King James Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: A Crown of Righteousness
For: Friday December 10, 2010
Chapters: The Book of II Timothy
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-10
Details of Today's Chapters: Be ready to receive affliction for Christ, a soldier of Christ, the foundation of God, a vessel of honor, use God's Word to endure dangerous times ahead, and a crown of righteousness.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
I was watching the news the other day, this boy, or the parents rather, are suing his school for $600,000 because a principle talked to him about God. I do not know if he won, but the principle got fired anyway because he would not apologize to the boy for speaking to him about God. As crazy as that sounds people all over the world are being persecuted for remaining faithful to God without shame. The Bible says, “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” - I Peter 4:16,17.
The Book of II Timothy is the sixteenth book of the New Testament, the fifty-fifth book of the Bible, and contains four chapters. The author of this epistle (letter) is Paul and it was written to Timothy. This was the second letter written to Timothy, which was written from prison fearing he would soon be executed for holding on to his faith. The purpose of the letter was to challenge Timothy to assume responsibility for the ministry which the apostle was handing over to him while facing persecution. What we are to learn from the book is that each person who receives Christ will suffer affliction, but He gives us the power to endure and be a witness to others. “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an 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 1:8,9.
The word work means exertion or effort directed to produce or accomplish something. No amount of exertion or effort can get us to accomplish heaven. There is only one way to heaven and that is by believing in Jesus Christ and asking Him to save you from the death sentence that all are given for sin. It is the gift of God through grace, therefore it can not be obtained by works, only by faith. “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:” - Romans 3:22-24.
Being saved does not exempt us from being persecuted, in fact, those who stand by their faith in Jesus Christ will face even more persecution. Why? Jesus said, “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” - Mark 13:13. Instead of feeling defeated, rejoice knowing that your persecution is not in vain, you have the victory because you are going to heaven, you are going to walk the streets of gold and swim in the crystal river. Paul encourages Timothy not to give up, “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.” -II Timothy 2:3-7.
God knows what we are going through, He allows it to keep us faithful. You know, when I decided that it was time to give my life over to God I faced all sorts of persecution, but the more I suffered the more I thanked God for getting me away from the people who caused so much trouble in my life in the first place. There is not a day that goes by that I do not thank God for taking me out of the mess I was in. While we may not understand why we are going through the things we go through at the time, God will help us understand when the time is right. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” - James 1:12.
A crown is defined as the highest or most perfect state of anything and to bring to a successful or triumphant conclusion. God promises a crown to those who stand by Him, the more we do, the more blessed we become. Paul encourages Timothy and all of us that the best way to overcome persecution is by telling the Gospel. “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine...But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” -II Timothy 4:2,5-8.
The word righteousness is defined as honor, respect, and virtue. The more we preach the Gospel the more righteous we become. Think about it. If you were constantly telling people about Jesus do you think you would be doing half the things you were doing? I do not think so. Now, imagine how blessed you would be if you told someone you have difficulties with about Jesus? I know the last person you would want to see in heaven is the one that gives you the most problems, but when you are in heaven you will not even remember any of it. God will wipe all the tears away, “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” - Revelation 21:4. Praise God!
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and have a wonderful weekend.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Bible Study: A Genuine Christian Church
King James Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: A Genuine Christian Church
For: Thursday December 09, 2010
Chapters: The Book of I Timothy
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-9
Details of Today's Chapters: A warning against false doctrine, thanksgiving and mercy, the requirements of church leaders, instructions for women in the church, widows and the elderly, and fighting the good fight of faith.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
A Christian church is defined as a body of likeminded people publicly worshiping God. Do you know why there are so many different denominations of churches? Rebellion. One disgruntled person, living some sort of sinful life, questions what is being taught then tells it to another and so forth until a group of people with like minded thoughts form a church of their own so they can live in sin without feeling guilty about it. Think I am kidding? The Bible says, “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ...These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.” -Jude 1:4,16.
A genuine Christian church is grounded on the life, death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ, whom is the only begotten Son of God, born of a virgin. It bases it's doctrine and teachings on the Bible and follows the New Testament as the characteristics of life, knowing that Christ is the head of the church. “even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.” - Ephesians 5:23.
