WE ALL FALL SHORT Romans 3:22–23 Everyone who believes has God’s approval through faith in Jesus Christ. There is no difference between people. Because all people have sinned, they have fallen short of God’s glory. Galatians 5:16–17 Let me explain further. Live your life as your spiritual nature directs you. Then you will never follow through on what your corrupt nature wants. What your corrupt nature wants is contrary to what your spiritual nature wants, and what your spiritual nature wants is contrary to what your corrupt nature wants. They are opposed to each other. As a result, you don’t always do what you intend to do. 1 Peter 2:16 Live as free people, but don’t hide behind your freedom when you do evil. Instead, use your freedom to serve God. LET US NOT FORGET THAT NONE OF US ARE PERFECT, WE ALL SIN, WE ALL FALL SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD. WE ALL HAVE TIMES WHEN WE DON’T DO OR SAY WHAT WE INTEND TO DO OR SAY. WE ALL FALL SHORT AT TIMES. YES WE ALL SAY THINGS WE SHOULDN’T SAY AND DO THINGS WE SHOULDN’T DO. IT’S PART OF THE CHRISTIAN WARFARE, BUT DON’T GIVE UP, DON’T ALLOW ANYONE TO CONDEMN YOU, JUST CONTINUE STRIVING TO BE LIKE CHRIST. THINK ABOUT IT. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
SIGNS OF JESUS IS COMING BACK Jesus is coming again. It’s in the Bible, John 14:2-3, NKJV. “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” What are some signs? It’s in the Bible, Matthew 24:3, NKJV. “As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. ‘Tell us,’ they said, ‘when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?’” There will be wars, though they may seem overwhelming, it is not the end. It’s in the Bible, Matthew 24:6, NKJV. “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.” Earthquakes and famines, and all the signs are only the contractions of what’s coming. It’s in the Bible, Matthew 24:7-8, NKJV. “There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.” What moral conditions will be characteristic of society in the last days? It’s in the Bible, II Timothy 3:1-5, NIV. “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.” The gospel will go to the whole world and the end will come. It’s in the Bible, Matthew 24:14, NIV. “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” What are people to do when they see these things taking place? It’s in the Bible, Matthew 24:42-44, TLB. “So be prepared, for you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. Just as a man can prevent trouble from thieves by keeping watch for them, so you can avoid trouble by always being ready for My unannounced return.” I HOPE YOU FOUND THIS QUICK REFRESHER TO BE HELPFUL. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
ABILITIES OF GOD 2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; Matthew 10:28 Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 1 Peter 4:10-11 Each of you as a good manager must use the gift that God has given you to serve others. Whoever speaks must speak God’s words. Whoever serves must serve with the strength God supplies so that in every way God receives glory through Jesus Christ. Glory and power belong to Jesus Christ forever and ever! Amen. ALLOW THESE VERSES TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
What Does The Bible Say About the Battle Being The Lord’s? Whether you’re facing a huge battle in your life or a smaller one, it’s reassuring to know God is fighting for you. How do we know this? Time after time, in scripture, we read how God came through for his people. Sometimes, things got worse before they got better. But there was never a time when God deserted those who loved him. It’s the same today. As followers of Christ, we can rest assured that our Father in Heaven loves us and cares for us. He sent his son to rescue us from our biggest problem: separation from God due to our sins. As God’s children, we know that he is fighting for us in the battles we face. Not convinced yet? Here are some things to consider. The battle is not yours In 2 Chronicles 20:15 we read how King Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, is facing one of the biggest battles of his life. He gets word that his arch-enemies are marching toward his kingdom. With a small and ill-prepared army, he knows they are no match for these formidable foes. But King Jehoshaphat has one thing going for him: he trusts God and knows he can save them. So, the king assembles all the citizens of his kingdom, proclaims a fast, and prays, pleading for God’s mercy. In response, a well-known prophet stands up and speaks comforting words from the Lord. He says: Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. (2 Chronicles 20:15 NIV) God heard the king and the people’s prayers. He caused the enemy armies to become so confused that they killed one another instead of the people of Judah. 2 Chronicles 20:15 “He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” Psalm 46:10 “He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” 1 Samuel 17:47 “And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.” Exodus 14:13 “But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again.” 2 Chronicles 32:8 “With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” So the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.” Isaiah 54:17 “no weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication[a] from me, declares the Lord.” Psalm 20:1 “May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.” Zechariah 4:6 “So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” The Lord is fighting for you. So, how does knowing the story of King Jehoshaphat help us get through our daily battles? Reading this story reminds us that God wants to turn to him and ask for help in every battle we face. He wants us to be free from the paralyzing fear that closes our eyes to the truth of God’s love and care for us. Fear is a bully. It tells us the worst-case scenario before anything even happens. It tells us that God doesn’t love us. Trusting the Lord won’t prevent battles from occurring in our lives, but Jesus will help us face our battles and walk with us as we go through them. God knows how hard life can be and will be with us, taking care of us. Believing this gives us freedom and faith that…the battle is not ours but God’s. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior”…(Isaiah 43:2-3 NIV) The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14 NIV) Deuteronomy 3:22 “Do not be afraid of them, for the LORD your God Himself will fight for you.”‘ Exodus 15:3 “The LORD is a warrior; The LORD is His name. Revelation 19:11 “Then I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse. And its rider is called Faithful and True. With righteousness He judges and wages war.” Psalm 24:8 “Who is this King of Glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.” “But the Lord stands beside me like a great warrior. Before him my persecutors will stumble. They cannot defeat me. They will fail and be thoroughly humiliated. Their dishonor will never be forgotten.” Jeremiah 20:11 “The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.” Habakkuk 3:19 2 Chronicles 32:7 “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged before the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater One with us than with him.” DID YOU FIND THIS WORD FROM GOD TO BE OF ANY HELP TO YOU? Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
WHAT AM I DOING TO SERVE GOD? Service is the Christian’s means of expressing his love and devotion to God, as God has expressed His love to those whom He saves by the gracious thing He has done. Christian service for God should be equally gracious. Some consider John 3:16 as the “theme verse” for the entire Bible. John 3:16 tells us of the love God has for us and the extent of that love — so great that He sacrificed His only Son on our behalf. John 3:16 teaches us that anyone who believes in Jesus Christ, God’s Son, will be saved. John 3:16 gives us the glorious hope of eternal life in heaven through the love of God and death of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8 GW God saved you through faith as an act of kindness. You had nothing to do with it. Being saved is a gift from God. Titus 2:11-12 KJV For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Acts 15:11 KJV But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. OUR GOD CONTINUES TO SHOW US HIS LOVE FOR US. HOW DO YOU SHOW GOD THAT YOU LOVE HIM? THINK ABOUT IT. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
FOOD FOR THOUGHT Galatians 1:8–9 Whoever tells you good news that is different from the Good News we gave you should be condemned to hell, even if he is one of us or an angel from heaven. 9 I’m now telling you again what we’ve told you in the past: If anyone tells you good news that is different from the Good News you received, that person should be condemned to hell. Ministers—False Teachers—Gospel, False: preachers of false gospels are accursed. This is a strong statement, but it is clearly understandable. The gospel is the means by which men are saved out of the grip of sin, death, and condemnation. Without the gospel no person is saved—no person can become acceptable to God—no person can inherit eternal life. Scripture is clear about the matter and warns all false teachers and all churches. a. The gospel is greater than the apostle Paul himself. This is a striking statement, for remember who Paul was: probably the most committed servant of God who has ever lived. He had ventured forth as a pioneer into the heathen areas of the world to reach people with the gospel of Christ, the good news that men could be delivered from sin and death and live forever. He loved the Galatians so much that he had risked all he was and had for their sake. To some Paul must have been a giant, and he must have been held ever so dear to their hearts. But note: Paul says that if he returned to them preaching any other gospel, he was to be accursed. The Galatians were not to receive him no matter how much they esteemed him: they were to reject him. The gospel in all its simplicity and purity was far more important than Paul himself. b. The gospel is greater than the angels from heaven. Even if an angel came from heaven and began to preach another gospel, he was to be rejected, for he too would be accursed. The glorious message of the gospel is far more important than even the angels in heaven. c. The gospel is greater than any man (v. 9). If any man preached any other gospel, he was to be accursed. The gospel is far more important than any man. d. The preachers of the false gospels shall suffer the judgment of a double curse. The word “anathema” means to be accursed, doomed to destruction, given over to eternal punishment, placed under the wrath of God. The idea is that of eternal death. This is clear from Paul’s use of the word elsewhere where he applies it to himself: “I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren.…” (Ro. 9:3). Paul was a Jew; he was saying that he loved his Jewish brothers so much that he would gladly suffer eternal punishment for their salvation (the very same love that Christ had demonstrated for all men). This is one of the most severe warnings in all of Scripture, and note to whom it is given: it is given to teachers, the false teachers. Lehman Strauss points out that every person who does not love the Lord Jesus Christ shall be accursed. How much more, then, shall the false teacher suffer at the hands of God’s eternal wrath. “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?… Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire” (Mt. 7:15–16, 19). “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Mt. 7:22–23). “But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation” (Mt. 23:13–14). “Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?” (Mt. 23:33). “But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption.… These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever” (2 Pe. 2:12, 17). “As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction” (2 Pe. 3:16). “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 Jn. 4:1). “Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD” (Je. 23:2). I HOPE YOU RECEIVED GREATLY FROM THIS QUICK STUDY. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
