"All I want is to be more holy, more like my dear Lord. O for sanctification! My very soul pants for the complete restoration of the blessed image of my sweet Saviour; that I may be fit for the blessed enjoyments and employments of the heavenly world." - 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐝 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐝, Journal entry for April 25, 1742 "O the closest walk with God is the sweetest heaven that can be enjoyed on earth!" — 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐝 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐝, Journal entry for May 13, 1742 "My Soul longs to feel itself more of a Pilgrim and Stranger here below; that nothing may divert me from pressing through the lonely Desert, 'till I arrive at my Father's house." — 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐝 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐝, Journal entry for July 19, 1742 "O, I love to live on the Brink of Eternity, in my Views and Meditations! This gives me a sweet, awful and reverential Sense and Apprehension of God and divine Things, when I see myself as it were standing before the Judgment-Seat of Christ." — 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐝 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐝, Journal entry for October 21, 1742 "Filling up our time with and for God is the way to rise up and lie down in peace." — 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐝 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐝, Journal entry for August 4, 1743 "I find nothing more conducive to a life of Christianity, than a diligent, industrious and faithful improvement of precious time. Let us then faithfully perform that business, which is allotted to us by divine providence, to the utmost of our bodily strength, and mental vigour." — 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐝 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐝, December 27, 1743 Letter to John Brainerd "There is a God in Heaven, that over-rules all things for the best; and this is the comfort of my soul." — 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐝 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐝, Journal entry for February 23, 1744 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐝 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐝, the Apostle to the Indians, died on this day in history, 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟗, 𝟏𝟕𝟒𝟕. He was born on April 20, 1718, in Haddam, Connecticut. After a conversion experience which he recorded in his journal (dated July 12, 1739), he enrolled at Yale University, but was expelled after making indiscrete comments about the spirituality of one of the tutors. Aaron Burr, Sr. (later President of the College of New Jersey) is reported to have said later, "If it had not been for the treatment received by Mr. David Brainerd at Yale, New Jersey college [& thus Princeton] would never have been erected." In 1742, through the assistance of Jonathan Dickinson, Brainerd was appointed as a missionary to the Native Americans by the Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowledge, which he did in New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey from 1743 until his death. In late 1746, he became ill and first stayed at the house of Jonathan Dickinson before moving to the house of Jonathan Edwards, where he died of tuberculosis. His mortal remains were laid to rest at Northampton, Massachusetts. Jonathan Edwards later edited and published Brainerd's journal. His missionary work was continued by his younger brother, John Brainerd. David Brainerd's contribution to the Great Awakening has continued to inspire many long after his death. Dissatisfaction with Yale helped led to the founding of the College of New Jersey (Princeton), and Brainerd's experience at Yale also led to the founding of Dartmouth College. His published journal also influenced other missionaries such as Henry Martyn, William Carey, Robert Morrison, Robert M. M'Cheyne, David Livingston, Andrew Murray and Jim Elliot.

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Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🎀💝🎁🌺🌹 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY TUESDAY OCTOBER 6, 2026. "POST-TRAUMATIC GROWTH (3)" ‘…My grace is sufficient for you…’ 2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV. ONE OF the classic stories of adversity in the Bible is about Joseph. At the beginning of his life he is the favourite son, envied by his brothers, with dreams of being someone everybody bows down to. Then he’s kidnapped by his brothers and ends up serving as a slave in Potiphar’s house. He loses his home, his culture, his security and his status as favourite son. What does Joseph have left? He is in a strange bed, in a strange house, in a strange land, with no friends, no prospects, and no explanation. But he has one gift—one that makes all the difference. ‘The Lord was with Joseph…’ (Genesis 39:2 NIV). What happens when you lose everything but God, then find out that God is enough? You experience His presence in a way you never did before! Paul writes: ‘…Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death…No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us’ (Romans 8:35-37 NLT). God wasn’t at work producing the circumstances Joseph wanted; He was at work in bad circumstances producing the Joseph that God wanted. Just as a diamond is formed out of common carbon placed under millions of pounds of pressure—so the character of Christ is formed in you by adverse circumstances. So the question is: Will you hold up or fold up? When Paul thought he couldn’t stand any more, God told him, ‘…My grace is sufficient for you…’ (2 Corithians 12:9 NKJV). And do you know what? His grace is sufficient for you too. Bible In A Year: Est 4:9 – 5:3, Heb 4:7-16. Courtesy: Grace So Amazing Foundation 💝🎀 *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.*💝🌹🌷🎀. MD.ii. [05/10, 7:24 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* TUESDAY, 6TH OCTOBER, 2026. *EXPRESSIONS OF TRUE LOVE* *TEXT:* ROMANS 12:9-21. 9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. *Timeless Truth:*_"And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."_ (Romans 5:5). *INTRODUCTION* GOD is love and godliness is rooted in love. This is beyond natural, filial, emotional or friendly love. It is the outworking of the Holy Spirit in the heart of believers. Nobody can fully manifest it without salvation and sanctification of the heart. It is the barometer that should be used to measure true spirituality. It is the greatest of all virtues (1 Corinthians 13:13). Lest any be deceived or deceive himself, Paul the apostle, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit listed some of the expressions of love without which the love is fake. There are different levels. It gives each sincere believer an opportunity to check up how loving he is and areas to deepen in his love life. The text speaks for itself. *1. Love with Sincerity* *"Let love be without dissimulation"*. True love is void of hypocritical expressions meant to deceive. *2. Love Separates* He, consciously, separates from every evil action or word that will displease God or harm or hurt others physically, psychologically, emotionally and otherwise. *"Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good"*. *3. Love has Sympathy* He has a tender heart that sympathizes sincerely with people who need it. *"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love"*. *4. Love Salutes* He salutes others in areas where others are better without pride. He is low enough to see others and prefers them as better than him. *"In honour preferring one another"*. He is not envious or engages in carnal rivalry with anyone. *5. Love is not Slothful* Many claim love for God. But true love for God is expressed in spiritual, fervent zeal for the service of God. *"Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord"*. *6. Love Sparkles* True love still glows and is cheerful in the midst of challenges. He is not sad at the blessings or promotion of others. He is not moody. He rejoices not because he does not have standards and expectations, but because he is full of faith and hope in God for better things when things go wrong. *"Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer"*. *7. Love Shares* He willingly shares good things he has with those who need it. This includes experiences, knowledge and physical things. He does this without compulsion. *Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality"*. *9. Love is Sociable* He is friendly and enjoys the company of other people without bearing grudge or harbouring bitterness or vengeful spirit. He graciously forgives with ease. *"Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not"*. *"Recompense to NO man evil for evil"*. He is a courageous and addicted peace maker. He is not quarrelsome. *"If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord"*. He is not a man of fire for fire, but a gracious and sweet personality that people like to move with. *"Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head"*. The coals of fire will melt the heart of the adversary to repentance and if he refuses to repent, the judgment of God will follow. *"Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good"*. *10. Love is Selfless* He has a sanctified disposition and rejoices at what makes other people happy and he is sorrowful at what makes others sorrowful. He thinks of others welfare and happiness more than that of himself like Jesus. He is a man with empathy. *"Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep"*. He is simple and humble and is always united with the brethren in things that glorify God. *"Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits"*. His honesty and transparency are clearly visible to others. *"Provide things honest in the sight of all men"*. He has a good report of those inside and outside. *Assignment* Score yourself "Excellent", "Strong", "weak', "very weak" on each of the ten expressions of love above. Map out what you will do to improve on each of them? *Prayer Points* 1.Ask the Lord for divine purging from all fake and hypocritical expressions of love 🙏. 