The Good Word Of The Day

Friday, April 17, 2009

The great commandment (the Golden Rule)

(see Matthew 22:34-40) Read online

The book of Matthew shows another example of how some of Jerusalem's religious leaders tried to test Jesus:

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question:

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"

Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
(Matthew 22:34-40 NIV).

Jesus was able to summarize the Law, which is the first five books of the Old Testament, into a few sentences.

Amos 3:8 The lion has roared— who will not fear? The Sovereign LORD has spoken— who can but prophesy?

Romans 8:15
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."

Pro - Superstar (Ft. Brothatone) Remix

Leviticus 25:43
Do not rule over them ruthlessly, but fear your God.



1 Samuel 14:26
When they went into the woods, they saw the honey oozing out, yet no one put his hand to his mouth, because they feared the oath.



Revelation 15:4
Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed."

What It Means To Seek Gods Glory

2 Chronicles 15:13
All who would not seek the LORD, the God of Israel, were to be put to death, whether small or great, man or woman.



Luke 11:9
"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

Exodus 3:5 "Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground."

Deuteronomy 32:4
He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.



Blessed to know God


Ezekiel 18:9
He follows my decrees and faithfully keeps my laws. That man is righteous; he will surely live, declares the Sovereign LORD.



Romans 11:20
Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid.



1 Corinthians 1:9
God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.

If You've Lost Your Faith, Feel No More Remorse, Let Him Back In Your Heart

Overcome Evil With Good

Ezra 9:6
and prayed: "O my God, I am too ashamed and disgraced to lift up my face to you, my God, because our sins are higher than our heads and our guilt has reached to the heavens.

No Sin Is Unforgivable, Do Not Be Betrayed By Satan.

There is more than life, more than pain.

Luke 21:28
When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

C's Up

1 John 1:7
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

THE CHAMP IS HERE HE IS MY LORD MY KING MY PROFESSOR.

God, pray for those who do not know Christ Jesus.

Help me to pray for those who do see clearly.

There vision has been blurred and scurred.

I'm worried that they won't meet us in the end.

They don't understand that they must contend.

In the end they can't ammend, or pretend.

Lord help them, they need you to defend.




