Weekly Teachings

Colossians 1:1-4, 26 – “Saints” (in Greek hagios) translated “holy” 161 times and “saints” 61 times. Who are the saints? Romans 1:6 and 7 Called of Jesus Christ, beloved of God 1 Corinthians 1:2 - Sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling God makes us saints through Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 This calling to holiness is by His grace, not our works. 1 Corinthians 6: 11 We were washed in the blood of Jesus in order to become holy. Hebrew 10:10 - By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 2 Corinthians 1:1 The word hagios is not used in the epistle of Galatians. Ephesians 1:1-4; 2:1-10 Ephesians 4:17-24 Your new self has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. You are not the same! You have a new you! Colossians 1:1 The epistles are written to saints, the faithful in Christ Jesus, not to unbelievers. The Word of God is written for believers. Colossians 1:19-23 We are now reconciled through Christ so that we may be presented before God as holy ones, blameless, beyond reproach (that cannot be called into account, unreproveable,unaccused). Colossians 3:1-17 Live like saints.

Philippians 3:4-17 Paul is the example we are to follow. 1Corinthians 5:8-16 We are to be imitators of Paul who was an imitator of Christ. 1Corinthains 10:31-11:1 Imitator of Paul just as he was of Christ Acts 161-4 The decrees decided upon at Jerusalem stated that the Gentiles did not need to be circumcised. 1Corinthians 9:19-27 I become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. Matthew 10:37-39 All or nothing walk Acts 16:5-7 The spirit of Jesus, the spirit of God, the spirit of truth, holy spirit − all are different names for the same thing. Jesus is the head of the church, and he directs his followers. 10 Immediately, they responded to the direction given. Acts 5:20; 8:26-29; 9:6 and 11; 10:20; and 12:17 13 Paul was constantly out and about and looking for opportunity to speak the Gospel. 14 The Lord opened her heart − the only way it works! 18 The authority of the name of Jesus Christ is undeniable. 25 The level of commitment and focus provides a powerful example. 30 The way God reaches people is supernatural. 40 Philippians 4:10-13 “I can do all things through Christ….”

Acts 2:4 The day of Pentecost after Jesus ascended marked the beginning of the church age and the beginning of the last days of the age. John 4:24 and 25 The spirit provides unparalleled ability to worship. John 14:15-24 The holy spirit is Christ living in us. Ephesians 2:17-22 The church has become the temple of God, so we are able to worship God in a manner never before available. John 14:15-23 Christ is in us. Colossians 1:27Gregory A. Boyd in his book Present Perfect (Finding God in the Now), wrote: “remaining awake to God’s presence in the present moment is the single most important task of the Christian life and that no spiritual discipline is more foundational or transforming than this one.Isaiah 38:19 and 20 The single most important thing a human can do is to worship God. John 7:1 and 2 The Feast of Booths, also called the Feast of Ingathering, was at the end of the agricultural year (Exodus 23:16; 34:22) and was a time of great rejoicing. John 7:37-39 The spirit will cause spiritual life to flow out of us. Philippians 2:12 and 13 God is at work within you to will and do of His good pleasure. Thomas Kelly in His book A Testament of Devotion says: “In this humanistic age, we suppose man is the initiator and God is the responder, but the Living Christ within us is the initiator, and we are the responders.” “He is the center and source of action, not the end-point of thought.”John 14:16-18; 16:12-14 The spirit is our teacher. 1 Corinthians 2: 8-16 We have the mind of Christ. Proverbs 2:3-5 Seeking is important. Luke 24:49; Ephesians 1:19; 3:20; Colossians 1:11 We have power. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11

In the time of Moses, the people were required to give their firstborn − both human and animal. Remember the Levites took the place of the firstborn children. So that the Levites could serve God, the children of Israel gave tithes of all, that is 10% of all, and always were to give the first fruit. God got the best rather than the leftovers. They also gave of their time. Each week, they observed the Sabbath, and three times a year they had a weeklong feast and other special days of observance. God was not to be the last activity or the afterthought; rather, God was to be first in everything all of the time. Acts 4:32-36 The believers shared a common mind, an open consistent fellowship, and were generous. Acts 5:1-11 Ananias and Sapphira threatened the purity and commitment of the church. 12-16 One would think that the situation would have had a negative impact, but the opposite happened. Acts 19:13-20 Again, the opposite of what one would expect happened. Acts 5:17 and 18 Jealousy is an extremely powerful motivation which inspires unlimited evil. 19 When God is on your side, no prison can hold you in. 20 The mission of the church is exceptionally clear when we have eyes to see. 24 The bad guys were greatly perplexed. Really! What can anyone do to stop the movement of God? 29 Their boldness was supernaturally driven. 33-39 Gamaliel presented sound reasoning which we too must consider. 42 Their commitment and passion provide the example we should follow.

Acts 2:42-47 Their lifestyle was evidence of their faith (James 2:14-26). Common - It is evident that John possessed property, which he retained (John 19:27). Jesus did not command them to give up their property into a common stock, nor did the apostles (Acts 5:4). Exodus 13:1, 2, 11-16 The firstborn belonged to God (Numbers 3:11-13, 40-51). Exodus 23:19; 34:26; Lev. 23:10 Israel gave their first fruit. 2 Chronicles 31:5-12; Proverbs 3:5-10 Genesis 14:17-24 His attitude was one of thankfulness, respect, and a sincere desire to give God due honor. The sacrifice of giving was as worship of God. Genesis 28:12-15, 20-22; Deuteronomy 14:22 and 23 Exodus 16:23-29; 20:8-11; 31:14-16; 35:2 They gave their time with at less one day a week devoted to Yahweh. Exodus 23:14-17; Deuteronomy 16:10-16 Three times a year, they gave a full week. Acts 4:32-37 They gave what they did not need. Levites according to the Law were not to own land, so Barnabas was doing what he should have been doing all along. Acts 5:1-11 Ananias and Sapphira brought evil into the church which had not been there. Acts 5:12-16 We can look for the same today because God and our Lord have not changed.

