GOD TEACHES US ABOUT LIFE AND DEATH Only in the Bible can any satisfying light be found on the mysterious and baffling subjects of life and death, Deut. 30:19. In the beginning God breathed life into the nostrils of the man He had created, Gen. 2:7. That breath was the spirit of man. “The body without the spirit is dead,” Jas. 2:26. The normal life span is 70 years, Psa. 90:10. Those who keep God’s precepts ordinarily live longer than those who do not, Prov. 3:1, 2. Life is likened to a shadow, Psa. 144:4, and a vapor, Jas. 4:14. “A sound heart is the life of the flesh,” Prov. 14:30. “The life of the flesh is in the blood,” Lev. 17:11. By one man came death through disobedience, Gen. 2:17; Rom. 5:12. Under the permissive will of God, Satan has the power of death, Job 2:6. The fear of it brings men into bondage, Heb. 2:14, 15. Death is an enemy which will finally be destroyed, 1 Cor 15:26. Christ has the keys to it, Rev. 1:18. It will be banished from God’s new order, Rev. 21:4. For believers, “to die is gain,” Phil. 1:21. For all others, after death there is judgment, Heb. 9:27. Like Enoch and Elijah, believers who are living at the time of the translation of the church will never die, 1 Cor. 15:51, 52; 1 Thess. 4:14–18. All unbelievers will ultimately experience the second death, Rev. 20:14, 15. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS QUICK STUDY. PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
WATCH OUT FOR SINFUL PEOPLE 2 Timothy 3:1–9 You must understand this: In the last days there will be violent periods of time. People will be selfish and love money. They will brag, be arrogant, and use abusive language. They will curse their parents, show no gratitude, have no respect for what is holy, and lack normal affection for their families. They will refuse to make peace with anyone. They will be slanderous, lack self-control, be brutal, and have no love for what is good. They will be traitors. They will be reckless and conceited. They will love pleasure rather than God. They will appear to have a godly life, but they will not let its power change them. Stay away from such people. Some of these men go into homes and mislead weak-minded women who are burdened with sins and led by all kinds of desires. These women are always studying but are never able to recognize the truth. As Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men oppose the truth. Their minds are corrupt, and the faith they teach is counterfeit. Certainly, they won’t get very far. Like the stupidity of Jannes and Jambres, their stupidity will be plain to everyone. CHAPTER 3 —————— The coming apostasy and the authority of Scripture In this chapter Paul warns of the apostasy that will come in the last days. He also gives us the antidote for that apostasy, which is the Word of God. That is why this chapter is so important and meaningful for us today. APOSTASY IN THE LAST DAYS This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come [2 Tim. 3:1]. “This knows also.” Paul is telling Timothy something very important that he wants him to know. He is telling him what to expect and what is to be the future of the church—it is not a very bright future for the organized church. “The last days” is a technical term used in several places in the New Testament; it speaks of the last days of the church, immediately preceding the rapture of the church. The last days of the church are not the same as the last days of the nation Israel, which is mentioned repeatedly in the Old Testament. In the Old Testament the last days are called the “end of the age” or “the time of the end,” which is the Great Tribulation period. That is quite different from the last days of the church, which precede the rapture of the church. The apostasy that began in the church in Paul’s day will continue. Paul warned the church at Ephesus that false leaders would enter the church after his decease. He told them in Acts 20:29–30: “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” They won’t give out the Word of God but will fleece the congregations. Believe me, false teachers shear the sheep pretty close! “Perilous times shall come,” which means grievous or desperate times are coming. That doesn’t look like the conversion of the world, does it? It doesn’t appear that the church is going to bring in the Millennium or is going to convert the world. The Bible doesn’t teach that it will. That is the pipe dream of a great many idealists and a great many folk who have lived with their heads ostrich–like in the sand and have never faced reality. Instead, notice what will be coming in the last days. We have nineteen different descriptions given in the next few verses. It is an ugly brood, but we want to look at them because they present the best scriptural picture of what is happening today. We are, I believe, moving into the last days of the church. My reason for saying this is that the things mentioned in these verses have appeared today. If you look back in the history of the church, you could certainly find some of these things in evidence, but I don’t think you could ever find a period in which all of them are so manifested as they are today. I believe we are now in these “perilous” days which are described in this section. I don’t know how much longer it will last, but I’m sure it’s going to get worse, not better. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com There are nineteen words or phrases used to describe the last days. 1. “Lovers of their own selves”—self–lovers. This is very much in evidence in our culture today. An article by a newspaper correspondent who had covered Washington, D.C., for many years, noted that the one thing which has characterized Washington for the past twenty years is that those who are in position want the reporters to praise them. In fact, they insist upon it. That is not confined to Washington. Hollywood is probably one of the greatest places for scratching each other’s backs. One actor will publicly say something nice about another, then the other one will return the favor. You find this in every walk of life. Even schools have self–love. If a man boosts a school, then the school boosts him by giving him an honorary degree. Also, you can find this in the churches. Paul goes on to say, in chapter 4, verse 3, that congregations will follow teachers “having itching ears.” These teachers want their ears scratched—they want to be complimented. To be complimented, you have to compliment. So the teachers compliment their congregations and their boards of officers. They don’t tell the people that they are sinners and need a Savior; they tell them how wonderful they are. It is interesting that the love of self characterizes our contemporary society. Probably there has never been a time when it has been so common. 2. “Covetous” means lovers of money. This follows self–love, because lovers of self become lovers of money. This old nature likes to have a lot of money spent on it. Remember that Paul said in 1 Timothy 6:10, “… the love of money is the root of all evil….” Money itself is not bad. The problems come in our attitude toward our money. Covetousness reveals itself not only in the acquisition of wealth but also in the use of it. 3. “Boasters.” That word has in it the idea of swaggerers. You can sometimes tell a proud man by the way he walks. He walks like a peacock; he swaggers. 4. “Proud” means haughty. 5. “Blasphemers” is better translated railers. I remember the story of a fellow whose wife said to him, “Everyone in town is talking about the Smiths’ quarrel. Some of them are taking her part and some are taking his part.” He chimed in, “Well, I suppose a few eccentric individuals are minding their own business.” Well, railers include those who are always poking their noses into somebody else’s business. 6. “Disobedient to parents.” Certainly this is self–evident. Oh, the thousands of boys and girls and teenagers who are in complete rebellion against their parents! 7. “Unthankful.” Many people receive kindnesses from others without even thinking of thanking them. And they accept everything from God without ever returning thanks to Him. 8. “Unholy” is profane. They are actually against God in their conversation and in their manner of life. 9. “Without natural affection” means having abnormal relationships. We are living in a day when homosexuality is being accepted as normal conduct. Yet in Romans 1:24 Paul clearly states, “Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves.” Humanity sinks to its lowest level when it accepts homosexuality. I PRAY THAT YOU ENJOYED AND RECEIVED FROM THIS QUICK STUDY. SHOULD WE CONTINUE WITH THIS TYPE OF QUICK STUDIES? PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
God speaks to us about peace: Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 1 Peter 3:10-11 For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.” Psalm 34:14 Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. Philippians 4:9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Psalm 29:11 The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. DID YOU FIND THIS QUICK REFRESHER TO BE HELPFUL? ALLOW THESE VERSES TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE. PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
OUR GOD IS ALMIGHTY Revelation 1:8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1-2 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Luke 1:37 For no word from God will ever fail. 1 Chronicles 29:12 Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. 1 Chronicles 16:34 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. LET US NOT FORGET WHO OUR GOD IS. OUR GOD IS ALMIGHTY, AND HE WILL LOVE US FOREVER. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN The expression is found only in Matthew, where it appears about 30 times. It is derived from Dan. 2:44; 4:25, 32. The kingdom of God is also mentioned in Matthew, five times out of 70 occurrences in the NT. Some regard these two terms as identical because of similarities between them. Both are to be established on the earth, Matt. 3:2; Mark 1:15. Mysteries are associated with both, Matt. 13:11; Luke 8:10. Christ associated the parable of the leaven with both, Matt. 13:33; Luke 13:21. However, differences between the two make it clear that the terms are not identical. The kingdom of God is entered only by the new birth, John 3:3, 5; not so the kingdom of heaven, Matt. 5:20; 7:21. The kingdom of God is eternal, Dan. 4:2, 3; Heb. 1:8, but not the kingdom which precedes it, 1 Cor. 15:24; Rev. 20:6. Only the saved are in the kingdom of God, John 3:3, 5, where they are safe, John 5:24; 10:28, 29, but unsaved persons are found in the kingdom of heaven, out of which they will be cast, Matt. 13:41–43, 47–51. The kingdom of heaven therefore may be regarded as the rule of heaven over the earth by Christ when He establishes His kingdom on earth, while the kingdom of God is His sovereign rule in the universe and in the hearts of His people, Psa. 103:19. FOOD FOR THOUGHT, I HOPE YOU RECEIVED GREATLY FROM THIS QUICK REFRESHER. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
THE BIBLE TEACHES US ABOUT ANGER Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com Psalm 37:8 ESV Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. Proverbs 15:1 ESV A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. James 1:20 ESV For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Ecclesiastes 7:9 ESV Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools. Proverbs 19:11 ESV Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. Ephesians 4:31 ESV Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. ALLOW THESE VERSES TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE. PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
