BE STRONG!!!

Believer’s Calling
God called Abram from the land of idolatry to go with Himself to a land of promise—Heb. 11:8. See from Deuteronomy 8 what kind of land it was. Those who believe in Christ are called—
1. From the darkness of sin and ignorance, to the knowledge and light of God—1 Peter 2:9.
2. From the bondage of legalism (doing things because we ought) to the liberty of the Gospel—Gal. 5:13.
3. From the turmoil of unrest and disquietude, to the peace and quietness of reconciliation with God—Col. 3:15.
4. From the death of spiritual death of trespasses and sins, unto eternal life—John 5:24.
5. From the unholiness of the self life to the holiness of fellowship with God—1 Peter 1:15.
6. From the wrangling of self-interest, to partnership with Christ’s sufferings—1 Peter 2:21; 3:9.
7. From the uncertainty of the future, to the “eternal glory” in Christ—1 Peter 5:10.
Let us walk worthy of our calling—Eph. 4:1; and make it “sure” by our obedience—2 Peter 1:10.

PLEASE SEND A COMMENT, ALLOWING ME TO KNOW IF YOU WOULD LIKE FOR US TO CONTINUE OUR QUICK STUDIES, AND OUR DEEP STUDIES.
GOD AND I LOVE YOU.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

Believers Are
1. Saved from condemnation—Rom. 8:1.
2. Accepted in the Beloved—Eph. 1:6.
3. Made meet for the inheritance—Col. 1:12.
4. Sanctified in Christ—1 Cor. 1:2.
5. Sealed with the Holy Spirit—Eph. 1:13, R.V.
6. Possessors of eternal life—1 John 5:12.
7. Blessed in Christ with all spiritual blessings—Eph. 1:3. Here are riches indeed!

I HOPE YOU ENJOY OUR QUICK STUDIES.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

Believers Are Called
1. “Children” for kinship—1 John 3:1, 2, R.V.
2. “Saints” for holiness—1 Cor. 1:2.
3. “Christians” for identification—Acts 11:26.
4. “Brethren” for fellowship—Heb. 2:11.
5. “Sheep” for character—John 10:3.
6. “Servants” for employment—Matt. xxv 14
7. “Friends” for companionship—John 15:15.

LET US NOT FORGET WHO WE ARE, WHAT WE ARE, AND HOW WE ARE SUSPOSE TO BE.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

Bible Study
On Hebrews 13:20, 21
This is one of the green pastures, and the provendor is thick, sweet, and nourishing. Every word is weighted with intrinsic worth and holy wealth.
1. Personal Title of God. “The God of Peace.” The God of Peace proclaims the calm of His holiness, the quiet of His love, the stillness of His rest, the power of His Word, the resources of His grace, the steadiness of His purpose, the harbour of His care, the beauty of His character, and the glory of His nature.
2. Powerful Act of God. “That brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus.” Without disturbing swathing bands, weight of spices, heavy stone, God brought Christ through them all. Hades could not hold Him, nor the grave detain Him, nor Hell hinder Him. The resurrection of Christ proclaims the greatness of God’s power, and also its might.
3. Pastoral Character of Christ. “That great Shepherd of the sheep.” His sheep are blood-bought, hand-kept, spirit-led, grace-guarded, word-sanctified, divinely-marked, and promise-fed. He is great to do all these things, and loves to serve them. He lives to bless them, as He died to purchase them.
4. Propitiating Blood of the Covenant. “Through the blood of the everlasting covenant.” By means of (as “through” signifies) Christ’s Blood, Heaven is satisfied, justice is magnified, law is gratified, Hell is stultified, saints are sanctified, sinners are vivified, Christian workers are intensified, and believers will be glorified. The covenant was made between Father and Son, and we get the benefit, and that benefit is eternal in its blessing.
5. Perfecting of the Saints. “Make you perfect in every good work to do His will.” To answer to God’s will by being thoroughly adjusted to His Word, is to be perfect. For this perfection we need the Perfect One. The will of God, nothing less, nothing more, nothing else. When God has His way with us we get our way with Him, because we only want what He gives. To be God-made is to be God-stayed.

6. Performance of the Lord. “Working (margin, “doing”) in you.” Mark the present tense, “working.” Not “did work” nor “will work,” but is “working.” When the Lord puts His hand to the plough He never looks back. There is no looking back with Jehovah. When He takes up, He never gives up. When He begins He completes.
7. Pleasing to the Lord. “That which is well-pleasing in His sight.” The consciousness of the Lord’s presence is the soul of consecration. To please the Lord always produces a pleasure to the one who does it. Here again the Lord is the end, as well as the beginning and centre. The Leviticus of His pleasure is reached by the Exodus of His redemptive leading; and the Genesis of His grace.
8. Preposition of Grace. “Through Jesus Christ.” The preposition “through” means, by means of the active agency of our Lord. His activities did not cease at the Cross; they began there with a new purpose and power. He is still the active agent by means of whom all blessing flows to us. We never can get beyond the sphere of His grace. Any and everything we need as saints and servants, as well as sinners, is “through Jesus Christ” our Lord.
9. Praise to the Lord. “To whom be glory for ever and ever, Amen.” We may well bless Him with our praises, since He has blessed us with His mercies. A thankless man is a disgrace and a dishonour, but a thankful man is a delight and an honour. I REALLY ENJOYED THIS STUDY, AND I HOPE YOU ENJOY IT ALSO, STAY BLESSED.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

PART ONE:
Galatians 5:19-21 (GW)
19 Now, the effects of the corrupt nature are obvious: illicit sex, perversion, promiscuity,
20 idolatry, drug use, hatred, rivalry, jealousy, angry outbursts, selfish ambition, conflict, factions,
21 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 the kingdom of God.

Flesh: the works or acts of the flesh show just how strong the flesh is. Note a fact of extreme importance: the flesh in itself is not sinful. The flesh or human body is given by God; it is for God’s use. In fact, when a person is converted to Christ, his body becomes a temple for God to dwell in through the Holy Spirit. The Christian is not told to cleanse himself from the flesh but from “the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16), “the filthiness of the flesh” (2 Cor. 7:1), and from “the works of the flesh” (Romans 13:12; Galatians 5:19). The works of the flesh are the fruit of indwelling sin, and sin originates in the heart not in the flesh. The sins of the flesh listed in this passage are clearly seen all throughout society; and tragically they are not only seen on the daily newscasts of every city, but within every community, home, and life on planet earth. The very presence of such fleshly sins shows just how strong the flesh is and how helpless man is to control his flesh.
1. Adultery (moicheia PWS: 63): sexual unfaithfulness to husband or wife. It is also looking on a woman or a man to lust after her or him. Looking at and lusting after the opposite sex whether in person, magazines, books, on beaches or anywhere else is adultery. Imagining and lusting within the heart is the very same as committing the act.

“But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matthew 5:28).
“Thou shalt not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14; cp. Leviticus 20:10).
“The eye also of the adulterer waiteth for the twilight, saying, No eye shall see me: and disguiseth his face. In the dark they dig through houses, which they had marked for themselves in the daytime: they know not the light. For the morning is to them even as the shadow of death: if one know them, they are in the terrors of the shadow of death. He is swift as the waters; their portion is cursed in the earth: he beholdeth not the way of the vineyards. Drought and heat consume the snow waters: so doth the grave those which have sinned” (Job 24:15-19).

2. Fornication (porneia PWS: 1591): a broad word including all forms of immoral and sexual acts. It is pre-marital sex and adultery; it is abnormal sex, all kinds of sexual vice.

“Flee fornication. Every sin that man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body” (1 Cor. 6:18).
“But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints” (Ephes. 5:3).
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry” (Col. 3:5).
“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication” (1 Thes. 4:3).

3. Uncleanness (akatharsia PWS: 4120): moral impurity; doing things that dirty, pollute, and soil life.

“But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matthew 5:28).
“Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves” (Romans 1:24).
“I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness” (Romans 6:19).
“But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints” (Ephes. 5:3).
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry” (Col. 3:5).

4. Lasciviousness (aselgeia): filthiness, indecency, shamelessness. A chief characteristic of the behavior is open and shameless indecency. It means unrestrained evil thoughts and behavior. It is giving in to brutish and lustful desires, a readiness for any pleasure. It is a man who knows no restraint, a man who has sinned so much that he no longer cares what people say or think. It is something far more distasteful than just doing wrong. The man who misbehaves usually tries to hide his wrong, but a lascivious man does not care who knows about his exploits or shame. He wants; therefore, he seeks to take and gratify. Decency and opinion do not matter. Initially when he began to sin, he did as all men do: he misbehaved in secret. But eventually, the sin got the best of him—to the point that he no longer cared who saw or knew. He became the subject of a master—the master of habit, of the thing itself. Men become the slaves of such things as unbridled lust, wantonness, licentiousness, outrageousness, shamelessness, insolence (Mark 7:22), wanton manners, filthy words, indecent body movements, immoral handling of males and females (Romans 13:13), public display of affection, carnality, gluttony, and sexual immorality (1 Peter 4:3; 2 Peter 2:2, 18). (Cp. 2 Cor. 12:21; Galatians 5:19; Ephes. 4:19; 2 Peter 2:7.)

“And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet” (Romans 1:27).
“Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness” (Ephes. 4:19).
“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ….Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire” (Jude 4, 7).
“For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries” (1 Peter 4:3).

5. Idolatry (eidōlolatrias): the worship of idols, whether mental or made by man’s hands; the worship of some idea of what God is like, of an image of God within a person’s mind; the giving of one’s primary devotion (time and energy) to something other than God. (See note, Sin, pt.2—• 1 Cor. 6:9 for detailed discussion.)

“Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry” (1 Cor. 10:14).
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry….they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21).
“For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God” (Ephes. 5:5).
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: for which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience” (Col. 3:5-6).
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Rev. 21:8).
“For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie” (Rev. 22:15).

6. Witchcraft (pharmakeia PWS: 4364): sorcery; the use of drugs or of evil spirits to gain control over the lives of others or over one’s own life. In the present context it would include all forms of seeking the control of one’s fate including astrology, palm reading, seances, fortune telling, crystals, and other forms of witchcraft.

“So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the lord, even against the word of the lord, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to inquire of it” (1 Chron. 10:13).
“And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:19-20).
“And I will cut off witchcrafts out of thine hand; and thou shalt have no more soothsayers” (Micah 5:12).
“Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:20-21).

7. Hatred (echthrai PWS: 1884): enmity, hostility, animosity. It is the hatred that lingers and is held for a long, long time; a hatred that is deep within.

“He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now” (1 John 2:9).
“Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him” (1 John 3:15).
“If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” (1 John 4:20).
“Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him” (Leviticus 19:17).
“Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins” (Proverbs 10:12).

8. Variance (eris PWS: 4211): strife, discord, contention, fighting, struggling, quarreling, dissension, wrangling. It means that a man fights against another person in order to get something: position, promotion, property, honor, recognition. He deceives, doing whatever has to be done to get what he is after.

“He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings” (1 Tim. 6:4).
“Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers” (2 Tim. 2:14).
“The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with” (Proverbs 17:14).
“As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife” (Proverbs 26:21).

9. Emulations (zēlos PWS: 1253): jealousy, wanting and desiring to have what someone else has. It may be material things, recognition, honor, or position.

“And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him” (Genesis 37:4).
“For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance” (Proverbs 6:34).
“And he [the elder son] answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends; but as soon as thy son [the prodigal son] was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf” (Luke 15:29-30).

IF YOU FIND THIS DEEP STUDY TO BE OF HELP, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT, THANK YOU.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

PART TWO:
Galatians 5:19-21 (GW)
19 Now, the effects of the corrupt nature are obvious: illicit sex, perversion, promiscuity,
20 idolatry, drug use, hatred, rivalry, jealousy, angry outbursts, selfish ambition, conflict, factions,
21 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 the kingdom of God.

10. Wrath (thumoi PWS: 4460): bursts of anger; indignation; a violent, explosive temper; quick-tempered explosive reactions that arise from stirred and boiling emotions. But it is anger which fades away just as quickly as it arose. It is not anger that lasts.

“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God” (James 1:19-20).
“An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression” (Proverbs 29:22).

11. Strife (eritheiai): conflict, struggle, fight, contention, faction, dissension; a party spirit, a cliquish spirit.

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” (Phil. 2:3).
“Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers” (2 Tim. 2:14).
“It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling” (Proverbs 20:3).

12. Seditions (dichostasiai PWS: 3402): division, rebellion, standing against others, splitting off from others.

“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king” (1 Samuel 15:23).
“Woe to the rebellious children, saith the lord, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin” (Isaiah 30:1).
“I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts” (Isaiah 65:2).
“But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. presumptuous are they, selfwilled, and they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities” (2 Peter 2:10).

13. Heresies (haireseis PWS: 1939): rejecting the fundamental beliefs of God, Christ, the Scriptures, and the church; believing and holding to some teaching other than the truth.

“But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9).
“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1 Tim. 4:1).
“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily [quietly, secretly] shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction” (2 Peter 2:1).
“Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness” (2 Peter 3:17).

14. Envyings (phthonoi): this word goes beyond jealousy. It is the spirit…
• that wants not only the things that another person has, but begrudges the fact that the person has them.
• that wants not only the things to be taken away from the person, but wants him to suffer through the loss of them.

“A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones” (Proverbs 14:30).
“Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the lord all the day long” (Proverbs 23:17).
“Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them” (Proverbs 24:1).
“Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying” (Romans 13:13).
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up” (1 Cor. 13:4).
“Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another” (Galatians 5:26).

15. Murders (phonoi PWS: 2633): to kill, to take the life of another person. Murder is sin against the sixth commandment.

“He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness” (Matthew 19:18).
“Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Romans 13:8-9).
“But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters” (1 Peter 4:15).
“Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him” (1 John 3:15).

16. Drunkenness (methai): taking drink or drugs to affect one’s senses for lust or pleasure; becoming tipsy or intoxicated; partaking of drugs; seeking to loosen moral restraint for bodily pleasure.

“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares” (Luke 21:34).
“Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying” (Romans 13:13).
“Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Cor. 6:10).
“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess” (Ephes. 5:18).
“For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night” (1 Thes. 5:7).
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1).
“Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine” (Proverbs 23:29-30).
“Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!” (Isaiah 5:11).
“For while they be folden together as thorns, and while they are drunken as drunkards, they shall be devoured as stubble fully dry” (Nahum 1:10).

17. Revellings (kōmoi PWS: 3299): carousing; uncontrolled license, indulgence, and pleasure; taking part in wild parties or in drinking parties; lying around indulging in feeding the lusts of the flesh; orgies.

“For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries” (1 Peter 4:3).
“And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children” (2 Peter 2:13-14).
“Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:21).
“And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play” (Exodus 32:6; cp. Judges 9:27; 1 Samuel 30:16).

I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS DEEP STUDY, AND RECEIVED FROM IT. FEEL FREE TO LEAVE A COMMENT, THANK YOU.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

PART THREE:
Galatians 5:19-21 (GW)
19 Now, the effects of the corrupt nature are obvious: illicit sex, perversion, promiscuity,
20 idolatry, drug use, hatred, rivalry, jealousy, angry outbursts, selfish ambition, conflict, factions,
21 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 the kingdom of God.

(5:21) Flesh— Judgment: the judgment of those who live by the flesh. Very simply, they shall not inherit the kingdom of God. This can be clearly seen: if God is righteous, then people must live righteous lives in order to be accepted by Him. However, people ignore the fact of God’s righteousness and His demand for righteousness. People divorce their behavior from religion. People…
• profess religion.
• practice religion.
• talk religion.
• defend their beliefs about religion.
However, they go ahead and live like they want regardless of their religion. If they want to do something, they do it feeling that God will forgive them. There are few people who really think that God will reject them. They feel that they will have done enough good to be acceptable to God…
• enough kindness
• enough religion
• enough works
• enough service
In the final analysis, most people just think that God will accept them. This attitude comes from a false concept of God, a concept that looks upon God as a father who is indulgent and who gives his children the license to do some wrong.
This is a fatal mistake. It was the mistake that some of the Galatian church members were making, and it is the same mistake that teeming multitudes of religious people have made down through the centuries.

“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?” (1 Cor. 6:9).

Believers are to inherit a kingdom, a new heavens and earth where God will rule and reign. They are to be given eternal life and given the glorious privilege of being citizens in God’s kingdom and world. They are to live with Him and serve Him in perfection for all eternity. (See note, Reward—• 1 Cor. 6:2-3; note—• Luke 16:10-12 for more discussion.) But this glorious privilege is to be given only to genuine believers, those men and women who have truly given their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ—given their lives to live as Jesus Christ says to live. No matter how religious a person is—no matter how much zeal a person may have in keeping religious rituals and in attending services and in giving to charity—if he does not live a pure and righteous life, he “shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”

“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?” (1 Cor. 6:9).
“For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20).
“Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit corruption” (1 Cor. 15:50).
“For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God” (Ephes. 5:5).
“And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Rev. 21:27).
“For without [the Kingdom of God] are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie” (Rev. 22:15).

THIS IS THE CONCLUSION OF THIS STUDY. I HOPE YOU ENJOYED, AND RECEIVED FROM THIS SERIES OF STUDIES.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

Calling—Conduct
Remember what you are called, and be what you are—
1. As a Saint. Be holy—Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:2.
2. As a Christian. Be Christlike—Acts 11:26.
3. As Salt. Be pungent—Matt. 5:13.
4. As a Light. Be true—Matt. 5:14.
5. As an Epistle. Be legible—2 Cor. 3:2.
6. As a Soldier. Be valiant—2 Tim. 2:3.
7. As a Child. Be obedient—1 Peter 1:14, 15.

ALLOW THESE VERSES OF SCRIPTURE TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

THINGS TO KNOW:
Lot
One reason why I take up this character is because I believe he is a representative man, and perhaps there is no Bible character that represents so many men of the present day as Lot of Sodom.
Where you can find one Abraham, one Daniel or one Joshua you can find a thousand Lots.
Lot started out very well. He got rich, and that was the beginning of his troubles. He and Abraham, his uncle, went down to Egypt, and they came out of Egypt with great wealth. The next thing we hear of is strife among their herdsmen.
But Lot could not get up a quarrel with Abraham. Abraham said to him: “You are my nephew, and I can not quarrel with you; but take your goods and go to the right and I will go to the left, or I will go to the right and you go to the left.” And they separated.
Right here Lot made his mistake. He should have said, in reply to Abraham: “No, uncle! I don’t want to leave you. The Lord has blessed me with you, and I do not wish to leave you.” But, if he had been determined to leave his uncle, he should have asked Abraham to choose for him. Instead of that, he lifted up his eyes and saw the well watered plains of Sodom, and that decided him.

No doubt Lot was very ambitious; he probably wanted to become richer. Perhaps there was a little spirit of rivalry toward his uncle. He wanted to excel Abraham in worldly goods—to become rich faster. So he saw and determined upon the well watered plains of Sodom. If he had asked Abraham he would not have gone there. If he had asked God, Lot would never have entered Sodom; no man ever goes into Sodom by God’s advice. He determined for himself, and pitched his tent toward Sodom. I do not know how long Lot lived upon those well watered plains, but no doubt the men of those days said of him when he had settled down: “There is a shrewd man; he is a smart man. Why, I can predict that in a very short time he will be a wealthier man than his uncle, Abraham. Look at these well watered plains. Why, he is a great deal better off than is Abraham now.”
Lot is in a position in which he can soon become a rich man. How long he remained on those plains I do not know, but the next thing we know is that he got into Sodom. We are told that Sodom was very wicked. Lot lived near it, and he went into it with his eyes open, for he knew all about it. The wickedness of Sodom was coming up to God. He was going to destroy it soon. Do you think, if Lot had asked Him, He would have permitted the nephew of Abraham to enter that city?
All the years that Lot was in Sodom we do not read that he had any family altar. He must have known it meant ruin for his family to take them in there. But he did not look at that. It was business that took him there. He might have said: “Well, I’ve got a large family. I’ve got a great many dependent upon me, and I must get rich faster; so I will go into Sodom. Business is the first consideration, and it must be attended to.” So he goes into Sodom, and the next thing we hear he is in trouble. Sodom had got a war on hand, and when he went into the city he was forced to take its side. In the war he was taken captive. It is a great mercy he was not killed in battle.
The first thing Abraham did when he heard of his nephew’s trouble was to set out after him. When Lot was captured in battle he was liable to be taken into slavery, and his children also. He might have died in slavery if Abraham had not gone after him. But Abraham takes his servants and sets out and overtakes the warriors who had taken Lot captive, and brought him back, with all the property that had been taken.
Now, you would think Lot would have kept out of Sodom. You would expect to hear of his saying: “I have had enough of Sodom; I will not go near it again.” You would think that men, when they get into this and that difficulty and affliction, would keep out of Sodom; but they will not. It is one of the greatest mysteries to me why men will remain in their Sodom when they have continual trouble.
So Lot went back. Probably he said: “I’ve lost a great deal, and I must go back and try to recover it. I must go back and make it up for my children.” And he prospered in Sodom.
If you had gone into Sodom before these angels came down you would probably have found that no man had got on so well. If they had a Congress, perhaps they sent him to represent Sodom, because no man had done better in business. That is the way of the world. Possibly they might have made him Mayor of Sodom. If you could have seen his “turnout,” it would have been one of the very best. Mrs. Lot must have moved in the most select society of the city. The Misses Lot were looked upon as the most fashionable people there. They got on well.
Perhaps Lot was a judge and had great influence. When the angels got to the gate they might have heard of the Honorable Judge Lot. It sounded pretty well. He might have owned many corner lots. He might have owned many buildings with “Lot” printed all over them, and on account of his property he might have been a very high man in Sodom. That is the way the world looks at it. No doubt the dispositions of those people were exactly as they are today. Human nature has been pretty much the same always.
But time rolls on, and Lot, while sitting at the gate one evening, saw two strangers upon the highway. They are coming toward Sodom. Likely these Sodomites did not know them, but twenty years before Lot had been in the company of Abraham, and he had seen these men at his uncle’s house—had seen them sitting at his uncle’s table. So he knew these angels when they approached, and he bowed down and worshiped them; he bowed down to the ground, and then invited them into his residence. But it was a sink of iniquity, and they would not enter in. Lot pressed his invitation upon them, and finally they accepted.
The news was soon noised around the streets that he had two strangers there, and it was not long before a crowd was around the door, and wanted to know whom he had inside.
Lot came out and endeavored to pacify them, but he was met with the derisive query: “Who made this fellow a judge over us?” He was dragged back into the house, and the door was shut against the mob. His influence was gone. He had been in the city twenty years and had not made a convert.
I suppose Lot lived in a marble front house there, and his heart was away from God. Then these men said to Lot: “Whom have you got here beside yourself? What is your family? Have you got any others beside yourself in this town?”
Well, the father and mother had to own up that they had married their children to some of the Sodomites. That was the result of his going into the city. You go into the world and live like the world, and see what the result will be. How many fathers and mothers are now mourning on account of marrying their sons and daughters to Sodomites! Marrying them to death and ruin!
These angels said to Lot: “If you have got any, get them out of this place, for God is determined to burn it up. Tell them this, and if they will not come, escape for your lives and leave them, for He will surely destroy the city.”
Now, all these twenty years we do not know that Lot ever had a family altar. He could not call his children around him and pray to his God. They had all become identified with Sodom and its people.
Look at that scene. There are the men at the outside of the door, groping about to find it, and the door opens and Lot starts out to tell his son-in-law of the coming destruction. I can see the old man, head bowed down, passing through the streets of Sodom at midnight.
He goes to a house and knocks. No sound; all are asleep. He knocks again, and likely shouts at the top of his voice; and the man gets up and opens the window. He puts his head out and asks:
“Who’s there?”
“Lot, your father-in-law.”
“What has brought you out of bed at this hour? What’s up?”
“Why, two angels are at my house, who say that God is going to destroy Sodom and every one who shall remain here.”
“You go home and get to bed.”
They mock Lot. He has lost his testimony. They all think he is deluded.
I can see him now, going off to another daughter’s house. I know not how many daughters Lot had. He might have had as many daughters as Job. He goes to them, and they mock him, too.
There is that old man, in that midnight hour, plodding along those streets of Sodom to urge them to flee from the city, and they mock him. He had been long enough with Abraham to know that every thing that came from God could be relied upon.
Now he starts back home. You can see him—his head bowed down, his long white hair flowing over his bosom and tears flowing from those aged eyes! The world calls him a successful man; but what a miserable end is his! “Look at him tonight! He had achieved his ambition, and was wealthy. He obtained what he longed for, but with it came leanness of soul.
Next morning the angels take him by the hand. He and his wife and two daughters are led out of the city. And they lingered. How could they do otherwise than linger, when they had left their sons and daughters in the city and knew they would be destroyed?
Yes, they linger. I do not blame them. They had, probably, a faint hope that the threatened storm might be stayed, and they could get their children out. But the angels took them by the hand and hastened them out of the city.
Poor mother! Ah, how sad when God came in judgment! I can see that mother hesitating, but God orders her not to look back. “Flee for your life; escape or you will be destroyed.” “No man having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Mrs. Lot gets out of Sodom, but she looks back, and judgment falls upon her. And I believe that the condition of Lot’s wife is the condition of millions today. They have come out of Sodom, but their hearts are in the world. They ask: “Have I to give up the world? Have I to give up all and follow Christ?” They linger and look back, and judgment will fall upon them.
We are told in the Scriptures that the people were eating, drinking, buying and selling, planning and building until the very moment Lot went out of Sodom. Perhaps not a man in all Sodom took any account of his going out. It might have got rumored around that he was going because he believed the city was about to be destroyed, but no man believed it. His sons and daughters did not believe what their father said to them, and the Son of God says they were all destroyed—great and small, learned and unlearned, rich and poor. All alike perished.
Bear in mind that if you live in Sodom destruction will come upon you. The world may call you successful, but the only way to test success is to take a man’s whole life—not the beginning nor middle, but the whole of it. If a man is in Sodom, he will find at last the fruits of his life to be
“Nothing but leaves—nothing but leaves.”
Lot spent his life in gaining worldly goods for his children, and he lost all and his children besides.
How many men of the present day can only say they have the same object in view that Lot had. They went into the city to make money. They have built no family altar. They recognize only two things—money and business. They say: “My sons may become gamblers and drunkards and my daughters may go off into ungodly society and marry drunkards and make their lives miserable; but I want money, and I will have all I wish if I get it.”
My friends, was Lot’s life a successful one? It was a stupendous failure. Let us not follow in the footsteps of this man Lot. Let us keep out of Sodom.

I HOPE YOU ARE FINDING THIS SERIES INTERESTING.
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT, THANK YOU.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

THINGS TO KNOW:
The Pharisee and the Publican
In this first parable we are told that men ought to pray always and everywhere; that prayer should not be left to a few in the churches, but all men ought to pray.
Jesus gives us a picture, so that we may understand in what spirit we ought to pray.
Two men went up to the Temple—one to pray to himself and the other to pray to God.
I think it will be safe to divide the audience into two bodies, and put them under these two heads. However, whether we divide the audience or not, we come under these two heads—those who have the spirit of the publican and those who have the spirit of the Pharisee.
You can find that the entire community may be correctly divided into these two classes. The spirit of the prodigal and the spirit of an elder brother are still in the world; the spirits of Cain and Abel are still in the world, and these two are representative men.
One of them trusted in his own righteousness and the other did not have any trust in it, and I say I think all men will come under these two heads. They have either given up all their self-righteousness—renounced it all and turned their backs upon it—or else they are clinging to their own righteousness; and you will find that these self-righteous men that are ever clinging to their own righteousness are continually measuring themselves by their neighbors.
“I thank God that I am not as other men are.”
This was the spirit of that Pharisee, and this is the spirit today of one class in this community, and the other class comes under the head of this other man.
Let us look at the man Christ pictured first.
It is evident that he was full of egotism—full of conceit—full of pride; and I believe, as I have said before on this platform, that is one of the greatest enemies the Son of God has today, and I believe it keeps more men from the kingdom of God than any thing else.
Pride can grow on any soil, in any climate. No place is too hot for it, and no place is too cold for its growth. How much misery it has caused in this world! How many men here are kept from salvation by pride!
Why, it sprung up into Heaven, and for it Lucifer was cast out; by pride Nebuchadnezzar lost his throne. As he walked through Babylon he cried: “Is not this a great Babylon which I have built?” And he was hurled from his throne.
How many men that have become drunkards, who are all broken up—will gone, health gone—and yet are just as full of pride as the sun is of light! It will not let them come to Christ and be saved.
A great many live like this Pharisee—only in the form of religion; they do not want the wheat—only the husk; they do not want the kernel—only the shell.
How many men are today just living on empty form! They say their prayers, but they do not mean any thing.
Why, this Pharisee said plenty of prayers, but how did he pray? He prayed to himself. He might as well have prayed to a post. He did not pray to God, who knew his heart a thousand times better than he himself did. He thought he knew himself; he forgot that he was a sepulcher, full of dead men’s bones; forgot that his heart was rotten, corrupt and vile; and he comes and spreads out his hands and looks up to Heaven.
Why, the very angels in Heaven veil their faces before God as they cry: “Holy, holy, holy!”
But this Pharisee comes into the Temple and spreads out his hands, and says:
“Lord, I thank Thee that I am not as other men are. I fast twice a week.”
He set before God what he had done in comparison with other men, and was striking a balance and making out God to be his debtor, as thousands are doing today; and then he says: “I give one-tenth of all I possess.”
I suppose if he was living in Chicago now, and we had gone to him and asked him for a donation to help put up this Tabernacle, he would have said:
“Well, I think it will do good; yes, I think it will. It may reach the vagabonds and outcasts—I do not need it, of course—but if it will reach that class it will do good. I will give $50, especially if you can get it in the morning papers—if you can have it announced: ‘John Jones gave $50 to build the Tabernacle.'”
That is the way some of the people give donations to God’s cause; they give in a patronizing way. But in this manner God will not accept it. If your heart does not go with your gift, God will not accept it.
This Pharisee says: “I give one-tenth of all that I have; I keep up the services in the Temple; I fast twice a week.”
He fasted twice a week, although once was only called for, and he thought because of this he was far above other men. A great many people nowadays think because they do not eat meat on Fridays, but only fish, they deserve great credit, although they go on sinning all the week.
Look at this prayer! There is no confession there. He had got so bad, and the devil had so covered up his sins, that he was above confession.
The first thing we have to do when we come to God is to confess. If there is any sin clustering around the heart, bear in mind we can have no communion with God. It is because we have sin about our hearts that our prayers do not go any higher than our head. We can not get God’s favor if we have any iniquity in our hearts.
People, like the Pharisee, have only been educated to pray. If they did not pray every night their consciences would trouble them, and they would get out of bed and say their prayers; but the moment they get off their knees, perhaps, you may hear them swearing.
A man may just as well get a string of beads and pray to them. It would do him as much good.
This Pharisee’s prayer showed no spirit of contrition; there was no petition; he did not ask any thing from God. This is a queer kind of prayer:
“Lord, I thank Thee that I am not as other men are—extortionate, unjust, adulterous—or even as the poor publican.”
Not a petition in his prayer. It was a prayerless prayer—it was downright mockery. But how many men have just got into that cradle and been rocked to sleep by the devil!
A short time ago I put this question to a man: “Are you a Christian?”
“Of course I am; I say my prayers every night.”
“But do you ever pray?”
“Did n’t I tell you I prayed?”
“But do you ever pray?”
“Why, of course I do; haven’t I said so?”
I found that he prayed, but he only went through the form, and, after a little, I found that he had been in the habit of swearing.
“How is this?” I asked. “Swearing and praying! Do your prayers ever go any higher than your head?”
“Well, I have sometimes thought that they did not.”
My friends, if you are not in communion with God your prayers are but forms; you are living in formalism, and your prayers will go no higher than your head.
How many people just go through the form! They can not rest unless they say their prayers. How many are there with whom it is only a matter of education?
But this Pharisee trusted in his own righteousness; he ignored the mercy of God and the love of Jesus. He was measuring himself by his own rule. Now, if you want to measure yourself, do it by God’s law—by God’s requirements.
A great many people have a rule of their own, by which they measure themselves, and by that rule they are perfectly ready and willing to forgive themselves.
So it was with this Pharisee. The idea of coming to God and asking His forgiveness never enters his mind.
While talking to a man—one of those Pharisees—some time ago, about God and the need of Christ, he said to me: “I can do without Christ; I do not want Him. I am ready to stand before God any time.”
That man was trusting in his own righteousness.
Now, take a good look at this Pharisee. You know, I have an idea that the Bible is like an album. I go into a man’s house, and, while waiting for him, I take up an album from a table and open it.
I look at a picture.
“Why, that looks like a man I know.”
I turn over and look at another.
“Well, I know that man.”
By-and-by, I come upon another.
“Why, that man looks like my brother.”
I am getting pretty near home. I keep turning over the leaves.
“Well, I declare! Here is a man who lives in the same street I do. Why, he is my next-door neighbor.”
Then I come upon another, and I see—myself.
My friends, if you read your Bibles, you will find your own pictures there. It will just describe you.
Now, it may be there is some Pharisee here tonight. If there is, let him turn to the third chapter of John, and see what Christ said to the Pharisee:
“Except a man be born again, he can not enter the kingdom of God.”
Nicodemus, no doubt, was one of the fairest specimens of a man in Jerusalem in those days, yet he had to be born again, else he could not enter into the kingdom of God.
“But,” you may say, “I am not a Pharisee. I am a poor and miserable sinner—too bad to come to Him.”

Well, turn to the woman of Samaria, and see what He said to her.
See what a difference there was between that publican and that Pharisee. There was as great a distance between them as between the Sun and the Moon.
One was in the very highest station, and the other occupied the very worst station. One had only himself and his sins to bring to God, and the other was trying to bring in his position and his aristocracy.
I tell you, when a man gets a true sight of himself, all his position and station and excellences drop.
See this prayer:
“I thank God.”
“I am not.”
“I fast.”
“I give.”
“I possess.”
Why, if he had delivered a long prayer, and the copy had been put into the printers’ hands, they would have had to send out for some “I’s.”
“I thank God,” “I,” “I,” “I.”
When a man prays—not with himself, but to God—he does not exalt himself; he does not pass a eulogy on himself. He falls flat down in the dust before God. In that prayer you do not find him thanking God for what He had done for him. It was a heartless and prayerless prayer—merely a form.
I hope the day will come when formal prayer will be a thing of the past. I think the reason why we can not get more people out to the meetings is because we have too many formal prayers in the churches. These formal Christians get up, like this Pharisee, and thank God that they are better than other men; but when a man gets a look at himself he comes in the spirit of the publican.
You see this Pharisee standing and praying with himself, but God could not give him any thing. He was too full of egotism—too full of himself. There was no religion in it. God could not bless him.
Now, for a moment, take a look at that poor publican. Just give his prayer your attention.
There was no capital “I” there—no exalting of himself. “God be merciful to this Pharisee; God be merciful to the other people who have injured me; God be merciful to the church members who have not been true to their belief.”
Was that his prayer?
Thank God, he got to himself. “God be merciful to me, a sinner.” It was very short. He had got his eye upon himself; he saw that his heart was vile; he could not lift his eyes to Heaven. But, thank God, he could lift his heart to Heaven.
There is not a poor publican in the audience tonight but can send up this prayer. No matter what your past life has been—no matter if it has been as black as hell—if you but send up the prayer it will be heard. He did not buy his own righteousness; and God heard his appeal.
Spurgeon, speaking of that publican, said he had the soundest theology of any man in England. He came before God, struck his hand on his heart, and cried: “God be merciful to me, a sinner.”

IF YOU ENJOY THIS SERIES OF STUDIES, PLEASE LET US KNOW, THANK YOU.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

THINGS TO KNOW:

Barabbas
I have often thought what a night Barabbas must have spent just before the day when Christ was crucified.
As the sun goes down, he says to himself: “Tomorrow—only tomorrow—and I must die upon the cross! They will hang me up before a crowd of people; they will drive nails through my hands and feet; they will break my legs with bars of iron; and in that awful torture I shall die before this time tomorrow, and go up to the Judgment with all my crimes upon me.”
Maybe, they let his mother come to see him once more before dark. Perhaps he had a wife and children, and they came to see him for the last time. He could not sleep at all that night. He could hear somebody hammering in the prison yard, and knew they must be making the cross. He would start up every now and then, thinking that he heard the footsteps of the officers coming for him.
At last the light of the morning looks in through the bars of his prison.
“Today—this very day—they will open that door and lead me away to be crucified!”
Pretty soon he hears them coming. No mistake this time. They are unbarring the iron door. He hears them turning the key in the rusty lock. Then the door swings open. There are the soldiers.
Good-by to life and hope! Death—horrible death—now! And after death—what will there be then?
The officer of the guard speaks to him: “Barabbas, you are free!”
He hears the strange words, but they make very little impression on him. He is so near dead with fear and horror that the good news does not reach him. His ears catch the sound, but he thinks it is a foolish fancy. He is asleep and dreaming. He stands gazing a moment at the soldiers, and then he comes to himself.
“Do not laugh at me! Do not make sport of me! Take me away and crucify me, but do not tear my soul to pieces!” Again the officer speaks: “You are free! Here—the door is open! Go out—go home!”
Now he begins to take in the truth. But it is so wonderful a thing to get out of the clutches of the Roman law that he is afraid to believe the good news. And so he begins to doubt, and to ask how it can be.
They tell him that Pilate has promised the Jews the release of one prisoner that day, and that the Jews have chosen him instead of one Jesus of Nazareth, who was condemned to be crucified.
Now the poor man begins to weep. This breaks his heart. He knows this Jesus. He has seen Him perform some of His miracles. He was in the crowd, picking pockets, when Jesus fed the five thousand hungry people.
“What! That just man to die! And I—a thief, a highwayman, a murderer—to go free!”
And in the midst of his joy at his own release his heart breaks at the thought that his life is saved at such a cost.

I HOPE YOU ARE ENJOYING THIS SERIES OF STUDIES (THINGS TO KNOW).

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

THINK ABOUT THIS:

Abraham’s Vision
Genesis 18:1, 2
Fellowship is the soul of friendship, or the common interest that the one has with the other.
The Lord appeared to him—v. 1, 2. If the different occasions when God appeared to Abraham are looked up, it will be found they were crisis points in his history. On this occasion God promised a son to him. Every true Christian experience begins with a vision of Christ, and we fail to see anything that is worth seeing till we have seen Him. Recall how this fact is illustrated in the lives of—
1. Moses, the Leader—Exod. 3:2.
2. Isaiah, the Prophet—Isa. 6:1.
3. Paul, the Apostle—Acts 9:3-5.
4. Peter, the Fisherman—Luke 5:8.
5. John, the Disciple—Rev. 1:17.
6. Gideon, the Warrior—Judges 6:12.
7. Jacob, the Prince—Gen. 32:24-30.

HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED A VISION OF CHRIST?

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

Activities of the Christian Life
1. Following to prove—John 10:27.
2. Growing to attain—Eph. 4:15.
3. Walking to accomplish—Eph. 5:1, 2.
4. Working to benefit—Rom. 12:6-16.
5. Wrestling to conquer—2 Tim. 2:5.
6. Washing to cleanse—John 13:14.
7. Reaching to gain—Phil. 3:13, 14.

I HOPE YOU FIND THIS STUDY TO BE OF USE TO YOU.
IF YOU CHOOSE TO GO DEEP INTO THIS STUDY YOU WILL FIND IT TO BE VERY POWERFUL.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY:

Believer’s Calling
God called Abram from the land of idolatry to go with Himself to a land of promise—Heb. 11:8. See from Deuteronomy 8 what kind of land it was. Those who believe in Christ are called—
1. From the darkness of sin and ignorance, to the knowledge and light of God—1 Peter 2:9.
2. From the bondage of legalism (doing things because we ought) to the liberty of the Gospel—Gal. 5:13.
3. From the turmoil of unrest and disquietude, to the peace and quietness of reconciliation with God—Col. 3:15.
4. From the death of spiritual death of trespasses and sins, unto eternal life—John 5:24.
5. From the unholiness of the self life to the holiness of fellowship with God—1 Peter 1:15.
6. From the wrangling of self-interest, to partnership with Christ’s sufferings—1 Peter 2:21; 3:9.
7. From the uncertainty of the future, to the “eternal glory” in Christ—1 Peter 5:10.
Let us walk worthy of our calling—Eph. 4:1; and make it “sure” by our obedience—2 Peter 1:10.

PLEASE SEND A COMMENT, ALLOWING ME TO KNOW IF YOU WOULD LIKE FOR US TO CONTINUE OUR QUICK STUDIES, AND OUR DEEP STUDIES.
GOD AND I LOVE YOU.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

What are the essentials of Christianity?

This topic is a very vast field to examine. Perhaps we can zero in on 7 facts or steps that might be beneficial to you:

1. Recognize that God loves you with an immense love and desires to save you. 2 Peter 3:9; 1 Peter 2:3-5.
2. Acknowledge that you are a sinner, lost without Jesus Christ. Jeremiah 17:9; Roman 3:23; 6:23.
3. Accept that salvation is a gift offered freely through Jesus. It is not something to be “earned” by righteous deeds or good works. Ephesians 2:8; Romans. 3:24-27.
4. Repent of any known sins, confessing them to Jesus. Acts 3:19; 1 John 1:9.
5. Believe that God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you. As you surrender your life to Jesus, you are forgiven and accepted. The gift of eternal life is yours by faith. Ephesians 1:4-7; 1 John 5:11-13.
6. Through Christ, we are adopted as God’s sons and daughters, and delivered from being slaves of sin. By the Holy Spirit we are born again, and Christ begins to work miraculous changes in your life; the Spirit renews our mind, writes God’s law of love in our hearts, and gives the power to live a holy life. John 1:12; 2 Corinthians. 5:17, John 3:3-8, Romans 12:2, Hebrews 8:7-1, Ezekiel 36:25-27
7. Our loving Savior has pledged to guide us from earth to heaven. You may fall, but remember He is there to pick you up and get you started on the road to heaven again.

