The Messiah Christian Church

03/05/2026

01/04/2026

Deuteronomy 10:9 9That is why the Levites have no share or inheritance among their brothers; the LORD is their inheritance, as the LORD your God told them.)

When the Promise Land was portioned out to the sons of Israel, the tribe of Levy did not get its own area. Instead they had cities within the other tribes' lands so that they could be priests among them. It is a wonderful picture for us today. We are to be priests (1Peter 2:5) in the world but not of the world (John 17:14). We have here no continuing city. Like Abraham we look for the city that has lasting foundations whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10).

The failure of the tribe of Levi to be the priests God called them to be was a factor in the downfall of some of the tribes. The tribe of Dan went into idolatry because the priest they chose promoted idols. Our faithfulness in our relationship with God and worship of God will affect many lives. The call of God on our lives is not just for our own spiritual wellbeing, but for many.

The LORD emphasized that the Levites were not to be attached to the land as their inheritance but to the LORD himself. He would be their inheritance. Which would you rather have? The answer shows where your heart is. Priests of God (all redeemed believers) must set their heart and mind on things above. Our desire must be toward our relationship with God, to inherit the LORD Himself, not the things that He has made. That is the heart of faith that results in a life of faith. The Levites were only a twelfth of the nation. They had a high calling as do you.

Consider: What do you desire to inherit?

01/04/2026

Deuteronomio 10:9 9 Busa ang mga Levihanon walay bahin kun panulondon sa taliwala sa ilang mga kaigsoonan; ang Ginoo mao ang ilang panulondon, sumala sa gisulti kanila sa Ginoo nga imong Dios.)

Sa dihang ang Yutang Saad gibahinbahin ngadto sa mga anak sa Israel, ang tribo ni Levy wala makabaton ug kaugalingong luna. Hinunoa, sila adunay mga siyudad sulod sa yuta sa ubang mga tribo aron sila mahimong mga pari taliwala nila. Nindot kini nga hulagway alang kanato karon. Kita kinahanglan nga mahimong mga pari (1Pedro 2:5) sa kalibutan apan dili iya sa kalibutan (Juan 17:14). Wala kami dinhi nga nagpadayon nga lungsod. Sama kang Abraham atong gipangita ang siyudad nga adunay malungtarong mga patukoranan kansang magtutukod ug magbubuhat mao ang Dios (Hebreohanon 11:10).

Ang kapakyasan sa tribo ni Levi nga mahimong mga pari nga gitawag sila sa Diyos nga mahimong usa ka hinungdan sa pagkapukan sa pipila ka mga tribo. Ang tribo ni Dan miadto sa pagsimba sa mga diosdios tungod kay ang pari nga ilang gipili nagpasiugda ug mga diosdios. Ang atong pagkamatinumanon sa atong relasyon sa Diyos ug pagsimba sa Diyos makaapektar sa daghang kinabuhi. Ang tawag sa Dios sa atong kinabuhi dili lang para sa atong kaugalingong espirituhanong kaayohan, kondili para sa kadaghanan.

Gihatagan ug gibug-aton ni Yahweh nga ang mga Levita dili kinahanglan nga ilakip sa yuta isip ilang kabilin kondili sa Ginoo mismo. Siya mahimong ilang kabilin. Hain ang imong gusto? Ang tubag nagpakita kung asa ang imong kasingkasing. Ang mga pari sa Dios (tanan nga tinubos nga magtotoo) kinahanglan nga ibutang ang ilang kasingkasing ug hunahuna sa mga butang sa itaas. Ang atong tinguha kinahanglan nga ngadto sa atong relasyon sa Dios, sa pagpanunod sa GINOO Mismo, dili sa mga butang nga Iyang gibuhat. Mao kana ang kasingkasing sa pagtuo nga moresulta sa kinabuhi sa pagtuo. Ang mga Levihanon maoy ikanapulog-duha lamang sa nasod. Sila adunay taas nga tawag sama kanimo.

Binagbinaga: Ano ang luyag mo nga mapanubli?

07/03/2026

Praying for the Fullness of the Spirit
That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height — to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (Eph_3:16-19)
As Jesus rearranges our inner life, He wants to anchor every aspect of our lives in God's love: "that you, being rooted and grounded in love." With this, He wants to us to experience the dimensions of His love, which are beyond mere head knowledge: "to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height — to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge." This Holy Spirit process is always leading to more spiritual fullness: "that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
Dear Father in heaven, I humbly cry out to You every word of this majestic prayer. I earnestly desire the reality of its every implication, all by your Holy Spirit, Amen.