Deuteronomy 9:26
I prayed to the LORD and said, "O Sovereign LORD, do not destroy your people, your own inheritance that you redeemed by your great power and brought out of Egypt with a mighty hand.
Deuteronomy 9:25-27 (in Context) Deuteronomy 9 (Whole Chapter)
Judges 13:8
Then Manoah prayed to the LORD : "O LORD, I beg you, let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born."
Judges 13:7-9 (in Context) Judges 13 (Whole Chapter)
Judges 16:28
Then Samson prayed to the LORD, "O Sovereign LORD, remember me. O God, please strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes."
Judges 16:27-29 (in Context) Judges 16 (Whole Chapter)
1 Samuel 1:10
In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the LORD.
1 Samuel 1:9-11 (in Context) 1 Samuel 1 (Whole Chapter)
1 Samuel 1:12
As she kept on praying to the LORD, Eli observed her mouth.
1 Samuel 1:11-13 (in Context) 1 Samuel 1 (Whole Chapter)
1 Samuel 1:13
Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk
1 Samuel 1:12-14 (in Context) 1 Samuel 1 (Whole Chapter)
1 Samuel 1:16
Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief."
1 Samuel 1:15-17 (in Context) 1 Samuel 1 (Whole Chapter)
1 Samuel 1:26
and she said to him, "As surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD.
1 Samuel 1:25-27 (in Context) 1 Samuel 1 (Whole Chapter)
1 Samuel 1:27
I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him.
1 Samuel 1:26-28 (in Context) 1 Samuel 1 (Whole Chapter)
1 Samuel 2:1
[ Hannah's Prayer ] Then Hannah prayed and said: "My heart rejoices in the LORD; in the LORD my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance.
1 Samuel 2:1-3 (in Context) 1 Samuel 2 (Whole Chapter)
1 Samuel 2:20
Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, "May the LORD give you children by this woman to take the place of the one she prayed for and gave to the LORD." Then they would go home.
1 Samuel 2:19-21 (in Context) 1 Samuel 2 (Whole Chapter)
1 Samuel 8:6
But when they said, "Give us a king to lead us," this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD.
1 Samuel 8:5-7 (in Context) 1 Samuel 8 (Whole Chapter)
1 Samuel 12:19
The people all said to Samuel, "Pray to the LORD your God for your servants so that we will not die, for we have added to all our other sins the evil of asking for a king."
1 Samuel 12:18-20 (in Context) 1 Samuel 12 (Whole Chapter)
1 Samuel 12:23
As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right.
1 Samuel 12:22-24 (in Context) 1 Samuel 12 (Whole Chapter)
1 Samuel 14:41
Then Saul prayed to the LORD, the God of Israel, "Give me the right answer." And Jonathan and Saul were taken by lot, and the men were cleared.
1 Samuel 14:40-42 (in Context) 1 Samuel 14 (Whole Chapter)
2 Samuel 7:18
[ David's Prayer ] Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said: "Who am I, O Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?
2 Samuel 7:17-19 (in Context) 2 Samuel 7 (Whole Chapter)
2 Samuel 7:27
"O LORD Almighty, God of Israel, you have revealed this to your servant, saying, 'I will build a house for you.' So your servant has found courage to offer you this prayer.
2 Samuel 7:26-28 (in Context) 2 Samuel 7 (Whole Chapter)
2 Samuel 15:31
Now David had been told, "Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom." So David prayed, "O LORD, turn Ahithophel's counsel into foolishness."
2 Samuel 15:30-32 (in Context) 2 Samuel 15 (Whole Chapter)
2 Samuel 21:14
They buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan in the tomb of Saul's father Kish, at Zela in Benjamin, and did everything the king commanded. After that, God answered prayer in behalf of the land.
2 Samuel 21:13-15 (in Context) 2 Samuel 21 (Whole Chapter)
2 Samuel 24:25
David built an altar to the LORD there and sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. Then the LORD answered prayer in behalf of the land, and the plague on Israel was stopped.
2 Samuel 24:24-25 (in Context) 2 Samuel 24 (Whole Chapter)
1 Kings 8:22
[ Solomon's Prayer of Dedication ] Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in front of the whole assembly of Israel, spread out his hands toward heaven
1 Kings 8:21-23 (in Context) 1 Kings 8 (Whole Chapter)
1 Kings 8:28
Yet give attention to your servant's prayer and his plea for mercy, O LORD my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day.
1 Kings 8:27-29 (in Context) 1 Kings 8 (Whole Chapter)
1 Kings 8:29
May your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, this place of which you said, 'My Name shall be there,' so that you will hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place.
1 Kings 8:28-30 (in Context) 1 Kings 8 (Whole Chapter)
1 Kings 8:30
Hear the supplication of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.
1 Kings 8:29-31 (in Context) 1 Kings 8 (Whole Chapter)
1 Kings 8:33
"When your people Israel have been defeated by an enemy because they have sinned against you, and when they turn back to you and confess your name, praying and making supplication to you in this temple,
1 Kings 8:32-34 (in Context) 1 Kings 8 (Whole Chapter)
1 Kings 8:35
"When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain because your people have sinned against you, and when they pray toward this place and confess your name and turn from their sin because you have afflicted them,
1 Kings 8:34-36 (in Context) 1 Kings 8 (Whole Chapter)
1 Kings 8:38
and when a prayer or plea is made by any of your people Israel—each one aware of the afflictions of his own heart, and spreading out his hands toward this temple-
1 Kings 8:37-39 (in Context) 1 Kings 8 (Whole Chapter)
1 Kings 8:42
for men will hear of your great name and your mighty hand and your outstretched arm—when he comes and prays toward this temple,
1 Kings 8:41-43 (in Context) 1 Kings 8 (Whole Chapter)
1 Kings 8:44
"When your people go to war against their enemies, wherever you send them, and when they pray to the LORD toward the city you have chosen and the temple I have built for your Name,

John 6:53 Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.

Hebrews 12:24
to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.



Hebrews 10:19
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,

A Passion For Christ I'll Have You Praying For Revival

Jeremiah 3:22
"Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding." "Yes, we will come to you, for you are the LORD our God.



Proverbs 27:19 As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man.

Phanatik "Show'Em Off" Music Video (Cross Movement Records)

Ecclesiastes 5:20
He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.


2 Timothy 2:7
Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

2 Corinthians 3:18
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Praise be to him!!

Do not be scared because this is real.

But reflect because your soul rest in your hand and in your faith only.

Eternal fire, or eternal life?

It'd be ashamed to never know him.

You've never known mercy until you've known God.

Christ Jesus knows.

God All Day.

All Nations Battle His Name

Song of Solomon 8:6
Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame.

God
Jesus Christ
The Lord Who Lives Forever
King
Lion
Savior

Deuteronomy 6:5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

Da Truth - Welcome to the Faith

Deuteronomy 11:13
So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today—to love the LORD your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul-


Joshua 22:5
But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul."


Will Smith Beat Box

Proverbs 20:30
Blows and wounds cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being.

The authority of Jesus

(see Matthew 21:23-27) Read online

The opponents of Jesus had to be careful in trying to silence him. They knew that Jesus was popular, so they tried to find ways to trap him without angering the people. In this example from the book of Matthew, the opponents came up with a ploy that backfired:

Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. "By what authority are you doing these things?" they asked. "And who gave you this authority?"

Jesus replied, "I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John's baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or from men?"

They discussed it among themselves and said, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will ask, 'Then why didn't you believe him?' But if we say, 'From men'—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet." So they answered Jesus, "We don't know."

Then he said, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
(Matthew 21:23-27 NIV).

The triumphal entry into Jerusalem

It is by the name of Jesus Christ ... Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. - Acts 4:10,12 (NIV)


(see Matthew 21:1-11) Read online
Photo of donkeys - Copyright maigiAbout 500 years before the time of Jesus, there was a prophet of God named Zechariah (see Zechariah 9:9) who spoke of a king presenting himself to Jerusalem while riding on a humble donkey. This is how Jesus entered the Holy City of Jerusalem shortly before he was crucified and killed. He rode on the back of a donkey into the city. Along the way, a crowd of people gathered near Him, praising him as he went by.

Mystery donors give over $45M to 9 universities

DES MOINES, Iowa – A mystery is unfolding in the world of college fundraising: During the past few weeks, at least nine universities have received gifts totaling more than $45 million, and the schools had to promise not to try to find out the giver's identity.

One school went so far as to check with the IRS and the Department of Homeland Security just to make sure a $1.5 million gift didn't come from illegal sources.

"In my last 28 years in fundraising ... this is the first time I've dealt with a gift that the institution didn't know who the donor is," said Phillip D. Adams, vice president for university advancement at Norfolk State University, which received $3.5 million.

The gifts ranged from $8 million at Purdue to $1.5 million donated to the University of North Carolina at Asheville. The University of Iowa received $7 million; the University of Southern Mississippi, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and the University of Maryland University College got $6 million each; the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs was given $5.5 million; and Penn State-Harrisburg received $3 million.

It's not clear whether the gifts came from an individual, an organization or a group of people with similar interests. In every case, the donor or donors dealt with the universities through lawyers or other middlemen. Some of the money came in cashier's checks, while other schools received checks from a law firm or another representative.

All the schools had to agree not to investigate the identity of the giver. Some were required to make such a promise in writing.

"Our chancellor was called to a Denver law office and had to sign a confidentiality agreement that she would not try to find out," said Tom Hutton, spokesman at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. "Once the chancellor signed it, she was emphatic that we don't try to find out."

Each was delivered since March 1 and came with the same stipulation: Most of the money must be used for student scholarships, and the remainder can be spent on various costs such as research, equipment, strategic goals and operating support.

"We have no idea who this generous individual is, but we're extremely grateful," said Lynette Marshall, president and chief executive of the University of Iowa foundation. "This is the first time in my 25-year career that something of this magnitude has happened."

Usually when schools receive anonymous donations, the school knows the identity of the benefactor but agrees to keep it secret. Not knowing who is giving the money can raise thorny problems.

William Massey, vice chancellor for alumni and development at UNC-Asheville, said the school contacted the Department of Homeland Security and the IRS to make sure the money was legal before accepting it.

"There may be an ethical problem if you knowingly accept funds from ill-gotten gains," said Colorado Springs' Hutton. University officials "do due diligence and ask the appropriate questions and receive satisfactory answers."

The $6 million donated to the University of Southern Mississippi was the largest single gift ever bestowed to the school.

"It was a remarkable gift particularly during these economic times," said David Wolf, vice president of advancement.

"I think somebody is out there, or potentially a group of people, that has a great respect for the value of a college education and the power that it brings," Wolf said. "Gosh, if it's the same person or the same collective group of people, it's an amazing story."

Great Christian Bands

Exodus 20:6
but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments.

1. Anberlin

2. Relient K
3. Switchfoot
4. Thousand Foot Krutch
5. Capital Lights

Autobahn by Anberlin




Relient K - Let It All Out



Switchfoot - Dare You To Move Acoustic



Thousand Foot Krutch -'Breathe You In'




Capital Lights - Mile Away (Lyrics)



Friends, Unknowing and Knowing

You see do not look toward Holly Wood for the answers.

