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

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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

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

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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

The Cross and the Throne of Grace [podcast]

“Hid with Christ in God”

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4

The safest place in the universe is in the cross of Christ: “your life is hid with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3).

Our place of protection is in the love walk with the LORD where we express our love for Him in obedience to Him. Jesus commanded that we deny self, take up the cross daily and follow Him. We are full of troubles and so it should be easy to relinquish all to Him!

“Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.” Job 14:1

In Christ alone is our rest from the toil of this life.

“Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.” Psalms 17:4

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16

“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25

Prayer: Father, in Jesus’ name, please bring me to the end of sinful self. Rebuke and remove the foolishness of this heart! I love You LORD and thank You that I am crucified with You today and that You are raising up this life for Your glory alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

7 Sayings of Jesus on the Cross [podcast]

What Final Statements Did Jesus Make on the Cross and What Did They Mean? Our LORD Jesus Christ said 7 things while as He was offering His body and precious, sinless blood to buy us back to God. He was suffering for the sins of mankind and for no sin of His own (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 3:18). He was shedding His blood to Re-deem (buy us back) and that’s what Jesus did for “the whole world” when He died on the cross, was buried, and raised again from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 1 John 2:2). […]

THE ESSENTIAL IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTOLOGY [podcast]

WHO do WE say that Jesus is? “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8), and He is asking us the exact questions today that He asked His disciples while on earth. “Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?” Matthew 16:13 “But whom say ye that I am?” Matthew 16:15 Jesus is asking each of us “What are others saying of Me and Who do you say that I am?” In other words, perhaps He’s asking us “In a world of many swirling ideas about Me, who do you say that […]

Abiding

“I Will Uphold Thee with the Right Hand of My Righteousness” [podcast]

One source notes:

“‘I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness’ is a famous promise from the Bible found in Isaiah 41:10 (KJB). It is a comforting verse offering reassurance against fear, with ‘the right hand of my righteousness’ symbolizing God’s divine power, justice, and support.”

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9

Help Me Jesus!

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. … For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” Isaiah 41:10, 13

“When we are in the fire of affliction it’s easy to feel afraid and wonder if God is there. Many of the great men of the Bible became discouraged and broken. But the secret was they took it to God in all honesty! In Job 3 he expressed a desire to die. But yet he said in Job 19:25 ‘For I know my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:’ David said in Psalm 56:9 ‘When I cry into thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.’ And we know Jeremiah, Jonah, Elijah, etc. all had moments of despair and suffering, but the Lord continued to uphold and encourage them. Their faith did not waver even in the midst of doubt and confusion!” Karen Cochran

“The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?” Psalms 118:6

“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who 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. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:31-39

“in thy presence is fulness of joy”

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

“at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore”

"Blessed are the Poor In Spirit" [podcast]

Jesus’ longest recorded message to His people stands on the foundation of the very first words our Savior uttered in this sermon on the mount. The foundational truth of the entire sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7) is found in the very first words of our LORD when unveiling this elaborate, far-reaching, and profound message to His disciples of all ages. Here are His first words: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3 Note, “poor in spirit.” Not poor financially or religiously. The two should be mutually exclusive. The Greek word translated into English as “poor” is PTOCHOS. It […]

The Book of Revelation Narrated [podcast]

Chapter 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2 who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. 4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which […]

Articles

Diminishing Returns or Divine Blessings? [podcast]

The Reason Your Bag has Holes in it [podcast]

Could our diminishing returns could be due to our refusal to put God first which would mean we are putting His work, His agenda, His stated will and mission – the Great Commission – first?

“The beginning of Haggai’s prophecy finds Israel returning to the land after 70 years under Babylonian oppression (God’s punishment for the sins of Israel’s leaders). Now, a new and younger generation of God’s people are working to rebuild God’s earthly dwelling place, the temple. Long before Haggai’s prophetic ministry, God had promised that when his own presence dwelled among his people, the life-giving power of God would flow from him into their land (Deut. 28:1-14, Haggai 1:1-4). So, in hopes of experiencing God’s promises after a long season of exile, the people begin to rebuild.

Unfortunately, the temple rebuilders quickly become distracted from the project at hand. They stop working on the temple to build their own houses (Hag. 1:1-4). Meeting their immediate needs takes priority over rebuilding God’s temple. But this priority doesn’t work out well for them in the end. Haggai points out that no matter how much they sow in their fields, the returned exiles are reaping less and less. Every day, their rations get thinner, and they feel just a little thirstier (Hag. 1:5-6). Haggai says their diminishing returns are a result of their failure to prioritize rebuilding the temple, the place of God’s presence (Hag. 1:10-11). But he also promises that if they recommit themselves to the temple project, all the blessings and life they hope for will return (Hag. 2:7-8, 18-19). This new generation listens to Haggai and starts making plans for the project’s next phase.”

The rebuilding of the temple in the days of Haggai the prophet is equivalent to the Great Commission work Christ sent us, His “ambassadors” to accomplish as we look for His soon return (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Who is it that gives men the “power to get wealth”? The LORD. Why does He do such? – “that he may establish his covenant.” (Deuteronomy 8:18)

“And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. 18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. 19 And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish. 20 As the nations which the LORD destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the LORD your God.” Deuteronomy 8:17-20

Does God still keep His Word to bless those who put Him first with what He grants them the ability to bring in?

If a person chooses to repent of poor stewardship and conform to God’s Word, will the LORD not give that person grace to do the impossible? (Proverbs 3:9-10; Mark 10:27) Are you on your own with your finances? Or, are you dying to human reasoning and excuses and simply obeying the LORD? When we do simply obey Him, we can expect that He will undertake the cause and begin to do things that are miraculous. We see this throughout history, especially as recorded in Holy Writ. Remember the widow who had only a handful of food left to feed herself and her son? Remember who when she obeying the LORD that she was abundantly blessed? (1 Kings 17:10-16) The fact that some wolves have utilized this passage to garner gains for themselves, in no way negates the divine authority in and of this passage of truth. Will the LORD still bless? Has He changed or is our sin hindering His blessings? (Isaiah 59:1-2; Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:9)

“Ye looked for much, and, lo it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.” Haggai 1:9

The people of God were experiencing diminishing returns due to their refusal to simply put God first in their lives, hearts, and therefore finances. The LORD blew on their finances and scattered them because they were not putting Him and therefore His work first – but rather their own lives and money were first. Repentance required (Revelation 2:4-5). Read Haggai 1. It’s a very revealing chapter.

The LORD’s Plan to Feed, Protect, and Bless His Saints and to Spread His Good News

It’s interesting and telling to compare the distribution of goods/resources/funds among the earliest believers and the way things are done today. Read Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35. Today, as was so often foretold, the merchandising wolves are living ‘high off the hog’ when the Bible clearly instructs leaders never to “greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.”(Deuteronomy 17:17)

Of course, the Bible teaches that those whom God has called out are to be provided for (1 Cor. 9:1-14; 1 Tim. 5:17-18) and yet, today we have lavish wolves flaunting their multi-million dollar homes in gated communities (insulated from the little guys/the poor). This has nothing to do with and blatantly contradicts the lifestyles of Jesus and His holy apostles. This makes you wonder if those who enable these wolves have even read the Gospels! A second grader knows this is wrong.

Most of us have funded wolves only later to see the light of their greed later. So, should we stop obeying God by giving to further His work? Is it time we understand the LORD’s balance in these things?

Does the Almighty have or need American money in Heaven? No.

The LORD has a plan and following that plan (instead of our own) will result in glorifying Him and seeing many blessed.

***The true disciple of Jesus is not looking for the next trinket to waste his money on, but rather is about His Father’s business of putting that money toward God’s eternal kingdom! (Matthew 6:19-24)

Some who are greedy in heart, serving the god of mammon, do not like biblical teachings on stewardship. They will lash out against the messenger, when those demons that control them are enraged. There are more than 2,500 verses on stewardship in God’s Word and over half of Jesus parables are on stewardship so anyone endeavoring to disclose/teach the full counsel of God cannot dodge that topic.

Many today who name Christ as their Savior are saying in their hearts: “I have more important things to fund than YOUR work LORD! After all, the things in my life, to make me feel more comfortable in this fleeting world, are very important. Jesus, please don’t bother me any more concerning funding YOUR work. I have vacations to go on. I have to get a bigger, nicer car so that I, I, I, look better to mere men. I HAVE to run out and see the newest movies, buy the latest fashions, subscribe to magazines from the world to help me me me be in the know, eat out 20 times monthly, put more money in the bank for MY security, get a bigger house to make myself feel better …”

Which World are You Rich In?

“There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.” Proverbs 13:7

Praise God for those who give to the work of Christ! It is regrettable though that many of those who see God’s work and receive of Him through it as they see those workers of the LORD doing HIS work, do not contribute and do not agree with God that HIS workers “ARE worthy”of financial reward so they can be sustained and furthered in doing HIS HIS HIS work. Many are saying with their inaction that Christ’s workers are NOT worthy of their hire. They are saying “LORD, I know You said that Your servants ARE due financial reward so they can keep doing YOUR work, but I am too busy to take a moment to help, I am too strapped financially, after all, I have the cable TV bill to pay, I have to pay my mortgage, my rent, for food, daily coffee, golf, and for many other essential things. I really don’t think that Your work is important. Winning souls to Your eternal kingdom for who You bled and rose again is not important to me. I am too busy being entrenched in and loving this present sinful world. So, Your kingdom, Your work, and Your people will have to wait till I have so much money that I can keep doing these important things that are important to ME in this life and also throw a token tip your way.”

When is the last time you read 1 Corinthians 9:1-14 and 1 Timothy 5:17-18? Do you know what the LORD is teaching us in these important passages? How can we expect to be blessed of Him if we ignore His instructions?

It is clear that God will bless those who agree with Him – in heart, mind, and in action. We will find amazing, supernatural blessings in our lives if we will put Jesus “first” in our stewardship, in our finances (Matthew 6:33; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Proverbs 3:10-11). Did He not promise to bless us if we put Him first which means putting His work as a top priority?

The “double honour” financial reward is due to called out Gospel workers and that’s the instruction of the One who has called out and set those workers apart to do (1 Timothy 5:17-18). That money should be there and that’s why God says that those who labor in His Word – learning and feeding His sheep – are to receive “double honour” so that they do not have to be interrupted in doing HIS work.

Jesus says that what we do with our monies is a direct reflection of who we truly love, worship, and serve – self or the Savior. “For where your treasure is THERE will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19-24)

Who has God put in your life to feed you HIS Word? What does the Bible say to do to those who feed you God’s Word? (Galatians 6:6)

Is God calling you to get into agreement with His revealed mind? Is He calling you to count His work as a high priority in your life? Will He not open His windows of blessings upon your life? (Proverbs 3:9-10; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11) Will His kingdom blessings now be added to your life if you truly and practically put Him first? (Matthew 6:33) Will your barns not be “filled with plenty”?

“Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:¹⁰So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10

If you are upset, I am sorry. I sure hope this never has to be said again other than in the general teaching of the full-counsel of God which includes the important topic of stewardship.

“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. ⁷Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. ⁸And 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: ⁹(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. ¹⁰Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) ¹¹Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

Do you begin to realize what is at stake here? Do we begin to understand the implications of sinful omission? Do we begin to realize what great rewards we are forfeiting?

Aren’t the bank accounts that are connected to the work of the LORD worthy to be filled in order to supply for His work to be done?

Are you doing your part to fund those who are truly fulfilling a New Testament purpose?

Is the feeding of the LORD’s people important to you? Do unreached precious souls for whom Christ bled and rose again matter?

Jesus says “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:15-17) Are you personally interested in Christ and His sheep? Are you concerned that His sheep will be fed (nourished) and that more souls will be won to Him before it’s too late? What work or labor in this fleeting, sinful world could possibly be more important than that of the LORD’s business? Are you prayer for His laborers and supporting the work of Jesus? (Matthew 9:35-38)

Do we fit into that last day’s prophetic category of those who have a mere “form of godliness” yet deny the power, the divine authority of God to reign in our daily lives? Are we “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God” and are we those who are “lovers of their own selves, covetous …”? May the LORD rebuke and change us now! (2 Timothy 3:1-8)

God is able!

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