These Storms are not an "Act of God"

Why is there destruction on our earth? Is it an act of God? Who is responsible for storms, who would think to control the power of the air?
"Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience":
Ephesians 2:2

Who started all this destruction by going agains God's laws?
"He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning." 1 John 3:8.
NOTE.—Without the Bible, the question of the origin of evil would remain unexplained. It seems to me that Lucifer rebelled agains all of GOD's laws, not only HIS Ten Commandments but also the very laws of creation and nature.

What does the devil want to do to all of us?

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" 1 Peter 5:8

From what time has the devil been a murderer?
"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." John 8:44.

What is the devil's relationship to lying?
"When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it." Same verse.

Was Satan created sinful?
"Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee." Eze. 28:15.
NOTE.—This, and the statement in John 8:44 that he "abode not in the truth," show that Satan was once perfect, and in the truth. Peter speaks of "the angels that sinned" (2 Peter 2:4); and Jude refers to "the angels which kept not their first estate" (Jude 6) ; both of which show that these angels were once in a state of sinlessness and innocence.

Although man was created a little lower than the angels, it seem that Lucifer was jealous of humanity. Why would that be? One reason may be that GOD gave man something that HE did nto give to the angels. The power to marry and have children. In fact God gave that gift of procreation to even the animals and insects and plants... Maybe that is why he began to think that GOD was not fair. Whatever the reason, he decided to destroy all that GOD created.

What further statement of Christ seems to lay the responsibility for the origin of sin upon Satan and his angels?
"Then shall He say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels." Matt. 25:41.

What led to Satan's sin, rebellion, and downfall?
"Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness." Eze. 28:17. "Thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: . . . I will be like the Most High." Isa. 14:13,14.
NOTE.—In a word, pride and self-exaltation led to Satan's downfall, and for these there is no justification or adequate excuse. "Pride goeth, before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Prov. 16:18. Hence, while we may know of the origin, cause, character, and results of evil, no good or sufficient reason or excuse can be given for it. To excuse it is to justify it; and the moment it is justified it ceases to be sin. All sin is a manifestation of selfishness in some form, and its results are the opposite of those prompted by love. The experiment of sin will result finally in its utter abandonment and banishment forever, by all created intelligences, throughout the entire universe of God. Only those who foolishly and persistently cling to sin will be destroyed with it. The wicked will then "be as though they had not been" (Obadiah 16), and the righteous shall " shine as the brightness of the firmament," and " as the stars forever and ever." Dan. 12:3. "Affliction shall not rise up the second time." Nahum 1:9.

In contrast with the pride and self-exaltation exhibited by Satan, what spirit did Christ manifest?
"Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 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." Phil. 2:6-8.

After man had sinned, how did God show His love, and His willingness to forgive?
"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.
NOTE.— Inasmuch as God, who is love, who delights in mercy, and who changes not, offered pardon and granted a period of probation to man when he sinned, it is but reasonable to conclude that a like course was pursued toward the heavenly intelligences who first sinned, and that only those who persisted in sin, and took their stand in open revolt and rebellion against God and the government of heaven, were finally cast out of heaven. Rev. 12:7-9.

"Help Thou Mine Unbelief"

"And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief." Mark 9:24

Remember this event?
"At the foot of the mountain they found a great crowd surrounding the other disciples, as some teachers of religious law were arguing with them.

The crowd watched Jesus in awe as he came toward them, and then they ran to greet him.
"What is all this arguing about?" he asked.

One of the men in the crowd spoke up and said, "Teacher, I brought my son for you to heal him. He can't speak because he is possessed by an evil spirit that won't let him talk. And whenever this evil spirit seizes him, it throws him violently to the ground and makes him foam at the mouth and grind his teeth and become rigid.* So I asked your disciples to cast out the evil spirit, but they couldn't do it."

Jesus said to them, "You faithless people! How long must I be with you until you believe? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me."

So they brought the boy. But when the evil spirit saw Jesus, it threw the child into a violent convulsion, and he fell to the ground, writhing and foaming at the mouth.

"How long has this been happening?" Jesus asked the boy's father.

He replied, "Since he was very small. The evil spirit often makes him fall into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us. Do something if you can."

"What do you mean, `If I can'?" Jesus asked. "Anything is possible if a person believes."

The father instantly replied, "I do believe, but help me not to doubt!"
Mark 9:14-24 New Living Translation

so...By what are men justified?
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Rom. 5:1.

Then how are the just to live?
"Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, My soul shall have no pleasure in him." Heb. 10:38.

Why did not Israel of old attain to the law of righteousness?
"Because they sought it not by faith." Rom. 9:32.

When one told Christ of the disciples' failure to heal his afflicted son, what did He say of that generation?
"He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto Me." Mark 9:19.

What did the Saviour say to Thomas when He met him, because he did not believe the testimony of his brethren that had seen Christ alive after His crucifixion?
"Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side; and be not faithless, but believing." John 20:27.
Notice how much Jesus is willing to do to help one who does not believe, to believe.

In view of the great cloud of witnesses of faith presented by the apostle in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews, what does Paul exhort all to do?
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us." Heb. 12:1.

