Christian Growth

Once we become a Christian, we are like new born babes in Christ. He works to train us by His Word, His Spirit and by all manner of assignments and experiences. We will look back someday and understand the reasons for the paths on which He has led us.

1. What new life begins when ‘We yield to Christ?
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17.
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God.” 1 Peter 1:23.
The Christian’s life is not a modification of the old, but a transformation of nature. There is a death to self and sin, and a new life altogether.

2. How does Paul distinguish between the old and the new life of the child of God?
“But you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.”
Romans 8: 9.
“Seeing that you have put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man,
which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him.” Colossians 3: 9, 10.

3. By what is the new life of the babe in Christ nourished?
“As newborn, babes, desire the sincere milk- of the Word, that you may grow thereby.” 1 Peter 2:2.

4. What change of spiritual dietary becomes possible as growth proceeds?
“For everyone that uses milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongs to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Hebrews 5: 13, 14.
Where Christ has given spiritual life, He will provide food for the support and nourishment of it unto life eternal, for He will never forsake us, nor will He neglect the work of His own hands..

5. In what other way does Jesus describe our spiritual food?
“Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses -gave you not that bread from heaven; but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven.” “This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.” John 6: 32, 50.

6. How pleasant should the child of God find this bread from heaven?
“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart.” Jeremiah 15: 16.

7. Nourished by the Word what progress should he make from, day to day?
“They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appears before God.” Psalm 84:7.
“As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk you in Him: rooted and built up in Him, and established in the faith.” Colossians 2: 6, 7.

8. How does Paul describe the maturing of his own Christian experience?
“When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, ... but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” 1 Corinthians 13: 11.

9. What complaint, however, has he to make concerning certain of his converts?
“For when for the time you ought to be teachers, you have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.” Hebrews 5:12
“I have fed you with milk, and not with meat. For hitherto you were not able to bear
it, neither yet now are you able.” 1 Corinthians 3: 2.

10. What urgent advice does he give to such?
“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection.” Hebrews 6: 1.
Consider this : There is nothing so hostile to growth as this tendency to look backward to what one has been rather than forward to what one may be.

11. In what two aspects should growth be particularly manifest?
“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3: 18.
Daily study of the Word of Life means daily growth.

12. How does Peter describe this Christian growth?
“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.

13. To what standard of maturity may we aspire?
“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a Perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4: 13.
“But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1: 4.
A character formed according to the divine likeness is the one treasure that we can take from this world to the next.... How important, then, is the development of character in this life! How exciting to know that our God takes such a personal interest in our spiritual growth.

Living by Faith

1. How only may we live a life which is pleasing to God?
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He rewards them that diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6.
A mere intellectual belief in God is not faith. (James 2:19) Faith is not merely belief in, but absolute confidence in and complete reliance upon God and His promises.

2. How is faith elsewhere defined? -
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen’.” Hebrews 11:1.
It is that quality in us which makes the future present and the unseen real

3. From whom does faith come, and in whom is it consummated?
“Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith.” Hebrews 12: 2.

4. Through what means is faith generated in the heart?
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Romans 10:17.

5. Of what is faith also a fruit?
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.” Galatians 5: 22.

6. What blessed deliverance does faith bring to the sinner?
“For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”
Ephesians 2: 8.

7. What will by faith be reproduced in the life of the believer?
“And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.” Philippians 3:9.
Obedience is the test of discipleship. It is the keeping of the commandments that proves the sincerity of our professions of love. When the doctrine we accept kills sin in the heart, purifies the soul from defilement, bears fruit unto holiness, we may know that it is the truth of God.

8. How inseparable are true faith and godly living?
“But wilt thou know, 0 vain man, that faith without works is dead? By works was faith made
perfect.” James 2:20-22.

9. By what does the believer henceforth walk and labor?
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7.
“Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love.” 1 Thessalonians 1: 3.

10. How may we be protected from the onslaughts of the enemy?
“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” Ephesians 6: 16. (See also 1 Thessalonians 5: 8.)

11. Is faith only a defensive weapon in the conflict with evil?
“For whatsoever, is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5: 4.
The weakest man knows God is strong to do all things. All the might of God awaits the exercise of our faith.

12. What did the psalmist determine to do when fear crept into his heart?
“What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.” Psalm 56: 3.

13. How sure was Paul of the keeping power of God?
“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless 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.” 2 Timothy 1: 12.

14. How comprehensive are God’s promises to those who seek Him in faith?
“Jesus said unto him, If thou can believe, all things are possible to him that believes.” Mark 9:23.

15. What will the testing and trying of our faith bring forth?
“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:7.

16. How are those who will stand with Christ at His coming described?
“They that are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” Revelation 17: 14.

17. What sign of victory will be given to them in that day?
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4: 7, 8.

In His Steps

1Peter 2:21-23
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
22. Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
23. Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously:

1. On what is the sinner’s life patterned?
“In time past you walked according to the, course of this world according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience.” Ephesians 2: 2.

2. What appeal does Jesus make to men?
“Follow Me.” Matthew 4:19.

3. What relation does the believer henceforth sustain to the world?
“They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” John 17: 16.

4. To whom does he now look for an example and pattern.
“Be you therefore imitators of God, as beloved children.” Ephesians 5:1 (RV.).
“But put you on the Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 13: 14.

5. Of whom is Jesus Himself a pattern?
“Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature.” Colossians 1:15.

6. What example did Jesus provide for children and youth?
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” Luke 2:52.

7. When He grew up to manhood what example of obedience to the will of God did Jesus set?
“For I came down from heaven,’ not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me.” John 6: 38.

8. What spirit characterized His relations with others?
“A new commandment I give unto you, That you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” John 13: 34.