The Book of I Timothy is the fifteenth book of the New Testament, the fifth-fourth book of the Bible and contains six chapters. The author of this epistle (letter) is Paul and it was written to Timothy, his son in faith. The purpose of the letter was to address some of the problems and needs which existed in the church at Ephesus, which he was pastoring. What we are to learn from the book is that not every church is a genuine church of Christ and we should live our lives as an example of the ministry to which we have been called. “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” -I Timothy 4:12.
Timothy was a young pastor, having been left the difficult task of pastoring the church at Ephesus. Paul wrote to instruct him in the choice of proper officers in the church, as well as in the exercise of a regular ministry. He also wanted to caution him against the influence of false teachers, who by subtle distinctions and endless disputes, corrupted the purity and simplicity of the Gospel. “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.” - I Timothy 1:1-4.
It is important that a church teach the correct doctrine, now churches are like clothes, one might not fit everyone, but it is important that you be in one that is founded on the doctrine of Christ. If your church is not preaching from the doctrine of the virgin birth, death, burial, resurrection, and eternal life through Christ alone than you are not being taught the truth. Why is it important? It can literally save your life. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” - John 3:16-18.
Paul explains to Timothy the duties that men and women have in the church, “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time...In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.” - I Timothy 2:4-6,9-12.
First of all, they all must be saved and study God's Word diligently in order to know the truth , a person can not teach something they do not learn and know themselves. One thing a lot of people will disagree on is the fact that a woman in not to be the head of a church. Women are to be modest and silent in the church, giving up authority to the men, who are to be elders, bishops (preachers), or deacons. This does not mean that a woman is not allowed to preach or teach women in a ministry of the church, children, or minister (assist) to those who God put on their heart, it means they are not to be the head of a church or argue with a man of God. “Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.” - I Corinthians 14:34,35. Why do women have to be silent? This goes all the way back to the Book of Genesis when Eve was deceived by the serpent and caused Adam to sin. “For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.” - I Timothy 2:13-15.
Paul explained what I just mentioned earlier about rebellion, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.” - I Timothy 5:1-5. The most important key to knowing the truth and whether or not you are being taught it is from the Word of God itself. God gave us His Word so we can know Him, His mysteries, and how to live the way He intended for us to live. “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” - I Timothy 6:12.
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and week,
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Message Title: A Genuine Christian Church
For: Thursday December 09, 2010
Chapters: The Book of I Timothy
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-9
Details of Today's Chapters: A warning against false doctrine, thanksgiving and mercy, the requirements of church leaders, instructions for women in the church, widows and the elderly, and fighting the good fight of faith.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
A Christian church is defined as a body of likeminded people publicly worshiping God. Do you know why there are so many different denominations of churches? Rebellion. One disgruntled person, living some sort of sinful life, questions what is being taught then tells it to another and so forth until a group of people with like minded thoughts form a church of their own so they can live in sin without feeling guilty about it. Think I am kidding? The Bible says, “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ...These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.” -Jude 1:4,16.
A genuine Christian church is grounded on the life, death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ, whom is the only begotten Son of God, born of a virgin. It bases it's doctrine and teachings on the Bible and follows the New Testament as the characteristics of life, knowing that Christ is the head of the church. “even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.” - Ephesians 5:23.
The Book of I Timothy is the fifteenth book of the New Testament, the fifth-fourth book of the Bible and contains six chapters. The author of this epistle (letter) is Paul and it was written to Timothy, his son in faith. The purpose of the letter was to address some of the problems and needs which existed in the church at Ephesus, which he was pastoring. What we are to learn from the book is that not every church is a genuine church of Christ and we should live our lives as an example of the ministry to which we have been called. “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” -I Timothy 4:12.
Timothy was a young pastor, having been left the difficult task of pastoring the church at Ephesus. Paul wrote to instruct him in the choice of proper officers in the church, as well as in the exercise of a regular ministry. He also wanted to caution him against the influence of false teachers, who by subtle distinctions and endless disputes, corrupted the purity and simplicity of the Gospel. “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.” - I Timothy 1:1-4.
