The Daily Bible Study Experience
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Genesis 37:24-27
Then they took him and cast him into a pit. And the pit was empty; there was no water in it.
And they sat down to eat a meal. Then they lifted their eyes and looked, and there was a company of Ishmaelites, coming from Gilead with their camels, bearing spices, balm, and myrrh, on their way to carry them down to Egypt. So Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is there if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? Come and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother and our flesh.” And his brothers listened.
Placed IN A PIT BUT CAME OUT IN A PALACE
When I think of the story of Joseph, I think of things that accidently happened and things that happened on purpose. What happened to Joseph was not an accident, it was on purpose. God had a plan for Joseph. I want to focus on how Joseph was in a PIT but came out in a Palace.
His Dreams Put Him In The PIT (V. 20-24)
Joseph brothers hated him because of their father's love and favor for him. It was the actions of his father that brought forth this hatred. What made matters worst, his father made him a coat of many colors and presented it to him. Keep reading the bible, it states that Joseph also shared his dreams with his brothers. Which caused his brothers to hate him even more. (V.5) God gives us dreams to accomplish and as soon as we share it and make it known, there are people waiting to destroy and kill your dream. Joseph had another dream and told his father and his brothers.
Here was Joseph, the favorite son of his father STUCK in a PIT. Not placed there by some enemy but by his own fleshing blood. Joseph probably wondered why am I in this PIT?!?!?! What did Joseph do to be in this PIT?? When God places a dream in your heart, don't let the PIT stop you.
When God promises you favor and grace, don't let the PIT stop you, When God says he will bless and prosper you, don't let the PIT stop you. When you find yourself in a PIT, don't let your situation STOP you. Don't let the dream killers STOP YOU! Because the favor that Joseph had on his life, it cause him to end up in a PIT and his own brothers hating him. Your dreams and the favor you have over your life, will cause people to dislike you, family members to disown you, friends to walk away, enemies to hate you even more. But never GIVE UP because what they fail to realize is that GOD has a plan. for you. Just because you end up in a PIT don't mean the plans God has for you has ended or no longer stands.
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
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Continued.......
We learn an important lesson from God when we find ourselves in a PIT. You see, Joseph didn't realize and his brothers certainly didn't know it, but God had a reason/plan for Joseph being in the PIT. While Joseph was in the PIT he was also in the CENTER OF GOD'S WILL. Now, I don't care what situation I go through, as long as I'm in the CENTER of GOD'S WILL, I know I can make it. Sometimes PITS are necessary so that God can show us!
If you never felt pain, how would you know that he's a healer?
If you never went through difficulty, how would you know he's a deliverer?
If you never had a trial, how would you know that he's a comforter?
If you never made a mistake, how would you know he's forgiving?
If you never were broker, how would you know that he can make you whole?
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Because I have felt pain, I know God has healed me, Because I have went through difficulty, I know God has delivered me, Because I have had some trials, I know God has definitely comfort me, Because I have made MANY mistakes, I know God has forgiving me time after time after time, Because I have been broken, I know God has made me whole again. As you go about your Wednesday, remember your dreams are powerful and will cause
people to hate and put you in PITS. Don't get discourage because you are in the PIT. Just remember that PIT was necessary.
Thursday, July 4, 2024
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Continued.......
As the brothers were eating while Joseph was in the PIT, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmeelites and Judah said to his brothers, "What profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother, our own flesh". (Genesis 37:26-27) They sold Joseph for 20 pieces of silver. The Midianites then sold him to Potiphar, who was an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard and an Egyptian. (Genesis 39:1) In the very next verse it says that the Lord was with Joseph. God blessed him so much that he became second in command under Potiphar. Keep reading the story, it says that Potiphar moved him into his house and states that he was well favored. It goes on to say in chapter 39 verse 7-9, states that after a time his mater's wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, "Lie with me". But Joseph refused. The bible says that she kept trying to sleep with Joseph. One day Joseph went into the house to do his business and Potiphar wife and Joseph was alone. She grabbed him by his garment and said, lie with me". And being the DISCIPLINED man he was, he ran out of his garments and fled from her. When she realized she had his garment, she began to scream RAPE. We need to be very careful of where we go and who we go with. But that also should tell us to always do the right thing. Because if you'll always do the right thing, God will always help you in your situations. He did with Joseph!
In fact, he gave him favor with the keeper of the prison. Genesis 39:21-23.
Friday, July 5, 2024
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Continued.......
