1. THERE WOULD BE NO HOME FOR OUR SOUL AND SPIRIT.
A. IT IS TRAGIC TO SAY GOD IS WRONG. THERE IS NO HOPE WITHOUT HIS PROMISES.
PEOPLE WHO DON’T BELIEVE IN THE RESURRECTION HAVE TO BE SAD, YOU SEE.
Acts 23:8“For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.”
(***Biblical joke… In New Testament times, the Sadducees were a group of religious Jews who did not believe in an afterlife of any kind – that when you die, that is all there is. Without this hope of eternal life, physical resurrection or even heaven, they must have been “sad, you see”.)
GOD MADE THE HOUSE FIRST, AND THEN BREATHED LIFE TO DWELL INSIDE IT.
Genesis 2:7“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”
2. THERE WOULD BE NO WAY TO COMMUNICATE AND INTERACT WITH THAT WHICH IS PHYSICAL.
The rich man could not communicate with those in the body unless he had a body. But, his souls and spirit could feel pain, just like a body does.
Luke 16:23-24“And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.”
3. THERE WOULD BE SERIOUS DOUBTS ABOUT THE TRUSTWORTHINESS OF GOD.
BECAUSE HE PROMISED A NEW BODY. HE SET THE EXAMPLE BY RISING FROM THE DEAD. HE GIVES SPECIFIC PROMISES WHICH WE CAN COUNT ON.
PREACHING FROM JESUS, THE PROPHETS, AND THE APOSTLES ALL SAY THAT THERE IS A RESURRECTION.
THE PROPHETS.
Luke 20:37 “Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” 1 Corinthians 15:12 “Now if Christ be preached that He rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?” 1 Corinthians 15:13 “But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:”
JESUS SPECIFICALLY SAID HE WOULD RISE FORM THE DEAD BODILY.
Matthew 16:21 “From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto His disciples, how that He must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.” Matthew 17:23“And they shall kill Him, and the third day He shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.”
THE TOMB WAS EMPTY. IF IT WAS JUST A SPIRITUAL RESURRECTION, THE BODY WOULD STILL BE THERE.
Matthew 28:6“He is not here: for He is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” Matthew 28:7“And go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead; and, behold, He goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.”
JESUS LEFT US EVIDENCE THAT HIS PROMISES ARE TRUE.
Luke 24:36-40“And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.”
1 Thessalonians 4:15-17“For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
WHY DON’T CHRISTIANS TODAY DESIRE THE RESURRECTION LIKE EARLY CHRISTIANS DID ?
**THIS DESIRE WAS NOT JUST FOR THAT GENERATION WHICH EXPERIENCED THE LORD WALKING WITH THEM ON THE EARTH. IT IS EXPRESSED BY GOD’S PEOPLE UNTIL RECENT TIMES.
TODAY, PEOPLE ARE TOO BUSY TO WALK WITH HIM. THEY HAVE THEIR KIDS, THEIR GRANDKIDS, THEIR DOCTORS, THEIR GARDENS, THEIR PETS, THEIR HOUSES, AND THEIR JOBS. THEY HAVE TIME TO SPEND WITH THEIR RELATIVES, BUT DON’T HAVE THE TIME TO COME TO KNOW JESUS BETTER. THEY SAY THOSE THINGS KEEP THEM BUSY. THEY DON’T HAVE THE TIME.
BUT THEY MAKE TIME FOR THEIR INTERNET CHATS AND EMAILS. THEY MAKE TIME TO VISIT ONE ANOTHER. THEY MAKE TIME TO SEE DVD’s WHICH ARE NOT MORALLY UPLIFTING. THEY MAKE THE TIME TO SEE DOCTORS, LAWYERS, AND BUSINESSMEN. BUT, THEY CAN’T MAKE THE TIME TO WALK WITH JESUS AS ALL PAST GENERATIONS OF CHRISTIANS HAVE DONE.
YOU HAVE TO MAKE THE TIME ! THEN, THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS WILL BE IMPORTANT TO YOU. IT WILL COMFORT YOU. THAT IS HOW THIS CHAPTER ENDS. BUT, IF WE ARE TOO BUSY TO APPRECIATE WHAT JESUS DID, WE HAVE NO COMFORT AND NO EXPECTATION.
2 Chronicles 25:11 “And Amaziah strengthened himself, and led forth his people, and went to the valley of salt, and smote of the children of Seir ten thousand.”
Daniel 10:19“And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.”
1. THE LORD PROVIDES STRENGTH WHEN WE ARE STRONG ENOUGH TO STAND UP FOR HIM.
Colossians 1:11“Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;”
2 Timothy 4:17“Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.”
2. WHEN WE ACKNOWLEDGE OUR HUMAN WEAKNESS AND TURN TO GOD, WE ARE MADE STRONG BY OUR FAITH IN HIM.
Hebrews 11:34“Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.” 2 Corinthians 12:10“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
3. WE CAN LOSE OUR STRENGTH FROM GOD WHEN WE DECIDE TO DO THINGS OUR OWN WAY, AND NOT HIS.
Judges 16:19-21“And she made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him. And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him. But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house.”
4. GOD PROVIDES THE RESOURCES SO WE CAN BE STRONG.
COMPLETE FAITH IN THE PERSON OF OUR LORD.
Hebrews 6:18“That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:”
NOURISHMENT FROM THE WORD OF GOD.
Hebrews 5:12“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.” Hebrews 5:14“But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
POWER FROM HIS SPIRIT.
Ephesians 3:16“That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man;”
5. THERE ARE GOOD RESULTS WHEN WE DEPEND ON GOD AND NOT OURSELVES.
Philippians 4:13“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Ephesians 6:10“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.”
Romans 8:6For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
1 Corinthians 2:14But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1. A SPIRITUAL PERSON THINKS ABOUT SPIRITUAL THINGS.
THEY ARE NOT OVERWHELMED WITH WORLDLY THOUGHTS.
Romans 8:6For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
2. A SPIRITUAL PERSON IS A DISCERNER.
THEY JUDGE WHETHER SOMETHING IS RIGHT OR WRONG RATHER THAN JUST FOLLOWING THE CROWD.
1 Corinthians 2:15But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
3. A SPIRITUAL PERSON IS INVOLVED IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE.
THIS INVOLVES DEALING WITH UNSEEN FORCES THAT WOULD HINDER THE WORK OF GOD.
Ephesians 6:12 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.
4. A SPIRITUAL PERSON CONFIRMS WHAT THE SCRIPTURES SAY.
1 Corinthians 14:37If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
5. A SPIRITUAL PERSON HAS SPIRITUAL GIFTS, AND USES THEM FOR THE RIGHT PURPOSES.
1 Corinthians 12:1Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 1 Corinthians 14:1Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
6. A SPIRITUAL PERSON IS MORE CONCERNED ABOUT RESTORING A BROTHER IN CHRIST RATHER THAN DWELLING ON HIS FAILURES.
Galatians 6:1Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
7. A SPIRITUAL PERSON IS A MUSICAL PERSON. THEY SING, THEY PLAY.
Colossians 3:16Let 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. Ephesians 5:19Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
8. A SPIRITUAL PERSON DOES THE WORK OF A PRIEST. INTERCESSION, SACRIFICES, OFFERINGS, ETC.
1 Peter 2:5Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
9. A SPIRITUAL PERSON HAS DEEPER UNDERSTANDING.
SURFACE STUFF DOES NOT IMPRESS A SPIRITUAL PERSON. THEY ANALYZE AND COME TO CONCLUSIONS THAT GOD GUIDES THEM INTO.
Colossians 1:9For 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;
MANY PEOPLE DON’T THINK THAT WHAT YOU DO IS IMPORTANT. THEY CONTEND THAT WHAT YOU BELIEVE AND THINK IN YOUR MIND WEIGHS MORE WITH GOD. NOT SO.
IT BRINGS YOU CLOSER TO THE LORD. THEN YOU CAN HEAR HIM, BE COMFORTED, STRENGTHENED, LED, AND FILLED.
IT HONORS GOD’S STANDARDS, AND SETS YOU UP AS A GOOD EXAMPLE. SOME DON’T WANT TO BE EXAMPLES. OK, BUT WHAT ABOUT YOUR CHILDREN ? YOUR BROTHERS, SISTERS ? WILL YOU LEAVE THEM WITHOUT AN EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW ?
GOD BRINGS JUDGMENT AGAINST THOSE WHO DO EVIL, AND ARE SUPPOSED TO BE GOOD EXAMPLES.
1 Corinthians 5:2And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. This man was a leader, was saved, but thought that sin what he did was important.
WE KNOW THAT THE WORLD WILL TRY TO GET US TO DO WRONG.
Acts 5:29Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
PEOPLE IN THE CHURCH ARE SUPPOSED TO BE EXAMPLES OF THE CHRISTIAN WALK. BECAUSE CHURCHES HAVE FAILED GOD, THEY WILL BE JUDGED IN THE LAST DAYS.
1 Peter 4:17For 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 ?
IF WE DON’T DO RIGHT, THERE ARE NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES. ISRAEL, IN DANIEL’S TIME WAS TAKEN INTO CAPTIVITY, MADE TO BE SLAVES.
Daniel 9:10Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets. Daniel 9:13-14As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth. Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the LORD our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice.
IT IS A LIFESTYLE THAT IS BLESSED BY GOD.
Hebrews 11:8By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
IT PURIFIES THE SOUL WHEN WE DO RIGHT. IT PROVIDES FOR A CLEAN MIND AND GOOD FEELINGS THAT GO ALONG WITH THAT.
1 Peter 1:22Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
IF WE DON’T DO RIGHT, IT WEAKENS OUR CONSCIENCE, AND RESULTS IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF RIGHT AND WRONG BEING DESTROYED.
Amos 3:9-10Publish in the palaces at Ashdod, and in the palaces in the land of Egypt, and say, Assemble yourselves upon the mountains of Samaria, and behold the great tumults in the midst thereof, and the oppressed in the midst thereof. For they know not to do right, saith the LORD, who store up violence and robbery in their palaces.
THIS IS ANTICIPATED IN THE LAST DAYS. DON’T BE A PARTY TO THIS !
1 Timothy 4:2Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
IT HONORS GOD, AND GOD IS PLEASED WITH OBEDIENCE.
BECAUSE FELLOWSHIP WITH JESUS REQUIRES IT.
1 John 1:6-7If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
BECAUSE OF THE JUDGMENT FOR THE BELIEVER.
2 Corinthians 5:10For 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.
BECAUSE OF JUDGMENT FOR THE UNBELIEVER.
YOUR WORKS WILL NOT SAVE YOU. BUT, BY ANY ACT OF DISOBEDIENCE, YOU HAVE SHOWN THAT YOU DO ACCEPT THE AUTHORITY OF GOD OVER YOU. THEREFORE, THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH. ONLY ONE HOPE–RECEIVING THE PAYMENT WHICH JESUS MADE FOR YOU.
YOUR WORKS ONLY SERVE TO CONDEMN YOU.
Ephesians 2:8-9For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
WE HAVE STUDIED THIS BEFORE, BUT WHEN PEOPLE ASK, “HOW CAN I HEAR GOD ?”, IT IS A GOOD REMINDER TO REVIEW THE BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES.
GOD CONSIDERS OUR HEARING HIM TO BE A BIG DEAL. HE MENTIONS IT OVER AND OVER.
Revelation 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
1. GET YOUR PRIORITIES RIGHT.
* When you have a lot of screens open on your computer, it tests the capabilities of the machine. When it reaches it’s limit, it cannot hear the commands given by the keyboard or the mouse. It is frozen, cold.
A. TAKE TIME TO MEDITATE. IT WILL BLESS YOU.
Joshua 1:8This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.; that thy profiting may appear to all.
B. DON’T ALLOW YOUR LIFE TO BE FILLED WITH UNIMPORTANT THINGS.
Paul sorted things out, and labeled all things that do not profit the Lord.
Philippians 3:8Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
C. TAKING ON MORE THAN YOU GOD WANTS YOU TO HAVE.
*GOD WILL NOT PLACE MORE ON YOU THAN YOU ARE ABLE.
1 Corinthians 10:13There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
2. SQUASH THE DISTRACTIONS.
A. ALLOWING TOO MANY VOICES TO BE HEARD AT ONCE. MUST STOP ALLOWING IT !
John 10:27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
B. OVERWHELMED BY YOUR OWN VOICE AND GOALS.
ESPECIALLY CONCERNING IS THAT FOR THE CHRISTIAN, THIS IS ALLOWING THE OLD NATURE TO RULE. REJECTED FIRST ANSWER, KEPT ON PLEADING WITH GOD. WAS DISTRACTED BY THE MEN, THE MONEY, AND HIS OWN HEART’S DESIRE. DIDN’T READ GOD’S TRUE WILL CORRECTLY.
BAALIM.
Numbers 22:12, 19-22.And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed. … Now therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the LORD will say unto me more. And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do. And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab. And God’s anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him.
—Simply put, it means that you really don’t want to hear. You want to do what YOU want to do, and that is what you think you hear from God. The results of this are foretold.
Luke 6:47-49Whosoever cometh to Me, and heareth My sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.
C. THERE ARE ALWAYS THINGS TO DO.
BUT, DO YOU FULFILL WHAT GOD WANTS FIRST ? DOES GOD GET TOP PRIORITY ALL THE TIME ? IT MAY BE THAT ONE TIME WHEN HE ISN’T MOST IMPORTANT THAT YOU NEED TO HEAR HIM THE MOST.
2 Timothy 4:11Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
APOLLOS—Will come at a convenient time. He had other things to do.
1 Corinthians 16:12As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.
D. NOT ENOUGH DEDICATION TO STUDY THE WORD.
3. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE RIGHT CONDITIONS.
A. SOME CANNOT RECEIVE ANSWERS.
Matthew 13:9-12Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. And the disciples came, and said unto Him, Why speakest Thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
B. YOU HAVE TO HAVE SPIRITUAL ROOTS TO HEAR.
Matthew 13:19-21When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
C. MUST RECEIVE THE SIMPLE SOUNDS FIRST—LIKE GETTING SAVED.
Revelation 22:17And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
THERE IS A NEED TO KEEP CONSCIOUS AWARENESS OF YOUR PURPOSE AND GOALS IN LIFE.
John 21:21-22Peter seeing Him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou Me.
1. HOLDING ONTO THEM REQUIRES CONTINUAL EFFORT.
Jude 1:3-4Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
A. THE DEVIL WILL OPPOSE THE PLANS OF GOD.
And he uses people, demons, or whatever he can to do it.
MARK 8:33But when He had turned about and looked on His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind Me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.
B. THE FLESH WILL OPPOSE THE PLANS OF GOD.
Will find it easy to forget them, or put them on a back shelf. God wants us to be about His Work ! We have to do whatever it takes to remember that ! Notes, reminders, daily ! IT TAKES LABOR–WORK–TO STAY ON COURSE FOR GOD.
Acts 20:35I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
–IF WE BACKSLIDE, IT BECOMES INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO HEAR FROM GOD.
Romans 8:7Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
C. FAMILY MAY OPPOSE THE PLANS OF GOD. THESE ARE THE MOST DIFFICULT TO REJECT WHEN THEY PULL YOU AWAY FROM GOD.
—Some family members actually oppose themselves ! But, we must help them.
2Timothy 2:25In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
Matthew 10:33-37But whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father which is in heaven. Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.
D. THE LOST—EVEN FRIENDS—WILL OPPOSE THE PLANS OF GOD.
Should we be shocked, surprised ? No.
John 15:20Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept My saying, they will keep yours also.
WERE THERE FRIENDS WHO TRIED TO KEEP THE DISCIPLES FROM FOLLOWING THE LORD ? WHAT ABOUT RELATIVES OF THE DISCIPLES ? WHAT ABOUT THE WORLDLY FRIENDS OF MATTHEW ? THE PROFESSIONAL PEOPLE WHO MUST HAVE RIDICULED DR. LUKE.
2. KEEP THE VISION WHICH COMES FROM GOD. MAN’S VISION WILL DISTRACT, TAKE YOU AWAY.
A. SOMETIMES FAR FROM IT.
Galatians 1:6I marvel that ye are so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
B. OUR OWN WILL MUST YIELD TO GOD‘S PURPOSE—A DAILY REQUIREMENT.
Whenever our own will gets in the way. Must be HIS purpose !
2 Timothy 1:9Who 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,
C. THE FLESH TRIES FUTILE COVER-UPS.
A sacrifice is not a substitute for God’s calling.
1 Samuel 15:22And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
3. PRESERVE THEM REGARDLESS OF WHAT APPEARS PHYSICALLY.
2 Corinthians 5:7“(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)”
When God lifts you, He takes you up and away from someplace. It is always better than where you have been.
I know most people think of God doing that at death. But, the Bible has many more accounts of God lifting us while we are living our lives right here on earth.
***There are times when we get help by using whatever weak power we have left, and at other times, God wants us to just stop our efforts, and watch as His hand comes down and pulls us up. –The case off Peter walking on water. He began to sink. There was an alternative to that, wasn’t there ? He could have started swimming back to the ship. After all, he was a fisherman, raised on the water, and probably knew how to swim. But, he chose to cry out to the Lord. It was the right thing for him to do at the time.
WHEN TORN BY SPIRITUAL BATTLES–GOD LIFTS US UP.
Psalms 30:1«A Psalm and Song at the dedication of the house of David.» I will extol thee, O LORD; for Thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.
THIS WAS TO BE SUNG AT THE DEDICATION OF THE HOUSE OF DAVID. IT DEALS WITH THE SPIRITUAL WARFARE, AND THE ENEMIES OF GOD.
WHEN HURT BY CONVICTION, GUILT AND SHAME, GOD WILL REACH DOWN AND LIFT US UP.
Psalms 102:10Because of Thine indignation and Thy wrath: for Thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down.
WE ARE CHASTEN OUT OF GOD’S LOVE FOR US.
Hebrews 12:6For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth.
Revelation 3:19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
THE SPIRIT OF GOD CAN LIFT US TO GREATER UNDERSTANDING AND KNOWLEDGE.
Ezekiel 3:14 So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me.
Ezekiel 11:1Moreover the spirit lifted me up, and brought me unto the east gate of the LORD’S house, which looketh eastward: and behold at the door of the gate five and twenty men; among whom I saw Jaazaniah the son of Azur, and Pelatiah the son of Benaiah, princes of the people.
GOD CAN LIFT THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN CHASTENED.
1 Samuel 2:7The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: He bringeth low, and lifteth up.
GOD CAN LIFT THOSE IN POVERTY.
1 Samuel 2:8He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD’S, and He hath set the world upon them.
Psalms 113:7He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;
Psalms 147:6The LORD lifteth up the meek: He casteth the wicked down to the ground.
GOD LIFTS US UP WITH THE BLESSINGS ONLY HE CAN GIVE.
JOY AND PEACE AND A KNOWLEDGE OF GOD.
Luke 24:47-53And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. And He led them out as far as to Bethany, and He lifted up His hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
HE WILL LIFT PEOPLE TO JUDGMENT.
HE WILL LIFT THEM IN RESURRECTION, BOTH SAVED AND LOST.
John 12:32And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me.
THE SAVED TO THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST.
THE LOST TO THE WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT.
John 12:34The people answered Him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest Thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?
SOME SAY THAT IT CAN’T BE DONE TODAY. THEY SAY THAT IN THE PAST, THE DISCIPLES WALKED WITH JESUS. THEY SAY THAT IN THE PAST, WHEN JESUS WAS ON EARTH, PEOPLE COULD HAVE THAT PRIVILEGE, BUT NOT TODAY. JESUS HAS TO BE PHYSICALLY PRESENT IN ORDER TO WALK WITH HIM… NOT SO ! LOOK AT THIS–
Genesis 3:8And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.
Genesis 5:22And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:
Genesis 5:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.
Genesis 6:9These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
COULD HE BE SEEN ? WAS HIS PRESENCE ALWAYS PHYSICAL ? IF NOT, CAN THIS SAME PRIVILEGE BE GRANTED TO PEOPLE TODAY ?
1. WALKING WITH HIM IS TO HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM.
1 John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
1 John 1:7But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.
WHAT IS FELLOWSHIP ? IT MEANS ONE THING WITH ONE PERSON AND ANOTHER TO SOMEONE ELSE. GOD’S DEFINITION IS THE ONE THAT COUNTS.
FELLOWSHIP IS TURNING OUR ATTENTION ON GOD, NOT EVERYONE ELSE. (Rejecting the distracting appeal of idolatry).
2 Corinthians 6:16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
FELLOWSHIP CANNOT BE OBTAINED IF WE DWELL IN UNBELIEF. IF WE ARE TO WALK WITH JESUS, WE MUST FOLLOW HIS WORD.
John 5:8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
John 5:11 He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.
John 5:12Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?
FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD MEANS NO TIME FOR EVERYTHING. YOU WILL HAVE TO DROP FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHER THINGS IN ORDER TO MAKE THE ROOM. YOU CANNOT BE ALL THINGS TO ALL PEOPLE. YOU CANNOT FULFILL ALL THAT YOU WANT TO DO. TO HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH JESUS, YOU MUST DENY YOURSELF.
Mark 8:34And when He had called the people unto Him with His disciples also, He said unto them, Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
IF A PERSON FAILS TO FOLLOW, THEY NO LONGER HAVE FELLOWSHIP.
Matthew 19:21Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow Me.
WAS PETER HAVING FELLOWSHIP WITH JESUS WHEN HE FOLLOWED FROM A DISTANCE ? NO !
Matthew 26:58But Peter followed Him afar off unto the high priest’s palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.
2. BY PUTTING YOUR ATTENTION ON JESUS, YOU WILL LEARN THINGS THAT YOU WOULD MISS BY SIMPLY READING.
YOU SEE THE REAL STANDARDS. IT IS DIFFICULT TO REALLY TELL MUCH ABOUT A PERSON BY HEARING THEM IN A RELIGIOUS CONTEXT. YOU WILL BE ABLE TO KNOW THEIR STANDARDS WHEN IT ISN’T AROUND CHURCH. YOU SEE WHAT THE PERSON’S DESIRES REALLY ARE.
HOW CAN WE APPLY JESUS TRUE DESIRES TO OUR LIVES ?
SEEK & SAVE THE LOST. Mt 18:11 “For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.”
JERUSALEM. YOU WILL GET CONCERNED ABOUT ISRAEL. Luke 13:34 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!”
HIS HURT OVER UNBELIEF. John 11:35 “Jesus wept.” (You don’t see such emotions while doing your own thing).
HIS FRUSTRATIONS OVER…
PEOPLE WHO HAVEN’T COME TO UNDERSTAND THE BASICS ABOUT GOD. “HOW LONG HAVE I BEEN WITH YOU ?” John 14:7-11“Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for the very works’ sake.”
PEOPLE WHO OUGHT TO HAVE FAITH, WHO DON’T EXERCISE IT. Luke 8:25“And He said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for He commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey Him.”
PEOPLE WHO SHOULD BE TRUSTING GOD, BUT TRY TO REASON THINGS OUT LOGICALLY AMONG THEMSELVES. Mark 8:16“And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread.”
3. YOU GET TO SEE WHAT GOD DOES.
A child often has no idea what the parent does at work unless they go there and walk with him. The same is true to the Christian life.
WALKING WITH JESUS IS ESSENTIAL TO RECOGNIZING AND DEFEATING DEMONIC ACTIVITY.
DEMONS OBEY. Luke 4:36“And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power He commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.”
WALKING WITH JESUS IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW WHERE AND HOW TO PLACE OUR ACTIONS OF LOVE.
HIS COMPASSION.
THE HUNGRY CROWD. Matthew 15:32“Then Jesus called His disciples unto Him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with Me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.”
THE CHILDREN THAT OTHERS REJECTED. Mark 10:14“But when Jesus saw it, He was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.”
4. YOU GET TO SEE HIS ASSOCIATIONS.
THE PEOPLE WHO WALK WITH HIM SEE MORE. UNLESS YOU ARE WALKING WITH HIM, YOU MIGHT NOT SEE THEM. **SOME SAY, “I’M THE ONLY ONE SERVING THE LORD.”
Acts 9:26And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.
YOU SEE WHO ISN’T WALKING WITH HIM, BUT PUT THEIR OWN DESIRES AND WAYS AHEAD OF HIS. THEY SIMPLY WON’T BE THERE.
1 John 2:19They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
Acts 3:2 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;
THERE COULD HAVE BEEN MANY WRONG POSSIBLE ACTIONS TAKEN BY PETER AND JOHN.
THEY COULD HAVE PLACED THE EXPECTATIONS OF MOST OF THE BEGGARS ON THEIR AGENDA (what were they people gathered for ? To obtain an alms).
THEY COULD HAVE PLACED THEIR OWN PRIORITIES UPON HIM. THEY WANTED TO GO AND WORSHIP, SO THE COULD HAVE BRUSHED HIM OFF.
THEY COULD HAVE LOWERED THEIR EXPECTATIONS BY ASKING FOR SOMETHING NICE FOR HIM. LIKE A NEW SUIT OF CLOTHES, OR A FULL HEAD OF HAIR.
THEY COULD HAVE EXCEEDED THE PLAN OF GOD BY ASKING FOR THE MOON. THEY COULD HAVE ASKED FOR HIS HEALING OF HIS LAMENESS, AND FOR EVERY MOLE, WART OR BLEMISH TO DISAPPEAR, FOR EVERY TOOTH TO BE HEALED, AND FOR HIS EYES AND EHARING TO BE PERFECT TILL HE DIES.
HOW DO YOU MINISTER TO OTHERS ? WITH GODLY LOVE ?
SOME HERE DO THAT, AND ARE SUCH POWERFUL BLESSINGS TO OTHERS. BUT, SOME COME UP VERY VERY SHORT.
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****Interactive portion of message where scriptures are given to each person who is asked to read the scripture aloud and tell what verse means to them.****
DO THESE VERSES TELL US WHAT GOD WANTS US TO DO FOR EACH OTHER ?
YES !
–John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
–John 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
–John 15:17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.
–Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
–Romans 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
–Romans 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.
–Romans 15:7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
–Romans 15:14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
–Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
–Ephesians 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
–Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
–Colossians 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
–Colossians 3:16 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.
–1 Thessalonians 4:9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
–1 Thessalonians 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
–1 Thessalonians 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
–Hebrews 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
–Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
–Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
–1 Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
–1 John 3:11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
–1 John 3:23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
–1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
–1 John 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
–Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
–Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
–Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
–Luke 14:10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.
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THREE QUESTIONS:
WHAT WOULD JESUS WANT DONE ?
WHAT WOULD THAT PERSON WANT DONE ?
WHAT WOULD I LIKE TO HAVE DONE IF I WAS THAT PERSON ?
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LOVE IS A COMMAND FROM GOD. AND IT IS FAR MORE THAN WHAT MOST CHRISTIAN WANT IT TO BE WHEN APPLIED TO OTHERS.
John 13:34A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
John 15:12This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
John 15:17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.
Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Romans 13:8Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
Romans 14:13Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.
Romans 15:7Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
Romans 15:14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
LOVE DOES SOMETHING. IT JUST DOESN’T “FEEL.”
Galatians 6:2Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Ephesians 4:2With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
Ephesians 4:32And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Colossians 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Colossians 3:16Let 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.
1 Thessalonians 4:9But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
1 Thessalonians 4:18Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
Hebrews 3:13But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
Hebrews 10:24And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Hebrews 10:25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
1 Peter 1:22Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
1 John 3:11For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
1 John 3:23And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
1 John 4:7Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
1 John 4:11Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
Hebrews 10:24And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
BE HUMBLE.
Romans 12:3For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
GOD FIRST, OTHERS SECOND.
Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Luke 14:10But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.
TRYING TO HELP A BROTHER OR SISTER IN CHRIST ?
HOW DO WE DO THIS ? PASS THIS TEST–
HOW WOULD JESUS FEEL ? IF WE KNOW IT, CONSIDER HOW JESUS WOULD HANDLE IT. DO WE REALLY KNOW ? IS THERE A BIBLICAL BASIS FOR YOUR CONCLUSION ?
ARE WE DOING IT BECAUSE GOD COMMANDED US TO LOVE AS HE LOVED ? SOME SEE THIS AS THEIR ESCAPE FROM DOING SOMETHING. THEY FIGURE THAT IF THEY CANNOT LOVE AS JESUS DID THEY ARE EXCUSED FROM DOING ANYTHING. NOT SO ! INSTEAD, JESUS SET A STANDARD BEFORE US WHERE WE ARE SUPPOSED TO COME UP TO THOSE STANDARDS, NOT THROW THEM AWAY SAYING THAT WE CANNOT DO THEM.
HOW WOULD YOU FEEL ? CONSIDER HOW YOU WOULD FEEL IN THE SAME CIRCUMSTANCES. James 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
HOW WOULD THE OTHER PERSON FEEL ? CONSIDER HOW THE OTHER PERSON WOULD TAKE WHAT YOU SAY OR DO.
ASK YOURSELF WHAT RESPONSE A PERSON MIGHT HAVE TO WHAT YOU SAY. (Do NOT say, “I would have this or that reaction.” You could take things differently than the other person). THIS IS TAKING ANOTHER PERSON INTO CONSIDERATION. THE FIRST AND THIRD POINTS ARE MOST IMPORTANT.
YOU CAN CONSIDER HOW YOU WOULD REACT, BUT THE FOREMOST CONSIDERATION IS THE OTHER PERSON.
WRONGLY, MOST CHRISTIANS MINISTER TO OTHERS AS IF IT WAS NOT BIG DEAL TO BE CONSIDERATE. JUST SPEAK YOUR MIND AND SAY SOMETHING SPIRITUAL, AND EVERYTHING WILL BE OK. NOT SO !
POSSIBLE SITUATIONS:
A PERSON HAVING FINANCIAL TROUBLES. You don’t talk about all the things that they COULD have done. Help them think about what’s ahead if they seek God’s will.
A PERSON WHO IS SICK. Do we tell them about all the problems at work that they missed out on ? Is that thoughtful ? Do you tell them all the problems at work, and how bad different people have been ? Do you drop the rumor that says their job is about to be taken by someone else ?
A WOMAN IN THE HOSPITAL WITH 2 BROKEN LEGS FROM CAR ACCIDENT. Do you visit and tell how the Lord saved you from a very similar situation ? Or, do you tell her that you had a relative who had the very same thing, and she never was able to walk right again ? What does THAT leave her thinking ?
“CONSIDER ONE ANOTHER”
HAVE I CONSIDERED THEIR SPIRITUAL CONDITION ? ARE THEY BACKSLIDDEN ? IN REBELLION ? WEAK ? A NEW CHRISTIAN ? **You will be totally unsuccessful if you spend time talking about specifics of the Greek language or intricate meanings of a Greek word in Scripture that blessed you so much this morning. If you expect too much of them, you miss the mark. If you shoot too low, you insult their intelligence and their spiritual life.
DO I HAVE A PLAN TO EDIFY ? Or, do I speak off the top of my head, which may not bring the best results ?
DID I PUT MYSELF IN THAT PERSON’S PLACE AND KNOWING THEIR (NOT my own) PERSONALITY, DO I UNDERSTAND WHAT I CAN DO TO HELP THAT PERSON ? People often say, “I would take it this way.” BUT, you are NOT them ! Try to consider them, not yourself !
