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Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Repentance and Faith Review

All teachings on Repentance and Faith can be found under the Repentance and Faith tag. You can review them and then test your knowledge here.

What is repentance?

Why is repentance important?

What is justification?

How do we become justified?

What are the results of justification?

What is faith?

Why is faith important?

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

The Importance of Faith

Without faith, you can not be saved. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Without faith, you can not make it. Faith is what got you started on this journey, and you will need faith to continue on and reach the desired end. Faith is important.

We are saved by faith. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Ephesians 2:8

We live by faith. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
Hebrews 10:38

We are kept by faith. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
1 Peter 1:5

We are healed by faith. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
James 5:15

We can not please God without faith. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Hebrews 11:6

We overcome by faith. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Ephesians 6:16

Monday, December 28, 2009

Faith

According to Webster's dictionary faith is:

1. Belief and trust in and loyalty to God
2. Belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion
3. Firm belief in something for which there is no proof
4. Complete trust
5. Something that is believed especially with strong conviction

Hebrews 11:1 puts it this way:

NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].
Hebrews 11:1 AMP

The Word of God can increase your faith. Faith indeed comes by the Word of God:

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10:17

Faith comes, enters your heart, your very being, through the hearing of the Word of God. There are several ways we can receive the Word of God:

Preaching - But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
Romans 10:8

Through the written Word - Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures,
Luke 24:45

In times of prayer - Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
Jeremiah 33:3

A word of exhortation by another believer - Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Colossians 3:16

In dreams or visions - By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Hebrews 11:5-6

Audible Voice of God - And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
Acts 9:4-6

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Weekend Worship

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Weekend Worship

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Justification

Because man rebelled against God and entered into sin, there is a separation between man and God. We are all sinners by nature and are therefore condemned by a just, holy and righteous God.

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Romans 3:10-12

The only way for us to be reconciled back to God is for Him to transfer our guilt upon Himself. The death of Jesus Christ made this transfer, forgiveness and reconciliation a possibility.

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
2 Corinthians 5:21

We receive justification by the grace of God (Romans 3:24, Titus 3:7), through the blood of Jesus Christ (Romans 5:9, Hebrews 9:22), and by faith (Romans 5:1-2, Galatians 2:16).

Justification results in the following:

Removal of the penalty of sin:
Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
Romans 4:7

Removal of condemnation:
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Romans 8:1

Peace with God:
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Romans 5:1

The righteousness of Jesus Christ is ours:
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
2 Corinthians 5:21

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

What's in it for Me?

Repentance provides JUSTIFICATION; right standing with God. Who doesn't want that?

From Webster's Dictionary:
Justify: a : to administer justice to
b
archaic : absolve
c
: to judge, regard, or treat as righteous and worthy of salvation

When God justifies a person, He acquits them; not on the grounds of the person's innocence, but of His own love and grace.

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.
Romans 3:20-26

Justification therefore, is a change in man's standing before or relation to God. It is an act of God that frees repentant sinners from guilt and the penalty of sin.

That's what's in repentance for us.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Repentance

One major hindrance to true repentance will be self-confidence. While self-confidence is an excellent trait to have for life in general, it can get in the way when it comes to repentance before God. True repentance calls for a renunciation of self-confidence and it will initiate a God-confidence; being confident in God to meet all your needs and fulfill all your desires, believing then, that His Way is the only way.

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53:6

Our own way will lead us astray. Following our own ideas, desires and direction will lead us away from the Power needed to live a victorious life in Christ. Following our own way will put us in a place void of God's protection and blessing. We need God in order to make it. We need to follow His Way to stay with Him. Repentance is where that all starts.

And the children of Israel said unto the LORD, We have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee, this day. And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the LORD: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.
Judges 10:15-16

If we follow the example of the Israelites in this scripture, we see three things which are necessary for repentance.

First, we see confession. Confession is self-explanatory. You must say, with your mouth, what you have done wrong. Confess your sin before God. Yes, He knows what you did - or didn't do, but you must confess it to Him. There is so much power in the spoken word. We will look at this another time.

Secondly, we see a turning away from sin. If you are truly repentant, you will make every effort to not continue in sin; especially the same sin. In most 12-step programs for addiction recovery, there is a common teaching that gives instruction on how to effect true change in your life.

Change people, places and things.

There may be certain people, places or things that you need to change in your life in order to bring about the change that you really desire in order to bring about and demonstrate true repentance.

Third, they chose to serve God. This is where you start new habits, make new friends, take up new responsibilities. All of this shows a placing of real confidence in God and discarding your own self-confidence.

The Bible says that we must repent and turn towards God (Acts 26:19-20). We must turn from our idols and serve God. (1 Thessalonians 1:8-9)

Monday, December 21, 2009

Repentance

Hebrews 6:1&2 mentions two very basic and foundational truths; repentance (from dead works) and faith (towards God).

Repentance is the first step in building a successful foundation in your new life as a believer. Faith towards God is what the Christian walk is all about.

First, God commands that man repent. There are no 'if's 'and's or 'but's about it.

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Acts 17:30

Repentance and Faith are both gifts given to us by God so that we may turn from our ways and follow His Way. Repentance and Faith are not one time deals, either. they are something that we practice throughout our Christian walk. You may have repented before God when you were saved. You will need to repent again. You may have had faith to receive Christ when you were saved. you will need faith to believe on Him again. Repentance and Faith work actively throughout your walk and sanctification.

Repentance means a "change of mind"; a change of heart or attitude. It means to have a radical change in one's own heart toward sin and the things of God. It involves a conscious moral decision to forsake sin and enter into fellowship with God.

Repentance is commanded by God (Acts 17:30)
Repentance is essential for salvation (Mark 1:15)

It is a gift from God.

He must correct his opponents with courtesy and gentleness, in the hope that God may grant that they will repent and come to know the Truth [that they will perceive and recognize and become accurately acquainted with and acknowledge it],
2 Timothy 2:25 AMP

God desires it for all men.

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9


Sunday, December 20, 2009

Video - A Letter to Satan

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Weekend Worship

I have met so many people who have a difficult time relating to the love of a heavenly Father simply because they never had a good example of a father in their earthly version.

Be assured, your heavenly Father loves you.

Friday, December 18, 2009

More Scripture-finding Tips

Our first tip was that you memorize the first five books of the Bible - OK not the WHOLE THING, just their names!

If you have accomplished that, your next task would be to memorize the history books that follow. You don't need to remember what order they come in at this point, just that they fall right after the first five books of the Bible. They are in 3 sets. the first set is:

Joshua
Judges
Ruth

For the next set, each one is 2 books, First Samuel, Second Samuel, etc.

*Samuel
*Kings
*Chronicles

The next set is:

Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther

Thursday, December 17, 2009

What do You Know Now?

By now, you should be able to answer the following questions:

What is the nature of God?
What are God's attributes?
What is the 'trinity'?
Who is the author of the Bible?
What will practicing the Word of God do in my life?
What is God's purpose for giving me His Word?

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

The Word - Review

Before we move on to our next teaching topic, it would be helpful for you if you review the teachings on the Word of God.

You can find them all under the tag 'theWord'.

Monday, December 14, 2009

The Purpose of God's Word - Part Three

God's Word was written for our learning.

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
Romans 15:4

God's Word was written for our admonition; training us through instruction and warning.

Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
1 Corinthians 10:11

Since God's Word holds so much purpose in our lives, we are to be 'doers' of the Word and not just 'hearers' only.

For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
James 1:23-25

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Weekend Worship



Saturday, December 12, 2009

Weekend Worship

If the devil only knew what you were gonna be after the storm, he wouldn't have even bothered you!



Friday, December 11, 2009

The Purpose of God's Word - Part Two

God's Word is an instruction manual for spiritual discernment and for living a holy and acceptable life before God. As a young believer, I was taught that the Bible was God's:

B asic
I nstructions
B efore
L eaving
E arth

Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action), So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 AMP

  1. Doctrine
  2. Reproof
  3. Correction
  4. Instruction in righteousness
Need any of that? All believers do. The Bible supplies that for us.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

The Purpose of God's Word - Part One

God's Word serves many purposes. We'll take a look at a few of them in these next posts.

God's Word authenticates the divinity of Jesus Christ.

But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
John 20:31

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
1 John 5:13

Additionally, the Word of God offers us the evidence that Jesus Christ fulfilled over 350 messianic prophecies. Professor Peter Stoner (1888-1980) was Chairman of the Departments of Mathematics and Astronomy at Pasadena City College until 1953, and Chairman of the Science Division of Westmont College from 1953 to 1957. Stoner calculated the probability of one man fulfilling only a handful of the over 300 Messianic prophecies. In 1944, he published his research results in Science Speaks: Scientific Proof of the Accuracy of Prophecy and the Bible. Stoner concluded that the probability of one person fulfilling just eight of the specific prophecies was one chance in 1017 (one followed by 17 zeros). How about one person fulfilling just 48 of the over 300 prophecies? Stoner calculated these odds at one chance in 10157 -- way beyond statistical impossibility!
( Peter Stoner, Science Speaks: Scientific Proof of the Accuracy of Prophecy and the Bible, 1944, 109-10.)

A good site for more on this can be found here.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

God's Word as a Source of Power

It's your turn to look up some scriptures. We are gong to be looking at God's Word and how it is a source of power for our lives.

Hebrews 4:12
God's Word is a dividing power, as a sword. Many times, when I am witnessing, whether it be to family and friends or complete strangers, even though they may seem to agree to disagree, when I declare what the Word of God says, it immediately divides them from me. They become aggressive and defensive, separating their opinions even farther from mine. I think this is mainly because of the next 'power' in God's Word.

James 1:22-25
God's Word is a reflecting power, as a mirror. The Word of God will not just point out your imperfections, but it will make you take a good look at yourself. Most of the time, when we look in the mirror, we do not look at ourselves in the eyes. We look at all the rest of our face or body or clothes, but not into our eyes. If you want to get serious or intimate with someone, you look them in the eyes. Knowing what the Word of God says about our sinful nature, knowing the experience we have had with Him by our sides, stop reading this blog and go to a mirror and LOOK YOURSELF IN THE EYES. I'll wait.

Quite a difference from just looking at your appearance, isn't it?

See you next time.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Thank you!

I wanted to say thanks to our growing list of followers on Facebook. You are all special to us. Please know that we are praying for you and look forward to your comments when you are able to make them.

Stay with God. He will stay with you!

Monday, December 7, 2009

What's in it for Me?

What do I get from reading the Word of God?

When we receive His Word and appropriate it in our own lives, it produces, and shall prosper in the area which He sends it to prosper in.

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
Isaiah 55:11

His Word will cleanse our ways.

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
Psalms 119:9

His Word produces faith!

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10:17

His Word begins a process of change. Our minds come into harmony with God's thoughts and purposes for our lives.

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
Psalms 19:7

His Word brings peace that can be obtained in NO OTHER WAY.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7

For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Isaiah 55:12

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Weekend Worship

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Weekend Worship

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Who Wrote the Bible?

The Holy Spirit is the Author of the Word of God. God used man as a vehicle to make His revelation known.

Men and brethren, this Scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
Acts 1:16

And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Isaiah the prophet unto our fathers,
Acts 28:25

Prophets, writers of scripture, such as David, Isaiah and others were prompted to speak by the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is the source of infallible revelation. God's Word has not been devised by man's intellect.

There is always this argument that I hear frequently: 'Man messed up the Bible through all the translations. They added stuff to meet their own agendas.'

This argument does not stand. First, it implies that there once was something known as God's Word, which at one time, was perfect or, not 'messed up'. That point alone acknowledges that God is real, powerful, infallible and can indeed speak to man. And that truth, admitted by their own argument, leads us to this: God is powerful enough, then, to maintain the integrity of His Word to man, regardless of how many pens may have written it, or mouths may have spoken it. If we believe that God has something to say to us, then we believe that He is powerful enough to make sure we get the full message. He watches over His Word.

So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:11 AMP

Then said the Lord to me, You have seen well, for I am alert and active, watching over My word to perform it.
Jeremiah 1:12 AMP

When it comes to the Word, God's got His own back, thank you very much.

Weekend Worship

From now on we will post videos on Saturdays and Sundays from YouTube or similar sites. These videos will mostly be in the genre of Praise and Worship. Enjoy the presence of God in your walk.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

What does God have to do with the Bible?

Get out your Bible.

Read 2Timothy 3:15, John 20:31 & 1John 5:3

God's Word is the revelation of Jesus Christ to man.

You can even find Jesus in the Old Testament. There are various place where God showed His plan to reconcile man unto Himself through Hid Son, Jesus Christ. Here is just one example which may be found in Exodus, chapter 12:

Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for a house: And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbor next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb. Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:
Exodus 12:3-5 (emphasis mine)

And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.
Exodus 12:7

For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD. And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.
Exodus 12:12-13

For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.
Exodus 12:23

And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle. And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead.
Exodus 12:29-30

And it came to pass the selfsame day, that the LORD did bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.
Exodus 12:51

Jesus is our sacrificial Lamb.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Helpful Tools

Here is the website we have been using for our daily readings:

Bible Gateway

Here is a GREAT tool to have on your computer:

E-Sword

Monday, November 30, 2009

What is the Trinity?

"The word 'trinity' is found no where in the Bible." That is the excuse that those who do not believe in the triune nature of God will use to dispute it. Well, the word 'elephant' isn't in the Bible either, so...

In God there are three divine identities:

  • Father
  • Son
  • Holy Spirit
These three identities are distinct:
  • Father - Work of Creation (Genesis 1:1)
  • Son - Work of Redemption (Galatians 4:4-5)
  • Spirit - Work of Sanctification (1Peter 1:2)
Together, these three work to achieve God's purpose in the earth. (John 1:1, Deuteronomy 6:4, 1John 5:8)

Now, go look up the scriptures and read them for yourself. And check out Luke 3:22 where you will find all three of God's identities together, but separate.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Ooooh....a video.....

Saturday, November 28, 2009

The Importance of Fellowship

1 Corinthians 1:9 says: God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

We are called into fellowship with Jesus Christ.

Acts 2:42-47 gives us a pattern for fellowship with each other.

Acts 2:42
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

  • Be diligent and CONSISTENT in hearing the Word of God
  • Have fellowship in communion
  • Continue in fellowship through prayer
Acts 2:43
And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
  • the result of effective fellowship
Acts 2:44
And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
  • Having all things in common (speaks of material wealth)
Acts 2:45
And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
  • Speaks to giving - this is a part of fellowship
Acts 2:46
And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
  • Be in one accord with singleness of heart (having no discord or strife)
Acts 2:47
Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
  • Abounding in praise and thanksgiving
The fellowship of believers is to prosper both the individual and the Body of Christ in two ways: spiritually and practically. It is vital, both for the Body of Christ and the individual believer, for fellowship to be a part of church life.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Q & A

Time for you to put your question here. Is there a burning question you have had about your faith, the Word, life in general? Post it in the comments section and I will do my best to give you an answer.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

How do I Tell Them?

By now, someone has crossed your mind, who you think may not be going to heaven. When we first get saved, we are so over the top that we usually scare people away with our new-found faith. We want so badly to tell others that we push them away with 'the gospel'. God's message of love is so gentle. He is a gentleman. He does not push and neither should we.

If however, you come across someone to whom you need to explain what has happened to you, there are some simple scriptures to use. Note: if someone does not believe the Word of God is true, then you are dealing with foolishness and you will need more experience and knowledge of God and His Word before truly dealing with that person. But here are a few scriptures you can use to explain your conversion to others who are receptive to the Word of God.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 3:23

We all have sinned and fall short of God's purpose for our lives - to know Him and walk with Him.

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:23

Wages are just payment... due reward... what one has coming because of labor. The just payment for our sin is death. Death here means a spiritual disconnect. When we are still in our sin, we have no life with God. We are alive physically but dead spiritually. If we continue in that condition, we will be separated from God for all eternity.

But God demonstrates his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8

In a demonstration of His love for us, He gave His own life.

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Romans 10:13

Pretty simple here: Call on Him and He will save you.

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.
Romans 10:9-10

That's it really. No rocket science; faith and confession is all it takes to become a child of God. Only believers will ever understand the change that takes place following the conversion experience. Give your testimony of what happened with you - the burden being lifted, the emptiness filled, the chains broken. Your testimony will be attractive to others and that will open their hearts to receive the Word of Truth.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

The Word - Part 2

Get out your Bible. If you do not have a Bible, tell us now. We will send you one.

We are going to be taking a look at some of the attributes of God.

After each attribute of God, I have listed a scripture. Find that scripture in your Bible and read it. Let God speak to you through His Word.

  • God is Eternal (Psalms 90:1-2)
  • God is Immutable (Unchangeable) ( Malachi 3:6)
  • God is Omnipotent (All-Powerful) (Jeremiah 32:17, Psalms 62:11)
  • God is Omniscient (All-knowing) (Psalms 139:1-4)
  • God is Omnipresent (Everywhere) (Jeremiah 23:23-24)
  • God is Holy (Leviticus 11:44-45)
  • God is Righteous (God's Holiness in action) (Romans 3:25-26)
  • God is Merciful (Exodus 34:6-7)

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Tips on Finding Scriptures

If you are going to be studying the Word of God, you should have some idea of how to find scriptures.

From time to time I will offer different tips on how to find the various books of the bible and different scriptures.

  • The Bible has a Table of Contents. Like all books, this can be found on one of the first few pages. Use it whenever you need it - really.

  • Memorize the first 5 books of the Bible. The proper name for these books is the Pentateuch. They are: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers & Deuteronomy. They were written by Moses.

  • What's with all the numbers? The Bible is divided into books. Each book is divided into chapters. Each chapter is divided into verses. And sometimes when referencing a part of a verse, a person may say 'a' or 'b'; 'a' being the first part of the verse, and 'b' being the second part of the verse. So if you are asked to turn to Psalms 23:2, that would be the book of Psalms, chapter 23, verse 2. If I was referring only to the second part of that verse, I would say Psalms 23:2b.

Monday, November 23, 2009

The Nature of God

So who is this new found friend of yours? What should I expect from God?

Three main components of God are these:

God is Spirit. God is not limited to a physical body nor to our understanding of space and time.

God is a Spirit (a spiritual Being) and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth (reality).
John 4:24 AMP

God is perfect.

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Matthew 5:48 KJV

God is personal. Your heavenly Father is concerned with your needs. He desires to make provision for His children.

Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you, Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.
1 Peter 5:6-7 AMP

Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:25-34 KJVR

Your God truly cares for you in a way that no human being has ever experienced apart from His love. Speaking from my own experience and walk with God: Give up ever trying to understand His love for you. It is incomprehensible. Just receive His love, regardless of whether or not you feel worthy of it. His sacrifice for you made you worthy. Now, just take it all in.

His nature is that of love.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

The Word - Part 1

OK. So now the teaching begins. If you are going to walk with God, you should have an understanding of His Word. This understanding is very important for our growth and development as Christians. God wants us to know Him and He has provided His Word for that purpose.

2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

God's Word is given to guide us into a knowledge of Him.

Acts 17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

God Himself is our source of strength and sustenance.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Always Remember, Never Forget

When you take that first step and receive Christ, the Spirit of God will bear witness to your Spirit that you have been saved.

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Romans 8:16

There was a time, either at the very moment of your conversion, or shortly thereafter, where the Spirit of God bore witness to you, confirmed in your heart, that what had happened to you, in you, and for you was indeed a real occurrence.

Never forget that moment. Always remember that you simply knew that you knew. There will be times in your walk with God when that moment and the memory of it will bring you through doubt, temptation or pain. The memory of that defining moment in your earthly life, at times, will bring you to your knees in repentance, in hope, in thanksgiving or in worship.

Not only was it the most important moment in your life, but it will be equally as important many times over.

Even with good friends around you, a loving church home, an annointed pastor, biblical counseling and powerful prayer, that moment will always be the one single moment you can look back on and say with assurance:

"God did it. He is real. I am His. I am a child of God."

Tell Someone

It's important to tell someone who is also saved about your new found faith in Christ. It will serve a few purposes:

  • You can draw on support from other like-minded individuals
  • Someone will be praying for you
  • It may open a door for your new church home, if you do not have one already
  • You can learn from the experience, strength, and hope of someone else who has been down this road before
Both the woman at the well (John 4), and the Gadarene demoniac (Mark 5), went to tell others about their experience. The account of the woman says later that many of the Samaritans of that city believed on Jesus because of the woman's testimony.

You now have a testimony. Share it with someone.

Friday, November 20, 2009

It's All New

Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!

2 Corinthians 5:17

The title of this entry is two-fold.

This is the new blog.

The blog, "Staying in the Overflow", will help you walk the walk in your new life in Christ. You will find daily inspiration and teaching on how to 'do it'. We are here to help you, support you, care for you and pray for you. Life in Christ is no joke. If you've made the decision to follow Christ, you will need to know how to do it.

If you come faithfully each day, you will learn. You are now a disciple; a student. Study hard and you will be promoted, for promotion comes from the Lord.

Oh yeah, one more thing: Have fun!