I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS QUICK STUDY.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

GOD’S GRACE AND MERCY:

The simplest but, perhaps most profound definition of God’s mercy and grace is this: grace is God’s giving us what we do not deserve, and mercy is God’s not giving us what we do deserve. Truly, we sinners do not deserve God’s salvation and all the blessings that accompany it. We do deserve God’s judgment and punishment for our sins. Nevertheless, God, in His great mercy, judged and punished His Son in our place. So when we repent and genuinely believe in Christ, our sins are forgiven and we stand justified before God. Or, as has often been said, God views us “just as if we had never sinned.”

OUR GOD IS WORTHY TO BE PRAISED.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

THE QUALIFICATIONS OF A DEACON:

1 Timothy 3:8-13 (GW)
8 Deacons must also be of good character. They must not be two-faced or addicted to alcohol. They must not use shameful ways to make money.
9 They must have clear consciences about possessing the mystery of the Christian faith.
10 First, a person must be evaluated. Then, if he has a good reputation, he may become a deacon.
11 Their wives must also be of good character. They must not be gossips, but they must control their tempers and be trustworthy in every way.
12 A deacon must have only one wife. Deacons must manage their children and their families well.
13 Those deacons who serve well gain an excellent reputation and will have confidence as a result of their faith in Christ Jesus.

Deacons must be qualified; they must meet some personal qualifications.
1. Deacons must be “grave” (semnous PWS: 1779): serious, honorable, worthy, revered, highly respected, noble. It is being serious-minded, the very opposite…
• of being flippant.
• of dishonoring oneself.
• of being shallow by being over-talkative.
• of having little respect because one is not grave or serious enough.
• of having a surface religion only.
However, note that this does not mean that the deacon is to walk around with a long face, never smiling, joking, or having fun. It simply means that he is serious-minded and committed to Christ and to the mission of the church: the mission of reaching the lost and meeting the needs of the desperate of the world.

2. Deacons must not be doubletongued (mē dilogous PWS: 2683): bearing tales, gossiping, saying “one thing to one person and something different to another [person]” (Donald Guthrie. The Pastoral Epistles. “Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, p.84); saying one thing to a person’s face and something else behind his back. No more descriptive word could be chosen than “doubletongued.”
The quality of not being double-tongued is important. As a deacon ministers through visitation (going from house to house) he is often tempted to gossip or say one thing to one person and something else to another person. He is also tempted to evade or smooth talk issues. Therefore, he must be a man of integrity, a man who speaks the straight truth—a man who is as honest as the day is long.

3. The deacon must not be given to much wine.
4. The deacon must not be greedy of worldly gain.

Deacons must meet three very important spiritual qualifications.
1. Deacons must hold to the mystery of the faith and hold it in good conscience. The mystery of the faith is given in 1 Tim. 3:16:
“And without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness:
⇒ “God was manifest [revealed] in the flesh
⇒ “Justified [vindicated] in the Spirit
⇒ “Seen by angels
⇒ “Preached [proclaimed] unto the Gentiles
⇒ “Believed on in the world
⇒ “Received [taken] up into glory.”
A deacon must believe in the incarnation, in the glorious gospel that God has come to earth in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ to preach the love and salvation of God for man. In fact, note what this verse says: a deacon must hold within his own heart the mystery of the faith. He must possess and cling to it, and he must hold it in good conscience. He must believe the whole gospel (mystery) and not deceive the church by being hypocritical about his belief.
There is another point about conscience as well: the deacon must have a good conscience about living and sharing the mystery of the faith. He must not accept the call and office of deacon and then shirk his duties. He must hold the mystery of the gospel of the faith in all good conscience, that is, in sharing it faithfully with both believers and unbelievers.

Deacons must meet several family qualifications. The Greek of this verse allows the verse to refer to women in the church who served as deaconesses, and indeed, many translators and commentators translate it as referring to deaconesses. However, this position seems most unlikely, for all the other verses of this passage deal with the deacons of a church. It is much more likely and logical that Paul is talking about the wives of deacons. The greater weight of the context certainly lies with this position. This is not a good passage for a person to build his case for deaconesses in the church. As a deacon visits and ministers to the women of the church, he needs his wife with him if she is able to accompany him. A strong picture of marital and family love and commitment to Christ are needed. Therefore, the deacon’s wife must be as strong in the Lord as he is.
1. The deacon must have a wife who is as committed to the Lord and to the church as he is.
a. The wife of a deacon must be “grave” (semnos): serious-minded, honorable, respected, and noble (see note, pt.1—•1 Tim. 3:8 for discussion).
b. The wife of a deacon must not be a “slanderer” (mē diabolous PWS: 2703): a talebearer, gossiper; a person who goes about talking about others, stirring up mischief and disturbance.
c. The wife of a deacon must be sober (see note, pt.4—•1 Tim. 3:2-3 for discussion).
d. The wife of a deacon must be faithful in all things: completely trustworthy as a wife and mother and as a believer. She must be faithful to the Lord…
• in her personal devotion and loyalty to the Lord.
• in her call as a wife and mother.
• in her commitment to the church and its services and ministry.
• in her ministry in serving with her husband.

2. The deacon must be the husband of one wife.
3. The deacon must have a controlled family and home.

The faithful deacon experiences two results.
1. He gains a good degree or standing and testimony before both God and man.

“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (James 2:17).

2. He gains great boldness or confidence and security in the faith. He experiences more and more assurance and freedom in the Spirit of God.

“In whom [Christ] we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith in him” (Ephes. 3:12).
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus….Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works” (Hebrews 10:19, 22-24).
“Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world” (1 John 4:17).

I PRAY THAT THIS DEEP STUDY WAS OF HELP TO SOMEONE.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY:

Heaven is a real place where the people of God will live one day. In fact, heaven is where God and the angels live.

John 14:1-3 even says that Jesus is in heaven preparing a place for us to live. In heaven, those saved by God will have new bodies without the curse of sin! There will be no one who is blind, deaf or lame in heaven (Isaiah 35:5, 6 and Philippians 3:21). Although Jesus builds houses in heaven, the Bible also says that those saved will also build their own houses and inhabit them as well as plant and eat from vineyards (Isaiah 65:21). Most importantly, God will be in heaven and He wants to be your friend. He wants to dwell with you and wipe away all your tears (Revelation 21:1-4).

QUICK STUDY:

“Arm of the Lord”

1. Redeeming Arm to Deliver—Exod. 6:6.
2. Great Arm to Achieve—Exod. 15:16; Psa. 98:1.
3. Persistent Arm to Accomplish—Deut. 4:34.
4. Promising Arm to Overthrow—Deut. 7:18, 19.
5. Powerful Arm to Overawe—Deut. 26:8.
6. Strong Arm to Scatter—Psa. 89:10, 13.
7. Strengthening Arm to Empower—Psa. 89:21.

QUICK STUDY:

Characteristics Of A Man Of God

Introduction. The title “man of God” is simple, yet immeasurably rich (1 Timothy 6:11-14). It is a sacred privilege to be identified as God’s personal possession, a privilege that carries with it a great responsibility. Although the phrase “man of God” is used in the Old Testament to denote various prophets of the Lord including Moses, it describes only Timothy in the New Testament. By calling him a “man of God,” Paul places Timothy into that rich Old Testament tradition. He, like those before him, was called, ordained and responsible to preach. Timothy faced a formidable task in Ephesus as he attempted to restore truth and order to a church that had turned away from God. Paul mentions the danger of false teachers three times in this epistle (1:3-7; 4:1-5; 6:3-10). The apostle follows each warning with a charge to Timothy to resist them in light of his call to the Lord’s service (1:18-20; 4:14-16; 6:11-12). He was God’s voice, His champion in the war between truth and error. How is such a man to conduct himself? In this passage, Paul lists four characteristics that mark the loyal man of God. May we examine ourselves to see if we have these as well.
I. A Man Of God Is Known By What He Flees From A. Paul here sharply contrasts Timothy with the false teachers. They are men of money, he is a man of God; they are men of sin, he is a man of righteousness. The use of the interjection indicates the intensity of Paul’s appeal. B. A man of God realizes there are sins to be avoided at all cost. God’s man must flee from sexual sin (1 Corinthians 6:18), idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14) and “youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22). The present tense of the verb indicates a continual fleeing. But the direct antecedent of “these things” is the evils associated with loving money in vss. 9-10. C. One characteristic of false teachers is greed. From Balaam, who sold himself to the highest bidder, through the greedy false prophets of Israel, to Judas and Demas in the New Testament, greed captivated them all. Much truth can be compromised with money in the picture (Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5). Paul was careful to avoid any appearance of loving money (Acts 20:33-35; 1 Thessalonians 2:9). D. Those who covet and love money are an abomination before the Lord. Those who put a price on their service to the Lord devalue it in God’s sight to zero. The man of God must avoid the vices and evil attributes mentioned earlier and aim at good and just virtues (Luke 12:15).
II. A Man Of God Is Known By What He Follows After A. As fast as the man of God runs from the corrupting love of money he runs toward spiritual virtue. If he stops, what is behind him, which is sin, will catch him and he will miss his goal of holiness. B. The first two are general virtues, one having to do with external behavior, the other having to do with internal attitude and motive. 1. Righteousness simply means doing what is right, in relation to both God and man. The man of God is known for doing what is right (Romans 6:19-20). 2. Godliness refers to reverence for God flowing out of a worshiping heart (Hebrews 12:28). C. Paul knew well the importance of a Christian’s watch over himself (Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 4:16; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27). John Flavel observed, “It is easier to declaim against a thousand sins of others, than to mortify one sin in ourselves.” D. The apostle names two dominant internal virtues: faith and love. 1. Faith is simply confident trust in God for everything (Hebrews 11:6). It involves loyalty to the Lord and unwavering confidence in His power, purpose, plan, provision and promise. A man of God trusts God to keep and fulfill His word. 2. Love must encompass love for God, other Christians and nonChristians. The man of God understands the significance of the Lord’s words in Matthew 22:37-39. E. Paul then mentions two external virtues: patience and meekness. 1. Patience means “to remain under.” It does not describe a passive, fatalistic resignation, but a victorious, triumphant, unswerving loyalty to the Lord in the midst of trials (James 1:2-4). Patience enables the man of God to stick with the task, no matter what the cost (Ephesians 6:18). 2. Meekness means “kindness and gentleness.” Although consumed with the greatest of causes, the man of God recognizes that in himself he makes no contribution to its success, and is marked by considerate humility (Galatians 6:1; Colossians 3:2; James 3:13).
III. A Man Of God Is Known By What He Fights For A. Being a spokesman for God calls a man into warfare. It is a constant battle against the flesh, the devil and the resistance of the fallen world that loves sin and error and hates truth and holiness. It is a struggle against lethargic Christians and apathetic churches. B. Sadly, some do not even realize they are in a battle. Others seek positions of ease and comfort, in effect going AWOL from the spiritual battle. Paul was under no such delusions (Acts 14:22; 2 Timothy 3:12). Our Lord even warned of this (Matthew 10:28).
C. “Fight” is going to include concentration, discipline, conviction and effort (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). It refers to a spiritual conflict with Satan’s kingdom in which the man of God must play his part. D. Paul admonished Timothy to get a grip on the reality of eternal life, so that he would live and work in the light of eternity (Colossians 3:2; Philippians 3:20). A man of God does not engage in the petty, meaningless battles of the world, but focuses on eternal matters. He lives above the trivial matters of the passing world. He is consumed with what will never pass away — God’s word and the souls of men.
IV. A Man Of God Is Known By What He Is Faithful To A. This section comes to a head in vs. 14, where Paul commands Timothy to keep the commandment. The rest of vss. 13 and 14 explain that phrase. Verse 13 tells Timothy why he should keep the commandment, and the remainder of verse 14 tells him how he should keep it. B. This “commandment” should be understood in the broadest sense as the entire word of God, which Timothy is charged to preach (2 Timothy 4:2). Paul repeatedly encouraged Timothy to guard the truth that had been entrusted to him (1 Timothy 1:18-19; 4:6, 16; 6:20; 2 Timothy 1:13-14; 2:15-18). C. To encourage Timothy to persevere no matter what the cost, Paul calls on two sovereign, supreme persons who will hold him accountable. 1. God, who gives life to all things, is the first. He is not to be a pleaser of men, but a pleaser of God (Galatians 1:8-10). The Lord will sustain him until he has finished his work. 2. Second, there is Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate (Matthew 27:11). Our Lord boldly stood His ground, spoke the truth and entrusted His life to God. Timothy, or any man of God, can do no less. D. The apostle told Timothy in what manner a man of God is to keep the commandment. 1. First, he was to do so without stain or reproach. No blemish or legitimate accusation is to mar his testimony (James 1:27). 2. Second, he was also to be permanently faithful until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 3:13; 5:23). This return motives the man of God.
Conclusion. One of the most sobering examples of a man of God who failed is found in 1 Kings 13:1-26. The unnamed prophet had the privilege of being used by God to rebuke King Jeroboam. By violating God’s word, however, he brought upon himself a terrible judgment. That is a warning every man of God should heed. Being a man of God is an elevated earthly privilege matched by an elevated heavenly accountability.

I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS QUICK STUDY.
LEAVE A COMMENT, THANK YOU.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY

EPHESIANS 5:18-21

Ephesians 5:18-21 (GW)
18 Don’t get drunk on wine, which leads to wild living. Instead, be filled with the Spirit
19 by reciting psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs for your own good. Sing and make music to the Lord with your hearts.
20 Always thank God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
21 Place yourselves under each other’s authority out of respect for Christ.

(5:18) Drunkenness: walk carefully and strictly by not becoming drunk with wine. Drunkenness means to be intoxicated with drink or drugs (cp. Luke 21:34; Romans 13:13; Galatians 5:21; cp. Proverbs 20:1; Isaiah 28:7; Ezekiel 23:32; Ezekiel 39:19). The word “excess” (asōtia PWS: 1380) is excessive behavior. The Greek means…
• the dissipation and wasting away of the body.
• uncontrolled behavior.
• rioting, debauchery, wild and outrageous behavior and conduct.
Drunkenness is a work of the flesh and it often leads to other sins of the flesh: partying, loose behavior, immodest clothing, exposure of the body, sexual thoughts, immorality, wicked or evil and unjust behavior or violence and physical abuse, notions of grandeur, strength or power. The Bible says several things about drunkenness.
1. Drunkenness excludes a person from the kingdom of God.

“Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Cor. 6:10).
“Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:21).

2. Drunkenness leads to other forms of misbehavior and sin.

“And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living” (Luke 15:13).
“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephes. 5:18).

3. Drunkenness makes it impossible to grasp the fleeting opportunities of time.

“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine” (Ephes. 5:16-18).

5. Holy Spirit, Infilling: walk carefully and strictly by being filled with the Spirit. This command is in the present tense which means that the believer is to be constantly filled with the Spirit; he is to keep on being filled. The Holy Spirit is to infill the believer continuously (Ephes. 5:18; cp. Acts 2:4; Acts 4:29-31). The Spirit’s filling is the personal manifestation of Christ to the believer who walks obediently day by day (John 14:21). It is a consciousness of His presence, of His leadership—moment by moment. This consciousness is the believer’s privilege. But the Spirit’s filling is not an automatic experience. The responsibility of being filled with the Spirit rests upon the shoulders of the believer. He is filled only as he walks obediently to Christ. (See Deeper Study #1, Acts 2:1-4 for more discussion.)
In understanding the infilling of the Spirit, it is helpful to reveiw what the Lord had to say about the manifestations of the Spirit in the Gospel of John.

“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?” (John 14:21-22).

Note that the Holy Spirit is the very special manifestation of Christ within the believer. Apparently, this refers to very special manifestations of the Lord to the heart of the believer, those very special times when there is a deep consciousness of love between the Lord and His dear follower (see note—• John 14:21). This is bound to be what Christ means, for He has already spoken about His personal presence within the believer (John 14:18-20). When believers go through terrible trials and severe crises, God knows and He loves and cares; so He moves to meet the need of His dear children. He moves within the believer’s heart, manifesting His presence and giving a deep sense of His love and care, helping and giving confidence, forgiveness, and assurance—giving whatever the believer needs. The depth of the experience and the intensity of the special manifestation depends upon the need of the believer. God knows and loves His dear child perfectly, so He gives whatever experience and depth of emotion are needed to meet the need of His child. We must always remember that God loves each one of us so much He will do whatever is needed…
• to lift us up.
• to strengthen us.
• to conform us to the image of His dear Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Note that the special manifestations of the Lord’s presence are given only to the believer who does two things.
⇒ The believer who receives the commandments of Christ. To have the commandments of Christ means that the believer has searched the commandments of Jesus Christ. He has them in his heart, knows them and has made them his own (John 14:21-22 above; cp. Psalm 119:11).
⇒ The believer who keeps the commandments of Jesus.
The believer who does these two things shows that he truly loves the Lord Jesus. And it is he who loves and obeys the Lord Jesus who receives the very special manifestations and infillings of the Holy Spirit.
Note an important fact: the special manifestation is questioned. Judas asked the question for the first time, but the special manifestation of Christ’s presence has been questioned and doubted by thousands ever since. Judas was thinking like all men think—in terms of a physical manifestation, a visible appearance.
The word “manifestation” (phanerooo; emphanizo) means unveiling or revelation. It suggests that a new thing has come to light; that something never known by man before is made known. Some mystery has now been revealed. It is something that cannot be discovered by man’s reason or wisdom. It is a mystery that is hidden from man and beyond his grasp. In John 14:21-22 it means that Jesus’ presence is revealed (brought to light), illuminated, manifested, quickened in the life of the believer. It means that He manifests Himself to His disciples in a very special way. He discloses His person, His nature, His goodness. He illuminates Himself within their hearts and lives. He gives a very special consciousness within their souls.

“He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive)” (John 7:38-39).
“And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:4).
“And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31).
“And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost” (Acts 13:52).
“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephes. 5:18).

Now, note the three traits of a Spirit-filled person.
1. A Spirit-filled person has a singing spirit. This is in contrast to the drunken person. The mention of singing is the picture of joy and happiness. The worldly person often seeks joy and happiness in drink and partying. This is not to be the case with the true believer. He is to seek his joy and happiness by being filled with the Spirit of God and by singing to himself. Note a crucial point: singing to oneself helps a person to experience the fulness of the Spirit. What do we sing? God tells us:
⇒ Psalms: the psalms of the Old Testament. We need to learn them—yes, by memory—so that we can sing them. Think how victoriously we could walk through life if we knew the Psalms.
⇒ Hymns: the great hymns of the church. Again we must learn them.
⇒ Spiritual Songs: F.F. Bruce suggests that these may refer to songs being made up by the person as he walks along singing praise to the Lord throughout the day (The Epistle to the Ephesians, p.111). We have all experienced walking along making melody in our hearts to the Lord; therefore, his suggestion makes sense.
⇒ It is certainly a good practice.

“What is it then? I will pray with the Spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also” (1 Cor. 14:15).
“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephes. 5:19).
“Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms” (James 5:13).
“Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob” (Psalm 81:1).
“O come, let us sing unto the lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation” (Psalm 95:1).

2. A Spirit-filled person has a thankful spirit. Note the words “always” and “for all things.” Our lives are in God’s hands. He guides and directs us through all things. Therefore, we can thank Him for all things—no matter what the things are. He controls all. Giving thanks as we walk along throughout the day—always giving thanks—helps us to experience the fulness of God’s Spirit.

“Be careful [anxious] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Phil. 4:6).
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Col. 3:17).
“In every thing give thanks” (1 Thes. 5:18).
“Give thanks unto the lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people” (1 Chron. 16:8).

3. A Spirit-filled person has a submissive and respectful spirit. A Spirit-filled person does not have a spirit of criticism, dissension, envy, divisiveness, or selfishness. He has a spirit of submissiveness. The same is true of churches: a Spirit-filled church has a body of people who are submissive—going out of their way to minister and serve each other. There is no dissension or divisiveness, no envy or selfishness among its people. In the fear of God, they submit to each other before they break the fulness of God’s Spirit.

“Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:4).
“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (Romans 12:3).
“That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth” (1 Cor. 16:16).
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (Phil. 2:3-4).
“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:17).
“Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5).

LET ME KNOW IF YOU ENJOYED THIS QUICK STUDY.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY:

“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.
2. “Be strong” to obey Jehovah’s commands, by unfaltering response to them—Joshua 1:7.
3. “Be strong” in the face of difficulties, because the Lord is with us to see us through them—Joshua 1:9.
4. “Be strong” in the face of the declension of others, for the Lord bids us to be of “good courage”—Joshua 1:18.
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.
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.
7. “Be strong,” for the Lord hath sworn to give what He has promised—Deut. 31:7.

BE STRONG.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

WE ARE NOW BEGINNING A DEEP STUDY OF THE SECOND COMMANDMENT.

PART ONE:

The Second Commandment

‘Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am o jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of then that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.’ Exodus 20:4-6.

I. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.
In the first commandment worshipping a false god is forbidden; in this, worshipping the true God in a false manner.
‘Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.’ This forbids not making an image for civil use. ‘Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, It is Caesar’s.’ Matthew 22:20,21. But the commandment forbids setting up an image for religious use or worship.
‘Nor the likeness of any thing,’ &c. All ideas, portraitures, shapes, images of God, whether by effigies or pictures, are here forbidden. ‘Take heed lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make the similitude of any figure.’ Deuteronomy 4:15, 16. God is to be adored in the heart, not painted to the eye.
‘Thou shalt not bow down to them.’ The intent of making images and pictures is to worship them. No sooner was Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image set up, but all the people fell down and worshipped it. Daniel 3:7. God forbids such prostrating ourselves before an idol. The thing prohibited in this commandment is image-worship. To set up an image to represent God, is debasing him. If any one should make images of snakes or spiders, saying he did it to represent his prince, would not the prince take it in disdain? What greater disparagement to the infinite God than to represent him by that which is unite; the living God, by that which is without life; and the Maker of all by a thing which is made?
[1] To make a true image of God is impossible. God is a spiritual essence and, being a Spirit, he is invisible. John 4:24. ‘Ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spake with you out of the midst of the fire.’ Deuteronomy 4:15. How can any paint the Deity? Can they make an image of that which they never saw? Quod invisibile est, pingi non potest [There is no depicting the invisible]. Ambrose. ‘Ye saw no similitude.’ It is impossible to make a picture of the soul, or to paint the angels, because they are of a spiritual nature; much less can we paint God by an image, who is an infinite, untreated Spirit.
[2] To worship God by an image, is both absurd and unlawful.
(1) It is absurd and irrational; for, ‘the workman is better than the work,’ ‘He who has builded the house has more honour than the house.’ Hebrews 3:3. If the workman be better than the work, and none bow to the workman, how absurd, then, is it to bow to the work of his hands! Is it not an absurd thing to bow down to the king’s picture, when the king himself is present? It is more so to bow down to an image of God, when God himself is everywhere present.
(2) It is unlawful to worship God by an image; for it is against the homily of the church, which runs thus: ‘The images of God, our Saviour, the Virgin Mary, are of all others the most dangerous; therefore the greatest care ought to be had that they stand not in temples and churches.’ So that image-worship is contrary to our own homilies, and affronts the authority of the Church of England. Image-worship is expressly against the letter of Scripture. ‘Ye shall make no graven image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone to bow down unto it.’ Leviticus 26:1. ‘Neither shalt thou set up any image; which the Lord thy God hateth.’ Deuteronomy 16:22. ‘Confounded be all they that serve graven images.’ Psalm 97:7. Do we think to please God by doing that which is contrary to his mind, and that which he has expressly forbidden?
[3] Image worship is against the practice of the saints of old. Josiah, that renowned king, destroyed the groves and images. 2 Kings 23:6, 24. Constantine abrogated the images set up in temples. The Christians destroyed images at Baste, Zurich, and Bohemia. When the Roman emperors would have thrust images upon them, they chose rather to die than deflower their virgin profession by idolatry; they refused to admit any painter or carver into their society, because they would not have any carved state or image of God. When Seraphion bowed to an idol, the Christians excommunicated him, and delivered him up to Satan.

Use one. The Church of Rome is reproved and condemned, which, from the Alpha of its religion to the Omega, is wholly idolatrous. Romanists make images of God the Father, painting him in their church windows as an old man; and an image of Christ on the crucifix; and, because it is against the letter of this commandment, they sacrilegiously blot it out of their catechism, and divide the tenth commandment into two. Image worship must needs be very impious and blasphemous, because it is giving the religious worship to the creature which is due to God only. It is vain for Papists to say, they give God the worship of the heart, and the image only the worship of the body; for the worship of the body is due to God, as well as the worship of the heart; and to give an outward veneration to an image is to give the adoration to a creature which belongs to God only. ‘My glory will I not give to another.’ Isaiah 42:8. The Papists say they do not worship the image, but only use it as a medium through which to worship God. Ne imagini quidem Christi in quantum est lignum sculptum, ulla debetur reverentia [Not even to a statue of Christ is any reverence owed, since it is only a piece of carved wood]. Aquinas.
(1) Where has God bidden them worship him by an effigy or image? ‘Who has required this at your hands?’ Isaiah 1:12. The Papists cannot say so much as the devil, Scriptum est: It is written.
(2) The heathen may bring the same argument for their gross idolatry, as the Papists do for their image-worship. What heathen has been so simple as to think gold or silver, or the figure of an ox or elephant, was God? These were emblems and hieroglyphics only to represent him. They worshipped an invisible God by such visible things. To worship God by an image, God takes as done to the image itself.
But, say the Papists, images are laymen’s books, and they are good to put them in mind of God. One of the Popish Councils affirmed, that we might learn more by an image than by long study of the Scriptures.
‘What profiteth the graven image, the molten image, and a teacher of lies.’ Habakkuk 2:18. Is an image a layman’s book? Then see what lessons this book teaches. It teaches lies; it represents God in a visible shape, who is invisible. For Papists to say they make use of an image to put them in mind of God, is as if a woman should say she keeps company with another man to put her in mind of her husband.

THIS WILL BE A VERY DEEP STUDY OF THE SECOND COMMANDMENT. I PRAY THAT IT WILL BE HELPFUL TO YOU.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS:
THE SECOND COMMANDMENT PART TWO.

The Second Commandment
‘Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am o jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of then that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.’ Exodus 20:4-6.

But did not Moses make the image of a brazen serpent? Why, then, may not images be set up?

That was done by God’s special command. ‘Make thee a brazen serpent.’ Numbers 21:8. There was also a special use in it, both literal and spiritual. What! does the setting up of the image of the brazen serpent justify the setting up images in churches? What! because Moses made an image by God’s appointment, may we set up an image of our own devising? Because Moses made an image to heal them that were stung, is it lawful to set up images in churches to sting them that are whole? Nay, that very brazen serpent which God himself commanded to be set up, when Israel looked upon it with too much reverence, and began to burn incense to it, Hezekiah defaced, and called it Nehushtan, mere brass; and God commended him for so doing. 2 Kings 18:4.

But is not God represented as having hands, and eyes, and ears? Why may we not, then, make an image to represent him, and help our devotion?
Though God is pleased to stoop to our weak capacities, and set himself out in Scripture by eyes, to signify his omniscience, and hands to signify his power, yet it is absurd, from such metaphors and figurative expressions, to bring an argument for images and pictures; for, by that rule, God may be pictured by the sun and the element of fire, and by a rock; for he is set forth by these metaphors in Scripture; and, sure, the Papists themselves would not like to have such images made of God.

If it be not lawful to make the image of God the Father, yet may we not make an image of Christ, who took upon him the nature of man?
No! Epiphanies, seeing an image of Christ hanging in a church, brake it in pieces. It is Christ’s Godhead, united to his manhood, that makes him to be Christ; therefore to picture his manhood, when we cannot picture his Godhead, is a sin, because we make him to be but half Christ—we separate what God has joined, we leave out that which is the chief thing which makes him to be Christ.

But how shall we conceive of God aright, if we may not make any image or resemblance of him?
We must conceive of God spiritually. (1) In his attributes—his holiness, justice, goodness—which are the beams by which his divine nature shines forth. (2) We must conceive of him as he is in Christ. Christ is the ‘Image of the invisible God’ as in the wax we see the print of the seal. Colossians 1:15. Set the eyes of your faith on Christ-God-man. ‘He that has seen me, has seen the Father.’ John 14:9.
Use two. Take heed of the idolatry of image-worship. Our nature is prone to this sin as dry wood to take fire; and, indeed, what need of so many words in the commandment: ‘Thou shalt not make any graven image, or the likeness of anything in heaven, earth, water,’ sun, moon, stars, male, female, fish; ‘Thou shalt not bow down to them.’ I say, what need of so many words, but to show how subject we are to this sin of false worship? It concerns us, therefore, to resist this sin. Where the tide is apt to run with greater force, there we had need to make the banks higher and stronger. The plague of idolatry is very infectious. ‘They were mingled among the heathen, and served their idols.’ Psalm 106:35, 36. It is my advice to you, to avoid all occasions of this sin.
(1) Come not into the company of idolatrous Papists. Dare not to live under the same roof with them, or you run into the devil’s mouth. John the divine would not be in the house where Cerinthus the heretic was.
(2) Go not into their chapels to see their crucifixes, or hear mass. As looking on a harlot draws to adultery, so looking on the popish gilded picture may draw to idolatry. Some go to see their idol-worship. A vagrant who has nothing to lose, cares not to go among thieves; so such as have no goodness in them, care not to what idolatrous places they come or to what temptations they expose themselves; but you who have a treasure of good principles about you, take heed the popish priests do not rob you of them, and defile you with their images.
(3) Dare not join in marriage with image-worshippers. Though Solomon was a man of wisdom, his idolatrous wives drew his heart away from God. The people of Israel entered into an oath and curse, that they would not give their daughters in marriage to idolaters. Nehemiah 10:30. For a Protestant and Papist to marry, is to be unequally yoked (2 Corinthians 6:14); and there is more danger that the Papist will corrupt the Protestant, shall hope that the Protestant will convert the Papist. Mingle wine and vinegar, the vinegar will sooner sour the wine, than the wine will sweeten the vinegar.
(4) Avoid superstition, which is a bridge that leads over to Rome. Superstition is bringing any ceremony, fancy, or innovation into God’s worship, which he never appointed. It is provoking God, because it reflects much upon his honour, as if he were not wise enough to appoint the manner of his own worship. He hates all strange fire to be offered in his temple. Leviticus 10:1. A ceremony may in time lead to a crucifix. They who contend for the cross in baptism, why not have the oil, salt, and cream as well, the one being as ancient as the other? They who are for altar-worship, and will bow to the east, may in time bow to the Host. Take heed of all occasions of idolatry, for idolatry is devil-worship. Psalm 106:37. If you search through the whole Bible, there is not one sin that God has more followed with plagues than idolatry. The Jews have a saying, that in every evil that befalls them, there is uncia aurei vituli, an ounce of the golden calf in it. Hell is a place for idolaters. ‘For without are idolaters.’ Revelation 22:15. Senesius calls the devil a rejoicer at idols, because the image-worshippers help to fill hell.

Use three. That you may be preserved from idolatry and image-worship. (1) Get good principles, that you may be able to oppose the gainsayer. Whence does the popish religion get ground? Not from the goodness of their cause, but from the ignorance of their people. (2) Get love to God. The wife that loves her husband is safe from the adulterer; and the soul that loves Christ is safe from the idolater. (3) Pray that God will keep you. Though it is true, there is nothing in an image to tempt (for if we pray to an image, it cannot hear, and if we pray to God by an image, he will not hear), yet we know not our own hearts, or how soon we may be drawn to vanity, if God leaves us. Therefore pray that you be not enticed by false worship, or receive the mark of the beast in your right hand or forehead. Pray, ‘Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe.’ Psalm 119:117. Lord, let me neither mistake my way for want of light, nor leave the true way for want of courage. (4) Let us bless God who has given us the knowledge of his truth, that we have tasted the honey of his word, and our eyes are enlightened. Let us bless him that he has shown us the pattern of his house, the right mode of worship; that he has discovered to us the forgery and blasphemy of the Romish religion. Let us pray that God will preserve pure ordinances and powerful preaching among us. Idolatry came in at first by the want of good preaching. The people began to have golden images when they had wooden priests.

IF YOU ARE ENJOYING THIS DEEP STUDY, LEAVE A COMMENT, THANK YOU.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS:
THE SECOND COMMANDMENT PART THREE.

The Second Commandment

‘Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am o jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of then that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.’ Exodus 20:4-6.

II. I the Lord thy God am a jealous God. The first reason why Israel must not worship graven images is, because the Lord is a jealous God. ‘The Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.’ Exodus 34:14. Jealousy is taken, [1] In a good sense, as God is jealous for his people. [2] In a bad sense, as he is jealous of his people.
[1] In a good sense; as God is jealous for his people. ‘Thus saith the Lord, I am jealous for Jerusalem, and for Zion, with a great jealousy.’ Zechariah 1:14. God has a dear affection for his people, they are his Hephzibah, or delight. Isaiah 62:4. They are the apple of his eye, Zechariah 2:8, to express how dear they are to him, and how tender he is of them, Nihil carius pupilla oculi [Nothing is dearer than the apple of the eye]. Drusius. They are his spouse, adorned with jewels of grace; they lie near his heart. He is jealous for his spouse, therefore he will be avenged on those who wrong her. ‘The Lord shall stir up jealousy like a man of war; he shall roar, he shall prevail against his enemies.’ Isaiah 42:13. What is done to the saints, God takes as done to himself (2 Kings 19:22); and the Lord will undo all that afflict Zion. ‘I will undo all that afflict thee.’ Zephaniah 3:19.
[2] Jealousy is taken in a bad sense, in which God is jealous of his people. It is so taken in this commandment, ‘I the Lord thy God am a jealous God.’ I am jealous lest you should go after false gods, or worship the true God in a false manner; lest you defile your virgin-profession by images. God will have his spouse to keep close to him, and not go after other lovers. ‘Thou shalt not be for another man’ Hosea 3:3. He cannot bear a rival. Our conjugal love, a love joined with adoration and worship, must be given to God only.
Use one. Let us give God no just cause to be jealous. A good wife will be so discreet and chaste, as to give her husband no just occasion of jealousy. Let us avoid all sin, especially this of idolatry, or image-worship. It is heinous, after we have entered into a marriage covenant with God, to prostitute ourselves to an image. Idolatry is spiritual adultery, and God is a jealous God, he will avenge it. Image-worship makes God abhor a people. ‘They moved him to jealousy with their graven images. When God heard this, he was wrath, and greatly abhorred Israel.’ Psalm 78:58, 59. ‘Jealousy is the rage of a man.’ Proverbs 6:34. Image-worship enrages God; it makes God divorce a people. ‘Plead with your mother, plead; for she is not my wife.’ Hosea 2:2. ‘Jealousy is cruel as the grave.’ Canticles 8:6. As the grave devours men’s bodies, so God will devour image-worshippers.
Use two. If God be a jealous God, let it be remembered by those whose friends are popish idolaters, and who are hated by their friends, because they are of a different religion, and perhaps their maintenance cut off from them. Oh, remember, God is a jealous God; better move your parents to hatred, than move God to jealousy! Their anger cannot do you so much hurt as God’s. If they will not provide for you, God will. ‘When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.’ Psalm 27:10.
III. Visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation. Here is the second reason against image-worship. There is a twofold visiting. There is God’s visiting in mercy. ‘God will surely visit you:’ that is, he will bring you into the land of Canaan, the type of heaven. Genesis 50:25. Thus God has visited us with the sunbeams of his favour; he has made us swim in a sea of mercy. This is a happy visitation. There is God’s visiting in anger. ‘Shall I not visit for these things?’ that is, God’s visiting with the rod. Jeremiah 5:9. ‘What will ye do in the day of visitation?’ that is, in the day when God shall visit with his judgements. Isaiah 10:3. Thus God’s visiting is taken in this commandment, ‘visiting iniquity,’ that is, punishing iniquity. Observe here three things.
[1] That sin makes God visit. ‘Visiting iniquity.’ Sin is the cause why God visits with sickness, poverty, &c. ‘If they keep not my commandments, then will I visit their transgressions with the rod.’ Psalm 89:31-32. Sin twists the cords which pinch us; it creates all our troubles, is the gall in our cup, and the gravel in our bread. Sin is the Trojan horse, the Phaeton that sets all on fire; it is the womb of our sorrows, and the grave of our comfort. God visits for sin.
[2] One special sin for which God’s visits, is idolatry and image-worship. ‘Visiting the iniquity of the fathers.’ Most of his envenomed arrows have been shot among idolaters. ‘Go now unto my place which was in Shiloh, where I set my name at the first, and see what I did to it.’ Jeremiah 7:12. For Israel’s idolatry he suffered their army to be routed, their priests slain, the ark taken captive, of the returns of which to Shiloh we never read any more. Jerusalem was the most famous metropolis of the world; there was the temple. ‘Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord.’ Psalm 122:4. But for the high places and images, that city was besieged and taken by the Chaldean forces. 2 Kings 25:4. When images were set up in Constantinople, the chief seat of the Eastern empire, a city which in the eye of the world was impregnable, it was taken by the Turks, and many cruelly massacred. The Turks in their triumphs at that time reproached the idolatrous Christians, caused an image or crucifix to be carried through the streets in contempt, and threw dirt upon it, crying, ‘This is the god of the Christians.’ Here was God’s visitation for their idolatry. God has set special marks of his wrath upon idolaters. At a place called Epoletium, there perished by an earthquake 350 persons, while they were offering sacrifice to idols. Idolatry brought misery upon the Eastern churches, and removed the golden candlesticks of Asia. For this iniquity God visits.
[3] Idolatrous persons are enemies not to their own souls only, but to their children. ‘Visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon their children.’ As an idolatrous father entails his land of inheritance, so he entails God’s anger and curse upon his children. A jealous husband, finding his wife has stained her fidelity, may justly cast her offend her children too, because they are none of his. If the father be a traitor to his prince, no wonder if all the children suffer. God may visit the iniquity of image-worshippers upon their children.
But is it not said, ‘Every man shall die for his own sin; the son shall not bear the iniquity of the father?’ 2 Chronicles 25:4, Ezekiel 18:20. How then does God say, he ‘will visit the iniquity of the fathers upon the children?’
Though the son be not damned, yet he may be severely punished for his father’s sin. ‘God layeth up his iniquity for his children’ (Job 21:19); that is, God lays up the punishment of his iniquity for his children—the child smarts for the father’s sin. Jeroboam thought to have established the kingdom by idolatrous worship, but it brought ruin upon him, and all his posterity. 1 Kings 14:10. Ahab’s idolatry wronged his posterity, which lost the kingdom, and were all beheaded. ‘They took the king’s sons, and slew seventy persons.’ 2 Kings 10:7. Here God visited the iniquity of the father upon the children. As a son catches an hereditary disease from his father, the stone or gout, so he catches misery from him: his father’s sin ruins him.

Use one. How sad is it to be the child of an idolater! It had been sad to have been one of Gehazi’s children, who had leprosy entailed upon them. ‘The leprosy of Naaman shall cleave unto thee and unto thy seed for ever.’ 2 Kings 5:27. So it is sad to be a child of an idolater, or image-worshipper; for his seed are exposed to heavy judgements in this life. ‘God visits the iniquity of the fathers upon their children.’ Methinks I hear God speak, as in Isaiah 14:21, ‘Prepare slaughter for his children, for the iniquity of their fathers.’
Use two. What a privilege it is to be the children of good parents. The parents are in covenant with God, and God lays up mercy for their posterity. ‘The just man walketh in his integrity, his children are blessed after him.’ Proverbs 20:7. A religious parent does not procure wrath, but helps to keep off wrath from his child; he seasons his child with religious principles, he prays down a blessing on it; he is a loadstone to draw his child to Christ by good counsel and example. Oh, what a privilege is it to be born of godly, religious parents! Augustine says that his mother Monica travailed with greater care and pains for his new birth, than for his natural. Wicked idolaters entail misery on their posterity; God ‘visits the iniquity of the fathers upon their children;’ but religious parents procure a blessing upon their children; God reserves mercy for their posterity.

THANK YOU,

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

DEEP STUDY:
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
THE SECOND COMMANDMENT PART 4

The Second Commandment
‘Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am o jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of then that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.’ Exodus 20:4-6.
The Ten Commandments.

Of them that hate me. Another reason against image-worship is, that it is hating God. The Papists, who worship God by an image, hate God. Image-worship is a pretended love to God, but God interprets it as hating him. Quae diligit alienum odit sponsum, ‘she that loves another man, hates her own husband.’ An image-lover is a God hater. Idolaters are said to go a whoring from God. Exodus 34:15. How can they love God? I shall show that image-worshippers hate God, whatever love they pretend.
[1] They who go contrary to his express will hate him. He says, you shall not set up any statue, image, nor picture, to represent me; these things I hate. ‘Neither shalt thou set up any image; which the Lord thy God hateth.’ Deuteronomy 16:22. Yet the idolater sets up images, and worships them. This God looks upon as hating him. How does the child love his father that does all it can to cross him?
[2] They who turned Jephthah out of doors hated him, therefore they laboured to shut him out of his father’s house. Judges 11:7. The idolater shuts the truth out of doors; he blots out the second commandment; he makes an image of the invisible God; he brings a lie into God’s worship; which are clear proofs that he hates God.
[3] Though idolaters love the false image of God in a picture, they hate his true image in a believer. They pretend to honour Christ in a crucifix, and yet persecute him in his members. Such hate God.