Why were most of the children of Israel prohibited from entering the promised land?
"And to whom sware He that they should not enter into His rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief." Heb. 3:18, 19.

How was their unbelief regarded, and how did it affect God?
"But with whom was He grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcasses fell in the wilderness?" Heb. 3:17.

What lesson does the apostle exhort us to draw from the course of the Israelites?
"Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into His rest, any of you should seem to come short of it." Heb. 4:1.

What should we all labor to do?
"Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief." Heb. 4:11.

Should one lose heart when trying to be a Christian, even though he feels that God is chastising him?
"My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him." Heb. 12:5.

Who are they that seem to have the greatest amount of affliction?
"For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth." Heb. 12:6.

If one has no chastisement to bear, how may he regard himself?
"But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons." Heb. 12:8.

When the disciples became almost discouraged at one of Christ's sayings, and asked, "Who then can be saved?" What answer did Christ make?
"But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible." Matt. 19:26.

When God made a promise to Abraham that it seemed almost impossible to fulfill, how did the patriarch receive it?
"He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God." Rom. 4:20.

For what was Abraham's faith under these circumstances counted?
"For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." Rom. 4:3.

What should be the burden of one's prayer, who is troubled with unbelief?
"Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief." Mark 9:24.

What do the Scriptures say of him who believes that he receives the things for which he asks?
"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." Mark 11:24.

"...I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that HE is able to keep that which I have committed unto HIM against that day.
2Timothy 1:12

Conditions to Answered Prayer

There is a legion of evil angels that work to discourage Christians by every means possible. They always want us to think that GOD does not care about us. Please know this, "Fear not: for they that [be] with us [are] more than they that [be] with them." 2 Kings 6:16

When we are discouraged, what should we do?
"And He spoke a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint." Luke 18:1.

If one asks in the proper way for what he needs, how will his prayer be regarded?
"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." Mark 11:24.

GOD wants us to know that there are some things that are conditions to answered prayer.

What must accompany faith in order that our hearts shall not condemn us, and that we may have the things of which we ask?
"And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight." 1 John 3:22.

If one does not ask in faith, what does he gain?
"But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering; for he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea, driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any- thing of the Lord." James 1:6, 7.

If prayer is offered while cherishing an unforgiving spirit toward another, of what avail is it?
"And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any; that your Father also which is in heaven may for- give you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses." Mark 11:25, 26.

What course on the part of husbands or wives will prevent their prayers from being answered?
"Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with [them] according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered." Contention and discord. 1 Peter 3:7.

What answer will he receive who turns away his ear from hearing the law?
"Even his prayer shall be abomination." Prov. 28:9.

When the conditions are complied with on which answers to prayer may be expected, for what may petitions be offered?
(1) For the forgiveness of sin, 2 Chron. 7:14; 1 John 5:16; Matt. 5:44;
(2) for the Holy Spirit, John 14:16; Luke 11:13;
(3) for deliverance in the hour of temptation and danger, Matt. 6:13; John 17:11; Prov. 3:26; Ps. 91;
(4) for wisdom and understanding, James 1:5; 1 Kings 3:9; Dan. 2:17-19;
(5) for the healing of the sick, James 5:14, 15; 2 Kings 20;
(6) for the prosperity of the ministers of God, Eph. 6:18, 19; 2 Thess. 3:1;
(7) for those who suffer for the truth's sake, Heb. 13:3; Acts 12:5;
(8) for rulers, Ezra 6:10; Acts 23:5;
(9) for temporal prosperity, that the work of God be not hindered, James 5:17, 18; Zech. 10:1;
(10) for the Lord to vindicate His cause, 1 Kings 18:30-39;
(11) for the coming of Christ, Matt. 6:10; Rev.22:20.

If an answer does not come at the time and in the manner expected, what should be the attitude of the petitioner?
"Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him." Ps. 37:7.

I really like what inspiration Paul gives to us...
Philippians 4:6 "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you." (New Living Translation)

That He might present it to Himself a glorious church

I want GOD to change me to be more and more like Jesus each day. Unfortunately I am a sinner. I praise the Lord that He forgave me and that His grace is working in me to cleanse me from all unrighteousness.

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.

What did Jesus ask us to do with our life?

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

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.

Purpose of GOD's Promises for Us

"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." 2Peter 1:4

GOD has given us His promises so that we can claim hold of His power to live a chnged life. We can be partaker's of His divine nature. We can, with his power, look back at His work in us and know that we have escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.


"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

To often, those who have become Christians are willing to settle for being forgiven without gratitude. The relationship between us and our Lord Jesus Christ, should be a love relationship. He loved us first, so much that He gave His life up to be crucified on the cross, that you and I may have the gift of salvation, eternal life. We therfore should let this love transform us, we should not be conformed to the world. Let the LORD renew your mind. Claim hold of His words and ask HIM to change you to be like Him.

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

Here lies a powerful principle. By beholding we become changed. So, the more we look to Jesus, the more we will be changed into His image, the more we will be like HIM. The opposite is true as well. It is a law of nature that we tend to go where we are looking. If we are viewing ungodly things, our characters will begin to go in that direction.

