Certainly all believers realize we need to pray.  Hopefully, we never take our opportunities for prayer for granted, or fail to realize the wonderful benefits of prayer.  However, for many people, connecting with our Heavenly Father is often not viewed as the special privilege it really is.

 Prayer Is God’s Idea

To Whom should we pray?  Who actually hears our prayers?  And, is there Anyone Who really cares if we pray?  Does God care?

Of course God cares!  God directs us to pray because He really, really cares.  God wants a permanent connection with us.  God is the One Who initiated communication with us.  Prayer is God’s idea!  Prayer is not one of man’s inventions.

God expects us to pray.  After all, He is the One True God.  And, the essential place to go to learn about what He expects from us when we pray is the BIBLE, THE BOOK GOD WROTE TO US AND PRESERVED FOR US.

 Prayer Is for Our Benefit

The essentials of prayer are vitally important to every believer; to every true disciple of the One true God.  We need to be in daily contact with God through prayer, and we need to learn how to pray more effectively.  Also, we all need to expect that we will receive answers to our prayers.  God wants us to pray so it becomes quite obvious to us Who it is Who wants to take care of us.

 Even the 12 Apostles Learned to Pray

The original 12 Apostles of Jesus observed Jesus’ praying and realized they could benefit from some instructions.  They asked Him to teach them to pray.

Luke 11:1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

Whatever it is that believers have already learned, or will come to understand in the future about effective prayer, we can be assured that God has addressed those issues regarding effective prayer, and those issues will always link directly to the TRUE GOD and to His WORD!  He used many different men to write and preserve His Word to us, including instructions about effective prayer.

Some “Prayers” Have Been Misguided

It is common knowledge that most religions in the world teach their followers to pray. However, prayers differ greatly from religious culture to religious culture.

Many people across the world hold some very faulty ideas about what prayer is, and how to do it.  For example, there are many very devout, sincere, religious people in the world who pray faithfully by spinning a prayer wheel, or who repetitiously chant the same words over and over.

There are multitudes of others who believe that they can pray to saints who have died and passed into the heavens that can, and will answer their prayers.

And, there are many others in this “enlightened “ 21^st century who believe in the power of prayer, insisting that access to this power requires nothing more than a mere exercise in positive thinking.  For them, God doesn’t even have to be involved.  In fact, no one has to even be listening.  Of course, the Bible indicates the futility and the error of such practices.  Many of the verses in Matthew 6 address erroneous prayer practices.

 A Few Easy, Valid Basics

Hopefully, we realize there is always room for improvement.  There are many ways to make our prayers more effective.

Beginning with a basic overview of this subject may help set us up for improvement, especially in One Major area that we will address in this teaching.  Hopefully, you will allow this teaching to reinforce your understanding of prayer and make your future prayers far more effective.

We begin the review with a simple definition of prayer.  Prayer, from the context of the Bible, is appropriate communication with the One True God.  And, the appropriate kind of communication with God involves many things.

A second crucial basic concept of prayer is that God expects all of His children to pray.  Even Jesus prayed, and He told us to pray, also.

Many booklets, articles, and sermons are available that offer lists of the basics, special keys, and secrets to getting prayers answered.  In general, they agree on many basic points.

•  Asking in faith
• Seeking the will of God
• Forgiving others when we pray
• Maintaining a clean conscience
• Being persistent in prayer
• Praying in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ
• Being humble and thankful
• Having right motives
• Remaining persistent, unwavering, and patient

Every one of these basic principles of prayer is important and valid.  We would agree with every one of them.  Also, we would all agree that we need a right attitude, and a right approach in order for our prayers to be truly effective.  These, of course, involve our understanding and accepting our place before God.

 God Has Purpose for All He Creates

Hopefully, the act of praying itself causes us to recognize God’s incredible ability to answer our prayers because HE IS GOD!  He is Sovereign and All Powerful.  He is All Wise, and All Knowing.  He exists, has always existed, and will continue to exist without end.  And, as we know, He depends on no one, or no thing for His infinite existence!  He, Himself, is the Source of all else.  He is LIFE!  He is our Great, Generous Creator!

Isaiah 45:18 For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.

God has revealed to True Believers that in His infinite wisdom He has showered mankind with great blessings, starting with life itself.  He has created us all, every person, every man, woman, and child of all races, for His divine purposes!  Our current temporary existence is part of God’s wonderful Master Plan of salvation for mankind!

And, one of the greatest of God’s spiritual gifts is the understanding of our physical appearance!  Through God’s revelation, we have learned that He made our physical image after His own image.  We are in His image by His incredibly beautiful design!

 Genesis 1:26a And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:

God has also revealed that He has great plans for us, and He has shown us amazing, generous favor in this temporary existence, with potential for even greater favor in His future eternity!

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

 Realize Who Is Listening

Let us all stop for a short space here and really reflect for a moment on a crucial element of prayer.  Are we abundantly aware of this understanding of WHO AND WHAT GOD IS when we pray?  Are we sensitive to its many implications?

Do we carry with us the mindfulness that appropriate communication with God requires that we Know Him for WHO AND WHAT HE IS?  Do we stand in awe of WHO AND WHAT HE IS?

The Bible refers to this approach to God as Fear of the LORD.  And, it is imperative that we always, 24/7, possess it, and demonstrate it by our thoughts, feelings, and actions, especially when we pray!

God, Himself gets to direct us in the elements of prayer, because He is Sovereign, because He is our Creator, because He is All-wise, and for many other reasons.

A Major Aspect of Effective Prayer

One of the most important reasons God gets to direct our prayers is the fact that He has revealed Himself as our actual, spiritual Father.  For those who answer God’s calling (John 6:44), who have repented and received His Holy Spirit, we are NOW the begotten children of our Heavenly Father.

In multiple passages, God’s Word shows us that our Father wants us to pray!  He wants us to connect to Him!

Jesus told His disciples to PRAY!  He did not say IF, He said WHEN.  Here are some passages that underscore the command to pray.

Matthew 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Mark 11:25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

Luke 11:2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.

Jesus set the example for us.  He tells us that He has prayed for us, and He will continue to pray for us.  Jesus knew exactly Who it is Who would answer His prayers.

John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

Our Father Listens

These Scriptures show us a number of basic elements of prayer.  Many of the concepts overlap, or repeat in these verses.  Especially notice one of these repetitive elements found in every one of these verses: Father.

One of the Major Keys to having our prayers answered effectively is the understanding of WHO and WHAT GOD IS!  Of course, God has many names and roles.  And, in the context of prayer, a central role is that of being our FATHER!

This is for real, and through His Holy Spirit, God has begotten us!  We have our Father’s spiritual DNA!  He desires to keep us very close to Himself.

Isaiah 49:16 
Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.

 1 John 3:2 
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

 What Does “Father” Mean?

When we pray, and EVERY time we pray, we are to approach God as OUR FATHER!  Yes, of course, He has many roles and titles, but none more important when we pray than the beautiful role and title of FATHER!

Because we live in a society that has generally neglected, and undermined the roles and responsibilities of FATHERING, we often bring our negative earthly family baggage with us when we pray to OUR HEAVENLY FATHER!

Please understand, this can greatly obstruct the effectiveness of our prayers!  It can be a major hindrance to our connection with God, our Father!

Some of us have had wonderful relationships with our earthy fathers.  We need to be especially thankful.  And, for those among us who have had some challenges in our relationships, I hope we will focus on the positive aspects of the relationship, and be thankful, also.  After all, earthy fathers are simply made of clay.  And, many fathers would have done even better than they have done if they would have known better at the time.

The experiences people have had with modern-day fathers are tucked away in our memories, and have become part of the hidden things of our hearts.  Society has trained us to expect some very odd behaviors from so-called fathers.  For example, it is becoming more and more commonplace for an unmarried woman to become a mother through the miracle of science and the in-vitro fertilization process.  A child produced in this manner may never have to deal with the father.  We refer to these fathers simply as sperm donors.

There are other ways where men behave that demote them to the level of sperm donors.  This happens when such men ignore, or exploit their roles and responsibilities as a father.  Some abdicate.  Some abandon.  And, some stay only to abuse.

 A Righteous Father Is Hard to Find

Genuine fathers are hard to find these days.  And, we Thank God, there are some!

While our society is turning out powerful examples of bad or absent fathers; there is a growing void of godly fathers in general society.

And, this nearly perfect vacuum of righteous, real father examples, can drastically affect our prayer lives if we let it!  Becoming aware of the potential is crucial to us in these last days.  Brethren, consider these verses as they may relate to some of the father-child relationships we see on TV, or in the movies, or perhaps even, in our own neighborhood.

2 Timothy 3:1-4 (1) This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2) For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, (3) Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, (4) Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

Our Heavenly Father’s Plan to Change Things!

 The entire earth is in jeopardy unless this modern evil set of circumstances

 Malachi 4:6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse! (NIV: total destruction)

However, there is GOOD NEWS!  We can Thank God, it will change!  Our heavenly Father has already made it possible for His children to overcome this problem.  And, it can be overcome in our lives NOW!

We need to deepen our understanding of the truth about God’s desire to fulfill all the roles and responsibilities of being our Father.  He is not made of clay like our physical fathers.  He is PERFECT!  God knows how to be our Father.  He designed all of the aspects of what it means to be a father.

God wants all of us to become as He is.  He wants to bring us to the place where we look, think, feel, and behave like His Perfect Son, Jesus Christ.  And the experiences we have with our Heavenly Father, including those experiences when we go to Him in prayer, will direct us to a fulfillment of His ultimate purpose for us.

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

The “Fathers,” Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

Looking into the pages of the Bible, we find a frequent reference to the “God of our fathers” as well as references to “the fathers,” meaning Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

These men were certainly fathers, and they provide physical examples of what God had in mind when He designed FATHERHOOD!

These men were men of the Covenant with El Shaddai (the Almighty, the One Who Could Provide everything that they needed).  And, they fulfilled one of their primary roles of Father when they maintained the Covenant and passed the Covenant on to their children.

The Covenant was their treasure from God.  The “fathers” highly valued it.  The Covenant put them in a special relationship with God.  And, they valued this relationship because they knew something about WHO and WHAT IS GOD.  They understood that the Covenant presented them with the opportunity to be highly favored by God.

Jacob/Israel not only accepted God’s favor in the Covenant, he sought out the birthright, and the blessing as well!  He understood the value of such a relationship with God.  And, he understood the importance of what it meant to future generations!

A Better Covenant; A Better Relationship

Today, we have even more knowledge available to us about WHO and WHAT IS GOD!  We know much more about God because of the life and work of Jesus Christ Who came to reveal the Father!

Matthew 11:27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.  (See also Luke 10:22) 

And, we also have been given a vastly superior Covenant than that which God gave at Mt. Sinai to the descendants of “the fathers.”

Hebrews 8:6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. 

This is important to understand, especially when we pray because it affects what it is that we can expect from God as He hears and answers our prayers.  God has provided us with a better relationship with Him.  He has provided us with better promises.  God’s Master Plan has brought us to a place of being blessed and highly favored, especially through the work of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

      Why Do We Need to Ask?

Clearly, God wants a relationship with us!  A special one!  He wants us to pray to Him as our Father!  He wants to answer our prayers and provide everything we need for life and godliness!  Of course, God knows what we need before we ask.  So why must we ask?  It is because God designed this as a way for us to BOND with Him!

He wants us to know WHO and WHAT HE IS and to bond with Him out of deep understanding, great respect, and profound love.  After all that He has done for us to show us His love, and for all He wants to do for us in the future, it is only fitting that we return His love by connecting with Him.

                                     Unparalleled Favor From our Father

God wants us to realize His unparalleled favor to us!  He wants us to hold this “revealed” understanding in our beings ALL THE TIME!  He wants us to acknowledge, He want us to accept, and He wants us to rejoice in His favor toward us!

The truth of God’s Master Plan of salvation is a beautiful truth.  Through our Savior Jesus Christ, God has ordained and is preparing a unique place for each of us (John 14:3).  God wants us to consider our special relationship with Him as the truly great treasure it is.

2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

                                                    No Good Thing Will He Withhold

Do we truly believe in God’s favor toward us?  How strongly do we believe this?

As faithful children of our Father, let us allow God to deepen and strengthen our belief in His favor, and in His desire to give us all things that pertain to life and godliness.  This includes things that we need now in this life and for all that we will come to enjoy in everlasting life.  Remember, God’s purpose is for us to live with Him in a close family connection forever.

This approach to accepting God’s favor and deliberating connecting with Him as our Father will significantly affect the effectiveness of our prayers.

Psalm 48:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

So, connect with Him!  And, when we pray, let us remember to Whom we are praying, and with great rejoicing say, our Father Who art in heaven!

 

God discusses delivering Israel from Egypt throughout the Bible.  In fact, there is probably no other topic mentioned as much as this one.

Do we really understand what it means to be delivered from Egypt?  Some have even referred to this deliverance as being “Our Exodus from Death.”

Many have some very strong ideas and opinions about being freed from Egyptian bondage.  Some are in a state of fear, wondering whether God loves them.  Others put themselves back into Egypt because they think doing good works is what is going to save them.

Thankfully, God has a plan for saving His people, and as His people, we understand this plan.  It’s a wonderful plan, yet there are times we bring fear and trepidation to our own lives in the way we explain the plan.

Do some of us constantly put ourselves back in Egypt by thinking God hasn’t delivered us?  Or, that we are always in our sins?  Another way to examine our ideas about this concept is to ask, “Did Christ die for us?  Didn’t God raise Him from the dead?”  And, the answer is, “Of course, He did!”

As we march on to Pentecost, let us understand God gave us His Holy Spirit.  And, let us not waiver in that conviction.  After all, did we not repent and take part in the Passover?

God continually reminds us in His Word that we are not in Egypt anymore!  We have been freed!  He delivered Israel, and He has saved His Church!  Maybe we need to remind ourselves of this and its applicable context.

Romans 2:6-10  (6) Who will render to every man according to his deeds: (7) To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: (8) But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, (9) Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; (10) But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:

God is telling us that if we continually seek His way and His will, He will reward us with glory, honor, and immortality.  Do we believe that or, do we continually question that?

One of the things God asks us to do during Unleavened Bread is to put leaven out.  In a sense, what we are doing is repenting, trying to not practice sin in our lives.  We are changing the way we do things as well as the way we think about things.  We are also obeying the will of God.  That is what He wants us to do.  It may be a physical act, but it should picture what we are spiritually doing.  In other words, not practicing sinning.

We are human and do fail at times.  Let’s admit it.  We sin.  So we are not always doing God’s will at all times.  But, let’s focus on what are we trying to do as a whole with our lives.

Are we trying to obey and do God’s will, or are we trying to neglect His will?  If we have and use God’s Holy Spirit, then we are going to try to obey His will and do His will in our lives.  We will get in line with His will as much as we possibly can. Of course, this means we have to study God’s will to see what He asks and commands us to do.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus described what defiles a man.

Mark 7:21-23 (21) For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, (22) Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: (23) All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

These are outward things that can be seen.  What we need to focus on is actually doing what God wants.  His will!  The outward things like casting out demons or doing “many wonderful works” is not evidence avoiding iniquity.

Matthew 7:21-23 (21) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?  (23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Think about it!  Jesus said He will profess that He never knew them.   Jesus pointed out that we are not doing God’s will by making it look like we are on God’s side.  We are working iniquity, by not doing God’s will!  You can’t be doing iniquity if you are obeying God’s will!  You can’t be doing iniquity if you are putting righteous practices in your life.

Romans 6:12-13 (12) Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.  (13) Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

So, what is unrighteousness, and what is righteousness? Righteousness is simply obeying the “will of God.”   It is trying to please, Our Father.  Trying to do what He says.  Trying to do what we read in the Bible.  We’ve tried to say it simple by saying it is keeping the ten Commandments and the whole word of God.  We reject having sin dominate us.

Romans 6:14-15 (14) For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. (15) What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

We are not in Egypt anymore.  Let us examine ourselves and ask what is our direction in life?  Are we doing the will of God?

The next verses in Romans 6 show us that we are not to practice sin so we can have more grace!  No!  If we do that, we are presenting our bodies to unrighteousness.

Romans 6:16-18 (16) Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? (17) But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. (18) Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

God instructs us, Israel, His Church, His people, about what He wants us to do.  He has given us His Holy Spirit.  We are the begotten sons of God.  We will inherit the kingdom of God.  He calls things as if they were so in the true spiritual sense we are now in the Family of God.  This is the only way we will inherit the Kingdom of God.  We can inherit because we are His sons.

God is telling us over and over again that we are in the family, if we do the will of God.  So there is no reason to have fear in our hearts if we are doing the will of God.  And continually getting closer to doing His will.  That is called overcoming.  And, we have God to thank for it.  Romans 6:17-18 describes the thankfulness  God expects from us.  We are supposed to thank God.

Clearly, Egypt represents sin.  And, God saved us from sin.  He delivered us from it.  He expects us to do His will, His works.

If we look at our works as if we are going to save ourselves with them, we are greatly deceived.  No amount of works we do will even begin to save us.  If we look at our works as trying to please God and do what is right, then God will reward  (not save) us, because we are trying to do what God wants.

As we do the Father’s will, we won’t be workers of iniquity.

As God continually works with us throughout our lives, God will point out sins to us.  There are often things that we should know are sin, but somehow do not recognize fully.  And, sometimes  when we don’t seem to get the point as God is teaching us,  we may have to have our attention drawn to the lesson in very strong ways.   Being beat on the head with it, so to speak.  Thank God for the merciful way He continues to work with us.

We can be very stubborn and “hard of hearing” when others tell us about things we should be considering.  Eventually, when we find out they are right, then we wonder why it took so long for us to listen.  We can be just that stubborn toward what God is saying to us, also.  But, God is patient.

Eventually God will have his way be in us,  or we will become  workers of iniquity.

Do we submit to God’s will?  It takes commitment and action on our part.  Having already been set free from sin according to Romans 6, how do we live our lives now?  We cannot be workers of righteousness if we just come to services on the Sabbath as an outward show and then live a different way of life the rest of the week.

Righteousness is a 24 hour job.  Seven days a week.  What kind of example are we setting?  Are we living according to the will of God?

At one time we lived the way we wanted.  We did not care if what we did was righteous or not.  We were sinning and did not care.  Perhaps we were not even aware.  This is not how we are supposed to be now.  It is not the type of life we should be living.

Let us consider the kind of fruit we have now.  Is it LIFE or DEATH?

In the past, we have done things that would make us ashamed or red in the face.  Do we practice those things now?  Those things are worthy of death!  But, now having been set free of sin…  everlasting life is our future.

God is positive in what He tells us.  He wants us to understand He is not an Ogre!  He is not dangling us over the precipice of the Lake of Fire waiting or wanting to drop us in if we sin.  He does not want to take eternal life away from us.  He is far too invested in us.  And, He WILL save us  unless we don’t want to do God’s will.  Because, as God’s people,  we have the Holy Spirit, then we are going to want to do God’s will.

Paul lists some evil practices in 1 Corinthians 6.   These practices are not righteousness.  If some of these things are in our lives, are we working at changing them.

I Corinthians 6:9-11  (Not doing God’s will)  (9) Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, (10) Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.  (11) And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

What were we washed with?  We were washed with the holy blood of Christ, not some face cloth!  Then, just as God raised Jesus from the dead and accepted Him as the wave sheaf, we too will be raised (symbolized by our baptism).  This is how we are given access to everlasting life.  God gives us the power to follow on and become sons of God as we are given the Holy Spirit pictured by Pentecost.  We become accepted by God.

Brethren, we are sanctified.  HOW?  The Church cannot sanctify us.  Only God can sanctify us.  God is the only one that can make this happen.  He sanctified us by what He and His Son Jesus the Christ did for us.

2 Thessalonians 1:4-5 (4) So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: (5) Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:

God deals with His people appropriately.  He gives righteous judgment to His people that obey his will.

The word “worthy” in verse 5  is not saying you have to be worthy.  What God is doing in our lives makes it a worthy and righteous judgment to accept us and give us the Kingdom of God.

If God wants to give us eternal life and has delivered us out of Egypt, why would we continually behave as if we want to put ourselves back into Egypt under unrighteous slavery?

Perhaps it is because we put too much emphasis on what we do, our works!  This, of course, is one of the things that has been emphasized over the years to many of God’s people.  The emphasis on our own works is out of focus.

Absolutely, God emphasizes that we are to be righteous and do His will, keep His commandments, His word.  And, at the same time, we are to remember and emphasize that He only saves us through faith in the life, the death, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  And, God even gives us the faith!

God has given us great promises!

Matthew 5:3-6 (3) Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  (4) Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.  (5) Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

God teaches various and sundry things in the next two chapters.  How many of us ignore them, or do we try to do the will of God as explained in these verses?

If we try to do God’s will, God will work with us. Paul wrote in Romans that if God is for you, who can be against you.  God is for His people.

He has delivered us out of slavery and brought us out of Egypt.  His own son, Jesus the Christ died for us so this could happen.  This is pictured in Passover.  Christ died for our sins on Passover.

It is a grave mistake for us to think that God did all this for us yet we still can question and ask, ”Did God really deliver us from our sins?”  We are wrong to say, “God couldn’t want me.  I’ve done such and such.  I can’t be forgiven.”  Of course, God wants you!  Look how much He has paid for you!

And, on the other hand, let us not rationalize ourselves into a ditch on the other side and allow ourselves to disobey God by thinking we can just do what we want.  God wants us to serve Him, and He wants us to do His will.

Remember, He did deliver us out of Egypt!

The Holy Bible clearly defines the Passover and states the date of the Passover. God distinguishes activities of the 14^th and 15^th of the first month of the year in Leviticus 23:5-6.  God names these two separate feasts.

(5) In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD’s passover.  (6) And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread.

The first Passover occurred in Egypt in the year God brought ancient Israel out of slavery.  God gave much instruction about what to do to prepare for that first Passover.

From the verses in Exodus 12, we find the clear and specific instructions God gave.

(1) In the 10^th day of the month (first month of the year, verse 2), Israelite households were to take a lamb and “keep it up” until the 14^th day of the same month.

(3) Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house: . . .  . (6a) And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month….

(2) The congregation was to kill it in the evening (verse 6).

(6) And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.

(3) They then put the blood of the lamb over the door where the lamb was to be eaten, and they were to eat the lamb “in that night” (verses 7-10).

(7) And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it. (8) And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it. (9) Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof. (10) And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire.

(4) Verse 11 gives details describing Israel’s dress and conduct when they ate the roasted lamb.

(11) And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD’s passover.

(5) God CLAIMS and NAMES the Passover in verses 11-12.  Notice, God labeled it the LORD’s Passover.

(11) And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD’s passover. (12) For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.

(6) Verse 13 describes what God was going to do on His Passover and when it was to occur. 

(13) And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.

First, in verse 12, God said He would “pass through” and “smite” on that night (the 14^th).  Then, He said He would see the “blood as a token” and would “pass over” the house where the door was covered with the blood.  He also described the death of the firstborn where the blood had not been applied.

In Exodus 12, we also find where God fulfilled His promise to destroy the firstborn who were not covered by the blood of the Passover lamb.  Notice, the timing was at MIDNIGHT!    

(29) And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.

After examining these verses closely, there is only one conclusion we can make.  The Lord’s Passover is the 14^th of the first month!

The Passover lamb had to be killed at the beginning of the 14^th in order for the blood of that lamb to be spread upon the door prior to midnight on the 14^th.  There is only one midnight per night.  If the Israelites had waited until the end of the 14^th (i.e., the afternoon of the 14^th) to kill the lamb, their firstborn would have already been dead for over 12 hours.  Blood over the door for midnight of the 15^th would not have saved them.

 

The book of Job is an interesting book for many reasons.  As the book opens, we see a dramatic scene in heaven where God is talking to Satan about one of God’s servants.  In the next few verses, we learn that Satan goes to attack Job.  Job’s response is outstanding!  His response to the adversity carries a valuable lesson for all of God’s people today.

Job 2:4-10 shows us that in the midst of his adversity, Job kept his integrity and did not sin.  According to Proverbs 24:10, a person who can withstand adversity has strength.

Clearly, Job’s strength was not small since he withstood the adversity.  And, it can be the same with us when we go through adversity.  Sometimes people hold together quite well on big adversities, and they keep to the big picture.

However, what about the small ones?  What about the small annoyances and actual adversities we hit everyday?  They can just seem to wear on us.  Yet, we need to persevere.  We need to hold up just like the woman in one of the parables of Jesus who persevered in going to the judge to try to get righteous judgment.  She held up until she received an answer (Luke 18:1-8).

Are we able to hold up in our adverse situations?  How do we handle adversity on a daily basis when things just don’t go the way that we want?  Of course, there are going to be difficulties in life that we find adverse to us.  The book of Ecclesiastes speaks to us of those situations.

Ecclesiastes 7:13-14 (13) Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked? (14) In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.

We need to have a mindset that is Biblical!  We need to realize that adversity is a test and trial, and we need to know how we are going to need to think.  Whether it is a big or small adversity, we need a Godly approach.

Jesus tells us that it is by patience that we possess our souls.

Luke 21:19 (NKJV) By your patience you possess your souls.

The better we are at handling small adversities, the better we will be at handling bigger adversities.  If we are faithful in little things, we will be faithful in bigger things.  That’s a Bible principle (Luke 16:10).  Just as we must learn to fall on our knees before our God on big adversities, we must realize that we should do the same thing on smaller adversities.

In the parable of the sower, Mark 4:16-17, Jesus described a typical approach many use when facing adversity.  Notice, Jesus said they endure for a time, but when affliction or persecution appear, people become offended (inferring discouragement, even to the point of giving up).

Mark 4:16-17 (16) And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; (17) And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.

When we heard the Word of God, we may have eagerly accepted it, but as time passed and we were faced with adversity, we may have no longer liked what we were feeling.  Once we come into adversity, we have to deal with it.  A passage in Luke tells us how.  The answer involves patience.

Luke 8:15 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.

How do we look at what we are going through?  During adversity, what do we think about?  Do we just concentrate on the tough times we are facing?

In the book of James, God’s Word describes how to approach trials and adversities. Notice, this passage also mentions patience and adds the dimension of joy.

James 1:2-4 (2) My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; (3) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. (4) But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Clearly, God’s answer is to have patience and endurance.  That is what Job did when he went through his horrific trial.

Most of us have daily problems that can occur with our spouses, our family, our friends, or at work.  If we can count it joy when we have problems, we are learning to do it God’s way.

The idea is, if we have a good heart, and follow what God wants us to do, we will learn what God wants us to learn.  We will grow in perseverance and patience.  In fact, we can “be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

Remember what Jesus taught us in Luke 21:19?  It is by our patience that we possess our souls.

After Job’s long trial, God restored Job.  It is important to realize that in all Job suffered, God did not call Job unrighteous or self-righteous.  In fact, Job learned extremely valuable lessons about God.  We need those lessons also.

Job 42:10-17 (10) And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. (11) Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold. (12) So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses. (13) He had also seven sons and three daughters. (14) And he called the name of the first, Jemima; and the name of the second, Kezia; and the name of the third, Kerenhappuch. (15) And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren. (16) After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons’ sons, even four generations. (17) So Job died, being old and full of days.

At the end of Job’s trial, God gave him twice as much as he had before the trial began.  While God may not bless us with twice as much, He will give us the blessing of being in His kingdom.

God promises His Kingdom to us.  He wants us to use His Holy Spirit and to call on Him when we are in adversity.  He does not want us to make our own rules when things don’t go the way we want.

God blessed Job in his patience.  So, let’s all remember, By patience possess you your souls!

 

Too many in our society have CHOSEN to believe there is no God.  How sad for them!  The BIBLE SPEAKS to those willingly ignorant individuals in Romans through the Apostle Paul. Those people are in fact totally without excuse in their foolish belief, because all that exists testifies to God’s glory and goodness. Creation itself is God’s witness of His existence.

ROMANS 1:18-22 (KJV) (18) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; (19) Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. (20) For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (21) Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. (22) Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.

[JP-Facebook-Like]
What does this day mean to us? A time of family gatherings! Turkey! With Stuffing! And, pumpkin pie! Yum!

In many countries of the world a special day is marked as a national holiday set aside for thanksgiving. Those official Thanksgiving days provide us a time to pause and consider all that we enjoy.

Thanksgiving Day is a day we can use to express thanks to those around us. And, it is a day we can use to reflect on the truth that it is Almighty God Who has provided us with our lives and all of our bounty. It is to God that we owe the greatest of thanks. He is the Source.

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

All Peoples of the earth who live in lands God has blessed can affirm a long list: “I am thankful for….”

For life, for health, for friends and family, for a sense of belonging, for gorgeous skies and landscapes, for an abundance of varied kinds of food, for safety, for entertainment, for laughter, for puppies and kittens, sights and sounds, colors and textures, for the kindness and charity of others, including those people we hold in memory who played a part in providing what we enjoy today, whether by simple generosity or great sacrifice, perhaps on a field of battle; for law and order and all the things that make for a secure peace; for the ability to get wealth and enjoy a sense of success, for big things and little ones, for things past, present, and future, and on and on and on….

Rejoice, and make thanksgiving a season of the heart!

Thanksgiving Day is a day to rejoice and savor our blessings with a greater joy than usual. It is a day to anticipate life filled with even more blessings.

And, it is also a good day to prepare our own list of things for which we are thankful – so we can recount them more often. All people can benefit by taking the time to recount every one.

Thanksgiving can become a continual season of our heart as we practice the giving of thanks and add to our lists day by day.

Developing an attitude of gratitude!

We frequently take for granted many circumstances where we can develop an even greater attitude of gratitude.

Some of us do not recognize a blessing until it is gone – disappeared.

Let us shake off any dullness, and warm up any cold spots in our hearts. Let us ask God for the eyes to see and feel and respond in gratitude.

We can improve or expand a true spirit of thanksgiving by simply being alert and seeing life as the great gift from God that it is.

Ponder just how we got our bodies made in God’s own image. Who granted us the opportunity to be born with a “will?” Who gave us our intelligence? Who gives us hope and faith?

Why not give some time and attention to the perfection and the beauty of a newborn baby’s face and the love and loyalty of a faithful mate? And, what about the energy and drive to work hard and feel the pleasure of success and achievement, a job well done?

The ability to enjoy our blessings and be thankful is a gift from God in itself. In the Bible, we read of this gift.

Ecclesiastes 3:12 I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, 13 and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God.

For thanksgiving to be real, it needs to be expressed. Give it a voice with a hearty thank you OUT LOUD to those who deserve it!

Another very special way to express thanksgiving is to generously provide blessings to others so they might be thankful also.

You may also want to expand the spirit of thanksgiving by encouraging others to give as well.

On this special day set aside for thanksgiving, let us especially remember the greatest Giver of all. God has out-given us all and always will.

John 3: 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. So, let’s do it, individually, as a family, as a community, as a nation. Let us give thanks! Sing! Rejoice! Celebrate God’s goodness, His love, and His mercy to us all!

A Psalm of Thanksgiving.
Psalm 100: 1 Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! 2 Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. 3 Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. 5 For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.

If you would like encouragement and further details on giving God thanks, please contact us.

[JP-Facebook-Like]
What do we think of when we hear the word prayer? The word pray means to entreat, to beseech, to intercede, to make supplication, to ask for something humbly or earnestly. The Holy Scriptures provide much guidance about this vital subject – about how we are to pray. Although this article is not a thorough study of the subject, it looks at some specific examples of Jesus Christ, King David, the Apostle Paul, and others. And, it examines verses where God has given us detailed instructions about how we are to pray.

Religions of the World

When we look around us, we can see society and its many civilizations and religions have developed multiple ways for human beings to pray – to approach their idea of God. Each religion has its own special way for worshippers to make their voices heard before their god.

Some pray by chanting or reciting the same words over and over again. Others write their prayers on paper or cloth and burn them so that the prayers are carried to their god in the smoke. Others may place their prayers inside of a prayer wheel so that at every turning of the wheel, the prayer is offered to the deity or deities. Others pray facing a certain direction, towards a certain city, and at specific times of the day.

Prayer to the True God

Is the God of the Bible approachable through these methods? If not, then we must understand that billions of human beings are now, and have been for millennia, using methods that the true Creator God does not recognize or to which He does not respond.

Has our exposure to these various methods of prayer, devised by men, affected us in our personal appeals to God and in our understanding of the subject of prayer?

As we examine this important question, let us also consider whether there is a difference between the God of the Bible and the gods of the other religions of the world. Have we accepted that there IS a difference, and have we recognized that our heavenly Father’s Son, Jesus Christ, IS our personal Savior and the Savior of all of mankind? If so, then we can understand that we must go to Almighty God’s Source Book, His Instruction Manual, the Holy Bible, where He reveals to us how we are to structure and live our lives.

We Want God to Hear Us!

Certainly, all of us want to have God hear our prayers. We all want our heavenly Father to respond. We want to know we are not alone in the universe. We want to know that we are loved – that our Creator cares about each and every one of us, and that He wants the best for us. We also want to know our prayers can make a difference in our own lives and in the lives of our loved ones. Simply put, we want to know that our Creator hears us and that He will respond to our petitions – that He hears our words when we praise Him and tell Him we love Him.

How to Pray

So, with these things in mind, let us look at some specific instructions given to us by Jesus Christ, the Firstborn Son of God, during His earthly ministry. Some significant instructions are recorded for us in Matthew 6:9-13, with a parallel in Luke 11:2-4. These Scriptures are known to many as “The Lord’s Prayer.”

In Matthew 6:7, a few verses prior to the Lord’s Prayer, we are admonished “do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do.” So evidently, there is a difference in how the God of the Bible should be approached compared to how various religions of the world approach their deities. This would include pre-manufactured, man-made prayers, chants, or Scriptures repeated over and over in personal prayer or in a ritualistic worship service.

Why is it that millions of professing Christians mindlessly utter, over and over, the specific words of the “Lord’s Prayer” when approaching God? Or why do they repeat the words of Luke 1:28 and Luke 1: 42, words spoken to the virgin Mary by an angel sent from God? Why recently have people been taught to repeat The Prayer of Jabez (1 Chronicles. 4:10) every day for one full month, so that they can receive this very same blessing Jabez received from God (The Prayer of Jabez, Bruce Wilkinson)? Is there something powerful or “magical” about speaking these exact words? Or perhaps, have many been misinformed about the proper approach to prayer?

Jesus instructed us not to repeat what people have referred to as “The Lord’s Prayer” or any other Bible verses over and over verbatim and in vain repetition to our Heavenly Father in prayer. The words, “do not use vain repetitions” are simple and basic.

According to the words of Jesus Christ, a person who uses vain repetitions is following the lead of the heathen. And, what is a heathen? The word heathen carries with it the meaning of pagan or unbeliever. What is it the unbeliever does not believe? Why, an unbeliever does not accept or believe in the Word of God, the Holy Bible. This revelation may seem shocking to some, but Jesus’ words are plain.

If we believe the words of Jesus, and if we believe the Holy Scriptures are the divine, inspired words of our Creator recorded for our benefit (2 Timothy 3:16-17), then we must not be using “vain repetitions.” The word vain means futile. Do we want our prayers to God to be futile? Of course not!

It is obvious that followers of Christ must begin to believe the words of God and stop following after the “traditions of men” (Mark 7:6-9, Matthew 15:3-9). What, therefore, should a believer do? How should a believer pray? When we look at Jesus’ own example of prayer as recorded in John Chapter 17 and Luke 22:41-44, we can see that our prayers must be spontaneous, sincere, fervent, and from the heart.

In Matthew 6:9 Jesus says, “In this manner, therefore, pray….” In other words, when we pray, these are major topics that we should pray about. And additionally, this is a proper order in which we should pray about those topics. It is wise to look to Christ’s model prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 for guidance, direction, and inspiration. So, let us examine these Scriptures verse by verse and commit ourselves to understanding what Christ is specifically teaching on this subject.

Our Father Who Is in Heaven, Hallowed Be Your Name

The first important aspect of prayer is the acknowledgment of God as our heavenly Father, our “Abba,” our Daddy (Romans 8:15). God wants us to be in His Divine Family. We recognize His power, majesty, wisdom, mercy, and patience. We come before Him as begotten sons and daughters and communicate with Him to establish the very personal and intimate relationship that He desires to share with us. And we praise His Holy and Righteous Name, while telling Him how thankful we are that He IS God and that He loves us.

Notice Hebrews 11:6 plainly says, But without faith it is impossible to please him, for He who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. To start our prayers by praising God and acknowledging His sovereignty over our lives helps build that faith in Him that we all must have. And we talk to Him as any son or daughter would talk to their loving father.

Your Kingdom Come

Is there anything more important on God’s “Calendar of Events” than the Kingdom of God being established on the Earth under the righteous rulership of His Beloved Son? Romans 8:19-22 reveals the answer: For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now (emphasis ours).

This “revealing of the sons of God” begins at Christ’s triumphant return (1Thessalonians 4:16-17, 1 Corinthians 15:51-55, Revelation 3:11-12; 5:9-10; 14:1-5). It is quite evident from these scriptures why we now focus our minds on God’s Kingdom and His will for each of us as well as all of mankind. The vision of the soon coming Kingdom of God is what gives a Christian hope for the future. And, certainly each and every one of us truly desires “peace on earth.”

So, when we pray for the Kingdom, we reinforce this vision of hope in our own minds. And we demonstrate to our Heavenly Father that we understand what is most important to Him and His Son –– the One who will very shortly become “King of kings and Lord of lords.”

Your Will Be Done, On Earth As It Is in Heaven

What is God’s overriding will for mankind? Is it not that all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1Timothy 2:4, Romans 11:26-27)? When we consider God’s overriding will, is there any more important message for the world to hear than the gospel, the good news, of the soon-coming Kingdom of God?

Matthew 24:14 says, And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. And Jesus Christ tells us in Matthew 28:19-20, Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

Assisting the Church through our prayers in the announcing of this good news gives a Christian’s life purpose and meaning. We become less selfish. Our thoughts are turned outward toward others. We grow to truly desire that everyone would hear the only message of love, hope, and liberty.

Prayer helps us learn to ask God to mold us and shape us into new Spirit-led creations so that we could be used as effective instruments in His hands for the announcing of this precious gospel. When we pray “Your will be done,” we surrender our will to God’s will and learn to view the Church, our brethren, our peoples, our lives, our future, and this world from our heavenly Father’s perspective. Jesus deeply understood this kind of surrender. His words in Matthew 26:39, 42, and Mark 14:36 are clear. He told His heavenly Father, “Nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”

Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread

Notice that Christ’s model prayer is ordered in the same general manner as the Ten Commandments: God first, then man. This is an important lesson.

The Commandments teach us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. In our daily prayers, after we talk with our Father of our “heavenly hope” (Colossians 1:5), and the work of preaching the gospel, we next address the needs of others, before our needs.

When we pray for our family, our brethren, and others in intercessory prayer, we become empathetic to their needs and suffering. Their pain becomes ours. We share in their trials. We learn to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2).

Praying in this manner helps us learn to greatly appreciate the pain and suffering our Savior endured so that we could have our sins forgiven and be healed (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24). We come to understand that we are all part of the “body of Christ” and “if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it” (1Corinthians 12:26-27). And, as we look outward to the needs of others, we become more merciful, compassionate, and tenderhearted. We take on the “mind of Christ” (Philippians 2:3-5). And, we desire even more fervently that God’s Kingdom does come to release this world from it’s suffering and bondage.

Although God knows our needs before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8), He wants us to learn to trust Him and be dependent upon Him. He very much wants us to share our hopes, dreams, desires, questions, faults, concerns and problems with Him. We are to become as “little children” (Matthew 18:3-4) who are teachable. Thus we come before our Heavenly Father as a child comes before its father.

Notice in Luke 11:3, the instruction is, “Give us day by day our daily bread.” Yes, sometimes it might appear to us that we are receiving just “the bare minimum” from God – that our most basic needs are being met “day by day.” During “lean times” it might appear that we have just enough food to eat or that the money to pay the bills arrives just in the nick of time. Are we “OK” with that? Certainly, it is a part of our human nature to want to have abundance and to not have to worry about “making ends meet.” But sometimes the depth of our faith is being tested, isn’t it?

The Bible is full of examples of how the great men and women of God were faced with seemingly insurmountable problems and perils from which they could not deliver themselves. Yet the great Sovereign God of the Universe did provide deliverance – many times at the very last instance. We need to be consciously aware of God’s day by day deliverances and to be thankful that our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are always there for us.

We need to carefully consider the Apostle Paul’s words in Philippians 4:12-13, I know how to be abased and how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. After all, it is Christ Who is our spiritual daily Bread. It is Christ Who provides the strength we need for a full, abundant life. We need God to give us this Bread daily.

And Forgive Us Our Debts, As We Forgive Our Debtors

Scripture says, All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). And Romans 6:23 says, For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

None of us wants to receive the wages of sin, do we? Surely most of us want to receive that most precious gift of God – eternal life, right? So each one of us needs to have our sins forgiven. That forgiveness is available to us according to promises in Acts 2:38, Luke 24:47, and Ephesians 1:7.

The forgiveness we receive from God is tied to our desire and ability to forgive the wrongs that other human beings have done to us. Can we see why this is so? It just makes sense that when God transforms human beings into the very image of His Son (Romans 8:29, Philippians 3:21, Ephesians 4:13) by creating His holy, righteous nature in them that they must learn to forgive and extend the same mercy to others as He extends to them.

Notice in the verses immediately following “The Lord’s Prayer,” Jesus gives us this instruction (Matthew 6:14-15), For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. This same teaching is echoed in Mark 11:25-26. Sounds serious, doesn’t it?

Unfortunately, it is just not natural for humans to forgive each other, is it? It requires desire and dedication. It requires God’s help and His Holy Spirit. We can have confidence that those things we lack, we can receive as spiritual gifts from God (James 1:5-6). So we must pray fervently that God will give us a spirit of forgiveness and humility. And we must follow the instruction Paul gives us in Ephesians 4:32, And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

And Do Not Lead Us into Temptation, But Deliver Us from the Evil One

The night of Jesus’ betrayal and arrest, He prayed for His disciples, including all of His true disciples down through history. John 17:15, I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. The “evil one,” of course, is Satan (Adversary) the Devil (Accuser), and by extension, Satan’s demons. Christ’s prayer applies to us today.

Following Jesus’ example, we are to pray that God delivers us from Satan’s spiritual attacks. The “us” in “do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one (emphasis ours)” refers not just to each of us individually, but also to our brethren, our families, and other people. We pray so they are also delivered from the powers of darkness.

Scripture reveals to us that Satan has deceived “the whole world” (Revelation 12:9), and that includes us. Yes, God can keep us from the evil one, but there are things the Christian must also be doing to win this spiritual battle. We are told in Ephesians 6:11, Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. The spiritual armor is described in Ephesians 6:12-18.

The Apostle James instructs us in James 4:7-8, Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double minded.

Notice how the topic of forgiveness is taught again in Ephesians 4:26-27, Be angry, and do not sin, do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. The teaching is plain. We are to maintain control over our emotions and be quick to forgive, otherwise we provide a place in our minds which Satan can occupy. Sadly, this is the typical state of the world around us. Until Christ returns and Satan is placed in a place of restraint for 1000 years (Revelation 20:1-3), we must be ever vigilant to resist temptation and avoid deception.

For Yours Is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory Forever

The model prayer ends as it began with our praising and thanking God for our calling and for His blessings, while recognizing His sovereignty over our lives. We again speak of heavenly things. We firmly fix the vision of the soon-coming Kingdom of God in our minds. And we can remember our Savior’s comforting words that He inspired to be written by the Apostle John. These words voice our greatest desire – the return of Christ, Revelation 22:20, He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

Our Spiritual Growth

Over time God develops something very special inside us. He develops it using our involvement in seeking what is best for others, by our spending countless hours communicating with our Heavenly Father in prayer about the problems facing our loved ones, our brethren and the world, and by our sharing with Him our understanding of the ultimate solution, that is, His truth, His laws, His government, His perfect judgment and justice. These are the behaviors that allow Him to develop in us His “agape” love, the greatest love, the selfless, sacrificial, intelligent, spiritual form of love expressed as an outgoing concern for others. That is the essence of Who and What the Family of God is.

During our Christian journey, especially in moments of great stress, there are times when we may feel frustrated that our prayers are not being heard or that we somehow have nothing to pray about because God has heard our words before. Let us not be discouraged! One of the reasons Jesus gave us this model prayer, this outline of prayer, is to remind us that there is always something or someone to pray about.

If we occasionally experience a prayer block, we can also remind ourselves of all the many reasons we have to be thankful. In fact, it is certainly very spiritually healthy to have some of our prayers consist only of words of thankfulness to God the Father and Jesus Christ for all that they have done, are doing, and will do for us.

To assist us as we develop an active prayer life, it is most certainly helpful to read through the book of Psalms several times a year and meditate deeply on the words of love, praise, thankfulness, belief, and repentance as recorded by King David and the other Psalmists. David has been described as a “man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14; 16:7,12). It would be wonderful for us all to have the same close, intimate relationship with God that David had. Reading and meditating on the Psalms and coming before God in humility, love and worship in our prayers can help us to take on many of David’s positive attributes.

The Apostle Paul also addressed these positive aspects of prayer with encouraging words in Philippians 4:4-7, Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be made known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Let us meditate deeply on those words.

In Summary

Let us all pray fervently, as we lift up our voices, hands and hearts in an attitude of praise, trust, humility, and thankfulness (Psalm 134:1-2, 1Timothy 2:8) to God. Let us pray fervently that His Kingdom will come to earth to bring peace and happiness as soon as possible. Let us cry out for understanding and wisdom (Proverbs 2:1-9, James 1:5-6). Let us request that He will provide for both our physical and our spiritual needs (Matthew 6:25, 31-33). Let us ask for His correction, and that it would be done mercifully (Jeremiah 10:24, Psalm 6:1). Let us come boldly before the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16), confessing our sins, asking for His forgiveness and asking that God will create in us a spirit of forgiveness toward others. Let us request God’s protection and deliverance from temptation for our family, our brethren, and ourselves. Let us grow in “the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18) and claim all of God’s promises revealed to us in the Scriptures.

Christ’s model prayer is a wonderful guide, providing some specific instructions we can use to structure and organize our prayers. As we use it daily to praise God, pray for the Kingdom, pray for the work of preaching the Gospel as a witness and a warning to the world, pray for our brethren, our families, our peoples, or leaders, our nation, and finally pray for ourselves, our outlook can become more focused on what is truly important and less on our selfish passions and desires.

Let us come to understand that without God we can do nothing (John 15:5), and that every good and perfect gift comes from our heavenly Father (James 1:17). He is constant, never changing, always trustworthy, always faithful, always merciful (Malachi 3:6, Joel 2:12-13, Psalm 136).

It was Daniel’s custom to pray three times a day (Daniel 6:10). King David did this also (Psalm 55:17). What examples! And King David also set us another example, that of renewing our relationship with God at the start of each day. In Psalm 5:1-2 David says, Give ear unto my words, O LORD, Consider my meditation. Give heed to the voice of my cry, My King and my God, For to You I will pray. My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up.

Paul instructs us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” In other words, we are to talk to our heavenly Father continually – at any time of day or night. And when we do, our hearts should be thankful and joyful.

Yes, personal prayer is our lifeline to God, and God offers a direct communication link with Him to everyone He is now calling (John 6:44). And God wants to hear from us!

As we study the Scriptures, we can learn more how to pattern our prayers after the great servants of God like Abraham, David, Daniel, Jeremiah, Isaiah, and of course, after the example of Jesus Christ. Let us grab onto the lifeline God has offered to us and hold on for dear life. Then we shall enjoy that special intimate relationship with our loving Creator that He desires to have with each of us.

Please contact us for additional information or for assistance in effectively accessing your lifeline to God.

[JP-Facebook-Like]
When was the last time you took a long, hard look at yourself? I don’t mean when was the last time you admired yourself in front of your mirror! No, the question is when was the last time you deeply considered who you are in matters of character, behavior, and thought?

Unfortunately for many of us, the idea of a self-examination that would focus on our behaviors, habits, motivations, and intents of our hearts is a highly frightening experience! We are not born with a natural desire to want to take stock of who and what we really are, or to make changes in our lives even for our benefit. In fact, the opposite is true. We have a natural desire to hold on to who we are and to what we have become and to resist change forcefully.

However, through the love and grace of our Heavenly Father and His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, it is possible to experience true repentance which is a complete change of our life’s direction. And, it is God who will provide us with the courage and strength to examine ourselves (2 Timothy 1:7) in preparation for that change.

A Spiritual Mirror

We are told in James 1:22-25, But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work this one will be blessed in what he does.

We can determine from these Scriptures that God’s “perfect law of liberty” is a kind of mirror for us to use, so we are not forgetful in the things God would have us to do. We must understand though, that this “perfect law of liberty” is not just the Ten Commandments, but is the entirety of the Word of God which instructs us in God’s way of life, and leads us to real liberty and deliverance from spiritual bondage.

If we are willing to look intently into God’s spiritual mirror, our true nature can be reflected back to us. Undoubtedly we will see many things that need changing. This can be an unnerving experience, especially when we are new Christians.

We can be thankful God does not expect us to change everything all at once. He is “longsuffering” toward us (2 Peter 3:9). However, God does desire that we be willing to allow Him to be our Master Potter, and to mold and shape us into the new creation He wishes us to be (Isaiah 64:8).

An Instruction to Examine Ourselves

We read in 2 Corinthians13:5, Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? –– unless you indeed are disqualified. We should notice the purpose of the examination is to see whether we are “in the faith.” The question is not whether we have faith, but rather, whether we are living within the faith. In other words, are we faithfully living God’s way of life? Are we following all His laws and instructions, as revealed to us in the pages of the Bible? And, more importantly, is our purpose for doing so from a right motivation?

Can we see evidence of Jesus Christ living His life in us through the Holy Spirit which we received following our baptism and the laying on of hands (Galatians 2:20)? We are told to “test” ourselves. One way we do this is by comparing ourselves to the supreme example of Jesus Christ. (It is very helpful to study the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John several times a year.) And, we should look closely at the instructions given to us by God’s prophets and apostles and see how we are measuring up.

If we fail to test ourselves or if we fail to make any and all necessary changes, we are told we could be considered “disqualified.” In other words, we could be in danger of losing our salvation. Notice what the Apostle Paul said about himself, But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified (1 Corinthians 9:27).

A Specific Instruction Before Passover

Paul gave specific instructions to the Church of God in 1 Corinthians 11:20-34 concerning how members of the Body of Christ were to examine themselves before the annual Passover. In this New Testament Passover observance which utilized the new symbols of the bread and wine instituted by Jesus Christ on the night of His betrayal, Paul said, But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment of himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep (verses 28-29).

This passage of Scripture is often referred to in sermons prior to Passover, and it is vital for Christians to understand what is being said here. Certainly, it is clear we are told to “examine” ourselves. This is not a suggestion, it is a specific instruction! We are told those who have not examined themselves and are therefore taking of the bread and wine of the Passover service in an “unworthy manner,” bring judgment upon themselves. The judgment flows from not discerning “the Lord’s body” (the Body of Christ).

What is the meaning of “the Lord’s body” in this context? Of course, these verses (1 Corinthians 11:28-29) refer to the physical flesh and blood Body of Jesus. But, “the Lord’s body” also has a spiritual meaning. The context of these verses, along with many other passages of Scripture, indicate a reference to the entire Body of believers, the Church of God.

If we are careless in our worship, and if we count the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as a common thing, our own behavior can weaken the entire Body of Christ (the Church). We can then understand because of this lack of discernment of the needs of the Church and how our actions affect others, many in the Body of Christ are weak and sick (physically and spiritually), and many have died. In other words, we can be doing spiritual damage to each other instead of being a blessing.

Then, in verses 31-32 Paul says, But if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. The understanding is clear. We need to exercise godly judgment on ourselves. But if we do not, then God will judge us and will then bring correction into our lives for our own benefit, “that we may not be condemned with the world.” However, we can clearly see there is another reason God chastens us. It is so the Body of Christ (the Church of God) becomes stronger, to no longer be spiritually weak (feeble, impotent, without strength) or sick. It is so the entire Body will become perfected as each individual Christian becomes perfected (Matthew 5:48, Revelation 3:12).

Love Toward God and Love Toward Neighbor

The verses in 1 Corinthians offer very strong motivation for us to examine ourselves. Do we want to be a blessing to our spiritual brethren and our physical families? Is it possible that sometimes we really do not care whether our actions or attitudes cause harm to those we should be loving? Do we want to be spiritually strong so we can serve and uplift others, or are we content with being served? Are we really thankful for our Savior’s supreme sacrifice, and do we deeply appreciate and recognize the love our Father in heaven has for us? If so, are we willing to examine ourselves, and with God’s help, make necessary changes? Are we willing to change so our lives can be a blessing to others, and so we bring praise, glory, and honor to God’s Holy Name? Are we willing to be “living sacrifices” to God (Romans 12:1)?

We need to approach this goal of self-examination based on a foundational motivation that stems from a love for our brethren and families, and love for our Savior and our Heavenly Father.

The Right Attitude

As true believers study the Bible and grow in grace and knowledge, they undoubtedly make changes in how they live from day to day. Have you ever asked yourself WHY you want to live a Christian life? Or, if you are one who has recently found yourself drawn to God and are a spiritual babe, have you asked yourself WHY you may want to become a disciple of Jesus Christ, be baptized, receive the Holy Spirit, and become a begotten son of God? Why would you be willing to be out of step with the rest of the world? Why would you want to start keeping the Ten Commandments and many others of God’s laws, statutes, and judgments as you learn about them? Certainly, if you are a babe in Christ then the idea of self examination will probably seem quite foreign to you and maybe a bit confusing. Yet, as we have seen, it is a necessary, vital, and commanded facet of a Christian’s life.

If we were to ask a handful of people the same questions covered in the paragraph above, we would probably receive quite a few different answers. But is that the way it should be? Or should we all have the same basic answers?

Having the same basic answers is related to understanding WHY Jesus was willing to suffer horrible things at the hands of men to complete the job He was sent to do. Consider for a moment that His attitude and His motivation for serving His Heavenly Father and for His being willing to give up His very life should also be our motivation and our attitude. Jesus is our Example. We are to become like the Father and the Son (John 17).

Why was Jesus obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:8)? The simple answer was that He was able to love the Father with all His heart, soul, mind, and strength (Matthew 22:37-38, Deuteronomy 6:5-6). And He loved His neighbor as Himself (Matthew 22:39-40, Leviticus 19:18). Jesus’ heart was right.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit and because of Christ’s complete love of the Father, nothing, absolutely nothing, was able to take His focus off of the Father and from His mission to be mankind’s Savior and Messiah. Do we follow God’s instructions and commands in the Bible, because we want to please God, and because we really LOVE the Father and the Son? This becomes the essential question! Or, is our motivation to escape trouble or punishment, or to get something from God?

If we can look honestly at ourselves and sincerely know we are surrendering our will to God, if we know we are living God’s way of life, and if we know we are worshiping Him in the total integrity of our heart because we are thankful and really love Him, then we can examine ourselves with the right attitude and from a proper motivation. However, if our attitude and motivation is wrong, then our self-examination will not bear much fruit.

What Do We Look For?

Do we look at things? In other words, do we carry around a mental list with one column containing those bad things we used to do when we were of the world, and with a second column containing the good things we now do as Christians? Do we then say, “I’m a pretty good Christian” if my list of good is longer than the list of bad, and if the list of the good is growing longer each year. Is that how God would like us to examine ourselves? What is God looking for?

Is it possible our hearts are deceiving us? The prophet Jeremiah said, The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9) Do WE know our own heart?

An examination of ourselves requires more than comparing a list of what we used to do versus what we do now. Rather, we must examine our minds and determine if we are thinking differently. Thinking differently is a good beginning toward repentance. It is not just a matter of what we are doing (or not doing). It is more accurately a matter of how we are thinking.

If we are thinking differently as we are being converted, and if we are having our minds renewed (Romans 12:2) as we are allowing the mind of Christ to reside in us (Philippians 2:5), then we will also be doing more good things. However, we could be doing more good things and less bad things even if our motivation and attitude are not correct. Yes, God is interested in what we are doing. But He is more interested in why we are doing what we are doing.

The deeper question is: Are we obeying and serving God by the “letter of the law” or are we fulfilling both the letter and the spirit of the law? Are we worshiping God both in spirit and in truth? John 4:23-24 says, But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.

Our process of self examination must involve not only looking at what we are doing by asking ourselves if we are following God’s instructions, but it must also involve an examination of our thinking or why we do what we do. We must determine if what we are doing is being done in the right attitude and from a right motivation.

A Measuring Stick

God’s Holy Scriptures are a ”lamp to our feet, and a light to our path” (Psalm 119:105). We are told in James 1: 22 to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” The Apostle James also says in James 2:22, 24, Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.

Emphasis is placed on being active Christians! We are to be doing and working along with having faith in order that we are justified before God. James drives the point home in verse 26, For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. Strong words, those!

Paul exhorts the Church in Titus 3:14, And let our people also learn to maintain good works to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful. Throughout God’s Word we find the writers were inspired to write down many instructions for us to follow. Certainly, we understand we have been given God’s Ten Commandments to live by. But the Bible contains literally hundreds of other commands and instructions which our Heavenly Father also expects us to follow.

God’s instructions assist us in maintaining good works, so we become fruitful disciples of Jesus Christ, as Paul explained (Titus 3:14). God also knows how we think. After all, He designed us, and He knows we are forgetful. Paul exhorts us regarding our memories in Hebrews 13:16, But do not forget [emphasis ours] to do good and share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

These instructions and exhortations help us remember what it is God would have us to do. They give us a yard stick by which to measure ourselves. We must remember though that while we examine ourselves and use God’s yard stick of Biblical instructions, we must be conscious of the fact it is our attitude and motivation coupled with our works and actions that truly determine if we are being led by the Holy Spirit, and thus are “sons of God” (Romans 8:5, 6, 14).

Works done from a wrong motivation can be described as “dead works.” Putting away dead works (Hebrews 6:1) is central to Christianity. One of the “elementary principles of Christ” is “repentance from dead works” (Hebrews 6:1). It is one of the first things new Christians are to understand when they receive the Holy Spirit and begin their life long walk with their Savior.

Rephrasing Instructions as Questions

To assist you in your self examination, there is a select group of Scriptures provided at the conclusion of this article. All of these verses have been rephrased as questions. Although these verses are a cross section of instructions given to us in the New Testament, the same format can be used with any Scripture where instructions are given. The procedure of rephrasing verses into personal questions allows the human mind to process the words in a special manner.

It is well known in psychology, education, sales and other disciplines that questions affect the mind differently than do statements. Consider the following illustration: A person who is learning skydiving would have a teacher who has instructed many necessary things, including things like, check your parachute, check this, check that, avoid this, do that, and so on. Asking questions about preparation and the vital instructions allows the human mind to process the important information so the skydiving experience is a safe one. People ask questions, don’t we? We make for ourselves a check list. “Have I done this?” “Did I check that?” And on it goes. This process helps people to internalize and remember the instructions that have been given.

Hopefully, the reader will find this process of rephrasing instructions as questions a useful tool to help as they follow God’s command to examine ourselves. And, as each individual is perfected, so is the Body of Christ perfected. Although we are individuals, we make up a collective whole. We are the begotten children of God.

Through self-examination that leads to repentance, confession, forgiveness, and spiritual growth, we will be converted or transformed and able to love the LORD our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. It is THE method used by God through His Holy Spirit that enables us to live godly lives from a motivation of love.

Let Us Now Examine Ourselves

To utilize the following verses effectively, simply read the rephrased question first, then read the instructional verse, and then reread the question. This will help you internalize these Scriptures. God desires that we hold up His Word as a spiritual mirror. Allow the words into your heart with the help and guidance of God’s Holy Spirit.

Some questions are from an individual perspective (“Do I,” or “Am I”). Others will be worded from a congregational perspective (“Do we,” or “Are we”). Primarily these Scriptures are from the books of Colossians, Philippians, Ephesians, and Galatians.

Throughout our self examination, we need to remember it is the attitude and motivation behind our good works and obedience to God that is most important to Him. Our attitude and motivation are an important way God comes to know whether or not we are truly repentant and being converted, and whether our minds are truly being renewed.

May the Almighty, Loving, Merciful, Everliving God Who gives us life and breath, encourage and guide us all as we examine ourselves and apply His Words of life in our walk with him. If we can assist your self-examination, please contact us.

Selected Scriptures

Ephesians 4:1-3
Do I walk worthy of the calling with which I was called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with others in love, and am I endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace?

Ephesians 4:22-24
Have I put off, concerning my former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts? Am I renewed in the spirit of my mind? And, have I put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness?

Ephesians 4:25-27
Have I put away lying, and do I speak truth with my neighbor? For we are members of one another. When I am angry, do I choose not to sin by not letting the sun go down on my wrath, and by not giving place (in my spirit) to the devil?

Ephesians 4:28
If I have stolen, do I steal no longer, but rather, do I labor, working with my hands what is good, that I may have something to give him who has need?

Ephesians 4:29-30
Does no corrupt word proceed out of my mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers? And, do I avoid grieving the Holy Spirit, by whom I was sealed for the day of redemption?

Ephesians 4:30
Am I putting away from me all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking, with all malice?

Ephesians 4:31
Are we kind to one another, tenderhearted, and do we forgive one another, even as God in Christ forgave us?

Ephesians 5: 1-2
Are we imitators of God as dear children? And do we walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling aroma?

Ephesians 5:3-4
As is fitting for saints, do we not let it even be named among us: fornication, and all unrighteousness or covetousness, neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting; but rather giving of thanks?

Ephesians 5:11
Am I careful to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather, do I expose them?

Ephesians 5:15-17
Are we making sure we are walking circumspectly, not as fools, but as those who are wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil? And, do we endeavor to not be unwise, but rather to understand what is the will of the Lord?

Ephesians 5:18-20
Are we careful not to be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but to be filed with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in our hearts to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God?

Ephesians 6:10-18
Am I striving to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might? Do I daily put on the whole armor of God, that I may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil? Do I understand I do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places? Am I diligent to take up the whole armor of God, that I may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand? Do I gird my waist with truth; put on the breastplate of righteousness; shod my feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; and above all, take the shield of faith which I will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one? And, do I put on the helmet of salvation and take up the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints?

Galatians 6:1-3
Do I, as one who is spiritual, when I see a man who is overtaken in any fault, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering myself lest I also be tempted? Do I bear other’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ? Do I know not to think of myself as something, when I am really nothing, so I do not deceive myself?

Galatians 6:9-10
Are we striving not to grow weary while doing good for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart? And, as we have opportunity, are we doing good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith?

Philippians 2:1-4
Are we being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind? Are we careful to let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind, do we esteem others better than ourselves? Do we look out not only or our own interests, but also for the interest of others?

Philippians 2:5-8
Are we letting the mind be in us which was also in Christ Jesus? Who made Himself of no reputation, and took the form of a bondservant, and having come in the likeness of men, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

Philippians 2:12-13
Am I working out my own salvation with fear and trembling? For it is God who works in me both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Philippians 2:14-16
Do I do all things without complaining and disputing, that I may become blameless and harmless, a child of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom I shine as a light in the world, as I hold fast to the word of life?

Philippians 3:13-15
Am I, as my mind matures, forgetting those things which are behind, but rather reaching forward to those things which are ahead, and pressing toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus?

Philippians 4:4-8
Do I always rejoice in the Lord? Is my gentleness known to all men? Because the Lord is at hand. Am I anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, do I let my requests be made known to God? So the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard my heart and mind through Christ Jesus. And, am I diligent to meditate on whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy?

Philippians 4:11-13
Have I learned that in whatever state I am in to be content? Have I learned how to live both humbly and to live in prosperity? Do I believe that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me?

Colossians 2:20-23
Do I subject myself to regulations, the commandments and doctrines of men, which have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but which are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh?

Colossians 2:2-3
Have I set my mind on things above, and not on things on the earth? For I have died, and my life is hidden with Christ in God.

Colossians 3:5-8
Am I putting to death what is earthly in me: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry? Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience. Am I being diligent to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, and filthy language out of my mouth?

Colossians 3:12-14
Are we, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, putting on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, and longsuffering? Are we bearing with one another and forgiving one another, even as Christ forgave us? And above all these, have we put on love, which is the bond of perfection?

Colossians 3:15-17
Are we letting the peace of God rule in our hearts, to which we were called in one body; and are we thankful? Are we letting the word of Christ dwell in us richly in all wisdom; and are we teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, while singing with grace in our hearts to the Lord? And whatever we are doing in word or in deed, are we doing all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him?

Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever I do, am I doing it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men? Knowing that from the Lord I will receive of the inheritance; for I serve the Lord Christ.

Colossians 4:2-3
Am I continuing earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; praying also for the ministry that God would open to the Church a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ?

Colossians 4:5-6
Do I walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time? Is my speech always spoken with grace, seasoned with salt, that I may know how I am to answer each one?

[JP-Facebook-Like]
A question clearly comes to mind on the topic of the immortal soul: Does the Bible contain anywhere in either the Old or New Testaments the combined words “immortal soul?” Is this phrase in Scripture? The surprising answer to most of our readers is, NO! The Bible simply does not contain that phrase!

Prove it with research!

A concordance is a valuable tool for a Bible reader to use to check, study, and verify every distinct word or topic that appears in any of the books of the Bible. Any Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (KJV) will verify that the two words “immortal soul” are not combined in the entirety of the Holy Bible, in either the Old or New Testaments.

When God created man in the beginning, Genesis 2:7 says, “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 [being].” God could have taken the opportunity in this second chapter of the Bible to make it simple and clear to everyone that man was given an immortal soul, yet God did not do so because God did not grant humans an “immortal soul.”

Man does have a spirit!

In the book of Job we read, “But there is a spirit in man [humans], and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding” (Job 32:8). God has given each human being a human spirit that grants the powers of reasoning, intellect, and the ability to make choices. We can read of these capacities in Job 20:3, Psalm 51:10, Proverbs 18:14, and in many other verses. Yet none of these refer to the human spirit as being immortal.

So, what does the Bible say about these two words? What does the Bible have to say about the words “immortal” and “soul?”

Where are the words “Immortal” and “Immortality” in Scripture?

It will probably surprise some people to learn that the word “immortal” appears only once in the whole Bible (King James Version). Check any concordance to verify this. It appears in 1Timothy 1:17, “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” Notice! The Sovereign God is referred to as being immortal.

The word “immortality” is a separate word derived from “immortal” that appears five times in the entirety of the Bible.

▪ Romans 2:7, Eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor and immortality;

▪1 Corinthians 15:53, For this corruptible must put on incorruptible and this mortal must put on immortality.

▪ 1 Corinthians 15:54, So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then it shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

▪ 1 Timothy 6:16, Who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.

▪ 2 Timothy 1:10, But has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Immortality must be granted!

As most of these verses demonstrate, immortality is something that is attainable, yet other verses show it is granted by grace and faith only through Christ Jesus Who sacrificed His life to give us the GIFT of everlasting life. Clearly, everlasting life cannot be earned by anyone doing any works or any deeds. In addition to everlasting life, God promises reward to those who seek Him, to the true servants of Jesus Christ – those who believe Him, obey His words and understand with the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit to be doers and not just hearers of the Word.

How the Bible Uses the Word “Soul.”

The Bible uses the word soul in a very different way from that which most people have heard expressed. Ezekiel 18:4, “Behold all souls are Mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is Mine; the soul who sins shall die.” Notice, also, in this same chapter, a second reference to the word soul, Ezekiel 18:20, “The soul who sins shall die….”

Twice in this chapter of Ezekiel, we read that the soul that sins will die. The Holy Bible states clearly that a soul can die! It does not state that it is immortal.

Believe the Words of Jesus!

What did our Savior Jesus Christ say about the soul? One surely must believe the words of Jesus. In Matthew 10:28 He said, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell [known as gehenna, meaning the lake of fire or the consuming fire].”

In numerous places, the Holy Bible instructs that the soul is not immortal, but temporary or simply mortal. Human beings do not possess immortal life from natural birth. All human beings men or women have but a temporary life span on this earth. There are numerous scriptural witnesses of man’s mortality.

▪ Jesus said, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh” (John 3:6).

▪ I Corinthians 15:47, “The first man was of the earth, made of dust [referring to Adam]; the second Man is the Lord from heaven [referring to Jesus Christ].”

▪ Wise King Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and time to die.”

Immortality Is Available! It Must Be Granted!

God, both Father and Son, alone have immortality (1 Timothy 6:16) at this time. Our Savior Jesus Christ is the One who died for our sins on Mount Calvary. The risen Jesus has life inherent in Himself as declared in John 5:26, “For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself.” And, now we have access to immortality. Only Almighty God can impart everlasting life to us, through His beloved Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Our all-loving God has made available His Holy Spirit to mankind after Christ Jesus ascended into the heavens. His Holy Spirit is the presence of the Eternal God within believers now.

We encourage readers to examine our articles and look for more written information on the subject of God’s Holy Spirit. In addition, keep studying the Bible, confirming all things and holding onto the weightier matters. Be sure to focus on matters of salvation and a relationship with God and His Son. These things will make a difference in overcoming and being successful in this life. These issues can bear fruit for eternal life.

If you would like encouragement and further details about receiving God’s gifts of immortality and eternal life, please contact us.

[JP-Facebook-Like]
The best good news we’ll ever hear is the awesome reality of the plan our gracious Creator has worked out for us because He loves us so much. It involves every human being – past, present, and future.

In spite of what some people think and loudly proclaim, God has not been thwarted in His dealings with mankind. God is not bumbling about, almost losing out to evil. God has a PLAN. And, He WILL accomplish it.

From ancient times, God has peppered seven annual Holy Days with prophetic signs foretelling what was to come in His intricate, eternal plan. A summary of these days is found in Leviticus 23, yet there are hundreds of references to these Holy Days in scripture once a person knows what to look for.

Passover and Days of Unleavened Bread

First is the season of the Passover and Days of Unleavened Bread, along with the Wavesheaf Offering. This season pictures the flawless Lamb of God, slain from the foundation of the world, offered for the complete payment of the sins of all mankind. The bread and wine of Passover symbolize the broken body and blood of our Savior.

The Days of Unleavened Bread signify the need for repentance and putting away the sin that required the death of the Lamb in the first place. Putting away sin from one’s life involves our hearts and wills being submitted to God. And, it requires the supernatural intervention of Almighty God to release us from our bondage to sin. It is God who grants us repentance and the faith we need to accomplish it.

The Wavesheaf during Unleavened Bread indicates the resurrected eternal Christ before God’s throne, picturing God’s acceptance of the perfect life, sinless sacrifice, and completion of the Work of Jesus Christ on earth. Jesus Christ became the first of God’s firstfruits.

Pentecost

Fifty days following the Wavesheaf Offering is the Feast of Pentecost (also known as the Feast of Firstfruits) when God sent the Holy Spirit He had promised. The gift of the Holy Spirit empowers humans to become the sons of God. It impregnates them with an earnest of the Spirit with which Christ was filled on earth. It bestows a measure of the divine nature, writing the laws of God on our hearts and ultimately will bring about eternal life.

Power came to the Church God sired, and He began to shape those He intended to call and work with first among humans. While Jesus Christ is the first of God’s firstfruits, the Church is the remainder of the firstfruits.

Feast of Trumpets

The next significant fulfillment in God’s plan is explained in the meaning of the Feast of Trumpets. God sounds forth seven trumpets, announcing events very near the second return of Christ.

The seventh trump (the last trump) sounds as Jesus Christ returns, gathers together His saints (the Church, now eternal spirit beings through a resurrection like that Jesus experienced), and begins to set up a literal world ruling government for 1000 years.

Christ is the ultimate in power and authority; He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He will rule with the full authority of His Father to subdue all enemies forever.

There will be a great war (Armageddon) as humans, deceived by Satan, the devil, will audaciously fight their Creator and Savior.

Day of Atonement

One of the first things God’s government will do is remove the influence of Satan, the devil. The Day of Atonement pictures Satan being chained and placed in solitary confinement for 1000 years. It also pictures the blood of Jesus Christ covering all the sins of mankind, so each person can have access to God, the Father, and can come to be at one with Him.

Feast of Tabernacles

The Feast of Tabernacles pictures the 1000 year reign of God’s government on earth through Jesus Christ and the resurrected Church, a nation of kings and priests. They will rule the nations of the earth and administer the law of Almighty God. People will be healed and whole.

There will be prosperity and universal peace (SHALOM). Then, when the 1000 years concludes, Satan will be loosed for a little season, during which he will again set out to deceive humans, trying to wreck God’s great plan. He will finally be thrown forever into the Lake of Fire which is the second kind of death, i.e., the death from which there is no return.

Last Great Day

The Last Great Day is the last one of seven annual Holy Days. After the 1000 year reign of Christ, all, yes, all who have ever lived will finally have access to God. God will resurrect the rest of the dead back to human life. God will offer them truth, mercy, and eternal life. They will have an informed choice to live forever, free from sin, fear, pain, and tears in productive paradise with God, with free access to the water of life and tree of life.

Only the most incorrigibly wicked will choose the second death over glorious eternal life in God’s family. Finally, death and hell will be destroyed. And, God will create a new heaven and a new earth. And then, Almighty God the Father will Himself come to dwell with us. In this new heaven and earth, there will be only righteousness.

Defining the Gospel

The gospel is not just about the man, Jesus. It is not just about the Kingdom of God in the 1000-year reign of Christ on earth. Both of these are essential parts. But, as you have just read, the gospel is even more good news than these two great issues.

For more details about your glorious, exciting, future, please contact us.

If you would like encouragement and further details on knowing and serving the God Who made you, loves you, and has prophesied to you the witness of His salvation through seven annual Holy Days, please contact us. We will provide you with more details about the Holy Days and where they can be found throughout the scriptures.