C H O F Ministry

Tag: questions

  • “As a Christian Is It OK To Date?”

    “God knows the who, what, when, where, why, and how to the questions that you have when it comes to getting involved in dating and a relationship.”
    – Bishop, W. F. Houston, Jr.

  • Best Bible Version

    Question: Bishop Houston, I was raised reading the King James Version of the Bible. Today, there are so many different versions. Could you please tell me what Bible Version is best?

    Answer: Great Question.

    You’re right. There are many bible translations. Since man’s involvement, the conversion from the original Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic manuscripts have lost many forms of uniqueness. There’s no perfect Bible translation. So, the reading you choose to read must be one that incorporates spiritual satisfaction within you. In other words, find a translation that you can comprehend.

    First Lady Donece and I own many Bible translations and methods for our study and reference objectives. There are many online sites with Bible versions such as Bible Gateway, Bible Hub, Biblia, and Biblica, to name a few.

    First Lady Donece and I regularly use the Amplified Bible, The New Living Translation, The Century Version, and The Message Bible. I recommend that you get into a habit to check word meanings with a Bible concordance and Bible dictionary. I’ve used the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, Young’s Analytical Concordance, Matthew Henry’s Commentary, Scofield, The Thompson Chain and Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words for decades. They’re all excellent exploration tools, especially if you’re more acquainted with the King James Version.

    Beloved, I hope my answer has helped you.
    Thank you for your question.

    Bishop, W. F. Houston, Jr.

  • “CHOF Ministry’s “Probing for Spiritual Answers – Playing the Lottery”

    Probing For Spiritual Answers Playing th LotteryQuestion: Bishop Houston, I love to go to the stores and buy scratch-offs and I buy three lottery tickets every week and I love to hit the casinos from time to time. Bishop is playing the lottery gambling?

    Your question is a “GREAT QUESTION” – Thank you for asking.
    ✝️❤️😊

    Answer:
    Before I begin about the lottery, let me clarify something about gambling. Gambling is transverse to God’s character and the rules of affluence and success.

    Beloved when a person gambles, someone must lose. Most of the time, gambling is contingent on more people losing and very few winners. It executes the incorrect impression that others must fail, or be deficient, for someone to win and have profusion.

    It’s contradictory to God’s strategy. In God’s code of ethics about propagating and earning, everybody is a winner!!! It’s God’s desire for everyone to become a winner. It’s not only God’s desire for everyone to be a winner, but He has also delivered the strategy for it. Proverbs 28:20 (AMP) says, “A faithful (right-minded) man will abound with blessings, – But he who hurries to be rich will not go unpunished.”

    So, as you can see, God wants to bless everyone, but it must go through the Word of God and spiritual regulations. God has blessed this planet with more than enough for everyone to live comfortably. Even though man has achieved to disturb God’s strategy through immorality and gluttony, everyone who is prepared to follow God’s philosophies can reverse it in his or her own life.

    I (Bishop Dr. W. F. Houston Jr) personally don’t feel the lottery is true gambling. I think that it’s another way of paying more taxes to the government. So, if people want to spend more of their money to fund the government, they can – it’s their constitutional right. Now I’m making it very clear right here: “I’m in no way approving playing the lottery!!! It isn’t something God started as part of good government, nor is it part of His designed proposal for personal affluence and success. It’s a worldly attempt to become wealthy and isn’t the greatest way to spend your money.

    There’s nothing left to chance when you do it God’s way as revealed in His Word through sowing and reaping. Only with God’s strategy is there a way for everyone to win all the time!!!

    Probing for Spiritual Answers Cross-Reference Verses

  • Probing For Spiritual Answers: “Just Say No”

    Just Say No
    Praise The Lord Beloved!!! ✝️❤️😊

    This morning’s question was:
    Bishop Houston, I’m a compassionate person, and I love to help people when I can. Even when they come to me with a lie, I’ve tried to see the upside and do what I feel is best – usually giving in. I want to start telling people NO. What do you suggest I do to help me say no?

    Thank you for your excellent question. 😊

    Answer:
    There are deceivers on all levels, and many are so believable. Before being spiritually renovated and spiritually redeveloped, I was a deceiver, and I received my share of deception too. But the key to saying no is allowing the Holy Spirit to be full time in your life. The Holy Spirit identifies the scammer, deceiver, those that fabricate, and the straight up in your face liar. When you permit the Holy Spirit inside you to be your guide, you can speak “no” without an apparent reason. Now there may be people in your life (if they’re close to you); it’s Ok to discuss the reasoning why you’ve said no. You can tell them you trust the Lord to assist you in making choices about specific (or all) matters that come into your life. Let them know that He understands and recognizes what lies ahead in every decision, and you can’t just start leaning on your understanding (emotions). You can’t do anything without getting His OK!!!

    So, when you do recognize the situation and determine that you need to say “no,” DON’T HESITATE.” Maybe your “no” will benefit others by helping them reevaluate their strategy. The Spirit could lead them to a healthier choice or approach.
    AND DON’T YOU EVER THINK YOU OWE ANYONE AN EXPLANATION FOR SAYING NO!!! Especially if you’ve openly and honestly explained to them who guides your life and how you make decisions!!!

    Beloved, I leave you with 1 Corinthians 10:13 (AMP): “No temptation [regardless of its source] has overtaken or enticed you that is not common to human experience [nor is any temptation unusual or beyond human resistance]; but God is faithful [to His word—He is compassionate and trustworthy], and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability [to resist], but along with the temptation He [has in the past and is now and] will [always] provide the way out as well, so that you will be able to endure it [without yielding, and will overcome temptation with joy].” – Amen? Aaamen. ✝️❤️😊

    Probing For Spiritual Answers Cross-Reference Verses
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  • “Probing For Spiritual Answers”

    This Week Probing For Spiritual Answers Question Is there a special Way God will Judge
    Praise The Lord Beloved!!! ✝️❤️😊

     
    This Mornings Question is:
    Bishop Houston, is there a special way Christians will be judged by God on Judgement Day?
     
    Answer:
    This is a great question and thanks for asking!!! 😊
     
    Beloved, Jesus has already forgiven us of our sins when He went to the cross. When Judgement Day arrives, we’ll be evaluated and compensated for our moral actions, not for our transgressions. Now, don’t get me wrong here, I’m not saying sin doesn’t have an impact on us. While we’re here on earth when we sin, we give Satan the power (authorization) to open the door walk in and locate and attack us where we’re Spiritually weak, Spiritually uncovered, or Spiritually abandoned. In other words, when we don’t walk by faith, we’re saying to Satan: “Welcome Satan!!! Come right on in and destroy my life.” Romans 14:23 (AMP) says: “But he who is uncertain [about eating a particular thing] is condemned if he eats because he is not acting from faith. Whatever is not from faith is sin [whatever is done with doubt is sinful].” So, you see Beloved, it’s through sin we detach ourselves from God’s security.
     
    First John 1:9 (NLT) says: “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” Forgiveness our pardon!!! 😊 It releases us and eradicates Satan’s legitimate right to our life. So, on Judgment Day, Christians will be evaluated by the works they did during their lifetime. We’ll be joyfully compensated according to what we’ve done. 2 Corinthians 5:10 (NLT) says: “For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.” 2 Timothy 4:8 (NLT) says: “And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.” 1 Peter 5:4 (NLT) says: “And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.” Revelation 11:18 (NLT) says: “The nations were filled with wrath, but now the time of your wrath has come. It is time to judge the dead and reward your servants the prophets, as well as your holy people, and all who fear your name, from the least to the greatest. It is time to destroy all who have caused destruction on the earth.” And Revelation 22:12 NLT says: “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds.”
     
    I strongly recommend reading 1 Corinthians 3 and Romans 14. They are “BRILLIANT” cross-reference reading.
     
    Beloved, God coordinates each of our lives to help us make the right choices, but at the end of the day, the choice is ours. Amen? Aaamen. ✝️❤️😊 

  • “Stop Think and Reflect”

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    Praise the Lord happy mid-week to you.

     
    In Romans 6 you’ll find Paul starts the chapter asking a few questions. This was not by coincidence. In fact, Paul’s entire letter to the Romans is filled with questions. (In the NKJV, I counted 75 questions in Romans!!!) Paul knew the impact questions could have. In many of my devotions and inspirational writings, I’ll ask questions as well. I’ve been asked many time why I ask questions in my sermons and in my writings. Well “for me” I insert a question or questions to shift the stream of my sermons, teachings, and writings to help make the words come alive for my readers and listeners. I believe whenever we read a question, we should feel challenged – tested. I’m trying to inspire my readers and listeners to stop, think, feel, imagine and consider the issues and how they might react or reply.
     