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

Our daily work should be to come to our LORD confessing our sins. Let us forget the sins we have already confessed, because HE promises that HE forgives them and that HE remembers them no more. Our prayer should be regarding the sins we know we commited since we last talked to GOD about our sins.

This promise says GOD will do two things.

1) HE will forgive our sins

2) HE will cleanse us from all unrighteousness. He wants to change us so that we will sin less and less. In that way we are able to be a more powerful witness of the power of GOD working in us. Not our own doing, but rather, GOD working in us, we merely invite HIm to make that changes.

And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. Jeremiah 31:34

Hbr 10:16
This [is] the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

Hbr 10:17
And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

Effectual Fervent Prayer of a Righteous Man

Let us become as experienced masters in this form of communication with our LORD. Think of it like this "Prayer is the key in the hand of faith that unlocks heaven's storehouse"

16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.
18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. James 5:16-18

Can you visualize this? Imagine Elijah and his confidence based on his faith in GOD. We can have that confidence too.

"Through nature and revelation, through His providence, and by the influence of His Spirit, God speaks to us. But these are not enough; we need also to pour out our hearts to Him. In order to have spiritual life and energy, we must have actual intercourse with our heavenly Father. Our minds may be drawn out toward Him; we may meditate upon His works, His mercies, His blessings; but this is not, in the fullest sense, communing with Him. In order to commune with God, we must have something to say to Him concerning our actual life.

Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him.

When Jesus was upon the earth, He taught His disciples how to pray. He directed them to present their daily needs before God, and to cast all their care upon Him. And the assurance He gave them that their petitions should be heard, is assurance also to us.

Jesus Himself, while He dwelt among men, was often in prayer. Our Saviour identified Himself with our needs and weakness, in that He became a suppliant, a petitioner, seeking from His Father fresh supplies of strength, that He might come forth braced for duty and trial. He is our example in all things. He is a brother in our infirmities, "in all points tempted like as we are;" but as the sinless one His nature recoiled from evil; He endured struggles and torture of soul in a world of sin. His humanity made prayer a necessity and a privilege. He found comfort and joy in communion with His Father. And if the Saviour of men, the Son of God, felt the need of prayer, how much more should feeble, sinful mortals feel the necessity of fervent, constant prayer.

Our heavenly Father waits to bestow upon us the fullness of His blessing. It is our privilege to drink largely at the fountain of boundless love. What a wonder it is that we pray so little! God is ready and willing to hear the sincere prayer of the humblest of His children, and yet there is much manifest reluctance on our part to make known our wants to God. What can the angels of heaven think of poor helpless human beings, who are subject to temptation, when God's heart of infinite love yearns toward them, ready to give them more than they can ask or think, and yet they pray so little and have so little faith? The angels love to bow before God; they love to be near Him. They regard communion with God as their highest joy; and yet the children of earth, who need so much the help that God only can give, seem satisfied to walk without the light of His Spirit, the companionship of His presence.

The darkness of the evil one encloses those who neglect to pray. The whispered temptations of the enemy entice them to sin; and it is all because they do not make use of the privileges that God has given them in the divine appointment of prayer. Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven's storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence? Without unceasing prayer and diligent watching we are in danger of growing careless and of deviating from the right path. The adversary seeks continually to obstruct the way to the mercy seat, that we may not by earnest supplication and faith obtain grace and power to resist temptation.
There are certain conditions upon which we may expect that God will hear and answer our prayers. One of the first of these is that we feel our need of help from Him. He has promised, "I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground." Isaiah 44:3. Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, who long after God, may be sure that they will be filled. The heart must be open to the Spirit's influence, or God's blessing cannot be received.

Our great need is itself an argument and pleads most eloquently in our behalf. But the Lord is to be sought unto to do these things for us. He says, "Ask, and it shall be given you." And "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?" Matthew 7:7; Romans 8:32.

If we regard iniquity in our hearts, if we cling to any known sin, the Lord will not hear us; but the prayer of the penitent, contrite soul is always accepted. When all known wrongs are righted, we may believe that God will answer our petitions. Our own merit will never commend us to the favor of God; it is the worthiness of Jesus that will save us, His blood that will cleanse us; yet we have a work to do in complying with the conditions of acceptance.

Another element of prevailing prayer is faith. "He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6. Jesus said to His disciples, "What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." Mark 11:24. Do we take Him at His word?

The assurance is broad and unlimited, and He is faithful who has promised. When we do not receive the very things we asked for, at the time we ask, we are still to believe that the Lord hears and that He will answer our prayers. We are so erring and short-sighted that we sometimes ask for things that would not be a blessing to us, and our heavenly Father in love answers our prayers by giving us that which will be for our highest good--that which we ourselves would desire if with vision divinely enlightened we could see all things as they really are. When our prayers seem not to be answered, we are to cling to the promise; for the time of answering will surely come, and we shall receive the blessing we need most. But to claim that prayer will always be answered in the very way and for the particular thing that we desire, is presumption. God is too wise to err, and too good to withhold any good thing from them that walk uprightly. Then do not fear to trust Him, even though you do not see the immediate answer to your prayers. Rely upon His sure promise, "Ask, and it shall be given you."

