Matthew has 5 references: Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 12:28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. Matthew 19:24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Matthew 21:31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. Matthew 21:43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
When Paul writes to believers about the coming of the Lord, he is speaking about the Rapture. The Rapture comes before the seven year tribulation the Lord Jesus warned of in Matthew 24:21. 1 Thessalonians 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; … When James writes to Jews about the coming of the Lord, he is speaking about when the Lord comes at the end of the great tribulation, settles the great war and sets up His Kingdom on earth to rule for 1000 years. James 5:7-8 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
Are you ready for the coming of the Lord? The Rapture! Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 and Romans 10:9-13
The phrase “ROCK OF AGES” is not in Scripture, but there are 16 references to ROCK OF … Deuteronomy 8:15Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint; Deuteronomy 32:15But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation. Judges 20:45And they turned and fled toward the wilderness unto the rock of Rimmon: and they gleaned of them in the highways five thousand men; and pursued hard after them unto Gidom, and slew two thousand men of them. 2 Samuel 22:47 The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation. 2 Samuel 23:3 The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. Psalm 62:7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Psalm 89:26 He shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation. Psalm 94:22But the LORD is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge. Psalm 95:10 come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Isaiah 8:14And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Isaiah 10:26 And the LORD of hosts shall stir up a scourge for him according to the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb: and as his rod was upon the sea, so shall he lift it up after the manner of Egypt. Isaiah 17:10 Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation, and hast not been mindful of the rock of thy strength, therefore shalt thou plant pleasant plants, and shalt set it with strange slips: Jeremiah 18:14Will a man leave the snow of Lebanon which cometh from the rock of the field? or shall the cold flowing waters that come from another place be forsaken? Jeremiah 21:13Behold, I am against thee, O inhabitant of the valley, and rock of the plain, saith the LORD; which say, Who shall come down against us? or who shall enter into our habitations? Paul and Peter both quoteIsaiah 8:14 Romans 9:33As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 1 Peter 2:8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. As one reads the above references, one can claim the Lord is: the rock of my salvation, the rock of my strength and the rock of my refuge
Twelve tests for making a moral decision: (When I doubt, ask …)
Twelve tests for making a moral decision: (When I doubt, ask …) Will it make me a better Christian? Will it influence others to be better? Will it bring about desirable results? Will it help or hinder others? Will it make me morally stronger or weaker? Will it bring honor to my family? Suppose everybody did it? Is it forbidden in the Word of God? Is it a waste of God-endowed talents? Is it good common sense? Is it motivated by self love or love of Christ? Would I be willing for my family and friends to know about it?
What is the Gospel of the Kingdom? It’s God’s Promise (Covenant) to Abraham (Genesis 15) to have a kingdom on earth. Genesis 15:7-8,18 And he said unto him, I am the Lord that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it.And he said, Lord God, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it? In the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates: The Lord Jesus begins His ministry by offering the Jews the Kingdom with Him as King. Mark 1:14-15 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. If only they would believe Him and accept Him as their King. Matthew 4:23And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. For 3 years He proved who He was and offered the Jews the Kingdom. Matthew 9:35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. His answer to the 12, about the future. Matthew 24:14And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. This will happen during the 7 years of Tribulation. When the Jews didn’t accept Christ and had Him crucified, Saul, who became Paul was saved to become the apostle of the Gentiles. Acts 9:15But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: Now, today, Salvation for Jew or Gentile is by believing in the Death, Burial and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus and confessing that He is God. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 10:9-13
Careful or wise in handling practical matters; exercising good judgment or common sense.
Scripture has much to say about being PRUDENT: Proverbs 12:16 A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame. Proverbs 12:23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. Proverbs 13:16 Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly. Proverbs 14:8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit. Proverbs 14:15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going. Proverbs 14:18 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. Proverbs 15:5 A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproofis prudent. Proverbs 16:21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning. Proverbs 18:15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. Proverbs 19:14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD. Proverbs 22:3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished. Proverbs 27:12 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished. Matthew 11:25 (Luke 10:21) At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Acts 13:7 Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. 1 Corinthians 1:19For it is written (Isaiah 29:14), I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
Rewards are for Service; Salvation is a gift from God. There is a difference between Gift and Reward. Gift: given free …. Reward: given for something done/accomplished. Rewards in the church age are explained by the apostle Paul: Romans 4:4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 1 Corinthians 3:8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 1 Corinthians 3:14If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 1 Corinthians 9:17-18 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. Colossians 2:18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, Colossians 3:24Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. 1 Timothy 5:18 For the scripture saith, thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. 2 Timothy 4:14Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
See Rewards and Losses also see Crowns and Rewards
Used to indicate a reciprocal relationship or reciprocal actions among the members of the set referred to by the antecedent God expects us to LOVE ONE ANOTHER!
Paul writing to the Romans says: Romans 12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 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 13:8Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. Romans 14:2For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Romans 14:4-5 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. Romans 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way. Romans 14:19Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. Romans 15:5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: Romans 15:7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. Romans 15:14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. Romans 15:20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation: Romans 16:16Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you. God expects us to LOVE ONE ANOTHER!
Psalm 23:5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. With … Joy, Love, Peace, Power, Praise, Zeal JOY –Romans 5:11And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Romans 15:13Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, LOVE-Romans 5:8But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Galatians 5:22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. PEACE – 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 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: Romans 8:6For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Romans 15:33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. POWER – Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. PRAISE – Ephesians 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. Ephesians 1:12That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. Philippians 1:11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. ZEAL – Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
These are YOURS when you receive SalvationRomans 10:9-13
And to who were they talking to … Acts 2:38 … Repent, and be baptized every one of you .. How many times have you heard this verse quoted as the way to salvation? Let’s read the whole context: Acts 2:36-39 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call. Who said it? Vs 38 … Peter Who was he talking to? Vs 36 … all the house of Israel… Vs 39 … For the promise is unto you, and to your children … Does this belong to the Gentiles … To the Church today? Now read what Paul wrote: Romans 10:9-13That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Who said it? Vs 1:1Paul Who was he talking to?Vs 13For whosoever … confess with thy mouth …… Tell others that Jesus is God (not your sins) … believe in thine heart ……. Really believe it … God hath raised him from the dead …. The resurrection really happened … thou shalt be saved ….. That’s salvation
Think about it when you read the Bible or hear a Sermon!
Not works … BUT … Faith
