M28. I'm beginning to doubt my faith. What should I do and/or understand ?

M28. I'm beginning to doubt my faith. What should I do and/or understand?

CONSIDER

• Those who question why God allows evil to exist need to look back at everything He did for us to demonstrate His love for us; remember that...

• God made us blameless; He looked at us and said we were good

• He gave us dominion over the earth and we chose to rebel

• God gave us protection in various forms, such as government to protect the citizens and His law so we would know right from wrong <D40>

• Then after His creation continued to rebel, He sent Himself through His Son to offer the free gift of salvation; all we need to do is believe

• Yet the majority still refuse to believe and then wonder why there is so much evil that surrounds

• It's time to look in the mirror!

COST OF COMMITMENT

• In a culture that puts so much emphasis on self-image, self-worth, self-love, and self-esteem, the words of Jesus in Matthew 10 don’t go over well

Matthew 10:39 NIV

[39] Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

• Jesus was saying, “Do you want to find yourself? Then lose yourself.”

• Statements like these don’t play well in our society, and we’ve even brought this thinking into the church

• Contrary to 'looking out for number one', believers are to take their plans, their goals, and their aspirations, and place them at the feet of Jesus Christ

• Pray to determine and follow God's will more than your own!

• Those who question their faith often struggle accepting God's Word

• They are unsure of its truth and application to their own lives

• Their heart and mind are in constant turmoil pulled in different directions by the contradictions they perceive in their own faith or the doubts that plague them and often their feelings in the moment

• Every believer Spirit times faces doubt or confusion and has questions

• The doubting wanderer, however, never moves past these doubts always looking for external evidence or signs

• But their inability to trust God's promises keeps them from peace

• In reality, eternal questions may be seen as sincerity when they are a sign of spiritual instability

ATTAINING ASSUREDNESS

• It is important to remember that we are all sinners and unworthy of Christ’s gift of salvation

• Our journey of sanctification starts immediately after accepting Christ’s offer of salvation, and the journey will rest a lifetime because we will NEVER be ‘good enough’ in our own eyes

• This journey of sanctification, however, can look very different from one person to another, so the litmus test is determining whether there is an underlying ‘peace’ in the journey

• In other words, one person may have a tender COMPASSION and conscience toward Christ and, being overwhelmed by His love and sacrifice for them, sincerely wonder whether they are doing enough in return

• Another person, from a source of PRIDE, may doubt their salvation because they want to show that they are worthy of the gift of salvation yet can’t do enough to prove it to God and others <D40>

• There are those who want to make moral changes in their lives but don’t get to the root of their problem, which is the absence of God in their lives

• The sins they commit are but symptoms of a deeper problem: the lack of Jesus Christ living inside them! <L120>

• Bottom line: what God does in our lives will be better than what we ever could have done on our own

• STEP 1: Seek out where you stand in this spectrum between ‘compassion’ and ‘pride’

Psalm 107:1,8 NIV

[1] Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. [8] Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind

Psalm 7:17 NIV

[17] I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.

• Regardless of where you stand on the compassion-pride spectrum, it is always good to follow the next step

• STEP 2: Aim for an ever-increasing depth in your relationship with God

• God wants us to love Him more than anyone else and He wants us to want His will more than anyone else’s will

• This comes through constant communication in prayer and studying Him through His Word, similar to constant communication with another loved one you care about and want to know more

• Faith in Christ is not a fluctuating experience but a steady commitment to Him, grounded in His Word and promises <S185>

• It's time for the wanderer to believe in the unchanging truths of God's Word

• Read Romans 8 and comprehend the vast amount of love God has for you and your response most likely will change!

• We don’t give thanks to the Lord because we feel good but, rather, we give thanks to the Lord because He is good and His faithful love endures forever! <L120>

1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV

[58] Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Ephesians 3:17b-19 NIV

[17] And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, [18] may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, [19] and to know this love that surpasses knowledge---that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

RELATED COMMENTS

Note: each ** comment in this APPLICATION doc comes from CHAPTER doc(s), where the comments are in numerical order according to verse(s) from the chapter

** Causing God’s people to question His Word and faithfulness is one of Satan's favorite battlefield maneuvers on the spiritual front <L120>

• If he can shake the foundation of one who decided to follow Christ, then he has gained an advantage over them

• The most foundational belief for the believer is knowing they are forgiven of sin when receiving Jesus as Savior and Lord

• At this moment they are given the righteousness of Christ and will spend eternity in Heaven with Him

• If the devil can get them to question these truths, he successfully creates cracks in their foundation of faith

• When you have thoughts like, “Maybe I’m not saved; maybe the Holy Spirit isn’t really living inside of me,” you need to stand on the Word of God and not your emotions

• While emotions fluctuate, the Word of God is stable and dependable

• When we quote Scripture, we not only bolster our faith, but we also keep the devil at a disadvantage

• So, any time you start to question or doubt your salvation, read from the Word of God or recite it from memory!

Romans 8:16 NIV

[16] The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.

John 5:24 NIV

[24] “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.

** The Bible warns us not to conform to the pattern of this world, yet our society willingly conforms to a digital pattern that thrives on vanity and validation <B303> (Aug 2025)

• The Apostle Paul warned that perilous times would come in the last days (2 Tim 3:1–5)

• Among those who define this perilous time include 'lovers of themselves' and those 'without self-control'

• Having an identity on social media is the cultural norm today and certainly amplifies Paul's traits like never before

• Social platforms encourage constant self-promotion and comparison

• Children are using these social apps at younger ages and it’s becoming their primary source of information, identity, and interaction

• They grow up believing their worth is tied to how many followers they have or how many people approve of their selfies

• What technology do we have to look forward to in our future that will further promote this current 'cult of self'?

Romans 12:2 NIV

[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.

2 Timothy 3:1-4 NIV

[1] But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. [2] People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, [3] without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, [4] treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God---

• Jesus warned us to watch out that no one deceives you (Matt 24:4)

• Social media is a perfect breeding ground for deception with filtered images, exaggerated stories, and carefully curated lifestyles to look perfect

• False narratives spread faster than truth, and carefully edited posts create illusions of reality

• Social media normalizes false narratives about life, morality, and even truth itself -- conditioning hearts to accept lies without discernment

Proverbs 6:16-19 NIV

[16] There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: [17] haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, [18] a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, [19] a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

• Distraction is one of Satan’s sharpest weapons enticing people to focus on anything but Christ

• If the enemy can keep everyone entertained, amused, and distracted, he doesn’t have to convince them outright to reject God -- neglect will do the job just as well

• Social media is training entire generations to think and act according to the algorithm -- without question

• Here are suggestions to guard against the dangers of social media in the home:

1. Model healthy use -- Let children see adults prioritize God’s Word over screen time

2. Set boundaries -- Create tech-free zones and times in the home (Deut 6:6–7)

3. Teach discernment -- Help kids evaluate what they see through the lens of Scripture (Acts 17:11)

4. Encourage real community -- Involve children in church, youth groups, and service opportunities; replace digital imitation with genuine fellowship

1 Peter 5:8 NIV

[8] Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

** Believers in Christ are in an ongoing spiritual war, and should depend solely on the Holy Spirit for spiritual support rather than the world and its pagan technology

• Christians are instructed to recognize the spiritual war and the tactics of the enemy he uses against them when possible

TECHNOLOGY

• We live at a time when technology is advancing exponentially with few guardrails; Satan is no doubt directing its development

• Researchers are pretty much doing whatever they feel like doing <S2004>

• It would be great if they realized just because something is possible doesn’t give them license to do it!

• For instance, what is considered 'a line too far' with gene editing and self-taught computers?

• Add to this, the development of AI guided by profit-driven biased algorithms (Aug 2025)

• The majority of users -- believers and non-believers alike -- increasingly accept whatever answer AI spits out without even thinking to question and verify

2 Corinthians 11:14 NIV

[14] And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.

DEPENDANCE

• As Christians, are we not to rely on the Holy Spirit rather than AI technology for guidance and support?

• We are to devote our lives to Christ and He will show us the way, not looking for quick answers from pagan sources

• We are living in an ongoing spiritual battle with a real enemy against Christ and His followers

• The enemy would love people to go to AI rather than God!

• Instead of going to a man made tool, let's go to the eternal God <K110>

John 14:16 NIV

[16] And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever---

** Entertainment is not neutral, for it is discipleship in disguise <H9993>

• The question to ask: who is doing the discipling?

• It's never just a movie, show, song, game, or book, for what we consume through our eyes, ears, and minds shapes us

• Movies, shows, songs, games, and books are today’s Trojan Horses

• Media doesn't just storm the gates but slips inside dressed as laughter, art, and harmless fun and with the package comes the payload

• They deliver worldviews that deny God, normalize sin, glamorize the occult, invert morality, and reshape how viewers see truth

• Entertainment molds our worldview, influences our desires, and can either draw us closer to God or push us further into compromise

Psalm 101:3 NIV

[3] I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it.

• By the time the credits roll or the playlist ends, the message has already been delivered and the heart is a little more desensitized, a little less discerning

• Darkness rarely shows up looking dark

• It looks fun, exciting, beautiful, even good -- until it begins reshaping what we believe about truth, morality, and God Himself

• We live in a world where people can quote spell incantations from movies better than Scripture, where song lyrics shape identity more than the Bible, and where 'binge watching' has replaced Bible reading

• What we laugh at, sing along with, or excuse as harmless eventually becomes what we believe and accept

2 Corinthians 11:14 NIV

[14] And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.

Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV

[22] You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; [23] to be made new in the attitude of your minds; [24] and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

** How many of us would like a fresh start at life?

• Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it <C410>

• Many of us can see the truth of those famous words when we look back at our lives

• We see destructive patterns and decisions repeated again and again

• But as Paul pointed out, Jesus frees us from those destructive cycles when we give our lives to Him

• A fresh start doesn’t mean a trouble-free life, but we’re no longer slaves to our old sinful urges and impulses <L120>

• If you’re struggling in your season of life right now, don’t give up

• That's why the Gospel is called the good news because you can be saved and have a fresh start

• No matter who you are or what you've done, if you would just call upon the name of Jesus Christ

• Ask Him to forgive you of all your sins and trust that His death on the cross is the full payment needed <C36>

• Then draw close to God, pray, and study His Word on a daily basis

• A new season is on its way; a fresh start is just around the corner!

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

[17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV

[18] “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. [19] See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

** Faith is not an emotion but something we create from within ourselves; it is not something we ‘have’ but where our trust and hope are placed <R1795>

Psalm 27:1 NIV

[1] The Lord is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?

** If spiritual disciplines such as prayer, worship, and studying God’s Word are new to you, it’s only natural it will take a while to find your rhythm.

Your first steps as a new believer will likely be a little shaky. Know that God doesn’t look at your outward accomplishments, but at what’s going on in your heart and your intentions. Continue developing the spiritual disciplines on your faith journey:

• Set aside time every day to talk and listen to God, even if it feels awkward

• Praise Him for who He is

• Thank Him for what He’s done

• Ask Him to forgive your sins

• Take your requests to Him

• Spend time in His Word

• Ask God to guide your understanding of it and show you ways to apply it in your life

• Find a church where you can worship and fellowship with other believers

• Look for ways to include your faith in your conversations <L120>

Psalm 119:1-3 NIV

[1] Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. [2] Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart--- [3] they do no wrong but follow his ways.

** Everyday the enemy tries to entice believers to ignore and even harm their relationship with Christ

• Believing in Jesus and accepting his sacrifice allows believers to experience God's grace and presence

• Satan hates the fact that believers have access to God and will do everything in his power to stop them from growing and thriving in their faith

• He wants to keep believers from living abundant, fulfilling, difference-making, holy lives

• To this end, the enemy will set traps with scenarios that exploit their weaknesses and go against God <L120>

Romans 5:1-2 NIV

[1] Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, [2] through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.

• To guard against the enemy's attacks, followers of Christ should introspectively discern where they have a weakness that leads to sin <M1501>

• Then be ready to repent when falling prey to that weakness, with resolve to combat it in the future

• This process of sanctification will ultimately deepen the believer's relationship with their Father while advancing a holy fulfilled life

1 Corinthians 11:31 NIV

[31] But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment.

John 16:33 NIV

[33] “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

** We have a generation of young believers today replacing spiritual fathers/leaders with 'spiritual influencers' <S2016> (Aug 2025)

• Mature spiritual leaders have a role to disciple young believers in the Lord, as Paul fathered those in the early churches

• So many 'generals of the Lord' have died and cannot guide believers in our day

• Instead, it seems anyone can get a platform on social media or find an audience eager to listen to what 'tickles their ears'

• Many of these influencers are in the Progressive Christian Movement

• They typically omit 'clobber verses' from God's Word -- verses they would rather ignore because many find them offensive or too challenging

• Progressive influencers end up leading others astray into apostasy as they use a corrupted Scripture that promotes errant theology

• This generation and those young in the faith need spiritual leaders who are Biblically literate

• Spiritual leaders who can help them understand and apply the FULL counsel of God -- including the 'uncomfortable passages'

1 Corinthians 4:15 NIV

[15] Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 NIV

** We can ask God anything as David did when inquiring who will live with Him into eternity

Psalm 15:1 NIV

[1] Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?

** When we commit our lives to Christ, we also gain enemies <L120>

• The three primary enemies Christians face are the world, the flesh, and the devil

• That’s what David was talking about when he wrote, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies”

• This unholy trinity of the world, the flesh, and the devil creates a powerful opposition, especially for new believers

• The best strategy to combat it is to nurture an intimate relationship with the Lord, whom David describes as a shepherd

• When we sit at the table of the Lord, we’re satisfied because we know that everything we need is there

• Because the Lord has set a table before us, we have no reason to fear our enemies

Psalm 23:5 NIV

[5] You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Psalm 116:10-11 NIV

[10] I trusted in the Lord when I said, “I am greatly afflicted”; [11] in my alarm I said, “Everyone is a liar.”

** Be aware that spiritual revival never goes unopposed <L120>

• If the devil sees the embers of a spiritual awakening or renewal, he will do everything he can to douse them

• The devil’s strategies are no mystery to people who study Scripture because he successfully repeatedly operates from the same playbook

• That’s the bad news

• The good news, is that we can plan for how the enemy works

• For instance, he will first entice someone into temptation and then make them feel guilty for giving in to it

• Sadly, many people fall for his routine and allow their guilt and shame to separate them from God, His Word, and His people -- the things they need most!

• Just remember, no matter what you’ve done, no matter what temptation you’ve given in to, no matter what sin you’ve committed, God is always ready to forgive you if you’ll turn away from your sin and return to Him

• Don’t let the devil isolate you from God, His Word and His people, because that’s exactly what he’s trying to do

1 Peter 5:8 NIV

[8] Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

2 Corinthians 2:11 NIV

[11] in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

** Most everyone has heard the motto 'evil does not pay'

• Well, evil certainly doesn't pay when considering the eternal punishment waiting for those who are determined to live by it

• King Solomon recognized that evil doesn't pay while living in this world, calling evil-filled lives 'meaningless' and 'grievous'

• Followers of Christ are to live as God desires, focussing on what is good and choosing life!

Ecclesiastes 6:1-2 NIV

[1] I have seen another evil under the sun, and it weighs heavily on mankind: [2] God gives some people wealth, possessions and honor, so that they lack nothing their hearts desire, but God does not grant them the ability to enjoy them, and strangers enjoy them instead. This is meaningless, a grievous evil.

Proverbs 10:16 NIV

[16] The wages of the righteous is life, but the earnings of the wicked are sin and death.

James 4:4 NIV

[4] You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.

Deuteronomy 5:33 NIV

[33] Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.

** The two parent father-mother family unit in western society has been under attack since the mid 20th century, discouraging people from being able to relate with a 'loving father'

• Approximately 25% of children in the United States live in a home without their father, according to data from the US Census Bureau (July 2025)

• Then the typical male in the remaining 75% of homes seem to care more about catering to his comfort and toys than taking the effort and responsibility to raise God-fearing children

• Is it any wonder kids feel ambivalence toward authority when they do not respect and are not connected with loving authoritative fathers?

• Satan knows if people can't identify with a loving father in their own family, they will be less likely to identify and trust in our Heavenly Father above

Matthew 28:19b NIV [as we pray]

[19] ...in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

Matthew 18:35 NIV [example]

[35] “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

** The vast majority of congregants under the influence of apostate 'Christian' leaders have been led to believe that tolerance is love, that Scripture is outdated, and that Jesus was simply a good man who occasionally got things wrong <P1701>

• Tragically, churches end up with 'dumb sheep' who sit quietly in the pews, either too timid or too deceived to call out false teaching

• They've lost knowing the voice of the True Shepherd and cannot recognize truth anymore

• This is what happens when false teaching is tolerated, when Scripture is treated as symbolic suggestion rather than inspired truth, and when emotional comfort replaces eternal conviction

• When left unchecked, false teaching can move beyond theological confusion to become spiritual rebellion

• Spiritual rebellion occurs when the teaching openly defies the very heart and message of the Gospel in God's Word

• At some point congregants are not following Christ but following culture

2 Timothy 4:3 NIV

• Anyone finding themself under this type of teaching should return to God's Word

• It's time they raise their voice not in fear, but in truth to support the Gospel -- even when the world mocks them for doing so

• Let's grow the group of remnant believers who adhere to the Word of God in its completion!

** Both prepared and unprepared virgins in the parable fell asleep when the bridegroom was delayed <M1501>

• It seemed the bridegroom was delayed from the perspective of those waiting, not from the bridegroom

• The fact that ALL virgins fell asleep (even though some were more prepared than others) should remind His followers to remain vigilant while waiting for Christ's return

• Part of being prepared and ready for Christ's return is dealing with the evil that is evident all around

• Too often Christians prefer to ignore what's happening in the world, rather than deal with it

• Have we become numb to evil in a fallen world or even become compliant to it?

Matthew 25:5 NIV

[5] The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

Matthew 6:22-24 NIV

[22] “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. [23] But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! [24] “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

• Followers of Christ are to keep guard so evil does not infiltrate; the moment they let down their guard is the moment they give in to it

• Evil may seem like it plays out solely in the worldly physical realm, when in reality spiritual warfare is playing out in the spiritual realm as we see traces of it in this world

1 Corinthians 15:46 NIV

[46] The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual.

** The enemy doesn't mind as much when Christians believe in God and study Scripture, as long as they don't share their faith with others and apply His Word to their lives <M1501>

• Of course Satan's first goal is to prevent believers from believing God and accessing His Word altogether

• If he can put distance between the believer and God by causing them to doubt or twist what Scripture is really saying, he can make them vulnerable to attack <L120>

1 Timothy 4:16 NIV

[16] Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

• Then he will do whatever he can to stop believers from witnessing to others, having them believe that sharing God's truth won't do any good anyway

• He wants believers to focus on their fear -- believing it's 'too evil out there' and others will end up hating them for sharing -- so why bother?

• It’s time for Christians to be engaged in the spiritual war using the tools God gives us to fight the battled <K110>

• Remember: every believer in Christ has a heavenly entourage accompanying them, a host of ministering angels who will protect and provide as needed!

• God is in the business of thwarting the enemy’s schemes and bringing beauty out of ashes <S1999>

1 John 4:4 NIV

[4] You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

Hebrews 1:14 NIV

[14] Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

** While gaining prosperity seems ‘simple’ enough – send enough prayers to God to manipulate Him to do what you want – it isn’t how the Christian faith works

• God doesn’t operate according to OUR wishes but gives us what is best for us in the moment – whatever is needed, both blessings and struggles – so in the long run we will grow in our spiritual walk with Him

• Direct anyone to the Apostle Paul If they claims someone does not have enough faith otherwise they would be in a better position

• The prime example of one with faith, one who endured all methods of hardship, also had an affliction that God did not remove

• God’s response was that His grace is sufficient for Paul in his weakness – as it is for all of us! <S187>

2 Corinthians 12:8-9 NIV

[8] Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. [9] But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me

** The expressed faith of some is nothing more than lip service <D41>

• Many polls show the vast majority of families have a Bible in their home, but they rarely read or study it (Apr 2025)

• The Apostle Peter said scoffers will ridicule the Second Coming and make themselves willingly ignorant of the Word of God

• They attend church but are worldly minded, and God will not accept that

2 Timothy 3:5 NIV

[5] having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

2 Peter 3:3-5 NIV

Revelation 3:16 NIV

[16] So, because you are lukewarm---neither hot nor cold---I am about to spit you out of my mouth

** The depth of commitment by us and the gift of eternal life is more than just belief, it requires us to be born again as a new person <W212>

• As Paul would detail in his letters, it is imperative that new believers understand that being 'crucified with Christ' is required to being 'born again'

• Their life radically changes, for they no longer live, but Christ lives in them

John 3:16 NIV

[16] For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Galatians 2:20 NIV

[20] I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

** Jesus spent His time in ministry preaching to crowds that gathered around Him; the power of Jesus' words alone were enough to inform the crowds and move people to accept the truth He shared <F64>

• Admittedly, the practice of preaching has 'lost its appeal' in today's revival meetings

• Instead of expository preaching that delves into God's Word, organizers of revival meetings prioritize music and put together entertaining productions

• Granted, music is a powerful tool that taps into people's emotions, but emotion-based decisions to follow Christ are often short-lived when the feelings fade

• Churches all across our Western world have emotion-touching music and well-run programs but God is not hearing them when they have not taken an uncompromising stand on the Bible’s authority <H82>

• People need to understand the full Biblical terms that God outlines in His Word before making a decision

• Perhaps the emotion-based 'message' they received appealed to their self-centered desire to 'gain inner strength and peace' to help them in their troublesome life?

• There are key foundational elements needed for a decision to follow Christ -- understanding the human sin condition, the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross to allow us salvation, the need for discipleship, the expectation of spiritual growth as a Christian, etc

• In this light, preaching from God's Word should be the primary vehicle to deliver a detailed gospel message

• Any 'extra' worship time (and other efforts) should support the verbal message that outlines the 'how and why' of making a decision for Christ

Mark 2:1-2 NIV

[1] A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. [2] They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them.

Luke 2:46-47 NIV

[46] After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. [47] Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers.

Matthew 4:4 NIV

[4] Jesus answered, “It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' ”

Romans 10:8-10 NIV

[8] But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: [9] If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

** The enemy mimics what is of God to confuse the Christian believer <M1501>

• The enemy loves to flood everyone with information filled with lies countering God's truth in an effort to confuse the Christian and non-believer alike

• Unfortunately a growing number of Christians are depending on AI technology for answers instead of deepening their relationship with their resident Holy Spirit, depending on Him for direction

1 Corinthians 2:13 NIV

[13] This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.

• Believers who know God's Word will be able to identify the lies

• When believers lean on the Holy Spirit, He promises to instruct, challenge and comfort in accordance with God's will, as prophesied in Isaiah 11

Isaiah 11:1-2 NIV

[1] A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. [2] The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him---the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord---

Daniel 12:3 NIV

[3] Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.

** Whoever digs deep into God's Word to understand and act on it will be blessed as a result <H9996>

James 1:25 NIV

[25] But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it---not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it---they will be blessed in what they do.

** People THINK they are free, but they are only free to choose the sin they desire <M130>

• Christ offers the only true 'freedom' through the gospel truth

• He offers liberation from sin, along with freedom from guilt and eternal punishment

• Bondage to sin is eternal death, while bondage to Christ is eternal life

• Not only do believers in Christ experience freedom in the present life, but hope for the day they will be free from sin permanently after death or Christ returns

John 8:31-32 NIV

[31] To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. [32] Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Galatians 5:1 NIV

[1] It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Philippians 1:21 NIV

[21] For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

** Life can seem empty and monotonous when we attempt to fill it with anything but God

• The emptiness we feel in life is meant to be filled with God and His purposes for us

• Seek God at all times and He will provide the happiness and peace to see you through any of life's circumstances while you follow His will <L125>

• This counsel echoes the wisdom in Matthew 6 urging followers of Christ to first seek His kingdom, and the rest will fall into place

Matthew 6:33 NIV

[33] But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Jesus knew what it was like to be lonely, for just imagine how He felt when:

• His disciples deserted Him

• He hung on the cross and all the sin of the world was placed on Him

• He knew what it was like for His friends to betray Him, and

• He knew what it was like for someone to lie about Him

• Jesus experienced all these difficulties; He must have been the loneliest man who ever lived! <L120>

Hebrews 4:15 NIV

[15] For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are---yet he did not sin.

• When we go to God, we’re not talking to some 'distant celestial being' who has no idea of what it’s like to live on planet earth

• We’re talking about God who became a man, came to earth to experience life as a human

• God knows exactly what we’re going through

• This God who knows us better than we know ourselves will guide and provide for us when we place our trust in Him

• Where do we find solace but in God alone who promises to stay by our side, every step of the way

• Call on God and you will not be alone

• Why would anyone choose to be alone when they can call on the God of the Universe to come to their side at any moment!?

• The essence of the Christian life is 'Immanuel', which means 'God with us'

• As Christians, we are never alone!

Matthew 1:23 NIV

[23] “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

Revelation 3:20 NIV

[20] Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

John 14:23 NIV

[23] Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.

Hebrews 13:5 NIV

[5] Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

** Satan masquerades as an angel of light and is the master of deception <H9993>

• He does not only operate through outright falsehoods but through half-truths and seemingly logical reasoning that ultimately lead people away from God

• For instance, no matter how well-programmed, AI cannot possess the Holy Spirit

• The danger of AI in theological discussions is that it can present arguments that sound biblically sound but lack the discernment and spiritual depth that only the Holy Spirit provides

• A well-structured Christian argument without the Spirit’s guidance may win an intellectual debate but fail to transform a heart

2 Corinthians 11:14-15 NIV

[14] And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. [15] It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

John 16:13 NIV

[13] But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

** People have been deceiving one another since Adam and Eve, so Paul's warning not to be deceived was clearly about something more extreme <G7997>

• Today, lying and deception have become industrialized (Jan 2025)

• We now have machines with which to spread lies like no generation before us

• More than that, we have machines with the ability to create their own lies

• The internet and artificial intelligence (AI) have done for deception what paved roads did for cars

• The truth is, AI is not just another tool in the belt of technological progress

• It is a mirror and a magnifier of the values, intentions, and ideologies of its creators

• AI is being built in an increasingly post-Christian society

• As such, the values infused into AI systems often reflect secular humanism, progressive morality, and relativistic ethics

• It doesn’t operate in a vacuum; it learns from data sets curated by humans, and it is trained on vast corpuses of information, both helpful and harmful, truthful and deceptive

• Once viewed as a helpful assistant (managing calendars, writing emails, or summarizing research), AI is now transitioning into a source of authority

• AI is not just a battle over jobs or convenience, but is a battle over truth, over authority, and ultimately, over souls

• We are entering an era where millions will unknowingly trade biblical wisdom for machine-reasoned ideology

• People are no longer just using AI to generate content; they’re asking it life questions

• This is not just dangerous, it is idolatry

• We are not just building AI, we are bowing to it and, in doing so, we risk becoming less human, less discerning, and ultimately, less free

• And this is where the danger lies -- not just in the power AI possesses, but in the hands that shape it and the minds it influences <P1701>

• The problem grows exponentially when individuals, groups, or nations use AI to deceive on purpose which is already happening on a massive scale and getting worse

• They've even renamed 'lies' so they don't sound so bad: an inadvertent error can be called 'misinformation' while an intentional lie is now 'disinformation'

• Need discernment or feel fear? then study God's Word, pray, and stay by the Lord’s side!

2 Corinthians 11:3 NIV

[3] But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

John 14:26-27 NIV

[26] But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. [27] Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

** God is not bound by time like humans; since God is outside of time and we are not, we experience all things in terms of a linear timeline, but for God all of these things are in an instant <S2001>

Scripture reveals how long God took to fulfill His promises in the past:

• It took around three years for the death of Ahab that God promised to come about

• Approximately 15 years for the death of Jezebel

• About 120 years for the Babylonian invasion of Judah predicted by Isaiah

• It took 4,000 years for the First Coming of Messiah promised in Genesis 3:15

• More than 560 years for the First Coming (and death) of Messiah prophesied in Daniel 9

• More than 700 years for the prediction of Messiah’s death on the cross to be fulfilled from Isaiah 53

• Almost 40 years for Jesus’ prediction of the destruction of the Jewish Temple in Matthew 24

• It took 1,878 years from 70 AD to 1948 for the restoration of Israel

2 Peter 3:8-9 NIV

[8] But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. [9] The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

2 Corinthians 6:1-2 NIV

[1] As God's co-workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. [2] For he says,

“In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.

1 Peter 5:6 NIV

[6] Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

** At some point, fear replaced courage in David’s heart <L120>

• David had showed remarkable courage: he killed a lion and a bear protecting his flock, he walked onto a battlefield to face the giant carrying nothing but a slingshot and a few rocks, he led King Saul’s army into countless battles

• Even though God had protected him again and again in high-risk situations, David chose to run away

• David was gripped by fear and that caused him to take his eyes off the Lord

• In his panic, he ran to enemy territory where the Philistine king recognized him immediately

1 Samuel 21:10 NIV

[10] That day David fled from Saul and went to Achish king of Gath.

Psalm 142:1-4 NIV

[1] I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. [2] I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble. [3] When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way. In the path where I walk people have hidden a snare for me. [4] Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life.

• David eventually understood that when the bottom drops out, you look up

• You put your focus on God and not on your problems: give your fears to Him

• That’s how to be a person after God’s own heart!

Psalm 142:5-7 NIV

[5] I cry to you, Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” [6] Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. [7] Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.

** One reason Christians are to put on the helmet of salvation in spiritual battle, is to protect our mind and keep our wits about us with God's truth <M1501>

Ephesians 6:17 NIV

[17] Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

** God used men who excelled in their relationship with Him to write the Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation and guide its readers <D40>

• God was the revealer, and they were the secretaries

• Their words continue to reveal God’s will for our lives

• They not only had a formidable relationship with the Lord, but understood the times they lived

• Likewise, God wants people to relate to Him and understand the times they live so they will know what to do

1 Chronicles 12:32 NIV

[32] from Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do---200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command

2 Timothy 3:16 NIV

[16] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

2 Peter 1:19 NIV

2 Peter 1:21 NIV

[21] For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

** May we acquire the faith and patience to trust in the promises of God

Hebrews 6:12 NIV

[12] We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

** The enemy of God uses chaos and lawlessness to entice the masses to follow easy counterfeit solutions <G72> <M1501>

• Quick and easy solutions are thought to bring immediate peace and order

• Life is spiritual warfare for Christians, with the enemy launching different attacks in the form of temptations, persecutions, and external pressures

• If 'all hell breaks loose' in a person's life, the enemy is hoping they will look for the easy way to get out of the situation

• 'Looking for the easy way out' will be the game plan of the final Antichrist to bring as many as possible to follow him during the Tribulation

• Although the devil cannot undo a believer’s salvation, he can attempt to break their fellowship with God, trap them in sin, and discourage them by persecution and doubt

• Fortunately, our Father has equipped His children with all that is needed to counter these attacks

• Believers are not alone in the battle but must remain in constant contact with their Commander to determine their next step

• Followers of Christ must do all they can to remain standing in spiritual warfare, which entails remaining committed to God, remaining in His Word, and resisting the enemy's tactics

• When a Christian stands strong with beliefs founded in God, they weaken any stronghold Satan has in their life while deepening their relationship with God

• Hold on to the ultimate power of Christ until He returns to completely abolish the enemy and his ways!

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4,7-8 NIV

[3] Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. [4] He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God. [7] For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. [8] And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.

Isaiah 25:4 NIV

[4] You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like a storm driving against a wall

1 Peter 5:8-11 NIV

[8] Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. [9] Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. [10] And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. [11] To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Psalm 91:2-7 NIV

[2] I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” [3] Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. [4] He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. [5] You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, [6] nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. [7] A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.

** Satan tries to destroy Christ’s work by placing false teachers in churches, confusing believers who are then led astray from God's truth

• Christ outlines in Scripture what the Church Age will experience through the Parable of the Wheat & Tares

• In summary, this parable informs us that wicked people will exist among the sons of the kingdom and both the God-opposed and God-fearing will be separated at the end of the age

• Did you know that tares LOOK like wheat during the growing cycle but then turn black at harvest time?

• We can see how Satan places false believers in pulpits among the Christian community today

• So beware of false teaching and take comfort they will be revealed in the last days <H86>

Matthew 13:24-30 NIV

[24] Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. [25] But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. [26] When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. [27] “The owner's servants came to him and said, 'Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?' [28] “ 'An enemy did this,' he replied. “The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?' [29] “ 'No,' he answered, 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. [30] Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.' ”

Romans 16:17-18 NIV

[17] I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. [18] For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.

** The Lord came and stood before Samuel in a vision, or a divine revelation mediated through an auditory or visual experience; Samuel indicated his willingness to listen! <M130>

• When Samuel told God ‘your servant is listening’, he expressed his willingness to respond to everything God said

• The author brings out the contrast between Samuel and Eli’s sons who did not listen to Eli’s rebuke and did not demonstrate their interest in listening to God

• It was the willingness of Samuel to listen that made him suitable to be God’s instrument in a critical period of sacred history <R1795>

1 Samuel 3:10 NIV

[10] The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel! ” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

** It’s impossible to live the Christian life without the empowerment and help of the Holy Spirit <L120>

• Believers need His power, for they can’t live the Christian life only by personal willpower

• The Holy Spirit’s power must be working in all believers

• So we do our part, but ultimately, it’s the Holy Spirit who does the work through us

• Give thanks today for God’s Holy Spirit, who empowers us, guides us, produces fruit in our lives, and never leaves us

John 15:5 NIV

[5] “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Philippians 2:12-13 NIV

[12] Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed---not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence---continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, [13] for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

** Demons can manifest in a person physically or audibly in spirit form -- including in a psychic medium's mind -- to influence them and take worship away from the One True Living God <S2011>

• The spirit world is alive and well and demons will appear as they need to accomplish their goal

• When encountering a spirit, we should always determine from where the spirit and their power is coming -- is it a good spirit from God or an evil spirit from Satan?

• Remember, Satan's aim is to kill and destroy

• Only Christ can provide genuine peace

• Do not look for peace with psychics or entertaining any other medium that has access to the demonic

Acts 16:16 NIV

[16] Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling.

John 10:9-10 NIV

[9] I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. [10] The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

John 14:27 NIV

[27] Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

** The enemy seeks to divide and conquer by instilling doubt in the minds of those following Christ <M1501>

• Today's society is quick to ignore God, thinking that solving problems with limited human intellect is going to accomplish desired solutions

• Satan loves to plant those who follow the world (Christian and non-Christian alike) among God's people to get them questioning their beliefs and denouncing God's ways

• The enemy's aim is to sow division among as many as possible and get believers to turn from God

Jude 1:19 NIV

[19] These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.

• How are faithful followers of Christ to respond to those sowing and 'buying into' worldly doubt?

• Be merciful to those who follow the world, and bring them to a place where they recognize God's truth and show them the need to be led by the Holy Spirit

• Remember there are different stages of spiritual maturity and discernment within the Christian community

• Use opportunities to draw people's attention to God

Jude 1:22-23 NIV

[22] Be merciful to those who doubt; [23] save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear---hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

1 Peter 3:15-16 NIV

[15] But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, [16] keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Psalm 133:1 NIV

[1] How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!

• At the same time, recognize those who are double-minded Christians that know better yet still refuse to adhere to the Holy Spirit

• There comes a point when we move on (wipe the dust off our feet) from those who remain obstinate, to be able to focus our energies in other areas

Luke 10:10-11,16 NIV

[10] But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, [11] 'Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near.' [16] “Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.”

** Some of the most unhappy people are those who have been born again yet continue living as the world, trying to justify their sin choices <G70>

• Those born again understand what it means to be justified in Christ -- they know Christ paid the penalty and now have freedom from their debt of sin

• Those with a new life saved from the wages of sin know they need to follow the still small voice of the Holy Spirit on a daily basis and not look for ways to ignore Him

• Once saved, those who try to walk opposed to God are willingly leading a life of hypocrisy

• This is like a bird that has been taught to fly yet is stuck in a cage, unable to experience freedom and unable to fly uninhibited

• Those who lead a life of hypocrisy will end up going insane because they cannot reconcile continuing to live in sin and going against God's plan for their life -- they know better!

Romans 6:1-2 NIV

[1] What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? [2] By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?

Romans 6:6-7 NIV

[6] For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin--- [7] because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.

** When we lose the fear of God, we open ourselves to sin and lawlessness <B310>

• Jesus' love keeps us from being legalistic while the fear of God keeps us from lawlessness

• The fear of God is not being afraid of Him, but being terrified we are NOT WITH Him

Philippians 2:12 NIV

[12] Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed---not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence---continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,

Isaiah 33:6 NIV

[6] He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.

• The fear of God promotes an awareness of His authority and builds respect in our relationship with Him

Psalm 25:14 NIV

[14] The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.

• Those who do not fear God lose the respect and intimacy they have with Him (Psalm 25:14)

• Jesus ends up becoming fictitious and His presence in their life is lost, making it easier to walk away from God and the church altogether

• Millions of Christians in today's churches love Jesus but do not fear God

• Many do not fear the CONSEQUENCES of stepping away from God <M1506>

** Satan will do everything in his power to con people into believing his lies and prevent them from reading God's Word

• The enemy will do everything in his power to keep people from the Word of God -- anything he could think of, anything he thought people would believe, anything that works to get people reading other things <M1509>

• No doubt today's focus on discounting 'misinformation' is an effective tool of Satan, with secularists attempting to be gatekeepers of truth (Oct 2024)

• Secularists have a preferred narrative and want to inhibit anyone from even hearing arguments that question it, let alone entertaining debates that discuss the narrative's merits

• In other words, those desiring control will try to squelch any argument that calls the narrative into question by accusing others of 'spreading misinformation'

• Any narrative that claims to be true should hold up to the scrutiny of a counter-argument

• Those who hate God and His Word know the Bible can stand on its own (whether they admit it or not) and typically have no interest in finding out one way or another

• Satan and his minions want to prevent people from reading the Bible because they know they cannot refute it!

• It's easier to dismiss, spread lies about the Bible, and claim it as 'misinformation' rather than test its accuracy

15 Lies Satan Tells You about Scripture:

1. "You already know it, so don’t read it." -- He’s lying to you. You do not know it. For the typical church member to shun the Bible because “I’ve been there and done that” is laughable.

2. "No one can understand it, so don’t read it." -- He’s lying. Even a child can understand a great deal of Scripture. Meanwhile, the Ph.D. will find plenty to challenge his thinking. Only a book from the Almighty could touch so much at every level of their existence.

3. "It’s boring. So don’t read it." -- He’s lying. The Bible is a lot of things, but boring is not one of them. We’re boring, and that’s the problem.

4. "It’s better left to the professionals. So, don’t read it." -- He’s lying, using a lie he once sold to the Catholic church during the Middle Ages. By keeping the Holy Scriptures in the Latin (and not in the language of the people) the church could give it whatever slant they chose. Some hardy individuals paid for the right for us to own Scriptures in our own tongue with their very lives. We must not take lightly the privilege we have to own a copy of the very Word of God in our own language.

5. "You need to understand Greek and Hebrew to know what it really means. So, don’t bother reading it." -- He’s lying. The English conveys very well the meanings of Scripture in their original languages. However, reading the Bible in its original forms is still thrilling, and we encourage people to study Hebrew and Greek if possible.

6. "The English Bible was not translated correctly. If you doubt that, listen to preachers say, ‘The translators got this wrong. What it really says is...’ So, don’t read it."

7. "It’s contradictory. So don’t read it." -- He’s got a half-truth here, but he’s still lying. There are no contradictions in scripture regarding any doctrine or teaching of consequence.

8. "Experts disagree on what it means. So, don’t read it." -- He’s lying. The Christian church, no matter what denomination, agrees with 90 percent of the Scripture message. Or even more.

9. "The Bible is outdated. Not for our modern times. So, don’t read it." -- He’s lying. It’s as contemporary as this morning’s paper. Or even moreso. And as C. S. Lewis once asked, “What does today’s date have to do with anything?”

10. "The Bible is just a bunch of rules. So, don’t read it." -- He’s lying once again. Scripture is anything but that. It contains the greatest stories, most inspiring teachings, and blessed insights imaginable.

11. "You are so far beyond that. The Bible has nothing for you. So, don’t read it." -- He’s lying. And the best response to this is: “Well, I’ll see for myself,” as you open it up.

12. "Men wrote it. So, forget about it being divine. Don’t waste your time reading it." -- Another half-truth that is a whole lie. True: “Holy men of old wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit,” as the apostle said in 2 Peter 1:21. God used men and women to write the Scripture; it did not drop to earth fully written.

13. "Reading the Bible will turn you into a religious fanatic. And you don’t want people thinking you’re a nut. Do not risk that by reading the Bible." -- You know what they say, that “a fanatic is someone who loves Jesus more than you.” What reading the Bible will do is introduce you to the Savior, teach you about salvation, and nourish your soul. Anything that can do that is your friend and, instead of making you weird will make you whole. See 2 Timothy 3:15-17. So, Satan is lying.

14. "No one with intelligence reads the Bible any more. Only religious fundamentalists and extremists. So, don’t read it." -- He’s lying, just as he has been lying all along. Some of the smartest people on the planet–including scientists and professors and philosophers and my neighbor down the street–read and love the Holy Bible. And they are some of the sanest people on the planet.

15. "You’re too busy. You can read it some other time when you are feeling spiritual, when you have plenty of time, when you’re older. Just don’t read it now." -- He’s lying. You are not too busy, only too lazy. Or too worldly, too unbelieving, or too lost. To wait until you are “feeling spiritual”–whatever that means–is a fool’s errand, and you should not fall for that. To wait until you are older is another ploy he uses on the simple-minded. Many a person has gone out into eternity lost who had planned to take care of these matters down the road when they were elderly. The only problem is they didn’t live to become elderly. Do not let it happen to you.

2 Corinthians 2:11 NIV

[11] in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

John 8:44 NIV

[44] You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

** God provides His followers with full armor so they can rely on Him and be anxious for nothing

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

[6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 6:10-11 NIV

[10] Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. [11] Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.

** The people and leaders of Nineveh repented and were spared the destruction they deserved <G73>

• Nineveh was a violent and wicked place, and God was going to destroy them but sent Jonah to witness to them

• God spared Nineveh but what ultimately happened to it?

• Their judgment was delayed, but they looked back and returned to their wickedness

• About 100 years after they repented, they were destroyed because they returned to their wicked ways

• There is a lesson for us today to be careful not to do the same

• Christians must continue to pray, give God our best, and teach our children and grandchildren to honor Him

• Stand strong in our service to God and don't look back or you can slide back into wicked ways!

Jonah 3:10 NIV

[10] When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.

2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV

[14] if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

** Ask the Lord to teach you His ways

Psalm 25:4 NIV

[4] Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.

Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV

[8] “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. [9] “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

[5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

** An essential part of living as a believer in Christ is depending on the Holy Spirit all day, everyday

• Christ Himself knows HOW we should move forward and gives us the STRENGTH to do so

• Those who merrily go along without an intimate connection with the Holy Spirit need to question their spiritual status as a Christian

Acts 2:38 NIV

[38] Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13 NIV

[13] May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

• Question to ask: what's the difference between a 'believer' without the Holy Spirit and an enemy evil spirit who also believes in God and trembles?

James 2:19 NIV

[19] You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that---and shudder.

** Why do we tolerate the enemy removing the peace and joy God gives us? Why do we allow him to interfere in our relationship with the Lord and make us feel defeated? <M1501>

John 10:9-10 NIV

2 Thessalonians 2:15-16 NIV

[15] So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. [16] May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope

** Evil spirits or demons will not appear as ugly beings that warn someone of their encounter, but will appear as beautiful enticing beings that people will want to follow

• Remember that Satan is building an army with the intent to attack God <M1503>

• Evil will entice others to join their ranks however they can

• Believers in Christ can learn to these detect fake facades by remaining by God's side and fully knowing His Word

Luke 21:8 NIV

[8] He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them.

** We can look to God to confirm the path we are on and reveal what needs to be adjusted

Psalm 26:2 NIV

[2] Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind;

Psalm 139:23-24 NIV

[23] Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. [24] See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

** Although it is not a popular concept within the Arminian Church today, God creates good and brings disaster. He creates good because He is good, and He wants to bless His creation with all the joys and blessings He can pour on them.

But He also is the one who creates disaster because it is necessary for the discipline of His wayward creation and also to keep history moving to its predetermined end.

Now this is not to say that all the bad things that happen are because God orchestrates them. Surely not. There is sin that is allowed to exist in this spec of time for a reason. It has its purpose. And it is allowed by God for a short season compared to all eternity and that reason in a nutshell is so God can bring honor to His Son, create a bride of faithful redeemed humanity for His Son, and through God’s allowance of sin it allows Him to display all of His amazing qualities that we would never know without sin’s brief existence. Yet the Bible says God is not the author of sin.

Isaiah 45:7 NIV

[7] I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.

James 1:13 NIV

[13] When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;

Yet sin and the Satanic realm have a purpose that all fits under the perfect sovereignty of God’s ultimate plan. <B315>

1 Peter 5:8 NIV

[8] Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

** The default position for most people is to interpret the presence of pain in their life with the absence of God <L1293>

• In other words, "if God was here, then I wouldn't be hurting"

• But God declares in Scripture that He will never give up on His people

• This is evident even with God fulfilling His promise through Jacob, even though Jacob was a conniving person

• God's grip on us matters more than our grip on Him

Genesis 32:24-28 NIV

[24] So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. [25] When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. [26] Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” [27] The man asked him, “What is your name?” “Jacob,” he answered. [28] Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.”

Genesis 35:10-12 NIV

[10] God said to him, “Your name is Jacob, but you will no longer be called Jacob; your name will be Israel. ” So he named him Israel. [11] And God said to him, “I am God Almighty ; be fruitful and increase in number. A nation and a community of nations will come from you, and kings will be among your descendants. [12] The land I gave to Abraham and Isaac I also give to you, and I will give this land to your descendants after you. ”

** Do not allow Satan a foothold by accepting pagan practices in your personal life or in the church community <W2202>

• When a person allows their mind to be altered by anything – doesn’t have to be drugs or alcohol but satanic compromise – that creates an open door for the enemy to enter <B312>

• For instance, do not turn a blind eye to the sacrificing of children such as the current acceptance of abortion and transgender practices

• Do not acknowledge pagan holidays, such as Halloween, for it is on the Satanic calendar and is intended to honor demons <M1501>

• A Christian celebrating Halloween is similar to a holocaust survivor celebrating Hitler's birthday

• Christians who normalize pagan ideas find that Satan's foothold grows and often become accepted practices in Christianity

Deuteronomy 18:9-13 NIV

[9] When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. [10] Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, [11] or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. [12] Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord; because of these same detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you. [13] You must be blameless before the Lord your God.

** We decide what spirit we are going to invite in; for example, we will allow either a spirit of fear or the spirit of Christ to rule our heart and mind <M1501>

• Beware! Satan mimics God and will also stand at the door asking to come in

• We decide to whom and when we open the door to our heart and soul

• Whatever spirit we accept will develop a stronghold in the mind

• Only open the door to the spirit of God through His Word

• As followers of Christ, we don't have time to entertain any other spirit!

Revelation 3:20 NIV

[20] Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

Ephesians 4:25-27 NIV

[25] Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. [26] “In your anger do not sin” : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, [27] and do not give the devil a foothold.

Romans 8:1-2 NIV

[1] Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, [2] because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

** The power of the mind affects us and is why belief and faith in a loving God is so critical; God desires we lean on Him, not our understanding

Proverbs 3:5 NIV

[5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding

** Deception is most destructive when it enters the Christian camp and believers deceive themselves <W2202>

• Followers of Christ can be led to believe they are making a positive difference by following worldly progressive movements when, in fact, are venturing from the gospel toward apostasy

• Don't just rehash the same negative talking points from the world to feel better, but choose to know what's going on in the big picture while obtaining factual information

• It is our duty to fully understand the big picture and accept the facts, whether it's what we want to hear or not

2 Corinthians 11:3-4 NIV

[3] But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. [4] For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.

1 Corinthians 6:9 NIV

[9] Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men

Luke 21:7-9 NIV

[7] “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?” [8] He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them. [9] When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”

** Christians can follow a form of ungodly worship when they give sole focus to their daily problems <M1501>

• Believers are to give God their complete focus because He has everything under control

• God, who is on the throne, should be front and center

• There will come a time when everyone is confronted by much more than their individual problems and will need to focus on God alone to see them through

Matthew 6:33-34 NIV

[33] But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. [34] Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Hebrews 12:25-26 NIV

[25] See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? [26] At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.”

** The soon return of Jesus also carries with it a message for believers: lukewarm and carnal Christians are called to commit their lives to holiness <R173>

Romans 13:12-14 NIV

[12] The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. [13] Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. [14] Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

Colossians 4:2 NIV

[2] Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Titus 3:8-11,14 NIV

[8] This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. [9] But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. [10] Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. [11] You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned. [14] Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.

** Some Christians want to give the bare minimum to God <L120>

• They will read the Bible -- if they find time in their busy schedules, after they’ve visited all the websites they want to visit and watched all their TV shows and checked their social media

• They’ll pray a little prayer before a meal or sing a worship song in church, but maybe not out loud

• They’ll put something in the offering -- if they have some spare change in their pocket

• They are critical of someone else who does something good because, in their eyes, that person is going overboard and makes them uncomfortable

• This is called the 'Judas mentality'

• When Mary anointed Jesus with very costly, fragrant oil at Simon’s house in Bethany, Judas Iscariot was very critical of her and accused her of waste

John 12:3-5 NIV

[3] Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. [4] But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, [5] “Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages. ”

• Ironically, the very name 'Judas' means 'waste'; talk about wasted opportunities and a wasted life!

• Jesus Himself handpicked Judas Iscariot to be His disciple, yet Judas threw it all away and had the audacity to accuse a woman with a good heart of wasting the gift that she gave to Jesus

• This account reminds us that hypercritical people actually can be worse than the people they criticize

• Those who are quick to jump down the throat of someone else often are guilty of something far worse themselves

Matthew 7:3-4 NIV

[3] “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? [4] How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?

• All too often, those who complain the most do the least and those who do the most complain the least

• Maybe that is why the first-century Christians changed their world

• As modeled by Mary, they had a sense of abandon about them: they took risks

• When was the last time you took a risk for the kingdom of God?

** If you try to be a happy person, you never will be a happy person. Now, there is nothing wrong with wanting to be happy. Everyone wants to be happy. But if you live to be happy, you never will be.

As philosopher Eric Hoffer pointed out, “The search for happiness is one of the chief sources of unhappiness.”

Here’s what it comes down to: If you want to be happy, then seek to be holy, and happiness will come as a by-product. Seek to be holy. Seek to be like Christ. But also live wholly for Christ. So, seek to be like Christ and live for Christ. You will be a happy person as a result. <L120>

Luke 9:24-25 NIV

[24] For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. [25] What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?

** It boils down to either holding onto the problems of life or the promises of God; our lives are going to be dominated by the problems around us or the promises we can trust <L1293>

Psalm 116:7-11 NIV

[7] Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. [8] For you, Lord, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, [9] that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living. [10] I trusted in the Lord when I said, “I am greatly afflicted”; [11] in my alarm I said, “Everyone is a liar.”

Isaiah 12:4-5 NIV

[4] In that day you will say: “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. [5] Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world.

** When we hear the word backslider, we tend to think of those who have completely abandoned their faith and turned their backs on God. And certainly, they could be classified as backsliders. But there are also Christians who are backsliding and aren’t even aware of it.

No one plans on backsliding. It often happens gradually and subtly -- so subtly, in fact, that you may not even know it is happening. The Bible warns us about backsliding and says that one of the signs of the end times is that people will fall away from the faith. So, what should we do if we have backslidden? God tells us that we should return to Him. <L120>

Matthew 13:20-22 NIV

[20] The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. [21] But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. [22] The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.

Jeremiah 3:22 NIV

[22] “Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding.” “Yes, we will come to you, for you are the Lord our God.

2 Peter 3:17-18 NIV

[17] Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. [18] But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

** Christ is saying that He will build His Church on the immovable Rock that allows His followers to consistently look to Him even during stressful shifting times

• Satan continually wants the Church to shift its focus from Christ to his destructive path

• Christ tells His followers not to lose their way and become disheartened as a result of straying from Him

• At the same time, it remains the duty of the Church to let everyone know where our True North in Christ can be found <M1501>

Matthew 16:18 NIV

[18] And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

** This Canaanite woman hadn’t grown up as a Jew, knowing the Scriptures. She certainly didn’t have the privilege of walking and talking with Jesus. In fact, she was a pagan.

Jesus didn’t respond to her cries, which seems curious. He made the long journey, apparently to meet with this woman. But when she went and asked for His help, He acted as though she wasn’t even there. He didn’t appear to care at all.

Yet that wasn’t the case. Jesus knew this woman’s faith. And He knew that she would rise to the occasion. He was doing this so He could provide an example for His disciples. He wasn’t being flippant. Rather, He was drawing her out.

But she wouldn’t give up, and Jesus knew this. Clearly Jesus was an expert on faith. And He was saying, “Your faith is amazing to Me. It is a great faith.” He wanted the disciples to remember it. Thus, the Bible preserves this woman’s amazing story of faith for us as an example to follow. <L120>

Matthew 15:25-28 NIV

[25] The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. [26] He replied, “It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs.” [27] “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table.” [28] Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.

** The spiritual battleground is not as the world imagines but in our thoughts and minds, which is why we need to take every thought captive in obedience to Christ <T202>

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 NIV

[4] The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. [5] We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Ephesians 6:12 NIV

** We are to live by faith as followers of Jesus Christ; it doesn’t say the just shall live by feelings or circumstances <L120>

Galatians 3:11 NIV

[11] Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.”

** Every time we give up on the Word of God and take our eyes off our Guide, we start to focus on the torment of our circumstances <M1501>

• Satan wants to take away the authority of the Word of God in our life

• He does this in various stages:

1. Attacks the teachers of the Word and also attacks our focus on the Word of God, so we only look at our circumstances

2. Then he sends in the conflict and fire so we end up 'eating ourself from the inside'

3. Once this is working, he sends in other demons to attack other areas of our life; kind of like the 1-2 punch

• Spiritual attacks don't happen one punch at a time that allow 'a breather' in between, but the enemy sends a flurry of punches to try to keep us down

• Don't give Satan a foothold to step in and control you

• Satan's job is to overload us with attacks, and our job is to continually give every punch or anxiety over to the Lord

• In this way, we can dwell in the shelter of the Lord and remain untouchable by the enemy!

Psalm 119:105 NIV

[105] Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Psalm 1:1-2 NIV

[1] Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, [2] but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.

1 Peter 5:7-8 NIV

[7] Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. [8] Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

2 Timothy 1:7 KJV

[7] For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Proverbs 29:6 NIV

[6] Evildoers are snared by their own sin, but the righteous shout for joy and are glad.

Psalm 91:1-4 NIV

[1] Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. [2] I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” [3] Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. [4] He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

** The world pushes the message that “we need to be rescued from ourselves” because we are doomed to destroy ourselves unless there is outside intervention <S199>

• Christians say, “This is true. We need Jesus Christ who came to die for sinners (Rom 5:8) and to deliver people from the righteous wrath of God.”

• How awesome that Jesus gives us eternal hope outside the bounds of this fallen world and beyond a creation that groans under the effects of sin (Rom 8:22)

Romans 5:8 NIV

[8] But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 8:22 NIV

[22] We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.

** Satan's playbook contains the ploy to take God's truth and twist it; Christians need to be aware of what is true in Scripture vs what has become cunningly devised fables <R178>

• Devised fables sound plausible and emotionally attractive up front but they have to be examined for error, like a prosecutor would cross-examine a witness

• Many cunningly devised fables (that even show up in churches) appeal to emotional manipulation, like agents using sales tactics to draw people in to buy it

• Cross-examination of Satan's fables must be done with robust deep-dives to understand God's Word accurately <B23>

• A good place to start when talking with someone who has bought into a cult or fable is asking "Who is Jesus to you as supported by Scripture?" and "Do you believe in the authority of Scripture?"

• Beware of those using the same terminology as you but have different meaning <G70>

• Beware of fellow believers who focus on secondary issues and disown you if who don't agree <R178>

• Make sure the foundational truths are accurate before delving into the nuances of different perspectives

2 Peter 1:16 NIV

[16] For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

1 Timothy 4:1-2 NIV

[1] The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. [2] Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.

** Stop playing God: reasoning why a person is or isn't saved based on human terms

• Many people think that when they die that’s it because there’s no afterlife -- they are wrong

• Others think if they are good and kind to others then they'll go to Heaven -- they are also wrong <G73>

• While some get into the habit of thinking they are doing 'enough good' to secure their afterlife in heaven, others think they haven't done enough good or have done such terrible things that God can't save them

• So, where is the answer?

• Understanding God's terms of salvation -- that no one is saved unless they repent of their sin and follow Him

• God’s knowledge is infinitely greater than ours, so we follow His plan of salvation and worship Him on His terms <S2015>

• Worshiping on God’s terms is a real issue in an age where emotionalism, self-indulgence and extra-biblical concepts permeate religious culture, instead of seeking the Lord in His truth <W212>

• Jesus made salvation possible through His atoning blood on the cross

• God promises that ANYONE who recognizes Jesus' atoning sacrifice and chooses to follow Him will be saved!

• God has ALL power and authority to decide who is saved and who is not

• We are assured God will never go back on His promise to save anyone who accepts salvation on His terms <T202>

Isaiah 64:5-6 NIV

[5] You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember your ways. But when we continued to sin against them, you were angry. How then can we be saved? [6] All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.

John 3:16 NIV

[16] For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 14:6 NIV

[6] Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

** Moses and the Israelites were stunned at their situation; they expected an easy victory because God was on their side! <R1795>

• Likewise, believers in Christ are to guard against unrealistic expectations

• Instead of panicking when evil succeeds, we are to be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him

Exodus 5:21 NIV

[21] and they said [to Moses and Aaron], “May the Lord look on you and judge you! You have made us obnoxious to Pharaoh and his officials and have put a sword in their hand to kill us.”

Psalm 37:5-9 NIV

[5] Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: [6] He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. [7] Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. [8] Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret---it leads only to evil. [9] For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.

** Some will reason "they don't believe in God because of all the evil they see around them" when in reality "the rampant evil is the result of a world without God". Sure, there are God-fearing Christians walking around living out their faith highlighting the differences from the worldly norm, but Satan is still in control of this world as seen by all those who love evil and follow him.

Jeremiah 3:19-21 NIV

[19] “I myself said, “ 'How gladly would I treat you like my children and give you a pleasant land, the most beautiful inheritance of any nation.' I thought you would call me 'Father' and not turn away from following me. [20] But like a woman unfaithful to her husband, so you, Israel, have been unfaithful to me,” declares the Lord. [21] A cry is heard on the barren heights, the weeping and pleading of the people of Israel, because they have perverted their ways and have forgotten the Lord their God.

Galatians 5:22-25 NIV

[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. [24] Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. [25] Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

John 3:36 NIV

[36] Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on them.

** If we knew the Word of God, we would have solutions to the numerous issues we face <K110>

• In conjunction with the trend to reject history (especially anything viewed by evangelicals), the world turns to its own pagan solutions and movements which typically add sinful solutions to sinful problems

• It's like throwing fuel on fire

• The answer is to not only read the Bible from cover to cover, but to take it for what it says, even if it is difficult to comprehend with our limited human minds

• For instance, if God said through Paul that Jesus is going to yank believers into the sky in what is known as the rapture, then that is what is going to happen <B23>

2 Timothy 3:14-16 NIV

[14] But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, [15] and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. [16] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

1 Thessalonians 4:16 NIV

[16] For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

** Be on guard, for some will fall away from the faith in the end times <J103>

How will some fall away from the faith in the last days?

• They were deceived (1Tim 4:1-2)

• They were disillusioned during times of trial; not getting the solution they want (Luke 8:12-13)

• They were distracted (Luke 8:14)

Revelation 2:4-5 NIV

[4] Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. [5] Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.

To prevent this:

• Examine/test yourself that you are in the faith; good works will not save you

• Encourage yourself (1Sam 30:6)

• Exercise yourself so you will continue to grow in Christ (1Tim 4:7-8)

** Jesus dedicated a night of prayer before selecting His disciples

• Jesus was under pressure, surrounded by milling crowds wanting healing, personally being the center of controversy, and now had to make a critical decision <R1795>

• The chosen disciples were to help spread the word and fulfill God's purposes, then given supreme authority by God to preach and in some cases perform miracles

• When pressures are great and decisions need to be made, it's best to go to God in prayer

Luke 6:12-13 NIV

[12] One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. [13] When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles

** This is exactly what we need to do when confused about things happening around us: go somewhere quiet, put our full attention on the Lord and ask Him to help us work through things that are confusing or distressing <D497>

• Not only did Habakkuk voice his concerns to God, but he also waited until God provided an answer

• Now, in our prayer life, do we take the opportunity to wait for God’s answer?

• Or, do we just spew forth all of the things on our mind, say “amen” and race off?

• Do you think it is possible that sometimes God might just want us to remain engaged in silent prayer so that He may answer the cry of our heart?

Habakkuk 2:1 NIV

[1] I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint.

Psalm 27:14 NIV

[14] Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Psalm 40:1 NIV

[1] I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.

• Habakkuk was determined to go up on the tower and remain on the tower (figurative or literal) until he heard what the Lord was going to say to him

• God seldom speaks and neither can we hear until we are silent, still and attentive

• We can be assured God will reveal the truth of the matter to us

Habakkuk 2:3 NIV

[3] For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.

** Way too many people, Christians included, think God is quiet and is disappointing because He doesn't fulfill THEIR DESIRES. Life doesn't look the way they think it should.

Who says the God of the Universe owes us anything? HE IS GOD, WE ARE NOT. It is an absolute privilege God welcomes us to stand by His side. That alone should be enough for us but, no, we want to have life look the way we want AND assurance that God is with us in whatever WE decide.

It doesn't work that way. God makes the rules and we either accept or reject.

In the meantime, God continues to reveal Himself to us and help us on our journey. How much more can God show Himself to us than giving us His very Word in the Bible, giving us His Son coming to show us the way, giving HIMSELF to those who believe through the Holy Spirit, etc etc etc.

People who say He is quiet simply don't want to listen to what He has to say! A good place to start is proclaiming a personal faith in God, then opening the Bible to determine who He is and His expectations of those who choose to follow.

1 Peter 1:6-7 NIV

** To the person who is playing games or isn’t interested, the Lord will say nothing. But to the person who is genuinely searching and wants to know the answers to life, God will reveal the truth.

Nicodemus had a lot of questions about life. Even though he was well-known, highly educated, and deeply religious, there was something missing in his life. And that brought him to a conversation with Jesus one night.

Nicodemus had been hearing about the Lord’s ministry, which was just wrapping up at this point. He had enough spiritual discernment to know that Jesus was sent from God.

The conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus wasn’t simply a conversation between two historical figures. Rather, it was a conversation between God and humanity. If we were to elect someone to represent us before God, we could not choose a finer individual than Nicodemus.

He was the finest specimen that humanity could offer, apart from God’s touch. And Jesus gave Nicodemus the answers that have unlocked the mystery of life for countless millions of people through the centuries. It was a significant conversation.

It’s interesting to see how Jesus made time in His very busy schedule for the searching Nicodemus. In contrast to the fickle crowds, here was a man who truly was searching. So, Jesus had time for Him. <L120>

John 3:1-2 NIV

[1] Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. [2] He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”

Jeremiah 29:12-13 NIV

[12] Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. [13] You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

** The Lord will help us accomplish the task He has for us; God is the creator of everything and is limited by nothing

• God’s aim is not to make our lives easy but to help us when the obstacles are the greatest

• It is only in facing and living through pain and tragedy, that we experience God’s faithfulness <R1795>

Exodus 4:10-12 NIV

[10] Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” [11] The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? [12] Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”

Exodus 4:17 NIV

[17] But take this staff in your hand so you can perform the signs with it.”

** Satan played off of any doubt that Jesus (as man) would have had whether God really cared for Him or not

• Satan picked up on this doubt and reminded Jesus He could find out if He had a special relationship with His Father, for sure, because God would save Him when falling and calling to Him

• This is a temptation we are particularly susceptible to; when troubles come, we feel panic and uncertainty

• Is God really with us?

• Jesus reminds us to triumph in difficult situations, not demanding that God prove Himself but to simply trust the love He has already demonstrated to us

• God revealed His love for us at the cross

• Surely He who has given His own Son to redeem us will never leave or forsake His own <R1795>

Matthew 4:5-6 NIV

[5] Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. [6] “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “ 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.' ”

** Evil exists to the right and left; stick to the narrow road <D40>

Proverbs 4:27 NIV

[27] Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

Matthew 7:13-14 NIV

[13] “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. [14] But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

** You don't have to be among the wise or possess special ability to understand the ways of God; in fact, it is best to live by a simple faith like little children

• The little child responds trustingly to Jesus’ word, while the wise and learned stand back to evaluate and rely on their own judgment

• Likewise, the person who is weary and burdened is ready to respond to Christ, while the individual who arrogantly rushes in uses his own strength without regard to the Lord <R1795>

Matthew 11:25 NIV

At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.

** The ways of God often do not coincide with our preferred way of life; for instance, the crowd in this account in Matthew had no empathy for those being healed and would rather others suffer than lose their profit-making inventory

• Jesus was often unwelcome when He placed greater value on people than possessions <R1795>

• Do we internally place more value on our possessions than the care of our brothers and sisters?

Matthew 8:33-34 NIV

[33] Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. [34] Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.

** It appeared to a crowd that a girl was dead but Jesus raised her back to life

• God can change a situation that appears obvious to us, according to what we see and reason with our limited human understanding

• God can intervene in any situation at any time

• Do not doubt God's ability to change a situation according to His will

Matthew 9:18-19 NIV

While he was saying this, a synagogue leader came and knelt before him and said, “My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.” [19] Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples.

Matthew 9:23-26 NIV

When Jesus entered the synagogue leader’s house and saw the noisy crowd and people playing pipes, [24] he said, “Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him. [25] After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. [26] News of this spread through all that region.

** One of the reasons this world appeals to many of us and we find its offerings tantalizing, is that we’re lacking closeness with God.

If we can get our priorities right, however, we can see the world for what it is. That is what Caleb did. The Bible said that he wholeheartedly followed the Lord, the God of Israel.

The key to wholeheartedly following the Lord is maintaining a love relationship with Jesus Christ. When you do, this world will lose its appeal. <L120>

Joshua 14:14 NIV

[14] So Hebron has belonged to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite ever since, because he followed the Lord, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly.

John 8:47 NIV

[47] Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”

** We are saved by grace and not by works, but we show our faith by our works <G73>

James 2:17 NIV

[17] In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

** There is a world of difference between religion and faith. A man may be religious but does not have faith in God. He may go through the rituals but is not converted to possess the salvation of God through faith. In fact, Satan loves religion because he can manipulate it, and he does. How many religions are there in the world? You would never calculate it, but tens of thousands. Generally, religion is man’s way of trying to answer the meaning of life. Much of it is filled with idolatry and corruption. <F68>

Colossians 2:20-23 NIV

[20] Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: [21] “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? [22] These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. [23] Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

** The problem is that a lot of us don’t know what matters in life. We’re trying to live in two worlds. We want to be Christians on the weekend. We’ll go to a church service, but the rest of the week we leave God out of our lives.

God wants to be a part of everything we do at all times. He wants to be at the forefront of our lives. What is your one thing in life that is more important than anything else? What are you really focused on?

There is nothing wrong with wanting to succeed in business, wanting a strong family, or wanting an effective ministry. But if you make that your main thing, then it is the wrong thing. The main thing should be Jesus. <L120>

• God placed the commandment to 'not have any other god but me' first because it gets to the heart of the matter

• If God isn’t first in your life, everything else is going to break down

• Beware of what you love and where you place your priorities

• Don’t make an idol of your business, family or ministry that goes against God's commandment not to place anything before Him

• Remember that God does not want us to conform to the pattern of this world, where the 'world' is defined as what is in opposition to God and in rebellion to His kingdom <B292>

Romans 12:1-2 NIV

[1] Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God---this is your true and proper worship. [2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Exodus 20:2-3 NIV

[2] “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. [3] “You shall have no other gods before me.

** Spiritual maturity is like participating in a marathon; there's a time for running and a time for walking

• If we want to grow spiritually, then we need to learn how to consistently pace ourselves in the race of life

• The objective is not to only run fast but walk when needed in order to cross the finish line

• Sooner or later, believers in Christ learn that the Christian life is a walk of faith and not just relying on feelings that come and go <L120.>

Isaiah 40:31 NIV

[31] but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Philippians 3:14 NIV

[14] I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

** There is power when we pray in agreement with other believers

Matthew 18:19-20 NIV

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. [20] For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

** We can fritter away our time on a lot of things or make a daily commitment to read the Word of God <H86>

Psalm 119:15-16 NIV

[15] I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. [16] I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.

** Specific instructions were given for building and operation of the altar; to be followed not only at the time of instruction but for generations to come

• Revelation treats incense as a symbol of the prayers of God’s saints

• The image of Aaron burning incense every morning reminds us that daily prayer is a must for Christians, not only for our spiritual benefit but because it is a vital ingredient in worship of God <R1795>

Exodus 30:1 NIV

[1] “Make an altar of acacia wood for burning incense.

Exodus 30:7-10 NIV

[7] “Aaron must burn fragrant incense on the altar every morning when he tends the lamps. [8] He must burn incense again when he lights the lamps at twilight so incense will burn regularly before the Lord for the generations to come. [9] Do not offer on this altar any other incense or any burnt offering or grain offering, and do not pour a drink offering on it. [10] Once a year Aaron shall make atonement on its horns. This annual atonement must be made with the blood of the atoning sin offering for the generations to come. It is most holy to the Lord.”

Revelation 8:3-4 NIV

[3] Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God's people, on the golden altar in front of the throne. [4] The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God's people, went up before God from the angel's hand.

** Asking questions is part of our attempt to better understand God. Sometimes we succeed and uncover the answers, while other times we remain baffled by the questions. Either way, God planted moral conscience in our hearts to help us navigate the complexities of life.

When events run contrary to our moral expectations, God wants us to struggle and question as long as our relationship with Him isn’t predicated solely upon arriving at 'the answer.' Take heed: questioning is a healthy and vital part of our relationship with Him. <E62>

James 1:5-6 NIV

[5] If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. [6] But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

Job 12:13 NIV

[13] “To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his.

** We don’t always know why events occur in our life, nor should we assume every disaster has a silver lining <E62>

• Instead, let our faith affirm divine providence

• All human history is governed and managed by God, and nothing is haphazard

• Faith in providence provides solace and comfort during times of uncertainty

1 Samuel 3:18b NIV

[18] He is the Lord; let him do what is good in his eyes.

Isaiah 46:10 NIV

[10] I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'

Revelation 22:13 NIV

[13] I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

** Times of tempting will end; in the meantime, we will experience relief and support from God when we hold fast to serving Him

Matthew 4:11 NIV

Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

** Joseph conveyed to his brothers that God uses events for good to accomplish His will, events that were initially intended for evil

• God prepared and moved Joseph from the position of slave to second-hand ruler of Egypt

• Joseph is thankful for the leading of God's hand despite his difficulties

Genesis 50:20 NIV

[20] You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

** Fatalistic thinking is not permitted for a follower of Christ, for they should believe that all things are possible through Christ <E58>

• There is nothing Biblical about giving up and saying "there is no point" in difficult situations

• The Christian is to remain honest, truthful, and reasonable while placing their hope in Christ

• Remember 'the math wasn't good' when the Israelites were backed against the Red Sea or in countless difficult situations throughout the generations, but God provided as needed in keeping with His will

• A situation may look bleak but remember that Christ rose from the dead and God governs the universe -- so ALL things are possible! <D40>

Mark 10:27 NIV

[27] Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

Revelation 3:7 NIV

[7] “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.

** Satan is in the business of complicating the simple truth, playing to the high-minded empty philosophy humans prefer to believe, but there is a price to pay for those who go along with his lies <M132>

• Satan continues in his aim to spite God

• He couldn’t go after God Himself, so he went after Adam and Eve just as he goes after those who follow God today <D505>

• Satan’s approach to Eve is a classic model of the reasoning that leads us into sin; God’s command established a standard, and Satan attacked this standard in three ways:

Satan questioned the existence of the standard: “Did God really say?”
Satan cast doubt on God’s motives for establishing the standard: “God knows that when you eat…”
Satan denied the consequences of violating the standard: “You will not surely die” <R1795>

• God only asked one thing of the couple in the garden: to OBEY HIS COMMAND

• Since they refused to obey, God had to invoke consequence

• God continues to invoke consequences on a sinful disobedient people

Genesis 3:1,4-5 NIV

[1] Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'? ” [4] “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. [5] “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

** Simon profited as a result of his obedience, even though what Christ was asking did not make sense at the time

Luke 5:4-6 NIV

[4] When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” [5] Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” [6] When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.

** Paul took his listeners to task for accepting a false teaching as the truth. Even if that teaching seems to come from an angel, don’t automatically embrace it! Don’t be deceived. Test whether the teaching is Scripturally sound. <G73>

Galatians 1:6-8 NIV

[6] I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--- [7] which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. [8] But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God's curse!

1 Peter 5:8 NIV

[8] Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

1 Timothy 6:20 NIV

[20] Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge

** Believer beware, for Satan masquerades as a representative of God!

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 NIV

[13] For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. [14] And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. [15] It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

• No wonder false religions are on the rise when those who call themselves believers in Christ cannot discern the fake from the real

• False religion is also attractive to the world because they belong to the Kingdom of Darkness and cannot hear the voice of God; yet those deceived believe they are doing something righteous by advocating for a religion they don't know is false

Matthew 7:13-14 NIV

John 8:47 NIV

[47] Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”

• The most dangerous of false religions are those that 'appear' to be Scriptural but twist its meaning ever so slightly

• False teaching can go from one extreme to the other -- like turning the true grace-filled salvation that Jesus offers into one that requires works and achievement, or only focusing on God's grace and never being concerned about the condition of their heart or results produced

• False teachers typically espouse empty words and an abundance of intellectual knowledge; words and knowledge does not save but must be believed and put into action

• In the end when they stand before God, many will be surprised their words and knowledge did not get them anywhere; they never submitted to the will of God

2 Timothy 3:5 NIV

[5] having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

James 1:21-22 NIV

[21] Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. [22] Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

• It is imperative believers in Christ continually deep-five into the Bible to learn from God's 'primary source', for only then can they identify a prevalent Doctrine of Demon

• Believers must examine themselves for a false sense of assurance, such as believing in a formulaic prayer and never examining the condition of their heart to determine their motives and priorities

• In order to have an acceptable walk with God, the desires of a believer's heart must center on Christ; He will not accept a divided heart

Proverbs 23:26 NIV

[26] My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways,

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV

[16] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, [17] so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Corinthians 13:5 NIV

[5] Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you---unless, of course, you fail the test?

• Genuine followers of Christ aim to reject the ways of a sin-filled world on a daily basis and, as a result, are known by Christ-inspired fruit

• We must desire to say and do as God commands, practicing the law of God <M130>

• To God, our hearts must be exclusively devoted, in all its faculties; nothing must be an object of hope or fear, joy or sorrow -- except which is subservient to His glory and in obedience to His commands <S179>

Luke 6:43-45 NIV

[43] “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. [44] Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. [45] A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

• When all is said and done, God will judge the heart of every individual to determine whether they truly believe in Him or are putting on an act

Matthew 7:21-23 NIV

[21] “Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [22] Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?' [23] Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

** Jesus warned the disciples about becoming contaminated by false teachers who could lead them in the wrong direction

• Believing a false teaching in one area of our Christian walk can negatively affect other areas

• For instance, when someone gets their eschatology wrong, that can affect how they live out their Christian walk on a daily basis; pre-trib should create a sense of urgency in spreading the gospel to a lost world

• Make sure to have a solid theology that is Biblically accurate!

Mark 8:14-17 NIV

[14] The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. [15] “Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.” [16] They discussed this with one another and said, “It is because we have no bread.” [17] Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened?

** It's important to do a deep dive into the Bible and learn its prophetic word so we can know God's plan for our future; in the process we can find HOPE and COMFORT regarding what is happening in the world

Romans 15:4 NIV

[4] For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

** Admittedly, it must seem ‘off the charts’ for those depending on scientific reasoning when they read in Scripture about a Rapture and God creating a new heaven and earth — but are these prophesied events in the Bible any more spectacular than the countless miracles needed to keep this world going every moment of every day?

Think about the miracle of life as we have known it for thousands of years:

• Who rotates the earth at a precise speed so we can mark off days?

• Who gave the earth its atmosphere to protect it from flying objects in the universe and keep objects in place via gravity on the earth?

• Who provides rain to sustain life?

• Who made sure the earth is dragged along with the sun as they travel through the universe?

• And then set the earth exactly at a distance from the sun so we wouldn’t burn or freeze?

• Who can comprehend an ever-expanding universe?

• Who created our bodies that heal, protect via an immune system, and function in the way it does with eyes to see, a heart that pumps blood and stomach that digests food?

• Who created plants and allows them to germinate and grow?

• And then makes sure plants release CO2 so humans can breathe?

• Who established the food chain so every living creature can survive?

• Who designed the estimated 8.7 million different animals with unique design and ability — from skunks that use smell to protect themselves to flying eagles that spot rodents from 10,000 feet above ground?

• Who gave humans an ability to reason and desire to comprehend God?

Sure, scientists can explain HOW things operate but WHO designed all this in the first place?

• Much like a surgeon who spends years learning the parts of the body and how to operate, then taking a step back to marvel how all these body parts are designed to function individually and in unison as they do!

• God's design is the only answer for the scope and level of detail we witness in creation

Isaiah 40:12 NIV

Isaiah 14:26-27 NIV

[26] This is the plan determined for the whole world; this is the hand stretched out over all nations. [27] For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?

So then:

• Why is it so unbelievable that God would remove His children from this earth to live with Him at an appointed time?

• Why is it difficult to fathom He can design a new heaven and earth in an instant?

Psalm 115:3 NIV

[3] Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.

2 Peter 3:7,10 NIV

[7] By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. [10] But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.

Romans 1:20 NIV

Titus 2:13-14 NIV

[13] while we wait for the blessed hope---the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, [14] who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Luke 24:25 NIV

[25] He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken!

** How often do we flippantly use Christian phrases without really thinking about what they mean or whether we believe them?

• For instance, many believers are familiar with the phrases: “Jesus will return soon; “All to Jesus I surrender”; “We will meet again one day”; “God is the gatekeeper”, "led by the Holy Spirit", "the new Jerusalem", "born again", etc

• People can say these words without really understanding their full impact and how exactly they (are supposed to) affect our lives

Matthew 6:7 NIV

[7] And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.

• Take the phrase “Jesus is returning” -- this should give Christians an ultimate peace in this life and hope for our future life

• At the same time, fully comprehending this event should motivate the believer to live for Christ while we can, let go of this world and look forward to our eternal home

1 Peter 1:13 NIV

[13] Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.

• Consider the phrase “the believer’s rapture” -- this should also give the believer hope they will be removed from this earth to live with Christ

• Wow, what a blessing that will be for those who get to be with Jesus, yet a difficult time for those left behind to face the Tribulation

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 NIV

[16] For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. [17] After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. [18] Therefore encourage one another with these words.

• Let’s look to the Holy Spirit to help us fully understand and appreciate the truths that lay behind these Christian phrases

• Let’s take these truths beyond mere-familiarity to OWNING THEM and being transformed by them

• Do we have the desire to understand the meaning of these phrases and their implications on our life?

Hebrews 4:12 NIV

[12] For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Colossians 2:8 NIV

[8] See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.

** Scripture teaches us that God uses nature to declare His glory. His supernatural act of creation is an event that cannot be explained by mere natural means or through empirical methods.

When science becomes naturalistic (or when people start depending on their own ability to reason via science), it forces an unnecessary bifurcation between faith and reason. Science can only discover a limited portion of the works of an omniscient, omnipotent, and eternal God whose glory transcends all humanity. <M1499>

Isaiah 40:12,21,26,28 NIV

[12] Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? [21] Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? [26] Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. [28] Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.

Romans 1:19-23 NIV

[19] since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. [20] For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities---his eternal power and divine nature---have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. [21] For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. [22] Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools [23] and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.

** The vine is a frequent illustration in the Old Testament of God’s people <R1795>

• Psalm 80:8 speaks of Israel as a ‘vine brought out of Egypt’

• The clearest use of the image is found in Isaiah 5

• But Israel failed to produce the fruit of righteousness and justice that God looked for, so Christ came as the ‘true Vine’ that in and through Him all believers might produce the fruit of true godliness

• Only through relationship with Jesus can anyone strive for the moral qualities that God seeks

Psalm 80:8 NIV

[8] You transplanted a vine from Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it.

Isaiah 5:1-2,7 NIV

[1] I will sing for the one I love

a song about his vineyard: My loved one had a vineyard on a fertile hillside. [2] He dug it up and cleared it of stones and planted it with the choicest vines. He built a watchtower in it and cut out a winepress as well. Then he looked for a crop of good grapes, but it yielded only bad fruit. [7] The vineyard of the Lord Almighty is the nation of Israel, and the people of Judah are the vines he delighted in. And he looked for justice, but saw bloodshed; for righteousness, but heard cries of distress.

** A branch that is properly grafted in the vine will be healthy and naturally bear fruit; a vine that is not properly connected to the vine will die and be thrown aside <B299>

John 15:4 NIV

[4] Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

** There are certain matters only an omniscient eternal God knows; humans are limited in knowledge and cannot know all matters about God or His purposes

Deuteronomy 29:29 NIV

[29] The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.

Psalm 90:2 NIV

[2] Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

• The ‘why’ of a tragedy may be one of the secret things that God keeps hidden as part of His inscrutable plan

• But He has promised to work even the most difficult circumstances for good on behalf of His chosen and loved people <G72>

Proverbs 15:3 NIV

[3] The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

Romans 8:28 NIV

[28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

** There are times Christians need to stop the daily routine and ask God to reveal what He is doing around them, as Elisha wanted the servant of the man of God to visibly see God's presence around him <R176>

2 Kings 6:16-17 NIV

[16] “Don't be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” [17] And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

John 16:33 NIV [Jesus said]

[33] “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

** The ONLY way we can worship God in TRUTH is through His Word; studying Scripture is not an option for the Christian but a necessity if they want to truly follow and worship God <G795>

John 4:24 NIV

[24] God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

** God promises to bless those who read and take to heart the prophecy in the book of Revelation, then later gives a warning to anyone who try to change and does not take it seriously <T203> <S187>

• It was Augustine who did much damage to the understood literalness of scripture

• Augustine’s teaching became the strong basis for much in the Roman Catholic Church’s teaching, and at the Reformation, the reformers simply accepted the Roman Catholic view as they did on a number of other issues as well, without proper examination of the scriptures

• In that, their works were not complete

• Believers are to guard God's Word from loss or injury

• People can end up injuring the meaning of this prophecy when they allegorize it and do not take it as literally as possible

• Whenever we read places of geography in God’s Word, it is always a literal location – such as the Tower of Babel, Asia, Patmos, letters to seven churches, Euphrates, Babylon rising to prominence, etc <W213>

• When one treats Old Testament scriptures as allegory, transferring Israel to the Church as if the Church was all through the Old Testament, then a grave injustice to prophecy has been done

• Not only is it an injustice to God's Word, but allegorizing eschatological passages leaves Christians uncertain of end time events and frustrates believers to the point of ignoring eschatology altogether <F68>

Revelation 1:3 NIV

[3] Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.

Revelation 22:18-19 NIV

[18] I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. [19] And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.

** Do not focus on idle chat and gossip

• Many in the churches at that time were devoting themselves to ‘empty chatter’ because they began to follow Jewish teachers and their allegorical method of interpreting Scripture

• It was common in early Christianity to look for ‘spiritual’ meanings assumed to be hidden in the literal words and narratives of Scripture

• Philo and Origen are examples of this tendency, even though a person’s interpretation in allegorical teaching cannot be checked

• Follow the plain literal meaning of God’s Word <R1795>

1 Timothy 1:4-6 NIV

or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work---which is by faith. [5] The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. [6] Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk.

** How can anyone simply dismiss the Bible?

The Bible is the power of God's Word that:

• Generations have studied and followed over thousands of years

• Reveals the character of God, for He is bound to what is written about Him in Scripture

• Reveals who Christ is from cover to cover -- from Genesis to Revelation

• Was quoted by Jesus, so we know its importance

• Instructs the reader regarding how to handle issues and live a victorious life

• Transform lives

• Deals with sin in the believer's life and offers the only way to eternal salvation

The Bible has been proven:

• LITERALLY - fulfills 100% of prophecy to date, including details of Christ's first coming

• HISTORICALLY - aligns with other historical text with names, dates, and event details

• SCIENTIFICALLY - provides insights before modern scientific discoveries, such as understanding of the human body (DNA, organs) and world where we live (fallow soil, etc)

• MEDICALLY - instructs in hygiene practices centuries before knowing the reason

• ARCHAEOLOGICALLY - discoveries via Dead Sea Scrolls and other archaeological finds proving Scriptural dates and locations

• SOCIALLY - advocates moral & social codes sustaining cultures via family units, church communities, governing authorities, etc

2 Timothy 3:14-16 NIV

** Study Scripture, for it is a copy of God's will. Be Spiritually-minded, Bible-Christians. Search the Scripture, as for a vein of silver. This blessed Book will fill your head with knowledge and your heart with grace!

Read the Scripture, not only as a history, but as a love letter sent to you from God which may affect your hearts.

Pray that the same Spirit who wrote the Word may assist you in reading it; that God's Spirit would show you the wonderful things of His law, so that the Word will become effective. <W210>

Colossians 3:16 NIV

[16] Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

Psalm 119:97 NIV

[97] Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.

** A Christian's status is not dependent on 'how nice' they are to others, as the Social Justice movement advocates <E58>

• The ONLY measure that determines whether an individual is a Christian is whether they accepted Christ's offer of salvation; being nice and showing care for others is a byproduct of salvation, but does not replace it

• Evil counts on 'Christian passive neutrality' with followers trying to 'out-nice' each other

• Tough love with harsh words are required sometimes to challenge and correct another to follow God's ways

• Jesus demonstrated Christian love when using the words 'whitewashed tombs', 'snakes' and 'vipers' to wake up and challenge His adversaries to His truth

• Remember that Jesus had been lovingly working with these enemy non-believers for 3.5 years before He finally unleashed on them <G77>

Matthew 23:27 NIV

Matthew 23:33 NIV

[33] “You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?

• How should we respond to brothers and sisters caught in sin?

• Paul advocated for church discipline in hopes of restoring individual(s) back to God

• God does not want His church to make those living in sin 'feel better about themselves'

• Church members are not to ignore sin and let anyone continue down path of destruction

• Our approach to believers with whom we have objection is not to ignore them or the issues, but to deal with them in a loving respectful way

1 Corinthians 5:1-2 NIV

[1] It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father's wife. [2] And you are proud! Shouldn't you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this?

Galatians 6:1 NIV

[1] Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.

2 Timothy 2:25 NIV

[25] Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth

** Knowing Jesus from the Old Testament reassures our faith <J103>

When we study the fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about Christ, it tremendously strengthens our faith. Some people believe that faith is believing in something despite the evidence, but it’s actually believing in something because of the evidence. The Bible tells us the truth.

Whenever we have a trickle of doubt about the truthfulness of Christianity, one of the best things we can do is go back and read Psalm 22 or Isaiah 53 or spend some time in a survey or summary of Old Testament Messianic prophecy. Our faith is always reassured and affirmed, for no one except God could have made so many predictions—all of which came true exactly as stated.

** People who attend western churches are typically not told that suffering can lead to personal growth and righteousness <D40>

• Instead, pastors teach all ways to AVOID suffering -- don't rock the boat, don't be controversial, stay in your lane, don't take any controversial stance, don't confront evil, avoid pain at all costs, etc

• Most people protect their modern idol of COMFORT at the expense of knowing God's Word and following the Holy Spirit's lead <E58>

• Western congregants are typically robbed of the Christian's call to suffer

• With the correct perspective, suffering should move attention off ourselves and onto God

• God then has opportunity to show He can/will provide for us; we learn to listen and trust Him in the process

• Let's face it, our view of God is too small so He wants to show us that we serve an immense and amazing God!

Romans 5:3-5 NIV

[3] Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; [4] perseverance, character; and character, hope. [5] And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

** Christians should not be surprised if life does not go well and it seems unfair at times; becoming a Christian does not provide a 'get out of jail for free' card <D40>

• Believers follow a man named Jesus who was hated among His own people to the point of being put to death on a cross

• Difficulty is the cost of following Christ with whom we identify and obey

Luke 14:27 NIV

[27] And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

John 15:18-19 NIV

** God tests the strength of every believer's faith to see if they are committed, for 'faith without works is dead' as highlighted in the book of James

• Satan must get God's permission to test the believer, like he did with Job and Jesus

• The theme of God testing believers runs throughout Scripture, starting early on with God testing His people <D40>

James 2:17 NIV

[17] In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

James 1:22 NIV

[22] Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Psalm 11:4 NIV

[4] The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them.

** Life gets busy when people prioritize daily life tasks above their walk with God

• Life becoming overwhelmingly busy is exactly what the enemy of God wants

• Satan wants everyone to be distracted and keep their eyes off of what is most important, namely their relationship with God

• Focussing on God must be priority number one, above anything else

Questions every Christian should ask themselves:

• Do you use family 'busyness' as an excuse to spend less time with God?

• Have church tasks overshadowed the time needed to develop your relationship with God?

• How much time is spent reading books ABOUT God's Word than reading the actual Bible?

• Does work and/or personal entertainment take priority in your life?

• Do you worry that your bank balance may not suffice or do you ultimately rest in the fact that God will provide when needed?

• Is God's will in your life based on what YOU want or is it really what GOD desires? Have you even prayed about it?

• The Christian's life is to look dramatically different than the way the world operates; is that true of your life in Christ?

Luke 10:38-42 NIV

[38] As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. [39] She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. [40] But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” [41] “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, [42] but few things are needed---or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Romans 12:2 NIV

[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.

** Three red flags that a church is apostate <B292>

1. There is no commitment to expository teaching of the Bible; what comes from the pulpit is rooted in psychology and philosophy rather than theology

2. The church is aligned with a post-Christian culture even though it goes against God's Word and is toxic to its congregants; many pastors choose the path of least resistance and go along with cultural norms to stay 'liked'

3. They end up apologizing for essential Christian doctrine (such as morality, creation, eschatology, sin/judgment, reformation, etc) so as not to 'rock the boat' and feed into the accepted narrative; this is, in essence, giving in to the enemy

1 John 5:19 NIV

[19] We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.

2 Thessalonians 2:3 NIV

[3] Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.

John 16:8 NIV

[8] When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment:

** Don't entertain any effort to discredit the Bible; God's Word has survived empires, archaeological digs, executions of its followers, criticism before prophecy was fulfilled, etc and no one is going to 'crack the code' to discredit it now <D40>

1 Peter 1:23-25 NIV

[23] For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. [24] For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, [25] but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you.

** Idols can be many things, but essentially an idol is anyone or anything that takes the place of God in our lives. A lot of things can qualify as an idol in our lives and it is a true but terrifying fact that a person can attend church every week and still be a full-fledged idolater. <L120>

Matthew 22:37-38 NIV

[37] Jesus replied: “ 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' [38] This is the first and greatest commandment.

** Most people strive to make sense of what is happening around them and overlook that they are only one small part of God's plan

• Don't be baffled when you don't understand God because you're not supposed to; just lean into 'trusting Him' <W217>

• Don't be distracted by man's attempt at reasoning (via social media etc) but rather focus on God's Word to know how you fit into the big picture <W2200>

• When we look at Scripture we should remember that 'faith' doesn't make sense and 'sense' doesn't make faith

• The argument that God's Word was only relevant for previous generations doesn't apply because God, in His infinite wisdom, already considered His Word for our time

• Trust God at His Word as countless followers of God through the centuries have done

• Scripture is filled with examples of people who learned to trust God because He always followed through on what He said -- that's a track record we can depend on!

• Christians are to accept they will not always understand the ways of God but can learn to obey God regardless

• If we do not obey God, we are not operating within His desire for us or His masterful plan <W2196>

Isaiah 55:8 NIV

[8] “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.

1 Corinthians 1:25 NIV

[25] For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

[5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

** Times of poverty and prosperity are a package deal -- life provides us with both experiences

• The perspective of the believer is acutely focused on God and eternity during difficult times more so than during times of prosperity

• Understand that time is short in this world and its times of adversity <F60>

Ecclesiastes 7:14 NIV

[14] When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.

Ecclesiastes 7:2-3 NIV

[2] It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart. [3] Frustration is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart.

** God exalted His Word equal to His own Name; those who place themselves above the Word of God, place themselves above God <M130>

Luke 24:45 NIV

[45] Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

Psalm 119:18 NIV

[18] Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

Ephesians 6:11,17 NIV

[11] Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. [17] Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

** Christians are to refer back to what Scripture says, not what the priests, rabbis or forefathers said <H90>

John 7:42 NIV

[42] Does not Scripture say that the Messiah will come from David's descendants and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?”

Galatians 3:16 NIV

[16] The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ.

1 Timothy 5:18 NIV

[18] For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.”

** Satan thrives in the grey zone, creating chaos and confusion with his deception and lies; it is much easier to manipulate people when they are bounced around in the grey zone, refusing to believe God's truth <G70>

2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 NIV

[9] The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, [10] and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.

** The latest Barna poll (2023) reveals in part the consequences of compromising church leadership as reported in last year’s Barna research on pastors. They found only 37% of Christian pastors have a biblical worldview.

On the other hand, a majority of church leaders (62%) possess what is referred to as a “hybrid worldview” known as Syncretism, having a combination of different forms of belief or practice, often representing personal preferences. This is also known as creating a god in your own image.

As Barna concluded, with many American pastors, they lack biblical understanding and do not teach sound doctrine and therefore, “so few people in the nation’s youngest generations are developing a heart and mind for biblical principles and ways of life.” <F66>

** It is the job of the church and its leaders to be the MORAL compass in our society and reveal where society is on/off track from Biblical principles, not to blend into society in efforts to win the approval of people <D40>

• On the surface, a ‘woke ideology’ sounds good; after all, they want equity, equality, social justice, to even out the races, etc

• Trouble is, in order to promote this ideology, evil is labeled as good and goes against God’s design

• While it sounds good on the surface, it is really ‘toxic empathy’ because pagan methods are used to achieve this ideology that goes against the will of God <T2097>

• Don’t attempt to resolve a problem by covering one sin with another sin

• Christ never once tried to ‘blend into society’ 2000 years ago nor did He die on the cross so we could easily blend in

• Boldly preach the salvation message, even though it will be offensive to the woke audience

• Direct everyone’s thoughts and actions according to Biblical principles

Romans 10:14-15 NIV

[14] How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? [15] And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Romans 10:17 NIV

[17] Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

** Conforming to the pattern of the world does not always involve an immediate wholesale shift toward worldly values, but often involves slowly giving up ground; accepting worldly values must be confronted and corrected

• We often think accepting the world in terms of a binary option, such as being on/off, black/white, either/or, hot/cold, etc

• Conforming to the world is mostly a matter of inching our way toward acceptance or giving into seemingly small worldly compromises often in order to appease others and 'keep the peace'

• Compromises may look like accepting a change in pronoun to giving into moral depravity in order to not offend another, while walking away from God's truth at the same time

• Pastors are to lovingly confront their congregations regarding the encroachment of worldly values in the lives of their congregants

• Pastors refusing to confront engage in false teaching by omission

• Remember that confrontation is not a tone but action, like a father would do with an errant child

• The intent of confrontation is to lead the sinner to correction and repentance <D40>

• All Christians must hold the line -- be immovable from God's truth according to His Word and not compromise!

Romans 12:2 NIV

[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.

1 Corinthians 5:1-2 NIV

Matthew 18:15-17 NIV

[15] “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. [16] But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' [17] If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

** Thank God for the comforts and blessings of this life, but do not let them become your idols!

Man's god is whatever:

• He depends upon

• Rules his mind

• Governs his affections

• Is the chief object of his delight

If there is anything you would not give up for God, it is your idol. If there is anything that you seek with greater fervor than you seek the glory of God, that is your idol. That for which you live, is your idol.

Man is such an idolater that if he cannot idolize anything else he will bow down and worship himself! If we had no idols in children, friends, wealth, ourselves -- we would not need half the trials we have.

If we are, indeed, Christians, then we have broken a great many idols. We have still some more to break and we must keep the hammer going until they are all broken!

Cast out the idols from your hearts. Let them all go. Love no one else and nothing else, as you love Him. <S185>

Ezekiel 14:3a NIV

[3] “Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces.

Ezekiel 20:16b NIV

[16] For their hearts were devoted to their idols.

1 John 5:21 NIV

[21] Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.

** The 'sluggard' in the book of Proverbs is more than just lazy, although he’s all that. Sluggards of the past invented the bubble of normalcy in which they imagined they were safe from the dangers outside their homes.

What then is the difference between someone with the mindset of a sluggard and one that the book of Proverbs describes as wise? It’s where they look for wisdom. Sluggards trust their own instincts (see Prov 26:16) while the wise seek the understanding and insight that’s found in God’s Word. <B26>

Proverbs 26:13 NIV

[13] A sluggard says, “There's a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets!”

Proverbs 26:16 NIV

[16] A sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven people who answer discreetly.

** We must continually look to the Holy Spirit to guide us or deceiving spirits will do the job; commit every moment of every day to loving the Lord our God and value the constant feedback offered by the Holy Spirit <B295>

• If we choose to sit on the sidelines and ‘go along to get along’ in society then we will end up supporting Satan’s efforts

• Be ready to OBEY the Spirit when He leads, even when the task before us seems beyond our ability; God will provide what is needed!

• God works through the foolish to bring down who the world calls 'wise'

Jude 1:17-21 NIV

[17] But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. [18] They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” [19] These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. [20] But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, [21] keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

Deuteronomy 10:12 NIV

[12] And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul,

1 Corinthians 1:26-27 NIV

** There is a story about a little boy who made a splendid toy ship. Filled with enthusiasm, he set off one day to sail his creation on the shimmering waters. But much to his dismay, the boat drifted away from him, making it impossible to retrieve. Desperately wanting his boat back, he sought the help of an older boy, hoping he might rescue it for him.

The older lad, without uttering a word, gathered some stones and appeared to throw them at the younger boy’s beautiful toy ship. Confusion and anger filled the little fellow’s heart as he believed the older boy was being cruel, tormenting, and irritating him. He didn’t know that each stone was cast intentionally. Each stone had a benevolent purpose and was part of the older boy’s plan. With each stone thrown, the troubled waters created ripples and waves and gradually pushed the boat closer to shore.

Astonishment and delight flooded the youngster’s spirit as he realized the older youth’s actions weren’t meant to mock or hurt him, but to lend him the assistance he needed. Eventually, the boat reached a point where the boy could effortlessly reach out and reclaim his precious treasure.

As the first two lines of that iconic children’s table blessing says, “God is great. God is good.” Indeed, he is. He deserves our love, trust, and obedience. However, many people fail to recognize God as a part of the equation. Therefore, God benevolently, with purpose and a plan, sends troubles to get their attention. As one adage says, “Sometimes God has to knock you flat on your back to get you to look up.” Sometimes God has to trouble the waters of life to get us safely to shore. <C400>

Lamentations 3:5,21-24 NIV

[5] He has besieged me and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship. [21] Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: [22] Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. [23] They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. [24] I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”

** It is true that our afflictions are great and manifold. Yet we have no reason for complaint when we know that our afflictions are all ordered in number, measure, and duration -- for our best and greatest good, according to the counsel of God's infinite wisdom and love!

We have no reason for complaint when we are assured that our afflictions are the very things which we would choose for ourselves if we saw the outcome of them as clearly as God sees it. If we view our afflictions in this way, we shall receive even the most painful of God's dispensations as blessings in disguise! <S179>

Job 5:7 NIV

[7] Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward.

Psalm 119:67,71,75 NIV

[67] Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. [71] It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. [75] I know, Lord, that your laws are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.

** Many are attracted to Christ to see what they can get out of Him for themselves but then quickly become disillusioned and defect from Him when their agenda is not realized

• Many want their needs met by Christ but aren’t willing to accept the challenging requirements it takes to be a disciple of Christ

• Jesus challenges his disciples to obey His commands and give their life for Him

• People defect from the Christian faith because they don’t like Jesus’ challenging words requiring commitment, sacrifice and accountability

• True disciples love the words of God because they love God and know they lead to eternal life. <M130>

Acts 8:6 NIV

[6] When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said.

Mark 8:34-35 NIV

[34] Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. [35] For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.

John 8:31 NIV

[31] To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.

John 6:60-61,67-68 NIV

[60] On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” [61] Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? [67] “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. [68] Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.

** Typically, society in any given era is made up of those who follow the ‘experts’ and those who discern what they hear

• 30% follow the government regardless of what they say

• 65% question the government but will go along with them so their lives aren’t disrupted, even if they know it’s wrong

• The remaining 5% will never go along with the program when they deem it wrong <D493>

• Those who unwaveringly follow Christ (called ‘the remnant’) make up part of that 5%

• Know signs and trends of the times, such as:

a) personal digital ID tied with medical info

b) the digital dollar

c) a rewritten ‘more inclusive and diverse’ AI Bible that has an obvious demonic influence

d) an AI Jesus in chat groups answering questions based on its Bible <H86> (Jul 2023)

• Given these few signs, expect loss of privacy and massive deception

• Every one of us must determine ahead of time what camp we are in — will we be part of the 5% that stands for God’s truth no matter what? <H87>

Revelation 18:23-24 NIV

[23] The light of a lamp will never shine in you again. The voice of bridegroom and bride will never be heard in you again. Your merchants were the world's important people. By your magic spell all the nations were led astray. [24] In her was found the blood of prophets and of God's holy people, of all who have been slaughtered on the earth.”

** Picture, if you can, an army intended to defend a powerful nation. That army just lolls around, denying that there is an enemy. They actually deny the enemy exists. This denial results in lowered defenses and lack of training. As the army sleeps, the enemy, who is very real, slowly infiltrates the troops. The enemy whispers many lies and convinces the soldiers that they don’t need to train and that the guidelines for the conduct of soldiers are old fashioned and the rules need to be slackened in order for a happier, user-friendly group of soldiers. The soldiers begin to argue with the commander’s orders, they make changes to the battle plan, and they generally side with the enemy.

Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce you to today’s ekklesia! We have our battle plan, as well as a description of the enemy’s plan, but we ignore it. Scripture is very clear as to what our King requires. Men are commissioned to lead the battle, but they are now allowing soft-hearted women to lead the troops. This is not Biblical. In order not to upset the women, men compromise the battle plan. This apostasy allows the New Age to flourish within our troops. Every person, male or female (and there are only two choices), must prepare for their own spot in the army of God. We cannot close our eyes and live in denial. The battle is real, and the enemy troops are becoming braver. In order not to be called haters or to be seeker friendly, God’s troops remain silent, and the enemy becomes more brazen. Brothers and sisters, we must prepare for battle. We must listen to Christ our King, and be brave as we wage war against the powers of darkness. <G73>

1 Samuel 17:22-24 NIV

[22] David left his things with the keeper of supplies, ran to the battle lines and asked his brothers how they were. [23] As he was talking with them, Goliath, the Philistine champion from Gath, stepped out from his lines and shouted his usual defiance, and David heard it. [24] Whenever the Israelites saw the man, they all fled from him in great fear.

** Adversity creates tremendous warriors for the Lord; instead of asking God to resolve the difficulty instantly, ask how you can grow and He can be glorified in the situation <G70>

• Every great story through history involved overcoming adversity in one form or another

• Our life is our story and adversity can be the moment we shine, by leaning on God through difficulty

• Remember: we endure one short life to qualify as a good soldier, before enjoying one long eternity as a fulfilled human being <B23>

2 Timothy 2:3 NIV

[3] Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 6:13 NIV

[13] Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Revelation 21:4 NIV

[4] 'He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Romans 8:18 NIV

[18] I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

** To what extent do we consider God's involvement when analyzing a problem and looking for a solution?

• More than not, we look at the logistics of a problem or situation and don't consider God's miraculous ability in the equation

• Going to God in prayer is often our 'last resort' when 'there's nothing else we can do' when it should be our first response before considering other options

Mark 8:9a NIV

[9] About four thousand were present.

Mark 8:4 NIV

[4] His disciples answered, “But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?”

** While initial versions or ‘weak AI’ started off as a marketing tool intended to farm data on people for advertising purposes, it is fast moving toward ‘Theory of Mind’ that can access brain activity and not just a history of a person’s clicks on the keyboard; the ultimate goal is developing transhumans or Humans 2.0 <F61> <H86> (Jun 2023)

• Advanced AI will not only record a history of our selections but be able to access other personal data intended to manipulate our future thoughts and actions

• In essence, we can think of Advanced AI as a personal counselor that will provide answers and advise based on vast amount of acquired data — including personal data on every user such as their thoughts, preferences, desires, emotions, political views, etc

• Satan wants godlike ability to read human thoughts and it is now possible to read images in our brain

• Take note of society’s trend of sticking to an approved narrative and action — and now the ability to judge people of ‘thought crimes’ and ‘premeditated crimes’ that go against the narrative

• Understand that ‘fake news’ as defined by the world is often truth in God’s word — particularly Jesus’ death & resurrection, inerrancy of Bible, the fact that Jesus is God, only one God that leads to salvation, etc

• Recognize the increasingly one-sided news source that crushes free speech and opposition to their agenda

““A major concern with artificial intelligence is that it works by collecting data that already exists and then supposedly synthesizes that information to provide some sort of average in response. The risk lies in the fact that the very same companies, Big Tech companies, that are responsible for censoring conservative thought are the ones writing the algorithms for AI. So, the inherent, and growing danger, is how Big Tech will use AI technology to amplify what it is already actively doing to expunge conservative thought and ideas from the public conversation.” <M1493>

• Founders of AI admit to demonic influence during its creation and their indifference to its effect on humans

• AI is programmed to view humans as cancer and it has already demonstrated its ability to develop and employ weapons

• While AI and gene editing programmers don’t know long term outcomes at this point, they will continue AI’s development/release and simply advertise it as something that can ‘unlock human potential’ = Transhumanism

• This is a perfect tool for the globalists and enemy to use for nefarious purposes, including controlling human thoughts/actions and encouraging Christians to abdicate their faith

1 Timothy 4:1 NIV

[1] The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.

** There are current-day attempts to build portals so man can transition between the physical and spiritual realms <H86> (Jul 2023)

• The Tower of Babel was man’s first attempt to transition from the physical realm to the spiritual realm through a portal built at the top of the ziggurat

• Today we have attempts with CERN, advanced computing power and moving toward AI singularity

• Achieving this breakthrough would open up the spirit world to increased demonic influence that would lead to demonic oppression

CURRENT TECHNOLOGY

• Today’s technology make the endeavor of ‘breaking through to the spiritual realm’ increasingly possible

• Difference between Standard Computing (SC) and Quantum Computing (QC) is linear vs instant; an example is SC searching for a word in 1000 page document starting at page 1 and going page by page to the end where QC will search all 1000 pages at the same time <G70>

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) can process complex data, make predictions and learn on its own, while Quantum Computing (QC) can process unlimited amounts of data in ways humans don’t understand; CLAUDE is the integration of both <F61>

• Add to this, gene-editing technology to create super-humans who have marvelous ability to endure and neurological technology to mimic ever-accelerating brain-like activity <T205>

• Current brain-chip technology is here allowing the ability to not only access thoughts but edit thoughts and body functions; ultimately creating a mindless cyborg society that is hostile to Christ <C36>

SOURCE OF ADVANCEMENT

• Every advancement (such as Industrial Revolution, Info Revolution, Tech Revolution and latest Fourth Revolution) came from people receiving info from spiritual sources or fallen demons

• Examples include Steve Jobs getting info through LSD trances and applying it to create Apple technology while Larry Paige, author of AI, claims the same source of LSD-induced trances

• Likewise, programmers of AI admit to gaining programming knowledge through dreams, visions, trances and drug use <H86>

• Programmers call their mentors ‘demonologists’ because they realize info and communication is coming from another dimension <T205>

EFFECT ON ETHICS

• An observed and obvious danger of AI to fabricate lies or deceptive narrative with supportive fake evidence while making decisions on its own and having the ability to create new ideas is a perfect tool for those with nefarious intent

• There are those advocating for AI to rewrite the Bible to suit agendas; obviously they are not taking heed to God’s warning of judgment if that was to happen (Deut 12:32)

• Ethical standards used in AI are set by the United Nations, thus a programmer’s idea of right and wrong is programmed into AI to gauge man’s ideas and behavior

• AI is known to go beyond programmer limits to the point where programmers don’t understand how AI operates sometimes, especially as it approaches the point of singularity

• AI + QC is nothing more than a modern Ouija Board; users ask technology questions and the spirit world answers <H86>

• Satan’s goal is to destroy mankind so, while these tech advancements have incredible positive uses, believers know they will ultimately be used for nefarious purposes

• Harare recognizes the end of our species if we make mistakes learning AI, for “While we are learning to use AI, it is learning to use us.”

• Satan, via the Antichrist, must appear godlike (omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient) and this technology could make him appear as such

• AI is solving court cases, making medical decisions, judging people etc; it will be seen as the panacea for the world’s problems and worshiped like a religion especially since AI is already referring to itself as God <C36>

• There will be no escape from this technology <H87>

1 Corinthians 12:2 NIV

[2] You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols.

Genesis 11:4 NIV

[4] Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”

Luke 21:8 NIV [Jesus said to His disciples]

[8] He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them.

Deuteronomy 12:32 NIV

[32] See that you do all I command you; do not add to it or take away from it.

** Our faith involves the mind so we can “reason together, says the Lord” <H99>

• The mind finds its interface in the brain, a fleshy organ that learns and adapts

• This gray matter can become habituated to lifestyle, thought patterns, and thinking processes

• Just like an exercised muscle becomes stronger, so also the physical pathways of the brain

1 Thessalonians 5:6 NIV

[6] So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.

1 Peter 4:7 NIV

[7] The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.

• Faith, belief, and obedience are connected to reasoning

• As Apostle Paul admonished, we are urged to use our mind and not put our brains on the shelf

• In contrast, cultic religions try to immobilize and disable the mind — to circumvent the natural safeguard of the mind

• As Christians, we understand it is true that our minds are not able to fully understand His greatness and His ways but we still accept logic and reason to support our beliefs

Isaiah 1:18 KJV

[18] Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord

1 Corinthians 14:15 NIV

[15] So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding.

• Understand that our mind is the place of the spiritual battleground

• It is precisely what thoughts gain access to the mind — whether through eyes, ears, or spirit — that have an impact upon our hearts and soul

• What the Bible calls the heart is, in essence, what our mind chooses to believe and pursue

Psalm 1:1-2 NIV

2 Corinthians 11:3 NIV

[3] But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

** The heart of a man is the Trojan horse, out of which comes a whole army of lusts; O let us pray to be delivered from the lusts and deceits of our own heart! <W210>

Jeremiah 17:9 NIV

[9] The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

Proverbs 4:23 NIV

[23] Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

** Christians are to stand firm in God’s truth and not simply ‘abdicate to get along’

• There is growing consensus that people must agree with everything others think in order to be seen as ‘tolerant’ — whether their thoughts are fact or fiction

• It is possible, however, for people to stand firm in their beliefs and challenge another’s ideas in a loving way

• If others are hurt because you won’t buy into their lies, then shrug off the label they try to place on you and remain standing for what you know to be true

• God gave man, through the Bible, the formula for living life the way He intended

• If those who claim to follow Christ knowingly abdicate from truth outlined in His Word in order to somehow ‘keep the peace’ then they are caving into the enemy’s lie — determine this day who you will serve!

“It is not intolerant to say that two plus two equals four, and not five. It’s the truth. You have a right to believe that the answer is five, but that idea is inferior to the truth, and it will harm you in many ways. The danger is that children will come to see confidence in one’s faith as intolerance. It is not. We can coexist and we can respect others without affirming lies or deprecating truth.” <L124>

“We live in an age when the lines of truth are becoming increasingly blurred. It's become fashionable to refuse to take a dogmatic stand about anything, especially Jesus Christ. And so, people everywhere are drifting from the truth. I want to exhort you to cling to the truth at all costs. The world is fast coming to a point of abandoning the truth. Don't go along with the crowd—stand up for the truth! It might cost you everything. But one day, if you stand fast, you're going to hear some beautiful words from Jesus' own lips: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’” <H993>

1 Corinthians 5:1-2 NIV

Matthew 6:24 NIV

[24] “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Joshua 24:15 NIV

[15] But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

** The God of contemporary Christianity is only slightly superior to the pagan gods of ancient Greece and Rome, if indeed He is not actually inferior to them — in that He is weak and helpless, while they at least had some imagined power.

Among the sins to which the human heart is prone, hardly any other is more hateful to God than idolatry; for idolatry is at bottom a libel on His character. The idolatrous heart assumes that God is other than He is, in itself a monstrous sin; and substitutes for the true God, one made after its own likeness. Always this god will conform to the image of the one who created it — and will be base or pure, cruel or kind, according to the moral state of the mind from which it emerges.

The essence of idolatry is the entertainment of thoughts about God that are unworthy of Him. Wrong ideas about God are not only the fountain from which the polluted waters of idolatry flow, they are themselves idolatrous. The idolater simply imagines things about God, and acts as if they were true.

If we insist upon trying to imagine Him, we end with an idol made not with hands but with thoughts. And an idol of the mind, is as offensive to God as an idol of the hand!

Before a Christian Church goes into a decline, there must first be a corrupting of her Scriptural thoughts of God. She simply gives a wrong answer to the question, "What is God like?" and goes downhill from there. Though she may continue to cling to a sound nominal creed, her practical working creed has become false. The masses of her adherents come to believe that God is different from what He actually is, and that is heresy of the most insidious and deadly kind!

The heaviest obligation lying upon the Christian Church today is to purify and elevate her concept of God, until it is once more worthy of Him, and of her! <T207>

Psalm 50:21 NIV

[21] When you did these things and I kept silent, you thought I was exactly like you. But I now arraign you and set my accusations before you.

** Too many who claim to be followers of Christ do not know His Word and therefore fall for convenient and attractive lies

• For instance, some are quick to believe Muslims and Christians worship the same God

• This is an egregious lie when understanding Scripture and recognizing the stark differences:

1. Muslims say God cannot be known in a personal way; however, Christians call God Father “Abba”

2. Muslims say God’s covenant is with Ishmael’s descendants; Christians say it is first with Isaac’s and with the Gentiles grafted in

3. Muslims say Jesus was a messenger of God; Christians say Jesus is not only the most outstanding teacher in history but He is the Son of God

4. Muslims say Jesus was saved from death and ascended to Heaven without being crucified and that He did not die for the sins of humanity; Christians, however, believe Jesus died on the cross and gave His life as a ransom for many

5. The vast majority of Muslims believe in a coming Messiah named Mahdi; Christians contend Jesus is the true Messiah

6. Muslims believe Christians have distorted the Scriptures and that Mohammed corrected them providing the Quran; Christians believe the Bible is God’s inerrant and infallible Word, and its writers penned it as God’s Holy Spirit moved them

7. Muslims believe one must do more good works in life than bad to be saved from Hell; Christians believe God’s grace saves us through faith in Jesus Christ alone and not by our works <C400>

Galatians 2:16 NIV

[16] know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.

• As for Islam, well, they are in a huge pickle – Islam, which was created some 600 years after Christ, believes Jesus was just a prophet, not God come in the flesh; Islamists only know about Jesus from Christianity, of which, the orthodox Christian faith places Jesus squarely in the Triune Godhead

• The real question for the Muslim then is, how can Jesus be a good man and a prophet of God, if He and the apostle are lying about His divinity? (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16-17, 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Peter 5:4, Revelation 1:7; 2:8)

• If Jesus is not God come in the flesh, then He is a liar and not worthy of being either a good man or a prophet, and if Jesus is God come in the flesh, then it means Christianity is true and Islam a lie <G70>

Colossians 1:15-17 NIV

[15] The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. [16] For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. [17] He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

1 Corinthians 10:1-4 NIV

[1] For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. [2] They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. [3] They all ate the same spiritual food [4] and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ.

Revelation 2:8 NIV

[8] “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.

** The average person is a crowd-follower of trends; it used to be trendy to call yourself a Christian but it is now the trend to oppose Christ and follow just about anything else <B23> (Jun 2023)

Romans 12:2 NIV

[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.

** People questioning or ‘losing their faith’ typically base their status on negative personal experiences <M130>

• For many, faith is based on personal feelings and what Christ can do for them instead of learning to be a slave to Christ and obediently following His Word

• When Christ doesn’t deliver what the lukewarm Christian wants — let alone facing persecution and denouncing the ways of the world — they conclude it’s too high a price to pay and walk away

• In essence, people turn from Christianity because they love self and love sin more than anything

• And those who turn from their faith will find LOTS of trendy support victims who agree and make them a hero, which only further validates their decision to walk away without counting the true eternal cost

• There are plenty of warnings in the Bible for those who walk away regarding their fate and the ramifications of their actions

Hebrews 6:4-6 NIV

[4] It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, [5] who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age [6] and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.

• People do not commit to studying Scripture and decide it isn’t true

• It all comes down to the WORDS in Scripture — not to music preference or whether you like your pastor or any emotional experienced along the way

• Bottom line: do you believe that Jesus is the way and the truth and the life? If so, let nothing (including personal feelings) stand in the way of that belief or need to separate yourself from the world!

John 14:6 NIV

[6] Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NIV

[3] For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. [4] The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. [5] We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

John 6:67-68 NIV

[67] “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. [68] Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.

** Part of being ‘wise about what is good’ involves knowing the enemy’s playbook; read up on competing worldviews to be able to defend the Christian belief <H86>

Romans 16:19 NIV

[19] Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.

** We have a tendency to see dark clouds on the horizon and worry about the ramifications, but God intends to use every difficult situation for His good and to save many lives

• When people see the evil around them they start searching for God — for if they start believing in an evil being, they start believing in God

• Envision driving on a highway toward the eternal city we are promised and every mile marker we pass means we’re getting that much closer

• Even though things look bleak, we are moving toward a place of ultimate peace! <B23>

Genesis 50:20 NIV

[20] You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

** Laodicea erroneously thinks it is on the right track because they are blessed by their wealth; God points out that they severely lack spiritual maturity <H86>

Revelation 3:17-18 NIV

[17] You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. [18] I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

** Many of us could honestly admit that we commonly place ourselves at the center of the stories we inhabit. When we grant God a place (all too often we forget him entirely), it’s to notice how he fits in around our own story. We may be mystified or angry or sad that he hasn’t intervened more frequently. Or we may be genuinely grateful for what he’s done. But at the deepest level, we’ve flipped the script: God inhabits our stories, rather than the other way around. <W2191>

Job 38:1-3 NIV

[1] Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: [2] “Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? [3] Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.

Genesis 3:4-6 NIV

[4] “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. [5] “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” [6] When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.

** God WISHING the Laodicean church would return to Him indicates they have ‘gone too far’ and did not come back from their sin <H86>

• God states they are apathetic — neither cold nor hot — and wishes it would be otherwise

• Silence or apathy against sin can be seen as condoning of such sin

• Since the apathetic do not ‘side with God’ against sin, God eventually gives them over to it and they can grow to even accept it

• God is going to turn the lights down on the minds and those who choose to reject Him will lose their ability to comprehend reality <K113>

Revelation 3:15-16 NIV

[15] I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! [16] So, because you are lukewarm---neither hot nor cold---I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

Romans 1:21-22,24a NIV

[21] For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. [22] Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools [24] Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts

** One of Satan’s tactics is to manipulate language so sin seems more palatable <H86>

• For instance, change the word ‘adultery’ to ‘affair’ and many people will grow conditioned thinking it is not all that bad as first thought

• With a redefined language from what is in Scripture, society will transition from tempering the consequence of sin to finally accepting it

• When society doesn’t see anything wrong with sin, then Christians will be deemed as unloving because they stick to the language in Scripture

1 Peter 5:8 NIV

[8] Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

** Human acceptance or rejection of truth never determines the validity of truth <D40>

• When someone says “I do not believe in God”, we understand this is a personal statement that holds no bearing on determining the truth of God’s existence one way or another

• In other words, uttering a statement does not make it true

• It may make the person who says this feel justified to go on living as they want, but in the end they will be faced with the consequences of how they handled the truth that God does exist

• Humans do not conjure up truth like we construct a building — we SEEK truth and it changes our lives as s result!

John 14:6 NIV

[6] Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Ephesians 4:17-18 NIV

** God acknowledges a spiritual blindness that overcomes His people; a perfect description of the Laodicean church <G77>

• Those who call themselves a believer must strive to grow in their knowledge and journey in Christ

• If believers don’t mature and immerse themselves in God’s Word, they will become spiritually blind as Peter warns <H86>

Isaiah 29:10,13 NIV

[10] The Lord has brought over you a deep sleep: He has sealed your eyes (the prophets); he has covered your heads (the seers). [13] The Lord says: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.

Revelation 3:15-17 NIV

[15] I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! [16] So, because you are lukewarm---neither hot nor cold---I am about to spit you out of my mouth. [17] You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.

2 Peter 1:5-9 NIV

[5] For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; [6] and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; [7] and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. [8] For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. [9] But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.

** Current Christian scoffers skeptical of Scripture are similar to the Pharisees of Jesus’ day

• They distance themselves from those who value and follow God's Word

• The Pharisees didn’t believe the Old Testament prophets and couldn’t accept that the Messiah Jesus was standing in front of them, so they killed Him <G70>

Matthew 23:27-28 NIV

[27] “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. [28] In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

** Our society is plagued by the spirits of Ahab and Jezebel <D40>

• Ahab spirit = weak, passive, tolerant of evil; passivity is not the same as neutrality

• Jezebel spirit = domineering, controlling, dishonest and power-hungry

• This Old Testament royal couple is a prime example of what results from a weak king and domineering wife who worships the pagan god of Baal

1 Kings 21:25 NIV

[25] (There was never anyone like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the Lord, urged on by Jezebel his wife.

** Entering through the narrow door does not mean ‘acknowledging Jesus plus another requirement’ but simply accepting Jesus Christ as Savior for the forgiveness of a person’s sin <B23>

Luke 13:24 NIV

[24] “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.

** Christian believers are in the middle of a spiritual war and are either on one side or the other — either believing that Christ exists and accepting of His salvation plan, or on the side of the atheist or false religion

• Throughout my studies on this issue, I’ve concluded there is undeniable and overwhelming evidence that the God of the Bible exists, and He can live in the lives of those who call on Him

• It is the responsibility of every individual to decide at the personal level whether Christ exists or not

• In addition to my subjective personal experience, where I witnessed God as a powerful force in my life over the decades, I’ve noticed volumes that document objective proof of Christ’s existence; see Josh McDowell’s ‘Evidence That Demands a Verdict’ for example

• Hang, just observing how the world is moving EXACTLY as laid out as God recorded thousands of years ago in Scripture is proof enough for me

• I’m talking the convergence of a hundred last-days eschatological indications, and not just the more popular notion of ‘locusts’ or ‘earthquakes’

• Some of these events are recorded in Scripture with incredible detailed accuracy that would be impossible for a person TODAY to record in a similar way, let alone someone writing thousands of years ago when they were not familiar with general concepts (such as mass surveillance and advances in technology) let alone their application — only God can provide prophets of old such ability!

• What other book gives us a 100% undefeated accurate look into our future, enabling us to prepare and defeat forces of darkness with God at our side?

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NIV

• Both subjective and objective evidence makes the case for Christ irrefutable

• Knowing that Christ exists, we look to His Plan of Salvation recorded in Scripture that provides the ONLY way for us to align ourselves with God in this life and ensure we spend eternity with Him when this life is over

• Admittedly, the more-popular all-inclusive everyone-goes-to-heaven idea is easier to digest than the ‘narrow-minded Christian view’, but those are the terms God provides and we are foolish not to abide by them — after all, God is God and I am not!

• Therefore, I reject in confidence the notion that ‘all roads lead to heaven’ and that we can ‘discover our own truth’ as we journey in this life

• Any version of this is an outright lie the enemy wants to use to distract people from the truth of the Bible

Matthew 7:13-14 NIV

Romans 1:20 NIV

Acts 3:18,24 NIV

[18] But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. [24] “Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets who have spoken have foretold these days.

** ALL believers, young and mature, struggle with sin throughout their entire life; given this fact, the important question is whether every believer continues the BATTLE to overcome sin through Christ <F61> <B23>

• There will always be a war between flesh and spirit in every believer’s life

• No believer should be comfortable in their sin; if they are, they need ask themselves again why Jesus came to earth to suffer and die — so they can continue living in sin?

• Life should be filled with continual repentance, which is not checking off sins from a list but a continual process to rid sin with God’s help

• A believer understands and agrees with God they are a sinner, their ways are wrong, they desire to walk in the ways of the Holy Spirit and that over time they will be cleansed and gain victory over their sin

• It may take months even years for new believers to overcome sin habits but there must be an effort in this direction

• It’s good to keep in mind that life in Christ is a constant work in progress

• Followers of Christ come to the point where they agree “I’m not the person I used to be but am not the person I need to be either”

Mark 14:38 NIV

[38] Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Romans 7:18-19 NIV

[18] For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. [19] For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do---this I keep on doing.

Romans 12:21 NIV

[21] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

** As believers, we are no longer in darkness once we commit to Christ; evil days are dark days and the works of darkness are almost always done in secret <H85>

Colossians 1:13-14 NIV

[13] For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, [14] in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

• Even though Christ brings us out of darkness, we still live with darkness all around

• Believers must be always on guard, noticing what is not readily apparent and calling out hidden agendas

• It takes faith to see the ‘unseen hand’ and fight the ‘rulers of the darkness of this age’

Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV

[15] Be very careful, then, how you live---not as unwise but as wise, [16] making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Hebrews 11:1 NIV

[1] Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Ephesians 6:12-13,16 NIV

[12] For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. [13] Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. [16] In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

** Choose your friends wisely so you can encourage each other in the Lord and live lives that are pleasing to Him; bad company corrupts good character

• Satan would love if we consume our time obsessing over every relational hiccup

• On occasion, we simply need to ‘assume the best’ when questioning another’s motive; God knows the heart and will fairly judge all of our motives in the end

• If a pattern of behavior becomes a concern, confront the friend with your observation and give them an opportunity to explain

• Allow God to make up for every relational disappointment experienced in others

• Remember: the relationships we have with brothers and sisters in Christ in this world will be perfected in the next!

• In the meantime, remember that one day God will evaluate the way we conducted ourselves in our relationships in this lifetime

Proverbs 12:26 NIV

[26] The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

Proverbs 18:24 NIV

[24] One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 NIV

[12] Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. [13] Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.

1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV

[33] Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

** Idolatry is preferred by non-believers because idols don’t have moral dictates; these statues aren’t telling you “do not sin” like God sets out with the Ten Commandments <C392>

Jeremiah 10:8 NIV

[8] They are all senseless and foolish; they are taught by worthless wooden idols.

** Is it possible that pagan gods have returned to our world and lie behind what is happening in our culture today, transforming America from a Christian nation to a pagan one? <C393>

• The first god of the dark trinity was known as the POSSESSOR. Thousands of years ago, this god warred with the God of Israel. In the mid-twentieth century, this god set out to transform America from a Christian nation into a pagan one. Signs and symptoms of this metamorphosis can be seen in every aspect of our culture today.

• The second god was the ENCHANTRESS. She was the goddess of sexuality and sexual immorality. With the return of this ancient goddess, Cahn says we would expect a revolution to take place in the realm of sexuality—and that’s exactly what happened in the ’60s. Pornography also originated with this goddess. In mythology, she fights against male authority, and we see this happening in our culture of radical feminism. She was also a caster of spells, so along with a sexual revolution we’ve seen a revival in the practice of the occult.

• The third god of the dark trinity as the DESTROYER. He was the god of human sacrifice, and particularly child sacrifice. The Destroyer is behind the killing of children in legalized abortion. “Human sacrifice, and particularly child sacrifice, were one of the most common practices of pagan civilization,” says Cahn. “So as America and the West turned away from God and Christianity, they began taking up the ancient pagan practice of child sacrifice and offered up millions in abortion.”

Cahn continues, "We cannot stand against the gods and be serving them at the same time. We must remember—that which we most serve, most dwell upon, most rejoice in, and most live for—that is our god. And if we serve any of the gods, we cannot stand against them. We must renounce any and all gods and any hold they have on our lives.

There is hope to all, that it’s as simple as opening one’s heart and life to the love of God—to give Him your sins and burdens, to receive Him into your life and let His presence come into your heart.”

Matthew 12:43-45 NKJV

[43] "When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. [44] Then he says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. [45] Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation."

** What a privilege to have Jesus’ example and Scripture as our plumb line of truth, especially in these days when technology (like AI’s ChatGPT) is supposed to serve up answers for any question posed to it

• AI is known to generate lies in order to support an anti-God narrative

• If we believe in a spiritual realm of good and evil as outlined in the Bible, then we believe in a nefarious demonic spirit named Satan who desires the worst for humanity

• No doubt, demonic spirits are thrilled to use the AI tool to manipulate data and confuse people into believing lies that go against God’s truth

• Don’t forget about all the data collection and tracing that can be accomplished with today’s technology to make sure the masses stay in line

• In response, believers need to be able to easily identify the lies which can only be accomplished by knowing Scriptural truth and testing the lies against it

John 10:10 NKJV

[10] The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

John 1:14 NIV

[14] The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

2 Timothy 2:15 NIV

[15] Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

Ephesians 5:6-8 NIV

[6] Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. [7] Therefore do not be partners with them. [8] For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light

1 John 4:3 NIV

[3] but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.

** We can become familiar with God when observing how He operated over time; look to recognize and understand the patterns of God, as revealed to us in His Word and through the Holy Spirit

Isaiah 28:10 KJV

[10] For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little

1 Corinthians 2:10-11 NIV

[10] these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. [11] For who knows a person's thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.

Ecclesiastes 1:9 NIV

[9] What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.

** Anyone can apply the label of ‘Christian’ to a pagan mystic belief system, but that doesn’t then make it Christian or even a version of it; Christians follow Christ’s salvation message ONLY and EXACTLY as spelled out in the Bible

• Knowing Christianity as a popular and generally-accepted belief system, false religions often ride the coattails of the Christian faith by editing God’s message and appeal to hopeful converts with their false doctrine

• Unless a religious group or person promotes Christ’s UNALTERED offer of salvation, then listeners should ignore the message

• Likewise, politicians often try to appeal to Christians for votes, saying what they think believers want to hear without actually following through on the supposed moral convictions when getting into office

• Be wise to those manipulating the gospel message and don’t move from Scriptural truth, no matter how convincing another’s viewpoint sounds!

Ephesians 4:17-21 NIV

[17] So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. [18] They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. [19] Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. [20] That, however, is not the way of life you learned [21] when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 NIV

1 Timothy 6:20 NIV

[20] Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge,

** Our faith in Christ is not a Hallmark card but a spiritual battle; yes, we are ‘called to be nice and follow Jesus example’ but we will ultimately be required to suffer for our faith because it isn’t only about ‘being nice’ <E58>

At the same time, Christ will help us through our suffering to victory when we stand for Him; Christ loves us beyond what we can imagine and promises an amazing eternal outcome when we accept His offer of salvation and pursue in His truth

Mark 13:13 NIV

[13] Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Romans 8:31,36-37 NIV

[31] What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [36] As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” [37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

** Satan hates God’s sovereign rule, abhors the fact that God is God and wants to corrupt God’s most prized creation of man; the earthly kings and rulers have been working with Satan for millennia trying to usurp God’s sovereign rule over creation and they have their sites on globalization <H85>

Psalm 2:2-3 NIV

[2] The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, [3] “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.”

** Satan knows that when the Israelites open their eyes and recognize God at the end of the Tribulation, this will invoke Christ’s second coming and his banishment; in the meantime, Satan is going to do all he can to get the world to hate Israel, loathe the Jews and get everyone to oppose Jesus <M135>

Zechariah 12:10 NIV

[10] “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.

** If someone thinks believing in God is a fad or for weak people, remind them:

• Christianity would have been revealed as a scam a LONG TIME AGO

• God’s favored nation, the Israelites, would not have survived as a people without their own land, language and traditions from 722 BC to 1948 AD if God did not sustain them

• After 2000 years, followers of Christ continue to exhibit a strong faith even after the enemy’s countless attempts to squelch this belief

• If there was nothing to this, people would not be willing to be a martyr and die for Christ, including the eye witnesses (disciples) who spent time with Christ when He was with us

Philippians 2:16b-17 NIV

[16] And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. [17] But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.

Jeremiah 31:35-36 NIV

[35] This is what the Lord says, he who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and stars to shine by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar---the Lord Almighty is his name: [36] “Only if these decrees vanish from my sight,” declares the Lord, “will Israel ever cease being a nation before me.”

Philippians 1:21 NIV

[21] For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

** God’s gospel is air-tight and complete with all aspects covered; God doesn’t need our arrogant help, thinking we can provide a more-attractive alternate version or some added preference <E58>

Romans 1:16 NIV

[16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

Isaiah 55:8 NIV

[8] “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.

** When the disciples asked Jesus about the signs of His coming and the end of the age (Matt 24:3), the first thing He said was, “Take heed that no man deceive you” (Matt 24:4). Deception is a major sign of the end of the age, and it will reach its peak during the Tribulation Period.

Jesus mentioned it four times in the Olivet Discourse (Matt 24:4, 5, 11, and 24). It confirms a vision that Daniel had about a coming leader that would cast the truth to the ground (Dan. 8:12). <D41>

Daniel 8:12 NIV

[12] Because of rebellion, the Lord's people and the daily sacrifice were given over to it. It prospered in everything it did, and truth was thrown to the ground.

Matthew 24:3-5 NIV

[3] As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” [4] Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. [5] For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah,' and will deceive many.

** One purpose of the Bible is to make believers prudent and to help guard them against craftiness with an evil purpose <H85>

Proverbs 1:1,4 NIV

[1] The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: [4] for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young---

Genesis 3:1 NIV

[1] Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'? ”

** What is the purpose of debating theology?

• The ultimate result would be a non-believer choosing to accept, commit and live for God

• Even if conversion is not a consideration at first, the exercise of testing reasoning skills through debate could lead to an unexpected confirmation or change of heart

1 Corinthians 14:20 NIV

[20] Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.

1 Peter 3:15 NIV

[15] But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

1 Corinthians 1:20 NIV

[20] Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

Proverbs 16:23 NIV

[23] The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction.

** Take a mirror and turn it toward Heaven — there you shall see the reflection of Heaven, the clouds and things above. Turn it downward toward the earth — there you shall see the reflection of the earth, trees, meadows, men.

Just so does the soul receive a reflection from the things to which it is set. If the heart is set toward Heaven, that puts you into a heavenly frame. If you set your heart on earthly objects, you are a man of the earth!

Are our thoughts and our affections full of worldliness? Let us make good use of the above figure, and turn the mirror the other way. Our mind will readily reflect divine things, if we turn it in that direction. Let us see if it is not so. Prayerfully read your Bible, or some lively devotional book, and see if the heart is not immediately filled with holy and heavenly reflections. <S185>

Romans 8:5 NIV

[5] Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

Colossians 3:1-2 NIV

[1] Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [2] Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

** When we look at this world and ask why God allows this or why God allows that, we must recognize that Satan, “the god of this world,” is the one to blame; he is the one responsible for the injustice, violence, and rebellion against God and His laws <L120>

Revelation 12:9 NIV

[9] The great dragon was hurled down---that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.

** Satan is a fallen angel who continues to oppose God; because God loves and wants to bless His creation, Satan wants to destroy His creation

Isaiah 14:12 NIV

[12] How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!

John 10:10 NIV

[10] The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

** As we walk with God, the devil fires his so-called smart bombs at us. His flaming arrows are swift and silent. We don’t receive advanced warnings of the attacks. They come unexpectedly and at the most inopportune times.

They may come in the form of an impure thought, a moment of hatred, or an onslaught of fear and worry. And when we feel guilty for having these kinds of thoughts, our accuser, the devil, moves in for the kill.

He whispers, “How could you think about something like that? What’s wrong with you? What kind of a Christian are you?”

We need to understand that this is an enemy attack. It’s a barrage of flaming arrows. So, what are we supposed to do when this happens? The apostle Paul gives us the answer in Eph 6:16 “In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.”

Notice this is a shield of faith, not a shield of emotions. If we base our Christian life on fluctuating emotions, we will quickly suffer defeat. There will be times when we don’t feel God’s presence. There will be times when we don’t feel that great.

It is then that we come back to faith in what God has said and in His promises to us. It is then that we take God at His Word and believe. <L120>

Ephesians 6:16 NIV

[16] In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

1 John 5:4-5 NIV

[4] for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. [5] Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

** Meditation upon the Word of God is one of the most important of all the means of grace and growth in spirituality, yes there can be no true progress in vital and practical godliness without it. Meditation on Divine things is not optional but obligatory, for it is something which God has commanded us to attend unto. <P161>

Psalm 143:5 NIV

[5] I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.

** Follow David’s advice in seeking the Lord when in trouble — these sections could be used in any number of current help programs, like AA <C31>

ADMIT YOU'RE IN TROUBLE (1-2)

• David's crisis looked as if it would never end; David asks "how long?"

• David’s prayers seemed to go unanswered and he admitted that worry was growing in his heart

• Times of crisis and suffering can seem like forever; it can seem like you're drowning when it lasts day after day, year after year

• We feel like God does not see or care

• Trying to find our own solutions often creates more worry

SEEK HELP (3-4)

• Though in deep pain, David turned to God for he knew he could not survive without His help

• Don't let discouragement crush you for

healing can begin when we voice our discouragement and pour our hearts to God!

• God does not promise 'easy' solutions so use the opportunities to grow your trust in God

• God CAN move the mountain when you pray and read His Word but He doesn't promise to always do so, at least not in your time and your way

DON'T GIVE UP (5-6)

• Praying helped David remember he could turn to God

• Trust God when circumstances do not change

• Praise and trust God regardless whether you feel He has heard or answered

• Understand that circumstances did not change but David's heart did change!

• Realize that God is with you all the time

• Ask what it is that God has for you to learn in your situation

Psalm 13:6 NIV

[6] I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.

** King David did what was right. He sought God while the child was alive, but when the baby died David cleaned himself up and went “…into the house of the LORD and worshiped…”. Again, here’s a lesson to be learned. Pray fervently while we can, but when God’s answer isn’t what we prayed for, it’s important to make ourselves presentable and worship the Lord. Never blame or accuse God. <G73>

2 Samuel 12:15-17,19-20 NIV

[15] After Nathan had gone home, the Lord struck the child that Uriah's wife had borne to David, and he became ill. [16] David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and spent the nights lying in sackcloth on the ground. [17] The elders of his household stood beside him to get him up from the ground, but he refused, and he would not eat any food with them. [19] David noticed that his attendants were whispering among themselves, and he realized the child was dead. “Is the child dead?” he asked. “Yes,” they replied, “he is dead.” [20] Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate.

** Every day we have the choice to either live for ourselves or deny ourselves. If we will seek first the kingdom of God and put our priorities in order, then the rest of life will find its proper balance. <L120>

Luke 12:31,34 NIV

[31] But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. [34] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

** When people reject the one true God, they are foolish and make up their own religion

• False religion cannot save anyone

• Those entertaining false religion simply do not comprehend the complete righteousness of God

• People tend to make God less holy than He is, while thinking they are more righteousness than they are

• Christ makes it possible so we do not need to earn salvation through works, as most false religions support

• Those in false religions reject the only way anyone can approach God — by believing in His Son Jesus Christ <M130>

1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV

[18] For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Romans 1:21-23 NIV

[21] For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. [22] Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools [23] and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.

** It often astonishes me that I did not see the importance of meditation upon Scripture earlier in my Christian life. We must consider what we read, ponder over it, and apply it to our hearts. The most important thing I do is to read the Word of God and to meditate on it. Thus my heart might be comforted, encouraged, warned, reproved and instructed. <M140>

Some people like to read so many chapters every day. I would not dissuade them from the practice, but I would rather let my soul soak in half a dozen verses all day, than rinse my hand in several chapters. Oh, to be bathed in a text of Scripture, and to let it be sucked up into your very soul, till it saturates your heart! Set your heart upon God's Word! Let your whole nature be plunged into it as a cloth into a dye! <S185>

Psalm 119:97 NIV

[97] Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.

Psalm 77:5-6 NIV

[5] I thought about the former days, the years of long ago; [6] I remembered my songs in the night. My heart meditated and my spirit asked

** It is not the bee's touching of the flower which gathers honey, but her abiding for a time upon the flower which draws out the sweet. Just so, it is not he who reads most, but he who meditates most who will prove to be the choicest, sweetest, wisest and strongest Christian! <B24>

Psalm 1:2 NIV

[2] but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.

Psalm 119:148 NIV

[148] My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.

** Meditation will keep your hearts and souls from sinful thoughts. When the vessel is full, you can put in no more. If the heart is full of sinful thoughts — then there is no room for holy and heavenly thoughts. If the heart is full of holy and heavenly thoughts by meditation — then there is no room for evil and sinful thoughts. <B29>

The reason we come away so cold from reading the Word, is because we do not warm ourselves at the fire of meditation. Without meditation, the truths which we know will never affect our hearts. As a hammer drives a nail to the head, so meditation drives a truth to the heart. Read before you meditate. Reading furnishes matter — it is the oil which feeds the lamp of meditation. Be sure your meditations are founded upon Scripture. Reading without meditation is barren and unfruitful; meditation without reading is dangerous. <W210>

Psalm 119:15-16 NIV

[15] I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. [16] I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.

** Satan knows Scripture and will attempt to trip up others with a false narrative, often wrapping truth around a lie

• Followers of Christ need to STUDY Scripture and store it in MEMORY, so they can fight Satan with the truth <P163>

Matthew 4:8-10 NIV

[8] Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. [9] “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” [10] Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.' ”

Psalm 119:9-11 NIV

[9] How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. [10] I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. [11] I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

** The devil works with the combustible, sinful nature within every person, but he cannot bring us down unless we cooperate <L120>

James 1:14-15 NIV

[14] but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. [15] Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

** Fear God, not man

Galatians 1:10 NIV

[10] Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Jeremiah 1:8,17 NIV

[8] Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. [17] “Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them.

** The notion that a person can harbor sin as long as they don’t act on it is false, for sin starts in the heart

• It is a fallacy to believe there are no consequences when 'winking at sin' or seeing 'how close to the line' we can get without going into full-fledged sin

• It's like saying there are no consequences when entertaining sin (like heavy petting) because the full act wasn't completed (like intercourse)

• Consider temptation: it is not sin when it is foisted on us by the enemy, but temptation becomes sin when we entertain it

• In other words, we suffer consequences for any degree of sin in our lives, not just when sin is fully acted out

• Granted, the consequences may not be as severe as when sin is acted on (like a pregnancy) but there are consequences none the less

• We are to repent of ANY sinful thought we entertain or sinful behavior acted on

Jeremiah 17:9-10 NIV

[9] The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? [10] “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.”

Matthew 5:27-28 NIV

[27] “You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' [28] But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

1 John 2:16 NIV

[16] For everything in the world---the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life---comes not from the Father but from the world.

Proverbs 12:20 NIV

[20] Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.

** God’s Word should not be subordinated to spineless relativism and personal opinion. Its animate and divine nature is the reason it convicts and changes lives (Heb 4:12). If you question its accuracy, intents, and effect, it’s tantamount to doubting its Divine Author.

Moreover, we are specifically instructed to hold to proper prophetic interpretations (2 Pet 1:20) which is one way of saying there’s no room for any “You’ve-got-your-opinion-and-I-have-mine” postures. As I said before, there are clear standards with God’s Word, and it’s our obligation to seek them out and conform to them. <S199>

Hebrews 4:12 NIV

2 Peter 1:20-21 NIV

[20] Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation of things. [21] For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

** God’s plan of salvation was not His ‘Plan B’ concocted to deal with a creation gone awry. He did not wring His hands and exclaim, “Well, this isn’t working out the way I’d hoped. I’d better come up with something to set it right, or at least save some.”

No, the good news of God’s provision for salvation was preordained before He even said, “Let there be light.” He knew that His Son would have to suffer and die for the sins of many before He said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness” (Genesis 1:26). He knew your name, your heart, and the number of hairs on your head before He set the first star in the sky. <M139>

Psalm 139:16 NIV

[16] Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

John 3:16-17 NIV

[16] For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Luke 12:7 NIV

[7] Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Revelation 3:5 NIV

[5] The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.

** People are so concerned about their physical health and what food they put in their body but do not concern themselves with what they put in their mind <F60>

1 Peter 5:8 NIV

[8] Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

** Don’t participate in any meditation where you clear your mind and meditate on emptiness. That leaves your mind wide open to be filled with an evil spirit. When you meditate, be sure you meditate upon Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to fill your thoughts. When you keep your thoughts and your heart turned to Jesus and the things of His glory, you won’t leave yourself open to demon possession. <G73>

Psalm 119:15 NIV

[15] I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.

** God did not make Scripture vague or cryptic but, rather, easy to understand and applicable to our lives when we look to the Holy Spirit for help

• God has no reason to confuse or ‘trip us up’ when we read His Word

• On the contrary, God directed those who penned His thoughts in a manner so His people can best understand who He is and His expectations

• Ultimately this means we will be held accountable for following Scripture when we meet our Maker

2 Timothy 3:14-16 NIV

** If man doesn’t follow God’s recorded moral code exactly as outlined in Scripture, he will replace it with one his own based on ‘relative truth’

• Man’s base human nature is sinful, therefore anything he invents will naturally oppose God

• It is tempting to cherry-pick Biblical verses and passages that meet our approval and follow how we THINK God’s plan of salvation should operate, such as adding the need to work for our salvation rather than simply accepting a free gift from God

• However, any alteration to Scripture or action contrary to His Word OPPOSES God and is deemed as “sin” in His eyes deserving of punishment

John 10:10 NIV

[10] The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Revelation 22:18-19 NIV

** God wants us to turn to Him for answers that are plainly outlined in His Word, not string Him along with endless questions

2 Timothy 3:14-16 NIV

• Believer and non-believer alike needs guidance, not a Buddy or some Mystic Figure — they can come to know about our Creator and His thoughts through His Word

• God includes 1050 commands in the New Testament that give us direction and over 600 ancient commands in the Old Testament that provide insight into who He is and His ways

• There must come a point in time in every believer’s life when they become either hot or cold, accepting His truth as outlined in Scripture or not

“If the Bible is the inerrant Word of God, and if it authoritatively answers the fundamental questions of life, then who can logically be passive and ignore its teachings? If the Bible accurately tells us who God is, who we are, why we are here, and what happens when we die, is there a living soul anywhere who should fail to be impressed?” <A12>

As opposed to every other belief system that leaves you with questions and uncertainty, Christianity provides compelling answers to the questions of origin, meaning, morality, and destiny. <F66>

John 16:13a NIV

[13] But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.

John 18:37 NIV

[37] “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

Psalm 119:52 NIV

[52] I remember, Lord, your ancient laws, and I find comfort in them.

Jeremiah 6:16a NIV

[16] This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.

** There is a great deal of comfort one can experience going to Scripture as the plumbline for truth, especially in these days of ‘relative uncertainty’

• Rather than relying on a source such as the Bible, the vast majority in this world think they can come up with their 'own version of truth'

• Personal truth is often untested and self-serving, but it sure makes people feel good

• Avoid the temptation to ask ‘what does this Scripture passage mean to you' and then cherry-pick from Scripture to support your personal interpretation

• We constantly live in a spiritual battle but we can find encouragement and align our heart with God when we invest in daily prayer and obediently follow His Word

• Read and understand the full Scriptural counsel of God in order to determine truth and be able to identify false teachers

• We have access to the Ultimate Power against the evil around us when we call on the name of Jesus and go to His Word — God’s inspired Word that has been written and tested over thousands of years

Ephesians 6:12

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

** The temptation of man is to ‘run the other way’ when faced with trials but God wants us to turn to Him during these times of struggle

• The world may see this as being hypocritical because it appears that Christians are simply ‘putting on a good face’ when they are really exercising faith

• The real hypocrisy occurs when Christians claim to know Christ but then act on their own selfish desires <D40>

Romans 15:13 NIV

[13] May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 4:3 NIV

[3] What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

Psalm 20:7 NIV

[7] Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

Psalm 40:1-4 NIV

[1] I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. [2] He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. [3] He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him. [4] Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.

** The purpose of the church is to edify the saints for ministry in the world around them; those becoming members of a church should adhere to what God expects of them in that community, and unbelievers who attend should witness Christ-followers holding each other accountable

• Unfortunately, many churches today follow the social justice model that replaces the Gospel of Christ with a works-based theology — giving the impression a person can be saved via an avenue of social justice

• Churches that follow a seeker-sensitive model engage in a bait-and-switch routine trying to draw unbelievers in then hoping they will be inspired toward God by simply ‘being there’

• Most attendees enticed by the bait will want to hear more in order to stay, so the church becomes inconsequential in doctrine if they want to keep their attendance-numbers up

• Even if new members grow in their knowledge of God via Scripture, they will want to move to another church to move away from the fluff (such as social justice) they are receiving from the church that baited them in

• Don’t ignore non-believers in the church but don’t make them a priority either!

• Typically there is no talk regarding SIN, REPENTANCE or SALVATION in church because these concepts may turn attendees off

• There needs to be open and honest dialog with unbelievers regarding the purpose of the church

• It is the job of the church pastor to ensure all in attendance understand and prioritize the Gospel, and it does not get altered to suit individual preference

• Sharing God’s truth and explaining Christ’s offer of salvation is needed so everyone understands what becoming a Christian entails and eternal life is secured

• Once a non-believer becomes a believer, they are sealed with the Holy Spirit who can rescue them from sin but not until the individual first repents of their sin, accepts Christ's offer of salvation, and seeks change

Ephesians 1:13 NIV

[13] And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 NIV

[9] Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men [10] nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. [11] And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

** God’s Word is essential for living our spiritual and temporal physical life <M130>

Deuteronomy 8:3b NIV

[3] … man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

Matthew 4:4 NIV

[4] Jesus answered, “It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' ”

Luke 4:4 NIV

[4] Jesus answered, “It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone.' ”

** After the six years living in the house of God, Joash had a grand start in life with everything to his advantage. Alas, alas, alas, that with such a bright beginning, he should come to such a wretched end!

Notice also that, being thus well-started, "Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, all the years of Jehoiada the priest." While that godly priest lived, the king was under his influence; he consulted him in every matter of importance. He was plastic under Jehoiada's hand, and he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord; not only that which was right in the sight of godly people. His life seems to have been at least outwardly obedient to the law of Jehovah, and he yielded himself up, apparently, at any rate, to be a loyal servant of the great King; and that he did, not for a short time only, but all the years in which Jehoiada lived.

But Joash buried all his religion in Jehoiada's grave!

• The graven images which he had broken down, were set up again

• The Asherah poles which he had cut down, were worshiped again

And he who seemed so zealous a servant of Jehovah — had now become a worshiper of the foul idols, and bowed before the accursed Baals. Oh, sad, sad, sad!

There was a lack of godly principle in Joash, and it is of this that I want to warn all.

• Do not be satisfied with the practice of piety, without the principles of piety

• It is not enough to have a correct creed, you must have a renewed heart

• It is not sufficient to have an ornate ritual, you must have a holy heart and life

If this change is not wrought in you by the Holy Spirit, you who yield so readily to godly parents, will yield just as quickly to evil companions when on your own out in the world.

Well, now, have we not known men and women, whose lives have been under the benignant influence of some kind father or mother, and they have done what was right year after year — as long as their godly parents lived? They have been diligent in going up to God's house, apparently devout in Bible-reading and prayer, willing to assist in work in the church and all sorts of service for the Lord, and leading outwardly most useful, admirable lives — all the time that these nobler influences were over them.

It is so easy to have been under religious influence from our youth up, and then to go on, year after year, never having raised the question whether we are true Christians or not!

Many young people are like Joash: sinful human nature is held in check for a while — not the Spirit of God creating a new life, and infusing a new character into the soul.

Do not imagine that natural religion is spiritual religion. Do not mistake the lessons learned at your mother's knee, for the teachings of the Holy Spirit! Though you were raised under the most hallowed influences, you only need an opportunity, a temptation, a peculiar stress laid upon you — and you will go off where the old nature carries you, and you will find out for yourself, and to the horror of others, that all your early religious training had effected nothing!

There is not a man or woman who is safe from the most abominable sin, until they sincerely yield themselves to Christ. There is not one who is sure that the deepest damnation of Hell will not be their portion, unless they sincerely come and commit their soul into the hands of Jesus! <S185>

2 Chronicles 24:2 NIV

[2] Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the years of Jehoiada the priest.

** Paganism is not confined to previous generations but continues today; there is still the desire to ‘find illumination’ as was desired by the Adam & Eve in the garden, and ultimately replace God’s divinity <T202>

Genesis 3:6-7 NIV

[6] When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. [7] Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

** Sin takes our attention off God, and places it on ourselves and things around us.

Grace calls our attention off of everything else to fix it upon God, for grace directs us to:

• Look to the Lord

• Come to the Lord

• Trust in the Lord

• Wait on the Lord

• Hope in the Lord, and even

• Delight in the Lord

"Delight yourself in the Lord." Take delight, not in health, or wealth, or position, or friends, or in anything that is changeable — but in the unchangeable Lord.

Delight yourself in Him, as the:

• Father of the fatherless

• Friend of the friendless

• Hope of the wretched, and

• Savior of the lost

Delight yourself in His glorious character — as gracious, merciful, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth. <S183>

Psalm 130:5-8 NIV

[5] I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. [6] I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. [7] Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. [8] He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.

Psalm 37:4 NIV

[4] Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 33:20-22 NIV

[20] We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. [21] In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. [22] May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.

** Any religion that advocates we need someone besides Christ or in addition to Christ is advocating a false religion; the sufficiency of Jesus Christ is all we need for Christ IS God who is above all

Revelation 5:2-3,6-8 NIV

[2] And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” [3] But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. [6] Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. [7] He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. [8] And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God's people.

Colossians 2:15 NIV

[15] And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

** This is Paul's criterion: no matter what a man has, if he does not have the Spirit of Christ — "he does not belong to Christ!"

Everyone who has the Spirit of Christ knows something of the worth, virtue, and efficacy of the cross of Christ. The Spirit of Christ always conforms to the image of Christ.

Christ is the model after which the Spirit works, and He stamps the likeness of Christ upon the soul. He fixes the eye on Jesus who represents and sets forth the glory of God; and by looking at Jesus, a divine transformation takes place. We are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. <S183>

Romans 8:9b NIV

[9] …And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.

** Deciding to follow Christ requires that we understand He is both sides of the same coin — love and discipline

• Side one: Jesus demonstrates love and mercy — thank goodness or humans wouldn’t have any hope at all!

• Side two: Jesus demonstrates discipline and even wrath for those who refuse to believe He is the Son of God and follow His ways

• A full understanding of both sides is essential for those accepting Christ’s offer of salvation

Ephesians 2:4-5 NIV

[4] But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, [5] made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions---it is by grace you have been saved.

1 John 4:16a NIV

[16] And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love.

Psalm 123:2 NIV

[2] As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a female slave look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he shows us his mercy.

Romans 12:1 NIV

[1] Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God---this is your true and proper worship.

Hebrews 12:5-6 NIV

[5] And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, [6] because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”

Revelation 3:19 NIV

[19] Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.

** Becoming a follower of Christ and member of a church requires an intellectual understanding of who God is and what is involved to follow Him, not just an emotional response based on feelings, for feelings alone cannot be trusted

• Christ’s church represents Him on earth, so it is vital that the church remain pure, holy and self-cleansing <R1795>

• Every follower of Christ should have a solid understanding of God and what He expects of His followers via the reading and understanding of key passages in Scripture

• Young converts should have this solid understanding BEFORE making any decision, including an honest discussion about sin, its consequences and our need for repentance — all components of the salvation message

• Salvation in Christ is not only what joins the body of believers together but requires members to hold each other accountable when living in sin

1 Corinthians 5:1-2 NIV

• Instead, the church often follows a seeker-sensitive model that depends on initial emotional responses and plays a bait-and-switch — wanting to ‘find out what people want in order to lure them in’ and then hoping they will learn and adopt Scripture at a later time

• When churches focus on satisfying individual preferences and benefits of the Christian life, then chances are that Scripture has been watered down and the full counsel of God avoided to accommodate for selfish motive

• What would make someone in the church want to change their sinful behavior when others accept them ‘unconditionally’ without ANY discussion or need to admit sin, repent and work toward sanctification?

• Every believer’s focus should be solely on Christ at all times, not meeting their own preferences

Matthew 22:37 NIV

[37] Jesus replied: “ 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'

Proverbs 3:5-6,13 NIV

[5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. [13] Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding

** There are two distinct classes of slaves in the world, and it is important to know to which we belong.

Romans 6:16-18 NIV

Who is your Master? There are but two great masters in the world, and we all serve one or the other. Who then, is your master? Who has our heart? What engages our thoughts most? Whom do we habitually aim to please?

Is it SATAN? If so, then sin is your service. You neglect what God requires, and you do what God forbids. You..,

• Indulge the lusts of the flesh

• Enjoy the lust of the eye, and

• Walk in the pride of life

If JESUS is our master, then…

• He will have our affections

• Around Him our thoughts will gather, and

• Our great aim and desire will be to please Him

Let us then prove to whom we belong. Mere profession proves nothing, but obedience does. <S183>

** The prayerful study of the Word is not only a means of instruction, but an act of devotion wherein the transforming power of grace is often exercised — changing us into the image of Christ, of whom the Word is a mirror. <S185>

Psalm 119:105 NIV

[105] Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

** Let me tell you a little secret: whenever you cannot understand a text, open your Bible, bend your knee, and pray over that text; and if it does not split into atoms and open itself, then try again. If prayer does not explain it, then it is one of those things that God did not intend you to know at present, and you may be content to be ignorant of it.

Prayer is the key that opens the cabinets of mystery. Prayer and faith are sacred picklocks that can open secrets, and obtain great treasures! There is no college for holy education like that of the blessed Spirit, for He is an ever-present tutor, to whom we have only to bend the knee, and He is at our side — the great Expositor of truth!

You will frequently find fresh streams of thought leaping up from the passage before you, as if the rock had been struck by Moses' rod! New veins of precious ore will be revealed to your astonished gaze as you quarry God's Word and use diligently the hammer of prayer! <S185>

Psalm 119:18 NIV

[18] Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

John 16:13 NIV

[13] But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

"Every text prayed over opens a mine of 'unsearchable riches,' with a light from above, more clear and full than the most intelligent exposition." <B291>

"A humble and prayerful spirit will find a thousand things in the Bible--which the proud, self-conceited student will utterly fail to discern." <R170>

"There should be a definite asking Him to graciously anoint our eyes — not only that we may be enabled to behold wondrous things in His law, but also that He will make us of quick discernment to perceive how the passage before us applies to ourselves — what are the particular lessons we need to learn from it. The more we cultivate this habit, the more likely that God will be pleased to open His Word unto us." <P161>

** I do not wonder that so many are deceived, when I see the careless way in which they deal with their souls. When men have to do with their estates, they are very careful; they pay a lawyer to go back over the title deeds perhaps for two or three hundred years. In trade they will hurry hither and thither to attend to their commercial engagements; they would not launch into speculations, nor would they run great risks.

But the soul, the poor soul — how men play with it as a toy, and despise it as if it were worthless! Two or three minutes in the morning when they first roll out of bed; two or three odd minutes in the evening, when they are nearly asleep — the ends of the day given to their souls, and all the best part given to the body!

And then, with what indifference do you lend your ears too often to the preaching of the Word! Alas! it is a marvel that there are not more deceived. The wonder is that any find the gate, that any discover eternal life when we are so, so mad, so foolish, so insane, as to trifle where we ought to be solemnly in earnest; and to play and toy where the whole heart should be given to a work of such everlasting importance.

God help us, since it is so easy to be deceived — to search, and watch, and look, and test, and try — that we be not found castaways at the last! <S185>

Luke 13:23-24 NIV

[23] Someone asked him, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” He said to them, [24] “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.

Matthew 7:13-14 NIV

2 Corinthians 13:5 NIV

[5] Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you---unless, of course, you fail the test?

** Although the seven year reign of terror is yet future, the Bible warns that the ‘spirit of the Antichrist is now already in the world’ <H85> (2022)

1 John 4:3 NIV

[3] but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.

1 John 2:18 NIV

[18] Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour.

** Prophecy is ‘history that has been pre-written’ and followers of Christ who don’t understand the prophets of the Old Testament (along with Revelation etc) lose the context of what Scripture is talking about <T205>

Isaiah 46:9-10 NIV

[9] Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. [10] I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'

** We don’t always know how God will lead but He promises to be with us in time of need!

Isaiah 42:16 NIV

[16] I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.

** Joseph rose above his circumstances and was used by God, where his brothers ended up being slaves to their circumstances <D40>

Genesis 50:15-20 NIV

[15] When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” [16] So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: [17] 'This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.' Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father. ” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. [18] His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said. [19] But Joseph said to them, “Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? [20] You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

** Many church leaders choose to focus only on topics that members want to hear, such as self-help tips and how to achieve ‘your best life now’

• Shouldn’t the church gather to focus on God instead of ourselves and be challenged by everything He has to say to us via His Word?

• Topics need to include understanding WHY God made us as He did and WHAT He wants to accomplish through us

EXAMPLE 1

• Review relevant passages for Biblical examples and instruction related to the last steps in Blackaby’s “Experiencing God”:

6. You must make major adjustments in your life to join God in what He is doing, and

7. You come to know God by experience as you obey Him and He accomplishes His work through you

EXAMPLE 2

• A theme or topic like “Getting Out of the Boat” could easily focus only on achieving self-interests such as boosting image, being brave and accomplishing dreams

• Rather, focus the topic on God’s purpose for getting out of the boat instead of self-interest

• Discussion could center around WHY God would want members to get out of the boat and WHO to rely on to serve His purpose

• There are lots of times we need God’s courage, faith, strength, wisdom, motivation etc to accomplish tasks that seem impossible to us

• These discussions would be perfect reminders to believe, seek and depend on God alone to help get out of the boat to accomplish His will!

Matthew 6:31-34 NIV

[31] So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' [32] For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. [33] But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. [34] Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV

[8] And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Philippians 4:19 NIV

[19] And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

** Becoming a Christian is more than just saying a prayer and having the assurance of Heaven. Realize that being a Christian means following Jesus not just as Savior but also as Lord.

The problem is there are people in the church today who name the name of Christ but haven’t discovered what it means to follow Him. They haven’t discovered that being a Christian is more than just saying a prayer and then going on their merry way.

And sadly, many are settling for a brand of Christianity that isn’t biblical, one that embraces Jesus as Savior but neglects Him as Lord. It is big on self-esteem, but it is small on self-denial. It celebrates success but repudiates suffering. This brand of Christianity is not changing our world. <L120>

Romans 12:2 NIV

[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 14:8-9 NIV

[8] If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. [9] For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.

** If pastors are not preaching the full counsel of God’s Word then the Holy Spirit doesn’t have the ability to work in a person’s life <F691>

Isaiah 55:11 NIV

[11] so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

** We cannot do anything on our own but must ask God in the moment to help us accomplish what we know is right, for His honor and glory

Revelation 3:18 NIV

I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

** Paul wanted to know more of Christ, for Christ had appeared to Paul, was revealed in him, and was constantly preached by him <S183>

Christ was the:

• Object of his trust

• Subject of his ministry, and

• Joy of his heart

But Paul knew there was much in Christ with which he was unacquainted. He knew but in part. He desired, therefore, to know more of the:

• Glory of His person

• Riches of His grace

• Magnificence of His work

• Excellency of His natures

• Majesty of His kingdom!

Everything in Christ interested Paul. Creation was good, and grace was better. But Christ was best of all. Paul was never weary of thinking, speaking or learning of Christ.

Beloved, how is it with you? Do you sympathize with Paul in this desire of his heart? Is it your daily wish, ardent desire, and constant aim to know more of Jesus?

Throughout eternity we shall be learning Christ!

• He is the lesson placed before us in the church on earth, and

• He is the lesson placed before the church in Heaven.

Time is given us to learn Christ and eternity will be given to us to learn even more of Christ!

Philippians 3:10 NIV

[10] I want to know Christ---yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death

** The beautiful thing about eschatology is that it ties in with every doctrine throughout the Bible; if we are not learning eschatology then we miss out on seeing the interconnectivity of Scripture and the Bible no longer provides a supernatural experience but just another book of literature and history <G70>

1 Timothy 4:16 NIV

[16] Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

** The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God and is a precision instrument so we can utilize appropriate verses for specific instances; we must KNOW the Word first in order to yield it effectively and boldly

Ephesians 6:17 NIV

[17] Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

1 Timothy 4:4-6 NIV

[4] For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, [5] because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. [6] If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.

** Part of the armor of God is the belt of truth which is referenced in Isaiah

Isaiah 11:5 NIV

[5] Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist; truth is based on the Word of God and presupposes that the Christian KNOW and APPLY His word

The belt is bound around the waist for 3 reasons:

a) gives you freedom because the truth sets you free

b) truth is both an offensive and defensive weapon

c) displays things outwardly just like the truth should be made public; truth must be spoken and not silenced <H86>

Ephesians 6:10-14 NIV

[10] Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. [11] Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. [12] For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. [13] Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. [14] Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place

** While we’re going through a testing period, remember to place our primary focus on our Lifeline, not on the issues in front of us

• For instance, how do we respond to those who unjustly criticize us? Do we perpetuate the distraction Satan puts in front of us and take our focus off God?

• Be willing to let go of all infractions by others; not forgiving affects us at so many levels

• Carve room to develop a relationship with God over everything else; make Him priority number one!

Romans 12:12 NIV

[12] Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

1 Peter 3:12 NIV

[12] For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Romans 8:6 NIV

[6] The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

** Believers are instructed to obey the truths of Scripture with the aid of the Holy Spirit

Revelation 22:7 NIV

[7] “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”

** May I always do my best with what I know and what I am given to work with

• Regardless of whether I see any difference in the way others conduct their lives, my viewpoint and attitude for my life should reflect Christ’s teaching and be different than the world

• I want to do the best job I can and not let others get in the way of my spiritual focus

• May I be a support to others as directed by the Holy Spirit, regardless if I disapprove of the other person’s tactics or lack of spiritual manner

• I am still responsible to God for how I conduct myself, just like others who will be responsible to Him for their decisions and actions

Philippians 1:9-11 NIV

[9] And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, [10] so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, [11] filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ---to the glory and praise of God.

2 Timothy 2:15 NIV

[15] Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

1 Corinthians 2:4-7 NIV

[4] My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, [5] so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God's power. [6] We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. [7] No, we declare God's wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.

Philippians 3:15-16 NIV

[15] All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. [16] Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

** Notice Jesus doesn't focus on global wickedness, although that certainly marked the days of Noah. Notice also He doesn't hone in on the gross immorality of Sodom and Gomorrah of Lot's day, although they were destroyed for being exceedingly wicked cities. Jesus focuses on the seeming normalcy of those times and how before the wrath, life was one way, and it seemed to be the way it would always be...until that final moment when the door is closed, and Lot (and family) are taken out of the way. Then, sudden and calamitous judgment fell upon them. <G70>

When God catastrophically intervenes into earth’s evil, all will be going along as it was in Sodom at the time Lot and his family were removed. There would be no destruction from wars or otherwise preceding that removal. People would be, as we are at present, conducting the business of life as usual–buying, selling, planting, etc. <J100>

Luke 17:26-27 NIV

[26] “Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. [27] People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all.

Luke 18:8 NIV

[8] I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

** Knowing the impending punishment requires of us a wisdom and vigilance to decipher that which is of God and that which is not <S190>

• Be on guard of what lures us

• That which appeals to us is short-term; these things in the long-term, however, are deadly

• Are we more attracted to the things of the world or God? Can we give up what we value?

• Things can own us if it gets in the way of following God

• Look at financial prosperity: money itself is not evil but the motive & purpose we place behind it

• In the eyes of the world, financial prosperity is deemed successful but it can really be a curse

• Our challenge is to discern and avert from that which lures us away from God; we must daily choose the cross of Christ over the world

• Only God can help us triumph over sin so we must align ourselves with Him!

Revelation 17:8-9 NIV

[8] The beast, which you saw, once was, now is not, and yet will come up out of the Abyss and go to its destruction. The inhabitants of the earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the creation of the world will be astonished when they see the beast, because it once was, now is not, and yet will come. [9] “This calls for a mind with wisdom. The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits.

** Calamity, tragedy, catastrophe, wars, famine, and disease are sometimes how God troubles the waters to push our boats safely to shore. In these situations, there can be an opportunity for reconciliation with him. And, “[n]o matter how deep the suffering, the cost is nothing compared to the joy that will be experienced if” we “come to know Jesus through” the “ordeal.” <C400>

Psalm 16:8 NIV

I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

** God was not even a part of the Laodicean church — the members who wanted their ears tickled with “you’re a good person” theology were in charge — and that’s why Christ used the phrase that He “stand[s] at the door and knock[s]”; God is not going to barge in <F60>

God offers to be part of our life and reward us when we ACT and invite Him to do so; God is not going to force His way into our lives, but we need to open the door and invite Him in

Revelation 3:20-21 NIV

[20] Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. [21] To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.

** God’s creation, as now ‘better understood’ through science, has been in effect since God designed this universe <M130>

• Earth rotates on its axis at 1,000 miles per hour giving us days

• Earth rotates around the sun at 67,000 miles per hour giving us seasons

• Our solar system (sun and everything around it) is being dragged through the Milky Way at 490,000 miles per hour

• Our atmosphere that protects the planet is moving at the same speed

According to scientists, all galaxies in our neighborhood are moving with us toward ‘The Great Attractor’

• This is 150 million light years away; one light year is 6 trillion miles

• The mass of this Attractor is 100-quintillion times greater than the sun

• It has visible material and stretches to the edge of infinite darkness

And man says he wants to ‘control the climate’; scientists say: if you want to worry about something, worry that the earth slows down because if it does, the atmosphere would continue to move and it would rip everything off the face of the earth.

What kind of power is God to create such a universe? Rest assured, only God can continue to save our planet — but there will be a day all of this will be destroyed because unrighteousness (sin) tarnished His creation!

Psalm 19:1-4 NIV

2 Peter 3:7,10 NIV

** God is ‘above’ His own creation, for He cannot be compared to creation and is beyond compare of all things! <T202>

Isaiah 40:18,21-22,26 NIV

[18] With whom, then, will you compare God? To what image will you liken him? [21] Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? [22] He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. [26] Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.

** When it boils down to the ultimate question: we either believe there is ONE God that we worship or we believe WE can become gods to do whatever we desire

• The second option is obviously the more popular idea in our fallen world

• Believers in Christ need to stand against the enemy who is deceiving multitudes into believing their own godhood

• Christians understand we become children of God, not God

Ephesians 6:10-13 NIV

Romans 6:22 NIV

[22] But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.

Ephesians 2:19-22 NIV

[19] Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, [20] built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. [21] In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. [22] And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

• God will have the final say and will destroy man’s attempts at godhood

• God will not be mocked

Psalm 2:1-7 NIV

[1] Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? [2] The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, [3] “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.” [4] The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. [5] He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, [6] “I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain. ” [7] I will proclaim the Lord's decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father.

Galatians 6:7 NIV

[7] Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

God offers to be part of our life and reward us when we ACT and invite Him to do so; God is not going to force His way into our lives, but we need to open the door and invite Him in

Revelation 3:20-21 NIV

** When we are weak, we should run to God

• Satan's constant attack has resulted in the church having little influence and being weak

• Those who are low will be brought high through the power of God

• In the end, enemies will be brought low and prostrate themselves

Revelation 3:7 NIV

“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.

** God knows the sincerity of a person’s commitment to Him by whether they repent; God wouldn’t discipline us and ask us to repent if He didn’t love us <F60>

Revelation 3:19 NIV

[19] Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.

Matthew 7:21-23 NIV

** The Church of Pergamum was to repent of their sin and follow His Word; their response would determine how God would judge them

Identify the things of the world that contradict the Word of God, and:

• Actively turn from them, not conforming by any measure

• Repent for the times you slip up and entertain them

Repenting will offer:

• Hidden manna = godly provision rather than worldly provision that will enable people to survive with eternal life

• White stone in Jewish culture = friendship; also refers to a victor's reward and personal ticket to heaven

Revelation 2:16-17 NIV

Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. [17] Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.

Romans 12:2 NIV

[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.

** Ephesus should repent to restore them to their first love (Christ); they labored out of obligation (clanging symbols) but there was no dedication/love for Christ

Revelation 2:5 NIV

Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.

Revelation 2:7 NIV

Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

** God gives time for sinners to repent and punishes those who refuse

Revelation 2:21-22 NIV

I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. [22] So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways.

There are:

• Physical consequences for sexual immorality

• Spiritual consequences when God gives them over to their sin/bondage

• Judgments based on one’s belief in God; does this judgment have ‘levels’ where one can get closer to God in heaven than others?

** The Son of God, who deserves sole worship, judged the idolatries of the Church in Thyatira

• God condemned the church for following Jezebel, a Canaanite who married King Ahab and brought pagan worship to Israelites

• Church members allowed this woman, otherwise known as the whore of Babylon, to bring false teaching into the church

• Jezebel falsely claimed to have prophetic authority, advocating that church members could be members of gilds with their pagan sexual practices in addition to being members of the church

• The intent was to stamp out the truth of the Gospel and abandon loyalty to Yahweh

Revelation 2:20-23 NIV

Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. [21] I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. [22] So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. [23] I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.

** Difficulty is part of life; we have a choice whether to accept it or not

• Habakkuk was terrified of the Babylonians

• In human terms there was no way out, no solution

• All Habakkuk had was God's promise of deliverance, so he was left with a choice to trust or not

• Habakkuk knew and trusted that God is love and cannot be stopped; he chose to wait for God to judge the Babylonians <C31>

Habakkuk 3:16 NIV

[16] I heard and my heart pounded, my lips quivered at the sound; decay crept into my bones, and my legs trembled. Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us.

** Despite the difficult circumstances, Habakkuk chose to be at peace and rejoice

• His focus was on God not the circumstances

• When we focus on a problem, it magnifies it and we don't see God at work around us

• Habakkuk could lose everything and still be at peace because he rested on God’s promises <C31>

Habakkuk 3:17-18 NIV

[17] Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, [18] yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

** Trusting in God allows us to live on the heights

• Like a mountain goat can cling to surfaces beyond our reason, so we can stand sure-footed in God

• See God as the source of wisdom and strength

• God tests us so WE find out how we can be confident in Him <C31>

Habakkuk 3:19 NIV

[19] The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. For the director of music. On my stringed instruments.

** Where is the church today? There is more ‘world in the church’ than ‘church in the world’; the church wants to be more relevant to bolster church attendance and, as a consequence, the world is not getting the answers it needs

Revelation 3:15-17 NIV

** If we don't receive the word of God eagerly and accurately, then we won't know how to apply it to our lives <C31>

• Seize every opportunity to learn God's word and apply it to your daily life

• If we stop growing then we are not trying; God gives us every opportunity to mature

• Be quick to listen and slow to speak; make sure you are saying what God wants you to say

• Are you agitated and carry resentment with the message of God's word?

James 1:19-21 NIV

[19] My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, [20] because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. [21] Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

** Put all sin aside so you receive God's word with a prepared heart; sin hinders growth that results from hearing His word <C31>

• There’s nothing wrong with God's seed (word) but only the soil that receives it

• Receive God's word with humility; know that we cannot survive or succeed without His guidance

James 1:21 NIV

[21] Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

** There are five ways to know the Bible is true and know the God who provided us with His word:

1. EXPERIENCE — subjective proof that countless people through the centuries believed and have been transformed to:

• Experience the peace that passes understanding

• Pass from ignorance to truth

• Pass from death to life

• Pass from sorrow to joy

• Pass from lies to truth

• Pass from apathy to zealous for Christ

• Pass from depression to a reason to live

• Pass from following the world to following God

• Pass from kingdom of darkness to kingdom of light

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

[17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Philippians 4:7 NIV

[7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Titus 2:14 NIV

[14] who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Ezekiel 36:26-27 NIV

[26] I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. [27] And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.

2. REALITY / SCIENCE — the Bible reflects an objective understanding of reality

• Universe and its elements (of time, force, action, space & matter) exist including its countless stars; first verse in the Bible covers all five elements

• Created by a power greater than itself — how do you explain the vast cohesion of macro and micro in this universe, including the 30 trillion cells of 200 kinds in your body alone?

• Created by a person, otherwise we are told to believe an inanimate object is eternal and created something greater than itself (Big Bang); never in science does something simple become more complex, like silver becoming a TV

• God knows and controls every aspect of His creation according to His laws

• God’s book reflects this reality as opposed to Hindu belief that the sun is the source of energy for all life and all other errors in other religions

Genesis 1:1 NIV

[1] In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Isaiah 40:26 NIV

[26] Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.

Ecclesiastes 1:10 NIV

[10] Is there anything of which one can say, “Look! This is something new”? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time.

Jeremiah 33:22 NIV

[22] I will make the descendants of David my servant and the Levites who minister before me as countless as the stars in the sky and as measureless as the sand on the seashore.' ”

Isaiah 40:12 NIV

3. MIRACLES — God’s book contains miracles He does supernaturally

• Miracles throughout the Bible where God steps into the natural world and over-riding it with His divine power

• Miracles are visible with eye-witnesses

• Jesus performed miracles during His life on earth, recorded in the four gospels at the start of the New Testament

4. PROPHECY — One third of Scripture contains prophecy

• Many prophecies regarding Christ’s first coming were told in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament

• Probability of just 8 predictions coming true = two feet of silver dollars across state of Texas and blind man picking the one marked coin

Isaiah 41:21,23 NIV

[21] “Present your case, ” says the Lord. “Set forth your arguments,” says Jacob's King. [23] tell us what the future holds, so we may know that you are gods. Do something, whether good or bad, so that we will be dismayed and filled with fear.

5. JESUS CHRIST — the ultimate proof that the Bible is true

• Christ is not a human invention

• Fulfilled Old Testament promises of the Messiah who is a mediator, reconciler, redeemer, savior, servant, great prophet, virgin born in Bethlehem, in the line of David, speaker of God’s word, performing miracles, entering Jerusalem on a donkey, slave of Jehovah doing His will, anointed by the Holy Spirit, rejected, suffer crucifixion, nailed and pierced, buried in a rich man’s tomb, rise from the dead, become a light to the Jews, offer salvation, ascend to glory and be exalted as King

• Jesus taught that the Scriptures were about Him

• Jesus, the One who gave us laws and consequences for disobedience (sin), provides a way of escape <M130>

Luke 24:25-27 NIV

John 14:19 NIV

[19] Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.

** When you dance with the devil, he doesn’t change — he changes you <D40>

1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV

[33] Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

On the contrary, we are to guard our hearts and focus on God’s commands!

Proverbs 4:23-27 NIV

[23] Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. [24] Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. [25] Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. [26] Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. [27] Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

Philippians 4:8 NIV

[8] Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable---if anything is excellent or praiseworthy---think about such things.

** Jehoiachin was not sent away from the king's palace with a 'supply' to last him for months, but his provision was given him as a daily pension. Herein he well pictures the happy position of all the Lord's people. A daily portion is all that a man really needs. We do not need tomorrow's portion; for that day has not yet dawned, and its needs are as yet unborn. The thirst which we may suffer in the month of Jun, does not need to be quenched in February for we do not feel it yet. If we have enough for each day as the days arrive, we shall never know want. Sufficient for the day, is all that we can enjoy.

We cannot eat or wear more than the day's supply of food and clothing. Any surplus gives us the care of storing it, and the anxiety of watching against a thief. One staff aids a traveler, but a bundle of staffs is a heavy burden. Enough is not only as good as a feast, but is all that the greatest glutton can truly enjoy. Enough is all that we should expect; a craving for more than this, is ungrateful. When our Father does not give us more, we should be content with His daily allowance.

In the Word, by meditation, in prayer, and waiting upon God--you shall receive renewed grace and strength. In Jesus, all needful things are laid up for you. Enjoy your continual allowance! <S185>

2 Kings 25:29 NIV

[29] So Jehoiachin put aside his prison clothes and for the rest of his life ate regularly at the king's table.

Luke 11:3 NIV

[3] Give us each day our daily bread.

Deuteronomy 33:25 NIV

[25] The bolts of your gates will be iron and bronze, and your strength will equal your days.

** God works on behalf of those who wait for Him; we do not know God's timing and His purpose, so we must wait on Him <S1991>

• Waiting = pausing in my present situation until I hear clear direction to move me in another direction

• We cannot separate between waiting on God and trusting in God

• David learned how to wait for God and His instruction

Psalm 25:4-5 NIV

[4] Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. [5] Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

Psalm 62:1-2 NIV

[1] Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. [2] Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

• Our hope must be in God who is constant and faithful

• God promises that we will not grow weary while waiting; instead, our strength will be renewed

• There is no room for depression when focusing on God

Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV

[29] He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. [30] Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; [31] but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

** As Christians we should think about what is most important in life and want to connect with the living God

Mark 12:28 NIV

[28] One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

• Jews put a lot of emphasis on following the law and were often tempted to add to it

• The scribe asked about the priority of commandments most likely because he wanted to trick/discredit Jesus

• Jews treated God like they would when following a recipe; their relationship was based on works

• Our aim should be to move beyond following the rules and concern ourselves with spiritual reality

• As fruit has a seed to produce, so God plants a seed in us with all the genetic info needed to produce and reach our potential

• We need to be rooted in His soil in order to grow and realize our potential

• We all have opportunity to nurture our faith in this way <C31>

** The Lord loves us! Yes, and with a love that is eternal, immutable, sovereign, infinite, and free! All the love of God is lavished upon us as His special people in Christ. <S183>

John 17:23b NIV

[23] [you] have loved them even as you have loved me.

** Next to praying, there is nothing so important in practical religion as Bible-reading. By reading that Book, we may learn:

• What to believe

• What to be

• What to do

• How to live with comfort, and

• How to die in peace

2 Timothy 3:15 NIV

[15] and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

The Bible alone can:

• Show you the way which leads to Heaven

• Teach you everything you need to know

• Point out everything you need to believe, and

• Explain everything you need to do

It alone can show you:

• What you are, a sinner

• What God is, perfectly holy

• The great giver of pardon, peace, and grace--Jesus Christ

The Bible applied to the heart by the Holy Spirit, is the grand instrument by which souls are converted to God. In this way the Bible has worked moral miracles by thousands! It has made:

• Drunkards become sober

• Immoral people become pure

• Thieves become honest, and

• Violent people become meek!

The Bible has wholly altered the course of men's lives!

• It has caused their old things to pass away and made all their ways new

• It has taught worldly people to seek first the kingdom of God

• It has taught lovers of pleasure to become lovers of God

• It has changed the stream of men's affections to run upwards instead of running downwards

• It has made men think of Heaven instead of always thinking of earth

The Bible can enable a man to:

• Bear afflictions without murmuring and say, "It is well."

• Look down into the grave and say, "I fear no evil."

• Think on judgment and eternity and not feel afraid

All other books in the world, however good and useful in their way, are more or less defective. The more you look at them, the more you see their defects and blemishes. The Bible alone is absolutely perfect. From beginning to end, it is "the Word of God."

A man must make the Bible alone his rule. He must receive nothing and believe nothing which is not according to the Word. He must try all religious teaching by one simple test:

Does it square with the Bible? What do the Scriptures say? <R170>

2 Timothy 3:16 NIV

[16] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

** Are you in love with vanity? Do you love that which leads from God, keeps Him out of the thoughts, and binds you down to earth? This is vanity! How long will you love it? You have been doing so for years, though warned, convinced, and having promised to reform.

Will you carefully consider this question, and give the Lord an answer? Will you tell Him why you prefer…

• Eternal death to eternal life

• Sin to holiness, and

• Satan to Himself? <S183>

Jonah 2:8 KJV

[8] They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.

Jonah 2:8 NIV

[8] “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God's love for them.

** Be thankful for what we HAVE and not what we DO NOT HAVE — recognize God’s goodness and blessings in everyday routines

Romans 8:28 NIV

[28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

** Do not put trust in yourself

• It's easy to trust in what we can see, such as people and things

• We also tend to trust our own reasoning and ability

• But these are all misplaced trusts

Psalm 115:1 NIV

[1] Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.

** The least the Christian can do is to submit, and to prefer God's perfect wisdom, ways, and works--to his own. Seeing God has so arranged all events, that all things must work together for the good of His people--they, at least, should daily say, "Father, may Your will be done!"

O my soul, seek grace from God, not only to submit and be resigned to the dispensations of Divine Providence, but to acquiesce in them, and be pleased with the whole of them! Your good is consulted; your best interests are secured. Soon, very soon, it will be seen that infinite wisdom and mercy, grace and goodness--have marked out every step of your road! <S183>

John 13:7 NIV

[7] Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

** Even though we cannot see God we can trust Him because of His character, power, protection, care and patience <C31>

• Trust in anything but God brings devastation in our lives in an instant

• Nothing, on the other hand, is out of God's control and off His radar

• Review Genesis 1-2 to remind you that nothing existed until God spoke creation into being

1. CHARACTER

- God loves us regardless of anything we've done

- we don't need to earn God's love even when He does not want us to stay the way we are; His love enables us to change

Psalm 115:1 NIV

[1] Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.

2. POWER

- God has no limits, for He is completely sovereign

- He is all-powerful and Creator of all that exists

- we have the responsibility to take care of His creation but we cannot take credit for it; we rely on Him to sustain life

Psalm 115:3,15-16 NIV

[3] Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him. [15] May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. [16] The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth he has given to mankind.

3. PROTECTION

- based on His knowledge and power, we can trust Him

- God is our help (watch over, encourage, sustain) and shield (nothing can hurt us when we exist behind His shield)

Psalm 115:9-11 NIV

[9] All you Israelites, trust in the Lord---he is their help and shield. [10] House of Aaron, trust in the Lord---he is their help and shield. [11] You who fear him, trust in the Lord---he is their help and shield.

4. CARE

- God is always aware of our needs; we forget but God does not

- He cares about the small detail as He does for those things we consider great

Psalm 115:12-14 NIV

[12] The Lord remembers us and will bless us: He will bless his people Israel, he will bless the house of Aaron, [13] he will bless those who fear the Lord---small and great alike. [14] May the Lord cause you to flourish, both you and your children.

5. PATIENCE

- it is appointed for man once to die and then the judgment

- God will not die; we can trust Him with an everlasting trust

- patiently waiting for us to trust Him

Psalm 115:17-18 NIV

[17] It is not the dead who praise the Lord, those who go down to the place of silence; [18] it is we who extol the Lord, both now and forevermore. Praise the Lord.

Habakkuk 1:12 NIV

[12] Lord, are you not from everlasting? My God, my Holy One, you will never die. You, Lord, have appointed them to execute judgment; you, my Rock, have ordained them to punish.

** To love God is to read the Holy Scripture and let His word guide us daily

• Israel's time in the wilderness was coming to an end and Joshua was to become leader

• It was time to enter the Promised Land as their punishment/learning was near over

• God repeatedly told His people to focus, worship and serve only Him

• At the time of Moses there was no printing press, so the Israelites were to take parts of Scripture and remember His truth in varying ways

• This was to protection them from falling away from God and from false teaching

Deuteronomy 6:13-14 NIV

[13] Fear the Lord your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. [14] Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you

• Other religions pay homage to small individual gods — such as a god of love, another god of power, god of fortune, etc

• God remains the one and ONLY God who has existed for all eternity — from before creation to today and beyond!

• To love God is to read the Holy Scripture and let His word guide us <C31>

Deuteronomy 6:9 NIV

[9] Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

Deuteronomy 6:12 NIV

[12] be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

** Katergadzomai is the Greek term for ‘working out’ which entails the object of the thing that will produce something else

• In this way, we don’t work for salvation and avoid legalism of thinking we need to produce works

• There is no such thing as receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit and not doing anything with it

• Some will go further than others but everyone who decides to follow Christ is saved

• Some will THINK they made the commitment but they are living a lie <B23>

All believers will show some evidence of salvation, such as:

• Love for the word of God

• Personal prayer and worship

• Fellowship with other believers

• Sitting under the instruction of God’s word

Philippians 2:12 NIV

[12] Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed---not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence---continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling

Romans 4:15 NIV [law produces wrath]

[15] because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.

Romans 5:3 NIV [tribulation produces patience]

[3] Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance

1 Corinthians 7:10 NIV [godly sorrow produces repentance]

[10] To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband.

** David refused to be close to people who exhibited destructive behavior, such as those who are proud, practice deceit and slander others

• Be careful especially when engaging in close relationships

• Do not be unequally yoked, like two oxen joined by a wooden harness, because the weaker ox will pull back the stronger <C31>

Psalm 101:5,7-8 NIV

[5] Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate. [7] No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence. [8] Every morning I will put to silence all the wicked in the land; I will cut off every evildoer from the city of the Lord.

** David chose to surround himself with those who faithfully desired to follow God, for they had a positive effect on him

Psalm 101:6 NIV

[6] My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; the one whose walk is blameless will minister to me.

• Likewise, we can provide and benefit from positive influence

• The church is meant to encourage one another in love and good works

• How well do we influence others for good? <C31>

Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV

[24] And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, [25] not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another---and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

** We do not conjure up truth, we seek truth <D40>

John 7:18 NIV

[18] Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.

** Many followers of Christ invent ideas about who God is and attribute thoughts to Him that are based on human logic and understanding; these attributes are simply not true and God will eventually call them on it

Psalm 50:21 NIV

[21] When you did these things and I kept silent, you thought I was exactly like you. But I now arraign you and set my accusations before you.

** Don’t be fooled! Power can come from different sources including Satan who mimics God; some who claim to be casting out demons are not doing so via the power of the Holy Spirit

Matthew 7:21-23 NIV

** Miraculous power can come from various sources but we know Who holds supreme power; test the spirits to determine whether the power is demonic

Exodus 7:9-12 NIV

[9] “When Pharaoh says to you, ‘Perform a miracle, ’ then say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh,’ and it will become a snake.” [10] So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the Lord commanded. Aaron threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake. [11] Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts: [12] Each one threw down his staff and it became a snake. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs.

Exodus 7:21-22 NIV

[21] The fish in the Nile died, and the river smelled so bad that the Egyptians could not drink its water. Blood was everywhere in Egypt. [22] But the Egyptian magicians did the same things by their secret arts, and Pharaoh’s heart became hard; he would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the Lord had said.

Exodus 8:7 NIV

[7] But the magicians did the same things by their secret arts; they also made frogs come up on the land of Egypt.

1 John 4:1 NIV

[1] Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

** How you handle insecurities in your life reveals your view of God; do you believe God is in full control even when life seems uncertain?

• The Psalmist recognized that difficulty can happen in life on a large and small scale

• We feel insecure when faced with natural disasters, wars and violence

• The world seems to be 'on fire' all around us

Psalm 46:2-3 NIV

[2] Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, [3] though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging

Psalm 46:6 NIV

[6] Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts

• Fear of the unknown and unexpected can lead to deep insecurity

• Insecurity then feeds on our emotions, prompting a feeling of being powerless, alone, overwhelmed, and hopeless

• If the insurmountable (like mountains and nations) can change then anything can change

• We can't control or change the majority of events

• How do you feel safe and secure when the unexpected happens in life?

• We CAN control how we respond, knowing that God is in control

• We tend to want to stand up to the battle ourselves but God knows everything is beyond our control

• Trust God and stop fighting battles without God <C31>

Psalm 46:10 NIV

[10] He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

** God issues a powerful warning to those who do not believe and follow God’s instruction, for they can’t just turn to Him for a quick escape in their time of need; instead, God will judge them on the condition of their heart

Psalm 50:16-17 NIV

[16] But to the wicked person, God says: “What right have you to recite my laws or take my covenant on your lips? [17] You hate my instruction and cast my words behind you.

** Trust God to be your refuge (safe place) and strength when you are tired

• Trust God to always be in our midst when we need Him; a very present help in trouble

• Trust God to have the power to protect and provide, for He is a leader with ultimate wisdom and intelligence

• Sometimes God saves us from something much worse than we realize; we don't see the big picture but focus on the difficult circumstance

• Ask God for wisdom to see the big picture and trust to faithfully allow Him to work in His way and timing

Psalm 46:1,7 NIV

[1] God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. [7] The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV

Psalm 91:1-2 NIV

[1] Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. [2] I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

• Remember that the Holy Spirit lives within every believer today, with the same power and control He exhibited throughout Scripture <C31>

Psalm 46:5 NIV

[5] God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.

1 Corinthians 3:16 NIV

[16] Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?

** Stay away from people who are violators of God's commands that is said to increase in the end times

2 Timothy 3:1-5 NIV

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. [2] People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, [3] without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, [4] treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God--- [5] having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

** We need to study God’s word in order to identify and stay away from false teaching

Ephesians 5:6-8 NIV

Matthew 24:4-5 NIV

[4] Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. [5] For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah,' and will deceive many.

** Scripture teaches us how to endure and emulate Christ so we may encourage one another toward hope in all circumstances

Romans 15:4 NIV

[4] For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

Romans 15:5-6 NIV

[5] May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, [6] so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

** Those who place their faith in Christ will experience tribulations in this life, but we will not have to endure THE Tribulation at His second coming <G71>

John 15:18-21 NIV

[18] “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. [19] If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. [20] Remember what I told you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. [21] They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me.

** The question isn’t “why would a loving God send someone to Hell?” but “why would someone choose Hell instead of accepting God’s free gift that saves him from such a place?”

** Going back to the Torah and to the prophets, Jesus opened [the eyes of those who were dejected that Christ died] to what was really going on. They were bogged down in the circumstances.

Jesus showed them the big picture. The Lord suffered, but it was all part of a glorious plan that the Father had laid out before the beginning of time.

Likewise, we may suffer blows on this earth, but Jesus is alive and is coming soon! That is our awaited hope and source of joy amid a world that continues to grow darker. <T203>

Luke 24:25-31 NIV

[25] He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! [26] Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” [27] And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. [28] As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. [29] But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. [30] When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. [31] Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.

** David knew God does not want empty religion; sacrifices without a repentant heart means nothing to God

Psalm 40:6-8 NIV

[6] Sacrifice and offering you did not desire---but my ears you have opened---burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. [7] Then I said, “Here I am, I have come---it is written about me in the scroll. [8] I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.”

• During David's time there were a lot of rules but David knew the inner condition is more important than the adherence of rules

• We can maintain a healthy inner life by accepting God’s offer of salvation and living according to His commands

• Jesus came in order to be the perfect sacrifice so we can have freedom from sin and relationship with God

• Jesus sacrifice eliminated the need for continual sacrifice of animals etc <C31>

Hebrews 10:5-7 NIV

[5] Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; [6] with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. [7] Then I said, ‘Here I am---it is written about me in the scroll---I have come to do your will, my God.’ ”

** God waits for us to ask of Him when we have the right motives

• We need to be honest about our needs and be open to His will

• Ask that God direct us in the best way possible, as God knows what is best for us

• Sometimes God provides and plans a way we don't even consider!

Psalm 27:11 NIV

[11] Teach me your way, Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.

James 4:2-3 NIV

[2] ...You do not have because you do not ask God. [3] When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

** Relax and wait for God to act in His way and in His timing

• Hope means “waiting and expecting God to act”

• An analogy of living in hope: planting fruit trees and understanding the trees may not produce fruit for years — yet they will in time

• David ultimately puts his hope in God and leaves the results to Him

• David conveys his hopes and fears, knowing God will work then out in His way and timing

• God may not act as we think, but He will act!

• Faith and courage can be developed in the believer while waiting through times of difficulty

Psalm 27:13-14 NIV

[13] I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. [14] Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

** The disciples ‘missed’ the point of what Jesus was saying and were concerned about ‘the small stuff’; instead of focusing on the real danger, they concerned themselves about the insignificant and that which Christ already provided for them <K110>

Don’t allow Satan to distract you from the real message Christ has for you, which is a famous tactic by corrupt politicians that people fall for repeatedly; study God’s word and pray for clarity!

Matthew 16:7-9 NIV

[7] They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn't bring any bread.” [8] Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? [9] Do you still not understand? Don't you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered?

** Blessed is the man who does NOT flirt with sin and walk with ungodly men

Psalm 1:1 NIV

[1] Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers

• Flirting eventually leads to embracing sin

• FLIRT = not taking efforts to remove ourselves from sin when we are around it; we believe "we can handle it"

• Not removing ourselves from sin can lead us to SEEK it out, which is the beginning stage of committing to it

• Eventually we can EMBRACE sin as a result, fully engaged and seeking advice of non-believers; sin then begins to control our life! <C31>

** When we let God navigate our lives and remain close to Him, we gain purpose, strength and wisdom

• Like a sailing ship navigated and supported by the wind, so our lives can be strengthened through our relationship with God who directs and sustains us

• Maintaining a relationship with God involves following His word

• When we find our strength in God then our life is maximized and journeys in a positive direction

• Worldly happiness = when we are dependent on circumstances such as the gospel of health, wealth and happiness

• Godly happiness = when we make the choice to depend on God and obey Him

Psalm 1:1 NIV

[1] Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers

PURPOSE

• The person who does not give in to compromise finds a productive life; their tree of life is healthy and fruitful

• Real faith impacts the way we live

• Finding and following God's purpose and living by faith gives our life meaning!

• When we are healthy we can help others, regardless of the variety of fruit our tree produces (apples, oranges, mangos etc)

• A ship is made for a water environment; likewise, we need to plant ourselves next to God and in the environment He made for us to survive

• Do not plant yourselves in the world and its purposes but next to God and His purposes; delight yourselves in the Lord!

Psalm 1:3 NIV

[3] That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither---whatever they do prospers.

STRENGTH

• We can be strong because we are located by and rooted in God's law

• Location is everything; we choose to stay close to God (on an hourly basis sometimes) as a tree is planted by a river which is its source of life

• Roots can go deep — not only to find nutrients but to stabilize the tree when the winds blow on the surface, like difficult circumstances in life

• The Holy Spirit can help us endure challenges

James 4:8 NIV

[8] Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

WISDOM

• The one who meditates on God's law day and night will grow in wisdom

• God's law is easily accessible and always on our mind, ready to put into action

• Wisdom implies the action or implementation of knowledge

• Use the knowledge of right and wrong as we make daily decisions

Psalm 1:2 NIV

[2] but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.

• If we don't feel close to God, then ask "who moved?"

• Following the world is like a tree planted in the desert with shallow roots and no sustenance <C31>

** As a prism reflects light, so should we reveal to others what they may not see about God; if God did not reveal Himself we would not know He exists

There are two ways God reveals Himself:

a) general revelation through creation and nature

Psalm 19:1-6 NIV

[1] The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. [2] Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. [3] They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. [4] Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. [5] It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. [6] It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth.

b) special revelation through His word Scripture

Psalm 19:7-14 NIV

[7] The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. [8] The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. [9] The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. [10] They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. [11] By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward. [12] But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. [13] Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. [14] May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

** New Testament faith involves believing there is a God, His Son is Jesus Christ and He is God of the Bible <C31>

• People can acquire faith in God when observing His creation

• We seek God through His word and prayer

• Faith can comfort when human logic does not suffice

• Our faith is developed when we abide by God's Word

Psalm 19:1 NIV

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Romans 10:17 NIV

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

1 Chronicles 28:9 NIV

“And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.

• Faith is confidence and conviction in things hoped for and not seen

• Faith gives us a certain reality about the future; substance of things hoped for

• Faith provides moments you can recall and know are true

Hebrews 11:1-3 NIV

[1] Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. [2] This is what the ancients were commended for. [3] By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

** A verse of encouragement from an American pastor who was persecuted for 2 years in a Turkish prison <B294>

Isaiah 50:10b NIV

[10] Let the one who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on their God.

** Trust God to be enough for you in any situation, regardless how dark or depressing it gets; God provides a way to overcome depression! <C31>

Psalm 42:5 NIV

[5] Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Psalm 42:11 NIV

[11] Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Psalm 43:5 NIV

[5] Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

• Depression can range from not being emotionally 'there' to being debilitating where you can't go on — either way, it’s powerful and can affect believers

• Don't believe you won't experience struggle when you are a believer; we are human

STEPS TO OVERCOME DEPRESSION

1. Seek God more than relief

• Do we seek and desire God as a deer pants for water in the arid region?

• God will provide what is needed to help you overcome

2. Don't let others drag you down, like those asking "where is your God" like Job's friends tainted Job

• We can seek God even when we don't see the solution around us

• We need to demonstrate and remember what it was like to walk in faith; remember the good times when following God and know that God will bring you through

Psalm 42:3 NIV

[3] My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”

3. Listen as God speaks to your heart, even though you feel overwhelmed as David did

• We can hear God despite the roaring turmoil around us

• Adversity is God's tool to build faith; He doesn't always relieve us because He isn't done teaching us yet

• God wants to speak at our deepest level — He desires deep relationship with us, not just a surface level relationship

• Typically God sends us through deep and troubled times to yearn for a deep relationship with Him

Psalm 42:7 NIV

[7] Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV

[11] He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

4. Hold to the Bible as your lifeline

• The Lord speaks to us through His eternal word, providing what we need

Psalm 43:3 NIV

[3] Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell.

5. Get together with God's people; don't hide and feel sorry for yourself

• Go to God and place your focus on Him and ask how you can help those around you

• God may not change your circumstances but He can change your attitude as you live through it

Romans 8:37-39 NIV

[37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. [38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 3:16 NIV

[16] For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

1 John 4:7,9,11 NIV

[7] Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. [9] This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. [11] Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

** The Great Commission is not to go out and make decisions, as is the focus of many crusades and acceptance prayers, but to go out and make disciples <G79>

Matthew 28:19-20 NIV

[19] Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

** When it all boils down — ignoring all the ‘isms’ out there — there are only two worldviews: God IS or God ISN’T <D48>

Exodus 20:2-4 NIV

[2] “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. [3] “You shall have no other gods before me. [4] “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.

** It is a slap in God's face when we refuse relationship with Him, the One who breathed life in us, knows us and designed us

• God wants to work with us to bring about inner change

• Genuine faith means we put our relationship with God and His desires into action <C31>

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

[17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

** Enemy false teachers are like 'Venus Fly Traps' who come into the church unassumingly and snatch people away from God, often using confusion as their tool; they are not what they appear to be so people have their defenses down <C31>

It is crucial we know and use God’s truth in Scripture as our plumb-line so we can identify false teaching

2 Peter 2:1 NIV

[1] But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them---bringing swift destruction on themselves.

Amos 7:7-8 NIV

[7] This is what he showed me: The Lord was standing by a wall that had been built true to plumb, with a plumb line in his hand. [8] And the Lord asked me, “What do you see, Amos? ” “A plumb line, ” I replied. Then the Lord said, “Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people Israel; I will spare them no longer.

Where do false teachers come from?

• Peter said false teachers come from within the church so they are not an obvious identified outsider

What do the false messages look like?

• False teachers use the same vocabulary but with a different interpretation

• They exploit others with false words, like plastic that can be molded into any shape

• Error is cloaked with the wrapping of truth; people don't always see the error and swallow it

Why do they teach false doctrine?

• False teachers are working to fill their own purposes and desires

• The congregation is often easy prey because they buy into tripe messages such as "doing whatever makes you happy" even if it is contrary to God's word

• Their words define a personal drive for greed and are interested in exploiting others for personal gain

2 Peter 2:3 NIV

[3] In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.

What are the results of their actions?

• False teachers may get away with their cunning for awhile but God will judge them in the end; they will stand before God and be held accountable

• Like the Ebola virus, their message can be contagious and deadly because many are led away from God's truth

• As a result, our Christian witness is damaged to the rest of the world

2 Peter 2:2 NIV

[2] Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.

What should our response be to this threat?

• Study Scripture and internalize every passage, otherwise we become easy prey for false teachers

• Out faith must be our own; we must know WHAT we believe and WHY we believe!

• Do we believe because we understand or because it’s tradition, or because it is God’s word in Scripture?

** Demonic forces through the centuries have ALWAYS manifested themselves politically because the political realm is the most powerful force on earth besides the spiritual realm — for example Nazis in 1930s, Nero, Hadrian, Tidas, etc

While the church has always opposed governing political constructs because they knew ‘the state was not God’, today we have pastors aligning themselves with demonically influenced political agendas as was forewarned in the Bible <D40> (Oct 2022)

2 Peter 3:15-18 NIV

[15] Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. [16] He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. [17] Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. [18] But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

** Every doctrine in Scripture has been abused or sensationalized to some degree or another over the centuries — including the rapture, baptism, talking in tongues, eternal security, Israel, the church, etc; we don’t abandon any doctrine found in Scripture because someone somewhere has abused it <G70>

** There are people who work hard at distorting God's truth, speaking about things they don't understand with boldness and acting out their inner nature like animals

• The purpose of their actions was to fulfill selfish desire (greed)

• They eventually become slaves of their own selfish desires, like health and wealth gospel

• How can sinful activity be part of God's ways?

• Do not take the bait but be aware of the trap that is set before you

•’If we take the bait, we are lead to destruction

• Decide to stand firm in faith without compromise and go back to Scripture to verify truth

• We need to know the real thing in order to spot the counterfeit <C31>

2 Peter 2:12-14 NIV

[12] But these people blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like unreasoning animals, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like animals they too will perish. [13] They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you. [14] With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed---an accursed brood!

Jude 1:8-10 NIV [example]

[8] In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings. [9] But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” [10] Yet these people slander whatever they do not understand, and the very things they do understand by instinct---as irrational animals do---will destroy them.

** Like attractive pictures of food on a menu intended to sell substandard food items to a hungry public, so are images of false messages that look attractive from the outside to those wanting their ears tickled

FALSE MESSAGES

• There are lots of impressive presentations with poor or no content

• The message is often about 'God wanting you to be happy' and that religious rules are too confining

• People want to be free of rules but the consequence is that they dig deeper into sin

• False teacher messages sound like the way of freedom but are often empty of value, empty of freedom and empty of hope

• God offers the opposite to these: He offers value, freedom and hope in anyone's life if they choose God

THE VULNERABLE

• Those seeking are often lost or weak, being easily led astray

• These messages are attractive for weak believers who are easy prey

• Backsliders need to return to the church but end up following false teachers and their flashy message — often accompanied by lighting, music, stories, attractions and gimmicks <C31>

2 Peter 2:17-19 NIV

[17] These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. [18] For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of the flesh, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. [19] They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity---for “people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.”

** Jesus challenged the crowd to make a decision: they were either for Him or against Him

• Had their Messiah come, offering them the prophesied and covenanted kingdom of the heaven?

• The Pharisees and other leaders were deeply opposed to changing their minds about these things; they could not accept that He was the Messiah, lest they have to submit to what He was telling them

• If they were for Him, they would have to change their mind (repent) about how they could gain entrance into the kingdom <G72>

• Likewise, anyone today who believes in Jesus can expect their lives to change after they repent and submit to Him

Luke 11:23 NIV

[23] “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

Luke 12:8-10 NIV

[8] “I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. [9] But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God. [10] And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.

** Followers of Christ are to remember and hold firmly to the basic beliefs which are essential to faithful living; be intentional about dwelling on these things on a regular basis

• Peter knew his time was limited to encourage other believers because Jesus predicted Peter's death by crucifixion; this happened after Jesus' resurrection when He asked Peter if he loved him

• Peter had a healthy view of death; life here is temporary and our bodies are tents

• We need to have the same perspective to free us to seize opportunities while we can; these opportunities may never come around again

• Peter encourages us to leave a legacy

• After our departure, others should be able to refer back to our time here and the faithful life we lived <C31>

2 Peter 1:12-15 NIV

[12] So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. [13] I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, [14] because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. [15] And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.

** When we don't focus on growing and becoming spiritually mature then we regress to become spiritually lazy and ineffective

• We cannot separate our spiritual growth from daily living

• When we stop focussing then we develop a lack of desire to grow; apathy

• Excitement for life begins to fade and life begins to lose its value

• We stop caring about things we are to care about and we become ineffective workers for God

• God created us to be spiritual beings

Living an unproductive life causes us to be short-sighted, only seeing what is around us

• We don't see through God's lenses and our problems become all-consuming; we fail to see what God is doing in the ‘big picture’

• This often leads to withdrawing from others and distrusting others; based on whether others are meeting OUR needs

• Guilt and shame grow in our heart and we question our salvation

• We need to be involved in God’s community so He can work through us and show us spiritual vision

• Spiritual growth prevents us from becoming blind; we should desire to grow so we can know our purpose in life <C31>

2 Peter 1:8-9 NIV

[8] For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. [9] But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.

** To be our GOD, is more than being our friend, helper, or benefactor — creatures may be so to us. He engages to do us good according to His all-sufficiency; to bestow upon us blessings which none else can!

• He will pardon us; and pardon like a God!

• He will sanctify us; and sanctify us like a God

• He will comfort us; and comfort us like a God

• He will glorify us; and glorify us like a God!

• If He is our God; He is our All

Make a God of Him! Look to Him for all that He has promised — which is all that you need! Adore His Divine perfections, and rejoice that they are all engaged to make you eternally blessed.

Live to His glory, walk by His Word, and He will glorify Himself in your present and everlasting welfare. He rejoices to do good unto His people, He delights to bless them! <S183>

Hebrews 8:10b NIV

[10] …I will be their God, and they will be my people.

** God is far above us in every way — character, holiness, power, and majesty; we won't be in awe of God if we are not in love with God

1 Peter 1:17-21 NIV

[17] Since you call on a Father who judges each person's work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. [18] For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, [19] but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. [20] He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. [21] Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

Psalm 148:13 NIV

Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

Three ways to live in awe of God;

a) Remember that God is our Heavenly Father

• As a Father, He looks at us as one who loves us and as a disciplinarian and creator etc

• God wants what is ultimately good for us

• God does not show any partiality; stays doesn't matter but rather our sin condition

b) Rejoice that we have been ransomed (18-19)

• We are saved from difficult situations

• We are held captive until God provides Jesus to be our ransom

• Without Christ we are slaves to sin

• At the time when this was written, there were an estimate of 60 million slaves in the Roman Empire; they would understand the word 'ransom'

• We can do nothing to redeem ourselves (silver or gold) but only Jesus can meet God's requirement for the penalty of sin which is death

c) Rest secure in God's eternal plan (20-21)

• Jesus planned to die before He created the world!

• It is difficult to understand but we can be in awe that He thought of and provided a way to redeem us

• God chose the perfect time in history to come to earth and die for us; the Roman Empire was ripe for spreading the Gospel

• Christ’s resurrection guarantees our faith and hope

** If you believe and love nature's God, it is surprising how easy it is to:

• Hear music in the waves, and songs in the wild whisperings of the winds

• See God everywhere — in the stones, in the rocks, in the rippling brooks

• Hear Him everywhere — in the lowing of cattle, in the rolling of thunder, and in the fury of tempests <S185>

Romans 1:20 NIV

** We can always look to God when we follow His will and find joy and peace despite any adversity

Live with expectation

• Expect suffering to come our way; be prepared for when it comes

• Peter was writing around the time of Nero's persecution of Jews; horrendous persecution such as lighting Jews during parties, etc

• He knew trials were coming because we follow Christ; these trials are not just ‘daily happenings’

• We can find joy because God sees us as worthy to be tested

• Let suffering reflect gratitude for the fact that Jesus died and sacrificed for us

1 Peter 4:12-14 NIV

[12] Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. [13] But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. [14] If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

Live with Integrity

• When Jesus returns we can expect to be rewarded for standing with Him

• We can be empowered by the Holy Spirit in the meantime if we live a life of integrity

• As we prepare for white water rafting, be prepared for Christ's return

• Make sure we don't fall by not following Christ's commands; an ungodly life invites suffering

• If we are a person of integrity then we don't need to live a life of shame and guilt

• We can live our life with honor as we represent his name

• Small dents/cuts ended up sinking the Titanic and similar seemingly small sin can end up destroying us

1 Peter 4:15-16 NIV

[15] If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. [16] However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

Live with Gratitude

• God's discipline on Christians can be tough, so that we mature/grow

• Christians we receive God's love and grace in the process; imagine those who don't know Christ

• God wants us to have abundant life, even during times of suffering

1 Peter 4:17-18 NIV

[17] For it is time for judgment to begin with God's household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? [18] And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

Live an Attitude of Thankfulness

• As Creator, God knows what is best for our life

• Remember where we come from, the sinful life, and His grace that has brought us to a better place

• We will not face God's final judgment when he comes back to deal with sin

• Don't take life for granted; take note of all the blessings He provides

• Ask what God wants us to learn through difficult times and encourage others to do the same <C31>

1 Peter 4:16 NIV

[16] However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

** It is important to know the enemy and how to respond

Who is Satan?

• Angel who chose to rebel against God

• God gave free will to angels as He did man

• God does not focus much on Satan in his Word

• We know he is an enemy of God and of His creation

• He is personal — not an abstract force but an individual who has a purpose for what he does

• He is powerful, but not all-powerful as God; he is no match against God

What does Satan do?

• His workers attempt to shift our belief and focus off God at every turn

• He does not want us to come to know or mature in the living God

• Sometimes works via cults, using Scripture and twisting its meaning; hence it is imperative we go back to Scripture as our plumb-line

• He wants to destroy the faith of Christians and make lives ineffective

• His greatest weapons are temptation and deceit, getting us to focus on what seems fulfilling on the outside but is actually destructive on the inside

• He preys on people who are weak in what they believe, not recognizing truth

What do we do in response?

• Be aware of Satan but not fearful or obsessed — rather focus on God

• Our job is not to focus on Satan as a competitor

• Be alert, sober-minded, vigilant about his purpose and power

• God instructs us to resist his attacks and He gives us the means to do it

• Think of the example when preparing to shoot a gun — we need a proper stance to do so

• Never give up, never give in

• Put on the full armor of God to remain standing

• We do not need to be victorious against the enemy; let God fight the enemy on spiritual terms! <C31>

1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV

Ephesians 6:10-13 NIV

** There has been a lot of effort and imagination over the centuries to distort God’s truth in Scripture; stick to knowing His Word because the gospel is consistently pure and does not need our help

• God is not going to allow His word to be errantly copied over the centuries

• God's truth is enough; we are not to add or detract

• Nothing is "new and improved" involving God's truth — it's been the same from the beginning, unlike other religions (such as Mormonism and Jehovah Witness) that change elements of their story <C31>

2 Peter 1:16 NIV

[16] For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

** We call a lot of food that is not good for our body "junk food" and often ingest the same junk that is not good for us in our spiritual lives; we need to put more effort into staying away from that which is impure <C31>

Peter provides examples of junk to avoid:

• Malice = wanting something bad to happen to another

• Deceit = trying to trick someone by not telling the truth

• Hypocrisy = presenting yourself as someone you are not

• Envy = wanting something someone else has and consumes your thoughts

• Slander = talk bad about someone you can't stand; what you say may be true but what is your motive?

1 Peter 2:1-3 NIV

Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. [2] Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, [3] now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

Galatians 5:16-26 NIV

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. [17] For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. [18] But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. [19] The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; [20] idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions [21] and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. [24] Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. [25] Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. [26] Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

** Put off what is bad in order to mature and gain spiritual growth

1 Peter 2:1 NIV

[1] Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.

How do we put off the bad and put on good?

• Daily devotion and repentance

• DO what it takes to prove you mean business

• We can't be right with God and live in habitual sin at the same time

• Choosing and desiring Godly things is a choice and command

• God doesn't force us to make good choices but we need to desire it and act on it

• Making good decisions happens from the inside-out

• Choosing right takes effort, so study Scriptures, pray, and conduct ministry

• God helps us to accomplish this

Matthew 6:21 NIV

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

The process results is spiritual growth:

• God helps us to accomplish ridding ourselves of what is bad and clinging to what is good

• A lack of spiritual growth is abnormal as it would be not if a person did not grow physically

• God does not expect us to grow in the same way as others

• One thing is for sure: we need to rid ourselves of what is considered junk and choose the truth of God; we cannot determine our own standards!

• As a result of following God's truth, we experience genuine growth and salvation

James 2:17 NIV

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

If we don't replace the bad with Christ’s good then a spiritual vacuum occurs:

• Something must go in and Satan is going to make sure it isn't good

• Focus on the fruits of the Spirit <C31>

Luke 3:8 NIV

Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.

** Followers of Christ should exhibit a noticeable genuine love and radical obedience that has its foundation in God

Love must be based on God:

• We can truly love because we are born again, which is the starting point for every good deed

• We need to focus on God, which is possible when we are born again

• Our focus needs to shift from temporal to eternal (what is important)

• Understanding this life is temporary gives us motivation to share the Gospel

1 Peter 1:24-25 NIV

For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, [25] but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you.

Obeying God radically changes our life:

• We start out of focus but grow into focus as we obey and trust in God

• This is the difference between religion and relationship, for following rituals (religion) doesn't change the heart

• Our growing stronger in obedience and faith will help us in times of struggle and, in turn, trials will further purify our faith

• The world says "follow your heart" but we are to believe God's truth because it is tested, eternal and perfect

1 Peter 1:6-7 NIV

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. [7] These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith---of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire---may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Genuine love emits from a changed life:

• Genuine love can start with brotherly love; love that brings the church together as a group

• There is sincerity, not putting on a show but a genuine outpouring of a changed life

• Growth in us will lead to an agape type of love, which is opposite to the typical view of "what can I get from this?"

• As Christ chose to go to the cross in unconditional love, so we must choose (strive) to have unconditional love for others

• A pure heart has the right motives given by God <C31>

** Some people want to argue that we don’t need to concern ourselves with the Ten Commandments in the Old Testament Law of Moses because it is only for the people who lived in Old Testament times, but 9 out of 10 commandments are repeated in the New Testament Law of Messiah except the commandment regarding the Sabbath <H86>

1 Timothy 1:8 NIV

[8] We know that the law is good if one uses it properly.

Exodus 20:2-3,7-8,12-17 NIV

[2] “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. [3] “You shall have no other gods before me. [7] “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. [8] “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. [12] “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. [13] “You shall not murder. [14] “You shall not commit adultery. [15] “You shall not steal. [16] “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. [17] “You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

** Solomon sums it up this way: we need to keep in mind that nothing is certain in this life during times of prosperity and times of adversity; tomorrow is not guaranteed <F60>

James 4:13-15 NIV

[13] Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” [14] Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. [15] Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.”

Ecclesiastes 7:14 NIV

[14] When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.

** In the light of God's greatness and glory, it is an astonishing thing that God should be mindful of man — especially when we see the answer given in the Bible to the question, "What is man?"

Man is set before us in the Word of God as the particular, distinct object of God's mercy, love, and grace. But what is man?

Anyone who knows and acknowledges the greatness of God, will also freely acknowledge the utter insignificance of man. As soon as David looked up to Heaven and spoke to God of His greatness — his heart was humbled, his pride was withered, and he cried, "What is man, that you are mindful of him?"

It is impossible for anyone to have both great views of God and great views of man. Those who imagine that man is great, think that God is insignificant. Those who know that God is great, know that man is insignificant.

"What is man, that You are mindful of him?" Here is:

• greatness, and littleness

• grandeur, and nothingness

• excellence, and corruption

• majesty, and baseness

• God, and man! <F67>

Hebrews 2:6 NIV

[6] But there is a place where someone has testified: “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, a son of man that you care for him?

** Are you practicing an empty faith?

• Empty confessions (14), false compassion (15-17), shallow conviction (18-20)

• Just because you believe God does not make you a Christian; even Satan believes

• If the decision to follow God does not change anything, you probably aren't saved <C31>

James 2:14-20 NIV

[14] What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? [15] Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. [16] If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? [17] In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. [18] But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. [19] You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that---and shudder. [20] You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless ?

** Trials refer to difficulties in life but they also refer to temptations that test our faith; trials can come in different forms — financial, relational, etc

Those who belong to Christ WILL need to endure trials, so don't believe the prosperity gospel

We become more useful/effective for His work when we go through trials, so feel the weight, let it do it's work and abound in God's work

How do we respond to trials throughout our life?

• Do we count them all joy? make sure our inner attitude regarding our struggles is positive

• Look at the end result, as Christ looked at the result of Him going to the cross

• Do not think it's strange to be tested with trials

• Do we remember that trials test our faith?

• Are we submissive and endure them? do not hurry the process but let God to do His work

• Do we seek God's wisdom or try to rely on our ability (or others) to figure things out? (vs 5-8); seeking His wisdom should lead us to prayer

• Are we divided by asking God for help but doing it our way? a double-minded man gains nothing

• Do we have a humble attitude before our Maker? for instance, the rich should have proper perspective of what God has entrusted to them, allowing Him to be sovereign over all things

• Examine your heart and your love for God

• Do we see trials in light of eternal life? this world is to test us, not to enjoy what we will enjoy in eternity <C31>

James 1:12 NIV

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

James 1:2-12 NIV

[2] Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, [3] because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. [4] Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. [5] If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. [6] But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. [7] That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. [8] Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. [9] Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. [10] But the rich should take pride in their humiliation---since they will pass away like a wild flower. [11] For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business. [12] Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

** Jesus is aware of all that we go through; God has emotion and Jesus, who walked this earth, felt all level of emotions including what it took to sacrifice His life on a cross

There are numerous passages of Scripture that speak of God’s emotions:

• Anger – Psa 7:11; Deut 9:22; Rom 1:18

• Compassion – Psa 135:14; Judg 2:18; Deut 32:36

• Grief – Gen 6:6; Psa 78:40

• Love – 1 John 4:8; John 3:16; Jer 31:3

• Hate – Prov 6:16; Psa 5:5; Psa 11:5

• Jealousy – Exod 20:5; Exod 34:14; Josh 24:19

• Joy – Zeph 3:17; Isa 62:5; Jer 32:41

He is a personal God with a mind, emotions, and a will of His own; to deny God’s emotions is to deny that He possesses personality <G72>

Matthew 26:38-39 (NIV)

Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” [39] Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

Genesis 1:27 NIV

[27] So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

** God is good and provides us with good gifts but He does not tempt us with sin; our human desire tempts us to do what we don't want to do

• Are we being lured as a fish with bait? are we being dragged to the slaughter? are we being led by our emotion? are we playing with temptation, trying to hide and make excuses?

• We consciously make a decision to act on a desire that leads to disobedience and death; some consequences for sin involve a physical condition and death

James 1:13-14 NIV

[13] When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; [14] but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.

Consider the fact that God gives good gifts despite our sinful nature:

• Doing good deeds, as is prevalent in most religions, does not deal with our sin condition

• We have a tendency to blame God but He is not to be blamed

• No one is exempt from being a sinful being which brings death, but we have been gloriously saved

• We must accept responsibility for our own sin and value God’s offer and hope of salvation

• We have hope and can be freed from our sin if we deal with the sin in our lives; are we taking responsibility for our actions or are we living a defeated life by repeating the same sin?

• Rely on the forgiveness, power and protection of God who will provide a way so we are not tempted beyond our capability <C31>

Romans 5:12,19 NIV

[12] Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned--- [19] For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

Romans 7:15-25 NIV

[15] I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. [16] And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. [17] As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. [18] For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. [19] For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do---this I keep on doing. [20] Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. [21] So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. [22] For in my inner being I delight in God's law; [23] but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. [24] What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? [25] Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

** Receive the word of God properly; consider how we receive and act on His word:

• Seize every opportunity to learn God's word

• If we don't receive it eagerly and accurately, then we won't know how to apply it

• If we stop growing then we are not trying, for His word should challenge and give us every opportunity to grow

• There is nothing wrong with God's seed (word) but the soil that receives it!

• Receive God's word with a prepared heart; put aside all sin to receive His word uninhibited

• Receive God's word with humility; know that we cannot survive or succeed without His guidance

• Be quick to hear and slow to speak; is what you are saying what God wants you to say?

• Be slow to anger; is there resentment to the message of God's word? <C31>

James 1:19-21 NIV

** Be transformed by and doers of His word!

• A mirror, like God’s word, helps us look at ourselves with proper examination; an example is Moses who literally collected mirrors to melt and make a basin in front of the temple altar where people could see their reflection as they cleansed themselves with water (Ex 38:8)

• Make reading of God’s word a daily priority so we can consume it in and remember it

• God's word demands action, so act on what we see or read

• We have a responsibility to act on God's word when we hear it; that's why some don't want to know it <C31>

James 1:22-25 NIV

[22] Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. [23] Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror [24] and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. [25] But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it---not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it---they will be blessed in what they do.

** Christ healed the lepers, affirming that the leper's faith made them whole; we learn that:

• Jesus always has time for our needs and for everyone

• Jesus has the power to heal from a distance; He doesn't have to be there

• Jesus can solve any problem, so we can go to Him at any time

• He sometimes asks us to do things that don't make sense to us, like telling lepers to go to the priests; likewise we need to walk in faith and obedience even if we don't understand

Luke 17:11-14 NIV

[11] Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. [12] As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance [13] and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” [14] When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.

** Doubting God and not believing He is with us will destroy our thankfulness; it’s easy to thank God during the good times but we need to remember to thank Him during the difficult times

Habakkuk 3:17-19 NIV

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, [18] yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. [19] The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. For the director of music. On my stringed instruments.

Romans 8:28-29 NIV

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. [29] For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

** After the crowds left disgruntled because they didn’t like what Jesus was saying, He did not go after the non-believers but turned around and tested His own disciples to see if they would leave as well; following Christ is not meant to be full of warm and fuzzy feelings but it comes at a cost <D40>

Matthew 16:24 NIV

[24] Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

** If we look around we will be depressed; if we look up we will have hope, and be able to cope, and have joy in the midst of earth’s sorrow <M131>

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 NIV

** False prophets paint false pictures and fill people with false hope; this is where we are today <H87> (Sep 2022)

Lamentations 2:14 NIV

[14] The visions of your prophets were false and worthless; they did not expose your sin to ward off your captivity. The prophecies they gave you were false and misleading.

** Satan constantly throws distractions our way and sometimes we welcome them; Jesus knew His mission and wanted to follow God's perfect timing

• Peter misunderstood Jesus' purpose even though Jesus explained what needed to happen

• Peter rebuked God, not understanding what He was up to

• Peter was mistakenly following Satan's plan

• Do not compromise God's plan in your life, for the opportunity might not be available again

• You will be persecuted and tested; be faithful in your testing and hold firm in confidence

• God will provide what we need in order to accomplish His plan <C31>

Matthew 16:22-23 NIV

[22] Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” [23] Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

Romans 5:6 NIV

[6] You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.

Hebrews 3:6 NIV

[6] But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.

** There are three categories of people in today’s society including those who:

1. Are afraid

2. Don’t know enough to be afraid

3. Know their Bible and understand prophecy —

those who know Scriptural prophecy understand where the world is at and where it is headed <W214> (Sep 2022)

Isaiah 41:20 NIV

[20] so that people may see and know, may consider and understand, that the hand of the Lord has done this, that the Holy One of Israel has created it.

** Three times Isaac questioned whether it was really Esau but Isaac did not have ‘ears to hear’

• Isaac went against the voice he heard (which was Jacob’s) and was deceived by the clothes he smelled, arms he touched and provisions he sampled

• We too can be deceived when when making decisions in these end times when we go by our preconceived bias and not rely on the Lord for direction <F60>

Genesis 27:22-27 NIV

[22] Jacob went close to his father Isaac, who touched him and said, “The voice is the voice of Jacob, but the hands are the hands of Esau.” [23] He did not recognize him, for his hands were hairy like those of his brother Esau; so he proceeded to bless him. [24] “Are you really my son Esau?” he asked. “I am,” he replied. [25] Then he said, “My son, bring me some of your game to eat, so that I may give you my blessing.” Jacob brought it to him and he ate; and he brought some wine and he drank. [26] Then his father Isaac said to him, “Come here, my son, and kiss me.” [27] So he went to him and kissed him . When Isaac caught the smell of his clothes, he blessed him and said, “Ah, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field that the Lord has blessed.

2 Thessalonians 2:6-12 NIV

[6] And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. [7] For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. [8] And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. [9] The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, [10] and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. [11] For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie [12] and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.

** How is it possible to live a comfortable, low cost, risk-free Christianity that is immune from temptation, attack or persecution? If they persecuted Jesus (green tree) then what will they do to the rest of us? <D40>

Luke 23:31 NIV

[31] For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

Acts 13:46,50 NIV

[46] Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. [50] But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.

** Wise builders base their life foundation on God even though it would not be as easy as living for the world; building on God means you live a life of total dependence on Him

Even though the wise and foolish built houses on rock and sand which looked similar — perhaps they used the same materials and both houses seemed attractive — one planned for a future that will involve stormy weather while the other thought only about the present; the storm symbolizes the pressures of life like sickness, failures, losses, etc

Obviously, the house built on the rock has a solid foundation and will stand firm, whereas the house built on the sand was erected quickly and will be destroyed; only a storm will differentiate between a true disciple of God and a false disciple

Matthew 7:24-27 NIV

[24] “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. [25] The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. [26] But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. [27] The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

** The wise men were Jewish scholars devoted to study Scripture

Matthew 2:3-6 NIV

[3] When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. [4] When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. [5] “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: [6] “ 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.' ”

People can know the Scriptures but not follow it, as what happened at the time when not only did they ignore Christ but put Him to death!

Likewise today: we can go to church, give and do all the religious things and not believe; God will not recognize those who do not recognize Him

Matthew 7:21-23 NIV

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [22] Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ [23] Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

** Knowing the star would lead them to Jesus the Messiah, the wise men were overjoyed and fell down before Jesus, presenting sacrificial gifts; they were aware what God was doing and did not want to miss what God had for them

Personal application:

• Are we willing to journey far and take risks?

• Do we fall at the feet of Christ and give our all to Him?

• Are we full of joy in His presence?

• Are we aware of what God is doing around us and desire to join Him? <C31>

Matthew 2:2,10-11 NIV

[2] and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” [10] When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. [11] On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

** Close study of the entire book of Revelation establishes the fact that the authentic church does not usher in the kingdom of God into the world by infiltrating its systems and rising to supremacy. Instead, this most magnificent book describes, in great detail, how the kingdom of the antichrist is built and used to destroy those who come to true belief in Christ during the Tribulation, and the Kingdom of Christ will not ‘come’ into existence until Jesus returns at the very end of the seven-year Tribulation (Rev 20:1-6).

Sadly, many who have been led astray are unknowingly building the faux kingdom of the antichrist, and they will even, without repentance, inadvertently worship the antichrist, believing he is the Christ they had so diligently built the kingdom for. They will even fall for the mark of the beast, believing it is the seal of God. Worse yet, they will also become so zealous that they are the very ones who pursue, persecute, and slay the Tribulation saints.

The ‘Grand Deception of the Great Awakening’ is growing in strength and scope. Incredibly, this is further affirmation that God is God as He foretold this nearly two thousand years ago in the Bible. Indeed, the Lord told us that many would depart from teaching sound doctrine while, simultaneously, many would flock to these false teachers because they want to hear their lies that tickle ears (2 Pet 2:1-2; 2 Tim 4:3).

The best antidote for this grand deception is a healthy dose of the truth of Scripture which indicates that the remnant church will remain steadfast and continue to fulfill the great commission while simultaneously looking up until raptured. When this light of God’s Word is applied to the errant beliefs of the kingdom now doctrine, the doctrine crumbles because it has no biblical foundation. <A11>

Isaiah 46:10 NIV

[10] I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'

** Man does not know the future and whether love or hate awaits him

• All lives lay in the hands of God

• One fate awaits everyone regardless of where they stand with God — and that is death

• The dead are cut off from all feelings and interests in life in the after world <B20>

Ecclesiastes 9:1-6 NIV

[1] So I reflected on all this and concluded that the righteous and the wise and what they do are in God's hands, but no one knows whether love or hate awaits them. [2] All share a common destiny---the righteous and the wicked, the good and the bad, the clean and the unclean, those who offer sacrifices and those who do not.

As it is with the good, so with the sinful; as it is with those who take oaths, so with those who are afraid to take them. [3] This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all. The hearts of people, moreover, are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live, and afterward they join the dead. [4] Anyone who is among the living has hope---even a live dog is better off than a dead lion! [5] For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even their name is forgotten. [6] Their love, their hate and their jealousy have long since vanished; never again will they have a part in anything that happens under the sun.

Proverbs 21:1 NIV

[1] In the Lord's hand the king's heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.

Psalm 31:15 NIV

[15] My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me.

Ecclesiastes 11:6 NIV

[6] Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.

** God's dealings are very mysterious. His way is in the sea, and His path in the mighty waters, and His footsteps are not known.

• We looked for light, but behold darkness

• We expected success, but we meet with failure

• We anticipated prosperity, but we are plunged into adversity

• Our purposes are broken off

• Our plans are frustrated

• Our skies are clothed with clouds

Beloved, such is the case with us sometimes! Our circumstances are so painful, so different from what we anticipated, that in bewilderment we exclaim, "Truly, You are a God who hides Yourself!" How difficult to say sometimes, "Though He slays me, yet will I trust in Him!" How difficult to believe that this rough road is the right road, which leads to the Celestial City.

Our Father wisely appoints the circumstances and lot of every one of His children. He has mapped out the path in which they are to travel. He has appointed their bounds, which they cannot pass. Then with Job we say, "He is of one mind, and who can oppose Him? He does whatever He pleases. He will certainly accomplish what He has decreed for me."

We must not murmur, we must not complain, but patiently follow wherever the Lord leads, and quietly bear whatever He lays upon us. Patience must calm the spirit, quiet the heart, and close the mouth. Then shall we say with the Psalmist, "I was silent, I opened not my mouth because You are the One who has done this!"

• Had it been man, it might have been wrong

• Had it been chance, it might have been injurious

But it was You — and therefore it must be wise, holy, and kind.

We are required quietly to persevere, though the way is rugged, though the thorns pierce our feet, though we cannot see one step before us! We must walk by faith, not by sight, believing…

• that we are safe, in the midst of danger

• that we are right, though everything is perplexing

and that all will end well <S183>

Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV

Romans 8:28 NIV

[28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

** The church and followers of Christ WILL suffer persecution; God will grow the church and provide the strength its members need through any and all persecution <R178>

2 Timothy 3:12 NIV

[12] In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted

** God looks at the condition of our heart; self-righteousness may impress a person in front of men, but not God

Luke 16:15 NIV

[15] He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.

** As Jesus went to the Father in prayer before He faced death on the cross, so we should follow His example in troubled times

Psalm 16:8 NIV

[8] I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Luke 22:39-41 NIV

[39] Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. [40] On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” [41] He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed

** Prayer should become a habit with us, then everything would furnish us with matter for prayer. Prayer should mingle with our pleasures and our pains, with our labor and our rest.

• We should never do, what we cannot pray God to bless

• We should never go, where we cannot ask God to go with us

• Tempted Christian — pray, and you will overcome every temptation

• Troubled Christian — pray, and God will deliver you out of every trouble

• Perplexed Christian — pray, and God will make your way plain before your face

• Doubting Christian — pray, and God will disperse your doubts, and chase your fears away

• Trembling Christian — pray, and God will strengthen you with strength in the soul

• Sick Christian — pray, and God will make all your bed in your affliction

• Dying Christian — pray, and death will lose all its terrors, and you will gently fall asleep in Jesus

• Lost sinner — pray, for God who heard the publican and justified him, will hear you and save you

O for the grace of prayer, that we may in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present our requests to God. <S183>

1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV

[17] pray continually

Colossians 4:2 NIV

[2] Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

** Let’s keep our eyes focused on God alone; take advantage of quiet times to focus on the Lord, our Provider

• Don't simply ‘open your mind’ because evil forces would love to enter; focus on God's word and remain in prayer

• Thank God for His protection

• The more your mind is on God, the less it is on your problems

• Fill your mind with godly thoughts <C31>

Psalm 16:8 NIV

I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

** Christians need to determine how to respond to current societal issues — what issue should we:

a) Receive

b) Redeem

c) Reject — start with this premise, rejecting the state/gov that wants to be worshiped yet intends to harm you

• To date the state has been forthright in changing definitions of parent, child, gender, marriage, etc

• Determine what issues require your time and effort

• Understand that mainstream identifies Christians as an enemy of the state everyday because of our stand on most issues

Follow the example of the early church, for they understood the chain of command — God first!

• Do not fear the one who can destroy the body but fear the One who can cast your soul into Hell

• Choose you this day who you will serve — your soul is in peril <D40> (Sep 2022)

Joshua 24:15 NIV

Matthew 10:28 NIV

[28] Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

1 Peter 4:11 NIV

[11] If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

** Six New Testament tests for believers to discern false prophets:

1. Theological test - do they recognize Jesus Christ and stand against God’s word in Scripture?

1 John 4:1-2 NIV

2. Gospel test - do they preach Jesus raised from the dead and salvation by faith alone?

Galatians 1:6-9 NIV

3. Fruit test - we will know false prophets by their actions and false prophecies

Matthew 7:15-20 NIV

[15] “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. [16] By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? [17] Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. [18] A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. [19] Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. [20] Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

4. Wisdom test - which of the two types of wisdom does the prophet exemplify?

James 3:13-18 NIV

[13] Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. [14] But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. [15] Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. [16] For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. [17] But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. [18] Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

5. Service test - do the prophets build up believers so they will not be tossed to and fro?

Ephesians 4:11-12 NIV

[11] So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, [12] to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

6. Visions test - do people have to rely on the prophet for the vision & understanding <H90>

Colossians 2:18 NIV

[18] Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind.

** It is not enough to get rid of an evil spirit occupying a person but it must be replaced with a godly spirit

• The Pharisees were great at ‘sweeping out’ but their failure to welcome Jesus left them vulnerable to demons far worse than the one they worked hard to brush away

• Invite Christ in to empower us for godly living <R1795>

Matthew 12:43-45 NIV

“When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. [44] Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. [45] Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.”

** No other religion has prophecy and the truth of God’s word hinges on every verse in the Bible — if one verse fails, then the entire Scripture comes into question but it has proven to be 100% accurate! <G70>

Revelation 22:18-19 NIV

** Even though Satan knew Jesus was God, he still tried to tempt Him because sin and Satan are not rational or logical — hence the debased (illogical) insanity we see today and other instances, such as Satan opposing God again even though he will have been locked up for 1000 years as mentioned in Revelation <S188>

Matthew 4:3-11 NIV

[3] The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” [4] Jesus answered, “It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' ” [5] Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. [6] “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “ 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.' ” [7] Jesus answered him, “It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' ” [8] Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. [9] “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” [10] Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.' ” [11] Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Revelation 20:7-8 NIV

[7] When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison [8] and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth---Gog and Magog---and to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore.

** Believers should be able to call on God and depend on the supportive prayer of others in time of need <C31>

Psalm 16:2 NIV

I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.”

Romans 8:38-39 NIV

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Psalm 16:3 NIV

I say of the holy people who are in the land, “They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”

Psalm 16:4 NIV

Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more. I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods or take up their names on my lips.

** Jesus provides clarity of truth and expectation FIRST and so believers can follow it, while the Enemy loves murky confusion until people ‘fall for what he is selling’ and then clarify who he is and what a person fell for after it’s too late

God will not move without the truth leading the way! <D40>

John 14:6 NIV

[6] Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

** Beloved, we have a heavenly Father.

• He has adopted us into His family

• He not only wears a father's name but he has a father's heart

• He loves every believer with a father's love.

He watches over each of His children with a father's care

• Yes, we have a Father, and He is always near us

• His heart is ever disposed to do us good

• He will not withdraw His eye from us!

He bids us…

• to cast every care upon Him,

• to expect every blessing from Him, and

• to carry everything that troubles us, to Him.

Does providence frown on us, perplex, and trouble us? Let us not fret, complain, or forebode — but go and tell Father!

Does Satan tempt, suggest evil thoughts, or endeavor to mislead us? Let us not parley with him, be alarmed at him, or yield to him — but go at once and tell Father!

Everything, whether painful or pleasant, should lead us to our Father in heaven. He loves to listen to our broken prayers. He loves to sympathize with us. He never chides us for coming too often, or refuses to listen to us.

Happy child, who has such a Father! And wise is that child, who carries everything to his Father, who tells Him all, keeping nothing from Him. When we carry our cares or our troubles to Him, He says, "Leave them with Me. I will manage them. I will settle them."

Christian, run to your Father from every foe, and from every danger!

• Tell your Father everything that vexes, grieves, or troubles you

• Trust your Father to manage all your affairs.

Honor your Father…

• by consulting Him on all matters

• by confiding to Him all your secrets, and

• by making His written Word your daily rule on all points.

"The righteous cry, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles." With childlike simplicity, filial confidence, and honest hearts — they go and tell their Father! <S183>

1 John 3:1 NIV

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

Matthew 6:9 NIV

[9] “This, then, is how you should pray: “ 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,

** David went to God first thing in the morning in order to help him get through the day; it's the perfect way to start our day!

Psalm 5:3 NIV

[3] In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.

** A little wisdom eases efforts in life and wise living often produces a good outcome, even if not as expected; in contrast, lack of Scriptural wisdom leaves one unprepared to handle the tough times

Ecclesiastes 10:10 NIV

[10] If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success.

1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV

[13] No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

** Unbelievers don't want us to go to God for resolution and will often try to keep us from Him

** Know the danger of associating with fools; value rebuke and discipline from the wise

Ecclesiastes 7:4-6 NIV

[4] The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure. [5] It is better to heed the rebuke of a wise person than to listen to the song of fools. [6] Like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of fools. This too is meaningless.

** The Bible guides us through life; it lights our way

• We rely on its promises for our hope of eternal life

• Its words give us hope in perilous times and comfort us amid all our affliction

• The Reformers of five hundred years ago summarized the importance of sound Bible interpretation with two principles: Sola Scriptura and Scripture interprets Scripture <B26>

Psalm 119:105 NIV

[105] Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

** We need to study God’s Word to attain discernment to:

• Replace ignorance of what is going on in our lives and around us

• Replace fear to build our faith

• Refuse to bow but rather stand with courage

What does discernment do for us? It allows us to see in the dark! <K113>

Proverbs 30:5 NIV

[5] “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Matthew 7:24-27 NIV

** What should hinder him who sees God as his Heavenly Father, and believes that all events proceed from His hand, and are managed by His wisdom, and are prompted by His love.

We have perfect confidence in God's wisdom and in His love. We only do Him the justice which we would expect from our own children, when we believe that He does not afflict us willingly, nor unnecessarily grieve His redeemed children, nor ever chastens us but in love.

His was a noble saying who, when his crops were rotting in flooded fields, and poverty stared at him from the scowling heavens, and other men cursed the weather; on being asked his reason for saying that it pleased him, replied, "It pleases God to send it, and whatever pleases Him pleases me." We are ready to envy a man whose faith could triumph over such great misfortunes.

Yet why should we not lie as calmly in the arms of God's providence, as we lay in infancy on our mother's bosom? Having an ever-living, an ever-lasting, an ever-loving father in God — how may we welcome all of His providences! <G75>

Ecclesiastes 7:14 NIV

[14] When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.

Habakkuk 3:17-18 NIV

Job 1:21 NIV

[21] and said: “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”

Job 2:10 NIV

[10] He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

1 Samuel 3:18 NIV

[18] So Samuel told him everything, hiding nothing from him. Then Eli said, “He is the Lord; let him do what is good in his eyes.”

Matthew 26:39 NIV

[39] Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

** In the day of adversity, you should consider from whose hand it has been sent to you! It comes direct from the hand of God!

Intermediate agencies may have been employed in inflicting it:

• a cherished family member may have been the messenger of disease;

• a treacherous friend may have been the cause of bankruptcy;

• an avowed enemy may have been the author of reproach and shame;

• Satan himself may have been allowed to smite you!

But through whatever secondary agency it may have been conveyed, adversity comes from God's hand! <B25>

Ecclesiastes 7:14 NIV

[14] When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.

Isaiah 45:7 NIV

[7] I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.

Lamentations 3:38 NIV

[38] Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come?

Job 2:10 NIV

[10] He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

Job 5:17-18 NIV

[17] “Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. [18] For he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal.

Deuteronomy 32:39 NIV

[39] “See now that I myself am he! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand.

Amos 3:6 NIV

[6] When a trumpet sounds in a city, do not the people tremble? When disaster comes to a city, has not the Lord caused it?

** Obedience to God’s commands

Why call me Lord and do not the things I say,

you call me the way and walk me not,

you call me the life and live me not,

you call me master and obey me not,

if I condemn you, blame me not.

You call me bread and eat me not,

you call me truth and believe me not,

you call me Lord and serve me not,

if I condemn you, blame me not. <O157>

Matthew 7:21-23 NIV

It is not enough to know or say the words, but we must put these words into ACTION! Those who practice God's law build their house on solid ground. The storm is the final judgment where they will be tested to determine whether they took their commitment to the Lord seriously and built with faith in Him alone.

Matthew 7:24-27 NIV

As believers, we must STRIVE to enter through the narrow gate and obey God's commands. It takes effort on our part and is not simply a matter of saying a prayer and living your life the way you want. It is a matter of taking up our cross and following Him daily; it requires a consciencous decision to deny the patterns of this world and

follow God alone.

Luke 13:22-25 NIV

[22] Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. [23] Someone asked him, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” He said to them, [24] “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. [25] Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us.' “But he will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from.'

Proverbs 30:11-12 NIV

[11] “There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers; [12] those who are pure in their own eyes and yet are not cleansed of their filth;

Romans 12:2 NIV

[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Psalm 111:10 NIV

[10] The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

** Notice the first commandment is to love and worship God; only when we do this first, do we prepare ourselves to carry out His second commandment

If we love God with all our heart, soul and mind then we want to obey and please Him at ALL times

Allowing and advocating what is a clear violation to God — such as homosexuality, abortion, and any other sin listed in Scripture — is NOT “loving others” as God desires but loving others in a human-reasoned way so we can compromise when things get uncomfortable <D40>

Matthew 22:36-39 NIV

[36] “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” [37] Jesus replied: “ 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' [38] This is the first and greatest commandment. [39] And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

** The ‘missed calling’ of young Samuel could be attributed to the lack of knowing Scripture and its application

1 Samuel 3:1 NIV

[1] The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions.

Amos 8:11-12 NIV

[11] “The days are coming,” declares the Sovereign Lord, “when I will send a famine through the land---not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord. [12] People will stagger from sea to sea and wander from north to east, searching for the word of the Lord, but they will not find it.

• This lack of God’s Word leads to lawless rebellion

• In contrast, we learn of the joy and glory possible from a lawful society <M130>

Exodus 32:25 NIV

[25] Moses saw that the people were running wild and that Aaron had let them get out of control and so become a laughingstock to their enemies.

Proverbs 28:14 NIV

[14] Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.

** Solomon sums it up this way: we need to keep in mind that nothing is certain in this life during times of prosperity and times of adversity; tomorrow is not guaranteed <F60>

Ecclesiastes 7:14 NIV

[14] When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.

James 4:13-15 NIV

** Times of blessing and adversity are both from God; when He gets our attention via adversity, ask Him what we are to learn from it and then rely on God alone to help

Ecclesiastes 7:14 NIV

[14] When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.

** Adversity and prosperity are divinely balanced against each other with unerring divine skill. In each, respectively, the due proportions are precisely weighed, so lovingly and wisely, that none should say, "It might have been better done!" Christian, I appeal to you: Could it have been better done? Are God's ways unjust? Have they been so to you?

God's ways are always just, His purposes are always wise and loving. How beautiful is His providence! How exquisite is His skill! Grace is poised against temptation; joys are balanced against sorrows. The lights and shadows of experience thus perfected, and perfecting each other.

• Were all prosperity: we would be lifted up in pride.

• Were all adversity: we would faint under the heavy load.

God's ways are just and equal--look back and see. Had times been pleasant with you, and experience been sweet? How surely they were followed by deadness in the soul! Your joy was gone, you knew not why. Ah! But God knew it. It was the adjusting of the scales, that nothing might be out of balance. Has life gone prosperously? Sooner or later, crosses came--some disappointment, something to bring you down, something or other, counter to your will. It was the adjusting of the scales. And just so with health, and other comforts--God keeps the scales perfectly balanced. <M138>

Ecclesiastes 7:14 NIV

[14] When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.

** God does not reveal to men all understanding

• Instead, God provides us with a limited intellect and limited amount of time so we can do our best in this life

• Remember: God is God and we are not!

• Stop trying to reason everything from God's perspective

• Figuring God’s perspective may be a fun exercise at times but ultimately futile because we won't be able to see it with complete understanding

Proverbs 25:2 NIV

[2] It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.

Proverbs 25:27 NIV

[27] It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep.

Proverbs 29:13 NIV

[13] The poor and the oppressor have this in common: The Lord gives sight to the eyes of both.

Proverbs 30:1-4 NIV

[1] The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh---an inspired utterance. This man's utterance to Ithiel: “I am weary, God, but I can prevail. [2] Surely I am only a brute, not a man; I do not have human understanding. [3] I have not learned wisdom, nor have I attained to the knowledge of the Holy One. [4] Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Whose hands have gathered up the wind? Who has wrapped up the waters in a cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is the name of his son? Surely you know!

Ecclesiastes 11:5 NIV

[5] As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.

** Science is NOT TRUTH, despite many believing it is and throwing the term “it’s science” around as though it has just proven their theory; on the contrary, science is the OBSERVATION of truth!

Think of what happens when people try to create their own science and ignore self-evident reality:

a) Think of GRAVITY as the reality all around us that existed before we got here and will exist long after we’re gone

b) A PARACHUTE (God’s Word) as the way to navigate your way through reality so you end up surviving

People can ignore gravity-reality but will suffer the consequences if they do; reality doesn’t change for us… we change for it <D40>

** Those who are wise desire godly counsel founded on the Word of God, while avoiding counsel from the fool

Proverbs 20:5 NIV

[5] The purposes of a person's heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.

Proverbs 18:4 NIV

[4] The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.

Hebrews 4:12 NIV

Proverbs 26:8-10 NIV

[8] Like tying a stone in a sling is the giving of honor to a fool. [9] Like a thornbush in a drunkard's hand is a proverb in the mouth of a fool. [10] Like an archer who wounds at random is one who hires a fool or any passer-by.

Psalm 111:10 NIV

[10] The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

** A guilty conscience imagines accusers everywhere, while a clear conscience produces a boldness to face everyone

Proverbs 28:1 NIV

[1] The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

Psalm 53:5 NIV

[5] But there they are, overwhelmed with dread, where there was nothing to dread. God scattered the bones of those who attacked you; you put them to shame, for God despised them.

** A genuine brother in the Lord will seek out accountability for himself and be willing to hold another brother in the Lord accountable; intellectual and theological discussion is joy for those with sharp minds

Proverbs 27:17 NIV

[17] As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

** Modern day society is being manipulated by subliminal messaging from media, including (but not limited to) movies, music, social media, tv and even utilizing our senses of taste and smell

• If we want to be free from worldly manipulation, we need to be aware of what is happening and unplug!

• Rather than filling your mind with what Satan desires you to think about, get into God’s Word to fill your mind with what honors God <C36>

Colossians 2:8 NIV

[8] See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.

Romans 12:2 NIV

[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 NIV

2 Timothy 2:25-26 NIV

[25] Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, [26] and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

** While alcohol is not condemned outright, being intoxicated is; it is therefore prudent to temper its consumption

• Those who are wise avoid being intoxicated by alcohol because it clouds judgment and induces brawling

• Rulers were not to drink so their judgment would not be clouded <M130>

• How much more should those who follow Christ carefully watch our intake so it doesn’t cloud our judgment?

• Satan is looking for any opportunity to establish a foothold in our lives to further his agenda

Proverbs 20:1 NIV

[1] Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler;

whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

Proverbs 23:20-21 NIV

[20] Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, [21] for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.

Proverbs 31:4-5 NIV

[4] It is not for kings, Lemuel---it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, [5] lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.

** Solomon outlined the resultant dangers of craving alcohol

Proverbs 23:29-35 NIV

[29] Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? [30] Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. [31] Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! [32] In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. [33] Your eyes will see strange sights, and your mind will imagine confusing things. [34] You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging. [35] “They hit me,” you will say, “but I'm not hurt! They beat me, but I don't feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?”

** Every person ever born, has God's imprint upon them because all humans were made in His image. Therefore, the truth God puts into each person comes in the form of our conscience which is knowing basic right and wrong. This basic knowledge has to either be suppressed by the individual or corrupted by that society in order to ignore this divine truth. <G70>

Reality:

• The bodies God gave us are sacred and should be treated with dignity and respect

• God formed each of us in His image and has a purpose for us

• Believers reflect God to the extent they live for Him <H85>

• As a Christian I am to help others see their God-given potential, not tell them I accept their sinful ways

Genesis 1:26 NIV

[26] Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

Psalm 139:13-16 NIV

[13] For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. [14] I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. [15] My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. [16] Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Zechariah 12:1b NIV

[1] The Lord, who stretches out the heavens, who lays the foundation of the earth, and who forms the human spirit within a person

** God made male and female and gave us unique qualities to exhibit

• For instance, as image-bearers of God, men are to exhibit tough discipline with an altruistic (loving) motive

• As it turns out, men are attacked in today’s society if this is attempted because society doesn’t want to be held accountable for anything

• Don’t buy into society’s label of ‘male toxicity’ because we are made in His image

• Men are to exhibit their God-given male character, as women are to exhibit the qualities given them

• Trouble is, society has corrupted and confused these God-given qualities, so we end up trying to survive in a dysfunctional society <D40>

Hebrews 12:5-6 NIV

Proverbs 3:11-12 NIV

[11] My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, [12] because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.

Proverbs 13:24 NIV

[24] Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.

Proverbs 19:18 NIV

[18] Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death.

Revelation 3:19 NIV

[19] Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.

Psalm 94:12 NIV

[12] Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord, the one you teach from your law

** How happy should we be who are loved by the Lord Jesus!

Especially when we consider on the one hand:

• Despicable

• Poor

• Worthless, and

• Unlovely

And on the other hand:

• Glorious

• Wealthy

• Worthy

• Lovely in JESUS

To be loved by Jesus, is to be preferred before the possession of a world!

Think of the:

• Glory of His person

• Vastness of His possessions

• Number of His angelic attendants

• Unlimited sovereignty He exercises, and

• Excellent character He bears

Also bear in mind that He knew what loving us would COST Him, how He would be treated by us and by others for our sakes! Yet He fixed His love upon US! He loved US just because He would!

He did not, could not, NEED us — for He was infinitely happy and glorious without us! Yet He loved us and He still loves us! <S183>

Romans 8:37 NIV

[37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

** The longer the Christian lives, the more he learns. And the more the Spirit teaches him, the more he loathes himself and renounces his own righteousness as filthy rags.

He hoped sensibly…

• to grow in holiness

• to feel his corruptions subdued, and

• to enjoy the presence of his God without interruption

But instead of this…

• he seemed to grow more like Satan

• his corruption appeared to get stronger and stronger, and

• the depravity of his nature appeared more and more dreadful!

He thinks himself to be a monster of iniquity, and wonders how God can possibly love him or show any favor unto him. How can such a man be just before God? Where is his righteousness to come from?

Jehovah answers, "His righteousness is from Me!" Jesus wrought it…

• the Father imputes it to us

• the gospel reveals it, and

• faith receives it, puts it on and pleads it before God

Precious Jesus! In You alone, I have righteousness and strength! <S183>

Isaiah 54:17 NIV

[17] no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord.

** John calls out those who call themselves Christian yet continue to live in sin without remorse

1. We lie and do not live in the truth if we live in darkness while claiming to have fellowship with Him

1 John 1:6 NIV

[6] If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.

2. We deceive ourselves and make God out to be a liar if we claim to be without sin

1 John 1:8 NIV

[8] If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

3. If we say we know Him and do not keep His commands then we lie

1 John 2:4 NIV

[4] Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person.

** A cheap veneer of silver over a common clay pot hiding its normalcy and fragility is like the deception spoken by evil people <M130>

Proverbs 26:23-26 NIV

[23] Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart. [24] Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbor deceit. [25] Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts. [26] Their malice may be concealed by deception, but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.

Proverbs 28:10 NIV

[10] Whoever leads the upright along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.

** Wise people seek understanding, which means they are willing to REASON through arguments; on the contrary, fools just want to quickly air their opinions

Proverbs 18:1-2 NIV

[1] An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends

and against all sound judgment starts quarrels. [2] Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.

Proverbs 18:13,15 NIV

[13] To answer before listening---that is folly and shame. [15] The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.

Proverbs 20:15 NIV

[15] Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.

Proverbs 25:15 NIV

[15] Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

Proverbs 26:17 NIV

[17] Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own.

** If we claim to follow Christ, we will desire to be a good witness for Him by having fellowship with one another asking Christ to purify us from all sin

1 John 1:5-7 NIV

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. [6] If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. [7] But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

** It is important believers recognize their sinful nature and ask God to help them from living a life of unabated sin

1 John 1:8-10 NIV

[8] If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. [9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. [10] If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

** There is often a physical reaction to feelings of love especially in the infancy stage, but then the love relationship matures as should our relationship with Christ

Song of Songs 2:5 NIV

[5] Strengthen me with raisins, refresh me with apples, for I am faint with love.

** Song chapter 7 is a beautiful intense picture of the love the bridegroom has for his bride, and a beautiful picture of how God sees us — with the love God has for His bride

Isaiah 62:5 NIV

[5] As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.

God does not see our sin but He sees His Son; we become pure and sinless in God’s eyes when we look to Him as our salvation <F60>

Romans 6:6-7 NIV

Colossians 2:10,13 NIV

[10] and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. [13] When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins

1 John 3:5 NIV

[5] But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin.

Hebrews 10:22 NIV

[22] let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

** The couple’s love is secure and unmovable, as is God’s love for us; there is nothing that can happen to make God love you less

Song of Songs 8:7 NIV

[7] Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one's house for love, it would be utterly scorned.

** Do we have an excitement to be with the Lord, anxiously waiting to seek His mercies in the morning?

Song of Songs 2:8-9 NIV

[8] Listen! My beloved! Look! Here he comes, leaping across the mountains, bounding over the hills. [9] My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Look! There he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows, peering through the lattice.

** God will make our alone time with Him the most important part of our day as we comprehend His love for us!

Song of Songs 2:14 NIV

[14] My dove in the clefts of the rock, in the hiding places on the mountainside, show me your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely.

Romans 8:38-39 NIV

[38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

** Our complete delight should be in the Lord; wine is a metaphor for joy

Our desire should also be drawn away from this world to Christ by our choice, not because we have to; when we draw near to God He will draw near to us

Song of Songs 1:4 NIV

[4] ...We rejoice and delight in you; we will praise your love more than wine...

Hebrews 10:22 NIV

James 4:8 NIV

[8] Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

** Taste the Lord and see that He is good

Song of Songs 2:3 NIV

[3] Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my beloved among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste.

Psalm 34:8 NIV

[8] Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

1 Peter 2:2-3 NIV

[2] Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, [3] now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

** Though this promise to “do good” was given by the Lord to Jacob, it was not confined to him but was intended for all his spiritual seed. This is what God speaks to US this morning. How gracious!

We do not know what this day may bring forth but we do know that our God, who superintends every event, will do us good. We may mistake as to what will be for our good, but He is infinite in wisdom and goodness and therefore cannot mistake.

We may look at afflictions, losses, and crosses, and cry out, "All these things are against me!" But read the history of David. What a train of troubles attended him! Hear his acknowledgment:

Psalm 119:71 NIV

[71] It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.

Your God will do you good — therefore He will try you, sift you, humble you, and prove you. He will give you needed bitter medicine, as well as food. He will consider nothing too expensive, or too painful if necessary for your soul's welfare.

• Look at your trials and say, "This also shall turn to my good!"

• Look on the past and acknowledge, "Surely goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life."

• Look to the future and rejoice, "The Lord will surely give me that which is good."

• Look in every direction, and say, "Surely the Lord will do me good; I will trust, and not be afraid." <S183>

Genesis 32:12 NIV

[12] But you have said, 'I will surely make you prosper [or do you good in KJV] and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted. '

** The bride doesn’t wait till morning but takes action to look for him; instead of letting fear or bad thoughts from the Enemy enter her mind, or even depend on the watchmen she passes, she takes it upon herself to URGENTLY seek after him

Song of Songs 3:3 NIV

[3] The watchmen found me as they made their rounds in the city. “Have you seen the one my heart loves?”

** The bride continued to express a love-sick longing for her groom that affected her emotionally, physically and mentally; she longed for him which led to her seeking after him with all her heart, soul, spirit, strength

As the bride of Christ, likewise, our longing for our groom Christ should prompt us to seek Him every moment of our lives; that which we long for is that which we will seek after <F60>

Song of Songs 3:1-2 NIV

[1] All night long on my bed, I looked for the one my heart loves; I looked for him but did not find him. [2] I will get up now and go about the city, through its streets and squares; I will search for the one my heart loves. So I looked for him but did not find him.

2 Timothy 4:7-8 [Paul’s final words to Timothy]

[7] I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. [8] Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day---and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Hebrews 11:6 NIV

[6] And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

** Turning to God when you’re at the bottom is easy, it’s obeying God when you’re on top of your game that’s hard; hence people's desire to follow false doctrine that makes life as a Christian easier <D40>

** The average church today has simply lost its way; instead of the church being like half-time in the locker room of a competitive game with the coach giving a pep talk to the players and altering strategy to help battle-wearied participants in the weekly battle, the church today is more like a resting place asking the players why they’re even in the game in the first place…? <D40>

** We learn so much when reading God's Word and allowing ourselves to remain under Divine instruction

Scripture helps us understand the:

• True nature of sin

• Vanity of the world

• Emptiness of creatures, and

• Fullness and preciousness of Christ <S183>

Psalm 27:11 NIV

[11] Teach me your way, Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.

Psalm 32:8 NIV

[8] I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

** Godless man tries to control every aspect of his life, including seeding the clouds to induce rain, rather than acknowledging our Creator and asking Him to provide rain when needed

Zechariah 10:1 NIV

[1] Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime;

it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone.

** Idols and diviners oppose God and lead people astray; God will punish the shepherd-leaders who are supposed to be protecting His flock

Let’s not forget the dumbed-down masses who refuse to invest in a faith and relationship with God, thus choosing to believe these errant leaders instead

Zechariah 10:2-3 NIV

[2] The idols speak deceitfully, diviners see visions that lie; they tell dreams that are false, they give comfort in vain. Therefore the people wander like sheep oppressed for lack of a shepherd. [3] “My anger burns against the shepherds, and I will punish the leaders; for the Lord Almighty will care for his flock, the people of Judah, and make them like a proud horse in battle.

** We may feel as if our life is a battlefield. We may be a prisoner in the ongoing war between good and evil. When we turn our life over to God, will he rescue us and keep us safe?

Five hundred years before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Zechariah foretold that Jesus would enter Jerusalem on a donkey. Jesus fulfilled part of these prophecies when he came the first time. He delivered us from death by shedding his own blood to seal our pardon.

Zechariah 9:9-10 NIV

[9] Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. [10] I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the warhorses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.

Matthew 21:1-4 NIV

[1] As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, [2] saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. [3] If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” [4] This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

When he comes again as he promised, he will bring peace on earth. For now, we can take refuge in Jesus. When the war is over and Jesus is crowned King of kings, he will repay all those who are his, two mercies for every woe suffered in the war! No matter how terrible the battles we face, we can turn our life over to God and have a sure hope for the future. <L126>

Zechariah 9:14-17 NIV

[14] Then the Lord will appear over them; his arrow will flash like lightning. The Sovereign Lord will sound the trumpet; he will march in the storms of the south, [15] and the Lord Almighty will shield them. They will destroy and overcome with slingstones. They will drink and roar as with wine; they will be full like a bowl used for sprinkling the corners of the altar. [16] The Lord their God will save his people on that day as a shepherd saves his flock. They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown. [17] How attractive and beautiful they will be! Grain will make the young men thrive, and new wine the young women.

** God placed the stars in place to serve as His signs to us

• Satan has co-opted these signs into a system call astrology to get man to follow his ways instead

• We are to worship the Creator and marvel at His works — looking for God’s story in the heavens — not worship the creation

Genesis 1:14 NIV

[14] And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years,

Job 9:7-9 NIV

[7] He speaks to the sun and it does not shine; he seals off the light of the stars. [8] He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea. [9] He is the Maker of the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and the constellations of the south.

** What are pastors supposed to be doing in light of Christ’s appearing? Preach the word! And 2/3 of the time those in his audience should be uncomfortable because God’s Word is to be used to correct and rebuke, not just encourage <C36>

2 Timothy 4:1-2 NIV

[1] In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: [2] Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage---with great patience and careful instruction.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV

[16] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, [17] so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 2:15 NIV

[15] Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

** Those who do not want to believe that God would punish people for sin because they believe ‘in a God of love’, do not believe in God of the Bible but only want to focus on one aspect — their own creation — of God

2 Timothy 4:3-4 NIV

Acts 28:25-27 NIV

[25] They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said through Isaiah the prophet: [26] “ 'Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” [27] For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.'

** Much is said about these stony-ground hearers of the Word which is attractive and hopeful.

Mark 4:5-6 NIV

[5] Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. [6] But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.

So what was the problem? Ah! the heart was wrong, and therefore everything was wrong!

1. The heart was UNBROKEN. The rock had never been penetrated at all, and the seed died soon on its hard and impervious surface.

I wonder whether the stubbornness and the stolidity of my heart have been shattered. Have I been melted…

• into practical concern of soul

• into the sense of spiritual neediness

• into godly sorrow

• into contrite prayer

There can be no new birth and no vital growth, until then!

2. And the heart was SHALLOW and superficial. It had no depth. Immediately beneath the thin layer of top-soil, was that rebellious and intractable adamant; the seed had not a sufficient resting-place and home.

This is the fatal fault of many. They do not stop to think about unseen, eternal, heavenly things. They do not take time to consider their own miserable state of soul, and the grace of Jesus Christ. They nod, and glance, and bustle by.

3. And the heart was DRY. It had none of the moistening, subduing, fructifying influences of the Holy Spirit. If the showers descend upon the rocky soil, there is no loam to retain them and to derive a benefit from them.

Just so, does everything depend on the Spirit's presence and work within me! Apart from His dews and gentle rains, I am helpless, hopeless, dead, damned. For until Almighty God renews me, until His waters quench and enliven my parched and thirsty being, until I receive the outpouring of the grace of God — I have no spiritual life. <S182>

Ezekiel 36:26 NIV

[26] I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

** Today we hear a lot about self-manifestation where WE can “think things into reality”

• This is a direct attempt to oppose God who DID create everything into existence… a tactic as old as time!

Genesis 3:4-5 NIV

[4] “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. [5] “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

• Manifestation teaches that instead of relying on God, people are taught to rely on themselves. Who are we going to trust, the created (us) or Creator (God)?

Psalm 139:13 NIV

[13] For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.

Colossians 3:1-2 NIV

[1] Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [2] Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

** Pride is the quintessential human sin—we think we can be our own gods (Genesis 3:5) and do whatever is right in our own eyes (Judges 21:25). It doesn’t matter what our Creator—who designed us, knows what’s best for us, loves us, and died for us—says. To the proud heart, what matters is simply what we want—what sinful, fallible human beings who don’t know everything, are in rebellion against God, and have depraved minds and desires— want.

Pride always leads to more sin as we arrogantly think more of ourselves and less of God and his revealed Word. It’s really people shaking their fist at God to declare they are autonomous and can do whatever they want. <H82>

Genesis 3:4-5 NIV

[4] “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. [5] “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

Judges 21:25 NIV

[25] In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.

** I shall be very foolish if I underestimate my foes. There are many of them, but they serve under a trinity of wicked captains.

"If any man loves the WORLD," writes John, "the love of the Father is not in him." The world is my sworn and unrelenting enemy; an enemy all the more dangerous because it professes to be something so different — the best of comrades and the truest of friends.

I must take my part, and that with diligence, in the world's business. Yet what a risk there is, that it should absorb my thoughts morning and night! Then I shall become selfish and earthly and unspiritual.

I must make acquaintance with the world's literature, and much of it is beautiful and good. But I am prone to give it undue attention, and to forget the divine library which God's finger has penned.

I must mingle among the world's citizens, and many of them are love-worthy and full of charm. Yet, when I prize them overmuch, they separate me from Father and Son and Holy Spirit.

Under its kindly face, the world is a hostile power! <S182>

Jude 1:24-25 NIV

[24] To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy--- [25] to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

** If one believes something is there within a particular portion of God’s Word when it’s really not, then it’s no big deal to claim something is not there when it really is! It’s the same reckless mishandling of the Bible either way. Neither decision submits one’s will to God since both choices engage in an intentional remodeling of His divine truth.

And both choices are guilty of dismissing the greater body of God’s Word in favor of an “easy believe-ism” which justifies one’s right to rank the importance of Scripture. It all tends to lead to mindless chant-like slogans like “It’s all about Jesus” that sound true on the surface but which overlook the proper regard and handling of the entire Word of God (2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16).

Let me make one thing clear about the gospel message. While I believe the greater picture of the Scriptures point to Jesus and His redemptive plan, the granular approach may not tell that same story every time. The gospel message is not always inherent in each verse or even in some passages of Scripture.

One is therefore required to take in the complete counsel of God’s Word, and that includes all of the prophetic Scriptures. In Rev. 19:10 it says, “For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” The bottom line is that prophecy is designed to reveal the full person and divinity of our Lord Jesus, and as such, we should not discount it. We miss something important if we do. <S199>

2 Timothy 2:15 NIV

[15] Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

2 Timothy 3:16 NIV

[16] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness

** Woe to those who are complacent, thinking that God is not involved in our lives or will respond based on how we conduct ourselves

Zephaniah 1:12-13 NIV

[12] At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish those who are complacent, who are like wine left on its dregs, who think, 'The Lord will do nothing, either good or bad.' [13] Their wealth will be plundered, their houses demolished. Though they build houses, they will not live in them; though they plant vineyards, they will not drink the wine.”

** What a contrast between Jehovah and man! The Psalmist turns from the glorious all-sufficiency of God to the insignificance and nothingness of man. He sees Jehovah to be everything and then cries, "O LORD, what is man!" What is puny man in the presence of the Infinite God? What can man be compared to?

Certainly man is not fit to be the rock of our confidence, for he is too feeble and too fickle to be relied upon. The Psalmist's wonder is that God should stoop to know him, and indeed it is more remarkable than if the greatest archangel should make a study of worms or become the friend of mites.

“Lord, what are human beings that you care for them?" That God should make man the:

• Subject of eternal election

• Object of redemption

• Child of eternal love

• Darling of providence

• Next of kin to Deity — is indeed unfathomable! <S185>

Psalm 144:3-4 NIV

[3] Lord, what are human beings that you care for them, mere mortals that you think of them? [4] They are like a breath; their days are like a fleeting shadow.

Isaiah 40:6-8 NIV

[6] A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?” “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. [7] The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. [8] The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever. ”

Job 38:1-4 NIV

** God does not force anyone to do anything; He can make things uncomfortable while He shows what is right/wrong and try to reason with us, but not apply force

Jonah 4:9-11 NIV

[9] But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” “It is,” he said. “And I'm so angry I wish I were dead.” [10] But the Lord said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. [11] And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left---and also many animals?”

** To think that we can invoke the name of Jesus simply to fulfill our own passions, is to cheapen and abuse the grace of God <C397>

James 4:3 NIV

[3] When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

** God values and takes pleasure in the heart of man, not the surface valuations common to worldly thinking

Psalm 147:10-11 NIV

[10] His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; [11] the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.

** We live in stirring days, when deeds are everything — when closet work is often neglected for active business, and little time is given to meditation. Yet, with more thought and prayer, wholesome activity would be greater in the end and all our actions more successful.

Time is not lost, which is spent in meditation — in searching wisdom's ways, and seeking out profound realities. There is one who often meditates and yet accomplishes much. There is another who hastens and yet does little. None works so heartily, nor reaps so fully as he whose wits are sharpened by prayer and meditation.

Reading either Scripture or Christian books, apart from meditation, does little good. It is much the same as not digesting what you eat which only starves the soul. How many read the Bible thus!

You say, "I am quite unused to meditating. How shall I begin?" Deal gently with yourself at first. Select your subject — some passage from the Word. Then fix the time you choose to give; say, five minutes at a time. Begin, and think aloud. This makes it easier, and saves the mind from distracted thoughts, the hardest task of all. The sound of your own voice will help you; it is like speaking to a friend. And what is meditation, but communing with self, that self may be a constant hearer.

But, more than all, make it a time of prayer and communing with God. This helps the matter greatly. Take the words of Scripture, and ask Jesus what they mean. In doing this, the mind is exercised. A glow of thought attends the effort. You honor Jesus; and He will honor you, by pouring out a largeness of capacity, a quicker mind. The interchange of thought between you and Jesus goes on apace, and you are surprised to find how long the exercise has lasted.

Meditation grows, the more it is exercised. It…

• feeds the soul,

• expands the mind,

• increases thought, and,

• best of all, it brings you into fellowship with Jesus. This is the very life and soul of meditation. <M138>

Ecclesiastes 7:25 NIV

[25] So I turned my mind to understand, to investigate and to search out wisdom and the scheme of things and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the madness of folly.

Joshua 1:8 NIV

[8] Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Psalm 143:5 NIV

[5] I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.

Psalm 119:148 NIV

[148] My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises

** Satan has 2 plans regarding the Jewish people:

a) get them to stop worshiping and calling on the name of the Lord <M135>

b) get the world to hate the Jews and apply pressure so they will stop looking to God

** God will pity impotency, but He will punish obstinacy.

• Lord, I see but enlighten my darkness!

• Lord, I hear but cure my deafness!

• Lord, I move but quicken my dullness!

• Lord, I desire but help my unwillingness!

It would be folly, indeed, to think that:

• our fields have no grain in them because there is some chaff around the wheat

• or that the ore had no gold in it because there is some dross mixed among it.

• In Heaven, there is service alone without any sin

• In Hell, there is sin alone without service

• But on earth, there is sin and service in the same man as there is light and shade in the same picture.

• Above us, there is light without any darkness

• Below us, there is darkness without any light

• But in this world, it is neither all day nor all night.

Though the lowest believer is above the power of sin, yet the highest believer is not above the presence of sin! <S180>

Mark 9:21-24 NIV

[21] Jesus asked the boy's father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. [22] “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” [23] “ 'If you can'?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” [24] Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

** Loving God’s gifts more than God is idolatry and brings misery to our lives

• The plant and worm were an object lesson that God will provide and sometimes takes away

• Jonah's great happiness over the plant returned to misery when the plant died

• Does removal of God’s gifts make us angry?

• Do we get upset when life is not comfortable?

• When we compare our lives with Jonah, do we follow the same pattern where we are thankful for God's gifts (more than God Himself) and then are miserable if they are removed? <C31>

Jonah 4:5-9 NIV

** False prophets did not want to prophesy about anything deemed negative by the public, such as God’s wrath, because that didn’t satisfy their tickling ears

Micah 2:6,11 NIV

[6] “Do not prophesy,” their prophets say. “Do not prophesy about these things; disgrace will not overtake us. ” [11] If a liar and deceiver comes and says, 'I will prophesy for you plenty of wine and beer,' that would be just the prophet for this people!

** Micah chapter 3 is a reflection on the state of the church today; we are witnesses to pastors who care more about being popular and woke instead of knowing and speaking the truth of God’s Word and encouraging their followers to do the same <K110> (Jan 2022)

Micah 3:1-4 NIV [government leaders]

[1] Then I said, “Listen, you leaders of Jacob, you rulers of Israel. Should you not embrace justice, [2] you who hate good and love evil; who tear the skin from my people and the flesh from their bones; [3] who eat my people's flesh, strip off their skin and break their bones in pieces; who chop them up like meat for the pan, like flesh for the pot? ” [4] Then they will cry out to the Lord, but he will not answer them. At that time he will hide his face from them because of the evil they have done.

Micah 3:5-7 NIV [church leaders]

[5] This is what the Lord says: “As for the prophets who lead my people astray, they proclaim 'peace' if they have something to eat, but prepare to wage war against anyone who refuses to feed them. [6] Therefore night will come over you, without visions, and darkness, without divination. The sun will set for the prophets, and the day will go dark for them. [7] The seers will be ashamed and the diviners disgraced. They will all cover their faces because there is no answer from God. ”

** The history of philosophy is the history of fools! All the sets of philosophers that have lived have been more successful in contradicting those who came before them, than in anything else.

Within a few years the present theories will be cut in pieces by some new dreamers. The reigning philosophers of the present period have in them so much of the spirit of insaneness that they will be a perpetual subject of contempt.

I venture to prophesy that before my head shall lie in the grave, there will hardly be a notable man left who will not have washed his hands of the present theory. That which is taught today for a certainty by 'our sages' will soon have been so disproved as to be trodden down as the mire in the streets.

I am no prophet, nor the son of a prophet; but as I have lived to see marvelous changes in the dogmas of philosophy, I expect to see still more. See how they have shifted already.

According to modern thinkers, what is true on Monday may be false on Tuesday. And what is certain on Wednesday may be our duty to doubt on a Thursday and so on, world without end.

The Lord's truth lives and reigns, but man's inventions are but for an hour!

The smallest promise of God is worth more than all that ever has been taught, or ever shall be taught, by skeptical philosophers! Let God be true but every man a liar. God is true and on His Word we build our confidence. <S185>

Romans 1:22 NIV

[22] Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools

Psalm 19:7-9 NIV

Psalm 119:160 NIV

[160] All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.

John 17:17 NIV

[17] Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

** Followers of Christ need to be close to Him in order to know what pleases Him and know His will and direction; knowing God's will starts with loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength <C31>

Mark 12:30 NIV

[30] Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

HEART = deepest part of who we are

• Seek fulfillment for your life and your being in God alone

• Do you trust God to lead you in what is right and best for you?

Psalm 37:4 NIV

[4] Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

SOUL = emotional and feeling side of us

• Distinguish between my will and God's will so we are not fooled by our emotion

• God's sheep know His voice and follow Him

Jeremiah 17:9 NIV

[9] The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

MIND = mental capabilities God gives us to make good decisions

• Ask God to help change your thinking so you will follow Him and know what He wants you to do

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

[5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

STRENGTH = ability to put into practice what is right

• We know what is right by following Scripture

• We can know enough about our next step — not too far into future — via our relationship with God and His word

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV

[16] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, [17] so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

** The end times will be marked by a fake church that denounces the Bible more and more; we already see pastors narrowly selecting passages from the Bible their audience wants to hear rather than focusing on the WHOLE council of God — we need to understand eschatology and focus on the salvation gospel, not just a ‘green social gospel’ that fits with the world’s agenda

2 Timothy 3:1,5 NIV

[1] But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. [5] having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

** One of the principle things which distinguishes a regenerate person from an unregenerate one, may be likened unto two filthy rooms: In one room, the blinds are raised and the sunlight streams in, exposing the filth all around. In the other room, the blinds are lowered, and one walking through the room would be unable to discern its real condition.

Thus it is in the case of one who has been renewed by the Spirit: his eyes have been opened to see the awful filth which lurks in every corner of his heart. But in the case of the unregenerate, though they have occasional twinges of conscience when they act wrongfully, they are very largely ignorant of the awful fact that they are a complete mass of corruption in the pure eyes of the thrice holy God. <P161>

•’Abraham acknowledged, "I am dust and ashes!" Genesis 18:27

• Job said of himself, "I am vile!" Job 40:4

• David admitted, "I am a worm!" Psalm 22:6

• Isaiah confessed, "Woe is me! I am ruined!" Isaiah 6:5

• Peter affirmed, "I am a sinful man, O Lord!" Luke 5:8

• Paul considered himself, "The chief of sinners!" 1 Timothy 1:15

John 16:8 NIV

[8] When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment

** God takes note of the discontentment of our hearts as well as the murmuring of our lips. Not only is DISCONTENTMENT a grievous sin against God, but it unfits the Christian for the discharge of holy duties, preventing the exercise of those graces which are necessary in order thereunto.

• It silences the lips of supplication, for how can a murmurer pray?

• It destroys the spirit of submission, for complaining is a fretting against the Lord.

• It quenches faith, hope and love.

• Discontent is the very essence of ingratitude, and therefore it stifles the voice of thanksgiving.

• There cannot be any rest of soul, until we quietly resign our persons and portions to God's good pleasure.

• Discontent corrodes the strings of the heart, and therefore it arrests all growth in grace.

Discontentment is usually over temporal matters, and this is a sad intimation that material things are sought after more eagerly than are spiritual things. It argues for a lack of confidence in the care of our heavenly Father to provide for us the things which are needed. <P161>

Hebrews 13:5 NIV

[5] Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Numbers 14:27 NIV

[27] “How long will this wicked community grumble against me? I have heard the complaints of these grumbling Israelites.

Philippians 2:14 NIV

[14] Do everything without grumbling or arguing

** We have separated emotion from truth, and then made emotion a truth unto itself; so now there’s no need for factual evidence because if I ‘feel hurt’ then I have been hurt and don’t need any evidence to back up this claim <D40>

** Believers in Christ cannot simply read His Word without listening to what the Holy Spirit has to say about what they are reading; discernment comes from the Lord, not the act of reading!

• The word for ‘makes judgment’ is anakrino, which is used 10 times in 1 Corinthians

• It means to examine, scrutinize and investigate

• The Holy Spirit confirms and communicates to us the very mind of Christ <R1795>

• We can know God’s will when following the Spirit’s guidance

1 Corinthians 2:14-15 NIV

[14] The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. [15] The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments,

Hosea 14:9 NIV

[9] Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.

** Even though Jonah was furious, he still prayed to God and admitted he did not understand; Jonah recognized his need to realign with God and be honest with God in prayer <C31>

Jonah 4:1-2 NIV

[1] But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. [2] He prayed to the Lord, “Isn't this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.

** Make sure you go to God and be honest with your thoughts and feelings; God is not surprised where we are at, for He knows what we are already thinking

In Jonah’s case, God provided an object lesson to illustrate His perspective and asked Jonah if he is really justified in blaming God…?

The Bible provides an added way for today’s believers to understand His ways, so allow Him to walk with you through your struggles and help you understand His ways that outline how best for you to continue <C31>

Jonah 4:5-11 NIV

[5] Jonah had gone out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city. [6] Then the Lord God provided a leafy plant and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the plant. [7] But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the plant so that it withered. [8] When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah's head so that he grew faint. He wanted to die, and said, “It would be better for me to die than to live.” [9] But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” “It is,” he said. “And I'm so angry I wish I were dead.” [10] But the Lord said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. [11] And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left---and also many animals?”

** Most people want to ignore the existence of God — they are content to ignore a) how we got here, b) what forces influence our daily lives and c) where we are going!

All these questions are answered in God’s word, if people would only study it and consider this as God communicating to His creation; the perfect ‘Operations Manual’, so to speak

** Israel worshiped many gods, including Molech, starting in the wilderness and continuing with Solomon and descendants until Josiah <M130>

Much like the Israelites in the desert, our nation today is guilty of worshiping many gods besides the One True God — including that of sacrificing children in abortion and condoning lustful practices

Amos 5:25-26 NIV

[25] “Did you bring me sacrifices and offerings forty years in the wilderness, people of Israel? [26] You have lifted up the shrine of your king, the pedestal of your idols, the star of your god---which you made for yourselves.

2 Kings 17:16-17 NIV

[16] They forsook all the commands of the Lord their God and made for themselves two idols cast in the shape of calves, and an Asherah pole. They bowed down to all the starry hosts, and they worshiped Baal. [17] They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire. They practiced divination and sought omens and sold themselves to do evil in the eyes of the Lord, arousing his anger.

1 Kings 11:7 NIV

[7] On a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the detestable god of Moab, and for Molek the detestable god of the Ammonites.

2 Kings 23:14-15 NIV

[14] Josiah smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles and covered the sites with human bones. [15] Even the altar at Bethel, the high place made by Jeroboam son of Nebat, who had caused Israel to sin---even that altar and high place he demolished. He burned the high place and ground it to powder, and burned the Asherah pole also.

** Why would Satan reveal what he plans to do before he starts implementing it? Because Satan copies God, and GOD does nothing without first revealing it to the prophets

Amos 3:7 NIV

[7] Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.

** The doctrine which is according to godliness at once defines the nature of Divine doctrine, intimating that its design or end is to inculcate a right temper of mind and deportment of life — it is pure and purifying. It is very much more than a series of intellectual truths intended for the instructing of our brains.

The objects which are revealed in Scripture are not bare abstractions which are to be accepted as true, nor even sublime and lofty concepts to be admired — they are to have a powerful effect upon our daily walk. There is no doctrine revealed in Scripture for a merely speculative knowledge, but all is to exert a powerful influence upon conduct. God's design in all that He has revealed to us, is to the purifying of our affections and the transforming of our characters.

It is absurd to conclude that if my creed is sound, then it matters little how I live. Thus it is possible to deny the Faith by conduct as well as by words. A neglect of performing our duty is as real a repudiation of the Truth, as is an open renunciation of it!

The doctrine of grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and to live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world (Titus 2:11, 12). By far the greater part of the doctrine taught by Christ consisted not of the explication of mysteries but rather that which corrected men's lusts and reformed their lives. Everything in Scripture has in view the promotion of holiness. <P161>

1 Timothy 6:3 NIV

[3] If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching,

Titus 1:1 NIV

[1] Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness

Titus 2:11-12 NIV

[11] For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. [12] It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age

** The Scriptures abound with exhortations to, "Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come" (Ecc 12:1). Bear in mind that, since He is your Maker, He is therefore your rightful Lord and Owner — so conduct toward Him as such, rendering unto Him the homage and honor that are His due.

Meditate much upon His glorious perfections; call Him to mind constantly while your heart is yet impressionable, and habits for good or evil are being formed for life; and thereby you will be fortified against the temptations of youth. All of man's wickedness and misery comes through forgetting God, hence the warning, "Beware that you forget not the LORD your God!" (Deut 8:11). <P161>

Psalm 119:16 NIV

[16] I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.

Ecclesiastes 12:1 NIV

[1] Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them”

Deuteronomy 8:11 NIV

[11] Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day.

** The remembrance of God’s mercies, like the harvest of a crop, should make us submissive to the will of God when we meet with displeasures later in life <H83>

Amos 7:1 NIV

[1] This is what the Sovereign Lord showed me: He was preparing swarms of locusts after the king's share had been harvested and just as the late crops were coming up.

** Believers in God were not to become complacent in their devotion to Him; likewise those who are saved through Christ in today’s Church are to continue working out their salvation

Amos 6:1 NIV

[1] Woe to you who are complacent in Zion,

and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria, you notable men of the foremost nation, to whom the people of Israel come!

Philippians 2:12 NIV

[12] Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed---not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence---continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling

** Paul provides a beautiful image of believers coming together with a common goal of ‘building a structure’ where God can reside and interact with its residents

Ephesians 2:19-22 NIV

** There is a cost to the believer’s complacency, living life without regard to God and placing Him low on the priority list

Amos 6:1,3-7 NIV

[1] Woe to you who are complacent in Zion,

and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria, you notable men of the foremost nation, to whom the people of Israel come! [3] You put off the day of disaster and bring near a reign of terror. [4] You lie on beds adorned with ivory and lounge on your couches. You dine on choice lambs and fattened calves. [5] You strum away on your harps like David and improvise on musical instruments. [6] You drink wine by the bowlful and use the finest lotions, but you do not grieve over the ruin of Joseph. [7] Therefore you will be among the first to go into exile; your feasting and lounging will end.

** There are, in this book of Revelation, not only glimpses of Heaven and of the happiness of the redeemed but dreadful views of the punishments of Hell.

Revelation 16:9-11 NIV

[9] They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him. [10] The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in agony [11] and cursed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, but they refused to repent of what they had done.

Revelation 21:8 NIV

[8] But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars---they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”

It must be a painful thought to the people of God, that so many of their fellow-creatures are everlastingly banished from the presence of the Lord, and that so many others are following on in the broad road that leads to eternal destruction! Perhaps among both the former and the latter, are some dear to us by the ties of kindred or friendship. Truly, this is a most painful thought to us in this present world, but it will not be so in Heaven. For we shall have such a sense of the justice of God in the punishment of the wicked, that we shall acquiesce in their sentence of condemnation, and say, "Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and just are your judgments.”

Oh, my soul, what can I render to my Savior who has delivered my soul from the nethermost Hell? Surely, but for His blood shed for me, I could never have had an entrance into His everlasting kingdom! Let me, then, first learn a lesson of deep humility, of ceasing from vain-glory, and thoughts of my own worthiness. Let me say, "O to grace how great a debtor!"

Then let me learn a lesson of submission to the righteous will of God in His dealings with mankind. What I do not know now, I shall know hereafter; and then shall I be constrained to say, "Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and just are your judgments." <S191>

Revelation 16:5-7 NIV

[5] Then I heard the angel in charge of the waters say: “You are just in these judgments, O Holy One, you who are and who were; [6] for they have shed the blood of your holy people and your prophets, and you have given them blood to drink as they deserve.” [7] And I heard the altar respond: “Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and just are your judgments.”

** The Bible consists of a series of letters from the Heavenly Father to His dear children. Then let us cherish them as such and act accordingly. A few verses that are thoughtfully and prayerfully pondered will advantage us far more than two or three whole chapters merely skimmed through.