While he was in prison, God sent two more people into his life. A Butler and Baker. A Butler is the chief male servant of the household. The Hebrew word means "Cupbearer." Which means He also opens doors! You just keep on with Jesus; he'll send somebody to open doors for you while you're in a PIT. The Lord also sent him a Baker. The Hebrew word means COOK. A Baker takes something small and makes it bigger. A Baker also feeds you. A lot of people when they get in a PIT, they want to quit... DON'T QUIT!!! The Lord will be with you and send you a Butler to open doors for you and a Baker to feed and make things bigger for you.
His Determination Put Him In The Palace (41:38-44)
For two full years, Joseph remained in that prison because the butler forgot about him. God didn't forget about Joseph while he was in the PIT or the PRISON. Joseph surely didn't forget about God when he was in the PIT or the PRISON. Like most of us we never forget about God when we are in a PIT. We must never forget God even when things are going good. Joseph remained faithful to God.......He stayed with God and God did exactly what
he said he would do with him. You just stay determined, God will take you from the PIT and PRISON and place you in a PALACE! God doesn't forget about you when you're in a PIT. God fulfilled his promise to Joseph. His family did bow down to him in chapters 42-49. His determination put him in
the PALACE. Remember your dreams may put you in a pit, your discipline may put you in a prison but your determination will land you in a PALACE.
Monday, July 8, 2024
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.
Standing On Business for Christ
In order to stand on business for Christ, we must let God Choose The Way. How do we let God choose the way? There must be a full confidence in God. Many of us do not trust God enough to let him choose the way for us. (Proverbs 3:5) You can't trust somebody that you do not know and you can't know somebody that you not spend time with. When you trust somebody, it is because you spent time with them. If they are trustworthy, you come to love them and trust them.
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The reason that many of us do not trust the LORD intimately is because we do not really know him intimately. We must trust in him with our whole hearts. In order to trust him with all our hearts, we have to know him intimately. Do Not Trust Your Own Understanding. We take the word of God and parade it past the judgment bar of human understanding, our understanding, we try to weigh it out to see if that is really best rather than just trusting God. People do not tithe because they do not trust God. (Malachi 3:10) If we believe this passage, we would tithe more.
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(Jeremiah 10:23) It is not that we are not to have understanding, but the understanding is to come from the Lord. (Proverbs 2:1-6) God is not saying that we are not to have understanding, he is simply saying not to lean on our understanding. There must be a faithful compliance to God. (Proverbs 3:6) We don't surrender to a plan, we surrender to God. God's plan for your life is not a roadmap, it is a relationship. We must acknowledge God in every situation. Most people only acknowledge God in certain situation. As Christians, we struggle with this because we do not fully trust in God. So, get to know the Lord so you can trust him to choose the way for you. Once you trust him to choose the way, your closer to standing on business for Christ.
1. Do you know the Lord enough to TRUST him?
2. What are you doing to get to know the Lord better?
God, we thank you for allowing us to see another day! God, we ask that you send us guidance and understanding of Your word and why its important to get to know you. In Jesus Name AMEN.
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
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Continued.......
It is one thing to let God choose the way. but it's another thing to let God confirm the way he has chosen. Many Christians say that they are willing to do God's will for them but they do not know what it is. God guides us by his word, THE BIBLE. (Psalm 119:105) Many of us desire to know God's will for our lives but we are not obeying the revealed will of God in the written scriptures. They want God to show them something else when it is plain what God wants in some areas and they have not done that. There are three occurrences in the bible where it states specifically that this is the will of God.
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1. To Be Saved (II Peter 3:9) It is God's will that everyone be saved!
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2. To Be Spirit-Filled (Ephesians 5:17-18) Do not be unwise, but be understanding of what the will of God is. Do not be drunk with wine, but be filled with the spirit. As a Christian, if you are not filled with the spirit, you are out of the will of God.
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3. To Be Sanctified ( I Thessalonians 4:3) If we did just these three steps, the rest would be self-evident. "Abstain from fornication" God does not change his mind and his word to satisfy our desires.
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God's will is what you would want for yourself. God guides us through prayer. (Acts 1:24) Prayer is a two-way street, it is not, "Listen Lord, your servant speaks" but its "Speak Lord, Your servant listens". We can't get confirmation if we never listen.
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1. When you pray, do you wait and listen for God?
2. What are you waiting on Confirmation today? Are you taking the right channels to get confirmations?
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God, we thank you for allowing us to see another day! God, we ask that you give us patience's to hear from you. Ask that you help us to listen for your voice and not man voice.