2.Ask Him for mercy and strength on each of them where you are very weak 🙏. 3.Ask the Father, that the Holy Spirit does a deeper work of grace in your life in areas that you are weak 🙏. 4.Pray that all brethren will grow in practical love towards one another 🙏. *HYMN:* Deeper Deeper in the Love of Jesus *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* LUKE 9-10. [05/10, 8:05 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) TUESDAY 6TH OCTOBER, 2026``` *THE POWER OF LOVE* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️👥💓💞🫂🤝🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:ROMANS 12:9-21```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another" (ROMANS 12:10).*_ *Many people have become skilful in pretending to love others. They speak nicely and softly, but inwardly, they are full of scorn. They smile at others, but in their hearts, they are full of hatred. They know how not to hurt the feelings of other people openly, but secretly, they hack down their name and reputation. Pretence is not just a character flaw; it is a sin that hurts deeply.* *There is no better way to conquer this vice than to learn to love others unconditionally. This will mean avoiding anything that has a semblance of evil or wickedness, and endeavouring only to be good to all. This is unfashionable in a world where competition, envy and greed are in full bloom. For believers, however, it is an imperative to love one another, give preference and honour to others, inspire others to be hardworking and fervent in the service of the Lord. Believers should not forget their greatest possession: a place in heaven. And for this, they should be full of joy, patiently bearing all trials, and be prayerful always.* *The Lord expects believers to care for one another, provide for the poor, needy and strangers, bless and never curse others, empathise with people, whether in happy or sad times. They should be in agreement with other believers, and not proud especially towards those not as endowed materially as themselves. Nor should they pay back evil for evil, but shun all forms of revenge, preferring instead to leave it to God. Honesty and peacefulness must characterise the lives of believers. They should help those who are undeserving of such deeds, and by so doing, overcome with good, the evil deeds of adversaries.* *We are required by God not to be merely polite, but gracious, and show real and sincere love to others, especially fellow believers. We should, in practical ways, show love to those in need by giving willingly and sacrificially to them. This could be in the form of food for the hungry, room for the homeless, generally fending for those who cannot afford to help themselves. We should forgive all who offend us, never repay them in their own coins, nor seek to tactfully exact revenge on them. We should never fail to help other people because we think we are poor, or tired, or afraid, or have not been appreciated for past deeds. Instead, we should walk in the steps of Jesus Christ, who went about doing good to all.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*A helping hand, a gift, or a smile best define true love.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *LUKE 9-10*📜📜 The Power Of Love https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 122: SOMEBODY NEEDS YOUR LOVE; GHS 117: SHOW A LITTLE BIT OF LOVE AND KINDNESS; GHS 119: DO SOMETHING FOR OTHERS; GHS 232: BLEST BE THE TIE THAT BINDS; AND GHS 114: BRIGHTEN THE CORNER WHERE YOU ARE* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna6thOctober2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [05/10, 8:05 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```TUESDAY 6TH OCTOBER, 2026``` *WORSHIP MEN'S WORKS? - 2* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧜🏽‍♀️🧞🧜🏽‍♂️⚠️‼️🛑❌⚖️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:DANIEL 3:13-22```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up" (DANIEL 3:17-18).*_ *A bad report had been given to King Nebuchadnezzar, against the young Jewish trio, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. The reaction of the king was immediate and fierce against them after confirming that they would not worship his golden image.* *He commanded that they be cast into a furnace that was heated seven times hotter than it was supposed to be heated. His idol religious fervor had turned him against the three holy men that he had appointed to take care of the administration of the province of Babylon (Daniel 2:49).* *This is why Thomas Brook said, "Worldly glory is but a breath, a vapour, a froth, a phantasm, a shadow, a reflection, an apparition, a very nothing." These young men did not care about the anger of the king, or the glory of their high political office. They cared only about God's glory.* *Friend, there are religious people today who want you to follow their false religions. But as a Christian, you should be steadfast in your faith like the three Hebrews who were eventually cast into the fire, but miraculously delivered.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Be steadfast in your faith.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Avoid Hell because it is hotter than Nebuchadnezzar's fire.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Oh God, help me to be faithful to the end, in Jesus' name.*_ Worship Men's Works? - 2 https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday6thOctober2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [05/10, 8:05 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```TUESDAY 6TH OCTOBER, 2026``` *GOD'S LOVE NEVER FAILS* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️✝️💓🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```ROMANS 8:35-39```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:39).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 Sometimes in life, we feel sad or left out, especially when things do not go the way we want. But no matter what happens, we can always count on one thing: God's love for us never changes. His love is like no other; it is the best love we can ever know! God's love is stronger than anything else, and nothing can take it away from us. This gives us hope, knowing that God will always love us, no matter what. The chorus of the hymn titled - _*"His Way With Thee"*_ sums up the fact that God's love does much more than we can ever imagine: _*"His power can make you what you ought to be:*_ _*His blood can cleanse your heart and make you free;*_ _*His love can fill your soul, and you will see,*_ _*'Twas best for Him to have His way with thee."*_ 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*God, help me feel Your love each day, and share it with others.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Jeremiah 31:1-3* God's Love Never Fails https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk6thOctober2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. ⏤ Galatians 2:20 Christ is not valued at all, unless He is valued above all. ⏤ Saint Augustine Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer, hear our prayer. You suffered to save us from eternal separation from God. Have mercy on us and bless us. We praise You and worship You, Son of God, who reigns with the Father in heaven. What can we give You for Your great love and sacrifice for us? Your mercy is endless, and Your grace is beyond understanding. This morning, we look to Your cross, where You paid the price for our salvation. May Your love fill our hearts as we bow before You, sparking a love in us that consumes our whole being. We want to live today under the influence of Your cross. Help us remember that we belong to You, bought by You at the cost of Your precious blood! Help us live in a way that honors You. Keep our hearts pure, so we can clearly see You. Keep our words clean, so we can speak of You with respect and honor. Keep our hands clean, so that everything we do brings blessings. Keep our lives free from wrongdoing, so that wherever we go, Your goodness shines through us. We ask You, dear Redeemer, to stay close to us all day and keep us close to You. There’s no safer place than near You. Protect us and wash away our sins in Your cleansing blood. Fill our hearts with Your Holy Spirit. We ask all these things in Your name. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/02/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

