How to Study God’s Word – Part 1

There are, unfortunately, many conceptions about how to study and learn God's Holy Word, His true message to His people. There is, however, only one way to study, to learn, and to gain understanding of God's Word. What is that way?

The Bible says it best, beginning in Isaiah 28:9-13.

Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken. Isaiah 28:9-13

These scripture references are telling us if we do not study God's Word according to this revelation, we will be broken, snared, and taken by the Devil. Also, in the New Testament, we see that the Apostle Paul wrote to us about studying God's Word:

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. II Timothy 2:15

Peter tells us that no one verse of scripture stands alone, to receive the true message or prophecy from God: II Peter 1:19-21. Verse 21 makes reference to holy men. Note that this is plural; it was not just one man speaking. Who were these holy men? They were holy men that God had chosen to speak His Word, which became both the New and Old Testaments.

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; Ephesians 2:19-20

The Word of God is our foundation, beginning with the Old Testament (prophets) and ending with the New Testament (apostles), with Jesus Christ (the chief cornerstone) tying the two of them together.

Before we learn God's Word, He has to open our understanding:

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
II Corinthians 4:3-4

When God has opened our understanding, and we study the Bible this way, without prejudice, hard-heartedness, or brainwashing, we all see the same things in God's Word, and understand what He is telling us.

Those who reject the truth of God's Holy Word will be in danger of being utterly cut off from salvation, because they do not have the love of the truth dwelling in them, but rather, the lusts of their own hearts' desire. Romans 1:21-25

May God help us to submit ourselves daily to the direction of the Holy Ghost, to love the Word of God, to read, study and memorize it, and to continue in His grace. God bless you and yours, in Jesus' name!

BE STRONG IN THE LORD!

Who does God want to be strong?

God wants His people to be strong: true, born-again Christians who serve Him faithfully.

Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. II Timothy 2:1

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. I Corinthians 16:13

Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand, upon the son of man whom thou madest strong for thyself. So will not we go back from thee: quicken us, and we will call upon thy name. Psalm 80:17-18

Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God. Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed. I Chronicles 22:12-13 (David to Solomon)

What must we do to be strong in the Lord?

We know that good health helps us to be strong; physical exercise helps our body to be strong.

The Apostle Paul said:

For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. I Timothy 4:8

Godliness makes us strong, i.e., being God-like, being holy, if you please.

Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. I Peter 1:16

For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Leviticus 11:44

There are many responsibilities for us as Christians to live up to:

1. First of all, we must be saved and sanctified to be holy and to be strong in the Lord. No unsaved or unsanctified person is going to live holy; it's impossible.

Once we are saved, sanctified and living holy, we must stay separated from the world, i.e., from the people, places and things of the world, that may cause us to forget God.

Now therefore give not your daughters unto their sons, neither take their daughters unto your sons, nor seek their peace or their wealth for ever: that ye may be strong, and eat the good of the land, and leave it for an inheritance to your children for ever. Ezra 9:12

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. II Corinthians 6:17-18

Being separated unto the Lord makes us strong!

2. God wants our young people to be strong.

I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. I John 2:14-17

3. God wants us to be exercised

And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith. Ecclesiastes 1:13

Working out with weights is fine, but exercising ourselves in the things that are Godly is of greater gain or importance to us and makes us stronger.

But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. I Timothy 4:7-9

But godliness with contentment is great gain. I Timothy 6:6

Cf. Psalm 119:9-11, I Chronicles 28:9 & 20, I Kings 2:2-3

4. Parents' responsibility to do their part to help their children to be strong.

Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed. Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever. Psalm 112:1-3

Parents must serve God with fear to get this great blessing, and must delight in doing His will.

5. Faithfulness makes us strong

Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Hebrews 11:33-34

And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. Acts 3:16

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. I Corinthians 16:13

Examples of being strong in the Lord!

So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon strong, three years: for three years they walked in the way of David and Solomon. II Chronicles 11:17

Cf. II Chronicles 15:7-19

(Also see example in Chapter 14 about Ethiopians)

Being unfaithful or weak will cause us to displease God and bring trouble.

Cf. II Chronicles 16:1-9

Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. Jeremiah 17:5-8

IN CONCLUSION: We know we must be strong to overcome the flesh, sin and the devil, and according to the scriptures there are things God has given us to be strong.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Ephesians 6:10-18

The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength

Throughout the Bible that are many admonitions for us to be strong.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Ephesians 6:10

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Deuteronomy 31:6

Those are just a couple. But how do we become strong in the Lord? Several things contribute to our strength, such as our routine spiritual exercises, i.e. prayer, Bible study, and fasting. The main source of our strength, though, is the joy of the Lord.

Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them. Nehemiah 8:10, 12

That leads to the next question: How do we obtain the joy of the Lord? Where does this joy come from? As usual, the answers are found in the pages of your Holy Bible.

Hearing the Word of God and putting it in our hearts will bring us joy:

Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts. Jeremiah 15:16

Separating ourselves from the things of the world, and seeking God will bring us joy:

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:24

Also, in II Chronicles 30:18-27, Hezekiah had the people cleanse themselves from the idolatry they practiced under his father's rule, and they offered sacrifices to God. This brought them great joy!

Walking in the Spirit, and doing the right thing, will bring us joy:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit. Ecclesiastes 2:26

Giving our tithes and offerings, with a good attitude, will bring us joy:

Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king's work, offered willingly, And gave for the service of the house of God of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand drams, and of silver ten thousand talents, and of brass eighteen thousand talents, and one hundred thousand talents of iron. Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy. II Chronicles 29:6-7, 9

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. II Corinthians 9:7

Having meekness will bring us joy:

The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 29:19

Keeping God's commandments will bring us joy:

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. John 15:10-11

Trusting in the Lord will bring us joy:

But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield. Psalm 5:11-12

CONCLUSION

Here, again, are some of the things we can do to increase our joy, which will, in turn, increase our strength:

1 – Hear the Word of God and hide it in our hearts

2 – Separate ourselves from worldly things and seek God

3 – Walk in the Spirit and do the right thing

4 – Cheerfully pay tithes and give offerings

5 – Have meekness

6 – Keep God's commandments

7 – Trust in the Lord

May God, and His Son, Jesus Christ, bless and keep you as you continue in your walk with Him. Amen!

HOW BEAUTIFUL HEAVEN MUST BE!

Heaven, as we know, is what all Christians are striving for in this life. There is no greater reward for us than to live life everlasting in that place that, according to the scriptures, is far better than anything that we can even imagine.

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. I Corinthians 2:9

For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him. Isaiah 64:4

In order for us to make it to Heaven, we know to start with we must be saved!

And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. Revelation 21:24

And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. Revelation 21:27

And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? I Peter 4:18

We must strive to live above sin and if we do sin we must repent and go on to perfection.

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. I John 2:1-2

And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 3:2

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 4:17

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; Acts 3:19

Our sin must be blotted out to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. Paul gave us an illustration about making it to the resurrection of the dead unto eternal life:

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Philippians 3:10-11, 14-15

We must prepare ourselves daily to inherit that heavenly home. (It's a daily quest!)

Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. Proverbs 8:34-35 (Everlasting life) This verse is talking about wisdom of God, i.e., Christ, His Word.

Jesus: the wisdom of God

But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. I Corinthians 1:24

As a Christian however, there are many things that can keep us from that heavenly home. We do not have carte blanche (a blank check), so to speak, (i.e., eternal security), unless we keep ourselves in the love and grace of God. There are a number of things, we know, that will cause us to stumble and fall, but the single most devastating thing we as Christians can do is to allow pride into our lives. Lucifer, the devil, was one of the most anointed cherubs In the Kingdom of heaven! What was his downfall? Pride!

By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. Ezekiel 28:16-17

How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For 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 ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. Isaiah 14:12-15

The same can be our destruction!

The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. Proverbs 8:13

Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. Proverbs 6:16-19

Another very subtle type of pride that gets in the church is:

I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts; A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick; Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels; Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day. Behold, it is written before me: I will not keep silence, but will recompense, even recompense into their bosom, Isaiah 65:2-6

We know what God will do to us if we become proud. (He will bring us low!)

Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place. Job 40:12

A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. Proverbs 29:23

For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low: Isaiah 2:12

Christians must be humble to inherit eternal life!

By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life. Proverbs 22:4

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3-4

We must keep ourselves in the love of God!

Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Jude 1:21 (In Heaven)

After we do our best (by God's grace), and make it through all the trials, tribulations and temptations , while overcoming the world, the flesh, sin, and the devil, we shall inherit eternal life in heaven. Praise God!

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7

He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. Revelation 21:7

How beautiful Heaven must be!

A description:

Cf. Revelation 21:1-4, 10-25

And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. Revelation 22:1-5

IN CONCLUSION: Jesus further described more details about Heaven in:

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:2-6

May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ fill you with all wisdom of the scriptures and His love, and make it possible by His grace, for us to make it in to those pearly gates, in Jesus' name.

Salvation

What does "Salvation" mean? My dictionary gives this definition:

1. To save a person from sin and its consequences
   
2. The saving from danger, difficulty, or evil (in the Old Testament, trouble was referred to as evil)
   
3. Something that saves
   

Jesus said this about salvation:

And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:9-10

The word salvation is used 158 times in the Holy Bible, and the Bible tells us exactly what it means.

Salvation is listed 115 times in the Old Testament, where it is referring to God, our Father, saving His people, the children of Israel. It talks about what they obtained, or what was given to them, by doing the things God the Father commanded them under His law and the Law of Moses. In other words, what they obtained through obedience.

And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. Exodus 14:13

Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him. Exodus 15:1-2. This is when God delivered His people from the Egyptian army.

And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day: for to day the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel. I Samuel 11:13. We see another example of God delivering His people from an enemy.

Salvation is listed only forty-three times in the New Testament. It is here that the word refers to the greatest hope and gift of the entire church, not only to the Jews, but to everyone in the world who is chosen to be one of God's children.

Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 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. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. I Corinthians 15:12-19. Praise the Lord, Jesus Christ did rise from the dead and we do have hope of eternal life, through salvation from our Lord and Master!

Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. Acts 28:28

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16

How do we get saved?

For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. Romans 10:10-11.

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:10, 12.

First, we realize exactly how wretched we are in our sinful state, and how far we are from God. This makes us sorrowful, which causes us to repent (express remorse, turn away from the sinful acts, and ask forgiveness of God). We also have to believe and confess that Jesus is the risen Son of God, and that only His blood can wash our sins away. That part is free. You can't be good enough to earn salvation, and doing good deeds won't wash away your bad ones.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

After that, we must work to stay saved. Our sinful nature wants to keep jumping back into the mud.

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Philippians 2:12. What kind of fear is that? The fear of God! The fear of what the consequences will be for us if we go back to our sinful ways.

Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. Acts 13:26. More of that fearing God!

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. Sometimes, we will have to endure sufferings, as part of our perfecting process.

Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Hebrews 5:8-9. Jesus suffered and was made perfect. We have to do the same.

There are people who play around and say, "Oh, some day I'll get myself right with the Lord, but not now. I'm having too much fun right now!" This is foolish, to say the least. Do any of us know for sure that we will be alive tomorrow? Of course not! God wants us to accept the gift that was given to us, the life and blood of His only son, Jesus. He died to be the final sacrifice for our sin. He rose again to give us hope that we can live in Heaven for eternity, after this life.

For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, I Thessalonians 5:9

For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2

IN CONCLUSION

We are kept by the power of God, through faith, unto salvation.

I Peter 1:3-5, 9-12

Doing the best we can at all times, ever striving to do better and to learn more of the Word of God, will lead us to joy and everlasting life.

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 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. 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. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. II Peter 1:3-12

Being forgiven, being born again (being made a new creature, II Corinthians 5:17), and being saved are all through the grace of God, but it is only the start of a life of crucifixion, (denying the flesh) and going on to perfection through Jesus Christ. May God help us to do our best at all times, knowing it will bring only the best He has for us. In Jesus' name, and God bless you.

Knowing the Will of God

How are we to know God's will for our lives?

We must submit ourselves to God first, by surrendering our lives to Him; by being saved, and by reading and obeying God's Holy Word, daily. God's direction, or will, can be given to us if we will listen to Him when He speaks to us in His Word, (the Holy Bible, KJV).

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105 (God's Word will direct us.)

We must pray always, to know God's will, as well as knowing His Word, by reading and doing it. Unfortunately, God doesn't come down to us, and most of the time doesn't send us a messenger to tell us His will explicitly. But, if we acknowledge our need of His help, He will direct our steps.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

God wants us to know His will for our lives, and if we seek Him we will find it.

Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things. Proverbs 28:5

How do we seek God?

As stated earlier in this message, we must read God's Word (2 Timothy 2:15, Isaiah 28:9-13), we must hear God's Word preached (Romans 10:14-15, 17), and do the best we can by the knowledge and grace that God gives us, ever seeking more understanding and knowledge. When we have done these things, we must pray, acknowledge our need of God, and trust that He will direct our paths, when we don't get a clear answer from the Bible. We also must be patient in seeking God for an answer.

This is what Jesus said:

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, 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. 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? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? Luke 18:1-8

Pray, not faint. Don't get tired of asking, and quit. We must have faith, believing God will do what He says He will do.

Throughout the entire chapter of Hebrews 11, we see faith active in the lives of those great patriarchs. How did they obtain such faith? Through obedience, through works of faith, and through works of righteousness.

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. 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 1:22-25, 27

Also see James 2:14-26.

If we have this kind of faith, we can receive direction from God, as to His will. At times, however, our faith may be weak. Jesus' instruction in this situation was to fast.

Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. Matthew 17:19-21

And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting. Mark 9:28-29

Daniel fasted and obtained great results – an angel of the Lord came to him!

In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. Daniel 10:2-3

Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days. Daniel 11:12 & 14

The Apostle Paul fasted and received his eyesight again, and was given direction from God. He was told God's will for his life.

IN CONCLUSION

Remember how Jesus said we ought to pray? Asking for God's will, not our own!

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13

What is God's will for all of us?

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 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. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Romans 12:1-3

Pray to know all of God's will for your life.

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. Colossians 4:12

My prayer is that God would help you to understand and to do His will. He will bless us now (in this life) and in the life to come. Praise God!

Faith Without Works is Dead

I got the inspiration for this message by the Holy Ghost, from a conversation with a New Hampshire Christian, while playing a chess game. We discussed some issues about Christian responsibilities and one of the topics discussed was about works of faith. Needless to say, we didn't see the same things on this subject, because he refused to believe what our Holy Bible says about works of faith. He claimed that Jesus did all the work for our salvation, and that we no longer have to have any works to continue in God's grace. Well, let's see what our Holy Bible says about this.

What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. James 2:14-26

Our initial salvation is through grace, but the Bible is very convincing that after we're saved, faith alone will not suffice. We must go on to good works after were saved, just as Ephesians 2:10 says! Let's review some of the works of faith by great examples in our Holy Bible.

By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. Hebrews 11:4

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. By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. Hebrews 11:6-8

By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. Hebrews 11:17 & 19

By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. Hebrews 11:24-26

By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. Hebrews 11:30-31

There are other great examples of faith with works in the book of I Samuel.

I Samuel 14:6-16, 20

I Samuel 17:32-50

Now let's look at some New Testament examples of faith accompanied by works.

And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue. Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. Luke 7:2-9

Mark 2:2-5, 10-12

Matthew 15:22-28

Notice that in all three of these passages, the people had to act on their faith and come to Jesus. He didn't go seeking them out at their homes. They had a need and, believing that He could meet that need, they moved by faith and searched Him out.

The faith and works of Mary (mother of Jesus)

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. Luke 1:30, 38, 46-52

These are works of humility & the fear of God!

The following passages are examples of men who thought they had the works of faith, but had faith only.

Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. Acts 19:13-16

Matthew 17:6, 15-21

Numbers 14:40-45

IN CONCLUSION:

How do we have works of faith that God honors & will work through, for the sake of others? We know that we should follow the examples of the Old and New Testament men and women, as well as those who we have seen and have been assured of, that their faith with works is worthy of our consideration. Also, we know we have to obey all of God's word to be accepted (i.e., all that He has give to us, with understanding.) I am going to share a few scriptures that help explain to us how to have confidence that God will work His will through us for others.

Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. I John 3:21-22

There is a lot of information in those two verses:

• If our conscience is void of offense toward God, (our heart condemns us not)
  
• If we keep His commandments.
  
• And do those things that are pleasing in His sight,
  

Then whatsoever we ask we receive of Him.

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

• We must ask according to His will, to know that He heareth us.
  

For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. Galatians 5:6

• We must have love for our faith to work.
  

I Corinthians 13:1-13 Charity never fails! True love is from God!

The Fountain of Living Waters

Over the years, people have searched for water that could heal our bodies or cause eternal life. One man even claimed to have found the Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine.

Well, there is a fountain of living water that our Holy Bible tells about, and it's listed in several books of the Bible. This water does give healing and eternal life.

When we rightly divide the Holy Word, scripture upon scripture, scripture upon scripture, here a little and there a little, we can understand what that fountain is and what it means to us.

For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. Jeremiah 2:3

O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters. Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise. Jeremiah 17:13-14

In these passages, we see that the Lord God referred to Himself as the fountain of living waters. He also said that Fountain provides salvation and healing.

The prophet Ezekiel spoke of a river of living water, coming out of God's temple. The vision of the Temple begins in Ezekiel Chapter 40. In Chapter 47:1-12, we see that this fountain comes from God Himself.

Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under from the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar ... And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine. Ezekiel 47:1-12

Notice that this passage also speaks of the fountain providing life and healing, in the fruit that the trees bear and the leaves they grow.

It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there. Ezekiel 48:35

In this last passage, we learn the key to this vision. Ezekiel's vision is actually showing us a description of Heaven on Earth, either during Jesus' reign as king for 1000 years or after God our father brings heaven to earth at the end of that reign.

There are other prophecies in the Old Testament that speak of this Fountain, or river, coming from God's House.

Joel 3:18

Zechariah 14:8-9

There are references to living waters in the New Testament, as well. Jesus said to the Samaritan woman at the well:

Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. John 4:13-14.

Jesus made reference to Living Water flowing in our belly, or our inner being. He was speaking of the Holy Ghost.

In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) John 7:37-39

What must we do to receive this Living Water?

And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. Revelation 21:6-7

We must overcome sin and the devil. To those who choose to serve Christ, the fountain is open and free.

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Revelation 22:17

We all can be voluntary partakers of those Living Waters!

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. And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to 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 sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. Revelation 7:9-17

May God help us all to have that river of living waters flowing in us, to bless others and our families. May He help us to overcome all the enemies of our soul and to be partakers of those waters that will flow in Eternity. God bless you and yours, In Jesus Name.

Ask for the Old Paths

Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. Jeremiah 6:16

This ministry is rooted and grounded in the Word of God (the whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth). The message we preach, teach, and demonstrate to the best of our ability by that true Word of God, will bring repentance, life from death, prosperity and healing.

We have a responsibility to continue in those old paths of holiness, righteousness, and godliness, so that we can also reap the benefits of revival in our midst (i.e., have the presence of the Lord among us).

O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Psalm 63:1-2

There are some among us who need healing in their bodies and souls, and they will get that healing only through the old paths and the good way. Through doing what King David did, seek God.

We must be forgiven of our sin and converted.

To get these blessings from the Lord, we must first be forgiven.

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. Psalm 103:1-5

We must be converted, or changed into the new creature God requires us to be.

Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. Isaiah 6:10

We must return to the Lord, and stop following after our own ways.

Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. Hosea 6:1

We must humble ourselves and pray, asking the Lord to have mercy on us.

O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me. Psalm 30:2

Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Psalm 107:19-20

We must pray and hear the Word of God, rightly divided.

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. Matthew 9:35

And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. Matthew 4:23

My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Proverbs 4:20-22

We must call for prayer, also an exercise in humility and obedience.

Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. James 5:14-15

We must have faith and trust, believing in the healing power of Jesus Christ.

Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. Matthew 9:29

And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief. Matthew 13:58

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. Proverbs 3:5-8

May God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ help you to believe His Holy Word and give you all your requests according to His will. In Jesus name, Amen.