    If you look closely at Paul’s writings, you’ll see the impact his questions have throughout his ministry. Questions were central to what he wrote about the Lord’s Supper, allow me to give you an example from 1 Corinthians 11:22: “Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this?” Beloved, each question offers an opportunity for readers to answer Paul for themselves and think about the issues he discusses.
     
    You’ll find Jesus frequently used questions. The Old Testament also is packed with questions, presenting opportunities for us to think about what has been said. Although not a question. The word “Selah” is used over 70 times in the book of Psalms, inspiring us to take a brief break and reflect.
     
    Beloved, as you read your Bible or daily devotions, remember to think about the questions asked. How you would respond, and what is the deeper meaning for you? Amen? Aaamen. ✝️❤️😊
     
    CHOF Ministry’s Mid-Week Prayer:
     
    Dear Heavenly Father help me to stay sensitive and responsive to the questions You ask me. I want to continue to be taught so I can remain mature as a believer. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen and Aaamen.
     
    Beloved, life is very short. It comes and goes like an unannounced gust of wind. None of us know the hour or day when that gust of wind will be permitted to enter our room and blow out our earthly light. So today, reach out and touch someone and tell them you love them, BECAUSE TELLING THEM LATER JUST MIGHT BE TOO LATE. – I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Have a “Wonderful” Wednesday. 😀
     

  • “To Divorce or Not To Divorce?”

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    Dear Bishop Houston, I am Ubura a Christian. Me and my wife have been married for 15 years and I think I want to divorce her. What shall I do?

    Praise the Lord Ubura thank you for your question.

    Well, Ubura contemplating divorce for many is very difficult and there’s a lot that may impinge your divorce (children, property, money and emotions, ect….). I’m not an attorney so I will leave those legal matters to the men and women that are properly authorized to litigate.

    Now, as a Christian spiritual leader, the first thing I advise you to do is take it to God first. It’s mandatory that you know the will of God. And once that’s done, you’ll have the assurance of 1st John 5:14-15 “God always hears and answers prayers which are prayed in line with His will”. It’s major for us as Christian to discern God’s will in His Word.
    Now, we as Christians, divorce among believers is definitely unwanted. God’s best is for two Christians once they become husband and wife is to remain married throughout their lifetime. Matthew 19:4-6 says: “Haven’t you read the Scriptures?” Jesus replied. “They record that from the beginning ‘God made them male and female.’” And he said, “‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’ Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together”.

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    Then there’s 1st Corinthians 13:4-8 which outlines how the God kind of love is supposed to perform. Now, Romans 10:17 says, faith comes from the Word. So you must meditate on those verses until your mind is completely renewed Romans 12:2 (Amp) says: And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].

    So Ubura, you must act on the Word in faith for your marriage.
    in other words your decision and response should be made according to God’s love no matter what happens.

    So, instead of reacting emotionally to your spouse, allow 1st Corinthians 13 to be your guideline. As a Christian you must respond with the God kind of love. You must be patient, kind, forgiving, always protective, trusting, persevering and hopeful. Don’t be envious, boastful, proud or rude. Don’t keep track of wrongs or be self-seeking or easily angered. Since God promises you that love never fails, if you walk steadfastly in His kind of love, your marriage cannot fail!!!

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    Even though the Apostle Paul did not discuss divorce between two unsaved people, he did say that adultery, divorce or anything else the flesh produces in the life of a sinner is a result of the sinner following his true nature. According to
    2nd Corinthians 5:19, God will not hold his sins against him. This would include divorce.
    In 1st Corinthians 7:12-13, 15, Paul dealt with situations involving one saved and one unsaved partner. In this case, Paul says that if the unbeliever is willing to live with the believer, the believer should not seek a divorce. However, if the unbeliever leaves, the believer is not bound to the marriage. He ended with the statement, “God has called us to live in peace.”
    Beloved, God’s Word is His will for you. I encourage you to read over the scriptures I’ve just mentioned and meditate on 1st Corinthians 7. Pray and trust God to bring the clarity of His will in regard to your stand. 😀

    Thank you for your question.

  • Being Gay – Right or Wrong?

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    Praise the Lord Beloved 😀

    During our journey in this life we all come to an intersection that we need directions or answers. Our CHOF Ministry website now has a Q & A page.  You ask us a question and we’ll answer you with a foundationally inspired Bible based answer that we hope will galvanized your mind.

    Today’s Question:
    “Is being gay right or wrong?”

    Dear Bishop Houston my name is Centrella and I am a gay female. I have lived a covered homosexual lifestyle for 17 years, that was until 6 months ago when I was encouraged to come out and acknowledge that I am gay.

    I was always taught homosexuality was wrong but many of my friends who are gay are telling me different.

    Bishop Houston my question for you – is it Ok or wrong to be homosexual?

    Praise the Lord Centrella thank you for your question.

    Beloved, the individual who participates in homosexual behavior or who struggles with homosexual predispositions is no less loved by God or by CHOF Ministry than any other person. John 3:17 says, “God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” God isn’t condemning any individual or looking for reasons to reject you or anyone else.  In Matthew 22:37-40 and Mark 12:30-31 vividly tells us all God is looking for is for that person’s choice to love, serve and obey Him with all their heart, soul, mind and strength.
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    We all know that God created mankind male and female. His normal order was that each had a distinctive desire for the opposite sex. Now, in Genesis 2:23-24, Hebrews 13:4, Ephesians 5:21-33 it shows us that a sexual union between a man and a woman within the margins of the God-ordained marriage relationship is right and holy by God’s morals.

    But, there are two sides to this coin. Contrariwise, in Genesis 19:1-7, Leviticus 18:22-23, 20:13, Romans 1:18-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and 1 Timothy 1:8-10 these scriptures teach us that when a man desires a sexual union with another man and a woman with another woman, this is an unnatural affection that goes against God’s natural order in creation.
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    But let me tell you, there’s some good news!!! The good news is freedom from homosexuality, and every other manifestation of the fallen human nature, it has been paid for by the blood of Jesus!!!

    Romans 10:9-10 and 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us that the path to freedom for the homosexual is the same path of freedom that is offered to everyone on earth, which means you must accept Jesus as Lord and Savior and once you accept Jesus as Lord and Savior you’ll receive a brand-new nature on the inside. Hebrews 4:15-16 tells that once a person is born again he or she can freely receive God’s grace “supernatural empowerment” to overcome the sinful desires of the flesh and live in total victory.

    Beloved, we can’t biblically define homosexuality as right behavior, but we can define love, mercy and compassion as right responses to those involved.

    I’m sure there will be some people that might argue that true acceptance requires condoning the behavior. But to accept and to condone are two different things.
    2 Corinthians 5:19 tells us that God accepts everyone who will come to Him through Jesus while not condoning everything they do.

    So, from a Christian stand-point we must love the person that identifies themselves as a homosexual or gay but we as Christians cannot condone “overlook or excuse” the person’s homosexual tendencies and desires.

    Thank you for your Question.

     

  • MAIL CALL!!! – “Why Would God Need To Choose “A” People?”

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    R. Charles ask:
    Bishop Houston, God chose the Jewish people to work out his salvation through them. Why would God need to choose “A” people? Isn’t our God big enough to choose all people? And wouldn’t’ that make more sense?

    Thank you for your question R. Charles.

    A: In the beginning God did choose all people, until Adam and Eve disobeyed.  And it was the Jewish people that got the end of God’s anger. That’s because they started to believe, trust and have confidence in their own ways. In other words, they abandoned God which took them out of the covenant of God.
    So, He had to wipe out the children of the fallen angels (Noah & the Flood).

    But, when Jesus came to this earth He brought change. He reached out to everyone Jew, Gentile, Muslim, man, woman. With Jesus there was a new covenant, everyone could go to the presence of God without fear or trepidation.

    Beloved, God wants all of us, but all of us don’t want God. All of us would have been included had all of us been righteous.

    Thanks again for your question.

    If you have a question or prayer request please you send it to:
    christianhouseoffaithchof@chofministry
    chofministry@gmail
    or write to us at:
    Christian House of Faith, CHOF
    15500 Pearl Rd. #361212
    Strongsville, Ohio 49136