The Believer and the Word [study guide]

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]

The Believer and the Word (PDF)

(Duplication encouraged. An open King James Bible should accompany your study of this topic. Carefully, prayerfully 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.)

“Thy words were found and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart.” Jeremiah 15:16

“For the word of God is quick (alive), and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

The Bible is the record of God’s inspired Word and is a gift from our heavenly Father to each believer. He has graciously given us His written Word so that we can know Him and His will for our lives.

The believer must embrace God’s Word as his absolute and entire source of truth. The Word of God is the matchless wellspring of divine wisdom and must become the solitary fountain that the disciple of Jesus drinks from. All else must be judged against its immutable contents.

1. According to Proverbs 30:5-6: “Every word of God is _____________ : he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. _________ thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a __________.” (fill in blanks)

2. What is it that gives spiritual life to men? Matthew 4:4

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3. What is the agent of God in the earth, which when heard and received, converts the soul bringing forth salvation? Psalms 19:7; Romans 1:16

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4. What are men commanded to do in order to receive the revelation of who Jesus Christ is? John 5:39

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5. In order for growth to take place in the lives of His people, what does God prescribe? 1 Peter 2:2

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An infant must first drink milk for a time until he grows and is weaned to heavier food substances. When he is weaned from milk he can ingest heavier foods for advanced, healthy, physical growth and maturity. God draws this parallel through the apostle Peter here to show that the same is true spiritually. The child of God must begin with milk. Beyond the all-important season of demonstrating faithfulness to God’s wonderful milk, the still-hungry believer will graduate to the weightier matters, the deeper understanding of God and His principles – the meat. This does not come without consistent and diligent study of the scriptures and prayer communion.

6. What occurs when the believer desires and takes hold of the milk of the Word? 1 Peter 2:2

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The life of the disciple of Christ is a life of growth, learning, and change. The Word of God and the Holy Spirit make these blessings possible.

7. What is increased when God’s Word is heard and received? Romans 10:17

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8. According to Hebrews 5:13 & 14, what is the difference between a “babe” and a “full age”(mature) believer within the Body of Christ? (“Milk” refers to the elementary principles of the Word of God. “Meat” refers to the deeper principles of the Word of God).

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9. What was the Word of God “written for”? Romans 15:4

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10. Where can the believer find patience, comfort, and hope? Romans 15:4

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11. In order for the believer to continue as a disciple of Jesus, being progressively made free, what did Jesus say he must do? John 8:30-32; 2 John 9

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Notice, that as the follower of Jesus continues in the Word, he will know (experience) the truth and be made free.

12. Where can the believer find the will of God – guidance? Psalms 119:105

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The Word of God IS the will of God.

13. What did the apostle Paul command Timothy to do in order to learn and rightly divide the Word of God? 2 Timothy 2:15

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14. In 2 Timothy 2:15, who are we to seek to be “approved” by?

Man

God

How?________________________________________________________________________

15. What happens to people who do not know the Word of God? Hosea 4:6

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Matthew 22:29

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16. Who are the truths of God’s Word reserved for? Matthew 13:10,11; Mark 4:10,11

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Understanding in the things of God’s kingdom is reserved FOR God’s people. His precious truths are hid FOR His people, not FROM His people.

17. Was it ever God’s intent to make the scriptures difficult for His people to understand? Deuteronomy 27:8; Habakkuk 2:2; Mark 4:11

YES

Countless people of all ages and of many nations have come to comprehend and trust the One True God while embracing His sure promises found on the pages of Scripture.

18. What were two of God’s intentions for giving us His written Word? Proverbs 22:20, 21

A. ________________________________________________________________________

B. ________________________________________________________________________

19. What class of people does God reveal His covenant to? Psalms 25:14

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20. Who did Jesus expound His Word to? Mark 4:34

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21. List three requirements for receiving the wisdom of God from His Word. Proverbs 22:17

A. ________________________________________________________________________

B. ________________________________________________________________________

C. ________________________________________________________________________

22. When the words of God are kept within the believer, what is the result spoken of in Proverbs 22:18?

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23. What did the prophet Jeremiah ingest and rejoice over? Jeremiah 15:16

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24. What was better to the psalmist than much gold and silver? Psalms 119:72

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Desiring to consume God’s Word is the priority and standard of every true disciple of Jesus. Learning of Him must become the diligent passion of all of His saints. As we move forward into Christ, the temporal things of this world will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace, as the beautiful songs says. Who and what we love is what we pursue.

