Call upon GOD

"Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." Jeremiah 33:3
Do you ever wish you could talk to God and then hear his voice clearly answering you, directing you, teaching you?
I do. I long for that day when we can talk to our God face to face and hear His voice.

Has man ever heard the voice of God?
"And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden." Genesis 3:8
"And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called." Genesis 21:12
(also Deuteronomy 4:33 Did ever people hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as thou hast heard, and live?Deuteronomy 5:24 And ye said, Behold, the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth.Deuteronomy 5:25 Now therefore why should we die? for this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any more, then we shall die.)

Jesus came and lived among us. He walked and talked with man. He is God There is one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a unity of three co-eternal Persons. God is immortal, all-powerful, all-knowing, above all, and ever present. He is infinite and beyond human comprehension, yet known through His self-revelation. He is forever worthy of worship, adoration, and service by the whole creation. (Deut. 6:4; Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14; Eph. 4:4-6; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 Tim. 1:17; Rev. 14:7.)

Does God want us to hear His voice?
"And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee." Exodus 15:26
"Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:" Exodus 18:19
"And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee." Exodus 15:26

Why can't we hear Him now? or can we?
John 8:42 "Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me." 43 "Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word." 44 "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it." 45 "And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not."

Throughout scripture, God makes it clear that He wants to talk to us and He wants us to hear His voice. The sin in our lives and all the lies we have heard and all the counterfeit gods and their prophets have become a veil that keep us from hearing or seeing our GOD clearly.

Our wonderful Lord GOD wants us to call upon him and as we let Him change us and clean the sin from our lives then we will be able to discern His will and His truth and His voice.

We ought to obey God rather than men

Who should be subject to civil government?
"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God." Romans 13:1.

By whom are the powers ordained?
"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God." Romans 13:1.

What does one resist who resists just civil authority?
"Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation." Romans 13:2.

What are the proper sphere and work of civil authorities?
"For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the
sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil." Romans 13:3,4.

Who is it that receives the enforcement of law?
"Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers." 1 Timothy 1:9.

How should Christians respect civil authority?
"Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work." Titus 3:1.
"Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king." 1 Peter 2:13-17.
"For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour." Romans 13:6,7.

In what words does Christ reveal that there are two spheres of authority: one that belongs to earthly governments, and another, higher one, that belongs to God alone?
"They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's." Matthew 22:21.

To whom alone did Jesus say that worship can and must be given to?
"Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." Matthew 4:10.

What decree did King Nebuchadnezzar once make to all the citizens of his empire?
"That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up: And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace." Daniel 3:5,6.

What answer did the three faithful Hebrew captives give?
"Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up." Daniel 3:16-18.

What did Nebuchadnezzar then do?
"And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace." Daniel 3:20.

After their miraculous deliverance, what did Nebuchadnezzar then declare to everyone?
"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." Daniel 3:28.

In what way alone were the envious leaders of Medo-Persia able to complain about Daniel?
"Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God." Daniel 6:5.

What religious law did they succeed in urging the king to enact?
"All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he
shall be cast into the den of lions." Daniel 6:7.

Did Daniel obey this new governmental edict?
"Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime." Daniel 6:10.

What was done to Daniel for disobeying it?
"Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee." Daniel 6:16.

What did Darius say when Daniel was taken out of the lions' den?
"And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?" Daniel 6:20.

What was Daniel's reply to the king?
"Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. 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; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt." Daniel 6:21,22.

What parting command did Christ give to His disciples?
"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15.

What counter command did the Jewish authorities in Jerusalem soon give them?
"And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus." Acts 4:18.

What reply did Peter and John give to these authorities?
"But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." Acts 4:19,20.

For continuing to preach the Word of God, after being forbidden to do so, what was the result?
"Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison." Acts 5:17,18.

Did God then reveal Himself to be on the side of governmental authorities when they did wrong?
"But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life." Acts 5:19,20.

When the apostles were called before the council again, what question did the high priest ask them?
"Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us." Acts 5:28.

What reply did the apostles make to the authorities?
"Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men." Acts 5:29.

Who is higher than the "higher powers" of this earth?
"If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they." Ecclesiastes 5:8.

Because Mordecai refused to bow down before Haman, a leading official of Medo-Persia, what emperial decree did Haman succeed in enacting?
"And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey." Esther 3:13.