If we take counsel with our doubts and fears, or try to solve everything that we cannot see clearly, before we have faith, perplexities will only increase and deepen. But if we come to God, feeling helpless and dependent, as we really are, and in humble, trusting faith make known our wants to Him whose knowledge is infinite, who sees everything in creation, and who governs everything by His will and word, He can and will attend to our cry, and will let light shine into our hearts. Through sincere prayer we are brought into connection with the mind of the Infinite. We may have no remarkable evidence at the time that the face of our Redeemer is bending over us in compassion and love, but this is even so. We may not feel His visible touch, but His hand is upon us in love and pitying tenderness.

When we come to ask mercy and blessing from God we should have a spirit of love and forgiveness in our own hearts. How can we pray, "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors," and yet indulge an unforgiving spirit? Matthew 6:12. If we expect our own prayers to be heard we must forgive others in the same manner and to the same extent as we hope to be forgiven.

Perseverance in prayer has been made a condition of receiving. We must pray always if we would grow in faith and experience. We are to be "instant in prayer," to "continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving." Romans 12:12; Colossians 4:2. Peter exhorts believers to be "sober, and watch unto prayer." 1 Peter 4:7. Paul directs, "In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Philippians 4:6. "But ye, beloved," says Jude, "praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God." Jude 20, 21.

Unceasing prayer is the unbroken union of the soul with God, so that life from God flows into our life; and from our life, purity and holiness flow back to God.
There is necessity for diligence in prayer; let nothing hinder you. Make every effort to keep open the communion between Jesus and your own soul. Seek every opportunity to go where prayer is wont to be made. Those who are really seeking for communion with God will be seen in the prayer meeting, faithful to do their duty and earnest and anxious to reap all the benefits they can gain. They will improve every opportunity of placing themselves where they can receive the rays of light from heaven.

We should pray in the family circle, and above all we must not neglect secret prayer, for this is the life of the soul. It is impossible for the soul to flourish while prayer is neglected. Family or public prayer alone is not sufficient. In solitude let the soul be laid open to the inspecting eye of God. Secret prayer is to be heard only by the prayer-hearing God. No curious ear is to receive the burden of such petitions. In secret prayer the soul is free from surrounding influences, free from excitement. Calmly, yet fervently, will it reach out after God. Sweet and abiding will be the influence emanating from Him who seeth in secret, whose ear is open to hear the prayer arising from the heart. By calm, simple faith the soul holds communion with God and gathers to itself rays of divine light to strengthen and sustain it in the conflict with Satan. God is our tower of strength.

Pray in your closet, and as you go about your daily labor let your heart be often uplifted to God. It was thus that Enoch walked with God. These silent prayers rise like precious incense before the throne of grace. Satan cannot overcome him whose heart is thus stayed upon God.

There is no time or place in which it is inappropriate to offer up a petition to God. There is nothing that can prevent us from lifting up our hearts in the spirit of earnest prayer. In the crowds of the street, in the midst of a business engagement, we may send up a petition to God and plead for divine guidance, as did Nehemiah when he made his request before King Artaxerxes. A closet of communion may be found wherever we are. We should have the door of the heart open continually and our invitation going up that Jesus may come and abide as a heavenly guest in the soul.

Although there may be a tainted, corrupted atmosphere around us, we need not breathe its miasma, but may live in the pure air of heaven. We may close every door to impure imaginings and unholy thoughts by lifting the soul into the presence of God through sincere prayer. Those whose hearts are open to receive the support and blessing of God will walk in a holier atmosphere than that of earth and will have constant communion with heaven.

We need to have more distinct views of Jesus and a fuller comprehension of the value of eternal realities. The beauty of holiness is to fill the hearts of God's children; and that this may be accomplished, we should seek for divine disclosures of heavenly things.

Let the soul be drawn out and upward, that God may grant us a breath of the heavenly atmosphere. We may keep so near to God that in every unexpected trial our thoughts will turn to Him as naturally as the flower turns to the sun.

Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears before God. You cannot burden Him; you cannot weary Him. He who numbers the hairs of your head is not indifferent to the wants of His children. "The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy." James 5:11. His heart of love is touched by our sorrows and even by our utterances of them. Take to Him everything that perplexes the mind. Nothing is too great for Him to bear, for He holds up worlds, He rules over all the affairs of the universe. Nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for Him to notice. There is no chapter in our experience too dark for Him to read; there is no perplexity too difficult for Him to unravel. No calamity can befall the least of His children, no anxiety harass the soul, no joy cheer, no sincere prayer escape the lips, of which our heavenly Father is unobservant, or in which He takes no immediate interest. "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." Psalm 147:3. The relations between God and each soul are as distinct and full as though there were not another soul upon the earth to share His watchcare, not another soul for whom He gave His beloved Son.

Jesus said, "Ye shall ask in My name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: for the Father Himself loveth you." "I have chosen you: . . . that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you." John 16:26, 27; 15:16. But to pray in the name of Jesus is something more than a mere mention of that name at the beginning and the ending of a prayer. It is to pray in the mind and spirit of Jesus, while we believe His promises, rely upon His grace, and work His works.

