DEPENDENCE ON GOD IN DISCIPLE-MAKING

Posted on by BCI Step by Step
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Are you a Christian? If you claim to be a Christian, you must be following Christ, because a Christian is a follower of Christ. Be a disciple, a student of the word, a learner. Being a disciple is more than agreeing to religious truth. Rather, it is a commitment to follow Christ. Discipleship is a process of continuous learning and growth. Be a disciple, a follower of Christ.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A DISCIPLE

A disciple is in constant fellowship with Christ through regular prayer and meditation.

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. (John 15:7 KJV)

A disciple bears fruit.

Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. (John 15:8 KJV)

A disciple responds to God’s love and obedience.

As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. (John 15:9-10 KJV)

A disciple is joyful.

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

A disciple loves as Jesus loves.

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:12-13 KJV)

PERSONAL COMPETENCES OF A DISCIPLE

A disciple submits to a teacher who teaches him how to follow Jesus.

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
(1 Corinthians 11:1 KJV)

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
(Hebrews 13:17 KJV)

A disciple studies and learns Jesus’ words.

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
(Acts 17:11 KJV)

A disciple learns Jesus’ way of ministry.

And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
(Matthew 4:19 KJV)

A disciple imitates Jesus’ life and character.

Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (Philippians 2:2-5 KJV)

A disciple finds and teaches other disciples to follow Jesus.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
(Matthew 28:19-20 KJV)

And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:2 KJV)

WE MUST DISCIPLE

If we don’t disciple, will some disciples be active and committed to the great commission?

DEPEND ON GOD’S GRACE — GRACE TRANSFORMS

We are saved by grace through faith. We started by God’s in salvation, and so we continue to walk in our Christian life by God’s grace.

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 KJV)

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18 KJV)

As we are involved in discipleship, we must remember that we cannot do it on our own. But we need to rely on God’s grace to transform lives.

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: (Philippians 1:6 KJV)

Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. (Zechariah 4:6 KJV)

Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: (Colossians 1:28 KJV)

There is grace in conversion, and so, in our whole journey of our Christian walk. God’s grace transforms. First, we are justified at the new birth. Then after salvation, the Spirit continues to work in our sanctification. That is the process of being Christ-like.

THE OBJECTIVE OF DISCIPLESHIP IS TRANSFORMATION.

The evidence of salvation is transformed lives.

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
(John 13:34-35 KJV)

He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
(1 John 2:4-6 KJV)

FAITH IN GOD IN DISCIPLESHIP IS EVIDENT IN ONE’S DEDICATION

“God does not choose men and women because of what they are, but because of what they will become.”

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: (Philippians 1:3-6 KJV)

So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
(1 Thessalonians 2:8 KJV)

EXAMPLES OF FAITH IN THE BIBLE, HEBREWS CHAPTER 11.

ELDERS — They obtained a good report, (v.2).

ABEL — He offered a more excellent sacrifice than Cain (v.3).

ENOCH – He had a testimony that he pleased God, (v.5).

NOAH — He moved with fear, and prepared an ark ( v.7).

ABRAHAM – He obeyed and went, offered up Isaac under great test, (vv. 8-19).

SARA – received strength to conceive, v.11.

JOSEPH – made mention of the departing of Israel when he died, v.22.

MOSES – chose to suffer affliction with God’s people, etc. vv. 24-29.

RAHAB – perished not with unbelievers, v.31.

WE NEED FAITH THAT MOVES US TO ACTION

What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. (James 2:14-17 KJV)

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great. (Luke 6:46-49 KJV)

FAITH THAT EMBRACES DISCIPLESHIP

REAL — Actively obey it.

HISTORICALLY defined by people who make action

DISTINGUISHED itself from intellectual or mere because it demonstrates proof.

THOUGHTFUL OBEDIENCE, not religious words.

— E. J.

RELATED LESSONS

The cost of discipleship

Spiritual qualification of a discipler

Delighting in the Lord

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
(Psalms 37:4 KJV)

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There are three important events that people celebrate: Birth, Marriage, and Death. Someone said, “What about graduation?”, But I replied, “People do not celebrate graduation yearly, hahaha!” Therefore, we cannot say that marriage is a less important decision. There are many youth who enter into relationship without thinking of marriage. If you make a wrong decision, that will affect the course of your life. King Solomon gave some advice:

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
(Proverbs 4:23 KJV)

Many young people follow their feelings and do not seek God’s will for their lives. The reason is that they easily trust in man or themselves more than God. The Bible says:

“Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.” (Jeremiah 17:5 KJV)

“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.”
(Psalms 118:8 KJV)

If you truly trust God, you will obey God’s commandments and put a Christian standard in your relationship goals.

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (2 Corinthians 6:14-16 KJV).

“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.“
(1 Timothy 4:12 KJV)

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.“
(Proverbs 31:10 KJV)

If you truly trust God, you will seek God first, grow in Him, and trust that He will grant the desires of your heart. 

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33 KJV)

“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”
(Psalms 37:4 KJV)

RELATED LESSONS:

Guard Your Heart

What does the Bible say about your heart?

Defining True Love

True Love

Posted on by BCI Step by Step
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Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 KJV)

It is hard to prove a person’s love without proving his patience. The Bible says, “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17 KJV). That means a person who truly loves will always be loving even in adversity or difficult circumstances. This is the reason why many relationships do not succeed because they have mistaken lust for love. People say “Love is blind”. Soon when romance fades, they will be able to see each other’s weaknesses and undesireable character. One way to prove a person’s love is that he is willing to wait. Friendship is a good foundation for relationships. 

True love involves sacrifice, concern for another person’s welfare, growth, not self-seeking, nor taking advantage for selfish motives and fleshly satisfaction. A person who loves will not ruin your life or pull you down but rather lift and build you up.

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
(Proverbs 27:17 KJV)

Christ demonstrated His love by His sacrifice. 

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 KJV)

It is by knowing Christ that you will understand what is God’s love.  

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. (1 John 4:10-11 KJV)

If you focus on the wrong aspect, soon you will understand that it is just temporal but true love endures. 

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 2:16-17 KJV)

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
(1 Corinthians 13:13 KJV)

Always put God first in your life and seek His best plan for you. 

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
(Psalms 27:14 KJV)

Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
(Psalms 37:4 KJV)

RELATED LESSONS:

Defining True Love

True Love Relationship

Why do you have to guard your heart

What does the Bible say about your heart?

Reasons for loving one another

The Greatest Gift that You Can Receive

Faith can move mountains

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
(Matthew 21:21-22 KJV)

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When I was a little boy, we used to stroll around Ramon Magsaysay Park along the coast. As time went by, I saw there was a change because the land area of the park extended toward the sea. The Engineers filled the seashore with earth to extend the area of the park. Where did they get some earth to fill a portion of the seashore? Usually, they got them from the mountains. Some mountains were made plain and they filled the sea with land. All are possible by faith.

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
(Mark 9:23 KJV)

There might be some dreams or goals that seem so hard to achieve. But all things are possible to him who believes. 

“SAY TO THIS MOUNTAIN”

Why not just keep it in your mind? Why do I have to say it? I was memorizing a chapter in the book of Proverbs, and it helps a lot when I recite it verbally rather than just trying to memorize it with my mind. I have also experienced that it is hard for a plan to materialize if you just keep it within you. When you share your plans with your team or congregation, then it is easier to work them out. When you speak to a mountain, you will hear an echo. As a leader, you need to have a clear vision and goal. When you share your vision with others, and they catch it up, you will hear their positive responses and they will the more encourage you to pursue it. Successful organizations usually have clarity of visions and goals, and they often write them on their walls for their team to memorize. 

“BE THOU REMOVED AND BE THOU CAST INTO THE SEA” 

We may look at our problems as big as a mountain. But no matter how big our problems are, God is greater than our problems. No matter what obstacles are hindering our path to success, God will help us through, we only need to believe. God must have a purpose of placing them there for us to fully depend on Him and grow. We just need to trust God.

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10 KJV)

When we experience problems, difficulties, and weaknesses, remember that God allowed such for us to rely on Him. When we trust in the Lord and work to develop those weaknesses into strengths or to solve those problems by doing right, little by little, we will find success. 

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
(Philippians 4:13 KJV)

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
(2 Corinthians 4:16-18 KJV)

“ALL THINGS WHATSOEVER YE SHALL ASK IN PRAYER BELIEVING”

The “ALL THINGS” referred to here are the things that you asked in prayer believing. Did you pray and doubt, then that is not believing. Doubt is a 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 KJV)

Doubt hinders our prayer. 

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. 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 1:5-8 KJV)

However, you need to understand that it is not faith in yourself that makes prayer effective but rather faith in God. Faith in God grows through hearing and understanding God’s word. 

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
(Romans 10:17 KJV)

If your trust is in man, your boss, your fellows, or in yourself, you will have the tendency to drift away from the truth and there is a consequence. 

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 KJV)

If you trust the Lord, you will be blessed indeed. 

Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. (Jeremiah 17:7-8 KJV)

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
(John 15:7 KJV)

(Since Christ was speaking to the disciples who were already saved, thus, He was speaking to them about faith in their daily walk. “The just shall live by faith” Gal. 3:11). 

E. J.

RELATED TOPICS :

Walking in the Spirit

Inner Struggles in the Life of the Believer

How Can I Know God’s Will?

Salvation by Grace Through Faith

Build Friendship on Solid Ground

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Pray for and with your friend

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
(James 5:16 KJV)

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. (Colossians 4:12 KJV)

Be patient and understanding of your friend’s shortcomings.

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
(Colossians 3:13-14 KJV)

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:1-2 KJV)

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
(1 Corinthians 13:4 KJV)

Help your friend to grow

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
(Proverbs 27:17 KJV)

Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. (Proverbs 27:5-6 KJV)

Share your meditations

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
(Colossians 3:16 KJV)

Be a good testimony

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16 KJV)

Protect from the wrong influence

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)

Participate in the ministry

I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth. (1 Corinthians 16:15-16 KJV)

RELATED LESSONS:

Characteristics of a true friend

Friends in the ministry

Being Friendly

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24 KJV)


Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
(Proverbs 27:17 KJV)

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No man is an island. Life is lonely without a friend. We are social beings, and we need to be sociable. Communication is important. A child learns first to communicate with his parents. Social maturity is the ability to relate well with others. Sociability is part of maturity. When a person grows spiritually mature, he also grows in many aspects of his life. A Christian can grow to be spiritually and socially mature in the church. 


A GOOD CHRISTIAN FRIEND IS A BLESSING FROM GOD.


A true friend loves at all times.


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


A true friend builds you up.
Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. (Proverbs 27:5-6 KJV)


A true friend can give you comfort and godly counsel
Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.
(Proverbs 27:9 KJV)


A true friend will sacrifice for you.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
(John 15:13 KJV)


BENEFITS OF BEING FRIENDLY


It increases your friends.


A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
(Proverbs 18:24 KJV)


It helps increase your influence. 


And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested. (1 Chronicles 4:10 KJV)


It helps you find growth opportunities. 


The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
(Proverbs 11:25 KJV)


It provides an opportunity to share the gospel. 


The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children. (Matthew 11:19 KJV)


Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. (Mark 5:19 KJV)

FIND FRIENDS TO WIN AND ENCOURAGE

You will be blessed and also encouraged

The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
(Proverbs 11:25 KJV)

You will be wise and productive

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
(Proverbs 11:30 KJV)

The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
(Proverbs 11:18 KJV)

BE FRIENDLY TO EVERYONE

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24 KJV)

Be cheerful

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
(Proverbs 15:13 KJV)

Be interested in people

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
(Luke 6:31 KJV)

Be hospitable

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
(Hebrews 13:2 KJV)

Be prayerful

And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. (Job 42:10 KJV)

Be patient and loving

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
(1 Corinthians 13:4 KJV)

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


RELATED LESSONS


Characteristics of a true friend
Thank you for being a friend

God’s Conditions to Blessing and Curse

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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. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
(Jeremiah 17:5-9 KJV)

CURSE BE THE MAN…

THAT TRUSTETH IN MAN

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
(Psalms 118:8 KJV)

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 KJV)

He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding. (Proverbs 12:11 KJV)

MAKETH FLESH HIS ARM

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
(Galatians 5:16 KJV)

Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. (Zechariah 4:6 KJV)

Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. (2 Chronicles 32:7-8 KJV)

Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:23-24 KJV)

WHOSE HEART DEPARTETH FROM THE LORD.

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

The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
(Proverbs 14:14 KJV)

Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties. (Psalms 141:4 KJV)

BLESSED IS THE MAN…

THAT TRUSTETH IN THE LORD

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: (Proverbs 3:5-9 KJV)

Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. (Matthew 21:21-22 KJV)

WHOSE HOPE THE LORD IS.

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: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
(Hebrews 6:18-19 KJV)

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
(Psalms 42:11 KJV)

HE SHALL BE LIKE

For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. (Jeremiah 17:8 KJV)

A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
(Proverbs 12:3 KJV)

The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.
(Proverbs 12:12 KJV)

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
(John 15:7-8 KJV)

Making Right Decisions is Important

Posted on by BCI Step by Step
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As we live, no one is without problems and struggles. There are so many obstacles, burdens, and temptations. But then making the right decisions is important.

PRAY 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. 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. (James 1:5-6 KJV)

BELIEVE WHEN YOU PRAY

Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. (Matthew 21:21-22 KJV)

KNOW AND FOLLOW GOD’S WILL

Know what God’s will is and stand for it, even though there are hardships and difficulties.

If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. (John 7:17 KJV)

The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
(Proverbs 11:3 KJV)

The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness. (Proverbs 11:5-6 KJV)

Problems cannot be solved by choosing the easy way or making another mistake to solve the consequences of one mistake, but no matter how hard, always seek wisdom from God and hold on to what is true and right. God bless!!!

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A heart for God’s work

Posted on by BCI Step by Step
Photo by Cats Coming on Pexels.com

Many people desire to be great before the eyes of men by exalting themselves. However, to be great in God’s kingdom is to be willing to serve God and be useful in the ministry. Serving God is not only worshipping but also supporting His ministry. Every believer must not only worship and hear the word but also share God’s message with others. 

God has many ways of supporting the needs of His servants who preach His word. He touches the hearts of believers. Preachers must go by faith to preach the gospel believing in God’s ability to provide and sustain. 

And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.
(2 Kings 4:8 KJV)

The meeting of Elisha and the woman at Shunem was not an accident. Rather it was a divine providence and appointment. God wanted to bless Elisha and the woman. It is God who leads His servants where they should go. He led Elisha to go to where there was a great woman. She was called great because she had a heart for God’s work. 

Some would invite or offer you food for compliments, not sincerely. However, this Shunamite woman did constrain Elisha to eat. She was very generous and kind. It must be God who led and used her to provide for Elisha’s needs. Every true preacher must just go by faith believing in God’s provision. 

And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually. (2 Kings 4:9 KJV)

If God’s man will just go by faith, God can use anyone, even people you do not really know. The woman did initiate to help the man of God, but at first, she didn’t know that this man was God’s man. She didn’t even know that she was helping God’s servant. Somehow, God used her for a great purpose and as a channel of blessing. We really cannot limit God for His ways of providing for our needs are unlimited. 

Later, she observed that this man who passed by them regularly was God’s man and righteous. She was right in her perception that indeed this man was a man of God. The Bible says that it is God who gives good pastors who shall teach you with knowledge. 

And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. (Jeremiah 3:15 KJV)

Good pastors feed you with true knowledge and understanding and they are a blessing to the people and churches wherever they go. But the bad ones scatter sheep with false knowledge and lies. The Bible says that God gives pastors for the edification of the church.

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (Ephesians 4:11-12 KJV)

Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither. And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there. (2 Kings 4:10-11 KJV)

This woman was great because she was so supportive especially when she learned that this man was God’s servant. She was a great encouragement to her husband to support the man of God. They provided him a room, a bed, a table, a stool, and a candlestick. They provided the prophet a room to rest, sleep, and study. 

And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him. And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people. And he said, What then is to be done for her? And Gehazi answered, Verily she hath no child, and her husband is old. And he said, Call her. And when he had called her, she stood in the door. And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid. And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life. (2 Kings 4:12-17 KJV)

When church members do care for pastors, it is God who will also bless them. It was an opportunity for the Shunamite to help the man of God, and to be blessed by the Lord. God cares for His servants and He cares also for those people who love His ministry. There are many promises in the Scriptures that the Lord will bless those channels of His blessings for the ministry.

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (2 Corinthians 9:7-8 KJV)

The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
(Proverbs 11:25 KJV)

For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. (Mark 9:41 KJV)

And when the child was grown, it fell on a day, that he went out to his father to the reapers. And he said unto his father, My head, my head. And he said to a lad, Carry him to his mother. And when he had taken him, and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and then died. And she went up, and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut the door upon him, and went out. And she called unto her husband, and said, Send me, I pray thee, one of the young men, and one of the asses, that I may run to the man of God, and come again. And he said, Wherefore wilt thou go to him to day? it is neither new moon, nor sabbath. And she said, It shall be well. Then she saddled an ass, and said to her servant, Drive, and go forward; slack not thy riding for me, except I bid thee. So she went and came unto the man of God to mount Carmel. And it came to pass, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to Gehazi his servant, Behold, yonder is that Shunammite: Run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child? And she answered, It is well. And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught him by the feet: but Gehazi came near to thrust her away. And the man of God said, Let her alone; for her soul is vexed within her: and the LORD hath hid it from me, and hath not told me. Then she said, Did I desire a son of my lord? did I not say, Do not deceive me? Then he said to Gehazi, Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thine hand, and go thy way: if thou meet any man, salute him not; and if any salute thee, answer him not again: and lay my staff upon the face of the child. And the mother of the child said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And he arose, and followed her. And Gehazi passed on before them, and laid the staff upon the face of the child; but there was neither voice, nor hearing. Wherefore he went again to meet him, and told him, saying, The child is not awaked. And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, and laid upon his bed. He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the LORD. And he went up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands: and he stretched himself upon the child; and the flesh of the child waxed warm. Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. And he called Gehazi, and said, Call this Shunammite. So he called her. And when she was come in unto him, he said, Take up thy son. Then she went in, and fell at his feet, and bowed herself to the ground, and took up her son, and went out. (2 Kings 4:18-37 KJV)

We must have great concern for the Lord’s work. Why are there many churches seemingly dying, and members have become worldly and spiritually sick. It is because of a lack of concern for God’s laborers and His works. We need revival!!!

By E. J. 

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Truth sometimes hurts but it is for good

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

My attention was caught by a kitten who was trying to enter a fence made of cyclone wire. Her head got entangled by the wires. She just cried due to the pain and couldn’t get her head out. So, I tried to help her by twisting her head gently, though she might be hurt just to get her head out. 

Photo by Lad Fury on Pexels.com

There is a saying, “Sometimes it takes pain to make us change our ways”. We are hesitant to speak the truth to a person we care for fear that she or he might get hurt. But if you love someone, you have to tell him or her what is right. Love does not rejoice in wrongdoing. 

Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
(1 Corinthians 13:6 KJV)

For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
(3 John 1:3-4 KJV)

Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. (Proverbs 27:5-6 KJV)

There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
(Proverbs 12:18 KJV)

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

But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
(Ephesians 5:13-17 KJV)

A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
(Proverbs 15:23 KJV)

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
(Ephesians 4:15-16 KJV)

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

A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
(Proverbs 15:12 KJV)

Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
(Proverbs 9:8-10 KJV)

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
(John 3:19-21 KJV)

If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
(1 Timothy 6:3-4 KJV)

NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
(Psalms 119:105 KJV)

For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
(Proverbs 3:12 KJV)

Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:
(Job 5:17 KJV)

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