Personal Bible Study
Psalm 119:97 O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
Christianity is not a legal relationship, it is a love relationship. John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. John 14:24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.
The goal for the Christian/Believer is to be more like the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the LORD Jesus Christ Himself who makes us like Him. But you need to spend time with Him. And you do that by personal study of God’s Words found in the Scriptures.
Believer, you must find time to make time to study the Bible. 2Timothy 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Five P’s for spending time in B/S each day:
1) The Proper Period
You must find the right time. Your B/S time should last at least half an hour to an hour. Resolve in your heart that you will diligently study God’s Word. But some time is better than no time, so if you can’t start at one hour, begin with half hour. It should be your very best time. Don't give the Lord your leftovers. And don't try to find time — make time, and make it a priority.
2) The Proper Preparation
Bible study is time spent in the study of God’s Word. It is a time where you open the Book to purposely investigate, scrutinize, search & study the Scriptures. John 5:39 Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. The goal in B/S is to know God and His Will as revealed in Scriptures. Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
There are a few things you can do to be prepared for this time. First, be physically alert. Find a time when the cobwebs are out of your mind and you can think clearly. Second, be mentally aware. Be focused, and know He’s there. And third, be morally pure and clean. Make sure there are no unconfessed sins in your life. Some people don't have a B/S time because they feel uncomfortable looking God in the face with sin in their lives. 1 John 1:9.
3) The Proper Place
Find a place where you can focus. Jesus said enter into your closet and pray Matthew 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
That simply means find a place of isolation where you can shut the door on the world and open the windows to heaven. The LORD Jesus sought out places where He could be alone, and so should you.
4) The Proper Provisions
In order to have an effective B/S time, you need the right tools. Tools to use:
• a readable Bible - Invest in one with plenty of room to jot notes in the margins.
• a study journal - Expect God to give you something and write it down. Also use it to record things you’re praying about.
• a notepad - Write down daily insights you get in your study time.
• Others – Concordance, Bible Dictionary & Webster Dictionary
5) The Proper Procedure
Finally, procedures to follow in your B/S time?
Get still and quiet. The Bible says in Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Focus your mind on Him. Calm down, relax, and recognize His presence. Take a deep breath and focus your thoughts on the Lord.
Get into the Word of God. It's better to start by reading the Bible than it is to start in prayer. It is more important for you to hear from God, even than for God to hear from you. God already knows all about you, but you need to know a lot more about Him.
Study the Bible for quality and not quantity. It’s good to have a goal to read the Bible through in a year, or a similar goal; This is the time when you study the Bible with an open mind.
Meditate. As you focus on the Word of God and meditate, let it permeate you. Ask:
• Is there a command to obey?
• Is there a promise to claim?
• Is there a sin to avoid?
• Is there a lesson to learn?
• Is there a new truth to carry with me?
Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Psalm 1:1 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.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Record what God has given you. Write down what God says to you, His impressions upon your heart and what He tells you to do in your study. It doesn't have to be flowery. You're not writing it for publication or to impress other people.
Begin to share out of your study time. God did not make us to be reservoirs; He made us to be conduits. Don’t keep to yourself what you have learned. Tell & share with others what God is showing you.
Finally, obey what God tells you. Your spiritual train is running on two rails. One is revelation and the other is obedience. And if either rail stops, your train stops. Res olve & Learn to obey the Word of God.
I pray these simple suggestions will help you have a daily B/S time in the presence of our loving, almighty, powerful God.
The Way of the Cross Leads to Heaven
JOHN 14:6 JESUS CHRIST said: I AM THE WAY
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Monday, September 17, 2007
When You Find A Penny
Tonight, I got to read again a story that was sent to me in the past.
The first time I read this, it touched me. It did the same tonight!
It reminded me of a scripture Proverbs 3:5-6 in the Old Testament.
And what it means "In God We Trust."
May you be touched too in a powerful way! God Bless.