God does not mean that any of us should become hermits or monks and retire from the world in order to devote ourselves to acts of worship. The life must be like Christ's life--between the mountain and the multitude. He who does nothing but pray will soon cease to pray, or his prayers will become a formal routine. When men take themselves out of social life, away from the sphere of Christian duty and cross bearing; when they cease to work earnestly for the Master, who worked earnestly for them, they lose the subject matter of prayer and have no incentive to devotion. Their prayers become personal and selfish. They cannot pray in regard to the wants of humanity or the upbuilding of Christ's kingdom, pleading for strength wherewith to work.

We sustain a loss when we neglect the privilege of associating together to strengthen and encourage one another in the service of God. The truths of His word lose their vividness and importance in our minds. Our hearts cease to be enlightened and aroused by their sanctifying influence, and we decline in spirituality. In our association as Christians we lose much by lack of sympathy with one another. He who shuts himself up to himself is not filling the position that God designed he should. The proper cultivation of the social elements in our nature brings us into sympathy with others and is a means of development and strength to us in the service of God.

If Christians would associate together, speaking to each other of the love of God and of the precious truths of redemption, their own hearts would be refreshed and they would refresh one another. We may be daily learning more of our heavenly Father, gaining a fresh experience of His grace; then we shall desire to speak of His love; and as we do this, our own hearts will be warmed and encouraged. If we thought and talked more of Jesus, and less of self, we should have far more of His presence.

If we would but think of God as often as we have evidence of His care for us we should keep Him ever in our thoughts and should delight to talk of Him and to praise Him. We talk of temporal things because we have an interest in them. We talk of our friends because we love them; our joys and our sorrows are bound up with them. Yet we have infinitely greater reason to love God than to love our earthly friends; it should be the most natural thing in the world to make Him first in all our thoughts, to talk of His goodness and tell of His power. The rich gifts He has bestowed upon us were not intended to absorb our thoughts and love so much that we should have nothing to give to God; they are constantly to remind us of Him and to bind us in bonds of love and gratitude to our heavenly Benefactor. We dwell too near the lowlands of earth. Let us raise our eyes to the open door of the sanctuary above, where the light of the glory of God shines in the face of Christ, who "is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him." Hebrews 7:25.

We need to praise God more "for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men." Psalm 107:8. Our devotional exercises should not consist wholly in asking and receiving. Let us not be always thinking of our wants and never of the benefits we receive. We do not pray any too much, but we are too sparing of giving thanks. We are the constant recipients of God's mercies, and yet how little gratitude we express, how little we praise Him for what He has done for us.

Anciently the Lord bade Israel, when they met together for His service, "Ye shall eat before the Lord your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the Lord thy God hath blessed thee." Deuteronomy 12:7. That which is done for the glory of God should be done with cheerfulness, with songs of praise and thanksgiving, not with sadness and gloom.

Our God is a tender, merciful Father. His service should not be looked upon as a heart-saddening, distressing exercise. It should be a pleasure to worship the Lord and to take part in His work. God would not have His children, for whom so great salvation has been provided, act as if He were a hard, exacting taskmaster. He is their best friend; and when they worship Him, He expects to be with them, to bless and comfort them, filling their hearts with joy and love. The Lord desires His children to take comfort in His service and to find more pleasure than hardship in His work. He desires that those who come to worship Him shall carry away with them precious thoughts of His care and love, that they may be cheered in all the employments of daily life, that they may have grace to deal honestly and faithfully in all things.

We must gather about the cross. Christ and Him crucified should be the theme of contemplation, of conversation, and of our most joyful emotion. We should keep in our thoughts every blessing we receive from God, and when we realize His great love we should be willing to trust everything to the hand that was nailed to the cross for us.

The soul may ascend nearer heaven on the wings of praise. God is worshiped with song and music in the courts above, and as we express our gratitude we are approximating to the worship of the heavenly hosts. "Whoso offereth praise glorifieth" God. Psalm 50:23. Let us with reverent joy come before our Creator, with "thanksgiving, and the voice of melody." Isaiah 51:3. " From the book "Steps to Christ" by E. G. White

Just How Important is Prayer?

What is the promise to those who ask and seek for the things they need?
"Everyone that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." Matt. 7:8.

How does the Saviour illustrate the willingness of Heaven to grant favors to those who ask?
"If ye, then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him?" Matt. 7:11.

In whose name should we present our prayers to God?
"And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it." John 14:13, 14.

Why is it necessary to ask God for all these things?
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." James 1:17.

Through what means are these gifts received?
"Everyone that asketh receiveth." Matt. 7:8. "If ye, then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him." Matt. 7:11. "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you." John 16:23. "Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." John 16:24.

How should we pray to God.
"I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also." 1 Cor. 14:15.

With what should the prayers of a suppliant be mingled?
"Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Phil. 4:6.

Should certain forms be repeated in public for the purpose of being heard by men?
"But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do; for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking." Matt. 6:7.