Acts 3:1 – They went out looking for an opportunity to speak on behalf of their Lord. Seldom do we see something for which we are not looking. 4 – Peter locked in and took control, just as he had seen his Lord do so many times before this. They are walking, Christlike walking, in the confidence and power of God. 6 – Peter had the power and authority to use the name of Jesus Christ. Expectations and faith have everything to do with healing. Mark 16:17 and 18 13 – Peter deferred the glory to God and used the situation as an opportunity to witness. 15 – Peter identified Jesus. Notice he never said that Jesus was God or the third part of the Trinity. 16 – Faith in the name is why the man was made whole. 18 – All His prophets - Acts 17:2,3; 26:22,23; 28:23; Luke 24:26,27,44; 1Cor 15:3,4; 1Peter 1:10,11; Rev. 19:10 19 – “Times of refreshing” - this is that time that all the prophets and apostles have written about, the time when our Lord the Messiah will return. 21 – “Restoration” means to restore to its former state. “All His holy prophets” refers to the Old Testament. Apostles wrote the new (2Peter 3:1 and 2). 22 – Deuteronomy 18:15-18 25 – Genesis 22:18 26 – Peter calls him “Servant.” 4:6 – Annas and Caiaphas are the same men responsible for the torture and death of Jesus. 10 – Peter receives their questions as an invitation to witness. 13 – Their boldness is extraordinary. 16 – Resistance to the Gospel has always been an issue. 19 – Peter’s boldness is again apparent. 29 – They prayed for boldness.

Matthew 28:18-20 The great commission of the church GOD Genesis 1:1 God is the Creator (Revelation 4:11; Psalms 102:25-27). He is bigger than His creation. Genesis 2:4 Yahweh Elohiym Genesis 14:18-20 Most High God (Isaiah 40:12) Genesis 17:1-8 Almighty, omnipotent (1Chronicles 29:11 and 12) Romans 11:33-36 Omniscient, infinite knowledge Exodus 3:14 I am the existing one, eternal one, omnipresent (Jeremiah 23:23 and 24, Proverbs 15:3) Exodus 6:1-3 God’s name is YHWH. Exodus 3:13-15 His memorial name to all generations. (Ps. 83:18; Isaiah 42:8; 51:15; Ps. 5:11; 34:3; 105:1 and 3; 45:17; 72:17; 102:12; 135:13) Exodus 34:5-7 Yahweh’s attributes Matthew 5:16- 7:29 Jesus introduced Yahweh as Father to those who believe. JESUS CHRIST Luke 1:31-35 - Son of God (John 20:31) Romans 1:4 - The resurrection is the proof that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. John 3:14-18 Jesus primarily referred to himself as the Son of Man. Matthew 8:20; 9:6; 10:23 Son of Man - Jesus referred to himself most often as the Son of man. Numbers 23:19 The first time “son of man” is used reveals that God and Jesus are not one. Matthew 12:17-21 and Isaiah 42:1-3 He was the servant of Isaiah (Acts 3:13 and 26; Acts 4:25-30). John 1:42 - They found the Messiah. Matthew 16:16 - “You are the Christ (Messiah). Luke 1:30-33 Jesus will be the King on the throne of David. Acts 3:22; Deuteronomy 18:15-19; John 1:45 Prophet like Moses – Recorded in John 1:45 Hebrew 2:17, 4:14-16 Our high priest, the mediator between God and man 1Timothy 2:5 Ephesians 1:2; Romans 1:4; 10:9 and 10 – God is our Father, and Jesus is our Lord. John 4:42 The savior of the world (2Ti 1:10; Philippians 3:20) JESUS’ RELATIONSHIP TO YAHWEH John 20:17 Jesus has the same God and Father that we have. He never considered himself to be God and never called himself God. John 5:17-30 Jesus clearly states the relationship he has with God the Father. Romans 15:6; 2Corinthians 1:3; 11:31; Ephesians 1:3, 17; Colossians 1:1-3; 1Peter 1:3 John 13:3 He knew he came from God and that he was going to God. Acts 2:33 Three separate but united realities HOLY SPIRIT John 14:12, 15- 20 The spirit of truth enables us to be Christ like. It is our helper. John 14:26 The holy spirit teaches and bring things back to mind. John 15:26 It will bear witness of Christ. John 16:12-15 The spirit is not a person, rather an empowerment that facilitates Christ to be the head of the church by directing each individual member. Matthew 28:18-20 Each believer should be immersed in the name of the Father, the Son, and the holy spirit and communicate these three vital subjects to the world.

9 – God’s will is found in the Scriptures and in prayer. According to James 3:17, God’s wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, and full of mercy and good fruits…. 10 – Only by knowing and applying God’s will, can we walk in a manner worthy of Him. 11 – Steadfastness, patience, and joyously giving of thanks are the aim. 1:21-23; 3:12-16 13 – We need to claim this as our truth. Jesus is now our high priest, prophet, and king. 15 – The verse does not say he is God, rather the image of God. The Greek word is eikon, first used in Matthew 22:16-22. We get the English word “icon” from eikon. Romans 1:23; 8:29 We are to be the image of Christ. 1Corinthians 11:7; 2Cor. 3:8 and 2 Corinthians 4:5 Colossians 1:15 God is the Creator, not the created one. Jesus is not the creator, rather the created one. Jesus is the firstborn from the dead. Verse 18; Romans 8:29, and Revelation 1:5 16 – Everything on earth was created for Adam and Eve, according to Genesis 1:26-31. When Jesus was raised from the dead, God created a whole new order of authority. The “creation” is not talking about the physical earth or heaven as in Genesis 1; rather, it refers to the authority in heaven and earth. The “all things” do not include stars and planets, light and matter, but authority and governance. God created through Jesus and for Jesus. 17 - God has placed Jesus in this highly exalted position. Philippians 2:6-11; Ephesians 1:19-23 1Corinthians 15:27 and 28 27 Christ in you the hope of glory

