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
NO
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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Apostasy
Jesus Promised Judas an Eternal Throne in Heaven but He Chose to go to Hell #shorts [video]

Judas died and went to eternal hell, irrevocably as every lost soul shall experience (Acts 1:25). Judas is the “son of perdition” and “perdition” means damnation (John 17:12).
Here’s all the ministry’s shorts (60 secs) videos. Feel free to share:
See all shorts videos here on ministry youtube channel.
Judas was even sent out with the other apostles to heal the sick, raise the dead, and preach Christ’s Gospel (Matthew 10:1-8). He was real, then backslid and is in hell (Acts 1:16-25).
“And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones (not 11), judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Matthew 19:28)
Judas wasn’t kept and Jesus specifically and irrefutably promised him an eternal throne in Heaven – Matthew 19:28. “TWELVE” not eleven~!
At the time of this divinely-given promise, it is more than abundantly clear that Judas was eternally secure, otherwise Christ would have never given this promise to the “twelve” which includes Judas Iscariot (Matthew 19:28). It is only after this that Judas allowed iniquity in his heart and by his own deliberate will fell by his own iniquity (Acts 1:25; Heb. 3:12-15).
“Saying, I (Judas) have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.” Matthew 27:4
“Eternal security”? Don’t kid yourself. Moral cowards who refuse to take person accountability for their every thought, motive, and deed love this lie. Satan’s first lie – which led to the fall of mankind (Gen 2:17; 3:4).
“For if AFTER they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are AGAIN entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, AFTER they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.” 2 Peter 2:20-21
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Eternal Security/OSAS | Accounted Worthy to Escape [podcast] |Sealed? | The Return of Christ | Support | Lie of the Ages [podcast] | 10 Questions about Eternal Security | Is Salvation Eternal? | The Damning Myth of Unconditional Eternal Security [podcast] | The Essential of Fearing God | The KING is Coming [podcast] | Lie of the Ages (Blockbuster book exposing OSAS and calvinism)



Articles
Obedience or Love – Which is Most Important? [podcast]

“IF ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15
Have you ever noticed the “If” of this statement by our LORD Jesus?
Okay, reread the words of Jesus above and see what comes first in the sentence – “love” or keeping His commands.
“IF you love me, keep my commandments” says Jesus (John 14:15)…. IF we don’t know and love Him there’s no use trying to keep His Word…. He’s not speaking of keeping His Word in order to earn His justification but rather as the fruit of knowing Him in a saving relationship….
“Few seem to understand the huge difference between obedience and legalism. We obey because we love God and we know obedience doesn’t save us. Legalism believes by obeying they are saved by it. We that are born again know only the blood of Jesus saved us but we also know that obedience proves we are saved and keeps us saved. It is joy to obey the Lord as we love what He loves and we hate what He hates. Amen.” Shirley Bruso
—- JESUS IS NOT GLORIFIED BY THE KEEPing OF HIS INSTRUCTIONS/COMMANDS BY THOSE WHO DON’T LOVE HIM …. LOVE COMES FIRST – LOVING AND WORSHIPPING HIM IS MOST IMPORTANT TO GOD. “IF IF, IF YE LOVE ME, KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS.” JOHN 14:15
“Ye are my friends, IF ye do whatsoever I command you.” John 15:14
LOVE is the governing factor:
“We love him, because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19
Of John 14:15 and 15:14, one source notes the following:
- John 14:15: Jesus says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” He makes keeping His words the direct proof of love.
- John 15:14: Jesus says, “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” He shows that friendship with Him requires action and obedience.
- Love is the root: Jesus starts with love as the inner heart motive.
- Works are the fruit: Doing His commands is the outward action that proves the love is real.
- They are not separate: Jesus does not say love replaces works; He says love produces obedience.”
Love begins with God and any relationship requires reciprocating love – love flowing from each of the 2 parties to one another.
“And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, FOR THE LOVE HE HAD TO HER.” Genesis 29:20
Jacob didn’t mind serving a whole 7 years for Rachel, because he loved her so much. The true disciple doesn’t view serving God as drudgery but rather delight – because he loves God supremely!
“A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.” John 16:21
“His commandment are not grievous”
“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” 1 John 5:3
IF I don’t love Jesus, do you think He’s honored when I try to obey what He said? No.
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God…” Matthew 22:37
“IFFF ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15
IF WE LOVE JESUS, OBEYING HIM IS JOY, JUST AS IT WAS FOR JACOB AS HE SERVED A WHOLE 7 YEARS TO OBTAIN A LIFELONG MARITAL RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS BELOVED RACHEL (GENESIS 29:20).
