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Overcoming Temptation (Father's Assistance): Way of Escape

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

A Disciple: Gives Christ Preeminence in All Things

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

The Bread: Picture of Christ’s Broken Body

“For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take eat: this is my body which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.”

The Cup: Picture of Christ’s Shed Blood

“After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

Reliance: Holy Spirit’s Baptism

“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink of one Spirit.”

Reliance: God’s Wisdom and Power: (Omniscience & Omnipotence - Divine Nature)

“For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.”

Anticipating Christ’s Return: Motivating Hope

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

Life Verse: Johnnie Brewer, Pastor, Maryland, USA

Day of Christian Worship: Collecting an Offering

“Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.”

Reliance: Holy Spirit’s Enlightenment

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.”

Christians: Judgment Seat Accountability

“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.”

Life Verse: Amy Carmichael (1867-1951), Irish Missionary to India

Christians: Judgment Seat Accountability

“If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”

Reliance: Holy Spirit’s Indwelling

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”

Overcoming Pride of Life: Viewing God as Sovereign

“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.”

A Servant’s Heart: Faithful in Ministry

“Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful.”

Inappropriate Judgment: Wrong Judge

“But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self."

Inappropriate Judgment: Wrong Time

“Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

Holiness: Choosing the Eternal Over the Temporal

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Godly Temperance (Self Control)

“And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.”

Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Godly Temperance (Self Control)

“I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

Personal Restoration: God’s Forgiveness & Cleansing

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Overcoming Worldliness: Loving the Father Drives Out Love of the World

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”

Loving the Brethren: Evidence of Being a Christian

“”We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.”

Loving the Brethren: Christ Our Model

“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”

Being Godly: In Our Compassion

“But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?”

Prayer Answered: By Asking in Obedience

“And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.”

Anticipating Christ’s Return: Purifying Hope

“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”

Law's Witness to Salvation: Objective Standard for Sin

“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.”

Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Godly Love

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”

Reliance: God’s Love for Us (Moral Character)

“We love him, because he first loved us.”

Overcoming Temptation (Father's Assistance): His Indwelling Presence

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”

Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Godly Love

“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.”

Loving the Lord: Demonstrated by Obedience

“By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.”

Overcoming Worldliness: Faith Gives Victory

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”

Life Verse: William Penn (1644-1718) Founded Pennsylvania, Philosopher, England

Holiness: Living in Purity Before a Holy God

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”

God's Provision for Sin: Christ's Sacrificial Blood

“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:”

Living Word of God: Gives Spiritual Regeneration

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.”

In Christ: Heavenly Inheritance

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,”

Persecution Faithfulness Rewarded: Future Glory

“Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried in the fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”

Overcoming Lust of the Flesh: Abstaining from Fleshly Desires

“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;”

Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Godly Goodness

“Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.”

Our Relationship to Governmental Leaders: Be in Submission & Obey

“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.”

Response to God in Persecution: Christ Our Model

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.”

Living Word of God: Give Spiritual Growth

“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.”

Wives: Loving Submission

“Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;”

Reliance: God’s Faithfulness (Moral Character)

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”

God’s Provision for Sin: Christ Our Substitute

“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:”

Husbands: Giving Honor to the Wife

“Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.”

Loving the Brethren: Our Calling in Christ

“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.”

Response to God in Persecution: Rejoice

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”

Response to God in Persecution: Glorify (Praise)

“Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.”

Being Godly: In Our Hospitality

“Use Hospitality one to another without grudging.”

Tribulation Faithfulness Rewarded: God's Present Comfort

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”

Being Godly: In Our Humility

“Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:”

Reliance: God’s Love for Us (Moral Character)

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

Life Verse: Enrique Mejia, Missionary (IPM) Pastor, Dominican Republic

Fearing the Lord: His Goodness Motivates Service

“Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart; for consider how great things he hath done for you.”

Michael Hubers, Pastor, Maryland, USA

Worshipping the Lord: With a Spirit of Obedience

“And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”

God Judges the Secrets of the Heart

“But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”

Church Rapture: For Believers Who Have Died in Christ

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:”

Church Rapture: For Living Believers

“Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

Warning (Lust of the Flesh): Sexual Immorality

“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor;”

Loving the Church: Seen by How We Honor Church Leadership

“And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.”

Being Godly: In Our Gratitude

“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

God’s Provision for Sin: Christ Came to Save Sinners

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”

Life Verse: Hugh Latimer (1485 – 1555) Royal Chaplain, Martyr, England

Reliance: God’s Mercy (Moral Character)

“Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.”

Being Godly: In Our Conscience

“Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck.”

God’s Law: Summarized by Love

“Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:”

Our Relationship to Governmental Leaders: Pray for Them

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”

God’s Invitation: Only through Christ

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.”

Loving the Church: Seen by How We Honor Church Leadership

“Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his reward.”

Being Godly: In Our Contentment

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”

Being Godly: In Our Boldness

“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.”

Church/National Restoration: Revival of God’s People

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

Inappropriate Judgment: Wrong Standard of Measure

“For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.”

Spiritual Battleground: Victory in Heart & Mind

“(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”

Reliance: God’s Grace (Moral Character)

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Life Verse: Catherine Booth (1829-1890) Cofounder of Salvation Army, England
Life Verse: Joni Eareckson Tada, Author, Motivational Speaker, California, USA

Tribulation Faithfulness Rewarded: God's Present Comfort

"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."

A Servant’s Heart: Ministers to the Needs of Others

"For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.”

Life Verse Brad Weniger, Pastor, Virginia, USA

Christians: Judgment Seat Accountability

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”

Our Purpose in Christ: Living for Him

“14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.”

New Life in Christ: Changes Everything

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

Life Verse: Rader Ogden, Pastor, Virginia, USA

Gospel Witness: Ambassador for Christ

“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.”

God’s Provision for Sin: Christ Our Substitute

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Godly Faith

“(For we walk by faith, not by sight)”

Being Godly: In Our Boldness

“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.”

Holiness: Separation from the World's Corruption & Unto the Lord's Purity

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?”

Holiness: Separation from the World's Corruption & Unto the Lord's Purity

“And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”

Holiness: Separation from the World's Corruption & Unto the Lord's Purity

“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”

Holiness: Living in Purity Before a Holy God

“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

A Giver’s Heart: Sacrificially

“Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.”

A Giver’s Heart: Willingly

“For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.”

A Giver’s Heart: Following Christ’s Example

“For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”

Our Offering: Promised Blessing

“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.”

A Giver’s Heart: Cheerfully

“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Godly Goodness

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:”

Holiness: Separation from False Teachers

“If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.”

The Inspired Word: Holy Spirit-Carried

“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

Christ’s Return as Conquering King and Judge

“The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:”

Christ’s Return: Destruction of Heavens and Earth

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

Christ’s Return: Recreation of Heavens and Earth

“Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”

Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Godly Longsuffering

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

Our Offering: Honoring the Lord in Worship

“And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.”

Reliance: God’s Protection (Moral Character)

“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”

Grandparents: Influencing the Formation of Faith

“When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.”

Conformed to HIs Image: Given a New Spirit and Mind

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

Being Godly: In Our Endurance

“Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.”

Overcoming Lust of the Flesh: Fleeing & Following

“Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”

Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Godly Gentleness

“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,”

Being Godly: In Our Endurance

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”

World’s Persecution: Should Be Expected

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

The Inspired Word: God-Breathed

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

Life Verse: William Tyndale (1494-1536) Bible Translator, Martyr, England

Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Godly Longsuffering

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”

Faithfulness in Following God's Will: Rewarded

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Godly Joy

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”

In Christ: Justification through Faith

“And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.”

Salvation: Receiving Christ Through Faith

“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”

Life Verse: Thomas Chalmers (1780-1847) Pastor, Theologian, Scotland

Our Mission: Envisioning Our Role in a World-Wide Witness

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

Following God's Will: A Disciple's Commitment to Faithfulness

“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”

Life Verse: Roberto Livioco, (IPM) Missionary & Pastor, Philippines

God's Love for the Church: Precious Cost of Redemption

“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”

Day of Christian Worship: Fellowship & Preaching

“And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.”

Baptism: Public Identification with Christ and His Church

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Being Godly: In Our Conscience

“And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.”

Church: Our Steadfast Participation in the Ministry

“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

God’s Invitation: Only through Christ

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

Conformed to His Image: By Spending Time with Jesus

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.”

Being Godly: In Our Boldness

“And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,”

Response to God in Persecution: Trust & Obey

“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.”

Response to God in Persecution: Rejoice

“And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.”

Filled with the Knowledge of God's Will

Colossians 1:9-12
9...we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience...
Colossians 1:9-12

God’s Provision for Sin: Christ Our Substitute

“And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;”

Holiness: Choosing the Eternal Over the Temporal

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”

Being Godly: In Our Forgiveness

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”

Being Godly: In Our Gratitude

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”

Frances Willard (1839-1898) American Educator, Temperance Reformer

Employee: Work Energetically as unto the Lord

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

Conformed to His Image: By Renewing Our Mind

“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:”

Employer: Honorable & Just Treatment

“Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.”

Fasting: Desired Fulfillment of God’s Promise

“And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:”

Poor & Helpless: God Our Model of Compassion

“For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: 18 He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.”

Child’s Responsibility: Honor Parents

“Honor thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.”

Loving the Lord: Priority One

“4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: 5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”

Parental Responsibility: Spiritual Nurture & Instruction

“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”

God Judges the Secrets of the Heart

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”

Man’s Problem of Sin: Universal Problem

“For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.”

Wisdom to Know His Calling

11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his GLORY. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised HOLY SPIRIT, 14 who is the guarantee (or down payment) of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. 15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of GLORY, may give you the SPIRIT of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, (ESV)

God’s Provision for Sin: Christ’s Sacrificial Blood

"In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”

Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Godly Goodness

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

Salvation Is Received by Faith: Not by (Good) Works

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Life Verse: J.C. Ryle (1816–1900) Anglican Bishop, England

Reliance: God’s Wisdom (Omniscience - Divine Nature)

“To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,”

Strength to Know Christ's Love

16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Being Godly: In Our Honesty

“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:”

Conformed to His Image: By Renewing Our Mind

“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”

Being Godly: In Our Honesty

“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.”

Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Godly Meekness Overcoming Anger

“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.”

Being Godly: In Our Honesty

“Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.”

Being Godly: In Our Speech

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

Reliance: Holy Spirit’s Sealing (Not Grieving the Spirit)

“And Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.”

Being Godly: In Our Speech

“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.”

Being Godly: In Our Forgiveness

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

Holiness: Separation from the World's Way (Which is Unfruitful)

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”

Our Measure of Time: Must be Used Wisely

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

Overcoming Lust of the Flesh: Being Spirit Filled

“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;”

Wives: Loving Submission

“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.”

Husbands: Loving Sacrifice

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;”

Warning (Lust of the Flesh): Sexual Immorality

“But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;”

Marriage: Pictures Believers’ Relationship to the Lord

“For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.”

Child’s Responsibility: Honor Parents by Obedience

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.”

Spiritual Warfare: Our Real Strength

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

Spiritual Warfare: Our Real Enemy

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

Spiritual Warfare: Needing God’s Armor to Stand

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

Spiritual Warfare: Wearing God’s Armor

“Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;”

Spiritual Warfare: Wearing God’s Armor

“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Spiritual Warfare: Praying for Fellow Saints in Battle

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"

Spiritual Warfare: Praying for Leadership in Battle

“And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

Parental Responsibility: Spiritual Nurture & Instruction

“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

Employee: Work as unto the Lord in Obedience

“Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;”

Man’s Problem of Sin: Penalty of Death & Damnation

“Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.”

Our Purpose in Christ: Living for Him

“For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

Salvation Is Received by Faith: Not by (Law) Works

“I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.”

Law's Witness to Salvation: Brings Us to Christ

“Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.”

In Christ: Sons of God

“Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”

God’s Law: Fulfilled by Loving Our Neighbor

“For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”

Overcoming Temptation (Spirit's Assistance): Walk in the Spirit

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.”

Overcoming Temptation (Spirit's Assistance): Fruit of the Spirit

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

Reliance: Holy Spirit in Our Walk

“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”

Ministry of Personal Restoration

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”

Sowing and Reaping: We Reap What We Sow

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”

Faithfulness in Following God's Will: Rewarded

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”

Reliance: God’s Strength (Omnipotence - Divine Nature)

“The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.”

Life Verse: Frederick Carroll, Pastor, Maryland, USA

God’s Provision for Sin: Complete (Paid in Full)

“But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;”

Loving the Church: Seen by the Priority of Our Assembly

“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Godly Faith

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report.”

Holiness: Choosing the Eternal Over the Temporal

“Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.”

Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Godly Faith

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

Following God’s Will: One Step at a Time

“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing wither he went.”

Following God’s Will: By Setting Aside Hindrances

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,”

Discipline Results: Righteousness

“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”

Following God’s Will: Jesus Our Model in Faithful Endurance

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”

Parental Responsibility: Discipline (God Our Model)

“For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.”

Loving the Church: Seen by How We Honor Church Leadership

“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”

Being Godly: In Our Hospitality

“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

Warning (Lust of the Flesh): Sexual Immorality

“Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”

Overcoming Lust of the Eyes (Coveting): With Contentment

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”

Overcoming Temptation (Jesus’ Assistance): Personal Understanding

“For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.”

Living Word of God: Penetrates Hearts

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Prayer Answered: By Coming Boldly to Ask

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Overcoming Temptation (Jesus' Assistance): Intercessory Prayer

“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”

Life Verse: J. B. Gough (1817–1886) American Temperance Orator

God’s Provision for Sin: Completed (Paid in Full)

“But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;”

Man’s Problem of Sin: Penalty of Death & Damnation

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”

Church/National Restoration: Revival of God’s People

“Come, and let us return unto the Lord: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.”

God’s Invitation: Anyone Can Accept

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Godly Peace

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. 4 Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.”

Reliance: God’s Strength (Omnipotence - Divine Nature)

“Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Reliance: God’s Presence (Omnipresence - Divine Nature)

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

Poor & Helpless: God Our Model of Compassion

“When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.”

God’s Invitation: Only through Christ

“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.”

Life Verse: Charles H. Spurgeon (1834-1892) Pastor, England

God’s Provision for Sin: Christ Our Substitute (Lamb)

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

Personal Restoration: God’s Forgiveness

“Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”

Reliance: God’s Wisdom: (Omniscience - Divine Nature)

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are you ways my ways my ways, saith the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Being Godly: In Our Justice

“Thus saith the Lord, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.”

Worshipping the Lord: With a Spirit of Prayer

“Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, And make them joyful in my house of prayer: Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; For mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.”

Being Godly: In Our Humility

“For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”

Prayer Hindrance: Sinful Practice

“Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: 2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”

Salvation Is Received by Faith: Not by (Righteous) Works

“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”

Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Godly Meekness Overcoming Anger

“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”

Authoritative Word of God: Needs to be Obeyed

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

Being Godly: In Our Patience

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”

H. Norman Wright, Author, Christian Psychologist (1:2),

Poor & Helpless: Our Compassion

“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”

Reliance: God’s Wisdom: (Omniscience - Divine Nature)

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

God’s Law: Fulfilled by Loving Our Neighbor

“If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: 9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.”

Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Godly Gentleness

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”

Being Godly: In Our Humility

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”

Our Measure of Time: Rests in the Sovereignty of God

“Go to now, ye that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.”

Prayer Hindrance: Sinful Motives in Asking

“Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. 3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.”

Holiness: Choosing the Eternal Over the Temporal

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”

Overcoming Temptation: Submit to God & Resist Satan

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Overcoming Temptation: Draw Nigh, Cleanse & Purify

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”

Ministry of Personal Restoration

“Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; 20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.”

Anticipating Christ’s Return: Patient Hope

“Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. 8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.”

God Judges the Secrets of the Heart

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.”

A Servant’s Heart: Faithful in Ministry

“Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.”

Roger Bergman, Missionary (WWNTBM) Pastor, Spain

Reliance: God’s Love for Us (Moral Character)

“The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee.”

Reliance: God’s Creative Power (Omnipotence - Divine Nature)

“Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee.”

Prayer Answered: By Asking

“Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.”

Life Verse: Johnnie Brewer, Pastor, Maryland, USA

Fasting: Desired Repentance

“Therefore also now, saith the LORD, Turn ye even to me with all your heart, And with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: 13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, And turn unto the LORD your God: For he is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness, And repenteth him of the evil.”

New Life in Christ: An Abundant Life

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy; I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

Salvation Security: Assurance

“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.”

Salvation: Receiving Christ Through Faith

John 1:12 “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”

Life Verse: Lee Strobel, Author, Editor of the Chicago Tribune

In Christ: Resurrection Guaranteed

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?”

God’s Provision for Sin: Christ Our Substitute (Lamb)

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.”

Life Verse: Thomas Boston (1677 – 1732) Pastor, Theologian, Scotland

Loving the Brethren: Evidence of Being a Disciple

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

Heaven: Our Eternal Home with the Lord

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

Life Verse: R.W. Dale (1829-1895) Pastor, England

Loving the Lord: Demonstrated by Obedience

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”

Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Godly Peace

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

God’s Invitation: Only through Christ

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

True Friendship: Lay Down Our Life

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.”

Faithfulness in Following God’s Will: Rewarded

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.”

World’s Persecution: Should Be Expected

“If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.”

World’s Persecution: Should Be Expected

“Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.”

Faithfulness in Following God’s Will: Rewarded

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”

Prayer Answered: By Asking While Abiding in Him

“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”

Word of God: Not Just True but “TRUTH” Itself

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”

In Christ: Eternal Life

“As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”

Life Verse: John Knox (1515-1572) Pastor, Scotland

God’s Provision for Sin: Complete (Paid in Full)

“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”

Life Verse: Hudson Taylor (1832-1905) Missionary, China

God’s Provision for Sin: Motivated by Love

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

God’s Provision for Sin: Christ Came to Save Sinners

“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

New Life in Christ: Gives Access to Heaven

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Life Verse: George Whitfield (1714-1770) Evangelist, England

A Disciple: Gives Christ Preeminence in All Things

“He must increase, but I must decrease.”

Worshipping the Lord: In Spirit and Truth

“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

Following God’s Will: Jesus Our Model in Commitment

“My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.”

Our Mission: Seeing Fields Ready Now for Harvesting

“Say not ye, there are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? Behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.”

Salvation Security: Assurance

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”

Life Verse: George Moore (1806-1876) Merchant, Philanthropist, England

Salvation Security: Assurance

“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”

Life Verse: John Bunyan (1628-1688), Pastor, England

In Christ: Resurrection Guaranteed

"And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day”

In Christ: Eternal Life

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.”

God’s Invitation: Anyone Can Accept

“In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.”

Life Verse: David Brainerd (1718-1747), Missionary to American Indians

Word of God: Not Just True but “TRUTH” Itself

“31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Being Godly: In Our Conscience

“Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?”

Our Measure of Time: Is Limited

“I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work,”

Life Verse: Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832) Historical Novelist, Poet, Scotland

Authoritative Word of God: Needs to Be Obeyed

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

Life Verse: Mike Davidson, (IPM) Missionary, Educational Consultant, USA

Reliance: God’s Presence (Omnipresence - Divine Nature)

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

Christian Family: Serving the Lord

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

Being Godly: In Our Compassion

“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 22 And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23 and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh."

Reliance: God’s Faithfulness (Moral Character)

“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. 24 The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.”

Overcoming Lust of the Eyes (Coveting): Wih Contentment

“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”

Being Godly: In Our Humility

“And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.”

Life Verse: William Wilberforce (1759-1833) Statesman, Philanthropist, Abolitionist, England
Life Verse: Richard Baxter (1615-1691) Pastor, Poet, Hymn-writer, Theologian, England

God’s Provision for Sin: Christ Came to Save Sinners

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Overcoming Temptation (Jesus' Assistance): Intercessory Prayer

“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”

Our Offering: Promised Blessing

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”

A Disciple: Gives Christ Preeminence in All Things

“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”

Being Godly: In Our Determination to Fulfill God’s Will

“And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,”

A Servant’s Heart: Faithful in Ministry

“And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Life Verse: James Hannington (1847-1885) Missionary to East Africa, Martyr

Our Offering: Promised Blessing

“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”

A Servant’s Heart: Ministers to the Needs of Others

“And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. 45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Marital Union: God-Designed Permanence

“What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”

God’s Law: Summarized by Love

“And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.”

God’s Law: Summarized by Love

“And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.”

Being Godly: In Our Compassion

“And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.”

Fasting: Desired Strength for Spiritual Conflict

“And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? 29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.”

Becoming Godly: Conformed to His Image

“The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord.”

Response to Persecutors: Fear God; Not the Persecutors

“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

God’s Invitation: Anyone Can Accept

“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Life Verse: Andrew Fuller (1754-1815) Baptist Missionary Society, England
Life Verse: Robert Lamb (1855-1900), Missionary, New Hebrides

God Judges the Secrets of the Heart

“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shall be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”

Overcoming Temptation: Identify Temptation & Reject

“But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.”

Loving the Church: Our Fellowship with God & His People

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

Being Godly: In Our Forgiveness

“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.”

Overcoming Pride of Life: Viewing Self as a Servant

“But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. 26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; 27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:”

Poor & Helpless: Our Compassion

“For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.”

Life Verse: William Booth (1829-1912) Founder of the Salvation Army, England

Our Mission: Emvisioning Our Role in a World-Wide Witness

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Life Verse: David Livingston (1813-1873) Missionary, Africa
Life Verse: John G Paton (1824-1907) Missionary, New Hebrides Islands
Life Verse: D.L. Moody (1837-1899) Evangelist, American Educator

Gospel Witness: Fisher of Men

“And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Living Word of God: Gives Life

“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

Beatitudes: Godly Attitudes That Bring Blessing

“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”

Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Godly Goodness

“Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Warning (Lust of the Flesh): Sexual Immorality

“But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”

Beatitudes: Godly Attitudes That Bring Blessing

“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”

Response to Persecutors: Love, Bless, Do Good, Pray

"Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”

Beatitudes: Godly Attitudes That Bring Blessing

“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”

Beatitudes: Godly Attitudes That Bring Blessing

“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”

Beatitudes: Godly Attitudes That Bring Blessing

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

The Believer’s Prayer Model: Lord’s Prayer

“Give us this day our daily bread.12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”

Fasting: For the Lord’s Eyes Only

“But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

A Disciple: Gives Christ Preeminence in All Things

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”

Life Verse: Matt Barfield, (IPM) Vice President of Field Ministries, USA

Reliance: God’s Provision (Moral Character)

“Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.”

Life Verse: Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) Author, Russia

A Disciple: Gives Christ Preeminence in All Things

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Life Verse: Kurt Warner, Former NFL Quarterback
Life Verse: Thomas Wolfe, (IPM) Missionary, Educational Consultant, USA
Life Verse, Kent Ramler, Pastor, Maryland, USA

The Believer’s Prayer Model: Lord’s Prayer

“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”

Unsaved: Great White Throne Accountability

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”

Unsaved: Great White Throne Accountability

“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

Inappropriate Judgment: Wrong Order of Judgment

“And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.”

Prayer Answered: By Asking

“7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”

Fasting: Between the Lord’s Ascension & His Return

“And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bride-chamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.”

Our Mission: Accomplished with a Compassion for the Lost

“But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.”

Our Mission: Praying that More Laborers Be Sent Out

“Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”

Being Godly: In Our Justice

“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; And what doth the LORD require of thee, But to do justly, and to love mercy, And to walk humbly with thy God?”

Reliance: God’s Mercy (Moral Character)

“Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. 19 He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.”

Our Purpose in Christ: Living for Him

“According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Life Verse: Saint Patrick (389-461) Missionary, Ireland
Life Verse: Bob Wallace, Pastor, Texas, USA

Purpose in Life: Living for Christ

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Saint Patrick (389-461) Missionary to Ireland
Bob Wallace, Pastor, Texas, USA

Love Blossoming in Knowledge

Philippians 1:9-10
9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ,
Philippians 1:9-10

Christian Citizen: Being Light in the Midst of Darkness

“Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;”

Anticipating Christ’s Return: Motivating Hope

“Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.”

Tim Leaman, Pastor, Maryland, USA

Overcoming Pride of Life: Viewing Others with Esteem

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”

Becoming Godly: Conformed to His Image

“That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death:”

Life Verse: Aaron Shipe Missionary (GFF), Pastor, Tanzania

Being Godly: In Our Determination (Fulfilling God’s Will)

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Life Verse: Kevin Callahan, (IPM) President, USA

A Disciple: Gives Christ Preeminence in All Things

“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ, 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.”

Being Godly: In Our Contentment

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”

Reliance: God’s Grace (Moral Character)

“I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Life Verse: Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658) Military & Political Leader, England (4:13)

Reliance: God’s Provision (Moral Character)

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Godly Joy

“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”

Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Godly Peace

“Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Spiritual Battleground: Victory in Heart & Mind

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Gospel Witness: A Tree of Life

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.”

Being Godly: In Our Diligence

“The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.”

Parental Responsibility: Discipline

“He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.”

Holiness: Separation from the World's Way (Which Ends in Death)

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

Fearing the Lord: Overcomes Temptation

“The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.”

Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Godly Meekness Overcoming Anger

“He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.”

Righteousness and Sin Impacts a Nation’s Spirit

“Righteousness exalteth a nation: But sin is a reproach to any people.”

Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Godly Meekness Overcoming Anger

“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”

Being Godly: In Our Humility

“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”

Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Godly Meekness Overcoming Anger

“He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”

Fearing the Lord: Overcomes Temptation

“By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.”

Fearing the Lord: Spiritual Foundation

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Grandparents: Intergenerational Joy

“Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.”

Being Godly: In Our Speech

“He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.”

Marriage: God’s Blessing

“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor of the LORD.”

True Friendship: Can Be Closer than Family

“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”

Child’s Responsibility: Honor Parents by Heeding Their Counsel

“My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: 9 For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.”

Warning (Lust of the Flesh): Alcohol/Substance Abuse

“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”

Parental Responsibility: Discipline

"Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.”

Being Godly: In Our Diligence

“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.”

Parental Responsibility: Spiritual Nurture & Instruction

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Warning (Lust of the Flesh): Gluttony

“When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, Consider diligently what is before thee: 2 And put a knife to thy throat, If thou be a man given to appetite. 3 Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.”

Warning (Lust of the Flesh): Gluttony

“For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: And drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.”

Our Measure of Time: Is Uncertain

“Boast not thyself of tomorrow; For thou knowest not what a day may bring forth."

True Friendship: Influence for Good

“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”

Employer: Reward & Honor Faithful Labor

“Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: So he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.”

True Friendship: Confronts in Love

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”

Personal Restoration: God’s Forgiveness

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”

Governmental Leadership Impacts a Nation’s Spirit

“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.”

Fearing the Lord: Praiseworthy Foundation

“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.”

Warning (Lust of the Flesh): Alcohol/Substance Abuse

“It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: 5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.”

Following God's Will: Submitting Our Will to God's Leading

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Life Verse: Dave Corselius, Facilities Manager, Maryland, USA

Fearing the Lord: Overcomes Temptation

“Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. 8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.”

Our Offering: Promised Blessing

“Honor the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.”

Diligence in Spiritual Concerns

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”

Worship: Spirit of Joyful Singing

“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. 2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.”

Worship: Spirit of Submission to God’s Lordship

“Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”

Worship: Spirit of Thanksgiving and Praise

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”

In Christ: God’s Forgiveness

“For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”

Reliance: God’s Wisdom: (Omniscience - Divine Nature)

“O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.”

Being Godly: In Our Gratitude

“O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. 2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;”

John Milton (1608-1674) Poet, England

The Contrast in Source of Counsel for the Godly and Ungodly

“1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”

God's Love for the Church: Precious Homecoming in Heaven

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.”

Living Word of God: Gives Direction

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And a light unto my path.”

Living Word of God: Gives Peace

“Great peace have they which love thy law: And nothing shall offend them."

Discipline Results: Obedience

“Before I was afflicted I went astray: But now have I kept thy Word. 68 Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.”

Overcoming Temptation (Father's Assistance): Word of God

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word. 10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. 11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”

Worshipping the Lord: With a Spirit of Joy

“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.”

Sowing and Reaping: Need to Sow If We Want to Reap

"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”

Christian Family: Centered & Resting on the Lord

“Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. 2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.”

The Blessing of Children

“Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. 4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.”

The Blessing of Children

“Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.”

In Christ: God’s Forgiveness

“3 If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? 4 But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.”

Life Verse: John Owen (1616-1683) Theologian, England

The Contrast in Life of the Godly and Ungodly

"And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.”

Being Godly: In Our Honesty

“LORD, Who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? 2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, And speaketh the truth in his heart.”

The Contrast in Judgment of the Godly and Ungodly

“Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”

Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Godly Joy

“Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence in fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

Word of God: Perfect and Sure

“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.”

Shepherd Psalm: Contented with God’s Care

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.”

Life Verse: Joseph Addison (1672-1719) Poet, Playwright, Politician, England

Shepherd Psalm: Contented with God’s Care

“He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

Shepherd Psalm: Contented with God’s Care

“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”

Reliance: God’s Protection (Moral Character)

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

Our Offering: Honoring the Lord in Worship

“Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.”

Reliance: God’s Leading in Life (Moral Character)

“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.”

Reliance: God’s Leading in Life (Moral Character)

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: And he delighteth in his way. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: For the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.”

Worshipping the Lord: With A Heart Broken Over Sin

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”

Reliance: God’s Protection (Moral Character)

“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. 4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.”

Prayer Hindrance: Sinful Practice

“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:”

Church/National Restoration: Revival of God’s People

“Wilt thou not revive us again: That thy people may rejoice in thee? 7 Shew us thy mercy, O Lord, And grant us thy salvation.”

Our Measure of Time: A Diminishing Treasure

“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”

Reliance: God’s Protection (Moral Character)

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”

Man’s Problem of Sin: Penalty of Death & Damnation

“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.”

In Christ: Heavenly Inheritance

“5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”

Life Verse: “Lord” John Nelson (1758-1805) Admiral, England

Christ’s Return as Conquering King and Judge

“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.”

Christ’s Return as Conquering King and Judge

“And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.”

Unsaved: Great White Throne Accountability

“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.”

Unsaved: Great White Throne Accountability

“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

Believers to Reign Together with Christ on the Earth

“Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”

Heaven: Uninterrupted Presence & Communion with God

“And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.”

Heaven: Absence of Death (Sin’s Corruption)

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

Man’s Problem of Sin: Penalty of Death & Damnation

“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.”

Life Verse: P.D. Cherian, President of SIBBC&S, India

God’s Invitation: Anyone Can Accept

“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”

Life Verse: James Chalmers (1841-1901) Missionary to New Guinea

Loving the Lord: Priority One

“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.”

God Is Worthy of Worship: Creation

“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”

Believers to Reign Together with Christ on the Earth

“And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.”

God is Worthy of Worship: Redemption

“And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.”

Salvation: Receiving Christ Through Faith

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Our Mission: Part of God's Answer in Sending Out Laborers

“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”

Living Word of God: Gives Faith

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Salvation: Receiving Christ Through Faith

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

Reliance: God’s Wisdom: (Omniscience - Divine Nature)

“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?”

Gospel Witness: Unashamed

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

Life Verse: Josh McDowell, Speaker, Author, Christian Apologist, Texas, USA

Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Godly Faith

“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”

Life Verse: Martin Luther (1483-1546) Pastor, Germany

Following God’s Will: A Living Sacrifice for God’s Use

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

Response to Persecutors: Bless

“Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.”

Loving Enemies: Overcoming Evil with Good

“Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”

Loving Enemies: Overcoming Evil with Good

“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”

Following God’s Will: Transformed by Renewing Our Mind

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Loving Enemies: Overcoming Evil with Good

“Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Our Relationship to Governmental Leaders: Be in Submission and Obey

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

Overcoming Lust of the Flesh: Putting On Christ

“Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”

Life Verse: Augustine (354-430) Pastor, Theologian, North Africa

Holiness: Separation from False Teachers

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.”

Man’s Problem of Sin: Universal Problem

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.”

Man’s Problem of Sin: Universal Problem

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”

In Christ: God’s Forgiveness

“24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;”

Life Verse: William Cowper (1731-1800) Poet, Hymn Writer, England

In Christ: Justification through Faith

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”

Being Godly: In Our Patience

“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:”

God’s Provision for Sin: Motivated by Love

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Man’s Problem of Sin: Penalty of Death & Damnation

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Baptism: Pictures Death, Burial, & Resurrection

“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.”

In Christ: Children of God

“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.”

Persecution Faithfulness Rewarded: Future Glory

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

Overcoming Temptation (Spirit's Assistance): Intercessory of Prayer

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”

Conformed to His Image: By Circumstances Working for "Good"

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Life Verse: Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881), Philosopher, Historian, Author, Scotland
Life Verse: Clayton Moorman, Pastor, Maryland, USA

Conformed to His Image: By Circumstances Working for "Good"

“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

Reliance: God’s Provision (Moral Character)

“He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”

Overcoming Temptation (Jesus' Assistance): Victory Through Christ

"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”

Life Verse: David Martin, Pastor, Virginia, USA

Reliance: Holy Spirit in Our Walk

“That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Reliance: Holy Spirit’s Indwelling

“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”

Reliance: God’s Mercy (Moral Character)

“For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.”

Holiness: Living in Purity Before a Holy God

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;”

Holiness: Living in Purity Before a Holy God

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;”

Salvation Is Received by Faith: Not by (Righteous) Works

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.”

Life Verse: Augustus Toplady (1740-1778) Pastor, Hymn Writer, England