9. How was Jesus’ life spent?
He “went about doing good.” Acts 10: 38.

10. Even in childhood, how earnestly did He desire to do His Father’s service?
“And He said unto them, How is it that you sought Me? Know you not that I must be about My Father’s business?” Luke 2: 49.

11. When He entered upon His ministry, how burdened was Jesus to fulfil His appointed task?
“I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the night comes, when no man canwork.” John 9: 4.

12. How did Jesus exhort His disciples to unselfish service?
“Whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: and whosoever of you will be the chief, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and, to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:43-45.

13. What supreme sacrifice was Jesus prepared to make on behalf of others?
“Who made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2: 6-8.

14. Ought we to be ready to make a similar sacrifice?
“Because He laid down His life for us: we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” 1 John 3:16.
To “lay down our lives” does not necessarily mean martyrdom in the cause of Christ. It means rather the complete surrender of our lives for service where and how He wills.

15. How did Paul beautifully express the goal of his life?
“For to me to live is Christ.” Philippians 1: 2 1.

16. What inward transformation does the apostle declare must be effected in order that the life of Christ may be visibly reproduced in us?
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:5.

17. As the life of Christ is reproduced in us what may we in turn become?
“Forasmuch as you are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.” 2 Corinthians 3: 3.

18. What is the ultimate goal of Christian living?
“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:13.

19. When may we expect fully to attain unto it?
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; f or we shall see Him as He is.” 1 John 3:2.

20. How can we who mere humans ever hope to have His nature and to be like Jesus?
"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

Can We Know GOD?

To know someone well, you begin to realize that you think alike. You enjoy being together and when you are apart you find that you are longing to be together again. How wonderful to know that our relationship with our Lord is the same. We find that we think alike more and more, we talk and talk to Him and we long to hear His voice.
Psalms 95:6,7
O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.
7 For he [is] our God; and we [are] the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,

1. In what tragic state of ignorance did Paul find the people of Athens?
“As I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE
UNKNOWN GOD.” Acts 17: 23.

2. By contrast what striking affirmation did Paul make?
“I know whom I have believed.” 2 Timothy 1: 12.

3. How does he express his desire for others?
“I cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.” Ephesians 1:15-17. (I must say that I know this joy, how wonderful to have this love given to us by GOD that makes us want to constantly give thanks and mention our friends in our conversations with our Lord.

The only knowledge which is of any avail in the light of eternity is a personal, intimate knowledge of God. Christianity is not merely belief in certain facts about a Person; it is rather a knowledge of that Person. Only this can transform lives and solve the problems of humanity. Christianity is not a philosophy,but a life -not a knowledge of abstract principles, but a personal knowledge of faith and love of God inChrist

4. Can unaided human reason attain to a knowledge of God?
“Touching the Almighty we cannot find Him out.” Job 37:23.
Skilled as man may be in the elucidation of the mysteries of the universe, he cannot find out God. Elihu spoke truly when he said, “Behold, God is great, and we know Him not, neither can the number of His years be searched out.” Job 36:26.

5. Why cannot we search out God in the same way that we study natural phenomena?
a. Because He cannot be comprehended by the physical faculties.
“You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His shape.” John 5: 37.
b. Because the finite mind cannot comprehend the infinite.
“That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out?” Ecclesiastes 7: 24.
c. Because sinful man cannot approach unto God.
“Thou can not see My face: for there shall no man see Me, and live.” Exodus 33: 20.

6. Though man cannot find out God, what does God offer to do for man?
“I will make known My words unto you.” Proverbs 1: 23.
“He opened the ears of men, and sealed their instruction.” Job 33: 16
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7. Through what channels does God make Himself known to man?
a. Through His works.
“The invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead.” Romans 1:20.
(See also Psalm 19:l.)
b. Through inspired men.
“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spoke in time past unto the fathers by the prophets.” Hebrews 1:1.
c. Through Jesus.
“We know that the Son of God is come, and has given us an understanding,- that
we may know Him that is true.” 1 John 5:20.
(See also John 1:18)
d. Through the Spirit in personal experience.
“You have an unction from the Holy One, and you know all things.” “You need not that any man teach you.” 1 John 2: 20, 27.

8. Why do many fail to comprehend God?
“The natural man received not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.1 Corinthians 2:14.

9. On what conditions is this spiritual perception given?
a. Spiritual desire.
“Yea, if thou cried after knowledge, and lifted up thy voice for understanding; if thou seek her as silver, and searched for her as for hid treasures; then shall thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2: 3-5.
b. Faith.
“He that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He rewards them that diligently
seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6.
c. Readiness to obey.
“His secret is with the righteous.” Proverbs 3: 32.

10. What are some of the blessings which a knowledge of God brings to the believer? a. Peace.
“Acquaint now thyself with, Him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.”
Job 22: 21.
“God has made us for Himself and we are restless until we find our rest in Him.” - Augustine. b. Joy.
“Thou wilt show me the path of life: in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand
there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalm 16: 11.
The world is full of pleasure, but how little joy! The appearance of happiness is but a cloak to
conceal an aching heart, a feeble attempt to escape from the sorrow which is sapping the life of mankind. How different is the joy of knowing Him! It is not superficial and transient, but deep and enduring.
c. Understanding.
“Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord.” Hosea 6:3.
“For the Lord gives wisdom.” Proverbs 2:6.
(See also James 1:5.)
d. Comfort.
“Who comforted 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 Corinthians 1:4.
e. Confidence and hope.
“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.” 2 Timothy 1:12.

11. What supreme blessing does the knowledge of God bring to the believer?
“This is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou has sent.” John 17: 3.

12. What urgent call therefore comes to us?
“Seek you the Lord while He may be found, call you’ upon Him while He is near.” Isaiah 55:6.
God is infinitely willing and desirous of bestowing His companionship upon us. Tenderly He
pleads for us to come to Him. He will not force an entrance into the sanctum of the soul if we do not wish to know Him, but He knocks at our heart’s door, and if we will open to Him, He will come in and abide with us.

