IINSTRUCTIONS FROM GOD 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 GW [16] Always be joyful. [17] Never stop praying. [18] Whatever happens, give thanks, because it is God’s will in Christ Jesus that you do this. [19] Don’t put out the Spirit’s fire. [20] Don’t despise what God has revealed. [21] Instead, test everything. Hold on to what is good. [22] Keep away from every kind of evil. THIS IS HOW GOD WANTS US TO LIVE. HOW ARE YOU LIVING? Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
WE MUST BE CHRIST CENTERED John 15:4 ESV Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. Psalm 28:7 ESV The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. Philippians 4:13 ESV I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Mark 16:15-16 ESV And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. John 1:12 GW However, he gave the right to become God’s children to everyone who believed in him. 1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. I HOPE YOU FOUND THIS REFRESHER TO BE HELPFUL Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
Listen, Build, and Listen Again Genesis 6–7; Matthew 6–7:11; Ecclesiastes 2:1–11 More often than not, what we want is not what God wants. We desire wealth, notoriety, or influence. In our ambition, we can lose sight of the very God who created us. In the story of Noah and the flood, we see the same dichotomy: the world wants one thing and God desires another. The two aren’t congruent. In this case, selfishness has led to catastrophic levels of evil: “Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight, and the earth was filled with violence … all flesh had corrupted their way on earth” (Gen 6:11–12). So God tells Noah that He is through—He’s going to end it all. But Noah and his family will be spared if they’re obedient to God’s will. Noah listens; he builds the ark. And God honors His work by closing the door (Gen 7:16). He’s there at the end, sealing the deal. Being faithful means getting an opportunity to witness the power of God. When our ambitions aren’t guided by God’s will and His goals, the result can mean corruption or corrupting others. We might wonder how we got there, but in reality, we know how it happened: selfishness is to blame. Instead of doing things our way, we must listen, build what God wants, and then listen again. We have a choice: we can seek our own ambitions—like wisdom or knowledge—or we can choose Christ’s way, realizing that “in much wisdom is much vexation, and [that the one] who increases knowledge increases sorrow” (Eccl 1:18). Ambition alone does not offer a happy ending. The only ending that results in joy is the one that focuses on God’s kingdom and His desires. Rather than justify our current desires, we should acknowledge the dichotomy and the problem. Individual ambition may result in selfish desires, but a focus on Christ will result in blessings: “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called sons of God” (Matt 5:9). What ambitions need to be set aside in your life? In what ways do you need to refocus your life on Christ’s goals? THINK ABOUT IT. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
OUR GOD COMMANDS US TO BE STRONG. God’s commands are His promises, which enable us to carry out His precepts. 1. “Be strong” to possess God’s possessions, as He urged upon Joshua—Joshua 1:6. Joshua 1:6 GW [6] Be strong and courageous, because you will help these people take possession of the land I swore to give their ancestors. 2. “Be strong” to obey Jehovah’s commands, by unfaltering response to them—Joshua 1:7. Joshua 1:7 GW [7] “Only be strong and very courageous, faithfully doing everything in the teachings that my servant Moses commanded you. Don’t turn away from them. Then you will succeed wherever you go. 3. “Be strong” in the face of difficulties, because the Lord is with us to see us through them—Joshua 1:9. Joshua 1:9 GW [9] “I have commanded you, ‘Be strong and courageous! Don’t tremble or be terrified, because the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’ ” 4. “Be strong” in the face of the declension of others, for the Lord bids us to be of “good courage”—Joshua 1:18. Joshua 1:18 GW [18] Whoever rebels against your authority or does not obey your orders will be put to death. Just be strong and courageous!” 5. Pass on His Word, “Be strong,” to others, as Joshua did to the children of Israel, and overcome all your enemies—Joshua 10:25. Joshua 10:24-25 GW [24] When they brought them to Joshua, he called for all the men of Israel. He told the officers who had gone with him, “Come forward and put your feet on the necks of these kings.” So that’s what they did. [25] Joshua told them, “Don’t be afraid or terrified! Be strong and courageous, because this is what the Lord will do to all the enemies you’re fighting against.” 