Bible Study: December 22, 2007
Hello My Friend/Guest,
"Make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil. Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children. And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it." (Psalm 90:15-17 KJV)
It is Saturday December 22, 2007 and today we are completing our studies on the book of I John. Please read, I John 4 -- 5. In Today's Reading we will learn about how to test the spirits; an appeal for brotherly love; and the witness of the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit directed the Apostle John to write: "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world." (I John 4:1-3). Doctrinal deception is widespread and often difficult to discern. Jesus warns us that "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 7:21). He also warns us to pay attention to those who claim to know be and know Hi, for they are deceivers. "Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them." (Luke 21:8).
Jesus also warns us that many who believe they are the children of the Kingdom shall be cast into the darkness. "When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 8:10-12).
The consequence of deception is horrifying. Just think! The majority of "religious" people will be cast into outer darkness. Nothing could be of more importance than to remove all uncertainty that we are included with the few there that find eternal life. Since it determines our destiny for eternity, we are told to examine for ourselves whether we believe in the faith of our Lord Jesus. (See II Corinthians 13).
John tells us, "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth." (I John 5:1-6).
Being born of God is far more than just becoming a member of a church or believing certain doctrinal facts about Jesus Christ. It affects the whole life, the heart as well as the head. It molds your character and guides your conduct. If we have genuinely put our faith in Jesus as the Son of God we will have a desire to be obedient to His Commandments. "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." (Luke 9:23).
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for blessing me with a new day here on earth and thank you for the many blessings you give me each day. Lord, try me, and search the ground of my heart, prove me and examine my thoughts. Look well into my soul and if there be any wickedness in me or any root of bitterness yet undiscovered, forgive me, cleanse me and lead me to everlasting life. Walk with me, guide me, and be with me in all that I do. I truly believe that Jesus is Your Son and that He died to save me from eternal darkenss and death. Give me peace and knowing that I will spend eternity with You. In Jesus name, I pray......Amen.
Have a wonderful day/night and weekend, Season's Greetings to you and your family.
God Bless,
Christina