Use one. This confutes those who plead for image-worshippers. They are very devout people; they adore images; they set up the crucifix; kiss it; light candles to it; therefore they love God. Nay, but who shall be judge of their love? God says they hate him, and give religious adoration to a creature. They hate God, and God hates them; and they shall never live with God whom he hates; he will never lay such vipers in his bosom. Heaven is kept as paradise, with a flaming sword, that they shall not enter in. He ‘repayeth them that hate him to their face.’ Deuteronomy. 7:10. He will shoot all his deadly arrows among idolaters. All the plagues and curses in the book of God shall befall the idolater. The Lord repays him that hates him to his face.
Use two. Let it exhort all to flee from Romish idolatry. Let us not be among God-haters. ‘Little children, keep yourselves from idols.’ 1 John 5:21. As you would keep your bodies from adultery, keep your souls from idolatry. Take heed of images, they are images of jealousy to provoke God to anger; they are damnable. You may perish by false devotions as much as by real scandal; by image-worship, as by drunkenness and whoredom. A man may die by poison as much as a pistol. We may go to hell by drinking poison in the Romish cup of fornication, as much as by being pistoled with gross and scandalous sins. To conclude, ‘God is a jealous God,’ who will admit of no co-rival; He will ‘visit the iniquities of the fathers upon their children;’ he will entail a plague upon the posterity of idolaters. He interprets idolaters to be such as hate him. He that is an image-lover is a God-hater. Therefore keep yourself pure from Romish idolatry; if you love your souls, keep yourselves from idols.
V. Showing mercy unto thousands.
Another argument against image-worship, is that God is merciful to those who do not provoke him with their images, and will entail mercy upon their posterity. ‘Shewing mercy unto thousands.’
The golden sceptre of God’s mercy is here displayed, ‘shewing mercy to thousands.’ The heathen thought they praised Jupiter enough when they called him good and great. Both excellencies of majesty and mercy meet in God. Mercy is an innate propensity in God to do good to distressed sinners. God showing mercy, makes his Godhead appear full of glory. When Moses said to God, ‘I beseech thee, show me thy glory;’ ‘I will,’ said God, ‘show mercy.’ Exodus 33:19. His mercy is his glory. Mercy is the name by which he will be known. ‘The Lord passed by, and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious.’ Exodus 34:6. Mercy proceeds primarily, and originally from God. He is called the ‘Father of mercies’ (2 Corinthians 1:3), because he begets all the mercies which are in the creature. Our mercies compared with his are scarcely so much as a drop to the ocean.

I HOPE THIS DEEP STUDY IS A HELP TO YOU.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

DEEP STUDY:
THE TEN COMMENDMENTS
THE SECOND COMMANDMENT PART 5

The Second Commandment
‘Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am o jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of then that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.’ Exodus 20:4-6.

What are the properties of God’s mercy?
(1) It is free and spontaneous. To set up merit is to destroy mercy. Nothing can deserve mercy or force it; we cannot deserve it nor force it, because of our enmity. We may force God to punish us, but not to love us. ‘I will love them freely.’ Hosea 14:4. Every link in the golden chain of salvation is wrought and interwoven with free grace. Election is free. ‘He has chosen us in him according to the good pleasure of his will.’ Ephesians 1:4. Justification is free. ‘Being justified freely by his grace.’ Romans 3:24. Say not I am unworthy; for mercy is free. If God should show mercy only to such as deserve it, he must show mercy to none.
(2) The mercy which God shows is powerful. How powerful is that mercy which softens a heart of stone! Mercy changed Mary Magdalen’s heart, out of whom seven devils were cast: she who was an inflexible adamant was made a weeping penitent. God’s mercy works sweetly, yet irresistibly; it allures, yet conquers. The law may terrify, but mercy mollifies. Of what sovereign power and efficacy is that mercy which subdues the pride and enmity of the heart, and beats off those chains of sin in which the soul is held.
(3) The mercy which God shows is superabundant. ‘Abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands.’ Exodus 34:6. God visits iniquity ‘to the third and fourth generation’ only, but he shows mercy to a thousand generations. Exodus 20:5-6. The Lord has treasures of mercy in store, and therefore is said to be ‘plenteous in mercy’ (Psalm 86:5), and ‘rich in mercy’ (Ephesians 2:4). The vial of God’s wrath drops only, but the fountain of his mercy runs. The sun is not so full of light as God is of love.
God has mercy of all dimensions. He has depth of mercy, it reaches as low as sinners; and height of mercy, it reaches above the clouds.
God has mercies for all seasons; mercies for the night, he gives sleep; nay, sometimes he gives a song in the night. Psalm 42:8. He has also mercies for the morning. His compassions ‘are new every morning.’ Lamentations 3:23.
God has mercies for all sorts. Mercies for the poor: ‘He raiseth up the poor out of the dust.’ 1 Samuel 2:8. Mercies for the prisoner: he ‘despiseth not his prisoners.’ Psalm 69:33. Mercies for the dejected: ‘In a little wrath I hid my face from thee but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee.’ Isaiah 54:8. He has old mercies: ‘Thy mercies have been ever of old.’ Psalm 25:6. New mercies: ‘He has put a new song in my mouth.’ Psalm 40:3. Every time we draw our breath we suck in mercy. God has mercies under heaven, and those we taste; and mercies in heaven, and those we hope for. Thus his mercies are superabundant.
(4) The mercy of God is abiding. ‘The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting.’ Psalm 103:17. God’s anger to his children lasts but a while (Psalm 103:9), but his mercy lasts for ever. His mercy is not like the widow’s oil, which ran awhile, and then ceased (2 Kings 4:6), but overflowing and ever-flowing. As his mercy is without bounds, so is it without end. ‘His mercy endureth for ever.’ Psalm 136. God never cuts off the entail of mercy from the elect.

IF YOU ARE ENJOYING THIS DEEP STUDY, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT.

THANK YOU.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

DEEP STUDY:

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
THE SECOND COMMANDMENT
PART 6

The Second Commandment
‘Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am o jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of then that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.’ Exodus 20:4-6.

In how many ways is God said to show mercy?
(1) We are all living monuments of his mercy. He shows mercy to us in daily supplying us. He supplies us with health. Health is the sauce which makes life sweeter. How would they prize this mercy who are chained to a sick-bed! God supplies us with provisions. ‘God which fed me all my life long.’ Genesis 48:15. Mercy spreads our tables, and carves for us every bit of bread we cat; we never drink but in the golden cup of mercy.
(2) God shows mercy in lengthening out our gospel-liberties. 1 Corinthians 16:9. There are many adversaries; many would stop the waters of the sanctuary that that they should not run. We enjoy the sweet seasons of grace, we hear joyful sounds, we see the goings of God in his sanctuary, we enjoy Sabbath after Sabbath; the manna of the word falls about our tents, when in other parts of the land there is no manna. God shows mercy to us in continuing our forfeited privileges.
(3) He shows mercy in preventing many evils from invading us. ‘Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me.’ Psalm 3:3. God has restrained the wrath of men, and been a screen between us and danger; when the destroying angel has been abroad, and shed his deadly arrow of pestilence, he has kept off the arrow that it has not come near us.
(4) He shows mercy in delivering us. ‘And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion’ (viz., Nero). 2 Timothy 4:17. He has restored us from the grave. May we not write the writing of Hezekiah, ‘when he had been sick, and was recovered of his sickness?’ Isaiah 38:9. When we thought the sun of our life was setting God has made it return to its former brightness.
(5) He shows mercy in restraining us from sin. Lusts within are worse than lions without. The greatest sign of God’s anger is to give men up to their sins. ‘So I gave them up to their own hearts’ lust.’ Psalm 81:12. While they sin themselves to hell, God has laid the bridle of restraining grace upon us. As he said to Abimelech, ‘I withheld thee from sinning against me.’ Genesis 20:6. So he has withheld us from those sins which might have made us a prey to Satan, and a terror to ourselves.
(6) God shows mercy in guiding and directing us. Is it not a mercy for one that is out of the way to have a guide? [1] There is a providential guidance. God guides our affairs for us; chalks out the way he would have us to walk in. He resolves our doubts, unties our knots, and appoints the bounds of our habitation. Acts 17:26. [2] A spiritual guidance. ‘Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel.’ Psalm 73:24. As Israel had a pillar of fire to go before them, so God guides us with the oracles of his word, and the conduct of his Spirit. He guides our heads to keep us from error; and he guides our feet to keep us from scandal. Oh, what mercy is it to have God to be our guide and pilot! ‘For thy name’s sake, lead me and guide me.’ Psalm 31:3.
(7) God shows mercy in correcting us. He is angry in love; he smites that he may save. His rod is not a rod of iron to break us, but a fatherly rod to humble us. ‘He, for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.’ Hebrews 12:10. Either he will mortify some corruption, or exercise some grace. Is there not mercy in this? Every cross, to a child of God, is like Paul’s cross wind, which, though it broke the ship, it brought Paul to shore upon the broken pieces. Acts 27:44.
(8) God shows mercy in pardoning us, ‘Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity?’ Micah 7:18. It is mercy to feed us, rich mercy to pardon us. This mercy is spun out of the bowels of the free grace, and is enough to make a sick man well. ‘The inhabitant shall not say, I am sick; the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity.’ Isaiah 33:24. Pardon of sin is a mercy of the first magnitude. God seals the sinner’s pardon with a kiss. This made David put on his best clothes, and anoint himself. His child was newly dead, and God had told him the sword should not depart from his house, yet he anoints himself. The reason was that God had sent him pardon by the prophet Nathan. ‘The Lord has put away thy sin.’ 2 Samuel 12:13. Pardon is the only fit remedy for a troubled conscience. What can give ease to a wounded spirit but pardoning mercy? Offer him the honours and pleasure of the world. It is as if flowers and music were brought to one that is condemned.

IF YOU ARE ENJOYING THIS DEEP STUDY, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT, THANK YOU.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

DEEP STUDY:
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
THE SECOND COMMANDMENT
PART 7

The Second Commandment
‘Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am o jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of then that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.’ Exodus 20:4-6.

How may I know that my sins are pardoned?
Where God removes the guilt, he breaks the power of sin. ‘He will have compassion: he will subdue our iniquities.’ Micah 7:19. With pardoning love God gives subduing grace.
(9) God shows his mercy in sanctifying us. ‘I am the Lord which sanctify you.’ Leviticus 20:8. This is the partaking of the divine nature. 2 Peter 1:4. God’s Spirit is a spirit of consecration; though it sanctify us but in part, yet it is in every part. 1 Thessalonians 5:23. It is such a mercy that God cannot give it in anger. If we are sanctified, we are elected. ‘God has chosen you to salvation through sanctification.’ 2 Thessalonians 2:13. This prepares for happiness, as the seed prepares for harvest. When the virgins had been anointed and perfumed, they were to stand before the king (Esther 2:12); SO, when we have had the anointing of God, we shall stand before the King of heaven.

(10) God shows mercy in hearing our prayers. ‘Have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.’ Psalm 4:1. Is it not a favour, when a man puts up a petition to the king, to have it granted? So when we pray for pardon, adoption, and the sense of God’s love, it is a signal mercy to have a gracious answer. God may delay an answer, and yet not deny. You do not throw a musician money at once, because you love to hear his music. God loves the music of prayer, but does not always let us hear from him at once; but in due season gives an answer of peace. ‘Blessed be God, which has not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.’ Psalm 66:20. If God does not turn away our prayer, he does not turn away his mercy.
(11) God shows mercy in saving us. ‘According to his mercy he saved us.’ Titus 3:5. This is the top-stone of mercy, and it is laid in heaven. Here mercy displays itself in all its orient colours. Mercy is mercy indeed, when God perfectly refines us from all the lees and dregs of corruption; when our bodies are made like Christ’s glorious body, and our souls like the angels. Saving mercy is crowning mercy. It is not merely to be freed from hell, but enthroned in a kingdom. In this life we desire God, rather than enjoy him; but what rich mercy will it be to be fully possessed of him, to see his smiling face, and to lay us in his bosom! This will fill us with ‘joy unspeakable and full of glory.’ 1 Peter 1:8. ‘I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.’ Psalm 17:15.
Use one. Let us not despair. What an encouragement we have here to serve God. He shows mercy to thousands. Who would not be willing to serve a prince who is given to mercy and clemency? God is represented with a rainbow round about him, as an emblem of his mercy. Revelation 4:3. Acts of severity are forced from God; judgment is his strange work. Isaiah 28:21. The disciples, who are not said to wonder at the other miracles of Christ, did wonder when the fig-tree was cursed and withered, because it was not his manner to put forth acts of severity. God is said to delight in mercy. Micah 7:18. Justice is God’s left hand: mercy is his right hand. He uses his right hand most; he is more used to mercy than to justice. Pronior est Deus ad parcendum quam ad puniendum [God is more inclined to mercy than to punishment]. God is said to be slow to anger (Psalm 103:8), but ready to forgive. Psalm 86:5. This may encourage us to serve him. What argument will prevail, if mercy will not? Were God all justice, it might frighten us from him, but his mercy is a loadstone to draw us to him.
Use two. Hope in God’s mercies. ‘The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.’ Psalm 147:11. He counts it his glory to scatter pardons among men.
But I have been a great sinner and sure there is no mercy for me!
Not if thou goest on in sin, and art so resolved; but, if thou wilt break off thy sins, the golden sceptre of mercy shall be held forth to thee. ‘Let the wicked forsake his way, and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him.’ Isaiah 55:7. Christ’s blood is ‘a fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness.’ Zechariah 13:1. Mercy more overflows in God, than sin in us. His mercy can drown great sins, as the sea covers great rocks. Some of the Jews who had their hands imbrued in Christ’s blood, were saved by that blood. God loves to magnify his goodness, to display the trophies of free grace, and to set up his mercy in spite of sin. Therefore, hope in his mercy.
Use three. Labour to know that God’s mercy is for you. He is ‘the God of my mercy.’ Psalm. 59:17. A man who was being drowned, seeing a rainbow, said, ‘What am I the better, though God will not drown the world, if I am drowned?’ So, what are we the better, though God is merciful, if we perish? Let us labour to know God’s special mercy is for us.
I HOPE YOU ARE ENJOYING THIS DEEP STUDY.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

DEEP STUDY:
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
THE SECOND COMMANDMENT
PART 8

The Second Commandment
‘Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am o jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of then that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.’ Exodus 20:4-6.

How shall we get a share in God’s special mercy?
(1) If we would have mercy, it must be through Christ. Out of Christ no mercy is to be had. We read in the old law, that none might come unto the holy of holies, where the mercy-seat stood, but the high-priest: to signify that we have nothing to do with mercy but through Christ our High-priest; that the high-priest might not come near the mercy-seat without blood, to show that we have no right to mercy, but through the expiatory sacrifice of Christ’s blood, Leviticus 16:14; that the high-priest might not, upon pain of death, come near the mercy-seat without incense, Leviticus 16:13, to show that there is no mercy from God without the incense of Christ’s intercession. If we would have mercy, we must get a part in Christ. Mercy swims to us through Christ’s blood.
(2) If we would have mercy, we must pray for it. ‘Show us thy mercy, O Lord, and grant us thy salvation.’ Psalm 85:7. ‘Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me.’ Psalm 25:16. Lord, put me not off with common mercy; give me not only mercy to feed and clothe me, but mercy to pardon me; not only sparing mercy, but saving mercy. Lord, give me the cream of thy mercies; let me have mercy and loving kindness. ‘Who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies.’ Psalm 103:4. Be earnest suitors for mercy; let your wants quicken your importunity. We pray most fervently when we pray most feelingly.
VI. Of them that love me.
God’s mercy is for them that love him. Love is a grace that shines and sparkles in his eye, as the precious stone upon Aaron’s breastplate. Love is a holy expansion or enlargement of soul, by which it is carried with delight after God, as the chief good. Aquinas defines love—Complacentia amantis in amato; a complacent delight in God, as our treasure. Love is the soul of religion; it is a momentous grace. If we had knowledge as the angels, or faith of miracles, yet without love it would profit nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:2. Love is ‘the first and great commandment.’ Matthew. 22:38. It is so, because, if it be wanting, there can be no religion in the heart; there can be no faith, for faith works by love. Galatians 5:6. All else is but pageantry, or a devout compliment. It meliorates and sweetens all the duties of religion, it makes them savoury meat, without which God cares not to taste them. It is the first and great commandment, in respect of the excellence of this grace. Love is the queen of graces; it outshines all others, as the sun the lesser planets. In some respects it is more excellent than faith; though in one sense faith is more excellent, virtute unionis, as it unites us to Christ. It puts upon us the embroidered robe of Christ’s righteousness, which is brighter than any the angels wear. In another sense it is more excellent, respectu durationis, in respect of the continuance of it: it is the most durable grace; as faith and hope will shortly cease, but love will remain. When all other graces, like Rachel, shall die in travail, love shall revive. The other graces are in the nature of a lease, for the term of life only; but love is a freehold that continues for ever. Thus love carries away the garland from all other graces, it is the most long-lived grace, it is a bud of eternity. This grace alone will accompany us in heaven.

How must our love to God be characterised?
(1) Love to God must be pure and genuine. He must be loved chiefly for himself; which the schoolmen call amor amicitiae. We must love God, not only for his benefits, but for those intrinsic excellencies with which he is crowned. We must love God not only for the good which flows from him, but for the good which is in him. True love is not mercenary, he who is deeply in love with God, needs not be hired with rewards, he cannot but love God for the beauty of his holiness; though it is not unlawful to look for benefits. Moses had an eye to the recompense of reward (Hebrews 11:26); but we must not love God for his benefits only, for then it is not love of God, but self-love.
(2) Love to God must be with all the heart. ‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart.’ Mark 12:30. We must not love God a little, give him a drop or two of our love; but the main stream must flow to him. The mind must think of God, the will choose him, the affections pant after him. The true mother would not have the child divided, nor will God have the heart divided. We must love him with our whole heart. Though we may love the creature, yet it must be a subordinate love. Love to God must be highest, as oil swims above the water.
(3) Love to God must be flaming. To love coldly is the same as not to love. The spouse is said to be amore perculsa, ‘sick of love.’ Canticles 2:5. The seraphim are so called from their burning love. Love turns saints into seraphim; it makes them burn in holy love to God. Many waters cannot quench this love.

IF THIS DEEP STUDY IS HELPFUL TO YOU, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT, THANK YOU.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

DEEP STUDY:
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
THE SECOND COMMANDMENT
PART 9
The Second Commandment
‘Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am o jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of then that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.’ Exodus 20:4-6.

How may we know whether we love God?

(1) He who loves God desires his presence. Lovers cannot be long asunder, they soon have their fainting fits, for want of a sight of the object of their love. A soul deeply in love with God desires the enjoyment of him in his ordinances, in word, prayer, and sacraments. David was ready to faint away and die when he had not a sight of God. ‘My soul fainteth for God.’ Psalm 84:2. Such as care not for ordinances, but say, When will the Sabbath be over? plainly discover want of love to God.
(2) He who loves God, does not love sin. ‘Ye that love the Lord, hate evil.’ Psalm 97:10. The love of God, and the love of sin, can no more mix together than iron and clay. Every sin loved, strikes at the being of God; but he who loves God, has an antipathy against sin. He who would part two lovers is a hateful person. God and the believing soul are two lovers; sin parts between them, therefore the soul is implacably set against it. By this try your love to God. How could Delilah say she loved Samson, when she entertained correspondence with the Philistine, who were his mortal enemies? How can he say he loves God who loves sin, which is God’s enemy?
(3) He who loves God is not much in love with anything else. His love is very cool to worldly things. His love to God moves swiftly, as the sun in the firmament; to the world it moves slowly, as the sun on the dial. The love of the world eats out the heart of religion; it chokes good affections, as earth puts out the fire. The world was a dead thing to Paul. ‘The world is crucified unto me and I to the world.’ Galatians 6:14. In Paul we may see both the picture and pattern of a mortified man. He that loves God, uses the world but chooses God. The world is his pension, but God is his portion. Psalm 119:57. The world engages him, but God delights and satisfies him. He says as David, ‘God my exceeding joy,’ the gladness or cream of my joy. Psalm 43:4.
(4) He who loves God cannot live without him. Things we love we cannot be without. A man can do without music or flowers, but not food; so a soul deeply in love with God looks upon himself as undone without him. ‘Hide not thy face from me, lest I be like them that go down into the pit.’ Psalm 143:7. He says as Job, ‘I went mourning without the sun;’ Job 30:28. I have starlight, I want the Sun of Righteousness; I enjoy not the sweet presence of my God. Is God our chief good, and we cannot live without him? Alas! how do they show they have no love to God who can do well enough without him! Let them have but corn and oil, and you shall never hear them complain of the want of God.
(5) He who loves God will be at any pains to get him. What pains the merchant takes, what hazards he runs, to have a rich return from the Indies! Extremos currit mercator ad Indos [The merchant races to the farthest Indies]. Jacob loved Rachel, and he could endure the heat by day, and the frost by night, that he might enjoy her. A soul that loves God will take any pains for the fruition of him. ‘My soul followeth hard after thee.’ Psalm 63:8. Love is pondus animae [the pendulum of the soul]. Augustine. It is as the weight which sets the clock going. It is much in prayer, weeping, fasting; it strives as in agony, that he may obtain him whom his soul loves. Plutarch reports of the Gauls, an ancient people of France, that after they had tasted the sweet wine of Italy, they never rested till they had arrived at that country. He who is in love with God, never rests till he has a part in him. ‘I will seek him whom my soul loveth.’ Canticles 3:2. How can they say they love God, who are not industrious in the use of means to obtain him? ‘A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom.’ Proverbs 19:24. He is not in agony, but lethargy. If Christ and salvation would drop as a ripe fig into his mouth, he would be content to have them; but he is loath to put himself to too much trouble. Does he love his friend, who will not undertake a journey to see him?
(6) He who loves God, prefers him before estate and life. [1] Before estate. ‘For whom I have suffered the loss of all things.’ Philippians 3:8. Who that loves a rich jewel would not part with a flower for it? Galeacius, marquis of Vico, parted with a fair estate to enjoy God in his pure ordinances. When a Jesuit persuaded him to return to his popish religion in Italy, promising him a large sum of money, he said, ‘Let their money perish with them who esteem all the gold in the world worth one day’s communion with Jesus Christ and his Holy Spirit.’ [2] Before life. ‘They loved not their lives unto the death.’ Revelation 12:2: Love to God carries the soul above the love of life and the fear of death.
(7) He who loves God loves his favourites, the saints. 1 John 5:1. Idem est motus animi in imaginem et rem [The mind reacts to the likeness of an object just as it does to the object itself]. To love a man for his grace, and the more we see of God in him, the more we love him, is an infallible sign of love to God. The wicked pretend to love God, but hate and persecute his image. Does he love his prince who abuses his statue, or tears his picture? They seem indeed to show great reverence to saints departed; they have great reverence for St. Paul, and St. Stephen, and St. Luke; they canonise dead saints, but persecute living saints; and do they love God? Can it be imagined that he loves God who hates his children because they are like him? If Christ were alive again, he would not escape a second persecution.
(8) If we love God we cannot but be fearful of dishonouring him, as the more a child loves his father the more he is afraid to displease him, and we weep and mourn when we have offended him. ‘Peter went out and wept bitterly.’ Matthew 26:75. Peter might well think that Christ dearly loved him when he took him up to the mount where he was transfigured, and showed him the glory of heaven in a vision. That he should deny Christ after he had received such signal tokens of his love, broke his heart with grief ‘He wept bitterly.’ Are our eyes dropping tears of grief for sin against God? It is a blessed evidence of our love to God; and such shall find mercy. ‘He shows mercy to thousands of them that love him.
Use. Let us be lovers of God. We love our food, and shall we not love him that gives it? All the joy we hope for in heaven is in God; and shall not he who shall be our joy then, be our love now? It is a saying of Augustine, Annon poena satis magna est non amare te? ‘Is it not punishment enough, Lord, not to love thee?’ And again, Animam meam in odio haberem. ‘I would hate my own soul if I did not find it loving God.’

I HOPE YOU FOUND THIS DEEP STUDY TO BE HELPFUL.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

“Be Not Afraid”
1. “Be not afraid” when Christ says, “It is I” (Matt. 14:27).
2. “Be not afraid” when He says, “Arise” (Matt. 17:7).
3. “Be not afraid” when told to “go” and “tell” (Matt. 28:10).
4. “Be not afraid “when Christ says, “Believe” (Mark 5:36).

5. “Be not afraid” of what may happen, provided God is feared—Luke 12:4-7.
6. “Be not afraid” when God commands us to “speak” (Acts 18:9).
7. “Be not afraid” when ungodly men are a “terror” (1 Peter 3:14).

DO NOT BE AFRAID.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOHAM

QUICK STUDY:

“Be Not Afraid”
1. “Be not afraid” when Christ says, “It is I” (Matt. 14:27).
2. “Be not afraid” when He says, “Arise” (Matt. 17:7).
3. “Be not afraid” when told to “go” and “tell” (Matt. 28:10).
4. “Be not afraid “when Christ says, “Believe” (Mark 5:36).

5. “Be not afraid” of what may happen, provided God is feared—Luke 12:4-7.
6. “Be not afraid” when God commands us to “speak” (Acts 18:9).
7. “Be not afraid” when ungodly men are a “terror” (1 Peter 3:14).

DO NOT BE AFRAID.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOHAM

QUICK STUDY PART ONE:
TO CHURCH MEMBERS

A Healthy Church Member Is an Expositional Listener

What is “expositional listening”? Before answering that question, we need to define “expositional preaching.” The first and most important mark of a healthy church is expositional preaching. “Expositional preaching is not simply producing a verbal commentary on some passage of Scripture. Rather, expositional preaching is that preaching which takes for the main point of a sermon the point of a particular passage of Scripture.” If churches are to be healthy, then pastors and teachers must be committed to discovering the meaning of Scripture and allowing that meaning to drive the agenda with their congregations.
There is an important corollary for every member of a local church. Just as the pastor’s preaching agenda should be determined by the meaning of Scripture, so too should the Christian’s listening agenda be driven by the meaning of Scripture. When we listen to the preaching of the Word, we should not listen primarily for “practical how-to advice,” though Scripture teaches us much about everyday matters. Nor should we listen for messages that bolster our self-esteem or that rouse us to political and social causes. Rather, as members of Christian churches we should listen primarily for the voice and message of God as revealed in his Word. We should listen to hear what he has written, in his omniscient love, for his glory and for our blessing.
So what exactly do I mean by “expositional listening”? Expositional listening is listening for the meaning of a passage of Scripture and accepting that meaning as the main idea to be grasped for our personal and corporate lives as Christians.
What Are the Benefits of Expositional Listening?
Expositional listening benefits us, first, by cultivating a hunger for God’s Word. As we tune our ears to the kind of preaching that makes the primary point of the sermon the primary point of a particular passage of Scripture, we grow accustomed to listening to God. We become fluent in the language of Zion and conversant with its themes. His Word, his voice, becomes sweet to us (Ps. 119:103-4); and as it does, we are better able to push to the background the many voices that rival God’s voice for control over our lives. Expositional listening gives us a clear ear with which to hear God.
The second benefit follows from the first. Expositional listening helps us to focus on God’s will and to follow him. Our agenda becomes secondary. The preacher’s agenda becomes secondary. God’s agenda for his people takes center stage, reorders our priorities, and directs us in the course that most honors him. The Lord himself proclaimed, “My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). Listening to the voice of Jesus as it is heard in his Word is critical to following him.
Third, expositional listening protects the gospel and our lives from corruption. The Scripture tells us “the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths” (2 Tim. 4:3-4). The failure to listen expositionally has disastrous effects. False teachers enter the church and hinder the gospel. Ultimately, the truth is displaced by myths and falsehoods. Where members cultivate the habit of expositional listening they guard themselves against “itching ears” and protect the gospel from corruption.
The fourth benefit, then, is that expositional listening encourages faithful pastors. Those men who serve faithfully in the ministry of the Word are worthy of double honor (1 Tim. 5:17). Few things are more discouraging or dishonoring to such men than a congregation inattentive to the Word of God. Faithful men flourish at the fertile reception of the preached Word. They’re made all the more bold when their people give ear to the Lord’s voice and give evidence of being shaped by it. As church members, we can care for our pastors and teachers and help to prevent unnecessary discouragement and fatigue by cultivating the habit of expositional listening.
Fifth, expositional listening benefits the gathered congregation. Repeatedly, the New Testament writers exhort local churches to be unified—to be of one mind. Paul writes to one local church, “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there may be no divisions among you, but that you may be united in the same mind and the same judgment” (1 Cor. 1:10; see also Rom. 12:16; 2 Cor. 13:11; 1 Pet. 3:8). As we gather together in our local churches and give ourselves to hearing the voice of God through his preached Word, we’re shaped into one body. We are united in understanding and purpose. And that unity testifies to the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ (John 17:21). But if we listen with our own interests and agendas in mind, if we develop “private interpretations” and idiosyncratic views, we risk shattering that unity, provoking disputes over doubtful matters, and weakening our corporate gospel witness.

THIS WILL BE A VERY LENGTHY QUICK STUDY.
I HOPE YOU ENJOYED PART ONE.
LEAVE A COMMENT, I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY PART TWO:
TO CHURCH MEMBERS

How Can Church Members Cultivate the Habit of Expositional Listening?
Well, if expositional listening is so vital to the health of individual church members and the church as a whole, how does a person form such a habit? At least six practical ideas can foster more attentive listening to God’s word.
1) Meditate On the Sermon Passage During Your Quiet Time
Several days before the sermon is preached, ask the pastor what passage of Scripture he plans to preach the following Sunday. Encourage him by letting him know that you’ll be praying for his preparation and preparing to listen to the sermon. Outline the text in your own daily devotions and use it to inform your prayer life. Learning to outline Scripture is a wonderful way of digging out and exposing the meaning of a passage. You can then use your outline as a listening aid; compare it to the preacher’s outline for new insights you missed in your own study.

2) Invest in a Good Set of Commentaries
Add to your quiet times some of the greatest minds in Christian history. Study the Bible with John Calvin or Martin Lloyd-Jones by purchasing commentaries on books of the Bible as you read and study through them. If your pastor is preaching through John’s Gospel, pick up D. A. Carson’s or James Montgomery Boice’s commentary on John. Let these scholars and pastors help you hear God’s Word with a clear ear and discover its rich meaning. The Bible Speaks Today commentary series is an excellent starting place for those wanting to build a library of good commentaries. Also, you might want to purchase an Old Testament and New Testament commentary survey to help you sort through the range of commentary options available. Tremper Longman’s Old Testament Commentary Survey and D. A. Carson’s New Testament Commentary Survey are excellent resources.

3) Talk and Pray with Friends About the Sermon After Church
Instead of rushing off after the service is over, or talking about the latest news, develop the habit of talking about the sermon with people after church. Start spiritual conversations by asking, “How did the Scripture challenge or speak to you today?” Or, “What about God’s character most surprised or encouraged you?” Encourage others by sharing things you learned about God and his Word during the sermon. Make particular note of how your thinking has changed because of the meaning of Scripture itself. And pray with others that God would keep the congregation from becoming “dull of hearing” and that he would bless the congregation with an increasingly strong desire for the “solid food” of his Word (Isa. 6:9-10; Heb. 5:11-14).

4) Listen to and Act On the Sermon Throughout the Week
We can cultivate the habit of expositional listening by listening to the sermon throughout the week and then acting upon it. Don’t let the Sunday sermon become a one-time event that fades from memory as soon as it is over (James 1:22-25). Choose one or two particular applications from the Scripture and prayerfully put them into practice over the coming week. If your church has an audio ministry or a website that posts recent summaries, take advantage of these opportunities to feed your soul with the click of a mouse. With your pastor’s support, establish small groups that review and apply the sermons. Or, use the sermons and your notes as a resource in one-on-one discipleship relationships. I know of several families that have a regular sermon-review time as their Sunday evening family devotional. There are a hundred ways to keep the sermon alive in your spiritual life by reviewing God’s Word throughout the week. Be creative. It’s well worth the planning.

5) Develop the Habit of Addressing Any Questions About the Text Itself
Jonathan Edwards resolved that he would never let a day end before he had answered any questions that troubled him or sprang to mind while he was studying the Scripture. How healthy would our churches be if members dedicated themselves to studying the Scripture with that kind of intentional effort and resolve? One way to begin is to follow up with your pastor, elders, or other teachers in the church about questions triggered by the text. Moreover, don’t be passive in your private study; seek answers by searching the Scripture yourself and by talking with accountability partners or small groups. But don’t forget that the pastor has likely spent more time than most in thinking about that passage and is there to feed you God’s Word. Follow up the sermon with questions and comments that would be an encouragement to your pastor and a blessing to your soul.

I HOPE THIS BENEFICIAL TO YOU.
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT, THANK YOU.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY PART 3:
TO CHURCH MEMBERS

Cultivate Humility
As you dig into God’s Word, listening for his voice, you will no doubt begin to grow and discover many wonderful treasures. But as you grow, do not become a “professional sermon listener” who is always hearing but never learning. Beware of false knowledge that “puffs up” (1 Cor. 1:8; Col. 2:18) and tends to cause strife and dissension. Mortify any tendencies toward pride, the condemnation of others, and critical nit-picking. Instead, seek to meet Jesus each time you come to the Scripture; gather from the Word fuel for all-of-life worship. Instead of exalting ourselves, let us remember the apostle Peter’s words: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time” (1 Pet. 5:6).

Conclusion
It is hearing the message and the Word of God that leads to saving faith (Rom.10:17). Church members are healthy when they give themselves to hearing this message as a regular discipline. Expositional listening promotes such health for individual members and entire churches.

For Further Reflection

1. How would you rate your ability to listen for the meaning of the Word during private devotions? During sermons?

2. How do you plan to strengthen your listening ability?

I HOPE YOU RECEIVED FROM THIS SERIES OF QUICK STUDIES. PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY PART 4:
TO CHURCH MEMBERS.

A Healthy Church Member Is a Humble Follower

The health of a local church may ride exclusively on the membership’s response to the church’s leadership. How the congregation receives or rejects its leaders has a direct effect on the possibilities of faithful ministry and church health. Does a congregation appreciate and accept sound preaching? Will its members trust and follow a leader in difficult or unclear situations? Do they rally behind or tear apart the leadership when plans and ideas fail?
In the final analysis, church members are the people who generally make or break a local church. And making or breaking a church has a lot to do with the membership’s attitudes and actions toward its leaders.
So no serious attempt to define a healthy church member can neglect reflecting on the interaction between church members and church leaders. And not surprisingly, the inspired Word of God provides ample instruction regarding the attitudes and actions of church members who wish to contribute to the health of their local congregations by following the leadership of the church.
A Healthy Church Member’s Attitude Toward Leadership
At least three attitudes characterize a healthy church member’s when it comes to following a local church’s leaders.
1) Honors the elders. Several passages of Scripture instruct church members to honor the elders and leaders of the congregation. For example, 1 Timothy 5:17 tells us, “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” What does such double honor include? The apostle Paul brings attention to two things in the following verses. In verse 18, honoring the elders includes caring for their financial and physical needs.
A congregation and a member that honor its leadership provide appropriate and sufficient wages for its leaders, particularly those whose full-time labor is ministry to the body.
In verse 19, the apostle indicates that honoring our leaders includes protecting their reputations. We are not to “admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses.” The apostle understands better than anyone how the ministry is open to charges, criticisms, and complaints from outside and inside the church. A healthy church member will help to shelter the shepherd from unwarranted slings and arrows. Rumors and backbitings die at the ears of a healthy church member who refuses to give consideration to unedifying and uncorroborated tales.
A healthy church member honors the elder’s office. He or she esteems it highly, is thankful for it, and respects those who serve the Lord’s people as elders. We honor our pastors because on the day of the Lord they shall be our boast (2 Cor. 1:14).
2) “Shows open-hearted love to the leaders. The honor and respect a church member gives an elder is not the distant and official honor a soldier gives a commanding officer. Coupled with the honor due a shepherd is an open-hearted love. Repeatedly, Paul called the Corinthian church to open their hearts to him as one who cared for them spiritually:
We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also. (2 Cor.6:11-13)
There should be a sweet exchange of affection between pastor and congregation. As they live, grow, and labor together, their hearts are to open increasingly wide to each other. A healthy church member does not “withhold” his affection from the pastor; rather, he gives it freely and liberally.
A healthy church member doesn’t want to hear his or her faithful pastor plead like the apostle did with the Corinthians, “Make room in your hearts for us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have taken advantage of no one. I do not say this to condemn you, for I said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together” (2 Cor. 7:2-3).
A healthy member first gives himself to the Lord and then to the minister of the Lord, knowing that this is God’s will (2 Cor. 8:5). Such a member sees how the faithful pastor will spend himself for the body in love. And he would be ashamed to hear the pastor ask, “If I love you more, will you love me less?” (2 Cor. 12:15). Unrequited love is fit for Shakespearean tragedy, not the local church. Our rejoicing in and love for our pastors should “refresh their hearts in the Lord” (Philem. 20).
3) Is teachable. A healthy church member should also have a teachable spirit. A teachable spirit evidences humility of heart and a desire to grow in Christ. Without it, a people grow stiff-necked and incorrigible.
The leader’s job may be boiled down to one task: teaching. If a member or any significant portion of the membership proves unteachable, the shepherd’s task becomes a burden, even undoable, since it’s opposing him at this most essential point. Writing to Timothy, Paul provides wonderful instruction for pastors that contains good instruction for members as well. Speaking of the role of elder, Paul writes:
The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. (2 Tim. 2:24-26)
Several things from this passage are useful for church members to observe. First, the pastor’s instruction is meant to be gentle, kind, and for our good. We should not take sinful advantage of that God-ordained disposition. Rather, we should accept that kind instruction as a rebuke and a call to repentance. A healthy church member doesn’t mistake godly kindness for weakness in a pastor, but uses the occasion to examine his or her own heart for areas needing repentance. Second, we should recognize how easy it is to “oppose” the pastor as he instructs us. As a regular part of our spiritual life, we should ask ourselves, “Am I in any way opposing the teaching of the pastor?” Third, we should pray for knowledge of the truth, clear-mindedness, and protection from the devil’s schemes whenever we discover even a kernel of opposition to pastoral instruction. The pastors watch over our souls as a man who must give an account to God; we should then trust and accept their leadership joyfully as a gift from God for our everlasting benefit. Be teachable.

THIS IS A MUCH NEEDED QUICK STUDY. I HOPE YOU ENJOY IT.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY PART 5:
CHURCH MEMBERS

A Healthy Church Member’s Actions Toward Leadership.

There are some specific actions a healthy church member will take in order to effectively follow the leadership of a local church.

Patiently Participates in the Selection of Leaders.

Perhaps the most important decision a congregation makes—assuming a congregational polity—is the selection of its leaders. By choosing leaders, a congregation sets the spiritual tone and direction of the church, sometimes for generations. Perhaps this is why the apostles instructed the early church to look for spiritual qualities and maturity in its leaders (Acts 6:1-6; 1 Timothy 3). Selecting a leader is to be done with patience and prayerful deliberation. “Lay hands on no man hastily” is the apostle’s instruction to Timothy (1 Tim. 5:22a). The first deacons were to be “full of the Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6:3). Discerning these qualities requires prayer, observation, and patience. And if the Lord’s church is to be healthy, church members must call and ordain leaders who are spiritually minded and mature in Christ.
Healthy church members do not overlook the importance of this essential task. They may invite the prospective leader and his family to lunch or dinner in order to know him better.
They will want to hear more about the man’s testimony, about his desire to serve in a leadership capacity, and about his previous ministry in churches. Some churches allow two months between a man’s nomination for leadership and the actual vote in order for members to participate in precisely this way.

Obeys and Submits to Leaders

Here’s a good reason to prayerfully and patiently participate in the recognition of church leaders: a healthy church member must obey and submit to her or his leaders. Obey and submit are not only “bad words” at weddings, they’re bad words to many church members. Yet the Bible couldn’t be clearer:
“Obey your leaders and submit to them” (Heb. 13:17). Our obedience is to make their work a joy, not a burden. And our obedience redounds to our benefit, since it would be of no advantage for us to call men as leaders and then disobey them.
A healthy church member orders himself under the leaders of the congregation as a soldier orders himself in the rank and file beneath a military general. We are to joyfully, eagerly, and completely submit to our leaders for our good, their good, and the good of the entire body.

Follows the Leaders’ Example

One reason the Lord appoints men to leadership in the church is to provide a flesh-and-blood example of faithful, godly living to the congregation. Our leaders are the “motion picture” of following Jesus. They are called to be an example in everything (1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Pet. 5:3). That’s why the apostle Paul says, “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us” (Phil. 3:17). A healthy church member patterns his or her life after the godly lifestyle of the elders of the church. We are to follow our leaders’ example with the expectation of conformity to Christ.
For many in our day, this very idea of imitation sounds cultish. There are too many personality cults where people parrot all that the celebrity pastor says or does. We’re correct to be concerned with such an unbiblical notion of example setting and mentorship. Yet the Bible’s picture of following the pastor’s example points to genuine godliness “in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12) by doing what is good (Titus 2:7). Pastors are called to be such models, and healthy church members wisely follow their pattern of holiness.

Prays for Leaders

Given all that church leaders must do and contend with, can you think of a more important thing to do than to pray for them? Even the apostle Paul understood his need for the saints’ faithful prayer:
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. (Col. 4:2-4; see also Eph. 6:19-20)
We should pray for our leaders’ boldness, clarity, and consistency with the gospel message, and for opportunity for them to proclaim Christ. Healthy church members are devoted to prayer on behalf of their leaders. They heed Jesus’ exhortation to pray and not give up (Luke 18:1), and they do that on behalf of their shepherds.
In our local church, a faithful band of members meets every Tuesday night for the purpose of praying for leadership.
Weekly they solicit prayer requests and updates on previous requests. When they meet, they lift up all kinds of prayers for the personal, hanglic, and ministry lives of the elders. God has produced great fruit in our body through their prayers.

IF YOU FOUND THIS STUDY TO BE USFUL, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT.
THANK YOU.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY:
CHURCH MEMBERS PART 6

Supports Outside Ministry and Interaction of Leaders

This is perhaps the least obvious of the actions that a healthy church member takes in following leadership. There is a great tendency among church members to be fairly possessive of their pastors—”he’s our pastor.” There are positive aspects to this possessiveness. It shows, for example, an open-hearted attachment to the shepherds.
However, this possessiveness can become selfishness if the congregation refuses to support a pastor’s involvement in ministry outside the local congregation. The person most often hurt in such selfishness is the pastor himself, who, without outside stimulation and refreshment from fellow pastors and leaders, tends to dry and shrivel on the vine. A healthy church member contributes to a leader’s ongoing health and vigor in the ministry by encouraging participation in outside conferences, speaking opportunities, and fellowship with other church leaders.
The Bible provides ample illustration of one congregation’s support of another. A local church’s generosity to other churches is commended in 2 Corinthians 9:13. And such generosity, when it takes the form of “loaning” a shepherd in ministry to others, hopefully expands the regions in which the gospel is proclaimed (2 Cor. 10:15-16). A healthy church member wants to see the gospel advanced and wants to contribute to the health of other congregations if possible. Supporting a leader’s outside ministry is one way to fulfill this desire.

