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Scripture Search (KJV): BibleGateway.com

Messages/Sermons

Click here to view: How Can I Be Saved?
Click here to view: The Christian's Secret to a Happy Life
Click here to view: Study to Show Yourself Approved
Click here to view: Preach The Word!
Click here to view: Mental Illness Subjected to God's Word
Click here to view: Preaching Ideas on Disabilities

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How can I be saved?

Be certain you are really Born Again, and forever assured of your Salvation. You've spent long enough in sin, guilt, fear, loneliness, and confusion.

The Holy Bible, God's written Word, describes exactly How to begin a New Life, and rest at Peace with God. The LORD wants you in no doubt. Be confident of a place in Heaven. Settle it right now, make sure that you are saved.

Get right with God now

Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. Holy Bible 2 Co. 6:2 KJV

Please do not depend on man's word. Only one Person's Word counts: Almighty God's. Trust entirely in what God says in His Word.

It is a tragic error to rely on your church, your leader, your traditions, doctrine, and personal beliefs. They are utterly worthless to save you. Religions, doctrine, tradition and churches change with the seasons: Whereas God's Word is from eternity to eternity, UNchanging.

New Creation in Christ

Take this challenge from The Holy Bible:

Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. 2 Co. 5:17 KJV

Are you a new creature: a new creation in Christ, or just the same old sinner?

But as many as received him, (Jesus) to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. Jn. 1:12-13 KJV

Have you received the Lord Jesus Christ into your heart as Lord (God) and Saviour?

Redeemed not religious

Have you chosen to believe in His Name, and been Born of God?

Have you become a child of God through genuine living faith in Christ?

Maybe you joined a church, perhaps you hold doctrines and beliefs, you went through the motions, even been baptised, but you haven't really embraced Christ as your Saviour.

Or perhaps you have known Him, followed Him for a time, but have now fallen into sin? If you are not right with God, He wants to forgive you, give you His peace, and a fresh start. That's why you are reading this today.

The Spirit of God is calling you to trust in Christ with all your heart, and be released from guilt, sin, and condemnation. Do you want God's forgiveness, peace, and His love?

What you must do

Just accept that the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is who the Bible declares Him to be; Almighty God in the Flesh.

Accept that Jesus died for you, rose from the dead, and be willing to repent, turn away from your sins, and follow Him.

Understand this; your 'feelings' have nothing to do with salvation. You may feel like you are floating on a cloud, or as dull as a doorknob. It doesn't make any difference. Trusting in God's Word is what matters. God has promised:

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth, the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Ro. 10:9-11,13 KJV

That is what Almighty God says you need to do in order to be saved.

• Believe in your heart that God's Son, Jesus Christ rose from the dead and is alive today. And when He died, He took your place.
• Trust the Gospel fact that Jesus is Almighty God in the Flesh.
  Jn. 1:1+14; Jn. 12:41+45; Lk. 6:5, Is. 6:5; Is. 48:12; Rev. 1:8, Rev. 22:13+16
• Confess it out loud and tell everyone.
• Call on Him, ask Him to save you. Jesus promised, For every one that asketh receiveth. Mtt. 7:8 KJV

What about you?

• Do you need to be forgiven and saved?
• Do you believe Jesus Christ, God's Son, died for you?
• Are you ready to receive Him as Lord of your life now?
• Are you willing to repent, turn from sin, and follow the Lord Jesus Christ for the rest of your life?
• If your reply is yes, then pray like this right now:

Prayer to be saved

Be assured, God loves you, and wants to forgive, save, and heal you. Cast all your burden on Him, and embrace Jesus with all your heart. Pray this prayer, mean it, and you will be saved, right where you sit.

LORD: I here and now Repent and Believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

I believe you died for me, as my Substitute, and rose from the dead according to the Scriptures.

Thank you Lord, for taking my place, and paying my debt in full.

Even though I was apart from You, separated by my sin, You saw me, helpless, and fallen, and loved me enough to die for me.

You did no wrong. I'm the one who has sinned, I broke God's Law. I deserve to die for my sins. You were innocent, and yet took my place on the Cross.

I believe that You suffered the penalty for all my sins, You paid the full price to wipe out my debt.

Your sinless Blood, precious and Divine, pays for all my sin.

Because You took my punishment, I am now free. No sin remains to condemn me. I'm no longer guilty before God. I can never be judged or condemned for my sins because they were judged in You, Lord.

I believe this Good News, the message of the Cross. I trust Your Promise that everyone who asks receives.

Please forgive me Lord. I receive You now into my heart.

I accept Your gracious gift of love, mercy and peace.

The LORD Jesus Christ now lives in me.

I am a new creation in Christ.

Born of God with the life of Jesus in me.

I trust the Blood of Christ cleanses every sin from my life.

My record is wiped clean because of your grace and mercy.

LORD, I trust that You did enough for me. You paid it all, so no more price need ever be paid.

You did enough to save me forever, I will not claim any merit, offer any good works, or pay any price, as long as I live. Nor will I say or do anything more to have my past sins forgiven, or to be saved.

Lord Jesus, You did enough 2,000 years ago to save me once and for all.

From this moment I trust entirely in what You did for me on the Cross. It is sufficient. Nothing can ever improve my salvation.

Your Blood has cleansed me now. I am forgiven now. I am saved now.

Help me to follow You, and share this wonderful news with everyone.

Thank You Lord for my full salvation. AMEN!

Now Seal Your Decision: Tell Us So We Can All Rejoice Get a KJV Holy Bible and study the Word of God daily to find out what Christ has done for you, and what He wants you to do for Him.

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The Christian's Secret to a Happy Life

Trouble is a part of this life. The Bible says, "Man is born unto trouble.'' (Job 5:7) Sometimes Christians expect God to keep them from problems and hardship, but God has not promised to do this. Christians, as well as unsaved people, experience trials, troubles, and suffering.

The way in which we meet the trials of life depends on the way we inwardly see and believe things to be. If we see things from a purely human point of view, we will be discouraged and defeated. If we see things from God's point of view, recognizing His wonderful character and seeing His hand in all our circumstances, we will know peace, joy, and happiness. In this lesson we will learn the Christian's secret of a happy life.

Some Things we must Know

Before we consider the steps to a happy Christian life, there are some things we must know:

We must know what to expect in this life.

There is a false teaching circulating among God's people which goes something like this: "Become a follower of Jesus Christ and all your troubles will be over. God will keep you from sickness and make you successful if you just believe the right things and claim them." Nowhere in the Bible does God promise this. Jesus said,

"In the world you will have tribulation."
John 16:33

Trouble is a part of this life. No one escapes it. The Bible says,

"Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble." Job 14:1

Christians must expect trials and suffering. The Bible says,

"All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution."
2 Timothy 3:12

Again, the Bible says that we must "through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." (Acts 14:22)

We must know that God loves us and desires only what is best for us.

The Bible says that God loves us as He loves His own Son. Because He loves us as He does, God desires only our best. He always seeks our highest good, even when we would gladly settle for less. When David thought of how much God loved him and how God was always thinking of him, he exclaimed,

"How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!" Psalm 139:17

We must know God's goal for us in this life.

To understand God's dealings with us, we must know what His goal is for us. His goal is not just to make us happy and successful. God's goal for us is this: To conform us to the image of His Son. The Bible says,

"those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters." Romans 8:29 (NET Bible)

How does God conform us to the image of His Son? He does it through our circumstances and the discipline of the Holy Spirit. This involves trials, troubles, and suffering. Therefore we must expect these things since they are a necessary part of God's dealings with us to make us like Christ.

Steps to a Happy Life

To enjoy our Christian life and to enter into all that God has for us, there are some definite steps we must take:

We must believe that God is sovereign.

When we say that God is sovereign, we mean that He rules over everything in this world and in the entire universe. He has all power in Heaven and in earth. There is nothing that can hinder or prevent God from doing what He purposes to do. The Bible says,

"He does according to His will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, 'What have you done?'" Daniel 4:35 (NKJ)

Everywhere and at all times, God rules over His creation and exercises His sovereignty. The Bible says,

"Whatever the Lord pleases He does, in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deep places." Psalm 135:6 (NKJ)

The Bible says that all things are God's "servants." This means that all things are used by God to accomplish His purposes. We tend to think that only the good people and the good things of life serve God. But God's Word tells us that all things, whether good or bad, are God's "servants" and must therefore do His will.

In Psalm 119, David is telling how he had been "almost consumed" by the proud, who had "digged pits" for him and had "persecuted him wrongfully." Yet in the face of all these trials and troubles, he declared God's faithfulness and said that all things were God's servants. David wrote,

"Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; You established the earth, and it abides. They continue this day according to Your ordinances, for ALL ARE YOUR SERVANTS." Psalm 119:89-91 (NKJ)

David realized this great truth: All things are God's servants and must therefore do His will. Even the fierce and cruel things of nature serve Him and fulfil His Word. The Bible says,

"Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all the depths; Fire and hail, snow and clouds; stormy wind, FULFILLING HIS WORD." Psalm 148:7-8 (NKJ)

All things are God's servants. This is true, not only of the things of nature, but also of men, nations, and kings. All are under His control. The Bible says,

"The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord...He turns it wherever He wishes."
Proverbs 21:1 (NKJ)

Even Satan and those who serve him are used by God to accomplish His will. It was Satan who plotted the death of the Lord Jesus. It was Satan who put it into the heart of Judas to betray Jesus. And it was Satan who instigated the crowds to cry out for His death. But Satan and his wicked followers were used by God as His "servants" to accomplish His perfect will for the salvation of men.

We must believe that God is good.

When trials and difficulties come to us, Satan tries to put his wrong thoughts into our mind. He suggests something like this, "God doesn't really love you. How could a good God let this happen to you?"

If we accept Satan's wrong thoughts, they will lead us down into self-pity and depression. The remedy for wrong thinking is right thinking. God's Word tells us that God is good. This is true, regardless of our circumstances. The Bible says,

"Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for HE IS GOOD! For His mercy endures forever." Psalm 106:1 (NKJ)

L.E. Maxwell, founder of Prairie Bible Institute, said, "When we can believe that God is good in having allowed some trial to come our way, then faith can believe that God is great, and abundantly able to deliver us."

There was nothing unusual about his two brothers and a sister that preceded him, but Charles Rentz was born with both arms ending in stubs and no legs below the knees. His birth came during the Christmas season. The holiday season for that Christian family turned into a time of prayer for guidance.

As soon as the parents of Charles realized that their baby had a good mind, they resolved to treat him as much like the other children as possible. His family, his friends, and his teachers never allowed him to feel or act differently from any others. They accepted him on equal terms and taught him that a wise person does not question the will of God.

Charles soon learned that everyone has some sort of challenge to face, not the same in having to operate with no hands or feet, but in doing the best possible job of living and serving God with whatever gifts God deems best to give him. He learned to write by placing his pen or pencil between the padded ends of his arms and moving them from his shoulders. Though he was not able to afford a college education, Charles learned all that he could. Best of all, he learned to love and trust God.

Today, Charles can capably perform any physical maneuver that he needs in his daily life. He drives his own car, moves confidently up and down stairs on crutches, rolls around his office in an ordinary office chair. He can dial a telephone, type, use an adding machine, play chords on a piano. He can dress himself to the final detail except for buttoning the topmost button on his shirt. He even puts on his tie. When any machine breaks down in his home or office, he can generally make the needed repairs himself. All of this is quite remarkable when we remember that he has no hands and no feet.

Charles has worked as a service station employee, an automobile salesman, an insurance agent, and as capable clerk of the circuit court in his county. He has a lovely home and a devoted family. His wife says, "The most rewarding part of my life has been living with Charles."

How did this man become a "classic in courage"? Charles himself tells the secret: "My entire life is built upon my faith in my Creator who has endowed me with so many blessings."

We must believe that God's will is perfect.

There are many mysteries in life that we cannot explain. Christians suffer the same tragedies and sorrows as other people. Many things are hard for us to understand because we are seeing things from the earthly viewpoint and not from God's viewpoint. But God makes no mistakes. No matter how things may look in this fallen world, all of God's acts are perfect. His way cannot be improved upon. The Bible says,

"As for God, His way is perfect." Psalm 18:30

*The story is told of a man who made a clock and showed it to a friend of his who had never before seen one.

The fashioner of the clock opened the back of it and asked the man what he thought of its maker. The man saw some wheels, and other smaller ones, some going one way and others another way, some wheels slow and other wheels fast. Seeing this seeming confusion, he answered, "I think the man who made that is mad."

Then the maker took his friend to the front side of the clock and asked what he now thought of its maker. The man looked at the two hands of the clock moving smoothly and regularly, each one in its appointed circle, and both of them telling perfectly the time of day, and replied, "I think the man who made that is the wisest person who ever lived."

This story helps us to understand a great truth concerning life. We are here on earth, and we see only the "earthly side" of God's doings, and thus we fail to see His perfect design and plan. The "wheels" are going every which way, and they sometimes seem to have no purpose or design. But one day we will see the "heavenly side" of God's doings. We will see His perfect design and plan for our life, and we will say, "Lord, I praise You and thank You. Your way is indeed perfect."

We must surrender our will to God.

There is something within us, behind our feelings and our wishes, which decides everything and controls everything. What is it? It is our will.

Our will, which the Bible sometimes calls the "heart," is the stronghold of our entire being. It is not our feelings and our wishes that determine what we do. It is our will. In order for God to get complete control of us, He must possess our will. When God says, "My son, give me your heart," (Proverbs 23:26) He is asking that our will be surrendered to Him. He does not ask for our feelings or our wishes. He wants our will.

Though God's will for us is indeed perfect, He does not force His will on us. God never takes away from us our free will. If we do not surrender our will to God, then we will miss out on His perfect plan for our life.

What does it mean to surrender our will to God? It means to will what God wills, in all things and at all times. This allows God to work out His perfect plan in our life. A great saint of God said, "Our wills are ours to make them Thine."

We must believe that all things work together for good to those who love God.

Nothing that comes into the life of a Christian is accidental. All that comes to us is ordered or permitted by God. And all things that come to us work together for our eternal good. The Bible says,

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 (NKJ)

The reason why all things work together for good to those who love God is that God is sovereign. All things are His servants, and He causes them to serve His children who love Him. We may not see how all things are working together for our eternal good, but we can know it because God says so.

We must receive everything from the hand of God.

To the trusting child of God, everything comes from the Father's hand, no matter who may have brought it.

You may say, "I can accept a thing if I know that it has come from God, but I cannot accept the things that come to me as the result of somebody's failure, or meanness, or sin. What about these things?"

We know that God cannot be the author of such things as meanness or sin; but the Bible teaches that nothing can touch a child of God except God wills it or permits it. And if God wills it or permits it, He does so because He sees that it will ultimately be a blessing to His child.

The Bible says that our life is "hid with Christ in God." We are surrounded by the very presence of God. Nothing can come to us or touch us except as God permits it. And, if He permits it to come to us, it is because He sees that it is for our good. It may have come from evil men and they may have intended it to be evil to us, but if God permits it to come to us, by the time it reaches us, it will be a blessing.

 

Take Joseph, for example. Few things could be worse than the action of his brothers in hating him and selling him into slavery. Undoubtedly, this was a terrible sin, and Joseph's brothers meant only evil to him. But God permitted it, and by the time it reached Joseph, it had become God's will for him. It turned out to be the greatest blessing in his whole life, though he did not see it then. In time, Joseph saw God's hand of blessing in the whole matter and he said to his brothers, "You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good." (Genesis 50:20)

We must be thankful.

In all of God's dealings with us, He is teaching us to trust Him. The proof that we are trusting God in all our circumstances is thankfulness. The Bible says,

"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
1 Thessalonians 5:18

The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life

 

What is the Christian's secret of a happy life? In a nutshell it is this: Seeing God in all our circumstances.

Always in this life we have two choices before us. We can choose to "walk by sight" or we can choose to "walk by faith." To walk by sight means that we look at our circumstances and go by what we see. To walk by faith means that we look beyond our circumstances and see God at work behind the scenes.

Let us illustrate what we mean. Suppose you are sitting in a house with a window which opens toward a beautiful mountain scene. There are two things you can do. You can look toward the window and let your gaze stop on the window glass itself with all its flaws and imperfections. Or you can let your gaze pass through the glass to behold the beauty of God's creation beyond.

In our situation, when we choose to "walk by sight," we see only our circumstances. But, when we choose to "walk by faith," we look beyond our circumstances and discover God at work.

Faith is not some kind of feeling or emotion. Faith is the choice of my will to believe what God says in His Word. By faith you can believe that God is in every circumstance that comes to you.

By faith you can believe that His will is good and perfect and the very best thing for you, regardless of how things may look. By faith you can believe that all things are His "servants." By faith you can thank Him for everything that comes to you. By faith you can say, "I KNOW that all things are working together for my eternal good."

*Watchman Nee expressed these thoughts:

We come to realize that the whole universe is in fact in His hand. Formerly it was hard for us to believe the idea that things in the world could not move against His will, but now we know that every element in the universe—be it human or supernatural—is under His careful scrutiny and clever ordering. We acknowledge that all things come to us either through His order or by His permission.

The soul that comes under the Lord's authority is a restful one. Once we busily planned; today we calmly trust the Lord. Once we had many ideas, plans and ambitions of our own; now we consider God's will best and rest ourselves in Him.

"He has done all things well." Mark 7:37

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Study to Show Yourself Approved

God commands His servants, “Study to show yourself approved before God.”

The Bible is the inspired Word of God. It is His written Instruction Book to mankind. It answers every important question in life. It explains how to live—and reveals the road to salvation.

Then why do so few know HOW to study the Bible?

First, we must ask, why study the Bible? II Timothy 2:15 admonishes, “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

The apostle Paul tells us that proper Bible study leads to approval from God. The same verse also speaks of other benefits. First, as workmen, we need not be ashamed—if we study God’s Word. Instead, studying becomes fulfilling and satisfying. You have done what God expects you to do—an acceptable type of self-approval.

Rightly dividing the Word of Truth—knowing the Bible, inside and out—takes a lifetime. God’s Holy Spirit opens one’s mind to this spiritual understanding (Psa. 119:18; John 16:13). True biblical knowledge and understanding come from diligent effort and God’s Spirit working in you.

God expects us to familiarize ourselves with His Word. Only by fully appreciating it will we act on it. Christ said, “…It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4, quoted from Deut. 8:3). Psalms 119:105 affirms: “Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

And as Paul admonished Timothy: “And that from a child you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (II Tim. 3:15). He continues in verses 16-17: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

Taking in the Word of God for spiritual nourishment surpasses the need of taking in physical food. The Bible provides light to avoid pitfalls in the path of life. The Bible gives us wisdom to understand the weighty aspects of salvation. All scripture is inspired by God to mold and teach His people so that they may become perfect and equipped “for good work of every kind” (Moffatt translation).

Bible study is a vital process that does more than teach us.

Ephesians 5:25-26 reveals the washing or cleansing effect that comes from Bible study: “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave Himself for it; that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.”

This is echoed in Hebrews 10:22: “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.”

The analogy of water washing the body is not to be confused with the water of baptism. The water of baptism is not what washes us clean. (Upon repentance, the blood of Christ cleanses one of past sins.) In this case, water symbolizes burial of the individual being baptized. The “watery grave” typifies the death of the old self and the emergence of a new person with a new life.

By contrast, Bible study washes the individual. This is our part of the cleansing process—God expects us to do our part. This process takes place as one internalizes God’s Word. This leads to the desire to repent and grow in godly character. God’s Spirit is instrumental in this cleansing process. But diligent Bible study is the way we wash and cleanse ourselves.

Bible study has many benefits. Therefore, one should establish goals in undertaking this vital spiritual activity.

There are many kinds of goals within Bible study. They fall into three categories: short-term, medium-term and long-term. This makes such goals much more obtainable, as well as interesting. Each of these categories will be listed below with suggested examples.

It should be understood that one could work on more than just one goal at any given time by alternating Bible study sessions, or splitting each session.

Herbert W. Armstrong taught seven keys to understanding the Bible. Although these keys are general overviews, they are indeed vital in being able to understand the Bible’s true doctrines.

The Seven Keys to Understanding the Bible

The true gospel: The kingdom of God will be set up on this physical earth for a thousand years—the millennium—in the near future.

Salvation is creation: The process of salvation involves the development of godly character in those who are called and who overcome.

Duality: The method of duality runs through every phase of God’s plan, such as: the physical creation and the spiritual creation; the first Adam and the second Adam; the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. In prophecy, duality indicates the “type” and the “anti-type.” This means the former fulfillment as opposed to the later, climactic, major fulfillment of prophecy.

God’s Holy Days: These are the seven annual Sabbaths that spell out the plan of salvation. God has commanded their observance forever. He forbids the observance of pagan holidays.

The truth about Israel: The true identity of the lost tribes of Israel and their importance in the world today. This involves the identity of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh as inheritors of the birthright. Its also includes knowing the identity and location of the other tribes of Israel. Without this knowledge, prophecy cannot be understood.

The Bible interprets its own symbols: Man cannot understand the meaning of biblical symbols because he injects his own speculation. Let the Bible explain the meaning. Like parables, these symbols are often used to hide the meaning rather than to make them clearer.

God’s Sabbath: The seventh-day Sabbath is the test commandment that professing Christianity refuses to obey. This is the identifying sign of Israel and of God’s people.

Short-term Goals

As you examine the following objectives, keep in mind that they are not listed in any particular order.

It is best to begin with short-term goals. For example, read a short book of the Bible, such as James or Ruth. Consider the timing, such as near a Holy Day that pertains to a certain book. You might choose a particular book because it puts a crisis or particular interest into better perspective.

Study a chapter of the Bible. The reasons listed above could apply here, as well as to certain goals listed below.

Study a small subject in the Bible. A good example of this could be: “Why kneel during prayer?”

Study the background of a particular book. This could include the time and circumstances in which the book was written.

Study a difficult scripture.

Here are some tips to keep in mind while studying:

Many kinds of subjects can be studied. Some examples would be the wearing of jewelry or the subject of hair length. Other examples could be astrology or tattoos.

Make it as interesting as possible, but keep it simple. Bible study aids, such as atlases and history books, may help stimulate interest and promote additional curiosity.

When selecting a topic, give it some forethought. Index cards are useful for listing ideas that come to mind when studying other topics. Ironically, many avoid studying the Bible because they feel overwhelmed. Keeping Bible study simple makes it easier to tackle these subjects.

Do not study the Bible haphazardly. Some study whatever pages it happens to open to. This is not the way to approach God’s Word.

God is not the author of confusion (I Cor. 14:33). He expects us to follow an organized approach to His Word.

Medium-term Goals

These are projects that might extend a few days, weeks, or months. It is possible to pursue short- and medium-term goals at the same time. It is also possible to alternate between the two.

Read a larger book of the Bible, such as Isaiah, Psalms or Proverbs.

Study a specific doctrine. This could be assisted by certain Bible helps such as concordances or topical Bibles.

For example, one could study the doctrine of tithing in detail. If faced with a physical affliction, you may want to study healing.

Memorize a series of key scriptures. Realize that some people such as the Pharisees were required to memorize the Torah—the first five books of the law. Others have memorized the entire Bible, yet do not understand it. When one memorizes key scriptures, the purpose should never be to recite them to impress others, but to internalize the scriptures and apply them in your life.

Review sermon notes and look up the key scriptures. Also review your margin notes. Some may need correcting and updating!

You will find that the more you study the Bible, the more you will want to study the Bible!

Long-term Goals

A common long-term goal is to read the entire Bible. If you have never done this, challenge yourself to do so. The benefits are enormous!

A thorough reading of the Bible may take as little as six months. If one references commentaries and other supportive material, it may take as long as two years. This gives an overall foundational understanding, which can be built upon in the future.

Here is one tip for someone accepting the challenge to “read the Book.” Before beginning the project, you may wish to read our series THE STORY OF THE BIBLE. It helps to provide a basic understanding of Old Testament events and the Plan of God.

Read all the Major Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel.

Read a selected “harmony of the gospels”—another excellent project.

Make notations in your Bible. See “The Rules of Effective Bible Study” for a number of helpful hints on marking your Bible. If you have recently purchased a new Bible, try to transfer all your old Bible notes to it.

Re-read all RCG literature, using the Bible to reference each scripture.

Remember, the value of undertaking these projects and goals is to instill the habit and desire to study God’s Word.

Bible Helps

There are many useful Bible helps available. While some may be too expensive to purchase, you may be able to access them at your local library or via the Internet. This is not an exhaustive list, but it gives one an idea of the wide variety of invaluable helps that one could reference.

However, keep in mind that the authors may have injected their own wrong ideas and misconceptions. But overall, these references are useful tools.

While helpful, recognize that these do not represent an “officially sanctioned” list of perfect or near-perfect study aids.

Unger’s Bible Dictionary: A very thorough one-volume Bible dictionary, which is practical and reasonably priced. Unger’s now has their Bible dictionary on CD for those with computers.

The Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible: While very expensive, this five-volume set is probably the best Bible dictionary money can buy. You might find it in larger municipal and university libraries. It is well worth exploring.

Manners and Customs of the Bible: By James Freeman. This book discusses Bible personalities, as well as manners and customs of a given culture at a given time in history.

The Bible From 26 Translations: This large reference work shows every verse in the Bible from at least four or five translations.

The Amplified Bible: The King James Version with modern English updates.

The Jamieson, Fausset and Brown One-volume Commentary on the Bible: Although their full commentary covers six volumes, this JFB one-volume commentary is perhaps the most highly recommended of all single-volume editions.

Adam Clarke’s Commentary: Another six-volume set. This one is also well known and widely used. This commentary also has a condensed single-volume version.

The Companion Bible: This Bible is filled with historical, scriptural and linguistic details.

Halley’s Bible Handbook: Compact, yet filled with valuable archaeological notes and other historical background information.

Angus Green Bible Handbook: Somewhat more thorough and expensive than Halley’s Bible Handbook.

Nave’s Topical Bible: This book is ideal for tracing references when no common terms are used. Some Bible software packages have Nave’s Topical Bible integrated into their software.

The Works of Flavius Josephus: An excellent historical reference, considered by many to be the most authoritative reference to supplement the Bible. The price is reasonable.

The Bible as History: By Werner Keller. An authoritative two-part history relating to the Bible.

Baker’s Bible Atlas: This helpful tool shows geographical locations and gives detailed explanations of the culture of ancient times. Many helpful photos and illustrations are given.

Oxford Bible Atlas: Similar to Baker’s Atlas and of equal quality, with differing emphasis.

All these different sources provide a kaleidoscope of spectacular information. They make Bible study not just interesting, but exciting. The titles listed here are but a small sampling of what is available. There are also a variety of websites where one can purchase such references on-line. Many of these and other items can be purchased “used” at a fraction of the “new” price.

Certain websites specialize in used books—and that includes used Bible reference books. Also, many of these helps are available free of charge on the Internet.

Study the Bible Daily

Consider some of the great benefits of daily Bible Study: “For the word of God is quick [living], and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart”(Heb. 4:12).

The Word of God is a living Book and “a discerner of thoughts.” It applies to all situations and should be looked to for daily guidance.

If studied correctly, the Bible will make you “wise unto salvation.” It imparts the wisdom to survive and grow while we continue in the proving ground of qualifying for the first resurrection.

The Scriptures help you to recognize and shun error. They help you to avoid the devil’s seduction.

When you study the Bible, God’s Spirit leads you into understanding more truth. This Spirit imparts spiritual understanding of Scripture and helps you to apply these principles in daily life.

You build faith by studying the many examples of God’s faithful servants (Rom. 10:17).

Study of the Bible helps you to be vigilant and to resist the devil.

Study for comfort. You can gain serenity, stability and peace of mind through Bible study: “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Rom. 15:4).

In making time for study, different people have employed different strategies. Some set aside time early in the morning. This is ideal if circumstances allow the flexibility to do this. Others set aside time later at night—a practice that works for some, but not everyone.

In order for study to be beneficial, you must remain alert.

Try to study at a time when you can concentrate without distraction. Set aside a period of solid time if possible—not just a few minutes here and a few minutes there. Although an ideal situation might not exist immediately, actively plan and strive to make arrangements for better conditions in which to study the Bible. This is vital!

A Matter of Life and Death

Failing to study your Bible will lead to doubt, discouragement, emptiness, negativity, anxiety, unhappiness and a feeling that God is not with you. Prayer is talking to God. To diligently read your Bible is to listen to what God is saying to you.

Make Bible study a major priority. It is a matter of life and death.

Finally, consider this vital scripture: “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you” (John 15:7).

This is a great goal—abiding in Christ and His word abiding in us. Answered prayer becomes one of the many benefits of attaining the overall spiritual goal—walking with Christ and living the Book. This is an immediate reward within itself, although it leads to the ultimate goal of eternal life. Bible study is instrumental in getting us there.

Although it may seem that time is at a premium and we have so little of it, make diligent effort to study the Bible daily. Eternal life is worth it!

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Preach the Word!

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Mental Illness Subjected to God's Word

God's word is living, breathing and power (Hebrews 4:12). Holy and clean. Just and correct. The Life.

I always start praying that God will open my eyes ears mind and heart to receive His word. Then to speak these words out as I read them that my ears may receive the word of God, That my eyes may receive the word of God and that my mouth may Speak the word of God which renews the mind and changes the heart.
Feel the Peace of God cover you and just rest in His love.

Hebrews 4:12 ~ For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Philippians 4:6-7 ~ Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

1 John 4:1 ~ Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Matthew 11:28-30 ~ Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Proverbs 3:5-7 ~ Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

2 Corinthians 3:17 ~ Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

Philippians 4:19 ~ But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Matthew 4:24 ~ And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

2 Timothy 1:7 ~ For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Luke 11:24 ~ When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.

1 Peter 5:8 ~ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.

Romans 12:2 ~ 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.

Isaiah 41:10 ~ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Psalms 56:11 ~ In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.

Luke 1:37 ~ For with God nothing shall be impossible.

1 Corinthians 10:13 ~ There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].

Psalm 23 ~ The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

John 16:33 ~ These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Colossians 3:15 ~ And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

John 14:27 ~ “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

Romans 5:1 ~ Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.

James 3:18 ~ And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

Matthew 17:14-20 ~ And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a [certain] man, kneeling down to him, and saying, Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me. And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

Jeremiah 29:11 ~ For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

The more of an intimate relationship you have with God, the more peace follows you in your life. If we seek out Jesus and who He is, we learn that following Jesus closely not only shows us to overcome but to help those who need a loving hand and His direction.

Study His word. It's not a book without any purpose tangible. It has sound wisdom, directions, etc. of which none of this world has been able to show better. God gave us an instruction manual for our lives. It's up to us to accept it and to use it faithfully that we shall not stumble.

Psalm 119:105 ~ Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

2 Peter 1:21 ~ For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

I walk this out in faith because no wisdom in this earth is wiser and no peace is close in comparison on this earth.

Our Faith will be justified in Heaven when we see Him. Our Hope will be completed in Heaven when we see Him. His love will continue in Heaven when we see Him because God is Love.

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Preaching Ideas on Disabilities

By Linda Jean H. Larson
December 2004

Preaching “is a process of transformation for both preacher and congregation alike, as the ordinary details of their everyday lives are translated into the extraordinary elements of God’s ongoing creation” (Barbara Brown Taylor, The Company of Preachers, Richard Lischer, ed., 2002). Preaching not only helps us understand God’s Word but to see and interact with God’s world as his representatives. The following article is excerpted from a speech given by Linda Larson at Calvin Theological Seminary. It presents her understanding of how God views disabilities with the hope that pastors will be encouraged to do the same.

—Joyce Borger

The Scripture passages that I will talk about have become treasures to me because they reveal how God, through Word and deed, views disability.

Mephibosheth: 2 Samuel 9

This little-known text is an excellent example, through David, of how persons with disabilities are an integral part of the fabric of life. Mephibosheth had a name and a heritage. His disability was a part of who he was, but not the only part. David gave Mephibosheth social status by returning the lands that had belonged to his grandfather. By giving him the ability to determine how his household and finances were to be run, David restored Mephibosheth’s dignity and assured him of the social status of those who had work to do. David’s insistence that Mephibosheth always eat at the king’s table also reinforced Mephibosheth social status and indicated that he valued Mephibosheth’s counsel and advice.

I often wonder if David started a relationship with Mephibosheth out of a sense of atoning for Jonathan’s death. Was he surprised when he first saw Mephibosheth? Were there gasps or stares at the table the first time Mephibosheth came to dinner? Did anyone get up and leave?

And what of Mephibosheth? He calls himself a dead dog. He views his life as a disabled person as a fate worse than death. Most likely he had lived an isolated life until David called for him. Did Mephibosheth feel that he was going to his death? Was he too scared to say to David, “This is not the way it works.” After all, persons with disabilities were supposed to be shunned, isolated. The only job they could legitimately claim was that of beggar. Why would David insist on setting the world upside down?

The treasure in this story is the transformation not only of David and Mephibosheth and their relationship, but of the entire community. How powerful!

More than any other, this story surprises me with joy every time I read it. It shows a person with a disability as the complex being that he is, that we all are. It demonstrates that those who are non-disabled as well as those who are disabled must do what is just in the sight of God. It reveals that disability issues are complex—they include accessibility, autonomy, work and economic status, socialization, the right to marry and have children. Both the non-disabled and the disabled have an equal place in society. Disability is a part of life that needs to be addressed by non-disabled as well as disabled people. Finally, the story shows that ministry with persons with disability takes place in the practical everyday details of life.

The Man Born Blind: John 9

Jesus forever breaks the tie between sin and disability. Disability no longer can be stigmatized as something unclean. We are not to blame the victim or the victim’s parents for disability. Disability brings a prophetic voice into the body of Christ—it proclaims the power that belongs to God. Jesus is the light of the world that empowers members of the body of Christ to let their light shine. Truly we are all created in the image of God—gifted and called to live in community where all give and receive. Sin is consciously or unconsciously not allowing another’s gifts to be used.

Jesus’ act of spitting and making mud to restore the blind man’s sight reminds us that we are physically created from the earth, and to the earth we will return. Our bodies are clay vessels that contain the treasure of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which are given to all. The act of cleansing with water is symbolic of baptism—God making us his own. Through these acts, the beggar is transformed into a whole being and is brought into community. Not only do we see the miracle of a cure, but also the miracles of individual and communal healing.

The entire community sees the healing of the blind man as suspect. By working on the Sabbath, Jesus has broken with tradition. Even the blind man’s parents are afraid and refuse to get involved. The crowd accuses Jesus of being a sinner. The man makes a statement of faith; he knows that Jesus is from God. They drive him out.

Will we, the body of Christ, dare to face our own vulnerabilities that disability reminds us of, or will we reject them as the world does? Will we dare to transform the institutions that oppress and exclude? Will we dare to acknowledge our responsibility in that oppression and exclusion?

The Healing of a Boy with Epilepsy: Mark 9:14-29

This passage reveals a person living with an invisible disability. In Greek culture, demons were not necessarily evil or good but spirits of the dead, or ghosts. Certainly a person with an invisible disability must have been a mystery. In this case, the disability was attributed to “an unclean spirit” (v. 25). Somehow we have meshed together three separate concepts: the Jewish view of cleanliness/ uncleanliness, disability, and evil. We equate “different” behavior as odd, unpredictable, even threatening.

I fear that if disability is seen as evil or a lack of faith, instead of what it is—a natural outcome of life and living—we may fail to give persons with such disabilities the care they need. We now know that invisible disabilities have physical causes, including diabetes, epilepsy, mental illness, brain injury, learning disability, emotional/behavioral disorder, Tourette’s syndrome, and many others. But because we do not have anything visible to relate to in the case of invisible disability, we are afraid. We do not want it in our midst, and we will act to ensure that it stays away. This creates a tremendous social stigma on the person with an invisible disability, especially that of mental illness.

This story shows us a father who is desperate to find help for his son. Did the crowd blame the father for his son’s condition? Was the father made to feel guilty and ashamed about his son’s condition? Was the father lonely, because he, with his son, was a social outcast, as in the case of those who had leprosy? Did the crowd go about its daily life, ignoring the elephant in their midst? Did their fear ever turn to anger? Were father and son forced into homelessness, like many of those who live with mental illness? When did the father ever receive respite in taking care of his son?

The Elephant in the Room

“We have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us” (2 Cor. 4:7).

Disability happens as a result of genetics, illness, or accident. It is not uncleanliness or evil or sin. It does not prevent us from the love of God or of fulfilling God’s purpose for our life. Healing is not cure. Instead it is being brought back into the body of Christ, having a place at the table.

That has implications for the body of Christ. Ministry is with, not to persons with disabilities. Ministry takes place in the practical details of everyday life: providing a meal, providing respite, making appointments, caring for a sibling, cleaning, keeping medical and insurance records, to list a few examples. Ministry is complex. We are called to do what is just, advocating for housing, employment, recreational opportunities, and adequate health care as well as inviting all God’s people, including the disabled, to participate not only in worship but in all aspects of the life of the church.

Disability is the elephant in the room that we may all wish to ignore. We may be frightened by disability because it reminds us of our own individual and communal vulnerabilities. But our task is to embrace disability as the prophetic voice that reminds us of the full inclusion of all God’s children in the body of Christ.



Excerpt
Other Preaching Passages

Jacob: Genesis 32:24-30
Moses: Exodus 4:10-16
Paul: 2 Corinthians 12:7

How Inclusive Is Your Church?

Note: The following ideas for making churches more accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities are offered by Nella Uitvlugt, director of Friendship Ministries (for more on Friendship Ministries, see RW 68, p. 24; www.friendship.org).

• Recessed rugs. Rubber mats can trip people who are visually impaired or who use walkers. Make sure rugs at entrances are recessed.
• Water fountains. If they are not low enough to be used by people in wheelchairs, mount a cup holder next to them.
• Projection screens. Use blue or black backgrounds. Do not add pictures behind words. Use a large, clear font; skip italics.
• Bathrooms. Make sure towel dispensers are hung low enough that people in wheelchairs can reach them.
• Entrances. Be sure they are accessible and well marked; add yellow striping for breaks in the walks.
• Large-print bulletins. Include notices as well as the worship service outline.
• Valet parking. Offer this service to seniors or people with disabilities. Use seasoned drivers; this is not the place to use the gifts of the young person who just got her driver’s license!
• Handicap parking. Are all the spaces used up? If so, add one or two more.
• Tables. Make sure these are usable by people in wheelchairs. Many are too low to accommodate wheelchairs.
• Environmental disabilities. Eliminate scented candles, soaps, and air fresheners. Ask people to refrain from using fragrances.

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