From Pastor's Desk
Other Subject Matters - Importance of Vows made unto the Lord - Minister Oscene Barrett (Chicago)
Greetings! Almost 10 months ago, in April 2012, I thought that I could deliver in another form, weekly writings on the scriptures which could be available to members of our congregation and the world at large via our web site. The Lord led me to write on the Spirit of God in Action (The Holy Ghost) from the Book of Acts chronology by Dr. Luke. These writings have been a tremendous blessings to me, as I read, digested and re-wrote again, the various events of the early church from the day of Pentecost in AD 33. I am more than convinced, and fully believe that the gift of the Holy Ghost is the most invaluable gift a believer can and must have in order to live a godly, victorious and happy life in this present world. After 33 scenes, I think it is best to intersperse other subject matters by other writers
beginning this week.
Thus this week's blog begins a series of writings by Minister Oscene Barrett from Chicago, on the importance of respecting and honouring vows made unto the Lord. I hope this will be beneficial to you as you read this series
over the next four weeks.
Minister Oscene Barrett
Key verses:
[4] When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. [5] Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5)
Focus:
Only a fool does not honor his vows.
Introduction:
God is a God of his words, thus it can be safely said God desires mankind to be truthful. He expects us to say only those things that are true, that is, we must say what we mean and mean what we say. Against this backdrop
Jesus speaks:
" But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil". Matthew 5:37
Mankind often finds himself/herself in a dilemma by trying to over impress others with much speaking and learnt ability to be erudite in speeches, which has led to many saying more than what should be said. This was what Jesus was conveying in Matthew 5:35-37; whenever you open your mouth to speak, what comes out MUST be true.
Your words, He said, does not need an oath to be true, so you need not to swear at all. Make your yes, yes and your no, no. Anything MORE than what you mean is EVIL, and this evil if not repented WILL stop you at the door to glory. To this Bishop James agrees:
But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. James 5:12
Isaiah was very bold.
Wherefore the Lord said, " forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men": Isaiah 29:13 ,
This is hypocrisy tripled, that is hypocrisy multiplied by hypocrisy multiplied by hypocrisy. Note, they were just saying something that they did not mean and Jesus called it hypocrisy (Mathew 15:8 and Mark 7:6).
Jesus was very angry. To this Jesus further adds:
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Luke 6:46
As is obvious, this was just saying one thing with the mouth, but their heart (which controls their will) was in contrast, which manifested in them doing the opposite of what the mouth was saying. This inconsistency is rightly called hypocrisy, but those with understanding will know that a hypocrite is a liar and deceiver, and thus untruthful.
The problem of lying has been around for centuries. It was a lie the devil told to Eve, which is the real cause for all cemeteries, funeral parlours, bereavements, etc. Not only that, lies destroy our relationship with love ones, as was seen in the Garden of Eden and many other places throughout the scriptures. It even resulted in physical death (Acts 5:1-12). Ever since Eden, mankind had a strong propensity to lie, to break covenants, to be deceitful, etc. This degrading disposition resulted in chaos and mayhem, to the point where there was strife between houses, families, tribes, and kingdoms. These strifes were often settled in war. Oath taking came in as a means by which they can settle all strife (fighting) peacefully. This is what Paul said:
"For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife." Hebrews 6:16
I got it Paul! Paul wanted all to know, that mankind was so untrustworthy, untruthful, and full of deceits and lies that our word alone could not give any assurance. For one to remotely believe in mankind, s/he would have to supply two
things: his/her words (which would be agreed on) and an oath. Now Paul said the oath is for a confirmation, that is, the oath will let the other(s) know that this person has BIND him/herself to fulfill/do whatever was said or agreed to. This binding of oneself is a promise and vow.
For more on this key commitment of making vows unto the Lord, or any other subject matter, Please contact us at
