Bible Literacy Series

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

Powerful Prayers from Children-This Will Shake You [video]

The Fear of the LORD is to Hate Evil: Pride, and Arrogancy #shorts [video]

BIBLE LITERACY SERIES

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22

Overall Bible knowledge is extremely important and yet obedience to the simple truths of our LORD is even more important (Matthew 7:21; John 14:15, 21; 15:14; 17:3; James 1:22; 1 John 2:4-6; 3:18, etc.). Most of us have seen many people who were very knowledgeable in the Word who later fall away because they left their “first love”, (Revelation 2:4-5) They ceased from doing the basic things consistent with staying in close fellowship with Jesus that are required of us to remain in an biting relationship with our LORD Jesus (John 15).

“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” 1 Corinthians 13:13

Becoming “Mighty in the Scriptures” Acts 18:24

– For Individual and/or Group Use –
(Copy and paste and print as needed. Some people are printing these out and using them to direct some of their individual and group Bible studies.)

“Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.” Psalms 119:111

Jesus willing, this Bible Literacy Series is going to help facilitate what Acts 2 cites as the first and foundational component of authentic, Christ-elevating, New Testament fellowship – the continuing “steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine.” (Acts 2:42-47). Jesus is coming soon. In this day of great apostasy, the LORD is speaking to the hearts of His true remnant to get back to true, New Testament fellowship and Christianity. All who truly know Him are hearing His voice and searching out genuine New Testament fellowship and, in many cases, forsaking that which is not (Prov. 19:27; Acts 19:9; Heb. 4:7). They seek to please God fully, the way He gave us in His Holy Word, and “escape all these things that shall come to pass.” (Lk. 21:34-36)

The term “apostle’s doctrine” appears here in Acts 2, just after the day of Pentecost (birth of the NT Church) when the early Church was still pure (before deceivers began to ravage). This term speaks of the doctrines of Jesus Christ given to His twelve original and holy apostles in His earthly life, and to that great apostle Paul, the “one born out of due time.” (1 Cor. 15:8)

Let us view Bible learning as a life long adventure you engage in, daily.

The Word of God is the only foundation and Textbook for the life of true believers and the true Church for which Jesus will return. All other ground truly is sinking sand (Matt. 7:21-29; Lk. 6:46-49). Only His pure Word, which we are to desire, can wash and prepare those who drink it in for His soon return (Eph. 5:25-27; 1 Pet. 2:2). God’s Word is just that – GOD’s WORD, and not the vain words and philosophies of mere men. We are warned to “Beware” of such men and instructed to let His Word dwell richly in our midst (Col. 2:8; 3:16).

Whenever a local church institutes the use of a mere man’s book for a Sunday school or small cell group type meeting, red flags should immediately fly in our minds, and we should speak up in wisdom. Did the LORD not give us 66 glorious, perfect, and divinely-breathed books in the Bible? May God bless us to be Word and Holy Spirit driven and not driven for and according to a mere man’s purpose. When true Christians assemble (2 or more), it is to gather around the holy throne of the glorious LORD of all lords and glorify our victorious nail-scarred risen Savior. Such is accomplished by honoring HIS Word/message and no one else’s.

God conveyed to us the very “thoughts of his heart” in His Word and how dare we look to mere men when we have the divine oracles of the One who made all that is, the only true God! (Ps. 33:11; Rom. 3:2; 1 Pet. 4:11) These brief and yet potentially prolific outlines should make for a spiritual feast in individual and small group settings. With great joy and expectation to become more fully conformed to the image of Jesus, let us embark upon the diligent searching of His Holy Scriptures to know Him more intimately! (Jn. 5:39; Rom. 8:29) Truly He has graciously transmitted to us the very “thoughts of his heart.”

“The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.” Psalms 33:11

Saints, this “Bible Literacy” series is exciting and another way to intrigue one’s heart and tantalize the curiosity, learning the Word from different perspective/angles via thought-provoking questions. One at a time, allow the question to delight your curiosity and inspire your heart to uncover the answer to that question by going into God’s Word for yourself to find the answer. This is the earnest and practical exercising of ourselves in the Word (which is the mark of Christian maturity – Heb. 5:11-14) and will result in a more thorough and working knowledge and understanding of the heart and precepts of our LORD. Let’s escape what the Bible says is immaturity and “go on to perfection (maturity)” in Jesus and the knowledge of His will/Word. See Hebrews 5:11-6:3.

Let’s let our love for God, the fear of the LORD, and desire to escape the dilemma of ignorance, drive us to learn His Word for ourselves and no longer depend upon some other man’s supposed knowledge of Him who is “holy, holy, holy.” (Prov. 9:10; Isa. 6:3; Hos. 4:6; Matt. 22:29; Heb. 5:11-6:3; Rev. 4:4)

“And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and MIGHTY IN THE SCRIPTURES, came to Ephesus.”Acts 18:24

Let’s not be destroyed or embarrassed by a lack of knowledge of the Word of the very One we call “LORD.” No, instead, let us joyfully discover His truth, filling our own hearts with His Word and filling the hearts of other searching souls! God’s Word never returns to Him void, but always accomplishes that for which He sends it (Isa. 55:11).

Discover the Bible’s answers to numerous miscellaneous topics and become abundantly learned in the riches of Holy Scriptures! Like David, the man after God’s own heart, take the Scriptures as “an heritage for ever.” He said that the words of truth were “the rejoicing of my heart.” (Psalms 119:111)

Need direction in your personal Bible study or small group study? You may wish to print out these individual quizzes and open your Bible to find the answers (alone or in a group).

Break out your King James Bible and go through each question, referencing each Scripture given to answer the question. Your understanding of His precious precepts will increase and your knowledge of God will be enriched with the divine truth discovered within the contents of each Scripture. There are 10 miscellaneous questions presented per quiz:

(Duplication encouraged. An open Bible should accompany your study of this topic. Study each verse given in order to answer each question correctly. Print this document out and pencil in the answers in the blanks provided. It may be best to cut and paste it to your word processing software and then print it out. Your life in Christ will be enriched forever as you embrace and put into practice His Word.)

BIBLE LITERACY QUIZ A:

1. What withholds “good things” from our lives? Jeremiah 5:25

_______________________________________________________

2. Who “knoweth not God”? 1 John 4:8

_______________________________________________________

3. According to Christ, do earthly riches make the man/woman? Do they have anything to do with his significance/value? Luke 12:15

_____________________________________________________________________

4. Who did Jesus tell us He was sending after He rose again from the dead? John 14:26; 15:26; 16:7

_______________________________________________________

5. What are believers to purposely allow to “dwell” in them as individuals and when fellowshipping with other saints? Colossians 3:16

_______________________________________________________

6. What and who was the apostle Paul attempting to keep the believers “safe” from as seen in Philippians 3:1-2?

_____________________________________________________________________

7. Who did Paul tell us he “evidently” (clearly) set forth in the midst of God’s people? Galatians 3:1

_______________________________________________________

8. Did Paul use his ministry position to elevate self or someone else? And if someone else, who was that someone else? 2 Corinthians 4:5

_______________________________________________________

9. Who did Jesus tell us would be “blessed” in Revelation 1:3?

_______________________________________________________

10. Who knows he has a short time to do his work and has therefore picked up the pace and now feverishly seeks to impose his will? Revelation 12:12

_______________________________________________________

BIBLE LITERACY QUIZ B:

1. On what basis did David approach God as witnessed in Psalms 5:7? There’s a twofold answer.

_______________________________________________________

2. What does God give “to a man that is good in his sight”? Ecc. 2:26

_______________________________________________________

3. According to 1 John 3:15, who does the LORD define as a “murderer”?

_______________________________________________________

4. According Psalms 16:11 where do “fullness of joy” and “pleasures forevermore” abide?

_______________________________________________________

5. What will be withheld from those who “walk uprightly” with the LORD? Psalms 84:11

_______________________________________________________

6. Who will be kept from the evil woman? Eccl. 7:26

_______________________________________________________

7. Do those who do not love the brethren have eternal life abiding (remaining) in them?
1 John 3:15

_______________________________________________________

8. When did the psalmist tell the LORD that He would hear his “voice” and “prayer”? Psalms 5:3

_______________________________________________________

9. Finish 1 John 4:8: “He that loveth not ____________________________________________.”

10. According to Revelation 22:18-19, whose names are promised to be taken out of the “book of life, and out of the holy city”?

_______________________________________________________

BIBLE LITERACY QUIZ C:

1. Is the fear of the LORD a choice? Proverbs 1:29

_______________________________________________________

2. Who are we instructed to “rebuke…sharply”? Titus 1:10-13

_______________________________________________________

3. What is “the conclusion of the whole matter” of this life? Ecclesiastes 12:13

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4. To whom did the LORD give the promise of becoming “sons of God”? John 1:12

_______________________________________________________

5. What happens when a person once truly saved begins to live after “the flesh” or sinful nature? Romans 8:13

_______________________________________________________

6. In the eyes of the One who is “holy, holy, holy”, does wrongdoing actually require the literal act or just the consummated lust in the heart? Matthew 5:28

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7. What is the very last divine promise given in the Bible? Revelation 22:20

_______________________________________________________

8. Write out Genesis 1:1 below:

_______________________________________________________

9. What does the LORD God see when He looks upon unredeemed mankind? Genesis 6:5

_______________________________________________________

10. What is every currently saved person doing in light of Christ’s soon return? 1 John 3:3

_______________________________________________________

BIBLE LITERACY QUIZ D:

1. What makes a man’s face to shine? Ecclesiastes 8:1

_______________________________________________________

2. What 2 things does the LORD do when one of His children repents and confess their sins to Him? 1 John 1:9

_______________________________________________________

3. As God’s sons and daughters, who is our fellowship with? 1 John 1:3; 2 Corinthians 13:14

_______________________________________________________

4. What 3 things are we instructed to do in Ephesians 4:32?

_______________________________________________________

5. Who did Jesus promise would be filled? Matthew 5:6

_______________________________________________________

6. How did Jesus instruct us to “preserve” our lives? Luke 17:33

_______________________________________________________

7. Who is “worthy of his hire”? 1 Timothy 5:18

_______________________________________________________

8. Whom are we instructed to “bestow more abundant honour” upon? 1 Corinthians 12:23

_______________________________________________________

9. Why are believers instructed to “examine” themselves (their current spiritual state)? 2 Corinthians 13:5

_______________________________________________________

10. What did Jacob say he was not worthy of? Genesis 32:10

_______________________________________________________

BIBLE LITERACY QUIZ E:

1.What did the LORD tell us here is “the conclusion of the whole matter” and “the whole duty of man”? Eccl. 12:13

_______________________________________________________

2. Who did Jesus promise to give His “hidden manna” to? Rev. 2:17

_______________________________________________________

3. What should a believer expect to receive from his giving? Luke 6:35

_______________________________________________________

4. According to Joel 2:13, what does the LORD require that we render to Him?

_______________________________________________________

5. According to Micah 6:8, “what doth the LORD require of thee”?

_______________________________________________________

6. Who did the LORD tell us is worthy of “double honour”? 1 Timothy 5:17

_______________________________________________________

7. What did Jesus tell us to do when we see the signs of His soon return? Luke 21:28

_______________________________________________________

8. Who did Jesus promise would “see God”? Matthew 5:8

_______________________________________________________

9. Who did the LORD tell us His ears are opened to? 1 Peter 3:12

_______________________________________________________

10. According to 1 John 2:11, who is living in spiritual darkness?

_______________________________________________________

BIBLE LITERACY QUIZ F:

