True Grace Theological Institute

01/14/2024

https://preacherjeff45.wordpress.com/2024/01/14/false-teacher-paula-white/

PAULA WHITE People are often curious to know whether or not certain popular figures in Christianity can be trusted. I am often asked about what certain  people teach, wheter they teach truth o…

11/23/2023

GOD USES THE ORDINARY
By Jeff Hagan

“‘Pardon me, my lord,’ Gideon replied, ‘but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.’ The LORD answered, ‘I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.’” (Judges 6:15-16)

God uses normal, average, every-day, ordinary people. Once in a while a real powerhouse may come on the scene like Moses or Abraham or Paul, but for the most part, God chooses to use ordinary people like you and me. One reason for this might be because extraordinary people oftentimes become so full of themselves there is no more room left for God. Just think about God in His choosing of let’s say Moses and Paul, as mentioned above, God had to make both of them completely empty before He could use them to fulfill His purpose.

At this point it would benefit us to look at the twelve whom Jesus chose, but let’s first take a look at Jesus Himself. Jesus was born to normal, ordinary parents. Remember how the people of Nazareth reacted when Jesus went there early in His ministry? “Who in the world does this Jesus guy think he is? He’s nobody special, we know his parents. He’s just one of us” (see Mark 6:2-4).

Jesus was born in Bethlehem, which was “only a small village among all the people of Judah” (Micah 5:2, NLT). He grew up in a small area known for nothing of any major significance. Nathaneal, who eventually became one of Jesus’ disciples, even once said, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth” (John 1:46, ESV)?

Of course we know that Jesus was, and is, indeed very special. In fact, we know that he is very God himself. He is the second Person of the Trinity and has both a human and divine nature. But in his flesh, in his humanity, the Father clothed with humble externals. One might even say average or ordinary externals.
At this point let’s take a look at some of the misfits that Jesus himself selected to carry on his work and lead the advancement of his kingdom on earth when he returned to heaven.

Peter seems to have had a lot of passion, and perhaps even some potential for leadership, but he also had a problem controlling his compulsions verbally and even denied Jesus when he found his life on the line (as I suspect the majority of us would have done).

James and John seemingly came from a wealthy family who had connections. But from this privilege it appears came a bit of pride and entitlement. Their mother even tried to make a deal with Jesus so that they could be the ones sitting at his right and to his left in his kingdom.

Matthew was a tax collector and tax collectors were not very popular. In fact, they were considered thieves. They cowered to the Romans doing their bidding in exchange for money. How many of you would pick a traitor as one of your closest friends and confidants?

Then we have Simon the zealot who was a political radical wanting to overthrow Rome.

Jesus chose normal, average, every-day, ordinary men to pass his entire ministry onto. But those ordinary men, filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit, did extraordinary things which changed the entire world.

You too, with knowledge of God’s word and the guidance of the Spirit, can be used by God in amazing ways. Just humble yourself before Him and ask Him to

11/11/2023

WORSHIP GONE WILD (Hagin, Hinn, Browne)

Faulty, deceptive worship practices take place all across the world. These excessive, biblical practices need to be exposed for what they are.

EMOTIONS:
Are emotions involved in worship? Yes, at least they can be. Can we trust our emotions in worship? No, nor can we trust them regarding anything else for that matter. Emotions are subjective, God's ways are not. Our emotions can deceive us, God's Word will not. We must rely on the truth of His Word.

If we confuse worshiping God with our emotions, consciously or subconsciously, then our relationship with God is going to constantly be in flux. When we feel down, we are going to question our relationship with God. When we feel up, we are going to feel great in our relationship. The result is you and I measuring our relationship with God by highs and lows instead of by His promises. I don't want to live my life on that kind of unreliable roller coaster.

It saddens me to see people in the church being taken advantage of and manipulated through their emotions. Sometimes it's deliberate and sometimes it sort of sneaks in through the back door. When one tries to point out the areas where a congregation or movement has gone to such extremes they are no longer acting biblical in their worship, the offenders then lift passages out of context forcing them to apply today.

When one criticizes the sloppy, unbiblical worship two things usually happen. First, the offending parties claim the accusers of being too intellectual; second, Ephesians 5:18-20 is offered as explanation, "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (ESV).

They quote this passage and go on to say all of those who get filled with the Spirit do appear drunk since the passage equates the two. However, the passage doesn't equate the two, it is actually CONTRASTING the two (being drunk and being filled with the Spirit. They shouldn't be mistaken for the same thing, they should be recognized as being opposites. In other words, "Don't get drunk and act like a fool, be calm, controlled and orderly." In fact, lest you think I'm making this up, the passage continues on to describe what a Spirit filled person should act like. It says there will be singing psalms and hymns and people will always be giving thanks. That doesn't sound like being drunk to me.

John MacArthur says it well, "The 'Holy Spirit' found in the vast majority of charismatic teaching and practice bears no resemblance to the Spirit of God as revealed in Scripture... The true Spirit of God does not cause His people to bark like dogs or laugh like hyenas; He does not knock them backward to the ground in an unconscious stupor; He does not incite them to worship in chaotic and uncontrollable ways" (Strange Fire, pp.xii-xiii).

A BAD IMITATION:
I do not mean to lump all Charismatics together in the group, but it is the theological camp they claim for themselves. Most people mixed up in these types of groups are just hurt, confused, and simply don't know any better. Even if they participate in some of the foolish activities, I think it's just a kind of "psychological relaxation" that's taking place. It's easier to turn off our thoughts than it is to keep the vocabulary (prayer) portion of our brain constantly engaged. Relaxing from thought and freeing your mind releases endorphins causing comfort throughout the body which can provoke relaxation and certain feelings or emotions, another reason not to trust our emotions.

Before you dismiss my thoughts, ask yourself why all of the practices found in this extreme form of worship are also found in pagan worship. You can find most of these in cults, among witch doctors, and in Mormonism. I think, in part, it's because the enemy wants us to pervert the real thing and divert our focus.

One of the main claims of these eccentric teachings is that the people in these groups are in on some sort of secret spiritual power that aides them in sanctification and this secret power is not available to all believers. These people claim to have been baptized in the Holy Spirit, an act completely separate from salvation, which brings with it power to obey, live holy, and speak in some strange language. It is also the means, they say, by which they are able to display the fruits of the Spirit. You would think if this were true their leaders would be known worldwide for their holiness instead of their sin, scandals, extravagant lifestyles, faulty doctrine, and extreme financial exploits.*

More flagrant blasphemy can be seen in many locations online. YouTube is a great place to go searching for cheap and disgraceful imitations of the Holy Spirit. One can watch video after video of garbage that passes for worship by many in the church today. I have personally watched people laying side by side on their backs with their eyes closed while half are bawling and half of are laughing like hyenas; entire congregations doing the "Holy Ghost Hokey Pokey;" people gathered in churches "tokin' the Spirit" (acting as if they are smoking invisible pot and actually, they claim, to be "inhaling" the Holy Spirit and getting "high"); kids riding the "Holy Spirit pogo-stick" (repeatedly jumping up and down in the same place for extended periods of time); waves of people falling over as a coat is thrown in their direction; and even a woman writhing in the aisle mimicking childbirth.

Sadly, it is not just video evidence and harmless activities that occur. Physical abuse even takes place in the name of Holy Spirit activity. Kenneth Hagin, one of the grandfathers of all of this garbage, even claims to have punched a woman in the stomach in order to heal her because "God told him to." Rodney Howard-Browne (aka the "Holy Ghost Bartender"), once slapped a deaf man across the face so hard he fell to the ground. One time Mr. Brown also kicked a gentleman in the head as a means to heal him. It's the norm for Benny Hinn to knock people over in his services. He uses his breath, coat, and pushes, he knocks people backward and often times with considerable force. Although an elderly woman was trampled to death at one of his gatherings, he still carries out his antics at his crusades. And it is all done in the name of the Holy Spirit (and by His power they claim).**

DISCERNMENT AND FALSE TEACHERS :
We are taught throughout the New Testament to beware of false teachers and their doctrine. These warnings were not just for the church during New Testament times, they are for us today. Jesus Himself warns in Matt. 7:15, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves" (ESV). Paul gives a similar warning in Acts 20:29-30, "I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them" (ESV). Peter also said to guard against "false teachers... who will secretly bring in destructive heresies" into the church" (2 Peter 2:21, ESV). Again, these "destructive heresies" include so-called unbiblical acts of worship.

The Apostle John provides a strategy for us in 1 John 4:1-8 in order to learn how to distinguish a true work of the Spirit from heretical ones This was penned long ago, but the principles have no expiration date. The first verse of this passage says, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world" (ESV). In these words we have another warning from Scripture. In fact, we have so many warnings in Scripture regarding false teachers and spirits you'd think we'd be more careful than buying into such absurd teachings and actions.

We are instructed by John to "test the spirits," and directly after that he gives an outline for discovering the motive behind any teaching. Instead of going by our emotions and what is the newest, most popular fad, we need to test all things with Scripture. Only that which stands up to scrutiny can be accepted. Anything that falls short has to be rejected and exposed.

We might frame these tests from 1 John 4:2-8 in the form of five questions: (1) "Does the work exalt Christ?" - not man, not actions, not emotions, but Christ; (2) "Does it oppose worldliness?" - oppose it, not copy it nor embrace it;(3) "Does it point people to the Scripture?" - not other people, not actions, not emotions; (4) "Does it elevate truth?"; (5) "Does it produce love for God and others?"***

CONCLUSION (1 John 4:2-8):

Let's close with 1 John 4:2-8, "By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error" (ESV).

*See MacArthur's "Strange Fire," "Charismatic Chaos," Hanegraaff's "Christianity in Crisis: 21st Century," "Counterfeit Revival."
**Kennith Hagin, "Understanding the Anointing"; Rodney Howard Browne, "Flowing in the Holy Ghost, rev. ed;" "Elderly Woman Killed by Person 'Slain in the Spirit' Falling on Her," National & International Religion Report, September 21, 1987, p.4.
***MacArthur, "Strange Fire," p.39.

11/05/2023

FALSE TEACHERS, MERCY AND GRACE (Titus)

Lesson 1: Chapter 1 - False teachers are selfish and quarrelsome.

1:10-11, 16, "For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach...They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work."

One of the major obstacles Titus was dealing with was the presence of false teachers who were “upsetting whole families for shameful gain what they ought not to preach" (1:11). They were creating division (3:19) and were "detestable, disobedient...unfit“ (1:10). They were focusing on “foolish controversies and genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law" (3:9) which Paul deems to be “unprofitable and worthless” compared to a grace-fueled pursuit of “good works,” which are “excellent and profitable” (3:8). Though these false teachers “profess to know God...they deny him, by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work” (1:16).

Lesson 2: Chapter 2 - God's grace transforms his people.

2:11-14, "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works."

When God’s grace transforms believers, the regenerating, purifying Holy Spirit makes them “zealous for good works” (2:14). These good works, and the sound doctrine underlying them, stand in direct opposition to the false ideas and selfish, quarrelsome behaviors of the false teachers. Even as we face false teachings in our time, the best way we can address them is by focusing on God’s empowering grace and how it works itself out in our lives, trusting his Spirit to guide us in ways that are sensible, righteous, godly, and hopeful.

We need to let our teaching be so powerful in clarifying the greatness and the beauty and the worth of God’s truth that those being taught will smell error before it infiltrates their lives. The 'shape" of error is always changing. It's impossible to preach, teach or write enough negative information to stay ahead of it. The good news is we don’t have to. The best protection against the darkness of error is the light of truth.

Lesson 3: Chapter 3 - We are saved by God's mercy and grace.

3:4-7, "But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

Paul makes himself very clear in his letter to Titus that although believers should be concerned about developing godly character, this is not what saves them. But, because of the loving grace of God, believers are renewed by the indwelling Holy Spirit and it becomes possible for them to engage in good works fueled by love, not fear (1 John 4:18).

Good works are extremely vital to the Christian life. James certainly emphasizes this truth when writing "faith without works is dead" (among other things) The book of Jude also emphasizes their importance in 3:14, "And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful."

Good works do not save us. Christ as our substitute saves us. For those who are in Christ good works do nothing to gain favor with God, they do nothing to cause God to love us more. Our position with God is a fixed position. Good works express to others the salvation we have. Good works are horizontal in nature, they are for our benefit and the benefit of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Salvation is vertical in nature, that is a one way act from God to us through Jesus Christ.

11/03/2023

FROM PAUL TO TIMOTHY TO US - Part 2

Paul passed on to Timothy some timeless instructions for the Church as well as advice for living the Christian life. Well, from Paul to Timothy to us we get some valuable lessons.

Lesson 1: Chapter 1 - We need to "fan the flame" of God's gift.

1:6-7, "For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."

This is interesting because Timothy had already shown that he was very faithful and dedicated to ministry, yet Paul had this exhortation for him.

Our faith is going to take dedication and perseverance. We need to be careful not to become stagnant but to pursue God even when it’s uncomfortable. We don’t want to look back on our lives and realize that we haven’t grown. We all have room to grow and we need to be intentional about "fanning the flame" of our faith.

Lesson 2: Chapter 2 - Handle God's word rightly.

2:23-26, "Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will."

In this chapter Paul warns us to stay away from “foolish, ignorant controversies” and to avoid being quarrelsome. He also makes it clear that false teaching cannot be tolerated.

The way to avoid foolish, ignorant controversies and to make sure we are not taking part in false teaching is to rightly handle God’s word. To do that, we need to be dedicated to spending time in the Word and learning what it says. We need to be reading and learning the truth straight from the Bible. That’s not to say that commentaries, theology books, elders/pastors and teachers can’t help us. But we shouldn’t be solely relying on what they say about God’s word. We need to dedicate time for our own study as well.

Lesson 3: Chapter 3 - Be prepared for persecution.

3:1, "But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty."

We want to believe that we live in a free and accepting country where we can follow Jesus without fear. But the truth is, although we are fortunate not to fear imprisonment (at least for now) for something like owning a Bible, we experience persecution in other ways. It’s getting less and less popular to believe that there’s absolute right and wrong or that there’s only one path to God.

Paul tells us in this chapter that morality is going to continue to degenerate through the last days. As that happens, our stance in God’s truth is going to be tested. There will be times when it won’t be easy, but we should cling to our faith and to God’s word. Our goal is to be godly even while living in an ungodly world.

Lesson 4: Chapter 4 - We are to depend on God and each other.

4:9, 11b, 13

"Do your best to come to me soon...Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry...When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments."

At the end of 2 Timothy, in a passage that many might skip right over, Paul asks Timothy to come see him quickly and to bring Mark. He asks for some of his personal belongings as well. Paul is in prison and close to the end of his life, and he’s asking for people and the word of God. That tells us about what’s most important to him–God and people.

Not only are we created to need God, but we need community too. When hard times come to those around us, we should standby and not forsake them. We like to believe that we don’t need anyone or anything, but it’s simply not true. Self-sufficiency is a value of our culture, but we are actually created to depend on God and each other.

11/03/2023

FROM PAUL TO TIMOTHY TO US - Part 1

Paul passed on to Timothy some timeless instructions for the Church as well as advice for living the Christian life. Well, from Paul to Timothy to us we get some valuable lessons.

Lesson 1: Chapter 1 - Stop false teachers.

1:3, "As I urged you...so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine..."

It doesn't take Paul long to get to the purpose of this letter. Timothy's role is to act in an authoritative manner. The verb "command," "instruct," "charge" (depending on the translation you are using) means "to make an announcement about something that must be done, give orders, command, instruct, direct, of all kinds of persons in authority" (jesuswalk.com, "1 & 2 Timothy - Leadership and Discipleship Lessons," Wilson, Dr Ralph F.). This doesn't mean to speak in a superior or overbearing manner. Timothy is relatively young, so he needs to be careful about how he approaches this (4:12). But he must speak; he can't keep silent just because that is the easiest thing to do.

Lesson 2: Chapter 2 - Pray for others to be saved.

2:1-2, 8, "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way...desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling."

As Paul begins to tell Timothy how to conduct oneself in the local church he puts prayer as the first priority. But Paul isn't just talking about the need for prayer in general here. He is talking about the need for prayer as it relates to the salvation of the lost. He repeats some words and ideas in 2:1-8 that show what he is driving at: “all people” (2:1); all leaders (2:2); “God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved” (2:3, 4); “mediator between God and men” (2:5); “ransom for all, the testimony” (2:6); “preacher and ... teacher of the Gentiles” (2:7). Paul is talking about people and not just about a certain few, but about all people. And he is talking about the Savior. His desire is that all would be saved. We don't know who the elect are as we are but mere humans. Therefore, it makes perfect sense to pray for the salvation of others.