What is religion?
"The recognition of God as an object of worship, love, and obedience." Webster. Other definitions equally good are: "The duty which we owe to our Creator, and the manner of discharging it." "Man's personal relation of faith and obedience to God."

In religious things, whom alone dare we call "Father"?
"And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven." Matthew 23:9.

When tempted to bow down before Satan, what reply did Christ make?
"Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." Matthew 4:10.(See also Deuteronomy 6:13; 10:30.)

To whom alone, then, is each one accountable in religion?
"So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God." Romans 14:12.

What do those do, therefore, who make men accountable to them in matters of religion?
They put themselves in the place of God. (See 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4.)

Why is it, that in areas of religion, Christ declared that men must not be called masters?
"Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ." Matthew 23:10.

To whom, then, as servants of God, are we responsible in matters of faith and worship?
"Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand." Romans 14:4.

Whose servants are we not to be?
"Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men." 1 Corinthians 7:23.

Where must all men finally appear to render account of their lives and actions?
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." 2 Corinthians 5:10.

Keep Thyself Pure

What injunction regarding purity did Paul give Timothy?
"Keep thyself pure." 1 Tim. 5:22, last clause.

To what extent should all be kept pure?
"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." 2 Cor. 7:1.

Can one indulge in the use of anything filthy or polluting, and still be pure?
"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you." 2 Cor. 6:17.

What will the Lord do to those who defile the temple of God?
"If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." 1 Cor. 3:17.

What does the apostle exhort all to do concerning their former habits?
"That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God." l Peter 4:2.

What reason does he give for this advice?
"For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revelings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries." 1 Peter 4:3.

How are all exhorted to glorify God?
"For ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." 1 Cor. 6:20.

What course will those take who are looking for the Saviour?
"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 2:2, 3.

When the saints are gathered at last into the city of God, who will be kept out?
"And there shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life." Rev. 21:21.

GOD's Way of Temperance

With what does the apostle Paul class temperance?
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." Gal. 5:22, 23.

What does the same apostle say of those who strive for the mastery?
"And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things." 1 Cor. 9:25.

In running the Christian race, what did Paul say he did in order to be successful?
"But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." 1 Cor. 9:27.

What is the effect of intemperance?
"Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine." Prov. 23:29, 30.

Why were kings prohibited the use of strong drink?
"It is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink; lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted." Prov. 31:4, 5.

Why were priests not allowed to use intoxicating drink?
"And the Lord spake unto Aaron, saying, Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, ...that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean." Lev. 10:8-10.

Why did Daniel and his companions refuse to drink of the wine of the king of Babylon?
"But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank." Dan. 1:8.

After protesting against the use of the stimulants offered them, what did they request?
"Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days: and let them give us pulse to eat and water to drink." Dan. 1:12.

At the end of the ten days' test, how did these Hebrews appear?
"And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat." Dan. 1:15.

At the end of three years (the time appointed for them to learn the Chaldean tongue, (Dan. 1:4, 5) how many in the realm were found equal in learning to these abstainers?
"Now at the end of the days... the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah ...And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the
magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm." Daniel 1:18-20.

Did not Paul recommend the use of wine under certain conditions?
"Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake, and thine often infirmities." 1 Tim. 5:23.

NOTE. - There are two kinds of wine spoken of in the Bible. One of these was the juice of the grape, and was pressed from the fruit into the cup as it was needed to drink. Gen. 40:11. It is this kind that is said to cheer God and man (Judges 9:13), and is dried up when the vine is destroyed. Joel 1:10-12. The other kind was that which had stood until it fermented, and alcohol had formed from the decaying substance.

How is the first kind spoken of?
"Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou didst drink the PURE BLOOD OF THE GRAPE." Deut. 32:14.

How is the second kind represented?
"Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder." Prov. 23:31, 32.

With what other low debaucheries is drunkenness more or less associated?
"Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like." Gal. 5:19-21.

Can a drunkard enter the kingdom of God?
"Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God." 1 Cor. 6:10.

How, then, should a Christian regard one who persists in drunkenness?
"But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard." 1 Cor. 5:11.

Be Sober, Be Vigilant

To what extent did Solomon, the wise man, test the pleasures of the world?
"Whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them; I withheld not my heart from any joy." Eccl. 2:10. "I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth; therefore enjoy pleasure." Eccl. 2:1.

How much true enjoyment did such a course afford?
"Behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun." Eccl. 2:11. "Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness." Prov. 14:13.

