WE MUST FORGIVE OTHERS Forgiveness is essential in living like Christ. Jesus taught us to forgive those who wrong us, just as He offers us forgiveness for our mistakes. This can be tough, especially when we feel hurt or betrayed. Yet, holding onto grudges can weigh us down, preventing us from experiencing the fullness of His grace. When we let go and forgive, we are free to move forward in love and peace. It’s a beautiful act that not only heals our hearts but also reflects Christ’s love to those around us. We should aspire to be quick to forgive, mirroring the divine compassion that Jesus showed us during His earthly ministry. “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” – Matthew 6:14-15 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32 “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13 LET US NOT HOLD GRUDGES, BUT LET US FORGIVE OTHERS. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
Romans 8:31 What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? Assurance • Faith • Strength Where Is It? As you can tell from the number of verses highlighted in Romans, the book has been one of the most theologically influential books of the New Testament. It is meant to give spiritual strength to the reader. Paul even prays within the letter that God will give the audience understanding. It also goes into greater depth on the doctrine of salvation than any other place in the Bible. This verse comes right after Paul’s in-depth explanation of the salvation that is given to those who believe in Christ. What Does It Mean? The “things” that Paul is referring to, are the truths he has just finished presenting about the gospel. What should we say about the fact that, “all things work together for the good of those who love” (8:28)? What should we say about the fact that, “the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness” (v. 26)? We should find strength! We should say that if all these things are true, which they are, then we have nothing to fear, because there is nothing and no one that could overcome our God. Why Does It Matter? This is the source of strength for every believer in Christ. Because Christ died for you; because the Holy Spirit is inside of You; because God loves you, you have no reason to fear. When you feel weak, remember that God is strong. When you feel attacked, remember your protector is invincible. When you feel doubtful, remember that God has given you every assurance. If you have God on your side, no one else stands a chance. I HOPE YOU ENJOYED AND RECEIVED FROM THIS QUICK REFRESHER. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
THE 3:16’S 2 Timothy 3:16 Every Scripture passage is inspired by God. All of them are useful for teaching, pointing out errors, correcting people, and training them for a life that has God’s approval. All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness. The Bible is chock-full of verses attesting to its inspiration, authority, infallibility, and usefulness. Perhaps the best New Testament texts on this subject are 2 Timothy 3:16 and 2 Peter 1:21. The latter says, in effect, that no passage in the Bible came about by a prophet’s own origination, but the writers of Scripture spoke as they were moved (borne along) by the Holy Spirit. The former verse tells us that all Scripture is inspired (breathed out) by God and therefore of immense usefulness in our lives. Notice the chapter/verse location 2 Timothy 3:16. There’s a remarkable correspondence between John 3:16 and 2 Timothy 3:16. The two verses have more in common than their “street address” of 316. • John 3:16 talks about the Savior, and 2 Timothy 3:16 talks about the Scriptures. These two entities comprise the two greatest gifts ever bestowed on humanity. • Both are called “The Word.” • One is the living Word, and the other is the written Word. • Both are utterly unique. Jesus is like no other person the world has ever seen, and the Bible is like no other book the world has ever read. • Jesus was both fully human and fully divine. He came down from heaven yet made His appearance through the instrumentality of a human being who was overshadowed by the Holy Spirit. The Scriptures are both fully human and fully divine. They came down from heaven yet were given through the instrumentality of human beings who were borne along by the Holy Spirit. • Just as the Savior was without sin, the Scriptures are without error. • Just as the Savior has a dual nature, the Scriptures have a double nature. • The Savior is the God-Man, and the Scriptures are from both God and man. • The Savior came to save us, and the Scriptures were given to tell us how to be saved. • The Bible is Jesus in print, and Jesus is the personification and fulfillment of the Scriptures. And so these 3:16s are twin verses about the Savior and the Scriptures. The Great “3:16s” of the New Testament • Luke 3:16—The Baptism of the Holy Spirit • 1 Corinthians 3:16—The Holy Spirit’s Indwelling • Ephesians 3:16—The Holy Spirit’s Strengthening • Colossians 3:16—The Imbedded Word • 2 Thessalonians 3:16—The All-Encompassing Peace of God • 1 Timothy 3:16—The Uniqueness of Christ • 1 John 3:16—The Power of Love • Revelation 3:16—The Danger of Lukewarm Love I HOPE YOU REALLY ENJOYED THIS QUICK REFRESHER. ISN’T IT AMAZING. Everlastingsalvationchruchofgod.com PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
BELEIVERS ARE TO WALK WITH GOD We are to walk: As children of light. Ephesians 5:8 Once you lived in the dark, but now the Lord has filled you with light. Live as children who have light. As Christ walked. 1 John 2:6 Those who say that they live in him must live the same way he lived. Cautiously. Ephesians 5:15 So then, be very careful how you live. Don’t live like foolish people but like wise people. By faith, not sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 Indeed, our lives are guided by faith, not by sight. In the Spirit. Galatians 5:16 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.
