Untitled Sermon

“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” ()

“And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” ()

4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. ()

2. How did the world come to be?

Miraculous creation by God, from nothing

“Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.” ()

“I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I shewed them; I did them suddenly, and they came to pass.” ()

“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” ()

5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that kby the word of God the heavens were lof old, and the earth †mstanding out of the water and in the water: 6 Whereby the world that then was, nbeing overflowed with water, perished: ()

3. Why do all men die?

Sin kills

“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” ()

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” ()

“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” ()

“But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” ()

4. What is sin? (What kinds of sin?)

Sin is anything that is against God’s law or love

“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” ()

“Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.” ()

“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” ()

“And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” ()

“Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, And done this evil in thy sight: That thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, And be clear when thou judgest.” ()

Old Testament Words for Sin:

sin, transgression, iniquity, wickedness (sin and punishment are often same word in OT)

Meanings

chatta'ath - Greek equivalent of hamartia - miss the way, go wrong

shagah - err, sin through ignorance, go astray - UNINTENTIONAL

pesha - transgression, rebellion - INTENTIONAL

avon - iniquity: perversion, depravity

mĕriy - rebellion, contentious

ra'- evil, wicked

tah'pukah, iqqesh - perversity, frowardness

'abar - trangress, go beyond

ma'al - treachery, unfaithfulness

ta'ah - to err, wander, go astray

chamac - violence, cruelty, injustice, wrong, falseness

New Testament Words for Sin

hamartia - coming short of God's glory (general term for sin in NT) ()

parakoe - ignoring God's word - ()

parabasis - transgression/trespass: intentionally stepping over God's line - ()

agnoema - sins of ignorance ()

hettema - fault: diminishing God's full measure ()

paraptoma - falling when one should have stood - slipping up (our sin surprises us) ()

anomea/paranomea - lawlessness: willfully breaking God's rules (iniquity) ()

“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.” ()

5. Where did sin come from?

Satan’s prideful self-exaltation: He is origin of sin

“Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.” ()

“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” ()

Adam’s willing sin in obedience to Satan’s temptation

“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” ()

“Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.” ()

The Second Adam opened the way back to God

“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” ()

Precious newborn babes are little sinners

“Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; And in sin did my mother conceive me.” ()

“Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he?” ()

“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:” ()

“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” ()

Sin did not exist at the time of Creation (even in Lucifer)

“And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.” ()

6. Why did God create man--what is God's purpose for each of us?

For his pleasure, in a relationship of blessing with us

“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” ()

God cares for man personally

“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” ()

God wanted to give us life, know us personally, have an everlasting relationship with us, and make us righteous

“Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;” ()

“The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” ()

“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” ()

“And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength.” ()

“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” ()

“Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,” ()

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” ()

7. What does sin do to us?

Creates separation between us and the Father

“But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” ()

Causes spiritual and physical death

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” ()

“Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.” ()

“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren.” ()

Withholds good things from us, restrains God’s blessings

“Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you.” ()

But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. ()

But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee: ... 23 And thy heaven that [is] over thy head shall be brass, and the earth that is under thee [shall be] iron. (, )

8. How does one obtain eternal life?

— Through faith in Jesus Christ alone —

A perfect man, and God, keeping all the commandments

And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. ()

Condemnation or eternal life is through one man only

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. ()

God sent Jesus only for this purpose

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. ()

The Word, and the Word of God about the Word of Life

And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. ()

Through God’s free gift of grace in Christ

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. ()

Simple childlike belief and faith in Christ

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. ()

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. ()

The heathen must receive Christ through faith by the preaching of the Word to be justified

And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. ()

Salvation—living condition to God, allows good works

For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. ()

9. What is Hell, and why do some go?

The Reality of Hell (Of which Christ taught more than others)

Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it. ()

And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. ()

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. ()

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. ()

The Nature of Hell: It is a Torment of Fire

And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. ()

And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. ()

Why men go to Hell?

Wickedness

The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. ()

A Lost Soul

Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell. ()

10. Why do saved children of God still sin?

Reality of Sin in the Believer

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. ()

For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. ()

Command to not live a sinful lifestyle

If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; ()

11. What qualities of God allows sinful men to be given eternal life? What quality prevents God from sending all to Hell?

Mercy and Grace

“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.” ()

“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” ()

12. Why are ALL men accountable?

General Revelation of Provision

“Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” ()

The General Revelation and Miraculous Nature of Creation

“The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.” ()

The Stated Fact of God that All Men Know of His Grace

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,” ()

“For 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; so that they are without excuse:” ()

The Advent of Resurrection of His Son, and His Gospel in the World

“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.” ()

13. How are our sins dealt with to allow salvation and justification? (see 8.)

God's Merciful Forgiveness and Redemption of Grace through Faith in His Blood - Confession and Repentance: We live by the same faith.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” ()

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” ()

And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. ()

Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. ()

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: ... 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (, )

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. ( KJV)

But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. ()

Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. ()

That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. ()

14. What responsibility do men have toward God--what is required of us?

He hath shewed thee, vO man, what is good;

And wwhat doth the Lord require of thee,

But xto do yjustly, and to love ymercy,

And to †walk humbly awith thy God? ()

And now, Israel, awhat doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but bto fear the Lord thy God, cto walk in all his ways, and dto love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, ;

Therefore nto him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:” ()

15. What is the cause of the new birth--"being born again," “regeneration?"

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God . . of water, and of the Spirit . . . ye must be born again.” ( AV)

Born

— (procreated, regenerated) more related to conception than to delivery (new creation)

Again

Of the Spirit

of God

"Created in Christ Jesus" ()

The gracious ‘quickening’ work of the Holy Spirit whereby He imparts the divine nature and life to the spirit of man.”

Partaking of the divine nature: Regeneration

When do we partake of physical nature? Our eternal conception

Eternal Life

“Ye must:” it is a necessity (ought, behooves, should, must needs) - "necessity in what is required to obtain some end."

Subjunctive mood: It is a choice.

References:

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” ()

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” ()

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” ()

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” ()

“Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” ()

Result: A new kind of creature - “regenerated”

Sources of the New Birth, Regeneration, New Creature

1. The Spirit

2. The Word (; )

3. His Name ()

4. The Gospel (1 Corinthian 4:15; )

5. Believing (, )

6. Given by Christ ()

7. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ ()

8. Gift of God ()

9. Through Jesus Christ ()

10. In Christ ()

11. tak(ing) the water of life freely () VPAM present active imperative

12. Witnessing/Preaching--Gospel Word proclaimed ()

13. Receiving Christ () (same word as )

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” ()

"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." -

take: actively take or receive by choice (present active imperative). It requires an action of choice on the part of the gift’s receiver.

Debatable issue

"Any good thing that we do is a result of the new birth, not a cause of the new birth. This means that the new birth is taken out of our hands. It is not in our control." John Piper

So then, why talk to Nicodemus, if it was already decided and God would do this, or not, without Nicodemus’ choice? Ye “must” be born again gives Nicodemus the choice (subjunctive mood in Greek).

