Toward Lasting Change (part 2)

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WORKING FOR THE KINGDOM 2

Toward Lasting Change (Part 2)

A Study of the Grace of God Toward an Abundant, Free and Holy Life

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Table of Contents Chapter 12 - Overcome Your Offender......................................................4 IF YOU DO NOT FORGIVE, SATAN WILL ATTACK YOU......................................................4

You will give him an opportunity....................................................................4 He will outwit you........................................................................................4 God will give you to the torturers...................................................................4

FORGIVENESS DOES NOT MEAN ENCOURAGING HIM OF HIS SINS...................................7 “HOW SHOULD I FORGIVE HIM?” ................................................................................8

Chapter 13 – Believe What God Has Said About You..................................12

GOD CHOSE YOU!.....................................................................................................13 YOU ARE NOW HIS CHILD!.........................................................................................14 YOU ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO HIM.............................................................................15 YOU HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN!.......................................................................................15 GOD’S FAVOR IS UPON YOU!......................................................................................15 YOU KNOW GOD’S SECRETS!......................................................................................16 YOU WILL HONOR GOD!.............................................................................................16 GOD HAS MARKED YOU.............................................................................................17 YOU HAVE AN INHERITANCE IN HEAVEN......................................................................17 YOU ARE IN A VERY HIGH POSITION!........................................................................18

Chapter 14 - Be Constrained by His Love................................................21 Chapter 15 - Walk in the Spirit...............................................................32

1. BE SURE THE SPIRIT TESTIFIES THAT YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD...............................32

In his guidance:.........................................................................................32 In your more intimate conversation with God.................................................32 In the good results in spite of your poor prayer life.........................................33

2. SET YOUR MIND ON THE THINGS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT..............................................33 3. TRUST IN THE POWER AND GUIDANCE OF THE SPIRIT TO PUT TO DEATH THE DEEDS OF THE BODY................................................................................................................34 4. BE SURE YOU ARE ALWAYS FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT................................................35

Chapter 16 - Take Time to Refresh!........................................................37

I. MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE COME TO JESUS...........................................................38 II. BE PERSUADED ON WHICH DAY IN THE WEEK YOU ARE TO REST...............................38

A. The first century believers met on the seventh day:....................................38 B. The first century disciples also assembled on a Sunday and a Monday...........39 C. The Lord appeared to the disciples on Sundays..........................................39 D. The Lord appeared to the disciples on other days.......................................40

III. PHYSICALLY REST FROM YOUR REGULAR WORK......................................................41 IV. DO NOT DO YOUR OWN THING ON YOUR REST DAY.................................................42 V. JOIN AN ASSEMBLY OF THOSE WHO CAN REFRESH YOUR SPIRIT—WHO ENCOURAGE YOU TO LOVE AND DO GOOD............................................................................................43

A. They are evangelistic and filled with hope..................................................43 B. They spend time with the word and prayer................................................44

Chapter 17 - Do Miracles!......................................................................47

EXAMPLES:...............................................................................................................48

What Peter did...........................................................................................48 What happened to Paul...............................................................................49

Chapter 18 - Become Rich!....................................................................55

THE MEANING OF BEING RICH ...................................................................................56 GIVE ALL THAT IS DUE EVEN WHEN YOU ARE SUFFERING FINANCIALLY!.........................58

Give first yourself to god and to those who teach you.....................................58 Give all your tithes to the Lord.....................................................................59

Chapter 19 - Continue in Transformation.................................................64

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Chapter 12 - Overcome Your Offender “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). A woman who expressed to a counselor her anger over a man who offended her. After some time of not forgiving, the woman became sick. Later, she died. On the day she was buried, the counselor saw the man. When asked if he knew that the woman got offended by him, the man replied, “I did not know that!” Sad to say, the man who caused her anger did not even know about his ‘sin’! Indeed, the woman who did not forgive got sick and died. Is that the reason why she died? I do not know. But it could have been a reason. You might ask, “Is that what can happen to me if I do not forgive?” Yes, it can happen. God in His grace and infinite wisdom does not deal with you according to your iniquities (Psalm 103) and will wait for you to forgive. But He is also righteous to fulfill the following warnings: IF YOU DO NOT FORGIVE, SATAN WILL ATTACK YOU. YOU

WILL GIVE HIM AN OPPORTUNITY

“In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” (Ephesians 4:26-27). We can see from this passage that if a Christian lets the day pass without forgiving others, he is giving the devil an opportunity. HE

WILL OUTWIT YOU

“If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes” (2 Corinthians 2:10-11). GOD

WILL GIVE YOU TO THE TORTURERS

Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus *said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a certain king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. And when he had begun to settle [them,] there was brought to him one who owed him ten thousand talents. But since he did not have [the means] to repay, his lord commanded him to be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he had, and repayment to be made. The slave

5 therefore falling down, prostrated himself before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will repay you everything.’ And the lord of that slave felt compassion and released him and forgave him the debt. “But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and he seized him and [began] to choke [him,] saying, ‘Pay back what you owe.’ So his fellow slave fell down and [began] to entreat him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you.’ He was unwilling however, but went and threw him in prison until he should pay back what was owed. So when his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and came and reported to their lord all that had happened. Then summoning him, his lord *said to him, ‘You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you entreated me. ‘Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, even as I had mercy on you?’ And his lord, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed him. So shall My heavenly Father also do to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart” (Matthew 18:21-35 NAS). Indeed, if you will not forgive from your heart, you will be given to the torturers! So that you will understand the kind of torture you may receive for not forgiving, I have underlined in the following verses the words that came from the same Greek root word translated “torturers”: “and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)” (2Peter 2:7-8). You may experience the same torment in your soul as Lot did if you will not forgive! Indeed, it is not uncommon for one who is experiencing torment or torture to also experience grief in his soul. “Give her as much torture and grief as the glory and luxury she gave herself. In her heart she boasts, ‘I sit as queen; I am not a widow, and I will never mourn’” (Revelation 18:7). As a result of others’ sin against you, what did you feel? Did you have pity for yourself? … shame? … a desire to die? … a desire that your offender die? … Do you want to get even? … Have you spoken negatively against him (Colossians 3:8)? … Did you tell your friends about what he did to you instead of talking with him privately? … This is what may have happened to the woman who died: When he did not forgive the man, demons told God, “You said in your word, if those whom you have forgiven do not forgive, you will give to the tormentors! That woman did not forgive!”

6 The Lord answered, “Even before you, I am righteous! Okay, torture her!” Though demons cannot read minds (as only God can, 1Kings 8:39), they can place thoughts in the mind (as Satan did to Peter, Mateo 16:21-23). So they kept on placing in the mind of the unforgiving woman what the man did to him. As a result, while on earth, her soul was tormented. She was not able to sleep well … She got sick … She died! How about you? Has anyone offended you? … When you see him, do you have a bad day? … Are you so angry that you could not look at him? … Do you want him to pay for his sins against you? … Are there nights in which you want to forget him but what he has done kept coming back to your mind? … As a result, you find it hard to sleep? … If so, a demon is placing the thought about his sin to you over and over. How is the one who sinned against you? … Is he affected by his sin? … Does he look happy while you are burning with anger? … If so, who do you think is most negatively affected by his sin against you? … Who is defeated? … You are the one, right? You may not only suffer in your soul—in your mind and emotions … The word related to “torturers” is translated “torture” in “They were not given power to kill them, but only to torture them for five months. And the agony they suffered was like that of the sting of a scorpion when it strikes a man” (Revelation 9:5). If you will not forgive, the pain you will experience may be like that of the sting of a scorpion! According to one stung by a scorpion, it was more painful than being pinched. As time goes by, the pain increases. The venom spreads fast. Some even got high fever. Do you want to experience pain like that? If you do not want it, then forgive! Here’s another use of the word related to torturers: “She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth” (Revelation 12:2). It is said that giving birth to a child is the most painful pain ever experienced. Do you want to experience such pain? … If you do not want, then forgive! Because the woman did not forgive in our story, even in her physical condition, she experienced pain … Eventually, like those who died while giving birth, she also died. The reason—she did not forgive! If you are sick, when did it start? … After you got angry? If your sickness is a

7 result of anger, do you want to be healed? If so, forgive! If the one who offended you is a believer, confess your anger to him and ask him to pray for you (James 5:14-20)! … Another word related to “torture” is that which is translated “agony” in the following verse: “In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire’” (Luke 16:23-24). You may ask me now, “If I do not forgive, will I go to hell?” Let me answer that question by means of the following verses: “Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him” (1John 3:15). “But … the murderers … —their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death” (Revelation 21:8). Indeed, if you hate someone, you are a murderer. If you die in that condition, you will go to hell! Are you so angry with a person that you have become so crazy that you would rather suffer in hell than forgive him? … Remember: if you do not forgive, Jesus will not forgive you either: “Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation” (Luke 11:4). “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. …. For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:12-15). You may say, “I do not want to forgive him. I don’t want to tolerate him in his sins!” FORGIVENESS DOES NOT MEAN ENCOURAGING HIM OF HIS SINS. If possible, you should be the one to confront him. Reprove him not out of hatred but frankly that he may know the gravity of his sins and you will not share in his guilt (Leviticus 19:17). If he does not listen to you, take a witness or two with you who will confirm every word that you said. If still he does not listen, tell it to two or three persons who know him, are close to Christ and can wisely cross-examine you and the other witness or witnesses of his sins. If still he does not listen, as in the case of those who are deceived (1John 1:8,10), consider him as an unbeliever (Matthew 18:15-20). If he sexually abused you, you may have to report him to the authorities that he may stop abusing you or others!

8 “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them” (Ephesians 5:11). “HOW SHOULD I FORGIVE HIM?” As God has forgiven you: “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13). “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). When you forgive someone, you will not count his sins anymore against him. That is like God. Consider what He did with our sins: “that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them…” (2 Corinthians 5:19). When you forgive, you will not bring out the issue again. When you hear yourself saying, “How many times you have done that to me!” you have not yet forgiven him. When you forgive, it will be as if the issue is too far to be revisited—as far as the east is from the west! David said: “who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. … as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” (Psalms 103:3,10,12). If your enemy speaks evil against you, like Jesus (Luke 23:34) and Stephen (Acts 7:60), pray that God will forgive his sins: “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Instead of seeking to get even with him (Leviticus 19:18), you will overcome the evil he did by doing good to him: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:18-21). Have you told the one who offended you, “God will avenge me!”? … Do you think that in saying that you are initiating to live at peace with him? … Doesn’t that statement show your desire that God punish him? … If so, isn’t that a curse? … By forgiving and doing good to the one who wronged you, you can

9 overcome the evil done to you by the demons who tempted you to sin. If you say, “I cannot forgive now—I’m still angry!” I suggest that you divert your anger to the right persons—to those who rose up against God. Here’s what the psalmist said: “Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD, and abhor those who rise up against you? I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies” (Psalm 139:21-22). Satan and the demons are our enemies: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). Get back whatever freedom they got in your life. Begin by examining yourself if you still have not forgiven a human being who hurt you. See if you are still bearing any grudge or wanting vengeance against him (Leviticus 19:18. Has anyone done wrong to you? … Has he failed to meet your expectation? … Is he your relative? … your former friend? … your neighbor? … your workmate? … your classmate? … someone you do not even know? … someone who claims to be close to God? … Have you made a wrong decision? … Are you angry with yourself? … Then forgive yourself! Is there anything that has happened to your life or that of someone you love that you cannot accept? … Were you abused? … Raped? … Treated unfairly? … Betrayed? … Deceived? … Insulted? … Forsaken by a friend? … Did you lose a loved one? … Did your parents separate from each other? … Was your house burned? … Are you angry with God? … Are you angry that God allowed it to happen? … Did you say to yourself, “What can I do, He is God!” or “From now on, I will do what I want to do whenever I want to do it!” Forgive now! Look at some of the results of forgiving others: One teen-ager was sexually abused by the orphanage’s caretaker. In spite of the gravity of his sin, she forgave him. Her eyes glowed and we saw the joy brought by her obedience to God. A sick niece asked me to pray for her. I asked her if she was angry with another. She nodded. I told her, ‘Ask God to forgive you of any bitterness and any other sin you may be reminded of.’ She did it and after I prayed for her, she got healed immediately! A friend of mine heard over the radio that what happened to my niece has been attested to by the study of American doctors. A large percentage of sicknesses is due to not forgiving. On the other hand, they recover quickly when they forgive.

10 Write in the chart below their offense and the effects of what they did. Let the demons hear you utter the following: Suggested Prayer: Lord, forgive me for not forgiving immediately. Just as you have forgiven me, I FORGIVE … MYSELF FOR HURTING AS A RESULT, I FELT THE TORTURE AND … WHEN HE/THEY … INFLICTED BY DEMONS IN MY … SOUL: ¨ I had self-pity and shame ¨ I desired to die or that he will die ¨ I wanted revenge. ¨ I found it hard to sleep ¨ I was angry/furious/full of bitterness ¨ I became irritable, sometimes even with those who have not offended me. ¨ I have talked about his offense even with those who cannot help. BODY:  I became sick … I will no longer count their sins against me. I will remove their sins as far is the east is from the west. I will no longer be bitter nor take revenge against them (Hebrew 12:15). As the Lord leads at the opportune time, I will talk to each offender privately. If he does not listen, I will follow your other instructions. If it is possible, as far as it depends on me, I will live at peace with every one of them (Romans 12:18). I will do good to them. … If they will speak negatively against me before God and others, I will speak positively concerning them. However, I shall do what has to be done that they will no longer continue to hurt me or others (Ephesians 5:1).. Thank you that all things that have happened to me you work together that I may become more like Christ in my character (Romans 8:28-29).. If you have something against God, tell him: “Lord, forgive me for blaming you when ___________________________ _____________________________________________________________.

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give [forgiveness], and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

11 (Luke 6:37-38. Inside brackets is an explanation added.) Questions for Discussion: 1. Read Matthew 18:15-35. What mental, emotional and physical sufferings have you experienced because you did not forgive? 2. Have you forgiven each one of those who offended you? … What good thing do you think God wants you to do for the one who offended you?

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Chapter 13 – Believe What God Has Said About You And God spoke all these words: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:1-3). The nation of Israel, after they were delivered from slavery in Egypt, was commanded not to have other gods. Their freedom was the motivation for such command. It is the same with us. After we have been freed from sin and Satan, God expects us to have no other gods except Him. We owe this to Him. Sad to say, some Christians do not live lives of gratefulness because they do not see how God sees them. A story illustrates this well: An egg of an eagle got mixed up with chicken eggs. When it hatched together with the other eggs, the newly hatched eagle thought it was one of the chicks. One day a beautiful eagle flew over them. The young eagle looked up and thought, “I wish I were like the eagle—able to fly high.” Little did he know that he had that potential to fly high. Some Christians are like that eagle—ignorant, not knowing their true stature. They do not experience the privilege and power as children of God. As a result, they live miserable and aimless lives, as Hosea 4:6 says: “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.” They believe the hurting words and lies others said about them, even those that were said to them while they were young —negative words coming from their parents, brothers and sisters, relatives, teachers, friends and enemies. Whether they admit it or not, the bad things said about them has a great effect upon their self-image and their lives. For as a man think in himself, so is he (Proverbs 23:7). They do not know that there are so many good things God has already spoken about them: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). The words “Praise”, “has blessed” and “blessing” come from the same root word that is the opposite of “to curse”:

13 “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44 note; Romans 12:14). “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse” (Romans 12:14) . To curse means “to speak evil” as those who hate and persecute you would. Thus, “to bless” means “to speak well.” Therefore, we can translate Ephesians 1:3 as: “Let the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be spoken well of. He has spoken well of us in the heavenly realms with everything that can be well-spoken of spiritually in Christ” If He spoke well of us in the heavenly realms, the question is: Who heard Him? “His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 3:10). “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). In the heavenly realms were spiritual beings—rulers, authorities, powers and forces. Some of them are our enemies—the bad spirits (Satan and his demonic forces). Others were good (the angels and the archangels). Thus, God spoke in the presence of good and bad spirits everything that can be well spoken spiritually about us! Is there someone who spoke negatively about you? … who slandered you? … destroyed your name? … Can that change the good things God said about you? … If God has said all that can be spoken well about you, and what others say about you are evil and not true, to whom will you listen? … Why waste time and energy trying to react to what others said about you if doing so cannot give glory to God? … Some would ask, “What are the good things God said about me?” Let us take a good look at some of them: GOD CHOSE YOU! “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight…” (Ephesians 1:4). Indeed, God chose you even before the creation of the world—before He made the first man and woman! You are very important to Him! Why did He choose you? So that you can become holy and blameless in His

14 sight. “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,” (Ephesians 2:1-4) Notice that He chose you not because you were different from others. You were like the rest—disobedient and sinful! “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers” (Romans 8:29). Meditate on this truth: Among the rest who are not worthy, God chose you even before you were born so that you can become like Jesus! …

Were you not treated as a true child of your parents? … Were you abused? … Do you feel as if you are not important to them? … See the other good things God said about you: YOU ARE NOW HIS CHILD! “He predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will” (Ephesians 1:5). “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God” (John 1:12-13). “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! … when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure” (1 John 3:1-3). Think about this: You are a child of the King of kings and the Lord of lords (1Timothy 6:15)! And because God is your Father, as you obey Him, He will give the good things you will ask from Him! “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts

15 to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him” (Matthew 7:7-11)! Were you not treated as a true child? … Are you an orphan? … If you have received Christ, remember that you are a legitimate child of God (John 1:12)! He is your Father. More than anyone else, He can give you true and consistent love, attention, understanding, forgiveness and care. YOU ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO HIM “In him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” (Ephesians 1:7). “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect” (1 Peter 1:18-19). You were not redeemed with things that last—rather, His own blood was used as payment for your sins! That is how important you are! “you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:20). If time will come when you will be bribed to join an evil scheme, will you join? … If one will ask you, “How much is your price?”, tell him, “You cannot pay my price—only Jesus’ blood can pay my price!” Then tell him why Jesus blood was shed for your sins … and that for his sins too. Lead him to receive Christ too! At this point in time, have you done any sin which you fear cannot be forgiven? … If so, understand another good thing God said about you … YOU HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN! “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding” (Ephesians 1:7-8). God’s grace is rich and sufficient so that you can be forgiven—no matter how evil you have become! Desire to stop sinning. No sin is too big enough not to be covered by God’s grace. Did your life not go well? Have you lamented, “God has forsaken me!” That is not true! GOD’S FAVOR IS UPON YOU! Are you envious of Mary who was chosen to be Jesus’ mother? Understand this … what the angel said about Mary’s condition: The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28).

16 God also said about you: “to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves” (Ephesians 1:6). The word ‘highly favored’, which refers to Mary, is the same word ‘has freely given’, which refers to us. So, you need no longer be envious of Mary! What the angel said about Mary, God has already said about us—we are highly favored! YOU KNOW GOD’S SECRETS! Concerning to what Christ has done for you, do you feel insecure in testifying to someone who is more intelligent or richer than you? … If so, the succeeding verse will help. “… he made known to us the mystery of his will…” (Ephesians 1:9-10) Yes, God has revealed to you already the mystery—something which was formerly hidden. Therefore, you are more intelligent than any intellectual unbeliever! You do not have to be insecure before him even if he’s rich.. Instead, you should boldly share to him God’s mystery! A known professor in a famous university humbly admitted on his TV program that he tried to read the Bible many times but he could not understand it. True, he was intelligent, but he could not know God’s mystery through his intelligence. I heard about a man who was reputed to be the richest man in the world. He was asked if he knew about God. He pointed to his head and said, “It is not in my computer!” If this man’s ignorance continues until this time, you are in a better condition than where he is! What if you meet him? Will you share to him the gospel? … Don’t look down upon yourself! Remember this, you know something infinitely more important than everything that he knows! Share to him! YOU WILL HONOR GOD! Do you feel that you have projected a bad testimony? … that you have not glorified God in your life? … Here’s God’s plan for you to ponder: “to the praise of his glorious grace …. for the praise of his glory …. to the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:6,12,14). It is his purpose that your life will praise his grace and his glory. Yes, though you may have made a bad testimony in the past, the fact that you are still alive is evidence that you can still glorify God in your life! Has anyone told you, “If that is what it means to be a Christian, I don’t want to have anything to do with it!”? … Friend, you are not alone in that condition.

17 Don’t give up! God still has a wonderful plan for you! Hold on … just wait … A day will come when someone will tell you something like this, “Your God is really different! His grace is amazing! Imagine, even you, He was able to change! After all you have done, He still accepted you! … I want to know your God” (Ezekiel 36:16-38)!. The gravity of your sin may cause you to be ashamed to draw near to God. Even the Apostle Peter sinned. He bravely promised Jesus, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same (Matthew 26:35). However, he denied three times that he knew Jesus (Matthew 26:69-75). In spite of this, Jesus prophesied that God would be glorified in Peter’s life (John 21:15-19). God will also be glorified in your life. Do not lose hope. God is not yet finished with you. GOD HAS MARKED YOU On February 19, 1979, I received Jesus as my Lord and Savior. After few months, I stopped reading the Bible, sinned and caught pneumonia. When I went back to our school, I told a classmate how I lost my joy. He explained to me that I was like a marked sheep who got lost. The mark shows who is my owner and where I was headed—to God. Here is what my classmate showed me: “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit…” (Ephesians 1:13,14). If you have heard the gospel and believed, you can be sure that you are going to heaven because the seal of the Holy Spirit is in you! God has marked you as His! Since you have the Holy Spirit, God also promises you the following: YOU HAVE AN INHERITANCE IN HEAVEN “…. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance...” (Ephesians 1:13-14) “… that can never perish, spoil or fade— kept in heaven for you…” (1 Peter 1:4). Think about this: You are not only going to heaven, you also have an inheritance there! Since everyone who go to heaven will have an inheritance, those who will not inherit the kingdom of God will not go there. Let us consider who will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do

18 not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Do you belong to one of those groups of people? … If so, you will not inherit heaven! YOU ARE IN A VERY HIGH POSITION! “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6). Who is seated with Christ at the right hand of the Father? We who are in Christ and who trust in Him alone for our salvation! “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way” (Ephesians 1:18-23). Since we are seated with Christ, and He is at the right hand of God far above all, who is in a higher position, you or the demons? … You or Satan? … You or the angels? … You or the archangels? …. You or sicknesses? …. You or the thing you were afraid of? One night I went up to Baguio, a mountain city in our country, to see a friend. When I reached what I thought was his place, I called for him “Tony! Anybody home?” I was answered by dogs barking louder and louder! So I faced them and said, “In the name of Jesus, you stay there!” At the point where they gathered, they looked at each other and became silent. So I walked away from that place. Later, I noticed that as I was getting farther away from that woody place, the road had become darker. The thought of being lost in the night loomed large in my mind. I said, “Lord, I think that was Tony’s house! But the dogs are there!” Then the fireflies started to appear and lighted my path! With amazement, I continued walking. I saw light coming from a house that was being built. I shouted, “Anybody home? I am lost!” One of the construction workers lighted my path with his flashlight. I went up the house and they surrounded me. (Perhaps they wanted to see how a lost man looked like!). “I was lost,” I told them, “… but I am a child of God! That could have been the reason—God wants me to share with you how you too can become one of His children.” Then I shared the

19 gospel to them. They prayed to receive Christ and allowed me to sleep even in that unfinished house! The following day, one of them accompanied me. I saw Tony’s house. It was right next to the house where the dogs gathered! Now why did the dogs obey me when I commanded them in Jesus’ name? Because I have dominion over them! Why did the fireflies light their tails for me? Because I have authority over them! At another time, in our town, a friend of mine called me, “Jun, come with us. There is a demonized person!” I answered, “I don’t know how to cast out a demon, but I am a child of God! Who among you truly received Christ?” About three of them said they did. So I led them in prayer. When I entered the house, the demonized lady stared at me and said, “I don’t want you, although you are handsome!” I said to myself, “She really has a demon!” (Because demons are liars? … But I don’t think they were lying at that time! They just saw that I was really handsome and they wanted to defeat me through my pride! … By the way, when you see me, you decide. As for now, just consider this as my religious belief!) I thought at that time, casting out demons is done with a loud voice. So I cried out, “In the name of Jesus, get out!” Though I was not yet within her reach, she replied, “I don’t like you! Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!” “What should I do?” I asked myself. I remembered Mark 16:18, “… they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” (Mark 16:18) So I placed my hands on her head and prayed. She was still saying, “I don’t want you, although you are handsome! Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!” Because I cried with a very loud voice earlier, people flocked at the door and window to watch. When I saw them, I said to myself, “I don’t know how to cast out a demon, but I know how to preach!” So I spoke to the crowd, “Good evening! I know you are here because you want to help this lady. For that to happen, you must first know how to become children of God.” Then I explained to them the gospel and led them to receive Christ! I told those who accepted Jesus, “Now that you have become children of God, join me as I pray for this lady!” After I prayed, she calmed down and told me, “You may go home now!” Later, she admitted that she joined a cult. Why was I not afraid though I had no experience casting out a demon? Because I was in a higher position over whatever kind of demon who was in her.

20 Check ™ on the first column the cursed pronounced over you. Then, read (in a normal tone of voice) the curse and the corresponding truth on the second column to nullify the curse, set you free, and tell Satan and the demons who have disturbed you that they have no more right: …THE CURSE … IS NOT TRUE BECAUSE … ¨ “Nothing is ever right about Every good thing that can be said spiritually about me, God said already (Ephesians 1:3) in me!”; “I am good for the presence of good and evil spirits (3:10; nothing!”; “I am a black 6:12) sheep!” ¨ “I am God chose me that I may become like Jesus, though I did not nothing…!” deserve it (Ephesians 1:4; 2:1-4; Romans 8:29)! ¨ “I cannot expect anything good I can expect good things because I am a because my parents are good child of God (Ephesians 1:5; John 1:12-13; 1John 3:1-3)! for nothing!” ¨ “God has forsaken me! I He will not leave me (Hebrews 13:5). God’s favor is upon me (Ephesians 1:6)! am under a curse!” ¨ “I am not important!” I was bought by the blood of Jesus (Ephesians 1:7)! ¨ “The sin I committed God’s grace was sufficient to forgive me of all my sins (Ephesians 1:7,8; 1John 1:9)! cannot be forgiven!” ¨ “I am stupid, empty-head! I I know God’s mysteries which are not known by even the most intelligent person who is not don’t have common sense close to God (Ephesians 1:9,10)! (Matthew 5:22)! ¨ “I can no longer glorify Because I am still alive, I can still glorify God in my life (Ephesians 1:6,12,14)! God in my life!” ¨ “I cannot be sure that I The Spirit of God in me is the seal that I am His and I am going to heaven (Ephesians 1:13) am going to heaven!” ¨ “It is okay if I will not Because I am going to heaven, I will also have an inheritance there (Ephesians 1:13,14;1Peter 1:4)! inherit anything in heaven!” “I cannot defeat Satan!” “I am afraid of: o what I am in a position I read; o what I heard; o the movie I watched; far above than Satan, o what I dreamed of; o what I saw; o death; sicknesses and any other thing I used to be afraid of o idols; o creatures; o demons/Satan; o ghosts; darkness; o what may happen: m war; (2:6; 1:18-21)! I shall not be afraid of them anymore. If m persecution; m losing my sanity; m loved ones may meet accidents or be killed; o some God will be glorified, I can command anything in Jesus’ people; name (John 14:12-14). o _______________________________ “Father, thank You that everything that can be well-spoken about my spiritual condition, You have already said in the presence of good and evil angels. Because of that, apart from you, I will no longer have any other god.” Do you now understand all the good things God said about you? …. If so, does your life show your gratitude for that fact? ... Do you want to learn to love God more? ... If so, you will love to read the next chapter. . . Question for Discussion: Read Ephesians 1:3-2:6. Which among the good things God said about you do you like the most? Why?

21

Chapter 14 - Be Constrained by His Love And God spoke all these words: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:1-3). I too was amazed at the good things God said about me … especially after I understood how much it cost God for such to be made available for me. Though I was quite religious before I trusted Christ alone for my salvation, I was a sinner, a slave of sin (Romans 3:23; John 8:34) and of Satan (2 Timothy 2:24-26), my former father (John 8:44). For each sin I have done and will be doing, I deserve God’s wrath (Romans 1:18) and eternal separation from Him (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10 NAS) and torment in a place of fire and deep darkness (2 Peter 2:17 & Jude 13). Yet Christ loved me so much that he left all the glories of heaven, took the form (Philippians 2:6-7) of a poor carpenter (Matthew 13:55) and SUFFERED FOR ME IN ALL AREAS: mental, emotional, social, physical and spiritual. He suffered for me mentally and emotionally. “the Lord was pleased to crush Him, putting Him to grief” (Isaiah 53:10). He experienced “the anguish of His soul” (Isaiah 53:11). Before He was crucified, Jesus prayed, “ ‘Father ... remove this cup from Me; yet not My will’…. And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling upon the ground” (Luke 22:41-44 Matthew 26:36-39 Mark 14:32-36). ‘Though very rare, the phenomenon of Hematidrosis, or bloody sweat, is well documented. Under great emotional stress, tiny capillaries in the sweat glands can break, thus mixing blood with sweat. This process alone could have produced marked weakness and possible shock.’ Socially, He suffered too. Isaiah 53:3 records, “He was despised and forsaken of men ... like one from whom men hide their face ... and we did not esteem Him” (NAS, from which all the quotes are taken unless otherwise stated). His own people gave him to the godless Roman soldiers. He underwent “judgment” (v.8). All his friends forsook Him (Matthew 26:56), one sold him for thirty pieces of silver (26:15); another denied him three times (John 13:38; Mr 14:30). He was hated and despised (Isaiah 49:7) without a cause (Johh 15:25 Psalm 69:4). He was given by his countrymen to the godless Roman soldiers. He was shamed (Hebrews 12:2) publicly. Those who were crucified then were the worst criminals. Isaiah 53:12 says, “...He poured out Himself to death, And was numbered with the transgressors...” The spirit of Christ also spoke through David when he said, “...I am...a reproach of men, and despised by the people. All those who see me ridicule Me; They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, “He trusted in the LORD; let Him rescue Him...” (Psalm 22:6-8 Luke 23:35

22 Matthew 27:39 Mark 15:29 NKJV). Also, “His grave was assigned with wicked men” (Isaiah 53:9 John 19:38-42). Moreover, he was crucified naked. This is seen in the fact that the “soldiers therefore, when they had crucified Jesus, took His outer garments and made four parts, a part to every soldier...” Then, they cast lots for his tunic—His inner garment (John 19:23-24 Mark 15:24 Matthew 27:35). Financially, He suffered too. He experienced poverty (2Corinthias 8:9) to the extreme on the cross. Not only was he stripped of his clothing but also of food and water that He became thirsty (John 19:28). Socially, He suffered too. Friends forsook him. He was shamed (Hebrews 12:2) publicly. He was crucified nude. Physically, he suffered also in many stages: He suffered too. “He was oppressed and He was afflicted” (Isaiah 53:7). This happened in many stages. He was not given a chance to sleep. He was forced to travel from Gethsemane to Annas (John 18:13), to Caiphas (John 18:24 Matthew 26:57 Mark 14:53), to the council of elders (Luke 22:66), to Pilate (Matthew 27:2 Mark 15:1 Luke 23:1 John 18:28), to Herod (Luke 23:6-7), back to Pilate (Luke 23:11), and finally ‘650 yards’ to Golgotha (Matthew 27:33 Mark 15:22 Luke 23:33). Throughout this time, he was not given the chance to drink, so He was ‘dehydrated’. Some spat on His face. Others blindfolded Him and beat Him with their fists. Still others slapped Him (Matthew 26:67 Mark 14:65 Luke 22:63). Some blindfolded Him. Others beat Him with their fists. Still others slapped Him (Matthew 26:67; Mark 14:65; Luke 22:63). In Isaiah 50:6, the spirit of Christ says, “I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.” The emboldened phrase come from a Hebrew participle which “represents an action or condition in its unbroken continuity” (Online). Thus, they continued to pull off his beard! Isaiah 53:5 says that he experienced “scourging” (Matthew 27:26; Mark 15:15). He ‘was of stripped of his clothing and his hands tied to a post above his head. It is doubtful whether the Romans made any attempt to follow the Jewish law in this matter scourging. The Jews had an ancient law prohibiting more than forty lashes (Deuteronomy 25:3). The Pharisees, always making sure that the law was strictly kept, insisted that only thirty-nine lashes (2Corinthians 11:23-25) be given. (In this way, they were sure of remaining within the law in case of a miscount).’ The Roman flagellum ‘is a short whip consisting of several (about a dozen - Dake in his study Bible) heavy, leather thongs with two small balls of lead attached near the ends of each’ (4Topics 1315 of Online Bible Program). Josh McDowell’s books: The Resurrection Factor, pages 41-49; and Evidence that demands a Verdict, Revised Edition, pages 196-199 describes it as having sharp, jagged pieces of bone and lead woven to long leather thongs of various lengths. ‘The heavy whip was brought down with full force again and again across Jesus’ shoulders, back, loins, legs, and sometimes to the face and bowels (Dake). At first the heavy thongs cut through the skin only. ‘Then as blows continued, they cut deeper into the tissues, producing first an oozing of blood from the

23 capillaries and veins of the skin, and finally spurting arterial bleeding from vessels in the underlying muscles. The small balls of lead first produced large, deep bruises which are broken open by subsequent blows. Finally the skin of the back was hanging in long ribbons’, His veins were laid bare, trickling with blood. His muscles, sinews and bowels exposed. His bones were also exposed that He could count them all (Psalm 22:17). The entire area was ‘an unrecognizable mass of torn, bleeding tissue. “So hideous was the punishment that the victim often fainted and some died under it” (Dake). When it was determined by the centurion in charge that he was near death, the beating is finally stopped. Half fainting, He was then untied and allowed to slump to the stone pavement, wet with his own blood.’ Roman soldiers clothed Him with a scarlet robe (Matthew 27:28). ‘A small bundle of flexible branches covered with long thorns (commonly used for firewood) were plaited into a shape of a crown and this was pressed into his scalp. It tore his flesh (Judges 8:7). Again there was copious bleeding (the scalp being one of the most vascular areas of the body).’ They also gave blows on his face and with a reed kept beating His head (Matthew 27:29-30 on which the crown was placed, ‘driving the thorns deeper into his scalp’! The ‘robe was torn from his back. This had already become adherent to the clots of blood and serum in the wounds, and it’s removal, just as in the careless removal of a surgical bandage, caused excruciating pain...almost as though he were again being whipped—and the wounds began to bleed again.’ 400-600 soldiers spat on Him (Matthew 27:29,30; Mark 10:34; 14:65; 15:19; Luke 18:32). The sputum was so dirty that His whole body got more infections. He bore a 110 pound crossbar for sometime. In spite of his efforts to walk erect, the weight of the heavy wooden beam, together with the shock produced by copious blood loss, is too much. He stumbles and falls. The rough wood the beam gouges into the lacerated skin and muscles of the shoulders. He was so weak that another man was forced to carry it for Him (Matthew 27:32 Mark 15:21 Luke 23:26). He refused to drink anesthetic wine mixed with myrrh (‘a mild analgesic mixture’) and gall (Matthew 27:34 Mark 15:23) that He may fully experience the pains of crucifixion (Proverbs 31:6-7). The patibulum was quickly ‘placed on the ground and Jesus was quickly thrown backward with his shoulders against the wood. The legionnaire felt for the depression at the front of the wrist. He drove a heavy, square, wrought seven-inch iron nail through between the small bones of the wrist and deep into the wood. Quickly he moved to the other side and repeated the action, being careful not to pull the arms too tightly, but to allow some flexion and movement. The patibulum was then lifted in place at the top of the stipes ... The left foot was pressed backward against the right foot, and with both feet extended and toes down, a nail was driven through the arch of each, leaving the knees moderately flexed . “Then the cross was lifted and dropped into the hole with a violent thud which disjointed the whole body (Psalm 22:14). The weight of the body hung on nails through the hands and feet.” (Dake)... ‘As he slowly sagged down with more weight on the nails in the wrists, excruciating—fiery pain shot

24 along the fingers and up the arms to explode in the brain as the nails in the wrists are putting pressure on the median nerves. As he was pushing himself upward to avoid this stretching torment, he placed his full weight on the nail tearing through the nerves between the metatarsal bones of the feet. Isaiah 53:5 prophesied of these by saying, “He was pierced through...” Christ said it through David, “They pierced my hands and my feet.” (Ps 22:16b) ‘At this point, another phenomenon occurred. As the arms fatigued, great waves of cramps swept over the muscles, knotting them in deep, relentless, throbbing pain. With these cramps came the inability to push himself upward. Hanging by his arms, the pectoral muscles were paralyzed and the intercostal muscles are unable to act. Air could be drawn into the lungs, but could not be exhaled. In order to take in air, He had to pull His body by His arms and push it with His feet. Though His torn body got splinters from the rough cross made from a tree (1 Peter 2:24), Jesus fought to raise Himself in order to get even one short breath. Finally, carbon dioxide got built up in the lungs and in the blood stream and the cramps partially subsided. Spasmodically, he was able to push himself upward to exhale and bring in the life giving oxygen.’ He experienced arms’ fatigue, with great waves of cramps sweeping over the muscles, knotting them down in deep, relentless, throbbing pain. There He was also dizzy, thirsty, starving, and had traumatic fever and tetanus. The unnatural position made His every movement painful. Christ, again through David, said, “... all my bones are out of joint...” (Psalm 22:14). ‘Hours of this limitless pain, cycles of twisting, joint rending cramps, intermittent partial asphyxiation, searing pain as the tissue is torn from his lacerated back as he moves up and down against the rough timber. Then another agony began. There was a deep crushing pain deep in the chest as the pericardium slowly got filled with serum and began to compress the heart.’ The lacerated veins and crushed tendons throbbed with incessant anguish. The wounds, inflamed by exposure, gradually gangrened. The arteries, especially at the head and stomach, became swollen and oppressed with surcharged blood. With each misery gradually increasing in intensity, there was added the intolerable pang of a burning and raging thirst. Christ described it though David when he said, “I am poured out like water ... My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue cleaves to my jaws.” (Psalm 22:14,15) Isaiah 53:5 tells us that “He was crushed”. ‘The loss of tissue fluids had reached a critical level, the compressed heart was struggling to pump heavy, thick, sluggish blood into the tissues, the tortured lungs were making a frantic effort to gasp in small gulps of air. The markedly dehydrated tissues sent their flood of stimuli to the brain.

25 Then Jesus gasped, “I thirst.” Christ again spoke through David, “My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.” (Psalm 22:15) ‘A sponge soaked in Posca, the cheap, sour wine which is the staple drink of the Roman legionnaires, is lifted to his lips. He apparently does not take any of the liquid. The body of Jesus was then in extremes, and he could feel the chill of death creeping through his tissues’. He bore our sicknesses and pains (Isaiah 53:4-5 YLT). He experienced what Israel as a nation experienced for its rebellion: His whole head was sick or injured. From the sole of his foot to his head there is no soundness but wounds and bruises (Isaiah 1:5-6) or stripes. How this is possible is explained in the chapter, “Do Miracles”. He suffered so much that Isaiah describes it this way, “Just as many were astonished at you, My people, so His appearance was marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men” (Isaiah 52:14). The New International Version translates it this way, “Just as there were many who were appalled at him, his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness.” He had a shock and a constriction of the heart that He finally, as His heart burst, gave up His physical life (Luke 23:46). That’s why when He was pierced at the side, blood and water came out. Isaiah prophesied of His death by saying, “... He was cut off out of the land of the living ... “ (Isaiah 53: 8) and “He poured out Himself to death” (v. 12). The Spirit of Christ spoke through David when He said, “Reproach has broken my heart, and I am so sick. And I looked for sympathy, but there was none, And for comforters, but I found none.” (Psalms 69:20 NAS) This was literally fufilled on the cross where he had a shock and a constriction of the heart that He finally, in rupture of the heart, gave up His physical life. That’s why when He was pierced at the side, blood and water came out (John 19:34). Worst of all, He suffered spiritually: He was “stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted” (Isaiah 53:4). Why? Not because of any sin that He did, for “He had done no violence, nor was there any deceit in His mouth” (v. 9). Because of our sins - “our transgressions ... our iniquities ...” - we were supposed to be chastened (v. 5) and “the stroke” was due us (v. 8). But it was Jesus who took what we deserve. “All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him.” (v.6). “He Himself bore the sins of many” (v. 12). Indeed, before He died physically, on the cross, from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m., He bore my sins (1 Peter 2:24). As a Christian, I have a new nature that hates sin (Romans 7:15). This gives me an idea, though partial, on how much suffering He received, Him who knew no sin (2 Corinthians 5:21), when He carried all of my sins, including the guilt associated with each! It was not just my sins that He took, but also that of the whole world at all times (Hebrews 10:12). The Father and the Holy Spirit had no choice but to forsake Him and to pour God’s entire wrath upon Him (Isaiah 53:4; Matthew 27:46;

26 Mark 15:34; Isaiah 53:10)! As a result, God had to forsake Him. That’s why, in fulfilment of the prophecy in Psalm 22, Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?” (Ps 22:1-3 Matthew 27:46 Mr 15:34). He endured all of these in view of the joy (Hebrews 12:2) of seeing the good things I would receive when I accept Him. Now the maximum of what can be well-spoken about me spiritually in the heavenly places I have received (2 Peter 1:3; Ephesians 1:3)! There is forgiveness for all my sins (Hebrews 10:10,12,14,17,18)! I am freed from sin (Romans 6:2,6-7) and Satan (Colossians 1:3-14; Hebrews 2:14,15)! I have now been reconciled to God (Romans 5:10)—”the chastening for our well-being (or, as the margin puts it, “peace”) fell upon Him” (Isaiah 53:5). Before I was His enemy; now I am His friend (John 15:15). I am also justified (Romans 5:1)—declared as if I have not sinned and as if am as as righteous as Christ (Romans 5:1; 2 Corinthians 5:21). “My Servant, will justify the many” (Isaiah 53:11). He also “interceded for the transgressors” (v. 12). He interceded for those who were there during the crucifixion (Luke 23:34) and is now interceding for me at the right hand of God! (Hebrews 7:25). I am now God’s child (John 1:12; 1 John 3:1-2)! I am co-seated with Jesus Christ far above the angels, Satan and all his demons (Ephesians 1:1823; 2:6)! Being a new creation, I have access to the power to live an abundant life (2 Corinthians 5:17; John 10:10)! In fact, I am becoming more like Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18) in my character and I will be sinless like Him in heaven!! There I will no longer experience sorrow, pain and death but eternal joy with Him and others who trusted Him alone for their salvation (1 John 3:2; 1 Corinthians 15:53-56; Revelation 21:1-4)!!! Even though I am groaning right now for heaven (Romans 8:23), His Spirit is giving life to my mortal body (v. 11). I am in good health (3John 1:2). This is still true as it was in the Old Covenant (Exodus 15:26 23:25 Deuteronomy 7:15) since we have better promises (Hebrews 8:6). Every promise in Scripture is made available for me (2Corinthians 1:20). I am no longer under the curse of the law but under the blessing (Galatians 3:13-14). I am serving God with joy and gladness for the abundance of all things (Deuteronomy 28:47 2Corinthians 8:9 9:8) for my need (Philippians 4:19) and to give to others (2Corithians 9:8-15). We will understand these more in later chapters. These are just some of the riches of God’s grace that made me what I am and caused me to do what I am doing. Yes, because of what He has done and will be doing for me, I presented my body to Him as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1,2). I am also seeking to give Him the greatest glory in my lie. HOW ABOUT YOU? What Christ did for me on the cross, He did also for you. Have you trusted him for you salvation? If you haven’t done it yet, trust Him now…

If you have trusted Him for your salvation, you will want to love Him:

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“28 ¶ One of the teachers of the law ... asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?" 29 "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with A ALL your B HEART and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these." 32 "Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your A ALL your heart and with A ALL your C UNDERSTANDING and with A ALL your D STRENGTH, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." ... (Mr 12:28-34) How are you to love God (v.33)? I. With A ______ my B __________ A. Do you love Him and your neighbors because He first loved you (1Jn 4:19)? B. What shame have you received because you started to run toward Jesus (He 12:2)? ________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ 1. Jesus was called the Prince of Devils (Mt 10:24-25; 12:24). What names were given to you? __________________________ ____________________________________________________ 2. The sin or encumbrance which easily surrounds us is like clothes (He 12:1; Ac 7:58) specifically, "like a long, loose robe clinging to" our limbs (Vincent). It hinders us from running fast toward Jesus, from being more like him faster. But running with long robes without underwear as the first century did can be shameful. We are to lay aside every sin or encumbrance that hinders us from running and despise the shame. 3. Have looked to Jesus who despised the shame (He 12:2)? C. What persecutions have you received from your family? ________ ____________________________________________________. Was your love for them considered hatred in comparison to your love for Jesus (Read Lu 14:25-35 especially v.26; Mt 10:34-37)? II. With With A ______ my C _________________________-A. Have you convinced the mind of someone who ask you for the hope that is in you (1Pe 3:15)? _________________________________ Do you believe that there is one God? ______. If so, can you explain with your mind why Jesus is called God and why the Holy Spirit can be called God? ________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

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_____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ ________________________ If you have done it yet, join a study on “Be Sure You are Saved!” booklet. B. You can love God more if you understand and know Him more (Ph 3:810). Is your mind is daily renewed (Romans 12:1,2). 1. Do you daily listen to God as Christ did in prayer every morning (Isaiah 50:4-5)? ______________ 2. Do you search the Scriptures daily like the Bereans (Acts 17:10-11) to see if what you are hearing is really based on the Bible? ______________ C. What do you do if you don’t understand some spiritual truth you are hearing? ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ 1. Do you humble yourself (Ph 2:1-9), not leaning on your understanding (Pro 3:5-6) but trusting God even in darkness (Is 50:10-11)? ________________________________________. 2. When Billy Graham was a young believer, he and one who became a Christiian at about the same time he did heard teachings challenging the inerrancy of the Bible. His friend lost his faith. But he spent time with God and told God, “I do not understand. But I believe this is your inerrant word.” God has used him mightily throughout the years. 3. When you do not understand the reason for God’s command, do you still obey Him (He 13:17)? __________________________ “Soul” is translated “life” in the following verse: “16 ... On my account you will be ... witnesses . ... 22 All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. ... 26 "So do not be afraid of them. .... 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the SOUL. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. ... 32 Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. ... 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his LIFE for my sake will find it. "” (Mt 10:16-42 NIV) “25 ¶ Now large crowds were going along with Him; and He turned and said to them, 26 "If anyone comes to Me, and does not HATE his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. 27 "Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 28 "For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit

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down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? 29 "Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ 31 "Or what king, when he sets out to meet another king in battle, will not first sit down and consider whether he is strong enough with ten thousand [men] to encounter the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 "Or else, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. 33 "So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions. ....” (Lu 14:25-35 NAS95) D. In what other way is your life (soul) on earth being lost (Mt 10:39) because you love God and follow Jesus? _____________________ ______________________________________________________ 1. What cross have you carried (Luke 14:27)? _________________ ____________________________________________________ 2. What possessions and dreams have you given up (Luke 14:33)? ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ 3. Have you counted their cost and that of the ridicule from others if I will stop following Jesus (Lu 14:28-30) and consider them all rubbish as compared to knowing Jesus (Ph 3:8-11)? _________ III. With A ______ my D __________________________ A. Paul continued to love God even “in ... imprisonments ... beaten times ... in danger of death ... stoned ... shipwrecked ... [spending] a night and a day ... in the deep ... in dangers ... in labor and hardship ... sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure ... in the daily pressure ... of concern for” many people. (2Co 11:23-28 NAS95)? B. When was the time your love for God was tested because you seem to have arrived at your maximum strength ... or in danger of death (Mt 10:28)? ___________________________________________ ____________________________________________________. Fear God only (Mt 10:29). He knows everything that is happening to you (v.30-31). C. Your love for God is reflected on how much strength is spent for Him in your schedule. So to evaluate yourself how much you love God, please fill up the general schedule on the next page: 1. No. of hours working/studying = _____________. Granting 1 hour for meal, how many hours did people work in Bible times (Mt 20:1,8)? ___ hours. How many days a week (Ex 20:9)? __. Are you doing your work for the Lord whether so-called ‘secular’ or ‘religious’? Do you spend at least 77 hours working? ______. 2. No. of hours for recreation (TV, cell phone, playing, chatting) = _____. Compare that with the number of hours you spend time daily with God in prayer = _____. Jesus at one asked his disciples to spend time with Him for one hour (Mt 26:40).

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3. No. of hours eating = ______. Man shall not live on bread alone but on every word that proceeds from God’s mouth (Mt 4:4). How no. of hours you spend reading/studying/meditating on God’s word, the Bible = ____. 4. No. of hours chatting with friends about not-so-important things = ______. Compare with number of hours you spend talking to them about Jesus that they may be saved (Mt 10:32) or built up (Col 2:1314) 5. Are you doing things as if you just received the Lord, in your first love? ____________________________. Then remember where you have fallen, repent and do the deeds you did at first (Rev 2:1-7). D. Rewrite your weekly schedule to make the most of your time (Eph 5:16) Mon

Tues

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12pm 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 If you know that your sins have been forgiven, does your life show your gratitude for that fact? Your understanding of how much God has forgiven you is reflected in how much you love Him. Concerning a woman, Jesus said, “her many sins have been forgiven— for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.” (Luke 7:47). Are you growing in your love for Him? Do you love Him more and more? If so, continue to trust His Spirit to enable you to live up to your

31 commitment (Galatians 5:16)! If not, “I urge you ... by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Ro 12:1,2). You may express your commitment in a prayer like this: Lord Jesus, because of what you have done for me, I want you to be the Master of my life. My body, possessions, desires and dreams are now yours. That you can use me for others’ well-being, I shall join a small group of Christians committed to one another. I will seek to know, by prayer, your will in every situation. I will not be judgmental. I will also seek someone to be my companion who will hold me accountable in my walk with you. I will not be judgmental. I will accept the members of that group just as you have accepted me. I will remember that God causes all things for our good that all of us may be more like you. Since that group will help strengthen Christians and save souls, helping that group shall be one of my highest priorities. As you enable me, I will allow you to use me to save, heal, free and restore others to you.” Name: ____________________________ Date: ________ To God be the glory, to God be the glory, to God be the glory for the things He has done With His blood He has saved me, By His power He has raised me, To God be the glory for the things He has done. Question for Discussion: What was your response to the portion in the chapter about the death of Christ?

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Chapter 15 - Walk in the Spirit “Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit” (Romans 7:25; 8:4). On February 19, 1979, I received Christ as my Savior and Lord and started reading the Bible. After three months, I stopped reading it. I became weak in my spiritual life. The following month, I learned how to walk in the Spirit. From then on, I read again the Bible and I continued to experience the abundant life Jesus promised (John 10:10) The following steps helped me to walk in the Spirit: 1. BE SURE THE SPIRIT TESTIFIES THAT YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD. “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Romans 8:16). IN

HIS GUIDANCE:

“because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” (Romans 8:14) A Christian while watching over a patient in a hospital, fell into a deep sleep. Suddenly he was awakened when he heard in his spirit that he should approach the dying patient and share the good news. The patient received Christ and after three minutes, she died peacefully. It is good that that Christian heard and obeyed the voice of God! How about you? Have you experienced similar guidance from the Spirit? ... IN

YOUR MORE INTIMATE CONVERSATION WITH

GOD

“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Romans 8:15-16). On the night after I received Christ, for the first time in my life, though nobody instructed me, I turned off the light in my room, knelt down before God, and enjoyed praying. Such change in my prayer life gave me the assurance that I have truly become a child of God! Has your conversation with God become more intimate? ... If not check your relationship with Him. …

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THE GOOD RESULTS IN SPITE OF YOUR POOR PRAYER LIFE

One time, we had a very difficult problem in our family. Since that problem had been recurring, I knelt down ... but I did not know what to pray. I just heard myself groaning. In the process of trying to solve the problem, I was able to share the gospel to a relative. Though he previously got mad at me, he received Christ! “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will” (Romans 8:26-27).

Have you been in a situation where you did not know what to pray for but you prayed anyway? ... Were you amazed at the results? ... If so, it was the Spirit who interceded for you! 2. SET YOUR MIND ON THE THINGS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT The things of the Spirit are those which give peace and ability to be subject to the Law and to please God: “For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able [to do so]; and those who are in the flesh cannot please God” (Romans 8:5-8 NAS). The Bible that contains the things of the Spirit was written by Paul and other servants of God. This is what Paul says: “This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words” (1 Corinthians 2:13). A man cried before me and said, “I read my devotional book daily ... but I still feel defeated by sin!” I wonder how many Christians are like him who read devotional books but never or rarely read the Bible! ... Are you one of them? In the first two years after George Mueller accepted Christ, he was just reading devotional books. As a result, he did not grow much in his Christian life. After those years, he started to read the Bible. From that time on, he grew faster. His growth was such that miracles happened in response to his prayers. For example, God enabled him to feed more than 3,000 children daily in orphanages. Support came from people he did not even know!

34 In the same way, reading the Bible daily and obeying it have helped me grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. The Bible can enable you to be subject to the Law of God and please Him. Do you read it daily? ... The Word of God is the thing that you must covet or desire: “They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb” (Psalms 19:10 NAS). 3. TRUST IN THE POWER AND GUIDANCE OF THE SPIRIT TO PUT TO DEATH THE DEEDS OF THE BODY. “for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Romans 8:13 NAS). In 1987, I reviewed the following passage: “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace might increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have become united with [Him] in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall be also [in the likeness] of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with [Him,] that our body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin, once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body that you should obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin [as] instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members [as] instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law, but under grace” (Romans 6:1-14 NAS). When I restudied these verses, God reminded me of one sin I was committing repeatedly. I told myself, “Which should I believe, the Bible that says that I have died and have been freed from sin ... or my feelings?” I chose the Word of God. I considered myself dead to and freed from sin. So I prayed: Thank You God that I died to that sin. I can no longer live in it. I do not have to obey it anymore. I am freed from it already. It shall not be master over me. I am offering the parts of my body affected by it as an instrument of righteousness alone.

35 By the grace of God, I no longer experience bondage to that sin anymore! How about you? Is there a sin in your life that you have been committing repeatedly? ... If so, pray with all your heart a request similar to what I uttered. ... Some have been led by the Spirit to fast to put to death the deeds of the flesh—to loosen the bonds of wickedness. “Is this not the fast which I choose, To loosen the bonds of wickedness, To undo the bands of the yoke, And to let the oppressed go free, And break every yoke? Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry, And bring the homeless poor into the house; When you see the naked, to cover him; And not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light will break out like the dawn, And your recovery will speedily spring forth; And your righteousness will go before you; The glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; You will cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you remove the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness” (Isaiah 58:6-9 NAS). The fast that God chooses is not the external fasting only but that which includes what is internal—the fasting from (‘not eating’ of) food and wickedness. What you can save from external fasting (not eating food) can be used for righteous acts, that of helping the needy—the hungry, the naked and the homeless. If you fast with righteousness and are filled with the Spirit of God, you will experience freedom from sin. You will be able to control your appetite for food, drinks and sex, because the fruit of the Spirit is self-control (1Corinthians 7:5: Galatians 5:22-23). That way, it will be shown that your appetite is not your God and you do not set your mind on earthly things (Philippians 3:19 NAS). The other details about fasting I hope to write in the next book. As of now, here’s what I desire for you: 4. BE SURE YOU ARE ALWAYS FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ” (Ephesians 5:18-21 NAS). According to these verses, if you are filled with the Spirit, He controls every part of your life—your speech, singing, attitude and actions: 1. You will speak spiritual words which are in agreement with the Bible. 2. You will sing whole-heartedly for the Lord. 3. You will be grateful for all things at all times. 4. You will submit to fellow Christians whenever their commands or requests

36 do not contradict reverence for Christ. According to this definition, are you filled with the Holy Spirit? ... Are your words consistent with the Bible? ... or with what you see on the television? ... or with what you hear from your friend? ... When you sing, do you do it for the Lord? ... or to impress people? ... Are you singing with all your heart? ... or because it is just a part of the program? ... Do you give thanks for all that is happening in your life? ... or just for the good ones? ... Do you submit to fellow Christians whenever their commands are consistent with reverence for Christ? ... or do you just do it when you are in the mood? ... Do you want to be filled with the Spirit? If so, ask God to fill you now. That is a good thing. Hence, he will not withhold it: “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him” (Matthew 7:11)! “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him” (Luke 11:13)! Suggested Prayer: Heavenly Father, fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Thank You that You have answered this request because being filled is good for me. If you notice that you control your life and do the desires of your flesh again, ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit and walk according to Him again. ... “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. … But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:16,22-23). Questions for Discussion: 1. Read Romans 6:1-14. Have you experienced freedom from sin? … What has helped you? … What is hindering you from such freedom? 2. Read Ephesians 5:18-21. Based on this passage, are you filled with the Spirit?

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Chapter 16 - Take Time to Refresh! “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy” (Exodus 20:8-11). There was a preacher mightily used by God to bring people closer to Him. When he was just 30 years old, he was on his death bed. His last words were, “The Lord has given me a message to proclaim and a horse to carry the message. I have bitten the horse ... and I can no longer carry the message!” How about you? … Do you work day and night without any day of rest? … Do you feel that your body is becoming weak and sickly? … If you identify with the man in the illustration, you have not made the most of what God made for you—the Sabbath (Mark 2:27), the one day rest in a week. If you are spending one day of rest in a week, do you also consider that day as a delight? … Do you find joy in observing that rest? … Are you living above your circumstances—with nothing in this world affecting you negatively? … Are you enjoying all that God has for you? … If not, you are not yet spending Sabbath the way you should be! “If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the LORD’s holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in the LORD, and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.” The mouth of the LORD has spoken (Isaiah 58:13-14). In this passage, the Sabbath is also called the LORD’s day (Deuteronomy 5:14). The following will be some of the results when you spend it according to His will: 1. You will find your joy in Him. 2. You will ride on the heights of the land—you will live above your circumstances, with nothing in this world affecting you negatively. 3. You will feast on the inheritance of Jacob—on everything God has prepared for you. Some of those things we will study in later chapters. But you might ask, “How can I not break the Sabbath and call it a delight

38 and honorable?” I. MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE COME TO JESUS Jesus promises: “28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”” (Matthew 11:28-30) Are you tired of working? ... of the problems in your family? ... of the problems at your work? ... in the church? ... Do you feel burnt-out? … Then come to Jesus! The yoke and burden of His commandments are not burdensome but easy and light! If you have not found rest for your souls, read chapter 11 and receive Jesus into your heart. “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,” (Ac 3:19) If you have repented, turned to God and learned that your sins were wiped out, you were refreshed. That time of refreshing will be repeated since this verse mentions times and not just a time of refreshing. How? … II. BE PERSUADED ON WHICH DAY IN THE WEEK YOU ARE TO REST. To determine which day of the week you are to attend an assembly, consider the following facts about the first century disciples: A. THE

FIRST CENTURY BELIEVERS MET ON THE SEVENTH DAY:

When Paul saw “how many thousands of Jews” who had “believed, and all of them” were “zealous for the law”, he did not correct them but even demonstrated that he was keeping the Law (Acts 21:20-26). No wonder they were considered as members of “the sect of the Nazarenes” (Acts 24:5), a sect of Judaism like the “sect of the Sadducees” (5:17) or “of the Pharisees” (15:5). Paul who claimed to remain as a Pharisee (Acts 23:6) on Sabbath days had the habit of going to the synagogues and other places where people were assembled (Acts 17:1,2; 9:20; 13:5; 13:14,15,42,44; 14:1; 15:21; 17:1,10,17; 16:13; 18:4,8,19,26; 19:8). Jews are expected to assemble on the seventh day: “There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, a day of sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the LORD” (Leviticus 23:3). “It [is] a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever ….” (Exodus 31:17 NKJV). Gentile believers are grafted in among the Jews (Romans 11:17). Jesus also taught His Jewish disciples to obey even the least commandment in the Law (Matthew 5:17-19) and to teach Gentiles to obey all His commandments

39 to those Jewish disciples (Matthew 28:20). Paul commanded the Jewish and Gentile converts to hold firmly the traditions according to Christ (Mark 1:21; 6:2; Luke 4:16-21; 6:6; 13:10) which they received from Paul’s team verbally or through letter (1Corinthians 11:2; 2Thessalonians 2:15; 3:6 NAS). For these reasons, Messianic believers, Seventh Day Baptists and evangelical Seventh Day Adventists think that they are also to assemble on the seventh day. Those ‘full-time workers’ in the temple, the priests, did not rest on the seventh day. They offer burnt offerings on the Sabbath (Numbers 28:9,10). Yet, they did not sin: “…in the Law … on the Sabbath the priests in the temple desecrate the day and yet are innocent?” (Matthew 12:5) In the same way, those present day “full-time workers”, who “get their living from the gospel” (1Corinthians 9:14), who devote themselves “to prayer and the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4) may not be resting on the day when other believers are. However, they should take time to rest as the apostles did: “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place” (Mark 6:31-32). Are you a full-time worker? Do you take time to rest? … Have you considered resting on the same day when other workers take their day off? … B. THE

FIRST CENTURY DISCIPLES ALSO ASSEMBLED ON A

SUNDAY

AND A

MONDAY

“6 … we came … at Troas … 7 On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left.” (Acts 20:6-7,11) Notice those in Troas met on the first day of the week (which falls on a Sunday even if it is translated “first day of the weeks” of Deuteronomy 16:9,10 and Leviticus 23:15-16). They met at night to break bread or to eat the Lord’s supper (1Corinthians 11:17-26). Paul was intending to leave the next day (Monday) (Acts 20:7) and did so on the ‘daylight’ (v.11) and not on ‘sunset’ as it would have been if the reckoning was Jewish (where the 24 hourday begins at night). C. THE LORD

APPEARED TO THE DISCIPLES ON

SUNDAYS.

Jesus appeared to His disciples on Sundays: The day of His resurrection and first appearance was the first day of the week (Matthew 28:1,9; Mark 16:2,9,14; Luke 24:1,15,34-43; John 20:1,14-25)—a Sunday. He appeared to them again the following Sunday. We can see this from John 20:26 where NASB has “a week later” as an alternate for “eight days later”. Furthermore, the Jews used to express a week by eight days [Dr. Hammond on Josephus’

40 Antiqu. l. 7. c. 9 as quoted in John Gill’s Commentary on Online Bible Program]. The Lord also appeared to John on the Lord’s day (Revelation 1:10). On that day, He also walks among churches (2:1; 1:20) who are gathered in His name (Matthew 18:20). They gathered for the Lord's supper (1Corinthians 11:20). Since they broke bread and gave contributions on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7; 1Corinthians 16:2), it was acceptable that the Lord’s day was rendered as “the first day” by the ancient Ethiopic version (Gill’s Commentary). For these reasons, some Christians expect to meet the Lord on Sundays. Do you judge that Christians who worship on Sunday worship of the Sun? When you were judged this way, did you respond by judging the Messianic believers, Seventh Day Baptists and evangelical Seventh Day Adventists as “Judaizers” [believing in salvation by the works of the law] or “falling from grace” (Galatians 5:4) because they have Saturday as their Sabbath? In the heat of your argument, did you wrangle as Tertullian did in 145 AD when he wrote, “We are not far off from your Saturn [the false god worshiped on Saturday] and your days of rest”? D. THE LORD

APPEARED TO THE DISCIPLES ON OTHER DAYS.

In fact, Jesus “presented Himself alive … over a period of forty days” (Acts 1:3 NASB). Consider this: If He considers one day as more important than the others, why did the writers of Scripture not mention the day when He appeared in the following verses: John 21:1; Matthew 28:16-17; 1Corinthians 15:6,7. Note that in Matthew 28:17, the disciples’ meeting with Jesus was a time of worship! Are you excited to meet Jesus on the day you consider as Sabbath or the Lord’s Day? That is good! But what about the other days? … Why don’t you try praying and reading the Bible daily until you experience His presence over a period of forty days? … When you do, you will want to do the same for all the days of your life (Psalm 27:4)! “13 And you … he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 [And] having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink [or, for eating and drinking], or in respect [or, part] of an holiday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days] 17 which are a shadow of things to come; but [or, and] the body [is] of Christ.” (Colossians 2:16-17 KJV) The handwriting (of ordinances we have trespassed) containing our judgment (was against us and contrary to us) was blotted out already. Our enemies, the principalities and powers (Ephesians 6:10-12), who want us to be judged, were defeated already on the cross. Therefore, you should not let anyone judge you in part of the Sabbath days. Do not allow him to consider you disobedient for not wholly observing every detail on how he thinks they are to be observed . If he does this, gently tell him (2Timothy 2:24-25) that he too is not able to fully obey it: Burnt offerings were to be made on Sabbath (Numbers 28:10; 1Chronicles 23:31; 2Chronicles 2:4 8:13 31:3; Ezekiel

41 46:4,12) and Sabbath breakers were to be killed (Ex 31:14,15; 35:2). Remember, you have the freedom to be fully convinced in your mind and consider one day as sacred or holy for you. You should also give freedom to another who take another day or consider everyday alike. “5 One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. … 10 You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat”(Romans 14:5,10). The statement “Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind” gives freedom if a worker in a Muslim country required to work on Saturday (the Jewish government’s seventh day) but have a rest day on Friday (the Muslim government’s seventh day). If you do not want to obey their government’s calendar, you may have to look for work somewhere else and you cannot continue to be a light there while working in the secular world! When the Jews were slaves in Egypt, the forced labor they experienced became increasing harder that they sighed, groaned, cried out for help and later complained to Moses (Exodus 1:11-14; 2:23-25; 5:6-21). They knew how difficult it was without rest day. That is why after they were freed, God commanded them to rest and give rest to their servants on the seventh day. “14 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work … nor your manservant or maidservant … nor the alien within your gates, so that your manservant and maidservant may rest, as you do. 15 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt …. Therefore the LORD your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.” (Deuteronomy 5:14-15) Nowhere in Scripture does it say that they sinned because the government of Egypt did not allow them to rest prior to being delivered from Egypt. In fact, God came to help them (Exodus 2:23-25). So, if a person is in financial bondage and for the only work he can get to earn a living, his day-off is not on the day you consider as the Sabbath or Lord’s day (Revelation 1:10), you should not judge him. However, encourage him to ask God for a work with a day-off where he can do things written in this chapter. You should also not judge one if he is working on a Saturday in a Muslim country and his rest day can only be on a Friday (and perhaps also Thursday?) III. PHYSICALLY REST FROM YOUR REGULAR WORK 8 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. … 12 … so that your ox and your donkey may rest and the slave born in your household, and the alien as well, may be refreshed.” (Exodus 20:8-12) “… for [in] six days the LORD made the

42 heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed” (31:17 NKJV). You might ask, “Can I cook my food on Sabbath?…Can I take a bath?…” Of course, you can! It is lawful to do good on Sabbath (Matthew 12:2,10,12; Mark 3:4; Luke 6:9). What was forbidden was any work you do related to your regular work which may hinder you from delighting in the Lord’s day such as that which requires one to carry load (Jeremiah 17:21-27), tread wine presses (Nehemiah 13:15), gather sticks (Numbers 15:32-36), kindle fire (Exodus 35:3), buy (Nehemiah 10:31 13:16-22) or sell (Amos 8:5). Concerning kindling fire, Robert Gill comments, “it can hardly be thought that this is to be taken in the strictest sense, as an entire prohibition of kindling a fire and the use of it on that day, which is so absolutely useful, and needful in various cases, and where acts of mercy and necessity require it; as in cold seasons of the year, for the warming and comforting of persons who otherwise would be unfit for religious exercises, and on the account of infants and aged persons, who could not subsist without it; and in cases of sickness, and various disorders which necessarily require it; and even for the preparation of food, which must be had on that day as on others, the sabbath being not a fast, but rather a festival,” In Exodus 16:23 KJV, “bake that which ye will bake [today], and seethe that ye will seethe,” the phrase “today” is not in the text, and not necessarily supplied; the sense being plainly this, that they might take and boil what they would, and dress as much of the manna as they pleased, and eat what they would, but not that they were to bake and boil for the next day; for it is clear, by what follows, that the manna of the next day was not dressed either way, for then it would be no wonder that it did not stink; and as yet the law for not kindling a fire on the sabbath day was not given; and therefore, for aught to the contrary, they might roast or seethe on that day, or eat it as it was, as they themselves thought fit: Notice that when the Lord who does not get tired, rested, he was refreshed. So too, we need to rest, not because we are tired but that we can be refreshed. But when you are tired from work, you may be led by the Lord to spend time with others in a solitary place to be physically refreshed. That is what Jesus did with His disciples when they got physically exhausted: “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."” (Mark 6:31) IV. DO NOT DO YOUR OWN THING ON YOUR REST DAY “If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the LORD’s holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in the LORD, and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the

43 land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.” The mouth of the LORD has spoken” (Isaiah 58:13-14). What do you do on your day off? Do you like to go to the malls? … to shop? … to watch movies? … to spend time talking with your friends in a way which do not help them? … Is the way you spend your day off for God, or just for yourself? …. V. JOIN AN ASSEMBLY OF THOSE WHO CAN REFRESH YOUR SPIRIT—WHO ENCOURAGE YOU TO LOVE AND DO GOOD And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:23-25) 24

…. When you come together … 28 in the church …. (1Corinthians 14:26-28) “I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition” (1 Corinthians 16:1718). 26

“Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints. … I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ” (Philemon 1:7,20). Thus, on your day of rest, you are commanded to assemble with people who can refresh your spirit or heart—your intellect, emotion and volition. Your intellect will be refreshed when you hear and see something that causes you to learn new things. Your emotion will be refreshed when you experience God at work in the gathering. Your volition will be refreshed when joining them encourages you to love and do good deeds. But what are some things that they should be doing that will stimulate you to love and do good? A. THEY

ARE EVANGELISTIC AND FILLED WITH HOPE

1. THEY

PREACH THE GOSPEL AS A CHURCH, REMEMBERING THAT

GOD

FREED THEM OUT OF SLAVERY TO SIN AND SATAN.

BROUGHT, SAVED AND

“praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:47) “and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” (2Timothy 2:26) … 34 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it for ever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John

44 8:31-36) “…. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.” (Deuteronomy 5:12-15) Jesus, Paul and his companions and Apollos used Sabbath to teach or preach (Mark 1:21; 6:2; Luke 4:16; 6:6; 13:10,14; Acts 9:20; 13:5,14,15,42,44; 14:1; 16:13; 17:1,10,17; 18:4,8,19,26; 19:8). 2. THEY

LOOK FORWARD TO THE ETERNAL REST WE WILL EXPERIENCE AND TO THE FUTURE SABBATHS ALL MANKIND WILL EXPERIENCE.

God’s people who have believed and are obeying the gospel are entering into a Sabbath rest—a rest not referring to the rest Joshua gave Israel when they entered the promised land but the promise of entering His rest or resting from their own work in the future. Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith. Now we who have believed enter [or, are entering] that rest, just as God has said, “So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’ “ And yet his work has been finished since the creation of the world. “4 For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “And on the seventh day God rested from all his work.” 5 And again in the passage above he says, “They shall never enter my rest.” 6 It still remains that some will enter that rest, and those who formerly had the gospel preached to them did not go in because of their disobedience. 7 Therefore God again set a certain day, calling it Today, when a long time later he spoke through David, as was said before: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” 8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. 9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters [lit., entered] God’s rest also rests [lit., ceased] from his own work, just as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no-one will fall by following their example of disobedience.” (Hebrews 4:1-11). “Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” (Re 14:13) During our days of rest, we can also be reminded that time will come when all mankind will worship God on Sabbath. “From one New Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, all mankind will come and bow down before me,” says the LORD.” (Isaiah 66:23) Then we will cease debating what day should the Sabbath be! As of now, we will have to bear with the fact “…the whole world is under the control of the evil one” (1 John 5:19) who does not want to honor the Lord of the

45 Sabbath on Sabbath. B. THEY

SPEND TIME WITH THE WORD AND PRAYER.

“On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. … (Acts 16:13). “As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures” (Acts 17:2). Yes, on the Lord’s day, spend the whole day (not just two hours) to cease from your regular work. Take time with an assembly of God’s people who stimulate you to love and do good (Hebrews 10:23-25) as the Bible is read (1Timothy 4:13; Luke 4:16; Ac 15:21; 13:27), taught (Acts 2:42; Mark 1:21; 6:2; Luke 4:31; 6:6; 13:10) and preached (Acts 13:42,44; 15:21) by at least one godly leader (2Kings 4:23). In that gathering, there should also be time corporately to pray (Philippians 4:6-7), to worship God (Ezekiel 46:3; Exodus 12:31) with singing (Ephesians 5:19; Psalm 92:1), to eat the Lord’s supper (1Corinthians 11:17-20) and if necessary, to confess sins to God (Is 1:13; 56:2,6; Eze 20:13,16) and heal sick people (Mt 12:10; Mr 3:2,4; Lu 6:6-9; 13:14,16; 14:3; Jn 5:16,18; 9;16). What if you are deprived of fellowship with God’s people on the Lord’s day because you are imprisoned or alone in a place where you find no believer with whom you can gather or you are sick in bed? You can still experience the joy of resting in the Lord as John did in Revelation 1:10! “9 I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet….12 I turned round to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw … someone “like a son of man,” … (Revelation 1:9-15) Check (™) the sins you may have committed CONCERNING THE COMMAND REST (Exodus 20:8-11), there were times when: ¨ Concerning listening to, reading and studying God’s word, I said, “I have no time for that!” ¨ I did not have my Sabbath--rest one day a week for my physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. ¨ I went my own way and did as I please on my Sabbath (Isaiah 58:13-14). ¨ I did not go to an assembly of those who believe and preach the good news, who worship & pray to God under the preaching, teaching and healing ministry of a godly leader (Ezekiel 46:3) and who refresh my spirit that I am motivated to love and do good works (Leviticus 23:3; Hebrews 4:1-3; 10:24-25; 1Corinthians 16:17-18; Philemon 1:7). Suggested Prayer: “God, thank You for the opportunity to rest. I shall now set aside _____________day every week as my day of rest. I am now turning away from doing my own thing on that day. I want to listen to You and rejoice in You. I want to rest in Your presence—to worship You, singing some songs for You, to talk with You in prayer and listen to Your Spirit and Your word. I will do these things with a church that refreshes my spirit and

46 stimulates me to love and do good as its members preach the good news and disciple nations under the preaching, teaching and healing ministry of at least a godly leader. I believe that I can do these things at the church that gathers at ______________________________________________________________ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29). Question for Discussion: Among God’s people, who are the ones who refresh you the most?… What day in the week do you think God wants you to spend time with them in hearing the Bible being read, taught and preached and in worshipping and praying to Him? …

47

Chapter 17 - Do Miracles! “And whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (John 14:13 NAS).. “Do you believe”, I asked a youth group whom we were training to share the good news, “that if the rain stops and people around us receive Christ, God will be glorified? … Do you also believe that because God will be glorified, Jesus himself will stop the rain if we ask the rain to stop? Raise your hand if you believe.” Many raised their hands. So I told them, “Only those who believe are to follow this prayer.” “Lord Jesus, thank You for Your promise that if the Father will be glorified, whatever we ask in Your name, You Yourself will do it. Now we command the rain to stop when we go out.” We divided ourselves into pairs and rehearsed. ... When we went out, it was still cloudy outside. I wondered, “Did the rain stop?” Yes! It did! Our trainees rejoiced at how God answered our prayers. They enthusiastically shared the gospel. One of them even stopped a man riding a bicycle and shared Christ to him. Two young boys were chasing after a woman who was almost shouting, “I am already a Christian!” The result? With 64 trainees sharing the gospel to 108 people, 106 received Christ! That had been the highest percentage (98%) I witnessed in my whole 19 years of full-time Christian work! Do you want to experience something similar? If so, you need also to understand what it means to ask in Jesus’ name. Did you rebuke something in Jesus’ name, yet nothing happened?… If so, you need to understand what it means to “ask in Jesus’ name”. Jesus said concerning this: “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go to the Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do [it.]” (John 14:12-14 NAS) If you believe in Jesus, you will be able to do what He was doing when He was here on earth … even greater ones! You know why? It is He Himself who

48 will do it. In that way, the Father will be glorified. What should you do? Ask in Jesus’ name. What does this mean? ... The word ‘ask’ was used here: “For indeed Jews ask for signs, and Greeks search for wisdom;” (1 Corinthians 1:22 NAS) Here, the words ‘ask’ and ‘search for’ are synonymous. Hence, to ask means to search for, expecting a response—with faith. The word ‘name’ is used in the following: “He who receives a prophet in [the] name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.” (Matthew 10:41 NAS) This verse tells us that the name of a person refers to who he is—his character, words and works. Putting all these things together, we can see that ‘to ask in Jesus’ name’ means ‘TO ASK FOR THE GLORY OF GOD WITH FAITH IN WHO JESUS IS’. EXAMPLES: WHAT PETER

DID

Let us see how Peter asked in Jesus’ name: “…. And a certain man who had been lame from his mother’s womb was being carried along…. And when he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he [began] asking to receive alms. …. Peter said, “I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—walk!” And seizing him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened. And with a leap, he stood upright and [began] to walk; and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God” (Acts 3:1-8 NAS). The word “I” that Peter used indicates that the healing is his work. Notice that Peter asked the response of the lame man. Aside from commanding the man to stand up, he also took his hand and raised him up. This shows Peter’s faith. Later, he said: “And on the basis of faith in His name, [it is] the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which [comes] through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all” (Acts 3:16 NAS).

49 Peter explained that what really healed the man was the name of Jesus and the faith that comes through Him. Notice who was really the healer—Jesus! Who was glorified? God! Read again John 14:12-14 (NAS): “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go to the Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do [it.]” Do you see that this was the promise claimed by Peter? In the year 1996, when I just began to understand these verses, a member of the group I was leading told me, “Mary was not able to attend because her grandson is sick. I went to her house together with two of our leaders. I saw a child with a bulge in his neck that he could not look down. They told me, ‘The bulge just appeared suddenly!’ I anointed the bulge with oil and said, ‘In the name of Jesus, be healed!’ … Right before my eyes ... … nothing happened! My pride being pricked, I said to myself, ‘It’s a shame! Two elders are even with me!’ So I just talked with the boy’s grandfather. After one and a half hour of talking with him, he committed to return to the Lord. “Before I left, I took a second look at the child. I noticed that the bulge became smaller! I had him sit and let him try if he could look at his toes. He was able to move his head down and he said, ‘I am healed!’ Still with eyes widely opened, I said, ‘Yes, you are healed!’” Since that experience of seeing Jesus doing a miracle in spite of my unbelief, I started to pray eagerly for each sick person I meet. Some got healed right before my eyes! … Others were not…some even died. What is common with all the instances where healing took place? ... In the healing, God was glorified! WHAT

HAPPENED TO

PAUL

“… a certain slave-girl having a spirit of divination met us, who was bringing her masters much profit by fortune-telling. Following after Paul and us, she kept crying out, saying, “These men are bond-servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation.” And she continued doing this for many days. But Paul was greatly annoyed, and turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!” And it came out at that very moment.” (Acts 16:16-18 NAS) At this time, it was the demon in the girl whom Paul commanded. Peter’s healing of the sick and Paul’s casting out of the demon are

50 fulfillment of what Jesus promised: “And these signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly [poison,] it shall not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:17-18 NAS) Do you have a sickness or know someone who is sick or possessed by a spirit? The name of Jesus is righteous, even in war (Revelation 19:11). He will not drive out any demon if, through unconfessed sins, the demonized or sick person has given the demon an opportunity to torment him (Ephesians 4:25,27). One of the sins that may give a demon a foothold in you is remaining angry with the person you know is angry with you. Jesus said: “You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’ “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever shall say to his brother, ‘Raca,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever shall say, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty [enough to go] into the fiery hell. “If therefore you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar, and go your way; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. “Make friends quickly with your opponent at law while you are with him on the way, in order that your opponent may not deliver you to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. “Truly I say to you, you shall not come out of there, until you have paid up the last cent” (Matthew 5:21-26 NAS). If you do not want to lose your freedom, plan to be reconciled with your opponent. If he is a Christian, it will help if you see to it that you end in prayer together. Fill in the following tables: I seek to be reconciled with

Sin I have done against him

When I will ask forgiveness

Before you received Christ, the sins of your ancestors had some effects on you. God says, “…I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me,” (Exodus 20:5 NAS) However, if you now love and obey God, He will demonstrate lovingkindness upon you: This verse continues:

51 “but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments” (Exodus 20:6 NAS). That is the promise you can fight for against demons who are disturbing you. To win this battle, it is very important that you recognize any curse that has affected your family. Check the box (™) that refers to the CURSES THAT HAS AFFECTED YOUR FAMILY: ¨ Illegitimate birth (Deuteronomy 23:2) ¨ Poverty ¨ Lack of control of mind and emotion ¨ Suicide ¨ Early or sudden death ¨ Repeated accidents ¨ Chronic sicknesses ¨ Barrenness/sterility ¨ Destruction of families or separation of its members ¨ Repeated abuse or not ¨ Chronic accidents ¨ Miiscarriage or abortion ¨ Other curses: __________________________________________ Remember that Jesus has already defeated Satan and all the demons who use sickness to oppress people (Colossians 2:14-15; Hebrews 2:14-15). Because of this name of Jesus (Mark 9:38-39), if you or the one you are helping have no unconfessed sin (1Juan 1:9), you can command any demon to stop torturing the sick (Acts 10:38) and depart together with the demons he has invited (Luke 4:39). It is Jesus who will actually do it. Demons are bound to obey Jesus for they are afraid that He will punish them “before the appointed time” (Matthew 8:29). Are you sick? Jesus bore that sickness already. Are you sick because of a sin that you have done? If so, confess it to God. Confess it also to older Christians and let them pray for you, having anointed you with oil (James 5:14-18). Remember that healing will then be possible because Jesus, the Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed One, bore on the cross whatever sin that caused you to be sick. Jesus can now remove sickness as he did in Matthew 8:14-17 because he already took all our sicknesses on the cross (Isaiah 53:4 Young’s Literal Translation). You might ask, “How can Jesus take all our sicknesses?” Some sicknesses are said to have resulted from the harmful rays of the sun. But they reached men after the sins that brought the flood (Genesis 6:5-8). A nurse told me that sicknesses (due to bacteria, virus or fungus) can be traced to the ground which was cursed because of sin (Genesis 3:17). Therefore, a dusty surrounding can make it easy for Jesus’ marred body to be infected with many kinds of diseases.

52 I have also seen those with respiratory sicknesses healed as I claim healing based on the fact that Jesus’ lack of sleep and tired body could easily have caused him to have respiratory sicknesses. For example, a woman who had allergy with dust immediately got healed when she understood from this explanation that Jesus suffered for her asthma already. When I claimed healing for a sprained ankle based on the fact that all of Jesus’ bones were out of joint (Psalm 22:14), another got healed the following day. I claim healing from internal bleeding because Jesus had that because of repeated beating. That is why He had stripes (Isaiah 53:5) or blueness of wounds (Proverbs 20:30). Do you believe that God will be glorified if you or the person you are helping gets healed? … If so, lay your hands on yourself or on the head of the person you are helping (Mark 16:17-18) and pray: Suggested Prayer: “Father, you visit the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate you. But I love you. In the power of your Spirit, I will obey your commands. Because of this, you will grant lovingkindness and mercy to me. “Whatever spirit, sickness or poverty that made it difficult for me because of the sins I have committed and curses that were directed against me, I command to depart in Jesus’ name. They have no more right because Jesus already became a curse for me (Galatians 3:13-14). He took all my sins on the cross and all their results—separation from God (Isaiah 59:2; Mark 15:34), physical death (John 19:30) at sicknesses (Isaiah 53:4).” If you believe that Jesus has healed you based on the promise that “.. by His scourging we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5) and not necessarily based on what you feel (2Corinthians 5:7), seek to glorify God before your doctor by having yourself re-examined by him (Matthew 8:4; Mark 1:44). Tell him what God has done for you. If he agrees that you have been healed, ask him how you are to stop taking medicine. Then request him to give a certificate that you have been healed. Please email to me a scanned copy of the certificate with your explanation. My email address is [email protected]. If this is too difficult, just tell me what happened by sending an sms message through +639178481928. If the doctor disagrees that you have been healed, continue to take medicine. Like the leaf of one tree (Ezekiel 47:12), medicine is good (Proverbs 17:22) and is from God (James 1:17). If you are walking righteously, He will not withhold the money you need to buy the medicine you need (Psalm 84:11). So keep on asking God until you receive the good thing you are asking (Matthew 7:7-11). Are you suffering emotionally? Why? Have you made a wrong decision (Matthew 14:9)? Have you been guilty of sin (2Corinthians 7:8-11)? Are you being chastened right now (Hebrews 12:11)? Have you desired something and could not get it (Matthew 19:22; Mark 10:22)? Have you lost a position you wanted (like “a king who has been deposed by his subjects” Polyaenus 8,47 - BAGD Lexicon)? Have you been treated unfairly (1Peter 2:19)? Have

53 you been betrayed by a friend (Matthew 26:21-22)? Are you close to giving birth (John 16:20-22)? Are you close to dying (Matthew 26:37)? Have you not satisfied someone you love (John 21:17)? Are you financially so hard up that it is painful to give (2Corinthians 9:7)? Have you been sexually molested (2Samuel 13:20)? Have you been homesick (Philippians 2:26)? Have you been frightened (Daniel 7:7)? Are you experiencing grief from a pampered child? Though Sirach is not part of the inspired word of God, it uses the same Greek word for “grief” used for Jesus’ suffering when it says, “Pamper a child, and he will frighten you; play with him, and he will give you grief.” (Sirach 30:9 RAPC) Has any of these things mentioned above been true of someone you care for? Why is that so? Is there anyone who has done or is intending to do evil against him by: unfair treatment (Matthew 18:31)? betrayal (26:21-22; Mark 14:19)? murder (Matthew 17:23; John 16:6,20)? Has he done what is not good for himself? Do you think he has sinned (2Corinthians 2:1-5; Romans 14:15;9:2)? Has he suffered that you have become speechless (Job 21:5)? Has he died (1Thessalonians 4:13) or is about to die (Philippians 2:27)? Jesus understands what you are feeling. The words used to describe emotional suffering in these verses were used also to describe Christ’s emotional suffering. In fact, he even can identify with you even if your grief is to the point of death (Matthew 26:38). Jesus suffered emotionally already. He can therefore heal you from that emotional wound. You do not have to endure it. Trust Him to heal you. Tell him: Jesus, you fully understand all that I feel now. Heal this pain that I may concentrate better in serving you. Thank you that I am now healed. Now let us see how we can overcome sin using the name of Jesus. Remember that it is Satan through a spirit or a human being who will tempt you (Matthew 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 3:5; Matthew 22:35; Ephesians 6:12). Therefore, after you have submitted yourself to God, you can resist the devil (James 4:7) by quoting Scripture (Matthew 4:4,7) and commanding him to depart (v.10) in the name of Jesus, whose blood was shed on the cross (Revelation 12:11). When you are tempted or a thought comes to mind that you might be tempted, you may pray in an audible voice loud enough for you to hear your voice: “Father, I submit myself to You. My body is Yours and not for sin. Therefore, I resist Satan and command any spirit tempting or planning to tempt me to depart in the name of Jesus who died to this sin. I died with Him and am freed from this sin!” You may also pray with loud crying and tears (Hebrews 5:7). A better way to fight against sin is prevention: Pray that you may not be tempted. “Keep watching and praying, that you may not enter into temptation” (Matthew 6:13) remembering that your flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41). In editing this book, those who helped me and I have composed a poem that we know can help you if you will keep it in your heart: Anything we ask

54 In Jesus’ name, For the glory of God, By faith, we claim! Sin we will overcome, Satan will be chained, Sickness we will heal, ‘Coz Jesus did the same. Life will be abundant For us who abide, Jesus will do miracles, God will be glorified! Questions for Discussion: 1. Read John 14:12-14. What miracle can glorify God should it happen in your life? 2. Devote time in asking God for that miracle.

55

Chapter 18 - Become Rich! “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). Below is a grueling experience related by my sister who worked to get wealthy, experienced danger with her family but saw the power and goodness of God “It was eight o’clock in the evening at our residence in Las Pinas, just before our maid could close our gate after we drove in our garage, five masked men with guns, grenades and knives barged into our gate. Then, they poked their guns at us. Helpless, I just mumbled, ‘Lord, I leave this up to you … We can’t handle this!’ My husband was taken to the back of our house and warned not to resist. My youngest daughter, who was four year old then, my maid and I were brought to our masters bedroom where my three other daughters were (aged 10, 8 and 6 then). We were all hogtied except my four daughters because I requested that they be locked inside the masters’ comfort room. I told my children to keep calm, close the door and pray. When our maid and I were brought to the other rooms, I told the maid to stop her hysterics and just pray. I asked God to let me know the leader. When softly I talked to one of them and without looking at him, he agreed to spare our lives provided we cooperate. Thank God! It was the group leader. I also asked God to touch their hearts and conscience so they would be good to us. Later after midnight, they untied us and put us together in the masters bedroom while they continued their loot. They even used our car to bring out the items from our house. I pretended to have stomach pains (I was five months pregnant then) but one of them jokingly said that I would just deliver my baby later after they have left. At about 5AM, they tied us again. I felt they had finished the robbery and were leaving. I discovered I was tied loosely so I untied myself. I immediately closed our bedroom door and untied my husband and our maid. After waiting for a while, my husband was surprised that I was even able to go downstairs. I closed the doors on the first floor for fear they might return and hurriedly went back upstairs. Suddenly, we heard a gunshot. We looked at the side window and saw our car outside with a policeman beside it.

56 Since it was already 5:30AM, we decided to go out. The policeman said he saw the car left open with some items inside. We told him we were robbed. Early the following morning, in the house of my parents where we decided to stay, I cried a lot. Why? Because I felt God’s love when He saved our lives. When I told Him I’d leave it up to Him, He gave us His divine protection all throughout that nine-hour ordeal. He made me know the leader. He made the robbers good to us. I was tied loosely. He made our car stop so we still have a car to use afterwards. I was very thankful to Him because He made me very calm. I then realized that He allowed the incident to happen because we had been very busy accumulating material wealth and had somehow forgotten to enrich our spiritual lives. So now we know.” After reading this story, you might ask, “Are you saying it is not wrong to become wealthy provided I also enrich my spiritual life?” Yes! “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). THE MEANING OF BEING RICH Jesus said to the messenger of the church of Laodicea, “You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realise that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” (Revelation 3:17) Jesus did not consider the leader of the church of Laodicea to be rich though he had all the material things in life. The same is true about the story of another man he related: “Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ “This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich towards God”” (Luke 12:15-21). We can see here that for Jesus, the rich are not those who have accumulated wealth only for themselves. Jesus never saved riches for himself. The truth is, He didn’t even have His own house on earth. He said this about Himself:

57 Jesus replied, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head” (Luke 9:58). Even then, He became “rich in good deeds … generous and willing to share.” He was able to do what God wants the rich to do. “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share” (1 Timothy 6:17-18). He just prayed and the needs of others were already met. In one instance, He fed 5,000 men (Mark 6:44; Luke 9:14; John 6:10). In another instance, 4,000. This number excludes the women and children who were fed there also. Have you thought how much it would cost you if you ordered that much food? If we are to say that the food that can be eaten by 9,000 men (5,000 + 4,000) is about the same food that the women and children can also eat at that time, then Jesus could have fed 9,000 x 3 = 27,000 meals. In the Philippines, if I were to treat the same number of persons in a fast food chain at PhP40 per person, I need at least more than one million pesos! What then will you call me? A rich person, right? Let’s read again 2 Corinthians 8:9. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). We can observe here that though Jesus was rich, He made Himself poor. How? “When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.” This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, “They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.” So this is what the soldiers did” (John 19:23-24). If all of Jesus’ garments were taken by the soldiers, was there anything left to cover Him? None! He became so poor on the cross that He had nothing with which to clothe His naked body. Have you become so poor that you had nothing to wear? … On the cross, Jesus said, “I thirst!” (John 19:28) Truly, He suffered and was so poor then that there was nothing He could take to quench His thirst.

58 Have you become so poor that you had nothing to drink? … Let’s read again 2 Corinthians 8:9. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). So, why did Jesus choose to be poor? So that we can become rich .. Yes, you can be rich! “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. …. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God” (2 Corinthians 9:8,11). Indeed, true richness is being rich in good deeds. John Wesley received eight million British pounds but used the money to help the preachers of the Good News and the poor. He ate the cheapest but nutritious food. He only had two sets of clothing for himself. He was truly rich! In one gathering, a spiritual leader in the Philippines was able to raise P200,000 monthly support for 200 pastors. However, he lives in a simple house. He is truly rich! How about you? Have you gained true richness? GIVE ALL THAT IS DUE EVEN WHEN YOU ARE SUFFERING FINANCIALLY! You can be rich like the church in Macedonia. Paul said to them: “And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints” (2 Corinthians 8:1-4). It is to be noted that even while they were experiencing financial difficulties, the Macedonian believers were still rich in giving. Better than the rich, they were able to give more than they could afford. How about you? Even if you are financially distressed, are you still able to give? GIVE

FIRST YOURSELF TO GOD AND TO THOSE WHO TEACH YOU

What is the secret of giving of the Macedonians? You will find it in the following passage:

59 “And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will” (2 Corinthians 8:5). The Macedonians were able to give because they offered themselves to the Lord first. Could it be that you can not give your tithes and offerings because you have not offered yourself to the Lord? Not only did they offer themselves to the Lord, but also to Apostle Paul and his group—those who helped them in their spiritual life. Jesus commanded: “Then Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” And they were amazed at him” (Mark 12:17). He was speaking to those who said they believe in the Scriptures. Here is what the Scriptures say: “‘A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD. The entire tithe of the herd and flock—every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd’s rod—will be holy to the LORD” (Leviticus 27:30,32). According to this passage, our tithes for God is the tenth portion of our earnings—like that of the grain, fruit, harvest, sheep, cow or animal. Like the Jewish disciples who were commanded not to neglect tithing (Luke 11:42), we are also to tithe our earnings (Mt 28:19). GIVE

ALL YOUR TITHES TO THE

LORD

You may ask, “When the Jews gave their tithes to God, where did it go?” THE

FIRST TITHE WAS FOR THE WORKERS OF

GOD

God said, “I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the Tent of Meeting” (Numbers 18:21-24,26). The Jews promised, “….we will bring a tithe of our crops to the Levites, for it is the Levites who collect the tithes in all the towns where we work.” (Nehemiah 10:37) It is clear that the tithes went to the Levites (the “full-time workers” then). Such was in the Old Testament. But who represents the Levites now? “Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its grapes? Who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk? Do I say this merely from a human point of view? Doesn’t the Law say the same thing? For it is written in the Law of Moses: “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Is it about oxen that God is concerned? Surely he says this for us, doesn’t he? Yes, this was written for us, because when the ploughman ploughs and the thresher threshes, they ought to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest. If we have sown

60 spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you? If others have this right of support from you, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. Don’t you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:7-14). “Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor” (Galatians 6:6). At present, the following are the present day ‘Levites’ who are entitled to the tithes:

1. Those who plant, like Apostle Paul, who devoted his life in prayers and in ministry of the word like the twelve apostles. Those twelve said: “and [we] will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4).

2. Those who preach the gospel.

One who devotes his time preaching the Good News is called an evangelist, like Philip (Acts 21:8).

3.

4. Those who tend the flock, 5.

One who devotes his time to taking care of the sheep is called a shepherd or a pastor.

6. Those who teach God’s word.

One who devote his time teaching is called a teacher (1Timothy 2:7; 2Timothy 1:11; Acts 12:28; James 3;1).

Marvin Vincent has this commentary on Matthew 10:11: “The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles,” a tract discovered in 1873 in the library of the monastery of the Most Holy Sepulchre at Constantinople … is assigned to the date of 120 A.D., and by some scholars is placed as early as 100 A.D. …. In the eleventh chapter we read as follows: “…. Every firstfruit, then, of the products of wine-press and threshing-floor, of oxen and sheep, thou shalt take and give to the prophets, for they are your highpriests.... If thou makest a baking of bread, take the first of it and give according to the commandment. In like manner, when thou openest a jar of wine or oil, take the first of it and give to the prophets; and of money and clothing, and every possession, take the first, as may seem right to thee, and give according to the commandment.” We can see here that in those days, a prophet was accepted as one of the workers to be supported.

5. Those who hear and declare the thoughts of God.

One who

61 devotes his time doing this is called a prophet. The five kinds of leaders mentioned above help in training Christians: “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” (Ephesians 4:11-12). Have you claimed this promise? “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Aren’t you wondering why not all things you need are given to you? … Then, try to understand the following: Philippi is a part of Macedonia (2Corinthians 8:5). The Philippians first gave themselves to Apostle Paul. As a result, all their needs were met. Paul said to them: “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:11-19). Observe that the promise that God will meet all needs is only for those who are like the Phlippians who continuously gave for the needs of God's workers. If you are like the Philippians, God will meet all your needs! THE

SECOND TITHE IS FOR SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

For the enrichment of the spiritual lives of the Jews, they were commanded to use the second tithe. “Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year. Eat the tithe of your grain, new wine and oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks in the presence of the LORD your God at the place He will choose as a dwelling for his Name, so that you may learn to revere the LORD your God always” (Deuteronomy 14:22-23).

62 The enrichment of my Christian life is the result of my personal study of the Bible and other Christian readings and my participation in seminars and other gatherings where the Bible was taught. Do you have your own Bible? If you don’t have one, why don’t you buy one? … Are you buying other Christian books? … Do you attend seminars? If not, Why? … Have you forgotten that there are teachers God gave you to help you learn to fear Him? … THE

THIRD TITHE IS FOR CHARITY

Every three years, the Jews were told to give the third tithe to the Levites, the foreigners, the orphans and the widowed. “At the end of every three years, bring all the tithes of that year’s produce and store it in your towns, so that the Levites (who have no allotment or inheritance of their own) and the aliens, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, and so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands” (Deuteronomy 14:28-29; 26:12-13). Are you setting aside help for the widows, the orphans, the foreigners and the poor? THE

OTHER GIFTS ARE OFFERINGS

One time, they were told to offer for the Sanctuary, and those who can give offered according to their finances. “The LORD said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from each man whose heart prompts him to give. These are the offerings you are to receive from them: gold, silver and bronze; blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair; ram skins dyed red and hides of sea cows; acacia wood; olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; and onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece. Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them. Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you” (Exodus 25:1-9; 35:5-9). For your gatherings, have you constructed a building? … Are you renting? … That’s good! But how are your workers? … Do they have enough financial support? … Are you able to help them in their needs? … Don’t you think they should first be attended to instead of spending for the building? … To help the Christians in Judea, the churches in Corinth and Rome were told to give according to what they could afford. “….On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made” (1 Corinthians 16:1-2).

63 “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). “…if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously” (Romans 12:8). If you voluntary plant in a fertile land (on the right person) abundantly, you can be assured of an abundant harvest. Do you want to harvest like Isaac who had abundant harvest (Genesis 26:12)? That is possible if God will be glorified. Are in financial difficulty right now? Have you been a good steward of what God has given you? Have you given back to Him at least ten percent of your income (Malachi 3:8-12)? Have you been giving to Christian workers, the poor, the widows, the orphans? Beyond the tithe, have you been giving out of love, abundantly (2Corinthians 8:1-8) and cheerfully and not grudgingly nor under compulsion (9:6-7)? If not, confess it to Him. You can be rich already because of what Jesus did (8:9). Continue to give, and God will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:11-19) and enable you to give more (2Corinthians 9:8-15)!

Suggested Prayer: Lord, I shall continue to give the tenth of all my earnings to those who devote themselves full-time to the teaching of the word and prayer (Mark 12:17; Leviticus 27:30,32; Numbers 18:21-24; Galatians 6:6). Of the remainder, I wlll give abundantly and willingly for my spiritual growth and for the needs of others (2Corinto 9:6-7). Lord Jesus, thank you that as I do this, You will enrich me with good deeds! (2Corintthians 8:9; 9:8).

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). Earn as much as you can; Save as much as you can; Give as much as you can (John Wesley) Questions for Discussion: 1. Read 2 Corinthians 8-9. Have you given your life to the Lord? … to those who teach the Bible by giving the tithe of your income to them? … Are you helping them in their needs? 2. Collect money for those who teach the Bible.

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Chapter 19 - Continue in Transformation “ Then Jesus said to the Jews who believed on Him, If you continue in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32 MKJV). Have you experienced freedom in reading this book? … If so, it happened because I tried to teach the Bible. It is the truth in the Word that transforms (Romans 12:2). So I encourage you to examine the Scriptures to see if what I taught here are true. Follow the Bereans: As soon as it was night, the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true (Acts 17:10-11). (If in case you find any part here that is not consistent with the Word of God, I will be glad to hear from you. You may contact me through my mobile phone +639178481928 or through my email, [email protected].) Start examining the Bible by reading it daily. If you don’t have a Bible, buy one now, or else, borrow until you are able to have your own. As you read, believe what Jesus is telling you through it. Then obey Him. I am encouraging you to do these things because of the benefits I have received from times I spent in studying the Bible: When I first understood all the good things God said about me, I was like a newborn baby: Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, (1 Peter 2:2 NAS) I decided to do my best for God’s glory. I reasoned out that before I can do that, God will first require much from me. But before God will require me much, He will first give me much. “…. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked” (Luke 12:48). Before He will give much, I should first be trustworthy in little. “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much” (Luke 16:10).

65 “Well done, my good servant!” his master replied. “Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities” (Luke 19:17). So I sought to be trustworthy in my little knowledge of the Bible. I knew then that I should read and obey the Bible. So I decided to spend as much time as I could in studying the Bible (Colossians 3:16). I read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. I started doing it from early morning and read it until I find something in it that I can apply. If I cannot find something in it in the morning, I continued reading during our lunch break in the office … and sometimes even after office hours. I made it a high priority even before I would have fellowship with other Christians. I did not allow the day to pass without having a meaningful time with the Word. In 1985, I asked one missionary, “Why are you copying the Bible with your hand? We already have a printing press!” He replied by showing me this verse: “Now it shall come about when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself a copy of this law on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. “And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, by carefully observing all the words of this law and these statutes, that his heart may not be lifted up above his countrymen and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, to the right or the left; in order that he and his sons may continue long in his kingdom in the midst of Israel” (Deuteronomy 17:18-20 NAS). I wanted to become a leader. So using my hand, I started to copy the Bible also. As taught in a seminary class I took concerning Bible Study Methods, I arranged it in such a way that the results could be used for preaching and teaching especially when the demand for the Word will be great during revivals. I finished copying the whole New Testament in four years and some parts of the Old Testament. Some of the things I learned during those times of copying the Bible are in this book. Have they been beneficial to you? … Do you want to help others in the same way? … Consider copying at least portions of the Bible that have been meaningful to you and share them with others! When you read the chapter “Do Miracles,” did you ask God to heal you of any sickness? If you got healed, share the news of His goodness. We will be glad to hear from you. If you are still sick, here’s what the Bible says: My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man’s whole body(Proverbs 4:2021). Indeed, in reading the Bible, you can receive not only the faith to have

66 eternal life but also to have good health to your body! It would be helpful if you join a group which is studying the Bible and obeying it. You may also invite your friend to discuss your answers to the chapter questions in Appendix II and/or the questions in the boxes. It will help if you look at the context of the verses in your Bible. Suggested prayer: “Heavenly Father, thank You for transforming me to be more like Your Son through Your word. That this may continue, I shall read and meditate on the Bible daily. I shall live my life according to it. I shall seek to be a member of a group which studies and lives out Your word in the power of Your Spirit and teaches others to do the same (Matthew 28:18-20), in Jesus’ name.” “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success” (Joshua 1:8 NAS). “ I plead with you therefore, brethren, by the compassion of God, to present all your faculties to Him as a living and holy sacrifice acceptable to Him. This with you will be an act of reasonable worship. And do not follow the customs of the present age, but be transformed by the entire renewal of your minds, so that you may learn by experience what God’s will is —that will which is good and beautiful and perfect” (Romans 12:1-2 Weymouth). Questions for Discussion: 1. Of the transformation that has happened in your life as a result of reading this book and joining our group study, which one was the most significant thing for you? 2. Read John 8:31-31; Psalm 1; Joshua 1:8; Romans 12:1-2. How do you intend to continue the transformation that has begun in your life? … Do you want to attend a seminar on how to help others be transformed too? … If so, contact HELP through the cellular phone number—+639178481928, or through email—[email protected].

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Help in establishing a healthy relationship with the true God, your family, community and nation! Be amazed with the exceeding favor of God to you but fearfully respect the boundaries—the Ten Commandments— which is given for your best. The caterpillar becomes a strong and beautiful butterfly if man will not help it get out of the cocoon. You too will experience a very pleasant change if you will use not the ways of man, but that of God—the Ten Commandments. What Other Christian Leaders Have to Say About Toward Lasting Change 1 & 2 Biblically sound—principles and teachings are heavily grounded in the Scriptures … Very candid and down to earth illustrations from the bible and from Jun’s experience and those of others. … Readers are challenged not only to reflect but also to do something about each lesson… “Inside this book are Jun’s teachings that helped some of the members of our church to be rooted deeply in the Word of God. I endorse this book to every believer in Christ”” “Even while we were still helping edit this book, I determined in my heart to recommend this book to others, especially to the youth.” “I am confident that this book will help spread awareness of the Ten Commandments. May you be illumined, be blessed, and be transformed as you read this book.” “ ‘You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free.’ (John 8:32). This book teaches the truths that one has to learn in order to be free from sin, false teaching and the devil.” If you want to teach the topics in this booklet (through its study guide, Obey God), to have a clear copy of the materials or to ask any question, contact His Equippers for Life Purposes through: website to download free materials: www.equippers.spaces.live.com email to write to and messenger to chat with: [email protected]

69 mobile phone: +63917 848-1928