Search on newsletters only:    Category

Vol. 1 Iss. 1

Current Vol First Issue

Previous

Next

Current Vol Last Issue

INDEX: Main Article - A New Heart Also Will I Give You (Ezekiel 36:26) Monthly Bible Thought - As We Begin the New Year Health Article - Breakfast (1st Meal) Bible Study and Last Month's Answers Questions on Not Under That Bondage Answers to 'Tis the Season Questions and Answers #1 Why did God choose Saul to be the first King when there was probably better choices? #2 What tax did Jesus pay via the miracle of the coin in the mouth of the fish? #3 In December, a verse appeared regarding justification and the law. Are we saved by keeping the commandments? Please explain. Antichrist PICTURE: A single pillar, automatically tiled in the index box, represents "the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." (1 Timothy 3:15).

A NEW HEART ALSO WILL I GIVE YOU (Ezekiel 36:26)

New Years, birthdays, and other such special occasions are when most people take a serious look at themselves and decide to give up a habit, rededicate their lives, or concentrate more on doing something special. Statistically speaking, when such endeavors are not based upon God it lasts approximately two weeks. A biblical principle reveals this: "Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be" (Romans 8:7). In other words, without God as the foundation, it is impossible to truly break the root of habits or change whole lives permanently.

For those that might say, "I already gave my life to Jesus, I don't need to rededicate my life," remember what Paul said, "I die daily" (1 Corinthians 15:31). He also did not wait for a special day on some calendar to come. Every day he rededicated his life.

It all starts with "a willing mind" (2 Corinthians 8:12), which the Bible reveals that the "heart" is synonymous with the "mind". Ask yourself, "Are you satisfied with where you are at spiritually, or do you want a better life than what you had yesterday?" You may have had an exceptional day yesterday, but do you think that is the limit of what God can do in your life? What does the Bible say?"So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. or the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear" (Mark 4:26-28). The Christian experience is not stagnant but ever growing. We are even specifically told, "But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him [be] glory both now and for ever." (2 Peter 3:18).

By what process does one grow? Jesus tells us, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth" (John 17:17). God gave us the written Word. As one studies the word of God, one will continue to change each and every time into what Christ stated that we ought to become. "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:48).

What is the willing mind to do? "That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit" (Romans 8:4). Notice that we are able to fulfill the law when we look away from those things that satisfy the flesh, which people call cravings or strong desires, and look after that which satisfies the Spirit. In other words, Jesus put it best when He said, "seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness" (Matthew 6:33).

Looking at a practical example, one may come to Christ with the background of a filthy mouth. Even though they may "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:31), they may not know at that time that they are to "be ye holy in all manner of conversation" (1 Peter 1:15). Once they encounter this though, they have a choice to make. Either look to the flesh thinking that their friends would make fun of them if they were not to speak like them and thus be a hypocrite or they could look after the ways of the Spirit and stand as an example of "holy conversation and godliness" (2 Peter 3:11).

The natural man does not automatically do that and in ourselves we do not have that ability. How is it possible then? "And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God" (Ezekiel 11:19-20). This is reiterated in Ezekiel 36:26-27, "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do [them]." Even David knew he needed this type of heart. "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalms 51:10). So our prayer every morning and throughout the day should echo David's prayer.

The future of those who stop dying daily to self and stop seeking after a new heart daily is recorded in Ezekiel 18:31, "Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?" And for those who do not believe one can be in danger of losing eternal life, consider "Again, When a righteous [man] doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die" (Ezekiel 3:20). A saved person does have the choice every day to give up the faith. If this were not so, Paul would have wasted the following words "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses" (1 Timothy 6:12), and "I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7). One does not need to declare that they have kept the faith if they were never in danger of losing the faith?

May it be our desire each and every day to have a new heart that walks after the Spirit.

---

THINK ON THESE THINGS (Philippians 4:8)

As We Begin the New Year

Revelation 21:6-8 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

---

THAT THOU MAYEST PROSPER AND BE IN HEALTH, EVEN AS THY SOUL PROSPERETH (3 John 1:2)

NUTRITION

BREAKFAST:

After many hours of fasting through the night, the stomach is ready for a hearty break to the fast - breakfast.

Did you know . . . ?

• A cup of warm water first thing in the morning wakes up the stomach and prepares it for breakfast.
• The biggest meal of the day should be breakfast. A big breakfast provides the strength and nourishment needed to tackle the day.
• The body's metabolism doesn't begin until you eat, therefore skipping breakfast as a means of controlling weight is counteractive.
• Breakfast should consist of whole-grains, seeds, and plenty of fruit.
• "Toasted" bread is an essential element to breakfast.
• Breakfast should be warm - not cold and not hot. Otherwise energy is wasted as the body works to adjust the temperature of the food.
• If there is no appetite for breakfast, food was probably eaten too late the night before and not digested while you slept.
• Breakfast should not consist of the same things everyday. Variety will make the meal most appealing and increase your intake of nutrients.
• Most breakfast dishes can be prepared the day/night before, saving time in the morning.

In summary, a big breakfast of healthy fruits, seeds, and grains will give you the strength and nourishment needed to tackle the morning.

---

SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES (John 5:39)

Not Under That Bondage

1. What bondage are we no longer under? John 8:33-34

2. Whose side is one on if they do not resist this bondage? 1 John 3:8

3. How can one tell if they are in bondage? 1 John 3:4

4. How can one escape from bondage? 1 John 1:9

ANSWERS TO LAST MONTH'S STUDY:

`Tis the Season

1. What did Christ bring? Luke 2:14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth PEACE, good will toward men."

2. What is the focus of it? Colossians 1:20-22 "And, HAVING MADE PEACE THROUGH THE BLOOD OF HIS CROSS, BY HIM TO RECONCILE ALL THINGS UNTO HIMSELF; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet NOW HATH HE RECONCILED IN THE BODY OF HIS FLESH THROUGH DEATH, TO PRESENT YOU HOLY AND UNBLAMEABLE AND UNREPROVEABLE IN HIS SIGHT."

3. What is the name of the group associated with it and promotes it? Matthew 5:9 "Blessed [are] the PEACEMAKERS: for they shall be called the children of God."

4. What is this group to do with it? Acts 10:36 "The word which [God] sent unto the children of Israel, PREACHING PEACE by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all)."

---

YE HAVE HEARD THAT ANTICHRIST SHALL COME (1 John 2:18)

#25 - 2 Thessalonians 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped.

REVIEW OF THE IDENTIFYING MARKS:
1. ... would deny Jesus is the Christ either by words, actions, or both (1 John 2:22, Titus 1:16).
2. ... is in a populated area of the world (Revelation 131-2, 17:15).
3. ... would wear titles attributed to God (Revelation 13:6, Matthew 23:8-12).
4. ... is a kingdom (Revelation 13:1-2, Daniel 7:23).
5. ... derives it's authority based on satanic principles or paganism (Revelation 13:1-2, 12:9).
6. ... is a little kingdom (Daniel 7:8).
7. ... would conquer three kingdoms (Daniel 7:8, 20, 24).
8. ... a single person would be leader of this kingdom (Daniel 7:8).
9. ... the leader's name or title would add up to 666 (Revelation 13:18).
10. ... would embrace non-Christian theology (Revelation 18:2; 1 John 4:1, 3; 1 Timothy 2:5).
11. ... would not be just another political kingdom (Daniel 7:20, 24).
12. ... would deny the single sacrifice of Christ (1 John 4:3, 2 John 1:7, Hebrews 9:28).
13. ... have seeds in the apostolic age. (2 Thessalonians 2:7, 1 John 4:3).
14. ... recognized as a kingdom after 476 AD (Dan. 7:4-8, 5:28, 8:20-21, Jeremiah 50:17, John 11:48).
15. ... is located in Europe (Daniel 7:7-8, 7:24)
16. ... is located on seven mountains (Revelation 17:9)
17. ... is a religious power (2 Thessalonians 2:4, Revelation 13:4)
18. ... set up a counterfeit service to Christ's true service. (Daniel 8:11, Hebrews 9:11)
19. ... set up a counterfeit to God's tabernacle in heaven. (Daniel 8:11, Revelation 13:6)
20. ... rules from what is recognized to be one of the most holiest places on earth (2 Thessalonians 2:4).
21. ... is in the Christian fold. (2 Thessalonians 2:3, John 17:12)
22. ... would speak blasphemously. (Daniel 7:8, 20, 25; Revelation 13:5-6)
23. ... would declare to be as God. (2 Thessalonians 2:4, John 10:32-33, Daniel 8:11)
24. ... would think to have power to forgive people their sins. (Mark 2:7)
25. ... would think to have power greater than God does and over items of God especially dealing with worship (2 Thessalonians 2:4).

---

ANSWERS FOUND IN THE SCRIPTURE OF TRUTH (Daniel 10:21)

QUESTION #1 -- E-mail -- Why did God choose Saul to be the first King when there was probably better choices?

ANSWER #1 -- Remember that Israel was in apostasy and it carried them so far that they wanted a king to rule as other nations had. What is the significance of them wanting a king? 1 Samuel 8:7 "And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but THEY HAVE REJECTED ME, that I should not reign over them." Now from all the people in apostasy, whom would God choose? 1 Samuel 9:2 "And he had a son, whose name [was] Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and [THERE WAS] NOT AMONG THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL A GOODLIER PERSON THAN HE: from his shoulders and upward [he was] higher than any of the people." So to answer the question, there was not a better choice. It was the best of the worst.

QUESTION #2 -- Harrisburg -- What tax did Jesus pay via the miracle of the coin in the mouth of the fish?

ANSWER #2 -- Evidently, you are referring to Matthew 17:27 "Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee." The type of tax is referred to in Matthew 17:24, "And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received TRIBUTE [money] came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay TRIBUTE?" There were two kinds. One tax was for the temple and the other for the Romans. The Roman tax was a percentage of possessions while the temple amount was fixed. Seeing that nothing in the Bible reveals that Jesus had possessions, the tax in question must be the temple tax. Further, Jesus would not have to teach Peter a lesson if it was the Roman tax because Jesus publicly declared "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's" (Matthew 22:21). The reason for teaching Peter a lesson in how he handled the question posed to him ("Doth not your master pay tribute?") is that he spoke too quickly. To answer the way he did ("Yes.") denied who Christ was because certain people were exempt from paying the temple tax. Most of them are recorded in Ezra 7:23-24 "Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done for the house of the God of heaven: for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons? Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them." Prophets were considered ministers of the house of God and were exempt as well. That means that for at least three reasons, Jesus should have been exempt. Jesus was a priest of sorts. The earthly high priests pointed to Jesus being the real High Priest (Hebrews 4:14). Further, Jesus is the minister in the real house of God (Hebrews 9:24). So Peter's quick response that Jesus would pay the tax was to deny that He was a priest, minister, or even a prophet.

QUESTION #3 -- Harrisburg -- In December, a verse appeared regarding justification and the law. Are we saved by keeping the commandments? Please explain.

ANSWER #3 -- Romans 3:20 "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin." This is clear. We are not saved by keeping the commandments. Because one keeps the spirit and the letter of the commandments does not earn the tiniest portion of heaven. There is only one means to enter into heaven. John 10:9 "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture."

With that understood, now read Romans 2:13, "For not the hearers of the law [are] just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified." This may sound contradictory, but it is not. This is simply stating that the blood of Christ does not cover up the willful breaking of the commandments. This is affirmed by Hebrews 10:26-27 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries." In short, those who are saved are commandment keepers. It is a characteristic of a saint. They live in obedience and not in disobedience. In other words, a saint will keep the commandments of God BECAUSE he is saved by the blood of Christ. But before someone shouts out "No one can keep the commandments," just remember "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him" (1 John 2:4). And for those who are not sure how comprehensive the commandments are, remember "And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent" (Acts 17:30), and "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).

Search on newsletters only:    Category

Vol. 1 Iss. 1

Current Vol First Issue

Previous

Next

Current Vol Last Issue