God

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. 🙂 

BE THANKFUL

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

Our grateful attitude is the key to victorious prayer.

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
(Philippians 4:6)

Being thankful is a demonstration of our faith that there is no need to worry because…

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)

A prayer of faith is pleasing to the Lord and is effective.

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 1:6)

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
(Hebrews 11:6)

Thanking God is believing that God has a purpose for every circumstance

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
(1 Thessalonians 5:18)

A thankful and praising attitude is a sign of maturity.

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
(Proverbs 15:13-15)

RELATED TOPICS

The Doctrine about Prayer

The Doctrine about Prayer (Continuation)

EXPOSITION OF JAMES 2:17

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

James 2:17 says, “Faith without works is dead”. What is dead? The answer is ‘faith”. Dead faith is without works while living faith has works. Dead faith does not produce good works while living faith produces good works. What is meant by a dead faith? A dead faith is a functionless faith and a worthless faith. It is faith without understanding, without real conviction, without sorrow of sins, without repentance, without direction, without basis, without emotion, without love, without willingness, without real trust in Christ, and it is a mere intellectual belief. It is a false trust or false acceptance of Jesus. False trust does not produce works but true faith results in good works. A further analysis of the verse reveals that:

  • Faith comes first before good works. Example: I do not do good works to have faith rather I have faith that is why I do good works.
  • Good works are produced by true faith.
  • Good works are manifestations of real faith. Verse 18 says, “show me….”
  • Good works show what kind of faith a person has – true or false.
  • The issue here is the kind of faith. It does not say that good works are requisites to salvation. It shows that a living or real faith has the ability and willingness to show it through good works. Example. A young girl who is your neighbor claims to be a student of a prestigious school, but you never saw her wear the uniform required by that school, and not one of your neighbors saw her go to that school. Of course, you won’t believe her. She has nothing to show. In the same way, if there is a person who claims to be a Christian or a believer, but he is not willing to be baptized, and he does not serve God, of course, you won’t believe him.

James 2:26 says, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also”. A dead body does not move to have the spirit. A living body moves because it has a spirit. A spiritually dead sinner cannot work to have the Holy Spirit, rather a person works and serve God because he has the Holy Spirit. (Romans 8: 9,14). If a sinner cannot work to have the Holy Spirit, how can he receive the Holy Spirit? The answer is by hearing the gospel and trusting Jesus as Savior and Lord, Acts 10:43-44; Eph.1:13. Intellectual or mere belief will not result to doing good works but a person who sincerely believes and trust in Jesus will prove it by his good works. Merely believing in the existence of God and the historical event that Christ died for man’s sins will not result to salvation. James 2:19 says, “…the devil also believe and tremble”. Many people have faith like that of the demon and think that they will go to heaven. To be sure that you are saved first, you must have truly repented of your sins and trusted Jesus as Savior (Jn.1:12; Luke 13:3). Second, you must have the conviction of the Holy Spirit and the assurance from God’s word (Rom.8:17; I John 5:11-13). Third, you prove it by living a “changed life” (II Cor.5:17; I John 2:3-4). James 2;18 says, “I will show thee my faith by my works”.

By E. J.

Doing the Will of God from the Heart

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
(Ephesians 6:6 KJV)

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Do you believe that your future matters according to your faith?

Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.
(Matthew 9:29 KJV)

Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,
(2 Corinthians 10:15 KJV)

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
(Proverbs 23:7 KJV)

Do you believe that God has the best plan for your life?

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

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10 KJV)

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:1-2 KJV)

Do you believe that many Christians missed God’s best plan for them because they do not seek God’s will in their lives?

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)

Do you believe that Satan still tempts believers, misleads them, and brings destruction to their bodies and troubles in their lives?

To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. (1 Corinthians 5:5 KJV)

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

The consequence of right or wrong decisions affects one’s future.

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. (Colossians 3:23-25 KJV)

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO?

SEEK GOD FIRST

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

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

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
(Psalms 34:8 KJV)

And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. (Matthew 19:29-30 KJV)

LEARN GOD’S WORDS

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)

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:15-17 KJV)

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

ATTEND THE SERVICES OF A BIBLICAL CHURCH REGULARLY

Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: (Ephesians 6:6-7 KJV)

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25 KJV)

SUPPORT THE MINISTRY

For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand. (2 Corinthians 10:14-16 KJV)

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 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 9:6-8 KJV)

Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. (Matthew 25:24-28 KJV)

DAILY SEEK GOD’S GUIDANCE THROUGH PRAYER AND MEDITATION

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. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. (Psalms 1:1-2 KJV)

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 KJV)

Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. (Joshua 1:7-8 KJV)

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

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psalms 119:11 KJV)

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

SEEK GODLY COUNSEL

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

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
(Proverbs 12:15 KJV)

Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured. (Proverbs 13:18 KJV)

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

Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
(Proverbs 15:22 KJV)

BE STRONG IN THE LORD TO OVERCOME SATAN’S TEMPTATIONS

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

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (Ephesians 6:10 KJV)

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. (Galatians 5:16-17 KJV)

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

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

TRUST AND OBEY GOD

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 KJV)

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. (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV)

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. (James 1:22-24 KJV)

RELATED LESSONS:

Why a Christian experiences afflictions

What benefits can you get out of your problems

Why does God allow people to experience suffering?

Which will you follow, truth or feelings?

Reasons for Knowing God

BE FIRM IN THE FAITH

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

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: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (Ephesians 4:11-14 KJV)

Leaders of the church are God’s gifts. It says, “He gave….”

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

The office of the Apostles and Prophets, however, had already ceased. The requirement for the office of the Apostle is mentioned in Acts 1: 21-22 and no one would qualify now. In the case of Paul, he was a special Apostle and he had a personal encounter with the Lord Jesus at Damascus road. The office of the Apostles ceased at the death of the last Apostle. The prophets ceased when the Bible was completed. No prophecy is to be added to the Bible. (Rev. 22: 18). The Bible is complete as our rule and guide. (2 Timothy 3: 16-17). The Bible was given in an installment basis until the whole Bible was completed. Before the Bible was completed there were Apostles and Prophets. Now we have the complete Bible as our guide and basis of faith (1 Cor. 13:8-10, James 1: 25). What we need today are pastors who will explain the prophecy of the Bible.

God desires us to grow in the knowledge of God’s word. We must be careful of so many false teachings and false teachers today. We must be grounded in the right doctrines of the Bible.

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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