Author: Jim

Getting to Heaven is Easy Part 2

Your status after you believe …

Ephesians 1:11-14 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.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 of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

Things to quit doing …

Colossians 3:7-9 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

How to Live the Christian life …

Colossians 3:10-17 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 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.


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Believer’s Status Part 2   

What will we do with the Rewards
Revelation 4:10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
Marriage of the Lamb
Revelation 19:7-9 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
Second Coming
Revelation 19:11-16 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
Armageddon
Revelation 19:17-19 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great. And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.
To Become a believer:
Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 10:9-13

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David & Goliath Part 6

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We need help in our Battles

Read the story found in 1 Samuel 17. (Have you gone thru the David & Goliath series 1-5? If not, review them first).
David had selected 5 smooth stones as he went to face Goliath and his 4 brothers. BIG PROBLEMS.
1 Sam 17:46 is the Key verse in the story of David and Goliath. “…that all the earth may knowth there is a GOD in Israel.” Always give God the glory.
David (with God’s help) defeated Goliath.
2 Samuel 21:15-22 is a summation of the Philistine wars. David won’t have to face all the Big Problems, he gets help from others.
We also need help in our Spiritual Battles – can’t always face them alone-
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

God’s word is our strength for victory.
1 Timothy 4:11-16 These things command and teach. Let 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. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
Near the end of David’s life he wrote the song (Psalm) in 2 Samuel 22 and also Psalm 18. He gives all the glory to God!

The Key to a successful (VICTORUS) Christian life – Know God’s word.
2 Timothy 2:15-16 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
2 Timothy 4:1-4 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Here’s a list of Question to ask yourself (with scriptural answers):
  • How do I get to Heaven? John 14:6, Romans 10:9-13
  • I Believe there’s a God, am I a sinner? Isaiah 53:6, Romans 3:23
  • Won’t doing my best (obeying the law) get me saved? Ephesians 2:8-9
  • How do I receive Jesus as my Savior? John 1:12, Revelation 3:20, Romans 10:13
  • How much do I owe God? Romans 5:8, Romans 12:2
  • How do I know God will forgive my sin? Romans 5:8, 1 John 1:9
  • What does God want me to do? Psalm 100, 1 Thessalonians 5:18
  • How do I know I will live for God? Psalm 23, John 14:1-3
  • How can I avoid temptation? Proverbs 3:6, 1 Corintians 10:13
  • Is it wrong to worry? Philippians 4:6
  • How do I know my life will be different? 2 Corinthians 5:17
  • How do I know God wrote the Bible? 2 Timothy 3:16, 1 Peter 1:21
  • Why did God write the Bible? 2 Timothy 3:16
  • Is it important to study the Bible? 2 Timothy 2:15

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David & Goliath Part 5

Follow thru to VICTORY

Read the story found in 1 Samuel 17.
(Have you gone thru the David & Goliath series 1-4? If not, review them first).
Lessons learned thus far:

  1. We all face Giants (Goliath).
  2. God has called us to Stand.
  3. Be yourself (be imitators of God).
  4. Chose your weapons well.

The last lesson we are drawing upon: FOLLOW THRU
(17:28) David could have backed down when his own brothers rebuked him.
(17:30) David could have backed down when the Israel army rebuked him.
(17:33) David could have backed down when King Saul tried to talk him out of it.
(17:38-39) David could have backed down when King Saul’s armor didn’t Fit.
Then David steps (alone) onto the Battle Field, FACE TO FACE WITH GOLIATH.

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v 41 even here, would anyone blame David for backing down, turning tail and running? Could anyone blame him or even accuse him?
v 42 Goliath distained him… (Christians are despised, distained by the world. If you’re a Christian and the world doesn’t despise, distain you, YOU’VE got problems).
1 John 3:13 Marvel not if the world hate you
John 15:19 You’re not of this world
John 17:14 … the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world…
Paul tells of how the world treated him (1 Cor 4:13-14) and in (1 Cor 1:27-28 we find God choosing things which are despised: foolish things, weak things, base things, things which are despised of the world.
v 43-44 Goliath puts his contempt to words,
v 45 David voices his stand for GOD. When you stand for God, you have no one to fear.
Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso ever putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. (Matt 10:28)
David was trusting in the LORD. He took one look at those weapons and called upon GOD.
v 46-47 Goliath had had his say and now David gives his version.
(remember the hymn Trust and Obey? “When we walk with the Lord in the light of his word what a glory he sheds on our way. While we do his good will he abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey“).
v 48-50 THE FIGHT. David prevails. Romans 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
But did David stop here? He had knocked down the Giant. NO, he FOLLOWED THRU.
v 51 He finished the battle, he killed the giant. He cut off his head.

When God calls us to a work, (1 Thes 5:24) He wants us to follow thru (Phil 2:12-13).
All it takes to FOLLOW THRU with God is TRUST, FAITH and OBEDIENCE. When God is with you (and He always is) YOU can have VICTORY.

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David & Goliath Part 4

Chose Your Weapons Well

Read the story found in 1 Samuel 17.
David has arrived at the battle to deliver a care package to his older brothers. He has seen the giant challenge Israel and even more God. He has decided that he will defend the challenge to (and honor of) God.
v 37 …and Saul said unto David “Go, and the Lord be with thee’.
King Saul wants to be part of this fight so he offers his armor and weapons to David. (Saul’s Pride) (of course he didn’t go to the fight).
v 38, 39 David tries his armor and arms and decides to use his own trusted weapons.
Remember WE are in a spiritual battle also. We need to be spiritually armed. Compare David’s weapons to our weapons.

David’s list of weapons:

1. A Staff
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This testified that David was a shepherd. Our first weapon has got to be a good testimony. If we don’t have a testimony of salvation then we aren’t even in the battle, in fact we are on the other side. If our testimony is poor we will be like David’s brothers.

2. Stones, second in the list (see more later)
3. A shepherd’s bag
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This is where a shepherd carries all his valuables, his food. Without this pouch he’s have to carry everything in his hands and would have difficulty in defending himself. Our third weapon. This pouch is likened to our hearts. Here is where we store all things of value.

4. A sling
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This is a very valuable weapon, it gives him the ability to reach out and slay the enemy. (Judges 20:16 illustrates how accurate these weapons are). Our forth weapon is our Bible, a two edged sword, a weapon to reach out.
Yes, David had his weapons. He had chosen them well. He knew how to use them and he was ready to meet his foe. Are your weapons ready to meet your foe?
What about weapon number 2? The stones v 40 …and chose five smooth stones.
Why smooth? (Round) they fly truer
Why 5 stones? He only needed one to fell the giant. Lack of trust? Nay, Goliath had 4 brothers (2 Sam 22:15-22) and David was prepared for them.

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These stones became projectiles, they are what made the ling dangerous, without the stones the sling was a useless weapon, an empty threat. These stones are to David what Bible Verses are to Christians. The devil doesn’t care if you own a Bible, or 6 Bibles as long as you don’t use it. If you don’t know what your Bible teaches it as useless as a sling without a stone.

Let’s give names to these 5 stones:
1 ⟶ SALVATION: first you have to have it (Romans 10:9-13) and second you have to know you are saved (1 John 5:13, John 20:31).
2 ⟶ Forgiveness of Sin: How many Christians walk around depressed, defeated, because they have sinned! Get forgiveness (1 John 1:9) and live like it.
3 ⟶ Know His eternal presence: He is always with us. (Mathew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5)
4 ⟶ Know His concern: He loves us and wants our best. (Romans 8:31-39)
5 ⟶ He wants us to be winners (Soul). Share your faith (1 Timothy 6:12, 2 Timothy 24-26)

Paul says it best in Ephesians 6:11-17: Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 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. 13 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. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
It is a daily spiritual Battle. We need to stand, in the strength of the LORD, and He has provided the weapons.

Remember, you are already in the Battle.
The only question is, which side?

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David & Goliath Part 3

BE YOURSELF

Read the story found in 1 Samuel 17.
WHO WAS GOLIATH? The 9’9” giant defying Israel (GOD).
WHO WAS DAVID? A young Sheppard boy sent to comfort his brothers in Battle.

DAVID has taken a stand:
1. He stands for the true and living God of Israel
2. He didn’t stand for self
3. He stood alone

v 31 The word spreads thru the Israelite camp. David will fight the giant.
When you take a stand for God, others will hear about it. Be ready!
v 32-33 Everyone will try to stop you! Why? Envy, Jealousy, Fear
v 38 Then they will try to join the band wagon. That doesn’t mean they will help, it means they will want to tell you what to do, everyone’s an expert. Tell them what you are going to do and you will hear “Oh, you should have said….” or “Oh, you should have done….”
v 39 Only use what God has given you. BE YOURSELF!

David couldn’t use King Saul’s armor.
David couldn’t use King Saul’s weapons.
Remember how God has worked with you in the Past (v 34-37)
YOU + GOD = MAJORITY
Remember Gideon? (Judges 6) He led the Israelites against the Midianites. Started with 32,000 warriors. God said TOO MANY and sent 22,000 fearful home. Still TOO MANY! God weeded out another 7,700 and sent them home. Left with 300 warriors, Gideon face 15,000 (that’s 50 to 1) and God gave them the victory.
What about Samson? He slew 1000 Philistines.
We all have a goliath to face. We must all take a stand. When you stand (many times) you will stand alone, SO BE YOURSELF and trust God.

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We all face giants and giants are awesome things towering over us.
Perhaps your giant is human.
Perhaps your giant is a task – work.
Perhaps your giant is intangible.
The only thing you can do with your giant is to trust GOD.
Philipians 4:13 I can do all thing through Christ who strengthens me

GOD + me = Victory

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David & Goliath Part 2

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God has Called Us to Stand

Read the story found in 1 Samuel 17.
Who was David? (v 12-15) Youngest Son of Jesse, with 8 older brothers. (16:1-13 was called by God to be next King). Three oldest brothers off to Battle with King Saul, David was in the field tending sheep.
What was David doing on the battle field? (He’s just a young teen)
v 17 His father sent him to deliver corn and bread to his brothers. (a care package)
v 18 David was to take some cheese to the captains and inquire of his brothers.
v 19 father instructs David where the battle is being fought (gives directions)
v 20 David obeys and arrives at start of daily battle. He joins in as a cheer leader.
v 22 David sees brothers and runs to greet them.
v 23 as he greets them….. HERE COMES GOLIATH!

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For the 40th time (morning and evening) the Philistine Champion makes his challenge (remember Goliath, 9’9” over 300 LBS). All covered with armor! He was the Philistine army tank and the Israelites didn’t have a bazooka to knock him out.

Israelites Fear of Goliath

v 24 All the Israelites stand in fear (trembling)
v 26 David questions their actions
v 27 All around him they give their excuses “boy, you just don’t understand…a guy could get hurt out there”
Israel was afraid…WHY? They were in Apostasy. They had not been seeking God. They had turned their backs on God. SIN! And SIN separates us from God.
But David stands for God.
God delights in those who believe Him. God delivers those who trust in Him.
But watch out, the devil will try to stop you; he’ll work in the most unlikely places, even through your family. Here’s David, standing for God, defying the enemy of God and what do his brothers say?
v 28 What are you doing here? What about the sheep?
v 29 David’s reply, wait a minute, I was sent here to see how you are doing, to bring goodies, to report back to father how you are fairing.
BUT that big clown out there has NO RIGHT to blaspheme God.
v 30 Each one David speaks to gives him the same answer.
David took a stand for GOD. He didn’t know where it would lead him. He didn’t know before the day was out he’d be in mortal combat with the Giant. BUT HE TRUSTED GOD TO TAKE CARE OF HIM.

Have you taken a stand for God? Are you trusting Him to take care of you?

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Overcome(th)

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Look at the promises given to the overcomer:
• Revelation 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
• Revelation 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
• Revelation 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
• Revelation 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
• Revelation 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
• Revelation 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
• Romans 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
• Romans 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

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1st appearance of the word overcome in scripture Genesis 32:28
Then the man said, Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome.

• John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
• 1 John 2:13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.
• 1 John 2:14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.
• 1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
• 1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.)
• 1 John 5:5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

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Comfort

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Read the story in John 11:1-31 How the Lord Jesus gave comfort to Mary and Martha on the death of their brother, Lazarus.

There are times when we all need to be comforted. And before the Lord departed this earth (through his death, burial and resurrection) he said this about being comforted:

John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
John 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
John 14:26 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 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
 John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

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Blameless

The Lord Jesus reminded his followers that as the Priests served in the Temple, they were blameless.

• Matthew 12:5 Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?
 • Luke 1:6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.)

Paul assures believers that we shall be held Blameless in Christ:

• 1 Corinthians 1:8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
• Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
• Philippians 3:6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul points out that leaders in the church must be blameless (before others in this life)

· 1 Timothy 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
• 1 Timothy 3:10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
• 1 Timothy 5:7 And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.
· Titus 1:6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
• Titus 1:7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

Peter, writing to Believing Jews about their standing before God.

• 2 Peter 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

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