Lesson 3: Chapter 3 - Scripture is profitable.

3:16-17, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

The apostle uses two pairs of words “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." The first pair—teaching and reproof—have to do with doctrine. Positively, all Scripture is “profitable for teaching.” That is why the whole of both Testaments must be studied. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching...”

The second pair—correction and training in righteousnes—have to do with conduct. God’s Word is useful in a practical way. Those who accept its reproof will begin to find their lives balancing out. Then they will be ready for the Word’s positive effect of “training in righteousness.” The righteousness that has come to the believer by faith is actualized by the training of God’s Word.

Lesson 4: Chapter 4 - We are free from the bo***ge of legalism.

1:4-5, "For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer."

These words were said in the context of refuting false teachers. The false teachers were trying to impose legalism—dependence on personal moral behavior or rituals rather than on a relationship with Jesus.

At best, legalism is an act of pride—a person’s assumption that they can earn their salvation, or perhaps do some earthly good deed in order to keep it—rather than a true desire to honor God.

At its worst, legalism is used in an attempt to gain superiority over others. The Pharisees are one example of the former. In Matthew 23 Jesus denounces the scribes and Pharisees for heaping burdens of the law onto the shoulders of others while loving to be recognized for their good deeds and position.

Legalism can also be our way of trying to manipulate God—to make Him act in response to our "good" deeds. We rationalize it in our minds, believing that if we sacrifice something for God he owes us something in return.

Lesson 5: Chapter 5 - Treat widows respectfully.

5:3-16.

Now Paul comes to a problem caused by the compassion and sense of family created by the Christian faith -- helping widows. How do you sort out who to help and who not to?

The first difficulty is for the church to show the right attitude. Instead of with resentment, godly widows should be given honor and high regard. Paul distinguishes between three groups of widows, and long story short, concludes the older widows who have no other family to help, are beyond marriageable age, and who have lived a life of faith and good works, should receive the support of the church.

Lesson 6: Chapter 6 - Be content with what you have.

6:6-8, "But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world."

The keyword here is "contentment." Being content with one's circumstances and being satisfied with what you have. Paul also mentions this in his letter to the Hebrew church, "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have..." (13:5). Paul also speaks of being content in all circumstances, "in every situation," in his letter to the Phillipians 4:11-13.

Paul certainly wasn't against wealth, but he saw it as dangerously seductive -- as did Jesus (Like:18:24-25). Jesus also taught his disciples the message of trust vs. storing up wealth (Matthew 6:32-33).

More than 30 free, e-mail-delivered, in-depth Internet Bible studies to designed to build Christian disciples. Topics include: Old & New Testament -- Abraham, Gideon, Jesus. Bible study of Gospel of Luke, Ephesians, Philippians, James, Revelation. Topics -- the Church, the Sermon on the Mount, Chris...

10/29/2023

LIFE LESSONS FROM THE MINOR PROPHETS PART 2

Lesson 1: Micah - Listen to those you disagree with.

Micah 2:11, "If a man should go about and utter wind and lies, saying, 'I will preach to you of wine and strong drink,' he would be the preacher for this people!"

This lesson may appear to be the opposite of how this passage reads, but allow me to explain.

There is a possible danger we can face without realizing it. We tend to only accept ideas that support our existing views, that fit within our chosen narrative. This is fine, if our views are perfectly aligned with God’s, but since that’s not always the case, we need to be careful. In Micah 2:11 it states “If a man should go about and utter wind and lies, saying, “I will preach to you of wine and strong drink,” he would be the preacher for this people!" This passage shows how the people would have been thrilled to have a person claiming to be lead by God declare things that are in alignment with their sinful desires are okay.

While it may not be to the same extent, believers may find themselves with a similar attitude. When you only listen to those you agree with, you risk keeping the wrong ideas about certain things. Those wrong ideas will keep you where you are causing you to miss out.

Some may say it’s important to protect one’s self from being led astray by wrong information. That’s absolutely true, but unless you can confirm that the source is not trustworthy, it only means that you are resistant to new ideas. Just like you had to be open to receive Christ, we should be open to other realities and truths even if they make you uncomfortable. But of course we test all things with Scripture.

Lesson 2: Nahum - God brings peace to his people.

Nahum 1:15, "Behold, upon the mountains, the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace! Keep your feasts, O Judah; fulfill your vows, for never again shall the worthless pass through you; he is utterly cut off."

The enemies of God do not, and will not, prevail. Perhaps in some of the battles along the way it does feel like enemies prevail, but we know that God wins the war. Perfect peace will come when our ultimate enemy is destroyed. However, even in the midst of trouble we can count on God's promise and experience the peace and confidence that comes because of his faithfulness.

Lesson 3: Zephaniah - Pride brings destruction.

Zephaniah 3:11b-12, "...for then I will remove from your midst your proudly exultant ones, and you shall no longer be haughty in my holy mountain. But I will leave in your midst a people humble and lowly. They shall seek refuge in the name of the Lord."

God desires humility. When we compare ourselves to him humility is the only thing that makes sense. The fact that he makes a way for us to be saved and have relationship with him should be overwhelming. We need to always remind ourselves that God is God and we are not. He alone knows what's best, right and true and we are more than foolish to rebel against that.

Lesson 4: Habakkuk - Be honest with God, he can handle it.

Habakkuk 1:2-4, "O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save? Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me;
strife and contention arise. So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted."

What Habakkuk does in this conversation with God is instructive for us. When he is feeling confused, hurt, perhaps even angry about what is happening around him or to him, he doesn’t let those feelings bottle up inside. He doesn’t, at least to our knowledge, complain to other people or try and win the pity of others. He takes his confusion and hurt and anger directly to God. He’s not afraid to be painfully honest with God. This is something you often see when the Bible talks about suffering.

We can be honest with God about what we’re thinking and feeling, and actually, it’s the healthiest way to handle those thoughts and feelings. God already knows that we're thinking and feeling, so why not just talk to him about it. Honesty with God about where we’re at can deepen our relationship with him and can be a vital first step to being able to stand firm in the face of confusion or suffering.

Lesson 5: Haggai - Have your priorities straight.

Haggai 1:4-8, "Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes."

God promised he would take care of them if they put him first. Jesus reminded his disciples of this in Matthew 6:33. When we put God first in our lives he will take care of our needs. Notice it's "needs" not "wants." There can be a big difference. And he meets our needs in various ways.

One way he does so is by giving us wisdom to better manage our resources. When we fail to put God first we often feel what Haggai describes in this passage.

Lesson 6: Zechariah - God is faithful.

Zechariah 1:3, "Thus declares the Lord of hosts: Return to me, says the Lord of hosts, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts."

People give up on a lot of things. They give up on marriages, relationships, dreams, resolutions, goals, work, and sometimes even our faith (at least temporarily), but God never gives up on us. He is ready to bless us again with his presence when we repent and seek him.

Lesson 7: Malachi - God answers even our foolish questions.

Malachi 1:2-3a, "I have loved you,” says the Lord. But you say, “How have you loved us?” “Is not Esau Jacob's brother?” declares the Lord. “Yet I have loved Jacob but Esau I have hated."

Malachi is written as a conversation between God and man. And in those conversations, one of the strange things that reoccur is when God makes a straightforward statement and it's followed by man’s counter-argument in question form, most of the time God answers.

Malachi’s opening lines express God’s love towards Israel. Strangely, the question asked of God is, "How have you loved us?" (1:12) These people were first hand witnesses of God’s mighty hand at work, guiding, rescuing, protecting, and watching out for them. Yet, they questioned God’s love toward them.

Later in chapter 1 when God says that they have despised His name and offered polluted (defiled) food, they respond saying, "How have we despised your name?...How have we polluted [defiled] You?" (1:6-7)

You would think that these people would have learned by now not to ask snide questions to God after he declares something. There are four more questions, similar to those above, found in the rest of Malachi, which are vague rhetorical questions, reflecting the people’s oblivious nature. They didn’t honor or comprehend what God had done for them, nor had they looked at their own lives and reflected on God’s accusations.