Tune In by Anton

PRACTICAL STUDIES IN BIBLICAL DOCTRINE

Tune In Anton Ortiz

PRACTICAL STUDIES IN BIBLICAL DOCTRINE

Tune In Anton Ortiz

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission of the author. Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New international Version®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. Zondervan NIV Study Bible. Copyright © 1985, 1995, 2002, by Zondervan. All rights reserved. Published by Grace Community Mission 15B Colum Pl. Bucklands Beach, Auckland, New Zealand 2014 Phone: +64 2 2314 9463 Website: www.gcm.org.nz Author’s contact email : anton@kzyll.com

ISBN 978-0-473-23657-1

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Contents 1. WHY DID GOD CREATE US? • God’s covenant with Adam • In-depth study • Man’s freedom of choice • Man’s rebellion • Judgment of Lucifer • The full revelation • A story of disobedience

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2. FROM RELIGION TO RELATIONSHIP • Who is Jesus Christ? • What Jesus did • We do not look for God, He has found us • What is the true religion? • The complete revelation

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3. GOOD WORKS: ARE THEY GOOD ENOUGH? • Good enough • Good works • The man who is doing good works • Why not good works? • The right response • Illustration

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4. THE WORD OF GOD • The devil’s formula • Identify the truth • The Bible • The ability effectiveness of God’s word (?) • Bible study • Purpose of Bible study • Principles of basic Bible interpretation • Application of biblical interpretation

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II 5.

Tune In OUR BLESSED ASSURANCE • God’s promise to those who are saved • Shall never be perished • Invitation to every seeker

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6. HOLY SPIRIT • He sent the Holy Spirit • The works of the Holy Spirit 1. Enlightening 2. Convicting 3. Indwelling • Baptism with the Holy Spirit • The marks of a person who has the Holy Spirit

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7. WORSHIP VIA THE LORD’S SUPPER • The Lord’s Supper • Origin of the Lord’s Supper • The setup of the Lord’s Supper in the New Testament(NT) ? • Christ sacrificed for all • Why do we celebrate the Lord’s Supper? • Symbolic meaning • Can all people partake in the Lord’s Supper? • What is the proper way to celebrate the Lord’s Supper? • Who should lead the Lord’s Supper? • Order of worship

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8. BAPTISM • Why is there a need for baptism? • Declaration • The baptism of John the Baptist • Buried in baptism

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9. PRAYER • How effective is prayer? • Spiritual battle • How can prayer be effective? • The Lord’s prayer • What should be the content of our prayer?

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III

10. THE CHURCH • Meaning of the word church • Church beginnings • Church works • Early church ministries • Healthy church • Leaders of the church • Elders of the church • The future of the church • The judgment to Satan under the church

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11. THE BLESSED HOPE • The First Coming of Jesus • The fulfillment of prophecy • The Rapture • The Great Tribulation • The Second Coming of Jesus • Thousand years (Millennium) • The Judgment Seat of Christ • The Great White Throne • The future of the church

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

ENDNOTES

ABOUT TUNE IN

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;YOU MUST TEACH WHAT IS IN ACCORD WITH SOUND DOCTRINE.â&#x20AC;? TITUS 2:1

Tune In by Anton Ortiz is an excellent introduction to Bible study. Highly recommend for the new Christian who seriously wants to grow in the faith. Alastair McNaughton Papatoetoe Bible Chapel, New Zealand As recent immigrants to New Zealand, Anton and his family are a welcome expression of life and diversity to the Church in New Zealand and beyond. Anton thinks well and deeply on the truths of scripture and Tune In is his first publishing endeavour in this country. I have known Anton for some time and find his passion for discipleship and to rightly divide the word very encouraging. Spending time with Anton or in studying Tune In will call you back to the centrality of the Cross, Scripture and the work of the Holy Spirit in understanding and living out biblical truth. I welcome this publication and trust it will be widely and wisely used in discipleship development. Max Palmer Life Resources Ltd

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Acknowledgement I am deeply indebted to: my friends, Henry & Leah Paraiso, who helped me come up with the English translation of this book; my very special friend, Myli Once, who devoted her time to read and edit the manuscript; my fellow believers from LIFE Expressions Fellowship; my cell group and youth leaders; Rica and Carlo Camus, Justin Rodenas, Paulo Once and Micah Sabayle. Thank you and God bless you all. To my parents, Rudy and Flor Ortiz, thank you for showing me the important bridge enabling me to serve God through faith and hard work; to my son Dale and daughter Kimy, who were my prayer warriors during the completion of this book. Above all else, to my wonderful wife, Anji, who has stood by me through suffering and hope. I could never have completed this book without her support, understanding, encouragement and love. I thank God for giving me such an earthly priceless treasured wife and family.

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Preface “Which book of the Bible is best for a new Christian to start reading? Who wrote the Bible, man alone or God? Is there life after death? What does the Bible teach? Who is Jesus? What is the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives today? What is the second coming of Jesus? Is salvation by faith alone, or by faith plus good works?” These are basic and simple questions, but they are also important ones which require deep understanding. Many Christians today are struggling in their faith. They don’t know how to defend their belief and biblical doctrines. They rely on traditions, experience, speculation and second-hand teaching or preaching. They look at Christianity as a denomination, and not as a congregation of God’s people joined together. They are not interested in reading the Bible. Though some of them claim to have been Christians since birth, they still have no real knowledge of the truth and are lacking a firm foundation. I have seen many Christians like this and I was challenged to help them find an alternative way of learning the essential doctrines to tune in. The purpose of this book is to assist every Bible believer to fine tune his Christian foundation. It has a practical, as well as a theological purpose. The ultimate goal of this book is to help every individual grasp the word of God and worship Him in spirit and in truth. If anyone is serious and is looking forward to studying the Bible carefully, I recommend starting from the basic, towards a systematic study. But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Peter 3:15-16. Anton Ortiz Grace Community Mission New Zealand

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CHAPTER ONE WHY DID GOD CREATE US? Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made. Isaiah 43:7.1 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on the earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:16. When God created man He gave him freedom in order to live a good life in the Garden of Eden. For the very first time God made a covenant with Adam that he may eat any fruit in the Garden of Eden. But there was a definite command from God not to eat the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. GOD’S COVENANT WITH ADAM And LORD God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it. The LORD God commanded the man, saying, “from any tree of the garden you may eat freely; but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die”. Genesis 2:15-17.2 IN-DEPTH STUDY If we focus our attention on and study carefully every word uttered by God, we will be astonished and perhaps become speechless upon seeing what God intended man’s position to be before Him. It is God’s desire for man to be a caretaker of His wonderful creation. God wants to give every good thing to man, which is why He placed him in a garden that was sufficient in everything. Man needed neither to toil nor sweat so that he could eat; but simply to pick, eat, and gaze upon the paradise that God had created. And his exciting responsibility is to communicate with God and live in accordance with God’s desires. Through the verses we discussed earlier, we already know that there was a good relationship and good communication between man and God. This is the most important thing man needs to know—his relationship with God. Although God gave man the freedom to freely eat of anything in the

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garden, He also gave a warning not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Here God clearly put a limitation on our freedom, and if we do not heed this, He is just to correct us in our sin, as He did with our forefathers. Exodus 34:7. MAN’S FREEDOM OF CHOICE Man’s freedom of choice and ability to make decisions were given by God. God did not create man to be like a personal computer that needs programming and commands in order to function. However, the truth is that the very freedom that God gave to man was also used by the serpent (the Devil) to lead him to fall into sin and ruin his relationship with God. MAN’S REBELLION Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” 2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” 4 “You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Genesis 3:1-6. JUDGMENT OF LUCIFER 12 How you have fallen from Heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! 13 You said in your heart, “I will ascend to Heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. 14 I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” 15 But you are brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit. 16 Those who see you stare at you, they ponder your fate: “Is this the man who shook the earth and made kingdoms tremble.” Isaiah 14:12-16. Lucifer, who was thrown out of Heaven, is even now still trying to reign wickedly. The Bible clearly states that he was punished because he was extremely

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ambitious and sought to ascend to the highest throne of God. He already knows that he is destined to be punished, hence as a deceiver, he continues to mislead man so they will disobey and rebel against God or His covenant. His hope is that God will cast man away from His presence. He wants to destroy God’s creation so that many will be with him in his place of doom (eternal death). THE FULL REVELATION Man and God had a good relationship, as we have studied and read. In fact, according to Genesis 1:26-27, man was created in God’s image, according to His likeness, in holiness, meekness, and beauty. But in spite of all the goodness that God has, still man yielded to the serpent’s deception and violated God’s covenant. The Lord God intends man to live having complete trust in Him. But man was misled by words that were new to him: “you will be like God knowing good and evil”. The truth is that man knew when he was created that disobedience to God’s covenant meant death – and there is no knowledge that can make one become like God. In fact, rebellion is following one’s own will, not trusting God completely, and disobeying His covenant. Therefore it is a sin to go against the will of God. The cause and effect of sin can be seen in the way we live. Like Lucifer, Adam and Eve desired something opposed to God. There is imminent danger for us, too, for example from having too much desire for luxury. Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5. Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:15. When man disobeyed God’s covenant, it was the beginning of man’s separation from God, and his perfect communication with God was gone. And then came God’s anger and punishment as Adam and Eve were sent out from the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:22-24) because of their sin (rebellion). Consequently, the whole of mankind suffers death not just physically but also spiritually. Even up to the present time, there are still many spiritually dead people who are in the same situation (Romans 5:12). If we consider all of the consequences of sin in a man’s life, we may lose hope. In order to fully cover the scope of the word ALL, let us first answer these questions:

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1. Why is there punishment and people being punished? In our society, why is there such a thing as being sentenced to death or being imprisoned for life? There is no punishment if there is no law. The Bible states that sin was made clear to us because of the existence of the law. In other words, there can be no disobedience unless there is a command or law to disobey. God’s covenant with Adam included the words “must not”, which means it was forbidden, and Adam went against this command. This statement is supported by the Scriptures in Romans 5:13. 2. What are the consequences of sin? When Adam fell into sin, everyone became a sinner by nature, according to Romans 5:14 and Ephesians 2:2–3. This is pointed out not only in these verses but also in many other verses. In Isaiah 59:2 and other verses, the consequences of sin are mentioned: Distance from God It separates man from God Man’s plea will not be heard by God Shows there a fear of God (Genesis 3:8-10) Being enslaved to Satan (Hebrews 2:14-19) In Romans 6:23, the penalty of sin is death We cannot enter Heaven because of sin (Rev. 21:27). The truth is that man is spiritually dead before God because of his sin. In this state, he also keeps on reaping the penalty of sin, death. The more this repetitive cycle of committing sin continues, the more we allow the Devil to accuse us before God (Revelation 12 :10). Because of Adam’s sin, we are all born sinners, and death awaits each one of us. David, in the book of Psalms, laments as he regards himself in Psalm 51:5, “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me”. Apart from Jesus, there is not even one person who has never committed sin (1 Kings 8:46, Ecclesiastes 7:20, Romans 3:23). Jesus is the only one who was in the form of flesh (like man) yet never committed any sin (2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 8:3).

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In Romans 5:12, the Apostle Paul describes how sin entered the world through one man, which resulted in death and universal suffering; but in the same manner, through the coming of Jesus Christ our hope and salvation came. LET’S READ AND STUDY CAREFULLY 12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death came to all men, because all sinned—13 for before the law was given, sin was in the world. But sin is not taken into account when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who was a pattern of the one to come. 15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! 16 Again, the gift of God is not like the result of the one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. 17 For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. 18 Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. Romans 5:12-19. A STORY OF DISOBEDIENCE A story from the late Bible teacher, Stimson Alviar: A father and a son were enjoying a leisurely walk along the seashore. They were watching the beautiful sea and enjoying the sound of the unending waves crashing into the big rocks. Suddenly the father got tired, so stopped and sat on an elevated rock while his son enjoyed playing and collecting nice seashells on the beach. After a few hours of being on the beach, the father suddenly noticed that the tide was growing high and his son was almost drowning. So he quickly stretched out the rod that he was holding to reach his son, and said to him, “Son, hold the rod and I will pull you up”. While trying to pull in his rod he felt that his son was strangely heavy, so the father figured out that his son was holding the rod with just one hand because the other hand was holding

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the shells and other nice things which he had gathered from the seashore. So he immediately said, “Son listen to me, let go of those things and hold on to my staff with both hands”. But the son replied, “Dad I worked so hard to have these and I don’t want to throw them away”. The father repeated his instruction again to his son to throw away all the stuff in his hand, but his son did not heed his instruction. So one last time the father said to his son, “Son I can’t bear pulling you any longer, so if you won’t let go of those things you will be in danger”. And because the son was too stubborn to let go, he was carried away by the big waves and undoubtedly he died. Putting value on our accomplishments and material gain may be understandable to a certain point, especially if we worked hard for it. But letting it rule over us and drag us toward sin—death is one of the worst ways to use our God-given freedom of choice. We are not supposed to trade the life that God gave us for material things.

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CHAPTER TWO FROM RELIGION TO RELATIONSHIP For Christ did not enter into a holy place made with human hands, which was only a copy of the true one in Heaven. He entered into Heaven itself to appear now before God on our behalf. 25And he did not enter Heaven to offer himself again and again, like the high priest here on earth who enters the Most Holy Place year after year with the blood of an animal. 26 If that had been necessary, Christ would have had to die again and again, ever since the world began. But now, once for all time, he has appeared at the end of the age to remove sin by his own death as sacrifice.28 So also Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him. Hebrews 9:24-26, 28.3 24

The most important thing that a man should know is his relationship with God. As we continue to study the Scriptures, we will learn that the Bible gives straight-forward teaching regarding this. Time and again, false teachers arrogantly debate the formality and beauty of their religion, which should neither be argued upon nor does it deserve a great deal of attention. The teachings in this lesson will shed light on our questions about religion and relationship with God. But before studying it thoroughly, let us first see if we really know Jesus Christ. And if we really know Him, how assured are we that Jesus offers eternal life? Answers to these questions are not impossible to know as we refer to His words. This is because the Bible is certainly the word of God, and Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desire is for us to be assured of our relationship with Him. In order for us to dig into the powerful word of God, let us study and answer the following: Who is Jesus Christ? John 1:1-14 John 1:29 John 14:6

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If we really know Christ, maybe this is the right time to understand what He did and what it cost him to restore our ruined relationship with God. WHAT JESUS DID 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! Philippians 2:6-8. And they sang a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. Revelation 5:9. He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. I Peter 2:22-25. 22

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in Heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. 21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation. Colossians 1:19-22. 19

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost. Luke 19:10. 8

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still

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sinners, Christ died for us.9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 10 For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. Romans 5:8-11. All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19. 18

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16. WE DO NOT LOOK FOR GOD, HE HAS FOUND US We have read just a few verses from the Bible, but these are enough for us to understand what Jesus did in order to restore our broken relationship with God. We realize that in spite of all the failures of man and despite our violation of the covenant of God, still it was God who first looked for man. He did not allow man to end up in eternal damnation or endure the second death. In fact, God loves man so much, which He demonstrated again when He gave His only Son Jesus. The sacrifice and suffering that Jesus went through will never be matched by anything earthly man can do or experience. If we will notice, God’s demonstration of love to us is “death in order to have life and blood for the atonement of sin”. Let us pause for a moment and set our heart and mind in order to get a vision of the amazing things that happened in His life. We will have a view of a new hope in every sprinkling of His blessings. Let us study the following words that are used in order for God to reach us: But made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. Philippians 2:7 In order for God to reach us, His Son first had to become a servant and be obedient to the Father. If we are very keen, we will seek to understand this: a King and the Son of God suddenly descending as a servant of mankind. This is quite incomprehensible to me. It seems impossible to understand how this

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happened. But the things that my mind can’t conceive were revealed to me by God, in His word: For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost. Luke 19:10. And there’s still more in the following verses that we are going to read, and then we will post a challenge to everyone. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. Colossians 1:13. Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:22. Colossians 1:20, 2 Cor. 5:18-19, Rom. 5:8-11: “Reconciled.”