I would ask any minister or Christian agreeing with the above if being a castaway was taken out of our hands, or committing the sin unto death was part of God’s sovereign plan.

To remove the action of accepting choice from the new birth seems a cruel and arbitrary heresy that is inconsistent with Jesus Himself stating in clear Greek verb tense that it is our choice or not to take of the water of life freely.

Regeneration means:

1. The Believer Is IN Christ.

See: ; ,; ; ; ; ; . 2. Christ Is In The Believer.

See: ; ,; ,; ; .

3. The Believer Is In The Family Of God. See: ,; .

4. The Believer Is In The Kingdom Of God. See: ; .

THE RESULTS OF REGENERATION (becoming a new creature)

A. A CHANGED LIFE — .

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

B. A DIVINE SONSHIP — ,.

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the SONS OF GOD, even to them that believe on his name: Which were BORN, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but OF GOD.”

C. A VICTORY OVER THE WORLD — .

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory thatovercometh the world, even our faith.”

D. A CHANGED ATTITUDE TOWARD SIN — ,.

“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law ... Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.”

E. A NEW LOVE — .

“We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.”

16. How has God sought men to bring them to Himself through the ages?

Commanding Adam and Eve personally

He sought Adam in his sin -

Creation and Provision -

Appearing to and calling Abraham

Bringing him to land of Promise:

Finding Grace, Noah - protection in destruction

; Hibernation and Incubation of Jewish Nation

; Deliverance

“He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.” ()

Reference:

Changing Ways He Related When Man RebelledCreation--FatherPatriarchal Age--Covenants (Noahic, Abrahamic, David)Nation-Law and Tabernacle/TempleJudges--restoration cyclesKingdom-Prophets and CaptivityChrist--own SonChurch--Holy SpiritAge of Gentiles--WordChristians -- transformed life

“For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:” ()

“That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.” ()

Rehearsing History:

wonderful marvellous things workstestimony in Jacobguiding them in wildernessgave them an inheritance and promised landlaw in Israelrighteous kings

Chastisement of His People

“When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and enquired early after God.” ()

Compassion, Forgiveness, and Restoration

“For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant. But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.” ()

General revelation

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,” ()

Creation

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,” ()

“The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.” ()

Conscience

“Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For 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; so that they are without excuse:” ()

“Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)” ()

SPECIAL REVELATION:

Special revelation is the direct intervention of God in the affairs of this world. It is God revealing Himself through special acts done by His Person. This kind of revelation has come to man by various means at various times:

1. Through dreams — .

2. Through visions — .

3. Through the Urim and Thummin — .

4. Through audible voices — .

5. Through animals — .

6. Through angels — .

The Law, Testimony

“For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.” ()

Miraculous Signs and Wonders

“They kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law; And forgat his works, and his wonders that he had shewed them. Marvellous things did he in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan. He divided the sea, and caused them to pass through; and he made the waters to stand as an heap. In the daytime also he led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire. He clave the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink as out of the great depths. He brought streams also out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers. And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness.” ()

Captivity, Judges

“For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works. Therefore their days did he consume in vanity, and their years in trouble. When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and enquired early after God. And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer.” ()

Gave them a Promised Possession

“And he brought them to the border of his sanctuary, even to this mountain, which his right hand had purchased. He cast out the heathen also before them, and divided them an inheritance by line, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents.” ()

The Covenants and Kings

“He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds: From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance. So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.” ()

- Covenant, Old

His First Love

“We love him, because he first loved us.” ()

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” ()

Prophets, Messengers, John the Baptist, Christ

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!” ()

John the Baptist

; John the Baptist (prophets) "Called unto them by prophets"

Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments. Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.” ()

“The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.” ()

Jesus Advent

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” ()

“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” ()

“That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” ()

Christ’s Life and Light

“That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” ()

Miracles

“He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.” ()

“And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?” ()

“Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.” ()

- Covenant, New

The Gospel

“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.” ()

Present Judgment in God's Wrath

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;” ()

Christian lives

“But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” ()

The Church

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” ()

“But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” ()

The Word

“And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” ()

The Power of Transformed Lives

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” ()

“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.” ()

God took the initiative in our salvation. See: ,; ,; ; ; .

Future: The Rapture, Revelation, and Royalty of Jesus Christ (see Question 33)

17. What is the Bible? What qualities does it claim for itself?

- perfection, light, authority, eternality, unchangability, trustworthiness, faithfulness, - truth and righteousnessPsalm 12:6-7 - purity; tried, effective preservedHow we hear God. Ro. 10:172 Timothy 3:16-17 - a fully functional complete instruction set from GodSpiritual food - (;; ; ) Alive, powerful, spiritual sword - ()The authoritative book from God (; )The words of God ()A complete book ()A perfect book (; ; ; )A powerful, effective book ()An enduring book ()Sufficient (, ; )A clear book ()The Bible is a completed book ()

18. What is "the faith?" What does "one Lord, one faith, one baptism" mean? What are your non-negotiables?

"Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us," -

"There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." -

"Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." -

The Faith is intertwined with The Gospel

"If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;" -

- first mentioned (“the faith”) - something from which one can be turnedActs 14:22 - something in which one can continueActs 16:5 - something in which one can be establishedActs 24:24 - in Jesus Christ, through the GospelRomans 1:5 - something which one can obeyI Cor. 16:13 - something in and upon which one can stand2 Corinthians 13:5 - something of which one can be in/outGalatians 3:23 - something of which one can be shut outEph 4:13 - something that creates supernatural unityPhil 1:27 - “the faith” is the GospelI Tim 3:9 - a mysteryI Tim 5:8 - something that can be deniedI Timothy 6:10 - opposite of covetousnessI Timothy 6:21 - something from which one can err2 Timothy 3:8 - a thing from which one can be reprobate2 Timothy 4:7 - something which can be keptTitus 1:1 - that thing which causes God's electionTitus 1:1 - it is after truth and righteousnessTitus 3:15 - the basis for real love1 Peter 5:9 - the basis of strength to resist evilJude 1:3 - something defined, that has been completely delivered, related to common salvationJude 1:3 - something for which we must contend for (can be understood and separated from "not the faith")Revelations 13:10 - the thing which saints have obtainedRevelations 14:12 - related to keeping commandments of God (from the heart)

19. Who is Christ? (What verses in Scripture demands a verdict upon Him?)

“And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” ()

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” ()

"And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." -

" 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." -

“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. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” ()

“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;” ()

20. What did Jesus of Nazareth have to do and be to be our Savior, satisfying God's demands for righteousness for us? (Justification)

SubstitutionPay the PenaltySuffer for usLive for usBlaze the trail

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. 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.” ()

It had to be done

“And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” ()

Made sin FOR us

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” ()

Suffered FOR us

“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:” ()

Quickened BY Him, WITH Him: "Paid in full"

“And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;” ()

21. What is "the Gospel?" What cannot neither be left out, nor added for the Gospel to be the good news it claims to be? (see 18.)

The Good News.

