping us through your prayers” (2 Cor. 1:11). He asked the Ephesians to pray for him that he might open his mouth with boldness in proclaiming the mystery of the gospel (Eph. 6:18-20). In a similar vein, he also asked the Colossians to pray that he would speak the truth clearly (Col. 4:2-4). As an evangelist, I solicit your prayers. Along with the inspired apostle, I would say, “Brethren, pray for us” (1 Thess. 5:25). 

4. Lost Sinners. We should also pray for lost sinners. When Jesus saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Recognizing the great work that lay ahead, he asked the disciples to pray that the Lord of the harvest will send forth laborers into his harvest (Matt. 9:36-38). Paul manifested a similar attitude toward his countrymen when he said, “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved” (Rom. 10:1-3). In fact, if it would have changed their lost condition, Paul could have wished himself accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of his brethren, my kinsmen by race (Rom. 9:1-3). Alas, we stand or fall as individuals: The soul that sins shall die (Ezek. 18:20). Each one must bear his own load (Gal. 6:5). Nevertheless, one way we can bear one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2) is by praying for the lost, that they will realize their undone condition, that they will respond to God’s grace and obey the gospel while there is time and opportunity (2 Pet. 3:9-11).

5. Our Enemies. We should also pray for our enemies. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus repeatedly challenged traditional concepts of goodness. After addressing the subjects of murder (Matt. 5:21-22), adultery (Matt. 5:27-28), false vows (Matt. 5:33-37), and vengeance (Matt. 5:38-42), the Lord focused on the attitude we should manifest toward our enemies. Instead of hating them, we should love our enemies, even to the point of praying for those who would persecute us (Matt. 5:43-48). In this regard, as in every area of life, Jesus practiced what he preached. Hanging on the cross, he looked down at his tormentors, and said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:33-34). When Stephen became the first Christian martyr, he manifested a similarly forgiving attitude toward those who stoned him (Acts 7:59-60). In like manner, we should pray for our enemies. God must inevitably take vengeance on wicked men (2 Thess. 1:7-10; Heb. 10:30-31). However, we must not waste our time by focusing on such things. Rather, let us do good to our enemies, even to the point of prayer. By following such a course, we will avoid being overcome by evil, but will hopefully overcome evil with good (Rom. 12:19-21). 

6. The Sick. We should also pray for the sick. The Psalmist said, “In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried to my God for help; He heard my voice out of His temple, and my cry for help before Him came into His ears” (Ps. 18:6). Again, David said, “O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you healed me” (Ps. 30:2). We also should turn to God in times of sickness, distress, and dread. In the New Testament, we repeatedly read of men of God praying for the physically and spiritually sick. In this regard, Peter prayed for Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8:18-24), and Paul prayed for the father of Publius (Acts 28:7-8). While we recognize that the age of miracles has ended, we should still pray for those who are sick and suffering (Jas. 5:13-16). 

We Should Pray For The Things Of Self
1. The Necessities Of Life. We should pray for the necessities of life. In Matthew’s account of the model prayer, Jesus said, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matt. 6:11). Luke says, “Give us each day our daily bread” (Luke 11:3). Note the emphasis is on the present, not the future. When God fed the Israelites with manna in the wilderness, they were allowed to collect only what they could eat in a day, and any food that was hoarded until the morrow spoiled (Exod. 16:16-21). Thus they were taught to rely upon God for their daily provisions. 

Since abundance and want tempt us, though in different ways, we should ask for only what is needful (Prov. 30:8-9). While covetousness will consume our souls, godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Tim. 6:6-11). Therefore, we should not worry about the morrow regarding food, clothing, or shelter. Instead, let us trust God to provide our needs from day to day (Matt. 6:24-33). 

2. The Forgiveness Of Sins. We should pray for the forgiveness of sins. In Matthew’s account of the model prayer, Jesus said, “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matt. 6:12). Luke records, “And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us” (Luke 11:4). The burden of guilt is more than we can bear, while the blessings of forgiveness are beyond compare (Ps. 32:1-5). How wonderful it is that the Lord God is compassionate, gracious, and forgiving (Exod. 34:6-7; Ps. 103:2-3). If you will approach God on his terms, “Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool” (Isa. 1:18). Redemption was made possible through the blood of Christ (Eph. 1:7). We contact his blood through baptism (Rom. 6:3-4). Having been cleansed with the washing of water by the word (Eph. 5:26), let us confess our sins to one another and pray for one another, that we might be healed (Jas. 5:16).

3. Help In Time Of Temptation. We should pray for help in time of temptation. Jesus said, “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matt. 6:13; Luke 11:4). Strong defines the Greek word peirasmos as “a putting to proof by experience of good or experience of evil.” Thayer says it refers to “an experiment, an attempt, a trial, a proving.” Temptations can be good or bad. Certain temptations come from Satan as he would cause us to stumble and entice us to sin (Luke 22:31-34, 40). Other temptations come from the Lord as he tests our faith and proves our character (Jas. 1:2-3; Rom. 8:28). Yet, God is faithful to the faithful. He will not let his children be tempted beyond their strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that they may be able to endure it (1 Cor. 10:13). Therefore, let us pray in time of temptation, and diligently look for that promised way of escape, knowing that the spirit is often willing but the flesh is often weak (Matt. 26:41).

4. Spiritual Growth and Maturity. We should pray for spiritual growth and maturity. Concerning the saints at Ephesians, Paul prayed that they might be strengthened spiritually and filled with all the fullness of God (Eph. 3:14-19). Concerning the brethren in Macedonia, Paul prayed that they might increase and abound in love and holiness (1 Thess. 3:11-13). If we lack wisdom, James indicated that we should pray that God will fill up this deficiency (Jas. 1:5). Notwithstanding, the realization of this prayer is not a one-way street. God will generously bestow this gift if we diligently search after it (Prov. 2:1-5). 

5. All Things. We should pray for all things that concern us. Paul said, “In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Phil. 4:6-7). We should approach God with our wants and wishes, our sins and sorrows, our cares and concerns. Hannah fervently prayed for a son (1 Sam. 1:10-18). David prayed to God when he fled from Absalom, his son (Ps. 3:1-4). After having fled from God and forsaken his duty, Jonah prayed from the stomach of the great fish (Jon. 2:1-2). Before choosing the apostles, he went off to the mountain to pray, and he spent the whole night in prayer to God (Luke 6:12-13). Before his betrayal, Jesus poured out his heart to God in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matt. 26:36-39). 
Therefore, let us cast our burdens upon the Lord, and pour out our heart before him, fully trusting that he will sustain us (Pss. 55:22; 62:8). However, the blessed avenue of prayer also carries in implicit warning: If we cannot conscientiously ask God to bless us in a certain area, then we should avoid the matter. If we cannot ask God’s help in a given activity, they we better leave it alone.

Conclusion
In conclusion, let freely entreat God’s blessings through prayers and supplications (Matt. 7:7-11). However, as we pray, let us not focus exclusively on our personal needs. Remember to pray for the things of God, and the issues that are of concern to other people. God will answer our prayers if we ask in the name of Christ (John 14:13-14), abide in the words of Christ (John 15:7), keep his commandments and do the things that are pleasing in his sight (1 John 3:21-22). 
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