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Should We Make Vows Today?

Article by John O. Reid

Our desires can lead us to make vows to God, promising to change our ways or perform specific deeds in exchange for our requests. However, we must count the cost before making such promises. Hanna, in I Samuel 1, wisely took her desire for a child to God, vowing to dedicate her son to His service if He granted her request. God heard her plea and fulfilled her desire, and she kept her vow. In contrast, Jephthah made an impetuous vow, desiring victory so greatly that he gave little thought to his part of the bargain. His rashness led to heartbreaking consequences when he had to fulfill his promise involving his only daughter, causing him immense grief, yet he resolved to keep his word. God considers vows to be serious undertakings, as detailed in Numbers 30, where He commands that a person must always keep their word. If a vow or oath is made, they are bound to fulfill all its terms, and failure to do so is sin. Specific rules apply to unmarried women under their father's authority, betrothed women, widows, divorced women, and married women, with the authority of fathers or husbands playing a role in allowing or disallowing vows. God emphasizes that reneging on promises is not taken lightly, and responsibility falls on the one who allows or voids a vow. In the New Testament, Jesus advises against swearing or making vows, urging simply to say yes or no, as a Christian's word should be their bond. He warns that making vows to acquire something may lead to forgetting the promised performance once the desire is fulfilled. Both Jesus and James caution against making vows to avoid falling into judgment. Though God advises against vowing, if one chooses to do so, they must seriously contemplate the request and the promise, ensuring they can fulfill what they have pledged. As a special people to God, with direct access to His throne, we should carefully consider whether vows are necessary when He hears our prayers and answers according to what is best for us. Let us ensure we fulfill all responsibilities in our relationship with God, avoiding the dishonesty that plagues society.

How Good Is Your Word?

'Ready Answer' by David F. Maas

We are known by what we say and how well we keep our word. How honorable and dependable are the promises that we make to others?

Giving Your Word

'Ready Answer' by John O. Reid

One's word is not worth a whole lot these days in the world. But God listens to what we promise, so we had better perform it!

The Importance of Follow-Through

Article by David F. Maas

Just as important as follow-through is in an athletic motion, its spiritual counterpart is vital to our life in Jesus Christ.

Freedom and Responsibility

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

When a culture liberalizes, there will be a corresponding rise in irresponsibility, as people become fickle, rash, undependable, untrustworthy or disloyal.

How Much Do You Value the Kingdom of God?

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Martyrdom is not a penalty because a person has failed to qualify for the Place of Safety; rather, it is a badge of honor for those who have overcome.

Impure Language Destroyed

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Poisoned and perverted language will be destroyed in God's kingdom, when purified hearts will speak a pure language.

Malachi's Appeal to Backsliders (Part Two)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Malachi assures the people of Judah that if they repent, God's favor will resume, but if they continue defiling the Covenant, a day of reckoning will come.

Amos (Part Two)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The book of Amos is addressed to the ones who have made the new covenant with God. Having made the covenant, we must remember that privilege brings peril.

Acts (Part Twenty-Four)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

As Paul is miraculously rescued and taken to Caesarea, he uses every trial as an opportunity to bear witness to Christ, preaching the Gospel.