1. What is “unsearchable”? Psalms 145:3

_______________________________________________________

2. Who does the LORD reserve His “secret” for? Psalms 25:14

_______________________________________________________

3. According to John 5:39, who is the central theme of all of God’s Word?

_______________________________________________________

4. According to 1 Timothy 6:6, what two components of the Christian life make for “great gain”?

_______________________________________________________

5. Who are older women instructed to teach? Titus 2:3

_______________________________________________________

6. Complete Philemon 1:7: “For we have great joy and consolation in thy love

_______________________________________________________.”

7. Whose words did God instruct the prophet Ezekiel to use when He spoke to His people? Ezekiel 3:4

_______________________________________________________

8. Complete Matthew 10:28: “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul:

but rather ______________________________________________________.”

9. What does the Word tell us is “the root of all evil”? 1 Timothy 6:10

_______________________________________________________

10. What were we “not” saved by? Titus 3:5

_______________________________________________________

BIBLE LITERACY QUIZ G:

1. Why are we not “consumed”? Lamentations 3:22

_______________________________________________________

2. What did we bring into the earth? 1 Timothy 6:7

_______________________________________________________

3. Complete Romans 4:4-5: “Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of

debt. But _____________________________________________________, but believeth

on him that justifieth __________________________________, his faith is counted for righteousness.”

4. What materials will we carry out of this earth with us when we die? 1 Timothy 6:7

_______________________________________________________

5. What are believers in Jesus to be “careful to maintain”? Titus 3:8

_______________________________________________________

6. Complete Romans 5:17: “For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much

more they which receive ______________________________________________ and of

_________________________________________ shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)”

7. According to 1 Timothy 5:12, what can be “cast off”?

_______________________________________________________

8. What are we told to “lay hold on”? 1 Timothy 6:12

_______________________________________________________

9. How many things “are possible to him that believeth”? Mark 9:23

_______________________________________________________

10. What is concluded in Romans 3:28?

_______________________________________________________

BIBLE LITERACY QUIZ H:

1. Why did God reject king Saul and replace him with a more noble man? 1 Samuel 15:26-28

_______________________________________________________

2. What are the names of the two sons of Adam and Eve listed in Genesis 4:1-2

_______________________________________________________

3. What two types of locations did the early church meet in? Acts 2:46

_______________________________________________________

4. What 4 things were going on in the early believer’s meetings? Acts 2:42

_______________________________________________________

5. Why did Jesus die to purchase His people? Ephesians 5:25-27

_______________________________________________________

6. Complete Romans 4:7-8: “Saying, Blessed are they

___________________________________

___________________________________________, and whose sins are covered.

___________________________________to whom the Lord will not impute sin.”

7. What chapter of the Bible lists the Ten Commandments?

_______________________________________________________

8. Who was Esau’s brother? Genesis 25:25-26

_______________________________________________________

9. According to 1 Timothy 5:12, what will all those have who “cast off their first faith” experience?

_______________________________________________________

10. Who is the “only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords”? 1 Timothy 6:14-15

_______________________________________________________

BIBLE LITERACY QUIZ I:

1. How do we “break off” sin in our lives? Daniel 4:27

_______________________________________________________

2. What “things belong unto the LORD”? Deuteronomy 29:29

_______________________________________________________

3. When are men to “seek ye the LORD”? Isaiah 55:6

_______________________________________________________

4. Complete Proverbs 4:4: “He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine

_________________________: keep my commandments, and _______.

5. How shall one “abide satisfied”? Proverbs 19:23

_______________________________________________________

6. Why did Jesus come to the world? Matthew 1:21

_______________________________________________________

7. How many times did Jesus tell us to forgive our brothers? Matthew 18:21-22

________________________________________________________________

8. How are God’s children to “love one another”? 1 Peter 1:22

_______________________________________________________

9. Who did the LORD tell us will “abide (have life) forever”? 1 John 2:17

_______________________________________________________

10. Complete the following from 2 Peter 1:3: “According as his divine

power hath given unto us __________________________________

______________________________, through the knowledge of him that hath
called us to glory and virtue.”

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Support | STORE | Podcasts

Teach the Bible [podcast]

Abiding

“NEVER take a Vacation from God” [podcast]

God’s Word teaches us to be diligent in knowing and following Christ – even when the word diligent is not used.

“Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11

Make the deliberate decision to “set…

“Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the Lord God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the Lord.” 1 Chronicles 22:19

“Don’t you EVER take a vacation from God!” said my first pastor.

This beloved brother knew exactly what happens when the disciple relaxes in his seeking of the LORD. Think foolish virgins. The result can be deadly, irrevocably.

He was dead on in this warning. Give the flesh an inch and it will take a mile, right?

Have you ever slipped backward? If so, you know it started with just not reading God’s Word one day. That one day turned into two, three…. Right?

Never must this happen. The war is won in the now. You must “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

God requires that we “give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall” (2 Peter 1:10).

It’s only those who remain built up in Christ like the wise virgins of Jesus’ parable, who “keep” themselves “in the love of God” who are not going to fall away.

“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. … Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” Jude 20-25

Jesus warns:

“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41

How did this kind of wisdom get lost from us beloved of God?

The disciple must get out ahead of the flesh. He must be one step ahead – knowing by testimony of the Word and by personal experience that there is “NO good thing” in us other than Jesus (Romans 7:18). This is exactly why Paul also said things like:

“I die daily.” 1 Corinthians 15:31

“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Corinthians 9:27

Exhorting the sheep of Christ, one pastor said:

“Have fun this summer. Enjoy the outdoors. Travel to see friends and family. Explore the world. Just don’t take a vacation from God. He loves you more than you can imagine and wants to keep refilling your sack with his awesome gifts so that you can keep sharing them with others in your life!”

“The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.” Proverbs 13:19

Various Quotes on the Importance of Diligence

“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.”―Calvin Coolidge

“But I never could have done what I have done, without the habits of punctuality, order, and diligence…”―Charles Dickens

“Prefer diligence before idleness, unless you esteem rust above brightness.”―Plato

“Diligence is the mother of good fortune.”―Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

“Amateurs look for inspiration; the rest of us just get up and go to work.”―Chuck Close

“If he [Thomas Edison] had a needle to find in a haystack, he would not stop to reason where it was most likely to be, but would proceed at once with the feverish diligence of a bee, to examine straw after straw until he found the object of his search.”―Nikola Tesla

“Laziness looks at excuses as something to treasure while diligence always focuses on excuses as an inconvenience to be overcome.”―Dr. Lucas D. Shallua

“The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are, first, hard work; second, stick-to-itiveness; third, common sense.”―Thomas Alva Edison

“That which ordinary men are fit for, I am qualified in, and the best of me is diligence.”―William Shakespeare

“Active valour may often be the present of nature; but such patient diligence can be the fruit only of habit and discipline.”―Edward Gibbon

“Diligence overcomes difficulties; sloth makes them.”―Benjamin Franklin

“The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.” Proverbs 26:13

“In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.” Proverbs 14:23

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” 1 Peter 1:13

“Wherefore – Having such encouragement. Gird up the loins of your mind – As persons in the eastern countries were wont, in travelling or running, to gird up their long garments, so gather ye up all your thoughts and affections, and keep your mind always disencumbered and prepared to run the race which is set before you. Be watchful – As servants that wait for their Lord. And hope to the end – Maintain a full expectation of all the grace – The blessings flowing from the free favour of God. Which shall be brought to you at the final revelation of Jesus Christ – And which are now brought to you by the revelation of Christ in you.“―John Wesley

“Slothfulness (laziness, lack of diligence) casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.” Proverbs 19:15

Power Words Power our Lives!

Remember those power words your parents instilled in your growing up? Remember things like “readers are leaders”? How about “The early bird gets the worm”?

