• Parents should teach children to follow God-(Deuteronomy 6: 6-7)-Deuteronomy 6:1 (KJV) Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it: Deuteronomy 6:2 (KJV) That thou mightest fear the Lord thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.  Deuteronomy 6:3 (KJV) Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey.  Deuteronomy 6:4 (KJV) Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: Deuteronomy 6:5 (KJV) And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.  Deuteronomy 6:6 (KJV) And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: Deuteronomy 6:7 (KJV) 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.

These are the commandments of God for His Children; The LORD wants us to keep them in our hearts; also to teach them to our children; regularly.  We should be in the habit of doing so.

• Parents should nurture their children (Ephesians 6: 4)-Ephesians 6:1 (KJV) Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.  Ephesians 6:2 (KJV) Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) Ephesians 6:3 (KJV) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.  Ephesians 6:4 (KJV) And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

We children are to obey our parents; because it is the right thing to do.  We should make our parents proud.  This is the first commandment that actually has a promise by God for those who honor it; LONG LIFE which is a blessing.

• Children must obey their parents (Colossians 3: 1-20(KJV)-1If 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.  3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.  4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.  5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.  8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.  9 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: 11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.  12 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.  14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.  15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.  16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  17 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.  18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.  19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
  20Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.  21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.  22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: 23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.  25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

In this passage we can see God telling us Children to obey our parents; and how this pleases God.  The reason this pleases God is because our parents have wisdom that comes from God; and He gives them these instincts that are meant to guide and protect us while we live on earth.  If we can make our parents proud; we are sure to make God proud.  Happy Father's Day to all, may God continue to bless you!

• God cares for his people (Deuteronomy 7: 9)-

Deuteronomy 7:9 (KJV) Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;
God is faithful. He keeps His promises and shows mercy to those who love Him and keep His Commandments upto a thousand generations. What this means is that His love is never ending. He cares for each and every one of us. Not only does He bless Us, He blesses Our Children; Their Children, and so on and so forth...for one thousand generations. His love endures forever.

• Friends should comfort each other (Job 2: 12-13)-

​Job 2:12 (KJV) And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven, Job 2:13 (KJV) So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.

When we see a friend of ours going through a really hard time; or trial, tribulation, it is important for us to try and have an understanding of their situation; sometimes the pain that a person is experiencing could be so great that it actually calls for us to sit quietly; and try to empathize with that person and understand that they just need your support through prayer and supplication; just being there for them as they mourn the loss of a loved one, or loved ones is enough. To be able to offer your presence, prayers, and support if needed to get through a very painful and difficult situation is priceless. How can you comfort a person that has lost their entire family? We should offer a shoulder to cry on, or our presence to talk to, if they have need. Just reminding them of the promise of God of being reunited with them in heaven one day can be very comforting. We should comfort one another.

• God comforts us in our darkest times-Job 35:10 (KJV) But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night;

This verse proves that no matter how hard or dark times can be, if we call out to God; our creator; He will give us a joyful song to sing in the middle of the toughest night.

• God watches over the weak-Psalms 12:5 (KJV) For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the Lord; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.

The LORD watches over the poor, oppressed; the weak; He watches as they sigh; in need of relief from whatever it is that oppresses them; He will save us from our troubles; away from those who are puffed up and proud in their own efforts. He will comfort us. His Holy Spirit is here to comfort us daily. He is for Us. None can stand against Us.

• God comforts us-Isaiah 40:9 (KJV) O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! Isaiah 40:10 (KJV) Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. Isaiah 40:11 (KJV) He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

God gives Us comfort in times of distress; He gives Us strength; strength to lift up Our voices; and NOT be afraid. We are to declare to the City wherever we are that it is God's strength that rules. His reward is with Us; the Church. He will nourish Our souls; He will gather Us in His arms. He will carry Us until the end close to Him; in His Chest. And He will lead us in righteousness; for His name's sake even those with young still under Their wings. We have nothing to fear.

• God promises to comfort those who mourn-Matthew 5:4 (KJV) Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

God promises to comfort His people; they are blessed; they know that He is faithful and true. They know that even though they are going through trials and tribulations; it will not be forever; and one day in heaven they will receive their reward; the crown of everlasting life in His kingdom; with Him; in blessed holiness forever and ever. Weeping may endure for a night; but joy comes in the morning!

• God's Holy Spirit is our Comforter-John 14:16 (KJV) And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever;

After Jesus was crucified; and raised from the dead, He saw the disciples for the last time before He returned to heaven; and He knew that they were all sad, and mourning; they did not want Him to leave them, so He promised to pray to the Father God in heaven; that He would send His Spirit to comfort all who believe on Him as their LORD and Savior that they would be comforted until they are united with Christ in heaven. He promises to be with us forever!!! His Presence is always with Us. He is with Us, and so is His Power and Spirit! Amen!

• Christians should comfort each other-1 Thessalonians 4:18 (KJV) Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Living to Please God
1 As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.
3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body 4:4 Or learn to live with your own wife; or learn to acquire a wife in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. 4:6 The Greek word for brother or sister (adelphos) refers here to a believer, whether man or woman, as part of God’s family. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.
9 Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10 And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, 11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
Believers Who Have Died
13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.

• All pain will end-Revelation 21:3 (KJV) 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. Revelation 21:4 (KJV) 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.

What this passage is saying is that God's temple is with Us, the believers; the Church. It dwells with Us, and we are His people (No matter where we live) and God is with Us, and is our God. And He will wipe away all tears from Our eyes; there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, crying, or pain once We join Him in His kingdom; once We pass away, or go up in rapture. This comfort is with the Church today; and We have comfort deep down inside our hearts because We know that God is with Us, and that We will live with Him forever in His kingdom. Amen.

 





• Obeying is better than saying, "I'm sorry" (1 Samuel 15: 22)-1 Samuel 15:22 (KJV) 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.

What this verse is saying is that the LORD is more pleased by obedience than sacrifice or offerings.  When we take heed to the word of God, and obey it; this pleases God.  He would rather for us to respect HIM than to bring him livestock, perfumes, oils,  or money, etc.. to the alter.  So, keeping away from sin is better than bringing offering.  Bringing offerings to HIM is part of being obedient; but keeping HIS Commands is most important.  We should please God with righteous living as well as bringing our tithes and offering.  It all goes together.  But He does not want us to live in sin, and then bring offering.

• People who obey God's Word will be blessed (Luke 11: 28)-Luke 11:28 (KJV) But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

When we hear and read what God wants from HIS Children, and we live by it, we are blessed.  The LORD will bless every part of our lives if we keep HIS WORD in our hearts and live by it.  We see the blessings pour out on every area of our lives as we keep His WORD in our hearts.

• Christians should obey the government (Romans 13: 1-4)-“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. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”
  ‭‭Romans‬ ‭13:1-4‬ ‭KJV‬‬
  https://www.bible.com/bible/1/rom.13.1-4.kjv

What this means is that every person regardless of their faith is subject to their government.  Every authority on earth has been established and put in place by God Himself.  Whoever resists this power is resisting GOD.  They will be cursed.  The persons put in place in the government are not against the good of the people they are in charge of.  They are against evil.  Evil is anything against God.  Therefore we should respect our government.  We should do the right thing, and be honored for it.  Your government is the leader in charge of your country, state, county, region, or city.  But if you do anything evil/illegal, be prepared to receive the punishment of God, because it is for this reason that God has put him/her in that position, and he/she has the power and authority to sentence God's wrath upon all that do evil by breaking the earthly laws, or commit crimes.  

• Children should obey their parents (Ephesians 6: 1)-“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.”
  ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:1‬ ‭KJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/bible/1/eph.6.1.kjv ​

Children should obey their parents because this is the right thing to do.  Your parents are your first teachers.  Your parents are your guardian angels on earth.  They are there to protect you and care for you.  They are in charge of your life until you are old enough to care for yourself.  They will always care for your well-being.  If you honor your parents you are promised by God to live a long life on earth.  You will be blessed.

• Christians obey God (1 John 2: 3)-“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.”
  ‭‭1 John‬ ‭2:3‬ ‭KJV‬‬
  https://www.bible.com/bible/1/1jn.2.3.kjv

​Christians obey God, because it is the best way to show our love for God.  If we respect HIM, and keep His Commandments, we are showing that we actually care about HIM and know HIM.  This shows our relationship with God to be a good relationship.  He loves us so much that He came to this world to show us the way to live for HIM.  The way to live that pleases HIM.  This is the way that He originally intended for us to live.  You can see this in the following verses: 1 John 2:4 (KJV) He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.  1 John 2:5 (KJV) But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.  1 John 2:6 (KJV) He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

• Music can be used to worship God (Exodus 15: 1)-Exodus 15:1 (KJV) Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

In this verse we can see how Moses and the children of Israel would sing in worship to God for all the many miracles and wonders He performed through Moses to help free them from slavery in Egypt.  This honors God when we use our talents and gifts to worship Him through song and praise.  They were singing to God in gratitude for the victory against king Pharaoh of Egypt.  He held their people captive in slavery to build his kingdom.  The LORD heard their cries for mercy and help; and sent Moses to free them from slavery and lead them to worship HIM as their God.   This pleased the LORD as they sang in gratitude.

• Music is useful to focus our attention on God (Psalm 81: 1-2)-Psalms 81:1 (KJV) Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.  Psalms 81:2 (KJV) Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery.

Here you can see how music is used to focus attention on God.  You can see that when you listen to music; whatever message is behind the music being played is influenced by the Spirit that is involved in the making of the music.  They are instructed to use their music to worship God.  You can see here this is evidence that God does take pleasure in the music made by His children to show gratitude for His Greatness.  It is influenced by the Holy Spirit.

• We should make music for God's glory (Colossians 3: 16)-Colossians 3:16 (KJV) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Again you can see where the music is used to glorify God the creator of the universe and everything in it.  Music is used to teach and admonish one another in psalms and hymns; spiritual songs; influenced by the Holy Spirit with grace unto the LORD.  And so, it is important as Christians to use our gifts and talents to please the LORD who is the one who has given us these gifts and talents.  We should use them to honor and please Him.  God bless you all; and see you on the next study..

• God has forbidden murder (Deuteronomy 5: 17)-Deuteronomy 5:17 (KJV) Thou shalt not kill.

This is one of God's 10 Commandments. Very clearly it states; that we should not kill. It does not matter what happens to us in this life; we should not take the law into our own hands and kill another person. We are not God. We cannot decide when a person's life is over. This is God's job. Not ours.

• Hateful anger is the same in God's eyes as murder (Matthew 5: 21-22)-Matthew 5:21 (KJV) Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: Matthew 5:22 (KJV) But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

What these verses are saying is that not only is it sin to kill, but, even if we allow ourselves to be overcome by anger to the point it consumes us; it is regarded by God the same as murder. And if you become angry with another for no real reason; God will judge you for it. God does want us to HATE sin. If someone is offensive to you you should be reconciled to one another; for God does not want His Children holding onto grudges nor resentment towards one another. In those days, if you say Raca; today it is regarded as spatting at someone; you could be charged with same charges of assault on someone and go before the law (council). If you call someone a fool you are in danger of judgement and can be thrown into hell because God is the Highest authority and wisdom. Wisdom is God's. Only He can really call someone a fool. We are not God. We need to be careful how we treat and talk to others. (Also see: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/matthew-5-22.html) I hope this helps you to understand murder, anger, and hate. Until the next study be blessed and stay in prayer ask God to help you with any anger issues you may have that He help us all to live honorably before Him. Amen.

• sGreed brings trouble (Proverbs 15: 27)-Proverbs 15:27 (KJV) He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

When a person allows greed to take over their lives, it starts to consume you; and is the cause of many sins and crime for people of all ages, nations, and walks of life.  So, of course, greed is not fitting for any Christian.  We must be careful not to give greed a place in our lives, ever.  It is a greater blessing to be able to give, than to receive.  This does not mean that if you should reject a gift given to you from someone out of the kindness of their hearts; or if you have a need you cannot receive assistance in life, what it means is that as a Christian you should be happy to help and give to others; not just to receive assistance and gifts for yourself all the time.  We should not be selfish.

• Do not make money the most important part of your life (Matthew 6: 19)-Matthew 6:19 (KJV) Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

What this bible verse is saying is that we should not put money above our God.  God should take priority in our lives not wealth.  Too many people are preoccupied; and concerned with financial gain and financial prosperity, and they are blinded in that they forget where their real fortune lies.  Material things are temporary.  This world and life we live is only temporary.  Material things break, they rot away; many times are stolen and taken from our possessions.  Our main focus as Christians should be on our true treasure; eternal life with God our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ and the plan and purpose He has for our lives while we live here on earth.  And how we can be a part of His plan to Help on earth while we live and save lives and souls from hell by sharing the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  

• Money can distract people from God (Mark 10: 17-24)-Mark 10:17 (KJV) And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?  Mark 10:18 (KJV) And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.  Mark 10:19 (KJV) Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.  Mark 10:20 (KJV) And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.  Mark 10:21 (KJV) Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.  Mark 10:22 (KJV) And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.  Mark 10:23 (KJV) And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!  Mark 10:24 (KJV) And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!

What this passage is saying is that as good a person as you can be, if you allow money to be your master you cannot please the one and living GOD.  A person that is so focused on increasing their wealth will undoubtedly neglect their soul and spiritual welfare because of it.  Too often are their days consumed with planning, organizing, and monitoring their money; that they forget to, or are unable to give time to the one true God and His Spiritual wealth and health for their hearts, minds, bodies, spirits and souls.  The LORD has so many blessings that He wants to pour out on us if we allow Him to.  Again, they are so consumed by it that they only wish to increase this material wealth and don't even care about their own spiritual welfare or for others that may have need; it could be a family member, neighbor, or other community need.  So they cannot please God, because God calls us to help others, not only to think of ourselves.

• You cannot serve both God and money (Luke 16: 13)-Luke 16:13 (KJV) No servant 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.

If you love God, and want to live forever with Him in heaven, then you will have to live your life on earth to please Him.  You must fully dedicate your life to Him.  This does not mean that you cannot earn money to care for yourself, or your family; what this means is that you should not focus all your attention on only material gain.  If you make God your master; He will bless every area of your life in that all your needs will be met.  Anyone who serves God will be so blessed spiritually that they never go without.  The LORD loves us and wants our eyes to be opened to the fact that He should come first in our lives.  We should have a good relationship with God, in prayer, meditation, reading scripture, fasting for spiritual strength, congregating at Church; and helping wherever we can.  

• Christians should share their resources with those in need (Acts 2: 42-45)-Acts 2:42 (KJV) And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.  Acts 2:43 (KJV) And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.  Acts 2:44 (KJV) And all that believed were together, and had all things common; Acts 2:45 (KJV) And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

What this is saying is that if you're ever in a position that you see there is a need for food in your Brother or Sister's life; or  lives, and you have the ability to help them with food, or money, or if you have belongings that can be sold; for example (a T.V. bike, computer, etc. that you do not use) or in even more extreme cases; you can sell your things and give to them for food.  Starvation is one of the saddest things to suffer in life.  

• Christians should not be lovers of money (1 Timothy 3: 3)-1 Timothy 3:3 (KJV) Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

The LORD does not want His Children to be lovers of money in that they commit sins and crimes to gain it.  In this verse, you can see that the LORD does not want us to be drunkards, violent and fighting; attacking others, greedy, or wanting after other's belongings.  We should practice peace and patience with one another; and be humble before our God.  

• We should look to God for security, not money (1 Timothy 6: 17-19)- 1 Timothy 6:17 (KJV) Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 1 Timothy 6:18 (KJV) That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 1 Timothy 6:19 (KJV) Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

We should be more concerned with spiritual security as Christians; not being arrogant; trusting in material wealth; but trusting in God who will bless every area of our lives.  We should concern ourselves in spiritual preparation for trying times that are upon us and yet to come.  We do not want to allow these hard times to rob us of our sanity or salvation so we should be preparing for the LORD's return.

• Do not love money (Hebrews 13: 5)-Hebrews 13:5 (KJV) 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.

What this is saying is that we should be humble; and content with the provisions that the LORD has given us; not wanting other's money, possessions.  We should be happy with everything the LORD has blessed us with.  The LORD promised not to leave or forsake us.  So we should have this security.

• Be careful to treat rich and poor equally (James 2: 1-9)-James 2:1 (KJV) My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.  James 2:2 (KJV) For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; James 2:3 (KJV) And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: James 2:4 (KJV) Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?  James 2:5 (KJV) Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?  James 2:6 (KJV) But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?  James 2:7 (KJV) Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?  James 2:8 (KJV) If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: James 2:9 (KJV) But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

What the LORD is trying to tell us is that we should not treat rich people better than we treat poor people.  All lives matter.  All lives deserve the same respect.  Just because someone has material wealth; that does not mean that we should give them more consideration.  They should be offered a seat in the same manner.  This is considered evil to God.  We are all of equal importance to God.  And many times it is the rich that oppress those who are not as fortunate financially.  When we favor the rich; we are hurting ourselves spiritually because one day we will be judged by God for this.  They blaspheme God's name many times.  (You hear them saying "God D*****d it" etc..).  God wants us to love our neighbors the same way we love ourselves.  We should love everyone we cross paths with in the same way we love ourselves, and our family.  We should do well to one another.  But, if we discriminate against poor people; we are sinning.  And we are transgressing God's Laws/Commandments to those who love HIm.  We cannot honor God like this.

I hope this study helps you to remember how to honor God with respect to money and favor to those who have it.  We should love all people regardless of their possession of it; and most of all we should love God before money.  He should be proud about our attitudes towards money and one another.  May God continue to bless you all and your loved ones.. until the next study..

• Keep away from mental sins(Matthew 5: 27-30)- Matthew 5:27 (KJV) Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: Matthew 5:28 (KJV) But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.  Matthew 5:29 (KJV) And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.  Matthew 5:30 (KJV) And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

Since the beginning; it is sin to commit adultery.  This is well known.  But the LORD taught His Disciples that even if you look onto a woman with lust in your heart it is the same as adultery.  This proves that the way we think is also important.  It is important that we do not even think in a way that could offend God.  In verse 29, we see that even our eyes can offend God if we use them in a covetous manner.  It says to pluck it out (meaning look away if necessary) so that we will be found guiltless of coveting and adultery.  If we practice adultery and covetousness, we will be found guilty before God.  It is not worth going to hell for.  And if your flesh causes you to sin, it says to cut it off, not literally, but resist the urge or impulse (meekness-practice self control) to do the wrong thing so that the LORD will find you guiltless.  Clearly this is a call to live in holiness with God our Creator.  His Holy Spirit is here to help us to accomplish this.  This means it IS POSSIBLE.  He wants us to mirror His example in our thoughts and conduct.  And if we should find that we are weak, and are struggling with this, we are to call upon His name for strength to endure these temptations.  That is why we are to fast and to remain consistent in prayer for strength to withstand the urge to be sinful or to have lack of self-control.  We also know that God's children are anointed to be able to resist these temptations.  We must use the power bestowed upon us as Heirs of God's Kingdom.

• A Christian's thoughts should be holy -Romans 12:2 (KJV) 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.

We are not to be satisfied with the way of this world and everything in it.  We are to be transformed by the Holy Spirit which helps us to live a Holy life, so that we may be a living testament of what God's good, acceptable, and perfect example is.  We have been given power to live this way.  We just need to use the power given to us.

• Our fellowship with God helps us make decisions (1 Corinthians 2: 6-16)-1 Corinthians 2:6 (KJV) Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 1 Corinthians 2:7 (KJV) But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 1 Corinthians 2:8 (KJV) Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.  1 Corinthians 2:10 (KJV) But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.  1 Corinthians 2:11 (KJV) For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.  1 Corinthians 2:12 (KJV) 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.  1 Corinthians 2:13 (KJV) Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.  1 Corinthians 2:14 (KJV) But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.  1 Corinthians 2:15 (KJV) But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.  1 Corinthians 2:16 (KJV) For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

We speak of submission to God among Christ's Church; not of this world, or the government that do not submit to God.  But we speak of the fear of God in what is considered a mystery to this world; it is a hidden treasure, which God ordered before everyone in the world to our glory also.  None of the government knew this; because had they known, they would not have ordered Jesus to be crucified.  However, God has revealed the secrets of true wisdom to His Children.  We are His chosen Children to live in the way that He originally intended us to live.  The Spirit of God knows all things.  Even the deepest of things.  Who knows a person's thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.  So, We being Children of the Most High God, do not have a spirit of the world, but, We have God's Spirit so that We can know the things that are of God; what comes from Him.  And He gives us this blessing freely.  Because We believe.  Even our faith is a gift from Him because We are chosen.  And this is why even our speech is not that of this world.  We use the Words that are given to us by God.  So We are to live and speak the way He speaks.  But, the natural human does not receive the Spirit of God, nor does he understand it.  The things of God are considered silly to the natural man.  Because the things of the God are to be discerned(identified; accepted or understood) by the Spirit.  Whoever is Spiritual judges all things; meaning they have a more thorough understanding of everything, yet, We are not judged or fully understood by the natural man.  A Godly or Spiritual person cannot be taught by the natural man.  This is because We have the mind of Christ; a Godly mind.  That is why we have the ability to know other's thoughts too if God wants us to.  

• Christians should please God with their thoughts-Philippians 4:8 (KJV) 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.

Therefore, the LORD wants us to keep our minds in a positive manner; thinking of truth, honesty, justice, purity, lovely, and goodness.  Think of anything that is a blessing to Our lives; He wants us to be holy like Him.  Again, He gives us these abilities.

I hope you have been blessed on this study of the Godly mind.  May the LORD continue to bless you today and always.

• The prophet's prophesied about the Messiah- Genesis 3:15 (KJV) And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

In the Garden of Eden; the fall of man; by the enemy convincing the woman Eve to deliberately disobey God and eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, the LORD sentenced the enemy to eternal condemnation and prophesied to satan that He will put enmity; meaning He will make war with satan through His son Jesus who was to be born of the Virgin Mary (the woman) and was to defeat him (on the cross at Calvary) even though the enemy was going to try to kill him physically and to try to defeat God the Father and Jesus the Son in the plan of salvation for mankind.

• The Messiah's mother would be a virgin- Isaiah 7:14 (KJV) Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

The mother of the Messiah would be a virgin because in order to give birth to a holy God, one would have to do it without sin.  The conception would have to be without sin in order for scripture to be fulfilled.  God is holy.  There is no sin in God.  There could be no sin in His conception.

• The Messiah would be great-Isaiah 9: 6-7 (KJV) 6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.  7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

The Messiah is great in that His power has no limits.  He would be born of a virgin, His majesty is observed in His everything from His prophesied birth, His life, the way He lived, His wisdom, His ability to counsel, His personality traits of the Father God; everlasting there is no end to His love for mankind.  He is the Author of Life; the Son of  God the Father who is Peace.  He taught His disciples to be peaceful even under the WORST circumstances; as He was unjustly accused, cursed, spatted on; abused, insulted, disrespected, humiliated and beaten to death on the cross at Calvary.  Never once did He retaliate.  Though He was crucified; His Love, teachings, words, justice, and judgement rules forever.   He will never end.

• The Messiah would suffer-Isaiah 53:2-12 (KJV) 2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.  Isaiah 53:3 (KJV) He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.  Isaiah 53:4 (KJV) Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.  Isaiah 53:6 (KJV) 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.  Isaiah 53:7 (KJV) He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.  Isaiah 53:8 (KJV) He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. Isaiah 53:9 (KJV) And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.  Isaiah 53:10 (KJV) Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.  Isaiah 53:11 (KJV) He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.  Isaiah 53:12 (KJV) Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Jesus came to the world like a fragile human being.  His mission was to save mankind from their sin.  He came to the world very humbly.  He did not appear to be very magnificently attractive or rich like a king.  He was rejected; he didn't appear to be much in this world.  He got to know sorrow very well.  Man did not appreciate him at that time.  We have sinned and fallen away from God.  We have all desired to live our lives according to our own beliefs.  The LORD has taken our punishment onto himself.  The government dealt with Him very harshly.  They inflicted pain on Him.  But He was meek, and quiet spirited through his trial, judgement, and sentencing.  Like a lamb without blemish he is brought to His death.  He remained quiet the whole time.  He got to see death as if He had sinned, or was wicked or lied though He had not lied or sinned.  As horrible as he was treated; and severely punished, it please Him to be able to save the souls of all that believed in Him.  In His death alone, he received that reward that He was able to pay for our sins.  Not to mention, He is seated in His throne in His portion with the great; God the Father, where there is eternal celebration and rejoice in His endless victories.

• The Messiah would heal broken lives- Isaiah 61:1 (KJV) The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;  Isaiah 61:2 (KJV) To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; Isaiah 61:3 (KJV) To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

When the LORD anoints a chosen person to preach His Word unto all who are anointed to receive His word, and practice self control, we know that they have the Spirit of the Lord upon them.  This is because they have to have God's Spirit in order to be able to accomplish these things.  We are sent to help heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom from sin to those in bondage.  To announce the acceptable year of the LORD and His day of vengeance to give comfort to all that suffer from all the injustices that have occured since the beginning of time. To inform them of their place in heaven-The Kingdom of God.  To give them beauty for their remorse of sin.  Joy in place of suffering and cries.  And to help establish them so that the LORD Himself will be exalted and glorified, for it is through HIS mercy and love we can receive this gift of salvation of our souls.  He gives us the gift of being able to give Him praise instead of having the spirit of heaviness.  By this we know that those who know His word; they will compare us to the likeness of a tree of righteousness; firmly planted by God for His glory and purpose. 

• The Messiah would be born in Bethlehem-Micah 5:2 (KJV) But thou, Beth–lehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

Though Bethlehem is a small town located in Northern Israel; it was there that the promised Messiah and ruler would be born,  His birth was foretold since the beginning of time.

• Jesus' disciples knew he was the Messiah-Mark 8: 27-29 27 And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am? 28 And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets.  29 And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.

The reason that Jesus' disciples knew that He was the Messiah, was because they had the Spirit of the LORD on them which gives them a Spirit of discernment of the truth.  They are able to know without a doubt what is, and what is not the truth.

• The Messiah will come again-Mark 14:61 (KJV) But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?  Mark 14:62 (KJV) And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

Jesus confirmed that He is Christ, the Son of the Blessed.  He foretold His second coming to  the high priest during his trial.  

• Jesus claimed to be the Messiah-John 4: 25-42-John 4:25 (KJV) The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.  John 4:26 (KJV) Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.  John 4:27 (KJV) And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?  John 4:28 (KJV) The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, John 4:29 (KJV) Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?  John 4:30 (KJV) Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.  John 4:31 (KJV) In the meanwhile his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.  John 4:32 (KJV) But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.  John 4:33 (KJV) Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat?  John 4:34 (KJV) Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.  John 4:35 (KJV) 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.  John 4:36 (KJV) And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.  John 4:37 (KJV) And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.  John 4:38 (KJV) I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.  John 4:39 (KJV) And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.  John 4:40 (KJV) So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.  John 4:41 (KJV) And many more believed because of his own word; John 4:42 (KJV) And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.

Jesus claimed to be the Messiah to the Samaritan woman at the well.  She spoke of the promised Messiah that was to come and speak to them; and He told Her "You are speaking to Him".  His disciples saw Him speaking with her, and nobody questioned Him.  This shows they have the Spirit of the LORD, the LORD is Sovereign.  He told her everything about her life.  She left, and told others about Him, and why she believed He was the Christ.  The men then left, and went unto Jesus.  In the meantime, His disciples were concerned for his nourishment, and told Him to eat.  However, Jesus refused and told them that His nourishment is to do the will of the Father, and to finish His work.  This mission is to save souls from hell.  And all that are assigned to do this work, must be taught well; and we should know that our mission is also to help save souls.  We are to work the souls that are lost, and not to fret; that we will reap the harvest of these souls for Christ; and made us aware that some souls would be finished off by other Pastors even though we won them for Christ.  This is ok, because likewise, we would reap the work of other Pastors as well.  So many souls believed what Jesus spoke; because everything He spoke was true, not only about the Samaritan woman, but, also about the prophecy of the coming Messiah.  Everything matched up.  

• The Messiah brings salvation-Hebrews 2:10 (KJV) For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.  

Because Jesus was crucified; though he was blameless, He was able to take upon Him the sins of the world.  Our salvation is made perfect through Jesus' suffering.

​I hope this study helps you to understand the prophesy and mission of our promised Messiah.  May God continue to bless you always..

• God requires that we show mercy-Micah 6:8 (KJV) 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?
  
  In this verse, we see that Jesus lived as an example to mankind.  He was good, just, merciful, and humble.  He requires that His children live in the same way.  He expects us to follow His example.
  
  
• People who show mercy to others will be rewarded -Matthew 5:7 (KJV) Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
  
  When we show mercy to others, the LORD blesses us for it.  We will receive mercy when the time comes that they make a mistake, or sin in some way many times unknowingly. 
  
  
• We should imitate God's mercy -Luke 6:36 (KJV) Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
  
  The same mercy that we ask of the Father should be extended to others.  If we want God to forgive us our sins and tresspasses, we should likewise forgive others.  He wants us to imitate His example.

• Jesus is merciful -1 Timothy 1:2 (KJV) Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
  
  Jesus is merciful to all.  Even as they tortured and crucified Him on the cross at Calvary, He asked mercy for them of the Father saying: Luke 23:34 (KJV) Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

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• Mercy is from God -2 Timothy 1:2 (KJV) To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
  
  Mercy is from God; He shows mercy throughout the Bible from beginning to end.  He is merciful in that He knows that man is fallible; He created us from the dust of the earth; man is fragile.  He has shown mercy from the beginning of creation even after the first man and woman sinned in the Garden of Eden.  
  
  I hope you enjoyed this short study and remember to show mercy to others fighting hard battles in this life.  May God continue to light the path for you today and always.  God bless you.
  
  

God hates divorce-Malachi 2:16 (KJV)-For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the Lord of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.

This verse is clear in that the Lord hates divorce because when you are married; you are covering yourselves of the violence of sin.  Outside of marriage you are forced into committing violent sexual sins before God.  They are considered violent because adultery, and fornications are sins of death before the Lord.  Disobeying the LORD can be deadly.  They were once payable by death.  The Lord is clearly warning married couples not to deal treacherously with Him, (the LORD) and one another.   When we divorce, we are sinning against God and against one another.
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• Two people become one through marriage (Mark 10: 2-12)-

​2.  And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.
3.  And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?
4.  And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.
5.  And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.
6.  But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.
7.  For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;
8.  And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.
9.  What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
10.  And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same matter.
11.  And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.
12.  And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.
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So, once you marry, your flesh are joined together as one.  And once God permits this unity, no one should come between them.  If you divorce your spouse, you are committing adultery in that God commanded the two of you to remain together in marriage.  So the decision of divorce is adultery before God.

• Angels do not get married (Mark 12: 25)-For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.

This verse is touching on two points: The first, is that in heaven, it will not matter who we are married to because we will become as the angels in heaven.  What this means is that angels in heaven are not married; they have no need for it; they are holy.  They do not have a need to reproduce, nor do they feel lust of the flesh.

• Married partners should meet each other's needs (1 Corinthians 7: 2-5)- (KJV) Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.  1 Corinthians 7:3 (KJV) Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.  1 Corinthians 7:4 (KJV) The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.  1 Corinthians 7:5 (KJV) Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

What these verses are saying is that it is important to avoid fornication.  Everyone should have their own spouse.  When it says let the husband render unto his wife due benevolence, this means let him tend to her needs meaning spiritually, materially, and physically.  He should not deny her in the things of the spirit, (taking care of her spirit and soul by putting God first, praying together, regularly attending church services, etc..), materially, providing for her and the family, and physically pleasing his wife.  He should not deny her intimacy.  The wife should also do the same for her husband.  Neither party should be denied any of these things.  They should be pleasing God and one another in their marriage.  The only time they should not be intimate is during fasting and prayer when you are separating/taking your time out for God.  Then you are to come back together to avoid temptation always waiting for married couples as we are aware the devil is always looking to attack marriages in this way.

• Married partners are united to each other for life 1 Corinthians 7:39 (KJV) The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

What this verse is saying is that couples are to be married until they die.  Only then can a Christian couple consider marriage to another.  And this should be properly done; with  God's blessing.  

• A Christian wife can witness to her non-Christian husband  1 Peter 3:1-6 (KJV) 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; 1 Peter 3:2 (KJV) While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.  1 Peter 3:4 (KJV) But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.  1 Peter 3:5 (KJV) For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:​ 1 Peter 3:6 (KJV) Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

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What this passage is referring to is that if a woman is married before she is saved, and comes to the walk of faith, her conduct alone should be an example for her husband.  It should speak volumes that she is a quiet and meek wife; the way she carries herself, and the respect she has for her husband in daily conversation, her honor should suffice in attracting her husband to the faith.  This should make it easy to witness to your non-Christian husband.

I hope this brief study on marriage is as much a blessing to you and yours, as it is to me.  May God be with you today and always.

• Lustful thoughts are sinful (Matthew 5: 28)-Matthew 5:28 (KJV) But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

This verse describes the care that a Christian must take even in their thoughts; if we cannot control our thoughts, we are to ask God for help in doing so.

• Christians should not give in to lust (Colossians 3: 5)-Colossians 3:5 (KJV) Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

When we are faced with these temptations, we are to run from them; not give into them, we should resist temptation; and the devil, and they will flee from us.  Again, if we are struggling with this, we should ask God for help with this.

• Christians should avoid lust (1 Thessalonians 4: 3-5)-1 Thessalonians 4:3 (KJV) For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 1 Thessalonians 4:4 (KJV) That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; 1 Thessalonians 4:5 (KJV) Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

What these passages are saying is that God wants us not to succumb to these temptations, fornication (idolatry, or sexual relations out of marriage) we are to know how to keep holy and live honorably before Him.  He does not want us to go after the lust and desires of our hearts/flesh.  Again, if we are struggling with this we should be asking Him for help with these desires/weaknesses.

• Godless people enjoy immorality (1 Peter 4: 3)-1 Peter 4:3 (KJV) For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:/

What this is saying is that before we came to the knowledge of Christ we lived as the world/non-believers, doing whatever we desired.  Now that we know Him, we should live for Him.  Keep holy as He is holy.

• Friends are loyal (Proverbs 17: 17)-Proverbs 17:17 (KJV) A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

A true friend will love you through your worst times. Sometimes we can find friends that will love and support us even more so than our own siblings. Our siblings ( like the story of Cain & Abel)often compete with us and are rivals, sometimes in Church, with boyfriends/girlfriends, a job, or even for the affection/attention of our parents. But a true friend will love you at all times. You can count on a friend when you need something, whether it be help in the form of just being there to listen when you have a problem; a shoulder to cry on; are having a problem; need advice, need cash, need a favor, the list goes on and on.. We should value a friendship such as this, and give thanks to God for the very few true friends we find sometimes. Be appreciative; and reciprocate the love, or go above and beyond for a loyal friend.

• We cannot divide our loyalty (Matthew 6: 24)-Matthew 6:24 (KJV) 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.

In this passage, the loyalty described is the loyalty of God. God wants loyalty from His children in that He MUST come before ANYTHING ELSE in our lives. We must LOVE GOD above all else including money. We cannot serve God and serve money at the same time. We must love one or the other. If you love God, you must not dedicate your life searching for riches. The bulk of your time should be spent in serving the LORD. He should be your main focus. Therefore, you should not be so enticed by money that you would be caught up in doing anything illegal. We should not be cheating in any way. We should not compromise our dignity or salvation to gain riches. This does not mean that you cannot make an honest living. But this should not come between you and God.

• There must be loyalty in marriage (Hebrews 13: 4)-Hebrews 13:4 (KJV) Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

The loyalty in marriage is so important. The reason it's so important is for reasons far above just hurting the one you love and made a promise to. It is symbolic of your love for God. If you cannot be loyal to your spouse, how can you be loyal to your God?

This study is short, but, nonetheless a great one. Loyalty is something that is hard to come by these days. It is something that we need to take a closer look at. We need to examine ourselves; and see how we can be honorable, and loyal not only to God, but to ourselves. We are only hurting ourselves if we live in deceit. We should pray for God to change anything in our hearts that may be crooked; or blind. Let's pray so that God would open our eyes and our hearts to live in a loyal way. May God abundantly bless you this and everyday. Until the next study.

• Love in marriage is strong (Song of Songs 8: 6-7)-Song of Solomon 8:6 (KJV) Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.  Song of Solomon 8:7 (KJV) Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.
• Love your enemies (Matthew 5: 43-44)- Matthew 5:43 (KJV) Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.  Matthew 5:44 (KJV) 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;

This verse is saying that most people react to their enemies with hatred; however, the LORD wants His Children to react the opposite.  He wants Us to have and show love for them.  To do what He has done.  To bless them that curse us, do good to those that hate us; and pray for those which despitefully use and persecute us; the reason for this is that there is no reward in loving only those who love you.  To be God's Child is to love even the impossible ones to love.

• Loving God is the most important command (Mark 12: 29-30)-Mark 12:29 (KJV) And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: Mark 12:30 (KJV) 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.

This verse is saying that loving God is the most important thing for a Christian.  Loving Him above all else.  We must love Him even more than ourselves.  Put Him first, above all else.  So obeying His commands above even our own wants, or desires.

• Christians must love each other (John 13:34)-John 13:34 (KJV) A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

We also must love one another with the same love that God shows us.  We must be concerned about one another.  

• We cannot be separated from Jesus' love (Romans 8: 35-39)- Romans 8:35 (KJV) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  Romans 8:36 (KJV) As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.  Romans 8:37 (KJV) Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.  Romans 8:38 (KJV) For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,  Romans 8:39 (KJV) Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

What this means is that there is nothing in all of creation that can separate us from our LORD.  It does not matter what trials, tribulations, illness, anything that you could think of.  Though many times we are tried; our faith is tested, we go through many difficulties; but, that will not separate us from the love of God.  He will always love us.  What this means is that His love has given us victory over it all.  These things will not change the love He has for His Children.

• Love must be genuine (Romans 12: 9)-Romans 12:9 (KJV) Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
  

​The love that we have for God, ourselves, and one another should be truly genuine.  We should not pretend to have love.  We should hate what is evil, and love what is good.  This is God's love for His Children. 

• Love never quits (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8)-1 Corinthians 13:4 (KJV) Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 1 Corinthians 13:5 (KJV) Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 1 Corinthians 13:6 (KJV) Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 1 Corinthians 13:7 (KJV) Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.  1 Corinthians 13:8 (KJV) Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

Love is the most important attribute of a Christian.  When we love God and one another, we are not easily discouraged.  We show kindness like He shows kindness.  We should not be envious; we should be content with what the LORD has blessed us with in every area of our lives.  We should not be prideful.  We should not be disrespectful or obnoxious.  We should not be selfish.  We should not be easily angered.  We should be optimistic.  We should not think negatively; or of evil things.  We should not be glad to see the bad.  We should be happy in truth.  We should be patient. Always believing the best of one another.  True love never fails.  The gifts from God are temporary.  But the love that God gives is eternal.

• God's love for us is beyond our understanding (Ephesians 3:18)-Ephesians 3:18 (KJV) May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;​
  

When we are rooted and grounded in God's love, we will be able to understand along with the body of Christ how deep, long, broad, and great God's love is.  His love never ends, and there's nothing that He cannot endure.  His love is so deep that man cannot understand it.  There are people/circumstances that sometimes we would never be able to understand how God can love them.  Nonetheless, God's love is that great that He loves them.  His love is infinite. 

• Love helps you look past offenses (1Peter 4: 8)-1 Peter 4:8 (KJV) And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
  

​God's love is so great that His love covers many many sins.  The sins of our past are long forgotten by God.  We should also love in this way.  We are to forgive, and forget.

• God is love (1 John 4: 16)-1 John 4:16 (KJV) And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
  

​The love that we have was given by God.  He that has love lives in God, and God lives in Him.  Without God we would not be able to show love for all.  It would not be possible to have love without God.​​

• We must be known for our love (2 John 1: 5)- 2 John 1:5 (KJV) And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.

God has shown His love to man and all creation in that He so loved the world, that He gave His one and only begotten son that whoever believes shall have eternal salvation through Christ Jesus this is the beginning, and the end of the Gospel.  The love of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ.  May God continue to bless and keep you all.  Amen.

• Jesus celebrated the Lord's Supper with his disciples (Matthew 26: 26-29)-Matthew 26:26 (KJV) And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.  Matthew 26:27 (KJV) And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; Matthew 26:28 (KJV) For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.  Matthew 26:29 (KJV) But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.

The Lord's Supper was a symbolic one.  One that would impact the lives of many many Christians for time to come.  As they ate this last meal together; the Lord wanted them to remember to come together in His name.  The blessing that was poured out over that last meal is the same blessing that is poured out on Christians all over the world who gather in Jesus' name today.  When He told the disciples to drink it, that it was his blood, what he was referring to was His blood that was going to be shed for the remission of sins.  God the Father had prepared the Son Jesus for what was to come.  As they drank, they acknowledged that both in accepting Him as Lord and Savior, and giving thanks for his shed blood, we are cleansed and freed from the bondage of sin.  This is the same in Churches across the world today.  When we eat the holy communion supper we are doing it in remembrance of Him, and all that He has done.  In verse 29 when He says He will not drink henceforth, He is saying He knows He will not drink with them again until His Second Coming.  He will drink with us then.  

• Christians should be thankful for the Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 10: 16)-1 Corinthians 10:16 (KJV) The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

We should very well be thankful for the Lord's Supper.  The Lord did this to set the example to the disciples, and to instruct them to keep that tradition for future believers.  We should be both grateful and joyful in doing this.  It is God's blessing to believers.

• Christians who celebrate the Lord's Supper together should be unified (1 Corinthians 11: 20-34)-1 Corinthians 11:20 (KJV) When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper.  1 Corinthians 11:21 (KJV) For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.  1 Corinthians 11:22 (KJV) What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.  1 Corinthians 11:23 (KJV) 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: 1 Corinthians 11:24 (KJV) 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.  1 Corinthians 11:25 (KJV) 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.  1 Corinthians 11:26 (KJV) For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.  1 Corinthians 11:27 (KJV) Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.  1 Corinthians 11:28 (KJV) But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.  1 Corinthians 11:29 (KJV) For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.  1 Corinthians 11:30 (KJV) For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.  1 Corinthians 11:31 (KJV) For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.  1 Corinthians 11:32 (KJV) But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.  1 Corinthians 11:33 (KJV) Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.  1 Corinthians 11:34 (KJV) And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.

The holy communion requires unity of the heart, the spirit, and the mind.  Our hearts and minds should be united with that of Christ.  When we do this, we should be living in communion with God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  

• God is concerned about our loneliness (Genesis 2: 18)-Genesis 2:18 (KJV) And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
• God encourages the lonely (1 Kings 19: 14-18)-1 Kings 19:14 (KJV) And he said, I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.  1 Kings 19:15 (KJV) And the Lord said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:  1 Kings 19:16 (KJV) And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel–meholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room.  1 Kings 19:17 (KJV) And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.​  1 Kings 19:18 (KJV) Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
• God takes care of lonely people (Psalm 68: 6)-1 Kings 19:6 (KJV) And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.
• Friends help in times of loneliness (Ecclesiastes 4: 10-11)-Ecclesiastes 4:10 (KJV) For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.​  Ecclesiastes 4:11 (KJV) Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
• God remains with us (Matthew 28: 20)-Matthew 28:20 (KJV) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Since the creation of the world, God saw that man needed a companion.  Woman was created for man.  To keep him company so that he would not be alone.  They are to work side by side in holy matrimony.  This was the first family and marriage ever.  In this first matrimony, we see how God is concerned about our loneliness.  God encourages the lonely in that even when our loved ones are taken either by illness, accidents, homicide, whatever the case may be, the Lord is zealous in caring for our health, our hearts, He gives encouragement to us in times of loneliness.  His Spirit directs us to a place of healing, comfort, and restoration.  Even when His children abandon His covenant, and fall into destruction, the Lord shows love and mercy towards those who are faithful.  The Lord cares for the lonely people; God's children can be desolate; in a remote place; with not  a soul around; yet, He will care for the needs of His children.  They will not be forsaken.  Friends help in times of loneliness; when you have a companion or a friend, you can help one another.  If one is down, the other can help.  And vice versa.  To have a companion or a friend is a blessing.  God promises to be with His children until the end of the world.  We are never alone.  God's children are never alone even when they are alone physically.  God's Spirit is present always to comfort, guide, heal, bless, and restore His Children.  He is faithful, and true.  May His Spirit guide you forever, Amen.

• Light comes from God (Genesis 1: 3)-Genesis 1:3 (KJV) And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

God spoke the light of His creation into existence; the sun, the moon, and the stars.  This light was created so that we can see.  It was created so that we would not live in darkness. 

• God is light (Psalm 27: 1)-Psalms 27:1 (KJV) 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?

The light referred to in this verse is the truth.  The LORD is truth to all creation.  The light He gives to those who believe will lead us in the darkest of times.  It does not matter what we are facing; whether it be persecution, death, famine, illness, trials, tribulations, nothing can cause the believer to fear.  The LORD gives assurance.

• God's Word enlightens our path (Psalm 119: 105)-Psalms 119:105 (KJV) Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

The Word of God provides insight for our daily lives; our paths are directed by His truth and righteousness.  When we follow His guidance, and allow Him to direct our paths, we will have victory over our lives.  We will not fail trusting in Him.  There will be no fear or doubt as we follow Him.

• God can turn darkness into light (Isaiah 42: 16)-Isaiah 42:16 (KJV) And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.

For those who accept Him, He will guide on the right path.  He will lead them into a life they have not formerly known; a life of faith; a life of truth; a life of righteousness; and eternal salvation and victory!  And He will never leave you!!  

• Christians are the light of the world (Matthew 5: 14)-Matthew 5:14 (KJV) Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

The life of a Christian reflects the life of the LORD.  A Christian has the gift of the Holy Spirit.  This Spirit will lead the Christian to a life of righteousness and purity.  This Spirit will enlighten the believer; thereby enlightens all who see them.  Those who interact with Christians on a daily basis will come to know the light and truth of the LORD.  Believers stand out in the crowd.  You can notice them from afar.  You will see a difference in the light that they have in their hearts; it differs from that of a non-believer.  It cannot be hidden, nor mistaken.

• Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8: 12)-John 8:12 (KJV) Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Jesus is the light of the world in that He gives clear guidance and instruction to those who seek and follow Him.  They will know the truth of life, of existence, their purpose, and their eternal destiny.  They will know who they are; why they are here; and where their souls are going for eternity after death.  There will be no doubt in those who believe in Him.

• Light shines in the hearts of Christians (2 Corinthians 4: 6)-2 Corinthians 4:6 (KJV) For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

When God commands something; it will happen!!  God commands the light to shine out of darkness; for those who have not believed in Him; to believe; and to experience His truth in fullness with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  This Spirit gives us knowledge of God's glory and shines in our hearts and on our faces just as Jesus Christ's .  He gives us His salvation, His light, and His truth.  This leads us for all eternity.  We must take care to follow His guidance, and lean not on our own understanding.  

• Christians are children of light (Ephesians 5: 8)-Ephesians 5:8 (KJV) For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

Before we came to Christ, we lived in spiritual darkness.  Now that we live in Christ, we are children of light.  This means we must also live in His light; our decisions and daily living should reflect His ways, not our own ways.  May God continue to bless us all as we continue to live in His light, for all eternity.  May your life reflect His light.  Amen.

• Life comes from God (Genesis 2: 7)-Genesis 2:7 (NIV) Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.

This is the book of the beginning of creation where it describes the beginning of earth and all it's contents.  It says in verse 7 of chapter 2 that the lord created man from the dust of the ground. We can see his infinite power at work in this verse alone; the certainty that God has created each and every one of us; beginning with this first person named Adam. 

• God carefully creates each person (Psalm 139: 13-14)-Psalm 139:13 (NIV) For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.  Psalm 139:14 (NIV) I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

This verse confirms the previous verse in Genesis chapter 2 verse 7.  We know this with certainty; God has carefully and wonderfully created each and every one of us to fear Him the creator; the two first created human beings were commanded to be both fruitful and to multiply.  

• Life should be enjoyed (Ecclesiastes 9: 9)-Ecclesiastes 9:9 (NIV) Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun—all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun.

In this verse, you can see that God does instruct us to enjoy our lives with our partners; He does call it meaningless; because life on earth itself is meaningless; this is all temporary; there is a final destination that is more meaningful for every one of us.  The eternity in heaven with Him matters most.  The life we live now is nowhere near as important as the life we will live in eternity.  This is the reason that God's children are preparing our souls; for that eternity; it's the reason why we live in fear of God; we live to please Him above all others.  This is also the reason why seeking material gain is not nearly as important as seeking spiritual riches.  God's blessings supercede any other blessings.

• God plans the lives of people before they are born (Jeremiah 1: 5)-Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV) “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

The LORD knows before we are born what His use will be over our lives; He appoints us long before our births to speak to the nations.  We are His messengers.  This is not our own doing.  He planned this long before we were born.

• People must be reborn spiritually to enter heaven (John 3: 3)-John 3:3 (NIV) Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

We must be born again in that our old sinful nature must die; and a new person in Christ be born under the power of the Holy Spirit; being led by the Spirit to live a moral,  holy, wholesome, God fearing, and pleasing life.  This honors God, thus, honoring ourselves, our families, churches, communities, etc.  This is the way that God wants us to live to enter His kingdom.

• Jesus came to give abundant life (John 10: 10)-John 10:10 (KJV) 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.

Jesus, so wonderfully came to earth in person to save the souls of those people that had been lead astray in sin and immorality.  He volunteered to save each and every one of us from the burning hell.  A life without Jesus Christ is meaningless.  Those who accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior will have a life full of blessings.  Life with Jesus is far more complete.

• We should live lives worthy of our Christian calling (Ephesians 4: 1)-Ephesians 4:1 (NIV) As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

What this verse is saying is that we should live a life that's worthy of our calling; see, the LORD calls us to be fishers of men.  We cannot fish men for His kingdom if we are not living holy lives.  We should be living more like Jesus did; humbly, and holy to set the example that He set while he was on earth.  We cannot urge people to repent if we have not yet repented of our sins.  Some may view this kind of life like living in a prison (but this is the true freedom; freedom from sin); because one should not feel free to do whatever they please on earth; once you submit to the LORD and the Holy Spirit, you are no longer free to do whatever pleases your heart or your flesh.  You now live your whole life for Christ both in spirit and in truth.  This includes your flesh.  Your whole being belongs to Christ.  Therefore, you should not do what Christ would not do.

• Christ is the reason for life (Philippians 1: 21)-Philippians 1:21 (NIV) For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

This verse confirms the previous verses in this study.  To truly have life in all it's intended purposes and abundance, it is to have life in Christ.  This life on earth does not compare to the life we will live in heaven with Christ.  Therefore, when a Christian dies, it is considered a tremendous gain for them, for their souls, thus for their loved ones.  It is a time of celebration, though they will be sorely missed on earth by those they love and cherish most.  A life in Christ is the only life to live.  Anything outside of that is just a waste of time.  It's useless.  There is no real purpose in life without Jesus. 

• Our lives should honor God (Colossians 3: 17)-Colossians 3:17 (NIV) And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Everything we do should be done in the love of Jesus Christ; whether it is spoken or actual, we should do everything honorably; pleasing God the Father first, and also all who interact with us.  Amen.  

We hope this study on life helps to clear up any questions you may have; please feel free to comment below; we will do our best to provide feedback on any questions or concerns you may have.  May God continue to bless you and your family as you continue your journey on earth; and until the next study; please don't forget to pray for everyone to find God's truth.  Amen.