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Feast of the Guardian Angels The Feast of the Guardian Angels celebrates the Catholic belief that every individual is entrusted by God to the care of a specific angelic protector, assigned to guide and safeguard that person's spiritual and moral wellbeing throughout the whole course of their life. This belief holds that Guardian Angels accompany each of us along life's journey, helping us remain on a path toward goodness and virtue, and gently steering us away from harmful influences and moral danger. Scriptural Foundations The Church's teaching on Guardian Angels draws support from several passages of Scripture. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus warns His disciples against causing harm to "one of these little ones," explaining that "their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven" (Matthew 18:10) - a passage long understood by the Church as affirming that even the seemingly least significant among us are watched over by angels with direct access to God's presence. The Book of Psalms likewise speaks of angelic protection, promising that God "will command his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways" (Psalm 91:11), while the Acts of the Apostles records the early Christian community's own belief in personal guardian angels when, upon Peter's unexpected release from prison, some in the gathered group initially assumed it must be "his angel" at the door rather than Peter himself (Acts 12:15). The Role of the Guardian Angel Beyond simple protection from evil, Guardian Angels are understood within Catholic tradition to serve several interconnected roles: guiding believers toward virtue and away from sin, offering comfort and encouragement during moments of despair or spiritual struggle, and interceding before God by carrying the prayers and good deeds of the faithful into His presence. This last role reflects a deeply consoling belief - that even the smallest, seemingly unnoticed efforts to live a good and faithful life are, through the ministry of one's Guardian Angel, brought directly before God and held in genuine regard. Guardian Angels are also understood to offer particular comfort and companionship during the most difficult and frightening moments of life, including, according to long-standing tradition, the hour of death itself, providing strength and peace as believers face their final earthly moments. History of the Feast Devotion to Guardian Angels has ancient roots within Christian spirituality, though its formal liturgical observance developed gradually over the centuries. A specific feast in their honor began to take shape in the early seventeenth century, with local observances emerging around 1608 through the initiative of Ferdinand of Austria, and further formalized within the Church's calendar under Pope Paul V around 1615. The feast was later extended to the entire universal Church by Pope Clement X in 1670, ensuring its consistent observance across the whole Catholic world on its current date of October 2. A Call to Awareness and Gratitude This feast serves as an invitation for the faithful to cultivate a more conscious, ongoing relationship with their own Guardian Angel through prayer and reflection - recognizing that they are never entirely alone in navigating life's challenges, but are accompanied always by an unseen companion assigned specifically to their care. The awareness of this constant angelic presence has traditionally been understood to encourage greater moral accountability and integrity in daily life, much as an awareness of being observed by someone we respect naturally shapes our conduct - while also offering, at the same time, a profound and lasting source of comfort, reminding believers of God's deeply personal and attentive care for each individual. #LordsbookDailys #WalkByFaith #FaithQuote #BibleMeme #ShareTheGospel #PreachJesus #Evangelism #Catholic #faith #world #peace #Jesus #Christ #Salvation #Mother #Mary #intersession #guard #angel #

A/F # 1 Hello family, friends, and brothers and sisters in the faith. This is Brother Johnny Gass. Welcome to Bible study. My hope is that you will share these studies on your timelines with everyone you know, family, friends, coworkers, fellow students, and neighbors. Share in hopes of winning souls to Christ for the expansion of the kingdom of God. Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman unashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 Amazing Facts # 1 Is There Anything Left You Can Trust? In these morally challenged times - when billions are embezzled through corporate fraud; when trusted, spiritual leaders prove false; when lying in politics seems to be the norm; when those you depend on the most often hurt you the deepest - is there anything left you can trust? Yes! You can fully trust the Bible! Why? Just take a look at the evidence... 1. What does the Bible claim about itself? The Bible says, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God." 2 Timothy 3:16. "Prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:21. "The scripture cannot be broken." John 10:35. Answer: It claims to be inspired. It was written by men who were guided by the Holy Ghost. It cannot be broken or proved untrue. The Bible is not a collection of men's ideas. Its writers were guided by the Holy Ghost. 2. How did Jesus demonstrate His confidence and belief in Scripture? Jesus said, "It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone." "It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." "It is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." Matthew 4:4, 7, 10. "Thy word is truth." John 17:17. Answer: Jesus quoted Scripture when meeting the temptations of Satan. He also stated that the Bible is truth (John 17:17). Jesus often quoted Scripture as authority for the truth He was teaching. He quoted the Bible and stated that it was true. Do Bible prophecies confirm inspiration? The Bible says, "I am the Lord . . . new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them." Isaiah 42:8, 9. "I am God . . . Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done." Isaiah 46:9, 10. Answer: Bible predictions of things to happen in the future confirm the inspiration of Scripture as they come to pass. Notice the following examples of fulfilled Bible prophecies: Before Cyrus was born, God's Bible prophet named him as the general who would overthrow Babylon. A. Four world empires to arise: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome (Daniel chapters 2, 7, 8). B. Cyrus to be the warrior to capture Babylon (Isaiah 45:1-3). C. After Babylon's destruction, it would never be inhabited again (Isaiah 13:19, 20; Jeremiah 51:37). D. Egypt would never again have a commanding position among the nations (Ezekiel 29:14, 15; 30:12, 13). E. Earth-shaking calamities and fear toward the end of time (Luke 21:25, 26). F. Moral degeneracy and decline of spirituality in the last days (2 Timothy 3:1-5). 4. Can we expect scientific statements made in the Bible to be accurate? The Bible says, "Thy word is true from the beginning." Psalms 119:160. "The Spirit . . . will guide you into all truth." John 16:13. Answer: Yes, the Bible is true. The Holy Spirit, who guided the Bible writers, always speaks the truth. Here are a few Bible statements that have been confirmed by science: A. "He . . . hangeth the earth upon nothing." Job 26:7. This scientific fact is from Job, the Bible's oldest book. B. "He . . . sitteth upon the circle of the earth." Isaiah 40:22. The Bible said the earth is round centuries before man found out. C. "To make the weight for the winds." Job 28:25. Long before scientists knew, God said air has weight. D. "By Him [Jesus] all things consist." Colossians 1:17. The word "consist" here literally means "hold together" or "cohere." Many Bible translations put it "hold together." This is the answer to the nuclear physicists' worrisome question about the atom. The real mystery of the atom does not involve its benumbing mega-power, but rather, "Why doesn't the atom fly apart?" Scientific knowledge says it should, but it doesn't. Some scientists are wondering what puzzling power, completely unknown to them, is holding it together. The Bible says that mysterious power is the Creator, God Himself. 