People in this life have to roads,

Straight up,

Do it for God,

and abide by his laws,

and recieve eternal happiness + life.

Or go on the other route.

What will you chose?

Don't take this as a joke,

no one is laughing but the devil when the end comes and he deceives millions.


Let this lesson be to use your talents not for yourself but for the good of man kind.


Underoath - Christian Band

Amazing Drum Solo

How Do You Do

Throughout time music has inspired the nations.
Almost like a fight of good versus evil.

Make the right choice, why else would evil be evil.

What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong


Psalm 105:2
Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.

Anyone is savable though, through trust in God you can be saved.

Louis Armstrong - When The Saints Go Marching In

Psalm 30:4
Sing to the LORD, you saints of his; praise his holy name.

1 Samuel 2:9
He will guard the feet of his saints, but the wicked will be silenced in darkness. "It is not by strength that one prevails;

Psalm 16:3
As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight.

TAKE THE TIME TO JUST OPEN THE BIBLE AND GIVE IT A CHANCE.

Psalm 31:23
Love the LORD, all his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full.

Why else is it called the book of life?

A couple new christian rappers

Recently added these christian brothers, in christ jesus

http://www.myspace.com/rapp41

http://www.myspace.com/ladude2tru

Welcoming with embrace.

Mark 6:11
And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony against them."

You are the way, you are the true, you are the truth.

Lord almighty, king of kings, let us give praise, let us be there with you through Christ Jesus, let us do what is right and conquer evil in these days of corruptness.

My hands are lifted unto you.

Praise him!

Praise the King!

Your glory fills this place!!

I'm loving "You Are" by stand 4 one. Great single.

and here is something classy for the kids :)

You are my sunshine. God <3 One great Love, no love of mine compares to it with him the lord, and creator.

Are you being a good samaritan?

God chooses foolish things of the world, to train the wise.

This story is from the book of Luke.



Luke 17:16
He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.

www.urm.org
If you ever have any extra time,
Help out in your community, they need it more than you think

Jesus Wants The Rose - Shocking and Beautiful Message

Let your spirit be free from chains!!
Christianity is letting yourself go to your true calling.
To the true feelings in your heart.
Not the commercials or the brain washing,
but the desire to be free!!

This country was built on religious freedom.

Kids and Adults need to feel what we're feelings, what we're seeing through Jesus!

Thank God for the day, for the holy name, for the beautiful day.


www.DEIDOX.com
Short films telling the true stories of an active God


This lady is the definition of Jesus Christ in God and God in Christ Jesus, thank God for her testimony and that we may witness her love and only learn from it.

And Jesus this ones for you <333333

* 1 John 1:3, "We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ."

Psalms 25:5
Guide me in thy truth, and teach me; For thou art the God of my salvation; For thee do I wait all the day.



The Sermon In A Song



Like the pastor said, don't let the hypocrites get you down, the relationship is within you and God and within you and Jesus Christ.

Anyone who is with Jesus Christ and loves God truely through the holy trinity feels the full love and will never let you down nor bring you down!

So in these days be re-united with the lord of the ages.

A Theological Test


Do you know your doctrine? If you are interested, you can take a little theological test. Following are 20 basic Christian Doctrine questions. All you need to do is write down the answers to the questions, and when you are done, click on the Answers Page at the end of this test and find out how you did. Of course, there are a lot more questions that could be asked, but these will serve as a sample.

Also, some of the questions deal with essential doctrines. In other words, if you deny them, then you are not a Christian. Do you know which ones are essentials?

