Author: Jim

The Word of the Lord

Appears: O.T. – 242, N.T. – 13, Total 255 times in Scripture
The occurrences in the Old Testament Deal with the Jews.
The night the Lord Jesus was betrayed, Peter remembers what the Lord had told Him:
Luke 22:61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice
The Apostles obeyed the Lord
Acts 8:25 And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
Again Peter Remembers
Acts 11:16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Paul and Barnabas take the Word of the Lord to Gentiles
Acts 13:48-49 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.
 Acts 15:35-36 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the LORD, and see how they do.
Acts 16:32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
Acts 19:10 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
Paul commends the Thessalonians for spreading the Word of God
 1 Thessalonians 1:8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.
Rapture, not Paul’s Idea, but the Word of the Lord
 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.
Prayer aids in Preaching the Word
 2 Thessalonians 3:1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
Peter reminds, God’s Word is forever
 1 Peter 1:25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

Read, Study and Obey the Word of the Lord.

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Works vs Salvation

A QUESION PUT TO TO LORD JESUS BY THE CROWD WHO JUST WITNESSED A MIRACLE.

John 6:28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
Did His answer contain: Go to the Temple (Church), Tithe, get Baptized, Obey the Law…. ?
Nay! His answer: John 6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
The first thing one must understand about themselves:
Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Romans 3:19-28 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
BUT is faith enough? Look what James writes: James 2:14-18 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Believing in God IS our Good Works: Reread John 6:29.
Romans 4:4-5 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Which work was justified? Luke 18:10-14 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
But what about Church Attendance, Tithing, baptism …?
Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
YES, there are rewards for good works:
1 Corinthians 3:10-15 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Remember:
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Salvation is by Faith in the Lord Jesus, who is God. Romans 10:9-13
See REWARDS

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Walk on Water

READ Matthew 14:22-33
Walk on water in 3 easy lessons!

  1. Have Faith
  2. Obey the command
  3. Keep your eyes on the Lord

The Lord calls believers to WALK ON WATER every day.
Each day to live by Faith.
Have Faith … Hebews 11:1-3 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

Obey … Hebrews 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

Keep your eyes on the Lord … 1 Thessalonians 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

The Lord calls believers to WALK ON WATER every day.
Each day to live by Faith.

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Be Thankful

What comes to mind when you think of Thanksgiving?
Turkey, Big Meal, Family, Friends, Fun, Happiness, Pilgrims<
Thanks to God, What the Lord Jesus has done….
Pilgrims … They had many reasons for coming to the new world.
escape persecution, escape old debts, adventure, a new beginning …
Thanksgiving should remind us of a new beginning.
When you became a Christian, you got a new beginning.
All your sins Past, Present and Future were forgiven!
Consider this: We, Believers are Pilgrims, new creatures, a new life!
As pilgrims how should we live?
Let’s look at Hebrews 11:8-16 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
Verse 8 OBEY Each individual mentioned in the faith chapter OBEYED God. Verse 11:6 The Key to happiness in this Life, that your Joy may be full. Words of Christ, John 15:10-14And if you don’t obey: Words of Christ, Luke 6:46-49
Verse 9 Dwelt in Tents, didn’t settle for this world… What’s the most important thing to you right now? Spouse, Children, Home, Car, Job, Health…?
Words of Christ, Matthew 10:37. The Lord should be first.
Words of the Apostle Paul to Believers, 1 Corinthians 6:14-19
Verse 10 Looked for a city Are you looking forward to Heaven?
Words of Christ, John 14:1-3. Or is your treasure here?
Words of Christ, Matthew 6:19-21. Be like Moses Hebrews 11:26
Verse 11-12 Faith Sara’s faith brought forth the nation of Israel.
Verse 13 Vision (Spiritual) How’s your vision?
They could see afar off, 20/20 spiritual vision FAITH.
Is your hope in HIM or today? Are you willing to suffer a little here to gain there? The scripture speaks over and over again about suffering …Peter…James…Paul…Confessing their Faith.
Words of Christ, Matthew 16:24
Verse 14 Looking to the future. Are you looking for Heaven?
Verse 15 Looking at what you were.
The danger of taking your eyes off of Christ. 2 Peter 2:20-22
Verse 16 Looking for a new Goal. Heaven, David wrote 1 Samuel 20:3 …there is but a step between me and death.
Only a breath, only a heart beat.

Relook at verse 13: These all died in faith
How’s your Faith? Wavering? Why not get right with God, TODAY!

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This is That

The Bible uses this is that to introduce further information about a topic already mentioned. There are 11 uses of This is That in the Bible:
Exodus 12:42 It is a night to be much observed unto the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of the LORD to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations.
Exodus 16:23 And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.
Exodus 29:38 Now this is that which thou shalt offer upon the altar; two lambs of the first year day by day continually.
Numbers 26:9 And the sons of Eliab; Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram. This is that Dathan and Abiram, which were famous in the congregation, who strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when they strove against the LORD:
1 Chronicles 27:6 This is that Benaiah, who was mighty among the thirty, and above the thirty: and in his course was Ammizabad his son.
2 Chronicles 28:22 And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz.