Conclusion

Leadership in the local church is established by God for the blessing of his people. However, for leadership to be effective, it needs to be encouraged and supported by the members of the church. Many faithful men have shipwrecked on the rocky shoals of incorrigible and resistant members. It ought not to be so among God’s people. Rather, healthy members of a local church should strive and encourage others to strive to follow their leaders with wide-open hearts, eager obedience, and joyful submission.

I HOPE YOU ARE ENJOYING THIS SERIES OF QUICK STUDIES ENTITLED: CHURCH MEMBERS

LEAVE A COMMENT, I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY:
PART 7

A Healthy Church Member Is a Prayer Warrior

How and When Shall We Pray?

A lot of books have been written on the subject of prayer. Some prescribe certain methods for prayer. Others examine the prayer lives of people in the Bible or great saints from church history. With so many books on prayer, and knowing how much progress I need to make in my own prayer life, I’m hesitant to offer suggestions for others to consider. But, in God’s kindness and mercy, he has told us how and when to pray.
The how and when of prayer boil down to two biblical teachings: pray constantly and pray in the Spirit.

Constantly

The apostle Paul frequently encouraged the churches to which he wrote to pray constantly. He exhorted the Thessalonians to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17). Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome to “be constant in prayer” (Rom. 12:12). And to the Colossians he wrote, “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving” (Col. 4:2). This was one way those in the Colossian church could set their minds on and “seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God” (Col. 3:1-2). As an example, Paul held up Epaphras, who was “always struggling on your behalf in his prayers” (Col. 4:12). In view of the temptations, dangers, and needs of the Christian life, the healthy church member heeds God’s command for constancy in prayer.

In the Spirit

Not only is the healthy church member constant in prayer, she or he also prays in the Spirit. “Praying in the Spirit” is variously understood by different Christian groups, and much confusion exists on this point. But, again, Paul’s letter to the Romans is helpful, where he writes: “The Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God” (Rom. 8:26-27).
The unfortunate result of so much speculation over a passage like Romans 8:26-27 is that the wonderfully encouraging and plain emphasis is overlooked. And there is great teaching here to encourage us in our prayers. Notice that the Spirit “helps us in our weakness.” We’ve already noted that prayer is one area where Christians readily admit their weakness.
How kind it is for God the Holy Spirit to help us in precisely this area! Ever find yourself at a loss for knowing what to pray? The Spirit himself intercedes for us. Ever wish you knew exactly what the will of God was so that you could ask for it?
It is precisely “according to the will of God” that the Spirit intercedes for us.
All this is a pivotal clue for what it means to pray in the Spirit. Prayer in the Spirit is prayer controlled by the Spirit.
And prayer controlled by the Spirit is prayer according to the will of God. It is when we pray in accord with God’s will, which is revealed in his Word, that we pray in the Spirit. Such prayer is the birthright of everyone born of the Spirit and adopted as sons of God (Rom. 8:14-17). It is by such prayer that we wage our warfare as Christians (Eph. 6:18).

I HOPE YOU FIND THIS QUICK STUDY TO BE HELPFUL.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY:
CHURCH MEMBERS PART 8

For What and for Whom Shall We Pray?

As we saw in Romans 8:26-27, one of the ways the Spirit of God helps our weakness in prayer is by interceding for us when we do not know what to pray. Nevertheless, the Lord has also told us some things for which we should pray.

Pray for Laborers and Shepherds

Matthew’s Gospel records for us an instance when Jesus was moved with compassion for the harassed and helpless people of Israel who appeared “like sheep without a shepherd.” Jesus immediately instructed his disciples to “pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Matt. 9:36-38). Perhaps only Christians who have been in churches that have suffered through prolonged periods without a pastor know the urgency of this prayer. The Lord’s people need shepherds, and healthy church members petition him to send shepherds to their churches and other churches in need of pastors. And not only do they pray that shepherds and laborers would be sent, they also pray that the Lord would help and strengthen those who labor in the Word during times of distress, suffering, and weakness (Phil. 1:19-20); grant boldness to pastors in proclaiming the gospel (Eph. 6:19-20); and grant opportunity for the spread of the ministry and the gospel (Col. 4:3-4).

Pray for All the Saints

Praying for other Christians is a tangible expression of love and care (see Eph. 6:18). Christianity is not a solo sport, and prayer is not a trip through the Burger King drive-thru, where we shout into an inanimate receiver, wait a few moments, and then receive the bag of goodies we ordered to “have it our way.” The Christian life is a family life, and our prayers are to focus on the entire family, esteeming others more highly than ourselves. One way to do this is to pray regularly through your local church’s membership directory, if they publish one. Pray through one page or one letter of the alphabet per day. Another way of praying for all the saints is to pray for other churches in your neighborhood and churches where other family and friends are members. As we meet with the Lord to study his word each day, we can love other Christians by praying the truth of God’s Word over their lives each day. We can pray for their sanctification (1 Thess. 4:3); we can pray against temptation and for watchfulness (Matt.26:41); we can pray that they would be filled with the Spirit (Gal. 5:16-25) and nearly anything else the Bible commends for Christians.

Pray for Those in Authority

The young pastor Timothy received these words from his mentor, the apostle Paul: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Tim. 2:1-3). Given that God ordains all authority in life, from government leaders (Rom. 13:1-2) to parents (Eph.
6:1-3), and given the blessings that God bestows on those who follow the authorities he has ordained, it makes sense that Christians should pray for those in authority. Healthy church members regularly remember in their prayers elected officials, government employees, school teachers, their own employers, parents, and others with authority. It’s helpful to keep a list of such persons in your Bible or your prayer journal as an organized reminder to pray for those in authority.
Pray for Those Who Abuse and Persecute Them
This is the Lord’s charge: “Bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you” (Luke 6:28). It is natural to pray for people we love. Even unbelievers manage such “prayers.” But the love of Christ compels us to pray even for those who abuse, slander, and injure us (Matt. 5:46-47). Amazingly, such prayers give evidence that we are sons of God (Matt. 5:45), even as persecution for righteousness is cause for rejoicing because of Christ’s promised reward in his kingdom (Matt. 5:10-12). We’re not to be like the unmerciful servant, who, though forgiven by his creditor, roughly treated others who owed him (Matt. 18:21-35). We’re to fight the fleshly impulse to not love our persecutors and to neglect them in prayer, and we’re to choose instead the superior joy and righteousness of the sons of God who pray even for their abusers.

Conclusion

Can there be a more marvelous privilege than that which has been afforded to Christians through Christ: to stand before God our Father and respond in prayer by his Spirit to his Word spoken to us? If we would be expositional-listening, gospel-saturated, biblical theologians, we should pray with the confident knowledge of what God is doing in the world through Christ his Son and pray for the worldwide advancement of his gospel and will.

I HOPE THIS QUICK STUDY IS HELPFUL TO YOU.
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT, THANK YOU.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY:
CHRUCH MEMBERS PART 9

The Essence of Membership: Committed Love

Our Lord Jesus specified one defining mark for his disciples. Of course, there are many marks of true discipleship, but one mark is singled out as signifying to the watching world that we belong to Christ:
A new commandment I give you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13:34-35)
The mark of Christian discipleship is love—love of the kind that Jesus exercised toward his followers, love visible enough that men will recognize it as belonging to those people who follow Jesus.
Not surprisingly, then, a healthy Christian is one who is committed to expressing this kind of love toward other Christians. And the best place for Christians to love this way is in the assembly of God’s people called the local church. Is it no wonder then that the author of Hebrews instructs us to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,” and then right away says “not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Heb. 10:24-25)? Faithful church attendance is associated tightly with stirring each other to love and good deeds. The local church is the place where love is most visibly and compellingly displayed among God’s people. It’s where the “body of Christ” is most plainly represented in the world. THINK ABOUT IT.

STOP THE HATE, STOP THE ENVY, AND JEALOUSY.
LET US LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY:
PART 10

What Does a Committed Church Member Look Like?

In one sense the question “What does a committed church member look like?” is what this entire book is about. But here we want to explore this question in relation to the essential command and mark of love. Below are ways committed membership expresses itself.

Attends Regularly
This is the first and most important ministry of every Christian in the local church. Being present, being known, and being active are the only ways to make Christian love possible (Heb. 10:24-25).

Seeks Peace
A committed church member is committed to the maintenance of peace in the congregation. “Let us pursue what makes for peace and mutual upbuilding” (Rom. 14:19). “And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace” (James 3:18).

Edifies Others
The one consistent purpose or goal of the hanglic meeting of the church is mutual edification, building each other up in the faith (1 Cor. 12, 14; Eph. 4:11-16). A healthy and committed member comes to serve, not to be served, like Jesus (Mark 10:45); to provide, not to be a consumer only.

Warns and Admonishes Others
This is discussed at greater length in chapter 6, “Seeks Discipline.” A committed member is committed to speaking the truth in love to his brothers and sisters, to helping them avoid pitfalls, and to encouraging them in holiness and Christian joy. A committed member will not be wrongly intrusive in the lives of others—a busybody—but he also will not be “hands off” when it comes to caring for and counseling others.

Pursues Reconciliation
Christians are people who are reconciled to God through Christ. As a consequence, we have been given “the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:18-21). So, a committed member strives to repair breaches as quickly as possible, even before continuing in hanglic worship (Matt. 5:23-24).

Bears with Others
Ministers of reconciliation must be patient and longsuffering. They must be characterized by meekness such that they do not think more highly of themselves than they ought (Matt. 5:5). They must hold up under the weight of disappointments, frustrations, loss, attack, slander, and offense (Matt. 18:21-22; Rom. 15:1). By carrying each others’ burdens we fulfill the law of Christ (Gal. 6:2).

Prepares for the Ordinances
One privilege of church membership is participating in Christ’s ordinances—baptism and communion. Moreover, these privileges give us visible proclamations of the good news that Christ died for sinners and rose again to eternal life. So it’s a great tragedy that many Christians neglect the ordinances that Jesus himself established 2,000 years ago. A committed member rejoices at the baptism of new believers, and he examines his heart in preparation for joining the family of God at the Lord’s Table. He receives these spiritual exercises as means of grace, means that give visible testimony to the effect of the gospel in his life and the life of the gathered church.

Supports the Work of the Ministry
A committed member gives resources, time, and talent to the furtherance of the gospel in the local church. He lives out the Bible’s call to the body of Christ. “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully” (Rom. 12:6-8).
A healthy, committed church member receives and applies the grace of God by working to support the ministry of the local church and excels in giving what he has already received from God to gospel work. He should follow the example of the Macedonians, who committed to a financial giving strategy that was sacrificial, generous, increasing over time, and fueled by faith in God despite present circumstances (2 Cor. 8-9).
What do we have that we did not first receive from God? What do we have that we should not be willing to give back to him in worship?

IF YOU FOUND THIS QUICK STUDY TO BE HELPFUL PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT, THANK YOU.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY:
OBEDIENCE PART 1

‘Take heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of the Lord thy God. Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the Lord thy God, and do his commandments.’ Deuteronomy 27:9-10.

What is the duty which God requireth of man?
Obedience to his revealed will.
It is not enough to hear God’s voice, but we must obey. Obedience is a part of the honour we owe to God. ‘If then I be a Father, where is my honour?’ Malachi 1:6. Obedience carries in it the life-blood of religion. ‘Obey the voice of the Lord God,’ and do his commandments. Obedience without knowledge is blind, and knowledge without obedience is lame. Rachel was fair to look upon, but, being barren, said, ‘Give me children, or I die;’ so, if knowledge does not bring forth the child of obedience, it will die. ‘To obey is better than sacrifice.’ 1 Samuel 15:22. Saul thought it was enough for him to offer sacrifices, though he disobeyed God’s command; but ‘to obey is better than sacrifice.’ God disclaims sacrifice, if obedience be wanting. ‘I spake not unto your fathers concerning burnt offerings, but this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice.’ Jeremiah 7:22. Not but that God did enjoin those religious rites of worship; but the meaning is that he looked chiefly for obedience—without which, sacrifice was but devout folly. The end why God has given us his laws, is obedience. ‘Ye shall do my judgements, and keep mine ordinances.’ Leviticus 18:4. Why does a king publish an edict, but that it may be observed?

What is the rule of obedience?
The written word. That is proper obedience which the word requires; our obedience must correspond with the word, as the copy with the original. To seem to be zealous, if it be not according to the word, is not obedience, but will-worship. Popish traditions which have no footing in the word, are abominable; and God will say, Quis quaesivit haec? ‘Who has required this at your hand?’ Isaiah 1:12. The apostle condemns the worshipping of angels, which had a show of humility. Colossians 2:18. The Jews might say they were loath to be so bold as to go to God in their own persons; they would be more humble, and prostrate themselves before the angels, and desire them to present their petitions to God; but this show of humility was hateful to God, because there was no word to warrant it.

What are the ingredients in our obedience that make it acceptable?
(1) It must be cum animi prolubio, free and cheerful, or it is penance, not sacrifice. ‘If ye be willing and obedient.’ Isaiah 1:19. Though we serve God with weakness, it may be with willingness. You love to see your servants go cheerfully about their work. Under the law, God will have a free-will offering. Deuteronomy 16:10. Hypocrites obey God grudgingly, and against their will; facere bonum, but not velle [they do good but not willingly]. Cain brought his sacrifice, but not his heart. It is a true rule, Quicquid cor non facit, non fit; what the heart does not do, is not done. Willingness is the soul of obedience. God sometimes accepts of willingness without the work, but never of the work without willingness. Cheerfulness shows that there is love in the duty; and love is to our services what the sun is to fruit; it mellows and ripens them, and makes them come off with a better relish.
(2) Obedience must be devout and fervent. ‘Fervent in spirit,’ &c. Romans 12:11. Quae ebullit prae ardore. As water that boils over; so the heart must boil over with hot affections in the service of God. The glorious angels, who, for burning in fervour and devotion, are called seraphims, are chosen by God to serve him in heaven. The snail under the law was unclean, because a dull, slothful creature. Obedience without fervency, is like a sacrifice without fire. Why should not our obedience be lively and fervent? God deserves the flower and strength of our affections. Domitian would not have his statue carved in wood or iron, but made of gold. Lively affections make golden services. It is fervency that makes obedience acceptable. Elijah was fervent in spirit, and his prayer opened and shut heaven; and again he prayed, and fire fell on his enemies. 2 Kings 1:10. Elijah’s prayer fetched fire from heaven, because, being fervent, it carried fire up to heaven; quicquid decorum ex fide proficiscitur. Augustine.
(3) Obedience must be extensive, it must reach to all God’s commands. ‘Then shall I not be ashamed (or, as it is in the Hebrew, lo Ehosh, blush), when I have respect unto all thy commandments.’ Psalm 119:6. Quicquid propter Deum fit aequaliter fit [All God’s requirements demand equal effort]. There is a stamp of divine authority upon all God’s commands, and if I obey one precept because God commands, I must obey all. True obedience runs through all duties of religion, as the blood through all the veins, or the sun through all the signs of the zodiac. A good Christian makes gospel piety and moral equity kiss each other. Herein some discover their hypocrisy: they will obey God in some things which are more facile, and may raise their repute; but other things they leave undone. ‘One thing thou lackest,’ unum deest. Mark 10:21. Herod would hear John Baptist, but not leave his incest. Some will pray, but not give alms, others will give alms, but not pray. ‘Ye pay tithe of mint and anise, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy and faith.’ Matthew 23:23. The badger has one foot shorter than the other; so these are shorter in some duties than in others. God likes not such partial servants, who will do some part of the work he sets them about, and leave the other undone.
(4) Obedience must be sincere. We must aim at the glory of God in it. Finis specificat actionem; in religion the end is all. The end of our obedience must not be to stop the mouth of conscience, or to gain applause or preferment; but that we may grow more like God, and bring more glory to him. ‘Do all to the glory of God.’ 1 Corinthians 10:31. That which has spoiled many glorious actions, and made them lose their reward, is, that men’s aims have been wrong. The Pharisees gave alms, but blew a trumpet that they might have the glory of men. Matthew 6:2. Alms should shine, but not blaze. Jehu did well in destroying the Baal-worshippers, and God commended him for it; but, because his aims were not good (for he aimed at settling himself in the kingdom), God looked upon it as no better than murder. ‘I will avenge the blood of Jezreel upon the house of Jehu.’ Hosea 1:4. O let us look to our ends in obedience; it is possible the action may be right, and not the heart. 2 Chronicles 25:2. Amaziah did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart. Two things are chiefly to be eyed in obedience, the principle and the end. Though a child of God shoots short in his obedience, he takes a right aim.
(5) Obedience must be in and through Christ. ‘He has made us accepted in the beloved.’ Ephesians 1:6. Not our obedience, but Christ’s merits procure acceptance. In every part of worship we must present Christ to God in the arms of our faith. Unless we serve God thus, in hope and confidence of Christ’s merits, we rather provoke him than please him. As, when king Uzziah would offer incense without a priest, God was angry with him, and struck him with leprosy (2 Chronicles 26:20); So, when we do not come to God in and through Christ, we offer up incense to him without a priest, and what can we expect but severe rebukes?
(6) Obedience must be constant. ‘Blessed [is] he that does righteousness at all times.’ Psalm 106:3. True obedience is not like a high colour in a fit, but it is a right complexion. It is like the fire on the altar, which was always kept burning. Leviticus 6:13. Hypocrites’ obedience is but for a season; it is like plastering work, which is soon washed off; but true obedience is constant. Though we meet with affliction, we must go on in our obedience. ‘The righteous shall hold on his way.’ Job 17:9. We have vowed constancy; we have vowed to renounce the pomps and vanities of the world, and to fight under Christ’s banner to death. When a servant has entered into covenant with his master, and the indentures are sealed, he cannot go back, he must serve out his time; so there are indentures drawn in baptism, and in the Lord’s Supper the indentures are renewed and scaled on our part, that we will be faithful and constant in our obedience; therefore we must imitate Christ, who became obedient unto death. Philippians 2:8. The crown is set upon the head of perseverance. ‘He that keepeth my works unto the end, I will give him the morning star.’ Revelation 2:26, 28.
Use one. This condemns those who live in contradiction to the text, and have cast off the yoke of obedience. ‘As for the word that thou hast spoken unto us in the name of the Lord, we will not hearken unto thee.’ Jeremiah 44:16. God bids men pray in their family, but they live in the total neglect of it; he bids them sanctify the Sabbath, but they follow their pleasures on that day; he bids them abstain from the appearance of sin, but they do not abstain from the act; they live in the act of revenge, and in the act of uncleanness. This is a high contempt of God; it is rebellion, and rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft.

I HOPE YOU WERE ABLE TO RECEIVE FROM THIS QUICK STUDY.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY:
OBEDIENCE PART 2

Whence is it that men do not obey God? They know their duty, but do it not.

(1) The not obeying God is for want of faith. Quis credidit? ‘Who has believed our report?’ Isaiah 53:1: Did men believe sin were so bitter, that hell followed at the heels of it, would they go on in sin? Did they believe there was such a reward for the righteous, that godliness was gain, would they not pursue it; but they are atheists, not fully brought into the belief of these things; hence it is that they obey not. Satan’s master-piece, his draw-net by which he drags millions to hell, is to keep them in infidelity; he knows, if he can but keep them from believing the truth, he is sure to keep them from obeying it.
(2) The not obeying God is for want of self-denial. God commands one thing, and men’s lusts command another; and they will rather die than deny their lusts. If lust cannot be denied, God cannot be obeyed.
Use two. Obey God’s voice. This is the beauty of a Christian.

What are the great arguments or incentives to obedience?
(1) Obedience makes us precious to God, his favourites. ‘If ye will obey my voice, ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people;’ you shall be my portion, my jewels, the apple of mine eye. Exodus 19:5. ‘I will give kingdoms for your ransom.’ Isaiah 43:3.
(2) There is nothing lost by obedience. To obey God’s will is the way to have our will. [1] Would we have a blessing in our estates? Let us obey God. ‘If thou shalt hearken to the voice of the Lord, to do all his commandments, blessed shalt thou be in the field: blessed shall be thy basket and thy store.’ Deuteronomy 28:1, 3, 5. To obey is the best way to thrive in your estates. [21 Would we have a blessing in our souls? Let us obey God. Obey, and I will be your God.’ Jeremiah 7:23. My Spirit shall be your guide, sanctifier, and comforter. Christ ‘became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.’ Hebrews 5:9. While we please God, we please ourselves; while we give him the duty, he gives us the dowry. We are apt to say, as Amaziah, ‘What shall we do for the hundred talents?’ 2 Chronicles 25:9. You lose nothing by obeying. The obedient son has the inheritance settled on him. Obey, and you shall have a kingdom. ‘It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.’ Luke 12:32.
(3) What a sin is disobedience! [1] It is an irrational sin. We are not able to stand it out in defiance against God. ‘Are we stronger than he?’ Will the sinner go to measure arms with God? 1 Corinthians 10:22. He is the Father Almighty, who can command legions. If we have no strength to resist him, it is irrational to disobey him. It is irrational, as it is against all law and equity. We have our daily subsistence from him; in him we live and move. Is it not just that as we live by him, we should live to him? that as he gives us our allowance, so we should give him our allegiance?
[2] It is a destructive sin. ‘The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that obey not the gospel.’ 2 Thessalonians 1:7, 8. He who refuses to obey God’s will in commanding, shall be sure to obey his will in punishing. While the sinner thinks to slip the knot of obedience, he twists the cord of his own damnation, and he perishes without excuse. ‘The servant which knew his lord’s will, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.’ Luke 12:47. God will say, ‘Why did you not obey? you knew how to do good, but did not; therefore your blood is upon your own head.’

What means shall we use that we may obey?
(1) Serious consideration. Consider, God’s commands are not grievous: he commands nothing unreasonable. 1 John 5:3. It is easier to obey the commands of God than sin. The commands of sin are burdensome—let a man be under the power of any lust, how he tires himself! what hazards he runs, even to endangering his health and soul, that he may satisfy his lusts! What tedious journeys did Antiochus Epiphanies take in persecuting the Jews! ‘They weary themselves to commit iniquity;’ and are not God’s commands more easy to obey? Chrysostom says, virtue is easier than vice; temperance is less burdensome than drunkenness. Some have gone with less pains to heaven, than others to hell.
God commands nothing but what is beneficial. ‘And now, Israel, what does the Lord require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, and to keep his statutes, which I command thee this day, for thy good?’ Deuteronomy 10:12, 13. To obey God, is not so much our duty as our privilege; his commands carry meat in the mouth of them. He bids us repent; and why? That our sins may be blotted out. Acts 3:19. He commands us to believe: and why? That we may be saved. Acts 16:31. There is love in every command: as if a king should bid one of his subjects dig in a gold mine, and then take the gold to himself.
(2) Earnest supplication. Implore the help of the Spirit to carry you on in obedience. God’s Spirit makes obedience easy and delightful. If the loadstone draw the iron, it is not hard for it to move; so if God’s Spirit quicken and draw the heart, it is not hard to obey. When a gale of the Spirit blows, we go full sail in obedience. Turn his promise into a prayer. ‘I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes.’ Ezekiel 36:27. The promise encourages us, the Spirit enables us to obey.

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS QUICK STUDY, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT, THANK YOU.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY: SANCTIFICATIION

Christ and Sanctification:
Christ died for the sanctification of His Church (Eph. 5:25-27).
He suffered to sanctify us (Heb. 10:10-14).
He prayed for our sanctification (John 17:17).
He takes away the sin hindering sanctification (John 1:29).
He is not ashamed of the sanctified (Heb. 2:9-13).
The Necessity of Sanctification Seen in Sin in Believers:
Inbred sin admitted as a fact (I John 1:8-10).
Called the “old man” (Eph. 4:17-24).
Sin in unsanctified to be put off (Col. 3:5-8).
Provision made for inbred sin to be removed (I John 2:1, 2).
Necessity of having carnality eradicated (Rom. 8:6,7).
Double-hearted condition of unsanctified (Gal. 5:17).
Sanctification Is:
The will of God (I Thess. 4:3).
For the Church (I Cor. 1:2).
Through the Word (John 17:17; Acts 20:32).
Fits for service (II Tim. 2:21).
The Purpose of Sanctification (I Thess. 5:23).
Incentives to Sanctification (Heb. 12:1-3).

QUICK STUDY Sanctification Part 2:

Sanctification Under the Two Dispensations

Under the Old Dispensation—Setting Apart:
The Tabernacle was sanctified (Exod. 40:9).
The mountains were sanctified (Exod. 19:23).
All first-born were set apart for a sacred use (Exod. 13:2).
All Israel were sanctified (Exod. 19:10, 11).
This setting apart, or sanctification, was by man (Exod. 30:25-29; Exod. 19:22).
Under the New Dispensation—Purging, Cleansing, Purifying:
Human beings alone can receive it (Luke 11:13).
It is performed by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 15:16; Acts 2:1-18).
It is a purging process through the blood of Jesus (Heb. 13:12; I Thess. 4:3).
It is God’s will for the Spirit to sanctify (I Thess. 4:3).
Christ died that we might be cleansed (Heb. 10:10; Eph. 5:26,27).

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY SANCTIFICATION PART 3:

Sanctification and the Saints

Sanctification affords the saints their greatest blessings:
The saints are sanctified (II Thess. 2:13; I Pet. 1:1,2).
Our inheritance is among the sanctified (Acts 20:32).
The Church is made glorious in sanctification (Eph. 5:25-27).
The saints are fitted for service through sanctification (II Tim. 2:21).
Sanctification is necessary in order for the saints to receive their inheritance (I Cor. 6:9-11).
The fruit of sanctification is eternal life (Rom. 6:22).

Sanctification and the Mind of Christ

Sanctification causes one to seek to have the mind of Christ perfected (Phil. 2:5). Note the characteristics:
Sanctification—a gentle mind (Luke 22:26).
Sanctification—a patient mind (Luke 22:25).
Sanctification—a humble mind (Luke 22:27).
Sanctification—a God-willed mind (John 5:30).
Sanctification—a self-emptied mind (John 8:28).
Sanctification—a serving mind (Mark 10:45).
Sanctification—a gracious mind (Luke 22:28)
Sanctification—a faithful mind (Luke 22:44).
Sanctification—a prayerful mind (Luke 22:32).
Sanctification—a trustful mind (Luke 22:32).
Sanctification—an obedient mind (Luke 22:27).

Sanctification and Divine Assurance

Sanctification gives the assurance of:
Our redemption (Job 19:25).
Our adoption (I John 3:2).
Eternal life (I John 5:13).
Our union with God and Christ (I John 4:13).
Our peace with God by Christ (Rom. 5:1).
The answer of our prayers (I John 3:22).
Our continuance in grace (Phil. 1:6).
Our glorious resurrection (Phil. 3:21).
Our support in death (Ps. 23:4).
A Kingdom eternal (Rev. 5:10).
A crown everlasting (II Tim. 4:7, 8).

Bible Terms for Sanctification

The Bible calls entire sanctification by the following names:
Holiness—”the way of holiness” (Isa. 35:8).
Purity—”purify unto himself” (Tit. 2:14).
Sanctification—”even your sanctification” (I Thess. 4:3).
Perfection of the heart—”a perfect heart” (I Chron. 28:9; I Tim. 1:5).
Perfect love—”love made perfect” (I John 4:12, 17,18).
The fullness of the blessing (Rom. 15:29; Eph. 3:19).
Fullness of joy (Ps. 16:11; II John 12).
Fullness of faith—”full of faith” (Acts 6:5, 8).
Filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18).
Full assurance (Col. 2:2).
The fruits of righteousness (Phil. 1:11).
Baptism with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5; 2:1-4).

IF THIS QUICK STUDY WAS HELPFUL TO YOU, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT, THANK YOU.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY SANCTIFICATION PART 4:

How Sanctification Is Wrought

How It Is Not Wrought:
Not by death (I Cor. 15:25, 26; Heb. 13:12).
Not by works (Acts 15:8, 9).
Not by, nor identical with, the new birth (I Cor. 1-3; with II Cor. 7:1; Gal. 5:17).
How It Is Wrought:
The purchase of the blood of Jesus (Heb. 13:12).
Based upon an act of complete surrender or consecration of God (Rom. 12:1, 2; I Thess. 4:3).
Appropriated by faith (Acts 15:8, 9; 26:18).
By the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4).
19. Seven Things Made Possible Only By Sanctification
Only by sanctification is the heart purified (John 1:29; I John 1:7-9).
Only through sanctification is the heart cleansed from all sin (Acts 15:8, 9; Mal. 3:1-3, with I John 1:7-9).
Only through sanctification is the heart made perfect in divine love (I John 4:17,18).
Only through sanctification is the heart made perfect in holiness (II Cor. 7:1).
Only through sanctification is it possible to be made perfect in every good work (Heb. 13:21).
Only through sanctification is one fully prepared to serve God (II Tim. 2:20, 21).
Only through sanctification is one prepared to enter heaven (Heb. 12:14; Rev. 22:11, 12).
20. God’s Eternal Purpose—Our Sanctification
Sanctification God’s Purpose Before the Foundation of the World (Eph. 1:4).
Sanctification God’s Purpose for the Old Testament:
God commanded it of that age (Gen. 17:1; Exod. 22:31).
God promised it to that age (Ezek. 36:25; Isa. 1:18).
Old Testament men prayed to be made holy (Ps. 2; Hos. 14:2; Isa. 6:5).
Sanctification God’s Purpose for the Present Age:
God commands us to be sanctified (I Pet. 1:15, 16; Matt. 5:8; Jas. 1:4).
God has promised to sanctify us (I John 1:7-9; Acts 2:38, 39).
New Testament men have prayed that we might be sanctified (I Thess. 5:23; John 17:17).
Sanctification God’s Purpose for All Dwellers in the Heavenly City (Heb. 12:14; Rev. 22:11,12).
21. The Attainability of Entire Sanctification
It Is Expressly Commanded:
Be perfect (Gen. 17:1; Matt. 5:48).
It Is Frequently Exhorted:
Present your bodies (Rom. 12:1).
Perfecting holiness (II Cor. 7:1).
It Is the Subject of Explicit Promise:
Sins as white as snow (Isa. 1:18).
Promise to cleanse from filthiness (Ezek. 36:25).
Will cleanse from unrighteousness (I John 1:9).
It Is the Object of Special Prayer:
David—”Create in me a clean heart” (Ps. 51:10).
Jesus—”Sanctify them” (John 17:17).
Paul—”Very God of peace sanctify you” (I Thess. 5:23).
It Is Confirmed by Personal Examples:
Noah walked with God (Gen. 6:9).
Job was perfect (Job 1:1).
Zacharias and Elisabeth were blameless (Luke 1:6).
Paul classed himself among the perfect (Phil. 3:15).

THIS IS THE CONCLUSION OF OUR STUDY ON SANCTIFICATION.
I HOPE YOU FOUND ALL 6 PARTS HELPFUL.
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT, WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU.
MAY GOD CONTINUE BLESSING YOU.

JOIN US IN A DEEP STUDY OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS.

The First Commandment

‘Thou shalt have no other gods before me.’ Exodus 20:3

Why is the commandment in the second person singular, Thou? Why does not God say, You shall have no other gods?
Because the commandment concerns every one, and God would have each one take it as spoken to him by name. Though we are forward to take privileges to ourselves, yet we are apt to shift off duties from ourselves to others; therefore the commandment is in the second person, Thou and Thou, that every one may know that it is spoken to him, as it were, by name. We come now to the commandment, ‘Thou shalt have no other gods before me.’ This may well lead the van, and be set in the front of all the commandments, because it is the foundation of all true religion. The sum of this commandment is, that we should sanctify God in our hearts, and give him a precedence above all created beings. There are two branches of this commandment: 1. That we must have one God. 2. That we must have but one. Or thus, 1. That we must have God for our God. 2. That we must have no other.
1. That we must have God for our God. It is manifest that we must have a God, and ‘who is God save the Lord?’ 2 Samuel 22:32. The Lord Jehovah (one God in three persons) is the true, living, eternal God; and him we must have for our God.
[1] To have God to be a God to us, is to acknowledge him for a God. The gods of the heathen are idols. Psalm 96:5. And ‘we know that an idol is nothing’ (1 Corinthians 8:4); that is, it has nothing of Deity in it. If we cry, ‘Help, O Idol,’ an idol cannot help; the idols themselves were carried into captivity, so that an idol is nothing. Isaiah 46:2. Vanity is ascribed to it, we do not therefore acknowledge it to be a god. Jeremiah 14:22. But we have this God to be a God to us, when, ex animo [from the heart], we acknowledge him to be God. All the people fell on their faces and said, ‘The Lord he is the God! the Lord he is the God!’ 1 Kings 18:39. Yea, we acknowledge him to be the only God. ‘O Lord God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubim, thou art the God, even thou alone.’ 2 Kings 19:15. Deity is a jewel that belongs only to his crown. Further, we acknowledge there is no God like him. ‘And Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord; and he said, Lord God of Israel, there is no God like thee.’ 1 Kings 8:22, 23. ‘For who in the heaven can be compared unto the Lord? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the Lord?’ Psalm 89:6. In the Chaldee it is, ‘Who among the angels?’ None can do as God; he brought the world out of nothing; ‘And hangeth the earth upon nothing.’ Job 26:7. It makes God to be a God to us, when we are persuaded in our hearts, and confess with our tongues, and subscribe with our hands, that he is the only true God, and that there is none comparable to him.
[2] To have God to be a God to us is to choose him. ‘Choose you this day whom ye will serve: but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord:’ that is, we will choose the Lord to be our God. Joshua 24:15. It is one thing for the judgment to approve of God, and another for the will to choose him. Religion is not a matter of chance, but choice.
Before choosing God for our God, there must be knowledge. We must know him before we can choose him. Before any one choose the person he will marry, he must have some knowledge of that person; so we must know God before we can choose him for our God. ‘Know thou the God of thy father.’ 1 Chronicles 28:9. We must know God in his attributes, as glorious in holiness, rich in mercy, and faithful in promises. We must know him in his Son. As the face is represented in a glass, so in Christ, as in a transparent glass, we see God’s beauty and love shine forth. This knowledge must go before choosing God. Lactantius said, all the learning of the philosophers was without a head, because it wanted the knowledge of God. This choosing is an act of mature deliberation. The Christian having viewed the superlative excellences in God, and being stricken with a holy admiration of his perfections, singles him out from all other objects to set his heart upon, and says as Jacob, ‘The Lord shall be my God.’ Genesis 28:21. He that chooses God, devotes himself to God. ‘Thy servant who is devoted to thy fear.’ Psalm 119:38. As the vessels of the sanctuary were consecrated and set apart from common to holy uses, so he who has chosen God to be his God, has dedicated himself to God, and will no more be devoted to profane uses. [3] To have God to be a God to us, is to enter into solemn covenant with him, that he shall be our God. After choice the marriage-covenant follows. As God makes a covenant with us, ‘I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David’ (Isaiah 55:3); so we make a covenant with him, ‘They entered into a covenant to seek the Lord God of their fathers.’ 2 Chronicles 15:12. ‘One shall say, I am the Lord’s: and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the Lord;’ like soldiers that subscribe their names in the muster roll. Isaiah 44:5. This covenant, ‘That God shall be our God,’ we have often renewed in the Lord’s Supper; which, like a seal to a bond, binds us fast to God, and so keeps us that we do not depart from him.
[4] To have God to be a God to us, is to give him adoration: which consists in reverencing him: ‘God is to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.’ Psalm 89:7. The seraphim, who stood about God’s throne, covered their faces (Isaiah 6), and Elijah wrapped himself in a mantle when the Lord passed by, in token of reverence. This reverence shows the high esteem we have of God’s sacred majesty. Adoration consists in bowing to him, or worshipping him. ‘Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.’ Psalm 29:2. ‘They bowed their heads, and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground.’ Nehemiah 8:6. Divine worship is the peculiar honour belonging to the Godhead; which God is jealous of, and will have no creature share in. ‘My glory will I not give to another.’ Isaiah 42:8. Magistrates may have a civil respect or veneration, but God only should have a religious adoration.
[5] To have God to be a God to us, is to fear him. ‘That thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, The Lord thy God.’ Deuteronomy 28:58. This fearing God is (1) To have him always in our eye, ‘I have set the Lord always before me.’ Psalm 16:8. ‘Mine eyes are ever towards the Lord.’ Psalm 25:15. He who fears God imagines that whatever he is doing, God looks on, and as a judge, weighs all his actions. (2) To fear God is to have such a holy awe of God upon our hearts, that we dare not sin. ‘Stand in awe and sin not.’ Psalm 4:4. The wicked sin and fear not; the godly fear and sin not. ‘How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?’ Genesis 39:9. Bid me sin, and you bid me drink poison. It is a saying of Anselm, ‘If hell were on one side, and sin on the other, I would rather leap into hell, than willingly sin against my God.’ He who fears God will not sin, though it be ever so secret. ‘Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling-block before the blind, but shalt fear thy God.’ Leviticus 19:14. Suppose you should curse a deaf man, he could not hear you; or you were to lay a block in a blind man’s way, and cause him to fall, he could not see you do it; but the fear of God will make you forsake sins which can neither be heard nor seen by men. The fear of God destroys the fear of man. The three children feared God, therefore they feared not the king’s wrath. Daniel 3:16. The greater noise drowns the less; the noise of thunder drowns the noise of a river; so, when the fear of God is supreme in the soul, it drowns all other carnal fear. It makes God to be God to us when we have a holy filial fear of him.
[6] To have God to be a God to us, is to trust in him. ‘Mine eyes are unto thee, O God the Lord: in thee is my trust.’ Psalm 141:8. ‘The God of my rock, in him will I trust.’ 2 Samuel 22:3. There is none in whom we can trust but God. All creatures are a refuge of lies; they are like the Egyptian reed, too weak to support us, but strong enough to wound us. 2 Kings 18:21. Omnis motus fit super immobili [The immovable is undisturbed by any commotion]. God only is a sufficient foundation to build our trust upon. When we trust him, we make him a God to us; when we do not trust him, we make him an idol. Trusting in God is to rely on his power as a Creator, and on his love as a Father. Trusting in God is to commit our chief treasure, our soul, to him. ‘Into thy hands I commit my spirit.’ Psalm 31:5. As the orphan trusts his estate with his guardian, so we trust our souls with God. Then he becomes a God to us.
But how shall we know that we trust in God aright? If we trust in God aright, we shall trust him at one time as well as another. ‘Trust in him at all times.’ Psalm 62:8. Can we trust him in our straits? When the fig-tree does not flourish, when our earthly crutches are broken, can we lean upon God’s promise? When the pipes are cut off that used to bring us comfort, can we live upon God, in whom are all our fresh springs? When we have no bread to eat but the bread of carefulness (Ezekiel 12:19), when we have no water to drink but tears, as in Psalm 80:5: ‘Thou givest them tears to drink in great measure;’ can we then trust in God’s providence to supply us? A good Christian believes, that if God feeds the ravens, he will feed his children, he lives upon God’s all-sufficiency, not only for grace, but for food. He believes if God gives him heaven, he will give daily bread; he trusts his bond: ‘Verily thou shalt be fed.’ Psalm 37:3. Can we trust God in our fears? When adversaries grow high can we display the banner of faith? ‘What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.’ Psalm 56:3. Faith cures the trembling in heart; it gets above fear, as oil swims above the water. To trust in God, makes him to be a God to us.
[7] To have God to be a God to us, is to love him. In the godly fear and love kiss each other.
[8] To have him to be a God to us, is to obey him. Upon this I shall speak more at large in the second commandment.

YES THIS WILL BE A VERY DEEP STUDY.
THIS FIRST COMMANDMENT WILL BE CONTINUED.

IF YOU WILL LEAVE A COMMENT ALLOWING US TO KNOW IF YOU ENJOY OUR DEEP STUDIES WE WILL APPRECIATE IT, THANK YOU.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

DEEP STUDY:
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

The First Commandment (PART 2)

‘Thou shalt have no other gods before me.’ Exodus 20:3
The Ten Commandments.

Why must use cleave to the Lord as our God?
(1) Because of its equity. It is but just that we should cleave to him from whom we receive our being. Who can have a better right to us than he that gives us our breath? For ‘it is he that made us, and not we ourselves.’ Psalm 100:3. It is unjust, yea, ungrateful, to give away our love or worship to any but God.
(2) Because of its utility. If we cleave to the Lord as our God, then he will bless us: ‘God, even our own God, shall bless us.’ Psalm 67:6. He will bless us in our estate. ‘Blessed shall be the fruit of thy ground: blessed shall be thy basket and thy store.’ Deuteronomy 28:4, 5. We shall not only have our sacks full of corn, but money in the mouth of the sack. He will bless us with peace. ‘The Lord will bless his people with peace.’ Psalm 29:11. With outward peace, which is the nurse of plenty. ‘He maketh peace in thy borders.’ Psalm 147:14. With inward peace, a smiling conscience, which is sweeter than the dropping of honey. God will turn all evils to our good. Romans 8:28. He will make a treacle of poison. Joseph’s imprisonment was a means for his advancement. Genesis 50:20. Out of the bitterest drug he will distil his glory and our salvation. In short, he will be our guide to death, our comfort in death, and our reward after death. The utility of it, therefore, may make us cleave to the Lord as our God. ‘Happy is that people whose God is the Lord.’ Psalm 144:15.
(3) Because of its necessity. If God be not our God, he will curse our blessings; and God’s curse blasts wherever it comes. Malachi 2:2. If God be not our God, we have none to help us in misery. Will he help his enemies? Will he assist those who disclaim him? If we do not make God to be our God, he will make himself to be our judge; and if he condemns, there is no appealing to a higher court. There is a necessity, therefore, for having God for our God, unless we intend to be eternally espoused to misery.
Use one. If we must have the Lord Jehovah for our one God, it condemns the Atheists who have no God. ‘The fool has said in his heart, There is no God.’ Psalm 14:1. There is no God he believes in, or worships. Such Atheists were Diagoras and Theodorus. When Seneca reproved Nero for his impieties, Nero said, ‘Dost thou think I believe there is any God, when I do such things?’ The duke of Silesia was so infatuated, that he affirmed, Neque inferos, neque superos esse; that there was neither God nor devil. We may see God in the works of his fingers. The creation is a great volume in which we may read a Godhead, and he must needs put out his own eyes that denies a God. Aristotle, though a heathen, not only acknowledged God, when he cried out, ‘Thou Being of beings, have mercy on me,’ but he thought he that did not confess a Deity was not worthy to live. They who will not believe a God, shall feel him. ‘It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.’ Hebrews 10:31.
Use two. Christians are condemned who profess to own God for their God and yet do not live as if he were their God. (1) They do not believe in him as a God. When they look upon their sins, they are apt to say, Can God pardon? When they look upon their wants, they say, Can God provide, can he prepare a table in the wilderness? (2) They do not love him as a God. They do not give him the cream of their love, but are prone to love other things more than God; they say they love God, but will part with nothing for him. (3) They do not worship him as God. They do not give him that reverence, nor pray with that devotion, as if they were praying to a God. How dead are their hearts! If not dead in sin, they are dead to duty. They pray as to a god that has eyes and sees not, ears and hears not. In hearing the Word, how much distraction, and what regardless hearts have many! They are thinking of their shops and drugs. Would a king take it well at our hands, if, when speaking to us, we should be playing with a feather? When God is speaking to us in his Word, and our hearts are taken up with thoughts about the world, is not this playing with a feather? Oh, how should this humble most of us, that we do not make God to be a God to us! We do not believe in him, love him, worship him as God. Many heathens have worshipped their false gods with more seriousness and devotion than some Christians do the true God. O let us chide ourselves; did I say chide? Let us abhor ourselves for our deadness and formality in religion; how we have professed God, and yet have not worshipped him as God.