To whom alone is such mirth enjoyable?
"Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom." Prov. 15:21.

What conclusion did the wise man reach?
"Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly as far as light excelleth darkness." Eccl. 2:13.

Why is sobriety preferable to drunken foolishness?
"Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better." Eccl. 7:3. "It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting; for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart." Eccl. 7:2.

Of what does the wise man bid the young to be mindful, even in the pursuit of pleasure?
"Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes; but know thou that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment." Eccl. 11:9.

What injunction to sobriety does the apostle give in his epistle to Titus?
"That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; that they may teach the young women to be sober... Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded." Titus 2:2-6.

What similar advice is given in the epistle to the Romans?
"Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and
drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and
envying." Rom. 13:13.

What testimony does the apostle Peter bear on this point?
"Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:13.

Why is vigilance especially necessary?
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the Devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8.

What other consideration should lead us to sobriety?
"But the end of all things is at hand; be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer." 2 Peter 4:7.

Thanking GOD by Presenting Your Bodies a Living Sacrifice

Today we give GOD thanks for all things. Let us consider our life and health and how we can work with our GOD to keep our "Temple" as He desires.
"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

What important wish (prayer, margin) is expressed by the apostle concerning Gaius?
"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." 3 John 1:2.

Why is it necessary to preserve the body in health?
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." Rom. 12:1.

When one is truly sanctified, how much of him will be affected?
"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thess. 5:23.

How did the apostle guard himself?
"But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." 1 Cor. 9:27.

Is it expedient to eat everything that it is lawful to eat?
"All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not." 1 Cor. 10:23.

Is God's glory to be considered even in one's eating?
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Cor. 10:31.

What are our bodies said to be?
"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 Cor. 6:19.

What is the Christian's duty concerning his body in view of the fact that the Spirit
of God has taken possession of it?
"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." 1 Cor. 6:20.

What does the apostle say God will do to those who defile or mar this temple of His, the human body?
"If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." 1 Cor. 3:17.

Can the body be defiled with improper food or drink?
"But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank." Dan. 1:8.

What sort of food did Daniel desire?
"And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat." Gen. 1:29.

What kind of flesh did the Lord afterward permit man to eat?
"Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is cloven footed, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that shall ye eat." Lev. 11:3.

By what term was this class of creatures distinguished from the other?
"Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female; and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female." Gen. 7:2.

Which one of these now commonly eaten was mentioned as being unfit even to touch?
"And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it is unclean unto you; ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcass." Deut. 14:8.

Why did the Lord thus restrict the Hebrews?
"For thou art a holy people unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto Himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth. Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing." Deut. 14:2, 3.

NOTE. - The swine is a scavenger. As such it is a creature full of disease and filth; and it is plain that the Lord does not want H is people, whose bodies are His, to be polluted with such loathsome diet.

What does the Lord say of those who are found eating swine's flesh and the like, when Christ comes?
"For behold, the Lord will come with fire, and with His chariots like a whirlwind, to render His anger with fury, and His rebuke with flames of fire... They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the
abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the Lord." Isa. 66:15-17.

NOTE. - When the Lord comes, He is to change the living righteous, that their bodies may be like His glorious body. Phil. 3:21. This cannot well be done for those who have gross habits of diet. The condition of the body affects the mind, and one who lives grossly is more or less sensual in his thoughts. One cannot well be pure minded until he brings his body under (1 Cor. 9:27), and cultivates such habits as will be conducive to spiritual mindedness. One in poor health cannot glorify God as another whose physical powers are in full strength and consecrated to the divine service. It is, then, a moral duty to abstain from everything unhealthful, that all the powers of the being may be in the best possible condition.

The Poor and Our God Given Duty Toward Them

Is the Lord indifferent to the condition of the poor?
"The Lord heareth the poor." Ps. 69:33. " For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper."Ps. 72:12.

What was our Saviour's attitude toward the poor?
"He hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor." Luke 4:18. "Whensoever ye will ye may do them good." Mark 14:7. "I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35.

What promises are made to those who consider the poor?
"Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in the time of
trouble. The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The
Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness." Ps. 41:1-3.

When one gives to the poor, how does the Lord consider the act?
"He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord: and that which he hath given will He pay him again." Prov. 19:17.

Will the Lord bear in mind His promise to repay these acts of kindness?
"For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister." Heb. 6:10.

If one turns a deaf ear to the pressing cry of those in need, how will the Lord
regard him?
"Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard." Prov. 21:13.

Who are specially mentioned as those who should be cared for?
"Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless,
plead for the widow." Isa. 1:17.

How is such a work designated in the New Testament?
"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." James 1:27.

What kind of a fast would God have His people hold? "Is not this the fast that I have chosen? ...Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?" Isa. 58:6, 7.

What promise is for those who do this work?
"Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and He shall say, Here I am." Isa. 58:9.

Will such have darkness and discouragements?
"And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday." Isa. 58:10.

And what may he be sure of?
"And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not." Isa. 58:11.

In view of the promises to those who carry out these things, whose example ought all to follow?
"I was a father to the poor; and the cause which I knew not I searched out." Job 29:16.

What did the Saviour enjoin upon the rich young man, that he might have treasure in heaven?
"Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come and follow Me." Matt. 19:21.

What will the Saviour say to the saints when the time comes for them to inherit the kingdom?
"For I was an hungered, and ye gave Me meat; 1 was thirsty and ye gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took Me in; naked, and ye clothed Me; I was sick, and ye visited Me; I was in prison, and ye came unto Me." Matt. 25:35, 36.

When the righteous shall ask in surprise when they performed these good deeds, what will the Saviour say unto them?
"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me." Matt. 25:40.

Is it true, then, that if we neglect a poor saint in any degree, we thus neglect
the Saviour?
"Then shall He answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, In as much as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to Me." Matt. 25:45.

GOD's Healing Power

GOD truly loves us and wants above all thing that we be of good health and prosper.

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3 John 1:2

What bearing did the keeping of God's commandments formerly have on the removal of sickness?
"Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, ...and the Lord will take away from thee all sickness." Deut. 7:11-15.

When through disobedience King Jeroboam's hand withered, how was it restored to
strength?
"And the man of God besought the Lord, and the king's hand was restored him again, and became as it was before." 1 Kings 13:6.

When Miriam was afflicted with leprosy, what did Moses do in her behalf?
"And Moses cried unto the Lord, saying, Heal her now, a God, I beseech thee." Num. 12:13.

Are there cases when it is best not to apply to earthly physicians?
"And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great; yet in his disease he sought not to the Lord, but to the physicians." 2 Chron. 16:12.

When Elijah prayed for the restoration of a child, what was the result?
"And he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried unto the Lord, and said, a Lord my God, I pray thee, let this child's soul come into him again. And the Lord heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived." 1 Kings 17:21, 22.

When Hezekiah prayed for restoration from sickness, what answer was returned to
him?
"Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years." Isa. 38:5.

What was a part of the work of Christ while He was here on earth?
"And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people." Matt. 4:23.

What impressive words does Matthew use to show further the burden that the Saviour took in this matter?
"Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses." Matt. 8:17.

When the woman touched the hem of Jesus' garment and was healed of her infirmity ,
what gave effect to the touch?
"And He said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole,. go in peace." Luke 8:48.

Is the gift of healing given to the church of Christ?
"And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues." 1 Cor.
12:28.

How is this gift exercised?
"Is there any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord." James 5:14.

If the sick one is restored to health, by what power is it accomplished?
"And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him." James 5:15.

Did Christ bestow the gift of healing upon His disciples?
"Then He called His twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And He sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick." Luke 9:1,
2. "Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer... And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms... Then Peter said, Silver
and gold have I none; but such as I have, give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up; and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up, stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God." Acts 3:1-8.

Was this commission to cease with the twelve apostles?
"And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe: In my name... they shall lay hands on the
sick, and they shall recover." Mark 16:15-18.

What special work is necessary for one who expects to be healed?
"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed." James 5:16.

Why is it that in some cases persons are not healed in answer to prayer?
"Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts." James 4:3.

Why could not the disciples, on a certain occasion, cast the demon out of a child?
"Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief." Matt. 17:19, 20.

Jesus said "Be ye therefore perfect"

We can be sure that as we study GOD's Word that we will change. Jesus wants to change us. Our character will grow to become more and more like His, if we will let Him change us.

Matthew 5:48 "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

By nature, what is the condition of all men?
"For all men have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Rom. 3:23. Read also verses 10-12.

How may one's nature be changed?
"Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Cor. 5:17.

What is it to be in Christ?
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Rom. 8:1.

What are the works of the flesh?
"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like." Gal.
5:19-21.

And what is the fruit of the Spirit?
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." Gal. 5:22, 23.

How are those denominated who are led by the Spirit?
"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." Rom. 8:14.

What assurance is given to the sons of God?
"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." l John 3:2.

If one has this hope, what will he surely do?
"And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He [Christ] is pure." 1 John 3:3.

Is the doctrine of perfection taught in the Bible?
"But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting [lacking] nothing." James 1:4.

Is one perfected when he receives the principles of Christ?
"Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection." Heb. 6:1.

In order to accomplish this, what must be done?
"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 3:18.

How may one grow in grace?
"And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith, virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity." 2 Peter 1:5-7.

In requiring so much of His followers, what is the design of Christ?
"That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." Eph. 5:27.

What will cause the Christian to grow?
"As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby." 1 Peter 2:2.

In order to grow by the word of God, what must one do with it?
"Thy work have I hid in mine heart." Ps. 119:11.

And what must that word become to the heart?
"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." Jer. 15:16.

In building up the character, what else is necessary?
"But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost." Jude 20.

What advantage will prayer be to one engaged in such work?
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." James 1:5.

On what occasions is it proper to ask God for help?
"Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Phil. 4:6.

If we fulfill the conditions of the Bible, how perfect may we expect God's care
for us to be?
"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." l Thess. 5:23.

There is an important principle in GOD's Word about "being changed"

"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." 2Corinthians 3:18 by beholding His glory we are changed into the same image.

Let us keep our eyes on Jesus.

Let's Give Thanks and Praise to GOD

Let us learn about giving thanks and praise to God. Let us ask God to give us His blessing as we study His word.

For what were all things created?
"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." Rev. 4:11.

Does man in his natural condition carry out the design of God?
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Rom. 3:23.

While in this state, what did the Lord do for us?
"But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Rom. 5:8.

Through what is man permitted to come to repentance?
"Or despisest thou the riches of H is goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" Rom. 2:4.

What does Christ become to those who accept Him?
"To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Col. 1:27.

When this grace is received, what will it cause one to do?
"By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." Rom. 5:2.

On what condition are we to remain members of Christ's household?
"But Christ as a son over His own house: whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end." Heb. 3:6.

How often, and for how much, should we render thanks to God?
"Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Eph. 5:20.

The "all things" of the last text, includes our trials and disappointments. Why should we give thanks for them?
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God." Rom. 8:28.

What did Paul and Silas do when put in prison for their faith?
"And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them." Acts 16:25.

How did the Lord show His pleasure at their course?
"And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bands were loosed." Acts 16:26.

After being imprisoned, and then beaten by order of the Jewish Sanhedrin, what
did Peter and John do?
"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." Ps. 42:11.

When properly offered, what does praise to God become?
"Whoso offereth praise glorifieth Me; and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I show the salvation of God." Ps. 50:23.

Should our praise to God be confined to our secret devotions?
"My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear Him." Ps. 22:25.

Why ought we thus to praise God?
"My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. " Ps. 34:2. "And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, which were come against Judah: and
they were smitten." 2 Chron. 20:22.

How should one approach God in prayer?
"Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Phil, 4:6 (Col. 4:2),

What is the will of God in this matter concerning us?
"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thess. 5:18.

What has our Saviour taught us to pray?
"Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." Matt. 6:10.

What does David exhort all to do?
"O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together." Ps. 34:3.

What good example did he set which is worthy of imitation by us when with our
brethren?
"Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what He hath done for my soul." Ps. 66:16.

What became of those, anciently, who were not thankful?
"Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened." Rom. 1:21.

What signal deliverance was once wrought for God's people when they offered
praise to Him?
NOTE. - Read 2 Chronicles 20:1-30. It is a most thrilling account of deliverance from the
enemies of God and His people.

Meditation and Prayer

Why do we need to pray and meditate?
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the Devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8.

When is a man tempted?
"But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed." James 1:14.

Is there still another obstacle to man's spiritual advancement?
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 1 John 2:15.

Can anyone overcome these enemies in his own strength alone?
"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.

What is required on our part if we are kept from our foes?
"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Matt. 26:41.

How much should we pray?
"Pray without ceasing." 1 Thess. 5:17.

On what occasions did David receive strength and encouragement?
"When I remember Thee upon my bed, and meditate on Thee in the night watches." Ps. 63:6.

What did he say of the man who was truly blessed?
"His delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night." Ps. 1:2.

Will such a condition of mind be distasteful to one who really loves God?
"My meditation of Him shall be sweet." Ps. 104:34.

How long ought one to continue in this constant devotion?
"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing." 1 Thess. 5:16, 17.

What is the special duty of those who live in the time when the Lord's coming is
expected?
"Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is... Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch." Mark 13:33-37.

As the Lord's coming draws near, what will make the duty of prayer and
watchfulness more imperative?
"Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath hut a short time." Rev. 12:12.

Can we at that time have all the help we desire to withstand our enemies?
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you." John 16:23.

If help does not come when it is first asked, what should one do?
"And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily." Luke 18:7, 8. "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the
Lord." Ps. 27:14.

What promise is given to those who are found watching when the Lord comes?
"Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when He cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them." Luke 12:37.

Will The World Be Converted At The End?

A lady once told me that she believed that God is love and because He is love He would not allow anyone to be lost. Is this true?

What did Jesus say would be the condition of the world just prior to His coming?
"And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man." Luke 17:26. (See also Luke 17:27-30, and Matthew 24:37-39.)
"And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." Genesis 6:5.
"The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence." Genesis 6:11.

According to the parable of the wheat and tares, how long do the good and bad remain together?
"The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one. The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels." Matthew
13:38,39.
"Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn." Matthew 13:30.

Did Christ tell us that worldwide preaching of the gospel would result in world conversion?
"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." Matthew 24:14.

How did Paul describe the last days?
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come." 2 Timothy 3:1.
"But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived." 2 Timothy 3:13.

How does Scripture describe the state of international affairs?
"Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up. Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong." Joel 3:9,10.

What statement by Jeremiah about conditions in his day equally applies to our own time?
"They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace." Jeremiah 6:14.

Will talking about world peace create a false security?
"Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts. And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation." 2 Peter 3:3,4.
"For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief." 1 Thessalonians 5:2-4.

What warning to Isaiah to the faithful in his day should also be the Christian's reaction to last-day conditions?
"Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid." Isaiah 8:12. (See 1 Peter 3:14.)
"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." Luke 21:28.

Our God is Love and His desire is that we would all accept His gift of salvation, but He will not force us, against our will, to accept Him or His gift of salvation.
1 Timothy 2:3 "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;"

Our God has called us all to accept His gift of salvation and His wonderful plan and calling for each one of us, but only a few have chosen to accept these gifts.
Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

The Love of GOD

In what does the Lord delight?
"Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger forever, because he delighteth in mercy." Micah 7:18.

How is His mercy continually manifested?
"It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22,23.

Is His mercy limited to any special class?
"Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things." Acts 17:25.

"That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." Matthew 5:45.

How has mankind repaid Him for His love in creating them and giving them all things to enjoy?
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23.

Isaiah 1:4 Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward. 5 Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. 6 From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.

While all men were in this condition, how did God still further show His love to them?
"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.
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8.

Is there any difference between the love of the Father and that of the son?
"I and my Father are one." John 10:30.
"Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake." John 14:11.

Into what relationship to God does His love bring us, if we accept it?
"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not." 1 John 3:1.

What is given us to show that we are sons?
"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with out spirit, that we are the children of God." Romans 8:14-16.

What does the Holy Spirit beget in the hearts of those who receive it?
"And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." Romans 5:5.

If the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts, what effect will it have?
"Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another." 1 John 4:11.

How much must we love one another?
"This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you." John 15:12.
"Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." 1 John 3:16.

What exhortation is based upon Christ's love for us?
"And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour." Ephesians 5:2.

If we have the love of God, will we love only those who love us?
"Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and
persecute you." Matthew 5:43,44.
"For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?" Matthew 5:46.

Did God love us because of any good that we had done?
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour." Titus 3:5,6.
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 2:4-6.

What alone should prompt all our acts?
"For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead." 2 Corinthians 5:14.

In what other way is God's love manifested to His people?
"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." Revelation 3:19.
"For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." Hebrews 12:6

What may we confidently expect, from the fact that God so loved us as to give Christ to die for us?
"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" Romans 8:32.

What is God's love for His children able to do when enemies rise up against them?
"Nevertheless the LORD thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but the LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the LORD thy God loved thee." Deuteronomy 23:5.

If we appreciate this loving kindness, what will we do?
"How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings." Psalms 36:7.

How enduring is God's love to us?
"The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee." Jeremiah 31:3

Can anything turn aside the love of God for those who trust Him?
"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38,39.

Unto whom will the saints of God ascribe universal praise both here and in eternity?
"And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood." Revelation 1:5.

GOD's Attrributes

What attributes did Christ ascribe to His Father while addressing Him just before His trial in Gethsemane?
"And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are." "O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me." John
17:11,25.

Does Christ possess these attributes?
"Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption." Acts 2:27.
"He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities." Isaiah 53:11.

What is said about the goodness of God?
"And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth." Exodus 34:6.

What was the nature of Christ's work while among men?
"How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him." Acts 10:38.

What is said of the mercy of God?
"The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy." Psalms 103:8.

Is He compassionate?
"But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth." Psalms 86:15.

How did Moses represent God's faithfulness in keeping covenant with his people?
"Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations." Deuteronomy 7:9.

Is Christ also the embodiment of truth?
"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.

How is the wisdom of God represented?
"Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom." Job 36:5.

What is said of the wisdom of Christ?
"And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him." Luke 2:40.

In what strong language is the perfect justice of God proclaimed?
"He is the Rock, his work is perfect; for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he." Deuteronomy 32:4.

How long will these attributes exist?
"Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end." Psalms 102:25-27.

Can man ever really completely find out God?
"O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God: how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" Romans 11:33.

The One True GOD versus false gods

In what way is the true God distinguished from all false gods?
"But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation. Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens. He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion." Jeremiah 10:10-12.

How did Paul explain to the idolatrous Athenians the identity of the true God?
"For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;"Acts 17:23,24.

What did the apostles tell the idolaters at Lystra?
"And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein." Acts 14:15.

"And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:" Revelation 10:6 and Revelation 14:6 "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters."

What is the reason given in the fourth commandment for keeping the Sabbath holy?
"For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it." Exodus 20:11.

NOTE. - The Sabbath is the great memorial of the creative power of the true and living God. God's design in making the Sabbath was that man might never forget Him, the Creator of all things.

What is the Sabbath to those who keep it holy?
"And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God." Ezekiel 20:20.

How important is it that we come to know God?
"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." John 17:3.

Is there any danger that the people of God may forget Him?
"Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:" Deuteronomy 8:11.

What other reason is given for keeping the Bible Sabbath?
"Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you." Exodus 31:13.

What special reason did Israel have for keeping the Sabbath?
"And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day." Deuteronomy 5:15.

NOTE. - In their bondage the Israelites had to some extent lost the knowledge of God, and departed from His precepts. In consequence of the oppression, especially the rigorous exactions made upon them by the Pharaoh of the Exodus, Sabbath observance was doubtless extremely difficult if not entirely impossible. Deliverance from this oppression was therefore an additional reason for their keeping the Sabbath. Since Egyptian bondage is illustrative of the bondage of sin, everyone who has been delivered from sin may regard himself as having the same reason for keeping the Sabbath as had the Israelites who were released from Egyptian bondage.

As God brought the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt, so He brings us out of the bondage of sin. Why did He bring His people out of Egypt?
"And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness: And gave them the lands of the heathen: and they inherited the labour of the people; That they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws. Praise ye the LORD." Psalms 105:43-45.

What does the word "sabbath" mean?
Rest.
Webster Definition:
\Sab"bath\, n. [OE. sabat, sabbat, F. sabbat, L.
sabbatum, Gr. sa`bbaton, fr. Heb. shabb[=a]th, fr. sh[=a]bath
to rest from labor. Cf. {Sabbat}.]
1. A season or day of rest; one day in seven appointed for
rest or worship

NOTE. - Previous to the Fall, God designed that man's time should be occupied with pleasant, invigorating labor. (Genesis 2:15 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.) Wearisome toil came in consequence of sin. (Genesis 3:17 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;18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.) Since the Fall the Sabbath may bring physical rest to both man and beast of burden (Exodus 23:12 Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed.) but physical rest was not its original and primary design or purpose. Cessation from the ordinary labors of the week was ordained, not because these are sinful in themselves, but that man might have a frequently recurring period for the contemplation of the Creator and His works.

Was it God's plan that the Seventh day Sabbath be used as a day for public worship?
"Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings." Leviticus 23:3.

NOTE. - A convocation is an assembly of people.