DON’T BE ASHAMED OR AFRAID TO SPEAK THE WORD OF GOD BOLDLY. ALLOW PEOPLE TO KNOW YOU SPEND TIME WITH GOD. AS YOU SPEAK THE WORD OF GOD, LIVE THE WORD OF GOD. IF YOU DON’T WALK IT, DON’T TALK IT. Acts 4:13 After they found out that Peter and John had no education or special training, they were surprised to see how boldly they spoke. They realized that these men had been with Jesus. Acts 4:31 When they had finished praying, their meeting place shook. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak God’s word boldly. Acts 9:28 Then Saul went throughout Jerusalem with the disciples. He spoke boldly with the power and authority of the Lord. Acts 19:8 For three months Paul would go into the synagogue and speak boldly. He had discussions with people to convince them about God’s kingdom. Acts 18:31 He spread the message about God’s kingdom and taught very boldly about the Lord Jesus Christ. No one stopped him.
AS WE GO ABOUT OUR DAILY WALK LET US BE PROUD TO SPEAK THE WORD OF GOD AND LIVE THE WORD OF GOD.
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16 “pray without ceasing” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” – Galatians 2:20 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature, the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17 “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him,” Colossians 2:6
ALLOW THIS QUICK REFRESHER FROM GOD TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE.
Matthew 22:37–39 (GW) “Jesus answered him, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important commandment. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’” Galatians 5:14 (GW) “All of Moses’ Teachings are summarized in a single statement: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’” 1 Peter 4:8 (GW) “Above all, love each other warmly, because love covers many sins.” 1 John 4:7 (GW) “Dear friends, we must love each other because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born from God and knows God.” 1 John 4:8 (GW) “The person who doesn’t love doesn’t know God, because God is love.” John 3:16 (GW) “God loved the world this way: He gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life.”
LET US LOVE ONE ANOTHER, STOP THE HATE, ENVY, AND RACISM.
The Bible closely links baptism with believing the gospel—the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. Mark 16:15, 16, NIV. “He [Jesus] said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whosoever does not believe will be condemned.’” When the people were convicted by Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost, what did Peter tell them they should do? Acts 2:38, NIV. “Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.’” Baptism represents the washing away of one’s sins. It symbolizes the fact that just as Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again to life—so we have died to our sins, are buried under the water in baptism, and rise again to live a new life in Jesus. Acts 22:16, NKJV. “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Romans 6:1-4, NIRV. “What should we say then? Should we keep on sinning so that God’s grace can increase? Not at all! As far as sin is concerned, we are dead. So how can we keep on sinning? All of us were baptized into Christ Jesus. Don’t you know that we were baptized into his death? By being baptized, we were buried with Christ into his death. Christ has been raised from the dead by the Father’s glory. And like Christ we also can live a new life.” The Bible closely links baptism with believing the gospel—the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. It’s in the Bible, Mark 16:15, 16, NIV. “He [Jesus] said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whosoever does not believe will be condemned.’” When the people were convicted by Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost, what did Peter tell them they should do? It’s in the Bible, Acts 2:38, NIV. “Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.’” Baptism represents the washing away of one’s sins. It symbolizes the fact that just as Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again to life—so we have died to our sins, are buried under the water in baptism, and rise again to live a new life in Jesus. It’s in the Bible, Acts 22:16, NKJV. “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” It’s in the Bible, Romans 6:1-4, NIRV. “What should we say then? Should we keep on sinning so that God’s grace can increase? Not at all! As far as sin is concerned, we are dead. So how can we keep on sinning? All of us were baptized into Christ Jesus. Don’t you know that we were baptized into his death? By being baptized, we were buried with Christ into his death. Christ has been raised from the dead by the Father’s glory. And like Christ we also can live a new life.” How many different types of baptism do the Scriptures teach? It’s in the Bible, Ephesians 4:5, NKJV. “One Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Note: the word “baptize” in the Bible means “dip” or “immerse” How and where did Philip conduct the baptism of the converted eunuch? It’s in the Bible, Acts 8:36-39, NKJV. “Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, ‘See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?’ Then Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ And he answered and said, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing.” What occurred at the baptism of Jesus? It’s in the Bible, Matthew 3:16-17, NKJV. “When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’” Into whose name are believers to be baptized? Matthew 28:19, NKJV. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
I HOPE YOU ENJOYED AND RECEIVED FROM THIS QUICK STUDY,
Exodus 14:14 “The LORD is fighting for you! So be still!” Deuteronomy 3:22 “Don’t be afraid of them. The LORD your God himself will fight for you.” Psalm 18:2 “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my savior, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the strength of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 20:1 “The LORD will answer you in times of trouble. The name of the God of Jacob will protect you.” Psalm 34:7 “The Messenger of the LORD camps around those who fear him, and he rescues them.” Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.” Isaiah 41:10 “Don’t be afraid, because I am with you. Don’t be intimidated; I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will support you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 54:17 “No weapon that has been made to be used against you will succeed. You will have an answer for anyone who accuses you. This is the inheritance of the LORD’s servants. Their victory comes from me,” declares the LORD. Romans 8:31 “What can we say about all of this? If God is for us, who can be against us?” These verses emphasize God as protector, defender, and warrior on behalf of His people. They’re powerful reminders of His active role in shielding us from harm and standing against opposition.
Most churches in America are throwing away their Bibles and believing in lies. If you are in a church that looks like the world, acts like the world, does not have sound doctrine, supports homosexuality and even has homosexuals working in the ministry, supports abortion, the prosperity gospel, etc. These are clear reasons to leave that church. If your church is about business and not about Christ that is a clear reason. Watch out for these fake powerless churches these days. Be careful because sometimes we want to leave the church for dumb reasons such as a small argument with someone or “my pastor is a Calvinist and I’m not.” Sometimes people want to leave for neutral reasons such as there is a biblical church in your area and now you don’t have to drive 45 minutes to get to church. Whatever the reason you must pray thoroughly. Trust in God and not yourself. 1. False Gospel Galatians 1:7-9 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse! Romans 16:17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 2. False teachings Titus 3:10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him. Matthew 7:15 Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 2 Peter 2:3 And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. Romans 16:18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. 3. If they deny Jesus is God in the flesh. John 8:24 I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins. John 10:33 The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.” 4. Members are not being disciplined. Sin is running wild in the church. (Most churches in America are filled with false converts who don’t care about God’s Word anymore.) Matthew 18:15-17 If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 1 Corinthians 5:1-2 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father’s wife. And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you. 5. Elders with unrepentant sin. 1 Timothy 5:19-20 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. 20 But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning. 6. They never preach on sin. God’s Word will offend people. Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Ephesians 5:11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. John 7:7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its works are evil. 7. If the church wants to be like the world. If it wants to be hip, trendy, water down the gospel, and compromise. Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. James 4:4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 8. Unholy living is tolerated. 1 Corinthians 5:9-11 I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. 2 Timothy 3:5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. Matthew 15:8 “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.” Romans 2:24 For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” 9. Hypocrisy 2 Timothy 3:5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. Matthew 15:8 “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.” Romans 2:24 For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” 10. Using money improperly. If people are passing the offering basket around four times in one service there is a problem. Is the church all about Christ or is it all in His name? 2 Corinthians 8:18-21 And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help. We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.
HOW ARE YOU LIVING? BE CAREFUL HOW YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE. DON’T CAUSE GOD TO WANT TO DESTROY YOU.
Exodus 32:9–10 The Lord said, “I’ve seen these people, and they are impossible to deal with. Now leave me alone. I will destroy them and erase their name from the earth. Then I will make you into a great nation.” Numbers 14:11–12 The Lord said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of the many miracles I performed among them? I will strike them with a plague and destroy them. But I will make you into a greater and mightier nation than they are.” Lev 26:14–16 “If you will not listen to me and obey all these commands, if you reject my laws and look at my rules with disgust, if you reject my promise by disobeying my commands, then this is what I will do to you: I will terrorize you with disease and fever. You will suffer from eye problems and depression. You will plant your crops and get nothing because your enemies will eat them.
Deuteronomy 7:9 Know that Yahweh your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His gracious covenant loyalty for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commands. Moses is reminding the people whom it is that they must obey and serve. They do not follow a false god who is fickle, falls away, or fails. They follow the God who is always faithful and trustworthy. A thousand generations is a term meaning an immeasurable future rather than specifying a specific length of time. God’s loyalty to His covenant is boundless and unending. His people never need to fear about God holding up His side of the agreement because He is constant and faithful. He can always be trusted to do what He has said He will. God’s faithfulness is for all time. We do not have a God who forgets, changes His mind, or fails. We have an all-powerful, faithful ruler, who was with the people of Israel thousands of years ago and is still with us today. This absolute faithfulness makes Him perfect in love and mercy but also perfect in justice. He cannot go against justice because it is in His very nature. Because of our sins, our turning away from God, death is the consequence. He cannot ignore the penalty that must be paid; but because He is also perfect in mercy, He takes the penalty upon Himself in order that we can be forgiven and once again live in covenant with Him. 2 Timothy 2:13 If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful because he cannot be untrue to himself. Romans 11:29 God never changes his mind when he gives gifts or when he calls someone.
I HOPE YOU FOUND THIS QUICK REFRESHER TO BE HELPFUL. LET US NOT FORGET THAT OUR GOD IS ALL-POWERFUL AND FAITHFUL. WE CAN DEPEND ON OUR GOD.
Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Paul does not beat around the bush in this verse. There can be no question about his intended meaning. The people were to do nothing out of rivalry or conceit. Nothing. They were to consider others as more important than themselves. Additionally, humility considers the interests of others. Personal responsibilities are important, and Paul is not saying that a person should lower themselves to become less than others. Rather they should pull others up to a higher level of importance. This is not just a directive for the people of the church at Philippi. This is the same standard believers are held to today. If the Holy Spirit is in a person, they are called to the same level of humility as Christ showed when He laid down His life for our sins. This humility is not limited. The verse does not say consider “those who are smarter than you” as more important, or “those that are more attractive than you” as more important, or “those that you like” as more important. We are to treat all others with respect and dignity. Proverbs 11:2 Arrogance comes, then comes shame, but wisdom remains with humble people. Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be arrogant, but be friendly to humble people. Don’t think that you are smarter than you really are.
GOD’S GUIDANCE 1 Thessalonians 5:15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. Psalm 34:14 Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it. Galatians 6:10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. 1 Peter 3:8 To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; ALLOW THIS WORD FROM GOD TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com http://www.youtube.com/@andrahigginbotham8096 PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