5. Are biblical health principles tuned to the twenty-first century mind? Answer: A. Cover body waste with dirt (Deuteronomy 23:12, 13). The Bible provision of Moses' day that body waste should be buried was 3,500 years ahead of its time and saved countless thousands of Jewish lives. Major problems still arise when sanitation is not properly handled. B. "Neither let us commit fornication." 1 Corinthians 10:8. The word "fornication" denotes all kinds of immoral sexual conduct. There would be no AIDS epidemic if this up-to-date Bible counsel were obeyed, nor would abortion be the international scandal that it now is. The terrible plague of AIDS would not exist if God's ancient laws regarding morality were obeyed. C. Leave alcoholic beverages alone (Proverbs 23:29-32). If this extremely effective Bible solution were implemented, just think what it would mean: 1. Millions of alcoholics becoming sober, respectable citizens. 2. Millions of families reunited. 3. Millions of broken homes mended. 4. Multiplied thousands of lives saved by sober driving. 5. Thousands of government, business, and professional leaders making clear-minded decisions. 6. Billions of dollars available for humanitarian use. Note: Refusing to abstain from alcohol has brought untold woe to many. God not only tells us how to succeed with joy amid today's harrowing problems, but He also gives us the miraculous power to do it (1 Corinthians 15:57; Philippians 4:13; Romans 1:16). Bible health principles are relevant and desperately needed, but few are listening. (For more on health, see Study Guide 13.) Are the historical statements of the Bible accurate? The Bible says, "I the Lord speak the truth, I declare what is right." Isaiah 45:19, RSV.* Ancient artifacts unearthed by archaeologists repeatedly confirm the accuracy and truth of the Bible. Answer: Yes, Bible historical statements are accurate. What God says in His book is true. Sometimes, temporarily, evidence may not be found to substantiate certain historical facts from the Bible, but in time the evidence surfaces. Note the following: A. For years skeptics said the Bible was unreliable because it mentions the Hittite nation (Deuteronomy 7:1) and cities like Nineveh (Jonah 1:1, 2) and Sodom (Genesis 19:1), which they denied ever existed. But now modern archaeology has confirmed that all three did, indeed, exist. B. Critics also said that Bible-mentioned kings Belshazzar (Daniel 5:1) and Sargon (Isaiah 20:1) never existed. Once again, it has now been confirmed they did exist. C. Skeptics also said the Bible record of Moses was not reliable because it mentions writing (Exodus 24:4) and wheeled vehicles (Exodus 14:25), neither of which they said existed at the time. They, of course, know better today. D. At one time the 39 kings of ancient Israel and Judah who reigned during the divided kingdom were authenticated only from the Bible record, so critics charged fabrication. But then archaeologists found cuneiform records that mentioned many of these kings and, once again, the Bible record was proved accurate. Critics have repeatedly been proved wrong as new discoveries confirm biblical people, places, and events. It will always be so. 7. One of the greatest miracles of the Bible is its unity. Please ponder the following amazing facts: Answer: A. The 66 books of the Bible were written: 1. On three continents. 2. In three languages. 3. By about 40 different people (kings, shepherds, scientists, attorneys, an army general, fishermen, priests, and a physician). 4. Over a period of about 1,500 years. 5. On the most controversial subjects. 6. By people who, in most cases, had never met. 7. By authors whose education and background varied greatly. B. Yet, though it seems totally inconceivable, 1. The 66 books maintain harmony with each other. 2. Often new concepts on a subject are expressed, but these concepts do not undermine what other Bible writers say on the same subject. C. Talk about astounding! Ask people who have viewed an identical event to each give a report of what happened. They will differ widely and will virtually always contradict each other in some way. Yet the Bible, penned by 40 writers over a 1,500-year period, reads as if written by one great mind. And, indeed, it was: "Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:21. The Holy Ghost "moved" them all. He is the real Bible Author. The four Gospels do sometimes differ in the way they report the same event, but they complement each other. 8. What evidence of Bible inspiration is found in the lives of people? The Bible says, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17. Accepting Christ and obeying Scripture changes a drunken, immoral, profane sinner into a loving, sober, pure Christian. Skeptics cannot explain this fact. Answer: The changed lives of those who follow Jesus and obey Scripture constitute the most heart-warming proof of Bible inspiration. The drunkard becomes sober; the immoral, pure; the addicted, free; the profane, reverent; the fearful, courageous; and the rude, kind. Christians have an inner joy and peace that others do not possess. An American skeptic was visiting an island whose natives were originally cannibals. When he spotted an old man reading the Bible, he ridiculed him for reading a book "full of myths which had already been exposed." The native smiled at him and said, "My friend, be grateful we do believe this book. Otherwise, we would be serving you for dinner." The Bible really does change people, and this amazing fact confirms its inspiration. 9. What evidence for Bible inspiration emerges when we compare Old Testament prophecies of the coming Messiah with New Testament happenings in the life of Jesus? The Bible says, "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He [Jesus] expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself." Luke 24:27. "For he [Apollos] vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ." Acts 18:28, NKJV.* Answer: The Old Testament predictions of the Messiah to come were so specific and so clearly fulfilled by Jesus of Nazareth that both Jesus and Apollos used these prophecies to prove to the Jews that Jesus was, indeed, the Messiah. There are more than 125 of these prophecies. Let's review just 12 of them: Prophecy in O.T. and Fulfillment in the N.T. 1. Born in Bethlehem (O.T. Micah 5:2) (N.T. Matthew 2:1) 2. Born of a virgin (O.T. Isaiah 7:14) (N.T. Matthew 1:18-23) 3. Of David's lineage (O.T. Jeremiah 23:5) (N.T. Revelation 22:16) 4. Attempted murder by Herod (O.T. Jeremiah 31:15) (N.T. Matthew 2:16-18) 5. Betrayal by a friend (O.T. Psalms 41:9) (N.T. John 13:18, 19, 26) 6. Sold for 30 silver coins (O.T. Zechariah 11:12) (N.T. Matthew 26:14-16) 7. Crucified (O.T. Zechariah 12:10) (N.T. John 19:16-18, 37) 8. Lots cast for His clothes (O.T. Psalms 22:18) (N.T. Matthew 27:35) 9. No bones broken (O.T. Psalms 34:20; Exodus 12:46) (N.T. John 19:31-36) 10. Buried in rich man's tomb< (O.T. Isaiah 53:9) (N.T. Matthew 27:57-60) 11. Year, day, hour of His death (O.T. Daniel 9:26, 27; Exodus 12:6) (N.T. Matthew 27:45-50) 12. Raised the third day (O.T. Hosea 6:2) (N.T. Acts 10:38-40) Jesus fullfilled more than 125 Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. Dr. Peter Stoner, former chairman of the departments of mathematics, astronomy, and engineering at Pasadena College (California), worked with 600 students for several years applying the "principle of probability" to the prophecies of the Messiah's coming. They chose just eight from the many available and finally decided the chances of all eight being fulfilled in one man in a lifetime is one in 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000. What would the odds be on the more than 125 prophecies of the Messiah? It couldn't just happen! 10. What great advantage does a person have who accepts the Bible as God's inspired word? The Bible says, "I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts." Psalms 119:100. "Thou . . . hast made me wiser than mine enemies." Psalms 119:98. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are . . . my thoughts [higher] than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:9. The Bible teaches that the earth was created in six literal days. Answer: A person who accepts the Word of God will soon know the answers to many complex challenges that secular scholars will never figure out. For example, the Bible teaches: A. God created the earth and all living organisms in six literal, 24-hour days (Exodus 20:11; Psalms 33:6, 9). B. A worldwide flood destroyed every living thing except the sea life and what was inside Noah's ark (Genesis chapters 6, 7, 8). C. The different languages of the world began at the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9). The Bible account of the Flood provides the answers secular scholars are searching for. God, who has always existed and knows everything, shares the above three truths with us, recognizing that we could never figure them out on our own. We know only "in part" now (1 Corinthians 13:9). And God's knowledge is "past finding out." Romans 11:33. Evolutionists will never know the age of the earth because it was created with apparent age, as were Adam and Eve. The couple were only one day old on their second day of life, but they appeared to be mature. Man's measuring instruments cannot allow for apparent age. In such cases, they are not trustworthy. Believe the Bible, and you will always be ahead of the speculation of secular scholars and the worldly-wise. 11. What crucial world happenings have brought the power and appeal of the Bible into sharp focus? Answer: The failure and collapse of communism and the weakening and inconsistency of the theory of evolution have spotlighted the Bible. When communism collapsed, its adherents turned to the Bible as the only hope for people. Note: The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics tried communism, atheism, and also evolution, which is Marxism's number one tenet. They all failed. The resultant new democracies realize that only one thing will work, and they are almost with one voice crying out to Christendom: "Bring us the Bible and Christian preaching and teaching. We must now build on the unshakable foundation of prayer and the Christian faith. Nothing else compares. Nor will anything else answer life's great questions and bring peace to the hearts of our people. Please don't keep us waiting! We desperately want and need the Bible, God, and Christianity now." Once again, God's Word triumphs. True science is always in harmony with the Bible because God is the author of both. Evolution, like communism, is losing its grip and credibility. We must remember that it is nothing more than an unproved, shaky theory. We will mention three items only: 1. Robert Gentry's book Creation's Tiny Mystery has unsettled many evolutionists with its apparent, clear evidence of instant creation. (Mystery in the Rocks, an easy-to-understand book based on his research, may be purchased from Amazing Facts.) 2. Molecular biology's recent demonstration that the single cell is vastly complex makes the accidental origin of life in a single cell a mathematical absurdity. 3. The widely different ages now being assigned to the Grand Canyon layers by current scientific measurements, as opposed to those assigned previously, make evolutionists and their prior measurements seem reckless and irresponsible. The atheistic theory of evolution that humans and apes came from common ancestors scorns the concept that people were created in the image of God. It denies the existence of God, totally disavows Jesus as Saviour, negates the Bible, and ridicules the truth of an eternal home in heaven. Satan loves the evolution theory because it destroys the credibility of salvation. Communists are learning. Will we? The Bible has universal appeal because it provides clear answers to life's most perplexing questions. 12. Why does the Bible have such universal appeal? The Bible says, "Thy word is a . . . light unto my path." Psalms 119:105. "These things have I spoken unto you . . . that your joy might be full." John 15:11. "In the image of God . . . created he them." Genesis 1:27. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16. "I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:3. Answer: Because it answers life's most puzzling questions: A. Where did I come from? God created us in His image. We did not accidentally emerge as nondescript globs from some primeval slime. We are sons and daughters of God, the Mighty King (Galatians 3:26). We are so precious to God that when Adam and Eve sinned, He gave His Son to die and pay the penalty for our sins so we could be free. He wants to restore us to His image and then, shortly, take us back to Eden, the home Adam and Eve lost. B. Why am I here? Our aims for life today should be to discover the Bible's wonderful answers to life's puzzling problems and to accept Jesus' offer to restore us to His image (Romans 8:29). C. What does the future hold for me? There is no guesswork about the future. Jesus will come very soon to take His people to the fabulous home He has prepared for them in heaven. There, with supreme joy and happiness, people will live forever (John 14:1-3; Revelation 21:3, 4). Thought Questions 1. I'm offended that the Bible gives such repugnant, graphic descriptions of sin in recording the lives of some Bible characters. Is this really necessary? Romans 15:4 Yes. It is one of the great facts that give credibility to the Bible. Most biographies skip or soften the bad and often overstate the good. Telling it like it is gives people confidence the Bible can be trusted; it doesn't cover up. Further, Satan's strategy is to convince people they are such great sinners God cannot or will not save them. What joy sweeps over such people when they are shown Bible cases of people like them (and worse) whom God delivered from sin and justified (Romans 15:4)! 2. Is all of the Bible inspired? Many believe only parts of it are. 2 Timothy 3:16 The Bible has the answer: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." 2 Timothy 3:16. The Bible does not simply contain the word of God. Rather, it is the Word of God. The Bible is the information and operations manual for a human life. Ignore any of it and you will have unnecessary difficulties and problems. 3. The Bible is an ancient book with old-fashioned wording and concepts. Don't you feel it is unsafe to rely on something so far removed from our enlightened day? 1 Peter 1:25 No. Its age is in its favor. That is, in fact, one of the proofs of its inspiration. The Bible says, "The word of the Lord endureth for ever." 1 Peter 1:25. The Bible stands as a rock. It is God's book--His Word. It cannot be destroyed. Men and even entire nations have burned, banned, and tried to discredit and destroy the Bible, but instead, they discredited themselves. They are gone, and their attacks on the Bible are forgotten. Yet the Bible remains a best-seller, in constant demand. Millions would die for it, if necessary. Its message is God-given and 100 percent up-to-date. Before you study it, pray and ask God to open your heart as you read. 4. Some of the most brilliant people in the world, who have carefully studied the Bible, believe no one can understand it. If the Bible is truly God's book, shouldn't everyone be able to understand it? 1 Corinthians 2:13 Bright people who can understand and explain virtually anything are often quickly stopped in their tracks when they read the Bible. The reason is that spiritual things "are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:13, 14. The deep things of the Word will never be understood by a secular mind, no matter how brilliant. Unless one honestly seeks an experience with God, he cannot understand the things of God. The Holy Spirit, who explains the Bible (John 16:13; 14:26), is not understood by the carnal, secular mind. On the other hand, the humble, even uneducated Christian who studies the Bible receives amazing understanding from the Holy Spirit (Matthew 11:25; 1 Corinthians 2:9, 10). 5. The Bible is full of errors. How can you believe it is inspired? Isaiah 28:9 The overwhelming majority of so-called errors in the Bible have been demonstrated to be simply errors of judgment or lack of understanding on the part of those who make the complaint. They are not errors at all, but simply truth misunderstood. The inspired Bible: 1. Will always tell you the truth. 2. Will never mislead you. 3. Can be fully trusted. 4. Is reliable and authoritative, not only in spiritual matters but also in other matters it addresses, including history and science. Satan is always digging up some supposed flaw in Scripture, which is not surprising. He found fault even with God and heaven. Copyists may have miscopied in some cases, but no such supposed happening or any other alleged error affects the truth of God's Word. Doctrine is built not upon one Bible passage, but upon the total of God's comments on any subject. We are unaware of any alleged error of any kind that would affect the truthfulness of the content of Scripture. Some things in Scripture are yet difficult to reconcile. There will always be room for doubt to those who prefer to doubt. We believe that even alleged errors, not yet fully explained, will (as in the past) soon be exposed as false alarms. The harder people work to undermine the Bible, the brighter its light shines. To learn more about our lord Jesus christ, the Word of God, and the Sabbath, please visit your local Seventh-day Adventist Church. Or please visit us at Rossville Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at 1737 Mission Ridge Road, Rossville Georgia 30741 Pastor; Greg Hudson Services start at 11am on Saturday (Sabbath) morning.