What must necessarily prompt our petitions, in order to please God?
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him; for he that cometh to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Heb. 11:6.

How strong must this faith be?
"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." Mark 11:24.

When praying for forgiveness, how should we feel toward those who have in any way injured us?
"And when ye stand praying, forgive if ye have aught against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you you r trespasses." Mark 11:25.

What will result if this injunction is not carried out?
"But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses." Mark 11:26.

What should we do when in affliction?
"Is any among you afflicted? let him pray." James 5:13.

Should we pray in secret?
"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly." Matt. 6:6.

To what places did our Saviour retire for secret devotion?
"And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, He was there alone." Matt. 14:23.

But if it should happen that we were thrown into the presence of those who ridicule prayer, or were forbidden to pray, should we give up our customary devotion?
"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." Dan. 6:10.

What is said of Cornelius and his family?
"A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway." Acts 10:2.

Did the apostolic believers have gatherings for prayer?
"And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying." Acts 12:12.

How often does the apostle exhort the church to pray?
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit." Eph. 6:18.

How does he express himself on this point elsewhere?
"Pray without ceasing." 1 Thess. 5:17.

In the parable of the importunate widow, what reason did the judge give for finally heeding her petition?
"Though I fear not God, nor regard man; yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me." Luke 18:4, 5.

How does the Saviour apply the parable?
"And the lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them?" Luke 18:6, 7.

What does the Saviour conclude in answer to His own question on this point?
"I tell you that He will avenge them speedily." Luke 18:8.

What question does the Saviour immediately ask?
"Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shalt He find faith on the earth?" Luke 18:8.

For what purpose was the parable employed?
"And He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray and not to faint." Luke 18:1.

What injunction did the Saviour leave on this point for the special benefit of those who would live just before His second coming?
"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 21:36.

GOD's Promises to the Overcomer

GOD promises to give us HIS power to overcome temptation, if we will ask for it. Let us look at just what GOD promises to the overcomer.

What general promise is given to the overcomer?
"He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son." Rev. 21:7.

What is it to overcome?
To vanquish, to conquer, to be victorious. - Webster.

What must be overcome to realize the promises to the overcomer?
"Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil." Rom. 12:21. "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world." 1 John 5:4.

What is meant by overcoming the world?
"Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin." 1 John 3:9.

What, then, must we exercise in order to claim the promise of inheriting all things?
"But godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." 1 Tim. 4:8.

Who alone can overcome?
"Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?" 1 John 5:5.

By what means are we enabled to overcome?
"This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." 1 John 5:4. "And they overcame him [Satan, the originator and disseminator of sin, verse 9] by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony." Rev. 12:11.

Who gives us strength to overcome? and through whom is it bestowed?
"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Cor. 15:57. "In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us." Rom. 8:37.

What is one important purpose of the promises given in the Bible?
"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.

What is one of the greatest promises given to the overcomer?
"And this is the promise that He hath promised us, even eternal life." 1 John 2:25.

Here is a list of just some of the precious things promised to the overcomer.
(1) He shall eat of the tree of life. Rev. 2:7.
(2) He "shall not be hurt of the second death." Rev. 2:11.
(3) He shall eat of the hidden manna, and receive a white stone, and "in the stone a new name written which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it." Rev. 2:17.
(4) He shall have power over the nations. Rev. 2:26.
(5) He shall be clothed in white raiment; and his name shall not be blotted out of the book of life, but shall be confessed before the Father and the angels. Rev. 3:5.
(6) He shall be a pillar in the temple of God forever, and Christ will write upon him God's name, and the name of the New Jerusalem, and his own new name. Rev. 3:12. (7) He shall sit with Christ on His throne. Rev. 3:21.
(8) He "shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him." James 1:12.

Have any of those who in the past have sought to receive the promises, as yet come into their possession?
"And these all [those enumerated in Heb. 11] , having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise." Heb. 11:39.

When will these precious promises be realized?
"Ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and He that shall come, will come, and will not tarry." Heb. 10:36, 37.

What manner of persons ought we to be, as we see the time approaching when the promises are to be realized?
"Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless." 2 Peter 3:14.

What will be the condition of those who realize the promises?
"After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen." Revelation 7:9-12.

Claiming Hold on GOD's Promises

GOD wants us to be victorious over sin and temtations. Anything that concerns us also concerns HIM. HE give us HIS power, sent from heaven in the form of HIS promises, which we can claim as our gift from HIM.

I was reminded this week that I need to remember this and study this often. I hope you will find this as rewarding as I have. GOD's promises solve our problems.

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.

I learned the A B C of claiming God's promises from a wonderful Evangelist, named Glen Coon. He always pointed us toward the Lord Jesus Christ and the promises found in His Word. In my home, we have been praying this way for nearly 30 years, we have kept prayer journals that help us to remember how God has answered our prayers. We believe that this is also important to help build our faith.

A - Ask

When we pray we should look for Bible examples thatt fit the situation that we are praying about and we should find God's promises assiciated with these examples, then "touch" thatt promise and talk to God in such a ways as to say something like... "Dear God, I am asking for this promise righ here, you have promised it, and I know that you do not lie.

