Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Jesus says: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” This verse contains three commands, each building on the other. “Deny yourself” — Surrender your self‑rule. This is not self-hatred. It is self-renunciation. You stop being the center of your own life. You surrender your will, your agenda, your pride, your preferences. You choose God’s way over your own, even when it conflicts with your desires. It means: “My life is no longer about what I want—it’s about what Christ wants.” “Take up your cross” — Embrace the cost of obedience. In Jesus’ day, the cross was not symbolic. It meant death. So Jesus is saying: Be willing to die to sin. Be willing to endure rejection, suffering, or loss for My sake. Be willing to obey even when it costs you something. This is not about carrying life’s burdens. It is about choosing the path of obedience even when it hurts. “Follow Me” — Walk in His steps daily. This is the ongoing lifestyle: follow His teachings, follow His example, follow His direction, follow His character, and follow His mission. It is not a one-time decision. It is a daily choice to walk behind Him. Mark 8:34 calls you to: Let go of the life you would build for yourself. Embrace the life Christ calls you to. Walk in obedience even when it’s costly. Trust that losing your life for Christ is how you truly find it (v. 35). This is the heart of discipleship.
I HOPE YOU ENJOYED AND FOUND THIS QUICK REFRESHER TO BE HELPFUL.
Angels in the Bible are described as powerful, spiritual beings who serve God, deliver His messages, and carry out His will. Their appearance varies widely—sometimes looking like ordinary men, other times appearing as overwhelming, fear‑inspiring heavenly beings. Angels Are Spirit Beings: They are created by God (Psalm 148:2,5). They are ministering spirits sent to serve (Hebrews 1:14). They do not marry or reproduce (Matthew 22:30). They possess intellect, will, and emotion. Angels Sometimes Appear as Human Men. In several passages, angels look completely human: Genesis 18–19 — three “men” visit Abraham; two later go to Lot. They ate, walked, and spoke like ordinary men. This form avoids overwhelming people with glory. Angels Often Appear Radiant or Fearsome. When God allows their glory to be seen: They radiate light (Luke 2:9). Their presence often causes fear, which is why they say, “Do not be afraid.” Some visions describe them with supernatural features. What Angels Do: Deliver messages from God (Luke 1:13; Genesis 19:15). Protect and guard (Psalm 91:11). Worship God continually (Isaiah 6:3). Execute God’s judgments (Revelation). The Bible does not describe angels as soft, gentle, winged humans. Instead, Scripture presents them as: Spiritual beings, Messengers, Warriors, and Worshipers. Sometimes human‑looking, sometimes otherworldly and fearsome. Their appearance depends entirely on the mission God gives them. ARE ANGELS ON EARTH WITH US TODAY? Yes, angels are active on earth today — but not in the way movies imagine. The Bible teaches that angels are present, working, and involved in human life, though usually unseen. Angels Are Still Active on Earth Scripture never says their ministry ended. In fact, the New Testament — written for the church age — says: Hebrews 1:14 “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” That’s present‑tense. If you belong to Christ, angels are part of God’s ongoing care for you. Angels Can Be Present Without Being Recognized. Hebrews 13:2 “Some have entertained angels without knowing it.” This means: Angels can appear in ordinary human form. People may interact with them without realizing it. Their presence is often hidden, subtle, or disguised. This verse alone proves angels still operate on earth. Angels Protect and Guard Believers. Psalm 91:11 “He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” This is not limited to ancient Israel. It reflects God’s ongoing pattern of protection. Angels Carry Out God’s Assignments on Earth. Throughout Scripture, angels: Deliver messages, Protect God’s people, Fight spiritual battles, Influence earthly events, and Minister to believers in need. There is no verse saying these roles have stopped. Angels Do Not Draw Attention to Themselves. This is important. Angels: Do not seek worship, Do not promote themselves, Do not contradict Scripture, and Do not replace the Holy Spirit. Their work is real but quiet, always pointing back to God. Yes — angels are on earth today, active, present, and ministering, but usually unseen. They appear when God assigns them, often in ways humans don’t recognize.
DID YOU ENJOY THIS QUICK STUDY ON ANGELS? SHOULD WE CONTINUE OUR QUICK STUDIES?
Jeremiah 26:3 Maybe they’ll listen, and they’ll turn from their evil ways. Then I’ll change my plan about the disaster I intend to bring on them because of the evil they have done.” Jeremiah 26:13 Now, change your ways and what you are doing, and listen to the LORD your God. Then the LORD will change his plan about the disaster that he intends to bring on you. Ezekiel 18:27–28 When a wicked person turns away from the wicked things that he has done and does what is fair and right, he will live. He realized what he was doing and turned away from all the rebellious things that he had done. He will certainly live. He will not die.
THIS WORD OF GOD STILL APPLIES TO US TODAY. LISTEN TO GOD. TURN FROM YOUR WICKED WAYS AND BE FORGIVEN. TURN FROM YOUR WICKED WAYS AND LIVE. ALLOW THIS WORD FROM GOD TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE.
A good person obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns everyone who schemes. (Prov 12:2) This connection between character and divine favor appears throughout Scripture. When mercy and truth are internalized and written on the heart, a person will find favor and much success in the sight of God and humanity. (Prov 3:3–4) Similarly, good sense brings favor, but the way of treacherous people is always the same. (Prov 13:15) Theologically, favor is often seen as an instrument of God’s promise—a means through which God executes his divine will and purpose in the lives of believers, serving not merely as a blessing but as a tool for accomplishing God’s greater plans. Importantly, it is common to mistakenly equate the by-products of favor—such as success, prosperity, or comfort—with favor itself, but favor is fundamentally about purpose rather than these material outcomes. The favor of God is both unexplainable and unmerited, representing preferential treatment that cannot be earned by human efforts but was earned by Jesus and bestowed upon believers through grace. The favor that human beings receive from God depends on his good pleasure and is often extended in response to prayer or righteous living. God blesses righteous people and surrounds them with his favor like a large shield. (Ps 5:12) God’s favor is His gracious, undeserved kindness that opens doors, protects, promotes, strengthens, and surrounds His people like a shield. Favor is not luck — it is God actively working for your good. Favor is given freely, but Scripture shows patterns God honors: Faith — trusting God when others don’t, obedience — walking in His ways, humility — God gives grace to the humble, righteousness — living with integrity, seeking God — drawing near to Him, purpose — aligning with His calling, These don’t earn favor — they position you to walk in what God already wants to give.
LET US POSITION OUR LIFE IN A WAY THAT WILL CAUSE GOD TO WANT TO BLESS US WITH HIS FAVOR.
Psalm 124:8 Our help is in the name of the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. Isaiah 50:7 For the Lord God helps Me, Therefore, I am not disgraced; Therefore, I have set My face like flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed. Psalm 27:9 Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not abandon me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation! Psalm 118:13 You pushed me violently so that I was falling, But the Lord helped me. Psalm 121:2 My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. Psalm 115:11 You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield. GOD IS OUR HELPER. OUR HELP COMES FROM GOD. WHATEVER YOU ARE GOING THROUGH, HOLD ON TO YOUR FAITH GOD WILL HELP YOU. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com Youtube.com/@andrahigginbotham8096 PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
3:5–6 calls you to “trust the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding,” promising that as you acknowledge him in all your ways, “he will make your paths smooth.” Psalm 37:5 encourages you to “entrust your ways to the LORD” and assures that “he will act on your behalf.” Philippians 4:19 promises that “God will richly fill your every need in a glorious way through Christ Jesus.” Matthew 6:25–34 instructs you to stop worrying about food, drink, and clothing, noting that your heavenly Father knows what you need, and directs you to “be concerned about his kingdom and what has his approval,” after which “all these things will be provided for you.” Psalm 46:1 declares that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.” Isaiah 41:10 assures you that God is with you and will “strengthen you,” “help you,” and “support you with my victorious right hand.” In 2 Corinthians 12:9–10, Paul shares that God told him, “My kindness is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.” Isaiah 26:3–4 promises “perfect peace” to those whose minds trust in the Lord, describing him as “an everlasting rock.” Jeremiah 17:7–8 blesses those who trust the Lord, comparing them to a tree planted by water that “will not be afraid in the heat of summer,” “will not be anxious during droughts,” and “will not stop producing fruit.” Psalm 118:8–9 affirms that “it is better to depend on the LORD than to trust mortals” or “influential people.”
God hates racism because it violates His character, His creation design, and His command to love. Scripture is absolutely clear: racism is sin. God Created All People in His Image (No Superior Race) Genesis 1:27 — God created all people in His image. Racism attacks the image of God in another person. Acts 17:26 — “From one blood God made all nations.” The Bible teaches one human race with many ethnicities. Racism denies the truth that every human carries equal dignity, value, and worth before God. God Commands Love — Racism Violates the Greatest Command. Matthew 22:37–39 — Love God and love your neighbor as yourself. 1 John 4:20 — You cannot love God and hate your brother. Racism is the opposite of love. It is impossible to be racist and obey Jesus at the same time Jesus Died for Every Tribe, Nation, and People. Revelation 7:9 — Heaven is filled with people from every nation, tribe, people, and language. John 3:16 — God loved the world, not one group. Heaven is multiethnic. If God celebrates diversity in eternity, His people must reject racism now. God Condemns Partiality (Favoritism, Prejudice, Bias). The Bible uses the word partiality, which includes racial prejudice. James 2:1 — “Do not show favoritism.” James 2:9 — Showing partiality is sin. Acts 10:34 — “God shows no partiality.” If God doesn’t show partiality, His people must not either. God Judges Oppression and Injustice. Racism is not only hatred — it is injustice. God consistently judges injustice in Scripture. Isaiah 1:17 — “Seek justice… defend the oppressed.” Proverbs 14:31 — Oppressing others insults their Maker. Racism insults God Himself. In Christ, All Believers Are One Family Galatians 3:28 — In Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek. Ephesians 2:14 — Jesus “broke down the wall of hostility.” The gospel destroys racial division. Racism rebuilds what Jesus tore down. THE BOTTOM LINE IS: How God Feels About Racism. It violates His image in people. It breaks His command to love. It contradicts the gospel. It destroys unity in the body of Christ. It is sin, and God opposes it. God hates racism. God heals racism. God judges racism. God unites people.
IT’S TIME FOR YOU TO DECIDE, ARE YOU A RACIST OR ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN. YOU CAN’T BE BOTH. IT’S YOUR CHOICE. MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE.
The Bible says life is short, fragile, and like a vapor that appears for a moment and then disappears. Scripture consistently points us away from living for temporary things and toward investing our short lives in what is eternal. God does not tell us life is short to make us afraid. He tells us because He loves us too much to watch us waste the one life He gave us. Have you been living for yourself? If so, repent and start living for Christ. Life is all about Jesus. James 4:14 “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” A mist. A vapor. Something that exists briefly and then disappears. That is how Scripture describes human life. Not to depress you but to refocus you on what actually matters. 1 Peter 1:24 “For, all people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall.” Ephesians 5:15-16 “Be very careful, then, how you live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Colossians 4:5 “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” Psalm 90:10 “Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.” John 11:25-26 “Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
ALLOW THIS QUICK REFRESHER TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE.
