Pastor Marc Bertrand

"What exactly is a 'holy kiss'?" There are four places in the New Testament that refer to the “holy kiss”—Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; and 1 Thessalonians 5:26. In each instance, the Greek words denote a kiss which is sacred—physically pure and morally blameless. It was a common custom in most nations for people to kiss each other at meeting or parting to display their  love, sincere affection, and friendship for each other. The kiss is called "holy" to distinguish it from a sexual one and from a hypocritical and deceitful one, such as Joab gave to Amasa (2 Samuel 20:9) or such as Judas gave to Jesus when he cried, “Hail Rabbi,” and betrayed Him into the hands of His enemies (Matthew 26:49). In New Testament times, the holy kiss was a sign of greeting, much like the modern handshake. For Christians, it further expressed brotherly love and unity. The holy kiss was especially precious to the new believers during the early church yea...

A holy kiss – What is it?. In biblical times, it was common for people to greet each other, or to say goodbye, with a non-sexual kiss. Many people throughout the world still show non-sexual physical affection to those they are fond of, and to family members, by kisses on one or both cheeks in greetings. Other cultures prefer a handshake. The New Testament refers to a holy kiss in Romans 16:16, 1  Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:12, and 1 Thessalonians 5:26. In each, the idea is to display a kindred spirit, purity, and love for one another, not a physical attraction or public display of affection. The kiss is "holy" in that is more than just a sign of greeting. It is physically pure and morally blameless. A holy kiss is one that is not disingenuous or deceitful, contrary to Judas' kiss to betray Jesus. Rather, a holy kiss between Christians is to express brotherly love and unity. Often, a new Christian would be ostracized from family and friends. A holy kiss would com...

"Should Christians celebrate Father's Day?" Father’s Day is a day set apart to celebrate fatherhood, recognize the influence of fathers in our homes and society, and foster paternal bonds. It is also celebrated to honor and commemorate our fathers and forefathers. While it is celebrated in the U.S. on the third Sunday of June, in many other countries the officially recognized date of Father’s Day  varies. It is believed that Father’s Day was first observed on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington, through the efforts of Sonora Smart Dodd, a Christian woman and the daughter of American Civil War veteran William Jackson Smart. Sonora’s mother died when she was age 16, and she wanted a day that would commemorate and honor fathers like her own, who had raised her and five other children. Once she began soliciting the idea of an official Father’s Day, she met some opposition and even derision, but she persevered. A bill was introduced in Congress in 1913, and in 1916, Preside...

"What does the Bible say about Christian fathers?" The greatest commandment in Scripture is this: “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5). Going back to verse 2, we read, “So that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I giv e you, and so that you may enjoy long life.” Following Deuteronomy 6:5, we read, “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” (vv. 6-7). Israelite history reveals that the father was to be diligent in instructing his children in the ways and words of the Lord for their own spiritual development and well-being. The father who was obedient to the commands of Scripture did just that. This brings us to Proverbs 22:6, “Train...

Is Flirting a Sin? According to  dictionary.com , “flirting” is “making playfully romantic or sexual overtures.” Considering what the Bible says about lust and this definition, is God OK with flirting? You be the judge. I am simply opening the discussion on a topic of intimate behavior that is often avoided in religious circles. Don’t mistake me for a legalistic prude. I just think it’s wise sometimes to examine how we interact with each other to make sure we are living godly lives that are pleasing to God and uplifting to others. What Does the Bible Say about Flirting?. Not much. Flirting is mentioned in the Bible only a few times. But there is enough reference to “sexual overtures” to assume that this potential violation of the purity of our hearts and actions is on God's righteousness radar. Even if you don’t think flirting is a sin, which I’m not saying it is, you’ve got to acknowledge the danger connected with it. A good example is found in Proverbs 8 when the word “flirting”...

Is having a boyfriend a sin? We want to serve God together. Thank for contacting us with your question about relationships. I am sorry that you are feeling troubled about this issue, but I am sure that you can find peace about it. You do not say how old you are or how serious your relationship with your boyfriend is. I encourage you to consider if you are of an age when it is natural and right to  begin to look for a life partner. Having a boyfriend cannot be a sin in itself, because if it was, then no-one would ever get married! However, having a romantic relationship can lead Christian young people into difficulties which can be hard to handle. If you and your boyfriend are both Christians, then you will want Christ to be at the center of your relationship. I wonder, are you both sure that you have made Jesus Christ your Lord and Saviour and are trusting Him to save you from sin and take you to Heaven when you die? This is a very important question to answer, because the Bible t...

Weddings That Are Honorable in the Sight of God and Man. “A marriage feast took place in Cana . . . Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the marriage feast.”​—JOHN 2:1, 2. 1. The account about Jesus in Cana draws attention to what? JESUS, his mother, and some of his disciples knew the joy that an honorable wedding among God’s people can bring. Christ even made one wedding outstanding by performing his first recorded miracle there, adding to the pleasure of that event. (John 2:1-11) You may have attended and enjoyed weddings of Christians who want to serve God as happily married people. Or you may look forward to having such a wedding yourself or to helping a friend to make his or her wedding a success. What can contribute to that outcome? 2. What information does the Bible contain about weddings? Christians have found that the advice in God’s inspired Word is very helpful when a man and a woman plan to get married. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) Granted, the Bible does not outline exact...

All That Glitters. Do we focus on outward splendor or on what’s underneath?. In lands where people lived under communism, the outside of an apartment often looked drab, dreary and in need of repair. That shabbiness often hid some beautiful rooms inside. People in these countries placed a bigger value on what was on the inside. The saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover” is a reflection of this  thought. Our eyes only see a part of the real person. People may look weary, sad or less than handsome. They may walk slowly and wear shabby clothes, but a closer look often reveals a diamond behind those tired eyes. All that glitters is not gold—and the most beautiful, powerful, wealthy person may glitter brightly on the outside, but be a mess inside. One sad example was King Solomon. His outer appearance may have fooled many people, but could not fool God (1 Kings 11:11). Let your real, inner self glitter.

Inner Beauty. Greetings friends, There are things more lasting in life than our skin. A man once noted that beauty is the first present nature gives to women, and the first it takes away. While some are naturally endowed with an outer beauty, real beauty lies within. Outer beauty begins to fade early in life; inner beauty continues to grow. It is a rare thing to have both, but some have managed it. Esther, for instance, was beautiful outwardly and had the inner beauty that attracted many to her (Esther 2:7, 15, 17). She was one God could use to help save His people. Discretion, wisdom, moral standards and a pleasant attitude last a lifetime. Lacking these is likened to placing a ring of gold in the snout of a pig (Proverbs 11:22). Inner beauty is more valuable. It does not require the outer equivalent. It stands on its own and lasts a lifetime—wrinkle free!

What does it mean to "judge," and why does the Bible say to "judge not"? Christ said, "Judge not, that you be not judged" (Matthew 7:1). What did He mean? Is all judging wrong? ? Jesus Christ said in His Sermon on the Mount: “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you” (Matthew 7:1-2). Therefore, many assume that it is wrong to pass judgment of any sort, and that all people should be allowed to do whatever they feel is right. Strong’s Concordance notes that the word translated “judge” in Matthew 7:1 can also mean “condemn.” What Christ was saying was that, as we are incapable of seeing a person’s heart or knowing his or her relationship with God, we are not to take the place of God in making judgments about someone’s motives or eternal salvation. And we should be humble, knowing our own weaknesses and sins. However, in other sections of the Bible, C...

The Covenant of Salt Salt is and has been an important part of people’s life. It was even used at one time as currency. But does its value go deeper? ? Important since prehistoric times as a seasoning agent and to preserve foods, salt also was commonly used in the religious rites of the Greeks, Romans, Hebrews and Christians. It was an important medium of exchange in the commercial ventures of people across the Mediterranean, Aegean and Adriatic Seas and has been subject to severe taxation in Asian countries from ancient to modern times. In the form of salt cakes, it served as money in both ancient Ethiopia and Tibet. The English term salary was derived from salarium, the Latin term referring to the salt allotment that was issued to soldiers serving in the Roman army. God’s people. Salt is a lasting symbol, because it protects food from putrefying and preserves it unchanged. Jesus Christ said in Matthew 5:13 during His Sermon on the Mount, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the sa...

Having or Being? "What a man is is far more important than what he has," someone wrote. Every so often we find a gem of wisdom couched in only a very few words. These words convey a huge message. We live in an age that seems to calculate a man’s worth by what he has. How disappointing it is to meet this sort of “important” someone only to find out that he or she is very shallow. Proverbs 22:1 informs us that a good name is better than great riches. That is not a name that comes from carefully avoiding anything that would seem negative in a political sense. It is a name that is developed through always choosing to do the right and decent thing. A reputation can take a long time to build—that is why it is so valuable when it is good. What you are as a person is far more important than what you possess.

Secrets. It’s better to avoid putting skeletons in your closet. Wise people know that they should not be doing things that they would not want revealed to others. All too often we are fooled into thinking that if nobody is watching, we can get away with things. That is a flaw of character as well as a great misunderstanding. Things that we do have a tendency to become known. Jesus explained the benefit of doing good things in secret (Matthew 6:3-4). Good things, too, have a way of becoming known. What would we rather be known for—doing good deeds of doing evil deeds? A good name (reputation) is worth more than gold (Proverbs 22:1).

Reputation A reputation is something we develop as we grow into adulthood and lead our lives. William Shakespeare noted, “The purest treasure moral times afford, is spotless reputation; that away, men are but gilded loam, or painted clay.” A reputation is something we develop as we grow into adulthood and lead our lives. It takes time and effort and can be broken in an instant by one careless ac t. Perhaps that is why a good name is so precious and valuable. Proverbs 22:1 tell us it is more valuable than great riches. A spotless reputation is an indicator of strong and good character. Any person who has developed a good name and thus good character can handle riches. The one who is bereft of good character will let riches slip through his hands like water. Another scripture that supports the value of a good name is Ecclesiastes 7:1. The name is better than precious ointment. The first gentile to be converted was a man of good reputation (Acts 10:22). Although he was a centurion in the ...

White Garments. The command to keep our garments clean extends to our spiritual life as well. White clothing looks clean and fresh, but only until stains and dirt disturb the beauty of the outfit. Wearing white is cherished, even though it is a challenge to preserve. Wedding dresses are traditionally white to show the purity and virginity of the person wearing the gown. The Bible describes saint s as those dressed in white. In that case, white describes righteousness and purity. “Let your garments always be white” says the wise man in Ecclesiastes 9:8. There is much to be said about people who are careful, not only about their clothing, but also their inner purity and righteousness. It takes vigilance and care to avoid staining a white garment, and it takes the same qualities to maintain a good name and reputation. “Let your garments always be white” means keeping your guard up against all that is wicked, evil, unholy or profane. The rewards are great in this life and in the future. Th...

"What is lust? What does the Bible have to say about lust?" The dictionary definition of lust is "1) intense or unrestrained sexual craving, or 2) an overwhelming desire or craving." The Bible speaks of lust in several ways. Exodus 20:14, 17 (NLT), "Do not commit adultery. . . Do not covet your neighbor’s house. Do not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything  else your neighbor owns," or Matthew 5:28, "But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust in his eye has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Job 31:11-12 (NLT) sums up lust quite nicely: "For lust is a shameful sin, a crime that should be punished. It is a devastating fire that destroys to hell. It would wipe out everything I own." Lust has as its focus pleasing oneself, and it often leads to unwholesome actions to fulfill one's desires with no regard to the consequences. Lust is about possession and greed. The Chris...

"What does the Bible say about falling in love?" To “fall in love” is to become enamored with someone or to begin to feel love for him or her. Falling in love is an expression describing one’s emotional state when the happy feelings of what’s assumed to be love start to grip the soul. The Bible does not speak of falling in love, but it does have much to say about love. The Bible presents love no t as an emotion but as an act of the will. We choose to love; that is, we commit ourselves to act in the best interests of another person. The idea of “falling in love” relies on warm emotions and (more than likely) surging hormones. The biblical view of love is that love can exist apart from feelings; no hormones are needed to obey the command to “love your neighbor as yourself” (James 2:8). Of course, nice emotions often accompany love, and we naturally have warm feelings toward someone we’re attracted to. And of course it’s good and proper to have positive feelings and surging hor...

What the Bible Says About Sin For such a small word, a lot is packed into the meaning of sin. The Bible defines sin as the breaking, or transgression, of God's law (1 John 3:4). It is also described as disobedience or rebellion against God (Deuteronomy 9:7), as well as independence from God. The original translation means "to miss the mark" of God's holy standard of righteousness. Hamartiology i s the branch of theology that deals with the study of sin. It investigates how sin originated, how it affects the human race, the different types and degrees of sin, and the results of sin. While the basic origin of sin is unclear, we know that it came into the world when the serpent, Satan, tempted Adam and Eve and they disobeyed God (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12). The essence of the problem stemmed from the human desire to be like God. All sin, therefore, has its roots in idolatry—the attempt to put something or someone in the place of the Creator. Most often, that someone is one...

"What does the Bible say about marriage?" The Bible records the creation of marriage in Genesis 2:23–24: “The man said, ‘This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called “woman,” for she was taken out of man.’ For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” God created man and then made woman to complement h im. In the Bible marriage is God’s “fix” for the fact that “it is not good for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). As the Bible describes the first marriage, it uses the word helper to identify Eve (Genesis 2:20). To “help” in this context means “to surround, to protect or aid.” God created Eve to come alongside Adam as his "other half," to be his aid and his helper. The Bible says that marriage causes a man and woman to become “one flesh.” This oneness is manifested most fully in the physical union of sexual intimacy. The New Testament adds a warning regarding this onene...

"What does the Bible say about impiety? What does it mean to be impious?" The words impiety and impious appear in the Young’s Literal Translation of the Bible in many of the New Testament Epistles. Other translations render the word for “impiety” as “ungodliness” or “wickedness.” To be pious is to have reverence for God and be devoted to spiritual things, so the opposite of that—to be impious—is  to be irreverent or faithless concerning the things of God. When the Bible speaks of ungodliness or wickedness, it is referring to impiety. Left to himself, man is naturally impious due to his sin nature. From the moment of the fall in the Garden of Eden, mankind has continued to descend into wickedness. Soon after Eden, Cain showed impiety by bringing an unacceptable offering to the Lord and demanding that it be accepted (Genesis 4:5). A few generations later, Lamech showed impiety by killing a man and boasting about it (Genesis 4:23). By Noah’s day, impiety was so extensive that “...

"What is iniquity according to the Bible?" The Bible uses words such as iniquity, transgression, and trespass to indicate levels of disobedience to God. They are all categorized as “sin.” Micah 2:1 says, “Woe to those who plan iniquity, to those who plot evil on their beds! At morning’s light they carry it out because it is in their power to do it.” The Hebrew word used most often for “iniquity”  means “guilt worthy of punishment.” Iniquity is sin at its worst. Iniquity is premeditated, continuing, and escalating. When we flirt with sin, we fall for the lie that we can control it. But like a cute baby monkey can grow to be a wild, out-of-control primate, sin that seems small and harmless at first can take control before we know it. When we give ourselves over to a sinful lifestyle, we are committing iniquity. Sin has become our god rather than the Lord (Romans 6:14). When we realize we have sinned, we have a choice. We can see it for the evil it is and repent. When we do, we...

"What does it mean to be ungodly? What is ungodliness?" The Bible talks of “the ungodly” as those who are separated from God. Ungodliness is the condition of being polluted with sin. To be ungodly is to act in a way that is contrary to the nature of God, to actively oppose God in disobedience, or to have an irreverent disregard for God. The Bible often speaks of “the flesh” in reference to things  that emanate from our sinful natures. The acts of the flesh and the desires of the world fall under the category of ungodliness. Second Peter 3:7 says that the ungodly will face judgment. Revelation 20:14–15 says, “Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.” Ultimately, those who reject God—the ungodly—will be separated from Him forever. Jude refers to false teachers as ungodly. His description contains these characteristics of ungodliness...