NEW CREATION 2 Corinthians 5:17 Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence. New Creature—New Man—Regeneration: the message is one of regeneration, the making of a “new creature.” a. What does it mean for a man to become a “new creature”? Very simply, it means just what the Scripture says: the man actually becomes a new creature—his whole being, nature, life, and behavior changes: → Whereas a man was dead to God, as a new creature he becomes alive to God. → Whereas a man had no relationship with God, as a new creature he is given a relationship with God. → Whereas a man was not sure about God, as a new creature he is absolutely certain about God. → Whereas a man never fellowshipped and communed with God, as a new creature he fellowships and communes with God all the time. → Whereas a man was living in sin and immorality, as a new creature he lives in righteousness and holiness. → Whereas a man had to face death, as a new creature he never has to die. → Whereas a man was doomed to judgment and eternal separation from God, as a new creature he is destined to live eternally in the presence of God. b. How does a person become a new creature? Note the words of this Scripture: “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” It is being “in Christ” that makes a person a new creature. When a person truly believes in Christ, God places and positions him in Christ, in all that Christ is. Christ lived and died and arose, so to be in Christ means that a person lives, dies, and arises in Christ. The person who believes in Jesus Christ is identified with Christ: that is, he is counted and considered to be “in Christ,” reckoned and credited as “in Christ.” Spelled out in a little more detail, when a person believes in Christ, God places and positions the believer “in” Christ. The believer’s faith actually causes God to identify the believer with Christ … • to count the believer as having lived in Christ when Christ lived upon earth. Therefore, the believer is counted sinless and righteous because Christ was sinless and righteous. • to count the believer as having died in Christ. Therefore, the believer never has to die (Jn. 3:16). The penalty and condemnation of his sins are already paid for in the death of Christ. • to count the believer as having been raised in Christ. Therefore, the believer has received the “new life” of Christ. Just as Christ had a new life after His resurrection, even so the believer receives the “new life” of Christ when he believes in Christ. (See outline and notes—Ro. 6:3–5. Also see DEEPER STUDY # 1, 2—Ro. 4:22; 5:1; 6:14–15.) To be in Christ means that a believer walks and lives in Christ day by day. It means that he does not “walk after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Ro. 8:1, 4). It means that “denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Tit. 2:12). It means that he bears the fruit of the Spirit (Ga. 5:22–23). It means that he abides in Christ, that he becomes as connected and attached to Christ … • as members of the body are connected and attached to each other (1 Co. 12:12–27) • as the branch is connected and attached to the vine (Jn. 15:4–7) From this, it is clearly seen that a person who is “in Christ” is a new creature. This is what is meant by such Scriptural terms as being “born again” and becoming a “new man.” However, no better words describe the experience than the words of this verse: “old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” This is the message of the Christian ministry: a man can start life all over, no matter how corrupt he has become or how far down he has fallen. God longs to make a new creature out of him. “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (Jn. 3:3). “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Co. 5:17). “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ep. 4:22–24). “Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him” (Col. 3:9–10). “Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him” (1 Jn. 5:1). DID YOU FIND THIS QUICK STUDY TO BE HELPFUL? Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
GOD IS OUR REFUGE, TRUST HIM. Psalms 62:5-8 GW Wait calmly for God alone, my soul, because my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my savior—my stronghold. I cannot be shaken. My salvation and my glory depend on God. God is the rock of my strength, my refuge. Trust him at all times, you people. Pour out your hearts in his presence. God is our refuge. Selah WE CAN TRUST GOD, GLORY!!! HALLELUJAH!!! PayPal.me/donatetochurch Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
WE WILL HARVEST WHAT WE PLANT Galatians 6:6-10 GW [6] The person who is taught God’s word should share all good things with his teacher. [7] Make no mistake about this: You can never make a fool out of God. Whatever you plant is what you’ll harvest. [8] If you plant in ⌞the soil of⌟ your corrupt nature, you will harvest destruction. But if you plant in ⌞the soil of⌟ your spiritual nature, you will harvest everlasting life. [9] We can’t allow ourselves to get tired of living the right way. Certainly, each of us will receive ⌞everlasting life⌟ at the proper time, if we don’t give up. [10] Whenever we have the opportunity, we have to do what is good for everyone, especially for the family of believers. LET US UNDERSTAND, AND NEVER FORGET WE WILL REAP WHAT WE SOW. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
GOD TEACHES US HOW TO CAUSE HIM TO WANT TO BLESS US. Proverbs 16:20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord. Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Psalm 29:11 The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. Jeremiah 17:7 ESV “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. Psalm 1:1 ESV Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; Proverbs 13:20-21 ESV Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Disaster pursues sinners, but the righteous are rewarded with good. Luke 11:28 ESV But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” ALLOW THESE VERSES TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
