The Good News of Salvation

The Gospel

God: Who He is 

“The God who made the world and all things in it...He is Lord of heaven and earth….He Himself gives to all life and breath and all things; and He made from one, every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth...that they should seek God” (Acts 17:24-27) 

The Bible explains that God created us and sustains us and, therefore, has the right to absolute authority in our lives. Out of His love, He made us in His image so that we would seek to honor Him as the true Creator. 

Man: His Problem 

“The Lord has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God” (Psalm 14:2). “There is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God….for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:11,23). “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). 

Instead of seeking God, man rebels against God’s authority and chooses to live his own way. The Bible says that failure to recognize God’s authority is sin. The penalty for our sin is death–not just physical death, for all men die–but eternal separation from God in hell. Man rightly deserves this judgment for failing to honor his Creator. 

Christ: God’s Solution 

“For while we were still helpless...God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him” (Romans 5:6, 8-9). 

God’s great love and mercy can extend a pardon to sinners. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for sinners and pay sin’s penalty. In His death, Jesus endured the punishment that sinners deserve and therefore satisfied the wrath of God, making it possible for sinners to be made right with Him and receive eternal life.

Our Response 

“If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).  “God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent” (Acts 17:30). 

God commands you to repent from your rebellion and to trust in Jesus Christ alone for your salvation. You must admit that you are a sinner, believe that you are forgiven only through Jesus’ death on the cross, and commit your entire life to obey the risen Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

The Traits of New Creatures in Christ

Galatians 5:22-23

   The fruit of the Spirit is...

• Love
• Joy
• Peace
• Longsuffering (patience)
• Kindness
• Goodness
• Faithfulness
• Gentleness
• Self-control

"Against such there is no law ... If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit" (Gal.5:23, 25).

Philippians 4:8

   Meditate on whatever things are...

• True
• Noble
• Just
• Pure
• Lovely
• of good report
• of any virtue
• Praiseworthy

"The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you" (Phil.4:9).

Colossians 3:12-16

   Put on these things...

• Tender mercies
• Kindness
• Humility
• Meekness
• Longsuffering (patience)
• Bear with one another
• Forgive one another
• Above all, put on love
• Let the peace of God rule in your hearts
• Be thankful
• Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly
• Teach and admonish one another
• Sing with grace in your hearts

"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Col.3:17).

How Should Christians Treat Each Other?

The One-Anothers of the New Testament

The Gospels

1.  “…Be at peace with each other” (Mark 9:50)

2.  “…Wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14)

3.  “…Love one another…” (John 13:34-35; John 15:12, 17)

Paul’s Letters

Romans, I Corinthians, II Corinthians

4.  “Love one another”(Romans 13:8)

5.  “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love…” (Romans 12:10)

6.  “Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10)

7.  “Live in harmony with one another…” (Romans 12:16)

8.  “…Stop passing judgment on one another” (Romans 14:13)

9.  “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you…” (Romans 15:7)

10.  “…instruct one another” (Romans 15:4)

11.  “Greet one another with a holy kiss…” (Romans 16:16; I Corinthians 16:20, II Corinthians 13:12; I Thessalonians 5:26)

12.  “…When you come together to eat, wait for each other”  (I Corinthians 11:33)

13.  “…Have equal concern for each other” (I Corinthians 12:25)

14.  “…Serve one another in love” (II Corinthians 13:12)

Galatians, Ephesians

15.  “Carry each other’s burdens…” (Galatians 6:2)

16.  “If you keep on biting and devouring each other…you will be destroyed by each other” (Galatians 5:15)

17.  “Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other” (Galatians 5:26)

18.  “…Be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2)

19.  “Be kind and compassionate to one another…” (Ephesians 4:32)

20.  “…forgiving each other…” (Ephesians 4:32)

21.  “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” (Ephesians 5:19)

22.  “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21)

Philippians, Colossians

23.  “…in humility consider others better than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3)

24.  “Do not lie to each other…” (Colossians 3:9)

25.  “Bear with each other…” (Colossians 3:13)

26.  “…Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another” (Colossians 3:13)

27.  “Teach…[one another]”  (Colossians 3:16)

28.  “…admonish one another” (Colossians 3:16)

I Thessalonians, Hebrews
29.  “…make your love increase and overflow for each other” (I Thessalonians 3:12)

30.  “Encourage one another” (I Thessalonians 4:18, 5:11; Hebrews 10:25)

31.  “…Build each other up…” (I Thessalonians 5:11)

32.  “Encourage one another daily…” (Hebrews 3:13)

33.  “Spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24)

Other Letters

James, I Peter, I John, II John

34.  “…Do not slander one another” (James 4:11)

35.  “Don’t grumble against each other” (James 5:9)

36.  “Confess your sins to each other…” (James 5:16)

37.  “…Pray for each other” (James 5:16)

38.  “…Love one another deeply, from the heart” (I Peter 1:22, 4:8)
39.  “…Live in harmony with one another…” (I Peter 3:8)

40.  “Greet one another with a kiss of love” (I Peter 5:14)

41.  “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling” (I Peter 4:9)

42.  “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others…” (I Peter 4:10)

43.  “…Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another…” (I Peter 5:15)

44.  “Love one another” (I John 3:11, 23, 4:7,11,12;  II John 5)

Why Is It Important to Study the Bible?

Study the Word

Here are tips on how to get the most out of the study of this "divine handbook." These pointers will help answer the most crucial question of all, "How can a young man cleanse his way?" The psalmist responds, "By taking heed according to Your Word" (Ps. 119:9).

Why is it Important to Study the Bible?

Why is God's Word so important?  Because is contains God's mind and will for your life (2 Tim. 3:16-17). It is the only source of absolute divine authority for you as a servant of Jesus Christ.

It is infallible in its totality: "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple" (Ps. 19:7).

It is inerrant in its parts: "Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.  Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar" (Prov. 30:5-6).

It is complete: "For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book" (Rev. 22:18-19).

It is authoritative and final: "Forever, 0 Lord, Your word is settled in heaven" (Ps. 119:89).

It is totally sufficient for your needs: “…that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

It will accomplish what it promises: "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it" (Is. 55:11).

It provides the assurance of your salvation: "He who is of God hears God's words. . ." (John 8:47; 20:31).

How Will I Benefit from Studying the Bible?

Millions of pages of material are printed every week.  Thousands of new books are published each month.  This would not be surprising to Solomon who said, “…be admonished ... Of making many books there is no end" (Eccl. 12:12).

Even with today's wealth of books and computer helps, the Bible remains the only source of divine revelation and power that can sustain Christians in their "daily walk with God." Note these significant promises in the Scripture.

The Bible is the source of truth: "Sanctify them by Your truth; Your word is truth" (John 17:17).

The Bible is the source of God's blessing when obeyed: "But He said, 'More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it"' (Luke 11:28).

The Bible is the source of victory: ". . . the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Eph. 6:17).

The Bible is the source of growth: "As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby" (1 Pet. 2:2).

The Bible is the source of power: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek" (Rom. 1:16).

The Bible is the source of guidance: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Ps. 119:105).

What Should Be My Response to the Bible?

Because the Bible is so important and because it provides unparalleled eternal benefits, then these should be your responses:

Believe it (John 6:68-69)

Honor it (Job 23:12)

Love it (Ps. 119:97)

Obey it (1 John 2:5)

Guard it (1 Tim. 6:20)

Fight for it (Jude 3)

Preach it (2 Tim. 4:2)

Study it (Ezra 7:10)

Who Can Study the Bible?

Not everyone can be a Bible student.  Check yourself on these necessary qualifications for studying the Word with blessing:

·      Are you saved by faith in Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 2:14-16)?

·      Are you hungering for God's Word (1 Pet. 2:2)?

·      Are you searching God's Word with diligence (Acts 17:11)?

·      Are you seeking holiness (1 Pet. 1:14-16)?

·      Are you Spirit-filled (Col. 3:16)?

The most important question is the first.  If you have never trusted Jesus Christ to be your personal Savior and the Lord of your life, then your mind is blinded by Satan to God's truth (2 Cor. 4:4).

If Christ is your need, stop reading right now and, in your own words with prayer, turn away from sin and turn toward God: "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" (Eph. 2:8-9).

How Do Christians Live Godly in a Pagan Society?

The Christian's Bill of Rights

1. As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ we have only one right: and that is to give up all rights to ourselves (2 Cor. 5:14-16; Romans 14:7-9).

2. We have the right to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him (Mt. 16:24-26).

3. We have the right to esteem others more highly than ourselves; and love our neighbor as ourselves (Mt. 22:39; Phil. 2:1-5).

4. We have the right to fulfill the law of Christ in bearing one another's burdens of sin (Gal. 6:1-3).

5. We have the right to be wronged and to maintain a faithful testimony (1 Cor. 6:1-8).

6. We have the right to live in unreciprocated, self-sacrificial love (Eph. 5:1-2).

7. We have the right to forgive others the smaller debt, as God in Christ has forgiven us the larger debt (Eph. 4:31-32; Matthew 18:12-35).

8. We have the right to suffer for the gospel and to take the blows for the One who took the blows for us (1 Peter 2:21-24)

9. We have the right to be "subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be uncontentious, gentle, showing every consideration for all men" (Titus 3:1-2).

10. We have the right to not be political agitators trading the truth of His Word to play politics with men's souls; thinking that true spiritual change occurs through legislation rather than the transforming power of the gospel of grace. (1 Peter 4:10-16).

11. We have the right to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39).

12. We have the right to be stripped of all earthly things (Matthew 5:40-42).

13. We have the right to not repay evil for evil and to be at peace with all men as much as it depends on you (Romans 12:17-18).

14. We have the right to love our enemies, do good to them that hate us, bless those who curse us and pray for those that despitefully use us (Matthew 5:44-45).

15. We have the right to pursue holiness-not personal happiness (1 Peter 1:13-16).

16. We have the right not to be ashamed of the gospel (2 Tim. 1:6-18).

17. We have the right not to harbor revenge, anger, bitterness, clamoring, wrath, malice and slander when wronged by another (Ephesians 4:31).

18. We have the right not to quench or grieve the Holy Spirit. (Eph. 4:30; 1 Thess. 5:19).

19. We have the right to repent of and not cherish our sins (Psalm 66:18).

20. We have the right to guard the trust; and to contend for the once for all delivered to the saints faith (1 Timothy 6:20; Jude 1:3).

21. We have the right to train our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:1-3).

22. We have the right to reflect God's covenantal relationship with us by honoring our vows in the covenant of marriage with our spouse Mt. 19:6).

23. We have the right to worship Christ Jesus as God of very God; Creator; Redeemer; Sovereign Lord and Ruler of all (Col. 1:15-19; Hebrews 1:8; Phil. 2:5-11).

24. We have the right to present our lives as living sacrifices everyday to God (Rom. 12:1,2).

25. We have the right to live in the expectancy and hope of the Lord's return by which we purify ourselves (Rom.12:1,2).

26. We have the right to March daily on our knees in prayer; praying for our leaders in government; our church leaders; our fellow believers; our families; and the lost (1 Tim. 2:1-3; Ephesians 6:18-21).

27. We have the right to praise and glorify God according to how He has revealed Himself through the pages of His Word (Col. 3:16-17).

28. We have the right to honor our local church pastors; for they keep watch over our souls as those who will give an account (Hebrews 13:17).

29. We have the right to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28: 18-20).

30. We have the right to have no rights apart from Christ Himself; "for whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it" (Matt.16: 25; John 15:5).

Guidelines For Gray Areas

As Christians we have certain liberties in Christ (2 Cor.3: 17b; Gal.5: 1a). However, there are certain limits to our liberties that the New Testament reveals (1 Cor.8: 9; 1 Peter 2:16 b).

The following questions have caused some of the biggest debates in the Christian church. The answers to these questions are not stated in the Bible exactly as we would like. How would you biblically counsel people who asked you the following questions:

Should Christians drink alcohol (wine, beer)? Should Christians smoke?

Should Christians dance?

Should Christians play golf on Sunday morning?

Should women wear make-up to church?

Should Christians wear shorts to church?

Should Christians go to the movies?

Should Christian men wear long hair?

Should Christian women wear their hair real short? Should Christians play cards ... play monopoly?

Should Christians gamble or play the lottery?

Should Christians go to bars or nightclubs?

None of these questions are directly answered in the Bible. But how does a Christian decide whether or not to do something he doesn't feel is wrong, yet he doesn’t know it is right either since the Bible doesn't say.

There are two extreme decisions. One extreme is to make a list of rules (legalism). This kind of Christianity conforms to set of rules and is the equivalence of spirituality. Christian life is simply externalized. One problem with making a decision by a set of rules is who decides what the rules are to be.

The other extreme is called libertinism. As you are confronted by the gray-area issues you can say, "I'm free in Christ therefore I can do what I went." Yes we have liberty in Christ, but it is limited by love. So are these the only two considerations we have? No.

The following principles are a series of guidelines through which any behavior in a gray area can be filtered. Ask yourself: If I do this

1.     Will it slow me down in the race?

The first question you ask yourself regarding a gray area is: "Do I really need it, or is it excess baggage?" Hebrews 12: 1a says, "Wherefore, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight…." Notice that the weight is different from the sin. What is the difference? To run the race (argon) is demanding, grueling life of faith that requires determination, perseverance, and self-discipline. We have to lay aside every weight as well as the sin. What is every weight (onkos)? It simply means bulk. It is not sin. It is needless bulk. Something that weighs you down, diverts your priorities, takes your attention, sucks your energy, and dampens your enthusiasm. Anything that impinges your effectiveness for Christ you are not to do. It may not be evil, but it becomes a needless weight for you to carry.

Let’s call this the principle of EXCESS

2.    Will it be spiritually profitable?

This is the opposite side of excess. 1 Cor.6: 12a says, "All things are lawful (all that is not unlawful) unto me, but all things are not expedient (profitable)…." Expedient means "useful" or "beneficial" or "to my advantage" (Paul is speaking spiritually). If I do this will it slow me down or will it help me be a better man of God? Will help to increase my effectiveness as a believer?

Let's call this the principle of EXPEDIENCE

3.    Will it be consistent with Christlikeness?

John says in 1 John 2:6, "He who says that he abides in Him ought himself also walk, even as He walked." Ask yourself: "Is this something Christ would do?" Or "Is this consistent with Him?" If you say you belong to Christ you ought to live life as Christ did.

Let's call this the principle of EMULATION

4.    Will it lead others to Christ?

Ask yourself this question, "If I do this is it going to enhance my testimony to an unbeliever?" Colossians 4:5a says, " walk in wisdom toward them that are outside…." In other words, you need to be wise in your actions in considerations of those people who don't know Christ. In this way Christ is more visible in you, and as a result you have a stronger testimony. So the question is, "Will this action create a better evangelistic platform for me?"

Let's call this the principle of EVANGELISM

5.    Will it build me up?

Ask yourself, "Will this build me up and make me stronger in Christ?" First Corinthians 10:23 says, "...All things are lawful for me, but all things do not edify." All of your actions should be thought through in order to determine that they are positive and will build up others in Christ.

Let's call this the principle of EDIFICATION

6.    Will it glorify God?

Ask yourself, "If I do this will it exalt the Lord?" First Corinthians10: 31 says, "…Whether, therefore, you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God." Is your life going to give glory to God? Is it going to honor God? If you do this will He be glorified, honored and praised? This is an important principle.

Let's call this the principle of EXALTATION

7.    Will you help other Christians by your example?

Ask yourself, "If I do this will this set the right pattern of righteous for a weaker brother? Will this demonstrate your love toward him? Will it help lead him in the right way?" First Corinthians 8: 9 says, " but take care lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak." That person may well be destroyed because he followed your example. He is going to violate his conscience and you will sin against him and Christ. Don't do it (cp. Rom.13:13-14). It is wonderful to limit your liberty and know that it will strengthen someone else. So ask yourself: "If I do this will it offend a weaker brother?" Right or wrong is not the issue, but offending somebody is.

Let's call this the principle of EXAMPLE

8.    Will it bring me into bondage?

First Corinthians 6: 12  says, "…All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything." You are not to allow anything to master you. You are not to allow a non-moral thing to be master over you. How many men have turned into slobbering, blithering idiots because they can't control what comes out of grapes? How many people have ended up dead because they can't deal with tobacco? How many people literally have their lives totally controlled by television or become a slave to drugs, lust, pornography, food, music, or gambling?

Let's call this the principle of ENSLAVEMENT

9.    Will it hypocritically cover my sin?

First Peter 2:16 says, "Do not use your freedom as covering for evil." Are you doing it in the name of freedom when the truth of the matter is you are simply covering over your own evil lust? Freedom becomes a cloak for evil ... movies, sexually explicit magazines, bars, public dancing that is sexual enticing. Be honest with yourself and ask yourself: Would this really be something that will benefit me spiritually? Is this something that will build me up spiritually? Or is it unnecessary bulk that won't help me. Is this something that will lead me into bondage or am I cloaking my evil desires. Look at your motive. Gal. 5:13 says, "You were called to freedom, brethren, only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh." It is a very common thing to turn liberty into license. You have to watch out for that. 

Let's call this the principle of EQIVOCATION (to lie or falsify)

10.  Does it violate the conscience? (either your own or a brother in Christ) Read Romans 14:2-6, 13, 21

Some people think it is okay to do a certain thing. Others think it is a sin. Not all agree what the Lord would have us to do. Some people believe all Christian should read the Bible every day and if you don't you have sinned. Some believe you should go to church every Sunday morning and even attend the Wednesday evening prayer meeting. If you don't you have sinned. Some are bound to their conscience to do that, but others are not. In other words whatever may be the restrictions in the Christian's life he does them because he believes that is what the Lord wants. As long as you believe that do it.  Ask yourself: Is this something I believe the Lord would want or would not want? This is a matter of the conscience. So don't violate your conscience.

Let's call this final principle ENCROACHMENT

These are the E's of decision making. It takes something very difficult and makes it very eassssy (EEEEE'sE)

How To Get The Most From Reading Your Bible ...by Thomas Watson

I think that getting the most out of studying and reading the Bible is a subject always near to God's people. This was David's prayer in Psalm 119:18 when he said, "Open my eyes that I may behold wonderful things from Thy law." Not content with just surface knowledge, the once shepherd boy knew that God must draw the veil from his eyes so that he could behold the vast treasures of His Word.


Thomas Watson gives some very practical steps to get the most out of our time in God's Word each day. It has been a strength to my own heart--I trust it will be with yours as well.


Biographical Note THOMAS WATSON (c.1620-1686), was educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where he was noted for remarkably hard study. In 1646 he was commenced a sixteen year pastorate at St. Stephen's Walbrook. In 1651 he was imprisoned briefly with some other ministers for his share in Christopher Love's plot to recall Charles II. He was released on 30th June,1652, and was formally reinstated vicar of St. Stephen's Walbrook. He obtained great fame and popularity as preacher until the Restoration, when he was ejected for nonconformity. Notwithstanding the rigor of the acts against dissenters, Watson continued to exercise his ministry privately as he found opportunity. Upon the Declaration of Indulgence in 1672 he obtained a license for the great hall in Crosby House. After preaching there for several years, his health gave way, and he retired to Barnston in Essex, where he died suddenly while praying in secret. He was buried on 28th July , 1686.


1. Remove hindrances. (a) remove the love of every sin (b) remove the distracting concerns of this world, especially covetousness [Matt. 13:22] (c) Don't make jokes with and out of Scripture.

2. Prepare your heart. [1 Sam. 7:3] Do this by: (a) collecting your thoughts (b) purging unclean affections and desires (c) not coming to it rashly or carelessly.

3. Read it with reverence, considering that each line is God speaking directly to you (2 Tim. 3:16-17; Psalm 19:7-11).

4. Read the books of the Bible in order.

5. Get a true understanding of Scripture. [Ps. 119:73] This is best achieved by comparing relevant parts of Scripture with each other.

6. Read with seriousness. [Deut. 32:47] The Christian life is to be taken seriously since it requires striving [Luke 13:24] and not falling short [Heb. 4:1].

7. Persevere in remembering what you read. [Ps. 119:52] Don't let it be stolen from you [Matt. 13:4,19]. If it doesn't stay in your memory it is unlikely to be much benefit to you.

8. Meditate on what you read. [Ps. 119:15] The Hebrew word for meditate' means to be intense in the mind'. Meditation without reading is wrong and bound to err; reading without meditation is barren and fruitless. It means to stir the affections, to be warmed by the fire of meditation [Ps. 39:3].

9. Read with a humble heart. Acknowledge that you are unworthy that God should reveal himself to you [James 4:6]

10. Believe it all to be God's Holy Word. [2 Tim 3:16] We know that no sinner could have written it because of the way it describes sin. No saint could blaspheme God by pretending his own Word was God's. No angel could have written it for the same reason. [Heb 4:2]

11. Prize the Bible highly. [Ps. 119:72] It is your lifeline; you were born by it [James 1:18] you need to grow by it [1 Pet 2:2] [cf. Job 23:12].

12. Love the Bible ardently [Ps. 119:159].

13. Come to read it with an honest heart. [Luke 8:15] (a) Willing to know the entire and complete will of God (b) reading in order to be changed and made better by it [John 17:17].

14. Apply to yourself everything that you read, take every word as spoken to yourself. Its condemnation of sins as the condemnation of your own sin; the duty that it requires as the duty God would require from you [2 Kings 22:11].

15. Pay close attention to the commands of the Word as much as the promises. Think of how you need direction just as much as you need comfort (Psalm 119:9-11).

16. Don't get carried away with the minor details, rather make sure to pay closest attention to the great things [Hosea 8:12].

17. Compare yourself with the Word. How do you compare? Is your heart something of a transcript of it, or not? (James 1:21-25)

18. Pay special attention to those passages that speak to your individual, particular and present situation. e.g. (a) Affliction -- [Heb. 12:7, Isaiah 27:9, John 16:20, 2 Cor 4:17. (b) Sense of Christ's presence and smile withdrawn -- [Isaiah 54:8, Isaiah 57:16, Ps. 97:11] (c) Sin -- [Gal 5:24, James 1:15, 1 Peter 2:11, Prov 7:10&22-23, Prov 22:14] (d) Unbelief -- [Isaiah 26:3, 2 Sam 22:31, John 3:15, 1 John 5:10, John 3:36]

19. Pay special attention to the examples and lives of people in the Bible as living sermons. (a) Punishments [Nebuchadnezzar, Herod, Num 25:3-4&9, 1 Kings 14:9-10, Acts 5:5,10, 1 Cor 10:11, Jude 7] (b) mercies and deliverances [Daniel, Jeremiah, the 3 youths in the fiery furnace]

20. Don't stop reading the Bible until you find your heart warmed. [Ps 119:93] Let it not only inform you but also inflame you [Jer 23:29, Luke 24:32].

21. Put into practice what you read [Ps 119:66, Ps 119:105, Deut 17:19].

22. Christ is for us Prophet, Priest and King. Make use of His office as a Prophet [Rev 5:5, John 8:12, Ps 119:102-103]. Get Christ not only to open the Scriptures up to you, but to open up your mind and understanding [Luke 24:45]

23. Make sure to put yourself under a true ministry of the Word, faithfully and thoroughly expounding the Word [Prov 8:34] be earnest and eager in waiting on it.

24. Pray that you will profit from reading [Isaiah 48:17, Ps 119:18, Nehemiah 9:20].

Which Question Is Not Like the Others and What is the Answer?

One of following questions is not like the others.

Read the root question carefully:

To which one of these questions can you not even begin to give a clear, plain, simple, definitive, directly-Biblical answer?

1. What is God like?
2. How did all things begin?
3. How do we know God?
4. What is man's spiritual state?
5. Is Jesus truly man?
6. Is Jesus truly God?
7. What must I do to be saved?
8. Does Jesus keep those He saves?
9. Is it righteous to have sex with anyone other than one's spouse?
10. Can I kill someone if he makes me mad?
11. How do I tell which feelings are God's way of nudging me to do something, or God "talking" to me, and which are just my flesh, my imagination, or something else?
12. Is the Bible God's Word?
13. Does the Bible tell us everything we need to know, in order to know and serve God?
14. What is a pastor's main job?
15. Should I take things that belong to other people without their permission?
16. If I'm saved by grace, may I just go on sinning?
17. Did Jesus really die?
18. What did Jesus' death accomplish?
19. Did Jesus really rise bodily from the dead?
20. Will Jesus really return bodily one day?
21. Will Christians be raised bodily?
22. Should I study the Bible?

Is the answer significant?

(Hint: starts with a "y.")