Man can be reconciled to God, be cleansed from sin, and live eternally with God. No separation between God and man. Redemption. Forgiveness. Restoration.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." -

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.” ()

"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." ( )

"The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; ... And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." (, )

"And the gospel must first be published among all nations." ( )

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." ( )

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised," ( )

"And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where." ( )

"And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans." ( )

"And there they preached the gospel." ( )

"And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe." ( )

"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." ( )

"Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, ... For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; ... 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." (, , )

"But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?" ( )

"That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. ... Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. ... And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ." (, , )

"For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect." ( )

"For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel." ( )

"If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ." ( )

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;" ( )

"Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ." ( )

"But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; ... But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?" (, )

"And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed." ( )

"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise," ( )

"That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:" ( )

"And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; ... And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel," (, )

"For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; ... But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; ... But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. ... Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;" (, , , )

"But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel." ( )

"And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. ... Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only." (, )

"Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; ... But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:" (, )

"Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:" ( )

"Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. ... But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you." (, )

"For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit." ( )

What cannot be left out? The blood atonement for our sin. Faith in Jesus Christ. Confession, repentance. (Roman Road verses)

What cannot be added? Works, religion, any human action--other than child-like faith and acceptance of the free gift of grace.

22. What part do works have in the Christian life?

"Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire." -

Not salvation

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;" ( )

"Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works," ( )

"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." ( )

Assurance and witness: Evidence

"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. ... Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?" - ,

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." -

"For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:" -

"Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you." -

Rewards

"And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them." -

23. Why is the nature of God as a holy trinity important?

Because we are made "in his image" and "after his likeness.”

Nature of trinity - spiritual, mental and physical

Manifestation of trinity -

Jesus, bodySpirit, spiritFather, soul/mind

Our soul is saved by conviction of the Spirit, in repentance toward God, and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ.

Our spirit is dead before faith in Christ. (Adam died in Spirit)

The Holy Spirit must, therefore, convict and reason through some part of our beings. Note: Our brain is a part of our physical body. So what part of us that is eternal, and alive, that can reason with God?

Note: The soul of a lost person is alive eternally (sadly in Hell if he doesn’t turn “in repentance toward God in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ.”)

It is our eternal soul that all three relate to - that accepts or refuses the free gift of salvation “by grace through faith.”

Without understanding the nature of the trinity, we cannot fully comprehend and understand ourselves, God’s nature, or God’s relationship to us in redemption.

It is this concept more than any other that helps emotionally and mentally unstable people come to an understanding of the war going on inside of them through the battle of the Flesh and the Spirit.

24. What is the primary attribute of God as far is man is concerned?

God is a ______________God. (Merciful)

God is _________. (Love)

“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 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. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” ()

“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.” ()

25. If one wants to understand God's full nature, where must one look in the world or Scripture? How is God best manifested to the limited human mind?

Jesus Christ of Nazareth

“Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?” (, )

“Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;” (, )

Christ is the "off-shining" of God; he is His imprint to us. We need look no further than Christ to see all of what God wants us to see about him and His nature.

26. What is the basis for the Christian to have unbroken fellowship with God?

"If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. ... As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 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. ... Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." - , , KJV

Obedience to Christ and His Commandments

"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" - KJV

"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." - KJV

"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." - KJV

Righteousness

"If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:" - KJV

27. What is the primary and underlying sin in man that God hates? What is the opposite quality that God states obtains His love and attention?

PRIDE

“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” ()

“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.” ()

CONTRITION, BROKENNESS, HUMILITY

“For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” ()

“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” ()

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” ()

“For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” ()

28. What is the Church? What are the implications of the proper view of the Lord's Church?

"Church" is mentioned 104 times in the new testament: over 100 of those expressly show that the church is a local, visible, called out, organized assembly of believers

(The etymology of the Greek makes it impossible for their to be any other connotation.)

1. The New Testament gives 20 references to churches in 14 different cities or towns — definite locations. For example:

a. Jerusalem — .

b. Antioch — .

c. Corinth — .

2. The New Testament gives 12 references to churches (always plural) in eight specific regions — definite locations. For example:

a. Judea, Galilee, and Samaria — .

b. Syria and Cilicia — .

c. Galatia — .

3. The New Testament also gives four references to churches (assemblies) gathering in private homes.

a. ;

b. ;

c. ;

4. The context in which the word “church” is used clearly indicates the fact that New Testament churches are local.

a. How can you “tell it” to something that is not there — ? The context of this scripture mentions a ‘local’ brother and ‘local’ witnesses — so why not a ‘local’ church?

b. How can you “hear” from something that is world-wide?

c. The context of indicates a ‘local’ assembly —see: verses 5,12.

d. How can you “serve” a universal ‘church’ ()?

e. How can the “least esteemed” in a universal, world- wide ‘church’ judge in matters between individual believers ()?

f. How can a universal, world-wide ‘church’ “come together in one place” (,; )?

g. How can a universal ‘church’ “communicate” with a missionary ()?

h. How can a bishop “take care” of a universal church ()?

i. How can a universal ‘church’ be “charged” and “relieve widows” ()?

j. How can you “call for the elders” of a church that is universal ()?

k. How can you “receive” or “cast out” people from a universal ‘church’ ()?

l. How could the apostle John “come” to visit a universal ‘church’ ()?

m. How could you “send” anything to a ‘church’ that is not there in one location ()?

5. Metaphors Of A New Testament Church Support This Assertion.

There are three prominent metaphors for a church in the New Testament. They are:

a. BODY — .

b. BUILDING — .

c. BRIDE — .

6. The New Testament Clearly Specifies A Church’s Constituency.

It is self evident that a church is an assembly of people. The question is, “just any people?”

a. teaches that those making up the membership of a church must first be saints — i.e., they must be believers.

b. further defines the qualifications for New Testament church membership by giving three words:

(1) “...RECEIVED his word...” — SALVATION

(2) “...were BAPTIZED...” — BAPTISM

(3) “...were ADDED...” — CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

7 . NT Church Discipline Supports This Assertion.

The fact that churches are instructed to keep themselves pure by excluding erring members (; ; ,; ; etc.,) demonstrates a very specific, limited constituency.

8. This bears greatly on properly partaking of The Lord's Communion Table and Church Membership

The Lord’s Supper is a church ordinance. It is to be observed by each individual church. It is a closed Table. Why?

A. The “Lord’s Supper Chapter” Teaches It Is For The CHURCH. Note the following statements from

1. verse 17 -- “that ye COME TOGETHER”

2. verse 18 -- "when ye COME TOGETHER in the church"

3. verse 18 -- "there be divisions AMONG YOU"

4. verse 20 -- "when ye COME TOGETHER therefore into ONE PLACE."

5. verse 22 -- “have ye not houses ... despise ye the CHURCH of God”

6. verse 33 -- "when ye COME TOGETHER to eat TARRY ONE FOR ANOTHER.”

B. A local church was instructed to keep the ordinances--the church at Corinth. See: .

C. The Supper Was First Instituted In A CHURCH Setting.

On the night He was betrayed, Jesus came with His apostles into a large upper room where other of His disciples had prepared a meal — .