Matthew 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

B - Believe

We should tell God that we believe. Hearing ourselves say that we believe helps increase our believing. You may remember a Bible example of a man who came to Jesus and said, "I believe, help thou my unbelief"

Mark 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Luke 1:37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Luke 18:27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

C - Claim (to claim is to receive, like when you claim you baggage)

We can practice the faith of receiving by thanking God for keeping His promise even before we see the evidence of that answer. See below how Jesus thanked His father for resurecting Lazarus even before Lazarus came forth.
Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
John 11:41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

John 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

Acts 2:39 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.

Romans 4:21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

Romans 8:32 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?

2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us

Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
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.

1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

GOD Teaches about Comfort in Affliction

I think that one of the tricks of the devil is to alter meanings of words over time. One example of that is the word "pity". In our mind today, we often think of "pity" as a bad thing. Why?"

Let us think of it as an action of comfort. When you read the word pity think of giving comfort.

Think about this...Has anything been left as a legacy to the righteous?
"Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivereth him out of them all." Ps. 34:19.

What ought those in affliction to have from their friends?
"To him that is afflicted, pity should be showed from his friend." Job 6:14.

If one visits, and shows pity toward those in affliction, what does it indicate that he possesses?
"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 did David say with reference to his affliction?
"It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes." Ps. 119:71.

Before he had affliction, what was his tendency?
"Before I was afflicted I went astray; but now have I kept thy word." Ps. 119:67.

When affliction came upon him, what did he consider it was for?
"Look upon mine affliction and my pain, and forgive all my sins." Ps. 25:18.

How does God regard the cry of the afflicted?
"He heareth the cry of the afflicted." Job 34:28.

With what feelings does the Lord look upon His children?
"Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him." Ps. 103:13.

What has the Lord promised to be to those who are oppressed?
"The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble." Ps. 9:9.

When the Saviour was about to go away from the earth, what did He say He would send to His disciples?
"If I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you." John 16:7.

What is the Comforter called?
"But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of Me." John 15:26.

What has the Lord promised to the mourner?
"Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted." Matt. 5:4.

What prophetic words were especially designed to comfort the mothers in Bethlehem who should mourn for having lost their innocent children through the envy of Herod?
"Thus saith the Lord: Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the Lord; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy." Jer. 31:16 (compare with Matt. 2:16-18).

What does the apostle present as a comfort to those who have lost dear friends by death?
"For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him... Wherefore comfort one another with these words." 1 Thess. 4:14-18.

When one has received the Comforter in his heart, what use should he make of it?
"Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." 2 Cor. 1:4.

How was Paul once comforted when in trouble?
"Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus." 2 Cor. 7:6.

When in affliction, how should one rest his case?
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God." Rom. 8:28.

How did the bonds which were endured by Paul work for good?
"But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; so that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places." Phil. 1:12.

How does Christ exhort those who have tribulation in the world?
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace, In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33.

What comforted the apostle in these troubles?
"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Rom. 8:18.

What did he call the troubles that beset him?
"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." 2 Cor. 4:17.

The Dead in Christ Shall Rise First

For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive [and] remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent (or go before) them which are asleep. 1Thes. 4:15
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 1Thes. 4:16
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. 1Thes. 4:17


"Wherefore as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." Rom. 5:12.

What does the Bible say is the condition of a person while in the grave?
"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest." Ecc. 9:10.

What has been promised in order that man may be redeemed from this condition?
"I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction." Hosea 13:14.

Through whom will come this redemption from the grave?
"For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so In Christ shall all be made alive." 1 Cor. 15:21, 22. (John 5: 26-29).

What would be the result to the dead had not Christ procured their release from the grave?
"For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished." 1 Cor. 15:16-18.

Where are the dead when they hear the voice of Christ calling them to life?
"Marvel not at this; for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth." John 5:28, 29.

How many distinct classes will have a resurrection?
"There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust." Acts. 24:15.

How long do the others wait after the first resurrection?
"And they [the righteous] lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection." Rev. 20:4, 5.

When are the righteous recompensed?
"For thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just." Luke 14:14.

In what condition did David expect to rise?
"As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness." Ps. 17:15.

What great contrast will be seen between the present body, and the one to be put on at the resurrection?
"So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory, it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown in a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body." 1 Cor. 15:42-44.

After whose body will the resurrected ones be fashioned?
"We look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body." Phil. 3:20, 21.

What will the righteous do upon rising from the grave?
"Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust; for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead." Isa. 26:19 (1 Cor. 15:55).

How long will they be permitted to live?
"Neither can they die any more; for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection." Luke 20:36.

What will become of those who are unworthy of a part in the first resurrection?
"But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death." Rev. 21:8.

What will then take place?
"The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death." 1 Cor. 15:26.

How will the righteous ever afterward appear?
"Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear." Matt. 13:43.

Jesus is the Light

Does the Lord consider it important that His children walk in the light?
"Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you; for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth." John 12:35.

What must one do to obtain the benefits of the blood of Christ?
"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." 1 John 1:7.

How long may the just expect light to shine on his pathway?
"But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." Prov. 4:18.