6. “Be strong,” for the Lord bids thee “fear not” those who oppose us, for He pledges Himself not to fail us—Deut. 31:6. Deuteronomy 31:6 GW [6] Be strong and courageous. Don’t tremble! Don’t be afraid of them! The Lord your God is the one who is going with you. He won’t abandon you or leave you.” 7. “Be strong,” for the Lord hath sworn to give what He has promised—Deut. 31:7. Deuteronomy 31:7-8 GW [7] Then Moses called for Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous. You will go with these people into the land that the Lord will give them, as he swore to their ancestors. You will help them take possession of the land. [8] The Lord is the one who is going ahead of you. He will be with you. He won’t abandon you or leave you. So don’t be afraid or terrified.” BE STRONG, MORE PEOPLE ARE DEPENDING ON YOU THAN YOU REALIZE. GOD HAS ASSIGNED PEOPLE TO WATCH YOU AND RECEIVE FROM YOU. BEING STRONG IN GOD WILL BRING BLESSINGS TO YOU AND TO PEOPLE THAT ARE CLOSE TO YOU. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
GOD TEACHES US ABOUT APPEARANCE Don’t judge others by appearance. Remember that God looks beyond what we look like on the outside. It’s in the Bible, I Samuel 16:7, NIV. “The Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” We should avoid anything that causes confusion over what we stand for. It’s in the Bible, 1 Thessalonians 5:22, KJV. “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” We need to accessorize our inner character, not our outer attire. It’s in the Bible, 1 Peter 3:3-4, NKJV. “Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.” Being a follower of Christ will make you different from those around you. It’s in the Bible, Matthew 5:13-14, NKJV. “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden” Our Christian influence and witness is affected by our appearance. It’s in the Bible, 1 Timothy 2:9, 10, NEB. “Woman again must dress in becoming manner, modestly and soberly, not with elaborate hairstyles, not decked out with gold or pearls, or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, as befits women who claim to be religious.” Don’t be like the world, the world focuses on what is attractive for the eyes and drawing attention to yourself. It’s in the Bible, 1 John 2:15-16, NKJV. “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.” DID YOU FIND THIS QUICK REFRESHER TO BE HELPFUL? WHAT DOES PEOPLE SEE WHEN THEY SEE YOU? SELF-CHECK, DO PEOPLE SEE THE WORLD OR DO THEY SEE GOD WHEN THEY SEE YOU? Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
God speaks to us about henderences and stumbling blocks. Romans 16:17 Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. Galatians 5:7 You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? Isaiah 57:14 And it will be said, “Build up, build up, prepare the way, Remove every obstacle out of the way of My people.” Malachi 2:8 But as for you, you have turned aside from the way; you have caused many to stumble by the instruction; you have corrupted the covenant of Levi,” says the Lord of hosts. Matthew 23:13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven from people; for you do not enter in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. Matthew 16:23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.” John 16:1 “These things I have spoken to you so that you may be kept from stumbling. BE CAREFUL WHO YOU DRAW CLOSE UNTO. DON’T ALLOW ANYONE TO BE A HENDERANCE OR STUMBLING BLOCK UNTO YOU. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
Attitudes of the Believer In Relation to Christ There are some terms which relate to the Christian life which are of pressing importance, because of the issues which are involved in relation to them. The following seven words indicate a few aspects of the Christian’s life, namely, “Believe,” “Pray,” “Abide,” “Walk,” “Take,” “Stand,” “Watch.” 1. To Believe on Christ is the secret of the Christian life—Gal. 2:20. Galatians 2:20 KJV I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 2. To Pray to Christ is the stay of the Christian life-Phil. 4:6. Philippians 4:6 KJV Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 3. To Abide in Christ is the strength of the Christian life—John 15:4. John 15:4 KJV Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 4. To Walk as Christ is the shining out of the Christian life—1 John 2:6–9; 1 Peter 2:21. 1 John 2:6-9 KJV [6] He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. [7] Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning. [8] Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. [9] He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. 1 Peter 2:21 KJV For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 5. To Take from Christ is the supply of the Christian life—Isaiah 27:5. Isaiah 27:5 GW Or else let them come to me for protection. Let them make peace with me. Yes, let them make peace with me. 6. To Stand with Christ is the staple of the Christian life—Eph. 6:14. Ephesians 6:14 GW So then, take your stand! Fasten truth around your waist like a belt. Put on God’s approval as your breastplate. 7. To Watch for Christ is the standing order of the Christian life—Mark 13:33. The term watchfulness is a comprehensive one. It signifies far more than merely holding the truth of the Lord’s Coming. It covers the whole trend of the spiritual life in the variety of its traits. Mark 13:33 GW Be careful! Watch! You don’t know the exact time. I HOPE YOU FOUND THIS QUICK STUDY TO BE HELPFUL. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
2 TIMOTHY 2:24–26 “The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness.” SOME MAY SAY WHY ONLY ONE VERSE TODAY? GOD ASKED HAVE YOU MASTERED THIS ONE VERSE YET? (SELF-CHECK) Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
Anxiety and Committal “Be Not Anxious” Matt. 6:25, R.V. “Glass, with anxiety!” Strange expression this! What does it mean? These words accompanied a parcel sent from Norway to England, and they were intended to indicate that the sender feared, from the fragile nature of the contents, that some mishap might befall it. Is there not a lesson here for Christians? Might not some of us be rightly labelled, “Christians with anxiety?” In many instances there is no need for a label, as anxiety is only too plainly stamped upon the countenance, although the apostolic injunction is, “In nothing be anxious” (Phil. 4:6. R.V.). Some obey this command in certain circumstances only, while others reverse the reading, and live as though they were to be anxious for everything. The Lord wishes His children to carry their worries and anxieties to Him; and to leave them with Him. Here are seven things which He bids us cast upon Him, or commit unto Him. 1. Commit Yourself unto Him. “He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day” (2 Tim. 1:12). Paul deposited himself in the hands of the Heavenly Banker; and, as the money in the Bank of England is kept safe in the strong-rooms within and by the guard without, so was the apostle, for he was kept by the Holy Spirit within, and by the Lord who encamped round about him. 2. Commit Your Soul unto Him. “Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator” (1 Peter 4:19). Suffering we shall have, but if we commit the keeping of our souls unto the Lord in well-doing, as the three Hebrew young men did, we shall, like them, cut loose our bonds, and gain the company of Jesus. 3. Commit Your Spirit unto Him. “Into Thine hand I commit my spirit” (Psa. 31:5). If the Lord has the control of our spirit, He will control us altogether. 4. Commit Your Way unto Him. “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass” (Psa. 37:5). If we commit our way unto Him, we shall never stray from Him. Commit Your Works unto Him. “Commit thy works unto the Lord” (Prov. 16:3). If the Lord controls the works and the workers, there will be no clashing in the working. 6. Commit Your Burden unto Him. “Cast thy burden upon the Lord” (Psa. 55:22). If the Lord is our Burden-bearer, we shall be free to bear one another’s burdens. 7. Commit Your Care unto Him. “Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7). One, John Careless, a martyr, in writing to a friend, said: “Now my soul is turned to her old rest again, and has taken a sweet nap in Christ’s lap. I have cast my care upon the Lord, who careth for me, and will be careless, according to my name.” If we cast all our cares upon Him, He will take all care of us. I HOPE ENJOYED AND RECEIVED FROM THIS QUICK REFRESHER. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
OUR GOD SPEAKS TO US ABOUT SELF-CONTROL Proverbs 25:28 ESV A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls. 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Proverbs 16:32 ESV Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. Romans 12:19 ESV Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Proverbs 29:11 ESV A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back. Titus 2:6 ESV Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. LET US MAINTAIN OUR SELF-CONTROL Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me, /donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
