AVOID pagan games

 1 John 2:16

King James Version

16 For all that is in the world, 

the lust of the flesh, 

and the lust of the eyes, 

and the pride of life, 

is not of the Father, 

but is of the world.

I'm no lover of sports.

I'm no lover of competition.

That automatically disqualifies me from watching the Olympic games.

When I came across the blasphemous opening of this year's Paris Olympics, all the more I was turned off.

And when I reviewed the history of the Olympics, I knew I must write this article today.

For many are in danger of eternal fire.

The reasons?

It is idolatrous.

"The Ancient Olympic Games (Ancient Greek: τὰ Ὀλύμπια, ta Olympia[6]) were religious and athletic festivals held every four years at the sanctuary of Zeus in Olympia, Greece."

-- Wikipedia

It is pagan.

"The date of the festival was determined according to a complicated formula whereby the midpoint of the festival would occur during the second full moon after the summer solstice—usually late August or early September."

-- Wikipedia

It is pure commerce.

The Olympic Games have been commercialised to various degrees since the inaugural 1896 Summer Olympics in Athens, when a number of companies paid for advertising

-- Wikipedia

It is political.

"In the following decades, the Olympics became one of the ideological fronts of the Cold War, and the International Olympic Committee wanted to take advantage of this heightened interest via the broadcast medium."

-- Wikipedia

It becomes an avenue for harm.

"The Munich massacre was a terrorist attack carried out during the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, West Germany, by eight members of the Palestinian militant organization Black September. The militants infiltrated the Olympic Village, killed two members of the Israeli Olympic team, and took nine others hostage, who were later killed after a failed rescue attempt."

-- Wikipedia

It is pure vanity.

Galatians 5:26

King James Version

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, 

provoking one another, 

envying one another.

It promotes personal ego.

Philippians 2:3

King James Version

3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; 

but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other 

better than themselves.

The objective of this exercise?

KNOW what you are watching.

KNOW what you are promoting.

KNOW what you are supporting.

KNOW what you are participating in.

In most cases, you may just find it idolatrous.

All because we honor self, and not GOD.

We honor others, and not GOD.

Only GOD deserves praise.

You'd probably say, "What do I care?"

And throw back at me, "You're born again; I'm not."

Well, all I can say is what SPIRIT and I wrote in the past.

As we delved deep into Scripture.

With SPIRIT making me aware of GOD's LAWS.

As workman and watchman, it is my duty to warn you:

The WICKED shall PERISH

KNOW the world

Sin AWARENESS

HOLINESS

As born again, it is my duty to EXPOSE evil.

There is something interesting, though.

As in the case of Los Angeles.

It will have had THREE participations:

1932

1984

2028

According to this informative video, former mayor Tom Bradley held the 1984 games using existing infrastructure in L.A.

That kept the city's cost to $1 billion.

But they earned over $200 million.

That's a rare cost-effective mayor, and politician.

Not so for past, and present hosts.

They spend too many billions.

And when organizations and sponsors do that, I can only look to people in the world who could have better use of that "vanity" money.

One interesting video shows abandoned venues.

Useful comments from that video (posted 10 February 2022):

@brodypearlman6034

2 years ago

Really sucks that so much money is spent on these Olympics just for the venues afterward to be wasted. Places should really submit a post-Olympic plan when submitting bids to confirm the viability of a location for continuing summer and winter sports after its usage. Rio is certainly an example of this, just put the country of Brazil into a further economic disaster leading up to the games

@TheTommyboy63

7 days ago

That is a wonderful idea.

@naoseinomequalquer

5 days ago

Best ideia ever

@MrGregorSF

3 days ago

 @Sargebri LA 84 built only 2 new venues., pool at USC that is still in use, and velodrome in Carson which will be used again in 28. Athlete housing became student dorms at UCLA. UCLA dorms will be used for LA28. Everything else was existing or temporary. LA28 is not building any new permanent venues.

Latter comment confirms Mayor Bradley's brilliance, and foresight.

What about you, in your part of the country?

After having hosted the games, are your facilities still in use?

Did your country "over-spent", or "showed off"?

Please wake up, world!

You have no idea your sins.

SPIRIT and I need to tell you about the LORD JESUS:

Colossians 3:1-2

King James Version

3 If ye then be risen with Christ, 

seek those things which are above, 

where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

2 Set your affection on things above, 

not on things on the earth.

What the world offers is idolatry, greed, and vanity.

And I'll have no part in it.

Ecclesiastes 1:2-4

King James Version

2 Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, 

vanity of vanities; all is vanity.

3 What profit hath a man of all his labour 

which he taketh under the sun?

4 One generation passeth away, 

and another generation cometh: 

but the earth abideth for ever.

I cannot honor flesh.

I only honor GOD.

Related material:

Idolatry

On vanity

FEAR the LORD verses

BORN AGAIN classics

GOD's GLORY blogs

Related video:

Why The Munich Olympic Massacre Was Worse Than You Thought

LAW on MARRIAGE

 Genesis 2:18

King James Version

18 And the Lord God said, 

It is not good that the man should be alone; 

I will make him an help meet for him.

Why do people marry?

Is it necessary to marry?

What were you taught about marriage?

Are you married, or thinking of doing so?

What are your expectations on marriage?

What is your family like?

How are your parents toward each other?

How are you towards your spouse?

In a rapidly-changing world, it's important we know GOD's laws.

Who better to teach, than the LORD JESUS.

And this is what He taught us about marriage:

Matthew 19:1-6

King James Version

19 And it came to pass, 

that when Jesus had finished these sayings, 

he departed from Galilee, 

and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan;

2 And great multitudes followed him; 

and he healed them there.

3 The Pharisees also came unto him, 

tempting him, and saying unto him, 

Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife 

for every cause?

4 And he answered and said unto them, 

Have ye not read, 

that he which made them at the beginning 

made them male and female,

5 And said, 

For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, 

and shall cleave to his wife: 

and they twain shall be one flesh?

6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. 

What therefore God hath joined together, 

let not man put asunder.

Mark 10:11-12

King James Version

11 And he saith unto them, 

Whosoever shall put away his wife, 

and marry another, 

committeth adultery against her.

12 And if a woman shall put away her husband, 

and be married to another, 

she committeth adultery.

Even as the world ignores GOD's WORD -- to its detriment, of course -- still, the Bible has much to say about the "sanctity of marriage":

Genesis 2:21-24

King James Version

21 And the Lord God caused a deep sleep 

to fall upon Adam, and he slept: 

and he took one of his ribs, 

and closed up the flesh instead thereof;

22 And the rib, 

which the Lord God had taken from man, 

made he a woman, 

and brought her unto the man.

23 And Adam said, 

This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: 

she shall be called Woman, 

because she was taken out of Man.

24 Therefore shall a man leave 

his father and his mother, 

and shall cleave unto his wife: 

and they shall be one flesh.

Exodus 20:14

King James Version

14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Exodus 20:15

King James Version

15 Thou shalt not steal.

Exodus 20:17

King James Version

17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, 

thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, 

nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, 

nor his ox, nor his ass, 

nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.

Exodus 22:16-17

King James Version

16 And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, 

and lie with her, 

he shall surely endow her to be his wife.

17 If her father utterly refuse to give her unto him, 

he shall pay money 

according to the dowry of virgins.

Ecclesiastes 9:9

King James Version

9 Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest 

all the days of the life of thy vanity, 

which he hath given thee under the sun, 

all the days of thy vanity: 

for that is thy portion in this life, 

and in thy labour which thou takest 

under the sun.

Romans 7:2-3

King James Version

2 For the woman which hath an husband 

is bound by the law to her husband 

so long as he liveth; 

but if the husband be dead, 

she is loosed from the law of her husband.

3 So then if, while her husband liveth, 

she be married to another man, 

she shall be called an adulteress: 

but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; 

so that she is no adulteress, 

though she be married to another man.

1 Corinthians 7:2-7

King James Version

2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, 

let every man have his own wife, 

and let every woman have her own husband.

3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: 

and likewise also the wife unto the husband.

4 The wife hath not power of her own body, 

but the husband: 

and likewise also the husband hath not power 

of his own body, but the wife.

5 Defraud ye not one the other, 

except it be with consent for a time, 

that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; 

and come together again, 

that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

6 But I speak this by permission, 

and not of commandment.

7 For I would that all men were even as I myself. 

But every man hath his proper gift of God, 

one after this manner, and another after that.

1 Corinthians 7:8-9

King James Version

8 I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, 

it is good for them if they abide even as I.

9 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: 

for it is better to marry than to burn.

1 Corinthians 7:10-11

King James Version

10 And unto the married I command, 

yet not I, but the Lord, 

Let not the wife depart from her husband:

11 But and if she depart, 

let her remain unmarried 

or be reconciled to her husband: 

and let not the husband put away his wife.

Ephesians 5:21-33

King James Version

21 Submitting yourselves one to another 

in the fear of God.

22 Wives, submit yourselves 

unto your own husbands, 

as unto the Lord.

23 For the husband is the head of the wife, 

even as Christ is the head of the church: 

and he is the saviour of the body.

24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, 

so let the wives be to their own husbands 

in every thing.

25 Husbands, love your wives, 

even as Christ also loved the church, 

and gave himself for it;

26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it 

with the washing of water by the word,

27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, 

not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; 

but that it should be holy and without blemish.

28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. 

He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; 

but nourisheth and cherisheth it, 

even as the Lord the church:

30 For we are members of his body, 

of his flesh, and of his bones.

31 For this cause shall a man leave 

his father and mother, 

and shall be joined unto his wife, 

and they two shall be one flesh.

32 This is a great mystery: 

but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular 

so love his wife even as himself; 

and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

1 Timothy 5:8

King James Version

8 But if any provide not for his own, 

and specially for those of his own house, 

he hath denied the faith, 

and is worse than an infidel.

Hebrews 13:4

King James Version

4 Marriage is honourable in all, 

and the bed undefiled: 

but whoremongers and adulterers 

God will judge.

1 Peter 3:1-6

King James Version

3 Likewise, ye wives, 

be in subjection to your own husbands; 

that, if any obey not the word, 

they also may without the word be won 

by the conversation of the wives;

2 While they behold your chaste conversation 

coupled with fear.

3 Whose adorning let it not be 

that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, 

and of wearing of gold, 

or of putting on of apparel;

4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, 

in that which is not corruptible, 

even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, 

which is in the sight of God of great price.

5 For after this manner in the old time 

the holy women also, who trusted in God, 

adorned themselves, 

being in subjection unto their own husbands:

6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, 

calling him lord: 

whose daughters ye are, 

as long as ye do well, 

and are not afraid with any amazement.

1 Peter 3:7

King James Version

7 Likewise, ye husbands, 

dwell with them according to knowledge, 

giving honour unto the wife, 

as unto the weaker vessel, 

and as being heirs together of the grace of life; 

that your prayers be not hindered.

1 Peter 3:8-12

King James Version

8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, 

having compassion one of another, 

love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: 

but contrariwise blessing; 

knowing that ye are thereunto called, 

that ye should inherit a blessing.

10 For he that will love life, and see good days, 

let him refrain his tongue from evil, 

and his lips that they speak no guile:

11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; 

let him seek peace, and ensue it.

12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, 

and his ears are open unto their prayers: 

but the face of the Lord is against them 

that do evil.

1 Timothy 3:1-5

King James Version

3 This is a true saying, 

if a man desire the office of a bishop, 

he desireth a good work.

2 A bishop then must be blameless, 

the husband of one wife, 

vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, 

given to hospitality, apt to teach;

3 Not given to wine, no striker, 

not greedy of filthy lucre; 

but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

4 One that ruleth well his own house, 

having his children in subjection with all gravity;

5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, 

how shall he take care of the church of God?)

Man can debate all he wants.

Trying to get around GOD's law.

Not possible, for it is the NONNEGOTIABLE gospel.

GOD's WORD stands.

By it we are blessed, or doomed.

Depending on our obedience, or disobedience.

Depending on our belief, or unbelief.

A born again always looks to GOD's law.

That we understand, follow, and share His WORD.

We must be acceptable in GOD's eyes.

As we go through this series, we shall find out why.

Next, we turn to the LAW on DIVORCE.

