Christ Fulfilled Prophecy

Today we can look back at the prophecies that were given long ago about Christ and how His life fulfilled these prophecies. As we study His life ask God to give you His special blessing for this day. You can be sure He will.

In what words did Moses speak of Christ?
"The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken." Deuteronomy 18:15.

How may we know that the Prophet here spoken of is Christ?
"For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days." Acts 3:22,24.

Was this prophecy fulfilled?
"Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." Matthew 1:22,23.

Where was He to be born?
"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." Micah 5:2.

Was this prediction fulfilled?
"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem." Matthew 2:1.

How was His advent to be heralded?
"The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God." Isaiah 40:3.

By whom was this fulfilled?
"And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?" "He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias." John 1:19,23.

Under what striking emblem or symbol was He prophesied of by Balaam?
"I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth." Numbers 24:17.

Is He designated under the same emblem or symbol in the New Testament?
"I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star." Revelation 22:16.
"We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts." 2 Peter 1:19.
"And I will give him the morning star." Revelation
2:28.

What was predicted of the little children in connection with the birth of Christ?
"Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not." Jeremiah 31:15.

How were these words of the prophet verified?
"Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not." Matthew 2:16-18.

How was He to be received by His own people?
"He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief, and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not." Isaiah
53:3.

Did this prophecy prove true?
"He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not." John 1:10,11.

What was predicted of His preaching?
"The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound." Isaiah 61:1.

In what way was this prediction verified?
"And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went
into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach
deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." Luke 4:16-21.

What was said He would do when on trial?
"He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth." Isaiah 53:7.

When accused by His enemies before Pilate, how did Christ receive their words?
"Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marveled greatly." Matthew 27:13,14.

How did the prophecy state that Christ's murderers would dispose of His garments?
"They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture." Psalms 22:18.

Was this literally accomplished?
"And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots." Matthew 27:35.

How was it said they would treat Him while on the cross?
"They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink." Psalms 69:21.

What was offered Him, when in His dying agony?
"They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink." Matthew 27:34.

Where was the grave of Christ to be made?
"And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth." Isaiah 53:9.

What was actually done with His body, after it was taken down from the cross?
"When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed." Matthew 27:57-60.

What great love our Lord has for us! He actually would like to talk to each of us directly but sin keeps us from being able to hear Him and it can even keep us from hearing His prophets,

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

God Tells Us Beforehand

God cares about us so much that He tells us about important events before they happen. He does this to build our faith. He also wants us to be warned of events to come so we can be prepared.

John 13:19 Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he.

John 14:29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.

How much of the Scriptures should we study?
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." 2 Timothy 3:16.

For what purpose?
"That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:17.

To whom do the things revealed belong?
"The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law." Deuteronomy 29:29.

What about the last book of the Bible?
"The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants
things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John." Revelation 1:1.

What is said of those who read or study this book?
"Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep
those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand." Revelation 1:3.

How were the Old Testament prophecies given?
"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:21.

What is said of the interpretation of these prophecies?
"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation." 2 Peter 1:20.

In giving their prophetic words, what did the prophets seek?
"Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you." 1 Peter 1:9,10.

By whose spirit were they actuated?
"Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow." 1 Peter 1:11.

How did Peter confirm his former preaching on the coming of Christ?
"For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the
power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty." 2 Peter 1:16.

When did the apostle see and hear the majesty (kingship) of Christ?
"And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount." 2 Peter 1:18.

What other and more certain evidence did he have of the power and coming of Christ?
"We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as
unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts." 2 Peter 1:19.

To what prophecy did Christ refer His disciples when predicting the destruction of Jerusalem?
"When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand.)" Matthew 24:15.

When were all he prophecies in the book of Daniel to be understood?
"But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." Daniel 12:4.