When You Find a Penny
You always hear the usual stories of pennies on the sidewalk being good
luck, gifts from angels, etc. This is the first time I've ever heard this
twist on the story. Gives you something to think about.
Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband were invited to spend
the weekend at the husband's employer's home. My friend, Arlene, was
nervous about the weekend. The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on
the waterway, and cars costing more than her house.
The first day and evening went well, and Arlene was delighted to have this
rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live. The husband's employer was
quite generous as a host, and took them! to the finest restaurants. Arlene
knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of
extravagance again, so was enjoying herself immensely.
As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant that
evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband.
He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent
moment.
Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the
ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few
cigarette butts. Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the
penny.
He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a
great treasure. How absurd! What need did this man have for a single
penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up?
Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her. Finally, she could
stand it no longer. She causally mentioned that her daughter once had a
coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some
value.
A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his pocket for the
penny and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before.
What was the point of this?
"Look at it." He said. "Read what it says."
She read the words "United States of America."
"No, not that; read further."
"One cent?"
"No, keep reading."
"In God we Trust?"
"Yes,"
"And?"
"And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever
I find a coin I see that inscription. It is written on every single United
States coin, but we never seem to notice it, God drops a message right in
front of me telling me to trust Him? Who am I to pass it by? When I see a
coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick
the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him. For a short
time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's way
of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me, God is patient and
pennies are plentiful!"
When I was out shopping today, I found a penny on the sidewalk. I stopped
and picked it up, and realized that I had been worrying and fretting in my
mind about things I cannot change. I read the words, "In God We Trust,"
and had to laugh. Yes, God, I get the message.
It seems that I have! been finding an inordinate number of pennies in the
last few months, but then, pennies are plentiful!
And, God is patient...
Have a blessed day!
The best mathematical equation I have ever seen:
1 cross
3 nails
--------
4 given
That's the whole gospel message simply stated. Take 60 seconds give this a
shot! Let's j ust see if Satan stops this one.
All you do is -
1. Simply say a small prayer for the person who sent you this, (Father God
bless this person in whatever it is that you know he or she may be needing
this day..)
2. Then send it on to five other people. Within hours five people have
prayed for you, and you caused a multitude of people to pray to God for
other people. Then sit back and watch the power of God work in your life
for doing the thing that you know He loves.
3. Please send it back to me, so that I can also pray for you!
God Bless !!!
The first time I read this, it touched me. It did the same tonight!
It reminded me of a scripture Proverbs 3:5-6 in the Old Testament.
And what it means "In God We Trust."
May you be touched too in a powerful way! God Bless.
When You Find a Penny
You always hear the usual stories of pennies on the sidewalk being good
luck, gifts from angels, etc. This is the first time I've ever heard this
twist on the story. Gives you something to think about.
Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband were invited to spend
the weekend at the husband's employer's home. My friend, Arlene, was
nervous about the weekend. The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on
the waterway, and cars costing more than her house.
The first day and evening went well, and Arlene was delighted to have this
rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live. The husband's employer was
quite generous as a host, and took them! to the finest restaurants. Arlene
knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of
extravagance again, so was enjoying herself immensely.
As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant that
evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband.
He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent
moment.
Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the
ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few
cigarette butts. Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the
penny.
He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a
great treasure. How absurd! What need did this man have for a single
penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up?
Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her. Finally, she could
stand it no longer. She causally mentioned that her daughter once had a
coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some
value.
A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his pocket for the
penny and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before.
What was the point of this?
"Look at it." He said. "Read what it says."
She read the words "United States of America."
"No, not that; read further."
"One cent?"
"No, keep reading."
"In God we Trust?"
"Yes,"
"And?"
"And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever
I find a coin I see that inscription. It is written on every single United
States coin, but we never seem to notice it, God drops a message right in
front of me telling me to trust Him? Who am I to pass it by? When I see a
coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick
the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him. For a short
time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's way
of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me, God is patient and
pennies are plentiful!"
When I was out shopping today, I found a penny on the sidewalk. I stopped
and picked it up, and realized that I had been worrying and fretting in my
mind about things I cannot change. I read the words, "In God We Trust,"
and had to laugh. Yes, God, I get the message.
It seems that I have! been finding an inordinate number of pennies in the
last few months, but then, pennies are plentiful!
And, God is patient...
Have a blessed day!
The best mathematical equation I have ever seen:
1 cross
3 nails
--------
4 given
That's the whole gospel message simply stated. Take 60 seconds give this a
shot! Let's j ust see if Satan stops this one.
All you do is -
1. Simply say a small prayer for the person who sent you this, (Father God
bless this person in whatever it is that you know he or she may be needing
this day..)
2. Then send it on to five other people. Within hours five people have
prayed for you, and you caused a multitude of people to pray to God for
other people. Then sit back and watch the power of God work in your life
for doing the thing that you know He loves.
3. Please send it back to me, so that I can also pray for you!
God Bless !!!
Monday, September 3, 2007
The Imperative of the New Birth
THE IMPERATIVE OF THE NEW BIRTH
Text: John 3:1-7
By: Rev. Emmanuel P. Salvador – Chaplain/Evangelist
Adonai Seafarers Fellowship, Inc.
Pier 9 Red Hook Marine Terminal
P O Box 310025
Brooklyn, New York 11231 USA
Email: ministerjhn33@hotmail.com
Blog at http://manny-knowthetruth.blogspot.com/
Philippines Tel. # 011632-436-0397 Cell # 01163-921-509-7797
A PRAYER FOR THE PERSON WHO READS THIS!
Father God in the name of my Lord Jesus Christ, grant that the mind and heart of the person reading this will be open to receive the truths presented in this article. I come against every evil spirit that would blind the minds of the one/s reading this now and I proclaim that in the most powerful name of JESUS CHRIST, salvation is being experienced by many who read this presentation. Thank you FATHER in the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen!
The New Birth is Not an Option but is Mandatory.
A reality that needs to be experienced by every person as taught by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. To be Born Again is the one thing needed for every person to know that he or she is going to heaven and be in the presence of God Almighty for all eternity in Glory! This is God’s Plan and Will for every person. Man must decide as to whether he wants to be Born Again or not. His choice has eternal consequences that will affect his eternal destiny – either heaven or hell. The Lord Jesus Christ taught in the Gospel of Matthew chapter 7:13 “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction (Hell), and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life (Heaven), and few there be that find it.” The Lord Jesus Christ also taught in Matthew 25:41 that hell has been prepared for the devil and his angels (Read also Revelations 20:10; Rev. 21:8; Mark 9:43 to 48). The Lord Jesus Christ taught more on hell than on heaven in the New Testament. It is safe to heed, listen to the warnings of Holy Scriptures about the reality of hell. It is wise to follow, do and obey what the Scriptures teach about the reality of hell. Not to hearken and heed the warnings is folly, foolishness and plain stupidity (Proverbs 1:7).
Therefore, heed, listen to the Words of Jesus Christ in John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye MUST BE BORN AGAIN.
There are Three Questions that Needs to be Asked and Answered by Man:
I. Why is there a need to be Born Again? Three Answers:
(1) John 3:3 - to be able TO SEE the kingdom of God;
(2) John 3:5 - to be able TO ENTER the kingdom of God;
(3) Romans 10:9 – to make Jesus Christ LORD of one’s life
If Jesus Christ is not Lord then the Devil/Satan will be lord of a person’s life whether he realizes it or not, believes it or not, knows it or not. The Fact: Is Jesus Christ my Lord, if not, the Devil/Satan is and will be my lord.
John 10:10 The thief (Satan/Devil) 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 abundantly.
Revelations 12:9 ….. that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which DECEIVETH the whole world (of men & women). If a person is TO SEE & ENTER the Kingdom of God, that person MUST BE BORN AGAIN. And if that person is to live for God in this world, then that person MUST confess with his mouth that Jesus Christ is LORD (Romans 10:9).
II. What does it mean to be Born Again?
Answer: John 3:5 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Man is a Tripartite being, that is, a Trichotomy (3 parts) according to Scriptures (Hebrews 4:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:23). First, a spirit being with a soul living in a physical body.
Born of water refers to Physical Birth. When a mother gets pregnant, God allows water to be formed in her womb for two reasons: water serves as protection for her baby while the baby is in her womb for 9 months. When the time comes for the baby to be brought into this world, the bag of water breaks and the water itself helps the mother to bring the baby into this world. This speaks of PHYSICAL BIRTH (verse 5).
Verse 6 is very plain and clear. It speaks of the need of a person to experience SPIRITUAL BIRTH.Physical Birth happens only once in a person’s life. So it is with Spiritual Birth, once only.
We then have to answer the 3rd Question: HOW CAN A PERSON BE BORN AGAIN? But before we give the answer, we need to know and understand the SPIRITUAL CONDITION OF MAN AS GOD SEES MAN or A PERSON.
FIVE (5) ABSOLUTE TRUTHS THAT IS TRUE TO EVERY PERSON AS GOD LOOKS AT MAN ACCORDING TO SCRIPTURES. These truths are true regardless of one’s social, economic and educational status or standing in life (rich or poor, educated or uneducated, whatever color of skin a person has), every person falls under God’s All seeing/knowing Presence. Before Good News can be appreciated Bad News must be made known. The God of Holy Scriptures is Holy, Just, Righteous and His wrath is against all ungodliness of men but He is also Loving, Merciful, Forgiving, Gracious (Romans 1:18-32; Isaiah 48:22; Isaiah 55:6-7; John 3:16).
1st – Man is a SINNER – Romans 3:9,10,23; Romans 5:6,8,12;
2nd – Man’s Spiritual Heart is DECEITFUL – Jeremiah 17:9;
3rd – Man’s Spiritual Heart is ROTTEN – Mark 7:21-23;
The Gospel which means Good News is also in the Old Testament found in Ezekiel 36:26-27. God wants to give man/person who is a sinner with a deceitful & rotten heart a NEW HEART by performing a SPIRITUAL HEART TRANSPLANT.
4th – Man because he is a sinner with a deceitful & rotten heart is a CHILD OF THE DEVIL – John 8:44; 1 John 3:8 & 10; But the Gospel/Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ is that a child of the devil can become a child of God (John 1:12).
5th – Man therefore is “SPIRITUALLY DEAD”- Ephesians 2:1 though physically alive. Verse 12 without Christ … having no hope… and without God in the world.
Religion, Philosophy and Higher Education has taught that man is good and is capable of attaining by and for himself a utopic existence. Religion has taught men to do good and follow, obey God’s commands, yet because of their ignorance of what Holy Scriptures teaches about the spiritual condition of man before a Just, Holy and Righteous God, they have actually given men FALSE HOPE.
Thinking, saying and teaching that because God is a God of Love, God will never send any person to a place called Hell. Yet, they have failed to understand Scriptures that teaches that this God who is a Loving, Merciful & Forgiving God, is also a HOLY, JUST, & RIGHTEOUS God and therefore He cannot countenance sin and must therefore Judge sinners who refuse to come to Him (God’s Way) in True Repentance of their sins and Believe on Him (Jesus Christ) ALONE who is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6). Acts 4:12 states: Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we MUST BE SAVED.
It is Jesus Christ Alone or be condemned at your own risk of rejecting God’s offer of salvation through Jesus Christ.(John 3:16-18,36; Galatians 1:6-9;1John 5:9-12).
III. HOW CAN A MAN/PERSON BE BORN AGAIN?
The LORD Jesus Christ taught in the Gospel of Mark 1:15 and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand; Repent Ye, and Believe the Gospel.
John the Baptist also preached,& taught Repentance in Matthew 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
The Apostle Peter also taught about Repentance. Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them,Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
The Apostle Paul in Acts 17:30 states: And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent. Acts 26:20b …that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. Luke 24:47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His (Jesus Christ) name among all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
1st – REPENT – a turning away from a lifestyle of sin. A change of mind and will with regard to sins in ones life. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 gives us a list of sins as follows: fornication, idolatry (worship of idols), adultery, homosexuality/lesbianism, theft, greediness, drunkenness, revilers and swindlers. Ten (10) sins that people can be guilty of. If these sin/s are part of a person’s life, then the Word of God demands repentance for the person to experience forgiveness of sin/s.
Revelations 21:8 But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (Eight sin/s).
2nd – BELIEVE the Gospel. The Gospel is good news and is about the Person of the LORD Jesus Christ; His finished work of Atonement on the Cross of Calvary for all the sins of men (past, present and future); That His Precious Blood alone shed on the Cross 2,000 years ago can wash, cleanse, and blot out our sins. (John 3:16-18, 36; John 5:24; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
Hebrews 9:22 and almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission (foriveness). A person must believe that Jesus Christ is the Only Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6) and there can be no admixture (Galatians 1:6-9) whatsoever of this Absolute Truth. There is Only One Gospel/Good News and it is all about the LORD Jesus Christ. All other ways will lead men to destruction and eternal punishment in a place called hell. (Rev. 20:10; 21:8).
3rd – RECEIVE Jesus Christ as Personal Savior & Lord. A person must realize that salvation is a Free Gift from God. It can never be merited or work for.
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; (faith in Jesus Christ alone) and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God 9 Not of works, less any man should boast.
John 1:12 says: But as many as received Him (Jesus Christ),to them gave he power to become the sons/children of God, even to them that believe on His name.
A Prayer for the Person who wants/desires to be Born Again!
Almighty God, I come to your throne of grace, solely and on the merit alone of the Blood of the LORD Jesus Christ. I confess & acknowledge before you that I am a sinner in need of your mercy today. I repent of all of my sins. Have mercy upon me. Wash, cleanse and blot out all my sins with the precious BLOOD of the LORD JESUS. I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my LORD because I believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9). Today, now, once and for all, I make a decision for all eternity, I receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and LORD of my life (John 1:12). Thank you LORD for saving my soul. Thank you LORD for the forgiveness of my sins. Thank you LORD for the gift of eternal life (John 6:47). And thank you LORD for making me your child. In JESUS name, amen!
If you prayed this prayer sincerely with all your heart, I say to you in the name of our LORD JESUS Christ, you are now God’s child, a brother or sister in Christ, a member of God’s family. The author of this article will appreciate it very much if you will make known to him the decision you have made today. (Call, write or email) God richly bless!
WHAT A NEW CHILD OF GOD, A BELIEVER IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST MUST DO AFTER BEING BORN AGAIN?
1)Declare, proclaim, say with his/her mouth that Jesus Christ is LORD of my life(say it many times) and tell the first person that he/she meets that Jesus is LORD of his/her life (Romans 10:9). Don’t be ashamed to confess/share with others your faith in Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:32-33);
2)Get yourself a Bible and begin reading & studying God’s Word daily(Joshua 1:8; 2 Timothy 2:15). Start with the Gospel of John.
The Word of God is food for the soul (Psalm 1:1-3; Psalm 119:11); Fill your heart and mind with God’s Words. It will begin to change & transform your life even your circumstances. Every truth you encounter in the Bible, seek to apply it in your life by obeying and doing what it says, God Almighty will bless you;
3)Begin to talk to the LORD in Prayer. Learn to praise & thank Him for all things (Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:18). Develop an attitude of gratitude & thanksgiving to God. Ask Him for all your needs (Matthew 7:7) and trust/believe Him to provide (Phil. 4:19);
4)Ask & trust the LORD to bring you to a Bible Preaching, Teaching and Christ-centered Church or Fellowship of True Born Again Christians (Hebrews 10:25). Introduce yourself to the Pastor of the church and let him know that you just received the LORD Jesus as your Saviour & LORD. Tell him you want to grow in faith and serve the LORD in a local church where you can belong. Fellowship with those of like faith, brothers and sisters in Christ;
5)Pray and ask God the FATHER in the name of the LORD Jesus (John 16:23-24)to fill you with His Holy Spirit as commanded in Ephesians 5:18 day by day, to empower you to live the Christian life and be an effective witness to others
Text: John 3:1-7
By: Rev. Emmanuel P. Salvador – Chaplain/Evangelist
Adonai Seafarers Fellowship, Inc.
Pier 9 Red Hook Marine Terminal
P O Box 310025
Brooklyn, New York 11231 USA
Email: ministerjhn33@hotmail.com
Blog at http://manny-knowthetruth.blogspot.com/
Philippines Tel. # 011632-436-0397 Cell # 01163-921-509-7797
A PRAYER FOR THE PERSON WHO READS THIS!
Father God in the name of my Lord Jesus Christ, grant that the mind and heart of the person reading this will be open to receive the truths presented in this article. I come against every evil spirit that would blind the minds of the one/s reading this now and I proclaim that in the most powerful name of JESUS CHRIST, salvation is being experienced by many who read this presentation. Thank you FATHER in the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen!
The New Birth is Not an Option but is Mandatory.
A reality that needs to be experienced by every person as taught by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. To be Born Again is the one thing needed for every person to know that he or she is going to heaven and be in the presence of God Almighty for all eternity in Glory! This is God’s Plan and Will for every person. Man must decide as to whether he wants to be Born Again or not. His choice has eternal consequences that will affect his eternal destiny – either heaven or hell. The Lord Jesus Christ taught in the Gospel of Matthew chapter 7:13 “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction (Hell), and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life (Heaven), and few there be that find it.” The Lord Jesus Christ also taught in Matthew 25:41 that hell has been prepared for the devil and his angels (Read also Revelations 20:10; Rev. 21:8; Mark 9:43 to 48). The Lord Jesus Christ taught more on hell than on heaven in the New Testament. It is safe to heed, listen to the warnings of Holy Scriptures about the reality of hell. It is wise to follow, do and obey what the Scriptures teach about the reality of hell. Not to hearken and heed the warnings is folly, foolishness and plain stupidity (Proverbs 1:7).
Therefore, heed, listen to the Words of Jesus Christ in John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye MUST BE BORN AGAIN.
There are Three Questions that Needs to be Asked and Answered by Man:
I. Why is there a need to be Born Again? Three Answers:
(1) John 3:3 - to be able TO SEE the kingdom of God;
(2) John 3:5 - to be able TO ENTER the kingdom of God;
(3) Romans 10:9 – to make Jesus Christ LORD of one’s life
If Jesus Christ is not Lord then the Devil/Satan will be lord of a person’s life whether he realizes it or not, believes it or not, knows it or not. The Fact: Is Jesus Christ my Lord, if not, the Devil/Satan is and will be my lord.
John 10:10 The thief (Satan/Devil) 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 abundantly.
Revelations 12:9 ….. that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which DECEIVETH the whole world (of men & women). If a person is TO SEE & ENTER the Kingdom of God, that person MUST BE BORN AGAIN. And if that person is to live for God in this world, then that person MUST confess with his mouth that Jesus Christ is LORD (Romans 10:9).
II. What does it mean to be Born Again?
Answer: John 3:5 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Man is a Tripartite being, that is, a Trichotomy (3 parts) according to Scriptures (Hebrews 4:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:23). First, a spirit being with a soul living in a physical body.
Born of water refers to Physical Birth. When a mother gets pregnant, God allows water to be formed in her womb for two reasons: water serves as protection for her baby while the baby is in her womb for 9 months. When the time comes for the baby to be brought into this world, the bag of water breaks and the water itself helps the mother to bring the baby into this world. This speaks of PHYSICAL BIRTH (verse 5).
Verse 6 is very plain and clear. It speaks of the need of a person to experience SPIRITUAL BIRTH.Physical Birth happens only once in a person’s life. So it is with Spiritual Birth, once only.
We then have to answer the 3rd Question: HOW CAN A PERSON BE BORN AGAIN? But before we give the answer, we need to know and understand the SPIRITUAL CONDITION OF MAN AS GOD SEES MAN or A PERSON.
FIVE (5) ABSOLUTE TRUTHS THAT IS TRUE TO EVERY PERSON AS GOD LOOKS AT MAN ACCORDING TO SCRIPTURES. These truths are true regardless of one’s social, economic and educational status or standing in life (rich or poor, educated or uneducated, whatever color of skin a person has), every person falls under God’s All seeing/knowing Presence. Before Good News can be appreciated Bad News must be made known. The God of Holy Scriptures is Holy, Just, Righteous and His wrath is against all ungodliness of men but He is also Loving, Merciful, Forgiving, Gracious (Romans 1:18-32; Isaiah 48:22; Isaiah 55:6-7; John 3:16).
1st – Man is a SINNER – Romans 3:9,10,23; Romans 5:6,8,12;
2nd – Man’s Spiritual Heart is DECEITFUL – Jeremiah 17:9;
3rd – Man’s Spiritual Heart is ROTTEN – Mark 7:21-23;
The Gospel which means Good News is also in the Old Testament found in Ezekiel 36:26-27. God wants to give man/person who is a sinner with a deceitful & rotten heart a NEW HEART by performing a SPIRITUAL HEART TRANSPLANT.
4th – Man because he is a sinner with a deceitful & rotten heart is a CHILD OF THE DEVIL – John 8:44; 1 John 3:8 & 10; But the Gospel/Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ is that a child of the devil can become a child of God (John 1:12).
5th – Man therefore is “SPIRITUALLY DEAD”- Ephesians 2:1 though physically alive. Verse 12 without Christ … having no hope… and without God in the world.
Religion, Philosophy and Higher Education has taught that man is good and is capable of attaining by and for himself a utopic existence. Religion has taught men to do good and follow, obey God’s commands, yet because of their ignorance of what Holy Scriptures teaches about the spiritual condition of man before a Just, Holy and Righteous God, they have actually given men FALSE HOPE.
Thinking, saying and teaching that because God is a God of Love, God will never send any person to a place called Hell. Yet, they have failed to understand Scriptures that teaches that this God who is a Loving, Merciful & Forgiving God, is also a HOLY, JUST, & RIGHTEOUS God and therefore He cannot countenance sin and must therefore Judge sinners who refuse to come to Him (God’s Way) in True Repentance of their sins and Believe on Him (Jesus Christ) ALONE who is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6). Acts 4:12 states: Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we MUST BE SAVED.
It is Jesus Christ Alone or be condemned at your own risk of rejecting God’s offer of salvation through Jesus Christ.(John 3:16-18,36; Galatians 1:6-9;1John 5:9-12).
III. HOW CAN A MAN/PERSON BE BORN AGAIN?
The LORD Jesus Christ taught in the Gospel of Mark 1:15 and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand; Repent Ye, and Believe the Gospel.
John the Baptist also preached,& taught Repentance in Matthew 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
The Apostle Peter also taught about Repentance. Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them,Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
The Apostle Paul in Acts 17:30 states: And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent. Acts 26:20b …that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. Luke 24:47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His (Jesus Christ) name among all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
1st – REPENT – a turning away from a lifestyle of sin. A change of mind and will with regard to sins in ones life. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 gives us a list of sins as follows: fornication, idolatry (worship of idols), adultery, homosexuality/lesbianism, theft, greediness, drunkenness, revilers and swindlers. Ten (10) sins that people can be guilty of. If these sin/s are part of a person’s life, then the Word of God demands repentance for the person to experience forgiveness of sin/s.
Revelations 21:8 But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (Eight sin/s).
2nd – BELIEVE the Gospel. The Gospel is good news and is about the Person of the LORD Jesus Christ; His finished work of Atonement on the Cross of Calvary for all the sins of men (past, present and future); That His Precious Blood alone shed on the Cross 2,000 years ago can wash, cleanse, and blot out our sins. (John 3:16-18, 36; John 5:24; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
Hebrews 9:22 and almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission (foriveness). A person must believe that Jesus Christ is the Only Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6) and there can be no admixture (Galatians 1:6-9) whatsoever of this Absolute Truth. There is Only One Gospel/Good News and it is all about the LORD Jesus Christ. All other ways will lead men to destruction and eternal punishment in a place called hell. (Rev. 20:10; 21:8).
3rd – RECEIVE Jesus Christ as Personal Savior & Lord. A person must realize that salvation is a Free Gift from God. It can never be merited or work for.
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; (faith in Jesus Christ alone) and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God 9 Not of works, less any man should boast.
John 1:12 says: But as many as received Him (Jesus Christ),to them gave he power to become the sons/children of God, even to them that believe on His name.
A Prayer for the Person who wants/desires to be Born Again!
Almighty God, I come to your throne of grace, solely and on the merit alone of the Blood of the LORD Jesus Christ. I confess & acknowledge before you that I am a sinner in need of your mercy today. I repent of all of my sins. Have mercy upon me. Wash, cleanse and blot out all my sins with the precious BLOOD of the LORD JESUS. I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my LORD because I believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9). Today, now, once and for all, I make a decision for all eternity, I receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and LORD of my life (John 1:12). Thank you LORD for saving my soul. Thank you LORD for the forgiveness of my sins. Thank you LORD for the gift of eternal life (John 6:47). And thank you LORD for making me your child. In JESUS name, amen!
If you prayed this prayer sincerely with all your heart, I say to you in the name of our LORD JESUS Christ, you are now God’s child, a brother or sister in Christ, a member of God’s family. The author of this article will appreciate it very much if you will make known to him the decision you have made today. (Call, write or email) God richly bless!
WHAT A NEW CHILD OF GOD, A BELIEVER IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST MUST DO AFTER BEING BORN AGAIN?
1)Declare, proclaim, say with his/her mouth that Jesus Christ is LORD of my life(say it many times) and tell the first person that he/she meets that Jesus is LORD of his/her life (Romans 10:9). Don’t be ashamed to confess/share with others your faith in Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:32-33);
2)Get yourself a Bible and begin reading & studying God’s Word daily(Joshua 1:8; 2 Timothy 2:15). Start with the Gospel of John.
The Word of God is food for the soul (Psalm 1:1-3; Psalm 119:11); Fill your heart and mind with God’s Words. It will begin to change & transform your life even your circumstances. Every truth you encounter in the Bible, seek to apply it in your life by obeying and doing what it says, God Almighty will bless you;
3)Begin to talk to the LORD in Prayer. Learn to praise & thank Him for all things (Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:18). Develop an attitude of gratitude & thanksgiving to God. Ask Him for all your needs (Matthew 7:7) and trust/believe Him to provide (Phil. 4:19);
4)Ask & trust the LORD to bring you to a Bible Preaching, Teaching and Christ-centered Church or Fellowship of True Born Again Christians (Hebrews 10:25). Introduce yourself to the Pastor of the church and let him know that you just received the LORD Jesus as your Saviour & LORD. Tell him you want to grow in faith and serve the LORD in a local church where you can belong. Fellowship with those of like faith, brothers and sisters in Christ;
5)Pray and ask God the FATHER in the name of the LORD Jesus (John 16:23-24)to fill you with His Holy Spirit as commanded in Ephesians 5:18 day by day, to empower you to live the Christian life and be an effective witness to others
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)