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
Continued.......
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God has to make a way for you, to clear the way! (Proverbs 3:6) The Hebrew word "Yashar" means, He will direct your paths. (Isaiah 40:3-4) Referring to the Ministry of John The Baptist, the phrase, "Prepare ye the way of the Lord" is the same phrase that is used for, "Direct your paths". God will straighten the road, remove the mountains, straightens crooked roads, fill in the low places and smooth out the rocky places.
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God will choose the way, God will confirm the way & God will clear the way when you get in the will of God. God will open and no man will be able to shut and no man will open. God himself will take away the obstacles that keep you from his will for your life. As we go throughout this day remember that God will definitely clear the way for us like he has done for others.
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Today at 12PM to 1PM, we will fast and pray for ONE HOUR! We will put aside social media for ONLY ONE HOUR! Asking God to Choose the way, asking God to Confirm the way & asking God to Clear the way for us. No better way to do that by taking our attention and focus off the media for ONE HOUR!
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Dear Lord, thank you for loving us unconditionally. Thank you for allowing us to stand on business for YOU! Show us how we can stand on Business for you and do your will! In Jesus Name, AMEN
Monday, July 15, 2024
Understanding The Different Types of Fasting
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INTRODUCTION
Fasting & prayer is a spiritual discipline that has been practiced by many Christians throughout history as a way of deepening their relationship with God. It involves abstaining from food, drink, or other pleasures for a set period of time, with the intention of seeking God's guidance and blessing. Fasting & prayer is mentioned many times in the Bible, with numerous examples of people fasting for different reasons and in different ways. Today, there are many different types of fasting & prayer, each with its own benefits and challenges. In this study, we will explore the different types of fasting & prayers and their significance, as well as the benefits of fasting & prayer for both the body and the spirit. Whether you are new to fasting or a seasoned practitioner, understanding the different types of fasting & prayer can help you deepen your relationship with God and grow in your spiritual journey.
Tuesday, July 16, 2024
The Importance of Fasting Prayer
Fasting & prayer is a practice that has been used by many Christians throughout history as a way of deepening their relationship with God. It is a powerful spiritual discipline that involves abstaining from food, drink, or other pleasures for a set period of time. Fasting & prayer can be done in many different ways, and it is important to understand the different types of fasting & prayer so that you can choose the one that is best suited to your spiritual needs.
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
1. Normal Fast
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The normal fast is the most common type of fasting prayer. It involves abstaining from food and drink for a set period of time, usually 24 hours. This type of fasting prayer is mentioned many times in the Bible, including in the story of Esther when she fasted for three days before going to the king to save her people (Esther 4:16).
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Jesus also fasted for 40 days and 40 nights before beginning his public ministry (Matthew 4:2). The normal fast is a powerful way to seek God's guidance and to deepen your relationship with Him.
Thursday, July 18, 2024
2. Partial Fast
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A partial fast involves abstaining from certain types of food or drink, while still allowing yourself to eat or drink other things. For example, you might choose to only eat fruits and vegetables for a set period of time, or you might choose to abstain from meat or dairy products. This type of fasting & prayer is also mentioned in the Bible, including in the story of Daniel when he refused to eat the king's food and instead ate only vegetables and drank only water (Daniel 1:12). The partial fast can be a good option for people who are new to fasting or who have health concerns that prevent them from abstaining from all food and drink. It is still a powerful way to seek God's guidance and to deepen your spiritual life.
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An absolute fast involves abstaining from all food and drink, including water, for a set period of time. This type of fasting prayer is the most intense and should only be done under the guidance of a spiritual mentor or healthcare professional. Absolute fasting is mentioned in the Bible, including in the story of Esther when she fasted for three days and nights without food or water (Esther 4:16). The absolute fast is a powerful way to seek God's guidance and to deepen your relationship with Him, but it should be approached with caution and only done with the proper guidance and preparation.
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An intermittent fast involves alternating periods of fasting with periods of eating normally. For example, you might choose to fast for 16 hours each day and then eat normally for 8 hours. This type of fasting prayer has become more popular in recent years, as studies have shown that it can have numerous health benefits in addition to its spiritual benefits. While the intermittent fast may not be specifically mentioned in the Bible, it is still a powerful way to seek God's guidance and to deepen your spiritual life. It can also be a good option for people who have health concerns that prevent them from abstaining from food and drink for long periods of time.