“Religion can never reform mankind because religion is slavery.” Robert G. Ingersoll 1833-1899

Man’s broken relationship with God is the main reason for His coming to earth. And the ultimate key is “the death of Christ on the cross”, so that through this event our relationship with Him will be restored, and we will be able to come before a holy God without blemish and without defects in His sight.

In the verses we read, God is teaching us something we should do, or steps to undertake in order to reach Him. Did you notice that “religion” was never mentioned or even used by God as an avenue for man to return to Him? Therefore, our basis must be a right relationship with God, not religion. Because nothing could ever save us, not even religions that were established by man. According to Acts 4:12, “Salvation is found in no one else (religion/leader), for there is no other name under Heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” WHAT IS THE TRUE RELIGION? I cannot say that religion is not important; yes, it is important in our Christian living. In the book of Acts, the Christians were all excited to share the Gospel of resurrection or the message of hope. For this reason, some of them sold their own property and they shared it as part of their mission and evangelism ministry. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Act 2:45.

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As a result of this giving ministry, God’s message spread throughout many places. But because everybody became busy in evangelism-type ministry, and some of them were busy serving God inside the church, they forgot about this very special ministry: Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27. According to this verse, pure religion is to look after orphans and widows in their afflictions. What is the reason for this statement? This is part of the social and religious law of the Israelites (Exodus 22:21-24). The nation has to bring their tithe of the tithes to the Levites (similar to our church workers) for themselves, foreigner, orphans and widows. These groups of people have no allotment or inheritance of their own (Deuteronomy 14:28-29). Now, when James noticed that the church or believers were busy doing the ministry, and neglecting to help those widows and orphans, he gave them a lesson about true religion. He meant that if anyone is willing to serve God in his own local assembly, he needs to start doing this kind of ministry in order to produce good testimony outside the church and to convince unbelievers that they belong to the church of Jesus (the founder of the true church), which is our church now, by showing the love and compassion of Jesus to them. THE COMPLETE REVELATION There are many kinds of relationship in today’s world, but we will find two kinds in this lesson. First, a relationship that is alive. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who love me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20). Second, a relationship that lives but is dead “But Jesus told him, follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” (Matthew 8:22). We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. 12 So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. 2 Corinthians 4:10-12. 10

Here we can distinguish what kind of relationship we have with our family, our brethren in faith, neighbors, spouse and children, and with God.

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Now, we know what Jesus did for our sin, and how He restored our broken relationship with God. Christ voluntarily died and accepted His death, so that in this manner we sinners would gain forgiveness. We must realize that Jesus died not just for a chosen people who are rich, white, foreigners, or intelligent, but rather for all. According to 1 John 2:2, “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but for the sins of the whole world.” In 1 Timothy This means that the key to fixing our 1:15 it says, “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the relationship with world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst.” God is to believe in In 1 Timothy 2:6 we read, “[He] who gave himself His amazing act of as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its dying on the cross. proper time.” Titus 2:11 says, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.” If we notice, in every verse we come across, it simply draws our attention to a single focus: the mysterious and priceless death of Jesus in Hebrews 10:10. This means that the key to fixing our relationship with God is to believe in His amazing act of dying on the cross.

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CHAPTER THREE GOOD WORKS : ARE THEY GOOD ENOUGH? ...God has even forgotten some of your sin. 7 Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? Job 11:6-7. 6

And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace. Romans 11:6. As the earth continues to revolve and age, various thoughts or theories are conceived in the mind of every human being. But at the same time the wickedness of man is getting worse and the world continues to deteriorate; there is never-ending war, economic collapse, increase in commodity prices, increase in tuition fees, and many more worldly problems. The response of politicians and economists is to change the form of the existing government, while others want to impose martial law (military government). But some religious men and clergy have a different solution: do good works, give alms, be prayerful, be religious, self-sacrifice, observe the Ten Commandments, selftransformation, and the like. We can see that most of the solutions put forward by men to finding salvation, or forgiveness of sin boil down to the concept of “good works”. If we behave in the right way, we can go to Heaven, they claim. Before we go deeper into our discovery of the truth, let us first answer a few questions about salvation. What is true salvation? Why is it important to know about it? Is it really necessary? If you believe it is, what made you think this and why? God really yearns to hear our answer to each of these questions. In order for us to really understand, it is better to be aware of whether our good works are acceptable to God. To figure out if there’s truth in this, we need look no further than the prophet Isaiah, who declared that our righteousness is like filthy rags and withered like a leaf. All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. Isaiah 64:6.

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Isaiah makes it clear that we are in every way hopeless in regard to becoming righteous before God because our own good works will not be able to save us. Therefore, if all our own works are as a filthy rag and withered like a leaf, no one will qualify to go to Heaven. According to John in Revelation 21:27, “Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” In short, we are not fit to enter Heaven because of our filthy acts before God. There is a question that I still ask those who act blindly and reject the truth, still insisting that their good works can save them. The big question is: “Until when are we going to do good works, and if a person ceases to do them, will he still be saved?” But all those who have attempted to answer this question have not been able to provide a strong basis except for that repeated and dirty rag-like reason. I was sitting one afternoon in a cafeteria with my Indian work mate. He told me he used to go to church but because he did something really bad, he had to abandon the church, believing that he is not saved anymore due to his sin. I stopped him for a minute and I asked him, “How many good things do you need to do to be qualified as a good person?” Realizing the meaning behind my question, he turned white, shocked and couldn’t swallow what he was eating. GOOD ENOUGH It is general knowledge that among Filipinos, many have a “Ningas Kugon” attitude (starting very enthusiastically, but losing enthusiasm soon after). If the basis is good works, then no-one would be saved. Because it is in man’s nature to falter, doing good works at intervals but being tempted into wickedness at other times. The Apostle Paul has some wonderful teaching regarding this, which we can find in the book of Romans. As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; 11 there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. 12 All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” Romans 3:10-12. 10

When you read these verses, you will wonder if anyone is really doing good. It is perhaps very clear that we must believe in this truth. We are all sinners, as stated in Romans 3:23: for all have sinned and fall

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short of the glory of God. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:8. A man’s nature as a sinner can never be concealed by any good work in order to reach the glory of God. The Scriptures say “All have sinned”, meaning no-one can escape God’s punishment, according to Romans 6:23. And no-one can cleanse himself nor take away his own sin. GOOD WORKS Doing good works is man’s perceived way to salvation. But is it according to the Bible? You may also ask yourself what good works are. In order for us to fully understand good works, we must ask if they have been applied by the people of God. We must also look at whether this method was preached by Jesus and the disciples as a means of salvation or a way to get to Heaven. THE MAN WHO IS DOING GOOD WORKS What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, discovered in this matter? 2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. 3 What does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” 4 Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. 5 However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness. 6 David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.8 Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.” Romans 4:1-8. Perhaps we are familiar with the story of Abraham. The verses make it clear, and we need not look for other teaching to support this. I want to focus our attention on verses 5 and 6, where it talks about the person who does not work but instead trusts God. His faith is credited as righteousness. Man’s acclaim for his good deeds is not from God but from people who witness his works. WHY NOT GOOD WORKS? 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the

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Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:4-7. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—9 not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9. 8

It is clearly stated in the Scriptures that salvation is attained not by works nor by ourselves, but through faith. If we delve deeper, there are so many verses that support this statement. Children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. John 1:13. No matter how hard a person attempts to save his soul from hell by his own works or efforts, according to these verses he cannot be saved, as salvation is not of natural descent or human decision but of God. It is clear that salvation comes from God, and is freely given to any person who would believe. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” Galatians 2:21. THE RIGHT RESPONSE If it is really clear to us that good works cannot produce faith, we need to find the acceptable and true way to salvation. In order for us to obtain God’s gift of eternal life, we need to first follow the steps below (contemplate on what Jesus has done): Acknowledge that we are sinners and not capable of reaching the glory of God by ourselves. (Ephesians 2:2-3, Romans 3:23.) The first step to salvation is knowing yourself. Acknowledge that you have no power to save yourself. A man who has no place in Heaven; frail and a sinner. Confess our sins to God. (1 John 1:8-9, Romans 10:9, Acts 10:43.) This is expressing our sins to God through prayer. Repent and ask God’s forgiveness for our sins. (Psalm 51:1-3.) Repentance is a sign of turning from sins that you held on to before. A primary preposition of changing place, condition and mind.4

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Invite Jesus to enter your heart. (John 14: 23.) Repentance and asking forgiveness is not enough, you need to invite Jesus to dwell in your heart. It is a way for Christ to enter into ourselves. Luke 11:13b. Accept Him as Lord and Savior of your life. (Hebrews 3:15, II Corinthians 6:2. You may refer to the prayer of acceptance at page 41). ILLUSTRATION This is a story I learned from my father while he was preaching to the youth of Pampanga, Philippines. There was a mother who loved her son so much that she made every effort to give her teenage son a good life, even though she simply made a living doing laundry work. However, the son did not value his mother’s love for him. One day he went to a gambling den and there he bet the money intended for his tuition fees. During the first three hours, the young man was fortunate enough to win. But by midnight, he had lost everything and all his money was gone. Because he really wanted to recover his losses, he tried to borrow money from the other players and when his requests were denied, his anger sparked and he fought with them until he killed one of his playmates. The law enforcers came and he was caught and tried at a trial, and was consequently sentenced to die. He was to be hanged in the town square at seven o’clock that Sunday morning. Because of her love for her son, the mother kept pleading to the judge every night in his house hoping that the death sentence would be lifted. However, the judge said he could not reverse the sentence because the crime was the taking of a life, hence death was required in exchange. Yet the mother was not restrained; no matter how much the legal arguments were explained by the judge, she still begged at the judge’s house all the more. Day and night, she did this. Because of the mother’s great love that the judge observed, one evening when the judge came home from his office, he saw the mother sitting by his door from a distance. Upon reaching his door, he didn’t let the mother speak a word, and told her, “Go home. Tomorrow, Saturday, your son will again be with you at home.” The mother’s face suddenly shone upon hearing those words and she went home excited. While on her way home she told everyone about the anticipated release of her son the following day. So the following morning, the judge went to the police and, after talking to the chief officer, he asked for the young man to have a word with him and to sign the release order, so that he could take him to his mother.

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When the prison guards received the order, one of them immediately proceeded to where the son was being held. As he approached the young man, he saw that he looked so regretful and was yearning for his release. And when the guard got to the young man he said, “There’s someone who would like to speak with you.” But the young man shouted that he did not want to speak to anyone for tomorrow he would die, and he suddenly motioned to drive the guard away and continued shouting, “Go away! Go away! Tell the person who wants to speak with me to just watch my death tomorrow morning.” So the guards left and told the judge what had happened. Because of this, the judge shook his head sadly as he tore the paper which was supposed to release the young man. After the judge had left, the guard went back to the young man and said to him; “You are a fool! Don’t you know that the person who wanted to speak with you is the judge and he brought with him the power to set you free from death tomorrow.” The young man was shocked and asked where the judge was now, saying, “I will speak to him, why did you not tell me that his purpose was to release me?” The guard told him that the judge had left and that he had already torn the release order. The following morning, just before 7:00, which was the appointed time for the young man to be hanged, the chief of police told him that he could request anything and it would be granted with the exception of his freedom. However, the son did not ask for anything except that he be allowed to speak to the people before his execution. His request was granted immediately. While the rope was hanging around his neck, he delivered his speech: “To my mother and countrymen. Today I will be hanged, not because of the crime I committed to which I am not asking freedom for… (the crowd murmur because they know that he will be executed because he killed someone) but I will die because I refused the freedom offered to me. So I will now die having regret, but it now seems worthless and too late. Goodbye!” The time for the hanging had almost come and the people were just waiting for the bell to ring as the signal to carry out the execution. But they heard no sound and so they sent someone to check what had happened. They saw the bell ringer being showered with fresh blood while pulling the rope that made the bell ring, but it remained silent, so they decided to climb up the tower and look at the bell. When they got to the top they discovered that the young man’s mother was hugging that round steel clapper to prevent the bell from ringing. Because of this, her body was banging into the bell and her blood kept

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on flowing until she died. The love that the mother demonstrated also illustrates the love of God for us. We are certainly on the brink of death because of our sins, yet still God showed his extraordinary love at the cross where Jesus died for our sins. He made a way so that we could escape eternal damnation. Let us not ignore God’s love for us while we still have the chance. There’s no other time for our salvation but now—not tomorrow. If you miss this day, your death might overtake you and all you can say in hell is words of regret (2 Corinthians 6:2). What we think we have learned from life’s experiences or from the advice of older Christians must be in tune with God’s word.