Pag-ampo alang sa Kahingpitan sa Espiritu
Nga siya magatugot kaninyo, sumala sa kadagaya sa iyang himaya, nga malig-on uban sa gahum pinaagi sa iyang Espiritu diha sa sulod nga pagkatawo, aron si Cristo magapuyo sa inyong mga kasingkasing pinaagi sa pagtoo; Nga kamo, nga nakagamot ug gipasukad sa gugma, makahimo sa pagsabut uban sa tanang mga balaan kong unsa ang gilapdon ug ang gitas-on ug ang giladmon ug ang kahabugon, aron kamo makaila sa gugma ni Cristo nga lapaw sa kahibalo; aron kamo mapuno sa tibuok nga kahupnganan sa Dios. (Efe_3:16-19)
Samtang si Jesus naghan-ay pag-usab sa atong sulod nga kinabuhi, gusto Niya nga angkla sa matag aspeto sa atong kinabuhi sa gugma sa Dios: "nga kamo, nga nakagamot ug gipasukad sa gugma." Niini, gusto Niya nga atong masinati ang mga sukod sa Iyang gugma, nga labaw pa sa kahibalo sa ulo: "aron masabtan uban sa tanang mga santos kung unsa ang gilapdon ug gitas-on ug giladmon ug gitas-on - aron mahibal-an ang gugma ni Kristo nga lapas sa kahibalo." Kining Balaang Espiritu nga proseso kanunay nga nagtultol ngadto sa mas espirituhanong kahingpitan: "aron kamo mapuno sa tibuok nga kahupnganan sa Dios."
Minahal nga Amahan sa langit, mapaubsanon kong gisangpit Kanimo ang matag pulong niining halangdong pag-ampo. Gitinguha ko pag-ayo ang katinuod sa matag implikasyon niini, tanan pinaagi sa imong Balaang Espiritu, Amen.

06/03/2026

https://youtu.be/ZYmk3DiPJVI?si=93QfXhX7Vq6m2wtZ

Speaker: John PiperConference: Hunger for GodTranscript: https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/desiring-god-through-fasting-and-prayer-session-1

06/03/2026

Numbers 12:1-3 1Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cush*te wife, for he had married a Cush*te. 2"Has the LORD spoken only through Moses?" they asked. "Hasn't he also spoken through us?" And the LORD heard this. 3(Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.)

Moses family didn't approve of his marriage. We don't know what happened to Zipporah, his first wife. The new wife was an Egyptian, probably one of the multitude that came out with the Israelites to worship the God of the Hebrews. I think Moses was big enough to make his own decisions, and godly enough not to be second-guessed. The real issue is leadership. Who has the final say? "Shouldn't we vote on whether or not this is the right decision? God speaks to us too! Why should he remarry at his age (over eighty-years-old)?"

Yes, God does speak to them. We just saw in the last chapter how His Spirit was placed upon the elders. The question remains; who will have the final say? It is a power struggle, and not the last one we will see in the desert. The power belongs to God. He's in charge. He is leading through his servant Moses, but helping him through the elders. This most humble of men did not defend himself and his decision to marry, but God defended him.

We can know that if we are walking with the LORD, in humble submission to Him, that we need not defend ourselves. The office of the prophet as the intermediary between God and man has since ceased (Luke 16:16). The Holy Spirit communes with each of us, and we have His Word. Still, the principle is the same. We will often be questioned, and sometimes our whole family will be against us (Matthew 10:36). We should know that we need not argue our case. If it is a righteous decision, the LORD will defend us. If it is not a godly decision, we will see by the fruit and learn from our mistake. That is genuine humility.

Meditation: Can I trust God to defend my godly decisions?

09/02/2026

Grace and Spiritual Fruit
The word of the truth of the gospel, which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth. (Col_1:5-6)
The Lord wants His children to have significant measures of spiritual fruit developing in their lives. "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit" (Joh_15:8). Fruit is described in the scriptures in various ways. It includes godly character qualities. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace . . . " (Gal_5:22). Also, it involves worship offered to God. "Therefore, by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name" (Heb_13:15). Additionally, it encompasses lives being touched by our ministry to them. "I often planned to come to you . . . that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles" (Rom_1:13).
Such spiritual fruit is a consequence of God's grace at work in and through our lives. Col_1:5-6 addresses this fact. "The word of the truth of the gospel, which has come to you . . . is bringing forth fruit." The good news of Jesus Christ not only brings forgiveness of sin and the gift of eternal life, it also produces fruit in those who believe. All of this is grace operating in trusting hearts. "Since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth."
Next, we needed to be joined in a new, living relationship with the risen Christ, that we might partake of His grace resources for living. We have experienced both through faith in the Lord Jesus. Now the risen Christ works by His grace in and through our lives, as we humbly depend upon Him.
Yes, the grace of God is His designated dynamic for producing spiritual fruit in our every day lives
So, I pray, Lord God of my salvation, thank You for the glorious message of the gospel. That good news it is to have forgiveness, eternal life, and daily transformation through Your grace.
I embrace Your will that I bear much fruit. Lord Jesus, I rejoice that You have put me under the law of Christ. I now look to You, the risen Lord, to bring forth spiritual fruit in and through my life, in Your exalted name, Amen.

29/08/2025

"By the grace of God I am what I am"

26/05/2025

The profound truth found in this study is powerful enough to change your life, and give you an unshakeable confidence and living hope in Christ. Remember that this is designed to be a study, not simply something to be read. The lessons learned are better than money in the bank. Apply them to your heart, and you will be blessed!

Lesson 1 - The Word of God
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"Your word is truth."
John 17:17
What a simple sentence! Jesus Himself made this statement in His prayer to the Father. Do you believe that God's word is truth? Jesus did. Are you more intelligent than Him? Yes, Jesus Christ believed that the Bible is indeed the Word of God. As such, it is true.