As we study God's prophecies we should let God interpret these for us so we do not come up with our own private interpretation. We find that God has inspired His Word so that scripture interprets scripture

The Second Coming of Jesus Christ

Tonight as I prepare this there is a Hurricane Warning for South Carolina. Tropical Storm Gaston is expected to become a Hurricane and make landfall tomorrow somewhere between Charleston and Little River, SC. We live here on the coast in the middle of the expected path. As we consider our evacuation options, I am reminded of how often these storms come and also how often many do not heed the warnings and lose their lives.

In a similar way, our Lord has told us about some future events so that we can prepare ourselves and others to be ready for these things.
John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
John 3: 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

What wonderful promise did Jesus make concerning His Second Advent?
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:1-3.

What will follow the signs of Christ's coming?
"And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory." Luke 21:27.

At His ascension, how was Christ's return promised?
"And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." Acts 1:10,11.

With what words does Paul express the blessed hope of Christ's Second Advent for His
people?
"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." Titus 2:13.

What does Peter say about this awaited event?
"For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty." 2 Peter 1:16.

When He returns, will most of the inhabitants of earth be prepared to meet Him?
"And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with
power and great glory." Matthew 24:30.

"Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they
also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail
because of him. Even so, Amen." Revelation 1:7.

Why will many not be prepared for this important event?
"But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; And shall begin
to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Matthew 24:48-51.

What will the world be doing when Christ returns in the clouds of heaven for His
own?
"But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood
came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." Matthew 24:37-39.

"Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when
the Son of man is revealed." Luke 17:28-30.

Who is it that blinds men to the message about salvation through Jesus Christ?
"In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." 2 Corinthians 4:4.

How important is it that we now prepare our lives to meet Christ when He
returns?
"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." 1 John 3:2.

Will the return of Christ be a time of reward?
"For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works." Matthew 16:27.

"And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." Revelation 22:12.

Who will receive the promised salvation when Christ returns?
"So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation." Hebrews 9:28.

What strong motivation should His return have on our lives right now?
"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure." 1 John 3:2,3.

To whom are these crowns of life promised?
"For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:6-8.

What will the waiting ones say when Jesus comes the second time?
"And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation." Isaiah 25:9.

Has the exact time of Christ's coming been revealed?
"But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only." Matthew 24:36.

In view of this fact, how does Christ tell us to prepare for that glorious event?
"Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come." Matthew 24:42.

What warning has Christ given that we might not be taken by surprise when He
returns?
"And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare
shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." Luke 21:34-36.

What special attribute should the waiting ones develop?
"Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the
Lord draweth nigh." James 5:7,8.

We can be sure that Jesus knows each of us and cares about each of us and that His promises are sure, He has made promises and inspired the prophets to record His Word so that our faith in Him can increase.

May this be your experience as you study His Word including His prophecies, and as you claim hold of His promises in prayer, Amen

Truth Comes From God

All too often, it very difficult to know what is true and what is a lie. The enemy of our souls, that devil, Satan has been able to fool many. "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light". 2 Corinthians 11:14

It is not new that man has had trouble determining what is true. "Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all". John 18:38

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5

By what are men sanctified?
"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." John 17:17.

Would God have all men come to the knowledge of the truth?
"Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." 1Timothy 2:4.

After receiving a knowledge of the truth, what must one do to be sanctified?
"But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth." 2 Thessalonians 2:13.

And what is necessary besides believing it?
"Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied." 1 Peter 1:2.

What effect does obedience to the truth have?
"Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently." 1 Peter 1:22.

How must worship be rendered to God, that it may be acceptable?
"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." John 4:24.

How should the truth ever be cherished?
"Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding." Proverbs 23:23.

Is there in the Bible what may be called "present truth?"
"Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth." 2 Peter 1:12.

What was the special message to be proclaimed in Noah's day?
"And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with
pitch." Genesis 6:13,14.

Did Noah build the ark? and why?
"By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith." Hebrews 11:7.

How many were saved in the ark?
"Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water." 1 Peter 3:20.

What special message was given to Jonah for the people of Nineveh?
"So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days' journey. And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown."
Jonah 3:3,4.