Related material:

On adultery

On jealousy

On fornication

On PARENTING

GOD's 10 COMMANDMENTS

GODLY men and women

SINS of the FLESH

Sin AWARENESS

NONNEGOTIABLE gospel

MARRIAGE

HOLINESS

BORN AGAIN articles

Related videso:

Why Doesn't God Condemn Polygamy in The Old Testament? | Ask Dr. E

Does God Support Polygamy?

Verses from Bible Gateway

BEING on TRACK

 The LORD GOD commanded:

Exodus 20:3

King James Version

3 Thou shalt have no other gods 

before me.

GOD was clear.

We are not to worship other gods.

But why is that so hard for others to accept?

Hasn't GOD shown enough of His love, through JESUS?

What makes man so unfaithful to our LORD?

Why is man swayed to worship other gods?

Especially the gods of gold, silver, and self.

Causing many of us to sin, stumble, and perish.

It is actually a puzzle to me, all this disobedience in man.

The hardness of the heart, the stubbornness of the soul.

The wily will, the rebellious reasoning, the envious ego.

When GOD made me born again, I made that 180-degree turn.

There was no question about following GOD, totally.

In complete love, joy, and faithfulness.

Aiming to learn all about His laws.

Dedicating each day to Him.

The next step was purging my heart, home, and work, of all things not of GOD.

Then I turned to JESUS, the Bible, and SPIRIT.

All HOLY Three started teaching me what pleases GOD.

In the same manner, I got to know what displeases GOD.

It just follows, I turned away from things that displeased Him.

This approach is almost childlike in its simplicity.

Why would I want the LORD to grieve, unnecessarily?

Now that I know His laws, why would I want to sin again?

JESUS already offered His life, for us.

Hebrews 10:26

King James Version

26 For if we sin wilfully 

after that we have received 

the knowledge of the truth, 

there remaineth no more sacrifice 

for sins,

SPIRIT keeps me on track.

He is MASTER TEACHER.

The One JESUS prayed for.

To guide us each day.

Until He returns.

Without SPIRIT, I wouldn't understand the Bible at all.

It is SPIRIT that makes things clear, simple, and easy for me.

I value His presence each moment, so I don't stray.

And it's so delightful being taught Scripture by SPIRIT.

He opens so many doors each time I inquire.

He knows when your heart is true.

He will give you TONS of answers.

Which only Scripture can provide.

Scripture holds GOD's laws, and commands.

It is SPIRIT Who makes things plain.

It's a wonderful way to live -- by the Bible.

You know your purpose.

And destiny.

The Bible tells us everything we need to know about GOD.

Everything about JESUS, repentance, and salvation.

Everything about prophecies, the Rapture, and Tribulation.

Everything about prophets, apostles, and disciples.

Everything about being born again.

Everything about the New Jerusalem.

All our blogs tell you more.

For the hungry soul, the BREAD of LIFE that is JESUS, will fill our hearts with His TRUTH.

For the thirsty spirit, the LIVING WATERS that is GOD, will make us thirst no more.

For the confused mind, the CHRIST MIND clarifies everything.

It is easy being on track, through SPIRIT.

He gives you discipline, order, heart, awareness, and gratitude.

He organizes your life, work, and Scripture studies.

He teaches you to love, as JESUS did.

He teaches you awareness, for the LORD's commands.

He teaches you gratitude, for GOD's love, mercy, and kindness.

All make sense when you are with SPIRIT.

Even as He actually lives in you -- as a child of GOD.

SPIRIT and I walk together.

And this is what happens:

Galatians 5:16-18

King James Version

16 This I say then, 

Walk in the Spirit, 

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, 

and the Spirit against the flesh: 

and these are contrary the one to the other: 

so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, 

ye are not under the law.

Galatians 5:22-23

King James Version

22 But the fruit of the Spirit 

is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, 

gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: 

against such there is no law.

Galatians 5:24-26

King James Version

24 And they that are Christ's have crucified 

the flesh with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit, 

let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, 

provoking one another, envying one another.

Make that choice now.

To belong to JESUS.

To be taught by SPIRIT.

And to really know GOD, through Both.

The Rapture awaits the saved.

Eternal life awaits the believer.

The choice is really pretty easy.

Related material:

Idolatry

FOUNDATION

The HOLY SPIRIT

GOD's GLORY blogs

BORN AGAIN classics