Perhaps we are not understanding the divine economy as Christ meant us to understand Him. Jesus says “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” (John 15:14) It’s only IF I love Jesus that He is interested in my doing the things He told HIS true people to do, otherwise, my good works are in vain, even if I suffer martyrdom by burning my body – “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:2) IF WE DON’T LOVE HIM – truly – with our whole heart, mind, and strength He’s not interested in us obeying Him (Matthew 22:37-39). Now, of course, if I truly do love Him, I will obey Him and yet Jesus doesn’t want us to think we are impressing Him by outward obedience only. In the divine economy, it all begins with LOVE – “God so LOVED the world that He gave ….” (John 3:16) The Bible informs us that “The Lord looketh on the heart” and if He sees that I don’t truly love Him, He’s not interested in my vain outward show (1 Samuel 16:7).
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40
Those who truly know and love Him do His commandments. They don’t live on their own terms but rather on His. They delight to do His will because they truly seek, know, and love Him who bled to redeem their otherwise hopeless, wretched souls. Yet, obedience saves no one. Keeping His commandments doesn’t save you – the pharisees claimed to do that while refusing to come to Christ whom (John 5:39-40). No, God alone can save and He does so on His terms – initial and ongoing faith “which worketh by love” which is relationship. Yes, “faith … worketh by love.” (Galatians 5:6) Remember that even if a person goes so far as to give their body to be burned and has no love – they don’t love God, their obedience, their sacrifice is in vain (1 Corinthians 13:3).
1 Thessalonians 1:3 speaks to those already saved using the phrases “work of faith, and labour of love.” Please pay close attention to the words “faith” and “love.” “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;” (1 Thessalonians 1:3)
When God initially saves us, He puts a love in our hearts for Him which is manifested by putting our faith in Christ. Jesus taught that knowing the Father and Himself were cardinal in His kingdom. – “And this is life eternal (the whole purpose for it), that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)
“And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” Exodus 25:8
“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;” Philippians 3:10
DID GOD send His only begotten Son to create an army of mechanical law-keepers OR a family who knows, worships, and adores Him? What does the Bible say is the cardinal reason for the whole plan of redemption? Why did God send His only begotten Son to bleed, be buried, and raised again to justify all who would come to Him? Are you familiar with what the LORD told us in Exodus 25:8, Matthew 22:37-40, and Philippians 3:10? We must have anchored in our hearts this glorious truth of knowing Him! Nothing else matters if we don’t relish Him, adore Him, and worship Him. If you name the name of Jesus Christ, it would greatly benefit your life, understanding. and ministry to memorize the words of the very Redeemer Himself as is recorded in John 17:3. More on that later.
If we love the LORD truly and our neighbor we will not steal, lie, covet, bear false witness, hate, commit adultery, OR any of those other sins and be walking in God’s perfect will. It’s really quite simple actually. But first we must examine this day whether or not we truly love Him.
One writer notes:
“Holiness is first and foremost agape love. Unconditional love for all, including enemies of us and enemies of God. This over-emphasis on repentance can make us the initiator and God the responder if we are not careful. God is always the initiator.”
IT IS MY OPINION THAT WE SHOULD BEGIN TO BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO OVER-EMPHASIZE OBEDIENCE WHILE NEGLECTING TO PREACH THE COMMAND TO KNOW, LOVE, AND ABIDE IN CHRIST. ALL OF OUR OUTWARD OBEDIENCE IS IN VAIN IF WE DON’T AUTHENTICALLY LOVE HIM. MANY WHO PREACH SEEM TO BE DOING THIS AND ARE CALLING MANY TO WORSHIP AT THE ALTAR OF SELF BY PERPETRATING THE FALSE NOTION THAT CHRIST’S ONE PERFECT SACRIFICE WAS NOT ENOUGH. THIS SEEMS TO RESONATE IN THE HEARTS OF THOSE WHO ARE NOT TRULY AND UNRESERVEDLY SURRENDERED TO CHRIST AND WHO WANT TO FEEL AS IF THEY ARE HELPING TO EARN THEIR OWN SALVATION WHICH IS IMPOSSIBLE. WHAT DOES ROMANS 4:4-5 TELL US?
“Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:4-5
So, while it’s absolute that ALL who have saving faith in Christ are obedient and have good fruit in their lives, those good works and good fruit aren’t what saves them. No, good fruit merely evidences that there is a relationship. Christ alone can save and He does that instantly when a lost soul believes upon Him (John 6:47; Acts 16:31; Romans 5:1, etc.). The Great Shepherd of His sheep keeps His people saved as they keep themselves in the love of God, “looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” (Jude 21: 1 Peter 1:5)
“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 21
The story of Jesus, Mary, and Martha is yet another place in the Scriptures of truth that clearly reveal what God is looking for from us – to love and to worship Him supremely.
“Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42
Jesus speaks to us of an abiding union/relationship with Him where He calls us His friends. I want to encourage you to read John 15 closely this week. In this discourse on the Husbandman (the Father), the Vine (Jesus), and the branches (us), you will note that the relationship precedes the fruit bearing. While the fruit reveals the root – testifies to the relationship – fruit doesn’t save, neither does obedience. God does require us to obey Him by putting our faith in Christ to save us, but it’s He who saves us. Jesus Christ alone can save. Ephesians 2:8-10 reveals that we are saved by His grace through our faith and that we are “his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.”
Consider that our LORD was “moved with compassion” toward those in need (Matthew 9:36). The great apostle said “the love of Christ constraineth (compels) us.” (2 Corinthians 5:14)
At times we quote 1 John 2:4 and yet, let’s look at a wider angle of this passage:
“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” 1 John 2:3-6
“But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice…” Matthew 9:13
“And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.” Joel 2:13
Is loving God more important that obeying God? Both are obviously important and yet, in the divine economy, which is most important?
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40
Am I choosing and learning to “love the Lord” with my whole heart?
Andre Alexis writes: “Christianity is more than merely believing and obeying commands and reaping the promises of God. Christianity is not a religion: it is a relationship. And a relationship requires communication. Therefore, prayer is essential, because it is through prayer that you and I communicate with our heavenly Father.” …. This is a simple truth and yet bears stating as brother Andre did above. This is especially important due to the epidemic of charlatans which have promulgated a “what’s in it for me?” self-serving lifestyle upon millions who don’t bother to truly lay down their lives and see with their own eyes the full counsel of our LORD’s Word which actually communicate the very “thoughts of his heart.” (Psalms 33:11). The LORD wants a relationship with each of His children. He’s not just there to answer our every prayer while we commit spiritual adultery by wasting our time/lives in this fleeting world playing games, giving hours to frivolous foolishness, etc. He wants our hearts. Jesus told us the reason the Father sent Him in John 17:3. This was David’s and Paul’s whole goal in their respective earthly lives (Psalms 27:4, 8; Philippians 3:10). Jesus told us He wants an abiding relationship that bears fruit that remains to His eternal glory (John 15:1-16).
After being saved, under the new covenant, it’s not law keeping but rather abiding in Christ, amen? John 15 “Abide in me.”
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18
PRAYER: Holy heavenly Father, I come to You impoverished in spirit. For without You dear LORD, we can do nothing. You are love and I am not and yet, I ask You here and now to more deeply imbue my innermost man with and teach me Your love. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Uphold Jesus (audio)
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Abiding
FROM THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT by Jon Crane

By Jon Crane
“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5
A life surrendered to Christ and led by the Holy Spirit is made able to become a child of the kingdom of God (John 1:12-13; Romans 8:14-16; etc.).
The grace that saved us: the blood of Jesus Christ at Calvary is our atoning sacrifice and become the entrance into the eternal kingdom of God for the purpose of living from the new creation we have become in Christ (born-again John 3:3-7; John 15:1-5). Putting off our old man with his worldly mindset by washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost (Titus 3:3-7).
Let us therefore, press into this inward holy life of living faith.
“But be ye doers of the word, and NOT hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a DOER of the work (Matthew 7:24-25), this man shall be blessed in his deed.” James 1:22-25
More Thoughts…
“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath (vengeance belongeth to the LORD who created us all
9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD (actively doing God’s will in their lives; making full proof of the hope of redemption which they have by exercising their faith by works of love – Matthew 22:37-40; 1 Corinthians 13; etc.), they shall inherit the earth.
10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.
11 But the MEEK shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5); and shalt delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” Psalms 37:7-11
When pressed above measure read Psalms. 94.
Remember whose you are …
“And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.” 1 Corinthians 3:23
Take heart…
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:11-14
If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Savior yet and would like to make peace with God…
“That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:15-18
Romans 3
“Moreover, brethern, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein in ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
“Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith unto them who are under the law: that every mouth (Jew, Gentile, Muslim, etc.) may be stopped, and ALL the world may become guilty before God.
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
21 But now the righteousness of God, without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith (Rom. 1:16-17) of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
26 To declare, I say, at this time (today if you hear his voice: Heb. 3:7,15 conviction in your heart) his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Romans 3:19-26
Confession made…
“But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:8-13
Call upon Jesus Christ according to faith and be saved!
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17
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