What saved the people from the predicted overthrow?
"So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them." "And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that He had said He would do unto
them; and He did it not." Jonah 3:5,10.

What was the special mission of John the Baptist?
"There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe." John 1:6,7.

What answer did he return to those who asked him about his mission?
"He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias." John 1:23.

John's baptism was something new and startling to his generation. What did those do for themselves who rejected his doctrine?
"But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him." Luke 7:30.

And what did those do who were baptized of John?
"And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John." Luke 7:29.

Did the reputed people of God receive Christ when He came?
"He came unto his own, and his own received him not." John 1:11.

What reason did they give for not doing so?
"We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is."
John 9:29.

What did the people say when Christ referred to how their fathers slew the prophets?
"And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets." Matthew 23:30.

What was the result of the Jews' not accepting Christ?
"And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now
they are hid from thine eyes." Luke 19:41,42.

Is there to be a special message and work for the last generation?
"Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?" Matthew 24:44,45.

What is pronounced upon those who are found doing such work?
"Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing." Matthew 24:46.

What will be the burden of that proclamation?
"Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Revelation 14:12.

How earnestly is this work to be prosecuted?
"And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled." Luke 14:23.

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6

We can be sure that His "present truth" can be found in His Word and that the Holy Spirit will open these things up to our understanding. May God bless you as you study and whorship Him. Amen

God Calls Us - Consecration

God has called each of us. We should study and pray that we may know preisely what God has called us to do. Whatever He has called us to do He will enable us by His Word.

Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 2 Peter 1:10

By what act were Aaron and his sons set apart for the priesthood?
"And thou shalt anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office." Exodus 30:30.

What are God's people now called?
"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light." 1Peter 2:9.

What were they before being a "chosen" people?
"Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." 1Peter 2:10.

Once again, Out of what were they called?
"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." 1 Peter 2:9.

For whom are the godly consecrated?
"But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him." Psalms 4:3.

By what act does one publicly take on the Lord Jesus?
"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." Galatians 3:27.

When one comes to Christ, what should he desire to do?
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." Matthew 11:28,29.

If one would come to Christ to be a learner or disciple of Him, what must he be willing to give up?
"If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple." Luke 14:26.

How emphatic does the Saviour, then, make the conditions of one's discipleship?
"So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple." Luke 14:33.

What does he say the acceptance of Christ will cause in some cases?
"For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household." Matthew 10:35,36.

Why does all the world unite to hate the true Christian?
"If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you." John 15:19.

How closely does Christ unite His followers to Himself?
"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." John 15:5.

If one does not bear the same fruit as Christ, what may be a safe conclusion?
"But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." Romans 8:9.

But if one has the Spirit of Christ, what fruit will he bear?
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." Galatians 5:22,23.

If one is really a consecrated learner of Christ, what mind will he have?
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:5.

What was the mind of Christ?
"But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Philippians 2:7,8.

If one abides in Christ, how should he walk?
"He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked." 1 John 2:6.

For what purpose have the promises of God been bestowed on the world?
"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." 2 Peter 1:4.

Then what does one's body become?
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?" 1 Corinthians 6:19.

In that case, to whom does one belong, and what is he to do?
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." 1 Corinthians 6:19,20.

When thus given to God, what position will one occupy?
"Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me." Isaiah 6:8.

How does David express this willing frame of mind in the servant of God?
"Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us. Psalms 123:2.

Our Father in Heaven has given us the honor of working for Him for the salvation of others. He will guide us to the precise and specific plan He has for each of us if we ask , seek and knock on heaven's door. Amen

Transformed by God

God has given us doctrines to help us to be transformed. When God issues a command to us it is the most powerful promise possible. If he can command the worlds into existance you can be sure there is ample power in His Command.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2

We often refer to this transformation as conversion. The gift of salvation happens instantly (and is often called justification a theological term that simply means that Jesus gives us such forgiveness that it is "just as if we had no sin" (justification)) Then there is the rest of conversion, in which God changes us day by day because he wants us to let His Light shine more and more brightly through us (this is often referred as sanctification = a theological term for being set apart for holy service)

So the more we study God's Word, the more we are likely to learn and change. We may find some things that we have always thought were true are not at all what the scripture teaches. We will wnat ot search the scriptures well to be sure we follow Him.

As you study today there are several references to "the law" this is in reference to God's ten commandment law. These ten commands are a transcript of God's character and therefore they are also kind of like a mirror when we look at them and see were we fall short.

May God bless you, once again, as His Holy Spirit guides you through this study.

What is necessary to salvation?
"And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3.

Dictionary definition of "conversion?"
"A turning or change from one state to another." Webster.

What two steps are necessary to make this change?
"And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." Acts 20:20,21.

Of what is it necessary to repent?
"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord." Acts 3:19.

What is sin?
"Whosoever committeth sin, transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law." 1 John 3:4.

What law does one transgress when he sins?
"But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law." James 2:9-11.

What part does the law act in repentance?
"Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin." Romans 3:20.

When Paul was converted, what first brought conviction to him?
"What shall we say then? is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet." Romans 7:7.

What more than conviction is necessary to true repentance?
"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death." 2 Corinthians 7:10.

What does repentance involve?
"Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?" Ezekiel 18:30,31.

What does repentance further require?
"Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." Isaiah
55:6,7.

How will genuine repentance be shown?
"Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance." Matthew 3:8.

What besides repentance is required in conversion?
"Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." Acts 20:21.

Who is Christ, that one should believe in Him?
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.

What has Christ done for us that we should be saved through Him?
"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures." 1 Corinthians 15:3

In order for one to be cleansed from sin, what is required of Him?
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:7-9.

What should be one's relation to sin after repentance?
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" Romans 6:1,2.

How does one become dead to sin?
"Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." Romans 6:6.

What is done with the "old man" after he dies?
"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Romans 6:4.

When truly converted, what does everyone receive?
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Acts 2:38.

Can anyone be a Christian without having the Spirit of Christ?
"But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." Romans 8:9.

What precious relation is sustained when one has the Holy Spirit?
"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." Romans 8:14.

Can it be known when this relation exists?
"The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God." Romans 8:16.

When one thus stands complete in Christ, what is he?
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Of what character are the "old things" which are to be put off?
"But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds." Colossians 3:9.

What will the new man acquire?
"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness." Colossians
3:12-14.

Where will the affections then be found?
"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." Colossians 3:1,2.

Having done all this, what will be the final result?
"For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory." Colossians 3:3,4.

May the transforming power of God be in us that and may we be His servants to spread His love abroad to whomever He wills. Amen

God's Doctrines

As we grow in God's grace, He wants us to know His will and he has given us His Word to educate us in sound doctrine. His doctrines. May the Holy Spirit guide you as you study.

Does it make any difference what a man believes, if he is only sincere?
"But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth." 2 Thessalonians 2:13 (Joshua 24:14).

How may we determine the truthfulness of any doctrine?
"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." 1Thessalonians 5:21 (Isa. 8:20).

Upon what foundation should every religious tenet rest?
"And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone." Ephesians 2:20 (1 Cor. 3:11).

What is mentioned first in the list of those things for which all Scripture is profitable?
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." 2 Timothy 3:16.

What advice is given to Timothy while preparing for the gospel ministry?
"Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine." "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." 1 Timothy 4:13,16.

What remarkable charge is given him relative to his public work?
"I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." 2 Timothy 4:1,2.

Why is this duty so imperative?
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." 2 Timothy 4:3,4.

How was Titus instructed to teach? And in what was he to be a pattern?
"But speak thou the things which become sound doc- trine." "In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity." Titus 2:1,7.

What is the power of sound doctrine?
"Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers." Titus 1:9.

What danger attends false teaching?
"Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some." 2 Timothy 2:18.

Who are the disciples of Jesus? And what gracious work is wrought for them?
"Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John
8:31,32.

Through what are they to be sanctified?
"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." John 17:17.

Will God accept the homage of such as deliberately teach contrary to His will?
"But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Matthew 15:9.

Can we close our ears to the truth, and remain innocent?
"He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination." Proverbs 28:9.

What encouraging promise did our Saviour leave for those who should do the will
of God?
"If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." John 7:17 (Ps. 25:9) (John 8:12).

What will be the fate of the spiritually blind teacher, and of those whom he
presumes to teach?
"Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch." Matthew 15:14.

To whom will the gates of the heavenly city be opened?
"Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in." Isaiah 26:2 (Rev. 22:14).

Power to Overcome Sin

God not only forgives us of all our sin, He also wants us to have a victorious life, He wants us to overcome sin. He does not ask us to do this on our own, because we cannot, but He promises to give us the power to overcome.

You may remember the words of Jesus to the woman caught in adultry, "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more" John 8:11

Notice, Jesus did not say "...go, and sin a little less".

In order to defeat sin we have to know what it is, then we have to know how God plans to make it possible for us to overcome. That is the purpose of this Bible Study. May you receive an extra portion of His Holy Spirit as you study.

How does God's word define sin?
"Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law; for sin is the transgression
of the law." 1 John 3:4.

Name the root of sin.
"Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." James 1:15.

What is the fruit of sin?
"Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." James 1:15.

Can man free himself from the dominion of sin?
"Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil." Jeremiah 13:23.

How, then, can it be said that man is morally a free agent?
"And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life." John 5:40.

When the divine offer of help is rejected, why does not God immediately inflict
upon man the threatened penalty?
"Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" Romans 2:4.

What motive actuates God to pursue this course?
"For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye." Ezekiel 18:32.

Is the guilt of Adam's transgression imputed to his descendants?
"The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him." Ezekiel 18:20.

Then what is transmitted to them?
"Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others." Ephesians 2:3.

What has Christ suffered for sinners?
"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5.

Why did Christ suffer in the flesh?
"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil." Hebrews 2:14.

Could Christ have paid the penalty for sin in any other way?
"But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. " Genesis 2:17.
"My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips." Psalms 89:34.

Is there a promise that all sins will be pardoned?
"If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death; I do not say that he shall pray for it." 1 John 5:16.

What precedes forgiveness of sin?
"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." Proverbs 28:13.

What follows?
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Acts 2:38.

Will the reign of sin ever come to an end?
"And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever."
Revelation 5:13.

When will its effects be removed?
"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth, also and the works that are therein shall be burned up." 2 Peter 3:10.

Why must the earth be purified?
"And unto Adam He said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life." Genesis 3:17.

How thoroughly will the effects of sin be removed?
"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away." Revelation 21:4.

The enemy of our souls wants to discourage us. That evil serpent will dangle temptaions in front of us and tell us all kinds of lies about God to discourage us. Just remember, Satan is a skilled liar.

1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it

2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Filled & Baptized with the Holy Spirit

Dear God we invite your Holy Spirit to give us understanding as we study the words that He inspired to be written in your Word.

May we be imersed in your Spirit and filled with your Spirit. May we be so filled that your Spirit spills over onto others.

Amen

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Peter 1:21

Just prior to His ascension to heaven, what did Jesus tell His disciples to await?
"And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." Luke 24:49.

With what did He say they would soon be baptized?
"For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many
days hence." Acts 1:5.

For what important work was this baptism to prepare them?
"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." Acts 1:8.

Following the outpouring of the Spirit, what preaching results followed?
"Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." Acts 2:37-41.
"And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)" Acts 5:12-14.
"And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith." Acts 6:7.

How did persecution affect the preaching of the gospel?
"And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to
his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word." Acts 8:1-4.

What Old Testament prophecy was fulfilled at the time of the outpouring of the Spirit?
"But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But
this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they
shall prophesy:" Acts 2:14-18. (See Joel 2:28-29.)

What expressions in Joel's prophecy indicate a double fulfillment of this outpouring?
"Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former
rain, and the latter rain in the first month." Joel 2:23. (See also Hosea 6:3.)

In the time of the latter rain, for what are we told to pray?
"Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field." Zechariah 10:1.

How is the closing gospel work under the outpouring of the Spirit described by John
the revelator?
"And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory." Revelation 18:1.

What is the message of this angel?
"And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird." Revelation 18:2.

What did Peter on the day of Pentecost tell his hearers to do?
"And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation." Acts 2:40.

What similar call and appeal will be made under the final outpouring of the Holy Spirit?
"And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities." Revelation 18:4,5.

Whatever God asks us to do, He also gives us the strength to do it. When we need to have our faith strengthened we should review how He has led us in the past. We should fear that we would ever forget how He led us in the past.

It is a good idea to keep a simple prayer journal. In this journal is recorded, by date, specific prayer requests, the promise in God's Word that was claimed, and then a place for entering how God answered each specific request and when it was realized that He had answered.

May our Lord bless and keep you.

God's Word Gives Life

All too often I am sure that I have missed a blessing that God wanted to give to me. I wasn't a bad person, I just was not listening to God or talking to Him as often as I should. My prayer is that we will have an ever greater relationship with Him.

Jesus said, ".... I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

How powerful is the Word of God when brought into contact with one's life?"
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12.

What was Peter constrained to say about Christ's words?
"Then Simon Peter answered Him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life." John 6:68.

What did Jesus declare regarding His Father's commandment?
"And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak." John 12:50.

What great truth did God wish to teach us, when He gave the daily manna to feed the children of Israel?
"And He humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that He might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live." Deuteronomy 8:3.

What happens when we feed upon the true, heavenly manna?
"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts." Jeremiah 15:16.

What reference did Jesus make to this same life-giving manna?
"But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4.

How did God's will for Christ's life become His food?
"Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work." John 4:34.

What name is given to Jesus, since He was the Revealer of God's thought to mankind?
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God." John 1:1."
And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God." Revelation 19:13.

What did this Word become?
"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." John 1:14.

What was in this Word that we so much need?
"In Him was life; and the life was the light of men." John 1:4.

What is Jesus therefore also called?
"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life." 1 John 1:1.

What did Jesus declare Himself to be?"
And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." John 6:35.

What did He say would be given to those that partook of this God-given bread?
"As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever." John 6:57,58.

What did Jesus really mean when He said that we should eat His flesh?
"It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." John 6:63.

What is it that God will let us taste right now?
"And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come." Hebrews 6:5. "Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts" Jeremiah 15:16.

Tasting it, what do we learn?
"O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him." Psalm 34:8.

Does God want us to ask for this Bread daily?"
Give us this day our daily bread." Matthew 6:11.

Thank you God for this wonderful gift of your Word and for all the life giving power that He brings to us, including the salvation of our very souls.

Timely Promises

I have been searching His Word and I believe I need to be praying and claiming hold of His promises regarding the things He has brought to our atttention in our studies.

I am confident that I can Ask and that He will answer affirimatively to that which He has already promised. I Believe, because He is not a man that He should lie to us. (help Thou my unbelief, and my fear) And I Claim hold of the power oi His word and Thank Him that we have already received His promise even now.

Some Promises to Claim

Regarding what to say,

The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable" (Proverbs 10:31, 32).

"The heart also of the rash shall understand knowledge, and the tongue of the stammerers shall be ready to speak plainly" (Isaiah 32:4).

"The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD" (Proverbs 16:1).

"To one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit" (1Corinthians 12:8).

"I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist" (Luke 21:15).

When you are slandered or falsely accused
Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue: neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh" (Job 5:21).

"Thou lift up thy face without spot" (Job 11:15).

"He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday" (Psalm 37:6).

"Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues" (Psalm 31:20).

"He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth" (Psalm 57:3).

"Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings. For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation" (Isaiah 51:7, 8).

"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven" (Matthew 5:11, 12).

"Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward" (Hebrews 11:26).

"If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified" (1Peter 4:14).


May God bless us all and make us a blessing.

God is able to change me

This site was created to share my own personal daily Bible Study. I have been inspired that others may want to join me. I pray that God will lead me and you to His plan for each of us.

These verses give me courage and build my faith.

Romans 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

Thank you God.

Mike

Ministry of God's Angels

As we serve our Lord, it is good to know that we have heavenly coworkers.

Of what family does Paul speak in Ephesians 3:14, 15?
"For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named."

By what name are the members of this family called?
"Now there was a day when the sons of God [angels] came to present themselves before the Lord." Job. 1:6. "Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God." 1 John 3:1.

By what name are they known to us?
"And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne." Rev. 5:11.

Did angels exist before the death of any of the human family?
"So He drove out the man: and He placed at the east of the garden of Eden cherubim." Gen. 3:24.

Who witnessed the laying of the foundations of the earth?
"Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?" Job 38:6, 7.

How many of these beings did John see around the throne?
"And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne, and the beasts and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands." Rev. 5:11.

What does Paul say of their number?
"But ye are come unto Mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels." Heb. 12:22.

What shows that those angels sent to Abraham were real beings?
"And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat." Gen. 18:8 (Gen. 19:3).

What seems to be the principle employment of the angels?
"Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" Heb. 1:14.

How do they minister to God's people?
"The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them." Ps. 34:7.

Examples of their ministry.
"My God hath sent His angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me; forasmuch as before Him innocency was found in me." Dan. 6:22. See also 2 Kings 6:8-17; Dan. 9:21; 10:12; Acts 12:5-11.

When Nebuchadnezzar commanded all his subjects to worship the golden image, and the three Hebrews were cast into the fiery furnace for refusing to obey his edict, how were they protected from the ravages of the fire?
"I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the son of God." "Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent His angel, and delivered His servants that trusted in Him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God." Dan. 3:25, 28.

When Elijah was to take his forty days' journey from near Beersheba to Mount Horeb, how was he strengthened for the task?
"And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God." 1 Kings 19:7, 8.

What interest do angels have in the plan of salvation?
"Which things the angels desire to look into." 1 Peter 1:12.

Are they interested in individual cases?
"Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." Luke 15:10.

Before whom are we said to speak when excusing ourselves from a vow?
"Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error; wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?" Eccl. 5:5, 6.
For what must men give account in the judgment?"But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." Matt. 12:36. (Eccl. 12:13, 14).

From what will they be judged?
"And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works." Rev. 20:12.

Are the actions of men recorded?
"And the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name." Mal. 3:16 (Isa. 65:5, 6) (Jer. 2:22).

When the judgment books are opened, will the angels be present to minister before God?
"A fiery stream issued and came forth from before Him; thousand thousands ministered unto Him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him; the judgment was set, and the books were opened." Dan. 7:10.

What will be done for those whose record shows them to have been overcomers?
"He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels." Rev. 3:5.

When that work is done, and the Saviour comes to gather those who have been accounted His, who will come with Him?
"For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and then He shall reward every man according to his works." Matt. 16:27.

What part will they act at this time?
"And He shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other." Matt. 24:31.

Where will the saints go?
"Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord." 1 Thess. 4:17.

What shout of triumph will they raise as they come out of their graves?
"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" 1 Cor. 15:55.

What will be the final song of victory?
"And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, Saying, Great and marvelous are Thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints." Rev. 15:3.

This study has so much in it. When I first went through it the Holy Spirit brought several things to my attention about my own life. I know that others have had a similar, powerful experience. Please know that is God's way of talking to you whail you study.

In fact, it was this study that was the catalyst that gave birth to a desire to share these studies with you. Praise God, He works in powerful and wonderful ways.