IF WE ARE CHRISTIANS, OUR LIFE SHOULD REFLECT CHRIST. HOW ARE YOU LIVING, CHECK YOURSELF.
Psalm 124:8 says, “Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” This verse is a powerful declaration of trust in God’s sovereignty. It emphasizes that our help does not come from human strength or worldly sources but from the Creator Himself. By invoking “the name of the Lord,” the psalmist highlights God’s authority, faithfulness, and ability to provide protection and deliverance. Psalm 124 as a whole is a song of gratitude, reflecting on how God has rescued His people from danger. Verse 8 serves as a reminder that no matter the challenges we face, we can rely on God’s strength and guidance. Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” This verse reassures us that God is always there to provide refuge, strength, and help when we face challenges. It reminds believers that even in chaos or hardship, God remains a steady source of protection.
LET US NOT FORGET WHERE OUR HELP COMES FROM. LET US NOT FORGET WHO PROTECTS US.
Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
BE CAREFUL HOW YOU CHOOSE YOUR ENTERTAINMANT Here are a few key verses that offer wisdom on the topic:
Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” This verse encourages believers to ensure that their entertainment choices honor God. Philippians 4:8″Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” This verse suggests that entertainment should reflect positive and uplifting values. 1 Corinthians 10:31″So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” This reminds Christians to approach entertainment with the mindset of glorifying God in all aspects of life. Psalm 101:3 “I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it.” This verse warns against engaging in entertainment that promotes immorality or ungodly behavior.
The Bible encourages discernment and wisdom when selecting entertainment, ensuring that it aligns with Christian values and does not lead believers astray.
ALLOW THESE VERSES TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE. LET US CHOOSE ENTERTAINMENT THAT GOD CAN FEEL COMFORTABLE BEING THERE WITH US.
Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
1 Chronicles 16:34 “Give thanks to the LORD because he is good, because his mercy endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34 is a powerful verse that emphasizes gratitude and the eternal nature of God’s love. It says: “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.”
Breaking it Down: 1. “Give thanks to the LORD” – This is an encouragement to express gratitude. Thanksgiving in the Bible is more than just saying “thank you”; it’s an act of worship and acknowledgment of God’s presence and blessings. 2. “For He is good” – God’s goodness is absolute. He is faithful, just, and compassionate. The Bible frequently reminds believers that His character is unchanging. 3. “His love endures forever” – This speaks to God’s unfailing, everlasting love. Unlike human love, which can change and falter, God’s love remains constant across time and circumstances.
OUR GOD IS WORTHY OF THANKS, LET US GIVE OUR GOD THANKS WITH OUR MOUTH AND WITH OUR LIFE. THINK ABOUT IT.
Evelastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
The identification of a fleshly life Galatians 5:19–21 Now, the effects of the corrupt nature are obvious: illicit sex, perversion, promiscuity, idolatry, drug use, hatred, rivalry, jealousy, angry outbursts, selfish ambition, conflict, factions, envy, drunkenness, wild partying, and similar things. I’ve told you in the past and I’m telling you again that people who do these kinds of things will not inherit God’s kingdom.
The identification of a spiritual life Galatians 5:22–24 But the spiritual nature produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There are no laws against things like that. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their corrupt nature along with its passions and desires.
The attitude of a spiritual life Galatians 5:25–26 If we live by our spiritual nature, then our lives need to conform to our spiritual nature. We can’t allow ourselves to act arrogantly and to provoke or envy each other.
I HOPE YOU FOUND THIS QUICK REFRESHER TO BE HELPFUL. LET US LIVE A SPIRITUAL LIFE, NOT A FLESHLY LIFE.
Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