It Is Written....
Jesus prefaced much of His teaching with three words: It is written. He was saying that His teaching was in harmony with the Old Testament Scriptures. Perhaps the most revealing verse is Matthew 4:4:
"But He answered and said, 'It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'"
Jesus used this phrase many times. On two other occasions in Matthew 4 He said, "It is written...." It's interesting that all three quotations that He used here in Matthew are from the book of Deuteronomy, a much neglected book of the Bible.
It should be obvious that Jesus Christ, the greatest teacher who ever lived, believed that the Old Testament is the Word of God.
The New Testament wasn't written until after Jesus died, rose again, and ascended to heaven. It has been said, "The New is in the Old concealed; the Old is in the New revealed." The New Testament Scriptures are consistent with the Old Testament.
You can believe the Bible. It is the Word of God.

Jesus' Endorsement
of the Old Testament
The Jewish Bible of Jesus' day did not contain the New Testament Scriptures, just the Old Testament.
The New Testament hadn't been written yet. Our English Old Testament begins with Genesis and ends with Malachi. The Jewish Bible began with Genesis and consisted of all of the Old Testament books, but ended with 2 Chronicles. This is important to know.
In Luke 11:50, 51 Jesus said, "...the blood of all the prophets which was shed from the foundation of the world may be required of this generation, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah...." Abel, the son of Adam and Eve, was killed by his brother, Cain. In Genesis, the first book of the Bible, we read, "Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him." Genesis 4:8.
But what about the blood of Zechariah? He was a godly man, who spoke out against the disobedience of the people. "So they conspired against him, and at the command of the king they stoned him with stones in the court of the house of the LORD." You can read about His death 2 Chronicles 24:20, 21.
What's the point? The blood of Abel is recorded in Genesis, the first book of Moses. The blood of Zechariah is mentioned in 2 Chronicles, the last book of the Old Testament. In this one statement by Jesus, "from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah," the Lord is making a sweeping endorsement of the Old Testament.

Creation, the Flood, and Jonah
Today there are many skeptics who do not believe the Bible, because of some stories found in the Scriptures. In this brief lesson consider three biblical accounts that are rejected by many so-called scholars: creation, Noah and the flood, and Jonah and the great fish.
Evolution is taught in public schools as fact. The first verse in the Bible says, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Creation, not evolution, is clearly taught. Those who have trouble with this opening verse will undoubtedly have trouble with the rest of the Book.
But what did Jesus believe? Consider His words to His disciples in Mark 13:19 where He mentioned "the beginning of the creation which God created...." In Mark 10:6 we have another reference to "the beginning of creation," when God created Adam and Eve. Jesus believed in the Genesis account of creation.
Some people have doubts about Noah and the flood. But Jesus didn't have any doubts. In fact He said, "And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all." Luke 17:26, 27.
In the Old Testament book that bears his name Jonah fled from the presence of the Lord and wound up in the belly of a great fish. He spent three days and three nights there, and then the fish vomited him out on dry land. This story also has its doubters. But what did Jesus think? He taught, "For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." Matthew 12:40. As Jonah was...so will the Son of Man be....
It's obvious that the Lord Jesus believed the biblical record of these things.

The Scriptures Cannot Be Broken
In a confrontation with the Jews Jesus quoted a verse from the Psalms, and added, "The Scripture cannot be broken." Matthew 26:24. On another occasion He said to His disciples, "The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him." John 10:35. The Bible is about Jesus Christ.
In Psalm 34:20 we read about something else that could not be broken. "He guards all his bones; Not one of them is broken." About one thousand years before Christ came into the world this prediction was made. It is fulfilled in John 19:36.
When Jesus was crucified with two other men, the religious leaders went to Pontius Pilate, the governor, and requested that their legs be broken. They did not want their bodies to remain on the cross on the Sabbath, a holy day. Pilate granted their request, and ordered the soldiers to break their legs.
Now get the picture. God had said in His Word that not one bone would be broken. Pilate said, "Break their legs." Roman soldiers were very good at carrying out orders. They came to the first two men and broke their legs. "But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs." John 19:33. Here we have the fulfillment of God's Word. Jesus' legs could not be broken, because the Scriptures cannot be broken. God always keeps His Word.

Make Notes:

your observation,

your reflection,

your convection

Lesson 2 - The Son of God
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Who is Jesus Christ? He made two claims about Himself. He claimed to be the Son of God. He also claimed to be God.

The First Claim: The Son of God
Some people, who probably should know better, say that Jesus never claimed to be the Son of God. On one occasion the Jews accused Jesus of blasphemy, because He said, "I am the Son of God." In fact they were so incensed that they were ready to stone Him. John 10:36.
When Jesus was first arrested, and appeared before the Jewish leaders, He was asked, "Are you then the Son of God?" He answered, "You rightly say that I am." Luke 22:70. Later the Jews cried out for Jesus to be crucified, saying to Pilate, "We have a law, and according to our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God." John 19:7. What they said was true.
Perhaps the best known verse in the Bible is John 3:16. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son...." Jesus spoke these words to Nicodemus, a religious leader in Israel. In that verse and others that follow Jesus claimed to be the only begotten Son of God.
He Himself asked His disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." If Jesus was not the Son of God, this was a good time to set the record straight. But He replied, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven." Matthew 16:15-17.
When Jesus heard of the sickness of Lazarus, He said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it." John 11:4. A few days later the Lord raised Lazarus from the dead. He, the Son of God, was glorified through that event.
There isn't any doubt about it. At both the baptism of Jesus and the transfiguration of Jesus, the Father spoke from heaven, saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Matthew 3:17; 17:5. Remember that Jesus Christ Himself claimed to be the Son of God.