13. How should we respond to the call of God?
“When Thou said, Seek you My face; my heart said unto Thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.” Psalm 27:8.
To know Him; to talk with Him; to tell Him all our joys and sorrows, and to hear His words of
comfort; to walk with Him in the daily tasks of life and to feel the support of His powerful arm -what a glorious privilege! Shall we refuse such an invitation?

14. What benediction does Peter pronounce upon believers?
“Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18. “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” 2 Peter 1:2.

“He leads me beside the still waters.”

Is GOD in Control?

1. Had God a definite purpose in creating the earth?
“He created it not in vain, He formed it to be inhabited.” Isaiah 45: 18.

2. How completely are the plans of God laid for the outworking of His purpose?
“Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world.” Acts 15:18.

3. How perfect are the counsels of the Lord?
“With Him is wisdom, He has counsel and understanding.” Job 12:13. “His understanding is
infinite.” Psalm 147:5.

4. In whom does the divine purpose center?
“Who has saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was- given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.” 2 Timothy 1:9.

5. How has God emphasized the immutability of His counsels?
“God, wilting more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath.” Hebrews 6: 17.

6. Though men may plan wisely, what all too often frustrates their desires?
“To will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” Romans 7:18.

7. By what attribute, however, is God’s wisdom reinforced?
“God has spoken once; twice have 1 heard this; that power belongs unto God.” Psalm 62:11. “He is strong that executes His word.” Joel 2:11.

8. Is there any doubt then as to God’s ability to bring His counsels to fruition?
“Who works all things after the counsel of His own will.” Ephesians 1:11.
“My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure.” Isaiah 46:10.

9. By what name does God declare His omnipotence?
“I am the Almighty God.” Genesis 17:1.

10. How was God’s omnipotence demonstrated in creation?
“He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.” Psalm 33:9. “Thou has made the heaven and the earth by Thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for Thee.” Jeremiah 32:17.

11. How is His power continually manifest in nature?
“While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22.
“Upholding all things by the word of His power.” Hebrews 1:3.

12. To whit does God draw attention in order to inspire confidence in His activity among men?
“If you can break My covenant of the day, and My covenant of the night, then may also My
covenant be broken with David My servant.” Jeremiah 33:20, 21.

13. What authority does He exercise in the kingdoms of men?
“The Most High divided to the nations their inheritance.” Deuteronomy 32:8.
“He changed the times and the seasons. He removes kings, and sets up kings.” Daniel 2:21. “The Most High ruled in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomsoever He will.” Daniel 4:17.

14. How does God make even the acts of wicked men work out His will?
“As for you, you thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good.” Genesis 50:20. “Surely the wrath of man shall praise Thee: the remainder of wrath shall Thou restrain.” Psalm 76:10.
“Through the greatness of Thy power shall Your enemies submit themselves unto Thee.” Psalm 66:3.

15. Can anything. prevent the fulfillment of God’s will in the lives of those who yield themselves to Him?
“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. (See also John 10:29)

16. Though, in His all-seeing purpose, He may permit evil for a time to hold sway, how complete will be His final triumph?
“He will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness.” Romans 9: 28.
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17. What song of triumph will be raised in that day?
“The Lord God omnipotent reigns.” Revelation 19:6.

18. For what then should we earnestly pray?
“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” “For Your is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory.” Matthew 6:10,13.

Does GOD Care?

1. What do the Scriptures teach concerning the character of God?
“God is love.” 1 John 4:8. “Good and upright is the Lord.” Psalm 25:8.

2. How was God’s goodness expressed in creation?
“And God saw everything that He had made, and, behold, it was very good.” Genesis 1:31.

3. Though tarnished by sin what witness does nature still bear to His love?
“The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.” Psalm 33:5.

4. How does God feel toward mankind alienated from Him through sin?
“I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.” Jeremiah 31:3.

5. By what act is God’s love toward man supremely revealed?
“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.” 1 John 4: 9.

6. To how many is the message of the gospel extended?
“The same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. For whosoever shall call upon the
name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:12,13.

7. How patiently does God wait for a response?
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness but is long-suffering to us ward not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.

8. What does He promise to those who return to Him?
“I will love them freely: for Mine anger is turned away from him.” Hosea 14:4. (See also Jeremiah 3:12.)

9. Into what intimate fellowship with Himself does He admit them?
“Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” 1 John 3:1.

10. Are there any limits to the goodness of God to His children?
“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.

11. May we count on His goodness at all times?
“The Lord will command His loving-kindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me.” Psalm 42:8. “The mountains, shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee.” Isaiah 54:10.

12. What loving control does He exercise over all the circumstances of our lives?
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28.

13. How comprehensive is His promise of help?
“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” Corinthians 9: 8.

14. Assured by such promises what are we urged to do?
“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee.” Psalm 55: 22.

15. How do we know God’s goodness will be even more strikingly manifest toward His children in the future?
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9.
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16. In what appropriate way may we acknowledge the goodness of the Lord? ,
“Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” Psalm 107: 8.

Suffering for Christ’s Sake

1. What did Jesus warn His disciples to expect?
“In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16: 33.

2. Through what experience must we pass to attain unto the kingdom?
“Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through muck, tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22.

3. Are we then to be surprised when trials come?
“Beloved, think- it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some
strange thing happened unto you.” “For even hereunto were you called.” 1 Peter 4:12; 2:21.

4. With whom should we be willing to associate in suffering?
“Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.” John 15: 20.

5. Who is the instigator of the persecution of the righteous?
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking ‘whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5: 8.

