Author: BCI Step by Step

Good Tidings of Great Joy

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. (Luke 2:10)

“Good Tidings” means good news or joyful messages. The phrase is often associated with happiness, hope, and positive announcements. It is prominently mentioned in the Gospel of Luke, where an angel announces the birth of Jesus Christ to shepherds:

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” (Luke 2:10, KJV)

This announcement of “good tidings” refers to the joyous news of the birth of the Savior. The message announced by the angel in Luke 2:10–11 is a message of hope for all people in the world. Here’s why:

ALL MEN ARE SINNERS, SEPARATED FROM GOD, AND ARE BOUND TO ETERNAL PUNISHMENT

All men are sinners

All men are separated from God because of sin.

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
(Romans 6:23)

Man’s efforts to reach God and salvation by his good works, keeping the law, living a good life, religion etc. have failed. No one is good enough to save himself. All men are condemned to eternal fire.

THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT OUR ONLY HOPE IS IN JESUS.

God loves us and He sent Jesus for our salvation.

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

Christ died for our sins.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
(Romans 5:8)

Jesus is the only way to the Father.

The only hope of salvation is Jesus

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

Without Christ, we are hopeless and miserable

That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
(Ephesians 2:12)

TO BE SAVED, YOU MUST RECEIVE JESUS BY FAITH AS YOUR LORD AND SAVIOR

What must you do to be saved?

And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
(Acts 16:30-31)

Admit that you are a sinner

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
(Luke 18:13)

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
(Romans 3:10)

Realize that your good works cannot save you

Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
(2 Timothy 1:9)

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
(Isaiah 64:6)

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
(James 2:10)

Acknowledge that the only basis of salvation is the blood of Jesus Christ

And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
(Hebrews 9:22)

By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
(Hebrews 10:10)

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
(1 Peter 1:18-19)

Repent, that is change your mind from going on your sinful way.

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
(Luke 13:3)

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
(Isaiah 55:7)

Believe in your heart that Jesus died for you to pay for all your sins, and that he rose from the dead

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
(Romans 10:9-10)

Call on the Lord, receiving Him by faith

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
(Romans 10:13)

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

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
(John 5:24)

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
(John 6:47)

There is rejoicing for every sinner that repents and trust in Jesus as Savior.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
(Luke 2:10)

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
(Luke 15:7)

These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
(John 15:11)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
(Galatians 5:22-23)

Here below are some lessons that you can answer:

The greatest gift that you can receive

The Way of Salvation

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BELIEVING IN GOD’S GOODNESS

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

By Ptr. E. J., Saturday, July 25, 2015

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

–Psalms 34:8

The Christian life starts by faith and continues to live by faith

O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?  –Galatians 3:1-3

But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. –Galatians 3:11

It takes faith to truly believe in God’s goodness

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

–Psalms 34:8

When we fail to believe in God’s goodness…

  • We doubt and sin

And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. –Romans 14:23

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

–James 1:6-8

  • We are inclined to rely on our own and depart from God.

Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.  –Jeremiah 17:5-6

  • We become proud and rely on our own goodness and works.

The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground? –Obadiah 1:3

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

–Isaiah 64:6

The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? While the word was in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. –Daniel 4:30-32

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME

And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day. –Deuteronomy 6:24

Observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee for ever, when thou doest that which is good and right in the sight of the LORD thy God. –Deuteronomy 12:28

And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the LORD thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house, thou, and the Levite, and the stranger that is among you.

–Deuteronomy 26:11

And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.

–Deuteronomy 8:2                       

Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end;

–Deuteronomy 8:16

Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. –John 6:31

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. –Matthew 4:4

GOD IS GOOD EVEN IN TIMES WHEN WE FAIL

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

–Deuteronomy 31:6

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

–Psalms 37:23-25

               For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

–Psalms 100:5

Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.

–Psalms 25:8

The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

–Psalms 103:8-11

GOD IS GOOD EVEN IN TIMES OF TRIALS

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

–James 1:2-4

How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. –2 Corinthians 8:2

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: –1 Peter 1:7

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

–1 Peter 4:12-13

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  –Romans 8:28

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

–1 Thessalonians 5:18

GOD IS GOOD EVEN IN TIMES OF CHASTISEMENT

And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? –Hebrews 12:5-9

My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:

–Proverbs 3:11

Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. –Proverbs 15:10

He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.

–Proverbs 10:17

GOD IS GOOD BECAUSE HE IS FAITHFUL

God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

–Numbers 23:19

God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

–Romans 3:4

Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:  –Hebrews 6:17-18

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. –Isaiah 55:11

And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

–Revelation 22:6

If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

–2 Timothy 2:13

RESULTS OF SEEING GOD’S GOODNESS

Worship and sing praises because God is good.

It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD;

–2 Chronicles 5:13

And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.

–Ezra 3:11

Do what the Lord requires you and be humble

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

–Micah 6:8

Trust and Find Protection in Him

The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.

–2 Samuel 22:3

WHY OUR JUDGMENTS FAIL

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

So many people fail to make wise judgments about their important decisions in life. No wonder there are so many divorces and broken families. Wrong judgments lead to decisions and actions that may not be the best or can have bad results. The Bible was given to guide us. It is important to study the Bible daily to grow in knowledge and wisdom. However, when pressed with difficult situations and facing important decisions, Godly counsel is a great help.

Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
(Proverbs 11:14 KJV)

Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.
(Proverbs 19:20 KJV)

For example, when you have a limited budget and are planning to buy a used car, getting the advice of the best-experienced mechanic would be very beneficial. However, many people follow their feelings as they make important decisions in life and do not feel the need of godly wisdom and counsel.

He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
(Proverbs 15:32 KJV)

WHY OUR JUDGMENTS FAIL

Because our judgment is… WITHOUT GODLY WISDOM

MANY PEOPLE REJECT KNOWLEDGE OF GOD’S WORD

Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets: She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying, How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.
(Proverbs 1:20-23 KJV)

PEOPLE WHO DILIGENTLY SEEK FIND KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM

If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
(Proverbs 2:4-6 KJV)

Because our judgment is… WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING

A PERSON WILL NOT TRULY UNDERSTAND UNTIL HE APPLIES WHAT HE KNOWS IS RIGHT

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
(Proverbs 4:7 KJV)

HAPPINESS IS FINDING WISDOM AND ALSO UNDERSTANDING

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
(Proverbs 3:13 KJV)

A WISE PERSON WILL KEEP ON LEARNING AND WILL LISTEN TO WISE COUNSELLORS.

A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
(Proverbs 1:5 KJV)

TRUE REPENTANCE AND OBEDIENCE ARE NECESSARY TO UNDERSTAND MORE.

Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.
(Proverbs 9:6 KJV)

WISDOM IS THE APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE SO WHEN HE FEARS GOD, HE OBEYS AND EXPERIENCES THE TRUTH IN HIS LIFE.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
(Proverbs 9:10 KJV)

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
(James 1:22 KJV)

Because our judgment is… WITHOUT SELF-EXAMINATION

IT IS BETTER TO JUDGE YOURSELF FIRST BEFORE OTHERS TO AVOID UNFAVORABLE CONSEQUENCES

The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.
(Proverbs 14:8 KJV)

For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
(1 Corinthians 11:31-32 KJV)

EXAMINE YOURSELF IF THERE IS A WRONG ATTITUDE OF SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS OR SELF-PRIDE

And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
(Luke 18:9-14 KJV)

CONSIDER YOURSELF BEFORE JUDGING OTHERS.

Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
(Matthew 7:1-3 KJV)

Because our judgment is… ACCORDING TO APPEARANCE

JUDGE NOT ACCORDING TO APPEARANCE BUT JUDGE RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT

Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
(John 7:24 KJV)

Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
(James 2:4 KJV)

MAN LOOKS ON THE OUTWARD APPEARANCE BUT GOD LOOKS ON THE HEART

But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
(1 Samuel 16:7 KJV)

Because our judgment is… WITHOUT RIGHT COUNSEL

Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
(Proverbs 11:14 KJV)

THEY DO NOT SEEK GODLY COUNSEL

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
(Psalms 1:1 KJV)

THEY LISTEN TO GOSSIPS THAN SEEKING THE TRUTH

Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
(Proverbs 26:20-21 KJV)

SOMETIMES THE COUNSELLOR LACKS EXPERIENCE UNABLE TO GIVE THE BEST ADVICE

But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him:
(1 Kings 12:8 KJV)

For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.
(Proverbs 24:6 KJV)

And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom.
(2 Samuel 17:14 KJV)

Because our judgment is…BASED ON FEELINGS

YOU CAN BE DECEIVED BY YOUR FEELINGS

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
(Jeremiah 17:9 KJV)

YOU CAN MAKE A MISTAKE BY FOLLOWING YOUR FEELINGS

He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
(Proverbs 28:26 KJV)

YOU HAVE TO LISTEN TO WISE COUNSEL AND APPLY THEM WITH UNDERSTANDING.

So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
(Proverbs 2:2 KJV)

Because our judgment is…WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE OF FACTS AND TRUTH

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
(1 Thessalonians 5:21 KJV)

A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.
(Proverbs 14:6 KJV)

For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
(1 John 3:20 KJV)

For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
(2 Corinthians 13:8 KJV)

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Intercessory Prayer

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

The word “Intercessory” from the dictionary (Thesaurus) is an adjective which means “having the function of interceding”.  The word “intercede” is a verb that means “to act or interpose in behalf of someone in difficulty or trouble, as by pleading or petition”.  We know that prayer is talking to God, expressing our appreciation and praises of Him, thanksgiving, supplication, and confession.  God speaks to us through His words, the Bible.  Thesaurus dictionary defines prayer as “a spiritual communion with God or an object of worship, as in supplication, thanksgiving, adoration, or confession”.  Its simple definition is, “a petition; entreaty”.  So, we can have a clearer grasp of what intercessory prayer is, we need to understand the meaning of the words.  It simply means “praying for others” or “praying on behalf of others”.  

Jesus valued prayer.  In fact, it is the backbone of His ministry.  Early in the morning he rose up to pray:

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. (Mark 1:35)

He usually went to a place where he would not be disturbed.  Where he can have time alone with the Father.  Prayer is essential in the life of our Lord Jesus during his earthly ministry.  Especially when he makes a very important decision in how he would spend his life and with whom he spends much time in prayer. 

And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. (Luke 6:12)

It is a question to us if we ever give much time to prayer when we make important decisions in our lives and our ministries, on how we should spend our time, talent, and treasure to impact more people and influence them for the Lord.  Do we consider how we can be a blessing to many, by praying for God’s laborers and their outreaches?  Do you ever pray for the salvation of the lost? Your prayer can be a blessing to many.  

Prayer is most important in the ministry of our Lord Jesus.  He brought salvation for us by his death and resurrection.  But after he ascended to heaven, he continued to minister to us by intercessory prayer.  

But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:24-25)

Jesus continues to save lost people and “he is ABLE TO SAVE them to the uttermost that come unto God BY HIM”.  It is clear in this passage that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus.   This is related to Ephesians 2: 8-9:

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah. (Psalms 3:8)

Man cannot be a Savior, only God is the Savior.  Jesus saves and he always prays for us, believers and for the lost. 

In John 17 we find Jesus praying for believers and for the lost.  

I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

(John 17:15-20)

In Luke 19: 10 we find that the very purpose of Christ is to seek and to save that which was lost. 

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

(Luke 19:10)

Do you find it a great privilege to talk to God in prayer and intercede for others, for those who reach out for the lost and for the lost people to respond to God’s message through them?  

Consider these Scriptures:

And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me. (Isaiah 63:5)

And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. (Isaiah 58:10-11)

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

(Luke 22:31-32)

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

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: (2 Thessalonians 3:1)

Take time to pray today… Praying for you 🙂 God bless — E. J. 

Grow Spiritually Through Prayer

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

How can you grow closer to the Lord?  Prayer is communicating with God and it is through constant communication with Him that you will be closer to Him.  

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

(James 4:8)

PRAYER PROMOTES SPIRITUAL GROWTH 

You grow by self examination. 

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

(Psalms 139:23-24)

You grow by acknowledging and confessing your sins to Him. 

Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

(Psalms 51:2-3)

You grow as you ask for wisdom 

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

(James 1:5)

You grow as you study God’s word. 

Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

(Psalms 119:18)

You grow as you apply God’s word and your life changes. 

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

(2 Corinthians 3:18)

May you continue to grow in Him. 🙂 

How do your respond to instructions and corrections?

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.

(Proverbs 15:32)

We need instructions in our daily life to grow in wisdom and understanding. In all fields of work, whether he is a doctor, engineer, businessman, mechanic, or whatever work he does, he needs instruction. So, in our Christian life, we need instruction, how much more if you minister to others. We need instructions in order to live the Christian life, to find success, and to avoid failures. We also need instructions when we fail so that we can do it right and not repeat the same mistakes over and over again. We need instructions to motivate us to do right. But a person who does not want to listen to instruction is proud, thinking he knows all. He thinks he is a better person than others. It takes humility to listen to instructions. He who refuses instruction is depriving himself of the opportunity to learn and grow. Thus, King Solomon said, he that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul. How can a person gain understanding if he refuses instruction? People dislike criticism but if there is indeed a contradiction to one’s belief or ways, and he will not listen to correction, he will not improve and he will not know that there are errors in what he believes or does. You must hear first, and be willing to be reproved and you will get understanding.

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Food for the Soul

Posted on by BCI Step by Step
You care for your body and you do not want to be hungry. When you feel hungry, you eat. Sometimes you eat a lot. Here is my question, do you also care for your soul? Jesus said:

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
-Mark 8:36

He also said:

“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” -Matthew 4:4

To view the lesson, click here

BE WATCHFUL

Posted on by BCI Step by Step
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The meaning of “Be watchful” is to be observant, careful, vigilant, and prudent. We are to be watchful because the devil is seeking for every opportunity to destroy lives.

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

We are to be careful with our thoughts, words, and actions.

The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
(Proverbs 15:2-4)

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
(Ephesians 4:29)

Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
(Psalms 119:133)

Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
(Psalms 19:13)

To the chief Musician, even to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.
(Psalms 39:1)

We are to be prudent.

A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
(Proverbs 12:16)

Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.
(Proverbs 13:16)

The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
(Proverbs 14:15)

WATCH AND PRAY THAT YE ENTER NOT INTO TEMPTATION

Satan appeals to our flesh and our minds

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
(Matthew 26:41)

Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.
(Mark 14:38)

We wrestle against the devil and spiritual wickedness

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
(Ephesians 6:12)

Lust of the flesh, eyes, and pride is not of the Father.

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.(1 John 2:15-17)

Satan tempts in times of afflictions.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
(1 Peter 5:8-9)

Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
(Psalms 34:19)

WATCH AND PRAY FOR YE KNOW NOT WHEN THE TIME IS

Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
(Mark 13:33)

Pray always

Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
(Luke 21:36)

Have fervent charity among yourselves

But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
(1 Peter 4:7-8)

Watch with all perseverance and supplication for all saints

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

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The difference between God’s gift of salvation and God’s rewards

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

Please click on the link to view the lesson.

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