25. What was more important to Job, earthly food or heavenly food? Job 23:12

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26. What did the patriarch David pant and long for? Psalms 119:131

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27. Why does the Bible say that the Berean believers were more “noble” (excellent) than the Thessalonians? Acts 17:10, 11

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Notice here that the wise in Berea tested what was preached against God’s holy standard – the Scriptures. The written Word of God is the fountainhead of all truth offered to mankind. If you choose to walk with God, your entire life must be based on and judged by what is stated in His holy writ.

28. What comes out of the mouths of men? Matthew 12:34

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It is clear from what Jesus said in Matthew 12:34 that whatever is in the heart of a man will come out of his mouth. The holy heart is filled with, thinks according to, and meditates upon God’s Word. Beloved, get into God’s Word and God’s Word will get into you. His Word purifies the human heart and therefore causes one to speak the pure words of God.

29. Is God’s light in the heart of the person who does not speak of the things of God? Isaiah 8:20

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30. What did Jesus say is a distinct characteristic of those who truly know Him? John 8:47

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31. What did Jesus state is the truth? John 17:17

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32. How has God chosen to sanctify His people? John 17:17

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The disciple of Jesus is set apart unto God in holiness as he explores and embraces the inspired Scriptures. The follower of Christ must continue to pursue and obey the light that God reveals to his heart. Sanctification by the Word is a process that must be continued in by the heaven bound believer.

33. How is the disciple of Jesus being cleansed/washed and being made ready for the return of Jesus? Ephesians 5:25-27

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v26Jesus will soon return for “a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing…holy and without blemish,” Ephesians 5:27. God’s preparation process of cleansing from all defilement is now taking place within the hearts of all genuine disciples of Jesus. The Word is the inner detergent of the Lord to purify the hearts of those who love Him in truth.

34. What will happen to all who mock/despise God’s Word? Proverbs 13:13a

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Refusing to obey the righteous decrees of God is rebellion. God is the Authority of this universe and all who refuse to obey His plan choose to join the ultimate rebel – Satan.

35. What will happen to all who fear God’s commandments? Proverbs 13:13b

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36. What happens to the person who refuses to receive the truth – the Gospel of Jesus Christ? 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12

v11 ________________________________________________________________________

v12 ________________________________________________________________________

37. Who in this world honestly loves God? John 14:21; 1 John 2:5

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38. How often is the child of God to keep His commandments? Deuteronomy 11:1

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39. What were God’s instructions to cause His people to lay up His words in their hearts and in their children’s’ hearts? Deuteronomy 11:18-20

v18 ________________________________________________________________________

v19 ________________________________________________________________________

v20 ________________________________________________________________________

40. How is the Word of God to dwell in the believer according to Colossians 3:16?

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“Richly” means abundantly.

41. What two things listed in Deuteronomy 11:8 will be the result of keeping (obeying) God’s Word?

A. ________________________________________________________________________

B. ________________________________________________________________________

Obeying God affords strength that enables the believer to be courageous and to conquer – to possess the land that God has called him to possess.

42. What does God say about those who hear the Word but do not do it? James 1:22; Romans 2:13

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43. What is the effect of keeping God’s commandments? Proverbs 4:4

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44. What are two results of embracing the Word of God? Psalms 19:11

A. ________________________________________________________________________

B. ________________________________________________________________________

By obeying God’s statutes the disciple dwells in and is kept under the protection of the Almighty.

To err from His Word is to remove yourself from His divine protection.

45. What does God command His people to retain within their hearts? Proverbs 4:4

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46. In Proverbs 4:20 & 21, what instructions does God give us concerning His holy Word?

v20

A. ________________________________________________________________________

B. ________________________________________________________________________

v21

A.
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B. _______________________________________________________________________

47. What do the words of God produce in the lives of those who “find” them? Proverbs 4:22

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48. Where is the mercy and truth of God to be written? Proverbs 3:3

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49. What are New Testament disciples of Christ to minister? Acts 6:4

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50. What did the apostles preach? Acts 14:25

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51. What did the apostle Paul command Timothy to preach? 2 Timothy 4:2

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52. What does God confirm with signs following? Mark 16:20

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53. How does the follower of Jesus walk in holiness while avoiding sin? Psalms 119:9-11

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54. What is the Word of God called in Ephesians 6:17?

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The memorization of scripture places within the hand of the believer a violent and offensive weapon for warfare – the sword of the Spirit. It makes him combat-ready. To be full of the Word of God is to be armed and dangerous against the forces of darkness.

55. What is the sure judgment of God pronounced upon anyone who adds to or takes away from God’s Word? Revelation 22:18, 19

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56. Do you personally believe that the Word of God is important in the daily life of every disciple of Jesus? If “yes” state your reasons below.

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57. How important is God’s Word to you? What are you going to do with His written Word?

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God’s Word must be FIRST in the lives of all who are going to walk in His perfect will. He will give you the grace as you humble yourself – this is the first step. Open your Bible and begin to explore and absorb its wonderful contents. Shortly, you will be engrossed. God’s plan of the ages will be revealed to all who diligently search the holy Scriptures.

ASSIGNMENT:

In 250 words or more, detail the ways that the Word of God should be incorporated into the daily life of the believer. (Tips for your essay’s content: study, performance, prayer, warfare, proclaiming, meditating upon, memorizing, etc). Search the Scriptures as your source for this essay and use Scripture and references to validate your statements. Begin with deep and prayerful meditation on God’s Word. Write your essay neatly and in an organized manner.

SCRIPTURE MEMORIZATION: Job 23:12

It would be very advantageous for you to cross reference all of the Scriptures in this study. For example, pencil in each topically similar verse into the margin next to the corresponding verses on this same subject. Write out these verses with references on index cards – make it a priority to carry and post them where you will study and meditate upon them. These two measures will build in you a wealth of truth on each topic. This will help you to retain and become resourceful in the Word of God – ready to be used of Him. Capture the knowledge that you have learned, don’t let it slip away from you.

Capitalize on your efforts. This is preparation in earnest (2 Timothy 2:21).

Additional Notes:

I have heard many preachers mock the memorization of Scripture. Nothing could be more detrimental to the believer, especially the babe in Christ who should “desire the sincere milk of the word that he may grow thereby”. (1 Peter 2:2) While intaking God’s words, the disciple of Christ will learn of all things that pertain to life and godliness. ( 2 Peter 1:2-4).

Yes, understanding God’s Word is very important, not just memorizing it, but those who memorize it will understand it much better than one who doesn’t.

To know its Author is to begin to understand the Bible. (John 4:24) One can read Scripture constantly and understand little about Bible revelation/truth if he is not currently in communion with the Author of the Bible. At the same time, when one’s heart is seeking the LORD, it is the knowledge of Scripture which reveals God to his heart.

God’s Word and the knowledge of it are under unprecedented attack.

Memorization of Scripture

Prov. 3:3;4:4; Acts 17:10-11

What was once a great occupation among believers is now under attack by our own leaders. The proliferation of all the new English “versions” of the Bible have crippled memorization due to the plethora of different renderings of each verse. When Christians do quote the Word of God, it is many times in yet another new “version” of the Bible. The honest-heart truth seeker will find that the only reliable English version of the Bible is the Authorized King James Version. It is unfortunate that all other English versions are corrupt and yet it is nonetheless true (they are taken from the corrupted manuscripts).

Deceived leaders do not wish for their audiences to truly memorize and know Scripture because they know that they will be held accountable to and discerned by that knowledge (Acts 17:10-11). God wants every one of His people to know His Word so that they can do precisely that – discern (Heb. 5:11-14). This is the reason that counterfeit leaders among us subtly discourage people from memorizing Scripture. Or, they purposely neglect instructing believers to occupy themselves in this important practice. Beware!

Misunderstanding or perverting the Holy Scriptures leads to eternal damnation (2 Peter 3:16).

Index Cards: Writing Scripture down greatly aids in memorization. One is able then to view and then review over and over until that text/verse is committed to memory.

STUDY GUIDES
Evangelism
Holy Word of God
The Blood of Jesus
Holy Ghost Baptism
Water Baptism
The Believer and The Word

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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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