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📌 Today's Readings are from the Book of 2 Chronicles 17–18 | 1 Timothy 4 📌 👇 Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading) 👇 2 Chronicles 17 Jehoshaphat Strengthens Judah Through the Word of God Second Chronicles 17 introduces Jehoshaphat, the son of Asa, and begins a new season in Judah’s history. Jehoshaphat inherits a kingdom that has experienced both spiritual reform and the consequences of Asa’s later self-reliance. Rather than continuing his father’s decline, Jehoshaphat begins by strengthening Judah and seeking the Lord. The chapter describes him as walking in the earlier ways of David and refusing to follow the Baals. His leadership is characterized by a deliberate return to God rather than conformity to the surrounding culture. He removes additional places of false worship and seeks to establish Judah upon the commandments of the Lord. As a result, God strengthens the kingdom, and Jehoshaphat receives honor and resources from the people. One of the most significant parts of his reign is his emphasis on teaching Scripture. Jehoshaphat sends officials, Levites, and priests throughout the cities of Judah with the Book of the Law. Rather than limiting spiritual instruction to Jerusalem, he wants the people throughout the nation to understand God’s Word. This is an important development because lasting spiritual renewal requires more than removing idols. People must know the truth that replaces the error. Jehoshaphat recognizes that reform without biblical instruction will eventually become shallow. If Judah is going to remain faithful, the people need to understand who God is, what He has commanded, and how He has called them to live. The results extend beyond the spiritual life of Judah. Surrounding nations become reluctant to attack, and some even bring tribute. Jehoshaphat continues strengthening cities, organizing military forces, and preparing capable leaders. The chapter therefore presents a healthy combination of spiritual dependence and responsible leadership. He seeks the Lord while also preparing wisely for the practical needs of the kingdom. Judah becomes increasingly strong, but the Chronicler keeps the source of that strength clear. The kingdom prospers because Jehoshaphat is seeking the Lord and leading the nation back toward His Word. Military organization and economic resources are useful, but they are not presented as Judah’s ultimate security. Theological Emphasis Second Chronicles 17 emphasizes the central place of God’s Word in genuine spiritual renewal. Jehoshaphat does not merely remove what is wrong; he sends teachers throughout Judah to establish what is right. Biblical reformation involves both turning away from error and becoming grounded in truth. The chapter also shows how leadership influences spiritual direction. Jehoshaphat’s personal desire to seek God affects the priorities of the kingdom. His reign demonstrates that godly leadership should help people understand Scripture rather than simply depend upon the leader’s personal convictions. Christ-Centered Truth Jehoshaphat’s desire to spread God’s Word throughout Judah points forward to the greater ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus did not merely call people away from sin; He taught them the truth of God’s kingdom and perfectly revealed the Father. After His resurrection, Christ commissioned His followers to carry that truth beyond one nation to the whole world. What Jehoshaphat organized throughout Judah anticipates, in a limited way, the greater mission of the gospel: making disciples among the nations and teaching them the Word of Christ. Jesus is also the perfect King whose kingdom is established through truth rather than force. His people become spiritually strong as they know Him, hear His Word, and live in obedience through the power of the Holy Spirit. Believer Application For believers today, 2 Chronicles 17 reminds us that spiritual strength requires more than removing obvious sin. We need our minds and hearts continually shaped by Scripture. Churches, ministries, families, and individual believers become healthier when the Word of God is taught clearly and applied faithfully. The chapter also gives an important model for leadership. Whether we lead a family, ministry, church, business, or group of believers, our goal should not be to make people dependent upon us but to help them become grounded in God’s truth. In Christ, we have both the living Word and the written Word that points us toward Him. The stronger our lives are rooted in His truth, the better prepared we are to recognize compromise, withstand opposition, and faithfully represent Jesus in the world. 2 Chronicles 18 When Relationships Compromise Discernment Second Chronicles 18 presents a troubling contrast with the spiritual strength described in the previous chapter. Jehoshaphat has wealth, honor, military strength, and a kingdom being established in God’s Word, yet he makes an alliance with Ahab, the ungodly king of Israel. The chapter demonstrates that even spiritually strong people can make poor decisions when relationships begin influencing them more than God’s truth. Jehoshaphat joins Ahab in Samaria, where Ahab persuades him to participate in a military campaign against Ramoth Gilead. Jehoshaphat agrees but wisely asks that they first seek the Word of the Lord. Ahab gathers hundreds of prophets who unanimously promise victory, creating an impressive appearance of spiritual confirmation. Jehoshaphat, however, senses that something is missing and asks whether there is still a genuine prophet of the Lord. Ahab reluctantly mentions Micaiah, admitting that he dislikes him because Micaiah does not prophesy favorable things concerning him. Ahab’s response exposes a dangerous spiritual attitude: he does not truly want God’s direction; he wants religious confirmation of a decision he has already made. When Micaiah is summoned, he is pressured to agree with the other prophets. Instead, he insists that he will speak whatever God gives him. He eventually reveals that the proposed battle will end disastrously and that Ahab will die. Rather than receiving the warning, Ahab becomes angry and has Micaiah imprisoned. The contrast between the false prophets and the true prophet demonstrates that truth is not determined by popularity or majority opinion. Hundreds of voices can agree and still be wrong if their message contradicts what God has spoken. The most surprising part of the chapter is that Jehoshaphat still goes into battle. He wanted to hear from God, received a clear warning, and yet allowed his alliance with Ahab to pull him forward anyway. His failure is therefore not primarily ignorance but compromised discernment. Ahab attempts to protect himself by disguising his identity while encouraging Jehoshaphat to wear his royal robes. The enemy naturally assumes Jehoshaphat is the king of Israel and surrounds him. In that dangerous moment, Jehoshaphat cries out, and God graciously delivers him. Ahab, however, cannot escape the Word of the Lord. A seemingly random arrow strikes him, and he eventually dies from the wound. His disguise may hide his identity from soldiers, but it cannot hide him from God or prevent the fulfillment of divine prophecy. Theological Emphasis Second Chronicles 18 emphasizes the importance of discernment, godly relationships, and obedience to God’s Word. Jehoshaphat’s desire to seek prophetic counsel is commendable, but hearing God’s truth is not enough if we refuse to follow it. The chapter also warns against surrounding ourselves only with voices that tell us what we want to hear. Ahab had hundreds of prophets available, but he rejected the one messenger who faithfully spoke God’s Word. Biblical truth is not established by popularity, cultural acceptance, or numerical agreement. Christ-Centered Truth Micaiah’s willingness to speak truth despite rejection points forward to Jesus Christ, who faithfully proclaimed the Father’s Word even when religious and political leaders opposed Him. Jesus never adjusted truth to gain acceptance, and He remained obedient even when faithfulness led to the cross. Ahab’s attempt to escape judgment also reminds us that no human strategy can avoid accountability before God. Yet the gospel gives us hope because Jesus willingly bore judgment for sinners. Rather than attempting to hide from God, we can come openly to Him through Christ and receive forgiveness. Believer Application For believers today, 2 Chronicles 18 reminds us to evaluate relationships by whether they strengthen or weaken our obedience to Christ. Jehoshaphat did many things well, but his alliance with Ahab repeatedly placed him in spiritually dangerous situations. We can love people, serve people, and reach people without allowing ungodly influence to determine our direction. The chapter also challenges us to ask why we seek counsel. If we have already decided what we want and are simply searching for someone to agree with us, we are not truly seeking wisdom. Godly counsel sometimes confirms us, but at other times it corrects us. Our safest position is to remain submitted to Jesus and His Word, willing to obey even when truth challenges our plans. Christ does not merely tell us what is comfortable; He leads us in what is true. Spiritual maturity means learning to value His truth above popularity, relationships, personal preference, or the approval of others. 1 Timothy 4 — A Faithful Servant of the Christ 1 Timothy chapter 4 shifts from the order and leadership of the Church to the personal responsibility of those who serve within it. Paul warns Timothy that false teaching will continue to arise, but his answer is not fear or endless controversy. Timothy is to remain grounded in God's Word, pursue godliness, teach sound doctrine, and become an example of Christian maturity. The chapter shows that faithful ministry requires both biblical truth and a life that reflects the Christ, the Son of God. Paul begins with a prophetic warning that some will depart from the faith and embrace deceptive spiritual teaching. This reminds believers that not everything presented as spiritual comes from God. False teaching can sound religious and even promote strict outward behavior while actually drawing people away from the truth of the gospel. Some of the errors Paul addresses involved imposing restrictions that God had not commanded, treating human regulations as though they were necessary for spirituality. This kind of legalism can appear holy because it emphasizes outward discipline, but Christian living is not built upon man-made rules. God's redemptive plan centers upon the finished work of the Christ and produces holiness through truth, grace, and the work of the Holy Spirit. Paul therefore directs Timothy back to the Word of God and prayer. God's truth provides the standard by which teaching, traditions, and spiritual claims must be evaluated. A faithful servant of the Son of God does not chase every new idea but remains deeply rooted in what God has already revealed. Paul then uses the picture of physical training to explain spiritual growth. Physical discipline has value, but training in godliness has value both for this life and for eternity. Spiritual maturity does not happen accidentally. Believers grow as they intentionally pursue the Christ through Scripture, prayer, obedience, fellowship, worship, and dependence upon the Holy Spirit. This does not mean Christians earn righteousness through spiritual effort. Salvation remains entirely the work of God's grace through the Son of God. Rather, because believers have been redeemed, they are called to actively cooperate with the transforming work God is accomplishing within them. Paul's instruction gives us a healthy balance: Reject false teaching and remain rooted in God's Word. Train yourself toward godliness rather than spiritual complacency. Keep your hope fixed upon the living God rather than human performance. Paul then encourages Timothy not to allow his relative youth to become an obstacle to faithful ministry. Timothy could not control how others viewed his age, but he could control the kind of example he provided. His authority was not to come merely from his position but from a life that demonstrated the transforming power of the gospel. Paul identifies several areas where Timothy should become an example: speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. These qualities reach into nearly every part of Christian living. What Timothy taught publicly needed to be supported by how he lived privately. This principle applies far beyond pastors. Every believer represents the Christ in some sphere of influence. Our words, decisions, relationships, attitudes, integrity, and purity either strengthen or weaken the testimony we give concerning the Son of God. Paul also tells Timothy to devote himself to the public reading of Scripture, exhortation, and teaching. The Church must remain centered upon God's Word because spiritual maturity cannot be sustained by personality, entertainment, trends, or motivational ideas. The people of God need the truth of God. Timothy is also reminded not to neglect the spiritual gift entrusted to him. God had given him responsibilities within the body of Christ, and those responsibilities required faithful development and use. Christian ministry involves stewardship. Gifts are not given primarily for personal recognition but for serving God's people and advancing His redemptive plan. Paul encourages Timothy to give himself fully to these things so that his spiritual progress would become evident. Mature Christian leadership is not about pretending to have arrived. It is about continuing to grow. A faithful leader should remain teachable, allowing the Son of God to keep shaping his character and ministry. The chapter concludes with an important balance: Timothy must pay close attention to both his life and his doctrine. Neither can safely be neglected. Sound teaching without godly character produces hypocrisy, while sincerity without sound doctrine can lead people into error. The Church needs both truth and transformed lives. Throughout 1 Timothy chapter 4, Paul presents faithful Christian ministry as a combination of discernment, biblical truth, spiritual discipline, godly character, faithful teaching, and personal growth. The servant of the Christ must guard against deception while continually allowing the gospel to transform his own life. For believers today, this chapter calls us to remain anchored in God's Word while intentionally pursuing spiritual maturity. We should not measure Christian growth merely by how much we know, how gifted we are, or what position we hold. The deeper question is whether the character of the Son of God is increasingly visible in our lives. Know the truth. Live the truth. Grow in godliness. Use what God has entrusted to you. And keep your life centered upon the Christ. God's redemptive plan is proclaimed most powerfully when sound doctrine and faithful Christian living remain together, revealing through both our words and our lives the transforming grace of the Son of God. #DailyBibleReading #StudyYourBible #OpenYourBible #TomorrowInTheWord #GodsWord #ScriptureForToday #BibleStudyTime #FaithJourney #WalkWithGod

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TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS. SERMON TOPIC: BEWARE OF THE WITCHCRAFTS IN THE CHURCH. “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft…” — 1 Samuel 15:23 Church, not every danger to the Christian comes from outside the church. Some dangers can appear inside the church, around spiritual activities, leadership, relationships, money, influence, and even ministry. When we hear the word witchcraft, we often think only about occult practices, charms, spells, or people consulting dark powers. But Scripture also uses witchcraft as a picture of rebellion, manipulation, deception, and the desire to control what belongs to God. That is why the church must be spiritually discerning. Not everyone who carries a Bible is submitted to God. Not every spiritual-looking activity is evidence of spiritual maturity. And not every person who says “God told me” has necessarily heard from God. But we must also be careful: discernment is not suspicion. We are not called to accuse people carelessly or label difficult people “witches.” We are called to test everything by the Word of God. KEY SCRIPTURES. 1. 1 Samuel 15:23 > “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft…” King Saul disobeyed God's instruction and then tried to justify himself. Samuel revealed something profound: rebellion against God's authority can have the same destructive character as witchcraft. A person may look religious outwardly while inwardly resisting God's will. 2. Galatians 5:19–21 Paul lists the works of the flesh, including “witchcraft” or sorcery. This reminds us that Christians must not participate in occult practices, manipulation, or spiritual darkness while claiming to serve Christ. 3. Acts 8:9–24 — Simon the Sorcerer Simon practiced sorcery and amazed people with his power. After hearing the gospel, he believed and was baptized. Yet later, he tried to purchase the power of the Holy Spirit with money. Peter confronted him strongly. This teaches us that conversion does not mean every wrong desire disappears immediately. People must continue to surrender their motives, ambitions, and desires to Christ. 4. 1 John 4:1 > “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God…” The Bible does not tell us to believe everything simply because it appears spiritual. Test it. Examine it. Compare it with Scripture. 1. BEWARE OF SPIRITUAL MANIPULATION. Witchcraft in its occult sense involves seeking supernatural power apart from God. But within church life, manipulation can also become spiritually dangerous. Examples include: “If you don't obey me, something bad will happen to you.” Using prophecy to control people's decisions. Threatening people with curses because they disagree with a leader. Using fear to extract money. Claiming exclusive access to God. Making people dependent upon a personality instead of Christ. The Holy Spirit leads people to Christ; manipulation makes people slaves to personalities. Jesus said: > “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” — John 8:32 Where Christ truly reigns, people are directed toward truth, freedom, holiness and obedience to God. 2. BEWARE OF MIXING CHRISTIANITY WITH OCCULT PRACTICES. One of the greatest dangers is trying to combine Christianity with practices that contradict Scripture. A person may say: > “I am a Christian, but I also need this spiritual object for protection.” Or: > “I pray to Jesus, but I also consult this person secretly for spiritual information.” That is dangerous territory. God does not need assistance from darkness. Deuteronomy 18:10–12 warns against divination, sorcery, witchcraft, consulting mediums and related occult practices. You cannot follow Christ while deliberately maintaining a second spiritual authority that contradicts Him. Our protection is not in charms, objects, rituals, secret formulas or personalities. Our confidence is in Christ. 3. BEWARE OF THE DESIRE FOR POWER WITHOUT CHARACTER. This is where Simon the Sorcerer becomes an important warning. Simon saw the apostles operating in the power of the Holy Spirit and wanted the ability for himself. But his heart was wrong. He wanted the power without the purity. That temptation still exists today. Some people want: the title without the sacrifice, the platform without the character, the miracles without the prayer, the influence without accountability, the money without integrity, the authority without submission. But God's power is not a tool for personal ambition. Remember: Spiritual gifts do not replace spiritual character. A person can be gifted and still need serious spiritual growth. That is why we must examine not only what happens through someone's ministry, but also whether their teaching, character and conduct agree with Scripture. 4. BEWARE OF REBELLION DISGUISED AS SPIRITUALITY 1 Samuel 15 gives us another serious warning. Saul disobeyed God, but afterwards he tried to present his actions as religious. He said that the animals were spared to sacrifice to the Lord. Samuel's response was devastating: > “To obey is better than sacrifice.” Sometimes people use spiritual language to cover simple disobedience. They say: “God understands.” “God told me.” “Everybody is doing it.” “I am doing this for ministry.” But the question remains: What does God's Word say? Spiritual language cannot make disobedience obedience. 5. DISCERN WITHOUT BECOMING SUSPICIOUS. This is extremely important. When we preach about witchcraft, we must not create an atmosphere where Christians begin accusing one another. Do not call somebody a witch simply because you dislike them. Do not accuse your neighbour because they had a disagreement with you. Do not accuse a church member because they are poor, sick, unsuccessful or experiencing difficulties. Do not label someone because they dreamt about something strange. Jesus did not command His disciples to become professional accusers. He commanded them to watch, pray and remain faithful. Spiritual discernment asks: Does this teaching agree with Scripture? Does this practice exalt Christ? What fruit does this ministry produce? Is there accountability? Is money being handled transparently? Are people being directed to Christ or to a personality? Does the person's character support their message? Discernment examines fruit; suspicion invents enemies. BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: SIMON THE SORCERER. Acts 8:9–24 Simon had influence in Samaria because of his sorcery. Then Philip preached Christ. People believed the gospel, and Simon himself believed and was baptized. But when Simon saw the apostles laying hands on people and the Holy Spirit being received, he offered money for that spiritual authority. Peter immediately confronted him. The lesson is powerful: The church must not commercialize the power of God. God's gifts are not merchandise. The Holy Spirit is not for sale. Prayer is not a commodity. Prophecy is not a business strategy. Deliverance is not a marketplace. The gospel must never become a means of exploiting desperate people. DEEP SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS. 1. Satan does not always attack with persecution. Sometimes deception is more effective than persecution. 2. Spiritual appearance does not automatically equal spiritual authenticity. Jesus warned: > “You will know them by their fruits.” — Matthew 7:16 3. The greatest protection against deception is knowing God's Word. A Christian who does not know Scripture can easily be controlled by anyone who claims, “God said.” 4. Christ must remain the centre of the church. Not personalities. Not miracles. Not money. Not titles. Not celebrities. Christ. 5. Holiness is greater than spiritual excitement. We should not pursue supernatural experiences while neglecting obedience, love, truth, humility and righteousness. PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS. 1. Know your Bible. Don't build your faith entirely on what someone tells you. 2. Test spiritual claims. Ask: “Where is this established in Scripture?” 3. Reject occult practices completely. Do not mix Christ with divination, charms, mediums, sorcery or other occult practices. 4. Don't surrender your conscience to a human being Respect spiritual leaders, but remember that Christ is Lord. 5. Watch the fruit. Character matters. 6. Pray for discernment. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you distinguish truth from deception. 7. Don't become an accuser. If you have concerns about a person or ministry, seek facts, biblical counsel and proper accountability rather than spreading rumours. QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION. 1. Am I following Christ or merely following a personality? 2. Do I know enough Scripture to recognize false teaching? 3. Have I allowed fear or manipulation to control my spiritual decisions? 4. Am I pursuing God's power more than God's character? 5. Have I unknowingly mixed biblical Christianity with practices Scripture forbids? 6. Do my actions demonstrate obedience to God? 7. Am I discerning—or am I simply suspicious of everyone? POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS. 1. Father, give me the spirit of discernment to recognize truth and reject deception, in Jesus' name. 2. Lord Jesus, deliver me from every form of spiritual manipulation and deception. 3. Father, remove every desire for spiritual power without spiritual character from my heart. 4. Lord, expose every practice in my life that does not agree with Your Word and give me grace to abandon it. 5 Father, keep me from occult practices, false teachings and counterfeit spirituality. 6. Holy Spirit, make me a student of God's Word so that I will not be deceived. 7. Lord Jesus, let my life produce the fruit of righteousness, holiness, love and obedience. 8. Father, protect Your Church from deception and raise leaders who will faithfully teach Your Word. STRONG CLOSING: CHRIST IS OUR STANDARD. Church, we must not live in fear of witches. We must live in submission to Christ. Our answer to spiritual darkness is not paranoia. Our answer is Christ. Our weapon is the Word of God. Our strength is the Holy Spirit. Our lifestyle is holiness. Our protection is God's presence. Our foundation is Jesus Christ. So, beware—but don't be afraid. Discern—but don't become an accuser. Test everything—but remain rooted in love. And above everything else: KNOW JESUS. KNOW HIS WORD. OBEY HIS WORD. AND REFUSE TO MIX LIGHT WITH DARKNESS. > “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 3:11 FINAL CALL TO ACTION. Church, examine your foundation. If there is any practice, relationship, teaching, ambition or spiritual activity in your life that contradicts God's Word, don't defend it—surrender it. If you have been controlled by fear, return to Christ. If you have been deceived, return to the Word. If you have been pursuing power more than character, return to the Cross. And if you are a believer, make this your declaration: “JESUS CHRIST IS MY LORD. GOD'S WORD IS MY STANDARD. I WILL WALK IN TRUTH, HOLINESS AND DISCERNMENT.” Amen. Give your life to Jesus by joining a Bible believing Church near you You can read more messages on the website below www.umohedem.com info@umohedem.com