What are some of the good words your beloved parents instilled in you as a child that live on in your mind and heart daily?

My beloved father taught us five to “always be consistent.” Oh and these weren’t just words. Oh no. My brother and I are only 13 months apart and so when we started playing football at about 6 years old, my parents set us down and looked us in the eyes and said “If you start this football season, you WILL finish. We require it of you, so count the cost.”

Nothing replaces consistency. Say it out loud with me right now beloved of God – CONSISTENCY.

While we’re on this topic, I hope you won’t mind me saying that it is befuddling to see how people start doing something that works and then quit – from a work out program to a lifestyle change in eating and most devastatingly, serving God then quitting.

Wait a minute, you were doing _______ and it was working, was blessing you, and then you quit?

Hebrews 10:32-39

“But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;
33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.
34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.”

Hebrews 6:9-12

“But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. 10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

62 times the words “diligent,” “diligence,” and “diligently” appear in Holy Scripture.

Each time we read these words, they pertain specifically to serving God “diligently” with “diligence.”

“Diligent”

“He becometh poor (spiritually) that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich (spiritually).” Proverbs 10:4

“Diligence”

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23

“Diligently”

appears 37 times in God’s Word

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that DILIGENTLY seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

“Looking DILIGENTLY lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;” Hebrews 12:15

“Keep your dukes up!”

Growing up boxing, from home training to being on a golden gloves team in high school, the command of the coaches was always and repeatedly “Keep your dukes up!”

Those who drop their dukes, their hands from covering their face, get hit, get knocked out.

Another sign on the wall of that boxing facility was: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” unknown

We are going to go through what Jesus foretold:

“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” Matthew 24:21-22

YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, in the name of Jesus I come to You now. Please forgive my sins of self-idolatry, slothfulness, and spiritual adultery.

Putting God First [podcast]

If God’s Word isn’t important to you, it’s because He isn’t important to you. If anything comes before the LORD in your day, you are an idolater. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3 GOD’s WORD cannot get into you if you aren’t into it. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 Jesus commanded: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 As you seek God, […]

"He that Loveth Pureness of Heart" [podcast]

IS YOUR HEART PURE BEFORE THE ALMIGHTY BELOVED? TODAY is our day, it’s your day, to throw up those hands and that heart to the LORD who made you, and cry out to Him to grant you a pure heart, one that is innocent, clean, washed, delighting in Him. “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalms 37:4 When the LORD is truly working in a man, that man is learning to love “pureness of heart.” “He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall […]

Are You a “Dream Chaser” or a Jesus Seeker? [podcast]

“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.” John 5:30 Jesus didn’t come to the earth to seek His own will or dream His own dreams but rather to do the will of His Father. “And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” Luke 22:41-42 Christ’s […]

Nourished Up and Enduring to the End [podcast]

Recently a dear brother in Christ related this testimony to me of our LORD’s work in his life: “I had a ‘back to Jesus’ moment after the election. As I was horribly disappointed in our country and the dividing of even my own friends, I was praying: ‘I’ve lost faith in my country, I’ve lost faith in my friends…’ then it hit me… I had put my faith in the wrong things. It’s so easy to depend on others. But now I am trusting only in my Lord and Savior.” “For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose […]

Articles

How Do You Get Around the Idea That All Israel Shall be Saved? Steve Gregg [video]

“Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:” Romans 9:6

“The remnant shall be saved, not the race.” Steve Gregg

“If one reads Romans Chapters 9-11, he will see that all the way through, it was only a remnant that would truly believe.” unknown

7 Questions on Justification [podcast]

7 Questions on Justification How is fallen mankind made righteous, justified in the eyes of a holy God? (Romans 3:21-28; Galatians 2:16) What law makes New Testament believers “free from the law of sin and death”? (Romans 8:2) What could the law not do? (Romans 8:3-4) What is fulfilled in the life of the born again, Spirit-led New Testament follower of Christ? (Romans 3:31; 8:3-4) How does the Law apply to saints? How does it apply to sinners? (1 Timothy 1:9-11) Can anyone be justified by the works of the law, by law-keeping? Become intimately familiar with Galatians 2:4-5, 16; […]

Dispensationalism Exposed and Destroyed [podcast]

Beware of theological systems. Get and remain organic in your study of God’s Word. Allow no mere man to think, to reason for you! Beware of the dispensational heretics. It’s a cult system full of lies including the “eternal security” fairytale which is espoused by moral cowards who refuse to truly repent, lay down their lives in this sinful world, take up the cross daily and follow Jesus in the crucified life (Luke 9:23-24, etc.). Dispensational heretics claim that only Paul’s writings are important for New Testament saints. They say that Paul’s writing are written TO New Testament saints […]

Articles

Bearing the Precious Seed of God’s Word [podcast]

“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves (harvest) with him.” Psalms 126:5-6

A harvest of blessed souls is going to be the result, the ministry produce, the fruit of all who bear and distribute, scatter the seed of the incorruptible Word of God into the hearts of men (1 Peter 1:23).

The LORD didn’t say “go explain who I am to other people.” No, He said “preach the word” and “preach the gospel” (2 Timothy 4:2; Mark 16:15).

Our cute little thoughts and sayings are not even within the same universe of power as the Word of God. Obey God. “Preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:2). We can’t explain someone into salvation. No, only God can draw and convict the lost soul and He instructed us to simply communicate His Word to them.

Instead of doing just another little video of yourself or posting a nice little saying, trying to entice people to Christ, why not just post HIS Word – the KJB? You and I have no power to save anyone, not even yourself (John 6:44; 12:32). Only Jesus can do that and He told you to go preach His Gospel and not try to entertain people into His kingdom (Mark 16:15).

“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it SHALL accomplish that which I please, and it SHALL prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

When this revelation (recorded for us in Isaiah 55:11) truly hits and settles in your heart, you will never be the same.

People need to hear from God, not us. Have you memorized Isaiah 55:11?

IF Jesus taught something and we’re not teaching it – it’s because we are not following Him correctly – on HIS stated terms (Matthew 28:18-20; John 8:47; 2 Timothy 3:16; 4:2-4, etc.). Are you following Jesus Christ or mere man? Do you preach Christ and His doctrines from HIS Word or are you just regurgitating the pitiful poisons of mere men?

We are still very wise in our own conceits. May the LORD bless us to true repentance with the fruit of allowing God to speak for Himself by simply giving people His Word in His love and wisdom (Colossians 3:16; 2 Timothy 4:2, etc.).

Leveling endless explanations of the faith is futility if the person communicating is not speaking God’s very Word! God’s words are all-powerful because He spoke them and He alone is ALL-mighty. The Source of God’s words is God Himself and so inherent in His words are His power, His presence, His conviction (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Revelation 1:8, etc.).

The Word of God must become the emphasis and not us, not our wonderful, skillful explanations of who God is. After all, have we forgotten that He is infinite and we finite? Are we not but dust? See Psalms 103:14. Regrettably, many in our day have been elevated in the church world for being able to render endless explanations in their international apologetics ministries. Most of these same men used very little if any Scripture which means they helped no one. Many of those in the “Christian” audiences that elevated these men simply wanted to see the arguments of the enemy of souls defeated and not to be grounded deeply in God’s Word for themselves. One such man was the late Ravi Zacharias.

The Words of the Divine vs the Dust

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” 1 Peter 1:23-25

The “incorruptible seed” is the Word of God, it’s power packed with divine energy. If we are but “dust” before the Almighty, does that not convey just how futile it is to attempt to explain God and His will? Shall we choose to trust the divine or the mere dust created by the divine?

“Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. 14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. 16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.” Psalms 103:13-16

It’s not that we don’t speak our own words also in communicating to others in ministry, yet the substance of what we communicate in those moments is not our words but rather God’s words. He is divine and we are but dust.

In 1 Peter 1:23 Scripture informs us that people are “born again” by the “incorruptible seed” of the Word of God, not our explanation, not by our words.

It’s the Word that never returns back to God void, not our explanation. If you wish to be used of God powerfully, you must read, study, be resourceful with, and communicate HIS words.

When you encounter a person in darkness, don’t take it personally. No, rather, see it as an opportunity to kindly plant the seed of the Word of God in their heart – which never returns back to the LORD void but always accomplishes that which pleases Him (Isaiah 55:11). “God is love” (1 John 4:8, 16).

The emphasis should not be on our ability to explain God but rather on his word and simply obeying him by preaching it. It’s the incorruptible seed that brings conviction of salvation not our words.

Did the LORD command His people to go explain to others who He is or to simply “preach the gospel”? Mark 16:15

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

When you read, when you are daily studying God’s Word, do so with the truth in mind that God wants you learning of Him for your own relationship with Him and also to help others.

“That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” Philemon 6

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3:15

Our LORD Jesus studied and knew the Word well. Notice how the Son of God readily navigated through the Holy Scriptures to find the exact Scripture He wanted to communicate:

“And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written…” Luke 4:17

Notice another prominent biblical example of how true elders of Christ, as they stand before one or many people, put full emphasis on God’s Words and not their own. They concentrate and put full priority in God’s Word and not their own explanations:

“So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.” Nehemiah 8:8

“read in the book in the law of God distinctly”
“gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.”

Note how these godly elders read God’s Word to the people and then gave the sense of it. This speaks for itself and reveals to us just who is a godly elder and who isn’t. Rare is the man today, in this late hour, who reads Scripture upon Scripture to the people. Many are so busy giving you their explanation that they have no concern that you are hearing the actual, literal words of the LORD. Sad.

Regrettably lots of people brag about their pastor and how he (supposedly) preaches the Word. In most cases it’s obvious that they’re telegraphing that they trust him, the mere man, the pastor and have no life with Christ in His Word daily for themselves – which the LORD commands (2 Timothy 2:15). Hell is full of people who took men at their word instead of loving God enough to find out what He said in HIS Word for themselves firsthand. Sad. If you don’t love God enough to pour over His words, His instructions, His promises, and His doctrines and warnings for yourself, you are in utter need of true repentance and to seek His holy face continually (1 Chronicles 16:11).

“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 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. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:13-17

Preach the Word

“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:1-4

The Parable of the Seed Growing

“And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; 27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. 28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. 29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.” Mark 4:26-29

Getting in on the Gospel action begins with a simple prayer, perhaps something like this …. LORD, please prepare and use me for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Evangelism Adventures: Stories, Reports, and Testimonies of God's Amazing Love [podcast]

SO, we prayed for God to use us today right? …. He’s hearing our prayer. So, in the gym this morning, a lady near me was struggling to get a large plate on each side of the barbell. So, I began to help her and she said “No Ingles” which means she does not speak English. So, I affirmed that she speaks Spanish and I began to speak God’s Word to her in her language. Her face lit up and she thanked me. God is good! Jesus says “The seed is the word of God” and His people are planting […]

Preach the Word [podcast]

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 The man who is truly faithful to God will search out, diligently study, devour, and learn the words of God and be used of Him to communicate them to others. “So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.” Nehemiah 8:8 They read the Word itself. They gave the sense to help the people understand it. Phillip was able to give the […]

The Seed of Salvation [podcast]

“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 When we follow Jesus He makes us fishers of men: “And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. 18 And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.” (Mark 1:17-18) We must forsake the nets, the world’s ways in following Him. Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus, please […]

Teach the Bible [podcast]

JESUS IS COMING AND THE TRUE BODY OF CHRIST IS “HOLDING FORTH (BOLDLY DECLARING) THE WORD OF LIFE” “Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.” Philippians 2:16 WHEN you speak God’s Word, you are speaking divine authority. “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” Titus 2:15 “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, […]