Isaiah 53:9 - His body was with a rich man in death. Matthew 27:57-60; John 19:39-42 Matthew 12:40 says three days and three nights (72 hours); Mark 8:31 states – “after three days rise again;” and Matthew16:21 says – “he will be raised on the third day." He died about 3PM; so, three days and three nights would end about 3PM on the third day. The completion of 72 hours would still be on the third day. Matthew 28:1-4 - The actual resurrection is not recorded because, according to 1 Corinthians 15:51, it is a mystery. The guards were placed there so that no one could steal the body and start communicating that he was raised as he said he would be. The guards later were paid off not to tell the truth about what happened. Matthew 28:11 Matthew 28:1 The weekly Sabbath was Saturday, so when these women were at the tomb at dawn on the first day of the week, it was early Sunday morning which means Jesus was up already. He died on Wednesday and arose on Saturday. Matthew 28:2-10 - Thirteen post resurrection appearances are recorded. Luke 24:1-15 His resurrected body was much different from the body they buried. Luke 24:21 – Palm Sunday was all about Jesus riding into Jerusalem as the King. Yet, he did not begin to reign; rather, he was tortured and killed. So, they were confused. Luke 24:27 – His action revealed the vital importance of the Scriptures. Our Lord’s example provides a vivid example. Luke 24:32 - They could focus on the many marvelous realities, but their attention was upon the understanding they gained from the Scriptures. Isaiah 50:4 and 5 Today, Jesus in ascended position at the right hand of God through the holy spirit is doing the same for those who hunger to know the truth. 1 Corinthians 2:8-13 We have the spirit so that we might know. Luke 24:33-49 The message is powerful. Mary MagdaleneJohn 20:11-17Two men on road to Emmaus Luke 24:13-32PeterLuke 24:33 and 34Eleven disciples (minus Thomas)John 20:19-24; Mark 16:14Disciples including ThomasJohn 20:25-29Disciples at the Sea of TiberiasJohn 21:1-23Twelve apostlesActs 1:1-9Cephas1 Corinthians 15:5The twelve1 Corinthians 15:5Above 500 brethren 1 Corinthians 15:6James1 Corinthians 15:7All the apostles1 Corinthians 15:7Paul1 Corinthians 15:8

Isaiah 50 1 – Although Yahweh had the right to divorce Israel (Deuteronomy 24:1-4) and to sell her to the creditors (2Kings 4:1; Neh. 5:1-5; and Matthew 18:25), He did not. They and the generation before them were “sold” because of their own sin. 2 – The separation of Israel can in no wise be attributed to a lack of loving concern upon God’s part. He came to His own, but they received Him not. He called to them, but no one answered. 4 – The servant of the LORD is unintroduced but begins to speak. Yahweh equipped His servant for the task of teaching those who are weary. 5 – The servant was prepared that he might know the divine will and obey it. No rebellion, no apostasy, no treacherous faithlessness is found in the servant. Matthew 26:39-46 6 – Instead of saying that men beat him, he declares that he himself gave his back to those who struck him. The most heinous and degrading insults possible - 2Samuel 10; Matthew 26:59-67 7 - Through it all, when men ruthlessly rose up against him, the thought filled his mind that Yahweh was helping him. He may have been shamed and disgraced by men but not by God. 8 - Yahweh will declare that the servant is innocent. 1Peter 2:21-23 11 - Walking in their own light, they walk in darkness. John 5:22-27; 2Timothy 4:1 Isaiah 52:13-15 belong to chapter 53. 13 - He will be exalted. Acts 2:33; 3:13, 21; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 12:1-3 14 - As his exaltation and glorification will be of the highest, so his degradation was of the deepest. His form was so disfigured that he no longer resembled a man. 15 - As a result of his saving work, even the most exalted of men will stand in awe before him. 53:1 - Read John 12:27-41; Roman 10:16. No one understood what was happening because of the hardness of their hearts, and God did not want them to know. 2 – His relationship with God was glorious but unknown to men. He looked just like a normal man, not a king or priest. 3 - Humanity found him so revolting to look upon because of the grief and sicknesses that characterized him, that we turned our faces away from him as though he were stricken with some repulsive disease. 4 - A vicarious sacrifice, designed to satisfy the justice of God and reconcile the sinner to God 7 - Matthew 27:12-14; Mark15:5; Luke 23:9; John 19:9 11 – 2 Corinthians 5:21 13 - Eph 1:20-ff; Phil 2:8-12 God has already raised him and has him seated at His right hand. In the future, Jesus will reign over all the earth, which is reward for being faithful unto the end!

Isaiah 42:1 – This prophecy pertains to Jesus according to Matthew 12:14-21. Jesus is the servant (John 6:38 and Philippians 2:5-11), and he is elect (1Peter 1:18-20). 2 - He will be gentle, not screaming or quarreling in the streets. 3 - He will not harm the needy; rather, he will finally bring justice through true judgment. Isaiah 61:1-3; Matthew 18:11-14 4 - His ministry will not end until he has completed God’s work. “Coastlands” refers to the Gentiles. 1 Corinthians 15:27 and 28 5 – God, Yahweh, addresses the Messiah directly. 6 - This is a clear declaration of the Lord’s ministry. God called him in righteousness and promised to hold his hand and to guard him. Jesus is the fulfillment of the covenant given to Abraham and the fathers to bring light to the Gentiles. Romans 15:7-12 7 - In Acts 26:13-23, the Apostle Paul was given the same ministry, to continue the Lord’s ministry. 8 – Yahweh is my name! Psalms 83:18. He will not share his glory with another, Isaiah 45:11 and 12; 48:11; Revelation 14:6 and 7. Jesus has his own glory. John1:4; Luke 9:26; Matthew 19:28; John17:21, 22, and 24; 1Peter 1:20 and 21 9 – God tells the future before it happens. That which He says will happen in the future, we can be sure will happen. He has a perfect record; therefore, He is absolutely trustworthy. 12 - Everyone at all times should give glory to God, especially in light of the coming of the Messiah. Romans 15:1-6. This should be our personal mission statement. Isaiah 49 contains the second suffering psalm. 1 - Long before the Messiah was born, this prophecy was written about him in the first person. It is written as if he is speaking then. This style of writing is not uncommon in the time of Isaiah. 3 - The Messiah is called “Israel,” which cannot be referring to the sinful rejecting Israel, but rather the true Israel. When God first gave the name to Jacob, the meaning was also given that is "with God you shall prevail." The Messiah of the people was indeed the true Israel. 4 - "He came unto His own, and His own received Him not" (#Isa 53:1-3; Lu 19:14; John 1:11 7:5). Lord — Ultimately, God will do justice to My cause. He was never "discouraged" (#Isa 42:4 50:7, 10). He calmly, in spite of seeming ill success for the time, left the result with God and was confident of final triumph (#Isa 53:10-12; 1Pe 2:23). 5 - He was commissioned to bring Israel back to God; however, in his earthly ministry, they were not brought back, nor are they yet gathered back. They will be when he returns. 6 - He was sent to do more than reconcile Israel. God wanted the Gentiles also! 7 - Jesus was despised, rejected, and hated by mankind. The world’s rulers such as Herod, Pilate, Caiaphas, and Annas mistreated him. However, a day is coming when all the kings of the world will be in subjection to the King of kings. 12 - All this will happen at the end of the age when Jesus returns.