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A corporate fast involves a group of people fasting together for a set period of time. This type of fasting prayer is often done by churches or other Christian organizations, as a way of seeking God's guidance and blessing for a particular project or situation. Corporate fasting is mentioned in the Bible, including in the story of Ezra when he called a fast for the people of Israel to seek God's guidance and protection on their journey back to Jerusalem (Ezra 8:21-23). The corporate fast is a powerful way to seek God's guidance and to deepen the spiritual life of a community. It can also be a way of fostering unity and strengthening relationships within the group.
4. Intermittent Fast
5. Corporate Fast
3. Absolute Fast
Friday, July 19, 2024
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The Benefits of Fasting
Fasting & prayer has many benefits for both the body and the spirit. Here are some of the ways that fasting & prayer can help you grow closer to God:
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1. Increased focus on God - Fasting & prayer involves abstaining from physical needs, which can help you focus more on your spiritual needs and your relationship with God.
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2. Humility - Fasting & prayer can be a humbling experience, as it reminds us of our dependence on God and our need for His guidance and provision.
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3. Clarity and wisdom - Fasting & prayer can help clear your mind and give you a sense of clarity and perspective. It can also help you discern God's will and seek His wisdom in decision-making.
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4. Physical health - While the primary focus of fasting & prayer is spiritual, there are also many physical health benefits. Studies have shown that intermittent fasting, in particular, can help with weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and lower risk of chronic diseases.
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Fasting & prayer is a powerful spiritual discipline that has been practiced by Christians for centuries. There are many different types of fasting & prayer, including the normal fast, partial fast, absolute fast, intermittent fast, and corporate fast. Each type of fast has its own benefits and challenges, and it is important to choose the one that is best suited to your spiritual needs and health concerns. Fasting & prayer can help you grow closer to God, gain clarity and wisdom, and improve your physical health. It is a powerful way to seek God's guidance and deepen your relationship with Him.
Monday, July 22, 2024
THE FIVE F’S OF SALVATION
The Five F’s of Salvation”: 1. Fact, 2. Faith, 3. Fruit, 4. Feeling & 5. Future.
Galatians 3:26 and I John 3:2: “Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. In Hebrews 9:26, Hebrews 10:12 and I Peter 3:18, listed above, we learn first, that Christ “put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.” This is the fact. This is Divine truth. Christ entered heaven by His own blood, and thereby obtained eternal redemption. (Hebrews 9:12). Christ suffered once, the Just for the unjust, that we might be brought to God. (I Peter 3:18). Christ, on the cross, cried “finished.” Then and there He made peace through the blood of His cross, to reconcile sinners to God. (John 19:30-31 - Colossians 1:20-21).
The FACT of salvation is, that all the work that needs to be done for the sinner’s salvation Christ did and is doing, together with God the Father, and God the Holy Spirit. Christ’s work was, and is, a perfect redemptive work: wholly acceptable to God. Read the “how” of salvation in II Thessalonians 2:13.
Then FAITH, “By grace are ye saved through faith.” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved. (Acts 16:31). Note carefully Romans 4:5:, by believing on the Justifier, the sinner’s faith is counted for righteousness. This is good news. The word “believe” is used 100 times in the Gospel of John. Christ said, “Believe on Me and have eternal life.” (John 6:47).
And now FRUIT, Ephesians 2:10 and John 15:8: “For we are His (God’s) workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” “Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples.” A Christian is a fruit-bearing branch abiding in the Vine, “Christ”. The believer should add to his faith virtue, patience, self-control, goodness, brotherly kindness and love, so he will be fruitful. (II Peter 1:3-11). These additions are the fruit of the Spirit; but in Galatians 5:21-26, “love” comes first. We are not saved because we bear fruit: but every believer should bear fruit because he is saved by trusting and resting in the perfect redemptive work of the Lamb of God, Who beareth away the sin of the world.
Then the FEELING, Romans 15:13 and 14:17: “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 Spirit.” “The Kingdom of God is righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Salvation is not by feeling, but by faith. Not by behavior, but by belief. Filled with joy and peace is a good feeling. When the believer believes God’s Word (I John 5:13, Acts 13:39 & Colossians 3:1-4), and walks in the ordained good works of Ephesians 2:10, and worthy of the calling of Ephesians 5:1-2, he will have the feeling of assurance and joy. Read Acts 13:39 and I John 5:13.