WE WILL CONTINUE GOING DEEP INTO VERSE ONE OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. I HOPE YOU ARE RECEIVING FROM THIS DEEP STUDY.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

DEEP STUDY:
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

THE FIRST COMMANDMENT (PART 3)

‘Thou shalt have no other gods before me.’ Exodus 20:3

II. That we must have no other god. ‘Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
What is meant by the words, Before me?
It means before my face; in conspectu meo, in my sight. ‘Cursed be the man that maketh any graven image, and putteth it in a secret place.’ Deuteronomy 27:15. Some would not bow to the idol in the sight of others, but they would secretly bow to it; but though this was out of man’s sight, it was not out of God’s sight. ‘Cursed, therefore,’ says God, ‘be he that puts the image in a secret place.’ ‘Thou shalt have no other gods.’ 1. There is really no other god. 2. We must have no other.
[1] There is really no other god. The Valentinians held there were two gods; the Polytheists, that there were many; the Persian worshipped the sun; the Egyptians, the ox and elephant; the Grecians, Jupiter; but there is no other than the true God. ‘Know, therefore, this day, and consider it in thy heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath; there is none else.’ Deuteronomy 4:39. For, (1) There is but one First Cause, that has its being of itself, and on which all other beings depend. As in the heavens the Primum Mobile moves all the other orbs, so God is the Great Mover, he gives life and motion to everything that exists.
(2) There is but one Omnipotent Power. If there be two omnipotent, we must always suppose a contest between the two: that which one would do, the other, being equal, would oppose; and so all things would be brought into confusion. If a ship should have two pilots of equal power, one would be ever crossing the other; when one would sail the other would cast anchor; there would be confusion, and the ship would perish. The order and harmony in the world, the constant and uniform government of all things, is a clear argument that there is but one Omnipotent, one God that rules all. ‘I am the first, and I am the last, and beside me there is no God.’ Isaiah 44:6.
[2] We must have no other god. ‘Thou shalt have no other gods before me.’ This commandment forbids: (1) Serving a false god, and not the true God. ‘Saying to a stock, Thou art my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth.’ Jeremiah 2:27. (2) Joining a false god with a true. ‘They feared the Lord, and served their own gods.’ 2 Kings 17:33. These are forbidden in the commandment; we must adhere to the true God, and no other. ‘God is a jealous God,’ and he will endure no rival. A wife cannot lawfully have two husbands at once; nor may we have two gods. Thou shalt worship no other god, for the Lord is a jealous God.’ Exodus. 34:14. ‘Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god.’ Psalm 16:4. The Lord interprets it a ‘forsaking of him’ to espouse any other god. ‘They forsook the Lord, and followed other gods.’ Judges 2:12. God would not have his people so much as make mention of idol gods. ‘Make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.’ Exodus 23:13. ‘God looks upon it as breaking the marriage-covenant, to go after other gods. Therefore, when Israel committed idolatry with the golden calf, God disclaimed his interest in them. ‘Thy people have corrupted themselves.’ Exodus 32:7. Before, God called Israel his people; but when they went after other gods, ‘Now,’ saith the Lord to Moses, ‘they are no more my people but thy people.’ ‘Plead with your mother, plead; for she is not my wife.’ Hosea 2:2. She does not keep faith with me, she has stained herself with idols, therefore I will divorce her, ‘she is not my wife.’ To go after other gods, is what God cannot bear; it makes the fury rise up in his face. ‘If thy brother, or thy son, or the wife of thy bosom or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, thou shalt not consent unto him, neither shall thine eye pity him; but thou shalt surely kill him; thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people.’ Deuteronomy 13:6, 8-9.

I HOPE THIS DEEP STUDY IS HELPFUL TO YOU.
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

DEEP STUDY:
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
THE FIRST COMMANDMENT (PART 4)

‘Thou shalt have no other gods before me.’ Exodus 20:3
The Ten Commandments.

What is it to have other gods besides the true God? I fear upon search, we have more idolaters among us than we are aware of.
(1) To trust in any thing more than God, is to make it a god. If we trust in our riches, we make riches our god. We may take comfort, but not put confidence in them. It is a foolish thing to trust in them. They are deceitful riches, and it is foolish to trust to that which will deceive us. Matthew 13:22. They have no solid consistency, they are like landscapes or golden dreams, which leave the soul empty when it awakes or comes to itself. They are not what they promise; they promise to satisfy our desires, and they increase them; they promise to stay with us, and they take wings. They are hurtful. ‘Riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.’ Ecclesiastes 5:13. It is foolish to trust to that which will hurt one. Who would take hold of the edge of a razor to help him? They are often fuel for pride and lust. Ezekiel 28:5. Jeremiah 5:7. It is folly to trust in our riches; but how many do, and make money their god! ‘The rich man’s wealth is his strong city.’ Proverbs 10:15. He makes the wedge of gold his hope. Job 31:24. God made man of the dust of the earth, and man makes a god of the dust of the earth. Money is his creator, redeemer, comforter: his creator, for if he has money, he thinks he is made; his redeemer, for if he be in danger, he trusts to his money to redeem him; his comforter, for if he be sad, money is the golden harp to drive away the evil spirit. Thus by trusting to money, we make it a god.
If we trust in the arm of flesh, we make it a god. ‘Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm.’ Jeremiah 17:5. The Syrians trusted in their army, which was so numerous that it filled the country; but this arm of flesh withered. 1 Kings 20:27, 29. What we make our trust, God makes our shame. The sheep run to the hedges for shelter, and they lose their wool; so we have run to second causes to help us, and have lost much of our golden fleece; they have not only been reeds to fail us, but thorns to prick us. We have broken our parliament-crutches, by leaning too hard upon them.
If we trust in our wisdom, we make it a god. ‘Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom.’ Jeremiah 9:23. Glorying is the height of confidence. Many a man makes an idol of his wit and parts; he deifies himself, but how often does God take the wise in their own craftiness! Job 5:13. Ahithophel had a great wit, his counsel was as the oracle of God; but his wit brought him to the halter. 2 Samuel 17:23.
If we trust in our civility, we make it a god. Many trust to this, that none can charge them with gross sin. Civility is but nature refined and cultivated; a man may be washed, and not changed; his life may be civil, and yet there may be some reigning sin in his heart. The Pharisee could say, ‘I am no adulterer’ (Luke 18:11); but he could not say, ‘I am not proud.’ To trust to civility, is to trust to a spider’s web.
If we trust to our duties to save us, we make them a god. ‘Our righteousnesses are as filthy rags;’ they are fly-blown with sin. Isaiah 64:6. Put gold in the fire, and much dross comes out: so our most golden duties are mixed with infirmity. We are apt either to neglect duty, or idolise it. Use duty, but do not trust to it; for then you make it a god. Trust not to your praying and hearing; they are means of salvation, but they are not saviours. If you make duties bladders to trust to, you may sink with them to hell.
If we trust in our grace, we make a god of it. Grace is but a creature; if we trust to it we make it an idol. Grace is imperfect, and we must not trust to that which is imperfect to save us. ‘I have walked in my integrity: I have trusted also in the Lord.’ Psalm 26:1: David walked in his integrity; but did not trust in his integrity. ‘I have trusted in the Lord.’ If we trust in our graces, we make a Christ of them. They are good graces, but bad Christs.
(2) To love any thing more than God, is to make it a god. If we love our estate more than God, we make it a god. The young man in the gospel loved his gold better than his Saviour; the world lay nearer his heart than Christ. Matthew 19:22. Fulgens hoc aurum praestringit oculos [This gold with its glitter blinds the eyes]. Varius. The covetous man is called an idolater. Ephesians 5:5. Why so? Because he loves his estate more than God, and so makes it his god. Though he does not bow down to an idol, if he worships the graven image in his coins, he is an idolater. That which has most of the heart, we make a god of.
If we love our pleasure more than God, we make a god of it. ‘Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.’ 2 Timothy 3:4. Many let loose the reins, and give themselves up to all manner of sensual delights; they idolise pleasure. ‘They take the timbrel, and the harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ. They spend their days in mirth.’ Job 21:12, 13, (mg). I have read of a place in Africa, where the people spend all their time in dancing and making merry; and have not we many who make a god of pleasure, who spend their time in going to plays and visiting ball-rooms, as if God had made them like the leviathan, to play in the water? Psalm 104:26. In the country of Sardinia there is a herb like balm, that if any one eats too much of it, he will die laughing: such a herb is pleasure, if any one feeds immoderately on it, he will go laughing to hell. Let such as make a god of pleasure read but these two Scriptures. ‘The heart of fools is in the house of mirth.’ Ecclesiastes 7:4. ‘How much she has lived deliciously, so much torment give her.’ Revelation 18:7. Sugar laid in a damp place turns to water; so all the sugared joys and pleasures of sinners will turn to the water of tears at last.
If we love our belly more than God, we make a god of it. ‘Whose god is their belly.’ Philippians 3:19. Clemens Alexandrinus writes of a fish that had its heart in its belly; an emblem of epicures, whose heart is in their belly; they seek sacrificare lari, their belly is their god, and to this god they pour drink offerings. The Lord allows what is fitting for the recruiting of nature. ‘I will send grass, that thou mayest eat and be full.’ Deuteronomy 11:15. But to mind nothing but the indulging of the appetite, is idolatry. ‘Whose god is their belly.’ What pity is it, that the soul, that princely part, which sways the sceptre of reason and is akin to angels, should be enslaved to the brutish part!
If we love a child more than God, we make a god of it. How many are guilty in this kind? They think of their children, and delight more in them than in God; they grieve more for the loss of their first-born, than for the loss of their first love. This is to make an idol of a child, and to set it in God’s room. Thus God is often provoked to take away our children. If we love the jewel more than him that gave it, God will take away the jewel, that our love may return to him again.
Use one. It reproves such as have other gods, and so renounce the true God. (1) Such as set up idols. ‘According to the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah.’ Jeremiah 2:28. ‘Their altars are as heaps in the furrows of the field.’ Hosea 12:11. (2) Such as seek to familiar spirits. This is a sin condemned by the law of God. ‘There shall not be found among you a consulted with familiar spirits.’ Deuteronomy 18:11. Ordinarily, if people have lost any of their goods, they send to wizards and soothsayers, to know how they may come by them again. What is this but to make a god of the devil, by consulting with him, and putting their trust in him? What! because you have lost your goods will you lose your souls too? 2 Kings 1:6. Is it not because you think there is not a God in heaven, that you ask counsel of the devil? If any be guilty, be humbled.
Use two. It sounds a retreat in our ears. Let it call us off from idolising any creature, and lead us to renounce other gods, and cleave to the true God and his service. If we go away from God, we know not where to mend ourselves.
(1) It is honourable to serve the true God. Servire Deo est regnare [To serve God is to reign]. It is more honour to serve God, than to have kings serve us. (2) Serving the true God is delightful. ‘I will make them joyful in my house of prayer.’ Isaiah 56:7. God often displays the banner of his love in an ordinance, and pours the oil of gladness into the heart. All God’s ways are pleasantness, his paths are strewed with roses. Proverbs 3:17. (3) Serving the true God is beneficial. Men have great gain here, the hidden manna, inward peace, and a great reward to come. They that serve God shall have a kingdom when they die, and shall wear a crown made of the flowers of paradise. Luke 12:32; 1 Peter 5:4. To serve the true God is our true interest. God has twisted his glory and our salvation together. He bids us believe; and why? That we may be saved. Therefore, renouncing all others, let us cleave to the true God. (4) You have covenanted to serve the true Jehovah, renouncing all others. When one has entered into covenant with his master, and the indentures are drawn and sealed, he cannot go back, but must serve out his time. We have covenanted in baptism, to take the Lord for our God, renouncing all others; and renewed this covenant in the Lord’s Supper, and shall we not keep our solemn vow and covenant? We cannot go away from God without the highest perjury. ‘If any man draw back [as a soldier that steals away from his colours] my soul shall have no pleasure in him.’ Hebrews 10:38. ‘I will pour vials of wrath on him, and make mine arrows drunk with blood.’ (5) None ever had cause to repent of cleaving to God and his service. Some have repented that they had made a god of the world. Cardinal Wolsey said, ‘Oh, if I had served my God as I have served my king, he would never have left me thus!’ None ever complained of serving God: it was their comfort and their crown on their death-bed.

THIS COMPLETES OUR STUDY ON THE FIRST COMMANDMENT. I HOPE YOU FOUND IT TO BE HELPFUL.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOHAM

QUICK STUDY:

Deuteronomy 10:20-22 (GW)

20 Fear the LORD your God, worship him, be loyal to him, and take your oaths in his name.
21 He is your glory. He is your God, who did for you these spectacular and awe-inspiring deeds you saw with your own eyes.
22 When your ancestors went to Egypt, there were 70 of them. Now the LORD your God has made you as numerous as the stars in the sky.

What does the Lord God require of you? Third, keep close to God: fear, serve, cling (hold fast) to God. Take oaths only in His name. There is no other living God; therefore, there is no other God by whom to swear oaths in making agreements with other people. The Lord your God is the only living and true God; therefore, oaths are to be taken only in His name. He alone is the One to fear and serve. We are to hold fast to Him and Him alone.
Moses gave two reasons why a person must stay close to God. Standing there preaching, he first of all proclaimed, you must stay close to God because He is the Lord your praise, your God (Deut. 10:21). He has chosen you and set you apart to be His follower, and you claim that you are a follower of the Lord. As the Lord your God, He is your praise, the object of your devotion. You are, therefore, to honor and praise Him, lifting up His name before all the immoral and unrighteous neighbors who surround you.
Second, you are to stay close to God because God has done so much for you (Deut. 10:21-22). God has saved you from Egypt, from all the bondages and enslavements of this world. Moreover, God is fulfilling His promises to the forefathers and to you. He has multiplied your seed, your descendants from seventy persons to over three million (Genesis 46:27, cp. Numbers 1:46).

THINK ABOUT THIS: What does the Lord require of us? That we stay close to Him, that we fear, serve, and cling to Him. Beyond question, He is the Lord our God. He has saved us from the bondages and enslavements of this world: from sin, death, and the condemnation to come. God has saved us, delivered us from so terrible a fate. And He is fulfilling His promises to us: looking after and caring for us day by day, giving us victorious lives. He is empowering us to conquer all the enemies of this life that seek to destroy and keep us out of the promised land. God is doing so much for us that we owe Him our lives. He is our praise, our thanksgiving, our honor, our Savior, our Lord—our God. For this reason we must stay close, ever so near God. We must fear, serve, cling, hold fast to Him. This is what He demands or requires of us: our total allegiance.

I HOPE THIS QUICK STUDY IS HELPFUL TO YOU.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

Bible promises for healing

We have the promise of health and healing. It’s in the Bible, Jeremiah 30:17, NKJV. “For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,’ says the Lord.”
God promises health to us if we listen. It’s in the Bible,

Exodus 15:26. “If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.”

God heals us and forgives us. It’s in the Bible, Psalms 103:2-3, NKJV. “Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases.”

I HOPE THESE VERSES WILL BE A HELP TO YOU.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

MY GOD:

YOU WOKE ME UP THIS MORNING, MY GOD!

YOU BLESS ME WITH GOOD HEALTH AND A SOUND MIND, MY GOD!

YOU PROVIDE MY EVERY NEED, MY GOD!

YOU BLESS ME WITH FAITH IN YOU, JESUS, AND YOUR HOLY SPIRIT, MY GOD!

YOU BLESS ME WITH JOY AND PEACE, MY GOD!

YOU BLESS ME WITH SPIRITUAL UNDERSTANDING, AND WISDOM, MY GOD!

YOU TALK TO ME, YOU LISTEN TO ME, YOU ANSWER ME, MY GOD!

YOU GUIDE ME, AND YOU PROTECT ME, MY GOD!

YOU BLESS ME WITH YOUR FAVOR, MY GOD!

YOU FORGIVE ME OF MY SINS, AND YOU CONTINUE LOVING ME, MY GOD!

YOU GUIDE MY DAILY WALK, MY GOD!

YOU HELP ME TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES, MY GOD.

YOU BLESS ME WITH A DAY BY DAY WALK WITH YOU, MY GOD!

YOU BLESS ME WITH A SPIRIT OF LOVE FOR YOU, JESUS, AND YOUR HOLY SPIRIT, MY GOD!!!

I COULD GO ON AND ON, BUT I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU, MY GOD!!!!!

YOU ARE THE ONLY TRUE LIVING GOD, MY GOD!

THERE ARE NONE LIKE YOU, MY GOD!

MY HEALER, PROVIDER, AND SUSTAINER, MY GOD!!!

YOU NEVER LEAVE ME, OR FORSAKE ME, MY GOD!!!!

YOU NEVER STOP LOVING ME, NOT WHEN I’M FAILING, NOT WHEN I’M SUCCEEDING. YOU ALWAYS LOVE ME. THANK YOU GOD!!!! THANK YOU GOD!!!
THANK YOU GOD!!!

I JUST WANT TO SAY I LOVE YOU, MY GOD!!!

MY GOD!!!

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY:

GALATIANS 6:10 GW
Whenever we have the opportunity, we have to do what is good for everyone, especially for the family of believers.

Teacher— Pupil— Ministry: When is a believer to serve with his teacher? Very simply, at every opportunity. He is to join right in and do good every chance he can. The idea is that he is…
• to stay alert to opportunity.
• to keep his eyes open to make opportunities.
• to rush to all opportunities.
When a teacher goes to meet a need, the believer must not miss the opportunity to join his teacher and minister with him. No chance to minister should ever be missed. Opportunity can be missed, and a believer can miss the privilege of ministering and of being more greatly rewarded in the glorious day of redemption. Therefore, he must stay alert and not be weary if he wants a full reward.
Note to whom he is to minister: to all men (unbelievers), but especially to believers. A person is responsible for his own family first; then he adds on the burden of the world. God has placed us all within a family and we are the ones who are first responsible for that family. Others may help us, but we are the ones who are primarily responsible. The same is true with the family of God. A Christian brother is the one who is responsible for the family of God. Therefore, we must always meet the needs of our Christian family before moving on out among unbelievers.

“But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil” (Luke 6:35).
“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate” (1 Tim. 6:17-18).
“But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Hebrews 13:16).
“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17).
“Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14).
“Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed” (Psalm 37:3).

I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS QUICK STUDY.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY:
1 JOHN 3:24

1 John 3:24 (GW)
Those who obey Christ’s commandments live in God, and God lives in them. We know that he lives in us because he has given us the Spirit.

(3:24) Holy Spirit: a clean heart is wrought by the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. The person who believes in Jesus Christ and loves others dwells in God and God in Him. How do we know that God dwells in us? By the Holy Spirit. This is made abundantly clear: “we know that he abides in us by the Spirit which he has given us.”
⇒ Note that we dwell in God. This means that we take up residence in God, live and walk in Him, live and move and have our being in Him. It means that we make our home in Him.
⇒ Note that God dwells in us. This means that He takes up residence in us; lives and moves and has His being within us. It means that God makes a home in our hearts.
Again, how do we know this? By His Spirit which He has given us. The Holy Spirit of God seals and guarantees us, gives us absolute assurance. He lives within us, which means that He talks to us, shares with us, leads and guides us, disciplines us, convicts and convinces us. All that is involved in living, the Spirit of God does within us. He is our constant and permanent companion. He never leaves us nor forsakes us. He is always infusing us with the assurance and confidence of God and with His presence and power.

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26).
“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together” (Romans 8:16-17).
“Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest [guarantee] of the Spirit in our hearts” (2 Cor. 1:22).
“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father” (Galatians 4:4-6).
“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest [guarantee] of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory” (Ephes. 1:13-14).
“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption” (Ephes. 4:30).
“And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us” (1 John 3:24).

I HOPE YOU FIND THIS HELPFUL.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

http://everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com/donate/
QUICK STUDY:

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Believer, Position In Christ:
What do the words “in Christ” mean? What does it mean for a person to be in Christ?
1. In the simplest of terms, to be in Christ means that a person’s faith in Christ places him in Christ. Positionally, the person is placed in all that Christ is. Christ lived and died and arose, so to be in Christ means that a person lives, dies, and arises in Christ. Christ is the person’s Representative, his Agent, his Substitute, his Mediator in life and death and resurrection. The person who believes in Jesus Christ is identified with Christ: counted and considered to be “in” Christ; reckoned and credited as “in” Christ.
Spelled out in a little more detail, when a person believes in Christ, God places and positions the believer “in” Christ. The believer’s faith actually causes God to identify the believer with Christ, to count the believer…
• as having lived in Christ when Christ lived upon earth; therefore, the believer is counted sinless and righteous because Christ was sinless and righteous.
• as having died in Christ; therefore, the believer never has to die (John 3:16). The penalty and condemnation of his sins are already paid for in the death of Christ.
• as having been raised “in” Christ; therefore, the believer has received the “new life” of Christ. Just as Christ had a new life after His resurrection, even so the believer receives the “new life” of Christ when he believes in Christ.
2. To be in Christ means that a believer walks and lives in Christ day by day. A true believer lives and moves and has his being in Christ. He is in union with Christ. To truly believe is to walk and to truly walk is to believe. A true believer…
• lays his life—his past sins, his present behavior, all that he is—upon Christ.
• entrusts his present welfare and destiny—all that he is or ever will be—into the hands of Christ.
A person who truly lays his life upon Christ and entrusts all he is to Christ is a person…
• who truly believes.
• who lives and walks in Christ.
Now, to live and walk in Christ means that we do not “walk after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:1, 4). It means that “denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:12). It means that we bear the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). It means that we abide in Christ, that we become as connected and attached to Christ…
• as the members of the body are connected and attached to each other (1 Cor. 12:12-27).
• as the branch is connected and attached to the vine (John 15:4-7).
This is what it means for a person to be “in” Christ. A person simply believes in Christ, putting all he is and has into the hands and keeping of Christ. The person honestly believes that Christ will take care of his past sins, present welfare, and future destiny. Therefore, the believer simply places and positions himself—his faith and welfare—in Christ; and God in turn identifies the person with Christ, with all that Christ is. God counts and considers the person to be in Christ.
IF THIS QUICK STUDY WAS ANY HELP TO YOU, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT, THANK YOU.
PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

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ENCOURAGING BIBLE VERSES ABOUT QUITING. PART ONE
As Christians we have all felt like we have wanted to quit before, but I learned even though at times we might feel weary there is something in us that won’t allow us to quit. The Spirit of the Lord won’t allow us to quit when things get hard. Stressful times like these is a time to build your prayer life. It is a time to get closer to the Lord and rest upon His grace. May these Scriptures be a blessing to you as they have been for me.
1. Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
2. Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
3. 1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
Sometimes we have to remember the small things that God takes care of. If He helps the small things will He not take care of you? We have to hold on to the promises of God. Remember what He said in His Word. Is He going to lie? Even if it seems impossible God works best in impossibility because He will get all the glory.
4. Matthew 6:30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
5. Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?
6. Job 38:41 Who provides food for the raven when its young cry out to God and wander about for lack of food?
7. Numbers 23:19 God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?
Sometimes we forget that we are being watched by unbelievers. Everyone knows that we’re Christians and we are saved by the blood of Christ. You are going to be a testimony. Everyone is saying, “where is the God that he/she trusts in?” For God’s great name He will make a way. Don’t quit, allow God to work.
8. 1 Samuel 12:22 For the sake of his great name, the LORD will not abandon his people, because the LORD wants to make you his people.
9. Jeremiah 14:21 For the sake of your name do not despise us; do not dishonor your glorious throne. Remember your covenant with us and do not break it.
10. Psalm 94:14 The LORD will not reject his people; he will not abandon his special possession.

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PROVERBS 16:5
Proverbs 16:5 (GW)
5 Everyone with a conceited heart is disgusting to the LORD. Certainly, {such a person} will not go unpunished.
Be warned: The Lord detests the proud and will, without question, punish the prideful (v. 5).
Those who rebel against God’s purposes and insist on following their own plans are proud in heart. They exalt themselves and their plans above God. No wonder, then, that they are an abomination to the Lord. He detests their pride and cannot tolerate them in His presence. They follow in the footsteps of their father, the devil, who was first to oppose God and His purposes (Is.14:12-14). An example of this is those individuals who tried to thwart God’s purpose of bringing the Messiah through the Jewish line:
⇒Pharaoh, who ordered the slaughter of the Hebrew newborn males (Ex.1:15-22).
⇒Haman, a wicked nobleman who served under King Xerxes, plotted to exterminate the Jewish race (Est.3).
⇒Herod, who followed in the footsteps of Pharaoh and decreed the slaughter of all Jewish children when Jesus Christ was born (Mt.2:16).
Although the wicked may join hands and unite against God, He will prevail and they will be punished. In fact, the book of Revelation tells us that a day is coming when the kings of the earth will join forces with the antichrist against God’s Son. In spite of this, Scripture reveals that their fate will be both inescapable and frightening beyond measure:
“And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him [Christ] that sat on the horse, and against his army. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh” (Re.19:19-21).
What is true on the world stage is also true in individuals’ hearts: those who resist God’s will for their lives and insist on having their own way will not escape the judgment of God.
IF THIS QUICK STUDY WAS OF ANY HELP TO YOU, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT, THANK YOU.
PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

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ENCOURAGING BIBLE VERSES ABOUT QUITTING. PART TWO
God wants us to pray. He wants you to become stronger. He wants your faith to grow. I’ve been through these times and I know that you feel terrible, but by God’s grace I stood tall and I grew in the process and you will too.
11. 1 Peter 1:7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold–though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
12. James 1:3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
13. Romans 5:3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance.
I’m tired of doubt. No other sin grieves God’s heart more than doubt. This is a time to just trust.
14. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
15. Psalm 27:13-14 I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
What got me through my hard times was to think about the love of Christ. How do you think Jesus felt in His situation? Look at all He went through for us. I don’t think we truly grasp how severe and painful the cross was. It was the love of God that drove Him to continue to do the will of God. God loves you so much.
16. Hebrews 12:3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won’t grow weary and lose heart.
17. Matthew 27:46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).
18. Zephaniah 3:17 For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
Sometimes we have to pray for mercy. “Oh Lord help me. I need you.” Saying, “I need you” is one of my best prayers because you are coming to the Lord in humility and you are fully depending on the Lord. God will shower you with His love.
19. Hebrews 4:16 Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help.
20. Psalm 40:11 LORD, do not withhold your mercy from me, for your gracious love and truthfulness will keep me safe continuously.
IF YOU RECEIVED ANYTHING FROM THIS QUICK STUDY, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT, THANK YOU.
PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

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JESUS CHRIST
Jesus Christ Je’sus Christ. “The life and character of Jesus Christ,” says Dr. Schaff, “is the holy of holies in the history of the world.”
I. NAME.—The name Jesus signifies saviour. It is the Greek form of JEHOSHUA (Joshua). The name Christ signifies anointed. Jesus was both priest and king. Among the Jews priests were anointed, as their inauguration to their office. 1 Chr 16:22 In the New Testament the name Christ is used as equivalent to the Hebrew Messiah (anointed), John 1:41 the name given to the long-promised Prophet and King whom the Jews had been taught by their prophets to expect. Matt 11:3; Acts 19:4 The use of this name, as applied to the Lord, has always a reference to the promises of the prophets. The name of Jesus is the proper name of our Lord, and that of Christ is added to identify him with the promised Messiah. Other names are sometimes added to the names Jesus Christ, thus, “Lord,” “a king,” “King of Israel,” “Emmanuel,” “Son of David,” “chosen of God.”
II. BIRTH.—Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary, God being his father, at Bethlehem of Judea, six miles south of Jerusalem. The date of his birth was most probably in December, b.c. 5, four years before the era from which we count our years. That era was not used till several hundred years after Christ. The calculations were made by a learned monk, Dionysius Exiguus, in the sixth century, who made an error of four years; so that to get the exact date from the birth of Christ we must add four years to our usual dates; i.e. a.d. 1882 is really 1886 years since the birth of Christ. It is also more than likely that our usual date for Christmas, December 25, is not far from the real date of Christ’s birth. Since the 25th of December comes when the longest night gives way to the returning sun on his triumphant march, it makes an appropriate anniversary to make the birth of him who appeared in the darkest night of error and sin as the true Light of the world. At the time of Christ’s birth Augustus Cæsar was emperor of Rome, and Herod the Great king of Judea, but subject of Rome. God’s providence had prepared the world for the coming of Christ, and this was the fittest time in all its history.
1. All the world was subject to one government, so that the apostles could travel everywhere: the door of every land was open for the gospel.
2. The world was at peace, so that the gospel could have free course.
3. The Greek language was spoken everywhere with their other languages.
4. The Jews were scattered everywhere with synagogues and Bibles.
III. EARLY LIFE.—Jesus, having a manger at Bethlehem for his cradle, received a visit of adoration from the three wise men of the East. At forty days old he was taken to the temple at Jerusalem; and returning to Bethlehem, was soon taken to Egypt to escape Herod’s massacre of the infants there. After a few months stay there, Herod having died in April, b.c. 4, the family returned to their Nazareth home, where Jesus lived till he was about thirty years old, subject to his parent, and increasing “in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” The only incident recorded of his early life is his going up to Jerusalem to attend the passover when he was twelve years old, and his conversation with the learned men in the temple. But we can understand the childhood and youth of Jesus better when we remember the surrounding influences amid which he grew.
1. The natural scenery was rugged and mountainous, but full of beauty. He breathed the pure air. He lived in a village, not in a city.
2. The Roman dominion was irksome and galling. The people of God were subject to a foreign yoke. The taxes were heavy. Roman soldiers, laws, money, every reminded them of their subjection, when they ought to be free and themselves the rulers of the world. When Jesus was ten years old, there was a great insurrection, Acts 5:37 in Galilee. He who was to be King of the Jews heard and felt all this.
3. The Jewish hopes of a Redeemer, of throwing off their bondage, of becoming the glorious nation promised in the prophet, were in the very air he breathed. The conversation at home and in the streets was full of them.
4. Within his view, and his boyish excursions, were many remarkable historic places,—rivers, hills, cities, plains,—that would keep in mind the history of his people and God’s dealings with them.
5. His school training. Mr. Deutsch, in the Quarterly Review, says, “Eighty years before Christ, schools flourished throughout the length and the breadth of the land: education had been made compulsory. While there is not a single term for ‘school’ to be found before the captivity, there were by that time about a dozen in common usage. Here are a few of the innumerable popular sayings of the period: ‘Jerusalem was destroyed because the instruction of the young was neglected.’ ‘The world is only saved by the breath of the school-children.’ ‘Even for the rebuilding of the temple the schools must not be interrupted.'”
6. His home training. According to Ellicott, the stages of Jewish childhood were marked as follows: “At three the boy was weaned, and word for the first time the fringed or tasselled garment prescribed by Numb 15:38-41 and Deut 22:12 His education began at first under the mother’s care. At five he was to learn the law, at first by extracts written on scrolls of the more important passages, the Shema or creed of Deut 2:4 the Hallel or festival psalms, Psal 114, 118, 136, and by catechetical teaching in school. At twelve he became more directly responsible for his obedience of the law; and on the day when he attained the age of thirteen, put on for the first time the phylacteries which were worn at the recital of his daily prayer.” In addition to this, Jesus no doubt learned the carpenter’s trade of his reputed father Joseph, and, as Joseph probably died before Jesus began his public ministry, he may have contributed to the support of his mother.
IV. PUBLIC MINISTRY.—All the leading events recorded of Jesus’ life are given at the end of this volume in the Chronological Chart and in the Chronological Table of the life of Christ; so that here will be given only a general survey.
Jesus began to enter upon his ministry when he was “about thirty years old;” that is, he was not very far from thirty, older or younger. He is regarded as nearly thirty-one by Andrews (in the tables of chronology referred to above) and by most others. Having been baptized by John early in the winter of 26-27, he spent the larger portion of his year in Judea and about the lower Jordan, till in December he went northward to Galilee through Samaria. The next year and a half, from December, a.d. 27, to October or November, a.d. 29, was spent in Galilee and norther Palestine, chiefly in the vicinity of the Sea of Galilee. In November, 29, Jesus made his final departure from Galilee, and the rest of his ministry was in Judea and Perea, beyond Jordan, till his crucifixion, April 7, a.d. 30. After three days he proved his divinity by rising from the dead; and after appearing on eleven different occasions to his disciples during forty days, he finally ascended to heaven, where he is the living, ever present, all-powerful Saviour of his people.
Jesus Christ, being both human and divine, is fitted to be the true Saviour of men. In this, as in every action and character, he is shown to be “the wisdom and power of God unto salvation.” As human, he reaches down to our natures, sympathizes with us, shows us that God knows all our feelings and weaknesses and sorrows and sins, brings God near to us, who otherwise could not realize the Infinite and Eternal as a father and friend. He is divine, in order that he may be an all-powerful, all-loving Saviour, able and willing to defend us from every enemy, to subdue all temptations, to deliver from all sin, and to bring each of his people, and the whole Church, into complete and final victory. Jesus Christ is the centre of the world’s history, as he is the centre of the Bible.—ED.)
IF THIS QUICK STUDY WAS OF ANY HELP, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT. THANK YOU.
PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY: THANKSGIVING

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Thanksgiving
2 Corinthians 9:15—”Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”
The Christian life has been called “a life of continual thanksgiving”—not simply thanksgiving at certain times but “continual”—”giving thanks always” (Eph. 5:20). In order for this we must realize what we have. St. Paul emphasizes thanksgiving throughout his writings and uses the phrase in our text, “Thanks be to God” four times (1 Cor. 15:57; 2 Cor. 2:14; 8:16; 9:15). All are veritable outbursts of gratitude. Even in Ephesians, where he was dealing with contradiction and opposition at their height, Paul had time and inclination to praise. Let us, therefore, look at what and why, so that we, too, may live this life of “continual thanksgiving.”
The Divine Gift
What? Cf. John 4:10, “the gift of God”; Hebrews 6:4, “the heavenly gift”; with “his unspeakable gift” here.
Christ—Eph. 4:7; Rom. 5:15, 17.
The Holy Spirit—Acts 2:38. Both are to be received and possessed.
What kind? “His”—”unspeakable”
Divine—nothing less—John 3:16; 2 Cor. 8:9.
Inexpressible—indescribable because related to no other experience or possession.
Gifts in the Divine Gift
Loyalty
Surrender—2 Corinthians 2:14, R.V.—”leadeth us in triumph”—thought is of captives led in triumphal procession.
Service—Romans 6:17—”ye have obeyed.”
Love
Thought—2 Corinthians 8:16—consideration of others.
Action—2 Corinthians 8:17—sympathetic cooperation with others.
Cf. whole chapter, especially verse 9—God’s doing.
Life
Present Power—from dominion of sin (Rom. 7:25).
Future Victory—from death (1 Cor. 15:57).
Labor
1 Timothy 1:12
Equipped
Recognized & Authorized
Conclusion
The Spirit of a Thankful Life
Thankfulness in heart
Thanksgiving in words
Thanks-living in actions
The Strength of a Thankful Life
Maintains fellowship—by the sweetening of prayer and the quickening of love.
Preserves consistency—against murmuring and against pride.
Energizes sympathy—freely received, so freely given.
The Splendor of a Thankful Life
God’s command obeyed (1 Thess. 5:18)
God’s gift recognized (Col. 1:12)
God’s glory maintained (2 Cor. 4:15)
To “thank” we must “receive.” Have we received Christ?

QUICK STUDY:

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GIIDELINES FOR CHRISTIAN LIVING
Read your Bible daily. Do not be content to skim through a chapter merely to satisfy your conscience. Hide the Word of God in your heart. It comforts, guides, corrects, encourages – all we need is there.
Learn the secret of prayer. Prayer is communicating. Every prayer that you pray will be answered. Sometimes that answer may be “Yes” and sometimes “No,” and sometimes it is “Wait,” but nevertheless it will be answered.
Rely constantly on the Holy Spirit. We know that the Holy Spirit prays for us (Romans 8), and what a comfort that should be to the weakest of us. Stand aside and let Him take over all the choices and decisions of your life.
Attend church regularly. The visible church is Christ’s organization upon earth. Christians need one another, we need to gather together to worship God and nothing can take the place of church attendance.
Be a witnessing Christian. We witness in two ways: by life and by word – and the two, where possible, should go hand in hand.
Let love be the ruling principle of your life. Jesus said to those who followed Him, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). The greatest demonstration of the fact that we are Christians is that we love one another.
Be an obedient Christian. Let Christ have first place in all the choices of your life.
Learn how to meet temptation. Temptation is not sin. It is yielding that is sin. Let Christ through the Holy Spirit do the fighting for you.
Be a wholesome Christian. Our lives and appearance should commend the Gospel and make it attractive to others.
Live above your circumstances. Don’t let your circumstances get you down. Learn to live graciously within them, realizing the Lord Himself is with you.

Concubine:

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In the Bible denotes a female conjugally united to a man, but in a relation inferior to that of a wife. Among the early Jews, from various causes, the difference between a wife and a concubine was less marked than it would be amongst us. The concubine was a wife of secondary rank. There are various laws recorded providing for their protection (Ex 21:7; Deut 21:10-14), and setting limits to the relation they sustained to the household to which they belonged (Gen 21:14; Gen 25:6). They had no authority in the family, nor could they share in the household government.
The immediate cause of concubinage might be gathered from the conjugal histories of Abraham and Jacob (Gen 16; Gen 30). But in process of time the custom of concubinage degenerated, and laws were made to restrain and regulate it (Ex 21:7-9).
Christianity has restored the sacred institution of marriage to its original character, and concubinage is ranked with the sins of fornication and adultery (Mat 19:5-9; 1Co 7:2).
IF YOU RECEIVED ANYTHING FROM THIS QUICK STUDY, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT.
PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY: SANCTIFICATION:

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Christ and Sanctification:
Christ died for the sanctification of His Church (Eph. 5:25-27).
He suffered to sanctify us (Heb. 10:10-14).
He prayed for our sanctification (John 17:17).
He takes away the sin hindering sanctification (John 1:29).
He is not ashamed of the sanctified (Heb. 2:9-13).
The Necessity of Sanctification Seen in Sin in Believers:
Inbred sin admitted as a fact (I John 1:8-10).
Called the “old man” (Eph. 4:17-24).
Sin in unsanctified to be put off (Col. 3:5-8).
Provision made for inbred sin to be removed (I John 2:1, 2).
Necessity of having carnality eradicated (Rom. 8:6,7).
Double-hearted condition of unsanctified (Gal. 5:17).
Sanctification Is:
The will of God (I Thess. 4:3).
For the Church (I Cor. 1:2).
Through the Word (John 17:17; Acts 20:32).
Fits for service (II Tim. 2:21).
The Purpose of Sanctification (I Thess. 5:23).
Incentives to Sanctification (Heb. 12:1-3).