6. What motives impel the wicked to persecute the righteous?
a. Guilty conscience. “Cain, who was of that wicked one, slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.” 1 John 3:12. “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy, 3: 12.
b. Antagonism of the flesh to the spirit. “But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.” Galatians 4: 29.
c. Perverted religion. “The time comes, that whosoever kills you will think that he does God
service.” John 16:2.

7. What example of fortitude in persecution has Jesus set us?
“Because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judges righteously.” 1 Peter 2:21-23.

8. In what spirit, therefore, are we urged to meet persecution?
“Rejoicing in hope; Patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.” Romans 12:12.

9. What other examples of patient endurance do the Scriptures provide?
“Take, my brethren, the Prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of Patience.” James 5:10.

10. How is the believer bound to be temporarily affected by tribulation?
“And 1 said, Oh that I had wings like-a dove! for then would 1 fly away, and be at rest.” Psalm 55:6.

11. To what depths of despondency did even the Savior momentarily come in His affliction?
“And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, My God, why has Thou forsaken Me?” Matthew 27:46.

12. What emotion, however, will triumph over transitory heaviness of spirit?
“Rejoice you in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.” Luke 6:23.

13. By what knowledge was Christ buoyed up in His terrible sufferings?
“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.

14. What aspiration enabled Paul to suffer with fortitude in the cause of the gospel?
“But none of these things move me, neither count my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20: 24.

15. What example did Paul set of joy in tribulation?
“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10.

16. How does God promise to sustain those who suffer for His sake?
“Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.” Colossians 1:11

17. What will it be our privilege to share in the day of Christ’s triumph?
“If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him: if we deny Him, He also will deny us.” 2 Timothy
2:12.
.
18. Among what glorious company shall we have a place?
“And he said unto me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and He that sits on the throne shall dwell among them.” Revelation 7:14,15
.
19. What eternal reward will be ours if faithful?
“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10. (See also verses 11 and 12.)

GOD, The Divine Refiner

God wants to refine us.

Rev 3:18-21
18. I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
19. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
20. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
21. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.


1. To what strange experience of the righteous does the psalmist draw attention?
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous.” Psalm 34:19.

2. For what valuable purpose are trials permitted?
“Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.” Isaiah 48: 10.

3. By what other illustration does Jesus reveal the purpose of trials?
“Every branch in Me that bears not fruit, He takes away: and every branch that bears fruit, He purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” John 15:2.

4. For what reason was Paul given a “thorn in the flesh”?
“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me.” 2 Corinthians 12: 7.

5. Until he understood this how earnestly did he plead for release from his affliction?
“For this thing I besought the Lord ‘thrice, that it might depart from me.” 2 Corinthians 12: 8.

6. What reply did Paul receive from the Lord?
“And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in
weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12: 9.

7. When he saw that it was for his good, how resigned was he to his affliction?
“Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9.

8. What other salutary effect do trials have upon the heart?
“Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works Patience.” James 1:3.

9. In whose experience is this strikingly illustrated?
“You have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” James 5:11.

10. How resigned was Job to his affliction?
“Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.” Job 13: 15.

11. What confidence had he as to the outcome?
“But He knows the way that I take when He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job
23:10,12.

12. What did Jesus learn through suffering?
“Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered.” Hebrews 5:8.

13. What will trials also produce in the believer’s experience?
“Now no chastening for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” Hebrews 12:11.

14. To what exalted experience was Jesus raised through suffering?
“For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation Perfect through sufferings.” Hebrews 2:10.

15. What will be the effect in us of trials patiently borne?
“But the God of all grace, who has called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you.” 1 Peter 5:10. .
16. How then should we relate ourselves to the testing of our faith?
a. Not question. “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:21.
b. Endure in patience. “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.” Romans 12:12.

17. Of whose sympathy may we be assured in trial?
“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort. Who comforted 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 Corinthians 1:3,4.

18. What does Jesus also extend to the afflicted?
a. Understanding sympathy. “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15.
b. Loving aid. “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has desired to have you, that he
may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” Luke 22:31,32.

19. What control does God exercise over the trials which He permits us to pass through?
“When thou passes through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walked through the fire, thou shall not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Isaiah 43:2.

20. Of what, therefore may we be confident?
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28.

21. What will be their glorious outcome?
“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:7.

22. By what were Christ’s sufferings crowned?
“Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory?” Luke 24:26.

23. How will the patient endurance of the saints be rewarded when Jesus comes?
“Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love Him.” James 1:12.

Why Do the Innocent Suffer?

We all know of some innocent person who has suffered or even died. Dear God, why is that?

1. By what examples did Jesus show that while much suffering is the result of individual sin, it may often come upon the innocent?
a. Natural disasters. “Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think you that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?” Luke 13:4.
b. Physical affliction. “Jesus answered, Neither has this man sinned, nor his parents.” John 9:3.
c. Injustice. "There were present at that season some that told Him of the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose you that these Galileans were sinners above all the Galileans, because they suffered such things?” Luke 13:1,2.

2. Why is nature often an enemy to man rather than a friend?
“Cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shall thou eat of it all the days of thy life; thorns also, and thistles shall it bring forth to thee.” Genesis 3:17,18.

3. What explanation does Paul offer for natural calamities?
“For we know that the whole creation groans and travailed in pain together until now.” Romans 8:22.

4. What divine purpose is there in the permitted derangement of nature?
“For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of Him who has
subjected the same in hope.” -Romans 8: 20.

5. How do the beneficent laws of nature, through sin, bring suffering on the innocent?
a. Cause and effect. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sowed, that shall he [and often other innocent ones] also reap.” Galatians 6:7. (See also 2 Corinthians 9:6.)
b. Heredity. ‘The Lord is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.” Numbers 14:18.

6. How did the prophet Habakkuk reveal his perplexity at the suffering of the innocent at the hands of wicked men?
“Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and can not look on iniquity: wherefore look Thou upon them that deal treacherously, and boldest Thy tongue when the wicked devoured the man that is more righteous than he?” Habakkuk 1:13.

7. Is God indifferent to their affliction?
“Who mocked the poor reproached his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be
unpunished.” Proverbs 17:5.

8. Why, then, have not the oppressors been cut off before now?
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.

9. While deliverance from oppression may tarry, what does the Lord invite innocent sufferers to do?
“Come unto Me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and 1 will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28.
“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to he moved.” Psalm 55:22.

10. How does God reveal the intensity of His sympathy for the afflicted?
“As one whom his mother comforts, so will I comfort you; and you shall be comforted in
Jerusalem.” Isaiah 66:13. (See also Isaiah 49:15.)

11. What promise of strength to endure does He make to the afflicted and distressed?
“He gives Power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increases strength.” Isaiah 40:29.

12. What testimony does the psalmist bear to the Lord’s help in affliction?
“Unless the Lord had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence.” Psalm 94:17. “In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: He heard my voice out of His temple, and my cry came before Him, even into His ears.” Psalm 18:6.

13. How confident was he of God’s care for all who seek Him in trouble?
“The Lord also will be a refuge, for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.” Psalm 9:9.

14. How long will He permit the wicked to continue to oppress and the innocent to suffer?
“Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers,
Gather you together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into My barn.” Matt 13: 30.

15. In what mood will the oppressed believer await final deliverance from the oppressor?
“Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waits for the precious fruit of the earth, and has long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be you also patient; establish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draws nigh.” James 5:7,8.

16. Into what will their sorrow then be turned?
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, That you shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and you shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.” “And you now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man takes from you.” John 16: 20, 22.

17. What other changes will accompany the elimination of moral evil?
a. Elimination of all physical affliction. “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing.” Isaiah 35:5,6.
b. Restoration of nature. “Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” Romans 8:21. “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.” Isaiah 65:17. (See also Revelation 21:1)

18. What will be the most convincing evidence of the complete elimination of suffering from nature and from the experience of mankind?
“And God shall wipe away all tears, from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21:4
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19. How will the ills of this life compare with the glory of the restored earth and humanity?
“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.” Romans 8:18. (See also 2 Corinthians 4: 17, 18.).

20. Why do good men sometimes die sooner than we think that they should?
"The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come". Isaiah 57:1

Why Death and Suffering?

Is God Responsible?

Come, let us reason together.

1. What law of cause and effect operates throughout all creation?
“Whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7.

2. How does this principle work out in connection with man’s moral nature?
“For he that sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sows to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Galatians 6:8.

3. What, therefore, is the explanation of many of the judgments of God?
“Why cry thou for your affliction? Thy sorrow is incurable for the multitude of your iniquity:
because thy sins were increased, I have done these things unto thee.” Jeremiah 30:15.

4. Have sinners any grounds for complaint when God allows judgments to come upon them?
“Wherefore does a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins? Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord.” Lamentations 3:39,40.

5. What confession does the psalmist make as to the righteousness of God’s judgments?
“I know, O Lord, that Thy judgments are right, and that Thou in faithfulness has afflicted me.
Psalm 119:75.

6. Is God’s, judgment of sin, however, vindictive or arbitrary?
“For He does not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men.” Lamentations 3:33.

7. What evidence is there of this in the relation between God’s judgments and what man deserves?
a. They are far less than we deserve. “And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that Thou our God has punished us less than our iniquities deserve.” Ezra 9:13.
b. They are often mercifully withheld. “But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yes, many a time turned He His anger away, and did not stir up all His wrath.” Psalm 78:38.
c. His anger endures but a moment. “For His anger endured but a moment; in His favor is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 3 0: 5.

8. To what does God compare His Judgments?
“Thou shall also consider in your heart, that, as a man chastened his son, so the Lord thy God chastened thee.” Deuteronomy 8:5.

9. From what does the Lord desire through affliction to save us?
“But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.” 1 Corinthians 11:32.

10. What does He intend His judgments to accomplish?
“And testified against them, that Thou might bring them again unto Thy law.” Nehemiah 9:29.
“For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but He for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness.” Hebrews 12:10.

11. How carefully are God’s judgments tempered to achieve His purpose?
“I will not make a full end of thee, but correct thee in measure; yet will I not leave thee wholly
unpunished.” Jeremiah 46:28.

12. What salutary (or curative) effect had affliction upon the psalmist?
“Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept Thy Word.” Psalm 119: 67.

13. What other examples do the Scriptures provide of affliction bringing sinners to repentance?
a. Jonah. “Then Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fish’s belly, and said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the Lord, and He heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and Thou heard my voice.” Jonah 2:1,2.
b. Manasseh. “And when he was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, and prayed unto Him: and He was entreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord He was God.” 2 Chronicles 33:12,13.
c. Nebuchadnezzar. “And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto
heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored Him that lives for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation.” Daniel 4:34.

14. How did many in Israel respond to the judgment meted out to the nation?
“When He slew them, then they sought Him: and they returned and inquired early after God. And they remembered that God was their Rock, and the high God their Redeemer.” Psalm 78:34,35.

15. How obdurate (hard hearted), however, was the nation as a whole to the remedial judgments of God?
“For the people turned not unto Him that smites them, neither do they seek the Lord of hosts.” Isaiah 9:13.

16. What did the prophets declare God would do to Israel because they responded not to His chastening?
“My God will cast them a-way, because they did not hearken unto Him.” Hosea 9:17.

17. What lesson are we intended to learn from Israel’s obduracy and fate?
“And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of His doing.” Psalm 64:9.

18. How should we regard the chastening of the Lord?
“My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of His correction.” Proverbs 3:11.

19. What response should His remedial judgments produce in our lives?
“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” Revelation 3:19.

20. With the psalmist what confession should affliction evoke from us?
“It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn Thy statutes.” Psalm 119:71.

How about the suffering of those who are innocent? Our next reading will help us to understand this subject. Join us again tomorrow.

Ps.118

1 Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His love endures forever.
2 Let Israel say: HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER
3 Let the house of Aaron say: HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER
4 Let those who fear the Lord say: HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER
5 In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and He answered by setting me free.
6 The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
7 The Lord is with me; He is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies.
8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.
9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.
10 All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I cut them off.
11 They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the Lord I cut them off.
12 They swarmed around me like bees, but they died out as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the Lord I cut them off.
13 I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me.
14 The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.
15 Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: "The Lord's right hand has done mighty things!
16 The Lord's right hand is lifted high; the Lord's right hand has done mighty things!"
17 I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done.
18 The Lord has chastened me severely, but He has not given me over to death.
19 Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter and give thanks to the Lord.
20 This is the gate of the Lord through which the righteous may enter.
21 I will give You thanks, for You answered me; You have become my salvation.
22 The Stone the builders rejected has become the Capstone;
23 the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
24 This is the Day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
25 O Lord, save us; O Lord, grant us success.
26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the House of the Lord we bless You.
27 The Lord is God, and He has made His Light shine upon us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar.
28 You are my God, and I will give You thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt You.
29 Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His Love endures forever.

The few notes I took on this Psalm are as follows:
IN THE NAME OF THE LORD do all things In the name of the Lord, praise Him and give Him the honor, praise and thanks.
vs. 17, 18 He disciplines me, but He has not handed me over to the grave (eternal damnation or even physical death) He is loving and kind and all knowing and all powerful, and His way is the way I want to always seek!
vs.26 Worship Him, not only everyday where you are, but in HIS HOUSE! at His altar.

Oh Lord, you are my Salvation, help me to always look to You and do all things in the Name of the Lord! Amen

"try the spirits, whether they are of God"

1Jo 4:1
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Physical Tests Of A True Prophet

Num. 12:6. Will have visions.

Dan. 10:8. In vision lose their strength.

Dan. 10:18. Strengthened by the angel.

Dan. 10:17. No breath.

Dan. 10:15. Dumb.

Dan. 10:16. Lips touched by angel.

Dan. 10:16. Speak without breath.

Jer. 1:9. God’s words in their mouth.

2 Sam. 23:2. God controls their tongue.

Num. 24:16. Eyes open in vision.

Num. 23:20. Can not reverse the words.

2 Cor. 12:2-4. Unconsciousness of surroundings.

Visions are given in presence of witnesses, who bear testimony to fulfillment of
the tests.

Characteristics Of A True Prophet
Matt. 24:24. There will be false prophets.
1 John 4:1. Test all prophets.
1 John 4:2, 3. Must confess Christ came in the flesh.
Isa. 8:20. Tested by the law and the testimony. The words of a true prophet will
harmonize with the law of God and the testimony of all previous prophets of
God. One who claims to be a prophet may fulfill every other test, but if his
instruction is contrary to the Bible and the testimonies, he proves himself to be
false.
Deut. 13:1-4. Exalt the true God.
Deut. 18:21, 22. Words must come true.
Deut. 13:1-3. A false prophet’s words may come true.
Num. 12:6. Will have visions.
Dan. 10:7; Acts 9:7, 8. Open or public visions with witnesses present.
1 John 1:1-3, 2 Peter 1:16. Witnesses relate what they have seen.
1 Sam. 3:1-10; Dan. 2:19; 7:1. Night visions and dreams.
Acts 9:3. A great light encircles them.
Acts 10:9, 10; Dan. 9:20-23. Vision given while praying.
Eze. 8:3; Dan. 8:2. Taken to other places while in vision.
Matt. 7:15-20. Known by fruits.
Jer. 7:13, 25; 25:4. Early risers.
Acts 13:8-11; 2 Chron. 20:14-19. God sometimes speaks through a prophet
without a vision.
Jer. 23:16. Never flatter.
Acts 11:27-30. Warn of danger.
Acts 15:1, 2 27-29. Settle doctrinal questions.
Acts 16:4, 5. Testimony establishes churches.
Acts 16:6-10. Directs the laborers.
2 Kings 8:9-12. Countenance of persons reminds the prophet of what he has
seen.
2 Kings. 4:27. Everything is not always revealed.
2 Kings. 5:20-26. Reveal unexpressed desires of the heart.
Isa. 38:1-5. Prayers and tears change a testimony.
Jer. 18:7-10. Principle governing all testimonies.
2 Chron. 21:12, margin. Testimonies written before time for their delivery.
2 Peter 1:20. Every word far-reaching.
Isa. 44:26. God confirms the words.
Jer. 36:32. Never take back their testimony, but rather add to it.

God Gives a Prophecy and a Promise to Youth

What a day to be alive!

God wants to pour out His Spirit upon us to enable us to serve Him.

Young people, (and everyone) please read this powerful promise with prayer, pray about this often.

Joel 2:28-30
And it shall come to pass afterward, [that] I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke...

Let us learn some of the things that God's prophets have in common.


Prophets and Prophetesses

Num. 11:11-17, 25-29. Seventy prophets associated with Moses, but none did his work.

Num. 12:1-12; Ex. 15:20. Miriam, a prophetess, was not allowed to criticize Moses.

1 Kings. 18:13. There were one hundred prophets in Elijah’s day; none but Elijah dared meet Ahab.

2 Kings 9:1-10. A young prophet helped Elisha, but he did not take Elisha’s place.

1 Chron. 21:9; 29:29; 25:1-5. David had ten or more prophets, but David led the people.

Luke 2:36-38. Anna, the prophetess, is mentioned only once.

Acts. 11:27-30; 21:10-13. Agabus gave personal local testimonies, but the burden of all the churches did not rest upon him.

Acts. 13:1-4. There were prophets at Antioch, but their work was local.

1 Cor. 14:29-33. Corinthian prophets failed to recognize order among prophets.

1 Cor. 14:36, 37. They were to recognize Paul as a leading prophet.

While God may reveal Himself to many, there is only one leading prophet at any
one period of time upon whom God places the burden of directing His church.

Leading Prophets

Isa. 63:12. The Lord led Israel by the hand by Moses.

Deut. 18:15, 18. Moses was symbolic of Christ. (Theologians refer to him as a "type" of Christ, meaning that he symbolized Christ in his life and work here on earth)

Deut. 34:10; Num. 12:7, 8. There was no other prophet like Moses.

Ex. 32:32, 33; Hosea 12:13. Moses offered his life for the people.

Joshua 1:1-9. Before Moses died on the borders of the promised land, he wrote the instruction which, if followed, would have led Israel safely into the land.

Jer. 15:1. Moses and Samuel had special power in prayer for the people.

1 Sam. 7:8, 9; Ps. 99:6. Samuel’s prayers saved the people from their enemies.

1 Sam. 3:20; 4:1; 7:5; 6. Samuel was a leading prophet; he led the people.

1 Sam. 3:19. He delivered all of God’s words.

Ps. 89:20-37. David’s throne, was symbolic of God’s throne. (another "type")

2 Sam. 6:14-19. David was a priest-king. He wore the ephod and offered sacrifices.

1 Kings. 17:1. Elijah, the Tishbite, a grand character.

1 Kings. 18:4, 17-19. There were one hundred prophets, but only Elijah reproved Ahab.

1 Kings. 19:15, 16; 2 Kings 8:12, 13; 9:13. Elisha carried forward the work of Elijah; they together completed one great work.

1 Kings 17:17-23; 2 Kings 4:32-36. Each of these prophets raised the dead; they were both leading prophets. (can you imagine that?)

Mal. 4:4-6; Luke 1:17. Elijah’s work was a type of the closing message. Matt. 17:10-13;

Isaiah was a leading prophet. He also gave testimonies to the surrounding nations. Remember Chapters 13-23.?

Jer. 1:1-10. Jeremiah was chosen before his birth. He also was a prophet for
the nations.

Jer. 1:17-19. Jeremiah lived in a crisis.

Jer. 7:16; 11:14; 17-22. Like Moses and Samuel, he carried a burden for the people, and prayed for them even when God told him not to pray to them.

Luke 7:24-30. John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, was the greatest prophet that ever lived. (did you know that?)

2 Cor. 11:28. Paul carried the burden of all the churches. Through him God gave instruction for the organization of the Christian church.

In each important period of the world when the law of God has been honored, God has had a leading prophet through whom He has led His people.

God's Health Plan

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

God wants us to be healthy. In His Word there are many laws and principles that He gives us to help us to keep healthy. Below I have listed some verses and thoughts, Search the scriptures, to see if these things are true, hold fast to those that are true.

Gen. 43:28; 47:9. Old age alone does not bring poor health.

Gen. 48:1, 17-19. Jacob had clear mind in sickness.

Gen. 49:33. At the age of 147 years, he was able to gather up his own feet into the bed.

Deut. 34:7. At 120 years, Moses’ eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.

Joshua 14:10, 11. Caleb had full health at 85 years.

Deut. 28:22, 27-29, 60, 61. Other nations had diseases.

Ex. 15:26; Deut. 7:12-15. If the Israelites had obeyed God, He would have taken all sickness from them.

Ex. 16:3-13. Israel lusted for flesh.

Num. 11:4. Mixed multitude began the complaint.

Num. 11:4-6. Despised food from heaven; wanted flesh.

Num. 11:31-33. With flesh came disease.

Ps. 78:18; 106:14, 15. Also leanness of soul.

1 Cor. 10:6. We should not lust after evil things as they lusted.

Isa. 4:1. Diet a test of the true believers in the last days.

Zech. 2:8. God’s people are as dear to Him as the apple of His eye.

Isa. 53:4, 5. Christ bore our infirmities.

Matt. 8:16, 17. Shown by His healing the sick.

1 Peter 2:24; 3 John 2. Our health as well as forgiveness of our sins purchased by the blood of Christ.

Matt. 9:36, margin. Christ feels every tired feeling of His people.

Ps. 41:3, margin. Regards the sick in mercy.

1 Cor. 6:19, 20. Human body purchased by Christ’s blood.

Rom. 12:1. Bodies should be a living sacrifice.

2 Cor. 7:1. True sanctification embraces a clean body and a pure mind.

Rom 12:2. Which will not conform to the world.

1 Cor. 10:31. Will eat and drink to God’s glory.

Dan. 1:8. Will not defile the body.

1 Cor. 3:16, 17. God destroys those who defile the body.

Divine Agencies In Healing
Jas. 2:20. "Faith without works is dead."
Mark 1:30, 31. Healing in Christ’s touch.
Matt. 8:7-13. His word healed the sick.
John 9:11. At times combined rational remedies.
Heb. 9:10. Law taught divers washings.
2 Kings 5:10, 11. Elisha taught continual bathing as a curative agency.
2 Kings 20:5-7. Hezekiah given rational remedies.
Mark 6:13. Disciples anointed sick, healed them.
Jas. 5:14-16. Fervent prayer, confession of sins, and anointing with oil, classed
together in healing.
Mark 5:23. Hands laid on the sick.
Matt. 17:21. Sometimes fasting as well as prayer required.
Num. 12:13-15. Healing is sometimes deferred till God’s lesson is learned.
Job 42:7-10. Job was healed when he prayed for those who had misjudged him.
1 Kings 13:3-6; Luke 17:11-19. Wicked people sometimes healed when God can
be glorified thereby.