For whom is the light sown?
"Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart." Ps. 97:11.

What will become of the light which a person has if he fails to improve by it?
"The light of the body is the eye; therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. Take heed, therefore, that the light which is in thee be not darkness." Luke 11:34, 35.

Why are those condemned who do not come to the light?
"And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." John 3:19.

If one is really seeking for truth, what will he do?
"But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." John 3:21.

What will those who reject light and truth, be finally led to believe?
"And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie; that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." 2 Thess. 2:11, 12.

From what source does one derive light?
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Ps. 119:105, 130 (Prov. 6:23).

Who was told by an angel of God that his way pleased the Lord?
"He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God." Acts 10:3, 4.

Did the angel then tell him that he had nothing more to learn or do, in order to be saved?
"And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: he lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea-side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do." Acts 10:5, 6.

In what are we exhorted to continue?
"For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end." Heb. 3:14 (Matt.10:22).

Among those that hear the prophecies of Revelation, who are to have a blessing from God?
"Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein." Rev. 1:3.

Is there an example of God's overthrowing people whom He once favored, because they refused to obey Him?
"I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not." Jude 5.

Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven

What promise is made to those who look for the appearing of Christ?
"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." Heb. 9:28.

How many will receive a reward when He comes?
"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.
NOTE: It is a time of general reward.

Did the disciples think that death would be the second coming of Christ?
"Peter seeing him [John] saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou Me. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, he shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?" John 21:21-23.
NOTE: That is, from this saying they gathered the idea that because it was intimated to be possible for John to tarry till Christ comes, he would never die. Therefore it is certain that they regarded death and the coming of Christ as separate events.

If death is not the coming of Christ, how will He come?
"And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly 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 1:9-11 (Rev. 14:14).

How many will behold Him when He comes?
"Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him." Rev. 1:7.

What wonderful demonstration will accompany the Lord's coming?
"The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God." 1 Thess. 4:16.
NOTE: The Lord Himself, not some other, shall descend.

What will then take place?
"We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." 1 Cor. 15:51, 52. (1 Thess. 4:16-17).

Have not the martyrs of old gone to their reward?
"And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise, God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect." Heb. 11:39, 40.

When were the disciples to be recompensed?
"For thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just." Luke 14:14.

How is this to be brought about?
"If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself." John 14:3.

What was Enoch's belief about this event?
"And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousand of His saints, to execute judgment upon all." Jude 14-15.

What was Job's hope when in the depths of affliction?
"For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth, And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God; whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another." Job 19:25-27.

How did David express himself on this point?
"For He cometh, for He cometh to judge the earth; He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with His truth." Ps. 96:13.

Did Daniel teach this same sentiment?
"And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people; . . . and at that time thy people shall be delivered everyone that shall be found written in the book." Dan. 12:1.

In what splendor will the Saviour come?
"For whosoever shall be ashamed of Me and of My words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when He shall come in His own glory, and in His Father's, and of the holy angels." Luke 9:26.

When Christ, at the transfiguration, represented His future glory, how did He appear?
"And was transfigured before them; and His face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light." Matt 17:2.

What is the appearance of an angel?
"His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in color to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude." Dan. 10:6.

What is the appearance of the glory of God Himself?
"And from the appearance of His loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about. As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord." Eze. 1:27, 28.
NOTE: If Christ comes shining in the accumulated glory of Himself and His Father, and surrounded with ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands of ineffably bright angels, He will indeed be "wrapped in a blaze of boundless glory."

For what was Paul waiting when in his Roman dungeon?
"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 Tim. 4:8.

How will the Saviour be seen of those who are finally permitted to behold Him?
"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.

What description does the beloved John give of His appearance?
"His eyes were as a flame of fire; and His feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and His voice as the sound of many waters . . . And His countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength." Rev. 1:14-16.

When He shall have gathered together His elect (Matt. 24:31), if we are among them, what shall we hear from the Saviour?
"Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." Matt. 25:34.

The Promised Second Coming of Christ

Let us review ..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 ave 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 steadfastly 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?
"We have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eye-witnesses of His majesty." 2 Peter 1:16.

When He returns, will most of the inhabitants of earth be prepared to meet Him?
"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." 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 fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the Lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for Him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, 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." Verses 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.
NOTE: These texts do not teach that it is wrong in itself to eat, drink, marry, buy, sell, plant, or build, but that men's minds will be so taken up with these things that they will give little or no thought to the future life, and make no plans or preparations to meet Jesus when He comes.

Who is it that blinds men to the message about salvation through Jesus Christ?
"In whom the god of this world [Satan] 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." Rev. 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." Heb. 9:28.

What strong motivation should His return have on our lives right now?
"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 ay: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing." 2 Tim. 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." Isa. 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." Matt. 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." Verse 42.
NOTE: "To the secure and careless He will come as a thief in the night: to His own, as their Lord." -—Henry Alford, The New Testament for English Readers, Vol. 1, p. 170.
"The proper attitude of a Christian is to be always looking for his Lord's return." —-D.L. Moody, The Second Coming of Christ (Revell), p.9.

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.