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CHAPTER FOUR THE WORD OF GOD Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15. One of my youth members asked me how to read the Bible in a way that he would enjoy it and not get too easily bored. According to him, eyes and mind start to shut down within three minutes of reading the Bible. The worst is, he came to the conclusion that reading God’s word is exhausting and hard to understand. The first few months for a new Christian are exceptionally significant. As I always say, new Christians need to be guided to prevent them from future disaster in their spiritual growth. This is exactly what happens to many new believers as they abandon Christianity and turn back to their old life, because they wrongly decide that Christianity is not working for them. Why? Because some mentors are focused on their own experiences, feelings and emotions without introducing the actual food for their new life. But how can they introduce the actual food if they do not even know how to prepare food for themselves? I have heard many preachers and Bible study leaders twisting the word of God in order line up with their explanation, when it should actually be the other way around. One pastor told me that “in discipleship, we transfer our life to others through experiencing the word of God in our life”. This statement is extremely alarming, especially as the Bible is concerned. We teach our disciples to live their lives by observing the guidelines of the living Word of God, and letting the fullness of this Biblical truth shape their lives, not by experiences of any leaders. Our experiences are living testimonies or the result of our obedience thru the amazing works of God’s Word in our life. In this chapter, we will learn the essential foundation of grasping God’s Word in practical hermeneutics.5 When Paul says “…correctly handles the word of truth”, this is our main reference to avoid wrong interpretation of the Scripture. The truth is, if we wrongly interpret God’s word, we will surely have a disastrous result in our life. For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so

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that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Why is laying the foundation important? Because during our conversion from the dominion of darkness to Christianity, the Devil is after our souls. He will confuse new believers about God’s forgiveness, attributes of God, eternal salvation and the Godhead of God. He will use his old formula to destroy the seed that has been planted in us. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. 1 John 2:16. Even though we are already conscious of Satan’s formula, believers are still unconsciously caught with this modus operandi. The serpent (Devil) used this formula when he tempted Adam/Eve and Jesus. Churches today are also victims of this scheme. We have to remember that the enemy will not stop from disturbing us and forcing us to commit sin with his very convincing method of temptation. The father of all lies is active, placing his snares every second to catch us into his trap and to trap us into sin. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. I Peter 5:8. The enemy’s favorite cunning tactic is to wait and observe our weaknesses, and then make a surprise attack based on his hidden agenda. He lies in wait like a lion in cover; he lies in wait to catch the helpless; he catches the helpless and drags them off in his net. Psalm 10:9.

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THE DEVIL’S FORMULA OF SIN Formula

Adam/Eve (Genesis 3:1-7)

Lust of the flesh 1 Now the serpent was Lust of the eyes more crafty than any of The pride of life the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” 2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” 4 “You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave

Jesus (Mathew 4:4-10) The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’“ 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” 7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down 3

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Lust of flesh:

Lust of eyes:

Pride of Life:

Defenses:

Result:

23 some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

and worship me.” 10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’

“When the woman saw 3 “If you are the Son of God, that the fruit of the tree tell these stones to become was good for food” bread.” 6

“and pleasing to the eye,”

8-9“…showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

“...desirable wisdom,”

gaining

“If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down.”

Self-will, the woman (Eve) responded only in verses 2 to 4. But when the serpent made his counter attack the woman has forgotten God’s WORD, likewise her husband Adam.

Jesus used God’s Word in every attempt of the enemy. Jesus used the Word of God by saying,” IT IS WRITTEN.”

for

Sin entered us due to 11Then the devil left him, disobedience and brought and angels came and doubts about the living attended him. God.

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IDENTIFY THE TRUTH The strategy of the Devil is noticeable, from the beginning of his conversation with the woman and likewise with our God Jesus Christ. He modified the “Word of God” and challenged the truth; he used lies and wrong interpretation of the Scriptures. Satan tempts humans by making sin sexy and attractive, in combination with haft truths and falsehood. Likewise, sad to say, many Bible teachers, preachers and church leaders are victims of this bad theology because of their wrong interpretation of the word of God. A young engineer saw the CEO holding a piece of paper and looking into a new shredding machine. He greeted him with very professional smile and he asked; how are you sir? The CEO replied, “Good thank you” and he said, “This is a very important document; my secretary is not here today, I need to do this asap.” The young engineer immediately offered his service; he said, “You don’t need to do that sir; I can easily do that for you, sir.” He grabbed the document immediately, inserted in the shredding machine and pushed the start button, and he said, “That’s how it works sir, very quick.” The CEO was very impressed and he said, “Thank you very much for your help; actually I just need two copies please”. Our duty today is not only to listen and accept any words from famous preachers, pastors and teachers, but to examine the message in their statements; if they are true and are promoting the cross of Jesus Christ, like the attitude and discipline of this church: Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Acts 17:11. The serpent succeeded when he tempted Adam and Eve, but when he faced the Son of God with his strategy, he found for himself that the salvation of mankind has come and his end is near. He was defeated by Jesus using Scripture, the Word of the living God. THE BIBLE This is the absolute, comprehensible message of the living God. The letters, words, paragraphs, sentences and phrases are ordinary statements but what brings these alive is the breath of God. This is the only inspired book in our history; even the words of those people claiming to be prophets, apostles and messengers of God are not inspired unless they preach the Word of God, as Paul told Timothy. Before the New Testament was written, the New Testament

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prophets had direct revelations from God and made predictions that came true, and also spoke before the churches. R.E. Harlow says, no-one today in the Church has direct revelations from God since the completed New Testament gives us all we need for faith and practice.6 God gave us His Word to be our companion, reference for life, guide and spiritual food. Therefore, if the Bible is our first priority and if we read His words every day, we are always blessed with a fresh message and have new strength like an eagle. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

The Bible also speaks its unique message without mistake and contradictions, because God is omniscient7. He inspired this book so we can understand His will. He breathed in us when He created us, to become a living creation with proper understanding of His commandments and His perfect plan for us. The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, Searching all the innermost parts of his being. Proverbs 20:27 (NASB). The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. Genesis 2:7. For this reason, the more we spend time reading God’s Word the more it produces new insights for us to believe. The word of God exposes our weaknesses and comforts us with His sovereign grace.8 If we want to be in the presence of God, the Bible is the pathway. If we want to know God’s will, If we missed reading our Bible in let His words be our language. God’s word is our life. We can do nothing without this in our Christian life. a day, that means If we miss reading our Bible any day, it is as though we can live without we are saying we can live without God. This is not a God. conditional decision of whether we feel like reading it or not; we will not grow in our spiritual life without examining the Scriptures. God gave His words to us as a complete revelation of who we are and who He is in our life. If we want to know His answer to our prayers, we need to open our Bible and God will answer. God is talking through the Bible. Experiences and being emotional are not the way to connect to God; He wants us to fall in love with His words. The

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first step in true worship is to know the way He wants us to remember Him. We can only produce true worship if we are truly moved by His words, because the Holy Spirit will help us to remember those words before God. He will not give us the blessing of His message if we are not interested in reading His fresh message every day. Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. 1 Peter 2:1-3. 1

Knowing God’s will and reading His words is the unveiling of absolute truth about God’s mercy. In this way, we eliminate the potential mess in our life, by unloading our personal theories and allowing the grace of God to fill our soul with His wisdom. THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GOD’S WORD Every time I read the Scripture, I imagine that I am sitting beside the Creator, who is correcting my interpretation, perhaps my pronunciation (Filipino English accent) and explaining His very own words. I can feel His love, care and the expression of His heart through the Scriptures. His words create my spiritual thirst and excitement. My spiritual nerves are connected to Him and enlighten my environment, my present life and my final redemption. The word of God is my source of physical and spiritual life. The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. John 6:63. For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:12-13. 12

The word of God is a sharp and powerful sword. This is not a hidden weapon against our enemy; Satan was aware how sharp and active it is, in fact, he already had a pre-taste of this when he ambitiously attempted to sit on God’s throne and when he forced Adam and Eve to sin against God. He also experienced the fierceness of this sword when he boastfully tempted Jesus Christ. He is shaking when he considers his final judgment, when the same sword of God will be used to crush his army and thrown him in to the lake of fire. Therefore, Christians

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should utilize this absolute advantage without exemption. The author of Hebrews illustrates it as “living and active,” that penetrates our physical body, our DNA, our soul and spirit. This is the only weapon that is able to penetrate the invisible and visible creation. The truth is, “the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword”. The good news is, this vital device was made available to us by the blood of the Lamb. The bad news is, some Christians are not clever enough to use this tool because of affection for and strongholds of this world. The word of truth made us active and powerful, sealed by the Holy Spirit as a down payment for our future home. In dispensation teaching9, the sword stands for the future perfect judgment of the Trinity. To the church, recognition and purification (1 Cor. 3:12-15, Rev. 20:12, 1 Pet. 1:17, Rom. 2:6), eternal punishment for unbelievers (1 Thess. 2:15-16, Rev.20:13-15, 14:10-11), lake of burning sulphur for Satan (Rev. 19:20-21, 20:10). BIBLE STUDY Righteousness is a joint effort between man and God (Philippians 2:13, 1 Corinthians 6:12). He will not give us holiness without our initiative and our cooperation. We need a sincere heart and dedication to study the word of God. Time is involved in this commitment, unavailability is not an option. Memorizing with understanding is the key to keeping His words in our heart against sin. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16. The word oikeo, (oy-key Greek) means, to occupy a house.10 When we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, He occupied us completely. God dwells in our body through the Holy Spirit, the Trinity made us their temple. “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16.) Paul says, in Colossians; “let the word of God dwell in you richly…” This specific statement tells us to dig, go deeper to grasp the substance of His message and let the word of God occupy our life. The Holy Spirit will not fully give His gifts and power if we are poor in reading, meditating and memorizing the Scriptures. One of His powers is to help us to speak confidently about God. He will not speak about himself without the word of God, He will not explain God’s word if we will not read it, He will explain

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extemporaneously what we are reading, and He will remind us what we read, and He will help us to apply what we stored in our heart. In fact the Holy Spirit will never help us without the illumination of the word of Christ. The language of the Holy Spirit is the Bible, His message is the same word of Christ, and His manifestation is through the Scriptures, His work in our lives is based upon the will of the Father. He cannot work outside the Bible; because His activity is from the instructions of God, “…He will not speak his own words, but he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is to come” (John 16:13). Jesus’ authority to preach and heal is also according to the will of God. The testimony of Jesus Christ and the manifestation of the Holy Spirit help us to point our heart with gratitude to the word of God. We need to value our Bible in respect to Jesus Christ, to Holy Spirit and to the Father. …“I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.30 By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.” John 5:19, 34. 19

The one whom God sent speaks the words of God, because God does not give the Spirit in limited measure to him. John 3:34 ISV. The source of wisdom is the word of God; we can sing because the word of God touches our heart. We can speak humbly because the Scriptures alter our words before we open our mouth. If we ignore reading our Bible every day, technically, we sin against God, because sin is to “miss the mark”. When we fail to read His words constantly, we miss feeding our soul, we sin because we missed the “Glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Therefore, the Apostle James comforted us in his writings: If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5. Sin produces problems in our life; it operates against the principle of God’s creation. We cannot face this problem with our own wisdom. We need to ask God to equip us daily with His armor. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17. The Bible is our protection and weapon. Paul called this the “helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit”. Without the word of God, the Spirit is

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ineffective in our life. We need to take advantage of the availability of the Bible in a sense that we can meditate anytime. The Spirit is the co-worker of the word of God to shape us unto righteousness (2 Peter 1:20-21). We cannot separate the Spirit from the Bible; we cannot exercise the word of God without the active work of the Holy Spirit. We must anchor our teaching and application in the supremacy of the Bible. PURPOSE OF BIBLE STUDY The concept and message of the Bible never changes, from Old Testament to New Testament. No matter how far we are from the original settings of the history, we still have the fragrance of the message every time we meditate on the verses. The purposes of the absolute message of God are: 1. To help us grow by knowing Christ better There was a boy selling puppies; he put up a sign, “Puppies for sale $5.00 ea.” A man viewed the beautiful puppies and he said to the boy, “I’ll be back. I will ask my family if we need puppies.” The next morning he came back to see the boy, and the boy says, “Puppies for sale $10.00 ea.” He asked the boy, “Yesterday you were selling them for $5.00 per poppy; just overnight you increased the price to $10.00 per puppy?” The boy replied, “Yes! Yesterday their eyes were closed, but today, their eyes are already open. “ We need to open our eyes and mind in examining the Scriptures, this is the best way to search the Scriptures. This is the main reason for Bible study; to search the truth and let our eyes be opened. You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me. John 5:39. Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Acts 17:11. This is the prayer of Jesus Christ for us, that we learn the true source of doctrine, purity and holiness, which is the word of truth from the Father. Jesus worked out our spiritual growth and holiness through this truth (John 16:13, 19). We can only say we are full of the Spirit if we are grounded in the word of God, not by speaking with other tongues or prophesying. The word of God changes our life daily to become an agent of God’s mercy.

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2. To Lead us into pure devotion to Christ We will never grow in our Christian life without reading the word of Christ, like a new-born baby always longing for fresh milk for his nourishment (1 Peter 2:2, John 6:45, Romans 10:17, Matthew 4:4). The amount of time we invest in reading God’s word indicates how much we love Him, because we keep His commandments in our heart. The longer we spend time in searching the Bible, the sweeter we grow. So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. 13 I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, 14 because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.15 And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things. 2 Peter 1:12-15. 12

Do you long for the word of Christ like a crying baby craving for milk? Yes □ No □ 3. To dispute wrong beliefs and false teachings About 15 years ago, I was doing a Bible exposition in one of the towns in Bicol, southern part of the Philippines. One old man challenged me that I would not be saved if I tried to cross the river using my Bible as a floater, but he would if he used his giant wooden statue of Saint Peter. The crowd murmured, and I knew he was insulting my God and my age as a young speaker. I answered him, “I don’t need to use this book to cross the river. God gave me wisdom through this book how to cross the river for two reasons: first, to use the kayak to cross the river in safety; second, to help you, because for sure Peter will sink again for the second time, but this time with his follower.” The crowd murmured again and I had my momentum. People in this world will use their puny minds to reverse the truth and get the sympathy of many. They will intimidate us and question the ability of what the Scripture can do to us. They will challenge us with a mixture of small truths and big lies to keep us silent. John says: Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the

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spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. 6 We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood. 1 John 4:1-4, 6. 4. To follow God’s will I have been married for more than twelve years now and I am very pleased with my stunning wife and blessed kids. I know exactly how to please my wife. My wife loves those words of affirmation and acts of service which are the language of love. I know these things because we love each other and we always talk, even though we are not in a good mood sometimes. God reveals His will in order for us to serve Him according to what pleases Him. Some denominations overload their congregations with extravagant activities to please God, even though they are not in the Bible. He wants us to worship Him in spirit and in truth. In fact He gave us elements (bread and blood) to refresh our memory to what the sacrificial lamb did for our salvation. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth. John 4:23-24. 23

This is the will of the Father: that we worship Him with our spirit and in truth. Furthermore, we need to worship Him through Jesus Christ by commemorating His death in our gathering. Without this kind of worship, we are worshiping God with our own effort but not in truth. God will accept our worship if we worship Him not from our own way of thinking (loud music solemn music, with or without instruments); we please and glorify Him if we respond to the request of Jesus to remember Him often. In order for us to follow the will of God, we need to change our attitude in worship. Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2. 12

How do you worship God? Through ________, in________ and in ________.