QUICK STUDY SANCTIFICATION PART 2:

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Sanctification Subsequent to Regeneration
Sanctification is received subsequent to regeneration because:
Disciples Justified Before Pentecost:
They were born of God (John 1:11-13).
They had forsaken all to follow Jesus (Matt. 19:27).
They were regenerated (Matt. 9:6).
Their names were written in heaven (Luke 10:20).
They had peace through Jesus (John 14:27).
They were not sanctified (John 17:17).
They Were Sanctified at Pentecost:
When the Spirit came (Acts 1:12-24; 2:1-4).
They were made holy (Eph. 5:25-27).
They were united in Christ (Heb. 2:11).
The Samaritans:
Were converted under Philip (Acts 8:5-12).
Were sanctified afterward under the preaching of Peter and John (Acts 8:14-17).
The Apostle Paul:
Was converted (Acts 9:1-16; 26:13-18).
Was subsequently sanctified (Acts 9:17, 18).
The House of Cornelius:
Was justified (Acts 10:1-6, 31-39).
Was subsequently sanctified (Acts 10:44-47).
The Ephesians:
Were disciples (Acts 19:1).
Were believers (Acts 19:2).
Were subsequently sanctified (Acts 19:1-6).
The Romans:
Were called saints (Rom. 1:6, 7).
Were not established (Rom. 1:11).
Paul preached this grace to them (Rom. 5:1-5).
He also exhorted them to go on to perfection (Rom. 12:1, 2; 16:25-27).
The Corinthians:
Were in Christ (I Cor. 1:30).
Were yet carnal (I Cor. 3:1-3).
Paul preached Christian perfection to them (II Cor. 7:1; 13:9,11).
The Thessalonians:
Were in Christ (I Thess. 1:1-9).
Yet they were not sanctified (I Thess. 4:3; 5:21-24).
The Hebrews:
Were babes in Christ (Heb. 5:12,13).
Were exhorted to go on to sanctification or holiness (Heb. 6:1, 2).
Hence Justification and Sanctification Are Two Distinct Works of Grace:
Justification:
The experience (I John 1:9).
The life (I John 2:29).
Sanctification:
The experience (Matt. 5:8).
The life (Tit. 2:11-14).
5. Contrasts Before and After Sanctification
Before sanctification one is as the ten spies, and afterward he is as Caleb and Joshua:
Before: “We be not able to go up” (Num. 13:31). After: “For we are well able” (Num. 13:30).
Before: “They are stronger than we” (Num. 13:31). After. “Their defence is departed from them” (Num. 14:9).
Before: “Brought up an evil report” (Num. 13:32). After: “It is an exceeding good land” (Num. 14:7).
Before: “A land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof” (Num. 13:32). After: “They are bread for us” (Num. 14:9).
Before: “And we were in our own sight as grasshoppers” (Num. 13:33). After: “And the Lord is with us: fear them not” (Num. 14:9).
6. The Experience of Sanctification
Sanctification Is:
A Bible doctrine (Acts 20:32; Heb. 10:10).
Obtainable in this life (I Cor. 1:2; Heb. 13:12; Jude 1).
For all who have been pardoned of their sins (John 17:17, 20; I Thess. 4:1-3).
A second definite work: For the disciples were
born of God (John 1:11-13), and were
definitely sanctified afterwards (Acts 2:1-4).
The Nature of Sanctification:
Cleanses from all sin (John 1:29; Heb. 10:10, 14, 22; I John 1:7-9).
Makes the believer pure (Acts 15:8, 9; I John 3:3).
Perfects the saints:
In love (I John 4:17, 18).
In holiness (II Cor. 7:1).
In good works (Heb. 13:21).
In unity (Heb. 2:11; Acts 4:31, 32).
Prepares the heart and life to serve God acceptably (II Tim. 2:20, 21).
7. Sanctification a Second Work of Divine Grace
Let us note the experience of the apostles, which proves that sanctification is a second work of divine grace:
They Were Converted:
They met the tests of discipleship (Luke 14:33; Matt. 19:24).
The effects of their faith (Acts 10:44-48).
They were born of God (John 1:11-13).
They were ordained to the Christian ministry by Christ himself (John 15:16; Mark 3:14,15).
Jesus sent them out to preach (hence they could not have been sinners) (Matt. 10:5-8; Mark 6:7-13).
Peter backslid (Matt. 26:69-75).
Peter repented (Luke 22:61, 62).
Was reclaimed and confessed Jesus (John 21:15-17).
The Disciples Not Sanctified at This Time:
They had not received the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39).
Jesus promised to send the Spirit to them (John 16:7).
Jesus prayed for their sanctification (John 17:14-17).
Jesus commanded them to tarry until they received the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:4, 5).
They did as He commanded (Luke 24:49-53; Acts 1).
The Disciples Were Sanctified at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4).
Hence we conclude that sanctification is distinct from regeneration, and is received as a second work of divine grace, subsequent to the new birth.
8. Seeking Sanctification As a Second Work of Grace
What the Seeker Must Do:
He must be in Christ, regenerated (John 15:1, 2; I Thess. 1:3,4).
He must have faith in God (Heb. 11:6).
He must come to God with the assurance of faith (Heb. 10:19-22).
He must believe that God can sanctify (Heb. 7:25; Eph. 3:16,17).
How the Seeker Must Consecrate:
He must lay aside every sin (Heb. 12:1).
He must put off the old man (Eph. 4:22; Col. 3:9).
He must suffer to have the old man crucified (die out to sin) (Rom. 6:6).
He must abstain from all evil (I Thess. 5:22).
He must present himself a living sacrifice (Rom. 12:1,2).
He must walk in the light (I John 1:7).
How the Seeker Must Ask:
In the name of Jesus (John 16:23).
For a clean heart (Ps. 51:10).
For the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13).
In faith believing (Matt. 21:22).
God’s Promises to the Seeker:
He shall find (Matt. 7:7).
He shall be cleansed from all sin (I John 1:7).
God will give him the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13).
He shall be made holy (Heb. 13:20, 21; 10:14,15).
He shall be sanctified wholly by the God of peace (I Thess. 5:21-24).
9. Sanctification Proved By Twofold Cleansing
The Necessity of a Double Cleansing:
Sin inherited (Rom. 5:12-19).
Sins committed (Isa. 1:18; Ps. 51:3).
Double Cleansing and Sin:
First cleansing blots out committed sins (Rev. 1:5).
Second cleansing purifies inbred sin (I John 1:7,8).
Bible Terms for the Double Cleansing:
First cleansing is called justification (Luke 18:13, 14; Rom. 4:5).
Second cleansing is termed sanctification (I Thess. 4:3).
The Applications of the Double Cleansing:
First cleansing is for sinners (Jas. 4:8; Rom. 4:5).
Second cleansing is for believers (John 17:17-20; 15:2).
Some Scriptures Teaching the Double Cleansing: (Ps. 51:7; Isa. 6:5-8; John 15:1, 2; Tit. 3:5; Jas. 4:8).

QUICK STUDY ROMANS 12:19-21:

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Romans 12:19-21 (GW)
19 Don’t take revenge, dear friends. Instead, let God’s anger take care of it. After all, Scripture says, “I alone have the right to take revenge. I will pay back, says the Lord.”
20 But, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. If you do this, you will make him feel guilty and ashamed.”
21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil with good.
The believer is to give no place to revenge. There are three reasons for this charge.
1. Vengeance belongs to God. Note the words, “Dearly beloved.” The exhortation is definitely directed to believers. It would be a wonderful thing if all men practiced and lived by this rule, but the world never has and never will live free of vengeance. However, the beloved of God are given no choice. Any person who follows God is to leave vengeance up to God. Vengeance belongs to God, not to man. No man has the right to judge others, not in a private judgment nor in a personal vengeance. The right to judge and to execute vengeance is God’s and God’s alone. However, Scripture is clear: God will repay—God will execute vengeance. The day of His wrath is coming and it will be inescapable.
“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Romans 12:19).
“And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thes. 1:7-8).
“For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people” (Hebrews 10:30).
“To me belongeth vengeance, and recompense; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste” (Deut. 32:35).
“O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, show thyself” (Psalm 94:1).
2. Treating an enemy with kindness will affect him greatly. By doing good the believer heaps “coals of fire” on his enemy’s head. This means at least two things.
a. Kindness will shame and cause anguish for an enemy. In his lonely moments, his thoughts will focus upon his evil treatment of believers and cause him to think and wonder about God. There is some chance the enemy might repent and be converted.
“Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head” (Romans 12:20).
“If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: for thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee” (Proverbs 25:21-22).
b. Kindness will store up wrath against the evil doer in the day of judgment. If an evil doer represses his thoughts of God and hardens himself more and more and continues in his wicked treatment of God’s people, then he stores up more and more wrath against himself in the terrible day of judgment.
“But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God” (Romans 2:5).
3. Vengeance makes evil victorious. If the believer takes vengeance, then he allows evil to conquer him, and this he must never do. The believer is to conquer evil, never allowing evil to conquer him. Note how he conquers evil: by doing good. He overcomes evil by doing what he should do, in particular by doing good toward those who mistreat and abuse him.
“But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain” (Matthew 5:39-41).
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).
“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: neither give place to the devil” (Ephes. 4:26-27).
“See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men” (1 Thes. 5:15).
I HOPE THIS WAS OF HELP TO YOU.
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT, SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH US. WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU.
PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

OUICK STUDY PART 1: 47

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Can a woman be a pastor or preacher?”

There is perhaps no more hotly debated issue in the church today than the issue of women serving as pastors/preachers. As a result, it is very important to not see this issue as men versus women. There are women who believe women should not serve as pastors and that the Bible places restrictions on the ministry of women, and there are men who believe women can serve as preachers and that there are no restrictions on women in ministry. This is not an issue of chauvinism or discrimination. It is an issue of biblical interpretation.
The Word of God proclaims, “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent” (1 Timothy 2:11–12). In the church, God assigns different roles to men and women. This is a result of the way mankind was created and the way in which sin entered the world (1 Timothy 2:13–14). God, through the apostle Paul, restricts women from serving in roles of teaching and/or having spiritual authority over men. This precludes women from serving as pastors over men, which definitely includes preaching to them, teaching them publicly, and exercising spiritual authority over them.
There are many objections to this view of women in pastoral ministry. A common one is that Paul restricts women from teaching because in the first century, women were typically uneducated. However, 1 Timothy 2:11–14 nowhere mentions educational status. If education were a qualification for ministry, then the majority of Jesus’ disciples would not have been qualified. A second common objection is that Paul only restricted the women of Ephesus from teaching men (1 Timothy was written to Timothy, the pastor of the church in Ephesus). Ephesus was known for its temple to Artemis, and women were the authorities in that branch of paganism—therefore, the theory goes, Paul was only reacting against the female-led customs of the Ephesian idolaters, and the church needed to be different. However, the book of 1 Timothy nowhere mentions Artemis, nor does Paul mention the standard practice of Artemis worshipers as a reason for the restrictions in 1 Timothy 2:11–12.
A third objection is that Paul is only referring to husbands and wives, not men and women in general. The Greek words for “woman” and “man” in 1 Timothy 2 could refer to husbands and wives; however, the basic meaning of the words is broader than that. Further, the same Greek words are used in verses 8–10. Are only husbands to lift up holy hands in prayer without anger and disputing (verse 8)? Are only wives to dress modestly, have good deeds, and worship God (verses 9–10)? Of course not. Verses 8–10 clearly refer to all men and women, not just husbands and wives. There is nothing in the context that would indicate a narrowing to husbands and wives in verses 11–14.
Yet another objection to this interpretation of women in pastoral ministry is in relation to women who held positions of leadership in the Bible, specifically Miriam, Deborah, and Huldah in the Old Testament. It is true that these women were chosen by God for special service to Him and that they stand as models of faith, courage, and, yes, leadership. However, the authority of women in the Old Testament is not relevant to the issue of pastors in the church. The New Testament Epistles present a new paradigm for God’s people—the church, the body of Christ—and that paradigm involves an authority structure unique to the church, not for the nation of Israel or any other Old Testament entity.
Similar arguments are made using Priscilla and Phoebe in the New Testament. In Acts 18, Priscilla and Aquila are presented as faithful ministers for Christ. Priscilla’s name is mentioned first, perhaps indicating that she was more prominent in ministry than her husband. Did Priscilla and her husband teach the gospel of Jesus Christ to Apollos? Yes, in their home they “explained to him the way of God more adequately” (Acts 18:26). Does the Bible ever say that Priscilla pastored a church or taught publicly or became the spiritual leader of a congregation of saints? No. As far as we know, Priscilla was not involved in ministry activity in contradiction to 1 Timothy 2:11–14.

OUICK STUDY PART 2: 46

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CAN A WOMAN BE A PASTOR

In Romans 16:1, Phoebe is called a “deacon” (or “servant”) in the church and is highly commended by Paul. But, as with Priscilla, there is nothing in Scripture to indicate that Phoebe was a pastor or a teacher of men in the church. “Able to teach” is given as a qualification for elders, but not for deacons (1 Timothy 3:1–13; Titus 1:6–9).
The structure of 1 Timothy 2:11–14 makes the reason why women cannot be pastors perfectly clear. Verse 13 begins with “for,” giving the “cause” of Paul’s statement in verses 11–12. Why should women not teach or have authority over men? Because “Adam was created first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived” (verses 13–14). God created Adam first and then created Eve to be a “helper” for Adam. The order of creation has universal application in the family (Ephesians 5:22–33) and in the church.
The fact that Eve was deceived is also given in 1 Timothy 2:14 as a reason for women not serving as pastors or having spiritual authority over men. This does not mean that women are gullible or that they are all more easily deceived than men. If all women are more easily deceived, why would they be allowed to teach children (who are easily deceived) and other women (who are supposedly more easily deceived)? The text simply says that women are not to teach men or have spiritual authority over men because Eve was deceived. God has chosen to give men the primary teaching authority in the church.
Many women excel in gifts of hospitality, mercy, teaching, evangelism, and helping/serving. Much of the ministry of the local church depends on women. Women in the church are not restricted from public praying or prophesying (1 Corinthians 11:5), only from having spiritual teaching authority over men. The Bible nowhere restricts women from exercising the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12). Women, just as much as men, are called to minister to others, to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23), and to proclaim the gospel to the lost (Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 3:15).
God has ordained that only men are to serve in positions of spiritual teaching authority in the church. This is not because men are necessarily better teachers or because women are inferior or less intelligent (which is not the case). It is simply the way God designed the church to function. Men are to set the example in spiritual leadership—in their lives and through their words. Women are to take a less authoritative role. Women are encouraged to teach other women (Titus 2:3–5). The Bible also does not restrict women from teaching children. The only activity women are restricted from is teaching or having spiritual authority over men. This precludes women from serving as pastors to men. This does not make women less important, by any means, but rather gives them a ministry focus more in agreement with God’s plan and His gifting of them.
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THIS STUDY?
WAS THIS STUDY OF ANY HELP TO YOU?
PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY: 45

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Blessings of the Upright

One said of a devoted Christian man in his business, “He commands my custom, for all his goods are Christian;” and of another, “He sells a Christian shovel.” When we are “upright in heart and life and business, we need no recommendation.”
The upright man, and not the leaner, is ever the blessed one. If the Book of Proverbs is carefully studied, it will be found there are many blessings which come to the upright.
1. The upright “dwell in the land” of promised blessing—2:21.
2. The upright have Jehovah as their strength—10:29.
3. The integrity and righteousness of the upright bring guidance and deliverance—11:3, 6, 11.
4. The upright are a joy to the Lord, and He delights to answer their prayer—11:20; 15:8.
5. The upright find that the Lord keeps them, causes them to flourish, and obtain definite direction—13:6; 14:11; 21:29.
6. They find “good things in possession” (28:10). “No good will Jehovah withhold from them who walk uprightly” (Psa. 84:11).
PLEASE READ MORE THAN ONCE, STUDY IT, AND THINK ABOUT IT. IT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE.
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT, THANK YOU.
PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY: 44

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Calling—Conduct

Remember what you are called, and be what you are—
1. As a Saint. Be holy—Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:2.
2. As a Christian. Be Christlike—Acts 11:26.
3. As Salt. Be pungent—Matt. 5:13.
4. As a Light. Be true—Matt. 5:14.
5. As an Epistle. Be legible—2 Cor. 3:2.
6. As a Soldier. Be valiant—2 Tim. 2:3.
7. As a Child. Be obedient—1 Peter 1:14, 15.
HOW ARE YOU LIVING? CHECK YOURSELF.
JUST A REMINDER FROM:
PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY; 43

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BE CAREFUL HOW YOU CHOOSE FRIENDS PART 1

God uses friendship as an instrument of sanctification. It is important that all Christians carefully choose their friends. In the past I used to have trouble choosing friends and I’ll tell you from experience friends can either bring you up in life or bring you down.
Wise Christian friends will build you up, help you, and bring wisdom. A bad friend will lead you to sin, encourage ungodly traits, and would rather see you fall than do good in life.
Being a loving and forgiving Christian doesn’t mean that you are to hang around with bad friends who bring peer pressure in your life.
Sometimes you have to know when friendship with another person is leading you away from the Lord. In this case, you must choose Christ or that friend. The answer is always going to be Christ.
Just like a good parent tries to remove negative influences from their child’s life, God will remove bad influences from our life and replace them with godly friends.
Ask God for wisdom when choosing friends in your life and remember bad company ruins good morals so choose your friends wisely.

QUICK STUDY: 42

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BE CAREFUL HOW YOU CHOOSE FRIENDS PART 2:
THIS IS WHAT THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT CHOOSING FRIENDS.

1. Proverbs 12:26 The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
2. Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
3. Proverbs 13:20 Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.
4. Proverbs 17:17 A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.
5. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Two people are better than one because together they have a good reward for their hard work. If one falls, the other can help his friend get up. But how tragic it is for the one who is all alone when he falls. There is no one to help him get up.
6. Proverbs 18:24 One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Good friends give wise counsel.
7. Proverbs 11:14 Without wise leadership, a nation is in trouble; but with good counselors there is safety.
8. Proverbs 27:9 Ointments and perfume encourage the heart; in a similar way, a friend’s advice is sweet to the soul.
9. Proverbs 24:6 For through wise counsel you will wage your war, and victory lies in an abundance of advisors.
Good friends tell you what you need to hear rather than trying to flatter you.
10. Proverbs 28:23 Whoever rebukes a man will later on find more favor than someone who flatters with his words.
11. Proverbs 27:5 Open criticism is better than hidden love.
12. Proverbs 27:6 You can trust what your friend says, even when it hurts. But your enemies want to hurt you, even when they act nice.
13. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.
I HOPE THIS WAS HELPFUL.
IF YOU ENJOY OUR QUICK STUDIES, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT ALLOWING US TO KNOW IF WE SHOULD CONTINUE OUR QUICK STUDIES.
THANK YOU,
PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY: 41

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BE CAREFUL HOW YOU CHOOSE YOUR FRIENDS, PART 3:

Do not choose bad friends.
14. 1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
15. Proverbs 16:29 A violent person entices their neighbor and leads them down a path that is not good.
16. Psalm 26:4-5 I did not sit with liars, and I will not be found among hypocrites. I have hated the mob of evildoers and will not sit with wicked people.
17. Psalm 1:1 How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
18. Proverbs 22:24-25 Do not be a friend of one who has a bad temper, and never keep company with a hothead, or you will learn his ways and set a trap for yourself.
19. 1 Corinthians 5:11 Now, what I meant was that you should not associate with people who call themselves brothers or sisters in the Christian faith but live in sexual sin, are greedy, worship false gods, use abusive language, get drunk, or are dishonest. Don’t eat with such people.
Reminder
20. John 15:13 No one has greater love than this—that one lays down his life for his friends.
Being friends with Jesus
You don’t gain friendship with Christ by obeying. You must recognize that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. God desires perfection and you cannot meet the requirements. Out of His love God came down in the flesh. Jesus lived the life you couldn’t live and was crushed for your sins.
He died, He was buried, and He was resurrected for your transgressions. You must repent and trust in Christ. You must trust in what Christ has done for you. Jesus is the only way. I’m going to Heaven because of Jesus.
IF YOU ENJOYED THIS QUICK STUDY PRESS LIKE, AND LEAVE A COMMENT.
THANK YOU,
PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY: 40

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Romans 12:9-16 (GW)

9 Love sincerely. Hate evil. Hold on to what is good.
10 Be devoted to each other like a loving family. Excel in showing respect for each other.
11 Don’t be lazy in showing your devotion. Use your energy to serve the Lord.
12 Be happy in your confidence, be patient in trouble, and pray continually.
13 Share what you have with God’s people who are in need. Be hospitable.
14 Bless those who persecute you. Bless them, and don’t curse them.
15 Be happy with those who are happy. Be sad with those who are sad.
16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be arrogant, but be friendly to humble people. Don’t think that you are smarter than you really are.
1. Pretending (Romans 12:9)
“Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good” (Romans 12:9). The word translated “dissimulation” means hypocrisy, pretenders, actors. Christians are to be sincere, not deceitful and beguiling in their actions. Two areas are especially cited in which the love is to be without hypocrisy.
• Abhorrence of evil. “Abhor that which is evil.” This means to loath evil and to separate from it. It is not toleration or negotiation with evil. “Abhor” has no room or welcome for evil but utterly protests and eschews it. To excuse your toleration for evil by saying you are a loving person is to show the hypocrisy of your love! True love involves a great abhorrence of evil.
• Affection for good. “Cleave” means to be glued to something. Unhypocritical love will tenaciously support good. It will stand faithfully for that which is righteous. There will be no divorce with this kind of love.
2. Passion (Romans 12:10)
“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another” (Romans 12:10). The subject is still love but from a different standpoint. Two aspects of love are addressed here.
• Affection for the saints. “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love.” Believers are to love each other in a family way. Loving the saved is proof of salvation. “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren” (I John 3:14). Loving the brethren also tells the world that we are Jesus’ follower. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35).
• Admiration for the saints. “In honor preferring one another” (Romans 12:10). This does not mean prejudicial preference but means to give due honor to the honorable among the saints. Loving the brethren properly will respect rank not ignore rank. The pastor, evangelist, missionary, and church officials will be given preferential respect and honor if love is proper. Too often we think love levels everybody so that we can call the pastor or church official or senior saint by their first name and think we are on equal terms with them in the function of the church. True love does not foster such disrespect.
3. Perspiration (Romans 12:11)
“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11). The “business” here is not secular business although Christians should not be characterized by slothful-ness anywhere. The emphasis here is on Christian service. The saint is to do his service energetically. Perspiration should characterize the Christian service of saints. Churches could certainly use more of this kind of service.
4. Patience (Romans 12:12)
“Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation” (Romans 12:12). The word “tribulation” means affliction; the context bears out that these are afflictions that come because we are Christians. Paul tells us how to act during our afflictions. We are to endure affliction with patience. Helping us to be patient is our hopes. If, during our afflictions, we rejoice in our hopes rather repine in our hurts, we will be more patient in our afflictions. What are some of our hopes in afflictions? “Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (II Corinthians 4:17). Afflictions seem light when we rejoice in the eternal weight of glory coming from them. If your affliction is persecution, the saint can “rejoice, and be exceedingly glad; for great is your reward in heaven” (Matthew 5:12).
5. Prayer (Romans 12:12)
“Continuing instant in prayer” (Romans 12:12). For prayer to be effective, it has to be persistent. This exhortation does not mean to pray all the time. That would be impractical, but it teaches us to be persistent in prayer. If the answer does not come in twenty-four hours, many quit praying, which is why so many do not have much success in their prayer life. Persistency in prayer is a mark of true faith.
6. Philanthropy (Romans 12:13)
“Distributing to the necessity of the saints, given to hospitality” (Romans 12:13). The philanthropy here consisted of two actions. There was help in (1) goods and in (2) dwelling. There was help in (1) lucre and (2) lodging. The emphasis is on helping fellow believers not professional beggars who come to the church for handouts. Hospitality in those days was necessary, for there were not the many motels and hotels like in our day.
7. Persecution (Romans 12:14)
“Bless them which persecute you; bless, and curse not” (Romans 12:14). Persecution is a common experience for the godly. “Yea… all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (II Timothy 3:12). How to act under persecution is the theme of this verse. The natural reaction to persecution is retaliation. But Paul says we must do the opposite. This is no easy task. However, the believer needs to concentrate on blessing (benefiting) people rather than cursing them. Paul enlarges on this general theme of revenge several verses later.
8. Pity (Romans 12:15)
“Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep” (Romans 12:15). Showing sympathy for the weeping is to help and comfort the weeping. Lest pride overtake us in our pity for the weeping, the first exhortation about rejoicing with the rejoicing will humble us. It is much easier to show pity for the sorrowing than to show pleasure for the successful. Jealousy is the more likely reaction of a person to those that are rejoicing over their blessings.
9. Pride (Romans 12:16)
“Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits” (Romans 12:16). Paul hits pride again. Earlier he had spoken about it in regards to service (Romans 12:3). Now he denounces it in our everyday life.
• Congeniality. “Be of the same mind one toward another.” Some professing Christians are difficult to get along with; they are contentious, argumentive, sour and touchy. “Be of the same mind” says to try to get along with others, be amiable.
• Condescending. “Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate.” This does not mean the saints are to fraternize with the lowly bums in the gutter or others of low character. But it means that saints are not to cater to the high-ups, big shots and ignore the saints that are just ordinary people. The Bible speaks likewise of this problem in James 2:1-9.
• Conceited. “Be not wise in your own conceits.” Paul spoke of this earlier when he said, “not to think of himself more highly that he ought to think” (Romans 12:3). Christians should not be stuck on themselves.
I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS QUICK STUDY.
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT, THANK YOU.
PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY:39

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Faith

1. Faith is sure-footed, for it stands on The Rock—Psa. 40:2.
2. Faith is eagle-eyed, for it looks to Christ—Heb. 12:2.
3. Faith is quick-eared, for it hears Christ’s voice—John 10:27.
4. Faith is firm-holding, for it clings to Christ—Acts 11:23.
5. Faith is heart-loyal, for it loves Christ—1 Thess. 1:8.
6. Faith is resolute-willed, for it says “I will” (Isa. 12:2).
7. Faith is keen-sensed, for it responds to Christ—Heb. 5:14
Faith
Faith is not concerned with itself, it is centred in Christ.
1. Christ is its object—Acts 20:21.
2. The Spirit is its power—1 Cor. 12:9; Gal. 5:22.
3. The Word of God is its channel—Rom. 10:17.
4. God is its Originator—Mark 11:22, margin.
I HOPE THIS QUICK STUDY WILL BE A HELP TO SOMEONE.
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT.
PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY:38

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First Things

1. The first thing to seek. “The Kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matt. 6:33).
2. The first thing to preach. “Delivered unto you first of all,” etc. “The Gospel” (1 Cor. 15:1-4).
3. The first thing to do. “First be a partaker” (2 Tim. 2:6).
4. The first thing in worship. “First be reconciled to thy brother” (Matt. 5:24).
5. The first thing in life. “Cleanse first that which is within” (Matt. 23:26).
6. The first thing in holiness. “Cast out first the beam out of thine own eye” (Luke 6:42).
7. The first thing to give. “First gave their own selves to the Lord” (2 Cor. 8:5).
8. The first thing in prayer. “First of all supplications, prayers, and intercessions” (1 Tim. 2:1).
9. The first thing to know. “Knowing this first” (2 Peter 1:20).
I HOPE YOU FIND THIS REMINDER HELPFUL.
BE SURE TO LEAVE A COMMENT.
PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

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QUICK STUDY: 37

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Husbands and Wives

According to Scripture, God established three human institutions in the world: marriage and the home (Gen. 2:18-25), human government (Gen. 9:1-6; Rom. 13), and the local church (Acts 2); of the three, the basic institution is the home. As goes the home, so go the church and the nation. The biblical views of marriage and the family have been so attacked and ridiculed in modern society that it does us good to review what the Creator of the home has to say about His wonderful gift of marriage.
Marriage. King Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11:3), and in so doing he disobeyed God’s Law—by multiplying wives (Deut. 17:17), and by taking these wives from pagan nations that didn’t worship Jehovah, the true and Living God (Ex. 34:16; Deut. 7:1-3). Eventually, these women won Solomon over to their gods, and the Lord had to discipline Solomon for his sins (1 Kings 11:4ff).
In contrast to this, the book of Proverbs magnifies the kind of marriage that God first established in Eden: one man married to one woman for one lifetime (Gen. 2:18-25; Matt. 19:19). The husband is to love his wife and be faithful to her (Prov. 5). The wife is not to forsake her husband and seek her love elsewhere (2:17). They are to enjoy one another and grow in their love for each other and for the Lord.
In ancient days, marriages were arranged by the parents. Our modern “system” of two people falling in love and getting married would be foreign to their thinking and their culture. In that day, a man and woman got married and then learned to love each other; they expected to stay together for life. Today, a man and woman learn to love each other, then they get married, and everybody hopes they’ll stay together long enough to raise the children.
The husband. A man can inherit houses and lands, but “a prudent wife is from the Lord” (19:14, niv). “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord” (18:22, nkjv). Blessed is that marriage in which the husband acknowledges God’s goodness to him in giving him his wife! When a husband takes her for granted, he grieves both her and the Lord. He should love her and be loyal to her all the days of his life.
The book of Proverbs places on the husband the responsibility of guiding the home according to the wisdom of God, but as we shall see in chapter 31, the wife also plays an important part. Where two people love the Lord and love each other, God can guide and bless them. It’s not a “fifty-fifty” arrangement, because “two become one.” Rather, it’s a 100 percent devotion to each other and to the Lord.
The wife. Every wife will either build the home or tear it down (14:1). If she walks with the Lord, she will be a builder; if she disobeys God’s wisdom, she will be a destroyer. She must be faithful to her husband, for “A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones” (12:4, niv). A crown or a cancer: What a choice! And beauty isn’t the only thing he should look for; it’s also important that a wife have wisdom and discretion (11:22).
Husbands occasionally create problems for their wives, but Solomon doesn’t mention any of them. However, he does name some of the problems a wife might create for her husband. “The contentions of a wife are a continual dripping” (19:13). A wife who quarrels constantly creates the kind of atmosphere in a home that would tempt her husband to look for attention elsewhere. “Better to live on the corner of a roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife” (21:9, niv; see 21:19; 25:24; 27:15-16). But let’s be fair and admit that the situation might be reversed and the husband be the culprit. God hates family discord (6:19), and we should do everything we can to practice in the home the kind of love that produces unity and harmony.
The finest description of the ideal wife is found in 31:10-31. This poem is an acrostic with the initial words of the twenty-two verses all beginning with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet (see Ps. 119). This acrostic form was a device to help people commit the passage to memory. Perhaps Jewish parents instructed their sons and daughters to memorize this poem and use it as a guide for their lives and in their homes. What kind of wife is described here?
First of all, she is a woman of character (Prov. 31:10-12). Just as wisdom is more important than wealth (3:15), so character is more important than jewels. Peter gave this same counsel to Christian wives in his day (1 Peter 3:1-6). Marriage doesn’t change a person’s character. It there are character weaknesses in either the husband or the wife, marriage will only reveal and accentuate them. A husband or wife who hopes to change his or her spouse after the honeymoon is destined for disappointment.
If the husband and wife trust each other, there will be harmony in the home. Her husband has no fears or suspicions as she is busy about her work, because he knows she has character and will do nothing but good for him and their children. If brides and grooms take seriously the vows of love and loyalty they repeat to each other and to God at the altar, they will have a wall of confidence around their marriage that will keep out every enemy.
She’s a woman who isn’t afraid to work (Prov. 31:13-22, 24). Whether it’s going to the market for food (vv. 14-15), buying real estate (v. 16a), or planting a vineyard (v. 16b), she’s up early and busy with her chores. You get the impression that the night before she makes a list of “things to do” and doesn’t waste a minute in idleness. “She sets about her work vigorously” (v. 17, niv), whether spinning thread, helping the poor, or providing a wardrobe for her children. She prepares the very best for her family and they have no reason to be ashamed.
She is a generous person (v. 20). As she ministers to her family, she keeps her eyes open for people who have needs, and she does what she can to help them. Happiness comes to those who have mercy on the poor (14:21), and nothing given to the Lord for them will ever be lost (19:17).
This wife makes it easy for her husband to do his work (v. 23). The city gate was the place where civic business was transacted, so her husband was one of the elders in the community (Ruth 4). While no such restrictions exist today, it would have been unthinkable in that day for a woman to sit on the “city council.” But this loyal wife didn’t want to take his place; she just did her work and made it easier for him to do his.
A husband and wife should complement each other as they each seek to fulfill their roles in the will of God. Wise is that husband who recognizes his wife’s strengths and lets her compensate for his weaknesses. Doing this isn’t a sign of personal failure, nor is it rebellion against the divine order (1 Cor. 11:3). Both leadership and submission in a home are evidences of love and obedience, and the one doesn’t nullify the other.
She is confident as she faces the future (Prov. 31:25). In the Bible, to be “clothed” with something means that it is a part of your life and reveals itself in your character and conduct. (See 1 Tim. 2:9-10; Col. 3:8-14.) This wife can laugh at future problems and troubles because she has strength of character and she’s prepared for emergencies. She is a woman of faith who knows that God is with her and her family.
This wife is a capable teacher of wisdom (Prov. 31:26). She certainly teaches her children the wisdom of God, especially the daughters, preparing them for the time when they will have homes of their own. But it’s likely that she also shares her insights with her husband, and he’s wise enough to listen. Remember that earlier in the book, Solomon used a beautiful woman to personify wisdom; this godly wife does the same.
She is an attentive overseer of the household (v. 27). She isn’t idle, and nothing in the household escapes her notice, whether it’s food, finances, clothing, or school lessons. Managing the household is an exacting job, and she does her work faithfully day and night. Any husband and father who thinks that his wife “has it easy” should take her responsibilities for a week or two and discover how wrong he is!
She’s a woman worthy of praise (vv. 28-29). It’s a wonderful thing when husband and children can praise wife and mother for her faithful ministry in the home. The suggestion here is that this praise was expressed regularly and spontaneously and not just on special occasions. (They didn’t have Mother’s Day in Israel. Every day should be Mother’s Day and Father’s Day!) It’s tragic when the members of a family take each other for granted and fail to show sincere appreciation. The father ought to set the example for the children and always thank his wife for what she does for the family. He should see in her the woman who surpasses them all!
The secret of her life is that she fears the Lord (v. 30). It’s wonderful if a wife has charm and beauty; the possession of these qualities is not a sin. But the woman who walks with the Lord and seeks to please Him has a beauty that never fades (1 Peter 3:1-6). The man who has a wife who daily reads the Word, meditates, prays, and seeks to obey God’s will, has a treasure that is indeed beyond the price of rubies.
Finally, her life is a testimony to others (Prov. 31:31). Her husband and children acknowledge her value and praise her, but so do the other people in the community. Even the leaders in the city gate recognize her good works and honor her. “A kindhearted woman gains respect” (11:16, niv). God sees to it that the woman who faithfully serves Him and her family is properly honored, and certainly she will have even greater honor when she stands before her Lord.
This beautiful tribute to the godly wife and mother tells every Christian woman what she can become if she follows the Lord. It also describes for every Christian man the kind of wife for whom he ought to be looking and praying. But it also reminds the prospective husband that he’d better be walking with the Lord and growing in his spiritual life so that he will be worthy of such a wife if and when God brings her to him

ANOTHER QUICK STUDY: 36

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“Why should we read the Bible / study the Bible?”

Answer: We should read and study the Bible because it is God’s Word to us. The Bible is literally “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16). In other words, it is God’s very words to us. There are so many questions that philosophers have asked that God answers for us in Scripture. What is the purpose to life? Where did I come from? Is there life after death? How do I get to heaven? Why is the world full of evil? Why do I struggle to do good? In addition to these “big” questions, the Bible gives much practical advice in areas such as: What do I look for in a mate? How can I have a successful marriage? How can I be a good friend? How can I be a good parent? What is success and how do I achieve it? How can I change? What really matters in life? How can I live so that I do not look back with regret? How can I handle the unfair circumstances and bad events of life victoriously?
We should read and study the Bible because it is totally reliable and without error. The Bible is unique among so-called “holy” books in that it does not merely give moral teaching and say, “Trust me.” Rather, we have the ability to test it by checking the hundreds of detailed prophecies that it makes, by checking the historical accounts it records, and by checking the scientific facts it relates. Those who say the Bible has errors have their ears closed to the truth. Jesus once asked which is easier to say, “Your sins are forgiven you,” or “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” Then He proved He had the ability to forgive sins (something we cannot see with our eyes) by healing the paralytic (something those around Him could test with their eyes). Similarly, we are given assurance that God’s Word is true when it discusses spiritual areas that we cannot test with our senses by showing itself true in those areas that we can test, such as historical accuracy, scientific accuracy, and prophetic accuracy.
We should read and study the Bible because God does not change and because mankind’s nature does not change; it is as relevant for us as it was when it was written. While technology changes, mankind’s nature and desires do not change. We find, as we read the pages of biblical history, that whether we are talking about one-on-one relationships or societies, “there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). And while mankind as a whole continues to seek love and satisfaction in all of the wrong places, God—our good and gracious Creator—tells us what will bring us lasting joy. His revealed Word, the Bible, is so important that Jesus said of it, “Man does not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). In other words, if we want to live life to the fullest, as God intended, we must listen to and heed God’s written Word.
We should read and study the Bible because there is so much false teaching. The Bible gives us the measuring stick by which we can distinguish truth from error. It tells us what God is like. To have a wrong impression of God is to worship an idol or false god. We are worshiping something that He is not. The Bible tells us how one truly gets to heaven, and it is not by being good or by being baptized or by anything else we do (John 14:6; Ephesians 2:1-10; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:10-18, 5:8, 6:23, 10:9-13). Along this line, God’s Word shows us just how much God loves us (Romans 5:6-8; John 3:16). And it is in learning this that we are drawn to love Him in return (1 John 4:19).
The Bible equips us to serve God (2 Timothy 3:17; Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12). It helps us know how to be saved from our sin and its ultimate consequence (2 Timothy 3:15). Meditating on God’s Word and obeying its teachings will bring success in life (Joshua 1:8; James 1:25). God’s Word helps us see sin in our lives and helps us get rid of it (Psalm 119:9, 11). It gives us guidance in life, making us wiser than our teachers (Psalm 32:8, 119:99; Proverbs 1:6). The Bible keeps us from wasting years of our lives on that which does not matter and will not last (Matthew 7:24-27).
Reading and studying the Bible helps us see beyond the attractive “bait” to the painful “hook” in sinful temptations, so that we can learn from others’ mistakes rather than making them ourselves. Experience is a great teacher, but when it comes to learning from sin, it is a terribly hard teacher. It is so much better to learn from others’ mistakes. There are so many Bible characters to learn from, some of whom can serve as both positive and negative role models at different times in their lives. For example, David, in his defeat of Goliath, teaches us that God is greater than anything He asks us to face (1 Samuel 17), while his giving in to the temptation to commit adultery with Bathsheba reveals just how long-lasting and terrible the consequences of a moment’s sinful pleasure can be (2 Samuel 11).
The Bible is a book that is not merely for reading. It is a book for studying so that it can be applied. Otherwise, it is like swallowing food without chewing and then spitting it back out again—no nutritional value is gained by it. The Bible is God’s Word. As such, it is as binding as the laws of nature. We can ignore it, but we do so to our own detriment, just as we would if we ignored the law of gravity. It cannot be emphasized strongly enough just how important the Bible is to our lives. Studying the Bible can be compared to mining for gold. If we make little effort and merely “sift through the pebbles in a stream,” we will only find a little gold dust. But the more we make an effort to really dig into it, the more reward we will gain for our effort.
IF YOU RECEIVED ANYTHING FROM THIS POST PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT, THANK YOU.
PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

ANOTHER QUICK STUDY: 35

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At—in Time to Come

The objective of Christ’s Coming is often found associated with the Greek preposition “en,” which denotes a fixed position, as being in a place, state, or time.
1. “At His Coming,” those who are “Christ’s” will be claimed by Him—1 Cor. 15:23.
2. “At the Last Trump, “those who are the Lord’s will be “changed in the twinkling of an eye” (1 Cor. 15:52).
3. “At His Appearing,” Christ will reward those who have endured trial with “praise, honour, and glory” (1 Peter 1:7).
4. “At His Coming,” we may be “ashamed before Him” if we are not found abiding in Christ—1 John 2:28.
5. “At the Revelation” (1 Peter 1:13) of Christ we shall have a fresh revelation of God’s grace.
6. “At that Day” of His appearing, Christ will give those who have loved His approach a crown of righteousness—2 Tim. 4:8.
7. “At Hand” is the time when the predictions of the Revelation will be fulfilled—Rev. 1:3; 22:10.
I HOPE THIS WAS A HELP TO YOU.

QUICK STUDY: 34

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MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE

Isa 65:12 — Now I will destine you for death. All of you will bow to be slaughtered. I called, but you didn’t answer. I spoke, but you didn’t listen. You did what I consider evil. You chose what I don’t like.
Heb 12:25 — Be careful that you do not refuse to listen when God speaks. Your ancestors didn’t escape when they refused to listen to God, who warned them on earth. We certainly won’t escape if we turn away from God, who warns us from heaven.
Isa 66:4 — So I will choose harsh treatment for them and bring on them what they fear. I called, but no one answered. I spoke, but they didn’t listen. They did what I consider evil. They chose what I don’t like.
BE CAREFUL OF THE CHOICES YOU MAKE. THINK ABOUT IT.
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT, THANK YOU.

QUICK STUDY: 33

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Believer’s Calling

God called Abram from the land of idolatry to go with Himself to a land of promise—Heb. 11:8. See from Deuteronomy 8 what kind of land it was. Those who believe in Christ are called—
1. From the darkness of sin and ignorance, to the knowledge and light of God—1 Peter 2:9.
2. From the bondage of legalism (doing things because we ought) to the liberty of the Gospel—Gal. 5:13.
3. From the turmoil of unrest and disquietude, to the peace and quietness of reconciliation with God—Col. 3:15.
4. From the death of spiritual death of trespasses and sins, unto eternal life—John 5:24.
5. From the unholiness of the self life to the holiness of fellowship with God—1 Peter 1:15.
6. From the wrangling of self-interest, to partnership with Christ’s sufferings—1 Peter 2:21; 3:9.
7. From the uncertainty of the future, to the “eternal glory” in Christ—1 Peter 5:10.
Let us walk worthy of our calling—Eph. 4:1; and make it “sure” by our obedience—2 Peter 1:10.

QUICK STUDY: 32

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Husbands and Wives

According to Scripture, God established three human institutions in the world: marriage and the home (Gen. 2:18-25), human government (Gen. 9:1-6; Rom. 13), and the local church (Acts 2); of the three, the basic institution is the home. As goes the home, so go the church and the nation. The biblical views of marriage and the family have been so attacked and ridiculed in modern society that it does us good to review what the Creator of the home has to say about His wonderful gift of marriage.
Marriage. King Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11:3), and in so doing he disobeyed God’s Law—by multiplying wives (Deut. 17:17), and by taking these wives from pagan nations that didn’t worship Jehovah, the true and Living God (Ex. 34:16; Deut. 7:1-3). Eventually, these women won Solomon over to their gods, and the Lord had to discipline Solomon for his sins (1 Kings 11:4ff).
In contrast to this, the book of Proverbs magnifies the kind of marriage that God first established in Eden: one man married to one woman for one lifetime (Gen. 2:18-25; Matt. 19:19). The husband is to love his wife and be faithful to her (Prov. 5). The wife is not to forsake her husband and seek her love elsewhere (2:17). They are to enjoy one another and grow in their love for each other and for the Lord.
In ancient days, marriages were arranged by the parents. Our modern “system” of two people falling in love and getting married would be foreign to their thinking and their culture. In that day, a man and woman got married and then learned to love each other; they expected to stay together for life. Today, a man and woman learn to love each other, then they get married, and everybody hopes they’ll stay together long enough to raise the children.
The husband. A man can inherit houses and lands, but “a prudent wife is from the Lord” (19:14, niv). “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord” (18:22, nkjv). Blessed is that marriage in which the husband acknowledges God’s goodness to him in giving him his wife! When a husband takes her for granted, he grieves both her and the Lord. He should love her and be loyal to her all the days of his life.
The book of Proverbs places on the husband the responsibility of guiding the home according to the wisdom of God, but as we shall see in chapter 31, the wife also plays an important part. Where two people love the Lord and love each other, God can guide and bless them. It’s not a “fifty-fifty” arrangement, because “two become one.” Rather, it’s a 100 percent devotion to each other and to the Lord.
The wife. Every wife will either build the home or tear it down (14:1). If she walks with the Lord, she will be a builder; if she disobeys God’s wisdom, she will be a destroyer. She must be faithful to her husband, for “A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones” (12:4, niv). A crown or a cancer: What a choice! And beauty isn’t the only thing he should look for; it’s also important that a wife have wisdom and discretion (11:22).
Husbands occasionally create problems for their wives, but Solomon doesn’t mention any of them. However, he does name some of the problems a wife might create for her husband. “The contentions of a wife are a continual dripping” (19:13). A wife who quarrels constantly creates the kind of atmosphere in a home that would tempt her husband to look for attention elsewhere. “Better to live on the corner of a roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife” (21:9, niv; see 21:19; 25:24; 27:15-16). But let’s be fair and admit that the situation might be reversed and the husband be the culprit. God hates family discord (6:19), and we should do everything we can to practice in the home the kind of love that produces unity and harmony.
The finest description of the ideal wife is found in 31:10-31. This poem is an acrostic with the initial words of the twenty-two verses all beginning with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet (see Ps. 119). This acrostic form was a device to help people commit the passage to memory. Perhaps Jewish parents instructed their sons and daughters to memorize this poem and use it as a guide for their lives and in their homes. What kind of wife is described here?
First of all, she is a woman of character (Prov. 31:10-12). Just as wisdom is more important than wealth (3:15), so character is more important than jewels. Peter gave this same counsel to Christian wives in his day (1 Peter 3:1-6). Marriage doesn’t change a person’s character. It there are character weaknesses in either the husband or the wife, marriage will only reveal and accentuate them. A husband or wife who hopes to change his or her spouse after the honeymoon is destined for disappointment.
If the husband and wife trust each other, there will be harmony in the home. Her husband has no fears or suspicions as she is busy about her work, because he knows she has character and will do nothing but good for him and their children. If brides and grooms take seriously the vows of love and loyalty they repeat to each other and to God at the altar, they will have a wall of confidence around their marriage that will keep out every enemy.
She’s a woman who isn’t afraid to work (Prov. 31:13-22, 24). Whether it’s going to the market for food (vv. 14-15), buying real estate (v. 16a), or planting a vineyard (v. 16b), she’s up early and busy with her chores. You get the impression that the night before she makes a list of “things to do” and doesn’t waste a minute in idleness. “She sets about her work vigorously” (v. 17, niv), whether spinning thread, helping the poor, or providing a wardrobe for her children. She prepares the very best for her family and they have no reason to be ashamed.
She is a generous person (v. 20). As she ministers to her family, she keeps her eyes open for people who have needs, and she does what she can to help them. Happiness comes to those who have mercy on the poor (14:21), and nothing given to the Lord for them will ever be lost (19:17).
This wife makes it easy for her husband to do his work (v. 23). The city gate was the place where civic business was transacted, so her husband was one of the elders in the community (Ruth 4). While no such restrictions exist today, it would have been unthinkable in that day for a woman to sit on the “city council.” But this loyal wife didn’t want to take his place; she just did her work and made it easier for him to do his.
A husband and wife should complement each other as they each seek to fulfill their roles in the will of God. Wise is that husband who recognizes his wife’s strengths and lets her compensate for his weaknesses. Doing this isn’t a sign of personal failure, nor is it rebellion against the divine order (1 Cor. 11:3). Both leadership and submission in a home are evidences of love and obedience, and the one doesn’t nullify the other.
She is confident as she faces the future (Prov. 31:25). In the Bible, to be “clothed” with something means that it is a part of your life and reveals itself in your character and conduct. (See 1 Tim. 2:9-10; Col. 3:8-14.) This wife can laugh at future problems and troubles because she has strength of character and she’s prepared for emergencies. She is a woman of faith who knows that God is with her and her family.
This wife is a capable teacher of wisdom (Prov. 31:26). She certainly teaches her children the wisdom of God, especially the daughters, preparing them for the time when they will have homes of their own. But it’s likely that she also shares her insights with her husband, and he’s wise enough to listen. Remember that earlier in the book, Solomon used a beautiful woman to personify wisdom; this godly wife does the same.
She is an attentive overseer of the household (v. 27). She isn’t idle, and nothing in the household escapes her notice, whether it’s food, finances, clothing, or school lessons. Managing the household is an exacting job, and she does her work faithfully day and night. Any husband and father who thinks that his wife “has it easy” should take her responsibilities for a week or two and discover how wrong he is!
She’s a woman worthy of praise (vv. 28-29). It’s a wonderful thing when husband and children can praise wife and mother for her faithful ministry in the home. The suggestion here is that this praise was expressed regularly and spontaneously and not just on special occasions. (They didn’t have Mother’s Day in Israel. Every day should be Mother’s Day and Father’s Day!) It’s tragic when the members of a family take each other for granted and fail to show sincere appreciation. The father ought to set the example for the children and always thank his wife for what she does for the family. He should see in her the woman who surpasses them all!
The secret of her life is that she fears the Lord (v. 30). It’s wonderful if a wife has charm and beauty; the possession of these qualities is not a sin. But the woman who walks with the Lord and seeks to please Him has a beauty that never fades (1 Peter 3:1-6). The man who has a wife who daily reads the Word, meditates, prays, and seeks to obey God’s will, has a treasure that is indeed beyond the price of rubies.
Finally, her life is a testimony to others (Prov. 31:31). Her husband and children acknowledge her value and praise her, but so do the other people in the community. Even the leaders in the city gate recognize her good works and honor her. “A kindhearted woman gains respect” (11:16, niv). God sees to it that the woman who faithfully serves Him and her family is properly honored, and certainly she will have even greater honor when she stands before her Lord.
This beautiful tribute to the godly wife and mother tells every Christian woman what she can become if she follows the Lord. It also describes for every Christian man the kind of wife for whom he ought to be looking and praying. But it also reminds the prospective husband that he’d better be walking with the Lord and growing in his spiritual life so that he will be worthy of such a wife if and when God brings her to him

QUICK STUDY: 31

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FAITH:

Faith: the Christian believer is to walk by faith, not by feelings and emotions. The tendency of people, even of Christians, is to live by their feelings and emotions. They act according to their feelings. They experience some emotion, so they behave according to that emotion. If they feel bad, they act irresponsibly: grumbling, complaining, and reacting. If they feel good, they act happy. Their behavior is determined by how they feel and react to emotional experiences.
Living by one’s feelings is contrary to God’s will. “The just shall live by faith”—this is God’s will. The Christian is to let faith control him. He is to let faith control his life and the particular problems that confront him every so often.
How does a believer live by faith? What does it mean to live by faith? It means to do four things—consistently.
1. The believer is to commit his life and his problems to God—all day long—throughout all his waking hours. He is to take the experiences and the problems of his day and commit them to God once-for-all. He is to believe that God hears his commitment and gives the strength to walk triumphantly throughout the day. He is to know that God does not like a whining, whimpering child begging and begging for strength when all he is doing is wallowing around in self-pity.
2. The believer is to deny self. The feelings, emotions, and selfishness of his flesh are to be rejected, even ignored if necessary.
3. The believer is to act as though he has made a commitment to God. He has made a commitment, so he is to act like it. His feelings are immaterial. He is to act responsibly. He is to go ahead and do what he should be doing. He is to behave as he should.
4. Then while the believer is doing what he ought to be doing, he is to be asking God for His grace and strength. He is to be acknowledging God in all His ways throughout the whole day. He is to walk in prayer all day long, asking forgiveness as he comes short and slips and falls, and praising and thanking God for His eternal mercy and grace.
God does not direct the believer’s path and then the believer feels good and goes about doing right. It is while the believer is going about his affairs in a responsible way that God directs his paths. This is the life of the new and living faith wrought by the Lord Jesus Christ for those who believe and follow Him.
IF THIS STUDY WAS HELPFUL TO YOU, PLEASE PRESS LIKE, AND LEAVE A COMMENT, THANK YOU.
PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY: 30

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“What happens after death?”
Answer: Within the Christian faith, there is a significant amount of confusion regarding what happens after death. Some hold that after death, everyone “sleeps” until the final judgment, after which everyone will be sent to heaven or hell. Others believe that at the moment of death, people are instantly judged and sent to their eternal destinations. Still others claim that when people die, their souls/spirits are sent to a “temporary” heaven or hell, to await the final resurrection, the final judgment, and then the finality of their eternal destination. So, what exactly does the Bible say happens after death?
First, for the believer in Jesus Christ, the Bible tells us that after death believers’ souls/spirits are taken to heaven, because their sins are forgiven by having received Christ as Savior (John 3:16, 18, 36). For believers, death is to be “away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:23). However, passages such as 1 Corinthians 15:50-54 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 describe believers being resurrected and given glorified bodies. If believers go to be with Christ immediately after death, what is the purpose of this resurrection? It seems that while the souls/spirits of believers go to be with Christ immediately after death, the physical body remains in the grave “sleeping.” At the resurrection of believers, the physical body is resurrected, glorified, and then reunited with the soul/spirit. This reunited and glorified body-soul-spirit will be the possession of believers for eternity in the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21-22).
Second, for those who do not receive Jesus Christ as Savior, death means everlasting punishment. However, similar to the destiny of believers, unbelievers also seem to be sent immediately to a temporary holding place, to await their final resurrection, judgment, and eternal destiny. Luke 16:22-23 describes a rich man being tormented immediately after death. Revelation 20:11-15 describes all the unbelieving dead being resurrected, judged at the great white throne, and then being cast into the lake of fire. Unbelievers, then, are not sent to hell (the lake of fire) immediately after death, but rather are in a temporary realm of judgment and condemnation. However, even though unbelievers are not instantly sent to the lake of fire, their immediate fate after death is not a pleasant one. The rich man cried out, “I am in agony in this fire” (Luke 16:24).
Therefore, after death, a person resides in a “temporary” heaven or hell. After this temporary realm, at the final resurrection, a person’s eternal destiny will not change. The precise “location” of that eternal destiny is what changes. Believers will ultimately be granted entrance into the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21:1). Unbelievers will ultimately be sent to the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15). These are the final, eternal destinations of all people—based entirely on whether or not they had trusted Jesus Christ alone for salvation (Matthew 25:46; John 3:36).
IF YOU FIND THIS HELPFUL, PLEASE PRESS LIKE, AND LEAVE A COMMENT.
PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY: 29

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DON’T ALLOW SIN TO RULE YOUR LIFE.
Romans 6:12-13 GOD’S WORD
12 Therefore, never let sin rule your physical body so that you obey its desires.
13 Never offer any part of your body to sin’s power. No part of your body should ever be used to do any ungodly thing. Instead, offer yourselves to God as people who have come back from death and are now alive. Offer all the parts of your body to God. Use them to do everything that God approves of.
VERSE 12 the believer must resist sin. This is an imperative—a forceful command. It is up to the believer to resist sin; he is responsible for resisting it.
1. He must not let sin reign (basileuetō PWS: 3220): have authority, rule, control, occupy, hold sway, prevail over him. The present tense is used, so the idea is a continuous attitude and behavior. The believer is always to keep his mind off sin. He is to keep his mind under control by keeping his mind off…
• wealth and material things
• position and power
• recognition and fame
• the lust of the eyes• the lust of the flesh
• the pride of life
• parties and sex
• appearance and clothes
The believer is not to let sin dominate, control, and reign in his mortal body. Sin is not to dominate his thoughts and life. He is to resist sin by standing against it and by rebuking and fighting against it. He is to oppose sin with all his might.
“Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee” (John 5:14).
“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof” (Romans 6:12).
“Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame” (1 Cor. 15:34).
“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1).
2. He must not obey sin in its lusts (epithumiais). The word means strong desire or craving and passion. The pull of sin is sometimes strong, very strong. All men know what it is to lust after things, after more and more, whether it be money, property, security, position, pleasure, fun, or fleshly stimulation. The true believer must not yield to these pulls. He must not let the lusts of his eyes and flesh rule and regulate his mind and behavior. He must not let lust order his life. He must not obey sin in its lusts, in its cravings and desires and passions. He must resist the lusts of his “mortal body.”
VERSE 13 three things need to be said about sin at this point in Romans. (1) Sin is an offense and a disease in Romans 1-4. In Romans 6 it is a master or a ruling power. (2) Sin is not “destroyed” in the believer. It is still active and can still injure. The believer is to fight against its pull. (3) The body is not the source of sin, but the Bible says and man’s experience proves that the body is the instrument of sin, the organ which sin uses to manifest and satisfy itself. The body is under the heavy influence and severe power of sin and corruption—so much so that the sensual appetites of the body tend to enslave the soul and lead men to sin, even against his better judgment. Therefore, the believer is strongly exhorted, resist—”let not sin therefore reign in your mortal bodies” (Romans 6:12).
VERSE 13 CONTINUED the believer must not yield the members of his body to sin. The word “yield” (paristēmi PWS: 4468) means to offer; to put at the disposal of; to give; to grant; to turn over to. The believer is not to yield the members of his body to be instruments or tools of unrighteousness. If he takes a member of his body and uses it as an instrument or tool of unrighteousness, he sins. The members of a person’s body refer to all the parts of the body: the eyes, ears, mouth, tongue, hands, feet, mind, or any of the covered and dressed parts. No believer is to offer or give any part of his body over to unrighteousness. To do so is to sin. The tense is present action, so the believer is to be constantly on guard against allowing any member of his body to be yielded to sin. Note: the word “yield” has the idea of struggling. It is a struggle to fight against sin and to control and protect the members of our body.
1. The believer is to yield himself to God. Note a significant fact: in the Greek this is not written in the present tense, but in the aorist tense. This simply means the believer is to make a one-time decision for God, a once-for-all dedication of his life to God. The presentation of his life to God is to be sincere and genuine—a one time decision. He is to yield himself—his body, his life, all that he is—to God; and his decision is to be a permanent, one time decision.
Note just how complete this dedication is to be. It is to be as deep a commitment as the dedication of those who are alive from the dead. And just think how deeply committed to God the believers are who have gone on to be with Him!
2. The believer is to yield the members of his body as instruments of righteousness unto God. The believer is to turn the members of his body over to God: his eyes, ears, mouth, tongue, hands, feet, mind—all his members. Every part of his body is to be given over as an instrument or tool to do righteousness. Every part of the believer’s body is to be given over to God for the purpose of working righteousness.
I HOPE YOU FOUND THIS TO BE OF HELP, IF SO PLEASE PRESS LIKE, AND LEAVE A COMMENT, THANK YOU.
PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY: 28

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GODLY CHARACTER TRAITS PART 3
Meekness vs. AngerYielding my personal rights and expectations to God (Psalm 62:5)
Obedience vs. WillfulnessFreedom to be creative under the protection of divinely appointed authority (II Corinthians 10:5)
Orderliness vs. DisorganizationPreparing myself and my surroundings so I will achieve the greatest efficiency (I Corinthians 14:40)
Patience vs. RestlessnessAccepting a difficult situation from God without giving Him a deadline to remove it (Romans 5:3–4)
Persuasiveness vs. ContentiousnessGuiding vital truths around another’s mental roadblocks (II Timothy 2:24)
Punctuality vs. TardinessShowing high esteem for other people and their time (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
Resourcefulness vs. WastefulnessWise use of that which others would normally overlook or discard (Luke 16:10)
Responsibility vs. UnreliabilityKnowing and doing what both God and others are expecting from me (Romans 14:12)
Reverence vs. DisrespectAwareness of how God is working through the people and events in my life to produce the character of Christ in me (Proverbs 23:17–18)
Security vs. AnxietyStructuring my life around that which is eternal and cannot be destroyed or taken away (John 6:27)
Self-Control vs. Self-indulgenceInstant obedience to the initial promptings of God’s Spirit (Galatians 5:24–25)
Sensitivity vs. CallousnessExercising my senses so I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me (Romans 12:15)
Sincerity vs. HypocrisyEagerness to do what is right with transparent motives (I Peter 1:22)
Thoroughness vs. IncompletenessKnowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my work or words if neglected (Proverbs 18:15)
Thriftiness vs. ExtravaganceNot letting myself or others spend that which is not necessary (Luke 16:11)
Tolerance vs. PrejudiceAcceptance of others as unique expressions of specific character qualities in varying degrees of maturity (Philippians 2:2)
Truthfulness vs. DeceptionEarning future trust by accurately reporting past facts (Ephesians 4:25)
Virtue vs. ImpurityThe moral excellence and purity of spirit that radiate from my life as I obey God’s Word (II Peter 1:3)
Wisdom vs. Natural InclinationsSeeing and responding to life’s situations from God’s frame of reference (Proverbs 9:10)
I HOPE THIS WAS HELPFUL.
PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY: 27

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How to spot a fake friend?
They are two faced. They smile and laugh with you, but then slander you behind your back.
They want to know your information and secrets so they can gossip to others.
They always gossip about their other friends.
When you’re alone with each other it’s never a problem, but when others are around they constantly try to make you look bad.
They always belittle you, your talents, and your accomplishments.
They always make fun of you.
Everything is a competition to them. They always try to one up you.
They purposely give you bad advice so you don’t succeed or surpass them in something.
When they are around others they act like they don’t know you.
When you make a mistake they always gloat.
They use you for what you have and know. They always try to take advantage of you.
They are never there when you need them. In your time of need and when you’re going through bad things they run.
They never build you up and make you a better person, but are always bringing you down.
They close their mouths at the wrong times. They let you go down the wrong path and allow you to make mistakes.
They are critical. They always see the bad they never see the good.
They are manipulative They are manipulative.
You will know them by their fruits.
1. Matthew 7:16 You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
2. Proverbs 20:11 Even small children are known by their actions, so is their conduct really pure and upright?
Their words do not cooperate with their hearts. They love to flatter. They give fake smiles and many times they compliment you and insult you at the same time.
3. Psalm 55:21 His words are as smooth as butter, but in his heart is war. His words are as soothing as lotion, but underneath are daggers!
4. Matthew 22:15-17 Then the Pharisees met together to plot how to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested. They sent some of their disciples, along with the supporters of Herod, to meet with him. “Teacher,” they said, “we know how honest you are. You teach the way of God truthfully. You are impartial and don’t play favorites. Now tell us what you think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” But Jesus knew their evil motives. “You hypocrites!” he said. “Why are you trying to trap me?
Is it right to pay taxes
5. Proverbs 26:23-25 Smooth words may hide a wicked heart, just as a pretty glaze covers a clay pot. People may cover their hatred with pleasant words, but they’re deceiving you. They pretend to be kind, but don’t believe them. Their hearts are full of many evils.
6. Psalm 28:3 Do not drag me away with the wicked–with those who do evil–those who speak friendly words to their neighbors while planning evil in their hearts.
They are backstabbers They are backstabbers.
7. Psalm 41:9 Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.
8. Luke 22:47-48 While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, But Jesus said, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”
They want to know everything, not because they care, but so they can gossip.
9. Psalm 41:5-6 But my enemies say nothing but evil about me. “How soon will he die and be forgotten?” they ask.
They visit me as if they were my friends, but all the while they gather gossip, and when they leave, they spread it everywhere.
10. Proverbs 11:13 A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.
IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STUDY, PRESS LIKE AND LEAVE YOUR COMMENT.
PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY: 26

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MARRIAGE SCRIPTURES:
Matthew 19:3-6 (GW)
3 Some Pharisees came to test him. They asked, “Can a man divorce his wife for any reason?”
4 Jesus answered, “Haven’t you read that the Creator made them male and female in the beginning
5 and that he said, ‘That’s why a man will leave his father and mother and will remain united with his wife, and the two will be one’?
6 So they are no longer two but one. Therefore, don’t let anyone separate what God has joined together.”
Colossians 3:18-21 (GW)
18 Wives, place yourselves under your husbands’ authority. This is appropriate behavior for the Lord’s people.
19 Husbands, love your wives, and don’t be harsh with them.
20 Children, always obey your parents. This is pleasing to the Lord.
21 Fathers, don’t make your children resentful, or they will become discouraged.
Hebrews 13:4 (GW)
4 Marriage is honorable in every way, so husbands and wives should be faithful to each other. God will judge those who commit sexual sins, especially those who commit adultery.
Proverbs 5:18-22 (GW)
18 Let your own fountain be blessed, and enjoy the girl you married when you were young,
19 a loving doe and a graceful deer. Always let her breasts satisfy you. Always be intoxicated with her love.
20 Why should you, my son, be intoxicated with an adulterous woman and fondle a loose woman’s breast?
21 Each person’s ways are clearly seen by the LORD, and he surveys all his actions.
22 A wicked person will be trapped by his own wrongs, and he will be caught in the ropes of his own sin.
Ephesians 5:21-33 (GW)
21 Place yourselves under each other’s authority out of respect for Christ.
22 Wives, place yourselves under your husbands’ authority as you have placed yourselves under the Lord’s authority.
23 The husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. It is his body, and he is its Savior.
24 As the church is under Christ’s authority, so wives are under their husbands’ authority in everything.
25 Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave his life for it.
26 He did this to make the church holy by cleansing it, washing it using water along with spoken words.
27 Then he could present it to himself as a glorious church, without any kind of stain or wrinkle—holy and without faults.
28 So husbands must love their wives as they love their own bodies. A man who loves his wife loves himself.
29 No one ever hated his own body. Instead, he feeds and takes care of it, as Christ takes care of the church.
30 We are parts of his body.
31 That’s why a man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and the two will be one.
32 This is a great mystery. (I’m talking about Christ’s relationship to the church.)
33 But every husband must love his wife as he loves himself, and wives should respect their husbands.
IF YOU FOUND THESE SCRIPTURES TO BE HELPFUL PRESS LIKE, AND LEAVE A COMMENT, THANK YOU.
PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY: 25

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REMINDER ABOUT GOD’S GRACE
GIVETH
Mark the present tense of the above word, as illustrating the constancy of God’s grace:
1. Life. “He giveth to all life” (Acts 17:25).
2. Increase. “God giveth the increase” (1 Cor. 3:7).
3. Victory. “Thanks be to God which giveth us the victory” (1 Cor. 15:57).
4. Wisdom. “Giveth to all men liberally” (James 1:5).
5. Abundance. “Giveth more grace,” etc. (James 4:6).
6. Service. “The ability which God giveth” (1 Peter 4:11).
7. All Things. “Who giveth us richly all things” (1 Tim. 6:17).
I DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU, BUT I NEED GOD’S GRACE.
IF THIS QUICK STUDY REMINDER WAS OF ANY HELP TO YOU PLEASE PRESS LIKE, AND LEAVE A COMMENT.
WE LOVE HEARING FROM YOU.
PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY: 24

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“Temptation”
1. Falling through Temptation—Psa. 95:8; Heb. 3:8; Luke 8:13. God’s testings are for our tempering, and not for our tripping.
2. Praying against Temptation—Matt. 6:13; 26:41. God never leads us to sin in His tryings, but He does test that we may triumph—James 1:13, 14.
3. Enduring in Temptation—Luke 4:13; James 1:12; Luke 22:28. To stand the strain and the pain shows there is metal and material in us.
4. Delivered from Temptation—Rev. 3:10. He keeps out of the crucible sometimes, and certainly keeps the temper under control.
5. Succour in Temptation—1 Cor. 10:13; Heb. 2:18; 4:15. Satan may hedge us in, but he cannot roof us in.
6. Taken out of Temptation—2 Peter 2:9. His eye is watching, His heart is loving, and his hand is ready to rescue.
7. Christ our Example in Temptation—Luke 4:2, etc. Led by the Spirit, and equipped by His Word and armour, we are, trusting in the Lord, victors.
IF THIS STUDY WAS ANY HELP TO YOU, PRESS LIKE, AND LEAVE A COMMENT, THANK YOU.
PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY: 23

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“How can I detect a false conversion?”
Answer: To convert is to be “born again.” At the moment of conversion, the converted person is filled with the Holy Spirit and begins a journey of turning away from sin and beginning to worship and serve the Lord. A “false conversion” is no conversion at all. A false conversion may look like a true, Spirit-caused conversion, but it is not. The reasons for false conversions are varied. Sometimes the person experiencing a false conversion doesn’t even realize it. At other times, there is intentional deception on his/her part. Not everyone who claims to have been converted has, in fact, been converted.
Just as those trained to recognize counterfeit money become intimately acquainted with the real thing, in order to detect a false conversion, it is necessary to first know what true Christian behavior looks like. We do this by studying and knowing intimately God’s Word. We learn from the Parable of the Weeds in Matthew 13:24–30 that Satan works to deceive the church by mingling his children with God’s children, often making it difficult for believers to discern the true from the false. The more we are familiar with Scripture, the easier it will be for us to detect the true Christians from the false converts.
True Christians are “born again” (John 3:3) and are controlled by the Holy Spirit; they are no longer controlled by their sinful nature (Romans 8:9). Indeed, born-again Christians have the Spirit of Christ indwelling their hearts (Galatians 4:6), and they become new creations: “The old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). When a person receives Christ, tremendous spiritual changes take place in him, and true converts will indeed display the characteristics of genuine Christians. For example, true Christians will understand the importance of abiding daily in God’s Word, which shows not only how we can be saved from our sins, but also how we may be equipped to serve God and how to obtain true success in life (2 Timothy 3:17; James 1:25). True Christians will walk in the light and obey God’s commands, for “God’s love is truly made complete” in those who obey His Word (1 John 2:5).
Christians live by the Spirit so as not to gratify the desires of the sinful nature, “for the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature” (Galatians 5:17). The things of this world, “the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does” (1 John 2:16) no longer have a stronghold on the life of the true believer. Indeed, “those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24). We no longer live for us; rather, we live for the One who died for us, sacrificing our desires and ambitions and replacing them with those of Christ. Granted, we will never be completely victorious in our Christian walk (1 John 1:8); however, Christians will not repeatedly engage in sinful behavior, as “no one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed [nature] remains in him” (1 John 3:9). And this new nature exhibits the habitual character of righteousness produced by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).
In Matthew 7:13–14 Christ tells His followers the road that leads to eternal life is narrow and that “only a few find it.” The broad road with the wide gate, on the other hand, is the one that leads to destruction, and we see that “many” will take this path. And many who claim to be converted Christians will never leave the broad road with its worldly allurements. They desire to live an easy Christianity that makes few demands on them, yet when “trouble or persecution comes because of the word” they quickly fall away (Matthew 13:21). Furthermore, they produce little, if any, fruit. Yet we know that true faith in Christ profoundly changes one’s life and will cause us to produce much fruit for God’s glory. And, ultimately, fruit is the test of true salvation, and this includes holiness (Romans 6:22), Christian character (Galatians 5:22–23), good works (Colossians 1:10), winning others to Christ (Romans 1:13), sharing what we have (Romans 15:25–28; Hebrews 13:16), and praising God (Hebrews 13:15). As Christ said, “By their fruit you will recognize them. . . . A good tree cannot bear bad fruit and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit” (Matthew 7:16, 18).
Truly converted sinners have trusted Christ alone and seek to become more and more Christlike all the time. Those who claim to be Christians should display the characteristics of true Christians: sound doctrine, obedience to God’s Word, and love. They should unashamedly work to spread the good news of the gospel, as we are called to do (Matthew 28:19–20), knowing well that they might be mocked and ridiculed by many in these increasingly secular times. And although false Christians may sometimes be able to deceive us, they certainly cannot deceive God, as nothing in all creation is hidden from His sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account (Hebrews 4:13). At the end of the age, His angels will separate the true from the false Christians.
IF YOU ENJOYED THIS QUICK STUDY, PRESS LIKE AND LEAVE A COMMENT. THANK YOU.
PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY: 22

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What do we need to know about God?
God loves us and wants us to have a personal relationship with Him.
God loves us even if we haven’t loved him.“In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us.” (1 John 4:10)
God wants us to know him.The Bible says God is at work in everyone’s life. “So that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.” (Acts 17:27)
What is wrong with us?
Our relationship with God has been broken by sin.
We have all made choices showing we are inclined to be passively indifferent to God“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6)
Or actively opposed to God“And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.” (John 3:19-20)
The result of our choices to resist or ignore God results in spiritual death (separation from God).“We are dead in trespasses and sins.” (Ephesians 2:1)“And thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.” (Romans 5:12)
What did God do for us?
God had provided a solution for our lost relationship.
Jesus Christ came to do what we could not do for ourselves.“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
He came into the world to bring us to his Father.“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’ ” (John 14:6)
He died in our place to pay the penalty for our sin.“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit.” (1 Peter 3:18)
He rose from the dead to show that his claims were true.“For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-6)
What do we need to do?
We must each personally trust Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
We must each personally trust Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.Our own efforts to earn God’s acceptance are inadequate.“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.” (Titus 3:5)
We must admit our need for forgiveness.“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)“And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as lift his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ ” (Luke 18:13)
We must receive Christ and his offer of salvation as a gift.“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” (John 1:12)“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Where do we begin?
A personal relationship with God begins today.
You can begin your personal relationship with God by putting your faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. You may find it helpful to express your new faith in words similar to these:
Dear God, I know that my sin has separated me from You. Thank You for sending Your Son to die in my place. I now trust Jesus to forgive my sins. I invite Him into my life as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for receiving me into Your eternal family. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
What’s Next?
Your trust in Jesus Christ begins an everlasting personal relationship with God.
God’s commitment to you:God assures you that if you have trusted Jesus as your Savior, He has given you eternal life. “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” (1 John 5:13)
God promises to never leave you. “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
God has forgiven all of your sins, past, present, and future. “And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:13-14)
God has given you His Spirit to enable you to live in a way that pleases Him. “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25)
IF YOU RECEIVED ANYTHING FROM THIS QUICK STUDY, PLEASE PRESS LIKE, AND LEAVE A COMMENT, THANK YOU.
PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY: 21

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“Unto the Lord”
1. Conversion is “Turning to God” 1 Thess. 1:9
2. Christ’s substitution was to “Bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18).
3. Consecration is to “Live unto the Lord” (Rom. 6:10, 11, 13, 16, 19, 21; 12:1).
4. Communion with God is to let all service be done “unto Christ” (Eph. 6:5).
5. Worship is “making melody in the heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19).
6. The rule to regulate our conduct to each other is do everything “unto the Lord” (Rom. 14:6-8).
7. What is the end God has in view in all things? “To reconcile all things unto Himself” (Col. 1:20).
IF YOU ENJOYED THIS QUICK STUDY PRESS LIKE, AND LEAVE A COMMENT, THANK YOU.
PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY: 20

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“Walk In”
“Walk” indicates progress in the Christian life as the result of life given; and “in” denotes the sphere “in” which we are to walk.
1. “Walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4). The new life shows itself in walking in the new way.
2. “Walk in the Spirit” (Gal. 5:16). The sphere in which believers live.
3. “Walk in love” (Eph. 5:2) means to live in sympathy, sacrifice, and help.
4. “Walk in wisdom” (Col. 4:5) is to evidence we know how to apply the knowledge we possess.
5. “Walk in the light” (1 John 1:7), and thus we are not moving in the realm of sin, unbelief, and ignorance.
6. “Walking in truth” (3 John 4) shows we know the truth and are living in it.
7. “Walk in Him” (Col. 2:6) is to demonstrate we have received Christ.
JUST A QUICK STUDY TO HELP KEEP YOU IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD.
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QUICK STUDY: 19

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“What Think Ye of Christ?”
An Alphabet of Blessings
When a friend was walking with Tennyson in his garden, he challenged the poet: “What do you think of Christ?” After a reverent pause, he said, “Look, here is a flower. What the sun is to this flower, Christ is to me.”
What is Christ to the believer?
Advocate to plead…… 1 John 2:1.
Beauty to adorn…… Psa. 90:17.
Comeliness to perfect…. Ezek. 16:14.
Deliverer to save….. Psa. 116:8.
Emancipator to free…. John 8:36.
Fullness to satisfyCol. 2:9, 10, R.V.
Grace to strengthen2 Cor. 12:9.
Hand to useActs 11:21.
Indweller to sanctifyGal. 2. 20.
Joy to fill and thrillJohn 15:11.
Kindness to blessTitus 3:4.
Lover to inspire2 Cor. 5:14.
Maker to mouldIsa. 43:7; 44:2.
Name to charmIsa. 9:6.
Overcomer to cheerJohn 16:33.
Power to keep1 John 5:18, R.V.
Quietness to calm1 Chron. 22:9.
Redeemer to ransomEph. 1:7.
Sovereign to rule1 Peter 3:15, R.V.
Truth to sanctifyJohn 17:17.
Upholder to sustainIsa. 41:10.
Vine to fructifyJohn 15:1-5.
Wall to protectZech. 2:5.
‘Xellence to attractSong of Sol. 5:10-16.
Yoke to uniteMatt. 11:29.
Zeal to enflamePsa. 69:9.
IF YOU REVCEIVED ANYTHING FROM THIS QUICK STUDY, PRESS LIKE, AND LEAVE A COMMENT, THANK YOU.
PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY: 18

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What do we need to know about God?
God loves us and wants us to have a personal relationship with Him.
God loves us even if we haven’t loved him.
“In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us.” (1 John 4:10)
God wants us to know him.
The Bible says God is at work in everyone’s life. “So that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.” (Acts 17:27)
2
What is wrong with us?
Our relationship with God has been broken by sin.
We have all made choices showing we are inclined to be passively indifferent to God
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6)
Or actively opposed to God
“And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.” (John 3:19-20)
The result of our choices to resist or ignore God results in spiritual death (separation from God).
“We are dead in trespasses and sins.” (Ephesians 2:1)
“And thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.” (Romans 5:12)
3
What did God do for us?
God had provided a solution for our lost relationship.
Jesus Christ came to do what we could not do for ourselves.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in
Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
He came into the world to bring us to his Father.
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except
through Me.’ ” (John 14:6)
He died in our place to pay the penalty for our sin.
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God,
being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit.” (1 Peter 3:18)
He rose from the dead to show that his claims were true.
“For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according
to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the
Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five
hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep.”
(1 Corinthians 15:3-6)
4
What do we need to do?
We must each personally trust Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
We must each personally trust Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
Our own efforts to earn God’s acceptance are inadequate.
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us,
through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.” (Titus 3:5)
We must admit our need for forgiveness.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
“And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as lift his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ ” (Luke 18:13)
We must receive Christ and his offer of salvation as a gift.
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” (John 1:12)
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
5
Where do we begin?
A personal relationship with God begins today.
You can begin your personal relationship with God by putting your faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. You may find it helpful to express your new faith in words similar to these:
Dear God, I know that my sin has separated me from You. Thank You for sending Your Son to die in my place. I now trust Jesus to forgive my sins. I invite Him into my life as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for receiving me into Your eternal family. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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What’s Next?
Your trust in Jesus Christ begins an everlasting personal relationship with God.
God’s commitment to you:
God assures you that if you have trusted Jesus as your Savior, He has given you eternal life. “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” (1 John 5:13)
God promises to never leave you.
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
God has forgiven all of your sins, past, present, and future.
“And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:13-14)
God has given you His Spirit to enable you to live in a way that pleases Him.
“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25)
WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS.
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT, THANK YOU.
PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY 17

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Attention of Grace
“Fear Not! Ye Are of More Value Than Many Sparrows” (Luke 12:7)
The careful attention of the Lord to details is aptly expressed when we remember He—
1. Names His sheep—John 10:3.
2. Numbers our hairs—Matt. 10:30.
3. Counts our steps—Job. 31:4.
4. Books our thoughts—Mal. 3:16.
5. Bottles our tears—Psa. 56:8.
6. Takes our hands—Isa. 41:13.
7. Supplies our need—Phil. 4:19.
DON’T WORRY.
DONT BE FREIGHTENED.
DON’T PANIC.
GOD IS WATCHING, HE HAS OUR BACK.
ALL SHALL BE WELL.
IF THIS WAS OF ANY HELP TO YOU PLEASE PRESS LIKE, AND LEAVE A COMMENT, THANK YOU.
PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY 16

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At—in Time to Come
The objective of Christ’s Coming is often found associated with the Greek preposition “en,” which denotes a fixed position, as being in a place, state, or time.
1. “At His Coming,” those who are “Christ’s” will be claimed by Him—1 Cor. 15:23.
2. “At the Last Trump, “those who are the Lord’s will be “changed in the twinkling of an eye” (1 Cor. 15:52).
3. “At His Appearing,” Christ will reward those who have endured trial with “praise, honour, and glory” (1 Peter 1:7).
4. “At His Coming,” we may be “ashamed before Him” if we are not found abiding in Christ—1 John 2:28.
5. “At the Revelation” (1 Peter 1:13) of Christ we shall have a fresh revelation of God’s grace.
6. “At that Day” of His appearing, Christ will give those who have loved His approach a crown of righteousness—2 Tim. 4:8.
7. “At Hand” is the time when the predictions of the Revelation will be fulfilled—Rev. 1:3; 22:10.
I HOPE THIS WAS A HELP TO YOU.
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT, THANK YOU.
PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM

QUICK STUDY:15

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How to spot a fake friend?
They are two faced. They smile and laugh with you, but then slander you behind your back.
They want to know your information and secrets so they can gossip to others.
They always gossip about their other friends.
When you’re alone with each other it’s never a problem, but when others are around they constantly try to make you look bad.
They always belittle you, your talents, and your accomplishments.
They always make fun of you.

Everything is a competition to them. They always try to one up you.
They purposely give you bad advice so you don’t succeed or surpass them in something.
When they are around others they act like they don’t know you.
When you make a mistake they always gloat.
They use you for what you have and know. They always try to take advantage of you.
They are never there when you need them. In your time of need and when you’re going through bad things they run.
They never build you up and make you a better person, but are always bringing you down.
They close their mouths at the wrong times. They let you go down the wrong path and allow you to make mistakes.
They are critical. They always see the bad they never see the good.
They are manipulative They are manipulative.
You will know them by their fruits.
1. Matthew 7:16 You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
2. Proverbs 20:11 Even small children are known by their actions, so is their conduct really pure and upright?
Their words do not cooperate with their hearts. They love to flatter. They give fake smiles and many times they compliment you and insult you at the same time.
3. Psalm 55:21 His words are as smooth as butter, but in his heart is war. His words are as soothing as lotion, but underneath are daggers!
4. Matthew 22:15-17 Then the Pharisees met together to plot how to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested. They sent some of their disciples, along with the supporters of Herod, to meet with him. “Teacher,” they said, “we know how honest you are. You teach the way of God truthfully. You are impartial and don’t play favorites. Now tell us what you think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” But Jesus knew their evil motives. “You hypocrites!” he said. “Why are you trying to trap me?
Is it right to pay taxes
5. Proverbs 26:23-25 Smooth words may hide a wicked heart, just as a pretty glaze covers a clay pot. People may cover their hatred with pleasant words, but they’re deceiving you. They pretend to be kind, but don’t believe them. Their hearts are full of many evils.
6. Psalm 28:3 Do not drag me away with the wicked–with those who do evil–those who speak friendly words to their neighbors while planning evil in their hearts.
They are backstabbers They are backstabbers.
7. Psalm 41:9 Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.
8. Luke 22:47-48 While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, But Jesus said, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”
They want to know everything, not because they care, but so they can gossip.
9. Psalm 41:5-6 But my enemies say nothing but evil about me. “How soon will he die and be forgotten?” they ask.
They visit me as if they were my friends, but all the while they gather gossip, and when they leave, they spread it everywhere.
10. Proverbs 11:13 A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.
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QUICK STUDY:14 DON’T ALLOW SIN TO RULE YOUR LIFE.

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Romans 6:12-13 GOD’S WORD

12 Therefore, never let sin rule your physical body so that you obey its desires.
13 Never offer any part of your body to sin’s power. No part of your body should ever be used to do any ungodly thing. Instead, offer yourselves to God as people who have come back from death and are now alive. Offer all the parts of your body to God. Use them to do everything that God approves of.
VERSE 12 the believer must resist sin. This is an imperative—a forceful command. It is up to the believer to resist sin; he is responsible for resisting it.
1. He must not let sin reign (basileuetō PWS: 3220): have authority, rule, control, occupy, hold sway, prevail over him. The present tense is used, so the idea is a continuous attitude and behavior. The believer is always to keep his mind off sin. He is to keep his mind under control by keeping his mind off…
• wealth and material things
• position and power
• recognition and fame
• the lust of the eyes• the lust of the flesh
• the pride of life
• parties and sex
• appearance and clothes
The believer is not to let sin dominate, control, and reign in his mortal body. Sin is not to dominate his thoughts and life. He is to resist sin by standing against it and by rebuking and fighting against it. He is to oppose sin with all his might.
“Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee” (John 5:14).
“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof” (Romans 6:12).
“Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame” (1 Cor. 15:34).
“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1).
2. He must not obey sin in its lusts (epithumiais). The word means strong desire or craving and passion. The pull of sin is sometimes strong, very strong. All men know what it is to lust after things, after more and more, whether it be money, property, security, position, pleasure, fun, or fleshly stimulation. The true believer must not yield to these pulls. He must not let the lusts of his eyes and flesh rule and regulate his mind and behavior. He must not let lust order his life. He must not obey sin in its lusts, in its cravings and desires and passions. He must resist the lusts of his “mortal body.”
VERSE 13 three things need to be said about sin at this point in Romans. (1) Sin is an offense and a disease in Romans 1-4. In Romans 6 it is a master or a ruling power. (2) Sin is not “destroyed” in the believer. It is still active and can still injure. The believer is to fight against its pull. (3) The body is not the source of sin, but the Bible says and man’s experience proves that the body is the instrument of sin, the organ which sin uses to manifest and satisfy itself. The body is under the heavy influence and severe power of sin and corruption—so much so that the sensual appetites of the body tend to enslave the soul and lead men to sin, even against his better judgment. Therefore, the believer is strongly exhorted, resist—”let not sin therefore reign in your mortal bodies” (Romans 6:12).
VERSE 13 CONTINUED the believer must not yield the members of his body to sin. The word “yield” (paristēmi PWS: 4468) means to offer; to put at the disposal of; to give; to grant; to turn over to. The believer is not to yield the members of his body to be instruments or tools of unrighteousness. If he takes a member of his body and uses it as an instrument or tool of unrighteousness, he sins. The members of a person’s body refer to all the parts of the body: the eyes, ears, mouth, tongue, hands, feet, mind, or any of the covered and dressed parts. No believer is to offer or give any part of his body over to unrighteousness. To do so is to sin. The tense is present action, so the believer is to be constantly on guard against allowing any member of his body to be yielded to sin. Note: the word “yield” has the idea of struggling. It is a struggle to fight against sin and to control and protect the members of our body.
1. The believer is to yield himself to God. Note a significant fact: in the Greek this is not written in the present tense, but in the aorist tense. This simply means the believer is to make a one-time decision for God, a once-for-all dedication of his life to God. The presentation of his life to God is to be sincere and genuine—a one time decision. He is to yield himself—his body, his life, all that he is—to God; and his decision is to be a permanent, one time decision.
Note just how complete this dedication is to be. It is to be as deep a commitment as the dedication of those who are alive from the dead. And just think how deeply committed to God the believers are who have gone on to be with Him!
2. The believer is to yield the members of his body as instruments of righteousness unto God. The believer is to turn the members of his body over to God: his eyes, ears, mouth, tongue, hands, feet, mind—all his members. Every part of his body is to be given over as an instrument or tool to do righteousness. Every part of the believer’s body is to be given over to God for the purpose of working righteousness.
IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STUDY, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT, THANK YOU.

QUICK STUDY:13

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What happens after death?

Answer: Within the Christian faith, there is a significant amount of confusion regarding what happens after death. Some hold that after death, everyone “sleeps” until the final judgment, after which everyone will be sent to heaven or hell. Others believe that at the moment of death, people are instantly judged and sent to their eternal destinations. Still others claim that when people die, their souls/spirits are sent to a “temporary” heaven or hell, to await the final resurrection, the final judgment, and then the finality of their eternal destination. So, what exactly does the Bible say happens after death?
First, for the believer in Jesus Christ, the Bible tells us that after death believers’ souls/spirits are taken to heaven, because their sins are forgiven by having received Christ as Savior (John 3:16, 18, 36). For believers, death is to be “away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:23). However, passages such as 1 Corinthians 15:50-54 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 describe believers being resurrected and given glorified bodies. If believers go to be with Christ immediately after death, what is the purpose of this resurrection? It seems that while the souls/spirits of believers go to be with Christ immediately after death, the physical body remains in the grave “sleeping.” At the resurrection of believers, the physical body is resurrected, glorified, and then reunited with the soul/spirit. This reunited and glorified body-soul-spirit will be the possession of believers for eternity in the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21-22).
Second, for those who do not receive Jesus Christ as Savior, death means everlasting punishment. However, similar to the destiny of believers, unbelievers also seem to be sent immediately to a temporary holding place, to await their final resurrection, judgment, and eternal destiny. Luke 16:22-23 describes a rich man being tormented immediately after death. Revelation 20:11-15 describes all the unbelieving dead being resurrected, judged at the great white throne, and then being cast into the lake of fire. Unbelievers, then, are not sent to hell (the lake of fire) immediately after death, but rather are in a temporary realm of judgment and condemnation. However, even though unbelievers are not instantly sent to the lake of fire, their immediate fate after death is not a pleasant one. The rich man cried out, “I am in agony in this fire” (Luke 16:24).
Therefore, after death, a person resides in a “temporary” heaven or hell. After this temporary realm, at the final resurrection, a person’s eternal destiny will not change. The precise “location” of that eternal destiny is what changes. Believers will ultimately be granted entrance into the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21:1). Unbelievers will ultimately be sent to the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15). These are the final, eternal destinations of all people—based entirely on whether or not they had trusted Jesus Christ alone for salvation (Matthew 25:46; John 3:36).
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QUICK STUDY:12

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GODLY CHARACTER TRAITS
Character Qualities
Alertness vs. UnawarenessBeing aware of that which is taking place around me so I can have the right response to it (Mark 14:38)
Attentiveness vs. UnconcernShowing the worth of a person by giving undivided attention to his words and emotions (Hebrews 2:1)
Availability vs. Self-centerednessMaking my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I am serving (Philippians 2:20–21)
Boldness vs. FearfulnessConfidence that what I have to say or do is true and right and just in the sight of God (Acts 4:29)
Cautiousness vs. RashnessKnowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions (Proverbs 19:2)
Compassion vs. IndifferenceInvesting whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others (I John 3:17)
Contentment vs. CovetousnessRealizing that God has provided everything I need for my present happiness (I Timothy 6:8)
Creativity vs. UnderachievementApproaching a need, a task, an idea from a new perspective (Romans 12:2)
Decisiveness vs. Double-mindednessThe ability to finalize difficult decisions based on the will and ways of God (James 1:5)
Deference vs. RudenessLimiting my freedom in order not offend the tastes of those whom God has called me to serve (Romans 14:21)
Dependability vs. InconsistencyFulfilling what I consented to do even if it means unexpected sacrifice (Psalm 15:4)
Determination vs. FaintheartednessPurposing to accomplish God’s goals in God’s time regardless of the opposition (II Timothy 4:7–8)
Dligence vs. SlothfulnessVisualizing each task as a special assignment from the Lord and using all my energies to accomplish it (Colossians 3:23)
Discernment vs. JudgmentThe God-given ability to understand why things happen (I Samuel 16:7)
Discretion vs. SimplemindednessThe ability to avoid words, actions, and attitudes which could result in undesirable consequences (Proverbs 22:
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QUICK STUDY:11

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GODLY CHARACTER TRAITS PART 2:
Endurance vs. Giving upThe inward strength to withstand stress to accomplish God’s best (Galatians 6:9)
Enthusiasm vs. ApathyExpressing with my soul the joy of my spirit (I Thessalonians 5:16,19)
Faith vs. PresumptionVisualizing what God intends to do in a given situation and acting in harmony with it (Hebrews 11:1)
Flexibility vs. ResistanceNot setting my affections on ideas or plans which could be changed by God or others (Colossians 3:2)
Forgiveness vs. RejectionClearing the record of those who have wronged me and allowing God to love them through me (Ephesians 4:32)
Generosity vs. StinginessRealizing that all I have belongs to God and using it for His purposes (II Corinthians 9:6)
Gentleness vs. HarshnessShowing personal care and concern in meeting the need of others (I Thessalonians 2:7)
Gratefulness vs. UnthankfulnessMaking known to God and others in what ways they have benefited my life (I Corinthians 4:7)
Hospitality vs. LonelinessCheerfully sharing food, shelter, and spiritual refreshment with those whom God. brings into my life (Hebrews 13:2)
Humility vs. PrideRecognizing that it is actually God and others who are responsible for the achievements in my life (James 4:6)
Initiative vs. UnresponsivenessRecognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked to do it (Romans 12:21)
Joyfulness vs. Self-pityThe spontaneous enthusiasm of my spirit when my soul is in fellowship with the Lord (Psalm 16:11)
Justice vs. FairnessPersonal responsibility to God’s unchanging laws (Micah 6:8)
Love vs. SelfishnessGiving to others’ basic needs without having as my motive personal reward (I Corinthians 13:3)
Loyalty vs. UnfaithfulnessUsing difficult times to demonstrate my commitment to God and to those whom He has called me to serve (John 15:13)
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QUICK STUDY:10

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GODLY CHARACTER TRAITS PART 3
Meekness vs. AngerYielding my personal rights and expectations to God (Psalm 62:5)
Obedience vs. WillfulnessFreedom to be creative under the protection of divinely appointed authority (II Corinthians 10:5)
Orderliness vs. DisorganizationPreparing myself and my surroundings so I will achieve the greatest efficiency (I Corinthians 14:40)
Patience vs. RestlessnessAccepting a difficult situation from God without giving Him a deadline to remove it (Romans 5:3–4)
Persuasiveness vs. ContentiousnessGuiding vital truths around another’s mental roadblocks (II Timothy 2:24)
Punctuality vs. TardinessShowing high esteem for other people and their time (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
Resourcefulness vs. WastefulnessWise use of that which others would normally overlook or discard (Luke 16:10)
Responsibility vs. UnreliabilityKnowing and doing what both God and others are expecting from me (Romans 14:12)
Reverence vs. DisrespectAwareness of how God is working through the people and events in my life to produce the character of Christ in me (Proverbs 23:17–18)
Security vs. AnxietyStructuring my life around that which is eternal and cannot be destroyed or taken away (John 6:27)
Self-Control vs. Self-indulgenceInstant obedience to the initial promptings of God’s Spirit (Galatians 5:24–25)
Sensitivity vs. CallousnessExercising my senses so I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me (Romans 12:15)
Sincerity vs. HypocrisyEagerness to do what is right with transparent motives (I Peter 1:22)
Thoroughness vs. IncompletenessKnowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my work or words if neglected (Proverbs 18:15)
Thriftiness vs. ExtravaganceNot letting myself or others spend that which is not necessary (Luke 16:11)
Tolerance vs. PrejudiceAcceptance of others as unique expressions of specific character qualities in varying degrees of maturity (Philippians 2:2)
Truthfulness vs. DeceptionEarning future trust by accurately reporting past facts (Ephesians 4:25)
Virtue vs. ImpurityThe moral excellence and purity of spirit that radiate from my life as I obey God’s Word (II Peter 1:3)
Wisdom vs. Natural InclinationsSeeing and responding to life’s situations from God’s frame of reference (Proverbs 9:10)
I HOPE THIS WAS HELPFUL.

QUICK STUDY: 9

Faith: the Christian believer is to walk by faith, not by feelings and emotions. The tendency of people, even of Christians, is to live by their feelings and emotions. They act according to their feelings. They experience some emotion, so they behave according to that emotion. If they feel bad, they act irresponsibly: grumbling, complaining, and reacting. If they feel good, they act happy. Their behavior is determined by how they feel and react to emotional experiences.
Living by one’s feelings is contrary to God’s will. “The just shall live by faith”—this is God’s will. The Christian is to let faith control him. He is to let faith control his life and the particular problems that confront him every so often.
How does a believer live by faith? What does it mean to live by faith? It means to do four things—consistently.
1. The believer is to commit his life and his problems to God—all day long—throughout all his waking hours. He is to take the experiences and the problems of his day and commit them to God once-for-all. He is to believe that God hears his commitment and gives the strength to walk triumphantly throughout the day. He is to know that God does not like a whining, whimpering child begging and begging for strength when all he is doing is wallowing around in self-pity.
2. The believer is to deny self. The feelings, emotions, and selfishness of his flesh are to be rejected, even ignored if necessary.
3. The believer is to act as though he has made a commitment to God. He has made a commitment, so he is to act like it. His feelings are immaterial. He is to act responsibly. He is to go ahead and do what he should be doing. He is to behave as he should.
4. Then while the believer is doing what he ought to be doing, he is to be asking God for His grace and strength. He is to be acknowledging God in all His ways throughout the whole day. He is to walk in prayer all day long, asking forgiveness as he comes short and slips and falls, and praising and thanking God for His eternal mercy and grace.
God does not direct the believer’s path and then the believer feels good and goes about doing right. It is while the believer is going about his affairs in a responsible way that God directs his paths. This is the life of the new and living faith wrought by the Lord Jesus Christ for those who believe and follow Him.
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QUICK STUDY HEBREWS 13:4 Hebrews 13:4 (GW)
4 Marriage is honorable in every way, so husbands and wives should be faithful to each other. God will judge those who commit sexual sins, especially those who commit adultery.
(13:4) Marriage— Sex: there is the mark of purity in marriage and morality. This is an absolute essential for believers. Note three significant points.
1. Marriage is to be honored by all believers. The word “honor” (timios PWS: 2002) means highly esteemed, counted as the most precious, warm and tender bond, held as the most valuable of bonds, as being the dearest of relationships.
“Let marriage be held in honor” (Marcus Dods. The Epistle to the Hebrews. “Expositor’s Greek Testament,” Vol. 4, p.375).
“Let marriage be held in honor—esteemed worthy, precious, [that is], of great price and especially dear—in all things” (Amplified New Testament).
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Ephes. 5:25).
“For this cause shall man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh” (Ephes. 5:31-32).
2. The bed is undefiled. The word “undefiled” (amiantos PWS: 4127) means that the bed is unstained by sin, absolutely free from all moral impurity, uncleanness, and defilement. This is saying at least three things.
⇒ First, husband and wife are free and encouraged to be close in bed. Closeness and intimacy are a gift from God; it is even a type of the church (cp. Ephes. 5:22f).
⇒ Second, the closeness in bed between husband and wife will prevent unfaithfulness.
⇒ Third, the bed is to be kept undefiled. Only husband and wife are to be close in bed, and only with each other. There is absolutely no place for anyone else in the bed.
The importance of the bed in marriage cannot be overemphasized. God’s Word says that it is so important that husband and wife are not to separate for any period of time except for fasting and prayer, and even then separation is not to occur unless it is by mutual consent.
“Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency” (1 Cor. 7:5).
“Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband” (1 Cor. 7:2).
“That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour” (1 Thes. 4:4).
“A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones” (Proverbs 12:4).
3. Whoremongers and adulterers will be judged by God. These two words include all forms of sexual vice: premarital sex, adultery, homosexuality, and abnormal sex. Note several stated facts.
⇒ God knows who commits these vices. He has to know them for Him to judge them, and He has to know them by name. He knows every single person who is immoral. He sees every immoral act, exactly what is done. No one—not a single immoral person—can hide from Him. There is not a closed door or any darkness anyplace that blocks His sight. God knows.
⇒ God calls every sexual vice by its proper name. Men may call it love and care and exciting and stimulating. They may call it an act of manhood and womanhood, of gallantry and of conquest. But not God. God calls it by its real name: whoredom and adultery (Matthew Henry. Matthew Henry’s Commentary, Vol. 6, p.962). God knows what immorality causes:
⇒ loss of innocence
⇒ broken homes
⇒ damaged minds
⇒ destroyed livesdisease
⇒ unwanted pregnancies
⇒ abortion
⇒ guilt
The list could go on and on, but such devastation and destruction of life and emotions are the reasons why God pulls no punches with sexual vice. Sexual vice is one of the most destructive vices on earth, no matter what men may say. It is so by the very nature of man. God made man’s very nature for the love of a spouse and a family. And any refusal to live by his nature as God made him can only damage man. (See Deeper Study #1—1 Cor. 6:18 for more discussion.)
The great tragedy with sexual vice is this: it always involves others, not only the illicit partner but the parents and family including children, brothers and sisters, and often grandparents, other relatives, friends, and neighbors. It involves all those who care for and look up to the immoral person.
The point is this: whoremongers and adulterers shall be judged by God. There will be no escape.
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication. uncleanness, lasciviousness….they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19, 21).
“For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God” (Ephes. 5:5).
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Rev. 21:8).
“And there shall in no wise enter into it [heaven] any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Rev. 21:27).
“For without [heaven] are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie” (Rev. 22:15).
I HOPE THIS WAS HELPFUL.
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QUICK STUDY:8

Standing in the Will of God
“Stand perfect and complete in all the will of God” (Col. 4:12). The wind was blowing the rain across the field, and drenching everything in its onward rush. A wise old horse in the field had gone under a sheltering tree, and had turned its back on the wind, and thus, standing with it, did not feel the blast of the storm as it would have done had it faced the elements. The horse’s sagacity set the writer pondering, and it said to him, “Stand with the will of God under the shelter of the Cross, and you will find things will not be as bad as if you were opposing it.” The will of God is:
1. The deliverance from this present evil world—Gal. 1:4.
2. To serve the Lord in the daily avocation—Eph. 6:6.
3. To work out our salvation by His willing and working—Phil. 2:12, 13.
4. To thank God for everything—1 Thess. 5:18.
5. To be transformed to prove His will is perfect, good and acceptable—Rom. 12:2.
6. To put to silence by “well doing” the ignorance of men—1 Peter 2:15.
7. To endure for ever by not loving the world—1 John 2:17.
HOPE YOU FOUND THIS STUDY INTERESTING.

QUICK STUDY: 7

RESULTS OF DISOBEDIENCE.

“Obeyed Not”
Not to obey the Lord is the greatest calamity which can come to anyone. Disobedience to Him is—
1. Cause of Premature Death, as seen in the children of Israel being “consumed” in the wilderness—Joshua 5:6.
2. Cause of Defeat, and being dominated by our enemies, and the cause of discomfort to ourselves—Judges 2:2.
3. Cause of Loss, impoverishment, and oppression, as is illustrated in Israel when Midian prevailed against them—Judges 6:10.
4. Cause of Downfall, as is seen in King Saul and his disobedience regarding Amalek—1 Sam. 15:20-23.
5. Cause of Dishonour, as is unfolded in the disobedience of the man of God out of Judah—1 Kings 13:1-32.
6. Cause of Bondage, as is manifest in Israel’s being carried away into Assyria—2 Kings 18:11, 12; and of Judah into Babylon—Daniel 9:10-14.
7. Cause of Shame and Misery. See right through Jeremiah’s prophecy, how many disasters came to those who “obeyed not the voice of the Lord” (Jer. 3:13, 25; 9:13; 11:8; 17:23; 40:3; 42:21; 43:4, 7; 44:23).
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THIS QUICK STUDY?
“Great Things”
“Who has Done Great Things, O God” Psa. 71:19
C. H. Spurgeon, that prince of preachers, once said: “God’s mercy is so great that it forgives great sins to great sinners after great lengths of time, and then gives great favours and great privileges, and raises us up to great enjoyments in the great Heaven of the great God. As John Bunyan well said, ‘It must be great mercy or no mercy, for little mercy will never serve my turn.'”
Many are the great things the great God has done. The following are a few of the great things He shows us:
1. Loved with a “Great Love” (Eph. 2:4). His love is a fathomless ocean, a mine of wealth, a lasting spring, a glorious provision, a sun of warmth, a lifting power, and an unceasing inspiration.
2. Saved with a “Great Salvation” (Heb. 2:3). God is its source, man is its object, Christ is its embodiment, deliverance is its meaning, the Spirit is its power, faith is its receiver, holiness is its outcome, and glory is its consummation.
3. Thrilled with a “Great Joy” (Luke 2:10; Acts 8:8; 15:3). The Saviour is its secret, substance, supply, and source. His joy makes our joy full and lasting.
4. Strengthened with “Great Power” (Acts 4:33). The Spirit’s enduement is the power to keep us right, and to work in and through us with effective might.
5. Communing with “Great Delight” (Song of Songs 2:3). Sitting under the shadow of His Cross, and listening to the voice of His Word, and feeding on the promises of His grace, we have “great delight” in His presence.
6. Enjoying the “Great Peace” of His Word (Psa. 119:165). To love God’s Word is to find the joy of His grace, the tenderness of His love, the holiness of His sanctity, and the peace of His promises.
7. Expecting the “Great Glory” (Luke 21:27). When Christ comes to the world His saints will come with Him. He will not have the glory apart from His saints, and it would be no glory if He were not with it.
I HOPE THIS WAS BENEFICIAL TO SOMEONE.

QUICK STUDY: 6

ARE THERE ANYTHING THAT GOD CANNOT DO?
THINK ABOUT IT.
“Cannot”—Some Things God Cannot Do
1. He cannot break His Word. “Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35).
2. “God cannot lie” (Titus 1:2).
3. “God cannot deny Himself” (2 Tim. 2:13).
4. “God cannot be tempted of evil” (Jas. 1:13).
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CHURCH LEADERS
What kind of life should I expect from church leaders?
Should a preacher play favorites in the congregation?
Why does the preacher always talk about money?
God’s Answers
About A.D. 65 Paul wrote his young partner in ministry Timothy answering some basic questions about the work of the pastor. In Ephesus Timothy faced doctrinal, relational, personal, and financial problems.
First Timothy shows: spiritual leaders are stewards of the true gospel in face of threats from false teachers (ch. 1); spiritual leaders are persons of prayer leading the church in worship (ch. 2); spiritual leaders must meet spiritual and moral qualifications (ch. 3); spiritual leaders must be persons of integrity (ch. 4); spiritual leaders must show impartial concern for all church members and activities (5:1-6:2); spiritual leaders are devoted to the gospel and not to financial resources (6:3-21).
Second Timothy calls you to work in God’s church as a spiritual leader with integrity, honesty, and commitment to God, not to materialistic goals.

QUICK STUDY: 4

JAMES 1:5-8

James 1:5-8 (KJV)
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Asking wisdom of God is the way to conquer the trials and temptations of life. Now, note two significant points.
1. Note the wonderful promises made to us when we ask God for wisdom.
⇒ God will give us wisdom.
⇒ God will give us a liberal amount, an abundance of wisdom.
⇒ God will not reproach or rebuke us—not scold us—for not knowing how to handle the trial of temptation. The idea is that God will not even question us for lacking wisdom and for not knowing what to do.
God loves us: we are His sons and daughters. He is our Father, and He wants to meet our every need. Therefore, God will hear our request and cry; He will give us the wisdom to conquer the trials and temptations of life.
“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it” (Matthew 7:24-27).
“For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist” (Luke 21:15).
“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” (Romans 11:33).
“And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 3:15).
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5).
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17).
“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding: for the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold” (Proverbs 3:13-14).
“For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it” (Proverbs 8:11).
“And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding” (Job 28:28).
“Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent and he shall know them? for the ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein” (Hosea 14:9).
2. Note a critical fact: we have a responsibility. We must do something, and whether or not God hears us depends upon our doing this one thing. If we do it, God hears us and gives us wisdom to conquer the trials and temptations. If we do not do it, God cannot hear us. What is it that we must do? When we ask God to give us wisdom to conquer some trial or temptation, we must ask in faith and not waver. We must believe that God loves us and that He really cares and will hear our cries and prayers and meet our every need. When we pray and cry out to God, we cannot doubt; that is, we cannot ask and then…
• wonder if God really exists
• wonder if God is really going to hear
• wonder if God can really do what we ask
• wonder if we really know God well enough for Him to hear us
• wonder if the request is the will of God.
Such doubting cannot be heard by God. God cannot answer the prayer of a doubting person. If He did, then He would be rewarding doubt—rewarding those who do not believe or trust Him. He would be rewarding those who doubt, ignore, neglect, question, and in many cases curse, deny, and fight against Him. God cannot hear and answer a person who wavers in his faith. We must believe that God is, that He exists and that He does love and care for us and that He will hear and answer us when we ask for wisdom to face the trials and temptations of life.
Note what Scripture says about the person who wavers in faith.
a. First, the person is just like a wave of the sea driven by the wind and tossed to and fro.
b. Second, the person shall not receive anything of the Lord. Why? Because a person who wavers back and forth does not know the value of God’s gifts. If God granted them, the person would not always use them nor would he use the gifts like they should be used. If God gave the wisdom to a person to conquer the trials and temptations of life, the person might or might not use it or might use it irregularly. He would not value or use the wisdom or any other gift from God, certainly not to the degree that he should. He would misuse it—terribly misuse and abuse it. Therefore, the person who wavers in faith will not receive anything from God.
c. Third, the person who wavers in faith is a double-minded person, and he is unstable in all his ways. A person who wavers in faith lives a life that is up and down, back and forth. His whole behavior is unstable and unreliable. He is like a person with two minds: he is not sure; he is uncertain; he feels yes and then he feels no. He begins and then backs up, then begins again. He believes, then he disbelieves; he acts, then he distrusts and backs up. He is unstable in his prayer and life with God.
Thought 1. What a descriptive picture of so many. This is the very reason so many of us receive so little from God. We either do not ask or else when we ask, we waver in believing that God will hear and answer us. As we face the trials and temptations of life, we must ask God for wisdom and believe that God will hear and show us the way and the power to conquer. When we pray believing, God will hear and answer us.
“And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief” (Matthew 13:58).
“And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is that ye have no faith?” (Mark 4:40).
“No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Luke 16:13).
“Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief” (Hebrews 4:11).
“A double minded man is unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8).
“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded” (James 4:8).
I HOPE THIS QUICK STUDY WAS HELPFUL.

QUICK STUDY: 3

Proverbs 10:3 (GW)
3 The LORD will not allow a righteous person to starve, but he intentionally ignores the desires of a wicked person.
Proverbs 10:3 (KJV)
3 The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.
The Lord satisfies the appetites of the righteous. The desires of the wicked go unfulfilled.
Not only is it unprofitable but also unnecessary for people to turn to stealing or dishonest practices to meet their needs. The Lord does not allow the righteous to go hungry (Ps.37:19, 25). Is this a promise that God will never let a righteous person go hungry? No. The reader needs to keep two things in mind here. First, the person who is righteous and wise is also diligent. Diligence generally leads to the means to provide for one’s family. Second, proverbs such as this are not presenting circumstances as they always are, but as they ought to be. Soul indicates that this proverb is about more than just the physical appetite for food. It includes “the inner urge toward success,” and “the entire passion and longing of one’s life, as one presses toward the righteousness of God.” . Those who are righteous have appetites for more than mere physical food:
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Mt.5:6).
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Pe.2:2).
“Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee” (Ps.73:25).
God satisfies the appetites of the righteous, but He thrusts or drives away the substance of the wicked. Casts away (hadaph) is the same word used when God drove out the inhabitants of the land for the Israelites. Substance describes an inner craving or desire. It has a negative or evil connotation in all of its Old Testament uses.
Here is the message of this proverb: faithfulness to God is the most important factor for the supply of life’s necessities. God’s blessings are upon those who love, obey, and fear Him. He does not allow the wicked to receive true satisfaction. In His sovereignty and righteousness, God gives assurance that, in the end, the scales are balanced. This is His way, His law, and His justice.
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“Why are there times in my life when finding God is so difficult?”
Answer:
Some of the most promising and spectacular words ever spoken by God are found in the book of Jeremiah: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you” (Jeremiah 29:13–14). And sometimes, in our quest for finding God, it appears that He wants to remind us of this extraordinary promise. We’re deeply troubled, so we fervently pray. We’re distressed, so we cry out to God for relief. But sometimes all we hear in reply is a silence so deafening it drowns out every thought but this: God isn’t listening. So we ask, “Has God abandoned me?”
Many believers have experienced the feeling that finding God is difficult or impossible. After C. S. Lewis lost his wife to cancer, he called out to God for comfort but sensed no reply. Confused, he asked, “What can this mean? Why is He so present a commander in our time of prosperity and so very absent a help in time of trouble?”
The Scripture speaks of cries for help from those who are intent on finding God: “Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time?” (Psalm 77:7–8).
This prayer of the psalmist communicates the heart of someone focused on finding God: “O God, do not keep silent; be not quiet, O God, be not still” (Psalm 83:1).
At times, finding God seems difficult, even for those who have a relationship with Him. Changes in life bring uncertainty: the loss of a job, a divorce, a job promotion, the birth of a child. Some have referred to these unexpected changes in life as “divine interruptions.” Even when the change is positive, it can interrupt our feelings of well-being and leave us feeling alone. The question arises, “Where is God anyway? Why am I having such a difficult time finding God?”
It’s important to remember that, in finding God, the promise of Jeremiah 29:13–14 is never nullified by our subjective feelings. Just because we feel that God is far from us doesn’t mean He is. In fact, He has told us that He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Since God never lies, we reject incorrect conclusions about our circumstances when those conclusions contradict what we know about God from His Word. We walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
For the key to finding God, we have to go back to Psalm 77. After the psalmist laments that God has rejected him and His love has vanished (verses 7–8), he comes to his senses and writes verses 11–12, giving us the two-part solution to feeling abandoned by God: “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.” First, the psalmist determines to remember God’s deeds and His miracles. Just remembering how God saved us from a life of futility and an eternity in hell should give us a proper perspective on His love. When we think of the many times God has intervened in our lives in the form of answered prayer, we are reminded of His faithfulness. Some people find it helpful to keep a journal of answered prayer that they can refer back to in the “dry” times of doubts and confusion.
Second, the psalmist determines to meditate on God’s Word to reach his objective of finding God. Meditating on God’s Word is the only sure way to come to right conclusions about God. Those who are “blessed” in Psalm 1 are those who mediate on God’s law—the Bible—“day and night.” God’s Word delights us (Psalm 1:2) and makes us strong, fruitful, and able to withstand life’s storms without withering (verse 3). To neglect the Word is to neglect the only means of sanctification in our lives (John 17:17) and to leave ourselves open to the lies of the devil, who would like nothing better than to convince us that God has abandoned us.
Jeremiah promises that, when we seek God with all our hearts, God will be found. As Paul told the Athenians, God “is not far from any one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being’” (Acts 17:27–28). As we embark on the never-ending quest to find God in every single day, we remember and meditate on His mighty works, and we welcome His “divine interruptions.”
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QUICK STUDY: 2

Proverbs 21:6 (GW)
6 Those who gather wealth by lying are wasting time. They are looking for death.
Do not seek wealth dishonestly or by lying: It will disappear quickly or be a deadly trap (v. 6).
People who are deceitful and dishonest in their businesses risk a fate worse than poverty: death. People who are merely hasty or do poor work may be put out of business, but corrupt people might actually get themselves killed. Note what Solomon says about making money dishonestly:
⇒It is vanity. Vanity (hebel) is the word used frequently throughout Ecclesiastes to describe the emptiness of all things apart from God. It describes a lack of substance. Its basic meaning is wind or breath and it is sometimes used of the worthlessness of idols (Is.57:13). If we seek and secure money dishonestly, our hearts will be gripped by a sense of emptiness and worthlessness.
⇒It is like the chaff or smoke that is driven away by the wind (Ps.1:4, 68:2). This is the meaning of the Hebrew word that is translated as tossed to and fro (nadaph). Someday, money secured dishonestly will be gone, as though blown away.
⇒It is the pursuit of death. The wicked who seek money through lies and dishonest measures will bring about their own destruction. Many will die prematurely but all will die eternally; that is, they will all be separated from God throughout eternity.
“But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Ti.6:9-10).
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Re.21:8).
“As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool” (Je.17:11).
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QUICK STUDY: 1

DEEPER STUDY 2 TIMOTHY 4:18

2 Timothy 4:18 (KJV)
18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT LESSON.
I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS AS MUCH AS I DID.
v. 18. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Here was another cause for deep sorrow which Paul felt constrained to register here: At my first defense no man stood by me, but all deserted me; may it not be charged to their account! It appears from these words that Paul had had a hearing, he had had one opportunity to refute the charges made against him. It was upon this occasion that he had a bitter experience, one which might have discouraged a Christian with less character. According to Roman law he was entitled to a certain number of witnesses or patrons, whose business it was to assist him. If any one might have expected loyalty from his friends, surely the great apostle was entitled to this consideration. But the opposite was the case. All the men upon whom he had thought he could depend absolutely had scented danger for their own persons in the proceedings and had deliberately deserted him. They were not strong enough in faith to be equal to the situation. But here also Paul suppresses all resentful and vindictive feelings, rather making intercession for the weakness of those whom he still believed to be Christians at heart, asking that this defection might not be charged to their account.
As for Paul, he had a better advocate than any friend could have furnished him: But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, that through me the preaching might be fulfilled and all the heathen might hear; and I was delivered from the mouth of the lion. When he was forsaken by men, the Lord Himself was his Patron, whose support was worth more than all the assistance of men. He it was also, Christ the Lord, that granted to His servant strength in richest measure, thus enabling him to bear also this affliction with fortitude. And what is more, He gave him the courage to proclaim the Gospel-message in the very midst of his enemies. His defense of his cause, at the first hearing, had at least this effect, that he was given some respite, thus being enabled to gain time for a very necessary piece of work, namely, that of completing arrangements to have the Gospel sent out into all the countries of the known world. The mission of Crescens in Galatia or Gaul and that of Titus in Dalmatia were but a beginning for the carrying out of plans by which all nations should hear the glorious news of their salvation through Jesus Christ. Thus Paul can joyfully record that he had been torn out of the lion’s mouth, that he had escaped, for the time being, from all the perils with which his enemies planned to overwhelm him. It does not seem, from the entire context, that Paul had actually been condemned to be thrown to the lions, and this would not seem very probable.
Once more the apostle voices his firm trust in the power of his Lord: The Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. This is putting the Seventh Petition into the form of a definite statement, which shows the nature of faith. From every evil work, from all the cunning, trickery, and power of Satan, from all the wickedness and persecution of the children of the world, out of all these evils the Lord will deliver and rescue His servant, so that, in the end, his enemies will be put to shame. Where the faith of Christ’s servants is rooted and grounded in the Word of God, in the power of the Lord, there all the attempts of their enemies to harm them must come to naught. And if temporal death seems to have gained the victory and separates the soul from the body, the believers again are the gainers, for their inheritance in heaven is thereby given to them, they are kept by the power of Jesus Christ, their Lord, unto salvation. And therefore they gladly join in the doxology of St. Paul and give all honor and glory to Christ, who is God with the Father and the Holy Ghost, world without end. As often as a Christian thinks of the immeasurable blessings which have been imparted to him in Christ, he cannot refrain from voicing his thoughts in joyful thanksgiving to his Lord.
(4:18) Death, Deliverance From— Preserve— Eternal Life: the phrase “preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom” is a picture of God bringing Paul safely into God’s kingdom. It is the picture of God transporting Paul right through this world into the next world. It is the picture of time—of unbroken time. God preserves Paul right through time into eternity. In one moment of time, Paul is living in this world, conscious and aware; but within the same moment—in a split second—he is transported into God’s heavenly kingdom. That one moment of time happens quicker than the blinking of an eye (11/100 of a second). Just imagine! There is no loss of consciousness, no experience or awareness of death. One moment Paul is a citizen of this world, and within the same split moment he stands before the Lord as a citizen of His kingdom (2 Cor. 5:6-8). It is the beautiful picture of the believer never having to taste death. (See note—• Col. 3:1-4; note—• Hebrews 2:9; cp. 2 Cor. 5:5-8.)
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QUICK STUDY: PSALM 62:8-10
Psalm 62:8-10 (KJV)
8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.
9 Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.
10 Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.
(62:8-10) Trust in God at all times.
After sharing how his soul had found rest in the Lord, David instructed all of us how to find this same calmness when our faith is challenged. The key, David wrote, is to give God our burdens and trust Him fully with them. At all times—in every season and circumstance of our lives—we should put our confidence in God.
a. Pour out your heart to God: He is your refuge (v. 8).
David exhorted us to fully unburden ourselves by pouring out our hearts to God (v. 8). One of the greatest lessons of Psalms is that God has given us the precious liberty of emptying our souls—everything we are thinking and feeling—before Him. Before (paneh) is a form of the Hebrew word for face. Literally, we can pour out our hearts to God’s face. The reason: because He is our refuge, our shelter and security. When we are hiding in Him, we are free from care. Before we can truly take shelter in God, we have to release our burdens to Him. We have to trust Him to sustain us and to handle every circumstance or situation that affects us.
b. Do not trust the world’s philosophy about wealth and power (vv. 9-10).
In sharp contrast to trusting God is the danger of self-sufficiency. The world tells us that we need to accumulate wealth and gain power in order to be strong enough to defend ourselves in time of trouble. But Scripture advises us to reject this philosophy for two practical reasons:
First, trusting in wealth and power is utterly worthless, for these things carry no weight with God (v. 9). God is neither impressed nor influenced by our possessions and power. Men of low degree and high degree—poor and rich, common and noble, weak and mighty—are all the same in God’s sight. We have nothing to offer God that He needs; our very best is nothing more than vanity (hebel) to Him—empty, worthless, meaningless, like a breath or vapor that quickly passes away (Isa. 57:13; Job 7:16; Eccl. 2:11).
Second, trusting in wealth and power can lead to serious sin (v. 10). Scripture repeatedly warns us that the love of money is the root of all sorts of evil (Pr. 28:20; 1 Tim. 6:9-10). David mentioned three sins in particular:
Oppression or extortion (Lev. 6:1-4)
Stealing (Ex. 20:15; Lev. 19:11)
Worshipping wealth; that is, making money or possessions the most important thing in our lives (De. 8:13-14; Pr. 30:9; Eze. 28:5)
Thought 1. When our faith is challenged, one of God’s most helpful promises is this:
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7).
We should not allow anxiety to control us when difficult circumstances come into our lives. Instead, we can be calmed by taking our burden to the Lord in prayer. As we commit our problems to Him, He promises to give us His indescribable peace. Just as God’s peace swept over David’s troubled spirit, we too can find rest when we pour out our hearts to the Lord. Sixteenth century theologian John Calvin (1509-1564) wrote about the necessity of giving our heavy load to God before we can find relief from its taxing burden:
It is always found, that when the heart is pressed under a load of distress, there is no freedom in prayer. Under trying circumstances, we must comfort ourselves by reflecting that God will extend relief, provided we just freely roll them over upon his consideration. What the Psalmist advises is all the more necessary, considering the mischievous tendency which we have naturally to keep our troubles pent up in our breasts till they drive us to despair. Usually, indeed, men show much anxiety and ingenuity in seeking to escape from the troubles which may happen to press upon them; but so long as they shun coming into the presence of God, they only involve themselves in a [web] of difficulties … exposing that diseased but deeply-rooted principle in our nature, which leads us to hide our griefs … instead of relieving ourselves at once by pouring out our prayers and complaints before God.
Refusing to release our burdens to God is an act of pride and self-sufficiency. In doing so, we choose to trust in ourselves rather than God. Pastor and commentator James Montgomery Boice (1938-2000) addressed this problem, emphasizing the importance of trusting God and God alone:
The most important thing about Psalm 62 is that the psalmist is making God his only object of trust. He is not trusting something other than God, nor is he trusting God and something else, or God and someone else. His trust is in God only, and that is why he is so confident …
I think this is something Christians in our day especially need to learn. As I see it, our problem is not that we do not trust God, at least in some sense. We have to do that to be Christians. To become a Christian you have to trust God in the matter of salvation at least. It is rather that we do not trust God only, meaning that we always want to add in something else to trust as well …
Christians in our day are far more inclined to trust the world’s tools and mechanisms than to trust Jesus Christ wholly. For many of today’s believers Jesus really is not sufficient for all things, regardless of what they may profess publicly.
As Dr. Boice emphasized, we need to completely trust God and God alone with every area of our lives. We only find rest for our troubled souls …
When we pour out our hearts and give our burdens to the Lord
When we leave our burdens with the Lord and fully trust Him to take care of us
“And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God” (2 Cor. 3:4-5).
“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Tim. 6:17).
“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 Pet. 4:19).
“Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass” (Ps. 37:5-7).
“I cried unto thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living. Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I” (Ps. 142:5-6).
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Pr. 3:5-6).
I HOPE THIS HAVE BEEN HELPFUL TO YOU.
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QUICK STUDY PART ONE:
TO CHURCH MEMBERS

A Healthy Church Member Is an Expositional Listener

What is “expositional listening”? Before answering that question, we need to define “expositional preaching.” The first and most important mark of a healthy church is expositional preaching. “Expositional preaching is not simply producing a verbal commentary on some passage of Scripture. Rather, expositional preaching is that preaching which takes for the main point of a sermon the point of a particular passage of Scripture.” If churches are to be healthy, then pastors and teachers must be committed to discovering the meaning of Scripture and allowing that meaning to drive the agenda with their congregations.
There is an important corollary for every member of a local church. Just as the pastor’s preaching agenda should be determined by the meaning of Scripture, so too should the Christian’s listening agenda be driven by the meaning of Scripture. When we listen to the preaching of the Word, we should not listen primarily for “practical how-to advice,” though Scripture teaches us much about everyday matters. Nor should we listen for messages that bolster our self-esteem or that rouse us to political and social causes. Rather, as members of Christian churches we should listen primarily for the voice and message of God as revealed in his Word. We should listen to hear what he has written, in his omniscient love, for his glory and for our blessing.
So what exactly do I mean by “expositional listening”? Expositional listening is listening for the meaning of a passage of Scripture and accepting that meaning as the main idea to be grasped for our personal and corporate lives as Christians.
What Are the Benefits of Expositional Listening?
Expositional listening benefits us, first, by cultivating a hunger for God’s Word. As we tune our ears to the kind of preaching that makes the primary point of the sermon the primary point of a particular passage of Scripture, we grow accustomed to listening to God. We become fluent in the language of Zion and conversant with its themes. His Word, his voice, becomes sweet to us (Ps. 119:103-4); and as it does, we are better able to push to the background the many voices that rival God’s voice for control over our lives. Expositional listening gives us a clear ear with which to hear God.
The second benefit follows from the first. Expositional listening helps us to focus on God’s will and to follow him. Our agenda becomes secondary. The preacher’s agenda becomes secondary. God’s agenda for his people takes center stage, reorders our priorities, and directs us in the course that most honors him. The Lord himself proclaimed, “My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). Listening to the voice of Jesus as it is heard in his Word is critical to following him.
Third, expositional listening protects the gospel and our lives from corruption. The Scripture tells us “the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths” (2 Tim. 4:3-4). The failure to listen expositionally has disastrous effects. False teachers enter the church and hinder the gospel. Ultimately, the truth is displaced by myths and falsehoods. Where members cultivate the habit of expositional listening they guard themselves against “itching ears” and protect the gospel from corruption.
The fourth benefit, then, is that expositional listening encourages faithful pastors. Those men who serve faithfully in the ministry of the Word are worthy of double honor (1 Tim. 5:17). Few things are more discouraging or dishonoring to such men than a congregation inattentive to the Word of God. Faithful men flourish at the fertile reception of the preached Word. They’re made all the more bold when their people give ear to the Lord’s voice and give evidence of being shaped by it. As church members, we can care for our pastors and teachers and help to prevent unnecessary discouragement and fatigue by cultivating the habit of expositional listening.
Fifth, expositional listening benefits the gathered congregation. Repeatedly, the New Testament writers exhort local churches to be unified—to be of one mind. Paul writes to one local church, “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there may be no divisions among you, but that you may be united in the same mind and the same judgment” (1 Cor. 1:10; see also Rom. 12:16; 2 Cor. 13:11; 1 Pet. 3:8). As we gather together in our local churches and give ourselves to hearing the voice of God through his preached Word, we’re shaped into one body. We are united in understanding and purpose. And that unity testifies to the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ (John 17:21). But if we listen with our own interests and agendas in mind, if we develop “private interpretations” and idiosyncratic views, we risk shattering that unity, provoking disputes over doubtful matters, and weakening our corporate gospel witness.

PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM