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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Articles
“Evolution is a Fairy Tale for Grownups” … “The Greatest Hoax Ever
Clear proof that the devil can only make a monkey out of fools who deny the existence of their own Maker. – SIMPLE QUESTION: IF MAN CAME FROM MONKEYS, WHY ARE THERE STILL MONKEYS?
“The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.” Psalms 14:1
Is it possible to have a painting and not a painter?
Got proof?
Did the painting paint itself?
Is it scientific, is it honest to acknowledge a creation and deny there’s a Creator?
Got proof?
Can something come out of nothing? Where did the evolutionary primordial soup come from that what we see now somehow came out of? WHO created that soup? Does the first law of science not acknowledge that “something cannot come out of nothing”?
By definition, science is defined as the study of what already exists. Otherwise there would be no science, nothing to study, right? What would you say of a person who while claiming to be scientific, simultaneously denies there’s anything to study? Are we studying something that doesn’t exist? If we are studying, that means we exist, right? If we are examining, studying something, that means that that something already exists, correct? Where did it come from?
Those who deny there’s a Creator, are simply being moral cowards who want to deny the need to obey the Judge of their eternal souls before whom we shall all stand before to give full account of every intent of the heart and action.
Robert Beriault notes:
“They have disproved evolution many years ago, by mapping our genome. It proved that humans were always humans and monkeys were always monkeys. And through God‘s fingerprints in the Fibonacci sequence. The question is why are they still teaching it to our kids? The beast system as its best.”
Charles Darwin was a satanist – The theory of evolution is mere baseless theory, mythology, a fairytale for grown ups who refuse to take personal responsibility for their lives before a holy God.
“To suppose that the eye… could have been formed by natural selection, seems, I freely confess, absurd in the highest possible. degree.” Charles Darwin, 1872
THERE’S NOTHING SCIENTIFIC ABOUT EVOLUTION. Undisputably, it’s a proofless myth, a lie, a fraud.
If mankind evolved from apes, why are there still apes? Where O where is the intermediary species? Where’s the proof? There is not 1 iota of evidence of such the whole world over.
Is mankind the evolution of apes?
IF HUMANS CAME FROM APES, WHY ARE THERE STILL APES? WHERE IS THE INTERMEDIARY SPECIES?
Apes are beasts, animals. They can’t laugh, cry, or reason. God made only MANKIND in His own image (Genesis 1). Satan is the author of this erroneous doctrine of evolution. He’s the one who want children, people to believe they are just animals, so they act like such. He’s the liar and the father of all lies who has come to steal, to kill, and to destroy (John 8:44; 10:10), Those who don’t walk in the truth of God, given all men in Holy Scripture, will be “destroyed”, the pawns of the evil one who “walketh about seeking whom he may devour.” (Hosea 4:6; 1 Peter 5:8)
God made each species of HIS creation to PRODUCE AFTER IT’S OWN KIND and so that dispels the myth, the rank heresy of evolution (Genesis 1). Adaption can be observed but not evolution. Species simply do not become something other than what they were made to be, what they are coded to be. There is no proof the world over for such a myth as the evolution of species. A term makes nothing true, especially in this case where there is no proof. Adding “millions of years” to a mere theory doesn’t change that such a theory is mythology, not truth. Think about it: If you went home today and emptied out your gargage, and waited a year to see if something would magically appear in that garage, would it happen? No. What if you waited 10 years? How about a thousand, a million years? Would time itself cause something, anything to somehow appear in your garage? No.
Fact: There’s not 1 stitch, not 1 iota of evidence of evolution in every museum in the world. It’s been called a “fairy tale for grown ups.”