It is important that a church teach the correct doctrine, now churches are like clothes, one might not fit everyone, but it is important that you be in one that is founded on the doctrine of Christ. If your church is not preaching from the doctrine of the virgin birth, death, burial, resurrection, and eternal life through Christ alone than you are not being taught the truth. Why is it important? It can literally save your life. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” - John 3:16-18.
Paul explains to Timothy the duties that men and women have in the church, “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time...In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.” - I Timothy 2:4-6,9-12.
First of all, they all must be saved and study God's Word diligently in order to know the truth , a person can not teach something they do not learn and know themselves. One thing a lot of people will disagree on is the fact that a woman in not to be the head of a church. Women are to be modest and silent in the church, giving up authority to the men, who are to be elders, bishops (preachers), or deacons. This does not mean that a woman is not allowed to preach or teach women in a ministry of the church, children, or minister (assist) to those who God put on their heart, it means they are not to be the head of a church or argue with a man of God. “Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.” - I Corinthians 14:34,35. Why do women have to be silent? This goes all the way back to the Book of Genesis when Eve was deceived by the serpent and caused Adam to sin. “For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.” - I Timothy 2:13-15.
Paul explained what I just mentioned earlier about rebellion, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.” - I Timothy 5:1-5. The most important key to knowing the truth and whether or not you are being taught it is from the Word of God itself. God gave us His Word so we can know Him, His mysteries, and how to live the way He intended for us to live. “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” - I Timothy 6:12.
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and week,
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Bible Study: Ready For Christ's Return
King James Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Ready For Christ's Return
For: Tuesday December 07, 2010
Chapters: The Book of I Thessalonians
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-7
Details of Today's Chapters: Patience, obedience, being examples for Christ, being sober, Christ's return, and children of the light.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Every generation sees signs that they have read from the Bible concerning Christ's return and swears that Christ is coming really soon. In my opinion, from what I read in the Scriptures, every day is one day closer to His return, yes, there are many sings leading us to believe that He is returning very soon, but there are many things that still need to come to pass before He returns. Jesus said, “For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows...And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” - Matthew 24:5-8,14.
The Book of I Thessalonians is the thirteenth book of the New Testament, the fifty-second book of the Bible, and contains five chapters. The author of this epistle is Paul and it was written to the believers of Thessalonica. The purpose of the letter was to assure the people that Christ is returning and to correct any false teaching. What we are to learn from the book is that Christ indeed is returning, that we are to be godly examples to follow, and seek comfort in the hope of His glorious return. “To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.” - I Thessalonians 3:13.
Even Paul when he traveled the world preaching the Gospel thought that Jesus would return before he left the earth. While no one can predict when He will return it is important that we be prepared. Paul encourages the believers at Thessalonica to keep preaching the Gospel looking for that hope of His return. “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake...And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.” - I Thessalonians 1:3-5,10.
We must not forget that Christ is returning one day and when He does all will face Him for judgment, even those who are saved must face Him and we are going to be accountable for everything we did or did not do after we were saved. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” - II Corinthians 5:10.
Knowing this Paul encourages the Thessalonians to make sure they keep their bodies holy, “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.” - I Thessalonians 4:3-7.
Since we are vessels that contain the Spirit of God we need to honor our bodies, fornication means unmarried sex, concupiscence means fulfilling sexual desires. The Bible says, “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” -I Corinthians 6:18-20. We are God's elect, we are to be examples of what it is like to be a true Christian. Whether you realize it or not, you are being watched not only by God, but by fellow Christian's and others as well. We are all God's witnesses and are to live according to His Will, giving Him glory for all things. This does not mean that we can not enjoy being with our husbands or wives, it means we are to respect our bodies and only give them to our spouse. If you have no spouse, wait for one, you will feel much better about yourself. “It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.” - I Corinthians 7:1-3.
We have no way of knowing when the appointed time of Christ's return will be so we can not wait for the time we think is the right to live the Christian way. We need to put aside anything that hinders us from bringing Him into our lives. “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness...Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” - I Thessalonians 5:2-5,21-23.
Remember, you are a child of the light of the world therefore, you must be prepared for the day He does comes to get us. It is okay to live your life, but it is now time to think about what you are doing and where you may be headed if you continue the path you are following. Can you honestly say you are walking with Christ? If not, you can save yourself from some unnecessary suffering by getting right with God, everything else will follow, just take that first step. “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” - I Thessalonians 5:24.
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and week,
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Message Title: Ready For Christ's Return
For: Tuesday December 07, 2010
Chapters: The Book of I Thessalonians
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-7
Details of Today's Chapters: Patience, obedience, being examples for Christ, being sober, Christ's return, and children of the light.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Every generation sees signs that they have read from the Bible concerning Christ's return and swears that Christ is coming really soon. In my opinion, from what I read in the Scriptures, every day is one day closer to His return, yes, there are many sings leading us to believe that He is returning very soon, but there are many things that still need to come to pass before He returns. Jesus said, “For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows...And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” - Matthew 24:5-8,14.
The Book of I Thessalonians is the thirteenth book of the New Testament, the fifty-second book of the Bible, and contains five chapters. The author of this epistle is Paul and it was written to the believers of Thessalonica. The purpose of the letter was to assure the people that Christ is returning and to correct any false teaching. What we are to learn from the book is that Christ indeed is returning, that we are to be godly examples to follow, and seek comfort in the hope of His glorious return. “To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.” - I Thessalonians 3:13.
Even Paul when he traveled the world preaching the Gospel thought that Jesus would return before he left the earth. While no one can predict when He will return it is important that we be prepared. Paul encourages the believers at Thessalonica to keep preaching the Gospel looking for that hope of His return. “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake...And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.” - I Thessalonians 1:3-5,10.
We must not forget that Christ is returning one day and when He does all will face Him for judgment, even those who are saved must face Him and we are going to be accountable for everything we did or did not do after we were saved. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” - II Corinthians 5:10.
Knowing this Paul encourages the Thessalonians to make sure they keep their bodies holy, “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.” - I Thessalonians 4:3-7.
Since we are vessels that contain the Spirit of God we need to honor our bodies, fornication means unmarried sex, concupiscence means fulfilling sexual desires. The Bible says, “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” -I Corinthians 6:18-20. We are God's elect, we are to be examples of what it is like to be a true Christian. Whether you realize it or not, you are being watched not only by God, but by fellow Christian's and others as well. We are all God's witnesses and are to live according to His Will, giving Him glory for all things. This does not mean that we can not enjoy being with our husbands or wives, it means we are to respect our bodies and only give them to our spouse. If you have no spouse, wait for one, you will feel much better about yourself. “It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.” - I Corinthians 7:1-3.
We have no way of knowing when the appointed time of Christ's return will be so we can not wait for the time we think is the right to live the Christian way. We need to put aside anything that hinders us from bringing Him into our lives. “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness...Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” - I Thessalonians 5:2-5,21-23.
Remember, you are a child of the light of the world therefore, you must be prepared for the day He does comes to get us. It is okay to live your life, but it is now time to think about what you are doing and where you may be headed if you continue the path you are following. Can you honestly say you are walking with Christ? If not, you can save yourself from some unnecessary suffering by getting right with God, everything else will follow, just take that first step. “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” - I Thessalonians 5:24.
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and week,
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Bible Study: Operation Salvation 12.06.10
King James Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Operation Salvation
For: Monday December 06, 2010
Chapters: The Book of Colossians
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-6
Details of Today's Chapters: Knowledge and understanding of God's will, redemption through Christ, the church, walk with Christ, risen with Christ, the word of Christ, and doing all in the name of Jesus.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The Book of Colossians is the twelfth book of the New Testament, the fifty-first book of the Bible and contains four chapters. The author of this epistle (letter) is Paul and it was written to the believers in the church of Colosse who were to share the letter with believers at Laodecea. The purpose of the letter was to address doctrinal issues within the church. What we are to learn from the book is that everything is about Christ, He is all things and is in all believers. “And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” - Colossians 1:17.
Paul wrote this letter because it came to his attention that there was some false doctrine going among the church and it was causing some strife. “To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ...For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;” - Colossians 1:2,9,10.