(Based on , there could easily have been over 120 brethren present for that solemn occasion.)

However many were actually present on that night, it was a CHURCH that was assembled there. The apostles were all present.

According to the first members Christ set in the church body were the apostles.

At the conclusion of the first Supper, the Lord and the assembled disciples sang a hymn:

“And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives” — .

“Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the CHURCH will I sing praise unto thee” — .

D. We are taught that there are certain ones in public sin in our church that we are not "to eat" with:

"But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner;

“. . . with such an one no not to eat." -

Dad Note: Christ specifically modeled eating with lost sinners (to influence them for the Kingdom), and he says early in this passage that the "eating" is separate from keeping company, therefore, this can only be advising us to avoid eating the Lord's Supper with one who is in open sin, and there is NO POSSIBLE WAY that we can judge a stranger's life in regards to Communion -- only someone whose reputation is known locally that the local church can deal with.

Meals versus Communion: Secular versus Holy Table

Christ ate meals with heathen's and publicans, but He DID NOT do so in His Communion--that was reserved for His called out assembly.

"And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican." -

How can Communion be open if we are commanded to avoid Communion with anyone who steps into our midst who has no locally known lifestyle and relationship to the Body?

Commentary: Robert Sargent

The moment a church begins allowing those who are not invited to sit at the Lord’s Table, it embarks on a path of compromise that will ultimately lead to its destruction as a true church.

The church in Pergamos compromised itself by admitting heretics (spiritual fornicators) into its ranks; the church at Thyatira corrupted itself when those same kind of heretics seduced its members into becoming spiritual fornicators (). It is always a downhill course.

A church must also judge among itself. In preparing for the Lord’s Supper, consideration must be given to the external condition and testimony of the membership. The church at Corinth had “sin in the camp.” reveals a matter of great wickedness — the case of a church member living openly in gross immorality. The church was admonished to deal with the erring brother in a decisive way — .

"In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus." -

Church Restoration and Discipline

Church discipline ultimately involves removing a brother from membership. While such an act will open the way for divine judgment (up to and including physical death — verse 5), its ultimate goal is to bring about the brother’s repentance and full restoration to church fellowship ().

Until that point, those who are set apart under discipline are not to be afforded the blessing of church fellowship.

, — “But now I have written unto you NOT TO KEEP COMPANY, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no NOT TO EAT ... Therefore PUT AWAY from among yourselves that wicked person.”

An excluded brother cannot come to the Lord’s Table. The command of makes it very clear that church fellowship must not be extended to a brother who is disobedient and out of order.

"Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us." -

Symbolism and Gravity of Lord’s Table

The Lord’s Supper is a symbol of church fellowship. Church discipline has a diminished import if it does not require exclusion from the Lord’s Table.

*If all the Supper means is the communion of an individual with Christ, then a church has no grounds to keep anyone from it.

Self-examination and church examination are vital precursors to coming to the Lord’s Table.

Dad Note:

My Children, the Lord’s table will save your life.

If you reverence Communion unto Christ, it will cause a spiritual pause and taking of stock that no other element of your Christian life will take. I have had times in my life in which I am convinced a lack of self-examination would have led to my destruction, but through which obedience led to brokenness and surrender. If you take it for granted, you take your life in your hands.

There is no way that I could testify of these things to you with peace or authority unless I had obeyed the warnings and promised blessings of the Lord’s Supper. Never take it for granted. Cherish it. Obey your Saviors commands regarding it.

29. What is the most important discipleship factor Christ taught to consider in any worthy physical, mental, or spiritual project regarding time, money, energy or many other resource?

Counting the Cost

"For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple." -

30. What are the two ordinances of the New Testament Church? What are their scriptural authentic distinctives that, if following Christ's teachings in obedience, glorify Him?

God Has Delivered Ordinances

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." -

"Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you." -

Lord's Table, Supper: Memorial Ordinance of Christ for Fellowship

"And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me." -

"And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me." -

Baptism is a Pictorial Ordinance of Salvation for Identification: Pictures death, burial, resurrection

"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:" -

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;" -

"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." -

31. What element in a church's existence allows it to administer the ordinances commanded by Christ?

Obedience to the Great Commission in Relationship with Our Lord, by and through His Authority

"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." -

An Unbroken Connection to the Church Christ established during His earthly ministry

Added to the Church Christ had Established: Pentecost

"Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." -

At Jerusalem

"And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me." -

Christ to the Gentile World

"And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God." - ; And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. ... When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life." -

Dispersed from Jerusalem to Antioch and Mediterranean

"Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only." -

In Antioch (Syria)

"Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. ... Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul." - ,

From Antioch and Jerusalem throughout the whole region

"Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. ... Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: ... And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans. And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert." - , ,

"Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied." -

"And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region." -

From region throughout the whole world

"And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, ... And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? ... And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing." - , ,

"First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world." -

"And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;" -

Christ's Church, guaranteed succession

"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." -

Reporting back to establishing church

"And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles." -

Sending Church Authority, all the way back to Jerusalem

"When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. ... And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. ... And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. ... And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles. ... Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also." - , , , ,

32. How does the Christian approach the trials of life? (If your earthly father leaves you and others a legacy beyond helping you understand the battle of your Flesh, this is it.)

That we might serve others

"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. ... And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation." - ,

Christ knows and helps us, likewise, ministering to us in care and knowledge

"For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted." -

There IS enough time for what God wants

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:" -

God WILL work it out for Good!

"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." -

Ironclad Promise of Capability and Power

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:" -

The Attitude that Delivers Peace in the Midst of the Storm

"Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." -

Guaranteed Limitation in Faithfulness (P.S.: you're not the only one)

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

The Grow Us

"Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit." -

To Break Us

"Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. ... It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes." - ,

The Trials of Life Exercise and Strengthen Us Toward God's Glory

"I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it. He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end." -

A Quiet Time with the Lord, Waiting on Him, Taking His Strength, is the Key

"Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." -

Living in These Promises

Promise of Provision in Time of Crisis, and Obedience to God

I. God’s glory in us is best revealed through our peaceful waiting on Him in faith and dependence, in the trial ()

II. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. - Phl 4:19

III. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. - Phl 4:7

If we don’t have miraculous peace, despite our circumstances, and our hearts and minds are in turmoil, it is likely we’re living fleshly.

God promises provision of peace with stable hearts and minds ()

IV. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: - 2 Cr 9:8

V. "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD." ()

VI. : Satan means temptation to hurt you, God means trials to grow you and bless others. ()

VI. : Ironclad promise for limitation of trials

VII. : God allows it for ongoing, enduring, ultimate good.

VIII. : God expects us to rejoice and thank Him in all the situations that He allows.

IX. : Paul's great testimony

X. : Eternal focus guarantees God's provision and true needs met ("Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." - )

33. What does the Scripture say about your future before eternity in Heaven?

It will be filled daily with stress and will seem to rush by as you age (but God is faithful to provide)

"As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more." -

“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” ()

"Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." -

"Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble." -

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." -

The Day of the Lord Comes in Two Parts Ushering in Two Distinct Ages for the Jews: I) Tribulation; II) Redemption and Millennial Reign of Christ

There will be a catching up of the Saints of Christ into Heaven secretly: The Tribulation for Jews and Glorious Union with Christ for Saints through Eternity (Warnings to Jews, Words of Comfort for Saved)

"For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night." -

"Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come." -

"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." -

This "rapture" shall be secret, pre-tribulation, in the clouds, with great joy, for the saints, to union with Christ, in imminent timing, during which time Satan is loosed.

"Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth." -

"Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left." -

"Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." -

"For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?" -

"Wherefore comfort one another with these words." -

"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." -

"But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch." -

"And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come." -

"And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:" -

"And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered." -

We Will Be Rewarded When We Meet Him in the Air

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

During these 7 years on Earth, while we are with Him in Paradise, the Jews will be tried as a final attempt to return them to their Lord - after they accept Antichrist and He betrays them

"Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it. For it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds, and strangers shall no more serve themselves of him: But they shall serve the LORD their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them." -

"For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be." -

"And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate." -

He Will Destroy Antichrist's Kingdom at Armageddon and reign for 1,000 years as Earth's and Israel's King - exiling Satan to Bottomless Pit

"And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." -

"When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. . . . " -

"The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." -

"And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." -

"And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children. In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee." -

"And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all:" -

"Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south." -

"For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. ... That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel." - ,

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this." -

"When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? ... And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." - ,

"And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne." -

THIS TWO PART SECOND COMING HAS 8X AS MANY PROPHECIES CONCERNING ITSELF THAN CHRIST’S FIRST COMING.

His 1,000 year reign and the second manifestation of His Second Coming--the second part of "the Day of the Lord" --will be different in nature as follows:

Complete contrast

It will come AFTER the tribulation (), it is PUBLIC rather than secret (), it will occur on EARTH instead of in the clouds (), it will be JUDGMENT by Christ rather than union with Christ (), being preceded by SIGNS rather than imminent (), referencing the world and ISRAEL rather than the saints of Christ (), with Christ coming WITH the saints rather than for His saints (; ), and Satan will be BOUND rather than loosed as he is during the Tribulation.

Note from Dad:

**EVERY WORD EVER SAID TO THE JEWS ABOUT GOD'S TIME TABLE AND THIS TIME--HIS SECOND COMING--RELATES TO THIS SECOND PORTION OF HIS RETURN AFTER THE TRIBULATION. The church age and the rapture were a total mystery to all the prophets and the Jewish world. Concerning this time, when Jesus taught Jews he warned them, when Paul talked to churches he comforted them.

God puts a difference in His dealings with the Jews (look at Daniel's timetable) and His dealings with the saints of the mystery Church Age.

The Earth will be restored to an Eden-like state

Restoration of the Earth: Curse of Sin on the Earth is overturned

Righteousness on the Earth: ; ; ; )

"And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea." -

"There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed. And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them. And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD." -

For 1,000 years, we will reign with Him based on our Earthly faithfulness to Him in this life

Rewards of the Faithful: Positional and Conditional ()

Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make the ruler over many things . . .

"Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities." -

(How can one "rule over 10 cities" in Heaven, when there is only one city, Jerusalem?)

The Heaven Age, with a New Heaven, a New Earth, a New Jerusalem will be ushered in when Christ sends Satan to Lake of Fire - It is Finished, and All is made new

"And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever." -

"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 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. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 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." -

34. Can you lose your salvation?

Absolutely not under any circumstance

Assurance of God’s Perfect Power

28And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. 30I and my Father are one.

24Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

θ 14I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.

12He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. through

14We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

Absolute Assurance

33Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39Nor 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. through

The Unforgiveable Sin

The only sin that sends someone to Hell, “the unforgivable sin” – blaspheming the Holy Spirit – is not accepting His leading us to Christ. There is only one sin that will send you to Hell – unbelief, finally rejecting the Holy Spirit’s convicting power. Everything else is rewards and crowns in eternity.

A few other references – gift of God, by grace, once received, not in jeopardy, sealed, justifying, of Him, kept by the power of God once committed.

– free gift – shall never perish (double protected in Christ's right hand, within God's right hand) – none of them is lost2 Corinthians 1:21-22 – sealed us, given us the earnest of the SpiritGalatians 2:16-21 – faith justifies, Christ liveth in me, not frustrating God’s graceEphesians 2:8,9: by grace, through faith, not of ourselves, not of worksPhilippians 1:6 – will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ2 Thessalonians 3:3 – shall stablish you, and keep you from evil2 Timothy 1:12 – I know whom I believed, persuaded he is able to keep . . . – double proof, – kept by the power of GodJude 24 – keep you from falling

– :for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I’ve committed unto Him against that day.

Jesus saves, then KEEPS the soul of the one who has once committed their soul to Him.

35. What does the Bible call the process of growing in maturity, completion, and effectiveness as a Christian?

Sanctification: Holy Living, Set Apart Unto God as Vessels of Service

"By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." -

"For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness." -

In part, already accomplished in Christ's salvation

"For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. ... For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified." - ,

Based in Christ's Sacrifice, and Natural Expectation

"Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate." -

A Together Process, in correct doctrine, in love, for all in the Body

"That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." -

An Ongoing Process

"Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." -

36. What is God's will? Is God's will specific for each child of God? What is God's general will for all of His children?

God’s Direct, Universally Expressed Will

"Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish." -

“And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” -

"For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:" -

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." -

"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." -

God’s Commands

"If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace." -

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." -

"For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother." -

"Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." -

God’s Sovereignty and Pleasure

"Now therefore make confession unto the LORD God of your fathers, and do his pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from the strange wives." -

"Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, ... Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: ... In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:" - , ,

God’s Will as Life’s Compass and Focus

"The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts." -

"Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." -

"And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. ...O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done." - ,

"Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work." -

"I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me." - (6:29-38; - our example)

"But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus." - (; )

"Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that." -

God’s Will Ingrained through the Word - God wants you to know

"I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart." -

"Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness." -

"If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." -

"And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;" -

"Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." -

The Transforming Will that Witnesses

"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." -

"Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;" -

The Transforming Will that Matures and Completes

"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." -

"Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." -

"For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:" -

"That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God." -

God’s Will as Foreknowledge

"Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:" ( )

"And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them." ()

"For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether." ( )

"And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do." ( )

"Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice." ( )

"Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:" ( )

"For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren." ( )

"Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied." ( )

"Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow." ( )

Can you ruin God's will for your life?

Dad Note: I believe so. There are some decisions that change God’s plans for your life forever. There is a sin unto death. () Therefore, we can so resist God’s will that He must put us on the shelf () or even take us home early () due to our rebellion and wasting of our testimony.

Jesus, himself, affirmed that the will of God and Christ can be resisted, be rebellious will.

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" -

"Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye." - KJV

Because God is sovereign, He can limit His own sovereignty, and in doing so He limits His sovereignty to not override our free will to choose His way or our own way. We can surrender or resist. It is our choice. Even saved people can throw away the life for which God created them.