Then the FUTURE of salvation: “That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace, in His kindness toward us, through Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:7). This is a forever, never-ending future of bliss and glory. “Behold, I shew you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed.” (I Corinthians 15:51). Those who have died will be raised, and we which are alive shall be changed, and have bodies like Christ’s glorified body and appear with Him in glory (I John 3:2, Colossians 3:4 & Philippians 3:20-21). There is a glorious never-ending FUTURE to Salvation. But for the unsaved, eternal conscious perdition.
Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Three "Salvation" Looks
“Look unto Me and be ye saved all the ends of the earth: For I am God and there is none else.”
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“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, Which taketh away the sin of the world.”
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“ . . . let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith; Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
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“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”
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As we consider these verses, let us think of Ephesians 2:10: “For we are His (God’s) workmanship, Created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” God knows, what every one should know, and that is, that no man can walk in good works acceptable to God until that man is first the workmanship of God. Man must be worked upon by God before God will accept any service from that man. We are turned to God to serve God and to wait for His Son from heaven, even Jesus, Who delivered us from the wrath to come, (I Thessalonians 1:9-10).
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Man’s first look must be the look of salvation from the penalty of sin and for the new birth. In Hebrews 9:26 & Hebrews 9:24-28, We read of the three appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ. First Christ appeared once in the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself (Hebrews 9:26) Christ suffered for sins once, the Just for the unjust, to bring us to God. (I Peter 3:18). Christ entered into heaven by His blood, having obtained eternal redemption for us. (Hebrews 9:12). So the sinner’s first look is, “Behold the Lamb of God Which beareth away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29). Look to Christ on the cross, for we are redeemed, cleansed, washed and justified by His precious shed blood. (I Peter 1:18 -20, Matthew 26:28, Romans 5:6-10 & I John 1:7-9). Christ on the cross cried, “finished.” All that the vilest sinner on earth needs for eternal redemption, is a saving-look of faith to Christ and Calvary. The most cultured, moral, religious sinner needs the same look or he will suffer the sorrows of the second death. (Revelation 20:9-14).
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Then Christ is not only the Author of our salvation, but the Finisher. (Hebrews 12:1-3). He appears now in the presence of God for believers. (Hebrews 9:24). He is their Advocate (IJohn 2:1). He ever liveth to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:25). Having loved his own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end. (John 13:1). So the second look is to Christ at God’s right hand. In this way the Christian can run a good race. Christ on the cross established our relationship. In heaven He maintains our fellowship. Christians are also to seek those things above, where Christ is. (Colossians 3:1-4). Christians are confident. (Philippians 1:6). They are persuaded. (Romans 8:32-39). They have a strong consolation. (Hebrews 6:16-19). Believers are saved from the penalty of sin. Then being indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and because of the work of Christ in God’s presence, believers can be saved from the power of sin. The secret of victory is told in Romans 6:6-19. Christ is coming to save the believer from the presence of sin. Then Christ will present the Church to Himself as a glorious, holy, spotless Church. (Ephesians 5:26-27). So the third look is Hebrews 9:28 and Titus 2:13: “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God our Saviour Jesus Christ.” “Then shall ye appear with Him in glory.” For this, Christ prayed in John 17:20-25
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
WHAT THE GRACE OF GOD TEACHES
It is both interesting and profitable to compare the command and program of the Lord Jesus Christ, in Matthew 10:5 to 8 and 23, with the message and program of Titus 2:11-14, which the same Christ gave to and through the apostle Paul some years after the commission recorded in Matthew 10:5-8, some years after Christ had gone back to heaven by the way of the cross and the open sepulchre, after God raised Christ far above all heavens, far above principalities and powers. (Ephesians 4:7-13 & Ephesians 1:19-23).
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“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and wordly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world: Looking for that blessed hope, the glorious appearing (the appearing in glory) of the great God, our Saviour Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” No more important spiritual truth is pressed into any other four verses of God’s holy Scriptures. “God will have all men to be saved.” (I Timothy 2:4-6). It is for that reason He gave Christ and Christ gave Himself on the cross as a ransom for all. God’s “grace” salvation is expressed in these words, “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.” (I Timothy 2:4-6 & Ephesians 2:8-10).
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Christ appeared once in the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. (Hebrews 9:26). While Christ was here on earth, before He put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself, He and His apostles were ministers of the circumcision. (Romans 15:8). All of them were under the law. (Galatians 4:4 and Matthew 23:1-3). It was then that Christ instructed His twelve apostles, “Go not in the way of the Gentiles . . . Go to Israel ... The Kingdom of heaven is at hand . . . Heal, cast out demons, raise the dead . . . Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel till the Son of man be come.” (Matthew 10:5-8 & Matthew 10:23). Now compare all of this with Titus 2:11-14, quoted above. What a contrast; what a difference in these two programs. There is a great difference between “not in the way of the Gentiles,” and “to all men,” including the heathen all over the world. There is a great difference between “the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” for Israel, with signs, wonders and miracles; and “the grace of God” is at hand for Gentiles.
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In Matthew 28:19 and 20 the resurrected Christ gave another command to His twelve apostles, disciple all nations.” But they remained in Jerusalem and the land of the Jews, at least, until after the risen Christ sent Paul out with the gospel of the grace of God. (Acts 20:24,Acts 8:1, Acts 15:1-19 & Galatians 2:1-12). There is no record, in the Book of Acts, that any of the twelve apostles preached “the gospel of grace” to Gentiles outside the land of the Jews. Peter had the “Kingdom Keys” and preached to a household of Gentiles in the land of the Jews. (Acts 15:7 & Acts 10:28-38). But after that even Peter refused to eat with saved Gentiles. (Galatians 2:10-13). He and his fellow-apostles went to Jews. (Galatians 2:9). Christ said to Paul, “I will send you far hence to the Gentiles.” (Acts 22:21, Romans 15:16, Ephesians 3:8). Paul became “the apostle of the Gentiles.” (Romans 11:13). Then the Lord committed unto Paul “the dispensation of the grace of God for Gentiles.” (Ephesians 3:1-4). Let us know that God’s grace enables and teaches saints. (II Corinthians 12:9, II Corinthians 9:8 & Titus 2:12). The God of all grace (I Peter 5:10) is able to make all grace abound; not for the program of Matthew 10:5-10, which was for another dispensation, but for the program of Titus 2:11-14. This abounding grace is for the redeemed sinner, who is a saint, to enable him to submit himself unto God as one who is alive from the dead, and thus reckon himself dead unto sins. (Romans 6:9-15).
Thursday, July 25, 2024
SALVATION AND REWARDS
In I Corinthians 15:58 and Colossians 3:17 we read: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in 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.” In Titus 3:8 and Titus 3:14 believers, saved by grace, without works, are exhorted to maintain good works. They are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works and God has ordained that believers should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10). Believers are to believe Hebrews 6:10 and Colossians 3:24-25: “For God is not unrighteous to forget your labor of love.” “Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” “But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.” It is for these reasons that the Holy Spirit wrote in I Corinthians 15:58 for saints to be steadfast in good works and to know that no believer’s good works in Christ Jesus will be in vain.
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There is a great difference between salvation by grace, “not by works” (Titus 3:5), “not according to our works,” (II Timothy 1:9), “not of works” (Ephesians 2:9), “to him that worketh not” (Romans 4:5), and “God’s workmanship, unto good works.” This is why, in rightly dividing the Word or truth, believers should study the “strive” of Luke 13:24; the “endure” of Matthew 24:13-14; the “baptized” of Mark 16:16 and Acts 2:38; the “worketh righteousness” of Acts 10:34-35 and many other mixed messages in the light of the later truth which Christ revealed to Paul. Note II Timothy 1:9, “God Who hath saved us and called us with a 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.” (II Timothy 1:9). Note what the grace of God teaches saints in Titus 2:12: “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”
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In the third chapter of Colossians the believer is told just how to live such a life by the grace of God. Salvation is by the grace of God. Good works are by the grace of God. (I Corinthians 15:10). But first let us get this truth of John 6:29 and Romans 4:5: “Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him Whom God hath sent.” “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” The first all-important work is the work of believing on the Lord Jesus Christ unto the saving of the soul. (Hebrews 10:39) When we have the right start, and know “that they that are in the flesh cannot please God,” that there is no good in the flesh, (Romans 8:8 and Romans 7:18 to 20), “that other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ,” (I Corinthians 3:11), that we are redeemed and forgiven on account of Christ’s shed blood and the riches of God’s grace (Ephesians 1:6-7), then we should always abound in the work of the Lord, and know the truth of Colossians 3:24-25 and I Corinthians 3:14: “Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” “If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.”
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Let us be sure of our foundation before we begin to build for eternity, and for rewards. Let us even keep in mind that no flesh shall glory in God’s presence, (I Corinthians 1:30-31). We have been forgiven, for Christ’s sake. (Ephesians 4:32). Our salvation is in and by and through the Lord Jesus Christ and He must have all the glory for what we do, if our works are to abide.