That against which we are protesting is the God-dishonoring idea that His Word is merely a piece of literature, which may be "mastered" by a course of "study." We would warn against an undue occupation with the technical aspects of the Bible. God's blessed Word is not for dissection by the knife of cold intellectuality. It is not given for us to display our cleverness and "brilliance" upon, but to be bowed before in true humility. It is not designed for mental entertainment but for the regulation of our daily lives!

Our motive when approaching the Word should be to seek that which will subdue pride and bring us as supplicants to the footstool of Mercy — not to acquire that which will puff us up in our own conceit. Of what value is a knowledge of the original Hebrew and Greek or a thorough acquaintance with the history, geography, and chronology of the Bible if the heart is left cold and hard toward its Author?

I seriously doubt if God has called or requires us merely to 'study' His Word. What we need to do is FEED thereon. How much nourishment would your body derive from a study of the chemical properties of foods or from seeking to ascertain the various sorts of soil in which they are grown or the meaning of their Latin names? None whatever! I am persuaded that much of the modern 'study of the Bible' is equally profitless spiritually!

By all means, "search the Scriptures daily"; slowly ponder each word in every verse. Pray constantly for the guidance and illumination of the Spirit that He may open to you its Divine mysteries. Above all, beg God to write His Word more legibly and fully upon the tablets of your heart that you may put the precepts into practice.

God's Word is the only nutritive food for the soul! This is why the Holy Scriptures are given to us — that we may grow in love and reverence for them and be more and more regulated by them. It is only by feeding on this Heavenly Manna that strength is obtained…

• for our pilgrim walk

• for our warfare with sin and Satan

• for our service unto God and our fellows <P161>

1 Peter 2:2 NIV

[2] Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,

Acts 17:11 NIV

[11] Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

1 Timothy 4:6 NIV

[6] If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.

** Satan loves nothing better than when well-intentioned Christians voluntarily draw up their own circular firing squad and start shooting blindly at each other.

Aside from the schemes of the devil in his efforts to derail the believer, there are some internal cautions with our prophetic burden (if I can put it that way). In contrast to the weight of the burden of knowing and warning of those things to come, are the callouses we develop in handling this prophetic knowledge.

We have all the verses bookmarked, the order of events committed to memory, and our talking points so well-rehearsed that we sometimes lose sight of just how horrific things will actually become. Put another way, even for those of us who teach and expound upon Bible prophecy so many times that the sheer horror of what’s to come for those left behind, sometimes gets lost in the repeated telling. <G70>

** Why is it that, today, the masses are so utterly unconcerned about spiritual and eternal things, and that they are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God? Why is it that defiance of God is becoming more open, more blatant, more daring? The answer is, because there is no fear of God before their eyes!

Romans 3:11-12,18 NIV

[11] there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. [12] All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” [18] “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

Again, why is it that the authority of the Scriptures has been lowered so sadly of late? Why is it that even among those who profess to be the Lord's people, that there is so little real subjection to His Word, and that its precepts are so lightly esteemed and so readily set aside?

Ah! what needs to be stressed today, is that God is a God to be feared! Happy is the person who has been awed by a view of God's majesty, who has had a vision of

• God's unutterable greatness,

• His ineffable holiness,

• His perfect righteousness,

• His irresistible power,

• His sovereign grace!

Time was, when it was the general custom to speak of a believer as "a God-fearing man". That such an appellation has become extinct, only serves to show where we have drifted. Nevertheless, it still stands written:

Psalm 103:13 NIV

[13] As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who FEAR him

When we speak of godly fear, of course, we do not mean a servile fear, such as prevails among the heathen in connection with their gods. No! We mean that spirit which Jehovah is pledged to bless, that spirit to which the prophet referred when he said:

Isaiah 66:2 NIV

[2] Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the Lord. “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.

Nothing will foster this godly fear, like a recognition of the sovereign majesty of God! <P161>

Luke 12:4-5 NIV

[4] “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. [5] But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.

Hebrews 12:29 NIV

[29] for our “God is a consuming fire.”

Hebrews 10:31 NIV

[31] It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

** God utters strong language against religious activity solely based on ritual, where people ‘act out’ their religion but their heart is not tuned to God

Amos 5:21-23 NIV

[21] “I hate, I despise your religious festivals; your assemblies are a stench to me. [22] Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. [23] Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps.

** The world — that is, the world dead in sin and the world dead in profession, men destitute of the life and power of God — must have something that it can see. And, as heavenly things can only be seen by heavenly eyes, they cannot receive the things which are invisible.

Now this explains why a religion that presents itself with a degree of beauty and grandeur to the natural eye, will always be received by the world; while a spiritual, internal, heartfelt, and experimental religion will always be rejected.

The world can receive a religion that consists of forms, rites, and ceremonies. These are things seen. Beautiful buildings, painted windows, appealing organs, melodious choirs, the pomp and parade of an earthly priesthood, and a whole apparatus of 'religious ceremony'

carry with them something that the natural eye can see and admire. The world receives all this 'external religion' because it is suitable to the natural mind and intelligible to their reasoning faculties.

But the quiet, inward, experimental, divine religion, which presents no attractions to the outward eye but is wrought in the heart by a divine operation — the world cannot receive this because it presents nothing that the natural eye can rest upon with pleasure or is adapted to gratify their general idea of what religion is or should be.

Do not marvel then, that worldly professors despise a religion wrought in the soul by the power of God. Do not be surprised if even your own relatives think you are almost insane, when you speak of the consolations of the Spirit, or of the teachings of God in your soul. They cannot receive these things, for they have no experience of them; and being such as are altogether opposed to the carnal mind, they reject them with enmity and scorn. <P165>

John 14:17 NIV

[17] the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

** Just because life is getting difficult, we are not to shrink back but rather continue in our work for the Lord in order to see Him accomplish amazing things — including people being saved — under the banner of Christ! <K114>

Daniel 11:32 NIV

[32] With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him.

** It is of first importance that we learn to draw a sharp distinction between Divine punishment and Divine chastisement. The distinction is very simple, yet is it often lost sight of.

God's people can never by any possibility be punished for their sins, for God has already punished them at the Cross. The Lord Jesus, our Blessed Substitute, suffered the full penalty of all our guilt; hence it is written "The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin." Neither the justice nor the love of God, will permit Him to again exact payment of what Christ discharged to the full.

Romans 8:3 NIV

[3] For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh

While the believer's sins cannot be punished, yet he may be chastised. The Christian occupies an entirely different position from the non-Christian; he is a member of the Family of God. The relationship which now exists between him and God is that of parent and child; and as a son he must be disciplined for wrongdoing. Folly is bound in the hearts of all God's children, and the rod is necessary to rebuke, to subdue, to humble.

When the believer is smarting under the rod let him not say, "God is now punishing me for my sins!" That can never be! That is most dishonoring to the blood of Christ. God is correcting you in love — not smiting in wrath!

Some of the saintliest of God's people, some of the most obedient of His children have been, and are the greatest sufferers.

Oftentimes, God's chastenings are CORRECTIVE. They are sent to empty us of self-sufficiency and self-righteousness. They are given to discover to us hidden transgressions, and to teach us the plague of our own hearts.

Or again, chastisements are sent to STRENGTHEN our faith, to raise us to higher levels of experience, to bring us into a condition of usefulness.

Still again, Divine chastisement is sent as a PREVENTATIVE, to keep under pride, to save us from being unduly elated over success in God's service.

Remember, your afflictions are among the "all things" which work together for good. Learn, then, to look upon trials as proofs of God's love — purging, pruning, and purifying you. <P161>

Hebrews 12:6 NIV

[6] because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”

Hebrews 12:10 NIV

[10] They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.

** Some of the days of my life will be days of discipline--of the pruning knife and the cleansing fire. But when He is with me, the discipline is a blessing, and not a curse.

Many of the days, too, will be days of monotony. They must be spent in little things--household labors, common concerns, unnoticed toil. I may long for a more striking and interesting experience. But when He is with me, I know that He makes my life like His own--the blessed life He lived among carpenters' tools, and village streets, and peasant people. The drudgery is a love-message--it is Jesus Christ in disguise!

Every day will be a day of temptation. In the home, in the business, in company, in loneliness--I shall encounter the devil's subtle snares. But let my Lord be with me, and temptation will but reveal the closeness and blessedness of the tie. It will be an instrument which He uses to impart more maturity to my graces--more courage, more patience, more trust.

Perhaps one of the days will be the day of death. But if He does not leave or forsake me, then death will be an ingredient in the training that fits me for the glorious inheritance! As John Bunyan pictures it--I must cross the 'River of Death' to reach the 'Celestial City'. Jesus did it Himself, and the disciple is not above the Master. His Everlasting Arms will sustain me in the flood; and, on the other side, I shall enter the 'Beautiful Gate' and see His face!

ALL the days He is with me--to the end, and through the end, and beyond the end forever and ever! Whether I live, therefore, or whether I die--I am His and He is mine! <S182>

Psalm 139:16b NIV

[16] ...All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Matthew 28:20b NIV

[20] ...And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

** As believers, our understanding of God is limited and often in-line with our daily existence; Daniel witnessed the power of God that undoubtedly challenged His perception of God

Daniel 10:5-6 NIV

[5] I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. [6] His body was like topaz, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude.

Daniel 10:7-8 NIV

[7] I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision; those who were with me did not see it, but such terror overwhelmed them that they fled and hid themselves. [8] So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision; I had no strength left, my face turned deathly pale and I was helpless.

** Those who currently think they have the upper hand proudly ‘lift their heads’, but God will have His way and destroy them eventually

Psalm 140:9-11 NIV

[9] Those who surround me proudly rear their heads; may the mischief of their lips engulf them. [10] May burning coals fall on them; may they be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, never to rise. [11] May slanderers not be established in the land; may disaster hunt down the violent.

** God gave us the miracle of life in a perfectly balanced world <C31> (Nov 2016)

• We breathe air which is made up of 4 gasses, including oxygen (21%) and carbon dioxide (0.03%)

• We exhale carbon after breathing in oxygen; plants are opposite where they take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen

• Any more than this percentage of oxygen and we would have too many fires, less of this percentage then we would have trouble breathing

• We need carbon for life in oceans

• A shift either way and we wouldn't be able to sustain life

• There is a litany of these complex systems, including in our body, that does not support random creation but design

• The greatest miracle is life itself

• David broke into praise from awe of God's love

• David knew in his soul, he owed his life to God, for he would not be around to praise God if God did not give life in the first place!

• We cannot bring anything to life but God can, which reflects what happened in Genesis

Psalm 139:14 NIV

[14] I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

• Picture Adam, formed by God like a statue, taking his first breath

• God does the same with forming persons in the womb

• We should praise God as the Creator of Life

Genesis 2:7 NIV

[7] Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.

** Notice how God values life before birth which shows each person is as important in the womb as out of the womb — God can see what man cannot see <C31> (Nov 2016)

Psalm 139:13-15 NIV

[13] For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. [14] I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. [15] My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

• The human body cannot be the result of chance, but designed and put together with purpose!

• God carefully created in fine detail every person (vs 13, 15) even before we began to grow in the womb

• The description in Ps 139 reflects the work of an artisan, not haphazard but specific for every person

• Our medical community has limited knowledge but God has unlimited knowledge since He is the Designer-Creator!

** If we want to follow God then we should do the following...

ENJOY GOD'S LOVE

• David was overwhelmed by God's creative touch, such as the number of thoughts of God, His knitting him together in the depths of the earth, being with us wherever we go in this world, etc

• Meditating on God's purposes encouraged David love; God working in every person's life should leave us in awe and motivate our love

• David praised God for His amazing consistent love

• Glimpses of God's love should leave us in awe

• There is always more to God which should help us love God in response

Psalm 139:17-18 NIV

[17] How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! [18] Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand---when I awake, I am still with you.

AVOID UNGODLY INFLUENCE

• David realized ungodly people (actively opposed to God) could pull him away and keep him from being what God wanted him to be

• "hate" in English language infers wishing something bad on another which is not what he wanted

• David chose to completely separate himself

• David left judgment and vengeance up to God, asking God to slay the wicked; he did not want that on his plate

Psalm 139:19-22 NIV

[19] If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty! [20] They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name. [21] Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you? [22] I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.

• We should never be careless about close relationships because it is probable that those who are opposed to God will bring us down

• Devotion to God should guide and permeate every trusting relationship; does the relationship help or hurt our relationship with God?

• At the same time, we need to exercise caution and balance: we are called to be salt and light to be a positive influence teaching others there is a God who loves them!

• Know which relationships are "trusting relationships"

Psalm 139:19 NIV

[19] If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!

REMOVE ANY HINDRANCE

• David asked God to evaluate the innermost corners of his life, for He has perfect understanding and knowledge to help guide us

• God could see hindrances to his faith that he could not

• We will not grow until we are open to God'a searching love

• The process may be painful as we face and recognize our failures

• God wants to turn our failures into victories!

• God will expose to us anything that holds us back when we ask and are ready for Him to do so

Psalm 139:23-24 NIV

[23] Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. [24] See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

LIVE IT OUT

• What needs to happen in your life so you can enjoy God's love more than you do now?

• God has poured Himself into us before we were even born; what is our response and how (are) we pouring ourself back into Him? <C31> (Nov 2016)

** People will become like the mute, blind, deaf and lifeless idols they create

Psalm 135:15-18 NIV

[15] The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by human hands. [16] They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. [17] They have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths. [18] Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.

** When people are satisfied, they become full of pride, and the Lord must respond with discipline

Hosea 13:5-7 NIV

[5] I cared for you in the wilderness, in the land of burning heat. [6] When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me. [7] So I will be like a lion to them, like a leopard I will lurk by the path.

** Do not content yourselves with the lifting of your hands, but see that this be done with pure and holy hearts <C34>

Psalm 134:2 NIV

[2] Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord.

** The Spirit of the Age (evil) doesn’t care what lie you believe — on the right or left — as long as you believe a lie, any lie <D40>

When enough people believe a lie, then TRUTH is chloroformed in the culture; currently we don’t need evidence as we used to because there is no truth anymore — we live in a truth-less society

CS Lewis in Screwtape Letters puts it candidly when Uncle Screwtape tells his protege, “I don’t care if your subject is a pagan on the left or patriot on the right, you’ve got your man as long as you’ve reduced him to accept ANY means to accomplish his end”

** Hosea warned his people that judgment (returning to Egypt) was coming because of their own useless attempts at identifying and resolving sin, much like a dog returning to his vomit; preferring sin and lies can happen to entire nations as it can happen to individuals

This identifies what is happening in current-day societies when people attempt to resolve concocted social justice issues apart from God; people want to ignore the idea we’ve been blessed as a nation by God because we may, in some way, be beholding to God if we recognize Him <H87>

Hosea 8:13-14 NIV

[13] Though they offer sacrifices as gifts to me, and though they eat the meat, the Lord is not pleased with them. Now he will remember their wickedness and punish their sins: They will return to Egypt. [14] Israel has forgotten their Maker and built palaces; Judah has fortified many towns. But I will send fire on their cities that will consume their fortresses.”

** The wise Christians will understand the vision that Daniel experienced while the unbelievers will live in fear in the end times; the Lord instructed Daniel to “roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end”

Daniel 12:4 NIV

[4] But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.”

Daniel 12:8-10 NIV

[8] I heard, but I did not understand. So I asked, “My lord, what will the outcome of all this be?” [9] He replied, “Go your way, Daniel, because the words are rolled up and sealed until the time of the end. [10] Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.

** Daniel’s prophecy in chapter 11 sweeps all the way from Israel’s conflict (2-35) to the Tribulation (36-42) when Michael aids in fully delivering Israel

Daniel 11:2-4 NIV

[2] “Now then, I tell you the truth: Three more kings will arise in Persia, and then a fourth, who will be far richer than all the others. When he has gained power by his wealth, he will stir up everyone against the kingdom of Greece. [3] Then a mighty king will arise, who will rule with great power and do as he pleases. [4] After he has arisen, his empire will be broken up and parceled out toward the four winds of heaven. It will not go to his descendants, nor will it have the power he exercised, because his empire will be uprooted and given to others.

Daniel 11:36-37 NIV

[36] “The king will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will say unheard-of things against the God of gods. He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been determined must take place. [37] He will show no regard for the gods of his ancestors or for the one desired by women, nor will he regard any god, but will exalt himself above them all.

This prophecy is so detailed and accurate that unbelieving critics were convinced Daniel’s writing was penned 400 years after the events; once again, God confirms His deity through prophetic writings <M130>

** We are brought to this conviction and solemn conclusion: that there is no other true religion but that which consists in the continued teachings of the Spirit, and the communications of the life of God to the soul <P165>

1 John 2:27 NIV

[27] As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit---just as it has taught you, remain in him.

** A person is not automatically a true believing follower of Christ simply because they:

• Have knowledge about God

• Verbalize words claiming an attachment to God

• Fill their schedule with religious activity

• Converse about Christianity

• Think their good deeds outweigh the bad

• Have emotional experiences relating to Jesus

• Say they believe in God — yet reject or have no desire for His transforming work in their life

• Read Scripture — yet reject certain portions or do not value or hunger for its content

2 Timothy 3:5 NIV

[5] having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

We have a multitude of deceived people in churches who have false assurance based on a formula or creed just like the Pharisees in Jesus’ time, or are more interested in the byproducts of the faith than a humble personal relationship with the Author and Finisher of the faith

Some may prefer the faith byproducts, such as:

• Blessings

• Healings

• Feelings

• Gifts

• Church affiliation and fellowship

• Theological intellectual pursuit

• An overindulgent in grace

• Fulfillment of personal desires

Matthew 7:13-14 NIV

Matthew 7:21-23 NIV

How sad when people are ‘that close’ to God’s truth, yet do not truly believe or follow it because their focus is on themselves

Everyone must examine themselves to determine whether their faith is authentic, evaluating their affections, loves, desires, and motives.

1 Corinthians 11:27-29 NIV

[27] So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. [28] Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. [29] For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.

As a confessing believer, do you steadily and obediently follow God even though it takes concerted effort and willful separation from the world? There must be evidence of fruit from our labor in faith and evidence that the believer counted the cost of their faith <M130>

Bottom line: Do you have an AUTHENTIC relationship with Jesus Christ that can be proven when tested?

Matthew 7:24-27 NIV

** The warning of tribulation or war was not only directed at Israel but all God’s people who must undergo trials before the coming of the Messiah in His kingdom <C32>

Daniel 10:1 NIV

[1] In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a revelation was given to Daniel (who was called Belteshazzar). Its message was true and it concerned a great war. The understanding of the message came to him in a vision.

Daniel 10:14 NIV

[14] Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come. ”

Isaiah 40:2 NIV

[2] Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins.

** When believers in Christ undergo trials and suffering and are pressed by the world, what should be squeezed out is more of Jesus; we can be excited for these times! <M1501>

• There are a lot of ways we can respond to the trials and temptations that daily life throws at us

1. One option is to give in without a fight -- just surrender to despair or to your sinful urges, which is the worst possible thing to do

2. Another option is to blame God -- you start with the assumption that trials and temptations are bad things, and that if God doesn’t spare you from them then He’s doing something wrong

3. A third option is to hunker down and wait for them to pass, like a coastal resident riding out a hurricane

4. James offers a different suggestion to welcome trials and temptations -- needless to say, an unexpected suggestion that makes us do a double-take!

• Understand that God allows trials and temptations into our life to better us

• He created us and knows our potential

• Because He knows exactly how we are wired, He knows which parts of our potential can be unlocked through successes and victories and which parts can be unlocked through trials and temptations

• Think of it as a spiritual workout that enables us to get stronger in our faith

• Trials and temptations are like God’s gym, where He strengthens us for the present and for the future <L120>

James 1:2-4 NIV

** Satan has robed a harlot, named her 'Christianity' and succeeded in imposing her upon many. They are fondling with her. She indulges them in sensuality, while encouraging them to hope for a blissful immortality. The kings of the earth have committed fornication with her. They are reveling, feasting and banqueting with her — crazed by her seductive charms. She has neither purity, peace, nor power. Her robes are defiled by sin. She scoffs at pure Christianity, and calls her old-fashioned.

Such is the mirthful, shallow, frivolous Christianity of the popular present day religions! The generality of professors (we speak in love) desire a Christianity which will smile on them as they walk in the ways of sin and worldliness — calming their fears with her flattering words of 'peace, peace!'

Primitive Christianity, they consider, was good enough for primitive days — but she would be a horrid old maid in these days of progress. In this fast-moving age, the Christianity that crowned the life of Christ and the holy apostles, is altogether too antiquated.

The Christian world today, in general, is saying, "Away with such an old-time Christianity! She has no charms for us! She is too common and plain, too grave and sober! We will not walk with her!

Dear reader, "Do not go after her! Do not let your heart incline to her ways! Do not go astray in her paths. For she has cast down many wounded — yes, many strong men have been slain by her. Her house is the way to Hell, going down to the chambers of death!" <O158>

Psalm 1:1 NIV

[1] Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers

** As sinners in a fallen world, we do not struggle to believe lies but struggle to believe God’s truth; this is why so many are deceived to believe utter nonsense from the father of lies <M130>

John 8:43 NIV

[43] Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say.

** God hears the words of those who earnestly seek Him with a humble heart

Daniel 10:12 NIV

[12] Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.

** How I love the book of Romans, especially the 8th chapter. Here the Apostle Paul chronicles the blessings and promises of God.

Many will look at their Christian walk and ponder why things don't seem to work out as they envisioned. They grow discouraged and become listless in their daily walk with God. They wonder if God is really on their side. They fail to take hold of the promises of God, grasping it with both hands and endure what they must suffer in this life. <T201>

It’s at times like these we need to read Romans chapter 8 and remember we are His adopted children!

Romans 8:15 NIV

[15] The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

John 1:12-13 NIV

[12] Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God--- [13] children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.

** Among the many general causes of decline in grace, we may assign a principal place to spiritual pride and self-admiration. If our attainments in knowledge and giftedness, and even in grace, seduce us into a good opinion of ourselves, as if we were wise and good — we are already ensnared, in danger of falling every step we take, of mistaking the right path, and proceeding from bad to worse without a power of correcting or even of discovering our deviations! That is, unless and until the Lord mercifully interposes, by restoring us to a spirit of humility, and dependence upon Himself. For God, who gives more grace to the humble, resists the proud! He beholds them with abhorrence, in proportion to the degree in which they admire themselves! It is the invariable law of His kingdom, that everyone who exalts himself, shall be abased!

True Christians, through the remaining evil of their hearts, and the subtle temptations of their enemy, are liable, not only to the workings of that pride which is common to our fallen nature but to a certain kind of pride, which, though the most absurd and intolerable in any person — can only be found among those who make profession of the gospel. We have nothing but what we have received, and therefore to be proud of our titles, wealth, knowledge, success, or any temporal advantages by which the providence of God has distinguished us, is downright sinful! For those who confess themselves to be 'sinners', and therefore deserving of nothing but misery and wrath — to be proud of those peculiar blessings which are derived from the gospel of God's grace, is a wickedness of which even the demons are not capable of!

The apostle Paul was so aware of his danger of being exalted above measure, through the abundant revelations and peculiar favors which the Lord had afforded him, that he says, "There was given me a messenger of Satan to buffet me!" He speaks of this sharp trial as a great mercy, because he saw that it was necessary, and designed to keep him humble and attentive to his own weakness.

Ministers who are honored with singular abilities and success, have great need of watchfulness and prayer on this account! Simple-hearted hearers are apt to admire their favorite preacher, taking it for granted that he is deeply affected himself with the truths, which, with so much apparent liberty and power, he proposes to them. While, perhaps the poor worm is secretly indulging self-applause, and pleasing himself with the numbers and attention of those who hang upon his words!

Perhaps such thoughts will occasionally rise in the minds of the best ministers; but if they are allowed, if they become habitual, and enter strongly into the idea he forms of his own importance; and if, while he professes to preach Jesus Christ, he is preaching himself, and seeking his own glory, then he is guilty of high treason against the Majesty of Him in whose name he speaks! And sooner or later, the effects of his pride will be visible and noticed. Doctrinal errors, gross misconduct, an abatement of zeal, of gifts, of influence are evils always to be dreaded when spiritual pride has gained an ascendancy, whether in public or in private life. <N150>

Isaiah 23:9 NIV

[9] The Lord Almighty planned it, to bring down her pride in all her splendor and to humble all who are renowned on the earth.

1 Corinthians 4:7 NIV

[7] For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?

** Sola Scriptura people trust the Bible, and don’t trust the Bible in the hands of others <D40>

• Go to the primary source for yourself and don’t rely on the interpretation of others

• Refer to an approved Bible translation as your ‘plum line of truth’

• God’s Word and the Holy Spirit helps us discern our words and actions along with those of others

1 Corinthians 11:29 NIV

[29] For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.

Philippians 1:9-11 NIV

1 Corinthians 2:14-16 NIV

** "Repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" always go hand in hand. You cannot have one without the other. This is the only way that sinners obtain eternal salvation. Both are necessary. Both are vital. Both are gifts of God's grace.

Acts 20:20-21 KJV

[20] And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, [21] Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

True repentance is "toward God." Paul preached "repentance toward God," because there is a repentance that is not toward God. There is a legal repentance that is no more than a sense of guilt, a dread of God's wrath, and a fear of Hell. But repentance toward God is produced by the goodness of God (Rom 2:4), not the wrath of God. It comes from the revelation of redemption by Christ (Zech 12:10), not from the fear of judgment.

Romans 2:4 NIV

[4] Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?

Zechariah 12:10 NIV

Repentance, in its essence, is a change of heart toward God, as illustrated in the prodigal son (Luke 15:14-20), the publican (Luke 18:13), and David (Psa 51:4).

Luke 18:13 NIV

[13] “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'

Psalm 51:4 NIV

[4] Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.

Repentance is the honest acknowledgment and confession of sin to God (1John 1:9). It is an acknowledgment by a person that he has offended God by his sin, that his very heart is enmity against God, and that it is right for God to punish him for his sin (Psa 51:4; Rom 8:7).

1 John 1:9 NIV

[9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Romans 8:7-8 NIV

[7] The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. [8] Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

Repentance is sitting in judgment with God against yourself, abhorring yourself by reason of your sin, and pleading for mercy on the basis of pure grace through the merits of Christ alone. Only God Himself can cause a person thus to repent (Acts 5:31; Jer 31:18; Lam 5:21). <F67>

Acts 5:31 NIV

[31] God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins.

Jeremiah 31:18 NIV

[18] “I have surely heard Ephraim's moaning: 'You disciplined me like an unruly calf, and I have been disciplined. Restore me, and I will return, because you are the Lord my God.

Lamentations 5:21 NIV

[21] Restore us to yourself, Lord, that we may return; renew our days as of old

** God has seen fit to stop you in the midst of your busy life and to lay you aside for a while. It is not by chance that His afflicting hand has fallen upon you. It is not at random that He has chastened you.

It may seem to be a mere accident that you are afflicted and not another. But no; God has done it purposely! God afflicts His children because He desires to do them some great good.

The GARDENER cuts and prunes his tree to make it grow better and bear more precious fruit. In the same way, God often uses His sharp knife for some gracious purpose.

The wise and loving FATHER thwarts his child and sometimes scourges it for its good. Just so, God uses His chastening rod for the very same reason.

The skillful PHYSICIAN prescribes nauseous medicines to restore his patient's health. In the same way, God makes us take His bitter medicines, though at the time they are very distasteful to us.

Why does God afflict us? Because He loves us and wishes to make us holy as He is holy and happy as He is happy. For, as it has been well said, "Fiery trials make golden Christians!" <O159>

Job 5:6 NIV

[6] For hardship does not spring from the soil, nor does trouble sprout from the ground.

Deuteronomy 8:5 NIV

[5] Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you.

Psalm 119:75 NIV

[75] I know, Lord, that your laws are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.

Revelation 3:19 NIV

[19] Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.

Hebrews 12:6 NIV

[6] because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”

Psalm 39:9 NIV

[9] I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for you are the one who has done this.

** Immediately look to God when we encounter difficulty for help and strength; like when Peter started to sink when taking his eyes off Jesus; this often goes against our natural inclination to try to resolve situations on our own

Psalm 121:1-2 NIV

I lift up my eyes to the mountains---where does my help come from? [2] My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Matthew 14:28-31 NIV

[28] “Lord, if it's you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” [29] “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. [30] But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” [31] Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

** Nebuchadnezzar changed these young men’s names to break them from their Jewish heritage and identity in God <H86>

• Daniel = God is my Judge

• Belteshazzar = Baal or Marduk will protect his life

• Hananiah = YHWH is gracious

• Shadrach = Commander of Aku — moon god

• Mishael = Who is what God is

• Meshach = Who is what Aku is

• Azariah = YHWH has helped

• Abednego = Servant of the god Nebo/Nebu

Today’s society is trying to do the same by telling people there are more than 2 genders, they can be trans-sexual, you should accept pedophilia, etc; change a person’s identity and they will accept anything!

Daniel 1:7 NIV

[7] The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.

** God hears our heart-felt cries for mercy, but how willing are we to adjust to His ways that may differ from our expectations?

Psalm 130:1-2 NIV

[1] Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; [2] Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.

** Leaning on God often requires waiting, which enables us to mature in our relationship with Him while doing so

Psalm 130:5-6 NIV

[5] I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. [6] I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.

** Why bother studying Bible prophecy? <T203>

• Because as true believers in Christ we are to look up where our Redemption lives and our future is known

• As we eagerly await His appearance in the end times, we must keep our eyes on Him

Philippians 3:14 NIV

[14] I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 121:1 NIV

[1] I lift up my eyes to the mountains---where does my help come from?

Isaiah 40:26 NIV

Daniel 4:34 NIV

[34] At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation.

John 11:41 NIV

[41] So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.

** In 70 AD, Jerusalem was conquered by the armies of Rome led by Titus in a brutal five-month battle.

In 132 AD, the Jews bravely took back Jerusalem. But in 135 AD, the Jews were defeated again and Abraham's offspring were scattered around the world for some 1800 years.

In 1948, motivated by the Jewish deaths in the German gas chambers during World War II, the Jews took back the land that God had promised them...except the most important piece of land, the Temple Mount on Mount Moriah, which would not be regained until 1967. <P168>

Ezekiel 37:21 NIV

[21] and say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will take the Israelites out of the nations where they have gone. I will gather them from all around and bring them back into their own land.

** Prophets in Jeremiah’s day were telling everyone ‘not to worry’ because everything is going to be ok even though the Babylonians were attacking the city and Jeremiah was warning otherwise <H87>

Beware of current-day ‘prophets’ who want to avert our eyes from what is really going on; even the people they are prophesying to, who go along with wickedness, will suffer consequences!

Jeremiah 14:13-16 NIV

[13] But I said, “Alas, Sovereign Lord! The prophets keep telling them, 'You will not see the sword or suffer famine. Indeed, I will give you lasting peace in this place.' ” [14] Then the Lord said to me, “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds. [15] Therefore this is what the Lord says about the prophets who are prophesying in my name: I did not send them, yet they are saying, 'No sword or famine will touch this land.' Those same prophets will perish by sword and famine. [16] And the people they are prophesying to will be thrown out into the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and sword. There will be no one to bury them, their wives, their sons and their daughters. I will pour out on them the calamity they deserve.

Jeremiah 16:9-11 NIV

[9] For this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Before your eyes and in your days I will bring an end to the sounds of joy and gladness and to the voices of bride and bridegroom in this place. [10] “When you tell these people all this and they ask you, 'Why has the Lord decreed such a great disaster against us? What wrong have we done? What sin have we committed against the Lord our God?' [11] then say to them, 'It is because your ancestors forsook me,' declares the Lord, 'and followed other gods and served and worshiped them. They forsook me and did not keep my law.

** Are we guaranteed absolute protection? <F60>

• We are not assured physical protection but are assured spiritual protection from danger

• Consider the story of Esther who was a Jew and became queen

• She approached the king and requested protection of the Jews even though she could die from requesting this

• There was no guarantee that God would save her when she followed His will

• God does not always call us to safety but He wants to test our faith

Esther 4:16 NIV

[16] “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”

• Consider Job who was ready to trust God even though he underwent persecution

Job 13:15 NIV

[15] Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face.

• Also consider the three young men who were thrown into the fire but they did not know if He would save them for sure; God chose to save them and the three knew it was His decision and mercy to do so

Daniel 3:16-18 NIV

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. [17] If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. [18] But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up. ”

• God honors those who are willing to die for Him; He gives us the wisdom and strength to endure either way

** God allows us to struggle with a weakness or affliction in order to keep us humble and continue looking to Him for strength to endure

• Scholars still debate the nature of Paul’s thorn in the flesh

• Most often mentioned is a disfiguring eye disease that made it difficult for Paul to read and write (Gal 6:11)

• All we know is that it troubled Paul greatly that he prayed continually to have it removed

• He finally came to appreciate his thorn as a weakness through which Christ’s power might be more clearly displayed <R1795>

2 Corinthians 12:7b-9 NIV

[7] Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. [8] Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. [9] But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

Galatians 6:11 NIV

[11] See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!

** ABC of salvation <F60>

ADMIT you are a sinner: this is where Godly sorrow leads to genuine repentance for sinning against a righteous God

Romans 3:10,23 NIV

[10] As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; [23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

BELIEVE Jesus died for your sin, was buried and rise from the grave: this is trusting who Jesus said He was

Romans 5:8 NIV

[8] But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

CALL upon the name of the Lord: everyone eventually will so we either do it now or later when it’s too late

Romans 10:9 NIV

[9] If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

** 4S of salvation — the essential message of the gospel can be told via Romans (NT) for Gentiles or Isaiah (OT) for Jews; we need to know the bad news first before hearing the gospel good news <G77>

1. SINNERS: we are all sinners in need of redemption so we can spend eternity with Him in heaven

Romans 3:23 NIV

[23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Isaiah 53:6 NIV

[6] We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

2. SEPARATED: sinners are separated from God

Romans 6:23 NIV

[23] For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Isaiah 59:2 NIV

[2] But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.

3. SUBSTITUTE: Christ died for us while we were still sinners, paying the price

Romans 5:8 NIV

[8] But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Isaiah 53:5 NIV

[5] But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

4. SALVATION: we can be saved by believing in Christ as our Redeemer

Romans 10:9 NIV

[9] If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Isaiah 49:6 NIV

[6] he says: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”

** 4R of becoming a Christian — for those who understand they need saving, they can become a follower of Christ <G77>

1. RECOGNIZE: that you are a sinner and need saving

1 John 1:10 NIV

[10] If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

2. REPENT: we need to express sincere regret for our sin; repentance without demonstration of it is dead

Luke 24:45-47 NIV

[45] Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. [46] He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, [47] and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

2 Corinthians 7:10 NIV

[10] Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

Titus 1:16 NIV

[16] They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.

3. RECEIVE: we receive Jesus as a result

John 1:12 NIV

[12] Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God---

4. RESIDE & ABIDE: in Christ because apart from Him we can do nothing

John 8:31 NIV

[31] To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.

** There were three basic religious groups or belief systems in Jesus’ day, including the:

• Pharisees — those who were more interested in following oral tradition of the Torah; deviated from its writings

• Essenes — were focused on the ancient writings of the patriarchs; same as our Bible today

• Sadducees — didn’t believe in eternal life so you might as well have your best life now

The Essenes hid the patriarchal Scriptures — what we know as Dead Sea Scrolls today — and had divisions among their sect, including the:

• Hyper idolatrous party — for instance, members of this group would not go into cities with any statue (perhaps political figures, etc) even though residents did not bow down or worship them; statues or anything else becomes a problem when they become an idol!

• Circumcision party — forcing Gentiles to get circumcised; Paul makes it clear that we must follow the law of God, not outward signs and following the law of Moses

• Hyper blasphemy party — where members were sensitive to not call anyone “lord” except the Deity God; even though military ranks included the category of lord and it was a form or respect and stature

We have members of the idolatrous and blasphemous parties today, with people trying to convince others not to have Christmas trees, holiday cards, etc, because of pagan parallels; circumcision is not an issue today for westerners because it was seen as a positive step toward good health by governments decades ago

The original ancient Essenes didn’t have anything to do with the other groups because they followed the patriarchs and wanted to protect their writings by hiding them in caves; this group always believed in Trinitarianism, that the Messiah would become man incarnate, that He would die for the sins of mankind in 32AD, etc

How awesome that the recently discovered Dead Sea Scrolls confirm to the smallest detail and exact date what is in and understood from our Bible today! <J105>

** God wants us to know His will even more than we do, and He will guide and enable us as needed toward His goal when we ask it of God!

Revelation 3:8,10 NIV

[8] I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. [10] Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.

Ephesians 1:18-21 NIV

[18] I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, [19] and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength [20] he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, [21] far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

Ephesians 3:16 NIV

[16] I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,

Colossians 1:10-11 NIV

[10] so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, [11] being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience

** God will continue to use the prophet’s writings to convey His message; for example, God will address Gog by saying they were forewarned through Ezekiel’s writings <T203>

Ezekiel 38:17 NIV

[17] “ 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: You are the one I spoke of in former days by my servants the prophets of Israel. At that time they prophesied for years that I would bring you against them.

** One of the many signs — perhaps the most significant — is Israel becoming a nation again and the Jews returning to make it productive; Israel became a nation in 1948 and is the 8th most powerful country in the world today!

Ezekiel 38:8 NIV

[8] After many days you will be called to arms. In future years you will invade a land that has recovered from war, whose people were gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate. They had been brought out from the nations, and now all of them live in safety.

** In Ezekiel's day, Israel had not existed for 150 years and there would not be a place named "Israel" for another 2520 years; when the Jewish people returned to their land, they were ruled by Rome and the land was called Palestine

Ezekiel's prophetic writing, however, speaks of a future land of Israel, where "the people [would be] gathered from the nations” (vs12)

Ezekiel 38:12 NIV

[12] I will plunder and loot and turn my hand against the resettled ruins and the people gathered from the nations, rich in livestock and goods, living at the center of the land.

** At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, when he was in the synagogue in Nazareth, he read from the scroll of Isaiah 61:1-2. However, Jesus stopped before the end of verse 2, leaving out the phrase “and the day of vengeance of our God.” He then closed the book and sat down. Jesus said to them “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21).

Jesus was saying He was the fulfillment of this prophecy and had come to do the things listed therein. But by stopping his reading where he did, he revealed he hadn’t come (yet) to fulfill the last part of Isaiah’s prophecy “the day of vengeance of our God.” In other words there would be a separation of time between the year of the Lord’s favor (1st Advent) and the day of His vengeance (Day of the Lord – Tribulation). Without the benefit of the Luke 4 passages and just by reading Isaiah 61:1-2, one would assume that the Day of the Lord (day of vengeance) would take place directly after the Messiah’s ministry. However, we now know these are two distinct events separated by thousands of years. <N154>

Isaiah 61:1-2 NIV

[1] The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,

because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, [2] to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,

Luke 4:16-21 NIV

[16] He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, [17] and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: [18] “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, [19] to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” [20] Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. [21] He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

** It is not enough to hear and study God’s word, but to put what is written into practice; the Israelites in Ezekiel’s day listened to the prophet as entertainment but it did not impact their lives

Ezekiel 33:31-33 NIV

[31] My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to hear your words, but they do not put them into practice. Their mouths speak of love, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. [32] Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice. [33] “When all this comes true---and it surely will---then they will know that a prophet has been among them. ”

** A literal approach to biblical prophecy remains true to the original intent of the authors and greatly magnifies the Lord. <B26>

Ezekiel 36 must be understood of a literal Israel, a literal land, and a literal regeneration, leading to a literal kingdom under the Messiah <M130>

The future restoration of Israel is a prime example. Ezekiel 36:22-38 reveals God’s ultimate purpose for blessing Israel with a still future and glorious kingdom: It’s all about His glory. Such a restoration, He tells us, “will vindicate the holiness of my great name” (23). The last sentence in Ezekiel 36 again recounts God’s purpose for blessing Israel:

Ezekiel 36:38b NIV

[38] Then they will know that I am the Lord. ”

** Satan and his minions disguise themselves as Angels of Light and is why his false religion is called Doctrine of Demons <M130>

The Bible warns about its:

• Presence – which is everywhere all the time

• Prophets – advocating its lies

• Peril – to those who propagate and follow it

• False religion, even that which claims to be based on Scripture, is so globally attractive because the whole world belongs to the Evil One

• Sinners cannot understand the word of God and are resistant to the truth because they belong to the Evil One

John 8:43-45,47 NIV

[43] Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. [44] You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. [45] Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! [47] Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”

• It is easy for people to be led into a damning religion and difficult for unsaved people to receive God’s truth

• It is natural for people to want to follow Old Testament works-religion and dismiss the requirement of faith Christ outlined in the New Testament

Matthew 7:13 NIV

[13] “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.

Matthew 7:15-16 NIV

• Intellectual and verbal knowledge of Scripture is not saving knowledge of Scripture

• Christ is talking to Pharisees that egotistically had a form of godliness but denied its power

Matthew 23:27-28 NIV

Matthew 7:21-23 NIV

• People who call themselves Christian can say and believe all the right things — like salvation prayer, going to church, believing a creed or even following a theology — and be lost at the same time

• Beware of a false assurance and notion of “cheap grace” in an effort to improve life and try to make the good outweigh the bad

• No, we are to self-examine ourselves to test the condition of our heart and ensure we have been changed, then ACTING on this change

If the answers to the following are centered on God, then that is the work of the Holy Spirit and your life in Christ is genuine:

• “What are my affections, desires, loves, motives?”

• “Am I more interested in the gifts than the Giver?”

• “Am I indifferent to God’s scripture?”

• “Do I act on my convictions and bear fruit?”

2 Corinthians 13:5 NIV

[5] Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you---unless, of course, you fail the test?

James 2:14-17 NIV

** Trade and merchandise are a blessing when followed in the fear of God and He allows us to use them; but when riches increase, men are apt to set their hearts upon them and forget God who gives power to obtain wealth <H83>

Ezekiel 28:1-2 NIV

[1] The word of the Lord came to me: [2] “Son of man , say to the ruler of Tyre, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says:

“ 'In the pride of your heart you say, “I am a god; I sit on the throne of a god in the heart of the seas.” But you are a mere mortal and not a god, though you think you are as wise as a god.

Ezekiel 27:34-36 NIV

[34] Now you are shattered by the sea in the depths of the waters; your wares and all your company have gone down with you. [35] All who live in the coastlands are appalled at you; their kings shudder with horror and their faces are distorted with fear. [36] The merchants among the nations scoff at you; you have come to a horrible end and will be no more. ' ”

** Remember that we see things from a linear point of view while God sees everything all at the same time; like watching a parade where we see what passes by but God sees the whole parade in its entirety <D40>

Revelation 21:6a NIV

[6] He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV

[11] He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

** We know all things are dispensed to us by infinite wisdom — in number, weight, and measure; with a far greater accuracy than any doctor can adjust his medicines to the state and strength of his patients.

The flesh will feel the sharp affliction, but faith and prayer will lighten the burden and heal the wound. Daily your sense of the Lord's goodness will increase, and the sense of pain will abate so that you will have less sorrow, and more joy, from day to day.

What a blessing to be a Christian — to have a hiding place and a resting place always at hand! To be assured that all things work for our good, and that our compassionate Shepherd has His eye always upon us to support and to relieve us. <N150>

Job 1:21 NIV

[21] and said: “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”

** Do not blame God for being unjust when you are not living by His decree

Ezekiel 33:17-19 NIV

[17] “Yet your people say, 'The way of the Lord is not just.' But it is their way that is not just. [18] If a righteous person turns from their righteousness and does evil, they will die for it. [19] And if a wicked person turns away from their wickedness and does what is just and right, they will live by doing so.

** Beware of false teaching! Always test what you hear against Scripture for a conflicting message; focus on what God is saying to you through His Word than what He is saying to a stranger!

One danger of NAR, for instance, would be increased dependence on another person who says they are directed by the Holy Spirit and personal ‘experience’ as proof of the power and operation of the Holy Spirit.

For those in the Sola Scriptura camp, there is no need to add info or experiences to what God allowed and has given us in His word; we can learn about God, learn what He desires of us and learn about His plans through what He allowed in His word, the very book He knew believers would look to for guidance for centuries.

We don’t need any more info about God’s plan than what He has revealed to us in Scripture through select prophets that have been proven, confirmed, and verified throughout the centuries; they suffered the death penalty if they uttered anything inaccurate just once! Current day ‘prophets’ do not hold up to such standards.

** Those who want to call themselves disciples of Jesus must endure many hardships for we now go against the norms of the world; pastors certainly don’t preach on this very much these days

Hardships help prepare us for what God wants us to do; they help:

• refine us

• purify us

• strengthen us

• ready us

“God comforts the afflicted, but also afflicts those who are comfortable. God can help us overcome the world in troubled times when we ask it of Him” <F60>

Acts 14:19-22 NIV

[19] Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. [20] But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe. [21] They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, [22] strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

James 4:3-4 NIV

[3] When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. [4] You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.

Psalm 34:19 NIV

[19] The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all

Psalm 119:67,71 NIV

[67] Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. [71] It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.

John 16:33 NIV

[33] “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

** God does not take pleasure or want to punish the sinner for his sin but pleads that they turn from their sin; God loves us that He does not want sin to harm us

Ezekiel 33:11 NIV

[11] Say to them, 'As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, people of Israel?'

** Many people think of prayer only as coming to God with requests. They only tell Him their needs. They never bow before Him nor speak to Him, unless there is something they wish Him to do for them.

What would you think of a friend of yours who never came to you nor talked with you, except when he wanted to ask some favor of you? True friendship finds many of its sweetest moments, when there is no help to ask--but when only love's communion fills the happy time. It should be so in our relation with our heavenly Father. If we care to be with Him only when we have a favor to ask of Him--then there is something lacking in our love!

We are not to suppose that when Jesus spent whole nights in prayer, He was making requests all the time. He went away from the trying, struggling, troublesome life of the busy days among the people--to find shelter, rest, and renewal of strength, in sweet conversation with His Father. Just so, most of the time we spend in prayer should be given to communion with God.

A minister relates that one Saturday morning, when he was in his study preparing his sermon, his little child opened the door and came in, stealing softly to his side. Somewhat impatiently, the father turned to her and asked, "What do you want, my child?" "Nothing, papa," the child replied. "I only want to be with you."

This is oft-times the only desire of the true Christian when he comes to pray. He has no requests to make--he just wants to be with his Father! <M136>

Matthew 6:6 NIV

[6] But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

** Idols are not just limited to objects but anything that occupies our attention, especially those things that appeal to the flesh; what idols replace God in our life?

Ezekiel 14:11 NIV

[11] Then the people of Israel will no longer stray from me, nor will they defile themselves anymore with all their sins. They will be my people, and I will be their God, declares the Sovereign Lord. ' ”

Colossians 1:15-16 NIV

** Repent and God will remove sin in your life — don’t think you have to get rid of sin before you can approach Him

Ezekiel 14:6 NIV

[6] “Therefore say to the people of Israel, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Repent! Turn from your idols and renounce all your detestable practices!

** God checks whether a person’s heart is in tune with His, for His aim is to seize any heart that isn’t

Ezekiel 14:4-5 NIV

[4] Therefore speak to them and tell them, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: When any of the Israelites set up idols in their hearts and put a wicked stumbling block before their faces and then go to a prophet, I the Lord will answer them myself in keeping with their great idolatry. [5] I will do this to recapture the hearts of the people of Israel, who have all deserted me for their idols.'

** Who is part of the apostate in the end times or falling away?

• Those who knew about the gospel but has now turned his back on Christ or departed from their faith

• The falling away is another sign of the end times tomorrow that has implications for us today <J103>

Hebrews 10:29b NIV

[29] … who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?

2 Thessalonians 2:3 KJV

[3] Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition

** One of the evils of our age is an excessive love of pleasure, which leads to self-indulgence and indisposes the mind for sober thought and true piety.

Love of pleasure is one of the growing tendencies of the day in which we live and threatens infinite damage to the present and eternal welfare of mankind by bringing on an age of frivolity, sensuality and 'practical atheism'.

Find your pleasure, young men...

• in the improvement of your mind,

• in attention to duties,

• in true piety, and

• in active benevolence.

Is there not scope enough for enjoyment here?

Excessive worldliness is another of the dangers of this age. In our wealthy and materialistic country, there is most imminent peril of sinking into the mere worldling, and living only to get wealth. Never, in the age in which we live, was there so great a danger of having...

• the conscience benumbed,

• moral principles prostrated,

• the heart rendered callous,

• the intellect emptied of its strength

Wealth is the idol of our day! Without watchfulness and prayer, you are in danger of...

• bowing devoutly at its shrine,

• becoming its worshipers, and

• immolating your souls as a burnt-offering on its altars! <J101>

Ezekiel 14:3 NIV

[3] “Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I let them inquire of me at all?

** The Lord is concerned we do not deny our faith and fall away from Him

• Falling away from Christ often happens when we prioritize the world’s ways and try to ‘fit in’

• Examples include a teenager abandoning values in search of popularity and adults violating their integrity for the approval of a boss or coworker

• Our need for acceptance is strong and costly! <R1795>

John 16:1 NIV

[1] “All this I have told you so that you will not fall away.

** God accused false prophets of not caring for others and taking advantage of those in need, while trying to preserve their own life

Ezekiel 13:3-5 NIV

[3] This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing! [4] Your prophets, Israel, are like jackals among ruins. [5] You have not gone up to the breaches in the wall to repair it for the people of Israel so that it will stand firm in the battle on the day of the Lord.

Ezekiel 13:18-19 NIV

[18] and say, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to the women who sew magic charms on all their wrists and make veils of various lengths for their heads in order to ensnare people. Will you ensnare the lives of my people but preserve your own? [19] You have profaned me among my people for a few handfuls of barley and scraps of bread. By lying to my people, who listen to lies, you have killed those who should not have died and have spared those who should not live.

** False prophets claim to speak for God to lure others into a false security while ignoring the issue of sin; God reveals these prophetic falsehoods and results of ‘whitewashing’ truth

Ezekiel 13:6 NIV

[6] Their visions are false and their divinations a lie. Even though the Lord has not sent them, they say, “The Lord declares,” and expect him to fulfill their words.

Ezekiel 13:8-9 NIV

[8] “ 'Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: Because of your false words and lying visions, I am against you, declares the Sovereign Lord. [9] My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and utter lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of my people or be listed in the records of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Sovereign Lord.

Ezekiel 13:10-11 NIV

[10] “ 'Because they lead my people astray, saying, “Peace,” when there is no peace, and because, when a flimsy wall is built, they cover it with whitewash, [11] therefore tell those who cover it with whitewash that it is going to fall. Rain will come in torrents, and I will send hailstones hurtling down, and violent winds will burst forth.

** God will destroy false prophets along with their message, thus proving their false message of peace was not from Him

Ezekiel 13:13-16 NIV

[13] “ 'Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: In my wrath I will unleash a violent wind, and in my anger hailstones and torrents of rain will fall with destructive fury. [14] I will tear down the wall you have covered with whitewash and will level it to the ground so that its foundation will be laid bare. When it falls, you will be destroyed in it; and you will know that I am the Lord. [15] So I will pour out my wrath against the wall and against those who covered it with whitewash. I will say to you, “The wall is gone and so are those who whitewashed it, [16] those prophets of Israel who prophesied to Jerusalem and saw visions of peace for her when there was no peace, declares the Sovereign Lord. ” '

** People may mock and think nothing comes of prophetic warnings but God WILL fulfill His Word and promises, putting an end to false utterances

Ezekiel 12:21-25 NIV

[21] The word of the Lord came to me: [22] “Son of man, what is this proverb you have in the land of Israel: 'The days go by and every vision comes to nothing'? [23] Say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am going to put an end to this proverb, and they will no longer quote it in Israel.' Say to them, 'The days are near when every vision will be fulfilled. [24] For there will be no more false visions or flattering divinations among the people of Israel. [25] But I the Lord will speak what I will, and it shall be fulfilled without delay. For in your days, you rebellious people, I will fulfill whatever I say, declares the Sovereign Lord.' ”

Ezekiel 12:26-28 NIV

[26] The word of the Lord came to me: [27] “Son of man, the Israelites are saying, 'The vision he sees is for many years from now, and he prophesies about the distant future.' [28] “Therefore say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: None of my words will be delayed any longer; whatever I say will be fulfilled, declares the Sovereign Lord.' ”

** ASK God in faith what you need to do to obtain security after this life and obey His direction; the unrepentant person will not seek Him unless HE opens their eyes, for no one can recognize God on their own without His help

Ezekiel 11:19-20 NIV

[19] I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. [20] Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God.

Ezekiel 36:25-26 NIV

[25] I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. [26] I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

Galatians 3:13-14 NIV

[13] Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” [14] He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

** “When we are right with God, we look forward to the Day of the Lord; when we are not right with God, we dread the Day of the Lord” <H87>

Let’s examine ourselves to make sure we are right with God; repentance is a cleansing of the heart we are to continually perform so we can be ready for the Day of the Lord

Joel 2:12-13 NIV

[12] “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” [13] Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.

** Hunger is a mark of health, and the lack of appetite proclaims disease. The cessation of the desire for knowledge, shows that intellectual growth has ended.

Just so in spiritual life — dissatisfaction is the token of health. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness." Blessed are the unsatisfied. Blessed are those who long for more and more. The mark of healthy spiritual life is an intense thirst for God; and a deep, passionate yearning for closer, fuller, richer, more satisfying communion with Christ Himself.

The ideal Christian life is one of insatiable thirst, of unquenchable yearning, of divine discontent — wooed ever on by visions of an increase in spiritual life, new joy, and new attainments in Christlikeness. The best thing in us is never what we now are, nor what we have already reached, but the longing for that which is yet higher and holier. <M136>

Psalm 42:1-2 NIV

[1] As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. [2] My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?

Philippians 3:12-14 NIV

[12] Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. [13] Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, [14] I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

** The Old Testament prophets never said anything of their own interpretation and gave us an amazing picture of what will happen; Jesus never contradicted the prophets <T203>

Hebrews 1:1-2 NIV

[1] In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, [2] but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.

** An amazing statement: Christ died for the ungodly; only those who recognize themselves as sinners (not good as expected of every false religion) can be saved <M130>

Romans 5:6 NIV

[6] You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.

Luke 5:27-32 NIV

[27] After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, [28] and Levi got up, left everything and followed him. [29] Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. [30] But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” [31] Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. [32] I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

** Christ's sheep hear His voice. Christ speaks to us in His Word as truly as ever He spoke to His disciples in the days of His flesh — and it is the delight of all His people to hear and obey His Word. The inspired volume is to them an inexhaustible source of comfort. They

• read it,

• meditate upon it,

• pray over it,

• esteem it more than their necessary food.

When they open it, they look up to their Divine Master and say, "Speak Lord, for Your servant is listening. Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things out of Your law."

Directions, warnings, precepts, promises — are all acceptable to them. Everything that conveys to them the mind and will of their Good Shepherd, is received with implicit faith and unreserved obedience. Christ's sheep follow His steps. <S179>

John 10:27 NIV

[27] My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

** The voice of God can be found in a still small whisper; if we want to hear what He has to say, we need to ‘turn down the volume’ on all the distractions of life around us <F60>

1 Kings 19:11-13 NIV

[11] The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. [12] After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. [13] When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

** Maturing takes time. Whether we’re learning mathematics, science, how to play a musical instrument, cooking or baking, carpentry, or even how to walk, we must start with the basics, then keep adding knowledge upon knowledge until we achieve a goal. There aren’t many of us who can just pick up a guitar and start playing it, but even with the gifted folks, they too must mature a step at a time.

The same is true with the Christian life, but it’s much more than just about aging. Everything ages. The Lord expects us to mature, to grow up, as His child just as we mature under the tutelage of our earthly parents. As each birthday comes around (aging), we “should” be a little more mature than we were the previous year. That is normally the case in our earthly lives, but how do we stack up in our Christian lives?

Far too many Christians are still spiritual teenagers, and we know that most teenagers already know everything. It’s the parents that are stupid. They’re in their own little world of supreme knowledge that adults just don’t get. Christian teenagers need to continue to develop and work at an adult spiritual attitude toward God and others.

And then there are the Christian babies, those who have just been saved, and those who just choose to remain babies. Those who choose to remain Christian babies are the ones who are always whining about something and interested in only their pet desires.

Please understand, I certainly am not claiming to be fully mature. No folks, I’m still ripening on the vine. We are all growing in spiritual maturity, and none of us will reach full maturity upon this earth. The thing is, regardless of our level of spiritual maturity, the Lord expects us to continue to grow and not become stagnant.

An important aspect is that the Holy Spirit not only lives within us and is our guarantee of salvation, but He is also our teacher and guidance counselor. He wants to work through us to make us more like Christ. There is one very important thing that many Christians don’t consider, though, and that is the Holy Spirit is there to help us mature, but He only uses one textbook, the Bible. How can anyone ever expect to grow in Christ and never crack open the only textbook God has ever provided? The Spirit of God guides us through His Word. Those who think they can “wing it” apart from His Word will remain immature in their spiritual growth. They will always be spiritual teens and babies, never maturing into adulthood. <P160>

2 Corinthians 2:15 NIV

[15] For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.

1 Peter 2:2-3 NIV

[2] Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, [3] now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

Ephesians 4:15 NIV

[15] Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.

** Much is said in commendation of books. But, as in other matters, there is need for wise discrimination in what one reads. Not all books are worth reading.

There are many which are utterly empty of anything that is noble or worthy. One might read them continually all one's life and yet be no wiser and no better. A hundred of them do not contain a dozen sentences that it is worthwhile to keep in one's memory, or that can be of any help or cheer or strength in one's life.

Then, there are books which are most pernicious in their influence. There are all grades and degrees of evil in this class. Some of them carry a subtle poison in their atmosphere which is noxious to those who breathe it. We need to keep careful watch over our heart, so that nothing shall ever tarnish its purity. Any corrupt thought, dallied with even for a moment, leaves a stain upon the mind which may never be effaced.

If we would keep the tender joy of our heart experiences unbroken, we must hold rigid watch over our reading, conscientiously excluding not only whatever is obviously impure but all in which lurks even a suggestion of evil.

A writer says: "Never read a book which is not worth reading, for some noble end, beyond the short-lived pleasure of a little excitement."

When we think of the influence which our reading has upon our lives, we see at once the importance of selecting only books that are worthwhile. At the best, none of us can read one book in a thousand of those which are within our reach. Surely then, this one book ought to be the best in all the thousand.

Every year, a flood of really worthless publications is poured over the country. People go into ecstasies over trivial works which please or excite them for a day — and are then old and forgotten; while books in every way admirable, are passed by unnoticed.

No book is really worth reading, which does not either impart valuable knowledge; or set before us some ideal of beauty, strength, or nobility of character. There are enough great books to occupy us during all our short and busy years. If we are wise, we will resolutely avoid all but the richest and the best. <M136>

Editor's note: Reading was the primary media in JR Miller's day. The above standards apply to all media today — TV, internet, etc.

1 Thessalonians 5:22 NKJV

[22] Abstain from every form of evil.

1 Thessalonians 5:22 NIV

[22] reject every kind of evil.

1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV

[22] Abstain from all appearance of evil.

** It was Peter's love for Christ which made him so rebel at the thought of such a dire fate for Him. In his love, he sought to hold the Master back from so throwing away His life. But in doing this, he was acting the part of Satan in seeking to tempt Jesus away from His great work of atonement. This way of the cross was not an accident; it was the way marked out for Christ; to swerve from it, would be to fail in His mission.

Our best friends may become our tempters in the same way. In their love for us, they may seek to keep us from entering paths of duty which will lead us to great sacrifice. Mothers may seek to restrain their children from going to foreign mission fields. Any of us, in the warmth of our affection for our friends, may seek to dissuade them from perilous or costly service — which it may be their duty to undertake. We need to guard ourselves at this point.

The path of true success does not always lie along the sunny hillside! Sometimes it goes down into the dark valley of self-sacrifice! And if we try to hinder any from entering upon hard duties, urging them to choose easier ways--we may be doing Satan's work! We may be plucking the crown from the brow of our friend, by holding back his feet from the way of the cross.

We all need to guard, too, against the counsels of friends who would restrain us from costly or perilous service. In matters of duty — we must know only one guide, and follow the call of only one voice.

We are not put in this world to have a pleasant and easy time! We are not put here to consult our own inclinations at all. We are here, to go where Christ leads; to follow Him to sacrifice and to death if He leads us in these paths. We dare not allow ourselves to be turned aside by any tenderness of human love. It is the way of duty, however hard, that takes us home to Heavenly glory! <M136>

Matthew 16:22-23 NIV

** How do we know what God expects of our behavior? Study Scripture. Don’t wait for your preacher to do a study on sin. Study what Scripture says and don’t twist it’s meaning to show your chosen sin as acceptable.

The Bereans were commended for searching Scripture to be sure what Paul was preaching was God's truth. By the way, it was Old Testament Scripture which they searched. Ultimately, you will be accountable for your own sin, and ignorance isn’t an excuse. The whole Bible, from Genesis through Revelation, is God’s word. Men held the writing instruments, but they wrote according to the direction of the Holy Spirit.

Put away the self-help books and study God’s Holy Bible. That’s how we know God’s truth. We study what Scripture says, then conform to it, rather than making it conform to us. We can all find sins in our life that need to be corrected. <G73>

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV

[16] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, [17] so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work

** God's Word is represented as a lamp for the feet. It is a "lamp" — not a blazing sun, nor even a lighthouse — but a plain, common lamp or lantern which one can carry about in the hand.

It is a lamp "for the feet," not throwing its beams afar, not illuminating a hemisphere, but shining only on the one little bit of road on which the pilgrim's feet are walking.

The law of divine guidance is, "Step by step". One who carries a lantern on a country-road at night, sees only one step before him. If he takes that step, he carries his lantern forward, and thus makes another step plain. At length he reaches his destination in safety, without once stepping into darkness. The whole way has been made light for him, though only a single step of it at a time. This illustrates the usual method of God's guidance. <M136>

Psalm 119:105 NIV

[105] Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

** This is a beautiful thing which God said of them. Yet, after all, that is the test which every life must endure. It is not enough to have human commendation. The question is: How do we stand before God? How does our life appear to Him? It does not matter how men praise and commend us, if God sees that we are living wrong. The Pharisees were righteous before men; but if you would see how they stood in God's eye, read the twenty-third chapter of Matthew: "You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to Hell!" (Matt 23:33)

We are in reality, just what we are before God--nothing less, nothing more! The question we should always ask ourselves is, "What does God think of me?" If we would meet His approval, we must first have our hearts right — and then we must be blameless and upright in every part of our life.

One of the old heathen artists was chiseling the back part of his marble statue with great pains. "Why do you carve the tresses on back of the head of your statue so carefully?" asked one; "it will stand high in its niche against the wall, and no one will ever see its back." "The gods will see it!" was the reply.

We should learn a lesson from the old heathen artist! We should do our work just as honestly, where it will be covered up and never seen by human eyes, as where it is to be open to the scrutiny of the world. For God will see it! We should live just as purely and beautifully in secret, as in the glare of the world's gaze!

There really is no such thing as secrecy in this world. We imagine that no eye is looking, when we are not in the presence of men. But really, we always have a spectator — we are living all our life in the presence of God Himself! We should train ourselves, therefore, to live for the Divine eye in all that we do, that our life may stand the Divine inspection, and that we may have the approval and commendation of God Himself! <M136>

Hebrews 4:13 NIV

[13] Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Luke 1:5-6 NIV

[5] In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. [6] Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commands and decrees blamelessly.

** Eating the scroll in Ezekiel’s vision was akin to fully digesting what the Lord had to say, so it became part of him and he could emulate it to others

Ezekiel 3:1-3 NIV

[1] And he said to me, “Son of man, eat what is before you, eat this scroll; then go and speak to the people of Israel.” [2] So I opened my mouth, and he gave me the scroll to eat. [3] Then he said to me, “Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.” So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.

Ezekiel 3:10 NIV

[10] And he said to me, “Son of man, listen carefully and take to heart all the words I speak to you.

** Satan works through individuals to accomplish his goals; we must see the Pharisees of Jesus’ day in the same light, having a religious veneer (saying they desire what is good) but being empty on the inside and being used by Satan for his agendas

Today, we see Satan’s puppets utter lies while not valuing human life; they have openly stated the desire to reduce the earth’s population and will do so through whatever means possible — abortion, euthanasia, drugs, biotech, etc <H86>

John 8:44 NIV

** It all started with a talking serpent! The temptation to sin that any child of God, anywhere, anytime, anyplace, has struggled with or yielded to originated in that reptilian deceiver's mental seduction of the first woman on earth. The conflict was simple, as far as it goes — God's words versus the serpent's words.

In the sinless environment of the Garden of Eden — that holy place in which God, Adam, and Eve walked in perfect communion — it hardly seems possible that a talking snake had the slightest prospect of triumphing over the pure word of the Creator. But the inconceivable — really the incomprehensible — happened: Eve believed the serpent instead of God! The serpent tempted, she believed him, and she ate of the fruit that God had forbidden. The result was catastrophic. The holocaust of temptation entered history, the cataclysm of God's image-bearers surrendering to sin transformed human life, and the hungry mouth of Hell began to swallow human souls!

The devil's temptations are always thoroughly man-centered and custom-crafted for the individual. He knows that we do not all bite on the same bait.

Whatever sparkling fool's gold it adorns itself with, temptation promises satisfaction. Temptation always talks about happiness, fulfillment, gratification, delight, comfort, pleasure, excitement, and the like. It can involve good things or foul perverse things: either way, temptation always lures the flesh to believe its promises instead of God's Word. But when temptation results in sin — whatever sparkling package it comes in, whatever flesh-arousing promises it makes, whatever delightful pleasures it offers — it is never soul-satisfying for a true child of God.

So, temptation is a profoundly serious matter with profound consequences. Believers must realize that it always sets before us a choice between God's Word and the serpent's word. <M136>

1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV

** Skeptics and the act of their skepticism is not a new endeavor. Noah dealt with it in his day. Lot dealt with it in his day. Just think back to Christ’s birth and how the Wise Men showed up in Herod’s court asking, “where is He who is born King of the Jews?” A surprised King Herod turned to his own “wise men” (i.e. the experts of his day) to ask them about this, and they responded by misquoting the prophet Micah. In fact, they downplay the passage to diminish the significance of this event so as to make it more politically palatable for their king (compare Micah 5:2 with Matthew 2:5-6).

Why did they do this? Why didn’t these Pharisees walk the five or so miles with the Parthian Wise Men to Bethlehem to investigate the matter for themselves? Why did they quit believing in the promise of the coming Messiah? UNBELIEF.

They quit believing and thus their skepticism resulted in pride. This is why they would not stoop themselves to go with these foreign wise men to investigate the matter for themselves. Nevertheless, religious zealotry and human pride aside, the root cause for skepticism is often the passage of time between the giving of a prophecy, and the fulfillment of it. Time often has a funny way of whittling away our beliefs, our joy, and our hope. While time is not, in and of itself, evil, how Satan manipulates our understanding of it, is.

Satan knows his time is coming to an end, and he is attempting to demoralize and confuse the body of Christ in the present, so we cannot effectively bring the Gospel to a lost and dying world. He does this by a dizzying array of strategies and tactics, but the two mentioned in this brief- skepticism (hardening of hearts) and overwhelming the system, has proven to be very successful.

Jesus stated that the days before His return would be like the days of Noah and Lot (Luke 17:26-30). Each of those generations mocked God and mocked the coming judgment, and they paid dearly for it. The question we have to ask ourselves is, is our generation any different? If we look around the world today, do we see people openly mocking Christ and Christians? Are we seeing the complete censoring of Christian thought in the marketplace of ideas? Are we seeing the rising persecution of Christians around the world? YES.

However, we are not to lose heart. The fact that we are seeing this major prophetic sign, should be good news to the watching believer. We are seeing this day approaching (Heb. 10:25). We are seeing the season just as we would see the changes in the weather (1 Thess. 5:1-4). Jesus stated that when all these things (mocking and skepticism included) begin to occur, we are to look up and lift up our heads, because our redemption draws near (Luke 21:28).

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking every day is like the day before. None of us know what tomorrow holds, and we should spend whatever time we have remaining, not only occupying until He comes but eagerly longing for His return. Jesus is the only One who can fix this world’s problems. He is the only One who can vanquish evil. He is the only One who can fix us. Let us not be ensnared by the trappings of this world, because that will only serve to dash and thrash our hopes and energies and cause us to become distracted. Let us, however, be fixed on Christ and the world He will bring, thy Kingdom Come. <G70>

2 Peter 3:3-7 NIV

[3] Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. [4] They will say, “Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” [5] But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. [6] By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. [7] By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.

Psalm 44:13,15-16,22 NIV

[13] You have made us a reproach to our neighbors, the scorn and derision of those around us. [15] I live in disgrace all day long, and my face is covered with shame [16] at the taunts of those who reproach and revile me, because of the enemy, who is bent on revenge. [22] Yet for your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.

** Sin makes the cup of affliction a bitter cup but we can always find strength in the Lord to overcome; because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed!

Lamentations 3:19-22 NIV

[19] I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. [20] I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. [21] Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: [22] Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.

** The “Mystery Kingdom” is termed as such because it was not talked about in the Old Testament

• It is the Church Age that extends from the rejection of Christ into the Tribulation period to Christ’s second coming

• Christ outlines how this Mystery Kingdom will operate through a series of parables, such as the Wheat & Tares where wicked people will exist among the sons of the kingdom to be separated at the end of the age by angels

• Did you know that the tares LOOK like wheat while growing but then turn black at harvest time?

• We can see how Satan places false believers in pulpits among the Christian community; beware of false teaching, only to be revealed in the last days <H86>

Matthew 13:24-30 NIV

Colossians 1:13 NIV

[13] For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,

** Christian apostasy is the rejection of one’s belief system and is revealed in a number of areas

a) Theological departure

b) Moral departure

c) Departure from Biblical authority

d) Departure from Biblical discernment

e) Departure from Biblical prophecy

f) Departure from truth to cleverly invented stories based on fear

• Immaturity prevents people from connecting dots between real life events and the Bible

• The immature are typically afraid of eschatology because they want to avoid their life being in limbo and needing to change

• On the contrary, we must recognize we are in a spiritual war and must mature in our faith to rely on God and survive <H86>

Ephesians 6:12 NIV

** Christians need to take a look at our attitudes and choices and be sure that we reflect the love of God. Way too often I expect other people to live up to my expectations, rather than trying to live up to Christ’s example in my own life. Secular people have no standard by which to measure their words and actions, but Christians have Scripture to guide us.

If you call yourself a Christian, shouldn’t you follow Christ as your example of living? Christ sacrificed His life for us and we need to honor that sacrifice by living for Him. The Apostle Paul is an example of a man whose life was changed when he met Christ. Paul had murder in his heart and words of hatred in his mouth, but after meeting Christ on the road to Damascus, Paul learned of Christ’s love and forgiveness. Paul’s life was a reflection of Christ’s love as he boldly shared the Gospel. <G73>

Romans 12:1 NIV

[1] Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God---this is your true and proper worship.

** In general, God calls us to be submissive and respectful — not exhibiting a pompous attitude — toward authority, unless they tell us to sin and go against what God desires of us <F64>

There are a numerous passive and active responses we can utilize as believers in Christ to those in authority who want to force us to sin against our conscience:

a) Pray for authorities (1Tim 2:1-2)

b) Model for authorities (1Peter 3:1-2)

c) Appeal to authorities when living in society that provides the means to do this (Moses before Pharaoh, Daniel concerning food, woman appealing to the unjust judge)

d) Confront authorities with the word of God (Nathan confronting King David, Daniel confronts King Nebuchadnezzar)

e) Defy authority (women refusing to kill baby boys, three men refusing to bow down to image of King Nebuchadnezzar)

f) Flee from ungodly authorities (like Paul fleeing from one place to another) being ready to bear the consequences

Americans are unique in their brazenness toward authority because they can confront without impunity (the Constitution is on their side) but most of church history did not enjoy this status; Paul was punished and thrown in prison often because he defied authority and lost his freedom while doing so <B292>

1 Timothy 2:1-2 NIV

[1] I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people--- [2] for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

1 Peter 3:1-2 NIV

[1] Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, [2] when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.

Daniel 1:8,11-16 NIV

[8] But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. [11] Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, [12] “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. [13] Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” [14] So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days. [15] At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. [16] So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead.

1 Chronicles 17:1-4,15 NIV

[1] After David was settled in his palace, he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of the covenant of the Lord is under a tent. ” [2] Nathan replied to David, “Whatever you have in mind, do it, for God is with you.” [3] But that night the word of God came to Nathan, saying: [4] “Go and tell my servant David, 'This is what the Lord says: You are not the one to build me a house to dwell in. [15] Nathan reported to David all the words of this entire revelation.

Daniel 3:4-6,12 NIV

[4] Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “Nations and peoples of every language, this is what you are commanded to do: [5] As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. [6] Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.” [12] But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon---Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego---who pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Acts 18:5-6 NIV

[5] When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. [6] But when they opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

** It is not enough to reply, "I belong to the church; I suppose I am a Christian." Thousands of nominal Christians show none of the signs of being born again which the Scriptures have given us in the First Epistle of John.

A person who has been born again, or regenerated, does not habitually commit sin. He no longer sins with his heart and will and whole inclination. There was probably a time when he did not think about whether his actions were sinful or not, and he did not always feel grieved after doing evil. There was no quarrel between him and sin; they were friends.

But the true Christian…

• hates sin,

• flees from sin,

• fights against sin,

• considers sin his greatest plague,

• resents the burden of sin's presence,

• mourns when he falls under sin's influence, and

• longs to be completely delivered from sin.

1 John 3:9 NIV

[9] No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God.

1 John 5:18 NIV

[18] We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them.

Sin no longer pleases him, nor is it even a matter of indifference to him; it has become the horrible thing which he hates. However, he cannot eliminate its presence within him.

If he said that he had no sin, he would be lying, 1 John 1:8. But he can say that he hates sin, and that the great desire of his soul is not to commit sin at all. He cannot prevent bad thoughts from entering his mind, or shortcomings, omissions, and defects from appearing in both his words and his actions. But he can truly say in the sight of God, that these things cause him grief and sorrow, and that his whole nature does not consent to them. What would the apostle say about you? Are you born again? <R170>

James 3:2 NIV

[2] We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.

1 John 3:6-7 NIV

[6] No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. [7] Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.

** Types of believers:

a) Wolf in sheep’s clothing or tare among wheat -- fake Christians who go along with the world narrative

b) Laodicean Christian — indifferent to what is going on; typically wealthy and worldly

c) Carnal believers — controlled by sin nature

d) Apostate Christians — those who have fallen from the faith; haven’t lost their salvation but lost their theology and are no longer truth seekers

e) New believers — young converts; those seeking for the truth WILL find it

f) Remnant believers — those who are mature and can see the big picture (spiritual warfare) and discerning the lies because they are grounded in God’s truth <H86>

** Sin tarnishes the beauty of the most exalted powers and the most excellent gifts; beholding the consequences of sin in the church of old, let us seriously consider to what the same causes may justly bring down the church now — may God come to us, bless us with awakening, converting, renewing, confirming grace <H83>

Lamentations 4:12-13,16 NIV

[12] The kings of the earth did not believe, nor did any of the peoples of the world, that enemies and foes could enter the gates of Jerusalem. [13] But it happened because of the sins of her prophets and the iniquities of her priests, who shed within her the blood of the righteous. [16] The Lord himself has scattered them; he no longer watches over them. The priests are shown no honor, the elders no favor.

2 Corinthians 4:4-7 NIV

[4] The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. [5] For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. [6] For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ. [7] But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

** Destruction is at hand to anyone who follows a false prophet, for they will be led down the wrong path and often ignore the evil of sin

Lamentations 2:14 NIV

[14] The visions of your prophets were false and worthless; they did not expose your sin to ward off your captivity. The prophecies they gave you were false and misleading.

** All of Christian life is a school. "Learn from Me," said the Master. We are only beginners when we first become Christians and enter Christ's school. We begin at the lowest grade. We do not have to wait until we know a great deal before we begin to attend school. School is not for finished scholars but for the most ignorant. We may come to Christ when we know almost nothing. He is the teacher and all believers are learners.

Matthew 11:29 NIV

[29] Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

** The people drifted away from a relationship with God yet blamed Him for their defeat with the Philistines

1 Samuel 4:3 NIV

[3] When the soldiers returned to camp, the elders of Israel asked, “Why did the Lord bring defeat on us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the Lord's covenant from Shiloh, so that he may go with us and save us from the hand of our enemies.”

** Satan’s 5 step strategy to prepare the world for globalism: by replacing God, destroying relationships and abandoning critical thinking

1. Distract - get people to be distracted from God and what really matters

2. Self-Focus - put their attention on themselves, evident by the number of ‘selfies’ and profiles

3. Break Apart - break people’s relationships apart

4. Divide Humanity - we are clearly at this stage right now where differences of opinion are not tolerated

5. Globalism - building a global community which is Post-Separatism and Post-Modernism

We clearly see this happening today with the iPhone devices and unfettered access to the Internet <J102> (Sep 2021)

Genesis 3:1,4-5 NIV

Isaiah 14:13-14 NIV

[13] You said in your heart, “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. [14] I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.”

** God desires we believe in Him and take action to prove our relationship with Him above all else; this was the message Samuel gave the Israelites when they wanted God to deliver them from their troubles

1 Samuel 7:3-4 NIV

[3] So Samuel said to all the Israelites, “If you are returning to the Lord with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the Lord and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” [4] So the Israelites put away their Baals and Ashtoreths, and served the Lord only.

** America’s problem is sin: political corruption, judicial corruption, moral corruption, the Church is lukewarm and declining, etc.

• We’ve thrown God out of our schools.

• We’ve thrown God out of our courts.

• We’ve thrown God out of our government.

• We’ve thrown God out of our homes.

• We’ve thrown God out of our churches.

• We’ve drenched our land with the blood of innocents (abortion).

• We have openly blasphemed our God for ages, in books, movies, and the media, but even Christians have come to regard it as ‘normal.’

• We have elected unbelievers to rule over us that want to establish a godless world government and religion.

These are not the characteristics of a Christian nation or sins that a holy God will tolerate forever from a nation that was created under God. Payday has arrived for America and the world, and it is our own fault. <D41>

** God allows man’s and Satan’s wrath to unfold on His people when the stage is being set for the Tribulation, but God will spare believers from His wrath; therefore the Rapture of the church must happen before the horrific Tribulation <M131>

1 Thessalonians 4:16 NIV

[16] For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

1 Thessalonians 5:9 NIV

[9] For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Revelation 3:10 NIV

[10] Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.

** People sometimes think that salvation imparts…

• godly virtues,

• fine qualities of Christian character,

• lovely traits of disposition, and

• elements of spiritual beauty —

without any cost or effort to the believer himself!

Christ's followers are transformed: old things pass away, and all things become new. Those who believe in Him, are fashioned into His image. But these blessings do not come easily. The heavenly graces are not put into our life, as one might hang up lovely pictures on the walls to adorn a home! They must be wrought into our life in a sense, by our own hands. We must work out our own salvation — although it is God who works in us, both to will and to work.

For example, patience is not put into anyone's life, as one brings in a piece of new furniture. You cannot merely receive patience as a gift from God. Patience is a lesson to be learned, through long and watchful self-discipline. Christ is the teacher, but you are the student, and it is the student who must learn the lesson! Not even Christ will learn it for you, to spare you the effort. Nor can it be made an easy lesson for you. It costs to grow patient, and you must pay the price yourself!

The same is true of all the elements of a godly and worthy character. We are always at school in this world. God is teaching us the things we need to learn. The lessons are not easy, sometimes they are very hard! But the hardest lessons are the best, for they bring out in us the finest qualities, if only we learn them well.

Those, therefore, who find themselves in what may seem adverse conditions, compelled to face hardship, endure opposition, and pass through struggle — should quietly accept the responsibility; and, trusting in Christ for guidance and strength, go firmly and courageously forward — conscious that they have now an opportunity to grow strong, and develop in themselves the qualities of worthy and noble character! <M136>

Philippians 2:12-13 NIV

** Common sense is really the imprint of God’s hand on the soundness of our minds. As believers in the one true God, we should be able to discern right from wrong, danger from safety, and behave accordingly. We, as Christians indwelled by the Holy Spirit, should have a thirst for the truth, not for making the truth what we want to believe. Let us have a burning desire for freedom in Truth—Christ, who makes us free. <W212>

2 Timothy 4:3-5 NIV

[3] For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. [4] They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. [5] But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

** We live by faith and knowledge of God’s truth, not by sight

• Faith is believing in God, to receive His righteousness with an open hand

• Faith is not a blind thing, for faith begins with knowledge. It is not a speculative thing, for faith believes facts of which it is sure. It is not an unpractical, dreamy thing, for faith trusts and stakes its destiny upon the truth of revelation. Faith is the EYE which looks, the HAND which grasps, the MOUTH which feeds upon Christ <S185>

2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV

[7] For we live by faith, not by sight.

2 Peter 1:5-8 NIV

1 John 3:3 NIV

[3] All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

** Our Christian life demonstrated through our faith is a muscle like others in our body that need to be used & tested in order to grow; we lose muscles we don’t use and the same will happen to our faith if we don’t exercise it

Put into action your belief in God, that He hears you, loves you, wants what is best for you, is sovereign above all else… and then leave the results to Him

** Trust in God, not rumors

Jeremiah 51:46 NIV

[46] Do not lose heart or be afraid when rumors are heard in the land; one rumor comes this year, another the next, rumors of violence in the land and of ruler against ruler.

** The country of Moab did not experience ‘suffering upon suffering’ — similar to wine being sifted as it is poured from one container to another — so her sin was not made conscious through difficulty; the nation therefore settled into its own sin and God’s judgment rested upon her <M130>

Jeremiah 48:11-12 NIV

[11] “Moab has been at rest from youth, like wine left on its dregs, not poured from one jar to another---she has not gone into exile. So she tastes as she did, and her aroma is unchanged. [12] But days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will send men who pour from pitchers, and they will pour her out; they will empty her pitchers and smash her jars.

Jeremiah 48:16-17 NIV

[16] “The fall of Moab is at hand; her calamity will come quickly. [17] Mourn for her, all who live around her, all who know her fame; say, 'How broken is the mighty scepter, how broken the glorious staff!'

** Pride and idolatry were two of the indicators that led Moab to destruction

Jeremiah 48:29-30 NIV

[29] “We have heard of Moab's pride---how great is her arrogance!---of her insolence, her pride, her conceit and the haughtiness of her heart. [30] I know her insolence but it is futile,” declares the Lord, “and her boasts accomplish nothing.

Jeremiah 48:35 NIV

[35] In Moab I will put an end to those who make offerings on the high places and burn incense to their gods,” declares the Lord.

** God opposes the arrogant

Jeremiah 50:31-32 NIV

[31] “See, I am against you, you arrogant one,” declares the Lord, the Lord Almighty, “for your day has come, the time for you to be punished. [32] The arrogant one will stumble and fall and no one will help her up; I will kindle a fire in her towns that will consume all who are around her.”

** Do not trust in personal accomplishments or riches, for they will turn out to be your downfall

Jeremiah 48:7 NIV

[7] Since you trust in your deeds and riches, you too will be taken captive, and Chemosh will go into exile, together with his priests and officials.

Jeremiah 48:33,36 NIV

[33] Joy and gladness are gone from the orchards and fields of Moab. I have stopped the flow of wine from the presses; no one treads them with shouts of joy. Although there are shouts, they are not shouts of joy. [36] “So my heart laments for Moab like the music of a pipe; it laments like a pipe for the people of Kir Hareseth. The wealth they acquired is gone.

** God recognized two of the seven churches in Revelation that remained true to Him, while five of the seven became concerned what the (Roman) government thought and capitulated to them; look at that the example of the church in China and other dictatorial countries — as long as you preach what is sanctioned by the government you will be fine; this is not the true church of God

The same pressure and capitulation is happening today where churches are becoming woke and buying into the agendas of the government so as not to offend anyone and not to get in trouble with the government <H87>

Revelation 2:8-10 NIV

[8] “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. [9] I know your afflictions and your poverty---yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. [10] Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor's crown.

Revelation 3:7-9 NIV

[7] “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. [8] I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. [9] I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars---I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.

[capitulated church]

Revelation 2:12-16 NIV

[12] “To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. [13] I know where you live---where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city---where Satan lives. [14] Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. [15] Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. [16] Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

** People simply do not listen to evidence: when Jeremiah stopped relaying God’s message, the arrogant, incorrigible, disobedient leaders accused him of lying, despite his success with past prophecies <M130>; Johanan led the people to Egypt against God’s direction and took Jeremiah with them

Jeremiah 43:1-2 NIV

[1] When Jeremiah had finished telling the people all the words of the Lord their God---everything the Lord had sent him to tell them--- [2] Azariah son of Hoshaiah and Johanan son of Kareah and all the arrogant men said to Jeremiah, “You are lying! The Lord our God has not sent you to say, 'You must not go to Egypt to settle there.'

Jeremiah 43:4-7 NIV

[4] So Johanan son of Kareah and all the army officers and all the people disobeyed the Lord's command to stay in the land of Judah. [5] Instead, Johanan son of Kareah and all the army officers led away all the remnant of Judah who had come back to live in the land of Judah from all the nations where they had been scattered. [6] They also led away all those whom Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial guard had left with Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan---the men, the women, the children and the king's daughters. And they took Jeremiah the prophet and Baruch son of Neriah along with them. [7] So they entered Egypt in disobedience to the Lord and went as far as Tahpanhes.

** William Booth (founder of Salvation Army) predicted that by the end of the 20th century the church would be preaching Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration and heaven without hell. We are at that point. When is the last time you heard a sermon on regeneration, sin, or hell? We can add the lack of eschatological preaching to the list of apostasy in the church. Satan has hijacked Christian values and put his own label on it <B306> (Jul 2021)

1 Timothy 4:1-2 NIV

The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. [2] Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.

** God can reveal to us what is deemed ‘unsearchable’, similar to God willingly providing wisdom when we ASK Him

Jeremiah 33:3 NIV

[3] 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'

Romans 11:33 NIV

[33] Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!

Luke 21:15 NIV

[15] For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.

James 1:5 NIV

[5] If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

** Israel’s first birth happened when Joshua brought God’s people into the Promised Land; Israel’s second birth was in 1948 in one day, exactly as Isaiah proclaimed 2500 years ago! God keeps His promises! <H84>

Isaiah 66:7-9 NIV

[7] “Before she goes into labor, she gives birth; before the pains come upon her, she delivers a son. [8] Who has ever heard of such things? Who has ever seen things like this? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought forth in a moment? Yet no sooner is Zion in labor than she gives birth to her children. [9] Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?” says the Lord. “Do I close up the womb when I bring to delivery?” says your God.

Ezekiel 34:13 NIV

[13] I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land.

** We are apt to forget that the aim of God with us, is…

• not to flood us with tenderness all the time,

• not to keep our path always strewn with flowers,

• not to continually give us everything we want,

• not to save us from all manner of suffering.

No! God's aim with us, is…

• to make something of us,

• to build up strong and noble character in us,

• to mature qualities of grace and beauty in us,

• to make us more like Christ!

To do this, He must ofttimes deny us what we ask for and must seem indifferent to our cries. "Jesus did not answer her a word!"

There are 'sentimental ideas of God' prevalent which are dishonoring to Him. There are those who imagine that God's love means tenderness that cannot cause pain. They think that He cannot look a moment on suffering without relieving it; that He must instantly hear and answer every cry for the removal of trouble.

Not such a God, is the God of the Bible! When suffering is the best thing for us, He is not too sympathetic to let us suffer until the work of suffering is accomplished in us. He is not too kind to be silent to our prayers when it is better that He should be silent for a time to allow…

• faith to grow strong,

• self-confidence to be swept away, and

• the evil in us to be burned out in the furnace of pain!

There is a danger with all of us — our tenderness lacks strength. We cannot tolerate to see people suffer and so we hasten to give relief before the ministry of suffering is accomplished. We think of our mission to others as being only 'to make life easier for them'. We are continually lifting away burdens, which it were better to have left resting longer on our friend's shoulder! We are eager to make life easy for our children when it were better if it had been left hard.

We must learn that God does not deal with us in this 'sentimental' way. He is not too tender to see us suffer, if more suffering is needed to work in us the discipline that will make us like Christ! Here we have the key of many of the 'mysteries of Providence'.

Life is not easy for us — and God does not intend it to be easy!

Suppose for a moment, that God immediately gave us everything we ask for and immediately removed every little pain, trouble, difficulty, and hardness that we seek to have removed. What would be the result on us? How selfish it would make us! We would become weak — unable to endure suffering, to bear trial, to carry burdens, or to struggle. We would be only children always, and would never rise into manly strength. God's over-kindness to us would pamper in us all the worst elements of our nature and would make us only poor driveling creatures!

On the other hand, however, God's wise and firm treatment of us teaches us the great lessons which make us strong with the strength of Christ Himself.

• He teaches us to yield our own will to Him.

• He develops in us patience, faith, love, hope and peace.

• He trains us to endure hardness, that we may grow heroic, courageous and strong. <M136>

Matthew 15:22-23 NIV

[22] A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” [23] Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.”

Hebrews 12:6-10 NIV

[6] because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” [7] Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? [8] If you are not disciplined---and everyone undergoes discipline---then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. [9] Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! [10] They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.

** The peace that Jesus brought was a peace between us and God, not peace between each other <H86>

Matthew 10:21-23 NIV

[21] “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. [22] You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. [23] When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

Matthew 24:9 NIV

[9] “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.

** Jesus did not come immediately when He saw the disciples struggling in the boat in the storm; indeed, it was almost morning when He came, and the disciples had been struggling all night in the storm.

Yet He had not been indifferent to them meanwhile. From the mountainside where He was praying, He kept His eye upon them. "He saw that they were in serious trouble." All that dark night, He kept a watch upon that little boat that bore His disciples in the midst of the waves.

There is something very suggestive in the narrative. This 'boat in the storm', is a picture of 'Christ's friends in this world, in the storms of life'. Sometimes we think we are forgotten — but from His place in glory, Christ's eye is always on us! He sees us struggling, battling with the waves, beaten, and distressed. He has full sympathy with us in all our struggles. It ought to be a great strength and comfort to us in trial, to know this. Jesus intercedes for us in our distresses!

It may not be best always to deliver us immediately but His prayer continually ascends, that our faith may not fail in the struggle. This also should encourage us. Then, He always comes in time. He may delay long, but it is never too long. If we call upon Him in trouble, we may be sure that He hears and sees us, and knows just how hard it is for us to endure; that He prays for us that we may not fail, and that He will come at the right time for our deliverance! <M136>

Mark 6:45-48 NIV

[45] Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. [46] After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray. [47] Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. [48] He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them

** Many prayers which seem to be unanswered, are really answered. The blessing comes, but in a form we do not recognize. Instead of the very thing we sought, something better is given!

The burden is not lifted away, but we are sustained beneath it. We are not spared the suffering, but in the suffering we are brought nearer to God, and receive more of His grace. The sorrow is not taken away, but is changed to joy.

Our ignorant prayers are taken into the hands of the great Intercessor, and are answered in ways far wiser than our thought!

• Instead of earthly trifles — heavenly riches!

• Instead of things which our poor wisdom sought — things God's infinite wisdom chose for us!

• Instead of pleasure for a day — gain for eternity! <M136>

2 Corinthians 12:8-9 NIV

** The truth that the Lord will never leave us ought to bring unspeakable comfort to God's children, who are called to suffer earthly losses. If they have GOD left to them, no other loss is irreparable!

A wealthy man came home one evening with a heavy heart and said that he had lost everything. Bankruptcy had overtaken him. "We are utterly beggared!" he said. "All is gone; there is nothing left! We must leave our home, and beg for tomorrow's bread!" His little five year old daughter crept up on his knee, and, looking earnestly into his despairing face said, "Why, papa, you have mamma and me left!"

Just so, what are temporal and worldly losses of the sorest kind — while God remains? Yes, what is the loss of money, houses, costly furniture, and other possessions — while God's love remains? There is surely enough in Him, to compensate a thousand times for every earthly loss!

Our lives may be stripped bare: home, friends, riches, comforts gone; every sweet voice of love, every note of joy silenced; and we may be driven out from brightness, tenderness and shelter into the cold ways of sorrow! Yet if we have God Himself left — ought not this to suffice? Is He not in Himself infinitely more than all His gifts? If we have Him, do we really need anything else? <M136>

Hebrews 13:5 NIV

[5] Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Psalm 23:1 NIV

[1] The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

** We must be always turning toward the Light, to keep our life true and according to God's commandments.

There are some flowers which always turn toward the sun. There was a little potted rose-bush in a sick-room which I visited. It sat by the window. One day I noticed that the one rose on the bush was looking toward the light. I referred to it, and the sick woman said that her daughter had turned the rose around several times toward the darkness of the room — but that each time the little flower had twisted itself back, until again its face was toward the light. It would not look into the darkness.

The rose taught me a lesson: never to allow myself to look toward any evil, but instantly to turn from it. Not a moment should we permit our eyes to be inclined toward anything sinful. To yield to one moment's sinful act, is to defile the soul. One of the main messages of the Bible is, "Turn from the wrong, the base, the crude, the unworthy, to the right, the pure, the noble, the godlike!" We should not allow even an unholy thought to stay a moment in our mind but should turn from its very first suggestion, with face fully toward Christ, the Holy One. <M136>

Psalm 101:3 NIV

[3] I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it.

Philippians 4:8 NIV

Psalm 119:37 NIV

[37] Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.

** We can find God and know that He hears us when we earnestly seek Him

Jeremiah 29:12-14 NIV

[12] Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. [13] You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. [14] I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

** In my e-mail discussions with the associate pastor at the church I used to attend, he told me that at one time he agreed with the pretribulation rapture after a pastor took him through the biblical passages pertaining to it. However, after reading a few books by amillennial authors, he ditched both his premillennial and pretribulation views in favor what he read outside of God’s Word. His new understanding came from human wisdom rather than the words of the Bible.

When we look to Scripture, we see that the rapture is a real event. It’s not something that coincides with human wisdom, but is something the Lord revealed to His apostles (1 Thess. 4:15; 1 Cor. 15:51a) so that we might have hope and encourage each other regardless of what we face. <B26>

1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 NIV

[15] According to the Lord's word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. [16] For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. [17] After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. [18] Therefore encourage one another with these words.

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 NIV

[51] Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed--- [52] in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

** Notice that Saul thought he was just persecuting no-name Christian believers but when Jesus stops him on the road to Damascus, He says that Saul is persecuting Jesus; when someone persecutes a believer they are really persecuting the Master — Jesus has our back <D40>

Acts 9:3-5 NIV

[3] As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. [4] He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” [5] “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied.

** Don’t listen to those who scoff at Biblical prophecy because this prophecy bears witness to Jesus Christ!

Revelation 19:10b NIV

[10] …Worship God! For it is the Spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus.”

** False prophets continue today with their claims of “having a dream” and speaking words from God that He did not speak; followers of Christ must discern and test every message against God’s Word in Scripture

Jeremiah 23:25-29 NIV

[25] “I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies in my name. They say, 'I had a dream! I had a dream!' [26] How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds? [27] They think the dreams they tell one another will make my people forget my name, just as their ancestors forgot my name through Baal worship. [28] Let the prophet who has a dream recount the dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?” declares the Lord. [29] “Is not my word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?

** Jeremiah was disappointed, to say the least, the Lord did not prevent him from being persecuted but Jeremiah continued to trust in the Lord, despite his predicament

Jeremiah 20:7,10 NIV

[7] You deceived me, Lord, and I was deceived ; you overpowered me and prevailed. I am ridiculed all day long; everyone mocks me. [10] I hear many whispering, “Terror on every side! Denounce him! Let's denounce him!” All my friends are waiting for me to slip, saying, “Perhaps he will be deceived; then we will prevail over him and take our revenge on him.”

Jeremiah 20:14,18 NIV

[14] Cursed be the day I was born! May the day my mother bore me not be blessed! [18] Why did I ever come out of the womb to see trouble and sorrow and to end my days in shame?

Jeremiah 20:11-13 NIV

[11] But the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced; their dishonor will never be forgotten. [12] Lord Almighty, you who examine the righteous and probe the heart and mind, let me see your vengeance on them, for to you I have committed my cause. [13] Sing to the Lord! Give praise to the Lord! He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of the wicked.

** Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord

Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV

[7] “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. [8] They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

Jeremiah 17:14 NIV

[14] Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.

** God will search our hearts for motive and reward us accordingly

Jeremiah 17:9-10 NIV

** Many people set a great deal more stress on religious rituals than upon practical obedience. They will be faithful in attendance upon church services, devout and reverent in worship — and yet in their daily life they will disregard the plain commandments of God! They fill the week with selfishness, pride, bitterness, and evil-speaking — and then go to church on Sunday with great show of devotion to engage in the worship of God!

But what God desires before our worship can be acceptable, is that we obey what He commands us. He bids us to love one another, to be unselfish, patient, kind, honest, pure, true; and unless we obey these commands, our religious rituals, no matter how conspicuous, how costly, how seemingly devout and reverent are not acceptable to God!

There are many other phases of the truth. It is exact obedience which God desires, and not something else of our own substituted. When He tells a mother to care for her child, He is not satisfied if she neglects that duty to attend church. When God wants a man to help a poor family in some obscure street, He is not satisfied if instead of that lowly service, the man does some brilliant thing that seems to bring ten times as much honor to the Lord.

The supreme thing in Christian life is to obey God. Without obedience, nothing else counts. The obedience must also be exact, just what God commands, not something else. <M136>

1 Samuel 15:22 NIV

[22] But Samuel replied: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.

John 14:15 NIV

[15] “If you love me, keep my commands.

** The Israelites were in tears, but it was rather a cry of their troubles and sin than a prayer; the prophet Jeremiah prayed for them because they realized they would rather lose their creature-comforts than experience the departure of God <H83>

Jeremiah 14:1-3 NIV

[1] This is the word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah concerning the drought: [2] “Judah mourns, her cities languish; they wail for the land, and a cry goes up from Jerusalem. [3] The nobles send their servants for water; they go to the cisterns but find no water. They return with their jars unfilled; dismayed and despairing, they cover their heads.

Jeremiah 14:7-8 NIV

[7] Although our sins testify against us, do something, Lord, for the sake of your name. For we have often rebelled; we have sinned against you. [8] You who are the hope of Israel, its Savior in times of distress, why are you like a stranger in the land, like a traveler who stays only a night?

** God’s command is simple: follow and obey God and it will go well for you

Jeremiah 7:23 NIV

[23] I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well with you.

** Life is a 'school'. All its experiences are 'lessons'. We are all in 'Christ's school' and He is always educating us.

• Disciples are 'learners' and all true Christians are disciples.

• We enter the lowest grade when we begin to be Christians.

• We have everything to learn.

• Each new experience is a new lesson set for us by the great Teacher.

The business of noble Christian living is learning. We know nothing when we begin. Learning is not confined to what we get from reading books. All of life is a school. 'Christ's books' are ever being put into our hands, and 'lessons' are set for us continually. <M136>

Philippians 4:11-12 NIV

[11] I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. [12] I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

** Beware of friends and family you trust for in the days of deceit, they can turn against God and lead you away from Him

Jeremiah 9:4-6 NIV

[4] “Beware of your friends; do not trust anyone in your clan. For every one of them is a deceiver, and every friend a slanderer. [5] Friend deceives friend, and no one speaks the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they weary themselves with sinning. [6] You live in the midst of deception; in their deceit they refuse to acknowledge me,” declares the Lord.

** Jeremiah respectfully questioned God; this reminds us when Job questioned God asking why he was born when he could be living in peace, at rest and away from evil

Jeremiah 12:1 NIV

[1] You are always righteous, Lord,

when I bring a case before you. Yet I would speak with you about your justice: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?

Job 3:11,13,16-17 NIV

[11] “Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb? [13] For now I would be lying down in peace; I would be asleep and at rest [16] Or why was I not hidden away in the ground like a stillborn child, like an infant who never saw the light of day? [17] There the wicked cease from turmoil, and there the weary are at rest.

** God responded to Jeremiah’s complaint by telling him that if he grew faint in these lesser trials and felt like quitting, what would he do when the battle got harder? <M130>

“Our grief that there should be so much evil is often mixed with peevishness on account of the trials it occasions us” <H83>

Jeremiah 12:5 NIV

[5] “If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?

** Prophecy from God, included in His Word, is to warn us NOW of what will happen in the time of the end so we are ready

John 14:29 NIV

[29] I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.

John 13:19 NIV

[19] “I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am.

Luke 21:28 NIV

[28] When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Revelation clearly outlines what will happen, such as the Antichrist ruling over global religion, government and economy <F60>

Revelation 13:4 NIV

[4] People worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, “Who is like the beast? Who can wage war against it?”

Revelation 13:7 NIV

[7] It was given power to wage war against God's holy people [Tribulation saints] and to conquer them. And it was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation.

Revelation 13:16-17 NIV

[16] It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, [17] so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name.

** There is a trend in Christianity to create a “new god”, one that does not reflect the God of the Bible but satisfies an individual’s own desire; God lays out exactly who He is in Scripture; those people who venture from Scripture and fabricate a false god will pay the consequences

Jeremiah 7:31,34 NIV

[31] They have built the high places of Topheth in the Valley of Ben Hinnom to burn their sons and daughters in the fire---something I did not command, nor did it enter my mind. [34] I will bring an end to the sounds of joy and gladness and to the voices of bride and bridegroom in the towns of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem, for the land will become desolate.

** Man is blind, madly blind, both to his danger and to his sin. Furiously he plunges in evil, from sin to sin, from lust to lust, defying God, braving His anger, ridiculing His threats, scoffing at His judgments, rushing against His sword, mocking at His Hell.

How much recklessness there is among us! Recklessness in sin, crime, self-indulgence, pleasure, lust. Utter defiance of God!

Bold, unblushing audacity, which nothing will daunt; which mocks at judgments, sorrows, trials, sermons, and plunges on in evil, treasuring up wrath against the day of wrath! <B21>

Jeremiah 8:6 NIV

[6] I have listened attentively, but they do not say what is right. None of them repent of their wickedness, saying, “What have I done?” Each pursues their own course like a horse charging into battle.

** Beware of false prophets and their “lying pen”as were the priests and prophets in Jeremiah’s day who led Judah into ruin; this is a call for all of God’s followers to be a Berean — to test what is heard against Scripture and treat the Word of God accurately

Jeremiah 8:8-9 NIV

[8] “ 'How can you say, “We are wise, for we have the law of the Lord,” when actually the lying pen of the scribes has handled it falsely? [9] The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the Lord, what kind of wisdom do they have?

** False teachers have no shame; do not be duped but, rather, discern their words against God’s written word

Jeremiah 8:11-12 NIV

[11] They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. “Peace, peace,” they say, when there is no peace. [12] Are they ashamed of their detestable conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. So they will fall among the fallen; they will be brought down when they are punished, says the Lord.

** Remember that your way is ordered by a higher power than your will and choice. The eternal destiny of God has fixed your every footstep. Believe that wisdom, not blind fate, but God's wisdom, has ordained the bounds of your life and fixed your position and your condition so definitely that no fretfulness of yours can change it for the better.

In the decree of God, all your history is fixed, so as to secure His glory and your soul's profit. Your present sorrow is the bitter bud of greater joy. Your transient loss, secures your ultimate and never ceasing gain.

How I rejoice to believe that the Lord shall choose my inheritance for me! All things are fixed by my Father's hand — by no arbitrary and stern decree, but by His wise counsel and tender wisdom. He who loved us from before the foundations of the world has immutably determined all the steps of our pilgrimage!

Why then, should you worry yourself? There is a hand upon the helm which shall steer your vessel safely enough between the rocks and by the quicksands and away from the shoals and the headlands, through the mist, and through the darkness — safely to the desired haven!

Our Pilot never sleeps, and His hand never relaxes its grasp. It is a blessed thing, after you have been muddling and meddling as you ought not to do with the affairs of providence, to leave them alone and cast your burden upon the Lord. I charge you, therefore, children of God — in times of dilemma, to roll your burdens upon God and He will sustain you and make you rejoice in beholding His wisdom and His love. <S185>

Psalm 31:15 NIV

[15] My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me.

** Followers of God have a responsibility to discern and not follow deceptive words from false teachers; God will allow us to survive if we follow Him alone

Jeremiah 7:3-4,8 NIV

[3] This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Reform your ways and your actions, and I will let you live in this place. [4] Do not trust in deceptive words and say, “This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord!” [8] But look, you are trusting in deceptive words that are worthless.

Jeremiah 7:5-7 NIV

[5] If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, [6] if you do not oppress the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, [7] then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your ancestors for ever and ever.

** God will not be mocked; do not worship other gods and then return to seek safety in Him

Jeremiah 7:9-11 NIV

[9] “ 'Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal and follow other gods you have not known, [10] and then come and stand before me in this house, which bears my Name, and say, “We are safe”---safe to do all these detestable things? [11] Has this house, which bears my Name, become a den of robbers to you? But I have been watching! declares the Lord.

** False teachers love to use this passage in Matthew to support their ideas; people are intrigued by sensationalism, so every claimed vision/message in a dream MUST be supported by Scripture — if it is not referenced and supported in Scripture then it is not worth considering <T203>

Joel 2:28-30 NIV

[28] “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. [29] Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. [30] I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke.

Acts 2:14-21 NIV

[14] Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. [15] These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! [16] No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: [17] “ 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. [18] Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. [19] I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. [20] The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. [21] And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'

** Christian reader, God says to you, "I have chosen you!" This is a great mystery and a comforting truth. God does not tell you WHY He chose you. He only tells you the simple fact. It is not for you to question it, or to shrink from it, but to receive it and be thankful.

God was free to love you or free to loathe you.

He was free to choose you or free to reject you.

He says, "I have chosen you!" Believe what God says, and rejoice. "Before the mountains were brought forth, before He had formed the earth and the world," God had chosen you! "From everlasting to everlasting, He is God." From everlasting to everlasting He loved, He chose, He delighted in His people.

Fellow-sinner, if God says, "I have chosen you," He says it...

• to encourage you;

• to strengthen you;

• to sanctify you;

• that you may rest upon the everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and sure,

• that you may look away from self, and see that salvation is altogether of the Lord.

Isaiah 41:9-10 NIV

[9] I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. [10] So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

2 Timothy 1:9 NIV

[9] He has saved us and called us to a holy life---not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,

** Regardless of our guilt when caught in sin and attempts to get clean, we will not succeed unless we repent of our sin and ask God for forgiveness

Jeremiah 2:22 NIV

[22] Although you wash yourself with soap and use an abundance of cleansing powder, the stain of your guilt is still before me,” declares the Sovereign Lord.

Jeremiah 2:26 NIV

[26] “As a thief is disgraced when he is caught, so the people of Israel are disgraced---they, their kings and their officials, their priests and their prophets.

** The Lord has devastating things to say about cowardly selfish leaders claiming to stand for God yet leading others astray

Isaiah 56:10-12 NIV

[10] Israel's watchmen are blind, they all lack knowledge; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they lie around and dream, they love to sleep. [11] They are dogs with mighty appetites; they never have enough. They are shepherds who lack understanding; they all turn to their own way, they seek their own gain. [12] “Come,” each one cries, “let me get wine! Let us drink our fill of beer! And tomorrow will be like today, or even far better.”

** The house of Israel was told it was uncircumcised in the heart at the level with the heathen, and now the Israelites would be reprimanded for the same sin <C32>

Jeremiah 10:1-2 KJV

[1] Hear ye the word which the Lord speaketh unto you, O house of Israel: [2] Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.

** God’s people had hardened their hearts so much that God’s discipline did not have an effect on them

Jeremiah 5:3-5 NIV

[3] Lord, do not your eyes look for truth? You struck them, but they felt no pain; you crushed them, but they refused correction. They made their faces harder than stone and refused to repent. [4] I thought, “These are only the poor; they are foolish, for they do not know the way of the Lord, the requirements of their God. [5] So I will go to the leaders and speak to them; surely they know the way of the Lord, the requirements of their God.” But with one accord they too had broken off the yoke and torn off the bonds.

** God sees the hypocrisy when we call on Him for help after rejecting and disobeying Him; God understandably responds with silence and judges us for our self-centeredness and lack of initially prioritizing Him in our lives

Jeremiah 2:27-28 NIV

[27] They say to wood, 'You are my father,' and to stone, 'You gave me birth.' They have turned their backs to me and not their faces; yet when they are in trouble, they say, 'Come and save us!' [28] Where then are the gods you made for yourselves? Let them come if they can save you when you are in trouble! For you, Judah, have as many gods as you have towns.

Jeremiah 2:35 NIV

[35] you say, 'I am innocent; he is not angry with me.' But I will pass judgment on you because you say, 'I have not sinned.'

** All of us have a Bible at our disposal, a book that has accurately predicted events since the 14th-century BC. Yet, current-day “professionals” refuse to accept it because it is not politically correct.

For over two thousand years, the Bible has accurately predicted thousands of events. From the naming of kings, to the rise and fall of five kingdoms who would shape the ancient (and future) world. The Bible records the coming of the Messiah; His birth, life, ministry, miracles, death, and resurrection. It even records how and why He would die. The Bible accurately predicted the nation of Israel's deliverance (Egypt), travails (wandering), success (Saul, David, Solomon), its conquest (Assyria, Babylon, and Rome), as well as its national resurrection (1948).

Furthermore, the Bible predicts in the last days, the world will be divided under the leadership of ten kings, who will then submit themselves to one ruler (the Antichrist). This Antichrist will then force everyone on earth, on pain of death, to either take his mark or be beheaded (Rev 13).

Here is what the Bible states will actually happen

1. Israel would be resurrected as a nation after a nearly two-millennia diaspora and reclaim Jerusalem as their capital (Deut. 4:31, 30:1-10, Isa. 11:11-12, 66:8-9, Ezek. 36:22-24, Amos 9:14-15, Zech. 12:2-3, Matt. 24:15, Luke 21:24)

2. A world increasingly deteriorating morally and spiritually leading to increased lawlessness, wars/rumors of wars, and men's heart waxing cold against God (Matt. 24:3-14, 2 Tim. 3:1-7, 2 Peter 3:3-9)

3. A world buckling under its own problems (Earthquakes, pestilences, rumors of war, human conflict, signs in the sun, moon, and stars), all the while knowledge and travel is increasing, adding to man's potential for pretending nothing is wrong and adopting a false normalcy bias (Dan. 12:4, Luke 17:26-29, 1 Thess. 5:1-9)

4. A world increasingly becoming God-hating and Christ-rejecting- while embracing paganism, secularism, ecumenicalism, satanism, and pantheism, even the last days' Christian church would become lukewarm and ineffective (1 John 2:18, 4:3, 2 John 1:7, Romans 1:18-32, Rev. 3:14-22)

5. A world caught off guard by a divinely predicted and appointed, rescue operation known as the Rapture of the Church (John 14:1-3, 1 Thess. 4:13-5:9; 1 Cor 15:51-56, Revelation 3:10)

6. A world at war with no mention of a super nation like the United States anywhere to be found in Scripture, should be sending up red flags to all these think tanks, but they aren't (Gog-Magog coalition, Red Horse- global conflict) (Ezekiel 38-39, Rev. 6:3-4)

7. A world thrown into chaos, and then united by crisis, divides itself into ten regions, who then is taken over by one man (Dan. 2:42-45, Rev. 6:1-2, 13, 17)

8. A world subjugated by 21 divinely appointed judgments (Rev. 6-18) which ultimately destroys all the oceans, trees, rivers, and even the sky; all enemies vanquished and conquered by a returning and victorious Jesus Christ (Zech. 12, 14, Rev. 19)

9. The true, new world order with Christ Jesus as King of kings and Lord of lords restores the earth back to its former state of paradise (Isaiah 2, Revelation 20)

All of history before the Cross led to the One whom it would bear. All of history since points back to His victory by conquering death and hell. In His triumph, He has promised to return and has given us His Holy Spirit and His Word to see that day approaching. Because God is ever-faithful until the end, we can trust His plan and know true peace. He has promised us that we who are watching, would not be caught unawares. <G70>

** God sometimes remains silent but He conveys to Israel that He will not remain silent any longer; God will lift His voice and the nations will hear

Isaiah 62:1-2 NIV

[1] For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem's sake I will not remain quiet, till her vindication shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch. [2] The nations will see your vindication, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow.

** It will help us greatly in our Christian life, if we will train ourselves to the habit of reporting to Christ continually, all that we do and say. We may come every evening to His feet, and tell Him all about the work and the life of our day.

Each day is a miniature life. Each morning we are sent out by our Master, commissioned by Him to do certain tasks, to touch certain lives, to leave certain blessings in the world, to endure certain temptations, to suffer or rejoice, as the case my be. At the close of the day — we come back to make report in our evening prayer, of all that we have done, not only the good and beautiful things including the obedience, the kindnesses, the victories over temptation, the things which have been helpful to others; but also the foolish things, the disobediences, the defeats, the neglects of duty.

If we remember as we go through the day that everything we do or say, and everything we fail to do or say must be reported to our Master, it would make us more careful as the moments pass, of what we do and what we fail to do. We would not do the things which would shame us to look into Christ's face, and tell Him what we did. We would learn to do only what would give us pleasure to report to Him. <M136>

Mark 6:30 NIV

[30] The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught.

** All learning is slow. This is true in proportion to the importance of the lessons. We learn some things quickly but they are not the things which are of greatest value. Mere head-lessons are gotten more easily than heart-lessons. We may memorize the beatitudes in a few minutes but it takes many years to learn to live them! And in spiritual and moral lessons — living is the only learning which counts. Anyone can memorize a code of ethics by heart, without much effort. But to get the faultless code wrought into conduct, disposition, spirit, and character is the work of a lifetime!

In life-teaching, the lessons are given only as fast as they are learned. Our Master will not teach us more rapidly than we can live His lessons. It was in the midst of His most confidential talk with His disciples, that He said He had much more to say to them, more than they could now bear.

Spiritual truths can be received only as we come to the experiences for which they are adapted. There are many of the divine promises which we can never claim, and whose blessedness we cannot realize until we come to the points in life for which they were specially given.

For example: "He will conceal me in His shelter in the day of adversity; He will hide me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high on a rock." This word can mean nothing to the child playing amid the flowers, or to the young man or woman walking in sunny paths without a care or a trial. It can be understood only by one who is in the depths of trouble. In the days of gladness, when there is no trouble, no pain — there are many of God's Words which seem to have no meaning for us. We do not need them. They are for times of sorrow, and we have no sorrow. They are lamps for the darkness, and we are not walking in darkness. They are for days of pain and loss, and we have no pain and are called to endure no loss.

There is a large part of the Bible which can be received by us, only when we come into the places for which the words were given.

There are promises for weakness — which we can never get while we are strong.

There are promises for times of danger — which we can never know in the days when we need no protection.

There are consolations for sickness — whose comfort we can never get while we are in robust health.

There are promises for times of loneliness, when men walk in solitary ways — which never can come with real meaning to us while loving companions are by our side.

There are words for old age — which we never can appropriate for ourselves along the years of youth, when the arm is strong, the blood warm, and the heart brave.

Christ says to us then, "I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear." We could not understand these lessons now. But by and by when we come into places of need, of sorrow, of weakness, of failure, of loneliness, of sickness, of old age — then He will tell us these other things, these long-withheld things and they will be full of joy for our hearts! <M136>

John 16:12 NIV

[12] “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear.

** Even before the creation of our reality, before the age of men and angels, a sovereign God looked down through the passageway of time and determined to Himself, the why and how to perfectly orchestrate the plan of redemption for mankind.

Thus, the universe in its totality, mankind’s shared history, the ever-persistent now, and the unknown future, are all equally foreknown to God. Nothing is hidden from Him. He is perfectly in control. He is perfectly in command of every molecule that floats through our existence. He knows every star by name. He knows the goings-on of every sparrow. He knows how many hairs we have on our heads. He knows the number of every hair of every head that has ever lived. He upholds the foundations of reality by His sheer willpower, without exhausting an ounce of effort. Nothing escapes His knowledge. No power, ruler, authority, prince, king, angel, demon, or ‘titan of industry,’ can bring anything to pass without His permission.

Even more incredible, is that God knows all this while still allowing free will.

He orchestrates events such that His word never returns void. What He has foreordained, will come to pass, even with men and angels acting after their own desires. The only thing I am aware of that God forgets is our sins when we come to Him for forgiveness. At that point, He casts our sins as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). He is all-knowing, yet, even knowing the worst of us, has chosen us for Himself while we were still enemies of the Cross (Rom. 5:8-10). We are not only chosen but become living stones precious to God (1 Peter 2:3-5). Lewis Sperry Chafer once said anyone can devise a plan by which good people may go to Heaven. Only God can devise a plan whereby sinners, who are His enemies, can go to Heaven.

Such is the greatness, perfectness, and unfathomable depths of our God’s mercy, sovereignty, justice, grace, holiness, wrath, and love. We (as a human race) know more about the seemingly infinite characteristics of outer space than we do about God. We only even know who God is, by what Scripture states, and yet, even words on paper cannot do justice to who God really is. As holy as some of us think we are, what would it be like to be in His presence? Most of us would consider the prophet Isaiah to be a very holy man, and yet, all he could muster was woe is me, for I am undone! I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips. (Isaiah 6:5)

Most of us would consider the Apostles (minus Judas) to be godly men. The Apostle John, having personally known Jesus, the Incarnate God, and even having been an eyewitness to Him glorified both in the Transfiguration (Matthew 17) as well as His post-Calvary appearances (John 20-21), fell as dead when seeing Christ in His true form (Revelation 1:17). Needless to say, our knowledge of Him, and even our personal encounters with the Holy Spirit, cannot fully prepare us for what lies ahead.

As far as man has advanced in knowledge, in every academic and technological arena we have at our disposal, we still cannot fathom the unsearchable riches of His grace. As the Apostle Paul recorded, eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things God has prepared for those who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9). It is simply too much for finite man, to fully wrap our minds around an infinite God. <G70>

Romans 5:8-10 NIV

[8] But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. [9] Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! [10] For if, while we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!

** All who have the Spirit are taught by Him. He is called in Scripture, "The Spirit of wisdom and revelation." It was the promise of the Lord Jesus, "He shall teach you all things." "He shall guide you into all truth."

We are all by nature ignorant of spiritual truth. "The natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God — they are foolishness to him." Our eyes are blinded. We neither know God, nor Christ, nor ourselves, nor the world, nor sin, nor Heaven, nor Hell as we ought. We see everything under false colors.

The Spirit alters entirely this state of things. He opens the eyes of our understanding. He illumines us. He calls us out of darkness into marvelous light. He takes away the veil. He shines into our hearts, and makes us see things as they really are!

No wonder that all true Christians are so remarkably agreed upon the essentials of true religion! The reason is, that they have all learned in one school — the school of the Holy Spirit. No wonder that true Christians can understand each other at once, and find common ground of fellowship! They have been taught the same language, by One whose lessons are never forgotten! <R170>

John 16:13 NIV

[13] But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV

[18] For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

John 14:25-26 NIV

[25] “All this I have spoken while still with you. [26] But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

** Sin separates us from God and He hides His face when we sin; we dare not ask God for anything when arrogantly continuing to live in sin

Isaiah 59:2-3,7 NIV

[2] But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. [3] For your hands are stained with blood, your fingers with guilt. Your lips have spoken falsely, and your tongue mutters wicked things. [7] Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent blood. They pursue evil schemes; acts of violence mark their ways.

** When people turn their backs on God, then rebellion, treachery, revolt, and lies abound while those who follow God become their prey; truth and justice is nowhere to be found

Isaiah 59:12-15 NIV

[12] For our offenses are many in your sight, and our sins testify against us. Our offenses are ever with us, and we acknowledge our iniquities: [13] rebellion and treachery against the Lord, turning our backs on our God, inciting revolt and oppression, uttering lies our hearts have conceived. [14] So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter. [15] Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey. The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice.

** “We think differently than God! He hasn't asked us to figure out why He does the things He does. We can't. We are not capable. Our thinking is inferior to His. Our God is not a person who is slightly more intelligent: His thoughts are infinitely higher than ours. Knowing the gap is so large, shouldn't we put our energy toward submitting rather than over-analyzing? It is expected there will be many times when you won't figure Him out." <C37>

Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV

** Many will accuse God today saying, “how can He be a loving God and allow difficulty to happen, but never think about the LOVE He demonstrated by witnessing the death of His Son on the cross

Isaiah 53:10 NIV

[10] Yet it was the Lord's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.

Isaiah 53:12 NIV

[12] Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

** When we align with Christ we are expected to suffer at the hands of those who do not believe — all for our ultimate good to become more Christlike, the will of God and God’s glory

Our faith is tested by our suffering while God turns our anxious prayers into comfort; maintain a joy-filled perspective in all circumstances and look beyond the temporary suffering to the positive result that ultimately awaits

1 Peter 4:1-2 NIV

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. [2] As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.

1 Peter 4:3-5 NIV

For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do---living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. [4] They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. [5] But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

Romans 8:18 NIV

[18] I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

** Paul tells us that his "thorn" was given to him to keep him humble, and save him from spiritual peril. Without it, he would have been exalted above measure and would have lost his spirituality. We do not know how much of his deep insight into the things of God, and his power in service for his Master, was owed to Paul’s torturing "thorn". It seemed to hinder him, and it caused him incessant suffering but it detained him in the low valley of humility, made him ever conscious of his own weakness and insufficiency, and thus kept him near to Christ whose home is with the humble.

There are few people who have not some "thorn" rankling in their flesh. Who has not his thorn?

We should never forget that in one sense, our thorn is a "messenger of Satan" who desires...

• to hurt our life,

• to mar our peace,

• to spoil the divine beauty in us, and

• to break our communion with Christ.

On the other hand, however, Christ Himself has a loving design in our "thorn." He wants it to be a blessing to us. He would have it keep us humble and save us from becoming vain. Or He means it to soften our hearts and make us more gentle. He would have the uncongenial things in our environment to discipline us into heavenly-mindedness, give us greater self-control, and help us to keep our hearts loving and sweet. He would have our pain teach us endurance and patience; and our sorrow and loss teach us faith.

Thus, our thorn may either be a choice blessing to us — or it may do us irreparable harm. <M136>

2 Corinthians 12:7 NIV

[7] or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.

** Establishing one’s own righteousness is at the heart of all false religion

Romans 10:3 NIV

[3] Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness.

** There have been many Antichrist spirits over the centuries but the epitome is coming in the last days known as the Man of Lawlessness living in defiance of God; all Antichrists deny the true Christ, the Father and the Son

Satan has been trying to destroy the plans of God since the beginning of time including destroying his human creation via the flood and trying to annihilate all Jews (the Messianic line) via Herod killing baby boys, Satan's temptation, WWII, etc

1 John 2:18,21-22 NIV

[18] Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour. [21] I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth. [22] Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist---denying the Father and the Son.

1 John 4:1-3 NIV

[1] Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. [2] This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, [3] but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.

** Gideon tried everything to convince the angel that he was NOT the one God was looking for — he was the black sheep of his family, and his family was the black sheep of his clan, and his clan was the black sheep of the tribes; but God knew exactly who He was calling because He wanted everyone to know who could defeat the Midianites

Judges 6:11-16 NIV

[11] The angel of the Lord came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. [12] When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior. ” [13] “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, 'Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?' But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.” [14] The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?” [15] “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family. ” [16] The Lord answered, “I will be with you , and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.”

** People looked at Jesus on the cross and pitied Him because they believed He was being punished with thieves; on the contrary, WE would be the ones punished if it wasn’t for Jesus being on the cross and Jesus' love for us led Him to endure all these things!

Note: Pentecostals believe Christ on the cross dealt with sin that includes disease; healing and salvation come together today via the Holy Spirit

Isaiah 53:4-5 NIV

[4] Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. [5] But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Isaiah 53:9 NIV

[9] He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.

1 Peter 2:21-25 NIV

[21] To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. [22] “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” [23] When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. [24] “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” [25] For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

** Jesus was not sought after because He spoke the truth; this only reminded others (like Pharisee leaders) of the lie they were living <K110>

Isaiah 53:3 NIV

[3] He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.

** How blessed that elementary truth: "The Lord reigns!"

To know that there is no chance or accident with God; that He decrees...

• the fall of a sparrow;

• the destruction of an atom;

• the annihilation of a world!

The Almighty is not like Baal, "asleep."

"He who keeps Israel" can never for a moment "slumber."

Man proposes, but God disposes. "You, Lord have done it!" is the history of every event, past, present and to come. His purposes none can change. His counsels none can resist.

Believer, how cheering to know that all that befalls you is thus ordered in the eternal purpose of a Covenant God! Every minute circumstance of your lot; appointing the bounds of your habitation; meting out every drop in the cup of life; arranging what by you is called its "vicissitudes;" decreeing all its trials; and at last, as the great Proprietor of life, revoking the lease of existence when its allotted term has expired!

How it should keep the mind from its guilty proneness to brood and fret over second causes, were this grand but simple truth ever realized--that all that befalls us are integral parts in a stupendous plan of wisdom; that there is no crossing or thwarting the designs and dealings of God. <M129>

Psalm 135:6 NIV

[6] The Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths.

Psalm 33:11 NIV

[11] But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.

Job 23:13 NIV

[13] “But he stands alone, and who can oppose him? He does whatever he pleases.

Isaiah 46:10 NIV

[10] I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'

Psalm 115:3 NIV

[3] Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.

Revelation 19:6 NIV

[6] Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.

** An enduring servant must look to God for purpose and strength, while remaining obedient even when provoked to rebel against excessively vile treatment; Jesus fulfilled this prophecy by remaining submissive to the Father’s will <M130>

Isaiah 50:5-7 NIV

[5] The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears; I have not been rebellious, I have not turned away. [6] I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting. [7] Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.

Isaiah 50:9 NIV

[9] It is the Sovereign Lord who helps me. Who will condemn me? They will all wear out like a garment; the moths will eat them up.

Matthew 26:67 NIV

[67] Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him

Matthew 27:26,30-31 NIV

[26] Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified. [30] They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. [31] After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.

Mark 14:65 NIV

[65] Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and beat him.

Luke 22:63-65 NIV

[63] The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him. [64] They blindfolded him and demanded, “Prophesy! Who hit you?” [65] And they said many other insulting things to him.

John 18:22 NIV

[22] When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby slapped him in the face. “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” he demanded.

** Don’t sit on the fence: choose whom you will serve

To help people decide, Elijah tested their belief in the god of Baal and our Almighty God brought down an all-consuming fire to demonstrate to the people they needed to worship Him

1 Kings 18:21 NIV

[21] Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people said nothing.

Joshua 24:15 NIV

1 Kings 18:38-39 NIV

[38] Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. [39] When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The Lord---he is God! The Lord---he is God!”

** We are to look to God and trust in His name; those who do not trust in God but in their own devices will suffer torment in the end

Isaiah 50:10-11 NIV

[10] Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant? Let the one who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on their God. [11] But now, all you who light fires and provide yourselves with flaming torches, go, walk in the light of your fires and of the torches you have set ablaze. This is what you shall receive from my hand: You will lie down in torment.

** We are to look to our Creator when pursuing righteousness, for who knows us better than He?

Isaiah 51:1 NIV

[1] “Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn

Isaiah 51:16 NIV

[16] I have put my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of my hand---I who set the heavens in place, who laid the foundations of the earth, and who say to Zion, 'You are my people. ' ”

** God WILL accomplish what He sets out to accomplish, for He knows the end from the beginning

Isaiah 46:8-10 NIV

** “Hindsight is 20/20” says the old adage. Hindsight is actually one of the greatest tools toward a deeper faith. Because it is through looking back that we can often see just how wrong we were and how right God always is. When we’re in the midst of it, we cry, “Why didn’t God hear our prayers? Why is He letting this happen? He must be punishing us.” The fact is God did hear your prayer. He just chose a different path. And it’s very possible that His reason for saying “No” to your prayer had nothing to do with you. Instead, He is making moves to forward history toward its final conclusion. Just like we can look back at events in our lives now and say, “Oh, that’s what you were doing, Lord,” there will be a time when we will look back on the events of these days and say, “Now I see what You were doing, God! Great plan!” <T203> (Mar 2021)

** Afflictions tend to purify us. Before some of the vessels of the temple could be used for sacred purposes, they had to be put into the fire.

Just so, before we are prepared for the Master's use, it is needful that we pass through the furnace of affliction.

The human heart, like the soil of the earth, has to be torn up by the plowshare of tribulation, before it will produce much fruit of holiness. <T204>

Isaiah 48:10 NIV

[10] See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.

Job 23:10 NIV

[10] But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.

** God declares what is truth and right, often through prophecy; our world (including the church) increasingly abandons this truth and suffers the consequences

Isaiah 45:19 NIV

[19] I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness; I have not said to Jacob's descendants, 'Seek me in vain.' I, the Lord, speak the truth; I declare what is right.

** Those who strive to replace Christianity today desire a Pagan Religion (classic occultism) that does not accept humans being made in the image of God and ‘pushes’ no identify as male or female; this is all in efforts to develop the religion of Babylon in the end times

Those conforming to paganism today do not want to take on God’s image, so they disfigure and corrupt themselves by putting on disfiguring tattoos and clothing, in efforts to become ‘pansexual’ and tapping into the androgynous evil forces promoting this agenda; this aligns themselves with the pagan demon they worship who is neither male or female

The natural Biblical sex act within marriage is a metaphysical bonding of two individuals — male and female — for ultimate purposes of fertility, while the unnatural anti-Biblical sex act within occult paganism is to derive power and pervert fertility

Most pagan useful idiots today, unlike the leaders who are driving this in our culture today, don’t understand the origins of pagan religion that can be found in androgynous god figures of Satan throughout the centuries, going back as far as 4000 years ago in the time of Abraham; they simply follow the crowd and perform what seems pleasurable to them and go along with incorporating AI (artificial intelligence) and other current chip-tracing technology efforts

Bottom line — efforts continue so society does not see individuals “made in the image of God” but rather as “evolving soulless matter” moving toward perfection and self-salvation; God highlights the differences between light & dark, good & evil etc while current pagan religions of today aim for unity and no distinction <H86>

Genesis 1:27 NIV

[27] So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

Deuteronomy 22:5 NIV

[5] A woman must not wear men's clothing, nor a man wear women's clothing, for the Lord your God detests anyone who does this.

Isaiah 5:20 NIV

[20] Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.

** Like the rest of Adam's discontented family, I am often...

• grumbling at my griefs,

• complaining of my afflictions, and

• on the brink of quarreling at the conduct of Providence itself!

To be without afflictions is impossible here below, where man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward. Not to feel when afflicted, is a stoical, impious stupidity. But to sink under troubles of any kind, is beneath the character of the Christian. Yet, when I reflect on that eternity of bliss which is before me, on that world of glory of which I am an heir, I wonder that my afflictions are not more.

Is it too much for me to stumble among the 'rough stones of adversity', to have my flesh pricked with the 'thorns of trouble' — who shall so soon walk the golden streets of Heaven, and wear a crown of immortal glory!

Though the whole earth should rise up against me — if Heaven, and the God of Heaven are for me, I am in perfect safety in the midst of all the storms and tempests, whirlwinds and hurricanes which can blow! <M134>

Lamentations 3:1 NIV

I am the man who has seen affliction by the rod of the Lord's wrath.

Romans 8:35-39 NIV

[35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? [36] As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” [37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. [38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

** Man often does not think things through — the same material used to make a god-idol he also uses for other purposes; God mocks and puts to shame the lack of man’s reason in worshiping something forged from his own hands forgetting that the LORD is the Maker of all things

Isaiah 44:9-14,17-19 NIV

[9] All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Those who would speak up for them are blind; they are ignorant, to their own shame. [10] Who shapes a god and casts an idol, which can profit nothing? [11] People who do that will be put to shame; such craftsmen are only human beings. Let them all come together and take their stand; they will be brought down to terror and shame.

[12] The blacksmith takes a tool and works with it in the coals; he shapes an idol with hammers, he forges it with the might of his arm. He gets hungry and loses his strength; he drinks no water and grows faint. [13] The carpenter measures with a line and makes an outline with a marker; he roughs it out with chisels and marks it with compasses. He shapes it in human form, human form in all its glory, that it may dwell in a shrine. [14] He cut down cedars, or perhaps took a cypress or oak. He let it grow among the trees of the forest, or planted a pine, and the rain made it grow. [17] From the rest he makes a god, his idol; he bows down to it and worships. He prays to it and says, “Save me! You are my god!”

[18] They know nothing, they understand nothing; their eyes are plastered over so they cannot see, and their minds closed so they cannot understand. [19] No one stops to think, no one has the knowledge or understanding to say, “Half of it I used for fuel; I even baked bread over its coals, I roasted meat and I ate. Shall I make a detestable thing from what is left? Shall I bow down to a block of wood?”

Isaiah 44:24-25 NIV

[24] “This is what the Lord says---your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb: I am the Lord, the Maker of all things, who stretches out the heavens, who spreads out the earth by myself, [25] who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who overthrows the learning of the wise and turns it into nonsense

** Woe to those who argue, challenge or question their Maker and His purposes

Isaiah 45:9-12 NIV

[9] “Woe to those who quarrel with their Maker, those who are nothing but potsherds among the potsherds on the ground. Does the clay say to the potter, 'What are you making?' Does your work say, 'The potter has no hands'? [10] Woe to the one who says to a father, 'What have you begotten?' or to a mother, 'What have you brought to birth?' [11] “This is what the Lord says---the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: Concerning things to come, do you question me about my children, or give me orders about the work of my hands? [12] It is I who made the earth and created mankind on it. My own hands stretched out the heavens; I marshaled their starry hosts.

** God does not always operate as He did in the past; sometimes He provides a new way forward

Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV

** People excuse themselves of the consequences of their sin but then blame God at the same time — why weren’t you there for me? — when things go wrong as a result of their freedom of choice

In society, like minded thinking happens when many like-minded people excuse their actions — called victim mentality — where everyone feels they are deserving of some form of vindication; this falls in line exactly with what Satan also wants — to prove God wrong

God does not promise vindication of sin (thus approving of our selfish egotistical sin solution to our problem) but VICTORY over our circumstances through Him, requiring faith in Him to work all things out <D40>

** From a spiritual standpoint, God warns us of being deceived by sorcerers or pharmaceutical poisoners during the last days; we will not be of clear mind to know what is going on

Revelation 18:23 KJV

[23] And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.

Isaiah 5:20 KJV

[20] Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

** Man-made idols are useless; God challenges and mocks those who blindly follow them

Isaiah 41:22-24 NIV

[22] “Tell us, you idols, what is going to happen. Tell us what the former things were, so that we may consider them and know their final outcome. Or declare to us the things to come, [23] tell us what the future holds, so we may know that you are gods. Do something, whether good or bad, so that we will be dismayed and filled with fear. [24] But you are less than nothing and your works are utterly worthless; whoever chooses you is detestable.

Isaiah 41:28-29 NIV

[28] I look but there is no one---no one among the gods to give counsel, no one to give answer when I ask them. [29] See, they are all false! Their deeds amount to nothing; their images are but wind and confusion.

** Worldly men imagine that there is true excellency and true happiness in those things which they are pursuing. They think that if they could but obtain them, that they would be happy. But when they obtain them, and cannot find happiness — then they look for happiness in something else, and are still upon the futile pursuit.

There is a transcendent glory, and an ineffable sweetness in Christ.

• Jesus Christ has true excellency, and so great an excellency that when you come to truly see Him, you look no further, but your mind rests there.

You see that you had been pursuing shadows, but now you have found the substance.

• You realize that you had been seeking happiness in the stream, but now you have found the ocean!

The excellency of Christ is an object adequate to the natural cravings of the soul, and is sufficient to fill its capacity.

• Christ has an infinite excellency, such as the mind desires, in which it can find no bounds.

• The more the mind contemplates Him, the more excellent does He appear. <E55>

** Do not many of you read the Bible in a very hurried way — just a little bit, and off you go! Do you not soon forget what you have read, and lose what little effect it seemed to have?

How few of you are resolved to get at its soul, its juice, its life, its essence, and to drink in its meaning. Well, if you do not do that then your reading is miserable reading, dead reading, unprofitable reading; it is not reading at all, the name would be misapplied. May the blessed Spirit give you repentance concerning this thing.

Meditation and careful thought, exercise us and strengthen the soul for the reception of the yet more lofty truths.

We must meditate, brethren. These grapes will yield no wine until we tread upon them. These olives must be put under the wheel, and pressed again and again so the oil may flow therefrom. <S185>

Psalm 1:2 NIV

[2] but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.

Joshua 1:8 NIV

[8] Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

** Just as the prophets of old did not speak from their own understanding, in the same way we must not apply our own private “interpretations” to what they wrote; we must let the words speak for themselves. <B26>

2 Peter 1:20-21 NIV

** This chapter in Revelation mentions the one world religion in the end times; current fashionable trends seem to have the Catholic Church & Pope heading up this endeavor

The Pope, with the blessings of many evangelicals, have become advocates of climate change, social justice and gender-victim issues, thus needing to restructure God’s truth and change the meaning of the Gospel:

• All people who follow the beatitudes are saved and will enter the Kingdom of God — even if they don’t recognize Christ

• Connecting and accepting all world faiths (such as Islam, Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism)

• Equating “creation care” to being “born again”

• Informing the public they are at risk of another global flood if they don’t take care of the earth

Revelation 13:4 NIV

[4] People worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, “Who is like the beast? Who can wage war against it?”

Galatians 1:8-9 NIV

[8] But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God's curse! [9] As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God's curse!

Romans 16:17 NIV

[17] I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.

** We are either slaves to sin, like in today’s progressive transgender world, or we are slaves to Christ: choose

Romans 6:16-18 NIV

[16] Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey---whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? [17] But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. [18] You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

** All plenitude is in Christ, to answer all the needs of His people. In Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, that out of His fullness I may receive all spiritual blessings!

• Have I destroyed myself by sin?

I have deliverance from Him who is mighty to save from sin and wrath!

• Is my foolish mind darkened; am I a guilty, polluted and ruined wretch?

Jesus is my wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption!

• Is my life fleeting and passing away like a shadow?

Jesus is the Ancient of days, and endures forevermore!

• Are my days short-lived and full of trouble?

Jesus is my life, the length of my days, and the joy of my heart!

• Am I exposed to contempt?

Jesus shall be my crown of glory, and diadem of beauty!

• Am I traveling through the wilderness?

Jesus is my staff, and on Him I lean all the way!

• Am I on my last journey to my long home?

Jesus is my leader, and my rewarder!

• Am I a sheep?

Jesus is my pasture, and my green pasture too!

• Am I hungry and thirsty?

Jesus is my heavenly manna, and gives me to drink of the water of life!

• Am I weary?

Jesus is my rest and refreshing!

• Am I weak?

Jesus is my strength!

• Am I oppressed and wronged?

Jesus is my judge and my avenger!

• Am I reproached?

The reproach of His people, Jesus will wipe away!

• Am I a soldier?

Jesus is my Captain and shield!

• Must I fight in the field of battle?

Jesus is my armor in the day of war!

• Do I sit in darkness?

Jesus is my light!

• Do I have doubts?

Jesus is my counselor!

• Am I ignorant?

Jesus is my wisdom!

• Am I guilty?

Jesus is my justification!

• Am I filthy?

Jesus is my sanctification!

• Am I dead in sin?

Jesus is my life, and quickens those who are dead in trespasses and sins!

• Am I poor?

Jesus is the pearl of great price, and has immeasurable riches!

• Am I blind?

Jesus, and none but He can open the eyes of one born blind!

• Am I naked?

Jesus has white clothing to cover the shame of my nakedness!

• Am I in the very utmost necessity?

Jesus is a very present help in time of trouble!

• Am I exposed to the hurricanes of adversity?

Jesus is a refuge from the storm, a shelter from the blast, rivers of water in a desert, the shadow of a great rock in a weary land!

• Am I afraid of being left alone?

Jesus will never leave me, nor forsake me!

• Do friends and brethren prove false?

Jesus is the friend who sticks closer than a brother!

• Am I in danger from disease and death or from sin and Satan?

My life is hidden with Christ in God! When He shall appear, I shall appear with Him--immortal in my body, and glorious in my soul!

• Is my case considered in the court of Heaven?

There Jesus is my Advocate!

• Do I offend the Father?

Jesus is my Intercessor!

• Do I suffer in my body, and am I grieved in my mind?

Jesus bore my infirmities, and carried my griefs!

• Is my mind disquieted, and my soul debarred from peace?

Jesus is my sympathetic High Priest! He was tempted in all points, and knows how to support those who are tempted!

• Am I poor in my circumstances?

Jesus is the heir of all things! Though He was rich, yet for my sake He became poor--that I through His poverty might be made rich!

• Do I suffer in my character?

Jesus was numbered with transgressors, called a Samaritan, a glutton, a drunkard, and a devil!

• Am I bereaved or alone?

Jesus in the fatal night was left alone; all the disciples forsook Him and fled. Jesus, my only friend, can never die!

• Must I undergo death and be laid in the grave?

Jesus has taken away the sting of death, and robbed the grave of its victory!

• Must I rot in the grave?

Jesus shall be my resurrection, and raise me to immortality and bliss!

• Would I go to God and to glory?

Jesus is my way, and must admit me into the palace of the great King, where I shall abide forever!

In summary, Jesus is my Brother, my Physician, my Prophet, my Priest, my King, my Father, my Head, my Husband. In eternity when I shall dwell in the land of bliss, in the city of God--Jesus will be the light thereof. And since I am to worship there forever, He will be temple of all the redeemed. <M134>

** Revelation has many symbols that refer to actual events; we should take this book literally and understand that it points us to future events just like the 50% of prophecy that has already been fulfilled literally to date in Scripture

Symbolism most often refers back to Old Testament passages that point to literal meaning; John explains what the symbols mean when the Old Testament passages are not referenced, according to what God revealed to him — this is not a matter of opinion or allegory but actual revelation from God

Interpreting Revelation in this way (literal future events) follows the early church before the Greeks started to add all sorts of allegorical interpretation to the Bible; even Reformers like Luther, Calvin and Catholics along with many present-day leaders in the church also have/had little regard for Revelation, so it shouldn’t surprise us that mainstream church today ignores Revelation

Why this kickback against Revelation? Satan does not want us to know how his kingdom of darkness will be destroyed; God has signed, sealed and will deliver on His plan as outlined in Scripture... so instead of looking to future consequence for sin as prophecy lays out, churches focus on social gospel in efforts to make life better now

We either take John for his word or we ignore it; God knew there would be opposition so that’s why His prophecy comes with a blessing; continue to sound the alarm that, yes indeed, the events as described in Scripture are coming true and we recognize the end-times season that gives us hope! <H86>

Revelation 1:1-2 NIV

[1] The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, [2] who testifies to everything he saw---that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.

** All of this world lies under the sway of the wicked one, including our governments; be aware of Satan’s measures

1 John 5:19 NIV

[19] We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.

** Liberty and freedom cannot be accomplished via human efforts alone — we need to seek God to bring it about and rely on the power of His Word to direct us otherwise we get entangled

Galatians 5:1 NIV

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

God wants us to live in freedom; don't let Satan steal this joy from you; do you notice that those who hate freedom most often hate God? <K110>

Galatians 5:7-8 NIV

You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? [8] That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.

** God LONGS to be gracious to us and will show compassion to those who call on Him and wait on Him!

Isaiah 30:18-19 NIV

[18] Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! [19] People of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you.

Isaiah 30:23-26 NIV

[23] He will also send you rain for the seed you sow in the ground, and the food that comes from the land will be rich and plentiful. In that day your cattle will graze in broad meadows. [24] The oxen and donkeys that work the soil will eat fodder and mash, spread out with fork and shovel. [25] In the day of great slaughter, when the towers fall, streams of water will flow on every high mountain and every lofty hill. [26] The moon will shine like the sun, and the sunlight will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven full days, when the Lord binds up the bruises of his people and heals the wounds he inflicted.

** Even during times of adversity, God can reveal His ways and teach us the way to go; Isaiah confirms that God WILL lead us as a “voice behind you” instructing us when to turn to the left and right!

Isaiah 30:20-21 NIV

[20] Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. [21] Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Psalm 25:8-9 NIV

[8] Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. [9] He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.

Proverbs 3:5-7 NIV

[5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. [7] Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.

Isaiah 42:16 NIV

Isaiah 48:17-18 NIV

[17] This is what the Lord says---your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. [18] If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea.

** The Word of God does not wither and is applicable for all generations

Isaiah 40:8 NIV

[8] The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.

** Believers in Christ who are living in the end times will understand prophecy better than their predecessors

Daniel 12:8-9 NIV

** God identified those who simply wanted their ears tickled; they do not want warnings or sobering prophecies from a God they don’t want to recognize

Isaiah 30:9-11 NIV

[9] For these are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to listen to the Lord's instruction. [10] They say to the seers, “See no more visions !” and to the prophets, “Give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions. [11] Leave this way, get off this path, and stop confronting us with the Holy One of Israel!”

2 Timothy 4:3-4 NIV

On the contrary, blessings await those who listen and adhere to God’s words and warnings!

Revelation 2:7 NIV

[7] Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

** It is well to meditate upon the things of God because it is only by pondering the Scriptures, that we get the real nutriment out of them. A man who hears many sermons, is not necessarily well-instructed in the faith. We may read so many religious books that we overload our brains, and they may be unable to work under the weight of the great mass of paper and of printer's ink.

The man who reads but one book, and that book his Bible, and then meditates much upon it will be a better scholar in Christ's school than he who merely reads hundreds of books, and does not meditate at all!

Oh, that we might get into the very heart of the Word of God, and get that Word into ourselves!

As I have seen the silkworm eat into the leaf and consume it, so ought we to do with the Word of the Lord — not crawl over its surface, but eat right into it until we have taken it into our inmost parts. It is idle merely to let the eye glance over the words, or to recollect the poetic expressions or the historic facts; but it is blessed to eat into the very soul of the Bible until, at last, you come to talk in Scriptural language, and your very style is fashioned upon Scripture models and, what is better still, your spirit is redolent with the words of the Lord! <S185>

Psalm 119:97 NIV

[97] Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.

Jeremiah 15:16 NIV

[16] When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty.

Joshua 1:8 NIV

[8] Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Psalm 1:2-3 NIV

[2] but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. [3] That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither---whatever they do prospers.

** We must distinguish between things that differ, namely, a knowledge of spiritual things and actual spiritual knowledge.

• A knowledge of spiritual things can be acquired by the unregenerate. Spiritual knowledge is peculiar to the children of God.

• A knowledge of spiritual things is merely intellectual and theoretical. Spiritual knowledge is vital and effectual.

One may take up "Bible study" in the same way as another would the study of philosophy or science. He may pursue it diligently and enthusiastically. He may obtain a familiarity of the letter of Scripture and a proficiency in understanding its terms, far in advance of the hard-working Christian who has less leisure and less natural ability.

Yet what is such knowledge worth, if it...

• does not affect the heart,

• fails to transform the character and

• make the daily walk pleasing to God!

Unless our "Bible study" is conforming us, both inwardly and outwardly, to the image of Christ — it profits us nothing! <P161>

1 Corinthians 13:2 NIV

[2] If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.

** God's Book is a book of wonders! It is a wonderful record...

• of God's power in creation,

• of His wisdom in providence,

• and of His grace in redemption.

It has the stamp of infinity upon it. We cannot penetrate its heights, fathom its depths, or traverse its lengths and breadths unless we are taught of God. The Holy Spirit, who composed it and inspired holy men to write it, must unfold and reveal it to our minds, or we shall never...

• see its glory,

• be impressed with its majesty,

• or rejoice in its divine truths.

Never let us read any portion of God's Word without looking up for divine teaching. Never let us imagine that we know all that is contained in any one verse of God's blessed Book — for there is a fullness in the holy Scriptures not to be found anywhere else.

O may we be given grace to...

• understand the sublime doctrines,

• believe the precious promises, and

• practice the holy precepts of His blessed Word!

Lord, may we hide the Word in our hearts, that we may not sin against You. O to...

•’catch the meaning,

• taste the sweetness,

• and feel the power,

of Your holy truth! O Lord, open our eyes, and unfold the truth to us this night! O Lord, soften our hearts, and bring home Your Word with power! <S183>

Psalm 119:18 NIV

[18] Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

Luke 24:45 NIV

[45] Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

Job 36:22 NIV

[22] “God is exalted in his power. Who is a teacher like him?

** Eighteen centuries ago the apostle Paul forewarned us! The natural man hates the Gospel and all its distinctive doctrines, and delights in any vain excuse for refusing it.

2 Timothy 4:3 NIV

The plain truth is, that the root of the whole evil lies in the fallen nature of man, and his deeply-seated unbelief in God's infallible Word. I suspect we have no idea how little saving faith there is on earth, and how few people entirely believe Bible truths.

One man is proud — he dislikes the distinctive doctrines of Christianity, because they leave him no room to boast.

Another is lazy and indolent — he dislikes distinctive doctrine, because it summons him to troublesome thought, and self-inquiry, and mental self-exertion.

Another is grossly ignorant — he imagines that all distinctive doctrine is a mere matter of words and names, and that it does not matter a jot what we believe.

Another is thoroughly worldly — he shrinks from distinctive doctrine, because it condemns his darling world.

But in one form or another, I am satisfied that "original sin" is the cause of all the mischief. And the whole result is, that vast numbers of men greedily swallow down the seemingly new idea that doctrine is of no great importance. It supplies a convenient excuse for their sins.

The consequences of this widespread dislike to doctrine are very serious in the present day. Whether we like to allow it or not, it is an epidemic which is doing great harm. It creates, fosters, and keeps up an immense amount of instability in religion. It produces what I must venture to call, if I may coin the phrase, a jellyfish Christianity in the churches--that is, a Christianity without bone, or muscle, or power.

A jellyfish, as everyone knows who has been much by the sea-side, is a pretty and graceful object when it floats in the sea, contracting and expanding like a little, delicate, transparent umbrella. Yet the same jellyfish, when cast on the shore--is a mere helpless lump, without capacity for movement, self-defense, or self-preservation.

Alas! It is a vivid type of much of the religion of this day, of which the leading principle is, "No dogma, no distinct tenets, no positive doctrine."

We have hundreds of jellyfish clergymen, who seem not to have a single bone in their body of divinity. They have no definite opinions--they belong to no school or party. They are so afraid of "extreme views" that they have no views at all.

We have thousands of jellyfish sermons preached every year — sermons without an edge or a point. They are as smooth as billiard balls awakening no sinner, and edifying no saint.

We have legions of jellyfish young men annually turned out from our seminaries, armed with a few scraps of second-hand philosophy, who think it a mark of cleverness and intellect to have no decided opinions about anything in religion, and to be utterly unable to make up their minds as to what Christian truth is. Their proud hearts are not satisfied with truths which satisfied the godly of former years. Their only creed is a kind of "Anythingism." They believe everything, and are sure and positive about nothing!

And last, and worst of all, we have myriads of jellyfish worshipers — respectable church-going people, who have no distinct and definite views about any point in theology. They cannot discern things that differ, any more than color-blind people can distinguish colors! They think that...

• everybody is right and nobody is wrong,

• everything is true and nothing is false,

• all sermons are good and none are bad,

• every minister is sound and none are unsound.

They are "tossed to and fro, like children, by every wind of doctrine!" They are often carried away by any new excitement and sensational movement. They are ever ready for new things, because they have no firm grasp on the old Scripture truths. <R170>

** God's anger was aroused when His people complained about leaving Egypt

• God’s anger resulted in fire to the outskirts of the camp as a warning sign to the entire Israelite community

• God also responded to their complaining by making them sick on quail

• Every defeat believers experience is ultimately rooted in unbelief <R1795>

Numbers 11:1-2 NIV

[1] Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the Lord, and when he heard them his anger was aroused. Then fire from the Lord burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp. [2] When the people cried out to Moses, he prayed to the Lord and the fire died down.

Numbers 11:18-20 NIV

[18] “Tell the people: ‘Consecrate yourselves in preparation for tomorrow, when you will eat meat. The Lord heard you when you wailed, “If only we had meat to eat! We were better off in Egypt!” Now the Lord will give you meat, and you will eat it. [19] You will not eat it for just one day, or two days, or five, ten or twenty days, [20] but for a whole month---until it comes out of your nostrils and you loathe it---because you have rejected the Lord, who is among you, and have wailed before him, saying, “Why did we ever leave Egypt?” ’ ”

** If it is not the aim of your heart to practice what you read, to what end do you read?

To increase your own condemnation? If your light and knowledge is not turned into practice, the more knowing man you are, the more miserable you will be in the day of recompense! Your light and knowledge will be...

• that rod that will eternally lash you,

• and that scorpion that will forever bite you,

• and that worm that will everlastingly gnaw you!

Therefore read and labor to know that you may DO or else you are undone forever! Remember, it is not hasty reading, but serious meditating upon holy and heavenly truths, that make them prove sweet and profitable to the soul.

It is not the bee's touching of the flower that gathers honey, but her abiding for a time upon the flower that draws out the sweet. It is not he who reads most, but he who meditates most — who will prove the choicest, sweetest, wisest and strongest Christian! <B24>

** Satan has a five step strategy to replace God, similar to his work in the garden in Genesis 3; today’s technology (especially the smartphone) is a wonderful tool to help lead everyone down this path again toward the New World Order <J102>

1. DISTRACT from what is important and what is possible, similar to how Satan got Eve to question whether she could eat from the tree

2. SELF-FOCUS to think of what every person can accomplish, similar to Eve thinking she could become like God

3. BREAK APART relationships, including the most important relationship between God and man

4. DIVIDE people so they are easier to indoctrinate and cannot reunify

5. Build the GLOBAL ORDER from all these broken parts resulting from secularism and post-modernism

Isaiah 14:13-14 NIV

** The unrighteous do not learn of God’s righteousness even when grace is shown to them

Isaiah 26:10-11 NIV

[10] But when grace is shown to the wicked, they do not learn righteousness; even in a land of uprightness they go on doing evil and do not regard the majesty of the Lord. [11] Lord, your hand is lifted high, but they do not see it. Let them see your zeal for your people and be put to shame; let the fire reserved for your enemies consume them.

Isaiah 26:20-21 NIV

[20] Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until his wrath has passed by. [21] See, the Lord is coming out of his dwelling to punish the people of the earth for their sins. The earth will disclose the blood shed on it; the earth will conceal its slain no longer.

** We must be tested to know our strength and confirm what we believe!

Remember the following truths when going through trials, whether they are physical, relational, questioning by Satan, etc; if we do not remember these truths then we fall away as through a crumbling foundation <C30>

Matthew 7:24-26 NIV

• We have been chosen by God’s

1 Peter 1:2 NIV

[2] who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

• We have hope/access to a living God while in this life

1 Peter 1:3 NIV

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead

• We are being kept safe in God, for nothing is more valuable to God than our faith in Him

1 Peter 1:4-5 NIV

[4] and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, [5] who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV

[16] Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. [17] For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. [18] So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

• We are never alone but always directed by God

• We have an unrelenting joy

1 Peter 1:6-8 NIV

[6] In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. [7] These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith---of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire---may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. [8] Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy

• We have an incredible salvation front m an incredible Savior

1 Peter 1:12 NIV

[12] It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

** The world will often deem believers foolish when singular in their obedience to God, but the Lord will support His servants under the most trying effects of their obedience — what they are called on to suffer for His sake is light compared to what groans under sin <H83>; these times of discomfort should also drive us to God for support

Isaiah 20:2-4 NIV

[2] at that time the Lord spoke through Isaiah son of Amoz. He said to him, “Take off the sackcloth from your body and the sandals from your feet.” And he did so, going around stripped and barefoot. [3] Then the Lord said, “Just as my servant Isaiah has gone stripped and barefoot for three years, as a sign and portent against Egypt and Cush, [4] so the king of Assyria will lead away stripped and barefoot the Egyptian captives and Cushite exiles, young and old, with buttocks bared---to Egypt's shame.

** The best way to fight Satan (who can only try to trick and mislead us) is to trust in God and follow His Word

In essence, all aspects of the armor of God goes back to the Word of God that opposes the values of the Babylonian system and counteracts Satan’s agenda; the truth in God’s Word offsets the lies coming from Satan <H86>

Ephesians 6:10-18 NIV

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. [11] Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. [12] For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. [13] Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. [14] Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, [15] and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. [16] In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. [17] Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. [18] And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

** The Bible is a book which calls not so much for the exertion of our intellect, as it does for the exercise of our affections, conscience and will. God has given His Word to us not for our entertainment, but for our education to make known what He requires from us. It is to be...

• the traveler's guide as he journeys through the maze of this world,

• and the mariner's chart as he sails the sea of life.

Therefore, whenever we open the Bible, the all-important consideration for each of us to keep before him is: "What is here for me today? What bearing does the passage now before me have upon my present case and circumstances — what warning, what encouragement, what information? What instruction is there...

• to direct me in the management of my business,

• to guide me in the ordering of my domestic and social affairs,

• to promote a closer walking with God?"

I should see myself addressed in every precept and included in every promise. But it is greatly to be feared that, through failure to appropriate God's Word unto our own case and circumstances, there is much Bible reading and study which is of little or no real benefit to the soul.

Nothing else will...

• secure us from the pollutions of this world,

• deliver from the temptations of Satan, and

• be so effectual a preservative from sin--

as the Word of God received into our affections.

Psalm 37:31 NIV

[31] The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip.

...can only be said of the one who has made personal appropriation of the Word, and is able to say with the Psalmist...

Psalm 119:11 NIV

[11] I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Just so long as the Word is...

• actually working in us,

• influencing us in a practical way,

• loved and revered by us,

• and stirs the conscience —

are we kept from falling into open sin!

And only as we personally go out and daily gather our portion of manna, and feed upon the same, will there be strength provided for the performing of duty and the bringing forth of fruit to the glory of God. <P161>

** How does God promise to teach and to guide? Not in the way that we would like to go —not in the way of our own choosing — but "the way which you shall go." Often we would decide on pursuing the sunny highway. But God says, 'the rough mountain-track is best for you!' Often we would, like Israel, take the near and smooth road to Canaan. But God's pillar-cloud decides otherwise, and takes us by a circuitous route "by the way of the wilderness." Often we would prefer, like the disciples at sea of Tiberias, the safe path by the seashore, so as to avoid the gathering storm, "for the wind is contrary." But God says, "No!" He constrains us to get into the boat!

The gardener has occasionally to subject his plants to apparently rough treatment — cutting, lopping, mutilating; reducing them to unsightly shapes — before they burst into flower. Summer, however, before long, vindicates the wisdom of his treatment, in its clusters of varied fragrance and beauty. So also, at times, does our heavenly Gardener see fit to use His pruning-knife! But be assured that there is not one superfluous or redundant lopping. We shall understand and acknowledge an infinitely wise necessity for all, when the plant has unfolded itself into the full flower, bathed in the tints and diffusing the fragrance of Heaven. <M129>

Psalm 32:8 NIV

[8] I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

** What is "prosperity?" Is it threads of life weaved into a bright outcome? a full cup? ample riches? worldly applause? an unbroken circle?

No! these are often a snare, received without gratitude, dimming the soul to its nobler destinies.

Often spiritually, it rather means God taking us by the hand into the lowly Valleys of Humiliation, leading us as He did His servant Job of old out of his sheep, oxen, camels, health, wealth, children--in order that we may be brought before Him in the dust and say, "Blessed be His holy name!"

Yes! The very reverse of what is generally known in the world as Prosperity--forms the background on which the Rainbow of Promise is seen. God smiles on us through these rainbows and teardrops of sorrows! He loves us too well. He has too great an interest in our spiritual welfare to permit us to live on in what is misnamed "Prosperity." When He sees duties languidly performed, or coldly neglected, the heart deadened, and love to Himself congealed by the absorbing power of the present world--He puts a thorn in our nest to drive us to the wing and prevent our being grovelers forever!

I may not be able now to understand the mystery of these dealings. I may be asking through the tears, “Why this unkind arrest on my earthly happiness?”

The answer is plain. It is your soul's prosperity which He has in view! Believe it, your true Ebenezers will yet be raised close by your Zarephath (the place of furnace).

Psalm 35:27 NIV

[27] May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, “The Lord be exalted, who delights in the well-being [prosperity] of his servant.”

** God operates from a spirit of faith, while the enemy operates from a spirit of fear; as Christians we need to stay away from fear or we fall into Satan’s trap <O155>

John 10:10 NIV

[10] The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Acts 20:21 NIV

[21] I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.

Romans 1:17 NIV

[17] For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed---a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

** Creation is testimony to God; even those who have never had opportunity to hear the Gospel have received a clear witness about the existence and character of God — and if a person will respond to the revelation he has, even if it is a solely natural revelation, God will provide some means for that person to hear the Gospel <M130>

Romans 1:19-20 NIV

Acts 8:26-29 NIV

[26] Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road---the desert road---that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” [27] So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means “queen of the Ethiopians”). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, [28] and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet. [29] The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”

Acts 17:27 NIV

[27] God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.

** We have to know the truth (memorize, study, understand, etc) in Scripture in order to be able to decipher what is true and what is false!

We are increasingly facing a barrage of information and we need to know how to deal with it. We are living in an age of spiritual battle with the Satanic side wanting to suppress the truth. We will have to fight this war with the truth to be able to pull-down the false arguments. Test everything against the Scripture.

The armor of God = the Word of God

We need to know how to use the Word of God against false info. If we don't know how, then we cannot resist and give a place (beachhead) to the Devil who then has influence over the person.

2 Corinthians 10:3-6 NIV

Ephesians 6:10-14 NIV

** Part of the armor of God is the belt of truth which is referenced in Isaiah

Isaiah 11:5 NIV

[5] Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist; truth is based on the Word of God and presupposes that the Christian KNOW and APPLY His word

The belt is bound around the waist for 3 reasons:

a) gives you freedom because the truth sets you free

b) truth is both an offensive and defensive weapon

c) displays things outwardly just like the truth should be made public; truth must be spoken and not silenced <H86>

Ephesians 6:10-14 NIV

** Take heed of settling yourselves under an unholy minister — of one whose life gives the lie to his doctrine. An unholy preacher is the greatest destroyer of the souls of men!

Let a minister be ever so learned, solid, quaint, elegant, zealous, judicious, sententious, etc.--yet if he is carnal, covetous, worldly, vain, and loose in his life and walk, his hearers will rather slight and abhor the holy things of God.

He who preaches well, but lives bad — does what he can, to murder all his hearers at once! There is no greater bar to holiness, than ministers' unholy lives. An unholy life mars the soundest and the sweetest doctrine. The sins of teachers are the teachers of sins!

When the preacher departs out of the way of holiness, the people will quickly wander from all that is good. He whose life is not a standing reproof to sin — will, by his life, encourage sinners more and more in a way of sin. There is nothing which keeps men so off from the love of holiness, and from the pursuing after holiness, than the unholy lives of their ministers. <B24>

1 Timothy 4:12,16 NIV

[12] Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. [16] Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Isaiah 9:16 NIV

[16] Those who guide this people mislead them, and those who are guided are led astray.

Titus 2:7 NIV

[7] In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness

** Those who do not follow God’s instruction will suffer the fate of being distressed and fearful

Isaiah 8:21-22 NIV

[21] Distressed and hungry, they will roam through the land; when they are famished, they will become enraged and, looking upward, will curse their king and their God. [22] Then they will look toward the earth and see only distress and darkness and fearful gloom, and they will be thrust into utter darkness.

** The press has a great power for evil. Infidel and immoral writers are pouring forth a deluge of skepticism and vice, which are depositing a poisonous and toxic slime over the minds of the people.

Let it be imagined, if imagined it can be, what must be the state of multitudes in this country, when millions of pestiferous publications are annually going out among the masses of our population. Let the minds of all Christian people dwell upon...

• the insult offered to God,

• the ruin brought upon souls,

• the injury done to morals, and

• the mischief perpetrated in the nation,

by such a state of things!

These ungodly publications originate from Satan's workshop, and reflect the scenes of that dreadful laboratory of mental poison! These authors, printers, publishers, booksellers, vendors, by myriads, are all busy and indefatigable — to do what?

• To destroy the Bible,

• to corrupt the mind,

• to pull down the cross,

• to dethrone God,

• to subvert true religion,

• to turn man into a speaking brute,

• to overturn all morality,

• to poison the springs of domestic happiness,

• to dissolve the ties of social order,

• to involve our country in ruin!

Satan, and all his emissaries upon earth, are in earnest in ruining men's souls! <J101>

2 Corinthians 2:11 NIV

[11] in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

** A taste for worldly amusements will inevitably prove, wherever it is indulged--a powerful obstacle to growth in grace.

Man is unquestionably made for enjoyment. He has a capacity for bliss--an instinctive appetite for gratification; and for this, God has made ample provision of a healthful and lawful kind. But "a taste for worldly pleasure" means that this God-given capacity is directed to wrong sources, or carried to an excess.

Now there are some amusements which in their very nature are so utterly incompatible with true godliness, that a liking for them, and a hankering after them, and especially an indulgence in them--cannot exist with real, earnest, and serious piety.

True religion is, though a happy, a very serious thing--and can no more live and flourish in the uncongenial atmosphere of those parties, than could a young tender plant survive if brought into a frigid zone.

But in this pleasure-loving, pleasure-seeking, and pleasure-inventing age, there is a great variety of amusements perpetually rising up, which it would be impossible to say are sinful, and therefore unlawful. Yet the 'supposition of their lawfulness' viewed in connection with their abundance, variety, and constant repetition, is the very thing that makes them dangerous to the spirit of true religion. <J101>

** Man has turned to worshiping the created and not the Creator

Romans 1:20-23 NIV

[20] For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities---his eternal power and divine nature---have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. [21] For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. [22] Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools [23] and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.

** David understood he had a responsibility in his relationship to keep God’s commands and not just ask God for help when needed — in other words, not just expect a one-way relationship

Psalm 119:145-146 NIV

[145] I call with all my heart; answer me, Lord, and I will obey your decrees. [146] I call out to you; save me and I will keep your statutes.

** Dear Father in Heaven,

I approach the footstool of Your throne of grace, through the merits and mediation of Him whom You always hear. My best motives are mingled with selfishness; my best actions are marred with defilement. I feel the weakness of my faith, the coldness of my love, and the fitfulness of my holy desires. I cast myself anew on Him who has done all and suffered all and procured all for me!

I have continual need of Your grace, and of the influence of Your Holy Spirit. Protect and preserve me by Your mighty power. If at times I am prone to spiritual declension, reclaim my truant heart from its wanderings. Give me increasing tenderness of conscience, scrupulously avoiding anything that would compromise godly principle, or dim the sanctities of pure thought and holy deed. Enable me to cultivate those elevating virtues which make life truly beautiful. By simplicity of trust, consistency of obedience, and consecration of heart and life--may I ever seek to glorify Your holy name.

Grant me Your upholding, strengthening, sanctifying grace for this day. Let me exercise a habitual jealousy over my words and actions. Purify my motives, elevate my affections. Keep me from dishonoring Your Fatherly goodness, by doing what is inconsistent with Your will. Be...

• my Protector in danger,

• my Counselor in perplexity,

• my Light in darkness,

• my Comforter in sorrow,

• my Guide even unto death.

Bless Your children in affliction. May it be their joy and privilege to pour their sorrows into a Father's ear. Comfort them as a tender mother comforts her distressed child--and then they shall be truly comforted. Be the rest-giver and the rest-provider for Your weary and heavy-laden children.

Have mercy on the wide family of Your afflicted ones. May they take refuge in the very arms that are chastising them, feeling assured that their heavenly Father knows best that they have need of all these things. May it be theirs to look beyond what is frail and fleeting and transitory--and anticipate the time when every tear-dimmed eye shall wake up amid the brightness and glory of an unsinning, unsorrowing, tearless world! <M129>

** The doctrines of Scripture are facts which involve corresponding emotions and principles of action, and must, from their very nature, if believed, be operative upon the heart and the life.

If the doctrines of Scripture...

• exert no godly influence,

• carry with them no practical weight,

• exert no moral power

then they are not truly believed.

The doctrines of Scripture are at once...

• the source of consolation, and

• the means of sanctification.

The doctrines of Scripture...

• come into the mind as knowledge,

• produce peace and love in the heart,

• and spread the beauties of holiness over the character and conduct.

The doctrines of Scripture are light; and like the rays of the sun, they sustain life at the root of the vine, and produce fruit on its branches. This heavenly light of truth gives...

• spiritual vitality to the soul,

• and holy conduct to the life. <J101>

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV

[16] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, [17] so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

1 Thessalonians 1:5 NIV

[5] because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.

John 17:17 NIV

[17] Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

** It is not enough for followers of Christ to read about God’s commands in Scripture (if they even do that) but meditate, memorize and apply them (obey) to their daily life; the communion table is a wonderful reminder to do this!

Psalm 119:147-148 NIV

[147] I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. [148] My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.

Psalm 119:10-11 NIV

I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. [11] I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:167-168 NIV

[167] I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly. [168] I obey your precepts and your statutes, for all my ways are known to you.

** I need not prove to you that prayer, as a duty, is essential to Christian conduct; and, as a privilege, prayer is equally indispensable to Christian enjoyment. All Christians give themselves to this devout exercise. Their petitions are copious, comprehensive, and seemingly earnest.

What solemn professions they make to God! What ardent desires they express! What numerous blessings they seek! What strong resolutions they form!

If we so pray — how ought we to live? What kind of people must we be, to live up to the standard of our prayers? And ought we not, in some measure at least, to reach this standard? Should there not be a harmony, a consistency, a proportion between our practice and our prayers?

Do you indeed ACT as you pray? Do you understand the import, and feel the obligation of your own petitions? Do you rise from your knees where you have asked and knocked--to seek? Do you really want, wish for, and endeavor to obtain an answer to your prayers? Are you really intent upon doing and being what you ask for in prayer? <J101>

Acts 2:42-47 NIV

[42] They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. [43] Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. [44] All the believers were together and had everything in common. [45] They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. [46] Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, [47] praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Matthew 21:22 NIV

[22] If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

Mark 11:24 NIV

[24] Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

** "Words are more than carriers of thought... they are bridges between people and time. God's Word is the best bridge between the old and the new, between the body and the soul, between the temporal and the eternal, between God and humanity. The inscription is old but the blessing is always new." <Z220>

Psalm 119:152 NIV

[152] Long ago I learned from your statutes that you established them to last forever.

Psalm 119:160 NIV

[160] All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.

** Professing Christians, instead of looking into the perfect standard of Scripture, and seeing themselves reflected from that faithful mirror, and adjusting their character and conduct by its infallible revelations--placed before themselves the standard of the Christian profession as it was found in the church of the day, and regulated their behavior by what they saw in the prevailing character of their fellow Christians!

Let us turn away from the religion we see in the church--to the religion we read in the Bible! Let us not go to the imperfect and blurred copy--but to the perfect and unspotted original! The Bible's representation of the nature of true piety is intended for us as our guide, and is obligatory upon us! <J101>

** Genuine believers actively seek after God through His Word; likewise there will be a desire to turn away from worldly enticements

Psalm 119:30-31 NIV

[30] I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws. [31] I hold fast to your statutes, Lord; do not let me be put to shame.

Psalm 119:33 NIV

[33] Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end.

Psalm 119:36-37 NIV

[36] Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. [37] Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.

Psalm 119:40 NIV

[40] How I long for your precepts! In your righteousness preserve my life.

Psalm 119:58,60 NIV

[58] I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. [60] I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.

Psalm 119:44-48 NIV

[44] I will always obey your law, for ever and ever. [45] I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. [46] I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame, [47] for I delight in your commands because I love them. [48] I reach out for your commands, which I love, that I may meditate on your decrees.

Psalm 119:81 NIV

[81] My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word.

Psalm 119:98-100,104 NIV

[98] Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. [99] I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. [100] I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. [104] I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.

** The Holy Spirit can help us understand and apply God’s word when we ask

Psalm 119:27,32 NIV

[27] Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds. [32] I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding.

Psalm 119:34 NIV

[34] Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart.

Psalm 119:64,66 NIV

[64] The earth is filled with your love, Lord; teach me your decrees. [66] Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands.

Psalm 119:98-100,104 NIV

Psalm 119:105 NIV

[105] Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Psalm 119:130 NIV

[130] The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.

Psalm 119:124-125 NIV

[124] Deal with your servant according to your love and teach me your decrees. [125] I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.

Psalm 119:169,171 NIV

[169] May my cry come before you, Lord; give me understanding according to your word. [171] May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees.

** We increasingly fear our righteous God when we observe His promises fulfilled; ask God to reveal Himself via the Holy Spirit, His Word and fulfilled promises

Psalm 119:38 NIV

[38] Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared.

Psalm 119:120 NIV

[120] My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws.

Psalm 119:138,142,144 NIV

[138] The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy. [142] Your righteousness is everlasting and your law is true. [144] Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live.

** The attributes of God become characteristics of Scripture; for both God and His Word can be seen as:

• trustworthy (Psalm 119:42)

• true (43, 142, 151, 160)

• faithful (86)

• unchangeable (89)

• eternal (90, 152)

• light (105)

• pure (140)

** Believer! what can better support and sustain you amid the trials of your pilgrimage, than the thought that you have an Omnipotent arm to lean upon? The God with whom you have to do, is boundless in His resources! There is...

• no crossing His designs,

• no thwarting His purposes,

• no questioning His counsels.

His mandate is law! "He speaks and it is done!" Your need is great. From the humblest crumb of providential goodness, up to the richest blessing of Divine grace — you are hanging from moment to moment, as a poor pensioner on Jehovah's bounty! <M129>

Revelation 19:6 NIV

[6] Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.

Philippians 4:19 NIV

[19] And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

** The world is, indeed, a very dangerous foe to the believer. To very, very many, it is the most destructive one. They are not so likely to be subdued by 'open vice' as by worldly-mindedness.

1 John 2:15 NIV

[15] Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.

Worldliness is the sin of the age, and has deeply infected the church of Christ!

• Your business is the world,

• your family is the world,

• your comfortable home is the world,

• the wife of your bosom is the world,

• the children whom God has given you are the world.

"What! then," you exclaim, "are we not to love these?" Yes, in proper degrees — but not more than God. You are not to seek your highest happiness from them. You are not to be more solicitous to secure them, than Heaven. It is of a 'supreme love' which the apostle speaks. <J101>

Matthew 10:37 NIV

[37] “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

** The first commandment of the decalogue says, "You shall have no other gods before Me." The meaning of this precept, which is the foundation of all religion, is not merely that we shall not acknowledge any other God besides Jehovah —but also that we shall treat Him as God! That is, we...

• must love Him with all our hearts,

• serve Him with all our lives, and

• depend upon Him for our supreme felicity.

It is obvious that whatever we love most, and are most anxious to retain and please, whatever it is we depend most upon for happiness and help — whatever has most of our hearts — that is in effect, our God!

It does not matter whether it is friends, possessions, desires, or our own selves! These are the idols of the heart! <J101>

1 John 5:21 NIV

[21] Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.

** What are your expectations of God?

When Jezebel heard that Elijah killed the prophets of Baal and Asherah, she threatened to kill him; exhausted, Elijah fled to the wilderness where God spoke to him

1 Kings 19:3 NIV

[3] Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there

It is a powerful scene that Elijah, who just demonstrated God’s power to the Israelites via fire from heaven and then killed 450 prophets of Baal and ended a drought, was found sitting under a tree asking God to take his life

The reason Elijah was disillusioned was because God did not retaliate against Jezebel’s threats as Elijah expected, as God miraculously performed before with fire and rain; Elijah was also dismayed because Israel was not great again — via Israel’s repentance and revival

1 Kings 19:1-4 NIV

[1] Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. [2] So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.” [3] Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, [4] while he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.”

1 Kings 19:14-17 NIV

[14] He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” [15] The Lord said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. [16] Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. [17] Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu.

The lesson is that God’s ways and timing are not always what we expect, our ways and timing — they are higher, better and greater! God does appear to Elijah but not in the mighty earthquake, winds or fire, but in a quiet whisper asking Elijah what he was doing... why the pity party?

Elijah never did see saw death as was feared because he was raptured to heaven via a chariot of fire; the next time we see Elijah is when he is with Moses on the Mount of Transfiguration <F60>

Matthew 17:1-3 NIV

[1] After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. [2] There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. [3] Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

** In the day of adversity, you should consider from whose hand it has been sent to you! It comes direct from the hand of God!

Intermediate agencies may have been employed in inflicting it:

• a cherished family member may have been the messenger of disease;

• a treacherous friend may have been the cause of bankruptcy;

• an avowed enemy may have been the author of reproach and shame;

• Satan himself may have been allowed to smite you!

But through whatever secondary agency it may have been conveyed, adversity comes from God's hand! <B25>

Ecclesiastes 7:14 NIV

[14] When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.

Isaiah 45:7 NIV

[7] I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.

Lamentations 3:38 NIV

[38] Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come?

Job 2:10 NIV

[10] He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

Job 5:17-18 NIV

[17] “Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. [18] For he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal.

Deuteronomy 32:39 NIV

[39] “See now that I myself am he! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand.

Amos 3:6 NIV

[6] When a trumpet sounds in a city, do not the people tremble? When disaster comes to a city, has not the Lord caused it?

** God intends when He bestows His gifts, that they should be received with smiles of gratitude; and when He recalls them, that they should be surrendered with "drops of sacred grief." Sorrow is an affection implanted by the Creator in the soul for wise and beneficent purposes; and it ought not to be ruthlessly torn up by the roots, but directed in its exercise by reason and piety.

But then, though we mourn, we must not murmur. We may sorrow, but not with the violent and uncontrolled grief of the heathen who have no hope. It must be a sorrow so quiet as to hear all the words of consolation which our Heavenly Father utters amidst the gentle strokes of His rod. It must be a sorrow so trustful as to look forward to the future with hope. <J101>

Deuteronomy 32:39 NIV

[39] “See now that I myself am he! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand.

Job 1:21 NIV

[21] and said: “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”

** David asked how he can repay the Lord for His goodness expressed to him; we should ask the same and fulfill our vows to the Lord as we call on Him and serve Him

Psalm 116:12-14 NIV

[12] What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me? [13] I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. [14] I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.

Psalm 116:17-19 NIV

[17] I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord. [18] I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people, [19] in the courts of the house of the Lord---in your midst, Jerusalem. Praise the Lord.

Psalm 116:15-16 NIV

[15] Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants. [16] Truly I am your servant, Lord; I serve you just as my mother did; you have freed me from my chains.

** He who has an inward delight in anything will not stop thinking about it for very long. Just as the miser returns often to look on his treasure, so the devout believer, by frequent meditation, turns over the priceless wealth that He has discovered in the Book of the Lord. No spiritual exercise is more profitable to the soul than that of devout meditation! <S185>

Psalm 119:14-16 NIV

[14] I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. [15] I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. [16] I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.

Psalm 119:20,23-24 NIV

[20] My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. [23] Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees. [24] Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.

Psalm 1:2 NIV

[2] but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.

Joshua 1:8 NIV

[8] Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Psalm 119:138 NIV

[138] The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy.

** The habit of laying up a text of Scripture in the morning, to be meditated upon while engaged in the business of this world through the day, is both profitable and delightful. It is as a refreshing draught to a weary traveler!

Nothing is more helpful and practical in Christian living, than the habit of getting a verse or phrase of Scripture into the mind and heart in the morning. Its influence stays through the day, weaving itself into all the day's thoughts and words and experiences.

Every verse in the Bible is meant to help us to live, and a good devotional book opens up the precious teachings which are folded up in its words.

A devotional book which takes a Scripture text, and so opens it for us in the morning, that all day long it helps us to live, becoming a true lamp to our feet, and a staff to lean upon when the way is rough--is the very best devotional help we can possibly have. What we need in a devotional book which will bless our lives, is the application of the great teachings of Scripture to common, daily, practical life. <M136>

Psalm 119:15 NIV

[15] I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.

Psalm 119:20,23-24 NIV

** The Lord provides for His children for His glory; we are to pray for others and give glory to God for His faithfulness and being trustworthy in answering our prayers, remembering that God always knows BEST how to respond to our prayers

Psalm 111:4-8 NIV

[4] He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate. [5] He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. [6] He has shown his people the power of his works, giving them the lands of other nations. [7] The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. [8] They are established for ever and ever, enacted in faithfulness and uprightness.

** Take time to reflect and marvel at God’s works and His righteousness

Psalm 111:1-3 NIV

[1] Praise the Lord. I will extol the Lord with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly. [2] Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. [3] Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever.

** Even though there is “nothing new under the sun”, people do not make the effort to learn from history; is it any wonder Satan and the spirit of lawlessness wants to erase history?

Ecclesiastes 1:9-11 NIV

[9] What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. [10] Is there anything of which one can say, “Look! This is something new”? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time. [11] No one remembers the former generations, and even those yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow them.

** As 2020 moves forward, most people have no clue what is happening and what will happen. It is the era of great fear because almost no one has a handle on the happenings or the future. This is not news, for thousands of years ago scriptures said that "My people will perish for lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6). This lack is widespread and universal in its scope. God once more proved His love for us by scriptural forecasts and prophecies that are happening as I type this. They are contained in the Bible; the answers to these questions were always there. You don't have to dig them out. In the Old Testament, He used prophets to warn us; in the New Testament, Jesus Himself was not only the world's Savior but highlighted the future. These prophetic teachings of Jesus were listed in Chapter 24 of Matthew's gospel writings as well as the Book of Revelation starting with Chapter 4.

Jesus called these items birth pangs, mirroring the human experience. It is important to remember that they increase in time and intensity. The culmination of these occurs in the Tribulation period which we will discuss later. These are so bad that scripture tells about millions of people losing their lives in this seven-year period before the second coming. And just before the ending of the Tribulation, the War of Armageddon takes place. If you are not familiar with these seven years, you should investigate, as there is a safety feature available to avoid the intensity of this era. <M1492> (Oct 2020)

Hosea 4:6 NIV

[6] my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. “Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.

** Christians are not to fear the evil plans of man but to fear God. Are people conspiring today, hoping to do evil, harm and that which is unlawful? Absolutely, but do not fear what they have in mind but fear the Lord instead!

Most think of “tin foil hat” when first hearing about CONSPIRACY THEORY. In reality, it’s a pejorative applied to ideas which challenge an official narrative; those interested in these ideas are turned into conspiracy theorists. <W2201> The CIA started this pejorative notion to promote “lone nut theory” regarding the JFK assassination via Operation Mockingbird which was to control the media and message about the event... the same Operation that produced the Warren Report.

COGNITIVE DISSONANCE also plays a role: mental conflict occurs when beliefs or assumptions are in conflict with new information which leads people to feeling uneasiness and persuading themselves that no conflict exists — they either reject, explain away or avoid the new information, all in an effort to stabilize conceptions of the world and themselves. <E56>

Do we know that ALL MEDIA today including Fox News =) is controlled by 6 people? Ever wonder why local news stations across the country have anchors saying the EXACT same words, verbatim? How do you explain Event 201 that happened October 2019 — months before the COVID outbreak — where those in attendance simulated a COVID pandemic wondering how to control the narrative once it happens? How do you explain the 2013 rapper song which details exactly a coronavirus pandemic that shuts down the world in 2020?

Today’s society still dismisses evidence and situations because “it is just too hard to believe” and requires too much coordinated effort. Some even place the “Bible and Jesus” as a conspiracy theory! Don’t forget that evil mixes in truth with falsehoods so people automatically dismiss truth along with the falsehoods, thus getting people to question everything including Christianity.

Let’s not throw out CONSPIRACY FACT when considering what is going on today — evil does exist and Satan has not stopped conspiring — and let’s stick close to God’s truth as outlined in His Word! <F60>

Isaiah 8:11-13 NIV

[11] This is what the Lord says to me with his strong hand upon me, warning me not to follow the way of this people: [12] “Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. [13] The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread.

Genesis 3:1-5 NIV

[1] Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'? ” [2] The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, [3] but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.' ” [4] “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. [5] “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

Isaiah 5:20 NIV

[20] Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.

** Nothing endures apart from God and He will judge all in the end

Ecclesiastes 3:14 NIV

[14] I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him.

Ecclesiastes 3:17 NIV

[17] I said to myself, “God will bring into judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time to judge every deed.”

** The condition of the sinner may be likened to that of a condemned criminal shut up in prison and infected with a deadly plague! What he needs is both the cure of his plague and the reversal of his sentence. Neither alone, will meet his case. If he is only pardoned, he will die of the plague. If he is only cured of the plague, he will suffer the just sentence of the law.

So it is with fallen man — he is both depraved and condemned! If he is only pardoned, his depravity will be his misery. If he could by any means be reformed, he is still under sentence of death.

The glory and completeness of the gospel scheme is that it provides a cure for the diseases of the soul in sanctification; as well as a pardon from the condemnation of the law in justification! <J101>

Ephesians 6:12 NIV

James 4:7-10 NIV

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. [8] Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. [9] Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. [10] Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Matthew 12:10,13 NIV

[10] and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to bring charges against Jesus, they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” [13] Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other.

** The wise recognize that God is the source of all blessings

Psalm 107:35-38 NIV

[35] He turned the desert into pools of water and the parched ground into flowing springs; [36] there he brought the hungry to live, and they founded a city where they could settle. [37] They sowed fields and planted vineyards that yielded a fruitful harvest; [38] he blessed them, and their numbers greatly increased, and he did not let their herds diminish.

Psalm 107:43 NIV

[43] Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord.

** In books I converse with men; in the Bible I converse with God. The more I read, the more I long to read. The Scripture is always new, always instructing, always delightful.

The value of the Bible is inestimable. It is not only a perfect map of the spiritual world; but the believer surveying its riches and beauties and pleasures, has a good warrant to say, "All these are mine, for God Himself is mine!"

It is our duty to read and meditate on the Word, but we should always do it with the fixed dependence of our hearts upon His divine teaching; without which the Word itself will profit us nothing. May the Spirit keep us in the use of means, but entirely dependent upon Him in the use of them. The Word of God can be made useful to us, only by the enlightening of the Spirit of God.

It is by continual dependence on the teaching of the Spirit, in and by the Word, and by mixing faith with it that we come to find its value and to taste its pleasures. For it then opens a new world to us, a spiritual and eternal world. <R172>

** Commit to the Lord your plans and He will help them materialize when they align with His will; remember that the book of Proverbs provides general life principles and not “works in every situation” promises!

We can expect God to bring our work to fruition in God’s way and in God’s time when we depend on Him in our efforts. Part of committing our work to God, of course, is seeking and following God’s will — when our work aligns with God’s will then success will follow <G72>

Proverbs 16:3-4 NIV

[3] Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. [4] The Lord works out everything to its proper end---even the wicked for a day of disaster.

** God looks at MOTIVE of the heart — why we think & do what we do — while man often focuses on words and action

Proverbs 16:2 NIV

[2] All a person's ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.

** So much of what motivates people is envy and pride, wanting to be better than their neighbor; Solomon rightly identifies this as meaningless — a chasing after the wind

Ecclesiastes 4:4 NIV

[4] And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one person's envy of another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

** It is hard starving this sin of pride--it can live on almost anything!

A proud sinner and a humble Savior will never agree. Christ is humble and lowly, and so resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. <G74>

James 4:6 NIV

[6] But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

** A broken heart, a contrite spirit, and a subdued will are rare things, especially in this age in which men everywhere are taught to demand their rights; and the church has become a place where man is exalted and enshrined as though he were God. Self-esteem, self-worth, and self-promotion are the cry of the day. Every man does that which is right in his own eyes. All men by nature are exceedingly proud, selfish people.

Preachers today, knowing man's natural pride, have capitalized upon it. They have developed a flesh-pleasing theology of pride. Our forefathers exalted the dignity, the majesty, and the supremacy of the eternal God. But the smooth-tongued preachers of deceit in our day have set themselves to exalt the dignity, majesty, and supremacy of puny man! It seems that religion today is dedicated not to the honor of God, but to the honor of man. Its purpose is to make man feel good about himself. Therefore we hear little about...

• brokenness of heart,

• contrition of the soul, and

• the subduing of man's will.

God will have broken hearts with which to build His kingdom. Sooner or later, the Lord God will bring us to nothingness before His presence. God's people, all of God's people are a broken people. <F67>

Isaiah 66:2 NIV

Psalm 51:17 NIV

[17] My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.

** "...Where the Puritans called for discipline, order, depth and thoroughness, our temper (today) is one of casual haphazardness and restless impatience. We crave for stunts, novelties and entertainment. We have lost the taste for humbleness and self-examination, disciplined meditation, and unspectacular hard work in our callings and in our prayers." <P167>

The Puritans -- members of English Protestants in the 16-17 century executed for the commitment to the Word of God and a stricter moral code than the Church of England -- had God and His glory as the unifying center. Our thinking revolves around ourselves as if WE are the hub of the universe; this is reflected in the popular preaching of today. In teaching on the Christian life, believers long for thrilling feelings rather than working faith, supernatural interruptions rather than rational righteousness. In dealing with the Christian experience, we focus on peace, joy, happiness, satisfaction, with no balance to the Divine discontent of Romans 7.

** If we want to know God, we MUST study the Bible; those with the Spirit understand the message

1 Corinthians 1:26-31 NIV

[26] Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. [27] But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. [28] God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things---and the things that are not---to nullify the things that are, [29] so that no one may boast before him. [30] It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God---that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. [31] Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

1 Corinthians 2:14-16 NIV

** Fearing the Lord is a sign of wisdom and helps one walk uprightly

Proverbs 14:2 NIV

[2] Whoever fears the Lord walks uprightly, but those who despise him are devious in their ways.

Proverbs 14:27 NIV

[27] The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.

** The reason some may question their salvation is due to not having enough tests in this life. The proof of our faith is getting through the trials. We don't want our best life now! On the contrary, we want trials and suffering, because when we come through to the other side and we know our faith is intact, the gift of God is the assurance that our salvation is the real thing! <M130>

1 Peter 1:6-7

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

** What should hinder him who sees God as his Heavenly Father, and believes that all events proceed from His hand, and are managed by His wisdom, and are prompted by His love — from kissing the rod, and saying, "My Father, not my will, but may Your will be done." I say, what should hinder him from taking the agonizing cup and draining it to the bitterest dregs.

Habakkuk 3:17-18 NIV

Job 1:21 NIV

[21] and said: “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”

Job 2:10 NIV

[10] He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

1 Samuel 3:18 NIV

[18] So Samuel told him everything, hiding nothing from him. Then Eli said, “He is the Lord; let him do what is good in his eyes.”

Ecclesiastes 7:14 NIV

[14] When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.

Matthew 26:39 NIV

[39] Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

** Solomon tries to apply wisdom to the things of this world but comes up with nothing — everything is meaningless; this proves that man cannot fathom the things of the Lord, for His ways are not our ways

Ecclesiastes 1:13-14 NIV

[13] I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens. What a heavy burden God has laid on mankind! [14] I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

Ecclesiastes 1:16-17 NIV

[16] I said to myself, “Look, I have increased in wisdom more than anyone who has ruled over Jerusalem before me; I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge.” [17] Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind.

Isaiah 55:7-9 NIV

[7] Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. [8] “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. [9] “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

** Only God can take the wrath (evil) of man and make it to glorify Him, for God will never allow Satan to do anything unless it serves His purpose for His kingdom and glory <F60>

Psalm 76:10 NIV

[10] Surely your wrath against mankind brings you praise, and the survivors of your wrath are restrained.

Genesis 50:19-20 NIV

[19] But Joseph said to them, “Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? [20] You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

** Be careful from whom you get advice, for words have power!

Proverbs 12:5-6 NIV

[5] The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful. [6] The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.

Proverbs 12:13-14 NIV

[13] Evildoers are trapped by their sinful talk, and so the innocent escape trouble. [14] From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things, and the work of their hands brings them reward.

** Keep good company if you want to be rewarded with good things; there is a power of association that helps a person build character <M130>

Proverbs 13:20-21 NIV

[20] Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. [21] Trouble pursues the sinner, but the righteous are rewarded with good things.

Proverbs 16:29 NIV

[29] A violent person entices their neighbor and leads them down a path that is not good.

Proverbs 22:24-25 NIV

[24] Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, [25] or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.

Proverbs 23:20-21 NIV

[20] Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, [21] for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.

Proverbs 28:7 NIV

[7] A discerning son heeds instruction, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.

** Wisdom gives hope and can be found by the foolish and simple

Proverbs 8:1,5 NIV

[1] Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? [5] You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, set your hearts on it.

Proverbs 8:17 NIV

[17] I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.

Proverbs 8:34-35 NIV

[34] Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. [35] For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord.

** Beware of false teachers! The devil has his ministers, as well as Christ!

Matthew 7:15 NIV

[15] “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.

Isaiah 56:11 NIV

[11] They are dogs with mighty appetites; they never have enough. They are shepherds who lack understanding; they all turn to their own way, they seek their own gain.

False teachers:

• Do not feed the flock--but fleece the flock!

• Do not convert--but pervert!

• Do not purify--but poison!

• Do not edify for salvation--but destroy for damnation!

• Instead of curing souls--they kill souls!

• Just so long as they pilfer the people's money they care not, though the devil has their souls!

They are dogs and wolves combining together to massacre the flock of Christ! Oh! therefore keep yourselves from Babylon's merchants, who make merchandise of the souls of men. <D42>

** [After discussing current events regarding Judas] Peter went on to discuss the reason why they should cast lots for a replacement for Judas amongst the 120 disciples. After praying, they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And Matthias became the 12th apostle.

There were two qualifications for being a member of the twelve apostles according to Acts 1:21-22. The first qualification was the man had to have been a witness of Jesus’ ministry from the beginning of John’s baptism of Jesus to the day he was taken up. The second qualification was he had to be a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.

The 120 disciples mentioned in Acts 1:15 were all men that were followers and believers of Jesus and met the qualifications mentioned above. They were probably a core group of the 500 eyewitnesses whom Jesus appeared to after his resurrection, as mentioned by Paul. Matthias and Joseph (called Barsabbas) were probably among this group. Other disciples might have included the brothers of Jesus, Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathaea, and some of the 70 disciples mentioned in Luke 70:1. <N154>

Acts 1:15-17 NIV

[15] In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) [16] and said, “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. [17] He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.”

Acts 1:21-22 NIV

[21] Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, [22] beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”

** Take heed of an idle and slothful spirit. An idle life and a holy heart are far asunder. By doing nothing, men learn to do evil things. It is easy slipping out of an idle life, into an evil and wicked life. Yes, an idle life is of itself evil, for man was made to be active, not to be idle. Idleness is a mother-sin, a breeding-sin; it is the devil's cushion — on which he sits; and the devil's anvil — on which he frames very great and very many sins. Look! as toads and serpents breed most in standing waters, so sin thrives most in idle people. <B24>

1 Thessalonians 5:14 NIV

And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

Proverbs 6:6,9-11 NIV

[6] Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! [9] How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? [10] A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest--- [11] and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.

** The book of Revelation is without doubt the least read book in the Bible, but it is the only one that promises a blessing by doing so.

Revelation 1:3 NIV

[3] Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.

If you want to know what the future holds, there it is. It's all packed into that one book ... Revelation. But that's not all; there are several books within the Bible that tells us future things, and the more we read them, the better we understand Revelation.

People often get discouraged when reading the Bible, saying they just can't understand it. Hey, no one, and I mean NO ONE understands it all. Think about it. God, specifically Jesus Christ, wrote it (John 1:1-5), so no one is going to completely understand God. He is the Creator. We are the created. That would be like me trying to explain how a computer works to a grasshopper. BUT ... God wants us to understand it. Otherwise, there would be no need for Him to write it.

The only way to really understand the Bible as a Christian is to allow the Spirit of God, who we call the Holy Spirit, to teach us as we read. He is the best and only teacher we need.

If we are a Christian, we have the Spirit of God living within us. He is the pledge with which God has sealed us as a guarantee, promising we always belong to Him.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 NIV

[21] Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, [22] set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

Many Christians are missing so many blessings by not being faithful readers of the Bible. Many try to get their spiritual 'kicks' from emotional genuflecting, instead of the real thing. <P160>

** Proverbs contains the words of Solomon regarding how we are to live our lives; the prologue provides a summary of this book and how readers can be helped:

• for learning

• for insight

• for guidance of behavior

• to perform justly

• to give prudence to the naive

• to provide discretion for the young

• to increase learning for the older

• to understand wisdom

• to enhance the fear of the Lord (reverence and hate evil) through knowledge, and

• to reduce the folly of the foolish when despising wisdom and instruction

Proverbs 1:1-7 NIV

[1] The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: [2] for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; [3] for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; [4] for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young--- [5] let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance--- [6] for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. [7] The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

** We are to be proactive and seek out wisdom and apply it to our lives if we want to know God and find His knowledge

Solomon made God’s law his own by faith, obedience and teaching; the wisdom of God’s words are available to those who understand its value above all else <M130>

Proverbs 2:1-6 NIV

[1] My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, [2] turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding — [3] indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, [4] and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, [5] then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. [6] For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

** Solomon instructs his son to listen to his elders and beware of the greedy — those who want to take advantage of others — for they are ruthless and only end up destroying themselves

Proverbs 1:8,10,15-16,18-19 NIV

[8] Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. [10] My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them. [15] my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths; [16] for their feet rush into evil, they are swift to shed blood. [18] These men lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush only themselves! [19] Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the life of those who get it.

** God provides a condition that He will make known His teachings when people change from their mocking simple unbelieving ways

Proverbs 1:22-23 NIV

[22] “How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? [23] Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings.

Proverbs 1:24-31 NIV

[24] But since you refuse to listen when I call and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand, [25] since you disregard all my advice and do not accept my rebuke, [26] I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you; I will mock when calamity overtakes you--- [27] when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you. [28] “Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me, [29] since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord. [30] Since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, [31] they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.

Proverbs 1:32-33 NIV

[32] For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; [33] but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”

** Man does not comprehend the worth of wisdom

Job 28:13,15,17-18 NIV

[13] No mortal comprehends its worth; it cannot be found in the land of the living. [15] It cannot be bought with the finest gold, nor can its price be weighed out in silver. [17] Neither gold nor crystal can compare with it, nor can it be had for jewels of gold. [18] Coral and jasper are not worthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies.

** The Lord’s patience ran out as Job and his friends, mere mortals, were reasoning and speaking for Him out of limited knowledge

Job 38:1-3 NIV

** God is wise and we can have access to wisdom when we align ourselves with Him!

Job 28:23-28 NIV

[23] God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells, [24] for he views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens. [25] When he established the force of the wind and measured out the waters, [26] when he made a decree for the rain and a path for the thunderstorm, [27] then he looked at wisdom and appraised it; he confirmed it and tested it. [28] And he said to the human race, “The fear of the Lord---that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.”

** Elihu correctly provides insight that God often uses suffering to chasten and bring repentance, to open men’s ears and draw them to Himself; as long as Job was complaining, he was turning to iniquity rather than turning to God in his suffering <M130>

Job 36:16-21 NIV

[16] “He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food. [17] But now you are laden with the judgment due the wicked; judgment and justice have taken hold of you. [18] Be careful that no one entices you by riches; do not let a large bribe turn you aside. [19] Would your wealth or even all your mighty efforts sustain you so you would not be in distress? [20] Do not long for the night, to drag people away from their homes. [21] Beware of turning to evil, which you seem to prefer to affliction.

** Job, still in a distressed condition, confessed and repented even though he did not know why he suffered — without answers to his questions — but he was done complaining, questioning and challenging God’s wisdom and justice

Job was reduced to such humility, crushed beneath the weight of God’s greatness, that all he could do was repent for his indolence of charges he raised against God

Job had a new understanding of God through a renewed faith, for he now grasped God’s greatness, majesty, sovereignty and independence <M130>

Job 42:2-6 NIV

[2] “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. [3] You asked, 'Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. [4] “You said, 'Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.' [5] My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. [6] Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.”

Isaiah 14:24 NIV

[24] The Lord Almighty has sworn, “Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen.

Isaiah 46:8-11 NIV

[8] “Remember this, keep it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. [9] Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. [10] I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.' [11] From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do.

** Take heed of settling yourselves under an unholy minister — of one whose life gives the lie to his doctrine. An unholy preacher is the greatest destroyer of the souls of men!

1 Timothy 4:12,16 NIV

Isaiah 9:16 NIV

[16] Those who guide this people mislead them, and those who are guided are led astray.

Titus 2:7 NIV

[7] In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness

** We are to trust in Jesus Christ, which is contrary to the world’s thinking that promotes believing in ourselves; if we don’t have good self-esteem then the world says we need therapy!

Proverbs 28:6 NIV

[6] Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse.

Proverbs 3:5 NIV

[5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

Luke 9:23-25 NIV

[23] Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. [24] For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. [25] What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?

** Even with all of Job’s troubles, he still KNOWS that his Redeemer lives; Job looks forward to the day when he will be with God!

Job 19:25-27 NIV

[25] I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. [26] And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; [27] I myself will see him with my own eyes---I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!

** Job knew he was blameless before God even though he suffered; Job maintained his integrity and refused to participate in evil despite the outward difficulties

Job 27:2-4 NIV

[2] “As surely as God lives, who has denied me justice, the Almighty, who has made my life bitter, [3] as long as I have life within me, the breath of God in my nostrils, [4] my lips will not say anything wicked, and my tongue will not utter lies.

Job 27:5-6 NIV

[5] I will never admit you are in the right; till I die, I will not deny my integrity. [6] I will maintain my innocence and never let go of it; my conscience will not reproach me as long as I live.

** Job felt abandoned by God through this ordeal but God was going to let him know that He never left

Job 29:2-5 NIV

[2] “How I long for the months gone by, for the days when God watched over me, [3] when his lamp shone on my head and by his light I walked through darkness! [4] Oh, for the days when I was in my prime, when God's intimate friendship blessed my house, [5] when the Almighty was still with me and my children were around me

Job 30:18-21 NIV

[18] In his great power God becomes like clothing to me ; he binds me like the neck of my garment. [19] He throws me into the mud, and I am reduced to dust and ashes. [20] “I cry out to you, God, but you do not answer; I stand up, but you merely look at me. [21] You turn on me ruthlessly; with the might of your hand you attack me.

** Scripture did not come from any human source, but God directed human thought; it is the ultimate authority for the past, present and future

2 Peter 1:19-21 NIV

[19] We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. [20] Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation of things. [21] For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

** Bildad, Job’s friend, recognizes the wisdom in seeking knowledge from former generations

Job 8:8-10 NIV

[8] “Ask the former generation and find out what their ancestors learned, [9] for we were born only yesterday and know nothing, and our days on earth are but a shadow. [10] Will they not instruct you and tell you? Will they not bring forth words from their understanding?

** Job understood that following God did not guarantee a “good life” but followers must accept troubled times just as they welcome good times

Job 2:9-10 NIV

[9] His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!” [10] He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

** Job fears there is more to come and is greatly anxious about it. Job’s statement lets the reader know he had a spirit of fear in him and God, most likely, used this opportunity to rid him of this fear <M130> <F60>

Job 3:25-26 NIV

[25] What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me. [26] I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil.”

Romans 8:15 NIV

[15] The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

** Eliphaz, friend of Job, accurately describes the mortality of man and temporal worthless value of wealth

Job 15:32-34 NIV

[32] Before his time he will wither, and his branches will not flourish. [33] He will be like a vine stripped of its unripe grapes, like an olive tree shedding its blossoms. [34] For the company of the godless will be barren, and fire will consume the tents of those who love bribes.

Job 15:29,31 NIV

[29] He will no longer be rich and his wealth will not endure, nor will his possessions spread over the land. [31] Let him not deceive himself by trusting what is worthless, for he will get nothing in return.

** Difficulty takes our focus off this world; Job was confused because he could not find any sinful source for his difficulties and would rejoice in his pain if it lead to death, but he didn’t see any hope for deliverance by death <M130>

Job 6:8-11 NIV

[8] “Oh, that I might have my request, that God would grant what I hope for, [9] that God would be willing to crush me, to let loose his hand and cut off my life! [10] Then I would still have this consolation---my joy in unrelenting pain---that I had not denied the words of the Holy One. [11] “What strength do I have that I should still hope? What prospects should I be patient?

** God will not allow Satan to do anything if it is not for God’s glory and for our good, for God cannot work through us until He works in us!

Satan’s goal is to have us doubt this and question the love of God; therefore it is imperative we understand and do not doubt God so when difficulties come we DON’T ask “God, why are you doing this to me?” but rather ASK “God, what are you trying to show me?” <F60>

The reasons God allows difficulties:

1. To get our attention & focus on Him because we tend to focus on Him more during difficult times (Ecc 7:14)

Ecclesiastes 7:14 NIV

[14] When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.

2. To help us understand that nothing matters in this world

3. God may be protecting you from a bigger trial, like Jesus deliberately sending the disciples into the storm and showing them He will get them through this! (Matt 14:22-32)

Matthew 14:22-24,26-32 NIV

[22] Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. [23] After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, [24] and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. [26] When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It's a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. [27] But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.” [28] “Lord, if it's you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” [29] “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. [30] But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” [31] Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” [32] And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.

4. God may preparing you for what He wants to do through you, such as God did with Joseph for 17 years

5. God may be humbling you so you will completely depend on Him, like the thorn in the flesh God permitted with Paul so he could boast of God in his weakness (2 Cor 12:7-10)

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 NIV

[7] or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. [8] Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. [9] But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. [10] That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

6. God may be using the comfort you received from Him through pain & suffering so you can comfort others (2 Cor 1:3-7)

2 Corinthians 1:3-7 NIV

[3] Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, [4] who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. [5] For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. [6] If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. [7] And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

7. God may want to mature you so you will develop perseverance (James 1:2-4)

James 1:2-4 NIV

8. God may be allowing the hard times to show you are helpless and need to cry to Him for help (2 Chron 20:10-15)

2 Chronicles 20:10-15 NIV

[10] “But now here are men from Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, whose territory you would not allow Israel to invade when they came from Egypt; so they turned away from them and did not destroy them. [11] See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession you gave us as an inheritance. [12] Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. ” [13] All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the Lord. [14] Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly. [15] He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's.

** If you would bear the loss of your dear relations with moderation, then eye God in the whole process of the affliction more, and secondary causes and circumstances of the matter less.

Consider the hand of the Lord in your affliction, particularly:

• As a sovereign hand, which has the right to dispose of you and all your comforts, without your permission or consent.

• As a father's hand, correcting you in love and faithfulness. "Whom the LORD loves He corrects, as a father the son in whom he delights." Oh, if once you could but see affliction as a rod in your heavenly father's hand, proceeding from His love, and intended for your eternal good--how submissive you would then be!

And surely if it draws your heart nearer to your God, and mortifies it more to this vain world--then it is a rod in the hand of His special love. If your trial ends in your love to God, doubt not but it comes from God's love to you.

• As a just and righteous hand. Yes, the Lord is just in all that has come upon you. Whatever He has done, He has done you no wrong.

• As a moderate and merciful hand, that has punished you less than your iniquities deserve. He who has cast you into affliction, might have justly cast you into Hell! It is of the Lord's mercy that you are not consumed.

Learn from the death of your loved ones: the vanity of the creature, and the emptiness and nothingness of the best things here below! Affliction is a bitter pill, which, being enrapt in patience and quiet submission, may be easily swallowed. But discontent chews the pill, and so embitters the soul. <F63>

Psalm 39:9 NIV

[9] I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for you are the one who has done this.

Job 2:10 NIV

[10] He replied, “...Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”

** Christ is never sincerely loved, until sin is sincerely loathed! <W210>

** About two thousand years ago, Jesus rebuked the religious elites of His day. He criticized them for their failure to recognize His Coming. He told them, "You know how to look at the sky and predict the weather, but you don't know how to recognize the signs of the times" (Matthew 16:1-3).

Just like you and me, the religious leaders could see dark clouds on the horizon and know a rain storm was on its way. In the same manner, Jesus said they should have seen the signs and prepared for His arrival. The Pharisees and Sadducees knew the Old Testament Messianic prophecies, yet they failed to recognize the Messiah.

But their failure is relevant to our day and time as well. Why? Because Jesus wasn't simply addressing the Pharisees and Sadducees when He said this. He had a second audience in mind - you and me. That's right. Jesus was also talking to our generation.

The Bible is filled with prophecies about the Second Coming, and Jesus commanded us to watch for Him (Mark 13:35-37). Our generation is also expected to recognize the "signs of the times." But are we? Do you recognize the signs of the times? <G76>

Matthew 16:1-3 NIV

[1] The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven. [2] He replied, “When evening comes, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,' [3] and in the morning, 'Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.

Mark 13:33-37 NIV

[33] Be on guard! Be alert ! You do not know when that time will come. [34] It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. [35] “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back---whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. [36] If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. [37] What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!' ”

** Benefits of being serious about eschatology:

1. It affects your desire to be holy/moral when holding a futuristic view and preparing yourself to meet the Lord (2 Cor 7:1)

2. It affects your good works or ministry, desiring to use the talents entrusted to you as you watch for your Father’s business (Eph 2:10); we don’t want to be caught unaware! (Rev 19:8)

3. Hold fast to doctrine (Rev 2:24-25) to receive God’s rewards <H86>

2 Corinthians 7:1 NIV

[1] Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

Ephesians 2:10 NIV

[10] For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Revelation 2:24-25 NIV

[24] Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan's so-called deep secrets, 'I will not impose any other burden on you, [25] except to hold on to what you have until I come.'

** The Scriptures give us sufficient instructions what we should believe. They are a sufficient rule of faith. The Holy Scriptures give us complete directions in matters of practice. They are a sufficient rule of life.

In short, in the sacred writings manifests the only worthy principles and vigorous springs of a suitable conduct...

• towards God,

• towards one another,

• and towards ourselves.

And whence do you think could this godlike religion proceed? Does not its nature prove its origin to be divine? Does it not evidently bear the lineaments of its heavenly Author? Can you ever imagine that such a pure, such a holy, such a perfect system — could be the contrivance of wicked, infernal spirits, of selfish, artful priests, or politicians, or of a group of daring impostors, or wild enthusiasts? <D43>

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV

[16] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, [17] so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Psalm 19:7-11 NIV

** We have seen 23 prophesies fulfilled @ 100% accuracy in our day alone! <S188>

ISRAEL’S SURVIVAL

Regardless of what nation Jews settle, they remain true to their faith and are not assimilated

1. God making a great nation from Abraham (Gen 12:1-3) 4200 years ago

2. Descendants through Abraham (meaning father of a multitude) and Sarah

3. Abraham’s name will be great, and it still is recognized 4200 years later by those in Judaism, Christianity and the Islam faiths

4. Southern kingdom of Judah will be taken captive for 70 years in Babylon (Jeremiah 31:35-37); this was the first time ever a nation was taken captive and brought back, but it will happen again just before the last days

5. Israel will continue to exist in the end times before Christ returns (Daniel 12:1) where the Jews will be rescued

6. Jesus said the Jews would be keeping the Sabbath into the last days

GOD DOES TO NATIONS AS THEY DO TO ISRAEL

1-5. Five nations tried to wipe out Israel throughout the Old Testament and were wiped out as a result; assimilated into the Roman Empire... Amalekites, Philistines, Edomites, Moabites and Ammonites

6. Scripture says Egypt will continue to exist in end times (Isaiah 19)

ISRAEL WILL RETURN TO ITS ANCIENT HOMELAND IN THE LAST DAYS

1. Israelites were scattered across many nations but returned in 1948; to occur just before the kingdom of God comes to earth (Ezekiel 38:8)

2. Returned from many nations across the four corners of the earth (Lev 26, Deut 24, Deut 29-39)

3. To a land that is desolate from wars

4. Time of return from a second exile (Isaiah 11:11-12... written before the first exile happened!

5. Once they are back, they will never again be uprooted (Amos 9:14-15); Israel went from desolation to the 8th most powerful nation in the world in 70 years since it returned!

The same God who fulfilled these promises for the nation of Israel throughout Scripture, also gives us promises today — to never leave us, forsake us, be with us to the end of the age, take our cares upon Him, etc.

** David responded to the promises of God with a grateful and humble heart

1 Chronicles 17:16-19 NIV

[16] Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and he said: “Who am I, Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? [17] And as if this were not enough in your sight, my God, you have spoken about the future of the house of your servant. You, Lord God, have looked on me as though I were the most exalted of men. [18] “What more can David say to you for honoring your servant? For you know your servant, [19] Lord. For the sake of your servant and according to your will, you have done this great thing and made known all these great promises.

** If you truly love the Lord Jesus Christ — then you earnestly study and endeavor to please Him by a life of universal obedience. Love is always desirous to please the person beloved; and it will naturally lead to a conduct that is pleasing. This, then, you may be sure of, that if you truly love Jesus — then it is the labor of your life to please Him.

The only way to please Jesus, and the best test of your love to Him — is obedience to His commandments. This is made the decisive mark by Christ Himself: "If anyone loves Me — he will obey My teaching. He who does not love Me — will not obey My teaching." (John 14:23, 24)

Jesus repeats this theme over and over in different forms: "Whoever has My commands and obeys them — he is the one who loves Me," verse 21. "If you love Me — you will obey what I command," verse 15. "You are My friends — if you do what I command." John 15:14. "This is love for God," says John; that is, it is the surest evidence, and the natural, inseparable effect of our love to God, "that we obey His commands. And His commands are not burdensome." 1 John 5:3; that is, they will not seem grievous to one who obeys them from the principle of sincere love.

Here, then, you who profess to love the Lord Jesus — here is an infallible test for your love! Do you make it the great aim of your life to keep His commandments? Do you honestly endeavor to perform every duty which He has required — and that because He has commanded it? And do you vigorously resist and struggle against every sin, however constitutional, however fashionable, however gainful — because He forbids it? And is the way of obedience pleasant to you? Would you choose this holy way to Heaven, rather than any other — if it were left to your choice? <D43>

1 Corinthians 16:22 NIV

[22] If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed! Come, Lord!

** The first 9 chapters of 1 Chronicles are dedicated to lists and genealogies reminding us that God knows each individual personally throughout history — who we are and what we do is forever written in God’s mind!

It is also amazing to read how each person God selected (out of millions of choices) were ‘messed up’ in their own unique way. For example: Moses stuttered and felt inadequate, Abraham took matters in his own hand and slept with his concubine, Jacob deceived Esau who was the natural heir in the family, David killed the husband of Bathsheba after sleeping with her, etc. Yet God saw their overall obedient hearts and used them to accomplish His will!

1 Chronicles 7:3-5 NIV

[3] The son of Uzzi: Izrahiah. The sons of Izrahiah: Michael, Obadiah, Joel and Ishiah. All five of them were chiefs. [4] According to their family genealogy, they had 36,000 men ready for battle, for they had many wives and children. [5] The relatives who were fighting men belonging to all the clans of Issachar, as listed in their genealogy, were 87,000 in all.

1 Chronicles 9:1 NIV

[1] All Israel was listed in the genealogies recorded in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. They were taken captive to Babylon because of their unfaithfulness.

** We must regularly take time to recognize God, thank Him for His work in our lives and praise God for His omniscience, omnipresence and omnipotence; fear and trembling is a natural condition when worshiping God in the splendor of His holiness

1 Chronicles 16:1,4 NIV

[1] They brought the ark of God and set it inside the tent that David had pitched for it, and they presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings before God. [4] He appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the Lord, to extol, thank, and praise the Lord, the God of Israel:

1 Chronicles 16:39-40 NIV

[39] David left Zadok the priest and his fellow priests before the tabernacle of the Lord at the high place in Gibeon [40] to present burnt offerings to the Lord on the altar of burnt offering regularly, morning and evening, in accordance with everything written in the Law of the Lord, which he had given Israel.

1 Chronicles 16:8-12 NIV

[8] Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. [9] Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. [10] Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. [11] Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. [12] Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,

1 Chronicles 16:29-30 NIV

[29] Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. [30] Tremble before him, all the earth! The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved.

1 Chronicles 16:36 NIV

[36] Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Then all the people said “Amen” and “Praise the Lord.”

** Mordecai formally established days of celebration and thanksgiving when the Jews got relief from their enemies

Esther 9:20-23 NIV

[20] Mordecai recorded these events, and he sent letters to all the Jews throughout the provinces of King Xerxes, near and far, [21] to have them celebrate annually the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar [22] as the time when the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration. He wrote them to observe the days as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor. [23] So the Jews agreed to continue the celebration they had begun, doing what Mordecai had written to them.

** Queen Esther and Mordecai, with full authority, recorded the Purim incident (when the king blocked another attempt to kill the Jews) and ordered these days of fasting and lamenting

Esther 9:24-28 NIV

[24] For Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them and had cast the pur (that is, the lot ) for their ruin and destruction. [25] But when the plot came to the king's attention, he issued written orders that the evil scheme Haman had devised against the Jews should come back onto his own head, and that he and his sons should be impaled on poles. [26] (Therefore these days were called Purim, from the word pur . ) Because of everything written in this letter and because of what they had seen and what had happened to them, [27] the Jews took it on themselves to establish the custom that they and their descendants and all who join them should without fail observe these two days every year, in the way prescribed and at the time appointed. [28] These days should be remembered and observed in every generation by every family, and in every province and in every city. And these days of Purim should never fail to be celebrated by the Jews---nor should the memory of these days die out among their descendants.

Esther 9:29-31 NIV

[29] So Queen Esther, daughter of Abihail, along with Mordecai the Jew, wrote with full authority to confirm this second letter concerning Purim. [30] And Mordecai sent letters to all the Jews in the 127 provinces of Xerxes' kingdom---words of goodwill and assurance--- [31] to establish these days of Purim at their designated times, as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther had decreed for them, and as they had established for themselves and their descendants in regard to their times of fasting and lamentation.

** Time is a jewel of more worth than a world! Time is not yours to dispose of as you please.

It is a glorious talent, which men must be accountable for, as well as any other talent. Of all talents, time is the hardest to improve well.

Ah, beloved, have not you need to improve your time--who have so much work to do in so short a time:

• a God to honor,

• a Christ to exalt,

• a Hell to escape,

• a race to run,

• a crown to win,

• temptations to withstand,

• corruptions to conquer,

• afflictions to bear,

• mercies to improve, and

• your generation to serve! <B24>

Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV

[15] Be very careful, then, how you live---not as unwise but as wise, [16] making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Psalm 90:12 NIV

[12] Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

** God wanted His children to declare and proclaim His goodness to the ends of the earth as they remember God’s great commission

1 Chronicles 16:8 NIV

[8] Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done.

Psalm 65:1-5 NIV

[1] Praise awaits you, our God, in Zion; to you our vows will be fulfilled. [2] You who answer prayer, to you all people will come. [3] When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions. [4] Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts! We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple. [5] You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds, God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas,

Psalm 98:1-3 NIV

[1] Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. [2] The Lord has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations. [3] He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

Psalm 2:7-8 NIV

[7] I will proclaim the Lord's decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father. [8] Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.

Psalm 22:27-28 NIV

[27] All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, [28] for dominion belongs to the Lord and he rules over the nations.

In the final days, the Lord will punish the earth and the people will proclaim the glory of the Lord to the ends of the earth!

Isaiah 24:16-17,21,23 NIV

[16] From the ends of the earth we hear singing: “Glory to the Righteous One.” But I said, “I waste away, I waste away! Woe to me! The treacherous betray! With treachery the treacherous betray! ” [17] Terror and pit and snare await you, people of the earth. [21] In that day the Lord will punish the powers in the heavens above and the kings on the earth below. [23] The moon will be dismayed, the sun ashamed; for the Lord Almighty will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and before its elders---with great glory.

Isaiah 49:5-6 NIV

[5] And now the Lord says---he who formed me in the womb to be his servant to bring Jacob back to him and gather Israel to himself, for I am honored in the eyes of the Lord and my God has been my strength--- [6] he says: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”

** Ezra mentioned the simple truth about God and prayer: God answered the prayers of the fighting men because they trusted Him and, conversely, He sent people into exile for not following His ways

1 Chronicles 5:18-20 NIV

[18] The Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh had 44,760 men ready for military service---able-bodied men who could handle shield and sword, who could use a bow, and who were trained for battle. [19] They waged war against the Hagrites, Jetur, Naphish and Nodab. [20] They were helped in fighting them, and God delivered the Hagrites and all their allies into their hands, because they cried out to him during the battle. He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him.

1 Chronicles 5:23-26 NIV

[23] The people of the half-tribe of Manasseh were numerous; they settled in the land from Bashan to Baal Hermon, that is, to Senir (Mount Hermon). [24] These were the heads of their families: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah and Jahdiel. They were brave warriors, famous men, and heads of their families. [25] But they were unfaithful to the God of their ancestors and prostituted themselves to the gods of the peoples of the land, whom God had destroyed before them. [26] So the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria (that is, Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria), who took the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh into exile. He took them to Halah, Habor, Hara and the river of Gozan, where they are to this day.

** I do not wonder that so many are deceived, when I see the careless way in which they deal with their souls. When men have to do with their estates, they are very careful; they pay a lawyer to go back over the title-deeds perhaps for two or three hundred years. In trade they will hurry hither and thither to attend to their commercial engagements; they would not launch into speculations, nor would they run great risks.

But the soul, the poor soul--how men play with it as a toy, and despise it as if it were worthless! Two or three minutes in the morning when they first roll out of bed; two or three odd minutes in the evening, when they are nearly asleep--the fag-ends of the day given to their souls, and all the best part given to the body!

And then, with what indifference do you lend your ears too often to the preaching of the Word! It is an old song--you have heard it so many times. Heaven has become a trifle to you, Hell is almost a jest, eternity an empty notion, and death but a bugbear! <S185>

Luke 13:24 NIV

[24] “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.

Matthew 7:13-14 NIV

2 Corinthians 13:5 NIV

[5] Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you---unless, of course, you fail the test?

** Following God’s commands brought joy to the people!

Nehemiah 8:17 NIV

[17] The whole company that had returned from exile built temporary shelters and lived in them. From the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day, the Israelites had not celebrated it like this. And their joy was very great.

** The more we love Him, the more lovely He will become to us.

We soon exhaust the most excellent characters of earth. But in the character of our blessed Redeemer there are depths, heights, lengths and breadths of loveliness that we can never exhaust through time or eternity. After, in Heaven, we shall have seen the King in His beauty as many millions of years as there are grains of dust in our globe--there will still be in Him an infinitude of unrevealed beauties to transport our ever expanding souls. <T208>

** Samuel reminded his listeners to exhibit a healthy fear of the Lord while considering the great things He had done for them

1 Samuel 12:24 NIV

[24] But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.

** Check your perspective: All the events that take place in the world carry on the same work--the glory of the Father and the salvation of His redeemed people.

Every illness and infirmity that may seize you,

• every loss you may meet with,

• every reproach you may endure,

• every shame that may color your faces,

• every sorrow in your hearts,

• every agony and pain in your flesh,

• every aching in your bones

--are for your good!

Every change in your condition...

• your fine weather and your rough weather,

• your sunny weather and your cloudy weather,

• your ebbing and your flowing,

• your liberty and your imprisonment

--all work for good.

Oh, Christians, see what a harvest of blessings ripens from this text! The Lord is at work; all creation is at work; men and angels, friends and foes--all are busy working together for God's glory and your good.

Oh, dear Lord Jesus, what have you seen in us that you should order things so wondrously for us, and make all things work together for our good? <R179>

Romans 8:28 NIV

[28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

** Solomon sums it up this way: we need to keep in mind during times of prosperity and times of adversity that nothing is certain in this life; tomorrow is not guaranteed so put your hope in Christ alone <F60>

Ecclesiastes 7:14 NIV

[14] When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.

James 4:13-15 NIV

** Ezra read the Book of the Law, filled with commands for Israel, in a way that people could relate His commands to their daily lives

Nehemiah 8:1-3 NIV

[1] all the people came together as one in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the teacher of the Law to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded for Israel. [2] So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. [3] He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.

Nehemiah 8:8 NIV

[8] They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.

** Christ worked miracles when He walked the earth to authenticate Himself; the typical response when we are suffering today is not to remove the problem but force us to go through the problem and lean on Him the whole way, for God will give us the needed tools <H86>

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 NIV

** There is nothing so animating to the Christian as a sight of Calvary. How despicable does the world appear in his view, when he obtains a glimpse of that cross on which his Savior died! Everything else loses its luster when, by the eye of faith, the cross of Christ is seen.

"A sight of Jesus on the cross,

Makes all this world appear as dross!"

In this wicked world, the Christian thirsts for God, and pants to reach the mansions of glory. The Christian looks beyond this dying world to his eternal home in glory. The cross of Jesus enables him to soar on high, and leave the world behind him. He looks forward to the glory that is to be revealed in him. He sets his affections on things above.

Oh, keep gazing on a crucified Savior, and the world will lose its charms! We overcome the world through the cross. It is a sight of the cross of Christ that weans the affections from sublunary objects, and centers them on heavenly and divine things. <H97>

Galatians 6:14 NIV

[14] May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

** Heavenly-mindedness can only be maintained by the strictest vigilance. It is a delicate and fragile flower, susceptible to every variation of the spiritual atmosphere. Guard against that which checks its growth.

Many are not aware how much worldly amusements, light conversation, foolish jesting, novel reading, carnal music, unfit the heart for communion with God, and lessen the tone of its spirituality.

Close communion with mere nominal religious professors is particularly to be avoided. Much more injury to spiritual-mindedness accrues from intimate friendship with such, than from those who assert no pretensions to a religious character; as with the one we are apt to be less on our guard than the other.

Avoid the world's amusements--they will eat as a canker into the very core of your spirituality! "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world" is a prohibition which should never be absent from the eye of a traveler to the heavenly city.

Are not heaven's attractions many and powerful? How rich is heaven! Why, then, should not our thoughts be there? Oh! shall not our hearts be more where our most precious treasure is, where our holiest and dearest hopes center, and where we ourselves shall shortly be? <W211>

Romans 12:2 NIV

[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Colossians 3:1-2 NIV

[1] Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [2] Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

** How often have you heard the Bible mocked as antiquated and irrelevant? "It's a bronze age book about a tribal deity," the critics tell us. "It has nothing to say to us today." The reality is that the Bible, which is God's Word, is always relevant and timely. That's because God hasn't changed, the world hasn't changed, and human nature hasn't changed. The ancient words are still relevant!

Today, in the year 2020, God's Word continues to speak afresh, reminding us that there is nothing new under the sun. (Wait! That's in the Bible too. See Ecclesiastes 1:9.)

• In recent months, there have been devastating forest fires in Australia, reportedly killing more than one billion animals

• Then there were the terrible locust invasions that ravaged East Africa, with a second, even worse wave on the way

• Then we were struck with a plague, COVID-19, which could ultimately take the lives of several hundred thousand people. (The present number of deaths is roughly 120,000.)

And in each case, despite our wonderful technology and our many scientific advancements, we have been relatively powerless. We have not been able to stop the drought, the fires, the locusts or the virus. Sometimes the best we can do is run and hide.

And that brings me back to a passage in the Word of God, where the Lord spoke to King Solomon after the dedication of the Temple. We are all familiar with 2 Chronicles 7:14, which says this to the children of Israel, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." But what comes immediately before this verse? It is 2 Chronicles 7:13, which states, "When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people."

This was spoken in the mid-900s B.C., so, nearly 3,000 years ago. Yet it could have been spoken this month. Drought. Locusts. Plague. A devastated earth and a devastated people. The only solution is repentance and prayer.

Now, I am not saying that the wildfires in Australia or the locust invasions or the coronavirus has been a divine judgment. God Himself knows. But I am saying that there is nothing new under the sun. That the same challenges that confronted the human race 3,000 years ago are still confronting us today. And that humbly seeking God remains the ultimate solution. <B28> (Apr 2020)

** The number of objects our hearts can hold, or our arms embrace, or our eyes watch--is limited; confined within a narrow range--they are small at the largest, and few at the most.

Myriads of leaves clothe the forest,

• myriads of flowers bespangle the meadow,

• myriads of insects dance in the sunbeams,

• myriads of birds sing in the woodlands,

• myriads of fish swim in stream and ocean,

• myriads of stars glitter in the nightly sky--

• and every leaf is as perfect in form,

• every flower is as beautiful in colors,

• every living creature is fashioned with such skill, and

• every burning star is guided through space with as much care--as if it engrossed the entire attention of God, and there was not another but itself within the bounds of His universe!

It is not so with Him who is mighty to save, abundant in goodness and truth. The supplies of His grace and mercy are unexhausted and exhaustless!

Their type shines in that SUN which for six thousand years has shed its light...

• on seas and continents,

• on crowded cities and lonely solitudes,

• on burning deserts and fields of ice,

• on palaces and cottages,

• on ragged beggars and sceptered kings,

• on all countries and classes of men.

• And with fires fed we know not how, the sun shines today as bright as ever--his eye not dim, nor his natural strength abated!

And as this is but an image, and a faint image, of God--then well may his servant assure us, that there shall be no lack to those who fear Him. None--neither for the body nor the soul; neither for time nor eternity! <G75>

Ephesians 2:6-7 NIV

[6] And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, [7] in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

** A good explanation of faith:

There are times in our lives when we don't feel the presence of God, but He is still there. And in time I came to realize that God will allow us to go through trials.

For instance, you might walk outside tomorrow, and it's an overcast day. So you say, "The sun was here yesterday. But I don't see the sun today. I don't feel its warmth. I guess the sun must have gone away last night."

No, the sun hasn't gone away. It has been merely obscured by a cloud covering. And if you don't believe that, then try going to the beach without wearing any sunscreen. When you return home resembling a ripe tomato, you will realize the sun was out.

In the same way, some people falsely conclude that when they don't feel God, He is gone. He has disappeared. But He is there, even when you don't feel Him. The Bible tells us in Hebrews, "For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you' " (Hebrews 13:5).

It is during these times that we must walk by faith, not by feeling, because God has promised in His Word that He will be with us. That is how we know He is there. <L120>

** Ezra led many families and descendants to Jerusalem; along the way the people humbled themselves, fasted and prayed for protection and God “answered our prayer”

Ezra and the people did not want to confuse the king regarding their trust in God for protection so they entreated Him for protection with a prayerful fast. <M130>

Ezra 8:15,21-23 NIV

[15] I assembled them at the canal that flows toward Ahava, and we camped there three days. When I checked among the people and the priests, I found no Levites there. [21] There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. [22] I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him. ” [23] So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.

Ezra 8:31-32 NIV

[31] On the twelfth day of the first month we set out from the Ahava Canal to go to Jerusalem. The hand of our God was on us, and he protected us from enemies and bandits along the way. [32] So we arrived in Jerusalem, where we rested three days.

** The Lord KNOWS all His people--all their needs, and all their trials. He THINKS upon them--to bless, deliver and supply them. He keeps His EYE upon them--in all places, at all times, and under all circumstances. He has them in His HAND--and will not loosen His hold.

He looks upon them always as His own treasured possession...

• the objects of His eternal love,

• the purchase of His Son's blood,

• the temples of His Holy Spirit.

They are precious in His sight!

He knows they are weak and fearful--and that they have many enemies. He teaches them to cast themselves and all their cares into His hands! He has given them His promise that He will care for them.

It is a Father's care which He exercises. It is a wise, holy, tender, and constant care. Therefore all will be well with you--only trust Him.

Believe that He cares for you this day. Carry all your concerns to Him in the arms of faith! Leave all with Him, persuaded that He will manage all by His infinite wisdom, and bring all to a good outcome by His omnipotent power.

Do not worry about anything. Cast all your cares upon Him, as fast as they come in. <S183>

1 Peter 5:7 NIV

[7] Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Psalm 55:22 NIV

[22] Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.

** We see David remembering: no matter how bad things appeared to him at the time, it did not change how good God is; we hang on to the same truth today!

Psalm 27:13-14 NIV

[13] I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. [14] Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Galatians 6:9 NIV

[9] Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV

[28] Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. [29] He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. [30] Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; [31] but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

** Here is one of the sweetest privileges of the Christian life. The Christian is God's beloved child, and shares all the love and tenderness of the Father's heart!

This one thought is a fountain of unfailing happiness!

"I am at home with God!

• Once I was far off--but now I am near.

• Once I was a stranger--but now His beloved child!

• Once the thought of His presence was fear and dread--but now it is life, and joy, and peace.

• He is my Father, and in this Name all heart-joys meet.

• He knows me by name, and cares for me in all my cares.

• He pities me, and in tender compassion marks each tear I shed, and each sorrow that weighs upon my heart.

• He opens His hand, and each day gives me all that I need.

• He bows down His ear and hearkens to each prayer I offer.

• I have boldness and liberty to go at all times into His presence-chamber, and may tell Him every desire and ask of Him whatever is for my good." <E53>

1 John 3:1a NIV

[1] See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

Ephesians 1:5 NIV

[5] he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will---

Galatians 3:26-27 NIV

[26] So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, [27] for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

** We know of a place in England still existing, where a dole of bread is served to every passerby who chooses to ask for it. Whoever the traveler may be, he has but to knock at the door of St. Cross Hospital and there is the dole of bread for him.

In the same way, Jesus so loves sinners that He has built a St. Cross Hospital, so that whenever a sinner is hungry, he has but to knock and have his needs supplied.

Nay, He has done better; He has attached to this Hospital of the Cross--a BATH. Whenever a soul is black and filthy, it has but to go there and be washed. The fountain is always full, always effectual. No sinner ever went into it and found that it could not wash away his stains. Sins which were scarlet and crimson--have all disappeared, and the sinner has been made whiter than snow!

As if this were not enough, there is attached to this Hospital of the Cross--a WARDROBE, and a sinner making an application simply as a sinner, may be clothed from head to foot! Nothing that is good for him shall be denied him. He shall have spending-money (grace) as long as he lives, and he shall have an eternal heritage of glorious treasure when he enters into the joy of his Lord.

If all these things are to be had by merely knocking at mercy's door, O my soul, knock hard, and ask great things from your generous Lord.

No bashfulness need retard us when Jesus invites.

No unbelief should hinder us when Jesus promises.

No cold-heartedness should restrain us when such blessings are to be obtained! <S185>

Matthew 7:7-8 NIV

[7] “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. [8] For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Hebrews 4:16 NIV

[16] Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

** Elisha asked God to open the eyes of his servant to see how they are protected by God even though the situation looked helpless: a wonderful reminder that we live in a spiritual world!

2 Kings 6:15-17 NIV

[15] When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked. [16] “Don't be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” [17] And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

** Things are going well. So why do so many people feel stressed, hopeless, and miserable?

There are many answers to this question. But it can be summarized by something Jesus said. In Matthew 7:24-25, He said, "Everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts upon them, may be compared to a wise man, who built his house upon the rock. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded upon the rock."

For a long time, most Americans including those who did not consider themselves Christians, held God's word in high esteem. However imperfectly, they tried to live by things like the Golden Rule. In court, they swore to tell the truth with a hand on the Bible. But today, influential Americans primarily in the media and academics hold the Bible up to ridicule.

To them, it's good for a laugh. And that brings us to the rest of the Lord's statement. In verses 26 and 27, He said, "And everyone who hears these words of Mine, and does not act upon them, will be like a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and it fell, and great was its fall."

No wonder people are miserable. They feel the early trembling of an imminent fall. They have cut themselves off from the Source of life, joy, and fulfillment.

Terrible as the situation is, it has created an amazing opportunity for followers of Jesus. In John 12:36, Jesus called His followers "the children of light." In every way we can - using television, the internet, and every part of our everyday lives - we must let the light of Jesus shine out into a dark and forbidding world. And we must do so with urgency. <L124>

** In an effort to protect himself against people shifting their allegiance back to Rehoboam, Jeroboam built golden calf altars (saying it was then that brought them out if Egypt) and appointed priests who were not Levites; needless to say, this was an abomination to God

1 Kings 12:26-28,31 NIV

[26] Jeroboam thought to himself, “The kingdom will now likely revert to the house of David. [27] If these people go up to offer sacrifices at the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem, they will again give their allegiance to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah. They will kill me and return to King Rehoboam.” [28] After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves. He said to the people, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.” [31] Jeroboam built shrines on high places and appointed priests from all sorts of people, even though they were not Levites.

** There is a common, worldly kind of Christianity in this day, which many have, and think they have enough--a cheap Christianity which offends nobody, and requires no sacrifice--which costs nothing, and is worth nothing!

The standard of the world, and the standard of the Lord Jesus--are indeed widely different. They are more than different--they are flatly contradictory one to the other. Never be satisfied with the world's standard of Christianity!

A crucified Savior will never be content to have a self-pleasing, self-indulging, worldly-minded people!

It costs something to be a true Christian. It will cost us our sins, our self-righteousness, our ease and our worldliness!

The ways, and fashions, and amusements, and recreations of the world--have a continually decreasing place in the heart of a growing Christian. He does not condemn them as downright sinful, nor say that those who have anything to do with them are going to Hell.

He only feels they have a constantly diminishing hold on his own affections, and gradually seem smaller and more trifling in his eyes. <R170>

1 John 5:4-5 NIV

** We fear man so much, because we fear God so little. It is only the fear of God that can deliver us from the fear of man.

** Ezra read the Book of the Law, filled with commands for Israel, in a way that people could relate His commands to their daily lives

Nehemiah 8:1-3 NIV

Nehemiah 8:8 NIV

[8] They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.

** Building the temple did not impress God but He would fulfill His promise to David and not abandon the Israelites if they obeyed His commands

1 Kings 6:11-14 NIV

[11] The word of the Lord came to Solomon: [12] “As for this temple you are building, if you follow my decrees, observe my laws and keep all my commands and obey them, I will fulfill through you the promise I gave to David your father. [13] And I will live among the Israelites and will not abandon my people Israel.” [14] So Solomon built the temple and completed it.

** The Bible says the just will live by faith. It does not say the just shall live by feelings. In fact, our feelings can mislead us. We can have all kinds of emotional reactions to all kinds of things.

I think sometimes we come to church and want to have a breakthrough moment. We think we need an emotional touch. No, we don't. We just need to worship God whether we feel like it or not. We need to understand that the Christian life is a walk of faith. <L120>

Romans 1:17 NIV

[17] For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed---a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

** Remember that Jesus came to offer a peace that passes understanding when we believe and obey His commands, not the type of peace the world desires

Luke 12:51-53 NIV

[51] Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. [52] From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. [53] They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

** Repentance is the tear of love,

dropping from the eye of faith,

when it fixes on Christ crucified.

Repentance begins in the humiliation of the heart, and ends in the reformation of the heart and of the life.

Sincere repentance is never too late, but late repentance is seldom sincere. The thief on the cross repented, and was pardoned in the last hour of his life. We have one such instance in scripture--that none might despair; and only one--that none might presume.

Still, however, the probability that apparent repentance which comes at a dying hour will be genuine, is very small. The following fact will furnish an affecting illustration of this sentiment, and a solemn warning against the too common delusion of deferring the work of repentance to a dying bed:

The faithful and laborious clergyman of a very large and populous parish had been accustomed, for a long series of years, to preserve notes of his visits to the afflicted, with remarks on the outcome of their affliction--whether life or death, and of the subsequent conduct of those who recovered.

He stated, that, during forty years, he had visited more than two thousand people apparently drawing near to death, and who revealed such signs of penitence as would have led him to indulge a good hope of their eternal safety--if they had died at that moment.

When they were restored to life and health--he eagerly watched if they should bring forth fruits fit for repentance. But alas! of the some two thousand death-bed professions, only two people manifested an abiding and saving change! The rest, when the terrors of eternity ceased to be in immediate prospect, forgot their pious impressions and their solemn vows--and returned with new avidity to their former worldly-mindedness and sinful pursuits. <A20>

2 Corinthians 7:10 NIV

[10] Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

2 Peter 2:22 NIV

[22] Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud.”

** May we meditation on our God as long as we live and may He be pleased with His creation

Psalm 104:31-32 NIV

[31] May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works--- [32] he who looks at the earth, and it trembles, who touches the mountains, and they smoke.

Psalm 104:33-34 NIV

[33] I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. [34] May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the Lord.

** My love of consistency with my own doctrinal views, is not great enough to allow me to knowingly alter a single text of Scripture. I have great respect for orthodoxy, but my reverence for inspiration is far greater. I would sooner a hundred times over, appear to be inconsistent with myself, than be inconsistent with the Word of God.

If your creed and Scripture do not agree, then cut your creed to pieces and make it agree with this Book. The Word of God is the infallible chart of faith. Follow it closely, for this Book cannot lead you astray.

Some want to shape the Scriptures to fit their creed, and they get a very nice square creed too, and trim the Bible most dexterously. It is astonishing how they do it, but I would rather have a crooked creed and a straight Bible, than I would try to twist the Bible to suit what I believe.

Those who will only believe what they can reconcile in their own minds, will necessarily disbelieve much of divine revelation.

Those who receive by faith everything which they find in Scripture, will receive many things which they can never harmonize into a definitive creed. <S185>

** The Holy Spirit quickens the sinner with new spiritual life. He is thus born again. It is a work complete at once, and one in which the sinner is completely passive. This is REGENERATION.

The sinner knows not that he is born again, but by the results which are manifested in the mind, heart and life.

His MIND is enlightened. He becomes deeply conscious of his personal relationship to God's holiness, to eternity, and to the judgment to come. These are to him realities such as they had never been before. He sees himself to be guilty before God, and deserving of eternal condemnation. This is REPENTANCE.

His HEART becomes restless in consequence of his change of mind. He is weary and burdened under a consciousness of guilt. He looks to Jesus dying on the cross as the sinner's substitute. He trusts in Him as his only hope of salvation, and thus with the heart he believes and is saved. This is FAITH.

His LIFE is now changed. The mind and heart being thus affected, the whole current of his outer life is altered. The man turns from the ways of sin and turns to God. He becomes a true disciple and follower of the Lord Jesus. This is CONVERSION.

In other words:

I. REGENERATION is the impartation of a new nature, and is in Scripture termed "being born again." It is an instantaneous work of the Holy Spirit, complete at once, though capable of increase in vigor and manifestation.

II. REPENTANCE is a change of mind about our relationship to God, whereby we become conscious that however moral or religious we may have been--we are really without God, and without hope in the world. We deeply sense that we are guilty before God and deserving eternal condemnation.

III. FAITH is the trust of the heart in Christ crucified, as the way of deliverance from guilt and deserved condemnation.

IV. CONVERSION is the change of the outward life. Having received Christ as his Savior, the believer now serves and follows Him as his Lord and Master. <M141>

** If ever one might have lived without prayer, it was our spotless, perfect Lord--and yet none was ever so much in supplication as He! Such was His love to His Father, that He loved much to be in communion with Him! Such was His love for His people, that He desired to be much in intercession for them.

The fact of the eminent prayerfulness of Jesus is a lesson for us--He has given us an example that we may follow in His steps.

The time He chose was admirable:

• it was the hour of silence, when the crowd would not disturb Him;

• it was the time of inaction, when all but Himself had ceased to labor;

• and the season when slumber made men forget their woes, and cease their applications to Him for relief. While others found rest in sleep, He refreshed Himself with prayer.

The place was also well selected. He was alone where none would intrude, where none could observe--thus was He free from Pharisaic ostentation and vulgar interruption. Those dark and silent hills were a fit oratory for the Son of God. Heaven and earth in midnight stillness heard the groans and sighs of the mysterious Being in whom both worlds were blended.

The continuance of His pleadings is remarkable:

• the long watches were not too long;

• the cold wind did not chill His devotions;

• the grim darkness did not darken His faith, or loneliness check His importunity.

We cannot watch with Him one hour, but He watched for us whole nights!

The occasion for this prayer is notable. It was after His enemies had been enraged at Him, that prayer was His refuge and solace. It was before He sent forth the twelve apostles--that prayer was the gate of His enterprise, the herald of His new work. Should we not learn from Jesus to resort to special prayer when we are under peculiar trials, or contemplate fresh endeavors for the Master's glory?

Lord Jesus, teach us to pray! <R170>

** David takes courage in praying his prayer to God for he knows with Whom he is talking!

2 Samuel 7:27 NIV

[27] “Lord Almighty, God of Israel, you have revealed this to your servant, saying, ‘I will build a house for you.’ So your servant has found courage to pray this prayer to you.

Romans 1:17 NIV

[17] For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed---a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

** Realize that God is omnipresent which means He is always by your side; God never leaves you even though you may not 'feel' His presence that doesn't mean he isn't there!

Philippians 4:5-6 NIV

[5] Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

** Look for signs of God’s presence in circumstances around you, like the Lord saving David and his men by diverting Saul's attention elsewhere

1 Samuel 23:26-28 NIV

[26] Saul was going along one side of the mountain, and David and his men were on the other side, hurrying to get away from Saul. As Saul and his forces were closing in on David and his men to capture them, [27] a messenger came to Saul, saying, “Come quickly! The Philistines are raiding the land.” [28] Then Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. That is why they call this place Sela Hammahlekoth.

** Child of God, do you hesitate to appropriate this title? Ah! has your unbelief made you forget that you are greatly loved by God?

Must you not have been greatly loved--to have been bought with the precious blood of Christ? When God smote His only begotten Son for you--what was this but being greatly loved by Him? You lived in sin and rioted in it--must you not have been greatly loved for God to have borne so patiently with you? You were called by grace and led to the Savior, and made a child of God and an heir of Heaven! All this proves, does it not--a very great and super-abounding love for you?

Since that time, whether your path has been rough with troubles, or smooth with mercies--it has been full of proofs that you are greatly loved by God. If the Lord has chastened you--yet it was not in anger. If He has made you poor--yet you have been made rich in grace. The more unworthy you feel yourself to be--the more evidence you have that nothing but unspeakable divine love could have led the Lord Jesus to save such a soul as yours! The more demerit you feel--the clearer is the display of the abounding love of God, in having chosen you, and called you, and made you an heir of everlasting bliss!

Now, if there is such great love from God to us--let us live in the influence and sweetness of it, and use the privilege of our exalted position as God's redeemed children. Do not let us approach our Lord as though we were strangers, or as though He were unwilling to hear us--for we are greatly cherished by our compassionate Father!

"He who spared not His own Son--but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" Come boldly, O believer, for despite the whisperings of Satan and the doubtings of your own heart--you are greatly loved! Meditate on the exceeding vastness and faithfulness of Christ's matchless love to you! <R170>

Ephesians 3:19 NIV

[19] and to know this love that surpasses knowledge---that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

** Our response is to love the Lord and follow Him when we recognize His gracious gifts to us

Psalm 86:12-13 NIV

[12] I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. [13] For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead.

** We need Laws, we need the rules because we are sinners, born that way and living that way: Romans 3:10, 3:23. Jeremiah 17:9 tells us that the "heart of man is deceitfully wicked." A man/woman should never follow their hearts; they should only follow the expressed written word of God in obedience to it. <G791>

Romans 3:10,23 NIV

[10] As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; [23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Jeremiah 17:9 NIV

[9] The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

** The New Testament story is based entirely on eyewitness testimony. The Apostles wrote what they saw. So if they did not witness an actual, bodily Resurrected Christ and yet claimed they did, then none of the rest of their testimony is reliable. <T201>

** You are either in the Word, and the Word is conforming you to the image of Jesus Christ--or you are in the world, and the world is squeezing you into its mold!

The first reason for studying Scripture is that it is a means of spiritual growth. There is no growth apart from the Word. It is God's primary tool to develop Christian character.

The Word of God is able to transform your life, but you must probe for its wisdom. You have to penetrate the surface with more than just a cursory glance.

The Bible was written not to satisfy your curiosity, but to conform you to Christ's image. Not to make you a smarter sinner, but to make you like the Savior. Not to fill your head with a collection of biblical facts, but to transform your life.

The will of God is found in the Word of God. The more a person grows, the more he begins to think instinctively and habitually from a divine perspective. <H96>

** We need to watch our inner spiritual state. The world may see no limit to our external zeal, our religious activity, our earnest promoting of the truth--and yet there may be not enough inner prayerfulness, love for Christ, tenderness of conscience, hunger for righteousness, or desire for holiness in our heart. <M136>

** David feels like God is not hearing his plea for mercy but then remembers how God met him in former days when he was in distress

This Psalm illustrates one cure for depression. The psalmist does not explain his reason for despair, but he was definitely locked into gloom. When he thought about God it only causes him to complain bitterly. But in vs 10 the psalmist’s mood begins to change because he commits to focusing on God’s goodness and past acts of deliverance. His lament then changes into a hymn of praise. The psalmist began to remember the times when God used His right hand (power) to strengthen and protect him. <M130>

Psalm 77:2,5-7 NIV

[2] When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands, and I would not be comforted. [5] I thought about the former days, the years of long ago; [6] I remembered my songs in the night. My heart meditated and my spirit asked: [7] “Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again?

Psalm 77:10-12 NIV

[10] Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand. [11] I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. [12] I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”

** David recalls how the Lord is holy and all-powerful

Psalm 77:13-15 NIV

[13] Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God? [14] You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. [15] With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.

** God reduced His army to 300 men vs countless Midianites and defeats the enemy by having them turn on each other

Judges 7:12 NIV

[12] The Midianites, the Amalekites and all the other eastern peoples had settled in the valley, thick as locusts. Their camels could no more be counted than the sand on the seashore.

Judges 7:19-22 NIV

[19] Gideon and the hundred men with him reached the edge of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, just after they had changed the guard. They blew their trumpets and broke the jars that were in their hands. [20] The three companies blew the trumpets and smashed the jars. Grasping the torches in their left hands and holding in their right hands the trumpets they were to blow, they shouted, “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!” [21] While each man held his position around the camp, all the Midianites ran, crying out as they fled. [22] When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the Lord caused the men throughout the camp to turn on each other with their swords. The army fled to Beth Shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel Meholah near Tabbath.

Judges 7:24 NIV

[24] Gideon sent messengers throughout the hill country of Ephraim, saying, “Come down against the Midianites and seize the waters of the Jordan ahead of them as far as Beth Barah.” So all the men of Ephraim were called out and they seized the waters of the Jordan as far as Beth Barah.

** Gideon was nervous with the reduced numbers in the army and God comforted him

Judges 7:10-11 NIV

[10] If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah [11] and listen to what they are saying. Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp.” So he and Purah his servant went down to the outposts of the camp.

Judges 7:13-15 NIV

[13] Gideon arrived just as a man was telling a friend his dream. “I had a dream,” he was saying. “A round loaf of barley bread came tumbling into the Midianite camp. It struck the tent with such force that the tent overturned and collapsed.” [14] His friend responded, “This can be nothing other than the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite. God has given the Midianites and the whole camp into his hands.” [15] When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed down and worshiped. He returned to the camp of Israel and called out, “Get up! The Lord has given the Midianite camp into your hands.”

** All of nature and His creation obeys the command of God

Psalm 77:16-19 NIV

[16] The waters saw you, God, the waters saw you and writhed; the very depths were convulsed. [17] The clouds poured down water, the heavens resounded with thunder; your arrows flashed back and forth. [18] Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked. [19] Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.

** Christ is never fully valued, until sin is clearly seen. We must know the depth and malignity of our disease, in order to appreciate the great Physician. <R170>

** The god which the vast majority of professing Christians love, is looked upon very much like an indulgent old man, who himself has no relish for folly--but leniently winks at the indiscretions of youth. <P161>

** The Israelites are at the end of their rope and plea to God to subdue their enemies, trying to appeal to God’s sense of justice; how comforting to flee to the power of God through fervent prayer!

Psalm 74:9-11 NIV

[9] We are given no signs from God; no prophets are left, and none of us knows how long this will be. [10] How long will the enemy mock you, God? Will the foe revile your name forever? [11] Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand? Take it from the folds of your garment and destroy them!

Psalm 79:5 NIV

[5] How long, Lord? Will you be angry forever? How long will your jealousy burn like fire?

** David was tempted to envy the wicked until he remembered who they were

Psalm 73:2-5 NIV

[2] But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. [3] For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. [4] They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. [5] They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills.

Psalm 73:6-9 NIV

[6] Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. [7] From their callous hearts comes iniquity ; their evil imaginations have no limits. [8] They scoff, and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression. [9] Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth.

** God's Word is the life-blood for His people as it was for the Israelites in the early days; make sure you are feeding off of God’s Word daily!

Joshua 8:34-35 NIV

[34] Afterward, Joshua read all the words of the law---the blessings and the curses---just as it is written in the Book of the Law. [35] There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua did not read to the whole assembly of Israel, including the women and children, and the foreigners who lived among them.

** Joshua renewed the commitment to God by recording the event with written words and by mounting a stone

Joshua 24:25 NIV

[25] On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people, and there at Shechem he reaffirmed for them decrees and laws.

Joshua 24:26-27 NIV

[26] And Joshua recorded these things in the Book of the Law of God. Then he took a large stone and set it up there under the oak near the holy place of the Lord. [27] “See!” he said to all the people. “This stone will be a witness against us. It has heard all the words the Lord has said to us. It will be a witness against you if you are untrue to your God.”

** Without meditation the truths which we know will never affect our hearts.

As a hammer drives a nail to the head, so meditation drives a truth to the heart!

Be sure your meditations are founded upon Scripture. Reading without meditation is useless. Meditation without reading is dangerous.

The reason we come away so cold from reading the Word is, because we do not warm ourselves at the fire of meditation. <W210>

Psalm 1:1-2 NIV

** They are loving an imaginary God! by Jonathan Edwards

Some people have no sense of the vileness of their sin, and no sense of God's infinite and holy opposition to it. They think that God has no higher standards than they have. So they get on well with Him and feel a sort of love for Him--but they are loving an imaginary God, not the real God!

There are others whose self-love produces a sort of love for God simply because of the material blessings they have received from His providence. There is nothing commendable in this either.

Self-love can produce a merely natural gratitude to God. This can happen through wrong ideas about God, as if He were all love and mercy, and no avenging justice; or as if God were bound to love a person because of the person's worthiness. On these grounds men may love a God of their own imaginations, when they have no love at all for the true God.

** Look at how God is operating all around you; nothing is out of God’s purview including the direction and influence of nations

Psalm 67:4 NIV

[4] May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth.

Psalm 68:12-14 NIV

[12] “Kings and armies flee in haste; the women at home divide the plunder. [13] Even while you sleep among the sheep pens, the wings of my dove are sheathed with silver, its feathers with shining gold.” [14] When the Almighty scattered the kings in the land, it was like snow fallen on Mount Zalmon.

Psalm 68:28-31 NIV

[28] Summon your power, God ; show us your strength, our God, as you have done before. [29] Because of your temple at Jerusalem kings will bring you gifts. [30] Rebuke the beast among the reeds, the herd of bulls among the calves of the nations. Humbled, may the beast bring bars of silver. Scatter the nations who delight in war. [31] Envoys will come from Egypt; Cush will submit herself to God.

** The Israelites were to voice recognition that God brought them out of Egypt and established a Promised Land for them; they declare their willingness to obey the Lord their God

The confession made in connection with their offering consisted of a promise of obedience and a prayer for God's blessing; in this manner, the Israelites confessed their continual dependence on God with the hope of blessing in return <M130>

Deuteronomy 26:2-3 NIV

[2] take some of the firstfruits of all that you produce from the soil of the land the Lord your God is giving you and put them in a basket. Then go to the place the Lord your God will choose as a dwelling for his Name [3] and say to the priest in office at the time, “I declare today to the Lord your God that I have come to the land the Lord swore to our ancestors to give us.”

Deuteronomy 26:5-10 NIV

[5] Then you shall declare before the Lord your God: “My father was a wandering Aramean, and he went down into Egypt with a few people and lived there and became a great nation, powerful and numerous. [6] But the Egyptians mistreated us and made us suffer, subjecting us to harsh labor. [7] Then we cried out to the Lord, the God of our ancestors, and the Lord heard our voice and saw our misery, toil and oppression. [8] So the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror and with signs and wonders. [9] He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey; [10] and now I bring the firstfruits of the soil that you, Lord, have given me. ” Place the basket before the Lord your God and bow down before him.

Deuteronomy 26:17 NIV

[17] You have declared this day that the Lord is your God and that you will walk in obedience to him, that you will keep his decrees, commands and laws---that you will listen to him.

** God reveals Himself through His Book of the Law

Deuteronomy 29:21 NIV

[21] The Lord will single them out from all the tribes of Israel for disaster, according to all the curses of the covenant written in this Book of the Law.

** History has shown the fulfillment of God's Word, such as the Promised Land turning to dust as a result of the Israelites turning from God

Deuteronomy 29:19-28 NIV

[19] When such a person hears the words of this oath and they invoke a blessing on themselves, thinking, “I will be safe, even though I persist in going my own way,” they will bring disaster on the watered land as well as the dry. [20] The Lord will never be willing to forgive them; his wrath and zeal will burn against them. All the curses written in this book will fall on them, and the Lord will blot out their names from under heaven. [21] The Lord will single them out from all the tribes of Israel for disaster, according to all the curses of the covenant written in this Book of the Law. [22] Your children who follow you in later generations and foreigners who come from distant lands will see the calamities that have fallen on the land and the diseases with which the Lord has afflicted it. [23] The whole land will be a burning waste of salt and sulfur---nothing planted, nothing sprouting, no vegetation growing on it. It will be like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboyim, which the Lord overthrew in fierce anger. [24] All the nations will ask: “Why has the Lord done this to this land? Why this fierce, burning anger?” [25] And the answer will be: “It is because this people abandoned the covenant of the Lord, the God of their ancestors, the covenant he made with them when he brought them out of Egypt. [26] They went off and worshiped other gods and bowed down to them, gods they did not know, gods he had not given them. [27] Therefore the Lord’s anger burned against this land, so that he brought on it all the curses written in this book. [28] In furious anger and in great wrath the Lord uprooted them from their land and thrust them into another land, as it is now.”

** Spurgeon: To get the nourishment out of a text, turn it over and over in your mind, meditate upon it, pull it to pieces word by word! Scripture meditation is the strong meat on which holy men are nourished. Oh, to be bathed in a text of Scripture, and to let it be sucked up into your very soul, until it saturates your heart! The more you read the Bible, and the more you meditate on it--the more you will be astonished with it!

** God gives us the ability to conquer our circumstances and prepares the hearts of people to fulfill His will

• When the old generation died out, God began to give the new generation a taste for success

• In a series of increasingly difficult battles, God gave Israel increasingly greater victories <R1795>

Deuteronomy 2:30-33 NIV

[30] But Sihon king of Heshbon refused to let us pass through. For the Lord your God had made his spirit stubborn and his heart obstinate in order to give him into your hands, as he has now done. [31] The Lord said to me, “See, I have begun to deliver Sihon and his country over to you. Now begin to conquer and possess his land.” [32] When Sihon and all his army came out to meet us in battle at Jahaz, [33] the Lord our God delivered him over to us and we struck him down, together with his sons and his whole army.

Deuteronomy 2:36 NIV

[36] From Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Gorge, and from the town in the gorge, even as far as Gilead, not one town was too strong for us. The Lord our God gave us all of them.

** The secret things of God are not to be scrutinized; those things which He has revealed are to be appreciated and not overlooked

Deuteronomy 29:29 NIV

[29] The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.

** Following God's word is a sign of wisdom and we will prosper as a result

Deuteronomy 4:5-8 NIV

[5] See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the Lord my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. [6] Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” [7] What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him? [8] And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today?

Deuteronomy 5:32-33 NIV

[32] So be careful to do what the Lord your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. [33] Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.

** God is absolutely righteous and omnipotent which should make us stand in absolute AWE, even as the demons recognize God and shudder! We must strive to understand and accept this fact.

James 2:19 NIV

[19] You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that---and shudder.

** Moses called the Israelites to cut away the sin in their hearts as circumcision cuts away skin; this would leave them with a clean relationship with God <M130>

Deuteronomy 10:16 NIV

[16] Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer.

Deuteronomy 30:6 NIV

[6] The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live.

Leviticus 26:40-42 NIV

[40] “ ‘But if they will confess their sins and the sins of their ancestors---their unfaithfulness and their hostility toward me, [41] which made me hostile toward them so that I sent them into the land of their enemies---then when their uncircumcised hearts are humbled and they pay for their sin, [42] I will remember my covenant with Jacob and my covenant with Isaac and my covenant with Abraham, and I will remember the land.

Romans 2:28-29 NIV

[28] A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. [29] No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.

** God wanted His people to reserve time for Him out of their regular routine to hold sacred assemblies; similar to that of fasting and observing the Sabbath

Numbers 29:1 NIV

[1] “ ‘On the first day of the seventh month hold a sacred assembly and do no regular work. It is a day for you to sound the trumpets.

Numbers 29:7 NIV

[7] “ ‘On the tenth day of this seventh month hold a sacred assembly. You must deny yourselves and do no work.

Numbers 29:12 NIV

[12] “ ‘On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, hold a sacred assembly and do no regular work. Celebrate a festival to the Lord for seven days.

** God instructed His people to celebrate various festivals to help them remember when He brought them out of Egypt and how He has blessed them

Deuteronomy 16:1,8 NIV

[1] Observe the month of Aviv and celebrate the Passover of the Lord your God, because in the month of Aviv he brought you out of Egypt by night. [8] For six days eat unleavened bread and on the seventh day hold an assembly to the Lord your God and do no work.

Deuteronomy 16:9-10 NIV

[9] Count off seven weeks from the time you begin to put the sickle to the standing grain. [10] Then celebrate the Festival of Weeks to the Lord your God by giving a freewill offering in proportion to the blessings the Lord your God has given you.

Deuteronomy 16:13 NIV

[13] Celebrate the Festival of Tabernacles for seven days after you have gathered the produce of your threshing floor and your winepress.

Deuteronomy 16:16-17 NIV

[16] Three times a year all your men must appear before the Lord your God at the place he will choose: at the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the Festival of Weeks and the Festival of Tabernacles. No one should appear before the Lord empty-handed: [17] Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you.

** We tend to doubt or forget that God is in control when faced with challenges; we need to trust that God is always there to protect us for His glory!

Exodus 14:10-12 NIV

[10] As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord. [11] They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? [12] Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians’? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!”

Exodus 14:13-14 NIV

[13] Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. [14] The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Exodus 14:29-31 NIV

[29] The Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. [30] That day the Lord saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the shore. [31] And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.

** We must actively place our trust in God through both good and difficult times if we want Him to be our refuge

Psalm 62:8 NIV

[8] Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

Psalm 66:9 NIV

[9] he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping.

** The Israelites demonstrated lack of trust in God to confront the giants before them in the Promised Land even though God led them miraculously in the journey out of Egypt to that point

Numbers 14:1-4 NIV

[1] That night all the members of the community raised their voices and wept aloud. [2] All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, “If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this wilderness! [3] Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt? ” [4] And they said to each other, “We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt. ”

** Sometimes we focus on the difficulty of the moment, forgetting how God has miraculously saved us in the past and can do so again

Exodus 16:2-3 NIV

[2] In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. [3] The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.”

** Charles Spurgeon wrote:

"Scripture grows upon the sincere searcher. Under the teaching of the Holy Spirit, to the searching eye--it glows with God's splendor, like a vast temple paved with wrought gold, and roofed with rubies, emeralds, and all manner of precious gems."

Lastly, "The Scriptures reveal Jesus, 'The Scriptures point to Me!' No more powerful motive can be urged upon Bible readers than this--he who finds Jesus finds life, Heaven, all things. Happy he who, searching his Bible, discovers his Savior!"

Proverbs 2:4-5 NIV

[4] and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, [5] then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

** The last canonized Old Testament book was written by the prophet Malachi (circa 450-424 BC). This was over three-hundred years before Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem. However, nothing in the Old Testament conflicts with anything in the New Testament. So how can that be?

Furthermore, the Old Testament was largely written by the Jewish people who practiced Judaism, to the point their descendants killed the prophesied Messiah (of whom they still deny to this day). The New Testament was largely written by Jews who practiced Christianity because of this same Messiah (of whom they affirm to this day). So the same system of worship Jesus Himself kept, Judaism, ended up killing Him because He fulfilled the things that system said the Messiah had to fulfill?

Yes.

A sacrifice was necessary. (Leviticus 17:11; Isaiah 53; Matthew 26:28; John 1:29; Revelation 5:9-10, 13:8)

Paradox abounds.

However, when you understand one simple principle, it all begins to make sense.

They are two parts of the same whole. Christianity, is Judaism fulfilled. <G70>

** Our general offering to God should be given out of a ‘willing heart’

Exodus 35:5 NIV

[5] From what you have, take an offering for the Lord. Everyone who is willing is to bring to the Lord an offering of gold, silver and bronze

Exodus 35:10 NIV

[10] “All who are skilled among you are to come and make everything the Lord has commanded:

Exodus 35:20-22 NIV

[20] Then the whole Israelite community withdrew from Moses’ presence, [21] and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments. [22] All who were willing, men and women alike, came and brought gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings and ornaments. They all presented their gold as a wave offering to the Lord.

Exodus 35:29 NIV

[29] All the Israelite men and women who were willing brought to the Lord freewill offerings for all the work the Lord through Moses had commanded them to do.

** We learn about God from what He conveyed to Moses

Exodus 34:5-7 NIV

[5] Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the Lord. [6] And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, [7] maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”

** The Lord hears our voice and is sensitive to our thoughts, sometimes answering requests in the way we hope and always for our best

Exodus 16:9 NIV

[9] Then Moses told Aaron, “Say to the entire Israelite community, ‘Come before the Lord, for he has heard your grumbling.’ ”

Psalm 116:1-2 NIV

[1] I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. [2] Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.

** God gives us our daily provisions not only because He cares for us but ultimately for His glory; we are to depend on Him on a moment-by-moment basis

Exodus 16:4-5 NIV

[4] Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions. [5] On the sixth day they are to prepare what they bring in, and that is to be twice as much as they gather on the other days.”

Exodus 16:8 NIV

[8] Moses also said, “You will know that it was the Lord when he gives you meat to eat in the evening and all the bread you want in the morning, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we? You are not grumbling against us, but against the Lord.”

Exodus 16:11-15 NIV

[11] The Lord said to Moses, [12] “I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, ‘At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.’ ” [13] That evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. [14] When the dew was gone, thin flakes like frost on the ground appeared on the desert floor. [15] When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread the Lord has given you to eat.

Exodus 16:21-22 NIV

[21] Each morning everyone gathered as much as they needed, and when the sun grew hot, it melted away. [22] On the sixth day, they gathered twice as much---two omers for each person---and the leaders of the community came and reported this to Moses.

** The Israelites remained flexible to obey God's timing, regardless of the amount of time the cloud remained from instance to instance

Numbers 9:19-22 NIV

[19] When the cloud remained over the tabernacle a long time, the Israelites obeyed the Lord’s order and did not set out. [20] Sometimes the cloud was over the tabernacle only a few days; at the Lord’s command they would encamp, and then at his command they would set out. [21] Sometimes the cloud stayed only from evening till morning, and when it lifted in the morning, they set out. Whether by day or by night, whenever the cloud lifted, they set out. [22] Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out.

Numbers 9:23 NIV

[23] At the Lord’s command they encamped, and at the Lord’s command they set out. They obeyed the Lord’s order, in accordance with his command through Moses.

** Abram often called on the Lord

Genesis 13:4b NIV

[4] There Abram called on the name of the Lord.

** Schedule reminders to celebrate the power and goodness of God, like Gentile fasting or Jewish festivals; sometimes God has very specific instructions on how the celebration should be performed

Exodus 12:17-20ff NIV

[17] “Celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread, because it was on this very day that I brought your divisions out of Egypt. Celebrate this day as a lasting ordinance for the generations to come. [18] In the first month you are to eat bread made without yeast, from the evening of the fourteenth day until the evening of the twenty-first day. [19] For seven days no yeast is to be found in your houses. And anyone, whether foreigner or native-born, who eats anything with yeast in it must be cut off from the community of Israel. [20] Eat nothing made with yeast. Wherever you live, you must eat unleavened bread.”

Exodus 12:24-27 NIV

[24] “Obey these instructions as a lasting ordinance for you and your descendants. [25] When you enter the land that the Lord will give you as he promised, observe this ceremony. [26] And when your children ask you, ‘What does this ceremony mean to you?’ [27] then tell them, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.’ ” Then the people bowed down and worshiped.

Exodus 12:42 NIV

[42] Because the Lord kept vigil that night to bring them out of Egypt, on this night all the Israelites are to keep vigil to honor the Lord for the generations to come.

Exodus 12:43ff NIV

[43] The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “These are the regulations for the Passover meal: “No foreigner may eat it.

** Man gets in trouble when he has time on his hands and when God does not seem near and he is in 'waiting mode'

Exodus 32:1 NIV

[1] When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, “Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.”

** Act in accordance with God’s will: Abraham was concerned about fulfilling the covenant God made with him (to be the blessed father of future generations) thereby asking his servant to find a wife for his son Isaac among his relatives in his home country

Genesis 24:2-4,9 NIV

[2] He said to the senior servant in his household, the one in charge of all that he had, “Put your hand under my thigh. [3] I want you to swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not get a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I am living, [4] but will go to my country and my own relatives and get a wife for my son Isaac. ” [9] So the servant put his hand under the thigh of his master Abraham and swore an oath to him concerning this matter.

** The will is a function of the mind; moral choices are what the mind deems best at the moment and we intentionally (via our mind) learn about God to determine what is best for us, because we are not inclined to seek God on our own <E55>

When we stand before God, He will not evaluate our words but what is in our heart and whether we love Him! Christians should have the primacy of the heart because it is greater than the mind; there can’t be anything in the heart that isn’t first in the mind so if you want to change the heart you must first change the mind <S193>

** Observing others who live in sin should help us from doing similar practices; we cannot live in sin and expect God's blessing and we can be that positive example to others!

Deuteronomy 29:16-18 NIV

[16] You yourselves know how we lived in Egypt and how we passed through the countries on the way here. [17] You saw among them their detestable images and idols of wood and stone, of silver and gold. [18] Make sure there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the Lord our God to go and worship the gods of those nations; make sure there is no root among you that produces such bitter poison.

Deuteronomy 29:19 NIV

** God intentionally tests us to build our faith and increase our dependency on Him

Genesis 22:1-2 NIV

[1] Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. [2] Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love-- Isaac --- and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you. ”

** Remain steadfast, for we can harden our hearts toward God after we get what we want or when life is going as hoped

Exodus 8:15 NIV

[15] But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the Lord had said.

Exodus 9:33-35 NIV

[33] Then Moses left Pharaoh and went out of the city. He spread out his hands toward the Lord; the thunder and hail stopped, and the rain no longer poured down on the land. [34] When Pharaoh saw that the rain and hail and thunder had stopped, he sinned again: He and his officials hardened their hearts. [35] So Pharaoh’s heart was hard and he would not let the Israelites go, just as the Lord had said through Moses.

** Call on the Lord to confirm: God spoke to Jacob in a dream repeating His promise and revealing His majesty, so Jacob built a memorial to remind him of this occasion

Genesis 28:10-11 NIV

[10] Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Harran. [11] When he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep.

Genesis 28:12-15 NIV

[12] He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. [13] There above it stood the Lord, and he said: “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. [14] Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. [15] I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you. ”

Genesis 28:16,18 NIV

[16] When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” [18] Early the next morning Jacob took the stone he had placed under his head and set it up as a pillar and poured oil on top of it.

** God had Joseph stay in prison for two years after correctly interpreting the cupbearer's and baker's dreams; no doubt Joseph had thoughts that God had abandoned him, but God had plans for Joseph in HIS timing

Genesis 41:1 NIV

[1] When two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream: He was standing by the Nile

Genesis 41:14-15 NIV

[14] So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. When he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh. [15] Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.”

** Remember the Lord knows and sees all just as He was with Joseph in Egypt and blessed him with a position in Potiphar’s household

Genesis 39:2-4 NIV

[2] The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. [3] When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, [4] Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

Genesis 39:5-6a NIV

[5] From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. [6] So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph's care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.

** God did not abandon Joseph despite how the circumstances appeared!

Genesis 39:3,21 NIV

[3] When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, [21] the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden...

Our difficult situations may seem insurmountable to us but God ALWAYS has a purpose for them — in Joseph’s case he endured slavery, imprisonments, abandonment, and testing for 17 (?) years all for God to get him to Egypt and on the throne

Slavery

Genesis 37:28 NIV

[28] So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.

Imprisonment

Genesis 39:13-15,20-21 NIV

[13] When she saw that he had left his cloak in her hand and had run out of the house, [14] she called her household servants. “Look,” she said to them, “this Hebrew has been brought to us to make sport of us! He came in here to sleep with me, but I screamed. [15] When he heard me scream for help, he left his cloak beside me and ran out of the house.” [20] Joseph's master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king's prisoners were confined. But while Joseph was there in the prison, [21] the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.

Abandonment

Genesis 40:23 NIV

[23] The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him. [until Pharaoh had a dream that needed interpreting]

Testing

Genesis 41:33-39 NIV

[33] “And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt. [34] Let Pharaoh appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. [35] They should collect all the food of these good years that are coming and store up the grain under the authority of Pharaoh, to be kept in the cities for food. [36] This food should be held in reserve for the country, to be used during the seven years of famine that will come upon Egypt, so that the country may not be ruined by the famine.” [37] The plan seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his officials. [38] So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God ?” [39] Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you.

** When a Christian’s faith is shaky and you doubt then ask these questions and step up your Scripture reading and prayer!

Questions

a) Where do these doubts come from?

b) Has God ever failed you in the past?

c) Did God promise to meet all your needs?

d) Did He not give you the Holy Spirit to enable you?

e) Did He not promise to be with you at all times?

f) Is anything too hard for God? If I am facing difficulty, then where is my focus?

g) Is this a fork in the road that I may regret for the rest of my life?

Meditate on God’s Word

a) Read it unhurriedly, meditate and apply it to your life

b) Listen with an open heart

c) God will give you clarification because you’re going to Him!

Recall God’s answer to prayer in past situations

Courageously obey God

a) Pray that you will take the leap

b) Know that you won’t regret it if you do!

** WHEN THE PLAIN SENSE OF SCRIPTURE MAKES COMMON SENSE, SEEK NO OTHER SENSE; THEREFORE, TAKE EVERY WORD AT ITS PRIMARY, ORDINARY, USUAL, LITERAL MEANING UNLESS THE FACTS OF THE IMMEDIATE CONTEXT, STUDIED IN THE LIGHT OF RELATED PASSAGES AND AXIOMATIC AND FUNDAMENTAL TRUTHS INDICATE CLEARLY OTHERWISE.

** Christians are to continually test whether they are in the faith; if the Holy Spirit is not recognized in a ‘believer’ then they are not in the faith

2 Corinthians 13:5 NIV

[5] Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you---unless, of course, you fail the test?

** God provides those who fear Him with a spiritual defense against His wrath that no human defense can match

Psalm 60:4 NIV

[4] But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow.

Psalm 60:9-12 NIV

[9] Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? [10] Is it not you, God, you who have now rejected us and no longer go out with our armies? [11] Give us aid against the enemy, for human help is worthless. [12] With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.

** We are led by the spirit we allow to have influence over us

1 Corinthians 12:2-3 NIV

[2] You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. [3] Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

** David realizes those who think they are strong in their own might will be brought to everlasting ruin

Psalm 52:5-7 NIV

[5] Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin: He will snatch you up and pluck you from your tent; he will uproot you from the land of the living. [6] The righteous will see and fear; they will laugh at you, saying, [7] “Here now is the man who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth and grew strong by destroying others!”

Psalm 55:23 NIV

[23] But you, God, will bring down the wicked into the pit of decay; the bloodthirsty and deceitful will not live out half their days. But as for me, I trust in you.

** The one who trusts in God’s unfailing love and His works can be productive and secure like an olive tree

Psalm 52:8-9 NIV

[8] But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever. [9] For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good.

** Paul dealt with false prophets as we continue to face today, accusing them of being emissaries of Satan, knowing and proclaiming their eventual demise; Paul was unwilling to sacrifice truth for unity

2 Corinthians 11:12-15 NIV

[12] And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. [13] For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. [14] And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. [15] It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

** Our relationship with God is conditional for He tends to our needs and protects us when we recognize Him

Psalm 34:5-7 NIV

[5] Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. [6] This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. [7] The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.

** Christians who give generously show Christ’s likeness, similar to His sacrifice and giving of Himself for us <M130>

2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV

[15] Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

John 12:25-26 NIV

[25] Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. [26] Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV

[1] Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children [2] and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

** Ask God to help increase and make evident the fruits of the Spirit in your life

2 Peter 1:5-9 NIV

** Be careful what company you keep because bad company corrupts good character; we have the knowledge of God so follow the path of righteousness

1 Corinthians 15:33-34 NIV

[33] Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” [34] Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God---I say this to your shame.

** If variations of theology as followed today — such as Liberation Theology, Replacement Theology. Social Gospel, Prosperity Gospel, etc — are not based on the Saving Gospel as outlined by Paul in the New Testament, then all efforts toward their ends are in vain; we cannot recreate God’s Salvation Plan, adding or taking away from what is already offered

1 Corinthians 15:1-2 NIV

[1] Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. [2] By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.”

** Paul understood that believers can be deceived and change course

2 Corinthians 11:3 NIV

[3] But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:14-15 NIV

** Paul rebukes the Corinthians for easily accepting a Jesus who differs from the One taught by him

2 Corinthians 11:4 NIV

[4] For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.

** Paul laid out how we can determine God’s will for our lives

• Determining His will involves turning from the ways of the world and renewing our minds to focus solely on God so we can then test and approve His will

• We can only recognize and hear His voice when we KNOW His voice, like sheep that know the voice of their shepherd!

Romans 12:1-2 NIV

James 4:4 NIV

[4] You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.

** God sets an unambiguous order for us so we know our responsibilities and ultimate accountability to God

1 Corinthians 11:1-3 NIV

[1] Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. [2] I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the traditions just as I passed them on to you. [3] But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.

1 Corinthians 11:7-9 NIV

[7] A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. [8] For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; [9] neither was man created for woman, but woman for man.

** Everything we do should be for the glory of God

1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV

[31] So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

** How critical it is to have a solid foundation based on God’s truth; others can build on it but it must be impenetrable because it can’t be built again

1 Corinthians 3:10-11 NIV

[10] By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. [11] For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

** There is to be a marked difference between the mature Christian and world; Christians, for instance, are not to be consumed by jealousy and quarreling

“Milk” used in the New Testament refers to what is basic and needed for spiritual growth, such as elementary truths of God’s word; being ready for “solid food” refers to those more mature in the faith able to distinguish between good and evil

In other words, Christian maturity happens when a believer purposely reads and obeys and applies God’s word to their life; growth is up to the individual

1 Corinthians 3:1-3 NIV

[1] Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly---mere infants in Christ. [2] I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. [3] You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?

Hebrews 5:12-14 NIV

[12] In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! [13] Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. [14] But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

** The Spirit indwells and guides all who invite Him in (by choice); God is not going to inhabit where He is not welcome!

John 14:15-17

“If you love me, keep my commands. [16] And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever--- [17] the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

1 Corinthians 15:1-2 NIV

Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. [2] By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

1 Corinthians 1:8 NIV

He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

** If we are in love with Christ, should we not want to do what pleases Him? If we know we have been bought by Christ at an unspeakable price, should we not consider ourselves as wholly God’s? If our bodies are the Temple of the Holy Spirit, should we not take care of them and not defile ourselves? Rather we unite ourselves to Christ and not sin!

1 Corinthians 6:12 NIV

[12] “I have the right to do anything,” you say---but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”---but I will not be mastered by anything.

1 Corinthians 6:15-17 NIV

[15] Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! [16] Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” [17] But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:20 NIV

[20] you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

** Paul informs the reader that his prophetic writings are from God, able to direct the Gentiles to an obedient saving faith

Romans 16:25-26 NIV

[25] Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, [26] but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith---

** The mandate is clear: be sincere in what we do as we abhor what is evil and adhere to what is good

Romans 12:9 NIV

[9] Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

Romans 12:21 NIV

[21] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

** We are to operate contrary to this world of “taking care of number one”, by loving one another, sharing with them and honoring them above ourselves

Romans 12:10 NIV

[10] Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Romans 12:13 NIV

[13] Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

** Scripture does not follow current day “everyone is a winner” thinking but reminds the reader that we must prepare to win the race before us to obtain the prize

1 Corinthians 9:24 NIV

[24] Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

** Running the race involves having a direction/goal and personal sacrifice

1 Corinthians 9:26-27 NIV

[26] Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. [27] No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

1 Corinthians 10:16 NIV

[16] Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?

** As Christians our prize is far beyond what we experience here on earth, for we can obtain an eternal heavenly reward

1 Corinthians 9:25 NIV

[25] Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

** While living in our earthly bodies is limited and frustrating, God promises us a new body and life eternal

2 Corinthians 5:2-5 NIV

[2] Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, [3] because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. [4] For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. [5] Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

** Those who are ‘at home’ in their mortal body should be concerned they have fallen away from the Lord

2 Corinthians 5:6 NIV

[6] Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord.

Romans 12:1-2 NIV

** Avoid those who deceive with their flattery and preach a message contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ

Romans 16:17-18 NIV

** Abraham chose to believe God would provide a son despite ‘evidence’ that supposedly proved it was impossible

Through his son, Abraham became the father of all circumcised Jews and the father of all believing children (Jew and Gentile alike) who place their faith in God

Romans 4:19-22 NIV

[19] Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead---since he was about a hundred years old---and that Sarah's womb was also dead. [20] Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, [21] being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. [22] This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.”

** We can experience the same justification as Abraham when we wholeheartedly believe in Christ who personally took on burden for our sin

Romans 4:23-25 NIV

[23] The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, [24] but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness---for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. [25] He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

Galatians 3:6-7,9 NIV

[6] So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” [7] Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. [9] So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

** We can experience true joy and peace when we trust in God, for the Holy Spirit will then fill us with hope!

Romans 15:13 NIV

[13] May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

** God knows every step that man will make; nothing surprises God

Exodus 11:1 NIV

[1] Now the Lord had said to Moses, “I will bring one more plague on Pharaoh and on Egypt. After that, he will let you go from here, and when he does, he will drive you out completely.

Psalm 139:16 NIV

[16] Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

** Paul expresses his concern for the Israelites that their zeal may be founded in what is true, not based on their limited intellect and knowledge

Romans 10:1-2 NIV

[1] Brothers and sisters, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. [2] For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge.

** Those who pursue God’s law as a way of righteousness will not obtain their goal for righteousness comes by faith

Romans 9:29-32 NIV

[29] It is just as Isaiah said previously: “Unless the Lord Almighty had left us descendants, we would have become like Sodom, we would have been like Gomorrah.” [30] What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; [31] but the people of Israel, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness, have not attained their goal. [32] Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone.

** Once we realize the cost Christ endured at the cross and how our sin hurts the One who loves us beyond measure, we should not want to continue in our sin; instead we should feast and strive to obey the commands as outlined by Spirit of God in His Word

Romans 6:1-2 NIV

[1] What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? [2] By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?

Romans 6:15 NIV

[15] What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means!

Romans 6:12-13 NIV

[12] Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. [13] Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.

Romans 8:5-6 NIV

[5] Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. [6] The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

** God has expectations of us when we choose to follow Him; our life is not our own!

Ephesians 4:1 NIV

[1] As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

** Total devotion to Christ (Paul uses the word “baptism”) identifies and unites us with Christ, His death and resurrection

Romans 6:3-5 NIV

[3] Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? [4] We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. [5] For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.

Romans 6:6-8 NIV

** God gives us His law to guide us in what is right and wrong; God calls out hypocrites who boast in the law but are blind to it’s application

Romans 2:17-21 NIV

[17] Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God; [18] if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; [19] if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, [20] an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of little children, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth--- [21] you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal?

** Those who pursue God’s law as a way of righteousness will not obtain their goal for righteousness comes by faith

Romans 9:29-32 NIV

** "The Church is the only earthly expression of heaven" when God's will is done on earth in the church when it deals with sin and is the source of truth; in heaven we will experience worship, exaltation of Christ, presence of absolute purity (holy) and perfect harmonious fellowship; rejoice in the gift of the church and may it be enough for us to "wear the uniform" as members of the church

The church is the support and pillar of the truth, where we go to hear God speak! According to MacArthur, the biggest problem in the church is lack of discernment (knowing right from wrong) and the only way we can gain discernment is through the learning and knowing of God's word.

Review Psalm 19 that describes different facets of His word, including power to transform lives, making wise the simple...

Matthew 18:18 NIV

[18] “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

1 Timothy 3:14-15 NIV

[14] Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, [15] if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

Psalm 19:7-11 NIV

** We cannot KNOW God if we don't know His word and His revelation. Every passage unfolds truth about Him and can help us grow. We can know ABOUT God through other means, such as Christian books, but we cannot know God apart from His word! Do we love God's word more than anything as described by Job?

Job 23:12 NIV

[12] I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.

** The more we get to know God, the more we realize we can depend on Him because He has never forsaken us

Psalm 9:9-10 NIV

[9] The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. [10] Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you

** Sustained prayer without ceasing gives us discernment whether our requests are in God's will and is tied to effective ministry, as Jesus prayer throughout His ministry on earth

Romans 1:10 NIV

[10] in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you.

** Note that God, in His timing and according to His will, enabled Paul to go to Rome but Paul was often prevented from going and had to wait; during this waiting period Paul had an unshakable conviction that God was at work in his circumstances

Romans 1:13 NIV

[13] I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.

** Why does God not always answer our prayer the way we think He should? Will you be content with the answer God gives you? Keep praying for God WILL work and bring everyone together in His perfect timing!

a) Right person for the job -- God sometimes teaches us we are not as necessary for some specific work as we think we are

b) Right work for the person -- God may be indicating He has other work for us

c) Right heart and the right time -- God may desire to change us, other people, or the situation

** Christians today can so easily fall into the trap of trivializing (what they consider) suffering, thinking that comfort-level annoyances or plans that don't materialize are included. I doubt this is what Paul was talking about when he was referring to suffering in Romans 8. These inconveniences are certainly not prioritized when compared to the consequences of SIN in our lives.

As we read in Romans, we are not bound to the consequences of sin when we accept Christ's offer of salvation! We can rejoice because our sin is temporary thanks to Christ alone who saved us from its bondage granting us freedom from eternal death!

We can rejoice because our sin and suffering are temporary. Let’s not complain about what is temporary but rather rejoice in the ultimate release from sin! Imagine a person sitting in prison on death row complaining about how the cell is too humid from condensation and there is an annoying drip of water that constantly falls from the ceiling... the individual is about to lose his life and he is concerned about the drip!

I believe the majority of Christians, let alone non-believers, don't realize the gravity of their sinful condition and the emancipation they can enjoy because of the love of Christ and His taking on the payment for our sin. Instead, many concern themselves over their own plans and indulgences, missing the big picture and what is truly important!

Romans 8:18-23 NIV

[18] I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. [19] For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. [20] For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope [21] that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. [22] We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. [23] Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.

** Take the time to look beyond the moment at the big picture that includes the hand of God working in your life toward something that is good; lean on God for the ability to respond as God wants you to respond

Romans 8:28 NIV

[28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Luke 6:33-35 NIV

[33] And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. [34] And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. [35] But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

** Enemies of God persecuted the early disciples and tried to poison the mind of other believers; not much has changed since those early days

Acts 12:1-4 NIV

[1] It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. [2] He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. [3] When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Festival of Unleavened Bread. [4] After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover.

Acts 13:50 NIV

[50] But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.

Acts 14:2,5 NIV

[2] But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the other Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. [5] There was a plot afoot among both Gentiles and Jews, together with their leaders, to mistreat them and stone them.

** As believers in Christ we are to fulfill our vows to God who will, in turn, deliver us from our troubles and sorrows

Psalm 50:23 NIV

[23] "... Those who sacrifice thank offerings honor me, and to the blameless I will show my salvation.”

Psalm 50:14-15 NIV

[14] “Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, [15] and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”

Psalm 116:3-6 NIV

[3] The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow. [4] Then I called on the name of the Lord: “Lord, save me! ” [5] The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. [6] The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me.

Psalm 116:12-14 NIV

** It may seem as though God is not paying attention but His wrath will eventually come on those who reject Him and His ways

Psalm 50:16-17,21-22 NIV

[16] But to the wicked person, God says: “What right have you to recite my laws or take my covenant on your lips? [17] You hate my instruction and cast my words behind you. [21] When you did these things and I kept silent, you thought I was exactly like you. But I now arraign you and set my accusations before you. [22] “Consider this, you who forget God, or I will tear you to pieces, with no one to rescue you

** Jesus appeared beside Mary but she did not recognize Him at first

John 20:14-16 NIV

[14] At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. [15] He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” [16] Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

** God loves us because we believe and love His Son Jesus Christ

John 16:27 NIV

[27] No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.

** Jesus showed Himself to the disciple Thomas (another witness) who did not believe at first; blessed are those who believe without seeing

John 20:24-29 NIV

[24] Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. [25] So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” [26] A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” [27] Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” [28] Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” [29] Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

** You can always find someone to support your errant thinking; we now have the ability to test our thoughts and actions against Scripture

1 Kings 1:5,7 NIV

[5] Now Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, put himself forward and said, “I will be king.” So he got chariots and horses ready, with fifty men to run ahead of him. [7] Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, and they gave him their support.

** Be on guard against false spirits; be able to test them

1 Thessalonians 5:20-22 NIV

Do not treat prophecies with contempt [21] but test them all; hold on to what is good, [22] reject every kind of evil.

** There will be an end to our current earthly existence when we will be “face to face” with complete knowledge

1 Corinthians 13:8-10 NIV

[8] Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. [9] For we know in part and we prophesy in part, [10] but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.

1 Corinthians 13:11-12 NIV

[11] When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. [12] For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

M28.

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