When it comes to knowing what God wants from us, we can not have bits and pieces of the Bible, we need all of it. Of course, we are not going to know everything by reading it one time, but little by little we increase our knowledge of God as we read the Scriptures. It does absolutely no good for us to only have bits and pieces of information of anything if we want a good outcome. Think about it, if you were baking cookies and made them without sugar and butter they would not come out very well. We need all the ingredients for them to come out exactly the way they are supposed to be. The same is true for the Bible, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” -II Timothy 3:16,17.
So, what does God want from us? “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” - Colossians 2:6-10.
God wants us to walk with Christ in everything we do. When we walk with Christ He fills the void that is missing in our lives. When we walk with Christ He takes all the bad habits and people out of our lives and replaces them with good morals and people. When we walk with Christ we are able to get through every situation, trial, and struggle with hope and joy. When we walk with Christ we do not have to worry about our future because a much greater future is awaiting us. “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory...And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” - Colossians 3:1-4,23,24. Praise God!
When Paul said ye are dead, that means that when you accepted Christ as your Savior you are no longer dead to sin, but alive in Christ. “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. ” - Colossians 2:12. An operation is a movement, a workmanship, a procedure of productive activity. God has an operation, a movement, a workmanship, a procedure for productive activity, that is none other than Operation Salvation, in other words, God has chosen specific people, a workmanship, to continue in His movement to get as many people saved as possible before Christ returns. Jesus said, “As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” - John 17:18,19.
While God can do anything, there is one thing He will not do and that is force a person to accept Him into their lives. However, if God left it up to one individual very few people would be getting saved. While some people do get saved because they grew up in the right church, the majority of people were led by someone showing them the Gospel at one point in their lives. I grew up in a Christian home, knew about God and Jesus, was taught all these things about Him and how to live right, but the one thing I was never taught was that if I did not want to end up in hell I had to personally ask Jesus to save me. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:13.
Churches are not created equal, there is only one way to heaven and only one person can get you there and that is Jesus Christ. Once you accept Christ you are saved and no one or thing can take that away. Now, that does not mean that you will not have to go through some suffering here on earth if you choose to walk another path instead of one with Christ, but it does mean that nothing you do can take you away from the love of God, one way or another He will get you to walk with Him. “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 8:38,39. Praise God!
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Message Title: Operation Salvation
For: Monday December 06, 2010
Chapters: The Book of Colossians
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-6
Details of Today's Chapters: Knowledge and understanding of God's will, redemption through Christ, the church, walk with Christ, risen with Christ, the word of Christ, and doing all in the name of Jesus.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The Book of Colossians is the twelfth book of the New Testament, the fifty-first book of the Bible and contains four chapters. The author of this epistle (letter) is Paul and it was written to the believers in the church of Colosse who were to share the letter with believers at Laodecea. The purpose of the letter was to address doctrinal issues within the church. What we are to learn from the book is that everything is about Christ, He is all things and is in all believers. “And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” - Colossians 1:17.
Paul wrote this letter because it came to his attention that there was some false doctrine going among the church and it was causing some strife. “To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ...For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;” - Colossians 1:2,9,10.
When it comes to knowing what God wants from us, we can not have bits and pieces of the Bible, we need all of it. Of course, we are not going to know everything by reading it one time, but little by little we increase our knowledge of God as we read the Scriptures. It does absolutely no good for us to only have bits and pieces of information of anything if we want a good outcome. Think about it, if you were baking cookies and made them without sugar and butter they would not come out very well. We need all the ingredients for them to come out exactly the way they are supposed to be. The same is true for the Bible, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” -II Timothy 3:16,17.
So, what does God want from us? “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” - Colossians 2:6-10.
God wants us to walk with Christ in everything we do. When we walk with Christ He fills the void that is missing in our lives. When we walk with Christ He takes all the bad habits and people out of our lives and replaces them with good morals and people. When we walk with Christ we are able to get through every situation, trial, and struggle with hope and joy. When we walk with Christ we do not have to worry about our future because a much greater future is awaiting us. “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory...And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” - Colossians 3:1-4,23,24. Praise God!
When Paul said ye are dead, that means that when you accepted Christ as your Savior you are no longer dead to sin, but alive in Christ. “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. ” - Colossians 2:12. An operation is a movement, a workmanship, a procedure of productive activity. God has an operation, a movement, a workmanship, a procedure for productive activity, that is none other than Operation Salvation, in other words, God has chosen specific people, a workmanship, to continue in His movement to get as many people saved as possible before Christ returns. Jesus said, “As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” - John 17:18,19.
While God can do anything, there is one thing He will not do and that is force a person to accept Him into their lives. However, if God left it up to one individual very few people would be getting saved. While some people do get saved because they grew up in the right church, the majority of people were led by someone showing them the Gospel at one point in their lives. I grew up in a Christian home, knew about God and Jesus, was taught all these things about Him and how to live right, but the one thing I was never taught was that if I did not want to end up in hell I had to personally ask Jesus to save me. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:13.
Churches are not created equal, there is only one way to heaven and only one person can get you there and that is Jesus Christ. Once you accept Christ you are saved and no one or thing can take that away. Now, that does not mean that you will not have to go through some suffering here on earth if you choose to walk another path instead of one with Christ, but it does mean that nothing you do can take you away from the love of God, one way or another He will get you to walk with Him. “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 8:38,39. Praise God!
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Bible Study: The God of Peace
King James Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: The God of Peace
For: Sunday December 05, 2010
Chapters: The Book of Philippians
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-5
Details of Today's Chapters: Paul prays for the Philippians, suffering for Christ, rejoicing in the Lord, to be abound and abased, and strength through Christ.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The Book of Philippians is the eleventh book of the New Testament, the fiftieth book of the Bible, and contains four chapters. The author of this epistle (letter) is Paul and it was written to the church of Philippi. The purpose of the letter was to bring Christian unity, there was some strife going on in the church so Paul encourages them to just live for Jesus first and there will be unity. What we are to learn from the book is that unity with Jesus brings us joy in all that we do. “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” - Philippians 2:2.
Jesus said, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” - John 15:12. As Christians no matter how much we try to love one another, it can be a little difficult to love certain people, especially when they are constantly trying to bring you down, even other Christians can do this. So, how do we love one another as Jesus commands without falling apart? Paul said, “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” - Philippians 4:12,13.
To be abased means to humble yourself, let it go, even if you know you are right, sometimes you just have to let them say what they want, God knows the truth and it makes you free. To abound means to exist or occur in abundance, to be plentifully supplied. God is taking care of everything and one day you will see the blessings for stepping aside and not stooping to their level. “For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:” - I Peter 3:17,18.
Of course, we are going to fall from time to time, but the great thing about God is that He is right there to pick us back up. Paul explains what helps him overcome all the struggles he faces, “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain...Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; ” - Philippians 1:20,21,27.
Paul's defense, to live for Christ. The truth is this, if we are not dwelling on our problems and focusing on others it lessens our burdens, what better person to focus on then Jesus. We do not even have to do much, just tell the Gospel to someone. You do not have to know the Bible to tell someone about Jesus, you just have to believe in Jesus and tell them what you believe. “He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself:”- I John 5:10.
If there was ever anyone who had the right to fight back it was Jesus, but He was the most abased man there was. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” - Philippians 2:5-8.
Jesus could have done anything He wanted, but He chose to humble Himself to a mere servant and take on every sin that was and will be committed by everyone and gave His life for them. However, death had no rule over Jesus, He arose three days later, proving that no one, not even Satan himself can defeat the power of God. “Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” - Romans 6:9-11. Praise God!
Paul gives us some encouragement, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.” -Philippians 3:13-17.
It is time to let by gones be by gones, we can not do anything about the past, but we can do something about now. Press forward, reach for some goals, forget about them, in fact, thank them. You have much more going for you, Christ. He is right there with you, encouraging you and giving you the strength you need to keep going. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” - Philippians 4:8,9. Praise God!
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and have a great week. P.S. Forgive me for being late sending this out.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Message Title: The God of Peace
For: Sunday December 05, 2010
Chapters: The Book of Philippians
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-5
Details of Today's Chapters: Paul prays for the Philippians, suffering for Christ, rejoicing in the Lord, to be abound and abased, and strength through Christ.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The Book of Philippians is the eleventh book of the New Testament, the fiftieth book of the Bible, and contains four chapters. The author of this epistle (letter) is Paul and it was written to the church of Philippi. The purpose of the letter was to bring Christian unity, there was some strife going on in the church so Paul encourages them to just live for Jesus first and there will be unity. What we are to learn from the book is that unity with Jesus brings us joy in all that we do. “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” - Philippians 2:2.
Jesus said, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” - John 15:12. As Christians no matter how much we try to love one another, it can be a little difficult to love certain people, especially when they are constantly trying to bring you down, even other Christians can do this. So, how do we love one another as Jesus commands without falling apart? Paul said, “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” - Philippians 4:12,13.
To be abased means to humble yourself, let it go, even if you know you are right, sometimes you just have to let them say what they want, God knows the truth and it makes you free. To abound means to exist or occur in abundance, to be plentifully supplied. God is taking care of everything and one day you will see the blessings for stepping aside and not stooping to their level. “For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:” - I Peter 3:17,18.
Of course, we are going to fall from time to time, but the great thing about God is that He is right there to pick us back up. Paul explains what helps him overcome all the struggles he faces, “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain...Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; ” - Philippians 1:20,21,27.
Paul's defense, to live for Christ. The truth is this, if we are not dwelling on our problems and focusing on others it lessens our burdens, what better person to focus on then Jesus. We do not even have to do much, just tell the Gospel to someone. You do not have to know the Bible to tell someone about Jesus, you just have to believe in Jesus and tell them what you believe. “He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself:”- I John 5:10.
If there was ever anyone who had the right to fight back it was Jesus, but He was the most abased man there was. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” - Philippians 2:5-8.
Jesus could have done anything He wanted, but He chose to humble Himself to a mere servant and take on every sin that was and will be committed by everyone and gave His life for them. However, death had no rule over Jesus, He arose three days later, proving that no one, not even Satan himself can defeat the power of God. “Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” - Romans 6:9-11. Praise God!
Paul gives us some encouragement, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.” -Philippians 3:13-17.
It is time to let by gones be by gones, we can not do anything about the past, but we can do something about now. Press forward, reach for some goals, forget about them, in fact, thank them. You have much more going for you, Christ. He is right there with you, encouraging you and giving you the strength you need to keep going. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” - Philippians 4:8,9. Praise God!
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and have a great week. P.S. Forgive me for being late sending this out.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Bible Study: A Prisoner of The Lord 12.04.10
King James Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: A Prisoner of The Lord
For: Saturday December 04, 2010
Chapters: Ephesians 4-6.
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-4
Details of Today's Chapters: God's calling for the Christian, unity with Christ, the head of the church, the duties of a Christian, and the armor of God.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word duty is defined as something that one is expected or required to do by moral conscience or legal obligation. The Bible says, “Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” - Ecclesiastes 12:13b. The key here is to Fear God, it means to give respect and reverence (praise, thanks) to Him, when we fear God we are better able to keep His commandments. “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:” -Hebrews 12:28.
God gives us all specific gifts that enable us to serve Him effectively, the apostle Paul explains this further, “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;..And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:” - Ephesians 4:1-4,11-13.
A prisoner of the Lord, means having a perfect and pure heart for God, it is the true elect of God. Remember, yesterday we learned that Jesus chooses you, if you have accepted Christ as your Savior and decided that you want to live your life for Him than you have been chosen to serve Him by teaching others about Him. The job that you have right now has been given to you so that you can teach others about Christ. It is the most important duty that God gives all believers. Jesus said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” - Matthew 28:19,20.
Did you ever notice that regardless of what you do the longer you do it the excitement of it wears off and it sort of becomes just a routine and a but boring? I read some where that the average Christian lifespan is about seven years. I do not know about you, but I do not want to be average and God does not want us to be either. “And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” - Ephesians 3:19,20. God wants us to be filled with all His fullness (abundance, wealth). Praise God! Now, this is where many people put a halt to living the Christian life, it becomes routine or boring to the point that they forget they are serving God. I admit I have felt that from time to time, Satan does a good job of trying to get us to think that what we are doing for God is worthless and takes all the joy out of life. But can I tell you, when you fight him off with the power of God leading you there is no better and enjoyable duty than serving God.
How do we keep from being the average Christian? Paul shows us, “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” - Ephesians 6:11-13.
Every day we need to arm ourselves with God, He is the only one who can help us overcome Satan and all that he does to pull us away from doing His work. Of course, we are going to have days where we are weak in faith and just exhausted with life, but as long as we arm ourselves with God He can pick us back up before Satan puts a halt to our duties. So, what is the armor of God? “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” - Ephesians 6:14-17.
The Word of God is the most effective guard we have against Satan, Jesus used an example of seeds planted in different types of ground to explain how we all receive God's Word and or walk away from it, “The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” - Luke 8:11-15.
Some people will reject God's Word all together, some will hear just enough to get saved, some will hear it and live in it for a while until temptation or bitterness pulls them away, and there are some that hear it, stick with it, and hold on to it no matter what is going on in their lives. These are God's elect, the prisoners of the Lord, having a perfect and pure heart for Him. Of course, they will become tired from time to time, but God knows their hearts, He knows your heart and He knows what you are going through. He wants to comfort you and give you peace, but you have to let Him help you. I can not get enough of these verses lately, Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30. Jesus is right there to give you rest, just give all your burdens over to Him and He will make them lighter. Praise God!
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and weekend,
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Message Title: A Prisoner of The Lord
For: Saturday December 04, 2010
Chapters: Ephesians 4-6.
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-4
Details of Today's Chapters: God's calling for the Christian, unity with Christ, the head of the church, the duties of a Christian, and the armor of God.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word duty is defined as something that one is expected or required to do by moral conscience or legal obligation. The Bible says, “Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” - Ecclesiastes 12:13b. The key here is to Fear God, it means to give respect and reverence (praise, thanks) to Him, when we fear God we are better able to keep His commandments. “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:” -Hebrews 12:28.
God gives us all specific gifts that enable us to serve Him effectively, the apostle Paul explains this further, “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;..And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:” - Ephesians 4:1-4,11-13.
A prisoner of the Lord, means having a perfect and pure heart for God, it is the true elect of God. Remember, yesterday we learned that Jesus chooses you, if you have accepted Christ as your Savior and decided that you want to live your life for Him than you have been chosen to serve Him by teaching others about Him. The job that you have right now has been given to you so that you can teach others about Christ. It is the most important duty that God gives all believers. Jesus said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” - Matthew 28:19,20.
Did you ever notice that regardless of what you do the longer you do it the excitement of it wears off and it sort of becomes just a routine and a but boring? I read some where that the average Christian lifespan is about seven years. I do not know about you, but I do not want to be average and God does not want us to be either. “And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” - Ephesians 3:19,20. God wants us to be filled with all His fullness (abundance, wealth). Praise God! Now, this is where many people put a halt to living the Christian life, it becomes routine or boring to the point that they forget they are serving God. I admit I have felt that from time to time, Satan does a good job of trying to get us to think that what we are doing for God is worthless and takes all the joy out of life. But can I tell you, when you fight him off with the power of God leading you there is no better and enjoyable duty than serving God.
How do we keep from being the average Christian? Paul shows us, “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” - Ephesians 6:11-13.
Every day we need to arm ourselves with God, He is the only one who can help us overcome Satan and all that he does to pull us away from doing His work. Of course, we are going to have days where we are weak in faith and just exhausted with life, but as long as we arm ourselves with God He can pick us back up before Satan puts a halt to our duties. So, what is the armor of God? “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” - Ephesians 6:14-17.
The Word of God is the most effective guard we have against Satan, Jesus used an example of seeds planted in different types of ground to explain how we all receive God's Word and or walk away from it, “The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” - Luke 8:11-15.
Some people will reject God's Word all together, some will hear just enough to get saved, some will hear it and live in it for a while until temptation or bitterness pulls them away, and there are some that hear it, stick with it, and hold on to it no matter what is going on in their lives. These are God's elect, the prisoners of the Lord, having a perfect and pure heart for Him. Of course, they will become tired from time to time, but God knows their hearts, He knows your heart and He knows what you are going through. He wants to comfort you and give you peace, but you have to let Him help you. I can not get enough of these verses lately, Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30. Jesus is right there to give you rest, just give all your burdens over to Him and He will make them lighter. Praise God!
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and weekend,
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
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