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5. To understand what we are reading for The Bible is not a complicated book to read and understand unless your Bible is a 1611 version of KJV11 with ancient words. One person told me, reading the Bible will make you crazy. I said to him, I have seen crazy people in the hospital because they took prohibited drugs, but not by getting high in the word of God; I have seen crazy people in the pub, in the streets because of alcohol, but not by memorizing God’s word. This kind of philosophy tells us they are not interested in knowing the truth. This is what Jesus told those kinds of people: This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.

In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: “‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. 14

For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.” Matthew 13:13-15. 15

Jesus wants us not to be ignorant about His words. He gave us His Spirit to understand the Scriptures, and occupy our life. We need to study the word of God with love, a humble heart and an open mind. If we do not have these, we will miss the power of God. Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. Matthew 22:29. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. 2 Peter 1:20.

A classic example of the importance of understanding the Bible in any given situation, either in season or out of season, is found in this conversation: Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. 31 “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.32 The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. Acts 8:30-34. 30

If we were in this situation, could we help the eunuch by explaining to

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him the book of Isaiah 53? We need to study to teach others, transfer our knowledge to our family, to make disciples and to breed new leaders. But how can we teach others if we do not know what to teach? How can we encourage our brethren if we are weak? Aim to be a teacher, learn to eat solid food, do not be satisfied drinking milk if you are old enough for meat, vegetables, rice and taro. We can do this if we have hidden God’s word in our heart. We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. 12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:11-14. 11

PRINCIPLES OF BASIC BIBLE INTERPRETATION Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. This is the crucial part of Bible study, the interpretation. We need to handle this correctly and anchor our understanding to the truth. Interpretation is handling the truth about God to the fullness of Christ in our life. We are just about one millimeter away to being an anti-Christ if we wrongly divide the truth. Therefore, we need to take this up earnestly with the following principles: 1. Comfortable Translation. Bible translation is a very important tool in basic Bible interpretation. Some translations are hard to comprehend, especially for those whose English is not their first language. It is pointless to read a book if we cannot understand the language. Remember, we can only grasp God’s message if we can understand the words. Therefore, we need to select a comfortable version according to our level of understanding, suitable to our needs for Bible study. If we are comfortable with this version, we will surely enjoy Christianity and it will help speed up our spiritual maturity. We can use all translations as long as we are growing in Christ, but in Bible study do not rely on one translation alone, always check at least two or three different translations. Do not look for accurate or perfect translation, always look for translation that is close to standard Hebrew and Greek wordings that uses modern English. For our home group and individual Bible study, I recommend that we use the following translations: NIV, TNIV, NRSV, ESV, NASB, NLT, TEV.

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2. Study the Background and Context. This will give us a clear picture of the whole chapter, book and the whole Bible. By doing this, we can eliminate misunderstanding the Scripture by getting the context and not the verse alone before the context. Context is the main topic of the verse, chapter, book and the whole Bible. The surrounding verses will help us identify the context of the chapter (Romans 15:4). We cannot remove the context from the verse because it will ruin the message of the book (in the same way we cannot take a fish out of water, otherwise he will die); this is the relationship of the context to the whole message of the Bible. It is dangerous to quote an isolated verse and make an analysis without thoroughly understanding the context. The context of the chapter will give us a way to reach the message and the meaning of the chapter. We need to understand the main context to avoid presumption of the subject. If we cannot identify the context, we need to re-read the whole chapter or the book. Do not proceed in any interpretation without getting the main context of the passage. Use a Bible concordance and a Bible dictionary for complete background of the book and to understand the context. As much as possible, try to avoid using commentaries in the beginning of the study, save this for last reference. Remember, do not make any assumptions until you have systematically done biblical investigation with these key questions and hints: • Who is the writer? Consider his occupation, situation, nationality, and time of writing. • Who are the audience? E.g. Israel, Church of God, unbelievers, Pharisees, Apostle, prophet and Sadducees. • What are their theological beliefs? • What is their primary language? • Why was it written? Get the reason and purpose. • Is the context applicable to all? Jews, unbelievers or church of God. • Learn the culture and practices of the audience. • Check other references for the same subject before making assumptions. • Concentrate on the subject. • Define the meaning of signs and symbols (E.g., blood, bread, fire, baptism, lamb of God, festivals, covenant, names, etc.) 3. Narrative and normative literature. Some denominations believe that not all passages in the Bible are applicable to all groups of people. They just want to study those verses or passages that favor their doctrine. Other groups continue

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in the Old Testament pattern of their worship and teaching and study less in the New Testament. Some groups don’t care at all whether context is applicable to them or not, they just read and read. These are examples of scary groups with extreme, chaotic and dangerous theology. Almost half of the books in the Bible are composed of history, which gives us a broader picture of what has happened in the OT. Because of this, we learn that the early form of Israel’s government was theocratic. God was the head of the state (Israel), He authored the law and commandments, through prophets and to the nation. In this way, narrative is our reference in understanding the word of God through history, but not necessarily to repeat the history and follow the commandments. Examples of narrative literature are Genesis, most of Exodus, most of Numbers, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah, as well as the prophetic books of Daniel, Jonah, and Haggai, some parts of Isaiah Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the book of Job. Narrative in (NT) Gospels (Mathew, Mark, Luke and John), include John 6:1-15, Jesus miraculously feeding the five thousand, with five barley loaves and two fish, eating meat and blood Acts 15:20-29. In saying this, we should understand that the stories and statements in narrative are principles that we can learn and sincerely follow God from the context according to direction of history. Normative literature consists of those rules and standard statements that we can apply to any group of people in following God without violating the law of Grace. E.g., honor your parents, love God, one God, communion, open worship, multiple leadership. 4. Consider the promises. This is very important, to examine our faultless God’s promises. We need to identify the verse to whom it was promised. According to Paul, “Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God.” I Corinthians 10:32. We need to consider these groups of people in Bible interpretation. Because God gave every group a definite promise. For Jews (Fortune and Peace), God‘s promises for them still prevail and are preserved until God resumes these in the millennial12 kingdom (Ezekiel 20:4044, Deuteronomy. 30:3-5, Isaiah 32). For unbelieving Gentiles (unbelievers), they will inherit the domain of hell together with Lucifer and the prince of this world (John 3:18, 19, 8:44 Rev. 21:8, 20:14, 15). For Christians (Church of God), Heaven is our place (John 14:1-3, Luke 10:20, Revelation 3:5). His divine promises are exclusive to certain groups of people. We are saved by Grace through faith and not by law. We are saved under New Testament covenant; His

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promise for His bride13 is different from Jews and unbelievers. Most Christians are confused in promises; they don’t care how they interpret and apply the verses, even though the verses are not meant for them, e.g. Jeremiah 29:11, Malachi 3:10, Joel 2. Many Christians are claiming that these verses are for New Testament Christians, but the problem is the whole context of those passages is for Israel. Therefore, if we are claiming these verses in our life, knowing we are not Jewish, we are not rightly dividing the word of God. Let us ask God what promises He wants us to claim from the context. 5. Theological application. We are studying the Bible not to become a dogmatic theologian, but to be like Christ. As soon as we grasp the message of God, we need to decide how it is relevant to our life and apply it. The important thing is to ask ourselves what does the message say to us, what promises can we claim and how should our attitudes be changed that we become more righteous. We don’t need higher theological explanations for our personal application; just make it real and sensible in our life and not void the word of God. But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Peter 3:15-16.

APPLICATION OF BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14:1-4 NIV. 1

Background and context

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Promises

Application

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CHAPTER FIVE OUR BLESSED ASSURANCE GOD’S PROMISE TO THOSE WHO ARE SAVED The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen. 2 Timothy 4:18. Even if a man is quick to change and forget, God is faithful to His promise and to those who believe in Him. God desires that everyone receive forgiveness of sins and accept the gift being offered. Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” John 14:23. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9.

If we study these verses carefully, we can see that God is determined and true to His promises. And a more delightful fact about God’s goodness is His being patient towards us and not wanting anyone to perish (Romans 3:25-26). Therefore, to everyone who comes to Jesus, confessing his sins and accepting Him as Lord and Savior, He gives new life. The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29. The world that is referred to by John is man. After being cleansed from sins, the person who has asked for forgiveness and accepted the LORD will receive his reward from God. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16. The person who believes shall not perish but have eternal life. God showed His great love by giving His one and only Son to die for all those who are separated from Him. SHALL NEVER PERISH The person who has faith will no longer perish or die in the fiery lake of burning sulfur, which is the second death according to Revelation 19:20 and 21:8. Since those who believe will no longer die, it is good also to know the

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other blessings of God for believers. These are the blessings we can find and enjoy that are endowed by God the moment we believe in Him: 1. No more condemnation for those who are in Christ. Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1. 2. New creation Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17. In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” John 3:3 (ASV). 3. Legitimate child of God Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12. 4. Has eternal Life I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. John 10:28. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him. John 3:36. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:12-13 12

5. Eternal salvation I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” John 10:28-29. 28”

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Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for

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all who obey him. Hebrews 5:9. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:13-14. 13

6. God will work in your life For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:13. 7. God indwells and He shall never leave Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. 19

For God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable. Romans 11:29. 8. Citizens of Heaven However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in Heaven. Luke 10:20. But our citizenship is in Heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:20.

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:6. The verses we have read here are plain truths stated in the Holy Scriptures. But as we studied in chapter 3, these blessings can be enjoyed only by those who are in Christ. It means that only those who have a true relationship with and faith in God and those who respond to Christ’s gift of salvation will be saved. INVITATION TO EVERY SEEKER If you want to enjoy the blessings of God, and you know that Christ is not

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in your heart and you don’t have a right relationship with Him, but you want to obtain salvation and avoid the second death, this is the right time for you to commune with God. Go to a place where you can be alone with Him. Confess with your lips that you are a sinner separated from Him, and now you want to be reconciled with Him by repenting from your sins and accepting Him as Lord and Savior of your life. Prayer of acceptance (you may pray like this) “Lord Jesus I need you. I am a sinner not worthy of your kingdom. Thank you that I came to know that you died for my sins. I am opening the door of my heart and I invite you to come in. Please cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Transform my life and make me a person worthy in your kingdom. Reign in my life. I am accepting you as Lord and Savior of my life. Amen.” The decision to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior is the most important decision you are ever going to make. This is the only means by which you can be reconciled with Him, be made righteous and be saved. Salvation is not hard to obtain, simply obey the will of God (refer to chapter 3).

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CHAPTER SIX HOLY SPIRIT “But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.” John 16:7. When a loved one passes away, it is difficult to accept that you can no longer see or touch the person every time you recall happy memories. Most of the time, you try to put an end to your sadness by keeping pictures. It is hard to move on from a situation where loneliness is continually tugging at you. The disciples of Jesus felt the same when Jesus said “Little children, I shall be with you only a little longer and just as I told the Jews so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come.” John 13:33. They had been with Jesus for almost three years; they had been fed, taught, loved, saved from danger or catastrophe, and always strengthened in their faith by Him. They knew one another well enough to have a wonderful fellowship all together. That is why they were dismayed and the joy in their faces disappeared when Jesus told them that He would be leaving. But before Jesus told them this, He had already taught them what to do and how to live. And Jesus prayed to the Father to protect them and us (John 17:20). The disciples were used to having Jesus as their teacher, and as the one who enlightened them regarding their weaknesses. Jesus certainly knew everyone’s weakness, and so He did not leave them alone. That is why, before He ascended to Heaven, He made a promise. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” John 14:16-18

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HE SENT THE HOLY SPIRIT “For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” Luke 12:12. “The Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees

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him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” John 14:17. “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26. “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” John 16:13. The Holy Spirit was sent by Jesus and the Father to the disciples and to every believer, to enlighten, teach, what to do, what are things to come and are happening at present. If a new believer is timid and does not know what to say about his salvation, the Holy Spirit will intercede for him and teach him according to Romans 8:26-29. Even in our weakness, the Holy Spirit gives us strength. Therefore, a Christian’s life is under the rule of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. THE WORKS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Enlightening – Convicting - Indwelling These three activities encompass the main role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a person who is in Christ and who is a true believer. THE ENLIGHTENING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT The Bible says that spiritual things can only be understood by a person who has the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14). Therefore, how can we understand the word of God? Because a man in the flesh is worldly and things from the Spirit are foolishness to him. How can a person accept things that are holy if he is not holy? At this point, the Holy Spirit is enlightening our thoughts and understanding. If only those who are in the Spirit can understand the word of God, we will all become ignorant about God. That is why one of the major roles of the Holy Spirit is to open and revive our dead state before God. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the

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promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. Acts 2:33 This verse is one proof that we can understand the message of God to us. It is because of the promise of the Holy Spirit. The word ‘promise’ comes from the Greek ‘epaggelia (ep-ang-el-ee-ah), which means announcement— for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good. Without the Holy Spirit, we can never understand the message of truth or the word of God. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. Romans 8:26-27.

It is clear that a person studying the word of God or a person listening to the word of God is guided to understand and know Jesus fully. A country sends an ambassador to another country in order to represent it or to stand as its envoy, so that the exchange of messages between the leaders of each country will be quick and easy. In the same way, God sent us someone to represent Him and pass on His message to us, so that we will know and understand His word through the enlightening and understanding that comes from the Holy Spirit. CONVICTION FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT Every person who hears God’s word will have a special thought and outlook in life. Above all, as we go on studying the Bible we also continue to remember our sins. Even when a true believer inevitably commits a sin—such as having too much anger, harboring resentment, being tactless in speech, gossiping and so on—he becomes bothered and unhappy. This is because the Holy Spirit is moving in our lives in order to convict us of our sins. A true Christian will never be happy in doing wrong, and a person who is in the light can never enjoy and have fun with sugar-coated sin. When He comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; 10 in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and in regard to judgment, 8 “

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because the prince of this world now stands condemned.” John 16:8-11. The Holy Spirit convicts us in three areas: sin, righteousness, and judgment. God is full of mercy and we are saved because of His mercy, which is why He prompts us in these three areas in order that we repent and have faith in Jesus, the Son of living God. Not saved, in sin—A person who is isolated from God is convicted of his sin and must surrender to God in order to escape destruction. Saved, in righteousness—The person who has surrendered his life to God, and accepted Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior must live in righteousness. This is because he already bears the name Christian and Christ is proud of him before the Father. Let us not fail Jesus before the Father. The enemy cannot stop Christians – The power of the Holy Spirit defeated Satan and shows the enemy that we can triumph over him because God is with us (Romans 8:31). Therefore, if a Christian commits a sin, he should immediately confess it directly to God. And he should never repeat the sin he has committed. Because if he does, He might grieve the Spirit of God who dwells within him. If a Christian commits a sin, the Holy Spirit is grieved, and his life is in trouble (Ephesians 4:30). THE INDWELLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT When we realize that we are sinners and we repent and ask God for His forgiveness, we need to invite Jesus to come and dwell in our heart, and we should obey Him. In other words, this is the proclamation of the Holy Spirit, the indwelling of Jesus in us, and He shall never leave us. This is the supernatural regeneration process (born again—John 3:5- 6, Romans 8:9). The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Romans 8:16. Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. 19

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We should first invite the Holy Spirit in order to become a temple of God and so that He will live in us. In conjunction with this, we should no longer live by ourselves but we should live according to the will of the Holy Spirit. We are God’s temple, and we should preserve our body in the presence of those surrounding us. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:13-14. 13

Another thing we should take care of is the seal we received as a guarantee of our inheritance. This is the best thing to happen in our lives as Christians, that we were given the assurance of eternal life. The word ‘seal’ is translated from the Greek ‘sphragizo’ (sfrag-id-zo), which means to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation, either literally or figuratively; by implication, to keep secret, to attest. The seal we have is a private mark, which is a sign that we are owned by someone who is none other than Jesus. The seal of a believer is very important in the church age. BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT According to John the Baptist, Jesus will baptize us in the Spirit (variously called baptism with/in/by or of the Spirit). This kind of baptism is so important because it is the spiritual process by which we become a member in the Church or God’s family. We need to remember that Jesus will be the one to baptize us, not the Spirit; therefore, Jesus baptizes us in one Spirit and we become a member of His Church. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is not our act for us to gain our salvation, neither to experience and receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This is the divine act of the Holy Trinity—God the Father, the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit registered our name in the book of life. It does not matter which, if any, Christian denomination we belong to, if we accepted Jesus as our God and Savior we are legitimate sons of God and members of His true church. This is part of our justification, the spiritual act of God alone for our citizenship in Heaven (Philippians 3:20, Ephesians 2:6). With this amazing act of God we can call each other brothers and sisters in Christ, because we belong to one body and Jesus Christ broke our bondage from the dominion of darkness.

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“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” Matthew 3:11. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free —and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 1 Corinthians 12:13. THE MARKS OF A PERSON WHO HAS THE HOLY SPIRIT 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-2. LET’S STUDY FURTHER The manifestation of the Holy Trinity in our life. Love—this is the first fruit by which we can see a person who has a new life in Christ. Why love? Because this is where all things in our lives begin. It is necessary that we love our brother in faith and in the flesh, have love even for our enemies, and for all men to be seen in us. We have experienced love in the life of our Lord Jesus when He died on the cross of Calvary as atonement for our sin. 1 Corinthians 13 tells us what love is and how great it is, and John 13:34-35 describes it as our standard in life. In Luke 10:27, Jesus says: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and Love your neighbor as yourself.”

How do we express our love? Subject Spouse Family Ministry Enemy Work

Response Romantic or demanding Quality time or timeless Giver or receiver Merciful or curse Obedient or pretender

Important to read Col. 3:18-19; I Pet. 3:1,8 I Tim. 3:4-5 Mark 8:34-38 I Pet. 2:22-25; 3:8-22; Rom. 12:20 Col. 3:22-23

Joy—this is the fruit of your happiness in life. Happiness is just momentary, it is like a flower you can see in the garden; but joy is a deeper emotion that transcends circumstances and is more like that of a gardener preparing the bare ground and anticipating the beautiful flowers that will bloom there.

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In Philippians 4:4, Paul wrote “rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! This is the best way to grow in our faith is to rejoice in the Lord always.” And in 1 Peter 1:8-9 we see, 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. Peace—you cannot obtain this through wealth. You can achieve peace if you have a mind that is resting on God. Peace is an inner tranquility or calmness. The almighty God gives us an example of peace in Luke 8:22-25, and John 16:33 shows what kind of peace we have if we are in Jesus. There was a painting competition on the subject of peace; one painted a mansion and a kingdom, others painted a happy man holding a high position and a huge income from his job, but the painting that caught the attention of the public was the one which depicted a singing bird in a tree in the midst of a storm. At present, why do we experience peace? Can we still sing “You are worthy, o God” if we lose our job? Can we still peacefully express our love to our neighbor if we cannot pay our mortgage? Patience—the new life you may currently be living may be difficult and filled with complications, but in the end there will be joy. We will experience many trials, but this is just a way for us to become pure, ready for when Jesus returns (1 Peter 4:16). The person I know who endured the most suffering is Job. His life demonstrates how we are to persevere and obey (James 5:11). Are you prepared to endure trials as a Christian? Yes

□ No □

Kindness—this is so easy to do, although at times, it can be done superficially, but the LORD looks at the heart to see if we are really kind-hearted (1 Samuel 16:7) Kindness is not driving or pushing people away but showing them high regard and importance (Mark 10:14, Luke 10:30-35). Give an example of an act of kindness you have done before and one you

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intend to do from when you started studying the word of God. Faithfulness—God is always faithful to us even if we are unfaithful to Him. So we should be faithful with our obligations; in how we use our time, our actions, being faithful as a spouse and being faithful with our finances among other things. God-given talent must be used accordingly and faithfully. Whatever luxury or wealth we now have, have all come from God, so it is good to use it with fear, together with faith. How faithful do you feel you are to God at this point? _________________ Gentleness—This shows how considerate we are to people around us for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 4:5). The Lord exemplified gentleness to us in that when He was insulted He did not retaliate, and when He suffered, he made no threats (1 Peter 2:23). Paul also demonstrated meekness and gentleness. He did this for God and this became his strength (2 Corinthians 10:1). Are you showing humility to those around you? Yes

□ No □

Self-Control—It is difficult to exercise self-control if you are living in luxury. But self-control gives honor to the person who observes it. Our self-control in the flesh will be tested, because this is the most difficult area for Christians to overcome since the enemy continues to lure us through our weaknesses. Therefore, we must strive to control our thoughts, words and actions (1 Corinthians 9:25, 2 Peter 1:6, Acts 24:25). What sort of experiences requiring perseverance are you currently going through? Perseverance Comments Family Work Church Business Financial Relationship Technology Sexual desire

Prayer

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CHAPTER SEVEN WORSHIP VIA THE LORD’S SUPPER THE LORD’S SUPPER And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” Luke 22:19. For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:26.

On second of February 1986, a Sunday, I attended a Christian gathering at Pabanlag Christian Church for the first time. My father and I went there to worship and listen to the teachings of the Bible. My young mind noticed every move of the people. They were singing and every man was standing proclaiming the word from the Bible. One thing that caught my attention was the breaking of the bread and drinking of the cup. As I continued attending with my father, I learnt that it is called the Lord’s Supper. Perhaps we are all wondering and asking what is the Lord’s Supper? Why is there a Lord’s Supper? When and where is it done? Who should lead this? What is the importance of this to us? Is it a biblical teaching? Does it bring about change to every believer who partakes in it? What is the proper way of doing this? Sometimes this matter is taken for granted; therefore the objective of this lesson is to explain the significance of the Lord’s Supper. If we are to just rely on our own understanding, we will not be able to know the answer to every question, unless God gives us His own understanding. So let us discover and study the verses where Jesus taught on this matter. ORIGIN OF THE LORD’S SUPPER (OLD TESTAMENT) 25 …whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; 26 for

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the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Romans 3:25-26 NASB. The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt. Exodus 12:13. The Israelites witnessed the goodness of God in His promises to them, and they received God’s assurance that He would not destroy their first-born sons if they put the blood of the Passover lamb on the side post and upper doorposts of their houses. God asked them to do this because His message to Egypt through Moses was to free His people. But the heart of Pharaoh was really hard and opposed to God’s plan, therefore God gave Pharaoh a final warning that if he would not release God’s people, He would kill all the first-born sons of the Egyptian families as well as the first-born males of the domesticated animals. And that was exactly what God did. Following this unforgettable event in the history of Israel, God commanded them to celebrate the Passover feast to remind them of how God spared their first-born sons that particular night. The Israelites were commanded to celebrate this at a specific place and time with proper elements of blood and unleavened bread. If anyone neglected to celebrate the Passover feast, God said that person would be separated from the nation. Tell the Israelites: ‘When any of you or your descendants are unclean because of a dead body or are away on a journey, they may still celebrate the Lord’s Passover. 11 They are to celebrate it on the fourteenth day of the second month at twilight. They are to eat the lamb, together with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. 12 They must not leave any of it till morning or break any of its bones. When they celebrate the Passover, they must follow all the regulations. 13 But if a man who is ceremonially clean and not on a journey fails to celebrate the Passover, that person must be cut off from his people because he did not present the Lord’s offering at the appointed time. That man will bear the consequences of his sin. Numbers 9:10-13. 10

The Passover feast was exclusively for Israelites; foreigners were neither allowed to celebrate nor eat the unleavened bread and drink the wine during the celebration of this national event under any circumstances. If they wanted

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to be part of the celebration, they had to be circumcised first. An alien living among you who wants to celebrate the Lord’s Passover must have all the males in his household circumcised; then he may take part like one born in the land. No uncircumcised male may eat of it. Exodus 12:48.

THE LORD’S SUPPER IN THE NEW TESTAMENT When Jesus mentioned the Passover to His disciples, they were excited and desired to celebrate this special event with Him. Indeed, they asked Him where they should hold it, wanting to know where God would appoint the place and time to celebrate this special moment. They were all excited to see the style of Jesus Christ and how He would lead the new setup of this event. According to the Old Testament regulations, they needed the blood of an unblemished animal, wine, unleavened bread, time, and national preparation for this event. But Jesus for the first time led His disciples in a very sacred sacrament without any blood of an animal and altered the traditional narrative of the ritual meal. On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”

So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. 14 Say to the owner of the house he enters, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 15 He will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.” Mark 14:13-15. 13

CHRIST SACRIFICED FOR ALL 32 When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.33 So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for each other. 34 If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment. And when I come I will give further directions. 1 Corinthians 11:32-34. The Old Testament celebration was a national celebration for the Jewish people. But the Lord’s Supper instituted by Jesus Christ was personal. This tells us that the Passover meal that preceded the Lord’s Supper was exclusively for God’s people in the Old Testament and the Lord’s Supper is exclusive today

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for those who trust and love Jesus Christ, the true Christians. There was a fixed law in the Old Testament that if you were not a Jew and you wanted to celebrate the Passover, you must be circumcised or be cleansed, otherwise you were not allowed to participate in the Passover. Conversely, if you were a Jew and forgot to celebrate the Passover according to God’s design and purpose you could be separated from the nation or die. However, according to the New Testament, if you are not worthy to receive the Lord’s Supper, or if you are not a true believer, you will be judged according to what Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 11:29. Therefore, the Lord’s Supper was designed for those believers or followers of Jesus Christ, and not for unbelievers. If we have unbelieving visitors in our church who want to partake in Holy Communion, we should advise them not to do so until they are saved. Or else, they may face the future judgement which I believe is the message of 1 Corinthian 11:30: That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. WHY DO WE CELEBRATE THE LORD’S SUPPER? This is a very simple question and a definite answer has been given in the Bible. It should be done by those who truly love Jesus, because eating the bread shows obedience to the request of Jesus. This is not a command that we are obliged to follow, rather, it is a request of Jesus made during the night when Judas betrayed Him. While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” 27 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom.” 30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Matthew 26:26-30. 26

For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 23

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1 Corinthians 11:23-26. This is not just a simple request; there are some important things we should know concerning this. When Jesus ascended to Heaven, He again asked that believers remember Him in this manner (1 Corinthians 11:23-24). So we are breaking bread in order to follow what Jesus asked of us and for us to give Him glory. Our observance of the Lord’s Supper also serves as a rehearsal for our forthcoming feast with our Savior Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself stated that He will not again drink of the cup until we dine with Him in Heaven. God wants every believer to have that eagerness for the Lord’s Supper and, most of all, have that longing to dine with Jesus in this celebration. SYMBOLIC MEANING Many people keep asking me why God used unleavened bread and wine during the Passover and for the Lord’s Supper. I want to answer this question according to God’s plan for our salvation. In the Old Testament, God instructed Moses to tell the Israelites to use unleavened bread for the first Passover. This picture helps us to understand God’s plan for our salvation as He has revealed it. The unleavened bread at Passover was the picture of the future coming Savior of mankind. Why unleavened? Because the leaven or the yeast represented the sin of the people. “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Matthew 16:6. “Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.” Mark 8:15. Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” Luke 12:1. According to these verses, people need to stay away from the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy, and the leaven of Herod, which includes fornication, sensuality, corrupt living and self-centredness or self-righteousness. In other words, leaven is a picture of sin, and even a small drop of leaven can contaminate the masterpiece of God’s creation.

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Here, now, is the answer why unleavened bread was used, because the future Savior would never commit a single sin nor possess any sin in His life. He would not welcome any sin in His life and would in fact defeat sin because He was a righteous person. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:22-24. 22

Therefore, my dear brethren, Jesus Christ is the centre of our worship and I believe this is the only direct form of corporate worship (the Lord’s Supper) that Jesus has asked us to do to remember him and to worship him in Spirit. Jesus said He is the bread of life and His body was the blameless bread of life. Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough? 7 Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. 8 Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth. 1 Corinthians 5:6-8. 6

The bread symbolizes the body of Christ that was given as a ransom for our sins. This also reveals our unity as a church (1 Corinthians 10:16-17, Hebrews 10:10). The cup or wine represents the sufferings and agony of Christ (Luke 22:4144), and also our blessings (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). This also symbolizes the blood of Jesus that was shed on the cross for the salvation of many people in His new covenant (1 Corinthians 11:25, Hebrews 9:15-17, 28). It also signifies our joy at the wedding table (John 2:3), which will happen at our marriage with the Lamb (Revelation 19:7). CAN ALL PEOPLE PARTAKE IN THE LORD’S SUPPER? At the Lord’s Supper, only the chosen people may partake. But if it is celebrated in your local church when some unbelievers are present, it is better

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to explain it to them and advise them not to partake for the meantime, because this ordinance is clearly given only to those who know Jesus as personal Lord and Savior. This is in remembrance of the suffering and death of Jesus. No-one can remember a person he doesn’t know. It is a grave offence for those who are unsaved to partake in the Lord’s Supper without understanding the meaning of such act. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. 1 Corinthians 11:29. This is not an ordinary act or a mere part of your worship to God, for if a person doing this does not recognize Jesus, he is adding judgment to himself. Even those Christians who are living and playing in sin are strictly prohibited from partaking of the Lord’s Supper. But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.12 What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13 God will judge those outside. Expel the wicked man from among you. 1 Corinthians 5:11, 13. 11

WHAT IS THE PROPER WAY TO CELEBRATE THE LORD’S SUPPER? Celebrating the Lord should not be done alone; it should be done with fellow believers. There is not even one verse in the Bible stating that it was done by only one person. During the early church, one of their main activities was the breaking of the bread. And they did this every time they gathered in remembrance of the death of Jesus, while declaring the hope that Jesus shall come again. This is because the gathering together of Christians is a precious time to worship God. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their 42

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number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47. The key to a flourishing local church is to keep alive the five works that the early church taught us: stay strong in teaching, gathering together, breaking of the bread, praying together and mission. They celebrated the Lord’s Supper daily because of their firm belief that Jesus was coming again. And when they became busy teaching the word of God, they preached even in the street, so they began to break the bread only on the first day of each week. Some say that if this is done weekly, it becomes merely a ritual and may turn out to be unexciting. Also, some have lost eagerness to do this because it limits the sermon, limits the praise and worship, and takes emphasis away from preaching the Gospel. We are not against preaching the Word of God and singing during worship, for our Lord Jesus Christ We don’t need commands us to preach the Word of God. But instruments to preaching and singing are not the focus in celebrating the Lord’s Supper. We don’t need instruments to stimulate our worship; we simply stimulate our worship; we simply need elements to remember our Savior. As A.W. Tozer points out, I need elements think we should work for the Lord, but it is a matter to remember our of grace on God’s part. However, I do not think Savior. we should ever work until we learn to worship. A worshipper can work with eternal quality in his work but a worker who does not worship is only piling up wood, hay and stubble for the time when God sets the world on fire. God wants worshipers before he wants workers. He calls us back to that for which we were created, to worship the Lord God and to enjoy Him forever. Out of our deep worship then flows our work for him. Our work is acceptable to God only if our worship is acceptable.14 Therefore, the focus should be for believers to remember and honor Jesus for saving us from the capital punishment of sin (second death—Revelation 20:14-15). Now, how often you remember your redemption will reflect in your eagerness to celebrate the Lord’s Supper together with the brethren in faith. Another reason why we do this is in accordance with the example of Jesus and His disciples, because Jesus knew one of our weaknesses is that it is so easy for us to forget. As an example of your forgetfulness, try to repeat to your spouse again the

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vows that you took during your wedding. Can you still recall the exact words you spoke before the pastor or priest? This is only a simple gauge of the human mind. Perhaps just after a year of marriage you had already forgotten the words you said at the altar. That is why Jesus made His appeal among believers regarding the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. Acts 20:7. Let us talk about the three verses we have read in the book of Acts. From when Jesus celebrated this with the Apostles up to the time the early believers started meeting daily, they practised the breaking of bread; later on they did this every first day of the week. The last mention of Christians practising the Lord’s Supper is recorded in Acts 20:7 and there are no further records as to when it was done. Though the day and time of their celebration was no longer recorded, still they left us with two obvious examples; celebrating it every day and weekly or on the first day of the week. WHO SHOULD LEAD THE LORD’S SUPPER? The Lord’s Supper is often headed by a priest and given to other groups by pastors, ministers and workers of the church. If we are to analyze this type of leading the Lord’s Supper, we can see similarities in the manner offerings were given in the Old Testament, wherein the hight priest would kill an animal as a sin offering on behalf of the nation and take it to the holy of holies in the tabernacle. Only a high priest could access that area of the temple, and only on the Day of Atonement15 (Leviticus 23:27-28, Leviticus 16:30). In the New Testament, when the Lord Jesus died, the cloth that separated the holy of holies from the holy place was torn. This signified that anyone may now come and bring offerings before God. Consequently, every believer is now given the privilege of being a high priest; therefore, we as children of God who are sanctified become high priests, and one of the duties of a high priest is to partake in the breaking of the bread. You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5.

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But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9. …and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the first-born from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father —to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. Revelation 1:5-6. 5

For when there is a change of the priesthood, there must also be a change of the law. Hebrews 7:12.

Hence, the old practice of coming and offering sacrifices to God in the Old Testament was changed when Jesus came; every Christian may now participate in communion. Now everyone has the duty of a high priest and to partake in the Lord’s Supper, and most of all the men have a big responsibility to lead this. ORDER OF WORSHIP We attend a church service to worship and listen to the word of God. But during worship sometimes we sing like defeated athletes in the Olympics, we sing like cymbals without direction. We couldn’t even finish the whole sermon. We fall asleep because our eyes are tired from watching movies and playing computer games on Saturday night. Chances are, it’s dry and lousy worship. I believe that the reasons behind this kind of miserable worship in our modern church are lack of preparation in worship, sophisticated presentation of worship and exclusion of memorial. Preparation—My wife loves gardening and her secret for a healthy garden is the preparation of the ground. Throughout the winter season she keeps a small compost pile of biodegradable kitchen scraps, rotten fruits and bread. The most exciting part is, I need to do the mixing of soil, fertilizer with stinking compost before I bury them in the ground. Although the process is stinky and yucky, at the end we have fresh and very healthy vegetables every day. Likewise, in worship we need to prepare our spirit and body, to look forward to meet God and worship His majesty. Some people are critical that some assemblies’ worship is dry and dying. People who say this can easily condemn

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these congregations, but they are fooling themselves if they attend a church service without special preparation to meet God. The Apostle Paul encouraged us to be transformed completely by changing our mind set from visible things to pleasing to God. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2. Presentation—some congregations have changed their style of worship from hymnal to contemporary songs, from solemn to dancing and shouting, from weekly celebration of Lord Supper to monthly activity. Their reason is that young people cannot catch up with hymns, churches are losing some members because of the traditional worship style, and to give more time in singing and dancing with entertaining instrumentals. I agree that we can change the presentation of worship to bridge the age gap in our congregation. But we don’t need to water down the essence of true worship by covering it up with loud music and worship driven by emotion. Worship cannot be steered by manipulation of a very lively worship leader or pastor. We need to keep our worship simple, personal and focused on Jesus Christ. We need to be very careful, because sometimes contemporary songs are complicated and hinder our adoration of God and take us away from true worship to entertainment. Worship is to adore God by presenting ourselves in His presence with a clean conscience. “…your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:3. Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Romans 12:1. Commemoration—every time I attend a funeral, recollections with good speeches are the main highlight. Good memories and encouragement to the family are very important. In the same way, in communion we always read the word of God to refresh us with the amazing love of God thru the death of Jesus Christ. The word memorial is very important in this special event; this is the reason in our gathering to remember Him thru the Scripture. Passover in the Old Testament is one of the most important Jewish festivals.

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The first thing God commanded Joshua when the Hebrews came into the land was to circumcise all the males who had been born in the wilderness. God removed the shadow of Egyptian sin and they continued to celebrate the Passover. In the New Testament, the Lord’s Supper was the identity of the Apostles and the early Church. Therefore, worship is remembering Jesus thru breaking of bread and wine. Songs and musical Instrument are not accessories for worship, they are excess in worship. “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of Heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. Acts 17:24-25. ...and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way he took the cup also after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:24-26. 24

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CHAPTER EIGHT BAPTISM “Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” Acts 10:47. Baptism is one of the ordinances given by God, which we find in Matthew 28:19. As we go on studying the Scriptures, we will come across different kinds of baptism. We will also answer the questions that bother us regarding baptism. Baptism is a very important doctrine that Christians should know, regardless of. each person’s own belief about what it is and why we need to be baptized. As we study, we will encounter the true meaning of baptism and the various kinds of baptism in the following discussions. The baptism of John (Mark 1:4), and baptized believers (Romans 6:3-4) have a lot to do with our study. The word baptism is derived from the Greek word “‘bapto”, which means to immerse, to overwhelm. Baptism therefore, is a formal procedure of immersing into a large amount of water. Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were constantly coming to be baptized. John 3:23. WHY IS THERE A NEED FOR BAPTISM? There are different interpretations concerning baptism: a sprinkling of water, the pouring of water, and immersion under water. But why is there a need for baptism? Let the Bible answer our question. This is an ordinance of our Lord to every believer. Let’s read from the Bible: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19. To fully understand the meaning of baptism, let us look at the following verses. Then we will be able to compare and analyze. DECLARATION We have learned that baptism is an act of immersion. This is done in obedience to God’s command. When you accept Jesus as personal Lord and

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Savior of your life (you are saved), you need to be baptized, because this is another step of faith of obeying the Lord. We can see in the book of Acts that every believer was baptized. While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, 47 “Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days. Acts 10:44-48. 44

We understand that a person who is going to be baptized must first receive the Holy Spirit prior to water immersion. This means that a person must first be saved or have faith in the Gospel before he can obey the will of God. A person is baptized because he is already saved. It is not a way for him to be saved. Before undergoing baptism, a person must first be a disciple of Christ. It is necessary for him to be taught and trained first in trusting, obeying, and worshipping God before he is baptized. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19. I would like to emphasize that based on the verses we read, for a person to be baptized, they must also become a disciple. Hence, a person who undergoes baptism has a firm relationship with God, and has knowledge of God’s word,. A person must understand the responsibility of a disciple before entering the water. This is because he or she is bidding goodbye to the things of the world and is starting to live as a citizen of Heaven desiring heavenly things. THE BAPTISM OF JOHN THE BAPTIST Many groups believe that baptism is a way of being saved. So they adapt the teaching to say that a person needs to be baptized in order to be saved; or baptism according to them has a lot to do with our salvation. They often say that a person who is not baptized will never inherit the kingdom of Heaven. And what is more, a particularly hurtful teaching is that if a Christian is not baptized, he cannot teach the good news. Those teachings contain grave accusations and run contrary to the

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Scriptures. This is not a matter to be joked about. For it was preached by a friend of God and the Apostles. Here in the baptism of John, I want us to really be enlightened so that no one will be misled by false teachings. Let us first become acquainted with John so that we can fully understand his baptism. He was the son of Zechariah, a priest of Israel during the reign of Herod king of Judea; and Elizabeth was his mother. He was born under the law and his mission was to bring the Israelites back to the LORD their God (Luke 1:16-17), and prepare the way for the Messiah. John himself mentioned that he was a friend of God (John 3:29). John is like an Old Testament soul who died first before Christ’s ministry really began. His mission was to bring the Israelites back to God, so he preached about God’s Kingdom. Israel had had no king for almost 470 years, they had become divided and simply relied on the words of prophets like John (Matthew 11:13-14). As a result, people were expectant about the coming of a king and the promised kingdom. This is why when John preached about “repenting for the kingdom of Heaven was at hand,” the Jews were glad and flocked to him (Matthew 3:1-7). So John’s baptism of repentance was a preparation for and restoration of the heart of the nation for the coming kingdom. This did not provide them with salvation, neither did it achieve salvation for anyone. One proof that the baptism of John cannot save, indeed that any kind of baptism cannot save anyone, is that the disciples of John who were baptized were not saved yet. While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied. 4 Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all. Acts 19:1-7. 1

Here, Paul’s teaching proved that the disciples of John had not received the Holy Spirit although they had experienced his baptism. So if we are to base

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our salvation on baptism without faith, there is no salvation at all. To enter the kingdom of God, we must experience the baptism of the Lord Jesus, not only of repentance. BURIED IN BAPTISM Obedience to water baptism is not only a public testimony that you are a follower of Christ, it also reminds us of the blessed hope we have that Jesus died and was buried and rose again after three days (1 Corinthians 5:1-4). The death and resurrection of Jesus which we Christians believe will also happen to us because we were buried with him through his death. The act of immersion under water represents our death, and the coming out of the water symbolizes us coming alive again to live a new life. All this will be fulfilled at the second coming of Jesus. What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 5 If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin — 7 because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. Romans 6:1-9.

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CHAPTER NINE PRAYER Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:22.

“Talking with God” is a short definition of prayer. A person may call on God freely and directly, and God in return responds to our prayers through His words in the Bible. Through our faith, we are able to talk to God fervently. This is one of the wonderful blessings of God to us, the ability to talk to Him with assurance and peace in our hearts. Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:22-23. 22

HOW EFFECTIVE IS PRAYER? Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7. What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31. In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 118:5-6.

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Let our family’s testimony show you how effective the fervent prayer of a true Christian is. SPIRITUAL BATTLE My parents grew up in an area of Bicol, Philippines, where there lived strange creatures and stories. According to my mother, when she was only six years old, she met a child floating in the air who said he lived up there. Later on, they became friends and playmates. When they grew up, he courted her and that was the beginning of her suffering. The evil spirit continued to disturb her even when she was married to my father. In fact, our father also experienced its power, but with the help of other relatives and my father, the evil spirit fled.

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But during the years 1982-1986, our eldest sister also had strange experiences, such as seeing a beheaded person and legs walking without the rest of the body; this was also the work of the evil spirit courting her. There was a time when my sister would go to school without any money. But when she wanted something, no matter how expensive it might be, it would be inside her bag when she got home, with no idea how it got there. Often our sister would talk to someone only she could see. I would often see her faint and demonized and she would possess an unusual voice and strength. One day they asked my mother if they could take my sister, but our parents did not allow them. Instead my sister was given consent to marry a young Christian boy, although she was still in high school then. We thought everything would be all right but this was just the start of a trial for my father. In 1988, my second sister was employed in Gua-Gua, Pampanga, Philippines, while my father was studying at a Bible School and preaching in Pabanlag, Philippines. The same thing happened to her that had happened to my other sister. My sister was demonized, but this time the evil spirits’ goal was to deceive and prevent my father from preaching the Gospel. Here, I witnessed my father wrestling with my sister. My sister would be demonpossessed by different spirits about three times in a day. On occasion, seven spirits would enter her, and after these episodes she would drink a whole pitcher of water. While my sister was under the influence of evil spirits, only my father would be able to wrestle with her, because only a person who is not harboring any sin and who is strong in faith can fight this kind of battle. While my father was rolling around and wrestling with my sister, he would do nothing except pray and utter the words of God. Even my family and brethren could do nothing but pray. After a long while, we would then hear a loud scream and my sister become conscious again. The evil spirits had come out, and fled defeated. The story of my mother and two older sisters is not a simple problem that a quack doctor or a medical doctor could heal. This is spiritual warfare, and only the right kind of prayer to God can drive demons away and bring healing to a person. This is perhaps a standard for how important and effective “praying the right prayer” is. HOW CAN PRAYER BE EFFECTIVE? A person is saved by hearing the word of God and he resolves it through prayer (Romans 10:17). For our prayer to become effective, we must first have

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faith in God, but there should be no hidden sin in our heart. We can never have victory in prayer if our heart is unforgiving and covered with anger, vengeance, hatred, covetousness, pride, curse, and deceit. If sin is evident in the lives of Christians, God won’t be able to respond to our prayers immediately. This does not mean that God doesn’t want to respond to our prayers. Rather, it is the sin committed and unrepented of that is causing the delay to God’s answer. If we only knew what wonderful blessings God longs to give, perhaps we would repent from what we are doing now. For God has already proven how beautiful were the circumstances of Adam, Abraham, Job, Joseph, Solomon, David and many more. The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry. Psalm 34:15. We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will. John 9:31. Prayer must be sincere and should not be based on our selfish desires. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. James 4:3. We are praying in order to understand and obey the will of God, and not to alter the plan of God for us. Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:39.

“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name…’” Matthew 6:9. THE LORD’S PRAYER 9 “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’” Matthew 6:9-13. This is the formula for powerful prayer that Jesus gave while teaching His disciples. We should not repeat the exact words again and again every time we pray, because God does not want to hear memorized, repetitive prayer that

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does not come from our heart. Even before Jesus taught this, many Jews and Gentiles were uttering futile, repetitive prayers hoping that God would respond. Prayer requires faith in order to be acceptable to God. But God’s promises will certainly be fulfilled without exception. If we faithfully pray, let us expect that He will answer through His word and through the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. Remember, true prayer reveals our hidden sins. WHAT SHOULD BE THE CONTENT OF OUR PRAYER? Adoration: Praising and thanking God for His greatness, and expressing what is in your heart for God. For example: Praise you, oh God, Almighty God, Our Father who is in Heaven, Thank You Father, and many more. “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from the evil one.’ Matthew 6:9-13. 9

Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” Galatians 4:6. Confession: Acknowledging that we are sinners and we need His forgiveness. “Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” Isaiah 1:18. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9. Petition: Stating our supplications, not just for ourselves but also for our brethren, our church and our country. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. John 15:7. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. John 15:16. End the Prayer “in Jesus name”: And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name and I will do it. John 14:13-14.

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In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” John 16:23-24. 23”

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CHAPTER TEN THE CHURCH And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. Colossians 1:18. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under Heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12. Many religious sects argue about the word “Church”, or claim they are the ones closest to the church established by Jesus. In fact, these people have no other motive but to attract more members to join them and show that religion is the basis for salvation. But if we check their teaching, they actually alter the message of the Bible regarding salvation and its teaching concerning the Church. MEANING OF THE WORD CHURCH Assembly is the term used for several Hebrew words, elsewhere translated “congregation” (which sees). It is also used to represent the following: (1) asara, “a coming together” especially for a festal occasion (Leviticus 23:36; Numbers 29:35; Deuteronomy 16:8); (2) miqra, something “called,” a public meeting (Isa. 1:13; 4:5); (3) “General assembly” (Greek, Paneguris, “a festal gathering of all the people”—Hebrews 12:23), commonly believed to be the same as the Church; (4) ekklesia, a term in use among Greeks from the time of Thucydides for “an assemblage of the people for the purpose of deliberating” (Acts 19:39). 17 This means a gathering of people for various purposes, be it about religion, politics, business, or social issues. Therefore, we can say that church is a Christian gathering or body of believers. In the Bible, there are many verses with this kind of teaching about the Church. And when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. Acts 11:26.

Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. Colossians 4:15.

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Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia. Romans 16:5. For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an Apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 1 Corinthians 15:9.

These verses suggest that the church is not a denomination or building where a gathering is being held. New Testament churches met in their respective homes and were called Christians or church. So it is clear that becoming a church is not based on the size of the building or the number of members. CHURCH BEGINNINGS And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Matthew 16:18. This means that Jesus is the only firm foundation of the church. It was only Jesus who built the church and it will never be destroyed. As such, there is no need for man to build it again. His word “upon this rock I will build my church” shows the firmness of what He is going to build. He gives a promise of assurance that even “the gates of Hades shall not prevail against Him”. Jesus died for our sins, and rose again and ascended to Heaven with the Father. Jesus fulfilled His words that even Hades or death shall not prevail against Him. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. 3

When Jesus died, He rose again after three days and ascended to Heaven; and the Holy Spirit came on the day of Pentecost to unite the believers. This is the beginning of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. Acts 20:28. For no-one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:11. And drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock

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that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:4. Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” John 2:19. This is the teaching of Jesus that other teachers cannot accept--that the Church Jesus built is truly firm and was not destroyed when He died. Actually, Jesus’ death is strong evidence which signifies that no person is capable of achieving this. Therefore, if we are looking for a true church, this can be found among Christians who are gathered through the blood of Jesus. That is why every believer gathering through the grace of God and who commemorates daily what Jesus did to save them is the one recognized by Jesus as His Church. In John 2:19, it was shown how unstable and insignificant the houses of worship which people value are (if we are talking about God inhabiting these places for Him to be worshipped). This is because God will never again inhabit structures built by the hands of men (Acts 17:24). Jesus said, “Destroy this temple and I will raise it again in three days”. If we will look carefully, it is as if God is saying here that you no longer need to join religions, which have been molds for centuries, or religions full of pretentions and pride, but instead you need salvation through death which can bring you to light from darkness. CHURCH WORKS

Teaching, Breaking of the Bread, Meeting together, Prayer meeting, Mission

Let us compare the works of the early churches and our modern day churches. Our key for comparison is the writings of Luke. In Acts 2 they devoted themselves to the Apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of the bread, prayer and to mission. The purpose of comparing our fellowship is to know if we are similar to the churches administered by the Apostles. Now we will seek to understand the growth and expansion of the ministry of God until it reached our nation.

EARLY CHURCH MINISTRIES They devoted themselves to the Apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship,

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to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42. APOSTLES’ TEACHING 39 “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41 He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. Acts 10:39-44. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12. Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. 2 Timothy 2:8-9. 8

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved —you and your household.” Acts 16:31. FELLOWSHIP 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:4-5. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39. 38

We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:3. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day

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BREAKING OF THE BREAD Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? 1 Corinthians 10:16. Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom.” Matthew 26:27-29. 27

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” 23 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. 25 “I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God.” Mark 14:22-25. 22

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. Luke 22:19-20.

…and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:24-26.

On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. Acts 20:7.

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PRAYER Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:22. For this reason I kneel before the Father… Ephesians 3:14. Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17. As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him—5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5.

MISSION 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:44-47. HEALTHY CHURCH We can say that the foundation of a healthy, growing and flourishing church is to remain focused on these five elements: Correct teaching, fellowship, the Lord’s Supper, prayer and mission. If any one of these is not observed in a church that you belong to, it is clear that such a church does not remain within the ministry exemplified by the Apostles. Maybe these five are present in your church, but how strong are you in the teachings of Jesus? Are you firm and consistent in your fellowship so that the brethren will be edified and strengthened? When and how often do you celebrate the Lord’s Supper? What kind of prayer meetings do you have, and again, how often are they held? Are you aware that your local community is your biggest mission? If we compare the modern-day church and the church in the book of Acts, are they doing the same things? If the answer is yes, why are there many Christians in the church today who have stagnated in their growth? Who failed

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in the church teaching? Was it the Apostles, the early leaders, today’s teachers, or we, the members ourselves? Many churches of today are almost as cold as a corpse, even if they try to cover it up with loud music, shouting and dancing. Everyone is struggling to be revived through church development programs. But one year is long enough for the program. If there are one hundred members in the church, only ten will attend a seminar, including the speaker and leader. If you want to count the actual members of a local church, visit their prayer meeting, and then you will be surprised. In fact, I believe the actual members of a local church are those Christians with a long desire in attending prayer meetings. More than two thousand years ago, Jesus established a Church which possesses firmness. But because of some teachers’ incorrect views and misunderstanding, they have claimed to be the leaders of the church. This is why the church continues to lose its life, and its beauty disappears. But there is only one concrete truth. It doesn’t matter if the church established by man is destroyed, the true Church established by Jesus will never be destroyed and no man can demolish it. LEADERS OF THE CHURCH It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers. Ephesians 4:11. Whenever I go to a church to preach the word of God, they usually introduce me by saying, ”Pastor Anton is our speaker today.” But once I am in the pulpit I say that I am not a pastor but a servant of Jesus, a sinner but saved by His grace. Though I am not criticizing those who use the word pastor as personal title for those people who are serving God, in my understanding, the word pastor refers only to our Lord Jesus Christ, because He said that He is the good Shepherd and we are like lost sheep who have gone our own separate ways. But with His coming and death, He will gather us to Him as our Shepherd. Even David had the same view, that Jesus was his only Shepherd. May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20. 20

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“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:11.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2:25. 24

We read in the Bible that God gave some the gift to be pastors. This gift is not a title that we should attach to our name so that we become Hitlers of local assemblies. Ephesians 4:11 mentioned that He gave some the gift of being pastors and teachers which is also cited in 1 Corinthians 12:28, except for the word pastor, because this word means taking care of the flock and it was only Jesus who accomplished such a deed. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:28. When the Apostles died and there were no prophets any more, God placed people to take care of and be in charge of his sheep, as in His instruction to Peter to love and feed His sheep. According to the epistle of Peter, we are now chosen by God for a godly service, in order for us to continue providing leadership inside the church. But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9. According to the verse we have read, everyone belongs to a royal priesthood. Obviously, there is a change from the Old Testament church leadership. Everyone is given the rights of a priest in order to declare God’s praises. Every believer obtains a role in governing the church towards orderliness and spreading the Gospel. Even if a person has no formal schooling or belongs to the lowest class in society, he can still be a leader in the church. It is not necessary to emerge from a university or Bible school in order to be a leader in the church. The Bible is simply looking for a leader whose heart is set on God, not an academic. ELDERS OF THE CHURCH Whoever desires to be an elder in the church must meet the biblical

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standards listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-15, because this is a very sensitive calling and whoever takes on this role must be very cautious. The pastor mentioned in Ephesians 4:11 refers to an â&#x20AC;&#x153;elderâ&#x20AC;? as a caretaker and overseer in the local church where he is serving. Elders must be very firm and supportive in the midst of every difficulty that the church will encounter. They are also the ones who bring order in the fellowship and defend the church against false teaching. The role of elders in the local church is vital because Jesus charged them to look after, feed, and love the church which He bought with His own blood. Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. Acts 20:28. When Paul and Barnabas had a sharp dispute concerning the circumstances of the Gentiles, they decided to go to Jerusalem and consult the elders about their problem, which they discussed well (Acts 15-1-41). This example illustrates that every misunderstanding within the church, as much as possible must first be discussed by elders and workers (pastors). This also shows that every local church must have appointed elders who will address the concerns of the church members. If possible, the elders of the church must be able to commit themselves to the church for this part of the duty they received from the Lord; for a good shepherd is willing to risk his life for his sheep. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. Acts 14:23. From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. Acts 20:17. The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. Titus 1:5. Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. Acts 20:28 . If the local churches wish to elect or appoint elders inside the church, it must undergo a thorough evaluation based on biblical standards; nominees and all members of the body must observe the rules in selecting an elder. Be

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very careful in appointing elders because there could be great danger for the fellowship if this is not properly done. In 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, Paul carefully itemized the criteria and qualification of an elder, including that the gender should be male. THE FUTURE OF THE CHURCH The Church is not a simple group of believers. It holds much greater significance to our Lord Jesus Christ. This is His bride. If we think about how a groom longs to be with his beloved bride, we can see this is how Jesus feels about His Church. He died and rose again for His Church which He wants to be with forever. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church—30 for we are members of his body. Ephesians 5:23-30. 23

The real joy of Jesus to be with His bride is something that the angels and the groom are eager about. Angels really delight to show and behold the wedding banquet that they have been awaiting so long. One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” Revelation 21:9. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. 8 Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) Revelation 19:7-8.

Jesus will come back for the Church, where we belong. If He is excited to meet and to be with His Church, what about our eagerness to see Him? Are we ready to face Him on His return? What are we doing in anticipation of

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His coming? THE JUDGEMENT OF SATAN UNDER THE CHURCH Satan, the enemy of the Church, is doing something to try to prevent the wedding, which will be witnessed by the believers from the Old Testament. He is trying to confuse and deceive the members of the Church in order to cause them to fall into sin. But God is mighty and He will not let the Church be deceived or led by Satan. Jesus bought us with His own blood for God. …Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. Acts 20:28. Jesus will judge Satan under the church in order to prove that His seed is the one who will crush the serpent’s head. “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3:15. The seed of the woman here refers to our Lord Jesus Christ, and the heel represents His Church since Satan’s power is only capable of deceiving the Church. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. Romans 16:20. This verse emphasizes the meaning of “under your feet”—the Church that Satan has attempted to deceive will be shown as a Church that has triumphed over his wickedness. Although, this verse was referring to Christ suffering and physical death, we are associated with His suffering and death as His body. So if we only realize what the position of the Church will be in bringing judgment to Satan, perhaps we will regret the times we have neglected to take care of our church. May we all be eager to meet Jesus someday and be always ready as if we are waiting for the day of our wedding. We need to be wise in picking and preparing our garments well, and preparing for our marriage with Jesus. When we accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, He also marked the end of sin (bondage) in our Christian life. This is the finished product of the Gospel, our righteousness. He gave us an engagement emblem, to keep

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Satan away from us. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:13-14. 13

Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes. Romans 10:4.

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83 UNDERSTANDING ESCHATOLOGY THE BLESSED HOPE

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CHAPTER ELEVEN THE BLESSED HOPE In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14:2-3. 2

Many people have tried to predict the timing of the second coming of Jesus to the earth where He lived for a short while. However, they have all been proved wrong and have caused great danger to people with their predictions. Today, God will never use a prophet or soothsayer to deliver His message to people because the Bible is already complete, and truly, it is His word so people should know His message. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 1 Corinthians 13:8-10.

Also, there is no exact appointed time and date stated in the Bible as to when Jesus will be coming back again. He said to them: “it is not for you to know the times or dates the father has set by his own authority. Acts 1:7. THE FIRST COMING OF JESUS In order for us to understand what the second coming of Jesus is, let us first look at His first coming. Early in the first book of the Bible, there was already a promised seed of a woman that would crush the serpent’s head (Satan--Genesis 3:15). This prophecy, recorded in 1450-1410 B.C.18, succeeded with fulfillment in the 8th century B.C.19, recorded in the book of Isaiah.. Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14. Those who guide this people mislead them, and those who are guided are led astray. Isaiah 9:16.

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Isaiah’s prophecy that a virgin would be with a child and would give birth to a Son so God will be with us forever excited the people, who were expecting a king for the Israelite nation. Even before He was born, a great mission was imposed for Him to carry out--His coming to earth was already planned in detail. Prophecies were very definite and even the place of His birth was foretold and recorded by the prophet Micah in his book. But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. Micah 5:2. Not only were the place and mission prophesied but also His likeness and status were revealed and written about by Isaiah. Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:1-6. 1

THE FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY Before the prophecy about the coming King was fulfilled there was a gap of almost 430 years between the Old and New Testaments; all told then, it was almost 4000 years before the prophecy was fulfilled. “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means, “God with us.” Matthew 1:23. After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1-2. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen

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his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14. The woman mentioned in the Old Testament was named in the New Testament: a virgin who had not known a man yet (meaning she had never slept with a man). “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Luke 1:34-35. 34

When Jesus came to earth, a new life and body was prepared for Him to dwell in while He was in the flesh. Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; 6 with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. Hebrews 10:5-6. 5

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. Philippians 2:6-7. 6

THE RAPTURE Jesus said that He will come back to be with the Church, or those who believe in Him. Therefore the very reason why Jesus is coming back is to fulfill His promise to the believers that they would be with Him. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14:3. However, how is this mysterious event going to happen? The word rapture means “caught up together with Him in the clouds”, although “rapture“ is not found in the English Bible. The equivalent Greek word is harpazo, meaning to catch (away, up), pluck, pull, take (by force)20. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 1 Thessalonians 4:17. There are three vital words to fully understand the second advent of Christ; even though these three words are very technical with detailed descriptions,

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Dobson writes: In the New Testament, three Greek words are used to describe the second coming of Jesus Christ. First is the word parousia, which comes from a verb meaning “to be near or alongside of.” It is used twenty four times in the New Testament and focuses on the bodily appearance of Christ. When he returns, we will be near him. The second word is apokalupsis, from which comes the word apocalypse, which is the Greek title of the book of Revelation. It means “to uncover or reveal.” The focus in reference to the second coming is on the revealing of Christ in his glory. The third word is epiphaneia, which means “to bring forth into light”. The word points up that Christ’s coming will be unmistakable—as dramatic as light in the midst of darkness.21 In the first part of His second coming, God will bring with Him those who died in the Old Testament, New Testament, and our brethren who have already died. And blessed will be we who are still alive, because we will no longer experience physical death. Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14 We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from Heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage each other with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. 13

This verse gives us a glimpse into a mystery that will take place in the last days. We are privileged to know this so that we can always be prepared. Some readers of the Bible cannot understand this mystery, and they don’t bother to study it because it is not very important to them. However, in the coming of Jesus, our salvation will be fulfilled. Because of this, we will be clothed with an incorruptible body. This is the fulfillment of the words that we will be saved at the coming of Jesus. Jesus will redeem not just our soul but literally our physical body, which will be redeemed last in order to have

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victory over death. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” 55 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 1 Corinthians 15:51-56. 51

THE GREAT TRIBULATION A true believer will never experience the great tribulation that the world will experience. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:3-9. 3

According to these verses, Christians are no longer in the darkness to be tested in the coming destruction, which is likened to labor pains upon pregnant woman. Jesus did not die for us to perish but rather to be saved from the wrath of God. We are not supposed to receive God’s anger stipulated in the book of Revelation 1:6. “See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes. Malachi 4:5. The great tribulation will come after the Church is taken away (Revelation 3:10—the original means “kept out of the hour”), and before Christ returns in glory.22That is why Jesus is going to catch the believers up in the clouds to be

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with Him in Heaven in order for them not to experience the punishment or great tribulation of those who will be left on earth (Psalm 37:28). At present, the enemy is already at work, but someone is holding him back and that is none other than the Holy Spirit who dwells within believers. Once the Holy Spirit leaves the earth together with the saints, then the enemy may be revealed. And the anti-Christ will never prevail over the saints or the saved ones. Don’t you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? 6 And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. 7 For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. 2 Thessalonians 2:5-8. 5

THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son. Zechariah 12:10. “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of Heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. Daniel 7:13-14. 13

In the kingdom of Jesus, we will find and use the rewards we received from Him. We will be held accountable before God for the way we live our life today. And if we will be blessed to receive a reward, then we can take pleasure and live with such reward during the millennium reign of Jesus. THOUSAND YEARS (MILLENNIUM) We will all enjoy this era together with the people saved from great tribulation. This will be fulfilled in the second phase of His second coming. Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of the their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those

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who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.23 Revelation 20:4. This is not a spiritual symbol of long-term holiness or righteousness in the hearts of believers. This is a literal year within a physical kingdom (2 Peter 3:8). In his book What Next?, Richard Edward Harlow says: ‘In the New Testament we read that Christ will come first for His people’ (1 Thessalonians 4.16). ‘Later He will come with His people and the holy angels’ (1 Thessalonians 3.13).24 Some 250 years ago, Isaac Watts wrote a hymn based on the truths found in Psalm 98. The title of this world-famous hymn is Joy to the World! At Christmas it is sung all across the world by millions of Christians and non-Christians alike. But a close study of the words of his hymn reveal that Watts did not have in mind the Bethlehem coming of Christ, but rather the millennial coming of our Lord! Observe his words: Joy to the world! The Lord is come! Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare him room, And Heaven and nature sing. No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make his blessings flows, Far as the curse is found. He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove The glories of his righteousness, And wonders of his love.25 THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST 10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. 14 If what he has

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built survives, he will receive his reward. 15 If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. 1 Corinthians 3:10-15. Every believer will face the judgment seat of Christ, not to be judged with destruction but to be put to the test and receive a reward for what he did while living on earth as a servant of God (2 Corinthians 5:10). Here, our entire life will be revealed for what it was and will be tested as to whether our deeds are true and worthy of reward. Our entire life will be revealed and nothing will be hidden, but everything will be exposed before God. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:14. You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. 11 It is written:“‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.’” 12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Romans 14:10-12. 10

Believers though, have nothing to worry about, because there is no more condemnation for those who are in Christ. Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2. 1

Facing the judgment seat of Christ to receive the prize is like being one who is filled with joy at receiving the highest honors during graduation from university. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day —and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8.

And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 1 Peter 5:4. Therefore, every Christian who is wasting his time while here on earth is indeed saved, but he will receive no reward. 12

If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones,

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wood, hay or straw, 13 his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. 14 If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 15 If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. 1 Corinthians 3:12-15. JUDGMENT OF UNBELIEVERS (The great white throne) Many people ask that their bodies should be burned after they die. They think this is the best way to escape from God’s judgment, but this is not true. God is able to raise everyone from death and will certainly judge all men who have rejected Christ.26 Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment. Hebrews 9:27. “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” Matthew 25:31-33, 41, 46. 31

During the great tribulation, not all the people will die. There are some who will be saved during that time and they will finally realize that the Christ preached to them by Christians is real. So the people who are saved (sheep) during the great tribulation will be set apart to enjoy comfort. But those whose names are not found in the book of life will receive punishment—the second death. Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. 14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15 If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the 11

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lake of fire. Rev. 20:11-15. The second death is something that people must avoid while there is still a chance. Because if a man dies without assurance in his life, eternal damnation will be his destiny. Facing the great white throne is a terrible situation for a person because he will receive punishment in the lake of fire burning with sulfur which is the second death. As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze.10 A river of fire was lowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened. Daniel 7:9-10. 9

If there are people who are afraid to die and don’t want Jesus to come, it is because they are not prepared yet and they do not know if they can go to Heaven. Christians on the other hand are excited about the second coming of Jesus Christ. “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. Revelation 22:12. He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20. The most important part of your preparation is to accept Jesus Christ As your personal Lord and Savior. If you want to accept Him you can pray this prayer of acceptance. “Lord Jesus I need you. I am a sinner not worthy of your kingdom. Thank you that I came to know that you died for my sins. I am opening the door of my heart and I invite you to come in. Please cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Transform my life and make me a person worthy in your kingdom. Reign in my life. I am accepting you as Lord and Savior of my life. Amen.”

Tune In Assuming tomorrow is the second coming of Jesus

Are you ready to face Him?

A joy that no-one can take away. John 16:22.

Are you afraid or excited?

”Don’t be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me.” John 14:1.

What would you do with your remaining 24 hours?

The right time is now. The day of salvation is now. 2 Corinthians 6:2.

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Bibliography Zondervan. Armor of God Bible: New International Version. Grand Rapids, MI.: Zonderkidz, 2009. MacArthur, John, ed. The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible. Updated ed. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2006. Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. James Strong, Strong’s Complete Word Study Concordance, Expanded ed. (Chattanooga, TN.: AMG Publishers, 2004), page 2114. R.E. Harlow, Basic Bible Doctrines (2570 Asbury Road Dubuque, IA 52001-3099: Emmaus Correspondence Course, 1971), page 135. Merrill F. Unger, The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary, Updated and expanded ed., ed. R.K. Harrison et al. (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2006), page 310. James Strong, Strong’s Complete Word Study Concordance, Expanded ed. (Chattanooga, TN.: AMG Publishers, 2004), page 2120. A.W. Tozer, Worship-Driven Life (Wilkinson House, Jordan Hill Road, Oxford OX2 8DR: Monarch, 2008), page 101. James Strong, Strong’s Complete Word Study Concordance, Expanded ed. (Chattanooga, TN.: AMG Publishers, 2004), page 2040. Merrill F. Unger, The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary, Updated and expanded ed., ed. R.K. Harrison et al. (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2006), page 116. William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary, ed. Art Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), page 27. David Alexander, Handbook to the Bible, ed. ANZEA Publishers Ltd. 17-21 Bellevue Street, Surry Hill, NSW 2010 Australia, page 76. James Strong, Strong’s Complete Word Study Concordance, Expanded ed. (Chattanooga, TN.: AMG Publishers, 2004), page 2034. Dobson, Ed. 50 Remarkable Events Pointing to the End: Why Jesus Could Return by A.D. 2000. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 1997.

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R.E. Harlow, Basic Bible Doctrines (2570 Asbury Road Dubuque, IA 52001-3099: Emmaus Correspondence Course, 1971), page 146. MacArthur, John, ed. The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible. Updated ed. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2006. Willmington, The King is Coming, an outline study of the last days, p. 199. R.E. Harlow, What Next? A premier on prophecy (421 Nugget Avenue, Unit 2 Scarborough, ON, Canada, M1S 4I8 Everyday Publications Inc, copyright 1972, 1988 edition), page 45.

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Endnotes

1 Zondervan. Armor of God Bible: New International Version. Grand Rapids, MI.: Zonderkidz, 2009. 2 MacArthur, John, ed. The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible. Updated ed. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2006. 3 Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. 4 James Strong, Strong’s Complete Word Study Concordance, Expanded ed. (Chattanooga, TN.: AMG Publishers, 2004), page 2114. 5 Rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 6 R.E. Harlow, Basic Bible Doctrines (2570 Asbury Road Dubuque, IA 520013099: Emmaus Correspondence Course, 1971), page 135. 7 God is all-knowing Psalm 139:1-5. 8 God demonstrated his steadfast love to undeserving people, He offered Jesus as a sacrifice of atonement. 9 “A dispensation is an era of time during which man is tested in respect to obedience to some definite revelation of God’s will.” Merrill F. Unger, The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary, Updated and expanded ed., ed. R.K. Harrison et al. (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2006), page 310. 10 James Strong, Strong’s Complete Word Study Concordance, Expanded ed. (Chattanooga, TN.: AMG Publishers, 2004), page 2120. 11 King James Version. 12 Millennial, a thousand year reign of Christ with His bride on earth without sin (Revelation 20:2). 13 Church is the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-28, Rev. 19:7-8, 21:9). 14 A.W. Tozer, Worship-Driven Life (Wilkinson House, Jordan Hill Road, Oxford OX2 8DR: Monarch, 2008), page 101. 15 The act or process of reconciliation; James Strong, Strong’s Complete Word Study Concordance, Expanded ed. (Chattanooga, TN.: AMG Publishers, 2004), page 1885.

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17 Merrill F. Unger, The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary, Updated and expanded ed., ed. R.K. Harrison et al. (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2006), page 116. 18 William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary, ed. Art Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), page 27. 19 David Alexander, Handbook to the Bible, ed. ANZEA Publishers Ltd. 17-21 Bellevue Street, Surry Hill, NSW 2010 Australia, page 76. 20 James Strong, Strong’s Complete Word Study Concordance, Expanded ed. (Chattanooga, TN.: AMG Publishers, 2004), page 2034. 21 Dobson, Ed. 50 Remarkable Events Pointing to the End: Why Jesus Could Return by A.D. 2000. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 1997. 22 R.E. Harlow, Basic Bible Doctrines (2570 Asbury Road Dubuque, IA 520013099: Emmaus Correspondence Course, 1971), page 146. 23 MacArthur, John, ed. The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible. Updated ed. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2006. 24 Harlow, What Next? p. 50. 25 Willmington, The King is Coming, an outline study of the last days, p. 199. 26 R.E. Harlow, What Next? A premier on prophecy (421 Nugget Avenue, Unit 2 Scarborough, ON, Canada, M1S 4I8 Everyday Publications Inc, copyright 1972, 1988 edition), page 45.

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About Tune In TUNE IN, what does it mean? I never thought of becoming a writer or church worker. My simplest desire is to have a deep understanding of the word of God and be able to share it with the community. I am neither an academic theologian, nor a high-profile Bible preacher/teacher. But when I recognized that I was, and am, a sinner with a blessed hope, God completely dwelt in me and helped me to produce this book for our ministry. For church leaders, pastors, elders, mentors and learners who are looking for a companion in their Bible study, this book is a serious resource that you can use for: Home Bible study Evangelism Discipleship Personal study Apologetics Christian foundation And Sunday school Many are living in danger of hellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fire. Who will tell them about Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan? We need to explain this to them. ANTON ORTIZ comes from a missionary family. A sinner, but purchased with the precious blood of Jesus. A person with passion in community evangelism, a catalyst preacher, worker-teacher and church planter. He finished several courses at Bible School of the Air, Philippines before he studied theology. With his wife Anji, son Dale and daughter Kimy, he started GRACE COMMUNITY MISSION, a ministry to reach out to the community.

TUNE IN is a study guide for church leaders, pastors, elders, mentors, seekers and learners who are looking for a companion in their Bible study. This book is a serious resource that you can use for: Home Bible study Evangelism Discipleship Personal study Apologetics Christian foundation And Sunday school

ANTON ORTIZ comes from a missionary family. A sinner, but purchased with the precious blood of Jesus. A person with passion in community evangelism, a catalyst preacher, worker-teacher and church planter. He finished several courses at Bible School of the Air, Philippines before he studied theology. With his wife Anji, son Dale and daughter Kimy, he started GRACE COMMUNITY MISSION, a ministry to reach out to the community. ISBN 978-0-473-23657-1