"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (4) Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:" (Isaiah 26:3-4)

This is one of the most famous verses in the Bible about peace. God wants you to have peace in your heart and mind. It is a theme repeated over and over in the Bible. It is clearly very important. 

I believe one reason is that it is easy to lose your peace. Life is full of stress and problems. Just driving in traffic can cause you to lose your peace, let alone family, health, and financial problems!

I have taught and preached about having peace many times. I am sure you have heard many messages on the subject. However, it is a topic that needs to be repeated often. 

Isaiah 26:3 shows us how we can keep the peace of God in our hearts. Let’s look at this today.

There are three main points in this verse about peace. We will look at them in the reverse order that they appear in the verse.

"O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth." (Isaiah 25:1)

Isaiah chapter 25 is divided into three sections. Each of these sections praises God for something. We will look at each of these three sections and find out how much God has and will bless his children.

Prophetically, this passage is about the future judgment of God and the Lord’s millennium reign. 

We will not receive our full inheritance and rule with Christ until he comes back. However, we can apply many of the blessings and truths to the church now.

Isaiah chapter 25 is an encouraging passage about praising the Lord.

We can praise him for:

• His protection and righteous judgments
• His blessings and benefits
• Salvation

Isaiah 24:14-15  They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the LORD, they shall cry aloud from the sea. (15)  Wherefore glorify ye the LORD in the fires, even the name of the LORD God of Israel in the isles of the sea.

Here in Isaiah 24, we have a picture of glorifying the Lord through the fires of this life. A good illustration of this is the three Hebrew men in Daniel chapter 3.

In Daniel chapter three, we have one of the most exciting stories in all the Bible and it is a peculiar one. What makes this story different, is that these three Hebrew men were not delivered from their enemies at the beginning. God allowed them to go through the fire, walked with them in the fire, and then delivered them out of the fire.

Even in the middle of the fires of life, we can sing praises to our God!

Isa 22:20-25  And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah: 21  And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. 22  And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open. 23  And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a glorious throne to his father's house. 24  And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his father's house, the offspring and the issue, all vessels of small quantity, from the vessels of cups, even to all the vessels of flagons. 25  In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall the nail that is fastened in the sure place be removed, and be cut down, and fall; and the burden that was upon it shall be cut off: for the LORD hath spoken it.

Eliakim, a type of Christ.

Today we will look at this passage as a type of Christ. It is clear it is a prophetic passage about the Lord Jesus Christ ruling and reigning, as well as paying for our sins.

It is interesting to note how many of these points match the four gospels. Matthew shows Jesus as king, Mark as a servant, Luke as a man, and John as God in the flesh.

This passage in Isaiah is not a perfect type of the four “faces” or sides of the character of Jesus, but it does show some of them to a certain extent.

As a King of kings he did not come to his throne by birth, he earned the right by being the conquerer of all foes. And the last and greatest foe (enemy) was death.

As a Servant, he came to bear our sins upon the cross.

As a Man, he came to be the last Adam and the first of a new race.

As God, he showed that his power is greater than sin, death, Hell, or Satan.

This chapter is a great picture of the Gentiles and the Jews becoming the body of Christ, the church.

Egypt in the Bible is a type of the world. In this chapter, we can find an illustration of how all are made one in Christ. We see the Gentiles (Egypt and Assyria) and the Jews becoming the children of God.

In this short chapter we have a vivid picture. Ethiopia and Egypt are advancing in battle against Assyria (verse 1-3). This was probably when Shabatok the Ethiopian was King of Egypt.

In verse four the world looks and hears all that is happening. But then look at verse 4, the Lord is taking a rest. He is not concerned about this at all! The Lord gives them a victory against Assyria and then in verse eight they (the Ethiopians and Egyptians) give a gift to the Lord.

Today we will look at how the Lord is calm and not worried, even though the world looks on with concern and wonder.

I would like to contrast the excitement and agitation of the world, with the calm, restful, patience of the Lord.

Isa 17:7-8  At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel. (8)  And he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, neither shall respect that which his fingers have made, either the groves, or the images.

Man is a creation of God. Someone created you—that means you have a maker. Many will try to deny this fact, but if you look deep in your heart you will know it is true. 

Isaiah 17 shows how all people, at some time in their lives, will respect their Maker. For many, this will be after they have respected other men and the work of their own hands.

It would be much better if we respect our Maker now!

Let’s look at what the Bible says about our Maker and his relationship with his creation.

This chapter has three parts: 1. An offer of mercy on condition they show mercy and help to the Israelites. (16:1-5), they reject this offer and are threatened (16:6-12), 3. The time is fixed for the judgement of Moab.

In addition, in verse 5, there is a Messianic prophecy concerning the throne of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Isa 16:5  And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness.

Today we will look at the future throne of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The throne of the Lord Jesus Christ will be forever, established in mercy and truth, and it will be a place of active judgement and righteousness.

Isa 15:5  My heart shall cry out for Moab; his fugitives shall flee unto Zoar, an heifer of three years old: for by the mounting up of Luhith with weeping shall they go it up; for in the way of Horonaim they shall raise up a cry of destruction.

Isaiah chapter 15 is about the destruction of Moab. Moab was the son of Lot. When the children of Israel came into the promise land the king of Moab, Balak, hired Balaam to curse them. Instead he blessed them!

God told Israel to leave the Moabites alone. The Edomites and Moabites did not let Israel go through their lands, because they feared them. However, Moab had a history of being enemies of Israel.

Let’s look at a few things about our enemies today.

God wants us to love our enemies, not hate them. Treat people the way you want to be treated, even those that oppose you or cause you trouble. That is what a Christian should do!

Isaiah chapter 14 is the most important chapter in the Bible about the fall of Satan. Satan was a beautiful cherubim above the throne of God. He was one of God’s finest creations. But as we read in this chapter that was not enough for him. He wanted more—much more. 

In his pride and ambition he tried to make himself equal with God. Because of this God cast him out of the 3rd heaven and Satan lost his place above the throne of God.

This chapter tell us how much pride can cost us. It is also a good example of how personal ambition can be a very dangerous thing. 

Ambition can be good—in moderation. But like most things it has to be controlled.

Isa 14:13-14  For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: (14)  I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

This chapter is all about the day of the LORD. What is the day of the Lord? When will it happen? Who will be judged? We will look at what the Bible has to say about this certain future day.

The phrase “the day of the Lord” is found 27 times in 26 verses. Other variations of this phrase are found many times. It is not to be confused with the “day of Christ” or other days. It is a very specific phrase applying to a certain day.

The day of the Lord is the second coming of Christ. He came first as a Lamb to save men from their sins; the second time he will come as a Lion to judge the world.

Isa 13:6  Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.

Our verse for today is found in Isaiah 12:2:

Isa 12:2  Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.

Let’s also read Psalms 21:1 and Exodus 15:2:

Psa 27:1  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?

Exo 15:2  The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.

I would like to look at what the Lord is to those who know him as their personal Saviour. He is our light and salvation, our God, and our life. The Lord is my strength and my song today.

Isaiah 11:1-2  "And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: (2)  And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;"

Isaiah chapter 11 is about the Lord Jesus Christ, the Branch. It tells us of the second coming of Christ and the peace he will bring on earth.

The second part of the chapter foretells how the nation of Israel will be gathered from all corners of the earth. They will no longer flee from their enemies and none will dare harm them.

We also read about “a Branch.” This Branch is Jesus Christ who is a King, a Servant, a Man, and God.

In the four Gospels, we find Jesus Christ as a King in the book of Matthew, a Servant in Mark, a Man in Luke, and God in John.

Today, we will do a short study about Jesus as the Branch.

Isaiah 10:15  "Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself, as if it were no wood."

Isaiah chapter 10 is about Assyria lifting itself in pride against the Lord. The Lord had given the Assyrians the power and ability to conquer and rule over nations. He also used them to punish Israel.

But they became full of pride! The Lord clearly tells them that he will bring them down.

I would like us to look at how this verse applies spiritually to the New Testament church.

All saved people are instruments, or vessels, that can be used in the hands of God. God saved us and made us his children to do something. Yes, Jesus Christ died to pay for our sins and give us eternal life—but he has a much greater purpose for you and me than just going to heaven!

You are his instrument! How do I know that? Because the Bible makes it very clear that he uses his people to tell the world of his saving grace, show the world his glory, and teach the world his ways. He uses us!

Our verses are found in Isaiah 9:6-7:

"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."

In this passage, we have the birth of Christ and prophecies concerning him. But we also read that the Saviour Jesus Christ has five names, Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, and The Prince of Peace.

I believe each of these names represents a part of his character and personality. 

Let’s see what each of these five names represents in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Our verses for today are found in Isaiah 8:13-15:

"13 Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. 14 And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 15 And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken."

Verse 14 says the Lord will be a sanctuary for some—but for others a stone of stumbling. Every person has a choice: the Lord can be your Saviour and sanctuary, or a stone to stumble over. You must decided what you will do with Jesus Christ.

We are going to look at two ways people stumble when they hear the gospel or about how Jesus Christ paid for their sins. We will then look at the result of this stumbling.

Isa 7:14  Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

In Isaiah 7:14 we have a powerful verse proving that Jesus Christ, the promised Saviour, would be born from a virgin. His name would be “Immanuel” meaning “God is with us.” From this passage we find out God would come down and live with man—in a human body. Later it would be revealed he would be 100% God and also 100% man.

The virgin birth is a doctrine that puzzles many people. They just don’t see how such a thing is possible and struggle to believe it. 

There are many who question whether God really created all things and is all-powerful. Therefore, they would certainly have a problem with the idea that a woman could conceive a child without the involvement of a man. 

However, for those who believe God and the Bible, it is not a problem. That God should become a man through simple maiden does not trouble them.

For those who do believe in the virgin birth it is often overlooked, rarely meditated on, or studied. The virgin birth is simply in their doctrinal statement and many do not give it a second thought. It is very important to study this topic in light of the humanity of Christ as we will see throughout this lesson.

In chapter six we read of Isaiah having a vision of the Lord’s throne. It is one of the most vivid descriptions of the the throne of God in the Bible. When Isaiah realizes what he is seeing, he sees himself as unclean and unholy. 

In this chapter the Lord is looking for someone to go for him. Isaiah responds with these famous words: “Here am I; send me.”

Today we will look at what is required of a missionary from this chapter. 

First, what IS a missionary? From reading the Bible (Especially the book of Acts) you will find a missionary is simply someone who gives the world the gospel. It is also someone who goes to a people who have never heard, or do not understand the gospel message.

So a missionary is not someone who goes to a Bible believing church and preaches. No, it is a person who goes outside the church and preaches the gospel to this world.

Every Christian should live as a missionary for God. Even if that means staying in the city you were born in for your entire life. Be God’s missionary and give the people in your town the gospel!

In chapter five the nation of Israel is pictured as the Lord’s vineyard. He protected, prepared and planted his vineyard. He looked for it to bring forth good fruit, but instead it brought forth wild fruit. This was fruit that could have grown without the Lord’s help.

So the Lord breaks down the walls, treads the grapes, and allows thorns and briers to come in the middle of the vines. He stopped the rain from blessing his vineyard, and did not prune it.

And so the house of Israel slowly became ruined.

This is a sad picture of what happens when you do not obey the Lord.

I believe this is a good picture of how the church is slowly dying. The Lord has blessed and watered the church. He has taken great care of his church, in fact he died for it. 

But the church has neglected the Lord, it has denied him and turned it’s back to the Lord. And so the church is dying today. The influence of the world has entered. There are thorns and wild fruit. This is false doctrine and unbelievers. Yes, the church today is full of unsaved people and false doctrine!

In chapter five of Isaiah we have six woes. These are warnings from the Lord because his people had forsaken him. We will look at each of them today.,

Chapter four begins by showing how terrible the battle was in chapter 3:25, 26. There will be so few men left, that there will be a ratio of 7 women to 1 man. The judgement of God is a fearful thing to behold.

But there is good news in this chapter—the Lord will not judge forever nor will he forsake his people. In this day, after the chastisement, the Lord will come to heal and cleanse his people. Israel will be a glorious and holy people unto the Lord.

In this passage, Israel is God’s people, often called his wife. For us as New Testament believers, we are part of the church, Jesus’s body, his bride.

In this passage, we find a picture of how we are seen in the eyes of God as the bride of Christ.

In this chapter we read of famine, mighty and wise men gone, and children and women ruling and oppressing people. 

This chapter is the result of Judah forsaking the Lord—for turning away from what is correct. The result is confusion. In the end, they went against nature and the order God set from the beginning of creation.

Sin is terrible. Rejecting God’s way is painful and causes confusion. Why not just obey the Bible and do things God’s way? Once we start obeying the Bible and do things in God’s order the confusion will end.

In the first part of chapter two, we find the Lord encouraging Judah to come into the house of the Lord and walk in the light. It is a Millennium passage and talks about the peace Israel and the world will enjoy in the future.

Verses 3 and 5 we read “Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord” and “Come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord.”

This is a very encouraging passage of scripture. It is admonishing us to come into the house of the Lord, worship him, and walk in the light of the Lord.

Prophetically, it is speaking of all nations coming to worship the Lord in the Millennium.

However, we will apply a spiritual application for us in the New Testament church. I would like to look at this passage as a picture of a church family.

The book of Isaiah is an exciting, convicting, and yet encouraging book to study! Doctrinally, it was written as a rebuke to Judah. However, we find practical lessons and applications for the New Testament church.

We will start with a message from chapter one called “The Pleading of a Father.”

God the Father is a person. He feels, He loves, He rebukes, He is sad when His people reject Him and embrace sin. 

This chapter not only shows us the heart of the Father but His rebukes and warnings, His command to repent, and His judgment if we refuse to obey Him.

Eph 6:13-14 "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;"

Eph 6:18 "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"

We now come to the last two commandments: stand fast and pray always with watching.

Will you stand for the Lord? Will you stand for what is right? And will you pray always with watching?

"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

The first command we looked at from this chapter was to be strong and in the power of the Lord. We must obey that if we have any hope of fulfilling the next command…put on the whole armour of God. We need this armour to stay faithful in the battle we are in.

Our battle as Christians is not a physical battle, it is a spiritual battle. This battle is real and of eternal importance. Our enemies are real and in high places, both spiritual and physical.

It is important that we understand that we are to stand in this battle. The sword of the Spirit is our only offensive weapon. The word of God, Jesus Christ Himself, does the fighting for us. We are simply to proclaim His word and stand faithful.

2Co 10:3-4  "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)"

We are told in Ephesians chapter six to put on the whole armour of God. Not just one part, such as faith, but to put on ALL of it. Many Christians only obey part of God’s word—so also many only put on parts of this armour. We need all of it if we are to stand against such wickedness in high places.

In this passage we have several commands: be strong in the power of the Lord (vs. 10), put on the whole armour of God (vs. 11), stand fast (vs. 13-14), and pray always with watching (vs.18). These are strong commands for a serious reason: we must have these if we are to stand against the wiles and power of the devil.

We will look at each of these things in detail. For today we will look at the first command: to stand strong in the power of the Lord. We will look at the rest in a future lesson.

I hope you will be able to say: 

God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect. (2Sam. 22:33)

This passage talks about being obedient to the authority that is set over us and serving as unto the Lord and not unto men. The first example is children obeying their parents, the second is servants obeying their masters, and last are masters obeying and serving their Master in heaven.

We will look at all three today.

God desires that we be obedient in all things that He commands us. We are to be obedient to call on Him for salvation, to obey Him and His word, and obey the given authority over us. Let’s be obedient children in all things!

2Co 2:9  For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.

This is a wonderful passage about the bride of Christ. We looked last time at the practical aspect of the correct relationship between a husband and wife. Let’s now look at the spiritual and doctrinal application concerning the bride of Christ.

Verse 27 tells us he will present it (the church) to Himself. This is a future event that will happen in Revelation 21:9 and 19:6-9

Rev 21:9  And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.

The bride of Christ is a great mystery and a fantastic miracle of God. The bride is made one with Christ and lives forever with Him in joy! What a great blessing for a child of God to look forward to.

Eph 5:21-22  Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

These verses talk about the responsibility of husbands and wives. Husbands and wives have different responsibilities before God and their spouse. They should both honor and love each other. If they will both act unselfishly, love each other, and also put God first in their lives then most problems in their marriage will go away. 

One of the reasons we have such a high rate of divorce in the world is that couples do not follow the principles set in the Bible. God has a correct order for the family—and when a family refuses to follow what God says problems will come in the home.

We should first submit ourselves before God and love him with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind. It will be much harder to have a good relationship with your spouse if you do not first have a good walk with God.

Luk 10:27  And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

If we do this we will be able to submit ourselves to not only God but those who are over us.

Eph 5:18-21  And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Most Christians have heard the term “filled with the Spirit” at some time in their Christian life but, what does the Bible mean when it says “be filled with the Spirit?”

We will do a simple study looking at times when God’s children were filled with the Holy Spirit. This will give us a good idea of what it means.

Being filled with the Holy Spirit is not a mysterious, mystical thing. It is simply living and walking after the Holy Spirit instead of our flesh.

When you are filled with the Spirit of God you will be bold, speak of Jesus, glorify God, and be filled with joy and thanksgiving.

Eph 5:16-17 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Verse 17 tells us to be wise—in understanding what the will of the Lord is. Today we will look at what the will of God is, how man has a free will, and yet God is still all-powerful.

The will of God is often a mysterious and mis-understood belief. Many people blame everything on the will of God. For example you may have heard things like this:

“It must have been the will of God for that person to get sick or injured.” Or, “It was the will of God he or she died.” Or maybe you have heard someone say, “Maybe it was the will of God I did not get the job.”

Thinking and saying every good or bad thing that happens is the will of God is an easy way out. It may have been the will of God—but—it also may not have been the will of God. 

God has a will. That is He desires and wants certain things for His creation. He wants them to live in righteousness, peace, and love.

But man also has a will, a FREE will. We are not robots or puppets. Because of this we can go against the will of God. We have a choice.

So the will of God and the will of man are a balance. Both have a will. Man has a free will to chose his path. But—God is higher and mightier than man and His will can intervene if He so choses.

Ephesians 5 tells us to be wise and understand what the will of God is. 

Eph 5:3-4  But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

This chapter starts by telling us to be followers of God and walk in love. It then tells us that the sinful works that the unsaved do should not be once named among the saints.

These works of the flesh and works of the unsaved are shameful to even talk about. If a child of God is named among those who do such things—then great harm will come to the testimony of the church.

A child of God may sin—but to be publicly pointed out known to be covetous or a fornicator—this is a shame and embarrassment to the body of Christ.

Many Christians today simply do not care, they are going to sin anyway. But God our Father sees this as a grave error—He does not approve of this and will judge it.

Let’s look in greater detail at the warning from these verses.

Eph 5:5-8  For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

Ephesians 5:5 along with 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 15:50; and Galatians 5:19-21 cause confusion among Christians. 

What does it mean when the Bible says “…that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God?”

Does this mean if a child of God does such things they will lose their salvation and right to enter into the kingdom of God? Let’s find out today!

Eph. 4:31-32 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

The subject of forgiveness is a common one. Most of us learn about the importance of forgiving one another from a child. It is a fundamental habit that must be developed if we are to have lasting and loving relationships with people. This is true regardless of the relationship, it applies to family, friends, work and school colleagues, and the church body.

Forgiveness—that is forgiving and not holding something against a person—sounds simple and easy. The reality is very different. When we were young and somewhat innocent we quickly forgave but, as life goes on and the wrongs against us become larger, forgiveness gets harder to give.

Today we will look at examples of forgiveness, the command to forgive, the dangers of an unforgiving heart, and the blessings of having a forgiving heart.

Eph 4:30  And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

In this verse, we are warned not to grieve the Holy Spirit that lives inside of us. To grieve means to cause great distress to someone, or to give someone a heavy burden. This is the only time in the New Testament we find this phrase.

The Holy Spirit lives inside a child of God and can become grieved with the way they live and respond to His commands and counsel.

Are we grieving the Holy Spirit? 

This is a question that we don’t ask often. In fact, many times we forget about the Holy Spirit living inside of us. We don’t think that what we are doing, looking at, thinking, and dwelling on might be grieving Him.

Today we are going to look at an example in the Bible where the Spirit of God is grieved. From this example I believe we can paint a picture of how we might be grieving the Holy Spirit—and perhaps not even realize it.

Eph 4:28  Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

Labouring, or working, in life is something we all do (or should be doing). Life is full of work. It never seems to end and can get tiring and discouraging at times. But working in a good thing is necessary, fulfilling, and a blessing to those around us.

The word ‘work” is found 420 times in the Bible and, the word “labour” 89 times. It is an important topic that the Bible gives much attention to.

Living life with nothing to do, idleness, and no purpose, is not Biblical living. Good men and women in the Bible were always busy labouring in a good thing.

Today, I want us to look at the command and example to labour, the dangers of walking disorderly and not labouring, and not getting weary labouring in a good thing.

Eph 4:26-27  Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.

Is it always wrong or a sin to be angry? What does the Bible say about being angry? What does the Bible mean when it says “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:”?

In the Bible, we read many times when God is angry. Does God commit sin? No, He does not. So we can conclude there are occasions where anger is not a sin. Let’s look at being angry and not sinning today.

Psa 7:11  God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.

The Bible says “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt,...” What we say, and how we speak, is very important. The tongue is very powerful. It can be used for good or evil. It can encourage or discourage. It can build up someone or tear someone down. We need to be very careful with our speech. Everyone is watching what you say as a Christian and will judge you by your words.

Today see how to speak with Grace

Col 4:6  Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

In Ephesians 4:17-32 we read about the old man and the new man. We also see how the Gentiles walk and how a Christian should walk. The difference is stark. There is a clear line drawn between the two. But a Christian has a choice: walk after the Spirit or after the flesh, walk in the new man or the old, walk in the ways of the Gentiles or the ways of a child of God. Today we will look at the new man versus the old man.

What is the purpose of the local church? What kind of work should it be doing? Is the church a humanitarian organisation? Is it a select, private club? This short passage in the book of Ephesians tells us the purpose and work of a local church. 

Jesus Christ gave His blood for, and died for, the Church, which is part of His body. He has a plan, purpose, and work for every local church body.  

Today, we will look at the purpose or function of the local church.

Ephesians chapter four marks a major change in the book. In the first three chapters, we read of our standing or position in the eyes of God, while chapters 4-6 are primarily about our state or condition before men.

Let’s start today by reading the first 3 verses from chapter four. Ephesians chapter 4:1-3:

Eph 4:1  I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

Eph 4:2  With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

Eph 4:3  Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

We looked last time how we should walk worthy of being called a Christian. We now come to the hard part—putting that to practical use.

The goal in these first three verses is to have unity and peace. We will need the four things listed (lowliness, meekness, longsuffering, forbearing with love) if we are to have unity and peace.

Unity and peace is something worth fighting for. It is worth sacrificing our own pride, ways, and opinions for. It is a precious thing!

2Co 13:11  Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

Ephesians chapter four marks a major change in the book. In the first three chapters, we read of our standing or position in the eyes of God, while chapters 4-6 are primarily about our state or condition before men.

Notice chapter four starts with “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,”

In the previous chapters, we learned how God sees us and what we have in Christ. Now we will learn how to walk as a child of God in this evil, sinful world.

Today, I would like us to look at walking worthy of the vocation Jesus has called us to.

Eph 4:1-3  I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

We looked last week at how we are all given the grace of God. First, for salvation and then for service and growth. 

All Christians have a calling, not just an occupation or trade to provide for their physical needs—but a higher calling—a spiritual calling as a child of God. Many Christians feel a calling from God—a spiritual vocation—is not for them. It is for the pastor, evangelist, or teacher in the church body. Or, they have a hard time finding out what calling God has for them. 

The simple answer to these problems is that in the New Testament, all children of God are called to many things.

Today we will look at seven things we are all called to.

Paul was given the grace of God in his life, just as all believers have. Why was this grace given to Paul according to Ephesians 3:8? That he should preach the gospel among the Gentiles. Let’s read Ephesians 3:7, 8:

Eph 3:7-8  Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. 8  Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

If we study a little more, we can find out more about this grace given unto him in 1 Corinthians 15:10:

1Co 15:10  But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Paul did much for God because of the grace given unto him. But look what he said: “… and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain;…”

Paul was given grace, and then he used it for the glory of God. He did not waste it and he did not receive it in vain.

The question for today is this: has God given you His grace in vain?

Christ dwells in our hearts, giving us strength, faith, knowledge, love, and power.

Being an effective Christian and minister for God requires us to have these things. We need the power and strength of God if we want to grow as His child and be used of Him. 

In verse seven Paul states “according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.” And then in verse 20 “ Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,”

Today I would like us to look at how Christ gives us the power and ability to minister in His name.

A Mystery Revealed (vs. 1-12)

In the first twelve verses we read of a mystery that was hidden for thousands of years. This mystery was revealed to the apostle Paul. This mystery was not the church which is the body of Christ, for that was known before Paul was saved and started preaching.

So what was this “mystery” in verse three? It is defined in verse six : “That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:” This mystery is that the Jews and Gentiles would be one body, you can read more about that in chapter two.

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:20-22)

The body of Christ has a firm foundation that has stood the test of time and troubles. It has gone through the fire and remains. The author of the Church, the body of Christ, is Christ Himself. He is the corner stone and the foundation was built upon the apostles and prophets—which we now have as Scripture. We can continue building upon this foundation by teaching, preaching, and believing in the words of God.

Chapter two starts with six things we had or were before we were born-again—before Jesus saved us. We looked at that last time.

Today we will look at nine things we are given when Jesus Christ saves us. These are things we now have by the grace of God.

What a blessing it is to know have peace with God and will live forever with our Saviour!

Let’s look today at what we were or had before Jesus Christ saved us. These are things we had by nature, or birth without Christ.

A person who is not saved or born-again is not a child of God. A person becomes a child of God by faith alone in Christ.

Gal 3:26  For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

We often talk about what a child of God has—but what about those who are not God’s children? What do they have and how do they walk in this world? 

This chapter gives us a list of things an unsaved person has and how they act.

Eph 2:1-3  And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2  Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3  Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Let’s look at the six things the Lord Jesus Christ has received from the Father.

Let’s strive to be thankful for and pray for all our brothers and sisters in Christ. If we are praying for one another we will have much more love and unity in the church!

In the first chapter of this book, we find seven spiritual blessings we have in Christ. What a blessing it is to know we are holy in the eyes of God, that we are adopted into the family of God, that we have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus, and so much more!

These are spiritual blessings a child of God has now. We will receive our physical blessings, such as a new body and home in heaven, when Christ comes to take us home to heaven.

We will look at our Lord Jesus Christ in the book of Philippians. Some of this will be similar to what we have already looked at but much of will be new.

We are going to look at Christ our life, Christ our example, Christ our righteousness, and Christ our rejoicing. 

Let’s look at Victory in the Life of the Believer.

The book of Philippians is one of the most positive, joyful books of the Bible. It makes it clear that God desires His children to live in victory with joy—while they are still here on earth.

Let’s read two verses from the Bible about victory before we look at the book of Philippians.

1Co 15:57  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1Co 15:58  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 

1Jn 5:4  For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

Notice, this victory is present tense, we can have it right now and not wait for it until we get to heaven!

Our mind is very important. It is where we think, dream, plan, and ultimately decide to do or not to do something. It is also used in the Bible to show where are desires and direction are going. We need to guard our minds, strengthen our minds in the right areas, and use our minds for the glory of God.

We are told to love God will all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Our heart is where our desires lay, our soul is who we really are and what will live forever, our mind is where we make our decisions and think, and our strength is where we act out what is in our heart and mind.

Mar 12:30  And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

So today we will look at the first of about 4 or 5 messages found in this book.

Today, we will look at the believer’s purpose, pattern, prize, and provision. 

All people have faith in something. All people know certain facts. And all people have feelings about something. The same is true regarding the salvation and the eternal destiny of a person’s soul.

Faith, fact, and feeling are different. Many Christians and non-Christians alike get confused concerning these three things.

We must be sure that we have put out faith and trust in the correct facts found in the Bible. The feelings of peace, joy, and confidence will come when we rest in Him and have a close fellowship with Him.

In John 14 the disciples were sad when Jesus told them he must go away. At that time they did not understand what he was about to do. But Jesus told them he would go back to the Father, prepare a place for them, and one day return to take them home.

Joh 14:1-3  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

What a great blessing it will be to be home with our Saviour.

Today let’s look at this great doctrine in detail. My goal is to encourage you and give you hope and comfort with this study.

Several of the gifts found in 1 Corinthians 12 are still in effect today but others are not, specifically, the gifts of healing, miracles, speaking in tongues, and interpretation of tongues. These four gifts were given as a sign to unbelievers, not believers (children of God). Who requires such signs? The Jews, not the Gentiles.

1Co 1:22  For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

God can still heal and perform miracles today but, individual people do not have the gift of healing or miracles. These gifts were a sign for the Jews and are not active today.

Tongues in the Bible are a spoken language. They were given as a sign to unbelievers and Israel during the early church, and they ceased after a time.

1Co 14:22  Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

Let’s first look at the office of an apostle

We must first find how the Bible defines an apostle. What was required to be an apostle?

The office or position of an apostle was given for a certain reason and for a limited time. The apostles were given to confirm the word of God and lay a foundation for the church. Many today claim they are apostles but, they do not and can not meet the requirements we find in the Bible.

Eph 2:20  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

Many people when they read the Gospels assume they mean the same thing.

What are these two kingdoms? Are they different? If so, is it really important to make a difference between them? Yes, it is important to understand the difference.

The kingdom of God is a spiritual kingdom, while the kingdom of heaven is a physical kingdom that will come in the future.

Because of this, he talked and walked with Adam and Eve in the Garden. From that time on God has given us His words. He has told us what He expects from us, He has shown us His character and what He is like, He has encouraged and rebuked us with His words, and He has shown us the way of salvation with His words.

This is a great truth and blessing that many people either take for granted or dismiss as a myth. 

The Bible tells us about how God has given us His word, how He kept it pure and given it to man generation after generation. 

We will not study manuscript evidence or the history of the Bible in great detail today. We will instead take a practical and Biblical look.

Our verses from the Bible for today are found in Psalms 12:6-7.

Psa 12:6-7  "The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever."

We saw that God is a Trinity, He is just and Holy, and that His Son Jesus Christ is both 100% God in the flesh and 100% man.

Today I would like to talk about the love of God. Such a simple topic—and yet—hard to fully understand. Why does He take the time to be interested in us? And more importantly— why did God love us so much that He gave His Son to pay for our sins?

So today let’s see what the Bible says about the love of God.

In Romans chapter five we see the love of God clearly shown to His creation. God did not just say He loved man, He showed us by the act of dying for all mankind.

Let’s that in Romans 5:6-8

Rom 5:6  For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

However, Jesus was also born of Mary into a human body. He had a body of flesh and blood like us. He was human in the fullest sense. I want to be careful today not to minimize the deity of Christ or cause any offense when stating Jesus was also a man. But many Bible teachers neglect this important part of who Jesus is. It will help us understand many Bible passages.

Since sin and death came upon all men through a man, Adam, then life and forgiveness of sins must also come through a man. So God had to be born into a human body, live on this earth, and suffer as a man to pay for man’s sin.

Some teach that Jesus was just a good man, a teacher, a prophet, or even the brother of Satan. But who does the Bible say Jesus Christ is?

This week, we will look at many Bible passages that show without any doubt that Jesus is God in the flesh. Next week we will see how He was also born into a body of flesh—a perfect, sinless man. He is both 100% God—and 100% human.

When we read the Bible it is important to understand when it is talking about His deity or His humanity. If we do not make this distinction, then many problems and so-called contradictions will arise. 

Isa 9:6  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.

We looked at the Trinity and how God has a personality.

He has love, compassion, mercy, grace, and many other things. In past lessons, we looked at the gift of salvation He offers Man and how He will give grace and mercy. He loved man so much that He gave His life for Man on the cross.

But God is also holy and just. Because God is sinless and holy, He cannot accept sin of any kind.

The Bible tells us in Exodus 15:11 “Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?”

God is glorious in holiness the Bible tells us. What does holy or holiness mean? 

In our world, this word does not always have a positive meaning. This is true for a few reasons. Our society does not value being holy as God is holy. In fact, our modern world mocks those who try to live a pure, holy life in the eyes of God.

I believe Jeremiah chapter 9:24 from the Bible explains this balance of God’s character the best.

Jer 9:24  But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.

The Lord is full of lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness. This verse tells us He delights in these things.

Before we look at the doctrine of the Trinity, we need to understand that the Bible state that there is a God as a fact. It never tries to prove this.

The Bible says the fool hath said in his heart, there is no God (Ps. 14:1).

Who is the God of the Bible? There are many beliefs about who God is, how much interest He has in man, and what He approves or disapproves of. Some think God is a bully who enjoys punishing man—while others think God loves all things and approves of every sin and wickedness.

In the next few weeks, we will look at the character of God. God is a person. He has love, mercy, grace, compassion, patience—and yet He is holy, just, and righteous. Because of His holiness, He must judge the sins of men.

The Bible tells us there is but one God. 

Isa 44:6  Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.

All the other so-called gods of this world and idols. Humans since their fall in the garden have given their worship to these gods of wood and stone. Giving them worship does not make them the God of the universe.

So today let’s start with the Trinity. We will look later at the character of God.

These are all good questions that I will try to answer today.

The Bible tells us there are three main groups of people in the Bible, the Jews, the Gentiles, and the church of God:

1Co 10:32  Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

Today we will look at this last group, the Church of God.

A few weeks ago we looked at the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. We saw how a new Christian, a person who has trusted Jesus as their personal Saviour, is born-again by the Spirit of God. The Bible tells us we become a new creature in Christ, 2 Corinthians 5:17:

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

A Christian has a choice: to walk after the Holy Spirit that lives inside of them, or walk after their sinful body or flesh. We have an old man and a new man.

We can produce the fruits of the Spirit in our life or the fruits of our sinful flesh. We will reap what we sow. If we plant sinful things in our life then we will reap sin and all its consequences. If we plant good spiritual fruit we will reap good things such as love, joy, and peace.

Let’s look at how we should walk as a Christian.

This week, in part two, we will look at seven baptisms in the Bible. We will also look at Acts 2:38 which is often used to teach you must be baptized to be saved from your sins.

For example, some believe you have to be baptized to have your sins forgiven and become a child of God. We looked at salvation a few weeks ago and saw that salvation is a gift of God by faith in Christ alone—not through good works or baptism.

I would like to divide this study into two parts. In the first part, we will look at baptism in a new believer, in the second part, we will see that there are seven different baptisms in the Bible.

We have looked at how a person is saved from their sins and the wrath of God by putting their faith in Jesus Christ alone. But what happens when you trust Jesus as your Saviour? Many things! But for today let’s just look at one of them. 

When Jesus saves you, you immediately receive the Holy Spirit.

Jesus Christ spoke of this when He was here on earth in the book of John.

Joh 7:37-39  In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38  He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39  (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

Many people believe that salvation is a gift from God and they can not earn it, but if they sin, God will take that salvation from them. If salvation is free and we can not earn it, how can we work to keep it? We can’t. Once God gives you eternal life, you have it forever!

The belief that you can lose the eternal life God has given you, causes much pain, doubt and, no peace in the believer’s heart. Am I really going to heaven? If I sin, will God now send me to hell? Is the wrath of God on me because I sinned? These are the questions people ask themselves if they believe they can lose the salvation God has freely given them. 

The Bible says “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” 1 Cor. 14:33. The Bible makes it clear that God does not want his children to live in confusion. 

The Bible also says “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Tim. 1:7, and in James 1:8 “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” So we see that God does not want us to fear but have a sound mind—someone who doubts is unstable.

With these thoughts in mind, here are some reasons why you can’t lose the salvation God has given you.

How can our sins be forgiven—how can we be saved or have eternal salvation? Let’s see what the Bible says about this.

You may have heard the word “salvation” or the phrase “you must be saved.” What does that mean? I looked up the word salvation in the Bible to find the meaning of this. First, what are we being saved from? Our sin and the consequences of it (the wrath and judgment of God).

We have looked at how Man fell in the garden and then how all of us are sinners. But it does not end there—you can be delivered from your sin, your sin can be forgiven! God is offering you his salvation today. I hope you will ask Him to save you today.

In the book of Romans chapter three, we learn about man’s sin. This chapter tells us clearly that man is a sinner before God and has no righteousness or true goodness when faced with the righteousness of God.

People have different ideas on what the word sin means. For some, it is when a person does something really bad, for example, murder. Some say it is just a weakness of Man.

I chose to believe God’s definition of the word. Today we will see what the Bible says about sin.

The consequences of Adam and Eve’s disobedience were great. To this day we all suffer because they sinned.

We can read about this in Genesis chapter 3. In this chapter, Adam and Eve sinned against God by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God had told them if they eat from this tree, then they will die. The day they ate that fruit they died spiritually and in time physically. A curse was also placed upon man and the rest of creation.

Our verses from the Bible for today are found in Genesis 3:6-7:

"And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons."

Our verse from the Bible is Genesis 1:1

Gen 1:1  "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth."

The Bible starts with a firm statement: “In the beginning God…” The Bible from the very beginning establishes the fact that there is a God, there is no question or debate about it.

The creation of God is a wonderful thing. In just six days He created this heaven and earth, and all the living creatures upon it. And he created Man—His masterpiece. 

This week I would like to talk about “Satisfaction in Life.”

Our verses from the Bible are found in Psalms 4:6-7

Psa 4:6-7  "There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.

7 Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased."

Note: Recorded for radio broadcast July 1st, 2021.

As children of God, we need to learn to have faith in God and trust in Him, because without faith we cannot please him.

In Romans chapter 4 we read about Abraham’s faith in God. Let’s look at four different things about his faith.

Rom 4:18-21  "Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb:

20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform."

Note: Recorded for radio broadcast June 24th, 2021.

Without faith in life, we will have no hope, peace, or confidence—and we cannot please God without faith.

Many people say that have only faith in themselves, but this is not a true statement. We all put our faith in people and things every day whether we realize it or not.

I have talked to Atheists and those who believe in the theory of Evolution. They tell me that my faith in God and that He created all things is silly and not based on science. And yet—they put great faith, yes faith, in scientific theories that have never been proven. I would rather put my faith in a Supreme Creator, God, than faith in a theory that is not proven.

We all have faith in something in life.

Hebrews 11:1  "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Note: Recorded for radio broadcast June 18th, 2021.

This week, in part two, I would like to look at working for God. We all have jobs and work that we need to do to pay our bills and take care of our family and home. But what about the work of God, or spiritual work? The Bible commands every child of God to serve the Lord and do something for Him, not just the pastors, evangelists, or missionaries.

So let’s look at working for God with all our strength and finishing the work He has given each of us to do.

Our verse from the Bible for today is Ecclesiastes 9:10:

Ecclesiastes 9:10  "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest."

Note: Recorded for radio broadcast June 10th, 2021.

Yesterday, I worked in our garden mowing the grass and cleaning. It was enjoyable to get some physical exercise and enjoy the outdoors. This made me think about working and how good it is for us—and I thought it would be good to look at Work in Life.

A few weeks ago we looked at sickness and pain in life. When Adam and Eve sinned in the garden God placed a curse upon this earth and our bodies. However, Adam and Eve worked in the garden before they sinned and this curse came upon mankind.

God gave them the job of taking care of the garden. So work should not be seen as bad or a curse. Working in life can be a great blessing!

Today we will look at how we are commanded to work, that it is good for us, and that it will bring joy and satisfaction in life. Next week, we will look at working for God with all our strength and finish the work He has given each of us.

Note: Recorded for radio broadcast June 3rd, 2021.

Praying is not easy! I find that I get distracted easily when I pray. It helps me to find a quiet place to talk to God. This is not easy with an active two-year-old but I can do it if I really want to.

God speaks to us through His word the Bible. He also wants to hear from us, through prayer.

Prayer can do many things for your Christian life: it will help you stay close to God, keep you clean from sin, give you wisdom and peace and so much more!

Note: Recorded for radio broadcast May 25th, 2021.

What are some secret sins we may have? Here are just a few to consider today.

This may not be a popular topic but, it is something that I believe is important if we desire to grow as a child of God.

Let’s read our verse from the Bible for today:

Romans 2:16  "In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel."

Jesus Christ will one day judge the secrets of men. If you are not a child of God, Jesus Christ will judge you by every thought and action you have had.

If you are a child of God, you will one day stand before your Saviour Jesus Christ, and give an account of what you did as a Christian.

Note: Recorded for radio broadcast May 18th, 2021.

Habits in life are very important. It’s a good practice to examine our daily habits from time to time. We need to look at how we spend our time, money, energy, and anything else we do every day.

To develop good habits we need to listen to the wisdom of God. And then our steps, all our daily habits and actions, will be pleasing to God.

Note: Recorded for radio broadcast May 13th, 2021.

Being sick or in pain is hard! I often have a desire to do many things—but then I will not sleep well, I will hurt my back, or get sick. This is so discouraging! I have learned that God holds me accountable for what I can do, not what I cannot. So I work for God as hard as I can, and if I am sick I rest.

So today let’s look at what the Bible says about pain, suffering, and sickness.

Note: Recorded for radio broadcast May 5th, 2021.

It is sad to read that the suicide rate continues to increase around the world. Because of COVID-19 people are socially isolated and are not able to get the help they need. More and more people are depressed and have nothing to live for—life has lost its sparkle and joy.

The subject of having hope in this life is very important and very much applies to us now. My desire is to help people—I want you to have hope today.

Our verse for today about hope is found in Romans 15:13

Rom 15:13  "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost."

I like this verse! We have a God of hope. He wants you to be filled with joy and peace, and then—abound in hope. He wants you to have lots of hope, not just a little in your life. What an amazing thing a child of God can have.

Note: Recorded for radio broadcast April 22nd, 2021.

Today, let’s look at where our confidence should be.

Psa 118:8 "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."

Pro 3:26  "For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken."

We can put our confidence in three places: ourselves (self-confident), others (friends, the world, money, etc…), or the Lord. We’re going to look at where we should be putting our confidence.

Note: Recorded for radio broadcast April 14th, 2021.

We will look at these questions and perhaps a few more.

The subject of money is not talked about much in church or among Christians in the context of the Bible. There are many reasons for this. Preachers or pastors are often embarrassed to preach about it, fearing that some may think they want their money. People in the church often don’t desire to hear what the Bible says about money and desire their leaders to stay silent on the subject.

However, the truth is that money is important. My missions pastor has often told me “Adam, it takes money to pay for all these things in the church or to take care of your family!” The reality is we all need money to survive. A church or mission needs money. A government needs money. A family needs money etc.

Our Bible verse for today is 1 Timothy 6:10. Out of the 140 verses from the Bible that mention the word money, I think this verse is the most important for a Christian today:

1Ti 6:10  "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."

Note: Recorded for radio broadcast April 7th, 2021.

Even after we are in a position of authority, service to others does not stop, in fact, it becomes even more important.

Gal 5:13-14  "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."

Note: Recorded for radio broadcast March 31st, 2021.

Joshua 1:8 "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."

Let’s see what God told Joshua. It is really quite simple. Obey God and delight ourselves in the things of God—and then we will have good success in life.

Note: Recorded for radio broadcast March 26th, 2021.

Let’s look at our attitude today. I would like you to examine yourself. Ask yourself “how is my attitude?”

This week a certain phrase from the Bible kept going through my mind. This phrase was “renew a right spirit within me.” That is from Psalms 51:10.

Let’s read our verse for today:

Psa 51:10  "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."

Psalm chapter 51 is where David humbles himself and repents of his sin. He desires God’s mercy and forgiveness. He had departed from the ways of the Lord and wanted close fellowship with God once again.

As I was meditating on this phrase the thought that came to my mind was my attitude. The word “spirit” here is not the Holy Spirit or the spirit of man, it is the mood or attitude of a person.

I asked myself “Adam, do you have a good attitude?” I also thought about how important having a good, cheerful, godly attitude was. Our attitude as we go about our day can make or break our day.

Note: Recorded for radio broadcast March 11th, 2021.

However, through Jesus Christ, and the Bible, you can enjoy peace, joy, and yes victory in your life. I would like to quickly talk about how you can live in victory and not defeat.

The book of Romans tells us that after Christ saves us, we are no longer a slave to sin. With the Holy Spirit now living in us we can have victory over sins, addictions, bad habits, relationship problems, and many other things. We CAN have victory in our life! We do NOT have to serve sin anymore!

Our verses from the Bible for today are found in 1 Corinthians 15:57-58 and 1 John 5:4:

1Co 15:57-58  "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."

1Jn 5:4  "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."

Here are a few things that we CAN have victory over...

Note: Recorded for radio broadcast March 4th, 2021.

Psa 27:1  "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?"

Isa 12:2  "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation."

Exo 15:2  "The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him."

Note: Recorded for radio broadcast February 23rd, 2021.

Many people have never considered how much God really loves them. Today we will look at four ways God has shown his love towards mankind.

Our verses for today are found in John 3:16 and 1 John 3:16. Let’s read those verses.

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

And then…

1 John 3:16 "Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren."

Man was created in God’s image and is His greatest creation. Even though man sinned against God in the garden and fellowship with Him was broken, God still loved man. God blesses and shows His love in many ways.

Note: Recorded for radio broadcast February 16th, 2021.

In John 3:7 Jesus tells Nicodemus “Ye must be born again.” Nicodemus didn’t understand this. He asked “How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?”

Jesus explained that every man must have two births, a physical one (by water) and a spiritual one (by the Spirit). You must experience the new birth if you want everlasting life in Heaven instead of Hell. There is no choice if you want to obey the words of Jesus Christ and the Bible!

Just as you can’t see the wind but can hear and feel it, so is every one that is “born again.” You can’t see anything different, but you can tell and hear the difference in that person. What is this “born again” that Jesus talked about? Why did Jesus say “ye MUST be born again?”

Let’s look at what the Bible means when it says “born again.”

Note: Recorded for radio broadcast February 11th, 2021.

Our verse for today is Revelation 3:19:

"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent."

Even though God loves us, he disciplines us and chastens us. Not everything is OK with God, he disapproves of some things.

NOTE: Recorded for radio broadcast 2nd, 2021.

Let's look at being faithful in our daily lives.

Our verse for today is found in Proverbs 20:6:

“Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?”

NOTE: Recorded for radio broadcast January 26th, 2021

This does not mean we are not to relax and have fun! For example, I watch one Curious George cartoon every day with my little girl. It is well worth watching a 24-minute episode with her. That is not a waste of time or being lazy! We just need to be careful wasting hours away doing vain things.

Let’s read our verses from the Bible for today.

Eph 5:15-17 "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is."

Col 4:5  "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time."

These two passages in Colossians and Ephesians tell us to redeem the time because the days are evil. The time we have lost is gone, it can never be recovered. The time you wasted in vain, empty activities is gone forever.

NOTE: Recorded for radio broadcast January 22nd, 2021.

Let’s continue that thought this week by looking at our heart’s attitude.

Our verses for today are found in 1 Chronicles 16:23 and 24. We will also look at some more verses from this chapter.

Let’s read 1 Chronicles 16:23-24:

"Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; shew forth from day to day his salvation.Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations."

Our verse from the Bible today is found in Proverbs 29:18:

“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”

We all need a "vision," or plan in our lives if we want to accomplish something for God.