1. How many Gods are there in the universe?

A. One


B. Two


C. Three


D. Many

2. The Trinity is . . .

A. Three separate Gods


B.
One God who took 3 consecutive forms


C.
One God in three persons


D.
A completely false doctrine

3. Jesus is . . .

A.
God in flesh


B.
An angel who became a man


C.
A good man


D.
A great prophet

4. How many natures does Jesus have?

A. One


B.
Two




C.
Three


D.
More

5. The Holy Spirit is . . .

A.
An invisible force like radar

B.
A divine spark in all of us

C.
Third person in the Trinity


D.
A god

6. Sin is . . .

A.
There is no sin




B.
A misinterpretation of reality

C.
A state of mind


D.
Breaking God's Law

7. Human nature is basically. . .

A.
Good


B.
Sinful


C.
Neutral


D.
Divine

8. In what manner did Jesus rise from the dead?

A.
As a spirit


B.
In the same body he died in


C.
He did not rise from the dead


D.
The disciples made up the resurrection story

9. Hell is . . .

A. Right here on earth


B.
A state of mind


C.
A place of eternal fire and torment


D.
There is no hell

10. Heaven is . . .

A.
Right here on earth


B.
A state of mind


C.
A place of eternal joy and peace with God


D.
There is no heaven

11. Salvation is . . .

A.
A condition of mental awareness



B.
Within our own essence


C.
Universal resurrection


D.
Deliverance from the eternal consequence of sin: damnation

12. Salvation is attained by . . .

A.
Grace through faith after all you can do


B.
Grace through faith


C.
A state of your mind



D.
Obeying all of God's laws

13. The Devil is . . .

A.
An equal and opposing force to God


B.
Not real


C.
A figment of people's minds


D.
An angel who rebelled against God

14. The Bible is . . .

A.
The inspired word of God


B.
A nice history book



C.
Full of contradictions and errors



D.
A story book of metaphors

15. The Rapture is . . .

A.
A serious head rush



B.
A New Age meditation philosophy


C.
The catching up of God's people into the sky at Jesus' return.



D.
An Old Testament Jewish feast

16. Adam and Eve . . .

A.
Were the first man and woman created by God


B.
We're evolutionary representatives of homo sapiens


C.
Are mythological figures



D.
Never existed

17. How many ways are there to God?

A.
Just one. Through Jesus


B.
Many ways


C.
As many ways as there are people


D.
It depends on the religion

18. When you die . . .

A.
You go to purgatory


B.
You go to heaven or hell




C.
You don't exist anymore



D.
You are reincarnated

19. Evolution . . .

A.
Is how we got here


B.
Is not a viable option for Christians


C.
God used evolution to bring man into existence


D.
Proves there is no God

20. Why did God create us? . . .

A.
As an experiment


B.
He was bored


C.
To save us, love us, and have us love Him


D.
For pawns in his cosmic game


The answers are in white so you cannot cheat :D <3
Highlight below this line to get the answers after your sure you are done quizzing. They are very detailed and filled with Bible truths and facts and examples
Have fun :)
__________________________________________________


Answers to the Theological Test ::Below::
1. How many gods are there in the universe? A. One
The Bible clearly teaches that there is only one God in existence, anywhere, any time, any place.

* Isaiah 44:6 and 8 say, "Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. . . 9Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any."
* See also, Isaiah 45:6; 14, 18, 21, 22.

2. The Trinity is . . . C. One God in three persons
God is a trinity. God is three simultaneous persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Though there is no single verse that establishes the trinity, it is derived from many.

* There is only one God. Yet, the Father is called God (Phil. 1:2); Jesus is called God (John 1:1, 14; 8:58; Heb. 1:8); and the Holy Spirit is called God (Acts 5:3-4).
* See also trinity.

3. Jesus is. . . A. God in flesh
Jesus is the second person of the Trinity. He became a man in order to die on the cross.

* Col. 2:9, "For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
* John 1:1, 14, "In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God. . . And the word became flesh and dwelt among us. . ."
* See also, Heb. 1:8; Phil. 2;5-8; John 8:58 with Exodus 3:14; Zech. 12:10.

4. How many natures does Jesus have? B. Two
Jesus has two natures. He is both God and man.

* Col. 2:9 "For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
* See also Phil. 2:5-8; John 8:58 with Exodus 3:14; Heb. 1:8 and Jesus' Two Natures

5. The Holy Spirit is . . . C. The third person in the Trinity
The Holy Spirit is a person like the Father and the Son. He is not a force like radar. He is not merely an energy presence. He is, like the Father and the Son, God.

* Acts 5:3-4"But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4 While it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God."
* See also the Holy Spirit

6. Sin is . . . D. Breaking God's law
God has revealed His character and will in the Law. To sin is to offend God; it is to break His law.

* 1 John 3:4, Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.
* See also Rom. 3:20; 4:15; 7:7-13; James 2:9; 1 John 5:17;

7. Human nature is basically . . . B. Sinful
The Bible reveals that we are sinners. Because Adam fell, we fell with him. We inherited his sinful nature. All of what we are, body, soul, spirit, mind, emotions, etc. is touched by sin.

* According to God's word, the sinner (the unsaved), cannot understand spiritual things (1 Cor. 2:14); is full of evil (Mark 7:21-23); does not seek for God (Rom. 3:11); is lawless, rebellious, unholy, and profane (1 Tim. 1:9), etc.

