This is for Believers Genesis 3:1-7 1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
2-3 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. SIX STEPS AWAY FROM GOD: Vs 1 Listen to Others Vs 2-3 Answer in your own wisdom Vs 4 Believe what they say Vs 5 Ignore the truth Vs 6 Follow their advice Vs 7 When you find out you’ve been wrong … Cover it up …
The solution: Realize your sin, turn from it and the keep God and His Word first in your Life.
The Scripture gives many warnings about false teachers, Here are only 4 references: The apostle Paul warns the Galatians: Galatians 5:7-12 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be. And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. I would they were even cut off which trouble you. Then near the end of his life, Pau warns Timothy: 2 Timothy 3:1-10This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as their’s also was. But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. The apostle Peter warns believing Jews: 2 Peter 2:1-3 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. Jude also warns believing Jews of false teachers: Jude 3-4Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 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. How can we identify false teachers? 2 TIMOTHY 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Compare Scripture with Scripture. Who said (wrote) it and to whom was it spoken (written) to? How does it apply (to me) today?
– dearly loved, a much loved person 62 times in the KJV New Testament.
When the Lord Jesus was baptized by john the Baptist: Matthew 3:17And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Mark 1:11, Luke 3:22 A fulfilment of Isaiah 42:1-2. Matthew 12:18Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. On the mount of transfiguration: Matthew 17:5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.Mark 9:7, Luke 9:35 Part of a Parable. Luke 20:13 Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence him when they see him. The Apostle Paul referees to believers: Romans 1:7To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 9:25As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. Romans 11:28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the father’s sakes. Romans 12:19 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 16:5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. Romans 16:8-9Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord. Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. Romans 16:12Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 4:14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. 1 Corinthians 4:17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church. 1 Corinthians 10:14Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. 1 Corinthians 15:58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 2 Corinthians 7:1Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 12:19 Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.
I asked God to take away my pain. God said, No. It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up. I askedGod to make my handicapped child whole. God said, No. Her spirit was whole, her body is only temporary. I asked God to grant me patience. God said, No. Patience is a by-product of tribulations; it isn’t granted, it is learned. I asked God to give me happiness. God said, No. I give you blessings. Happiness is up to you. I asked God to spare me pain. God said, No. Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me. I asked God to make my spirit grow. God said, No. You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful. I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. God said, No. I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things. I asked God to help me love others, as much as he loves me. God said, Ahhhh, you’re starting to understand.
“To the world you might be one person, But to one person you just might be the world.“
Acts 1:2Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
Romans 16:13 Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
1 Corinthians 1:27-28 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
2 Corinthians 8:19And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:
Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
2 Timothy 2:4No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
YES, you have been Chosen by God! Are you serving?
We all remember when Donald Trump was shot in the ear during an assassination attempt at a campaign rally on July 13, 2024. He stood up and shouted “Fight, Fight, Fight”. Trump was speaking of a political battle (which he won). And the apostle Paul tells us of the spiritual battle all believers face. He explains how we are to prepare: Ephesians 6:10-18Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; The Paul reminds believers to fight: 1 Corinthians 9:26I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. He reminds Timothy (Believers) how to fight: 1 Timothy 6:11-12 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. When he realizes he will not be here for the rapture, he instructs Timothy what awaits him and all believers: 2 Timothy 4:6-8 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. Believers are to fight, fight, fight the spiritual battle until we are called home.
Why do we kneel to pray? Kneeling in prayer is an act of humility, reflecting obedience to what is best for us. Kneeling isn’t the easiest action. It takes effort and requires a surrendering of our selves. From the Psalmist: Psalm 95:6O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. Solomon worships the Lord God: 2 Chronicles 6:13For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven. Elijah worships the Lord God: 1 Kings 15:42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees, Ezra worships the Lord God: Ezra 9:5 And at the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the LORD my God, Daniel worships the Lord God: Daniel 6:10Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. The Lord God instructed Isaiah: Isaiah 45:23I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. The rich young man Mark 10:17And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? The Lord Jesus set the example: Luke 22:41And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Stephen Prayed: Acts 7:60And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Peter Prayed: Acts 9:40But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. Paul Prays: Acts 20:36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. Acts 21:5 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed. Paul instructs Believers: Philippians 2:9-11 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Paul quotes Isaiah 45:23: Romans 14:10-11But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. Is it necessary to always Kneel when we Pray? Ephesians 6:18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Colossians 1:3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Ephesians 5:20Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Colossians 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Colossians 3:17And 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. Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. Is it necessary to always Kneel when we Pray? When we can … YES! But when we can’t, we need to Pray and Thank God always for all things!! Remember, It’s not the position of the body … It’s the condition of the Heart!
…is a person who follows or adheres to Christianity.
It appears 3 times in Scripture. Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. Acts 26:28Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. 1 Peter 4:16Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
Acts 11:26 Refers to Jews who believed Christ Jesus was the Messiah. Acts 26:28 Agrippa was a Jew who served as King under the Romans. 1 Peter 4:16 Peter is writing to Jews who believed Christ Jesus was the Messiah.
In each of these verses it’s the Jew who believe the Lord Jesus is their Messiah who is called Christian. What did Paul call the Gentiles who believed in the Death, Burial and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus?
They are saved, and referred to as Believers, Saints.
1 Timothy 4:12Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Romans 1:7To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: There are 45 more times they are called Saints.
Many who are not saved call themselves Christian. I prefer to call myself a Believer (in the Death, Burial and Resurrection of the Lord) and Confess that He is God. (the requirements for salvation. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 10:9).
I. God originated Marriage God’s plan for Marriage is ONE Man, ONE Woman Adam stated it Genesis 2:24That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. Christ affirmed it Matthew 19:5and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’ Paul restated it Ephesians 5:31For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. II. Different Marriage Customs Thru-out history many different customs The further away from God, the more obnoxious they became POLYGAMY – one husband, many wives POLYANDRY – one wife, many husbands MULTIPLE or GROUP MARRIGES III. God’s Plan, one husband, one wife Adam was alone, not only alone but lonely How many PETS would Adam have needed to fill this void? God chose for him, just the right mate, one who would be his equal, his help mate, one who could share his joy. IV. What Happened? Why are marriages failing? 1 out of 3. Those are the statics, and it even affects Christians. How many marriages are just dead, meaningless, unsuccessful. Attempts at just living together. V. Four major causes for marriage failures: (in alphabetical order) FINICIAL Not having a proper understanding concerning the handling of money Excessive installment buying, Extravagant spending Partners, everything above board Husband, Wife knowing everything about investments, expenses etc IN-LAWS Criticisms of and by In-Laws Living too close and often with them A mate comes first. Someone you want to spend time with, be with as much as possible a Pal Share secrets with SEXUAL Lack of Common courtesies No open expressions of love Love is a relationship, more than sex, but does include sex. Don’t let it be a dirty word in your marriage 1 Corinthians 7:3-5, Hebrews 13:4 It is not a tool to gain an advantage over one another SPIRITUAL No prayer life No attendance to worship services Lack of family devotions i.e. just praying at meal time. Put Christ first in all things He ordained marriage, not as a competitor but as one who will draw you closer It’s His will that your marriage succeeds.