Adaptation is part of CREATION. It merely speaks to a loving God who made men and even animals to adapt to their environment on HIS earth where He created and placed them (Psalms 8). There is no museum in the entire world that has a stitch of proof of evolution. “The FOOL hath said in his heart, there is no God.” (Psalms 14:1)
“Evolution is a fairy tale for grownups.” Dr. Louis Bounoure, Director of the Zoological Museum and Director of Research at the National Center of Scientific Research in France, J. Rostand, “LaMonde et la Vie,” October 1963, p. 31 from V. Long, “Evolution: A Fairy Tale for Adults,” Homiletic and Pastoral Review, Vol 78 (1978), no. 7, pp. 27-32
“Scientists who go about teaching that evolution is a fact of life are great con-men, and the story they are telling may be the greatest hoax ever. In explaining evolution we do not have one iota of fact.” Dr. T. N. Tahmisian, Physiologist, Atomic Energy Commission. As quoted in: Evolution and the Emperor’s New Clothes, 3D Enterprises Limited, 1983, title page
Primordial Pudding and the Pawns who Promote it. | Evolution/Atheism Debunked category
Making Peace with God – Before it’s too late
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Articles
Mexico Mission Update Part 28
SATURDAY
ONLY GOD can do stuff like this!
SMH for His goodness.
After asking Luis (pictured below) where a certain food item was, he showed me and a lengthy conversation ensued. Luis was asking me questions about the USA after he found out that is where I originally from. At some point in the conversation, Luis said “make another statement in Spanish.” I guess he was seeking to measure how much Spanish I had learned. This caught me off guard yet I said “Jesus Christ reigns” in Spanish. AS SOON as I began saying those words, a dear man and his wife (Manuel) were turning the corner into that isle and so as I spoke those words I looked Manuel (whom I’d never before laid eyes on) straight into his face in order not to waste or limit who God’s Word was being spoken to. Manuel immediately lit up and rejoiced to hear God’s Word because he and his lovely wife are on-fire disciples of Jesus! Manuel then began ministering to beloved Luis who is not yet saved. The timing and arrangement of this event was nothing less than a divine miracle. We were all quite stunned at how this unfolded. Everyone exchanged contact info and Luis is going to continue to minister to and lead Luis to Jesus.
JESUS CHRIST IS MINISTERING TO AND SAVING SOULS!!!!
RECENTLY: Another 1,500 more JESUS tracts in Spanish picked up from the printer.
LAST NIGHT: Just got back in. Was able to pass out dozens upon dozens of JESUS tracts and speak God’s Word to each person…. ran out of tracts and loving it. Home restocking the pouch now.
The amazing people of Mexico are receiving the Gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16). Your prayers coveted.
The only spirit I have ever been in with ministering to Mexican people is “compassion.” Jude 22-23
They give no resistance, only acceptance to Jesus, the message of His Gospel.
I am praying for you all….. part of me wants to encourage more people to pray about leaving…. for their own safety and fruitfulness in Christ. Just a thought.
The amazing people of Mexico are receiving the Gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16). Your prayers coveted.
LAST NIGHT: AFTER sending out the weekly Bible teaching tonight, a young man named Julio here in Mexico replied with this:
“I want to learn the word of God, thank you for sharing the word of God with me.” Julio
He’s not yet saved (that I know of) and he’s reading the Word he’s being sent and now has the 4 ministry books in Spanish, including the Born Again book and the JESUS tract, etc.
Thank you for praying for our brother in Christ, Justin.
“About two weeks ago I would wake up spontaneously praising and thanking God. Normally, I am too groggy. But it just happened so naturally. It blesses my day and I give thanks for the challenges. Love you too bother.” Justin
When Alfredo (above) was given a JESUS tract and had God’s Word spoken to him, he was on the phone. He hung up and came and grabbed me as I was walking away. We spent ample time together and he was excited that you would be lifting him in prayer. He was very open and honest and asked me how he would be able to stop drinking many beers daily. In return I preached Jesus to him and that when he repents and receives Jesus, he is going to be forgiven of his sins and born again, a new creature in Christ and that all old things will pass away. He was instructed to repent and receive Jesus as I pointed to the prayer on the back of the JESUS tract (oracion). He was also shown the Reina Valera Bible 1960 to download onto his phone. He has my number and as soon as he texts me back he will be sent the Born Again book in Spanish and receive biblical ministry. Thank you for lifting this dear man in prayer. The honesty of the people of Mexico is so very refreshing!