Exodus 3:1-22 Yahweh is present! The most effective way to strengthen faith is to receive reassurance that Yahweh is present. Allow God time to communicate to you through contemplation and prayer.   Joshua 1:1-9 Yahweh assured Joshua that He was with him.   Joshua 6:1-20 Faith and obedience go together; the walls came down. When we obey God’s Word, we can have confidence the walls will come down.   Judges 7:1-22 - Have no confidence in your own ability; rather, allow God to fight the battle for you. The sword of the Lord is with you.   Judges 15:9-20 No matter how monumental the circumstances, with God all things are possible. God can use the least significant thing in His creation to confound the mighty and wise.   1Samuel 17:26, 41-50 - The battle is the Lord’s. View life from a spiritual perspective, not a flesh and blood viewpoint. Faith soars when the mind is stayed on Yahweh and diminishes when focused on self.   2Kings 4:1-7 – Do your part by following God’s directions, and have faith that He will provide.   Isaiah 37:10-20 – Lay your concerns before Yahweh, and do not let yourself be intimidated.   Romans 8:31-39 – Make God’s Word your declaration.

Ephesians 1:1-3 Almighty God’s identity did not change with the New Testament and the advent of His Son. Deuteronomy6:4 remains the eternal benchmark − “Hear, O Israel! Yahweh is our God, Yahweh is one!” To Jesus and to us, Yahweh is God and our Father. Jesus the Christ is our Lord. 4 God chose us in Christ so we could be holy and without blame before God 5 God predestined sonship through Jesus Christ. 6 We bestow praise to the glory of God for the grace freely given through Christ. 11 God works all things after the counsel of His own will. 15 Our prayers are directed to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 And the prayer is to know God’s calling, inheritance, and power. 20-23 Jesus has authority over the church. He is the head. The high priest mediated between God and man; the great prophet communicated on God’s behalf; and the king ruled for God over the people of God. Jesus as the head is the high priest, prophet, and king. He is our Lord and master but not our God. Colossians 1:2, 3, 9-12 Our prayer is to the Father. 13 God rescued us. 14 We have redemption and forgiveness through His dear Son, our Lord Jesus. 18 Jesus is the head. 22 His death made it available for us to be presented before God as holy, blameless, and beyond reproach. 27 Christ is in us. John 14:3 - Where I am, there you may be also. John 14:18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. John 14:23 God in Christ make their abode in us. John 16:12-15 The holy spirit enables Christ to speak to us and guide us as our head. He is always with us. Colossians 2:8-13 We are complete in him and are lacking nothing. To think we have to do something or go somewhere is a deception. God in Jesus Christ has already done everything for us, and Christ is in you. Colossians 3-ff Change your mind and accept the finished work; think correctly. John 15:1-ff Stay connected to the head by obedience to his commands. Listen to him!

Ephesians 1:1-3 Almighty God’s identity did not change with the New Testament and the advent of His Son. Deuteronomy6:4 remains the eternal benchmark − “Hear, O Israel! Yahweh is our God, Yahweh is one!” To Jesus and to us, Yahweh is God and our Father. Jesus the Christ is our Lord. 4 God chose us in Christ so we could be holy and without blame before God 5 God predestined sonship through Jesus Christ. 6 We bestow praise to the glory of God for the grace freely given through Christ. 11 God works all things after the counsel of His own will. 15 Our prayers are directed to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 And the prayer is to know God’s calling, inheritance, and power. 20-23 Jesus has authority over the church. He is the head. The high priest mediated between God and man; the great prophet communicated on God’s behalf; and the king ruled for God over the people of God. Jesus as the head is the high priest, prophet, and king. He is our Lord and master but not our God. Colossians 1:2, 3, 9-12 Our prayer is to the Father. 13 God rescued us. 14 We have redemption and forgiveness through His dear Son, our Lord Jesus. 18 Jesus is the head. 22 His death made it available for us to be presented before God as holy, blameless, and beyond reproach. 27 Christ is in us. John 14:3 - Where I am, there you may be also. John 14:18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. John 14:23 God in Christ make their abode in us. John 16:12-15 The holy spirit enables Christ to speak to us and guide us as our head. He is always with us. Colossians 2:8-13 We are complete in him and are lacking nothing. To think we have to do something or go somewhere is a deception. God in Jesus Christ has already done everything for us, and Christ is in you. Colossians 3-ff Change your mind and accept the finished work; think correctly. John 15:1-ff Stay connected to the head by obedience to his commands. Listen to him!

Galatians 2:16-21; 3:21-22; 5:1-12 No one can be justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus. Peter remained the primary leader of the first century Church until a shift is seen in Acts 12:12-17. James the Lord’s brother began to rise to prominence. 1 Corinthians 15:4-8 Jesus appeared to James in his resurrected body. Galatians 1:14-19 In Paul’s early days, Peter was the primary leader along with James the Lord’s brother. James rose to prominence for a number of reasons: he was the Lord’s half-brother, Jesus appeared to him in his resurrected body, and he wrote the book of James which was the first epistle written and distributed among the Church. Starting in Acts 13, the focus switches from Peter to Paul. God reveals to Paul the greatness of the mystery, that is what God accomplished through the faith of Jesus Christ. The beginning of the new covenant and the inclusion of the Gentiles were central to this doctrine. The faith of Jesus Christ was God’s just way to make salvation available by grace and not by the works of the Law. Acts 15:1-21 James is obviously the one in charge and makes the final decisions. Nothing was decided at the meetings about the Jews keeping the Law. They were still under the assumption that it was necessary. Acts 15:22 Paul goes to Antioch with Barnabas. Galatians 2:1-16 James apparently changed his mind and decided keeping the Law was still necessary. Galatians 1:6-10 Very sharp language Acts 21:17-26 Paul was then arrested. The faith of Jesus Christ facilitates God’s gift of grace that those who have faith in Christ may receive righteousness with God. This grace is enough. Nothing more needs to be done; nothing more could be done. Galatians 5:16-26 The only question for us is: Do I have faith? Faith can be seen by the fruit of the spirit, and unbelief can be seen by the works of the flesh.

James 1:2 - The NAS Bible translates as “trials” the word that the KJV translates “temptations.” Frequently in the Scriptures, temptation and prayer are connected. Our attitude toward temptation determines its impact on us. We should not consider it strange that we are tempted (1Peter4:12), since it is common to all. 1Corinthains 10:13 - No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you will be able to endure it. 2Peter 2:9 - The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment, 3 and 4 – The great allurement of temptation is the illusionary deception that partaking thereof will provide some enhancement or pleasure for us. Simplicity of Faith Matthew 8:23-27 For Jesus, faith was simple. Matthew 14:28-33 Jesus told him to come; so, why fear? Just have faith. Matthew 15:21-28 The Syrophoenician woman had great faith. Matthew 17:14-20 The father came looking for Jesus but settled for the disciples. So, perhaps he doubted their ability. Matthew 21:18-22 Jesus gave a lesson about faith by example. Temptations present themselves by pleasure or pain. Temptations caused by the pleasures of lust, immorality, greed, and such like or the pain from tribulation, persecution, or worldly pressures are a signal to act out. Faith grows through practice. Every time we ask God for help and receive it, our faith is strengthened. We prove to ourselves that God is dependable and will never leave us.

Acts 2 At the beginning of the Church, they all spoke in tongues. Acts 8 We learn tongues is not necessarily automatic each time someone gets saved; rather, instruction must be given so a person can believe. Mark 16:17 "These signs will accompany those who have believed: in my name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues;” Acts 10 and 11 The undeniable evidence was they spoke in tongues. Acts 19 the 12 Disciples at Ephesus spoke with tongues and prophesied. 1Corinthians 12:1 To understand rightly any topic within an epistle, we must always interpret within the immediate context and that of the entire epistle. The topic of concern in chapter 12 is unity in the Church with diversity. 12:4-11 The gift is the holy spirit, and the nine listed are manifestations of the same spirit. Everyone who has the spirit can do these things, but not everyone does. 12:27-31 We need each other. 13:1-13 Topic is love manifested in the Church. 14:1- ff Primary topic is the proper use of tongues in the Church meetings. 14:2 The spirit gives the utterance so the one speaking, never understands. 5 and 13 One who speaks in tongues must interpret so everyone can understand. 14 and 15 Tongues is praying in the spirit. The person determines. 16 and 17 Tongues is blessing or praising God and giving thanks well. 19 Tongues is for private prayer life. 26-33 Everything must be done for the edification of the whole Church, not just yourself. 37-40 Heb 13:15 The sacrifice of praise and thanks cannot be mandated. A grateful heart and thanksgiving are holy and godly attitudes that are pleasing to God, others, and self but cannot be forced, enforced, dictated, commanded. SUMMARY 12:1 Now concerning spiritual matters, brothers, I would not have you ignorant. 12:31 Earnestly desire the greater gifts and I show you a still more excellent way. 14:1 Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual matters, but especially that you may prophesy. 14:5 Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy; and greater is one who prophesies than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edifying. 14:38AV But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. 14:39 and 40 Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues, but all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.

Matthew 7:1-12 Jesus commands us not to have a judgmental attitude that tears others down. We are to treat people the same way we want to be treated. Romans 2:1-3 Our perspective is very limited, and quite often our perceptions of people and situations are wrong. Whenever we measure out self-determined harsh judgments of others, we become the sinner and will receive the judgment of God. Romans 14:1-15:7 This chapter addresses the need for believers to love each other without strings attached but simply because we all belong to God and are in the same family. Verse 4 How could anyone allow himself to become so prideful that he harshly criticizes someone whom God has chosen to be in His family? Matthew 7:15 We must judge what the prophets are saying to decide if it is right to believe. Acts 20:29-31 Paul’s exhortation is very alarming and must be heeded. 1John 4:1 We must judge what we listen to, comparing what is said to the Scriptures. Two extremes to avoid are a reckless open-mindedness and a stubborn narrow-mindedness. Acts 17:11 We must search the Scriptures to see if these things are so. 1Corinthians 5:1-3 Paul confronted the church for not judging. Verses 4-13 We must be able to judge what a person is doing to the degree it will not ill effect us. James 1:5 Ask for God’s wisdom to avoid hypocritical judgments and to maintain wise judgments.

1 Thessalonians 1:3 Faith, hope, and love are the most basic indispensable aspects of our spiritual life. Without them steadfast in our hearts, life falls apart. Faith Hebrews 11:6 Without faith it is impossible to please God. Matthew 21:21 and 22 With faith we can move mountains. Ephesians 2:8 Faith is our part in the graceful relationship we have with God. Hope Hebrews 6:19 Hope is the anchor of our soul. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 We do not lose heart during difficult times because of hope. 1 John 3:2 and 3 The hope is our polestar guiding us to righteousness and holiness. Love Matthew 21:37-41 Love is the greatest commandment of all. John 13:34 and 35 Love is our distinguishing characteristic. 1 Peter 4:8 Love is above all. 1 Corinthians 13:13 The greatest of all We must fight to keep these three active in our daily lives. Faith Romans 10:17 Faith starts with hearing the truth, and misinformation causes faithlessness. James 1:21 Study of the Scriptures is essential to gain and maintain faith. James 2:14-26 Real faith always has corresponding works − one of which is prayer. Hebrews 11:13-16 Keep focus on God not self, circumstances, or situations. Hope Hope is made strong by biblical information, and it is diminished by wrong or no information. 1 John 3:1-3; Hebrews 11 - True hope influences behavior. Hopers pray. Psalms 37:3-7 Delight in Yahweh, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Love John 3:16 Accepting God’s love for me inspires love for Him and others. The Scriptures define and remind us to love. Ignorance of the truth has caused the love of many to grow cold. James 1:26 and 27 Real love has corresponding actions. Psalms 34:3-6 To remain loving, focus on God and not self or others is vital.

Genesis 3:15 The woman is promised offspring who will ultimately destroy the Adversary and his works. Genesis 21:12 God promised Abraham that the Messiah would be his offspring. Galatians 3:16 Deuteronomy 18:15 – 18 The Messiah would be a prophet like Moses. Moses was the mediator of the old covenant, and Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant. Both men received the revelation pertaining to their respective covenants. Psalms 110:4; Hebrews 5:6 The Messiah would be a priest after the order of Melchizedek. Genesis 49:10 Many years after Jacob spoke these words, the rulers of God’s people emerged from the tribe of Judah beginning with David. Numbers 23:21 The shout of a king was Israel’s joyous expectation of a coming Messiah. 2Samuel 7:12,13, 16; 1Kings 8:25; Psalms 132:11; Jeremiah 33:17; Psalms 89:3 and 4 God promised David that He would establish David’s throne forever. Micah 5:2 Micah revealed that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Isaiah 7:10-16 – Matthew 1:23 His name would be Immanuel. Jeremiah 23:5 This righteous branch would be a descendant of David. Jeremiah 33:14 and 15 The Messiah as a descendant of David will execute judgment as a king. Zechariah 3:8 The branch will also be a servant. Zechariah6:12 The branch will also be a man. Isaiah 4:2 The branch will be the Son of Yahweh. The four characteristics of the branch are he will be: 1) king, 2) servant, 3) man, and 4) Son of God.

Numbers 13:32 and 33 The report of the spies was factual, but wrong. Yahweh had promised that He would take them into the Promised Land. Entrance into the Promised Land was Yahweh’s great promise to their ancestors − Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Numbers 14:1-3 Fear of the future caused them to turn against God and level repulsive accusations at Him. Numbers 14:4 -9:15-23 They desired to abandon Yahweh’s leadership for someone who would bring them back to Egypt. They wanted to go back to the way it was yesterday in Egypt, which was nonexistent. 9 They completely lost their perspective that Yahweh was with them because they feared the future and regressed to the past. Yahweh is with us! Deuteronomy 20:1-4 Forty years later, Moses told them Yahweh is with you, Yahweh your God is the one who goes with you. You are not alone! Deuteronomy 31:1-8 The instruction to Joshua was not to be afraid because Yahweh is with you. Hebrews 13:5and 6 He will never leave you. Times may be hard, as they were with Paul, but Yahweh is always present with you. Philippians 4:4-9 The Lord is at hand; you do not need to be anxious. 1 John 3:1-3 In the moment, we can live with and for God. Right now, we are the sons of God. Colossians 1:13 and 14 Right now, we are rescued from the domain of darkness; we have redemption and forgiveness. 21 and 22 We are now reconciled. Our responsibility is simply to have the faith that accepts what God says is true now. Ephesians 2:13 Now, you are near. Ephesians 5:8 Now, we are the children of light. NOW IS THE TIME!

John 14:5-11; 8:28, 38; 12:49 Jesus always spoke what the Father wanted spoken, and he always did that which the Father wanted done. Jesus maintained constant fellowship with God. How did he do it? Mark 1:35 He went to a solitary place and took time to be alone with his Father to pray. Luke 11:1 Even while in the midst of people, he took time to be alone with God and pray. John 11:41-44 In all his doings, he recognized his union with the Father and his dependence on Him. John 8:3-9 Here we see his deliberate choice to seek the will of the Father before acting. He never responded to situations impetuously; rather, he always acted deliberately. To respond this way in a crisis indicates a habit developed under normal circumstances. If people typically live by their own wit, under fire they will do the same. Jesus developed the habit of talking with God and seeking His direction in all that he did. Luke 2:40 Jesus grew not only physically but also in his spiritual skills to walk with God. He disciplined and developed himself, just as we can. John 14:12 The works that I do, you can do also. Ephesians 4:6 Yahweh is omnipresent, which means He is always with you. You do not need to go anywhere or do anything to find God because He is always present with you. His very name means existing one. He is not elusive or obscure, nor is He hidden from us. We need only to exercise our will and acknowledge Him. Ephesians 6:5 and 6 In everything that we do, we can seek the will of God through Christ. Right now in this moment, you can connect with God! Matthew 6:34; James 5:13-17 You cannot worship God tomorrow, nor seek His will later. Right now is the only moment you have. Philippians 3:13 The good or evil we did yesterday has nothing to do with our now if in this moment we turn our hearts to God. Right now, you can talk to God and connect with Him because right now He is present with you. In yesterday or tomorrow, He is elusive, obscure, out of sight and reach. Jesus learned as we can also to live with God in the moment. Talk to God now and ask to know and then do His will. The Christian walk is not hard or impossible; rather, it is easy and very doable in this moment. When we bring the weight of yesterday and the anxiety of tomorrow, Christianity becomes burdensome, impracticable, undesirable, and impossible.

2 Kings 5:1 According to the prophet Micaiah, Yahweh did help Syria to defeat Israel and Judah although Naaman may not have known that to be true. 2 Kings 5:5 Some people will try desperate measures to gain healing, and many others just resign to the fact that they are sick and nothing can be done about it. Verse 11 His reaction seems somewhat normal. He predetermined how his healing was going to take place, and when it did not go that way, he got angry. He did not have the response of a humble man. He knew how to bring about his own healing! Verse 13 Wise and good counsel Verse 14 He was obedient to the specific instruction that was given to him and received his healing. Verse 15 He did the right thing in glorifying God and expressing thankfulness. Verse 19 Naaman had the right heart and did the right thing. Psalms 107:1-43 “Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, and for His wonders to the sons of men!” Thankfulness is the manifestation of a conscious, awake, vitalized, vibrant heart. When we are connected with God, we are grateful. 2 Kings 5:20-27 Gehazi’s actions are diametrically opposite because his heart was full of greed and self-interest. The whole story serves as a metaphor with the one freed from leprosy abounding in thankfulness and the other given entirely to selfishness contracting leprosy. Luke 17:11-19 When we experience God’s goodness, the right response that should automatically occur is to glorify and thank Him. The failure to respond accordingly speaks to the egocentric nature of man and his corresponding oblivious awareness. When we step back and view this incident, we may marvel at the absurd behavior of these nine unthankful men. Yet, we too are often guilty of the same. Colossians 3:12-17 - Be thankful!

Leviticus 20: 6 and 7 Mediums and spiritists are unholy. Wizard, soothsayer, necromancer, and familiar spirits are all names used to describe these evil powers. Leviticus 20: 26 and 27 In their time, they were to be put to death. In our day, our children entertain themselves watching such evil on TV, movies, and video games. Exodus 22:18 You shall not allow a sorceress to live. Deuteronomy 18: 9-14 Those who operate this power are influenced by the devil and are often demon controlled. Harry Potter is a series of seven fantasy novels written by the British author J. K. Rowling. The books chronicle the adventures of the adolescent wizard Harry Potter and his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, all of whom are students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The main story arc concerns Harry's quandary involving the evil wizard Lord Voldemort, who killed Harry's parents in his quest to conquer the wizarding world and subjugate non-magical people (Muggles). Since the June 30, 1997 release of the first novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, retitled Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in the United States, the books have gained immense popularity, critical acclaim and commercial success worldwide.[1] The series has also had some share of criticism, including concern for the increasingly dark tone. As of June 2008, the book series has sold more than 400 million copies and has been translated into 67 languages,[2][3] and the last four books have consecutively set records as the fastest-selling books in history. A series of many genres, including fantasy and coming of age, it has many cultural meanings and references.[4][5][6][7] According to Rowling, the main theme is death.. Deuteronomy 3:24 - For what god is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to your works, and according to your might? Exodus 15:11 - Who is like Yahweh? Ps 113:4 and 5 - Who is like Yahweh our God Jeremiah 10:6, 32:18 - You are great, and great is your name. 1Samuel 17:45-47 The battle is Yahweh's, and He will deliver His people from the enemy. Nehemiah 4:1-23 Discouragement was overcome because they turned their eyes upon Yahweh. 1Kings 18:20-46 Yahweh is no match for all the false gods and demons. 1John 4:4 God is in Christ in you!

Exodus 34:6 and 7 Yahweh’s self-description"Yahweh, Yahweh God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in loving kindness and truth; who keeps loving kindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations."Nehemiah 9:1-38 The prophet declares the historical documentation of the Yahweh’s great compassion. Psalms 103:1-18 Language representing the infinite and immeasurable is used to describe Yahweh’s compassion. Psalms 145: 6-11 We tend to forget God’s extraordinary mercy and compassion, which is devastating to our wellbeing. Isaiah 55:6-13 Everyone benefits from the mercy and compassion of God. When we acknowledge and experience His compassion, life is good. When we are oblivious to it, we become hardened, miserable, and defeated Joel 2:13 “And rend your heart and not your garments. Now return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving-kindness and relenting of evil.”Focus on the world which is an evil warzone and focus on people or self will cause callousness, cold-heartedness or heartlessness. God has low tolerance for people in such a state. Colossians 1:27 Christ is in you! Colossians 3:11-17 We have the ability within us to live just like God and Christ. Matthew 18:21-35 Those who obtain compassion and forgiveness are required to give them to others Matthew 25:31-46 You got them, now give them, or you will not get them again in the end.

Romans 6:1-11 Our old self was crucified with Christ; therefore, we now have a new self. 2 Corinthains 5:14-17 We now have entirely new views of men, of ourselves, and of the Messiah. Our estimate of man is now formed by views other than those according to the flesh. We are not the same. Galatians 6:11-18 Nothing matters other than the new creation. Ephesians 4:17-24 We have both the old and new self and must determine by which one we will live. Philippians 4:1-9 Our focus is the all important matter. If we think about the old man, we will live that way. If we think about the new man, we will live accordingly.

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2 Thessalonians 1-9 -- Isaiah 26:14 Hell is eternal separation from God. 2 Thessalonians 1:9-12 They are an example for us to follow in that they responded the right way to tribulation with great faith and love. Romans 12:10 -21 The proper godly response is to love and hold onto faith and hope. 1 Peter 4:12-19 Tribulation tempts people to give up because they feel disappointment, doubt, and a sense of betrayal by God. Such feelings are the result of wrong understanding or ignorance about God and His ways. James 1:1-18 God does not tempt people with evil. 1 Peter 5:9, 1 Corinthians 10:13 We can always be victorious if we maintain our faith, hope, and love. 2 Timothy 3:1-17 The Scriptures help us to be adequate, equipped for every good work.

Matthew 13:18-23 The Greek word thlipsis is translated tribulation, which means oppression, affliction, distress, straits, trouble, or anguish. Everyone who hears the gospel will suffer tribulation. John 16:33 In the world, we have tribulation. Our human nature is also called our old nature. The world (which is controlled by Satan), demons, and people all contribute to our tribulation. If you care about someone, you will suffer, and if you do not care about others, you suffer. Romans 5:1-5 We cannot avoid tribulation, but we can always determine how we respond to it. Romans 8:28-39 We are very blessed and can claim the victory. We cannot avoid the tribulation, and it is senseless to be upset that this is happening to you God is not to be blamed for the trouble; rather, He promises a solution in the end. Romans 12:10-21 In the future, God will make right the wrongs; meantime, we are to persevere with patience. 2 Corinthians 5:1-18 The way to get through the tribulation is to embrace the hope and keep on moving without losing heart. 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 1 Peter 4:12-19 Do not think that tribulation is some strange thing, rather understand that in this fallen world it is normal. How are you going to respond? Acts 14:1-ff Paul is an excellent example to follow

John 1:14-18 The NASB has translated verse 18 incorrectly. The KJV is much closer to the original Greek text. "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him." "Declared" is the Greek word exegeomai from ek (out of) and hegeomai (to lead out or to go before). It means to lead out, be leader, go before. It is used metaphorically to draw out in narrative, unfold a teaching. In Greek writing, it is used of the interpretation of things sacred, oracles and dreams (i.e. Daniel). Jesus made known God in a manner that no one had done before. He brought great understanding to the world about Yahweh. A large part of his ministry was making known to the world Yahweh. Luke 4:16-21 Jesus' own words on what his ministry was about Matthew 4:23-25 Mark 1:29-39 His ministry was to the world, not just a handful in one certain area. Matthew 9:35-38 Again, a summary of His ministry Matthew 10:1-15 He commissioned the 12 to carry out the same ministry. Luke 10:1-12 The 70 Disciples were given the same instruction. Matthew 28:18-20 The Church today is an extension of our Lord's ministry. 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 We are ambassadors for Christ which means we are in the place of Christ. He is not here, so we speak on his behalf the same message.

Luke 5:1-11 Peter had an epiphany by realizing who Jesus was, who Peter was, and the grace relationship that bonded them together. The impact of this event changed the course of his life. Luke5:12-16, 27-33 Jesus healed and called the social outcasts. Luke 5:17-26 Jesus forgave sins. Luke 15:11-32 God loves and forgives you. Ephesians one: 2 Grace is used 12 times in Ephesians -- verses 2, 6, 7; 2:2, 7, 8; 3:2, 7, 8; 4:7, 29; and 6:24 3 God's love is evident by the spiritual blessings He freely gives to us. 4 These blessings bestowed upon Christians are in accordance with an eternal purpose. They were not conferred by chance or haphazard. They were the result of intention and design on the part of God, and they come to us as the result of His everlasting plan. It was not a recent plan; it was not an afterthought; it was not by mere chance, nor was it caprice. 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons. 6 Grace has been freely bestowed on us in the beloved. 7 In Jesus Christ, we have redemption, the forgiveness of our trespasses. 8 Lavished with all wisdom and insight 9 Made known to us the mystery 11 Gave us an inheritance 13 Sealed us 14 Gave us a pledge 2:1-10 All this was done for us when we were dead in trespasses and sins. God loves you!

READ THE BIBLE TO UNDERSTAND GOD! Psalms 19:1-6 God's creation to a large extent teaches us about God. Genesis 1, 6, 14, 17; Exodus 3 and 6 Exodus 34:6 and 7 His glory revealed; the seven unchanging attributes of God ACKNOWLEDGE EVERYTHING GOD REVEALS ABOUT HIMSELF The great question we should ask is how does God present Himself? Genesis 19:15 - 19 First use in the Bible of "mercy" Genesis 6:5-8 The first time "grace" is written in the Scriptures Numbers 14:1-35 The second place "longsuffering" is used in the Scriptures. God is not who you want Him to be; rather, He is who He is. Far too many view God the way they want Him to be. Job 42:5 "I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear; But now my eye sees You" STUDY THE WHOLE BIBLE Some of books in the Bible (for example, Deuteronomy and Acts) present a wide-ranging view of God, while others (for example, Ezekiel and Revelation) emphasize limited aspects such as judgment and wrath. No one book covers everything about God; rather, the whole Bible contains the full picture. The Torah (Genesis -- Deuteronomy) sets the foundational understanding about God. Many start their reading of the Bible in the Gospels since they perceive those books to be the New Covenant (testament) and to be addressed exclusively to Christians. Who starts reading a book 3/4 of the way through and expects to gain a comprehensively understanding of the main theme or character? It is not surprising that so many believe Jesus is God rather than the son of God. If you had the Torah in your mind, you would see the vast contrast between Jesus and God. Jesus was able to feed multitudes with a few fish and loaves of bread; Yahweh created fish and wheat. Jesus had extraordinary power to calm the sea, raise the dead, heal the blind...; however, this is somewhat limited compared to the one who created the sun and the trillions of stars. Psalms 19:7-ff MEEKNESS TO GOD; SHUN POPULAR WORLD VIEW HUNGER TO KNOW GOD Exodus 34:1 Moses wanted to see God. Ephesians 1 and 3

God is omniscient and omnipresent; therefore, He always knows true reality. Humans quite often are deceived and believe lies, distortions, and half-truths. We have very limited knowledge and wisdom, and we are always only in one place at a time. 1Kings 14:1-9 God always sees things the way they really are. 2Kings 6:8-23 The true reality was different than what the senses reported. John 8:44 Deceptions are powerful, prevalent, and persistent. The primary way the devil operates is with lies. We are confronted with lies and deceptions from our own flesh, which includes reasoning, rationalization, memories, ignorance, and such like. The world and the demonic realm play a big part in creating our sense of reality, which too often is not true reality. The Great Principle Is: What we believe determines who we are and what we do. When we believe lies, we produce the fruit of those lies in our lives. When we believe the truth, we produce the fruit of the truth in our lives. 1Kings 22:1-37 Jehoshaphat believed that he and Ahab were one. Jehoshaphat's son was married to Ahab's daughter. We tend to twist things in our minds so that we can live with ourselves. To avoid accepting responsibility for our wrongdoing, we blame others. We tend to see what we want to see rather than what is real. We are self centered and therefore prone to grandiosity. We are not well informed, but think we know. Galatians 6:1- 10 What you sow, you reap is a law and applies to every soul. HOW TO HAVE AND HOLD TRUE REALITY: Stay connected with God. Spend most of your time in reality while avoiding fancy. Communicate with others and avoid living in your "own head." Always remember that feelings are not necessarily true. Do not buy into others' deceptions. Live now and understand that memories and expectations can deceive.

EXISTING ONE Exodus 3:13-15 "I am" is the Hebrew word Hayah, which is the verb form of God's proper name "Yahweh." De 33:27 The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them. Revelation 1:4 and 8 - "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." Alpha and the omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. The rabbis did the same with the Hebrew alphabet as a way to denote the whole of anything, from beginning to end; it is thus equivalent to saying that He has always existed, and that He will always exist. Revelation 4:8 and 9; 10:6; 11:17; 15:7; and 21:6 CREATOR Revelation 4:11- You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created." Revelation 10:6 ...WHO CREATED HEAVEN AND THE THINGS IN IT, AND THE EARTH AND THE THINGS IN IT, AND THE SEA AND THE THINGS IN IT.... 14:7 - Worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters." Genesis 1:1; Exodus 20:11; Acts 14:15; 17:24 HOLY, HOLY, HOLY Revelation 4:8 - "HOLY, HOLY, HOLY is THE LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME." Revelation 15:4 - "Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy." Isaiah 6:3; 57:15; 1Peter 1:15 and 16 ALMIGHTY Revelation 11:17 - "We give You thanks, O Lord God, the Almighty, who are and who were, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign. Revelation 16:7 "Yes, O Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments." 19:6 - Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns. THE RIGHTEOUS AND JUST JUDGE Revelation 15:4 and7; 16:5 and 7; 19:1 WORLDLY or Biblical view? God is omnipotent or almighty. The wrong worldview is God can do anything He wants and everything that happens is according to the will of God. God is omniscient, has infinite knowledge, and is all wise, all knowing, all seeing. The wrong worldview is that God knows everything before it happens. If He knows what is going to happen before it happens, He could and should intercede and ensure that only good happens. Romans 11: 33 and 34 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR? God is unchanging based upon verses such as Malachi 3:6 -- and James 1:7 The wrong worldview is that God never changes. God's person or nature never changes, but He can change His mind. Exodus 32:14 God inhabits eternity - The wrong worldview is that God dwells in the physical heavens. 2Chronicles 6:18 This wrong perspective makes people susceptible to the evil doctrine that when you die you ascend into heaven or descend into hell. God is one. The wrong worldview is that He is really three.

Acts 3:1-11 "I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene--walk!" Acts 16:16-18 "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her! And it came out at that very moment." Ephesians 1:18-23 Jesus has authority over every name that is named now and in the age to come. Philippians 2:6-11 At the name of Jesus, every knee will bow. 1 Peter 3:22 All angels, authorities, and powers are subjected to him. John 14:13 And If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. John 15:16 Jesus repeated himself. John 16:23-27 The one with absolute authority has given us authority to use his name to accomplish his purposes. Acts 3:11-16 "...On the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus..." Acts 4:5-12 "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved."