Fundamental Rules of Bible Study

Listed below are some fundamental rules of Bible study that should be implemented for each serious and sincere student of the word of God;

1. Before you ask what a verse means, you must determine its context - 2 Pet. 3:15-16 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
2. Understand that the Bible is written to three groups of people: Jews, Gentiles, and the Church - 1 Cor. 10:32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
3. The Bible has proper divisions, and you must put those divisions in the right place - 2 Tim. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
4. All scripture has three applications; doctrinal, historical, and inspirational.
5. God has three distinct plans revealed in His word. He has a plan for the universe, the earth, and your life.
6. The individual words of the Bible are the keys to unlocking its truth - Prov. 30:5-6 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
7. God chose the exact words and events recorded for a specific reason to show us truth - John 21:24-25 This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.
8. The "law of first mention" establishes Biblical patterns to reveal truths throughout the Bible - Gen. 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
9. Patterns established in the Bible remain consistent - Mal. 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
10. Numbers hold a major significance in the Bible - Rev. 13:18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
11. The invisible things of God can clearly be seen by studying the things God made in the physical creation - Rom. 1:20 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:
12. The Bible is of no private interpretation. All "interpretations" are done by comparing scripture with scripture - 2 Pet. 1:20-21 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
13. Always take the Bible literally until it is impossible to do so.
14. Always give the Bible the benefit of the doubt. We have limited understanding compared to the wisdom of God.
15. Always be prepared to change whatever you have been taught or believed when it is shown to be contrary to the Bible. The Bible is the final authority in everything in life. Never try to make the Bible line up with what you believe, always line up what you believe based upon what the Bible says.
16. Never violate a clear passage when trying to understand an obscure passage of the Bible.
17. Never base a doctrine on a question in the Bible.
18. Never base a doctrine on simply one verse or passage.
19. Pay attention to the "warnings" in the Bible - Rev. 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
20. If you find something you don't understand, do not violate any of these rules trying to figure it out. God's word is revealed in progression. God will not entrust you with more if you are not faithful with what He has already given you. Be sure to live what you do understand, then wait on Him to give you more understanding of His word - John 16:12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

God's Progressive Revelation of the Law

Heb. 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

God's progressive revelation throughout history involves several sovereign communications to mankind. Listed below are seven such revelations listed in the Bible;

1. Written in nature - Psalm 19:1-2 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
2. Written in conscience - all men are without excuse - Rom. 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
3. Written in stone - Ex. 24:12 And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.
4. Written in scripture - Rom. 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
5. Written in Christ - John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
6. Written in believers - 2 Cor. 3:2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:
7. Written in the heart - there is a day coming where God will make Himself known in a new way by ruling visibly upon the earth and being personally accessible to all - Jer. 31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. Heb. 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

(A devotional thought taken from Days of Praise)

Some Thoughts About The Word of God

What is the word of God???

Did God ever speak? If you believe He did, where is the record of what He spoke? Who has it? Can you get it? If you can not get a copy, as a Christian, what have you been called to study, or to read and meditate, or to preach? Paul said, "Preach the word!" 2 Tim. 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

What is the word???

When Paul said, "Preach the word," what was "the word?" Is it a message, or a book? Is it both? Which book?

Where is the word of God??? (according to the modern scholars of today)

1. It is not confined to the covers of one book.
2. It is not available to the public apart from modern scholarship.
3. It is not available in its infallible form.
4. It is certainly not the King James Bible, nor even close to it.
5. It takes a library of books to look for it.
6. It includes church traditions and the belief systems from the early church fathers.
7. It is only a message.
8. It is something separate and distinct from "words" in a book.
9. It can almost be found in most modern translations such as the NIV, NKJV, etc.
10. No one man can obtain it and those who get more of it than anybody else are Hebrew and Greek scholars.

Friend, will you be carrying a copy of the word of God with you when you go to your local church? Do you believe the Bible you possess and cherish is the complete inspired, inerrant, infallible, perfect, preserved word of God??? As you turn the pages and read each word, do you believe that they are the very words of God, or do you believe that they are the words of man who have done their best to tell us what God has said???

2 Tim. 3:13-17 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

1 Peter 1:18-25 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

2 Peter 1:16-21 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Jesus' Own View of Scripture

1. He believed in the Genesis account of creation - Mark 10:6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.
2. He believed in the Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch - John 5:46-47 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?
3. He believed in the historicity and universality of the Noahic Flood - Matt. 24:37-39 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
4. He believed in the historicity of Abraham - John 8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
5. He believed in the historicity of Sodom and Gomorrah - Matt. 11:23-24 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.
6. He believed God gave manna from heaven to Israel - John 6:31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
7. He believed in the Davidic authorship of the Psalms - Matt. 22:43-45 He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? If David then call him Lord, how is he his son?
8. He believed in the historicity of Jonah and the whale - Matt. 12:39-41 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
9. He believed the Jews had a history of rejecting God's word - Luke 11:47-51 Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres. Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute: That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.
10. He scolded the Sadducees for their ignorance of Scripture - Matt. 22:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.
11. He taught that every word of Scripture proceeded from God - Matt. 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
12. He taught the doctrine of the preservation of Scripture - Matt. 5:17-18 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
13. He taught that man will be judged by God's word - John 12:47-48 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
14. He taught the absolute authority of Scripture - John 10:34-36 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?
15. He pre-authenticated the New Testament writings as Scripture - John 16:12-13 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
16. He never corrected or critized Scripture, even though He did not possess the original autographs - John 17:13-17 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Jesus never involved Himself in higher or lower criticism or attempted to recover the original autographs during his earthly ministry. He either 1) knew Scripture was the word of God and said it was so, 2) did not know if Scripture was the word of God or not and said it was, or 3) knew Scripture was not the word of God and said it was anyway. The first option is the whole truth of the matter!!!

Those who claim to be followers of the Lord Jesus Christ ought to hold the same high view of Scripture that He had. What right do they have to hold any other view??? Obviously, no right at all!!!!!

(Some excerpts from an article by John Kohler, III)

Biblical Warnings Regarding Those Who Correct/Reject God's Word

Isa. 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

Jer. 23:30 Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal my words every one from his neighbour.

Jer. 23:36-38 And the burden of the LORD shall ye mention no more: for every man's word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God. Thus shalt thou say to the prophet, What hath the LORD answered thee? and, What hath the LORD spoken? But since ye say, The burden of the LORD; therefore thus saith the LORD; Because ye say this word, The burden of the LORD, and I have sent unto you, saying, Ye shall not say, The burden of the LORD;

Mark 7:13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

John 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

John 14:24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.

2 Cor. 2:17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

Prov. 30:6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

Deut. 4:2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

2 Pet. 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

1 Tim. 6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

2 Pet. 3:16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

Rev. 22:18-19 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

The Preservation of God's Word

Psalm 12:6-7 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

Psalm 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

Psalm 119:160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

Isa. 40:8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

Isa. 59:21 As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.

1 Peter 1:23-25 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

Matt. 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

John 10:35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;

Developing Integrity in the Next Generation

(This is a portion of an article written by Dr. Manuel Salazar, Lancaster Baptist School Administrator, in the May 2007 issue of The Baptist Voice, a publication of Lancaster Baptist Church and West Coast Baptist College, where Dr. Paul Chappell is Pastor and President.)

Prov. 11:3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.

The following are ten foundational attributes of character that every child should develop as found in God's Word;

1. Discernment/Wisdom - Prov. 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
2. Obedience - Eph. 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
3. Self-discipline - 1 Co 9:24-27 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
4. Orderliness/Neatness - 1 Cor 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
5. Truthfulness - 3 John 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
6. Meekness - Matt. 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
7. Gratefulness - 1 Thes. 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
8. Attentiveness/Fervor - Rom. 12:11-12 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
9. Forgiveness - Eph. 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
10. Reverence - Eccl. 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

The following principles are ways parents can help mold godly character in their children;

1. Ensure your children/teens are saved, baptized, and surrendered to Christ.
2. Have regular family devotions in your Christ-centered home.
3. Have your children attend a Sunday School class faithfully each week.
4. Be a "Three to Thrive" family (Sunday morning, Sunday evening, mid-week service).
5. Provide a distinctively Christian education for your children.

Spirit of Fear

2 Tim. 1:7-8 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

God has not given us the spirit of fear because;

1. God is our shield - Gen. 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
2. God hears the voice of the afflicted - Gen. 21:17 And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is.
3. God is with us - Gen. 26:24 And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake.
4. Salvation is of God - Ex. 14:13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.
5. God shall fight for us - Deut. 3:22 Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you.
6. God will not fail nor forsake us - Deut. 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. 1 Chr. 28:20 And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.
7. They that be with us are more than they that be with them - 2 Kings 6:15-17 And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
8. God has given us confidence in war - Psalm 27:3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
9. God is master of the earth - Psalm 46:2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
10. Only God can damn the soul - Psalm 56:4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. Psalm 118:6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? Matt. 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
11. Vengence is God's - Isa. 35:4 Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.
12. God will strengthen us - Isa. 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
13. God is our help - Isa. 41:13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
14. God owns us - Isa. 43:1 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
15. God hears our prayers - Dan. 10:12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.
16. God is the first and the last of the matter - Rev. 1:17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

Friend, what about you? Do you have a spirit of fear???

In The Faith

2 Cor. 13:5-6 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.

Heb. 11:1-2 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report.

1. Continuing in the word of God as lost => now saved - Col. 1:21-23 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
2. Continuing in the word of God as sons => trained - 1 Tim. 1:1-2 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
3. Continuing in the word of God as students => grounded - Col. 2:6-8 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
4. Continuing in the word of God as weak => learning - Rom. 14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
5. Continuing in the word of God as men => strong - 1 Cor. 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
6. Continuing in the word of God as friends => loving - Tit. 3:15 All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.
7. Continuing in the word of God as deacons => worthy - 1 Tim. 3:12-13 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
8. Continuing in the word of God as witnesses => judging - Tit. 1:13-14 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
9. Continuing in the word of God as soldiers => resisting - 1 Pet. 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
10. Continuing in the word of God as disciples => enduring - Acts 14:21-22 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
11. Continuing in the word of God as churches => soul winning - Acts 16:4-5 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

Friend, what about you??? Can you be found "in the faith???"

Hell Fire (More Truths About Hell from the Word of God)

1. Hell's fire is kindled by the anger of God - Deut. 32:21 They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation. For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.
2. Hell receives the wicked - Psalm 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.
3. Hell is open before God - Job 26:6 Hell is naked before him, and destruction hath no covering. Prov. 15:11 Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
4. Hell is always sooner than one thinks - Psalm 55:15 Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them.
5. Hell is never satisfied - Prov. 27:20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
6. Hell opens wide enough for all - Isa. 5:14 Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.
7. Hell welcomes its arrivals - Isa. 14:9 Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations.
8. Wine enlarges Hell's hold - Hab. 2:5 Yea also, because he transgresseth by wine, he is a proud man, neither keepeth at home, who enlargeth his desire as hell, and is as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations, and heapeth unto him all people:
9. Hell is not worth any loss in this life - Mark 9:43-47 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:
10. Pride leads to Hell - Matt. 11:23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. Luke 10:15 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.
11. Even angels are sent to Hell - 2 Peter 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
12. Hell has gates - Matt. 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
13. Jesus has the keys to Hell's gates - Rev. 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
14. The saved are delivered from Hell - Psalm 86:13 For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.
15. Correction delivers from Hell - Prov. 23:13-14 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.

What You Do Not Lose When You Go To Hell!!!

1. We retain our memory in Hell - Luke 16:23-24 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
2. We retain our love for those dear to us in Hell - Luke 16:27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
3. We retain our logic in Hell - Luke 16:30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
4. We retain our sorrows in Hell - 2 Sam. 22:5-6 When the waves of death compassed me, the floods of ungodly men made me afraid; The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented me; Psalm 18:5 The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.
5. We retain our pain in Hell - Psalm 116:3 The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.
6. We retain the presence of God in Hell - He is there seeing we are judged - Psalm 139:8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. Jonah 2:2 And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice.
7. We retain our pride in Hell - but only for a time! - Isa. 28:15-18 Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves: Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place. And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it.
8. We retain our voice (influence) in Hell - Ezek. 32:21 The strong among the mighty shall speak to him out of the midst of hell with them that help him: they are gone down, they lie uncircumcised, slain by the sword.
9. We retain the responsibility to be judged in Hell - Rev. 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
10. We retain our immortal soul in Hell - Matt. 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

The unbeliever who dies and goes to Hell doesn't go to a grand party; the unbeliever who dies doesn't simply not exist anymore or "sleeps" in the grave. The word of God as described above is quite clear about what the unbeliever who dies and goes to Hell will experience there in that place. Hell is a real place, and the unrepentant sinner will live an eternity there!!!

But he doesn't have tooooooooo.......... Christ shed His blood on the cross of Calvary to cover the sins of those who repent of their sin and place their faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Friend, please don't go to Hell in defiance of the love of God!!!

A Mother's Tears

(During the time that I was away with my wife for our belated 25th Anniversary trip, Pastor David Reagan of Antioch Baptist Church, Knoxville, TN won the victory of his battle with cancer, passing on to Heaven to meet his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He was a great servant of the Lord, and his web ministry, Learn the Bible, is one of the best resources available for the simple, plain teaching of God's truths from His written word. Pastor Reagan was a great encourager, and his admonitions installed a work ethic in many people to happily get involved in the work of the Lord in some capacity. Listed below is a sermon outline of his discussing mothers which is quite relevant today as we celebrate Mother's Day. I pray that it will be a blessing to my blog readers. I want to wish my mother a Happy Mother's Day, as well as to my wife Rachel, who is the world's best mother to our six children. Where would we be without the love and direction of a mother, especially a mother who loves God and follows the instructions of His word???!!!)

Introduction: The sorrow of childbirth is often exceeded by the sorrows of seeing the needs of your child and toiling over their wellbeing. A mother’s lot is often defined by her tears.

I. FOR THE CHILD NOT BORN
A. Sarah (Genesis 16:1-5)
B. Hannah (1Samuel 1:1-10)
II. FOR THE CHILD THAT DIES
A. Bathsheba (2Samuel 12:15-18)
B. Naomi (Ruth 1:1-5, 19-21)
III. FOR CHILDREN AT ODDS
A. Rebekah (Genesis 25:21-23)
B. Eve (Genesis 4:8-10)
IV. FOR THE CHILD THAT SUFFERS
A. Syro-Phoenician Woman (Matthew 15:21-28)
B. Mary (Luke 2:33-35)
V. FOR THE CHILD THAT STRAYS
A. Eve (Genesis 4:1-7)
B. Prodigal Son’s Mother (Luke 15:11-13)
C. The Heaviness of Heart (Proverbs 10:1)

Conclusion: The godly mother has many tears, but God keeps those tears in His bottle. Psalm 56:8-9 states, “Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book? When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.” Will you cry unto Him and know that He is with you?

Belated 25th Anniversary Trip

I normally do not share personal information on my blog site, but I thought I would let everyone know that I will be away from the computer for awhile during the next few weeks. My lovely bride and I will be taking a much belated but well deserved 25th Anniversary trip beginning tomorrow. Our 25th Anniversary was last July, but due to many things which came up in our busy lives, we were unable to schedule an extended trip away from home and our many responsibilities at home, church, and work (please notice my order of priorities) until now. We plan on traveling up to the New England area to have a relaxing visit, with no formal scheduled itinerary to make us feel we must do this and that each and every day. We have plenty of ideas of places we would like to see, but at the same time, we plan on doing things spontaneously, following the shared desires of our heart. I believe, however, I will be letting my wife do most of the planned stops since I have traveled in that area before, although for business related reasons, not as a tourist. If you happen to think of us, please share a prayer for "traveling mercy" for us while we are away from home. Lord willing, I'll be back to my blog sometime mid-May. I pray that the Lord will continue to bless your service and walk with Him.....

Questions Every Christian Parent Must Answer

Gen. 33:5b ....... Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.

Our children are a gift from God. The Christian parent bears an accountability to God that an unsaved parent does not face. Here are questions every Christian parent must answer:

1. Have your children heard you pray, and in your prayer, heard you calling out their names to God?
2. Have your children heard you read the Bible to them?
3. Have your children seen you pay your tithe to the Lord, placing it in the offering on Sunday?
4. Have your children seen you go to the altar presenting your life more completely to the Lord?
5. Have your children heard you tell them how you came to know the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour?
6. Have your children seen you giving out Gospel tracts, seeking the salvation of the lost?
7. Have your children heard you give a clear presentation of the Gospel to an unsaved person?
8. Have your children heard you tell someone how much your church means to you?
9. Have your children heard you tell each other of your love for one another?
10. Have your children heard you express gratitude to God for His blessings on your life and family?

(by Dr. Clarence Sexton)