8. In what manner did Jesus rise from the dead? B. In the same body he died in.
Jesus rose from the dead in the same body that he died in. It retained His scars. Though His body was resurrected and glorified, but it was the same body.

* John 2:19-21, "Jesus answered them, 'Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.' 20 The Jews replied, 'It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?' 21 But the temple he had spoken of was his body."
* Luke 24:39, "Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have."

9. Hell is . . . C. A place of eternal fire and torment
Many think hell is a state of mind, right here on earth, or that it simply doesn't exist. It does. The Bible tells us about it.

* Mark 9:43, " 43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out."
* Rev. 14:11, "And the smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name."
* See also, Luke 16:19-31; 2 Pet. 2:4; Matt. 22:13; Jude 6, 23; Rev. 21:8.

10..Heaven is . . . C. A place of eternal joy and peace with God.
Heaven is the dwelling place of God and of those who are saved through Jesus.

* Psalm 20:6, "Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand."
* John 14:2, "In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. "
* See also Psalm 102:19; 123:1; Matt. 5:34; 2 Cor. 12:3,4

11. Salvation is . . . D. Deliverance from the eternal consequence of sin: Damnation
Salvation is the act where God, through the atonement of Jesus, forgives a person of his sins. He is justified before God and saved from damnation.

* Rom. 5:1, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
* Rom. 8:1, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,
* See also, Matt. 1:21; Heb. 2:14, 15; Rom. 5:9; John 3:17.

12. Salvation is attained by. . . B. Grace through faith
Forgiveness of sins is not conditioned by anything that we do, but it is all a gift of God's grace through faith

* Eph. 2:8, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God."
* Rom. 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
* See also, John 3:14-18.

13. The Devil is . . . D. An angel who rebelled against God
The devil, also called Satan, was an angel who lifted himself in pride and rebelled against God. He is evil, wicked, a deceiver, and powerful.

* 2 Cor. 11:14, ". . . Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light . . ."
* John 8:44, "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies."
* See also, Isaiah 14:12-20; Ezekiel 28:14-19

14. The Bible is . . . A. The inspired word of God.
The Bible is authored by God, through men. They were inspired. The original documents were without error or contradiction.

* 2 Tim. 3:16, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. . . "
* See also, Rev. 22:19; Acts 17:11; and The Bible Page

15. The Rapture is . . . C. The catching up of God's people into the sky.
It may sound odd. But the rapture is when Jesus returns to gather His people. Those who are alive when this happens will not see death, but will be changed.

* 1 Thess. 4:16-17, "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever."
* See also, 1 Cor. 15:51-53.

16. Adam and Eve . . . A. Were the first man and woman created by God
They were created by God, lived in the Garden of Eden, are our ancient parents.

* Gen. 2:20 - 21, "So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. 22Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man."
* See also, Gen. 1:26,27; Gen. 2:7; Rom. 5:12-14

17. How many ways are there to God? A. Just one. Through Jesus
Unlike other men who have existed, Jesus was God in flesh. He said He was the only way to God. there are no other ways other than Jesus.

* John 14:6, "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
* John 10:1, ""I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber."
* See also, Acts 4:12; Titus 3:5.

18. When you die . . . B. You go to heaven or hell
Death brings us face to face with eternity. For those in Christ, heaven is the destiny. For those who reject Him, eternal damnation is the result.

* Phil. 1:21-23, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far."
* 2 Cor. 5:8, "We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord."
* See also, Isaiah 59:2; 2 Thess. 1:9; Gen. 3:19; 1 Cor. 13:12

19. Evolution . . . B. Is not a viable option for Christians
Evolution is not the fact it is told to be. It is not consistent with the Bible. God created man; man did not evolve.

* Gen. 1:26, "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.'"
* Heb. 11:3, "By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible."
* See also, Col. 1:16,17; Psalm 104:30; Gen. 1-2; and The Evolution Page.

20. Why did God create us? C. To save us, love us, and have us love Him.
God's creation and our salvation were not just so we could live with Him. God desires fellowship and intimacy in a loving relationship with His people.

* 1 John 1:3, "We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ."
* Rev. 21:3, "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.'"
* See also, John 10:27-28; John 3:16; Phil. 2:1,2.



How did you do? Do you need to study more? Maybe you learned something here, or maybe even you disagree with something. If so, e-mail me and let me know.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this test, there are some essential doctrines that if you deny them, you are not a Christian. It is one thing to make a mistake, learn, and accept them. That is alright. It is quite another to refuse to believe them.
What are the essentials? Easy. The Bible tells us what they are. They are test questions number 3, 8, and 12.

* 3) Jesus is God in flesh;
* 8) Jesus rose from the dead in the same body he died in; and
* 12) Salvation, or the forgiveness of sins, is by grace through faith. You cannot add anything to Jesus' finished work.

There are many extremely important doctrines in the Bible: the Trinity, resurrection, forgiveness, the virgin birth, etc. But the Bible itself declares that these three are essential. If you deny any one of the three then you are not a Christian.

If you would like to know more about these essentials, then please see The Essential Doctrines of Christianity

Remember the words of Paul to Timothy: "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15).

Genesis 3:1-7, The Methodology of Satan

Now I don't want to lose you,

"Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, "Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?" 2And the woman said to the serpent, "From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; 3but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat from it or touch it, lest you die.’" 4And the serpent said to the woman, "You surely shall not die! 5"For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." 6When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. 7Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings" (Gen. 3:1-7).

1. When we speak, we speak out of what is in our hearts.
1. Matt. 12:34 is where Jesus said that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.
2. The first spoken words recorded in the Bible are those of God as he brought the universe into existence, gave it order, and illumined it with the presence of His holy glory. God said, "Let there be light" (Gen. 1:3).
1. With these words we see what fills God's heart: light. We see the nature of God revealed in beauty and in clarity. We see His essence which is purity.
1. 1 John 1:5, "And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all."
2. John 8:12, "Again therefore Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
2. There is no darkness in God. There is no lie, no fault, no impurity. This is why He first spoke by saying, "Let there be light."
1. Note that God did not first say, "Let there be space and time" or "Let there be creation", or "Let there be the heavens." Instead, He first said "Let there be light."
2. We need the light of His word and truth. We need His truth.
3. Have you ever blindfolded yourself and walked around? I have.
1. Once when I was young, I did volunteer work for the blind. One of the exercises we did in order to understand how the blind had to live was to blindfold ourselves, use canes, and trying to navigate around the block and across the street using a crosswalk. Of course, we had a sighted person with us. In my blindness, I almost stepped in front of a car. I could not see the danger because I was in darkness.
4. If we walk without the light of God, we will stumble and fall. If we cannot see where we are, or where we should go, then we will be lost.
5. If God’s word is not lighting your paths in thought, word, deed, worship, prayer, etc, then you are without hope. This is why the Bible says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). God’s word is light and truth. We absolutely must have it, study it, put it in our hearts, and live it.
3. The first recorded words in the Bible from Satan are words that are a challenge and contradiction to God’s word.
1. "Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, "Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?" 2And the woman said to the serpent, "From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; 3but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat from it or touch it, lest you die.’" 4And the serpent said to the woman, "You surely shall not die! 5"For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." 6When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. 7Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings" (Gen. 3:1-7).
2. The enemy has a method of bringing us away from trust in God’s word.
1. First, he gets you to doubt God’s word:
1. "Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, "Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?" (Gen. 3:1).
2. SATAN APPEALED TO HER PHYSICAL NEEDS - her appetite. She listened to Him. Her first mistake.
2. Second, he then contradicts God's word:
1. And the serpent said to the woman, "You surely shall not die! (Gen. 3:4).
2. SATAN APPEALED TO HER PERSONAL GAIN in that he was trying to convince her that she could have it all: what her eyes desired and life without death.
3. Third, He reinterprets God’s word.
1. "For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." (Gen. 3:5).
2. Within this last comment of Satan, we see the heart of Satan: He wants to be like God and he uses the tempting deceptions of self-will, self-sovereignty, and self-rule to replace God’s will, God's sovereignty, and God's rule with his lies.
3. Notice: In those lies is an appeal to the person to be like God, to be independent of God.
4. SATAN USES AN APPEAL TO PERSONAL POWER AND/OR GLORY.
3. So, the first thing that Satan does is go against God’s word. Why?
1. Because the Word of God is true. It reveals wisdom, goodness, faithfulness, and God Himself. It also exposes the darkness and the evil of Satan’s methods. The Devil doesn’t want that.
2. The devil wants to bring confusion, misery, and death.
1. Illustration: China, a man surnamed Long, claimed people could leave behind the woes and cares of the world if they stood naked by a road with their identification papers on the ground and killed the first person who came along to check the papers. On June 29, 1998, Wu, his wife Long Zaihua, his 'Cousin Wu Qiugou and the cousin's two sons went to a roadside at dawn, took off their clothes and put their papers on the ground. They grabbed the first farmer who approached, forced him to look at the papers and then stoned him, to death. But such foolishness and murder only brought them the judgment of the law.
They believed a lie and suffered the consequences.
2. "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Pet. 5:8).
3. The devil uses anything he can to get people to disobey God and bring destruction
4. Some of the "reinterpreted" words of Satan can be found in the health and wealth gospel
1. Charles Capps (positive confession preacher), "God said, let us make man in our image after our likeness. The word "likeness" in the original Hebrew means "an exact duplication in kind."... Adam wasn't exact duplication of gods kind!" (Christianity in crisis page 379, #9.)
1. "Notice that when Jesus said, 'I have finished the work' [John 17:4], we know that he had not finished the work." [ibid p. 382, #38]
2. Kenneth Copeland: "God spoke at him into existence in authority with words (Genesis 1:26, 28 [Let us make man in our image]). These words struck Adam's body in the face. His body and God were exactly the same size." (Ibid, p. 379, # 12)
3. Kenneth Hagan: "originally, God made the earth and the fullness thereof, giving Adam dominion over all the works of his hands. In other words, Adam is the god of this world." (ibid, 379, #13)
4. Benny Hinn:"Adam was a super being when God created him. I don't know whether people know this, but he was the first Superman that really ever lived. First of all, the Scriptures declare clearly that he had dominion over the fowls of the air, the fish of the sea-which means he used to fly." (ibid, 380, #16)
1. "I'm going to be led by the Holy Ghost today. Is that all right with you?... god it came from heaven, became a man, made man into little gods, went back to heaven as a man. He faces a father as a man. I faced doubles as the son of God." (ibid, 382, #43)
2. "When you were born again the word was made flesh in you. And you became flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone. Don't tell me you have Jesus. You are everything he was everything he is and ever shall be... it [the new man] says, 'I am as he is.' That's what it says. As he is so are we in this world. Jesus said, 'go in my name, Bell in my stead.' Don't say, 'I have,' say, 'I am, I am, I am, I am, I am.'" (ibid, 382-383, #44)
4. Satan attacks us in our areas of weakness.
1. He attacked Jesus after Jesus had fasted 40 days and had become hungry and was in need. Then Satan came in the hour of Jesus’ weakness and tempted Him
1. Satan even tempted Jesus by using God’s own word, the same thing he did to Eve in the garden.
2. Notice how Satan’s methods are predictable.
Temptation Genesis - Eve Matthew - Jesus
Appeal to Physical Appetite You may eat of the tree (Gen. 3:1) You may eat by changing stones to bread (Matt. 4:3)
Appeal to Personal Gain You will not die (Gen. 3:4). You will not hurt your foot (Matt. 4:6).
Appeal to Power and Glory You will be like God (Gen. 3:5). You will have all the world’s Kingdoms (Matt. 4:8-9)
5. How do you resist the devil? You rely on God’s word.
1. The Bible is full of things to say about resisting and having victory over the enemy. But, even Jesus, who is God in flesh, resisted the devil by relying on God’s word.
1. When Satan said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread,"
2. Jesus said, "It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’"
3. When Satan said, "If You are the Son of God throw Yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will give His angels charge concerning You’; and ‘On their hands they will bear You up, Lest You strike Your foot against a stone.’"
4. Jesus said, "It is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’"
5. When Satan said, "All these kingdoms and thrones things will I give You, if You fall down and worship me."
6. Jesus said "Begone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’"
7. Jesus could have changed Satan into a heap of stinking cow fertilizer with a command, but instead He quoted God’s word. Jesus relied on God’s word in His defense against the enemy. And... you must too.
6. Therefore, your best defense against the temptations of the devil is to rely on God’s word.
1. Satan fled after Jesus quoted God’s word.
2. The enemy has no power over God’s word. But you being a Christian have the power and authority to use God’s word and you must use it and know it.
1. "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the authority to become children of God..." (John 1:12).
3. You have the power to use God’s word because if you are a Christian then you have been saved by the sacrifice of Christ and made right before God by faith in Him.
1. "You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world," (1 John 4:4).
2. "But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord," (Rom. 8:37).
4. We have no need to fear the enemy because Jesus has defeated him.
5. You must study God’s word, listen to it be preached, and believe it.
6. You must believe it and you must trust it to be powerful and true in your life, in your good times, and in your difficult ones.
7. Resist the devil and he will flee from you, (James 4:7).