Luke 7:39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
John 6:58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.
Acts 2:16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
Acts 7:37 This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.
1 John 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

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The Creator – Jesus

Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let US make man in OUR image, after OUR likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Three times in this verse, God uses a plural while speaking. Who is the “us” referring to? Could the “us” language of Genesis 1:26 be a reflection of the inner dialogue within God’s Triune Being of Father, Son and Holy Spirit?
Compare Genesis 3:22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:
And Genesis 11:7 Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.
Just WHO is the US? It appears to be more than ONE! Now, who is speaking to who?
Psalm 110:1 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Genesis teaches us God created… But these verses say it was Christ!
Colossians 1:14-16 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
Colossians 2:8-9 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
Look What the Lord Jesus Said to His Apostles John 14:7-11 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.
Remember Psalm 110:1 Look at Hebrews 1:1-3 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:
Revelation 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
Revelation 10:6 And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:

Conclusion … The Lord Jesus Is GOD and our creator.

See also CREATION

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YOUR GOD

5 times in Genesis, God reminds the people that He is GOD:
Genesis 15:1, 17:1, 26:24, 28:13, 31:13
19 times in Exodus:
Exodus 3:6, 6:2,6,7,8,29, 7:5,17, 8:22, 10<2, 12:12, 14:4,18, 15:26, 16:12, 20:2,
Exodus 29:46, 31:13
At least 45 time in Leviticus, God reminds His people:
Leviticus 11:44-45, 18:2,4-6,21,30, 19:3-4,10,12,14,16,18,25,30-32,34,36-37,
Leviticus 19:20:7-8,24, 21:12, 22:2-3,8,30-33, 23:22,43,
Leviticus 24:22, 25:17,38,55, 26:1-2,13,44-45
Numbers has 5 reminders from God: Numbers 3:13,41,35, 10:10, 15:41
Deuteronomy has 2 references: Deuteronomy 5:6, 29:6
And God continues to Remind them “I am the Lord your God”.
Judges 6:10 And I said unto you, I am the LORD your God; fear not the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but ye have not obeyed my voice.
1 Kings 20:13 And, behold, there came a prophet unto Ahab king of Israel, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Hast thou seen all this great multitude? behold, I will deliver it into thine hand this day; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD.
1 Kings 20:28 And there came a man of God, and spake unto the king of Israel, and said, Thus saith the LORD, Because the Syrians have said, The LORD is God of the hills, but he is not God of the valleys, therefore will I deliver all this great multitude into thine hand, and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalm 50:7 Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: I am God, even thy God.
Psalm 81:10 I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.
Jeremiah 9:24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.
Jeremiah 24:7 And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.
Jeremiah 32:27 Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?
In Ezekiel, at least 64 times, the Lord reminded the Jews: “I AM THE LORD”.
Ezekiel 6:7,10,13-14, 7:4,27, 11:10,12, 12:15-16,20,25, 13:9,14,21,23, 14:8, 15:7
Ezekiel 16:62, 20:5,7,12,19-20,26,38,42,44, 22:16, 23:49, 24:24,27, 25:5,7,11,17
Ezekiel 26:6, 28:23-24,26, 29:6,9,16,21, 30:8,19,26, 32:15, 33:29, 34:27,31,
Ezekiel 35:4,9,12,15, 36:11,23,38, 37:6,13
Ezekiel 38:23 39:7,22,28, 44:28
And in Hosea, Joel, Zechariah and Malachi:
Hosea 11:9 I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not enter into the city.
Hosea 13:4 Yet I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for there is no saviour beside me.
Joel 2:27 And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.
Joel 3:17 So shall ye know that I am the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.
Zechariah 10:6 And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them again to place them; for I have mercy upon them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them off: for I am the LORD their God, and will hear them.
Malachi 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

⇛ continue reading Your God Part 2

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Sodom and Gomorrah

The story of the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah can be found in Genesis 10-19.
Nine other Old Testament Books also refer to these evil cities:
Deuteronomy, 1 Kings, 2 Kings , Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Amos andZephaniah.
And yet many today deny that these cities every existed. “It’s a Myth”. “Where’s evidence?” Is their cry.
First of all, The Scriptures are the true word of God. Second look what the Lord Jesus (GOD) had to say about the two evil cities:
Matthew 10:15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
Matthew 11:23-24 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.
Mark 6:11 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
Luke 10:12 But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.
Luke 17:29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.
The apostle Paul writes:
Romans 9:29 And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorra.
The apostle Peter writes:
2 Peter 2:6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
And Jude writes:
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.
And the apostle John, writing about the 7 year Tribulation:
Revelation 11:8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
SO, either the Scriptures and the Lord Jesus and the Apostles are all LIARS, or there actually was two wicked, evil cities named Sodom and Gomorrha, that God destroyed.

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Accept     

How many times have you heard the phrase “Accept the Lord into your heart, or Ask the Lord into your heart, or just Ask the Lord to save you … and thou shall be saved”?
Is this enough to assure you a place in Heaven? I hope so. But Searching the Scripture, these are not Bible verses. Many times when I ask a person “Are you going to Heaven?”, the answer is “I hope So!”.

Let’s see just what is in the Scripture:
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how 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:

Salvation begins with BELIEVING the gospel which is that Christ died,
he was buried and he rose again according to the scriptures:

And Paul writing to the Romans makes it even clearer
Romans 10:9-13 That 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. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 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. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Here, according to the Scripture is what one must do to be saved (go to Heaven when they die). Confess with thy mouth That Jesus is Lord, GOD and believe in thine heart (really believe it) that God raised him from the dead (the Gospel, Death, Burial, Ressurection) shalt be saved. According to the Scripture.

It’s really simple … Just Faith in the Word.

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