"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." -

37. What process does God go through with His children if they stray from His will in the Christian life? How far will God go in His discipline of His child if their sin and destructive behavior are going to go beyond a point of no return?

Reproof, Rebuke, Chastisement, Chastening, Correction

"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." -

First, Through the Word: Reproof, Correction

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" -

Through Parents

"Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee." -

"He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes." -

Rebuke: Caring Pastors and Brethren

"Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him." -

"Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear." -

"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." -

"These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee." -

"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." -

"This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;" -

"Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." -

"But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed." -

Then Through Hard Experience of Stress and Loss

"Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." -

"Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word." -

God is a Good Father Who Disciplines

"Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee." -

"Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:" -

"My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:" -

"For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? 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." -

Self-Examination and Judgment Required (Lord’s Supper)

"But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world." -

Death is sometimes the only way to stop the cycle and bring godly fear

"Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things." -

"If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it." -

38. What is God's sovereignty? (Baptist Doctrine, Sargent)

The word “sovereign” means “supreme” — to be ‘above all others,’ and to be ‘independent of all others.’ It is without dispute that our God is absolutely sovereign. This is affirmed by both logic and scripture:

A. GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY IS LOGICAL:

“To declare God sovereign is to declare Him God.” (1) If God were not sovereign, He would be finite — someone else would be master.

B. GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY IS SCRIPTURAL:

The Bible declares God to be supreme...

“Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all” — .

“For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth” — . ...and therefore sovereign:

“But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased” — .

“The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand” — .

C. GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY IS HARMONIOUS:

Sargent: Landmarks of Baptist Doctrine, p. 166.

“The sovereignty of God does not transcend or overrule His attributes — it is in consonance with them. This key fact is extremely important to keep in mind in order to avoid Calvinist-engendered confusion in matters such as predestination and free will.

The king-pin of the Calvinist philosophy is the sovereignty of God — the problem being that their concept of sovereignty leans towards capriciousness.

However, God never ignores His attributes just because He is sovereign and can do anything He wants to. The fact is: He is always holy, He is always loving, He is always gracious and merciful, He is always longsuffering, He is always just, He is always immutable, He is always Truth — and, He is always Sovereign!

God exercises His absolute sovereignty in ways consistent with all His attributes. He is never arbitrary in what He does or decrees.”

39. What qualities are inherent to God that make Him God?

Eternality (; ; )Never changing: Immutable (; ; )All present: Omnipresent (; )All powerful: Omnipotent (; ; )All knowing: Omniscient (; , )Creates out of nothing: ; :3Self-existent (; ; ) Self-sufficient () There are things God cannot do: Lie (), Deny Himself (), be tempted ()

40. What does a godly premarital life look like?

Summary Statement--

"Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity." ( )

"Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;" ( )

Knowledge, Discretion, Wisdom, Subtlety

"To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion." ( )

Timothy: Exemplary

"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." ( )

Mary: Purity

"To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. ... And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God." (, )

Joseph: Conversation, righteousness, holiness

"And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field. And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured. And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. ... There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" (, )

Daniel: In spirit--Excellence and education

"Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation." ( )

"Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. ... But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. ... As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. ... And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm." (, , , )

Christ: In faith and charity--obedience and favour

"And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man." ( )

Not raising desires that cannot be fulfilled righteously. Not inducing lust; not seeking lust; Modesty

"I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please." ( )

"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works." ( )

"To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman. Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids. ... Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?" (, )

Avoiding appearance of evil, guarding your reputation

"Abstain from all appearance of evil." ( )

"Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ." ( )

Weigh any questionable decision or behavior through COUNSEL, GOD'S WORD and GOD'S WILL: (When in doubt ask your parents)

"Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety." ( )

"Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established." ( )

"Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; ... For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God." (, )

"For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:" ( )

"And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;" ( )

"For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:" ( )

"My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:" ( )

41. What is God's direction regarding provision of a mate? Does He have a specific, best mate for each of us? What are your non-negotiables for a mate?

Eve for Adam: gift to him in a pure and holy union

"And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed." -

Not an Unclean marriage

"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 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." -

Not a Worldly marriage: right start, not lightly or fleshly

"And he shall take a wife in her virginity." -

"A widow, or a divorced woman, or profane, or an harlot, these shall he not take: but he shall take a virgin of his own people to wife." -

"And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:" -

Husband's role; protective, providing, cherishing, edifying, sacrificial love; Leadership; spiritual development of children

"Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered." -

"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; ... So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:" - ,

"Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?" -

"When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business: but he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer up his wife which he hath taken." -

Wife's role; submission in loving, enduring action, with priority on home; strong, disciplined excellence

"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord." -

"Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear." -

"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. ... Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing." - ,

"That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." -

"She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. ... Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come." - ,

COUNSEL

Creating a new and peaceful family: culture matters

"And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell: But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac." -

"And Rebekah said to Isaac, I am weary of my life because of the daughters of Heth: if Jacob take a wife of the daughters of Heth, such as these which are of the daughters of the land, what good shall my life do me?" -

"And Samson went down to Timnath, and saw a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines. And he came up, and told his father and his mother, and said, I have seen a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines: now therefore get her for me to wife. Then his father and his mother said unto him, Is there never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, that thou goest to take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines? And Samson said unto his father, Get her for me; for she pleaseth me well." -

42. How should you raise your children?

Landmarks

"That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones? Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever." -

Founded in the Word--the currency of your home life

"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates." - \

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." -

Make the Word the basis, and soul, of your training -- and do it in loving mercy

"And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." -

"Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged." -

"As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust." -

Finds his "bent" and train him along it

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." -

Teach them the reality of their Flesh

Dad: I can think of no other thing that will transform a born again child more than understanding this battle

"It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." -

"For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. ... For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live." - ,

"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would." -

"For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." -

Correct him early, consistently, and until the job is done

"Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying." -

"Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? 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. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." -

Remember to model submission under correction

"My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:" -

The Cause

"For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth." -

Notes from Dad: There is a whimpering sound that a child makes that God will tune your ear to -- the sound of brokenness and surrender. Pray about it, and stop when you hear it.

Little children understand a very few things--love, safety, attention, loss and pain are a few. Regarding discipline in willful rebellion, they understand pain the best. Don't give up, and don't be a coward. God prescribed it, and you apply it.

Children also understand one other thing--control. Never let your child be in control of anything--it will ruin them. The minute they sense weakness or lack of resolve in you they will use it to manipulate you. Their surrender will only occur if you have the courage of your convictions and you show integrity again and again. They need you to be in control of yourself at all times.

This is the proof of your true love for your child and their soul -- and you must be persistent

"He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes." -

Remember that little children are driven by self-will, sin and foolishness (but safe)

"Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; . . . " -

"The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies." -

"Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me." -

Therefore,

Spanking and Discipline

". . . but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him." -

"Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die." -

"Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell." -

Balanced with other types of discipline and active involvement

"The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame." -

Make Christ the center of your home, not your children

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." -

43. What is God's direction regarding physical health?

"Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many." -

1. Physical health is the normal state expected of a Christian

"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." -

2. We are a complete, three-fold package, for which God cares and has a will.

"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." -

3. God strengthens those who commit to and serve him

"As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in." -

4. Our body, and its condition, is the house through which God works

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" -

5. Our longevity and service can be shortened by foolish living

"But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee." -

6. Healthy living can add years

"The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away." -

7. Our physical body is a wonder that should be respected

"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. ... Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:" - ,

8. Our body is to be a sacrifice to God--what kind of sacrifice will you lay on the altar?

"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." -

9. Our body is the earthly house of the Holy Spirit

"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." -

10. Discipline is required for disciples to be examples of integrity, and serve with longevity

"But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." -

11. God heals us for His service

"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." -

12. Exercise helps for our whole earthly life

"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." -

13. Good Sleep requires Labor

"The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep." -

14. Sleep is sometimes the greatest good for your health and life's work

"And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep." - ()

15. The Lord blesses you IN your proper rest

"It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep." -

16. Sedentary living causes you to dissolve your own bodies tissues

"The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh." -

Healthy Righteousness

17. Stress relief leads to health and longevity comparitively

"He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation." -

18. A giving, loving, and generous life of Kingdom Service will move God to restore your health

"Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward." -

19. God knows that you need health--seek Him

"(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." -

20. Long life is in God's Hand but our best chance is in His will and service

"For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. ... 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. ... Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. ... She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her." - , , ,

Dad Note: My Children, you are bound to endure a certain amount of some things in your life, and God gives you choices regarding the things amongst many others. I have crucial counsel that I try to live by, and so educate others to do the same.

“You are going to have a certain amount of pain in your life - choose when and where.”Most people are going to have about 7 years of pain in their waking lives, due to inattention. That is about 40,000 hours of waking pain. You can reduce that by 1/2 and ENJOY the pain and it’s results for 70 years by simply choosing small amounts of disciplined pain DAILY. You can have INCREASINGLY vigorous health, and especially compared with your peers for the last 40 years of your lives, by this practice.If you care for your body daily from 18 to 90, an average of 45” a day, six days a week— whether aerobics, stretching, resistance training, or some productive exertion—that is about 17,000 hours of pain. If you add the 20” of pain not eating what your flesh wants for 2 of 3 meals daily, that’s another 40” a day totaling another 12,000 hours. I recommend strongly that you choose your pain daily, in bursts of 3 minutes to 90 minutes, regarding diet and exercise—especially in your 20s and 30s (greatest leveraged benefit long-term) to bring your body under, and enjoy the process and product of a disciplined, different physical life.Choose a daily and weekly lifestyle schedule that allows you to optimize the energy, capacity, and longevity of the only mechanism through which you will express God’s purposes and glory in the life for which He made you“You are going to have a certain amount of downtime in your life — choose when and where.” Most people will have about 7 years of waking “down” time in their lives (again, about 40,000 non-enjoyed, burdensome, non-productive hours) due to being ill, bedridden, postoperative, in recovery, or in the hospital. About 80% of that can be avoided, with joy and purpose in the recovered hours, if life is lived wisely day by day regarding daily, weakly, monthly, seasonal, annual, and special semi-annual (every 3-7 year) periods of planned downtime.Your rest and wisely planned “down” times will actually EXCEED your unplanned, non-restful downtime—in unproductively painful forced downtime—if you live wisely day by day, week by week, month by month, season by season, year by year, and decade by decade. The time “off” that you can have—with vastly improved quality and quantity of life—approaches 100,000 hours purposefully ENJOYED if you take proper daily sleep, a weekly sabbatical, monthly date nights, seasonal holidays, annual vacation(s), and decadal special vacations.

Dad special note: Mission work and special service is one avenue that the Lord will use to give you miraculous special times of service AND rest.

There is no substitute for taking one day a week completely off of obligations, work, and task-orientation - especially in worship on the first day of the week. This ONE practice will give you much greater mental and physical health and resilience against disease.Most importantly, plan and execute a daily and weekly lifestyle that allows at least 7 hours of sleep with reasonably early bedtime, and wake time before the demands of others take you away from YOUR life. This is best done when others WON’T get up - 5:30 to 6:30 a.m. Trust me, I fought this for years and finally at 53 have victory, and am AMAZED at the increase in productivity, emotional stability, and mental clarity that a regular, disciplined sleep life brings to Keri and me.Choose a daily and weekly lifestyle schedule that allows you to optimize the the rest and restoration which you will express God’s purposes and glory in the life for which He made you.

And, to all this, not only is the QUALITY of life better, but the QUANTITY of that HIGHER QUALITY life even better!

The living of an obedient life to God is GEOMETRICALLY and EXPONENTIALLY more joyous and productive than that of a fleshly, unwise, self-willed life.

Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed. ( KJV)

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. ()

The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. ( KJV)

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. ( KJV)

Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. ( KJV)

44. What is God's direction regarding work, provision, and welfare/charity?

That we work and provide for our own and then needs of others God brings into our sphere of influence

Adam worked before sin: work was part of God's perfect plan for man (even His Son)

"And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it." -

It is assumed in nature and commanded by God

"Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work:" -

"Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread." -

"And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;" -

Christians ARE to be GIVERS, prioritizing their local church and community, and doing the giving directly

"Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away." -

" Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again." -

"As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." -

"For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land." -

God states that work is the means by which proper charity should take place

"Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth." -

"I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive." -

God is for work and profit

"In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury." -

Labour is meant for our blessing

"For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee." -

Labour leading to riches is not to be hoarded

"Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom." -

Labour in righteousness is a good thing

"The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin." -

Labour in self-will, stress and drudgery isn't God's plan, and He won't bless it

"It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep." -

However, there are specific directives and limitations from the Great Giver:

Those who can work, and won't should have even food withheld until they change;

"For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat." -

The lazy have a will problem, not an ability problem

"The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour." -

We are NOT to enable the slothful and lazy

"He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him." -

"Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger." -

"The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing." -

"Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man." -

A lack of productive labor leads to many problems, including spiritual backsliding - improper charity and welfare can DESTROY

"But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. For some are already turned aside after Satan." -

Charity should be individually focused, and local, with knowledge--with special obligations upon the Family

Real poverty is defined, and we are commanded to help--Brethren first

"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." -

The recipient's character should impact the Church's taking them in (there are those undeserving)

"Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work." -

There are those we are commanded to refuse

"If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds." -

Charity is commanded for the immediate family first -- not a third party

"If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed." -

"But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." -

Widows (indeed) and orphans are a very special class to God, and we must have great compassion upon them

"Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;" -

"Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow." -

"And thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are among you, in the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to place his name there." -

Promises to those who give righteously in faith

"He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse." -

"Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days." -

"Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? 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? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward." -

45. What are the primary two sources of direction and communication with God regarding our lives? (Light, Illumination; Truth; Wisdom)