The Second Claim: God
The Lord had healed a man on the Sabbath. Believing that Jesus had broken the Sabbath, the Jews sought to kill Him. They became even more angry, when Jesus said, "My Father has been working until now, and I have been working." They therefore accused Jesus of saying "that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God." John 5:16-18.
Did Jesus portray Himself as being equal with God? He claimed that He did the works of God. "...for whatever He (the Father) does, the Son also does in like manner." John 5:19. He claimed to be the giver of life. "For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will." John 5:21. It is safe to say that God will judge all men. Listen to Jesus when He says, "For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son." John 5:22. See also John 5:27. God doesn't share His glory with anyone. What about His honor? "All should honor the Son just as they honor the Father." John 5:23. God is the only one who has life in Himself. Jesus said, "For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself." John 5:26. Jesus Christ claimed to be equal with God.
He also claimed to be God. The Jews were proud to be descendants of Abraham, the father of the Hebrew nation. They called Jesus a Samaritan, and said that He had a demon. In the course of His dialogue with them, Jesus said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM." John 8:58. In response to this remark the people took up stones to throw at Him.
By saying that He was I AM, He was claiming to be the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who had revealed Himself to Moses in the wilderness as "I AM WHO I AM." See Exodus 3:13, 14. The Jews understood this. That's why they wanted to kill Him.


The Son Who is God
Confusing? Is Jesus the Son of God, or is He God? He is both. He is the Son who is God. Christians believe in one God. The Bible does not teach that there are three Gods. Just one God!
Consider Isaiah 44:6, which says, "Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel, and His Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: 'I am the First and I am the Last; Besides Me there is no God.'"
Who is doing the speaking in this verse? The LORD, and His Redeemer. There is only one God, but we have the LORD, and His Redeemer speaking. Whenever you see LORD with small caps in the English Bible, the original Hebrew word is Jehovah. (In contrast, Lord is Adonai, which means Master.) Now another question. Who is the LORD's Redeemer? He is the LORD of hosts, who said, "I am the First and I am the Last." He is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. The apostle John had a vision of Jesus Christ, the Son of man, who said, "Do not be afraid: I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore." Revelation 1:17, 18.
The Father is God. The Son is God. The Holy Spirit is God. This teaching is called the Trinity, and is usually stated as follows: We believe in one God, Creator and Sustainer of the universe, who eternally exists in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Before Jesus ascended to heaven He gave what is called the Great Commission to His disciples, saying, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:19.
Jesus Christ is unique. He is not a man who became God. He is God who became a man. Truly God and truly man! According to the gospel of John, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14.

The Lord Jesus claimed to be the Son of God. He also claimed to be God. Was He crazy? Was He deceived? Was He lying? Or was He telling the truth? Christians believe that He is who He said He is.
There is a fellow in the Bible named Thomas, who had his doubts about Jesus. One Sunday evening the resurrected Christ appeared to him, and showed him His scars. Thomas fell at His feet, and said, "My Lord and my God!" John 20:28. The Lord didn't say, "Don't call me your Lord! Don't call me your God!" Instead He said, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:29. You also can believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and be blessed.


Make Notes:

your observation,

your reflection,

your convection

Lesson 3 - The Salvation of God
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Jesus asked the profoundly simple question, "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul." Matthew 16:26. It is of no profit. Nothing is more important than eternal salvation.
The apostle Peter preached about salvation, when he boldly declared, "Nor is there salvation in any other (than Jesus Christ), for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12. Salvation is absolutely necessary because: (1) man is a sinner by nature and choice [Romans 3:23; 5:12], (2) he is under the condemnation of God [John 3:18; Romans 5:18], (3) he will not escape the judgment of God [Romans 2:3; Hebrews 9:27], and (4) he cannot save himself by family relationships, human efforts, or personal achievements [John 1:13; Romans 4:4].
While it is true that we must be saved, it is also true that we can be saved. Consider the following verses.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith,
and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
not of works, lest anyone should boast."
Ephesians 2:8, 9.

Saved By Grace
Grace is the unmerited love and favor of God for men. Salvation is always by the grace of God. It is always unearned. It is always God's gift to the undeserving.
It was God's grace that made provision for our salvation. He sent His incomparable Son into the world "that He (Jesus), by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone." Hebrews 2:9. Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins. He carried our sins to the cross of Calvary, and there He poured out His life blood on our behalf. He suffered and died in our place. And He rose again, a living Savior.
Today it is God's grace that offers salvation to sinful men and women, unable to save themselves. "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." 2 Corinthians 6:2. God's invitation is extended to whosoever, that is, to anyone and everyone.
Two men, who were worthy of death by crucifixion, were crucified with Jesus. One of them turned to Jesus and said, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." Jesus responded, "Assuredly, I say to you today you will be with Me in Paradise." Luke 23:42, 43. The man deserved to die, but was saved. This is grace.
We are also saved by grace or not at all. If we are saved by works, than why did Jesus Christ go to the cross and suffer and die? What would be the point of His death? The apostle Paul wrote, "I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain." Galatians 2:21.

Saved Through Faith
One book of the Bible, the Gospel of John, was written "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name." John 20:31. If you want to know how to be saved read what John had to say. We need not look elsewhere. Here are just a few promises for you to embrace.

"But as many as received Him (Jesus Christ),
to them He gave the right to become children of God,
to those who believe in His name."
John 1:12.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him should not perish
but have everlasting life."
John 3:16.
"He who believes in the Son has everlasting life;
and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life,
but the wrath of God abides on him."
John 3:36.
"Most assuredly, I (Jesus) say to you,
he who believes in Me has everlasting life."
John 6:47.
We are saved through faith, that is, through believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. This saving faith is not a mere mental assent, a nod of the head as it were. It involves a turning from sin to trust in the Son of God. The apostle Peter describes faith as "resting your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:13. Your faith finds a resting place in the Lord, who died for you and rose again.

Saved Apart From Works
Grace and works don't mix. If we are saved by grace, we are not saved by works. If we are saved by works, we are not saved by grace. It's as simple as that. The Bible is clear on this point. "And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work." Romans 11:6.
It is safe to say that most people believe that good works are necessary to be saved. They don't understand that salvation is a gift, freely given by the unmerited loving-kindness of God.
Today it has been said, "It isn't enough to believe in Jesus." Or, "You have to believe in Jesus, but you also have to...." Those who speak this way always add some kind of good works to God's promise. If you want to go to heaven, you have to go to church, or have to be baptized, or have to do good, or have to refrain from evil habits, or something else.
The grace of God was under attack in the early church, especially by Jews who insisted that we must keep the law in order to be saved. Again, they insisted that it was not enough to trust in Jesus. Some placed an emphasis on circumcision as a condition of salvation. The test of the gospel of Christ is grace.
"But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit." Titus 3:4, 5. We are not saved by works of any kind. We are saved by grace through faith apart from works.


Created Unto Good Works
In our study we have focused on Ephesians 2:8, 9. Let's end with the following verse, Ephesians 2:10.
"For we are His workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus for good works,
which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."
When we believe in the Lord Jesus as our Savior, in grace God does a transforming work in our lives. We are born again, and become new creatures in Christ. We are created in Him for good works. Faith is the root, and good works are the fruit.


Make Notes:

your observation,

your reflection,

your convection

Lesson 4 - The Spirit of God
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Do you know who said, "I can of myself do nothing." John 5:30. You'll probably be surprised to learn that the answer is Jesus Christ. Yet He performed many miracles, including the healing of the sick, and the raising of the dead. Of Himself He could do nothing, and yet He did so much. How could this be?
The Man Christ Jesus depended upon the Spirit of God in all that He did. In Luke 4 Jesus went into the synagogue in Nazareth, and read from Isaiah 61:1, 2. "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD." Jesus did all of these things, but not in His own strength, but rather in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Do you want to live a victorious Christian life? It is no secret that such a life is possible only through the indwelling presence and power of the Spirit of God. Jesus was filled with the Spirit. Luke 4:1, 18; Acts 10:38; Hebrews 9:14.
In the New Testament believers are admonished to live in the Spirit, walk in the Spirit, and be filled with the Spirit. Galatians 5:16, 25; Ephesians 5:18. How can we be filled with the Spirit of God? Much has been written. Consider one brief statement that may be helpful. God only fills that which is His. The question is not how much we have of Him, but rather how much He has of us.
More has been written about the Holy Spirit in John 14:15-16:33 than anyplace else in the Bible. In our study we wish only to highlight the most important truths found there.

Two Titles
Jesus mentioned both titles in John 14:16, 17, which says, "And I (Jesus) will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever---the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him...." (Bold has been added for emphasis.)
The Holy Spirit is identified by Jesus as "another Helper." See John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7. The word "another" may have two different meanings, depending upon the way the word is used. First, "another" may mean "another of a different kind." For example, let's say that you are in the produce department of a supermarket. The person who works there shows you an apple. You look at it, and then say, "I think I'll have another apple." You are saying that you want a different kind. Second, "another" may mean "another of the same kind." This time you approve of the apple, and say, "I think I'll have another apple," but you mean that you will have another one of the same kind.
When Jesus spoke of the Holy Spirit as "another Helper," He meant another of the same kind. He was saying that the Spirit of God was like Him. Jesus is God, as we learned in Lesson 2. Like Jesus, the Holy Spirit is God. Jesus is the second Person of the Trinity. The Spirit of God is the third Person of the Trinity.
The second title applied to the Holy Spirit is "the Spirit of truth." See John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13. The Holy Spirit deals in truth. He is the Author of the Bible. In your study of the Scriptures you should depend upon the Spirit of truth to lead you.

Five Ministries
First and foremost, the Spirit of God is the Indweller. Jesus told His disciples, "He (the Holy Spirit) dwells with you, and will be in you." John 14:17. Prior to the day of Pentecost in Acts 2 the Spirit dwelt with the apostles, but on that day they received Him. Today all believers in Jesus Christ are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. He is the dynamic difference in living the Christian life.

Jesus also said, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him." John 14:23. The Father and the Son make their home with us by the indwelling presence of the Spirit of God.

Second, the Spirit of God is our Teacher. Jesus also said, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you." John 14:26. He continued, "However, when He, the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth...." He will also help you remember the things that you have learned, but you must learn it before you can have it brought back to your memory.
Today there isn't any shortage of Bible teachers. The best teacher that the Christian can have is the Spirit of truth. We need to be open to the teaching ministry of the Spirit of God. We need to make ourselves available to Him by meditating upon the Word of God. He is here to shed light on the holy Scriptures.
Third, the Spirit of God is the Testifier. The Holy Spirit is a missionary Spirit. In John 15:26 Jesus said, "But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me." Yes, the Holy Spirit testifies of Jesus. He does not speak of Himself.
But Jesus went on to say, "And you also will bear witness...." John 15:27. The indwelling Spirit of God, who teaches us, also empowers us to testify of the Lord Jesus. We are His witnesses. He is the message. Yes, His name is Jesus...Savior. The Spirit filled Christian speaks of Christ. See Acts 4:31.
Fourth, the Spirit of God is the Convictor. Jesus said, "And when He (the Helper) has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged." John 16:8-11.
This is the Holy Spirit's ministry to the world, that is, to unbelievers. He convinces them of three things: sin, righteousness, and judgment. He shows the sinner his need of faith in the Redeemer, our Lord Jesus Christ. He reveals that the only righteousness that is satisfying to the Father is the righteousness of the Son. He declares that Jesus is the Victor, the mighty One who conquered sin, death, and the devil. It is the Spirit of Christ who draws us to the Lord. He is the soul winner.
Fifth, the Spirit of God is the Glorifier. In John 17:4 Jesus prayed to the Father, "I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do." The Father sent the Son into the world to glorify Him. Now the Father and the Son have sent the Spirit to glorify Jesus. The Lord said, "He (the Spirit of truth) will glorify Me, for He will take of what is mine and declare it to you." John 16:14.
Volumes have been written about the Holy Spirit. Here we are simply dealing with the basics, but they are foundational to living a life in the Spirit. Be filled with the Spirit, and give all the glory to Jesus.

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Lesson 5 - The Laws of God
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The Ten Commandments were the law of the land of Israel. They are recorded for us in Exodus 20:1-17. In John 1:17 we read, "For the law was given through Moses." He received the law from God at Mount Sinai. The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 7:12, "Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good." There wasn't anything wrong with God's commandments. Man's obedience to the commandments was not good. Many Jews sought a right relationship with God through the keeping of the law, but they all failed. They sinned.
What was the purpose of the law? Why was the law given? "Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin." Romans 3:19, 20. It wasn't given as a way to be right with God. It was given to reveal the sinfulness of man, to show man his need of salvation.
In another place, Galatians 3:23, we find that "before faith came," that is, before we believed in Jesus, "the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ." The law taught us that we are sinners, who needed to be saved. The law is like a mirror. We look at the mirror and discover that our face is dirty. The mirror reveals the dirt, but it cannot wash it away. When we see the dirt, we realize that we need to get cleaned up. The message of the law is this: "I cannot save you. You need a Savior. His name is Jesus. Turn to Him, and trust in Him for cleansing, forgiveness, and salvation. He will save you."
The good news is that "after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor." Galatians 3:25. We are not under the law, but under grace. Romans 6:14. When Jesus died on the cross, He "wiped out the handwriting of requirements (i.e. the law) that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross." Colossians 2:14. "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes." Romans 10:4.

While all of this is wonderfully true, the New Testament mentions other laws by which the Christian should live.

The Law of the Spirit of Life
in Christ Jesus
"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus
has made me free from the law of sin and death."
Romans 8:2.
What is the law of sin and death? It is the law of Moses, the Ten Commandments in particular. In the previous chapter reference is made to the law which said, "You shall not covet." Romans 7:7. This is one of the Ten Commandments. Under the law the commandment revealed sin and brought death. Romans 7:8-11.
The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made us free. Christians have not been set free to sin, but from sin. Believers have been born of the Spirit. He has quickened us. He has made us alive in Christ. The Spirit of God is the Holy Spirit. As we have already learned, He indwells every believer.

The Law of Liberty
"But he who looks into the perfect law
of liberty and continues in it,
and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work,
this one will be blessed in what he does."
James 1:25.
The book of Galatians has been called "The Constitution of Christian Liberty." False teachers had entered the churches of Galatia, preaching a false gospel of works. Circumcision was declared to be necessary for salvation. Paul refuted this teaching, showing the believers at Galatia that Christians are not under the law, but free from the law. One of the most important verses in this book is Galatians 5:1, which says, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bo***ge."

Christ has made us free from what? "God sent forth His Son...born under the law, to redeem (i.e. to set free by paying a price) those who were under the law...." Galatians 4:4, 5. Through the death of Christ we are free from the law.
Christians are not to be "entangled with a yoke of bo***ge." What is the yoke of bo***ge? The law.
Listen to Jesus as He speaks to the entangled people of His day. "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28.

The Law of Love
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another;
as I have loved you, that you also love one another."
John 13:34.
The law of love is called "the royal law." Those who fulfill this law love their neighbor as themselves, and do well. See James 2:8, and Leviticus 19:18. Paul wrote to the Galatians, "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" Galatians 5:14.
Christians are commanded to love one another. When we live according to the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus this isn't difficult to do, because "the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:5. As we live in the Spirit, and walk in the Spirit, the fruit of the Spirit is manifest in our lives. "The fruit of the Spirit is love...." Galatians 5:22. There isn't any law against this.

The Law of Faith
"Where is the boasting then?
It is excluded. By what law?
Of works? No, but by the law of faith."
Romans 3:27.
It should be clear by now that no one has a right relationship with God by keeping the law. If that was possible, that person would have boasting rights. But it's not possible. We can only have a righteous standing before God through faith in Christ, not through the works of the law. All of the work was done by Jesus Christ, the Son of God, on the cross of Calvary. We accept by faith His finished work, and give Him all the glory.
In Habakkuk 2:4 we find a verse that is quoted three times in the New Testament. It says, "The just shall live by faith." See also Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 11:38.
How do we live the Christian life? "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20. (Bold is for emphasis.)
There are two ditches to avoid on the highway of life. On one side we have the ditch of legalism. Here we fall into the ditch of the religious Jews, who tried to establish their own righteousness by keeping the law of Moses. On the other side we have the ditch of licentiousness. We have been called to liberty, but we are not to use our liberty as an opportunity for the flesh.


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Lesson 6 - The Work of God
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The work of God assigned to the apostles is called the Great Commission. In Mark 16:15, 16 it is expressed as follows: "And He (Jesus) said to them (the disciples), 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.'" Luke writes in the gospel that bears his name, "...repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." Luke 24:47. In John's gospel Jesus simply says, "As the Father has sent Me, I also send you." John 20:21. In our study we will look at the Great Commission as recorded in the Gospel According to Matthew.
"And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying,
'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;
and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'"
Matthew 28:18-20.

The Power
Jesus said, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth." He is the One who had just suffered, bearing the sins of the world in His own body. His beard had been yanked. His back had been scourged. His head wore a crown of thorns. His hands were nailed to a cross. His tongue was parched and dry. His side was pierced by a spear. His ears heard mocking and ridicule. His God had forsaken Him in His most trying hour. The Bible doesn't dramatize the crucifixion, but clearly sums up the whole ordeal, "For Christ also has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit." 1 Peter 3:18.
Yes, Christ rose again from the dead. It was this Jesus, who conquered sin and death, standing before His disciples and declaring that all power belongs to Him. This authority is not found in some person or religious body or organization, but in Jesus who was dead but is alive forevermore. He is the Lord of heaven and earth. There is none like Him.
Some scholars erroneously see Christianity as a religion of disappointed men, who in reverence and devotion to their martyred leader, concocted the unbelievable story of His resurrection. But here the triumphant living Lord sends forth His ambassadors to proclaim His gospel throughout all the world. Having declared His power, He delegates that authority to those whom He sends. The ultimate power and authority is found in Him.

The Purpose
The command is clear. "Make disciples of all nations." Discipleship involves more than evangelism, the preaching of the gospel. But that's where it begins. Preaching is accompanied by teaching. More about this later. The gospel of Luke has a lot to say about discipleship. Consider just one verse. Jesus said, "Whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple." Luke 14:33.
The making of disciples is the primary work of the church of Jesus Christ. At least it should be. Unfortunately, too many Christians and churches are not active participants in the fulfillment of the Great Commission. Often the limited response to Jesus' command is lukewarm and self-complacent.
The pro-life movement is often criticized by some, because pro-lifers aren't also dealing with other important social issues, such as racial discrimination, environmental pollution, women's rights, AIDS, affirmative action, the deforestation of the Amazon, and so on. Such criticism is wrong. Pro-life advocates are primarily concerned about one thing...LIFE, that is, defending the life of the unborn. That's their focus, and that's where it should be.
Likewise, a worldwide missionary emphasis is often played down, especially where soul winning has a low priority. Consistent with a lack of passion for the lost, excuses are made that the church should be involved in other ministries, and not all wrapped up in foreign missions.

The Great Commission is about LIFE, eternal life and all of life, especially related to God and Christian values. What many people fail to see is the fruit produced as a result of successful discipleship. Lives, homes, communities, and entire nations have been changed.

The Plan
How is the Great Commission, this work of God, carried out? First, by going. The command is "Go therefore and make disciples...." The word go here is actually a participle, which does not convey a command to go, but rather assumes that the listeners will automatically be going. In other words, a more accurate translation would be, "Going...make disciples." Going is assumed. When you know the truth of the gospel of Christ, how can you not go? What reason would you have for not participating in the Great Commission.
Second, by baptizing. All conversions take place at a moment in time. Many experiences may prepare us for that moment, when we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and pass from death to life. Today those who accept the Lord as their personal Savior as encouraged to raise their hand while others have their eyes closed, or they are invited to come forward in the church, or to sign a decision slip, or do something else. All of these things are fine, but they are not a substitute for following the Lord in baptism.
Those who believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who died for them and rose again, should be baptized as a testimony to the obedience of their faith in Him.
Baptism is not the gospel. The apostle Paul wrote, "For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel...." 1 Corinthians 1:17. It is not a condition of salvation. We have already learned that we are saved by grace apart from works. Ephesians 2:8, 9. Baptism won't save you any more than swimming in the river will.
Third, by teaching. What should be taught? Jesus said, "Teaching...all things that I have commanded you...." Where can we find what Jesus taught? Three major discourses are the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), the Upper Room Discourse (John 13-16), and the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25). This is a good place to begin.
But the making of disciples involves more than teaching the teachings of Jesus. Take another look at what Jesus said, that is, "Teach them to observe all things...." The command is to teach obedience. That's what it means to observe. To observe is to obey.
Remember that the plan is to go, to baptize, and to teach.

The Presence
With Jesus' command to make disciples He gave a promise...the promise of His presence. He said, "And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." The Lord not only stands above His disciples as the One who has all power, but He also stands with them. Those who go forward and minister in His name may have the assurance that He will always be with them.
Someone has said, "No go, no lo."
In Mark 16:20 we learn, "And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen." And He will work with you.

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Lesson 7 - The Day of God
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"I will come again."
John 14:3.

The second coming of Jesus Christ is the major theme of Bible prophecy, and the blessed hope of believers.
The day of His coming has been called "the day of Christ" in 2 Thessalonians 2:2, "the day of the Lord" in 2 Peter 3:10, and "the day of God" in 2 Peter 3:12. It is also "the day of our Lord Jesus Christ" in 1 Corinthians 1:8. Since our Lord Jesus Christ is God it is not inappropriate to call the day of His coming "the day of God." This lesson is about the coming of Christ.
Jesus Christ will come again. His coming will be personal. It is "the Lord Himself" who will descend from heaven. 1 Thessalonians 4:16. When He comes "we shall see Him as He is." 1 John 3:2. His coming will be glorious. "For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels...." Matthew 16:27. Today we should be looking for the "glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ." Titus 2:13. His coming will also be unexpected. Jesus warned, "Therefore you also be ready for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." Matthew 24:44.
Though we know the fact of His coming, no one knows the time of His coming except God the Father. Jesus made this clear, when He said, "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." Mark 13:32. Before Jesus ascended to heaven He told His disciples, "It is not for you to know the times or seasons...." Acts 1:7.
Jesus is coming again---personally, gloriously, and unexpectedly. But why bother? Isn't it enough that we just die and go to heaven? What is the purpose of His coming? What will happen when He comes?

The Revelation of His Grace
Ephesians 2:8, 9 are among the most loved verses in the entire Bible. "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." We have learned that we are saved by grace or not at all. The test of the gospel is grace.
Now look at the previous verse, Ephesians 2:7, which says, "That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." In the ages to come, that is, throughout eternity God is going to display the exceeding riches of His grace.
Believer, when Jesus comes again, it will be to receive you, not only to the glories of heaven, but to Himself. "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself...." John 14:3. You are a trophy of His grace. He wants to put you on display, "...to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy." Jude 24. Jesus Christ "by the grace of God" tasted "death for everyone." As a result, He is going to bring many sons to glory. Hebrews 2:9, 10. It is all of grace. Yes, all of grace!

The Reward of His People
A basic Bible truth is that salvation is a gift, and rewards are earned.
The day of God is payday. The prophet Isaiah prophesied, "Behold, the Lord God shall come with a strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him; behold, His reward is with Him, and His work (or recompense) before Him." Isaiah 40:10. After Jesus said that He would build His church He added, "For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with angels, and then He will reward each according to his works." Matthew 16:27. Again, in Revelation 22:10 we read, "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give everyone according to his work." Works are rewarded.
When Jesus comes again, it will not be to judge the sins of believers. Their sins were judged at the cross, where Jesus died for them. Hebrews 9:28 says, "...Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation." But He will judge the works of believers. Read 1 Corinthians 3:10-15. Works that survive the fire of God's judgment will result in reward. Works are important in the believer's life. Titus 3:8.

The Retribution of the Ungodly
2 Thessalonians 1:3-8 is one of the longest sentences in the entire Bible. It contains one of the strongest and most fearful warnings in the Scriptures. Those who do not know God, that is, those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ will be severely judged when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven. He will come "in flaming fire taking vengeance" on them. 2 Thessalonians 1:9 continues, "These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power."
Other verses related to this theme are Mark 9:44, 46, 48; John 3:36; Philippians 3:19; Hebrews 10:26-31; Revelation 20:11-15.

The Realization of His Promises
God always keeps His word. Throughout the Old Testament the Lord made many promises to many people. Much Bible teaching is based upon covenants that God made with Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, the nation of Israel, and David. Some promises made were fulfilled in the first coming of Christ. Others will be fulfilled when Jesus comes again.
The Old Testament prophets "testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow." 1 Peter 1:11. They didn't understand that Jesus would come twice. Looking back we understand, and can distinguish between His first coming in humility and His second coming in glory.
Most Old Testament promises were fulfilled literally. However, most of these prophecies were not recognized until their fulfillment. It is not unreasonable to believe that some prophecies related to His second coming will not be realized until He comes again. Jesus told His disciples that they would be put out of the synagogues, and some would be killed. John 16:4 is an important principle in understanding Bible prophecy. "But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them."
The KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS, riding on that white horse in Revelation 20, is called "Faithful and True." You can trust Him to honor all of His promises in His time.

The Restoration of All Things
When Jesus returns He will make all things right. Peter's sermon in Acts 3 is appropriate. "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began." Acts 3:19-21.
Peter has more to say about this. After the dissolution of all things, he has a good word: "Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells." 2 Peter 3:10-13.
In recent years a new school of prophetic interpretation has arisen. Those who belong to this school have an uncomplicated view of Bible prophecy. They call themselves "panmillennialists." What do panmillennialists believe? They believe that everything will pan out in the end. They have read the final chapters of the Book, and believe in the restoration of all things.
The day of God is drawing near. Look for His coming.
Live for His glory. Love His appearing.
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