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
THE BLESSED PART 4 Who delight in the commandments of 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. Who wait for the Lord. The LORD is waiting to be kind to you. He rises to have compassion on you. The LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all those who wait for him. Whose strength is in the Lord. Psalm 84:5 Blessed are those who find strength in you. Their hearts are on the road ⸤that leads to you⸥. Who hunger and thirst after righteousness. Matthew 5:6–11 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for God’s approval. They will be satisfied. Blessed are those who show mercy. They will be treated mercifully. Blessed are those whose thoughts are pure. They will see God. Blessed are those who make peace. They will be called God’s children. Blessed are those who are persecuted for doing what God approves of. The kingdom of heaven belongs to them. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, lie, and say all kinds of evil things about you because of me. Who avoid the wicked. Psalm 1:1–2 Blessed is the person who does not follow the advice of wicked people, take the path of sinners, or join the company of mockers. Rather, he delights in the teachings of the LORD and reflects on his teachings day and night. Who rebuke sinners. Proverbs 24:25 But people will be pleased with those who convict a guilty person, and a great blessing will come to them. The undefiled. Psalm 119:1–3 Blessed are those whose lives have integrity, those who follow the teachings of the LORD. Blessed are those who obey his written instructions. They wholeheartedly search for him. They do nothing wrong. They follow his directions. The pure in heart. Matthew 5:8–10 Blessed are those whose thoughts are pure. They will see God. Blessed are those who make peace. They will be called God’s children. Blessed are those who are persecuted for doing what God approves of. The kingdom of heaven belongs to them. The just. Psalm 106:3 Blessed are those who defend justice and do what is right at all times. ALLOW THESE VERSES TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
GOD SPEAKS TO US ABOUT SLANDER Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com Proverbs 20:19 GW Whoever goes around as a gossip tells secrets. Do not associate with a person whose mouth is always open. Psalm 101:5 ESV Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy. Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure. Titus 3:2 ESV To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. Exodus 23:1 ESV “You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness. Proverbs 11:9 ESV With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor, but by knowledge the righteous are delivered. Matthew 7:12 GW “Always do for other people everything you want them to do for you. That is ⌞the meaning of⌟ Moses’ Teachings and the Prophets. James 1:19-20 ESV Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. FOOD FOR THOUGHT, DON’T BE A SLANDERER. PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
ALLOW GOD TO GUIDE YOUR LIFE Proverbs 31:9 Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. Luke 3:11 John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Proverbs 21:21 Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. Romans 2:6 God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” FOOD FOR THOUGHT, ALLOW THESE VERSES TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE. PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch
