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Bible Studies; From Start to a
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From start to a good finish
He also said
These word from Jesus are worth living, because it will provide for us all the benefits and all the providence from God, Very true words of the master and these words can only come true if we mix them with faith, In today's study we will see what it is to build up a life here on earth that will have an eternal and a lasting reward for those that truly walk with Jesus. Are you willing to try this life with God? Willing to stick to your decision to follow Him? If so than let us get started and discover a rewarding Christian life . Page Index (click on the Bookmarks to go directly to your topic)
This study is meant for beginner Christians to get off on a good start and for more mature Christians that have been walking with Christ for a long time. The study will show you if you are still heading for the will of God and if your priorities are still right. Let us begin at the beginning when we first come to Christ we remain in the state life as He saved us, in 1 Cor 7 Paul gave an answer to this church about marriage for the new believer, for a better understanding of these parts of scripture I would recommend you to read the whole chapter 7 of 1 Cor. Only, let each one [seek to conduct himself and regulate his affairs so as to] lead the life which the Lord has allotted {and} imparted to him and to which God has invited {and} summoned him. This is my order in all the churches. 1 Cor 7:26 I think then, because of the impending distress [that is even now setting in], it is well (expedient, profitable, and wholesome) for a person to remain as he {or} she is. 1 Cor 7:27 Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife. And to which God has invited and summoned him; which means the particular situation of life, and the circumstances of it, in which men are providentially placed by God, or are found in when He calls them by his grace; being married or unmarried; joined to a believer or an unbeliever; being circumcised or uncircumcised; a servant or a master; and so this verse, may refer to what is to follow in life as well as to what goes before: Important is that we should walk; being content with his station and kind of life in which he now is, as long it is according to the Gospel, doing all the good he can do, to those he is concerned with: And to bear fruit, in good works. (this is a good start):)) Many people in the time of Jesus, had the same questions, they were sheep without a shepherd and after receiving knowledge of the truth, they cried out to Jesus.
Luke 3:11 And he replied to them, He who has two tunics (undergarments), let him share with him who has none; and he who has food, let him do it the same way. Luke 3:12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they said to him, Teacher, what shall we do? Luke 3:13 And he said to them, Exact {and} collect no more than the fixed amount appointed you. Luke 3:14 Those serving as soldiers also asked him, And we, what shall we do? And he replied to them, Never demand {or} enforce by terrifying people or by accusing wrongfully, and always be satisfied with your rations (supplies) {and} with your allowance (wages). Noticed that Jesus wasn't telling them to go out and preach the Gospel and heal the sick, no His first concern was to keep in the sate of holiness after they had believed onto the lord and repented from their sins. Many people are so drawn into the love of God and the new found salvation that they now have the idea that they are going to live by faith. I'm not saying that there should be a time, when God is calling you into a ministry that you shouldn't do that by faith, but in general as a starter we remain and work to make a living. Thess 3:10 For while we were yet with you, we gave you this rule {and} charge: If anyone will not work, neither let him eat. 2 Thess 3:11 Indeed, we hear that some among you are disorderly [that they are passing their lives in idleness, neglectful of duty], being busy with other people's affairs instead of their own and doing no work. 2 Thess 3:12 Now we charge and exhort such persons [as ministers in Him exhorting those] in the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) that they work in quietness and earn their own food {and} other necessities.
I want to be a disciple (follower of Jesus) I used to think when people showed interest in the Gospel to have them come to the altar as soon as possible, so they can "get saved" . Tomorrow may be too late.As this is true for some, I have found it to be equally important to tell them what the Christian life is all about, so the person can also intelligently make the decision to become a follower of Jesus, it is said that 80% of the converts, fall back from the faith, I believe that the rate should be much lower if the people were told what God requires them to be as a follower of Jesus, becoming a disciple. And Jesus called [to Him] the throng with His disciples and said to them, If anyone intends to come after Me, let him deny himself [forget, ignore, disown, and lose sight of himself and his own interests] and take up his cross, and [joining Me as a disciple and siding with My party] follow with Me [continually, cleaving steadfastly to Me]. Mark 8:35 For whoever wants to save his [higher, spiritual, eternal] life, will lose it [the lower, natural, temporal life which is lived only on earth]; and whoever gives up his life [which is lived only on earth] for My sake and the Gospel's will save it [his higher, spiritual life in the eternal kingdom of God]. Mark 8:36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life [in the eternal kingdom of God]? Mark 8:37 For what can a man give as an exchange (a compensation, a ransom, in return) for his [blessed] life [in the eternal kingdom of God]? Mark 8:38 For whoever is ashamed [here and now] of Me and My words in this adulterous (unfaithful) and [preeminently] sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when He comes in the glory (splendor and majesty) of His Father with the holy angels. If the Gospel is truly presented by the word of our Lord, people will understand where they choose for, this life or the eternal life, the world or heaven. Jesus really laid it on the line with the quests at house of a Pharisee. ¶ And it came to pass, as He went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the Sabbath day, that they watched Him. After telling them some stories concerning the Sabbath and their own importance, he came down to what Christianity would cost them as religious leaders, he didn't try to persuade them with colorful promises and great expectations, no he told them the truth.
Luke 14:28 For which of you, wishing to build a farm building, does not first sit down and calculate the cost [to see] whether he has sufficient means to finish it? Luke 14:29 Otherwise, when he has laid the foundation and is unable to complete [the building], all who see it will begin to mock {and} jeer at him, Luke 14:30 Saying, This man began to build and was not able (worth enough) to finish. Luke 14:31 Or what king, going out to engage in conflict with another king, will not first sit down and consider {and} take counsel whether he is able with ten thousand [men] to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Luke 14:32 And if he cannot [do so], when the other king is still a great way off, he sends an envoy and asks the terms of peace. Luke 14:33 So then, any of you who does not forsake (renounce, surrender claim to, give up, say good-bye to) all that he has cannot be My disciple.
We have to tell the whole story, it is not our responsibility to save people, God is the one who saves, we don't use any trickery to try to make people accept another Lord, but the Lord of the Bible, we always are, steadfast telling the truth about following Jesus and eternal life.As we will see that it is impossible to come to Christ except the Father draw Him, the gospel is not attractive to people of high standing or the self sufficient one, often we have to be unhappy, unfulfilled, full of fear or fear of death, poor, or simply drawn by God's love before we have an ear for the Gospel, John 6:44 No one is able to come to Me [Jesus] unless the Father Who sent Me attracts {and} draws him {and} gives him the desire to come to Me, and [then] I will raise him up [from the dead] at the last day. Though many people are interested in securing eternal life, they have little ear for coming from among the world and be separated onto God for a holy life.Yet without this separation and being joined to Jesus we cannot bear fruit.
But it is God's desire that we bear much righteous fruit.
Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you. [Live in Me, and I will live in you.] Just as no branch can bear fruit of itself without abiding in (being vitally united to) the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in Me. John 15:5 I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing. John 15:6 If a person does not dwell in Me, he is thrown out like a [broken-off] branch, and withers; such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire, and they are burned. John 15:7 If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you {and} continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. John 15:8 When you bear (produce) much fruit, My Father is honored {and} glorified, and you show {and} prove yourselves to be true followers of Mine. John 15:9 I have loved you, [just] as the Father has loved Me; abide in My love [continue in His love with Me].
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Holy labourers with integrity. When Jesus was talking about " to follow me" He didn't talk about being something, He never said to be an evangelist, missionary or anything else, no he said " you have to pick up your cross, deny yourself, renounce the wordily affairs, Mark 8 and Luke 14. These things are more important " to obey is better than to sacrifice 1Sam 15:22.Often when people are in the Lords service they think that they may use unlawful things to reach their goal for getting people saved and to get the job done. But no one is above the rules we have to play in earnestly and with integrity, no matter the cost, never try a lie to get the job done, or skip a few to get more results. Our work for the Lord is to stay in the Lord (I am the vine you are the branches) and can only be done the right the way, His way, would Jesus have done it?. Would He lie or shortchange anything? No never, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom Ps 111:10 The reverent fear {and} worship of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom {and} skill [the preceding and the first essential, the prerequisite and the alphabet]; a good understanding, wisdom, {and} meaning have all those who do [the will of the Lord]. Their praise of Him endures forever. [Job. 28:28; Prov. 1:7; Matt. 22:37, 38; Rev. 14:7.] Moses was chosen for a tremendous work for the Lord, but through one act of disobedience he almost lost his life. We cannot put good and bad on a scale and try outweigh the good against the bad. What if I gain the whole world and lose my soul? Ex 4:24 Along the way at a [resting-] place, the Lord met [Moses] and sought to kill him [made him acutely and almost fatally ill]. Ex 4:25 [Now apparently he had failed to circumcise one of his sons, his wife being opposed to it; but seeing his life in such danger] Zipporah took a flint knife and cut off the foreskin of her son and cast it to touch [Moses'] feet, and said, Surely a husband of blood you are to me! Ex 4:26 When He let [Moses] alone [to recover], Zipporah said, A husband of blood are you because of the circumcision.
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And he that winneth souls [is] wise prov 11:30 T he amplified bible reads it like this;The fruit of the [uncompromisingly] righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise captures human lives [for God, as a fisher of men--he gathers and receives them for eternity]. Evangelicals in particular have the urge to save the lost, the call of the Spirit is to spread the Word of the Gospel so the power of the Gospel can save many. God i s never in a hurry, yet He urges us to keep going. He owns the time, is not bound by it, never the less we all feel that not one minute should be lost for taking the Gospel to the unsaved. All Christians are summoned to spread word, by our love, our actions and by preaching. Faith that worketh by love Gal 5:6, A faith walk by love is what Jesus did and we are commissioned, to do the same.As a sanctified vessel we maybe commissioned by the Lord to do extra ordinary things for the Lord by the gifts of the Holy Spirit in teaching, preaching, exhorting, a missionary, pastor, and so on. But the primary commission stands for each one of us to be an example of Christ in word and in deed. And to bear much fruit. And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news (the Gospel) of the kingdom and curing all kinds of disease and every weakness {and} infirmity. Matt 9:36 When He saw the throngs, He was moved with pity {and} sympathy for them, because they were bewildered (harassed and distressed and dejected and helpless), like sheep without a shepherd. Matt 9:37 Then He said to His disciples, The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few. Matt 9:38 So pray to the Lord of the harvest to force out {and} thrust laborers into His harvest. Pray to the Lord to send laborers into His harvest
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When He (Jesus) calls you for a task. We have no idea when we are ready for the work God calls us, we
may go to school and work in a church, or other activities, God is calling us often as being unfit for the job, we have to cut the ties to the world and our reliance on what the world promises. Let go of your own agenda, if you can't it will be a thorn in the flesh. In luke 14 jesus called someone to become His disciple; And He said to another, Become My disciple, side with My party, and accompany Me! But he replied, {Lord,} permit me first to go and bury (await the death of) my father. Luke 9:60 But Jesus said to him, Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go {and} publish abroad throughout all regions the kingdom of God. Luke 9:61 Another also said, I will follow You, Lord, {and} become Your disciple {and} side with Your party; but let me first say good-bye to those at my home. Luke 9:62 Jesus said to him, No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back [to the things behind] is fit for the kingdom of God. Luke 10:1 NOW AFTER this the Lord chose {and} appointed
seventy others and sent them out ahead of Him, two by two, into
every town and place where He Himself was about to come (visit).
Labor for the Lord not for people. Because we are so eager to serve the lord, we often have that feeling to go out and tell the whole world, it excites us when we think of all the souls we will save for Jesus. I was and still am like that, but to be ahead of God will bring much damage to others and ourselves, feelings do not always tell it as it is, but we don't want to lose that first love either, therefore we need to understand God, before we can be of good value to God and to His people we have to learn to know God and His ways and to learn our new self. therefore we will have to go through some trials and temptations and undergo chastisement, before we can understand His ways and yield the fruit of a righteous life, discerning between good and evil. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous; nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto those who are exercised thereby. We have to become a stable and loving person under trials and tribulation, to receive from the Lord. ¶ My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations, 3 knowing this: that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, never wavering; for he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord. 8 A doubleminded man is unstable in all his ways.
But we have the assurance that God is in controle. There hath no temptation taken hold of you but such as is common to man. But God is faithful; He will not suffer you to be tempted beyond that which ye are able to bear, but with the temptation will also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. The laborer is not above the law, we keep the honesty and sincerity with love as a banner of truth in what ever circumstances we may be, many times it will serve the people when we divert from the truth and many times we are tempted to submit to what seems to benefit our circumstances at the moment, however whatever we do for the people is what we are doing for the Lord and in so doing we honor His rules and His way's, so we won't be found too light for the task and being dismissed. Whatever we do we do it as onto the Lord.Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, Col 3:24 Knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [and not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [real] reward. [The One Whom] you are actually serving [is] the Lord Christ (the Messiah). Col 3:25 For he who deals wrongfully will [reap the fruit of his folly and] be punished for his wrongdoing. And [with God] there is no partiality [no matter what a person's position may be, whether he is the slave or the master].
God gives all things to use in abundance If we stay true to the Lord we can count on His providence .As for the rich in this world, charge them not to be proud {and} arrogant {and} contemptuous of others, nor to set their hopes on uncertain riches, but on God, Who richly {and} ceaselessly provides us with everything for [our] enjoyment. 1 Tim 6:18 [Charge them] to do good, to be rich in good works, to be liberal {and} generous of heart, ready to share [with others], 1 Tim 6:19 In this way laying up for themselves [the riches that endure forever as] a good foundation for the future, so that they may grasp that which is life indeed.
For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ as Lord, it is not about us nor is it about the ministry we presumably will have, but it is to tell what God wants us to tell His people. Again the truth and the whole truth, never shortchanging the message, only the truth will set the people free from bondage, Building the church is God's business, not the sewer nor the reaper are of any importance, but God who gives the increase¶ Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye came to believe, even as the Lord gave to every man? 6 I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then, neither is he that planteth anything, nor he that watereth, but God who giveth the increase. 8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one, and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor. 9 For we are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building. 10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11 ¶ For no man can lay another foundation than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble, 13 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 test every man’s work of what sort it is. 14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss; but he
Our aim for reward is later not now , if we are looking for rewards from men, we are likely to water down the message for gaining men's approval.For what we preach is not ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves [merely] as your servants (slaves) for Jesus' sake. 2 Cor 4:6 For God Who said, Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts so as [to beam forth] the Light for the illumination of the knowledge of the majesty {and} glory of God [as it is manifest in the Person and is revealed] in the face of {Jesus} Christ (the Messiah) 2 Cor 4:7 However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur {and} exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves. Be faithful, loyal, trustworthy, to what God is trusting you with. It may not be much in our eyes, but small things are important in the eyes of God,To God "money" is a small thing and we have to be truthful in money matters at all times, how do you want God to provide for you if you take matters in your own hands and handle after the wisdom of the world? NO, We cannot and if we do we failed the test for divine providence. We serve God not men and not money. God is in control, He watches over His church and over His servants. He who is faithful in a very little [thing] is faithful also in much, and he who is dishonest {and} unjust in a very little [thing] is dishonest {and} unjust also in much. Luke 16:11 Therefore if you have not been faithful in the [case of] unrighteous mammon (deceitful riches, money, possessions), who will entrust to you the true riches? Luke 16:12 And if you have not proved faithful in that which belongs to another [whether God or man], who will give you that which is your own [that is, the true riches]? Luke 16:13 No servant is able to serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stand by {and} be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (riches, or anything in which you trust and on which you rely). Luke 16:14 Now the Pharisees, who were covetous {and} lovers of money, heard all these things [taken together], and they began to sneer at {and} ridicule {and} scoff at Him.
I am to small God turns the small into the greater, (for His glory.)If God has divinely appointed us for a task, the task is greater then who we are. Our feelings will tell us, I can't do it, it is too heavy, it is
too big. It is God's delight to sustain you and build you up for His
calling to you. Remember that it does not depend on our ability, but
more important is availability. It is then God's work to provide,
and to equip His saints, you Him then will go all the praise and
glory.
Go with a passion and love and care. There are two kinds of servants, one who looks after himself and one who offers himself, one needs people to build his ministry and one who gives himself for the ministry. But a certain Samaritan, as he traveled along, came down to where he was; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity {and} sympathy [for him], Luke 10:34 And went to him and dressed his wounds, pouring on [them] oil and wine. Then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn and took care of him. Jesus was moved with compassion Whenever Jesus moved upon the people, He was moved with compassion, compassion is being kind and merciful towards the needy people. When He saw the throngs, He was moved with pity {and} sympathy for them, because they were bewildered (harassed and distressed and dejected and helpless), like sheep without a shepherd. Mark 6:34 As Jesus landed, He saw a great crowd waiting, and He was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things. Mercy in healing the people. And behold, two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, Lord, have pity {and} mercy on us, [You] Son of David! Matt 20:31 The crowds reproved them and told them to keep still; but they cried out all the more, Lord, have pity {and} mercy on us, [You] Son of David! Matt 20:32 And Jesus stopped and called them, and asked, What do you want Me to do for you? Matt 20:33 They answered Him, Lord, we want our eyes to be opened! Matt 20:34 And Jesus, in pity, touched their eyes; and instantly they received their sight and followed Him. (His own hand picked representatives) Paul wrote the following to the Colossians Col 3:12 Clothe yourselves therefore, as God's own chosen ones (His own picked representatives), [who are] purified {and} holy and well-beloved [by God Himself, by putting on behavior marked by] tenderhearted pity {and} mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of yourselves, gentle ways, [and] patience [which is tireless and long-suffering, and has the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper].Col 3:13 Be gentle {and} forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has [freely] forgiven you, so must you also [forgive]. Col 3:14 And above all these [put on] love {and} enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness [which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony]. Col 3:15 And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ's] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always]. Col 3:16 Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] {and} dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish {and} train one another in all insight {and} intelligence {and} wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts. Col 3:17 And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus {and} in [dependence upon] His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him.
The Banner is love The great commandment in which all other commandments are fulfilled, not by our accomplishments, but by our love will all men know that we are follower of Jesus. John 15:16-17 that you love one and other ! John 15:16 You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed you [I have planted you], that you might go and bear fruit {and} keep on bearing, and that your fruit may be lasting [that it may remain, abide], so that whatever you ask the Father in My Name [as presenting all that I AM], He may give it to you.John 15:17 This is what I command you: that you love one another. John 13:34-35 1Peter 4:10-11 Use the gifts to benefit one another 1 Pet 4:10 As each of you has received a gift (a particular spiritual talent, a gracious divine endowment), employ it for one another as [befits] good trustees of God's many-sided grace [faithful stewards of the extremely diverse powers and gifts granted to Christians by unmerited favor].1 Pet 4:11 Whoever speaks, [let him do it as one who utters] oracles of God; whoever renders service, [let him do it] as with the strength which God furnishes abundantly, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ (the Messiah). To Him be the glory and dominion forever and ever (through endless ages). Amen (so be it).
Sanctification is more
important
then achievement and performance. The means do not
serve the purpose in the Kingdom of God, God is a Holy God and so
are we, when we do His work, we do it His way. James 3:1 NOT MANY [of you] should become teachers (self-constituted censors and reprovers of others), my brethren, for you know that we [teachers] will be judged by a higher standard {and} with greater severity [than other people; thus we assume the greater accountability and the more condemnation]. The call for a holy life, integrity and truthfulness are the
things God delights in. Heb 12:14 Strive to live in peace with everybody and pursue that consecration {and} holiness without which no one will [ever] see the Lord. The test comes with the call, the supplement comes with the test. 1 Thess 5:23-24 He who calls you, will also sanctify you, He will also do it !!!1 Thess 5:23 And may the God of peace Himself sanctify you
through and through [separate you from profane things, make you pure
and wholly consecrated to God]; and may your spirit and soul and
body be preserved sound {and} complete [and found] blameless at the
coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah).
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This is what I mean when we talk about the truth and the whole truth, consecrated saints, picking up your cross dayly, being tested for your , faith being chastised for disobedience and being purified by the trying fire of God. Who wants to know?. Who is asking!. Who will tell the whole story.!If nobody has taught you the truth of the Christian life. You will not be prepared for the times of testing when they come and you will not understand it when you go through it. Likely you will detest it, become rebellious or start rebuking the devil thinking that he wants to keep you from the lord and your work for Him, while you should submit and resist the devil, so you will not sin,
Where are these things preached today, what church or preacher is
preparing people to die (if need to be) for Jesus sake and (fleshly
dying) for our own sake. Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader {and} the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising {and} ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Heb 12:3 Just think of Him Who endured from sinners such grievous opposition {and} bitter hostility against Himself [reckon up and consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you may not grow weary {or} exhausted, losing heart {and} relaxing {and} fainting in your minds. Heb 12:4 You have not yet struggled {and} fought agonizingly against sin, {nor} have you yet resisted {and} withstood to the point of pouring out your [own] blood. Heb 12:5 And have you [completely] forgotten the divine word of appeal {and} encouragement in which you are reasoned with {and} addressed as sons? My son, do not think lightly {or} scorn to submit to the correction {and} discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage {and} give up {and} faint when you are reproved {or} corrected by Him; Heb 12:6 For the Lord corrects {and} disciplines everyone whom He loves, and He punishes, even scourges, every son whom He accepts {and} welcomes to His heart {and} cherishes. Heb 12:7 You must submit to {and} endure [correction] for discipline; God is dealing with you as with sons. For what son is there whom his father does not [thus] train {and} correct {and} discipline? Heb 12:8 Now if you are exempt from correction {and} left without discipline in which all [of God's children] share, then you are illegitimate offspring {and} not true sons [at all].
Finely the testing of our faith! You see testing is always about our faith. How do we react, are we going to turn from or to the Lord, The good fight of faith for salvation is being tested, to see if it will stand up against the circumstances of life, if we keep the faith we will have the reward God has for us and Salvation is the outcome of our faith. Praised (honored, blessed) be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah)! By His boundless mercy we have been born again to an ever-living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 1 Pet 1:4 [Born anew] into an inheritance which is beyond the reach of change {and} decay [imperishable], unsullied and unfading, reserved in heaven for you, 1 Pet 1:5 Who are being guarded (garrisoned) by God's power through [your] faith [till you fully inherit that final] salvation that is ready to be revealed [for you] in the last time. 1 Pet 1:6 [You should] be exceedingly glad on this account, though now for a little while you may be distressed by trials {and} suffer temptations, 1 Pet 1:7 So that [the genuineness] of your faith may be tested, [your faith] which is infinitely more precious than the perishable gold which is tested {and} purified by fire. [This proving of your faith is intended] to redound to [your] praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) is revealed. 1 Pet 1:8 Without having seen Him, you love Him; though you do not [even] now see Him, you believe in Him and exult {and} thrill with inexpressible and glorious (triumphant, heavenly) joy. 1 Pet 1:9 [At the same time] you receive the result (outcome, consummation) of your faith, the salvation of your souls. God is able to keep us and get us through if we are willing to let go of life itself, Jesus said therefore who will lose his life for my sake shall find it, this is what refining, tried by fire is all about, all the impurities are burned away, but we have to stay focused on Jesus in the process the author and finisher of our faith. God will never leave us or forsake us, and He will protect us. Also He is able to keep us from falling and present us blameless Jude 1:24 But let all those who take refuge {and} put their trust in You rejoice; let them ever sing {and} shout for joy, because You make a covering over them {and} defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You {and} be in high spirits. Ps 5:12 For You, Lord, will bless the [uncompromisingly] righteous [him who is upright and in right standing with You]; as with a shield You will surround him with goodwill (pleasure and favor). He is able to keep us from falling and present us blameless.
Sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit But we, brethren beloved by the Lord, ought {and} are obligated [as those who are in debt] to give thanks always to God for you, because God chose you from the beginning {as His firstfruits (first converts)} for salvation through the sanctifying work of the [Holy] Spirit and [your] belief in (adherence to, trust in, and reliance on) the Truth.
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He will return soon, will I be ready! what will be the criteria by which we are judged, many people believe when they are born again they are part of the bride, that will once meet the Lord in the air ( 1 Thessalonians 4:17)It is for those that hold on to their testimony and are washed in the blood of the Lam. Do not soil your clothes (stain your soul) Rev 3:4 Yet you still have a few [persons'] names in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes, and they shall walk with Me in white, because they are worthy {and} deserving.Rev 3:5 Thus shall he who conquers (is victorious) be clad in white garments, and I will not erase {or} blot out his name from the Book of Life; I will acknowledge him [as Mine] {and} I will confess his name openly before My Father and before His angels. You say I am rich and in need of nothing Rev 3:17 For you say, I am rich; I have prospered {and} grown wealthy, and I am in need of nothing; and you do not realize {and} understand that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. Rev 3:18 Therefore I counsel you to purchase from Me gold refined {and} tested by fire, that you may be [truly] wealthy, and white clothes to clothe you and to keep the shame of your nudity from being seen, and salve to put on your eyes, that you may see. The modern day gospels don't acknowledge nor understand this vital part, they don't know how to buy gold, for they have rejected this truth, and have become blind and poor and nude and stained and ashamed.To be purified, clothed, sanctified, Gods Holy people, God deals with each one of us accordingly Rev 3:19 Those whom I [dearly and tenderly] love, I tell their faults and convict {and} convince {and} reprove and chasten [I discipline and instruct them]. So be enthusiastic {and} in earnest {and} burning with zeal and repent [changing your mind and attitude]. And the following is what it is all about, (a far cry from running after riches and personal gain in the here an now !) His Bride
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That He might present the church to Himself in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such things [that she might be holy and faultless]. This is my aim ; to live a righteous life, being cleansed by the washing of the Word and being purified by the fire of trials and tribulations, testings and temptations, being sanctified by faith, being saved by grace, being washed from every stain, by the blood of the lam, being clothed in white linen, a fruit of righteousness through Jesus and righteous works and in right standing with God.Heb 12:14 Strive to live in peace with everybody and pursue that consecration {and} holiness without which no one will [ever] see the Lord. May The Lord Bless and keep you as you travel on
the narrow road, God Bless
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