Prerequisite for Wisdom

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." ( )

"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." ( )

Revealed Truth

Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. (Ps. 19:18)

Discerning through Spirit

Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. ()

The Word

For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: ()

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. ()

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. ()

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. ()

The Spirit

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. ()

But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (, )

But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. ()

Christ, Through the Spirit

"Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures," ()

Wise, Effective Living - the Word

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. ()

The Word

"Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. ... The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." (, )

"Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things." ( )

Summary

"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: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places," ( )

46. What is the most difficult part of our flesh to control in relationships?

Pleasure, Comfort, instant gratification, self-expression, earthly possessions

"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." -

"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" -

". . . remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive." -

"I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity." -

Living for Pleasure, or Giving up immediate pleasure for enduring satisfaction

"And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?" -

"He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich." -

"But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth." -

"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." -

"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. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions." -

Christ endured ultimate torture looking forward to eternal gratification

"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." -

Waiting upon the Lord . . . toughest move in the business

"The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him." -

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." -

Dad: Remember, my Children, it is in seeking the Eternal daily that opens the windows of Heaven from God to you now and in the future.

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." -

"And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting." -

The laboratory for this is primarily marriage:

"Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; ... So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. ... Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband." - , ,

Dad Note: just now in my fifties I am coming to understand and fully enjoy the blessings of daily service and long-term faithfulness to your mother and God’s work—even on Tanna. It takes about 10 years to establish yourself as serious, and about 10 years to earn trusted respect and prove yourself fully. This is true in marriage or in mission work. Be patient and serve consistently.

Summary:

"Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David." -

47. What are God's expressed directives regarding money and finances?

It's all His

"The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein." -

"If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof." -

"The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine: as for the world and the fulness thereof, thou hast founded them." -

Tithing was before the law, and God will bless it now

"And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all." -

Tithing is on the gross income/profit (your taxes are a bill between you and your government)

"And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's." -

"Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year." -

"Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine." -

Tithing is through the Lord's local church (offerings are chosen voluntarily)

"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts." -

"Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come." -

"If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? ... Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel." - ,

"Any Christian under grace that is outgiven by a Jew under law, is a disgrace to grace." Adrian Rogers

Debt Enslaves

"The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender." -

Don't desire to make money to become rich

"But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition." -

Don't make money to consume conspicuously

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." -

Diversify your investments

"Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth." -

Be a giver

"Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth." -

God will take care of you if you love Him and give

"I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." -

Coveting and Endless wanting are addictive traps that won't satisfy

"He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity." -

God will use monetary problems to get our attention and focus redirected upon Him

"Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the LORD." -

Hard work is what provides

"Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread." -

"In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury." -

"Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase." -

Prioritize the Kingdom of God and all your needs will be met

"Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." -

48. How does God get glory out of your life and mine?

By Obedience and Faithfulness to God: Job

"And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?" - (God GLORIED in Job’s obedience.)

By Proclaiming the Truth of His Glory

"Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all." -

Thankfulness

"And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger." -

"And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me." -

True Worship

"All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name." -

True love and fellowship in the Body

"Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." -

By offerings to God's glory and mercy

"Then said they, What shall be the trespass offering which we shall return to him? They answered, Five golden emerods, and five golden mice, according to the number of the lords of the Philistines: for one plague was on you all, and on your lords. Wherefore ye shall make images of your emerods, and images of your mice that mar the land; and ye shall give glory unto the God of Israel: peradventure he will lighten his hand from off you, and from off your gods, and from off your land." -

"Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness." -

By NOT glorifying ourselves--calling attention to His glory

"I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images." -

"For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another." -

"Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake." -

"And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost." -

Faith, Dependence, Trust in Him

" He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;" -

Suffering for Christ

"Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf." -

Good Works

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." -

"Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation." -

Righteous, Holy, Sanctified Living

"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." -

Reverence

"Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." -

"Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;" -

Confession and repentance

"And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to the LORD God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide it not from me." -

"And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory." -

Transformation

"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." -

Glory to Glory, as God transforms us

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

By our growth

"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen." -

To choose God, and give up for Him, what shows transformation

"But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof: Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience? For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:" -

49. What is to be our attitude and response to our citizenship and governmental authorities? How must we respond secretly, privately, and publicly to the forced accommodation of perversion, the Christian persecution bound to follow?

We must obey God rather than men

"Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men." -

We must respect authority of leaders

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour." -

We must obey civil authorities until they attempt to force us to disobey God

"They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's." -

We must do this while doing good works in joyous way, out of love for, and to win, lost souls

" Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:" -

We must, in faith and trust, realize that God will provide a way of successful negotiation through any trial He allows

Do not disrespectfully criticize, speak evil of your leaders

"Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people." -

50. What repeated process will be required to make you useful for God, and allow you to become the person that God created you to be?

Brokenness

"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" -

"And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder." -

"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:" -

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 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." -

Read the story of the Prodigal Son - look at the brokenness of one son and the hardness of the other

"And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!" -

Look at lives of Peter, Moses, Joseph, and Paul. They all required submission and brokenness before God elevated them mightily and used them.

Even a great stallion is useless until he is broken. Then he can be used and guided and have a great relationship with his Master.

“God will give you MANY of the things many CAN buy, and ALL the things money CAN'T buy” [if you will seek His face.] Zig Ziglar

Closing thoughts

Children,

This will be the story of your lives: either transformation through brokenness, or of self-sufficiency unto wasting your substance. Our Lord will use marriage, money, children, career, church issues—even our own battle with our besetting sin— or any other means that He must to see ourselves, for us to finally come to ourselves, in brokenness. Without it we will throw our lives away on the alter of our own pride and self-exaltation, wasting much for that which our Father designed us.

You will found your lives upon the unchanging solid Rock, or upon the shifting sands and opinions of the world's wisdom. I live in the faith, and have set the example for the former, despite my flaws.

I am neither all-wise, or all-knowing, and am, therefore sure, that in some way I have misunderstood or misapplied God’s perfect word in my organization or application. But, I assure you with all fidelity and dedication that I have done my best to share with you the truth of God’s word regarding these questions as I have come to know God through His word. Here is the end of the matter as I have come to know the Lord and see His wisdom:

You are going to serve a Master. Which one? Choose wisely.You are going to be broken. Which way? Choose wisely.Someone is going to die! Only, who?

Either you will serve, live to, and be broken to the old man in the Flesh, or the new man in the Spirit. God made you to live, be broken to, and serve the latter in Him for His honor and glory. But, you must choose. Choose wisely.

Of that which is worthy herein, most importantly, please pass this on to your children, and your children's children.

If we can learn these things, and submit in truth, then I will watch in the cloud of witnesses with great joy and satisfaction that I found the life for which God created me.

I am so looking forward to what you, and yours, do in your life on this Earth, our service under our King in the Millennial Reign—and our family relations for that 1,000 years in a renewed Earth without the curse—and worshipping the Lord of Glory and the Lamb with you all for eternity.

Know that you have all given me rest and joy.

Love,

Dad

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