THE BLESSED, PART ONE Whom God chooses. Ephesians 1:3–6 Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Through Christ, God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing that heaven has to offer. Before the creation of the world, he chose us through Christ to be holy and perfect in his presence. Because of his love he had already decided to adopt us through Jesus Christ. He freely chose to do this so that the kindness she had given us in his dear Son would be praised and given glory. You are the one who hears prayers. Psalm 65:2–4 Everyone will come to you. Various sins overwhelm me. You are the one who forgives our rebellious acts. Blessed is the person you choose and invite to live with you in your courtyards. We will be filled with good food from your house, from your holy temple. Who know Christ. Matthew 16:16–17 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!” Jesus replied, “Simon, son of Jonah, you are blessed! No human revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven revealed it to you. Who know the gospel. Psalm 89:15–17 Blessed are the people who know how to praise you. They walk in the light of your presence, O LORD. They find joy in your name all day long. They are joyful in your righteousness because you are the glory of their strength. By your favor you give us victory. Who are not offended at Christ. Matthew 11:6 Whoever doesn’t lose his faith in me is indeed blessed.” Whose sins are forgiven. Blessed is the person whose disobedience is forgiven and whose sin is pardoned. Blessed is the person whom the LORD no longer accuses of sin and who has no deceitful thoughts. Who believe. Luke 1:45 You are blessed for believing that the Lord would keep his promise to you.” Galatians 3:9 So people who believe are blessed together with Abraham, the man of faith. Whose sins are forgiven. Psalm 32:1–2 Blessed is the person whose disobedience is forgiven and whose sin is pardoned. Blessed is the person whom the LORD no longer accuses of sin and who has no deceitful thoughts. OUR GOD ALLOWS US TO KNOW WHO THE BLESSED ARE, LET US MAKE SURE WE ARE INCLUDED IN THE ONES THAT ARE BLESSED BY GOD. LET US LIVE OUR LIFE IN A WAY THAT WILL CAUSE GOD TO WANT TO BLESS US. PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
THE BLESSED, PART 2 To whom God imputes righteousness without works. Romans 4:6–9 David says the same thing about those who are blessed: God approves of people without their earning it. David said, “Blessed are those whose disobedience is forgiven and whose sins are pardoned. Blessed is the person whom the Lord no longer considers sinful.” Are only the circumcised people blessed, or are uncircumcised people blessed as well? We say, “Abraham’s faith was regarded as the basis of God’s approval.” Whom God chastens. Job 5:17 “Blessed is the person whom God corrects. That person should not despise discipline from the Almighty. Psalm 94:12–13 O LORD, blessed is the person whom you discipline and instruct from your teachings. You give him peace and quiet from times of trouble while a pit is dug to trap wicked people. Who suffer for Christ. Luke 6:22 Blessed are you when people hate you, avoid you, insult you, and slander you because you are committed to the Son of Man. Who have the Lord for their God. Psalm 144:15 Blessed are the people who have these blessings! Blessed are the people whose God is the LORD! Who trust in God. Psalm 34:8-9 Taste and see that the LORD is good. Blessed is the person who takes refuge in him. Fear the LORD, you holy people who belong to him. Those who fear him are never in need. Psalm 40:4 Blessed is the person who places his confidence in the LORD and does not rely on arrogant people or those who follow lies. Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed is the person who trusts the LORD. The LORD will be his confidence. Who fear God. Psalm 112:1–4 Hallelujah! Blessed is the person who fears the LORD and is happy to obey his commands. His descendants will grow strong on the earth. The family of a decent person will be blessed. Wealth and riches will be in his home. His righteousness continues forever. Light will shine in the dark for a decent person. He is merciful, compassionate, and fair. ALLOW THESE VERSES TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE, AND BE BLESSED BY GOD. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
THE BLESSED PART 3 Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com Who hear and keep the word of God. Psalm 119:2 Blessed are those who obey his written instructions. They wholeheartedly search for him. James 1:23–25 If someone listens to God’s word but doesn’t do what it says, he is like a person who looks at his face in a mirror, studies his features, goes away, and immediately forgets what he looks like. However, the person who continues to study God’s perfect laws that make people free and who remains committed to them will be blessed. People like that don’t merely listen and forget; they actually do what God’s laws say. Matthew 13:16 “Blessed are your eyes because they see and your ears because they hear. Luke 11:28 Jesus replied, “Rather, how blessed are those who hear and obey God’s word.” Revelation 1:3 Blessed is the one who reads, as well as those who hear the words of this prophecy and pay attention to what is written in it because the time is near. Revelation 22:7 I’m coming soon! Blessed is the one who follows the words of the prophecy in this book.” OUR GOD TEACHES US WHO HE BLESSES, AND WHY HE BLESSES THEM. ALLOW THESE VERSES TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE. ARE YOU ENJOYING THIS SERIES ON THE BLESSED? PayPal.me/donatetochurch Pastor Andra Higginbotham