God loves the Mexican people. Jesus died for them.
Thank you for pausing to pray for the people of Mexico.
Here’s beloved Martha who recently received ministry – as a direct result of your prayer and support.
Spanish
Is your life fruitful for Christ?
Or is it being wasted? John 15
Bibles and ministry books going out weekly across the nation. Lives being changed. Prayers coveted.
Now supporting a missionary in the Philippines….. Jesus tract in Tagolog etc.
You’re working to pay bills but are you fruitful for Jesus? John 15
Below are message from 2 men here in Mexico who have been ministered to and are continuing to receive God’s Word weekly:
“I am interested in knowing God and reading the Bible.” Julio
“Hi Todd. Greetings. Thanks for the Bible messages.” Carlos
IF you want to have a ‘field day’ adventure of evangelising lost souls, 90% of which are just waiting to be told about Jesus….. perhaps you may wish to pray and ask God if He’d have you move south to Mexico. A blessing. Psalms 37:23, right?
God be praised for your prayers and support. HE is doing a work in the hearts of the people of Mexico.
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | Zambia Mission | All Ministry Updates | The Greatest of these is Charity | Be Ready in the Morning [podcast] | The Sure Mercies of David [podcast] | That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God | Great Commission
Articles
The Purpose of Elders in Christ’s Body [podcast]
There is no more important work transpiring in the earth today than the work of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Matthew 9:35-38; 28:18-20; Ephesians 4:11-15; 1 Peter 5:1-6, etc.).
“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21
In short, the authentic under-shepherd ordained of Jesus Himself (John 15:16), will give up his life in this fleeting world for the sheep of Christ – just as the Great Shepherd of the sheep did on the cross. Such a divinely called-out man, will teach only God’s pure Word and watch for the souls of the LORD’s people (Hebrews 13:7, 17). He will take up the cross – live the crucified life – and therefore ministry will not be about them but rather about Jesus and His beloved sheep for whom He shed His blood and is soon returning (Philippians 3:17-21).
Also in Hebrews 13 …. The true elder of Christ will, according to Hebrews 13, do two things:
- Speak the pure Word of God to you and get you into it:
“Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation (their way of life).” Hebrews 13:7
2. Will in the fear of God pray for and “watch for your soul.”
“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Hebrews 13:17
In review, just WHAT are the earmark fruits of true under-shepherds as opposed to the many wolves among us?
- True under shepherds relentlessly teach God’s Word – “who have spoken unto you the word of God.” (Hebrews 13:7)
- They are there for you! – “they watch for your souls.” (Hebrews 13:7)
IF they aren’t preaching God’s pure Word to you, fearing God, not you…. and watching for your eternal soul, they are wolves in sheep’s clothing. Repent and run to Jesus beloved.
Let me add that if they are using a fake “bible” instead of the King James Bible, that should be a clue to the darkness they walk in (Matthew 7:16, 20).
Elders are ordained of God and yet never to take His place nor to negate our own personal responsibility to seek God daily for ourselves. Yet, we do not need a preacher. Why? – because we each have a Bible. Read it. We don’t need a preacher to tell us what the Bible says! Read it for yourself, learning of the LORD yourself. Today is your day to take personal responsibility to seek God for yourself! Stop depending on a preacher or preachers. Devour God’s Word daily. Jesus taught personal responsibility and the essential nature of it when He said “Take heed to yourselves” (Luke 21:34-36) …… Paul instructed Timothy to “Study” the Word (2 Timothy 2:15).
Today we have all around us church-goers who are not possessed with a heart after God, do not diligently study and read and live out Christ’s Word. This lukewarm, world-loving fruit clearly reveals the prophesied priesthood of wolves (1 Chronicles 16:11; Psalms 27:4, 8; Matthew 24:11; Acts 13:22; 2 Timothy 3:13; 1 John 4:1, etc.). Until a pastor has provoke you to get into God’s Word for yourself, to seeking His holy face daily in prayer, he has failed. If has has diligently, biblically sought to do these essentials, and people have refused God’s Word, refused to seek His holy face continually, the blood is off of his hands (Ezekiel 3:18-20).
“When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 19 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. 20 Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.” Ezekiel 3:18-20
When you check the fruit of a fellowship, check, discern if the individual saints are vibrant in Christ, diligently seeking His holy face, in His Word, living a life of prayer, denying self, taking up the cross daily, and following Jesus. This sounds like what we see of the earliest saints in the book of Acts, right? Boom. Remember how Peter preached and 8,000 were saved and how the Berean believers put Paul’s teaching to the Scriptural test? (Acts 2-4; 17:10-11, etc.).
Sadly, usually you see a bunch of people who are proud to be a member of a church with none of the biblical fruit list above.
The apostle Paul kept a close watch on those he oversaw.
“For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.” 1 Thessalonians 3:5
Having a physical “church” building makes no mere man, no supposed elder, an official representative of Heaven. Feeding the sheep of Christ with His pure Word and equipping them “for the work of the ministry” is the mark of a true under-shepherd of Christ (John 21:15-17; Ephesians 4:11-12, etc.). Discern. Beware. Inspect the fruit. Jesus nor any of His holy apostles collected a penny to build a building called “church.” No, they went to the people – to serve them instead of having the people come to them.
Let’s test that…. How many people do you personally know who are good church members, Sunday morning church attenders, and ALSO true, daily disciples whom God is using everywhere they go? Think about that…. How many true disciples of Jesus do you know who are involved in a Sunday morning church program? If you personally know even one true disciple, that’s a miracle and in spite of his attendance at the Sunday morning circus called “church.”
Unlike Christ’s apostle Paul, most in leadership today foster in their prey a dependence on THEM and their church business instead of prayerfully, biblically exhorting people to depend on Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:29-2:5).
Like Christ’s apostle Paul, the true elder labors relentlessly to see you grounded in Christ – not in him or his ministry or church, but in CHRIST! Listen closely:
“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7
It simply doesn’t matter what else he’s doing, if any minister is not prayerfully, biblically, perpetually rooting and grounding you in Christ, he’s a fraud. Run.
Like Jesus and His holy apostle Paul, part of grounding you ever more deeper in Christ, is warning you to “beware” of the “many false prophets.” (Matthew 24:11)
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” Colossians 2:8-10
SO, he’s not exhorting and admonishing you to seek and know the LORD in an ever deepening fashion? He’s not equipping, maturing you “for the work of the ministry” and yet you still consider him one of the LORD’s under-shepherds? He’s not getting YOU into the Word (2 Timothy 2:15) for yourself? That’s a false leader who is entertaining the goats instead of feeding and equipping the saints! Run! (See Ephesians 4:11-15; 1 Peter 5:1-6, etc.)
False leaders divert the attention, the heart affections, the resources, and the energy of God’s people away from Christ and simple obedience to His Great Commission mandate. YOU are personally responsible! Waste is rampant! If you support, “bid God speed” (2 John 7-11) to a false leader, false ministry, then you will perish with them!
The divine purpose for elders is not to dominate nor entertain the LORD’s sheep but rather to help their joy in Christ! Get to know this verse saints:
“Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.” 2 Corinthians 1:24
There is the citing of elders in the Word and their divine purpose – to humbly serve God by helping His sheep grow in the knowledge and grace of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-15; 1 Peter 5:1-6).
Christ’s apostle Paul desired the “perfection” (maturity in Christ) of the people of God (Ephesians 4:11-15).
“For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.” 2 Corinthians 13:9
Like Apollos, Elders among God’s people must remain teachable to God’s Word and simply and only teach and preach his word (Proverbs 9:9; Acts 18:26). Elders true to the LORD act on his behalf and never out of a personal agenda for self gain (2 Corinthians 3:5; 4:5, etc.). They live the crucified life (Galatians 2:20).
We are to humble ourselves like Apollos did and learn the way of our God more perfectly from each other, via God’s Word – as Apollos learned it more fully from Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:24-28).
Beloved Apollos was a very effective, anointed communicator of God’s Word and yet, was in need of maturing, of being perfected. So, God sent to him an elder and his wife, Aquila and Priscilla. Apollos humbly received the LORD’s elders and His grace to grow in Christ:
“And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.” Acts 18:24-26
The vast majority of “churches” that meet in “church buildings” are simply and merely conducting “church services” where they entertain their prey. They are not equipping the saints for the work of the ministry and therefore discerned as being counterfeit (Ephesians 4:11-13). If they were, there would be salty disciples in their midst who go forth to minister Christ’s kingdom blessings wherever they go. Not even a trace of this transpiring in the apostate modern church world. Run. Run. Run.
The Purpose of Kingdom Elders:
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting (equipping, maturing) of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” Ephesians 4:11-12
Philip Lye writes: “Paul says in Ephesians 4, that he gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. He expressly says these people are given to mature the saints, to equip them for their ministry and growth in Jesus Christ. Jesus tells us in Matthew 24 that many false prophets and messiahs will arise deceiving many. They are simply functions that God has given and not titles which the proud use to strut about like a peacock. Most of these people that I have met (and I have seen a lot of famous ones) are false, proud and arrogant and not servants of the the Lord Jesus Christ. I have seen humble genuine ones who move mightily in truth, calling people to repentance and right relationship with Jesus and a demonstration of genuine miracles and wonders. They are to be genuine servants to God’s people.”
VIEW this following verse from Solomon’s day in light of our calling and work till Christ returns:
“Now all the work of Solomon was prepared unto the day of the foundation of the house of the LORD, and until it was finished. So the house of the LORD was perfected.” 2 Chronicles 8:16
Let’s read a larger portion of this important passage in Ephesians 4. God fearing under-shepherds must prayerfully labor for and be intent upon seeing God’s people grow in the grace of Christ to the full stature of maturity He has ordained!
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” Ephesians 4:11-15
The Error of Using Titles in the Modern Church World
God sovereignly and exclusively ordained MEN to feed, lead, and equip His saints (Ephesians 4:8-11). Women are called to and seen doing many ministry functions in the New Testament but never as a leader in a position specifically designated in Scripture for men.
Repent. The American “church” is a catastrophe of spineless moral-coward Ahabs who’ve allowed, suffered women to lead, and the fall out is incalculable (Revelation 2:20-24).
GOD’s men must never allow women to lead where they (men) are called to lead (1 Timothy 2:12; 3:2; Revelation 2:20-24).
To put yourself under the ministry of a woman who is acting as an elder among God’s people, is to defy Christ, and to agree with Christ’s arch enemy and his Jezebels and to bring severe destruction on the people of God (1 Timothy 2:12; 3:2; Revelation 2:20-24).
JUST because a woman can run her mouth and even genuinely have a gift of the Spirit DOES NOT mean she’s an elder in the body of Christ – which is divinely reserved non-negotiably for men, male elders (1 Timothy 2:11-12; 3:2). | Beware of Scripture-Twisting Jezebels
We must humbly confess before our LORD and God that we have nothing and are nothing without Him!
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5
God can use us in spite of having a seminary or Bible college background…. If we will truly denounce it, lay it all down, and truly submit to Him – just like Paul did (Philippians 3). Otherwise we will join the epidemic of false prophets who build their own kingdoms in this fleeting life and spend eternity in hell (2 Peter 2:1-3). Paul counted his “higher education” as “dung” to know and serve Christ (Philippians 3).
BIBLICALLY SPEAKING, BY DEFINITION, ELDERS ARE NOT SEMINARIANS (UNLESS THEY’VE DENOUNCED SUCH) BUT RATHER PROVEN MEN OF GOD WHO HAVE WALKED WITH CHRIST FOR SOME TIME AND ARE SEASONED IN DOCTRINE AND GODLY CHARACTER AND ABLE TO HELP ASSIST OTHER BELIEVERS GROW IN GRACE (Philippians 3).
In part, we can be transformed in our thinking/perspective of what leaders are seen to be in the apostate modern church vs the biblical definition of an elder which is a humble servant with sound doctrine and a godly life (1 Timothy 3; 2 Timothy 3:10; Titus 1-2, etc.).
Christ’s kingdom ordination is not like the ordinations of many denominations….. To ordain seems to mean to recognize the work of GOD in a man’s life and to set him forth into ministry as by the leading of the Spirit of God.
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:16
ORDAIN
G5087
τίθημι
tithēmi
tith’-ay-mee
A prolonged form of a primary word θέω theō (which is used only as an alternate in certain tenses); to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from G2476, which properly denotes an upright and active position, while G2749 is properly reflexive and utterly prostrate): – + advise, appoint, bow, commit, conceive, give, X kneel down, lay (aside, down, up), make, ordain, purpose, put, set (forth), settle, sink down.
Total KJV occurrences: 96
“Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” Acts 13:1-3
Denominations of mere men set their elders forth to do THEIR bidding, to perpetuate their own cause and existence, to build their false church businesse$. God fearing assemblies of the saints simply recognize Christ’s work in a man and prayerfully send him forth to do GOD’s work. They worship and exalt Christ whole heartedly!
MINISTRY is about feeding sheep, not entertaining goats (John 21:15-17). So, when you see a “minister” entertaining, you know he himself is a goat (1 Corinthians 1:29-2:5).
What True Elders Teach
“For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” 2 Corinthians 4:5
THERE is nothing good in us except Christ. We are not featured but JESUS is. “We preach CHRIST crucified” (1 Cor 1:23). All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags and HE is the One and only righteous Redeemer whom we communicate to others (1 Cor 9:16; Rom 7:18 etc.).
Jesus’ true disciples are crucified vessels who preach with His authority, unlike the lame leaders we have today (Matthew 7:28-29). True Gospel preaching rocks the world of those who hear it – it never coddles people in their sin. That’s the work of wolves! Beware!
Godly Elders Teach God’s People to Discern
“And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.” Ezekiel 44:23
Why don’t some leaders teach discernment?
“Anyone that profits off of you being blind, will never teach you or inspire you to see.” unknown
Any man in leadership who doesn’t warn you of false prophets as did Christ and His apostles, is a wolf who does not want you to see who he truly is.
God’s people are to continue to learn to discern – to test, to weigh all things against Holy Scripture. Ungodly elders have the “I said it so it’s true” notion. Or the “We’ve always taught that” or “That’s what we believe” philosophy. Not. What saith the Scriptures is what every true follower of Jesus asks, as he searches God’s Word to ascertain truth. Every student of Christ should become extremely familiar with Acts 17:10-11.
QUESTION RECEIVED:
“I am curious as to how one man is considered the other’s elder? Do they attend the same church gathering thus, he is a church elder or is it through willful submission of the younger as an understudy or simply due to the fact that one man is older?”
REPLY:
Great question brother. Elder, biblically seems to mean older and more seasoned in God’s Word, having walked with the LORD longer. Two views come to mind: 1. The organic body of Christ, the kingdom relationships we have, where there appear men in our lives who are seasoned and there’s an automatic elder/young relationship (that’s how it is here)… and 2. Where a person attends a church group and they have their elder in a more organized fashion as you mentioned…. that help?
Nothing brings definition to this like God’s Word as you know…. and notice how it begins with “The elders which are AMONG you”….
“The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” 1 Peter 5:1-6
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