What The Bible Says About Suicide. Part [1] 02/20/2024 (Evening thought)

John 10: 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Before we delve into our study, let us take a look at the raw data, for it is a fact that suicide is on the rise in a land of opportunity and privilege. The problem affects a broad spectrum of society, including folks from all walks of life, and since it is on the increase, we must now address it, and find out what the Bible has to say about it. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death in children ages 10>14.

The suicide rate among people aged 10–24 increased 62% from 2007 through 2021. The rate of suicide among teen males has increased fivefold from 1950>1990. The suicide rate for people aged 20–24 increased 63% from 2001 through 2021. In 2021, there were on average 127.2 suicides every day, among U.S. adults. And the problem is also to be found among veterans, because in 2020 there were 6,146 Veteran suicides, which averages to 16.8 Veterans dying by suicide every day.

Question: What could be causing such a dramatic increase in death by suicide and what does the Bible say about it? In doing research it is discovered that there are several contributing factors that may lead a person to take their own life, and the problem also exists in those of religious affiliation, even though a plethora of studies suggest it being lower in people of faith.

2nd Timothy 3:This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

May God add His blessing t the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!

Christ In The Shadows. Part [14] 02/19/2024 (Morning thought)

Luke 4:And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. 3 And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. 4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

Satan excited the evil passions of men, in order to fasten his rule upon them. When God's written word was given, Satan studied the prophecies of the Savior's advent. From generation to generation he worked to blind the people to these prophecies, that they might reject Christ at His coming. At the birth of Jesus, Satan knew that One had come with a divine commission to dispute his dominion. He trembled at the angel's message attesting the authority of the newborn King.

Satan well knew the position that Christ had held in heaven as the Beloved of the Father. That the Son of God should come to this earth as a man filled him with amazement and with apprehension. He could not fathom the mystery of this great sacrifice. His selfish soul could not understand such love for the deceived race. The glory and peace of heaven, and the joy of communion with God, were but dimly comprehended by men; but they were well known to Lucifer, the covering cherub.

Since he had lost heaven, he was determined to find revenge by causing others to share his fall. This he would do by causing them to undervalue heavenly things, and to set the heart upon things of earth. Not without hindrance was the Commander of heaven to win the souls of men to His kingdom. From the time when He was a babe in Bethlehem, He was continually assailed by the evil one. The image of God was manifest in Christ, and in the councils of Satan it was determined that He should be overcome.

Revelation 12:13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. 15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. 17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!