God’s Appeal To Youth

I am reminded over and over again how God's work can be accomplished through young people. In fact it is my firm conviction that the enthusiasm and vigor of young people will finish the work of spreading the gospel to every kindred tribe and nation.( I am including those here in our own intercity and all those who really do not know who Jesus is and what wonderful salvation He died to bestow on each one who will accept this gift)

This past Sabbath, I shared in my church some of the things that some of you have shared with me that is happening in your lives. The young people in our little church were inspired by what they heard is happening in your lives.

I know that there is much more to tell than what I know, so please, share with us more of what you are learning and how God is blessing you and your friends as you study His Word. Pray that God will guide you to share and what you should share. I am so thankful for the way He is blessing each of you.

1. What blessings do children receive from their parents?
a. Provision for material needs. “What man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will give him a stone? You know how to give good gifts unto your children.” Matthew 7:9–11.
b. Instruction and spiritual guidance. “Hear, you children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.” Proverbs 4:1. “The father to the children shall make, known Thy truth.” Isaiah 38:19.

2. For these benefits and blessings what do children owe their parents?
“Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God gives thee.” Exodus 20: 12. “You shall fear every man his mother, and his father.” Leviticus 19:3.

3. From where should their respect and obedience spring?
“My son, give Me your heart, and let your eyes observe My ways.” Proverbs 23:26. “My son, forget not My law; but let your-heart keep My commandments.” Proverbs 3:1.

4. When should parents receive special respect?
“Hearken unto thy father that began thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.” Proverbs 23: 22.

5. On what occasion did Jesus call attention to this commandment?
“Thou knows the commandments. Honor thy father and mother.” Mark 10:19.

6. Who else emphasized the continued obligation of the fifth commandment?
“Children, obey your Parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.” Colossians 3:20. “Children, obey your Parents, in the Lord: for this is right.” Ephesians 6:1.

7. What special feature did Paul note concerning this commandment?
“Which is the first commandment with Promise.” Ephesians 6:2, 3.

8. In what way did God promise to reward obedient children?
a. Life and health. “My son, attend to My words; incline your ear unto My sayings. Let them not depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.” Proverbs 4: 20-22. “For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.” Proverbs 3: 2.
b. Favor with God and man. “So shall thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.” Proverbs 3: 4.

9. How is the life of a loving parent enriched by a devoted child?
“The father of the righteous shall’ greatly rejoice: and he that begets a wise child shall have joy of him. Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.” Proverbs 23: 24, 25.

10. On the other hand, what does the foolish son bring to his parents?
“A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.” Proverbs 17: 25. “Who so keeps the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shames his father.” Proverbs 28:7.

11. What example of parental guidance did Abraham set?
“For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.” Genesis 18:19.

12. How did Isaac in turn manifest his filial devotion?
“And Abraham said, My son, God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.” Genesis 22:8. “And they came to the place which G6d had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.” Genesis 28:9.

13. What respect did Jacob show for his parents’ counsel?
“Thou shall not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan and Jacob obeyed his father and his mother.” Genesis 28:6, 7.

14. What beautiful example of devotion is recorded of Ruth?
“And Ruth said, entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goes, I will go; and where thou lodges, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.” Ruth 1:16,17.

15. How did Jesus show His respect for His parents?
“And He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them.” Luke 2:51.

16. What example of love for His mother did Jesus give on the cross?
“When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple standing by, whom He loved, He said unto His mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then said He to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.” John 19:26,27.

17. Because of the neglect of this commandment, what tragic situation will arise in the last days?
“Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.” Mark 13:12.
“In the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be disobedient to parents.” 2 Timothy 3:1,2.

18. What blessed reconciliation, however, will also be brought about in preparation for the eternal kingdom?
“And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers.” Malachi 4:6. “To make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Luke 1:17.

We are saved to serve Him

1. To what high service are believers called?
“And all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5: 18.

2. Wherein does the chief honor of service lie?
“For we are laborers together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9.

3. How readily should the believer respond to the call to service?
“I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6: 8.

4. How are those who respond to the call to service commended?
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that wins souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30.

5. What provision does God promise to His servants for the fulfillment of their ministry?
“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good -work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8.

6. How does He encourage them in their service?
“Be you strong therefore, and let not your hands he weak: for your work shall be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be you steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58.

7. To whom are believers to look for an example of labor?
“Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our Profession, Christ Jesus.” Hebrews 3:1.

8. What reasons are advanced for zeal in the Lord’s work?
a. Urgency of the task. “Say not you, There are yet four months, and then comes harvest? Behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” John 4:35.
b. Scarcity of laborers. “Therefore said He unto them, The harvest truly is great but the laborers are few.” Luke 10:2.
c. Shortness of time. “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:16. “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.” Romans 13:11,12.

9. How does Paul set forth his goal in service?
“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20: 24.

10. What claim was he able to make at the close of his life?
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, 1 have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7.

11. How does he, therefore, exhort other workers for God?
“Take heed to the ministry which thou has received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.” Colossians 4:17. “Make full proof of thy ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5.

12. What influence will our zeal have on others?
“For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has provoked very many.” 2 Corinthians 9: 2.

13. How will the servants of God be rewarded?
“Now he that planted and he that watered are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor.” 1 Corinthians 3: 8.

14. When and by whom will the reward be conferred?
“And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, you shall receive a crown of glory that fades notaway.” 1 Peter 5: 4.

"The Lord heareth the poor"

In this day and age we find many who will not work, or who seem to make the choice to be poor, and/or homeless. Some are scam artists and we have even read of "bag ladies" and the like who die with huge fortunes that have been untouched. Sometimes I think that the devil wants us to focus on the scammers so we will ignore God's teaching on this subject.

Is the Lord indifferent to the condition of the poor?
"The Lord heareth the poor." Ps. 69:33. See also 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. Read also 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.